Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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How important is javana to the jhanas?
What role if any do [*javana*][1] play in learning and entering the jhanas? I'm reading a book on jhana and javana was brought up but i couldn't really understand the role it play in the jhanas. [1]: http://www.palikanon.com/english/wtb/g_m/javana.htm
What role if any do *javana* play in learning and entering the jhanas? I'm reading a book on jhana and javana was brought up but i couldn't really understand the role it play in the jhanas.
user159665
(75 rep)
Aug 14, 2017, 10:25 AM
• Last activity: Oct 23, 2017, 08:51 PM
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Demotivation and Nihilism
I am curious as to how Buddhism deals with demotivation, in the sense of lacking goals and aspirations, and with nihilism, in the sense of feeling things are dissatisfactory and devoid of reasons to crave them. I am aware the second aspect of my question is intimately tied with Buddhism, but I am so...
I am curious as to how Buddhism deals with demotivation, in the sense of lacking goals and aspirations, and with nihilism, in the sense of feeling things are dissatisfactory and devoid of reasons to crave them.
I am aware the second aspect of my question is intimately tied with Buddhism, but I am somewhat asking: for someone lacking craving, what is there to be done in life?
From the Mahayana point of view, I feel compassion is a noble aim, but I have trouble developping compassion. From the Theravada point of view, spiritual development is a goal, but without much obvious suffering to propel our spirituality we can get caught in cycles of lethargy, complacency.
How does Buddhism deal with lack of motivation about *mundane, every day* things? What should one do in the worldly sense, when one isn't practicing?
Thank you.
user7302
Oct 14, 2017, 04:33 PM
• Last activity: Oct 23, 2017, 06:17 PM
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Are teaching on gratitude and "duty" nessesary?
Supreme Buddha once mentioned… >“These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done.” — AN 2:118 **1. So my question to you is should Gratitute be on a par with Loving Kindness?** In other wor...
Supreme Buddha once mentioned…
>“These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done.” — AN 2:118
**1. So my question to you is should Gratitute be on a par with Loving Kindness?**
In other words, asked from another view point...
**2. Are teaching on gratitude and "duty" nessesary for the path development?**
Or even otherwise asked...
**3. Is it possible to gain path and fruits for an ungrateful person, a person denying his/her duties?**
**4. Could it be that the seldom appearing of gratitude is direct connected with the seldom appearing of people reaching path and fruit?**
**5. What in particular are teaching on gratitude mentioned in the suttas? (References of Dhamma-Dana in this regard)**
*[Note: This is a gift of Dhamma and not meant for commercial purpose and other low wordily gains by means of trade and exchange]*
user11235
Oct 14, 2017, 07:33 AM
• Last activity: Oct 23, 2017, 05:36 AM
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Sexual disinterest
Is it possible that Buddhist practice could cause a lack of interest or even repulsion of sex? Lately I have tried to have sex a few times and I felt uninterested and repulsed by it. I was so repulsed that I couldn't even function down there. It feels so pointless to go through this entire ritual wh...
Is it possible that Buddhist practice could cause a lack of interest or even repulsion of sex? Lately I have tried to have sex a few times and I felt uninterested and repulsed by it. I was so repulsed that I couldn't even function down there. It feels so pointless to go through this entire ritual which takes so much energy and time for this tiny moment of pleasure which feels like a sneeze. It all seems so disgusting, the smells, the fluids etc. It's all rather filthy and I feel like my entire aura is dirty after. I still have the desirous thoughts that lead me to seek it out but when I do it just doesn't happen. Is this a symptom of meditation practice?
Arturia
(2760 rep)
Oct 16, 2017, 05:13 AM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2017, 09:14 PM
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How to meditate, lower parts of Dependent Origination?
How to meditate, lower parts of Dependent Origination with five aggregates ?
How to meditate, lower parts of Dependent Origination with five aggregates ?
JPerera
(41 rep)
Jul 23, 2016, 04:10 AM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2017, 02:59 PM
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Is equanimity more sublime that an excellent act?
What might be more or real "cool"? For example (in practice), seeing a spelling error or a typo: - Would the one "not touched", ignoring the error (even he would have the possibility, skill and means) be regarded as higher? - Or the one taking on a correction (even if not having best possibilities,...
What might be more or real "cool"?
For example (in practice), seeing a spelling error or a typo:
- Would the one "not touched", ignoring the error (even he would have the possibility, skill and means) be regarded as higher?
- Or the one taking on a correction (even if not having best possibilities, skills and handicapped ways, nevertheless by skillful means)?
In summary, **is equanimity more sublime that an excellent/skillful and beneficial act?**
Side question: if beneficial help is more sublime, to what extend would a seemingly beneficial help be actually unskillful, lower than equanimity?
___
*[Note: This is a gift of Dhamma, not meant for commercial purpose or other kinds of low wordily gains by means of trade and exchange]*
user11235
Oct 22, 2017, 04:44 AM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2017, 12:28 PM
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Observing eight precepts in regular life
I've seen some people do this. But how practical is this with the modern lifestyle? As an example the place where I sit in the office is a bit too comfortable. Sometimes there's music in public transport. If that person shares a place with others or visits other people, they may have to change their...
I've seen some people do this. But how practical is this with the modern lifestyle? As an example the place where I sit in the office is a bit too comfortable. Sometimes there's music in public transport. If that person shares a place with others or visits other people, they may have to change their lifestyles as well. e.g: eating before noon.
How can one deal with such situations without being a nuisance to others, if someone decides to observe them in day-to-day life?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Oct 3, 2014, 08:13 PM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2017, 11:45 AM
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How many levels of enlightenment are there?
I have experienced enlightenment multiple times. I have found many religions have a similar way of describing it, though they can differ about how many experiences occur and if they are sudden or spread apart over long periods of time. I have also heard it referred to as [Kundalini](https://en.wikip...
I have experienced enlightenment multiple times.
I have found many religions have a similar way of describing it, though they can differ about how many experiences occur and if they are sudden or spread apart over long periods of time.
I have also heard it referred to as
[Kundalini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Kundalini) Awakening where it is a process that can take years to go through the 7 stages.
According to this article there are [Four stages of enlightenment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenment)
> **My question is this, How many levels or layers of enlightenment are there? Does it happen all at once?**
People Call Me Adam
(3 rep)
Oct 4, 2017, 01:09 AM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2017, 06:53 AM
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Equanimity in extreme disturbance cases
Equanimity is one of the central points of buddhism practice. I am curious what would happen to that state in cases of extreme disturbance. Imagine that you were in immediate danger, like being killed by someone , robbed or raped. I guess Equanimity would not be helpful on those cases, unless we are...
Equanimity is one of the central points of buddhism practice. I am curious what would happen to that state in cases of extreme disturbance.
Imagine that you were in immediate danger, like being killed by someone , robbed or raped.
I guess Equanimity would not be helpful on those cases, unless we are talking about calmness to think better how to counter-attack.
But that would require action, and not only being observer, how equanimity states.
With base of these circunstances, i would like to hear your opinions.
What would happen to an equanimity state in case of extreme disturbances?
nm85
(49 rep)
Oct 21, 2017, 05:01 PM
• Last activity: Oct 21, 2017, 11:59 PM
2
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Did Siddhartha Gautam become Buddha using Vipassana alone?
I am an old student of S.N. Goenka Vipassana treat. I want to know whether Vipassana alone is sufficient to achieve Nirvana or not? Did Siddhartha Gautam became Buddha using Vipassana alone? Or If he employed some other techniques what were those?
I am an old student of S.N. Goenka Vipassana treat. I want to know whether Vipassana alone is sufficient to achieve Nirvana or not? Did Siddhartha Gautam became Buddha using Vipassana alone? Or If he employed some other techniques what were those?
user10804
Oct 21, 2017, 12:00 PM
• Last activity: Oct 21, 2017, 01:08 PM
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1
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Are bhanga and sotapatti synonyms?
Is it correct to say that the vipassana experience of *bhanga* is a synonym of stream entrance (sotapatti)?
Is it correct to say that the vipassana experience of *bhanga* is a synonym of stream entrance (sotapatti)?
Guy Eugène Dubois
(2382 rep)
Oct 20, 2017, 12:49 PM
• Last activity: Oct 21, 2017, 05:01 AM
4
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Appreciating Nature Aesthetically
I recall reading somewhere that beauty is a lure within Buddhism, and causes attachment towards the external world. However, I've come to think beauty may be positive in certain circumstances. This [site][1] which deals with mindfulness and other such topics suggests witnessing nature mindfully allo...
I recall reading somewhere that beauty is a lure within Buddhism, and causes attachment towards the external world. However, I've come to think beauty may be positive in certain circumstances. This site which deals with mindfulness and other such topics suggests witnessing nature mindfully allows greater connection.
My reasoning is that if compassion is put forwards in Buddhism, especially with the Mahayana, then attachment isn't necessarily all bad. I recall reading the Dalai Lama explaining how compassion propels karma, but towards positive rebirth. Attachment towards others through compassion can benefit the individual in the present or future.
QUESTION 1: What is the benefit of aesthetic contemplation, if any?
And, in line with this, I wonder if within compassion meditation one needs to experience feeling during the meditation itself. I remember the Dalai Lama saying one should generate compassion with reasons, then focus upon the feeling. It's difficult for me to do so, so I wonder if compassion-meditation can work without immediate feeling.
QUESTION 2: Is feeling (either vedana or 'emotion') necessary for compassion meditation?
Thank you.
user7302
Oct 17, 2017, 06:16 PM
• Last activity: Oct 21, 2017, 12:02 AM
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Ideal Experience in Buddhism
Sometimes, I tell myself that a moment wherein I'm devoid of craving, ignorance and aversion is a moment inherently good. I tell myself that if I remove the addictive (and aversive) states within myself , then the right choices within my experience will naturally be made. So, with the example of soc...
Sometimes, I tell myself that a moment wherein I'm devoid of craving, ignorance and aversion is a moment inherently good. I tell myself that if I remove the addictive (and aversive) states within myself , then the right choices within my experience will naturally be made.
So, with the example of social media -- which is addictive for me -- I cannot easily pay mindfulness while doing this activity. However, I view *every* other moment free of affliction as naturally and effortlessly conducive to mindfulness. While doing almost anything that is not afflicted in terms of mental state, mindfulness and curiosity towards experience leads to diverse virtuous results.
Oddly, however, I do not get attached to such virtuous experiences, but return to addictive and pleasurable states. It's like an irony: what is detrimental is naturally addictive and what is wise and virtuous more difficult.
QUESTION 1: Is this view of a 'normal' affliction-free state -- i.e. *not* a meditative absorption or compassion filled state -- as virtuous correct? Just normal awareness?
QUESTION 2: Wouldn't virtuous states, perhaps in time, become addictive in themselves? For now, they are more akin to equanimity, whereas I'm neither drawn or averse to them. Or, would they remain like equanimity?
Thank you.
user7302
Oct 20, 2017, 03:22 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 11:36 PM
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What is bhanga?
Bhanga: the dissolution of the ego. Can it be described as a synonym of wisdom (panna)? As the realization (experiential seeing and knowing) of the tilakkhana (anicca; dukkha; and anatta)?
Bhanga: the dissolution of the ego.
Can it be described as a synonym of wisdom (panna)? As the realization (experiential seeing and knowing) of the tilakkhana (anicca; dukkha; and anatta)?
Guy Eugène Dubois
(2382 rep)
Dec 7, 2016, 05:44 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 03:44 PM
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Can one remove the asavas without becoming an arahant?
Can one remove the asavas without becoming an arahant?
Can one remove the asavas without becoming an arahant?
Bunihosilva
(19 rep)
Jun 25, 2015, 06:16 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 08:15 AM
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What are the cases where a karma's fruit is destroyed?
I would like to know what are all the cases in which a karma's fruit is destroyed. Except being destroyed by walking the "path" - this will derail this question cause this causes discussions on this point alone ... so please ignore the destruction of karma with practicing the nobles path. karma's fr...
I would like to know what are all the cases in which a karma's fruit is destroyed.
Except being destroyed by walking the "path" - this will derail this question cause this causes discussions on this point alone ... so please ignore the destruction of karma with practicing the nobles path.
karma's fruit can be destroyed by other karmas - right?
Karma's fruit can be destroyed by not having a chance to happen in a specific lifetime - for example in this lifetime or the next one - right?
(*Subsequently effective kamma - upapajjavedaniya kamma)
answer to second mini question : yes (counting karma with tiny amount to ripen as destroyed vipaka ) - but that does not mean that karma with destroyed vipaka has no effect cause there are 3 effects for karma - and there always have to have at least one effect the three are : samuṭṭhānas - accummulations - vipaka
breath
(1454 rep)
Oct 12, 2017, 12:49 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 08:13 AM
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If I reach absorption concentration are the hindrances fully gone?
I am studying the jhanas and it says you can enter jhana without fully purifying the hindrances. I thought you can't reach the jhana without first fully suppressing the hindrance. How does one do that? Here's what the book said. > When a bhikkhu enters upon a jhána without [first] completely su...
I am studying the jhanas and it says you can enter jhana without fully purifying the hindrances. I thought you can't reach the jhana without first fully suppressing the hindrance. How does one do that?
Here's what the book said.
> When a bhikkhu enters upon a jhána without [first] completely
suppressing lust by reviewing the dangers in sense desires, etc., and without
[first] completely tranquillizing bodily irritability37 by tranquillizing the body,
and without [first] completely removing stiffness and torpor by bringing to
mind the elements of initiative, etc., (§55), and without [first] completely
abolishing agitation and worry by bringing to mind the sign of serenity, etc.,
and without [first] completely purifying his mind of other states that
obstruct concentration, then that bhikkhu soon comes out of that jhána again,
like a bee that has gone into an unpurified hive, like a king who has gone into an
unclean park.
user164191
(25 rep)
Oct 8, 2017, 06:01 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 08:10 AM
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Is there an end to the suffering in general?
Buddha said that Nirvana is an end to the suffering of an individual. However if we think from a larger perspective, there is no end to the suffering as a whole. The world will get created again and new Buddha will or will not arise to help us escape the suffering. There were Buddhas in the past and...
Buddha said that Nirvana is an end to the suffering of an individual.
However if we think from a larger perspective, there is no end to the suffering as a whole. The world will get created again and new Buddha will or will not arise to help us escape the suffering. There were Buddhas in the past and there will be many Buddhas in the future but so has the suffering manifested in the past and will manifest in the future.
My question is: Is it possible to envisage an end to the suffering, absolutely for all, for ever?
Dheeraj Verma
(4296 rep)
Oct 6, 2017, 01:26 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 08:07 AM
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A man asks Buddha about god's existence
Video: [Does God Exist? - Sadhguru](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9GXI_9DXF0) This is a story I picked up from the above video (watch from 4.25): - A man confused about the existence of god asks Buddha if god exists. Buddha gives a straightforward "NO". - After a while another man asked the same...
Video: [Does God Exist? - Sadhguru](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9GXI_9DXF0)
This is a story I picked up from the above video (watch from 4.25):
- A man confused about the existence of god asks Buddha if god exists. Buddha gives a straightforward "NO".
- After a while another man asked the same question and the Buddha, surprisingly, said "YES".
First of all I do not know whether this is a true story. If (or assuming that) it is true, I want to know what made Buddha give contradicting answers?
Donald Edwards
(332 rep)
Jun 22, 2016, 02:59 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 07:54 AM
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Is nibbana the only next world in reality?
As in, nibbana is not impermanent, not unsatisfactory. It is still not-self, but in being different with respect to two out of three marks, it satisfies the notion of some fundamentally 'other' world more than any of the heavens in Buddhist literature. Does nibbana make more sense as the 'other worl...
As in, nibbana is not impermanent, not unsatisfactory. It is still not-self, but in being different with respect to two out of three marks, it satisfies the notion of some fundamentally 'other' world more than any of the heavens in Buddhist literature. Does nibbana make more sense as the 'other world' mentioned in the stock description of right view?
> "And what is the right view with effluents, siding with merit,
> resulting in acquisitions? 'There is what is given, what is offered,
> what is sacrificed. There are fruits & results of good & bad actions.
> There is this world & the next world." MN117
Ilya Grushevskiy
(1992 rep)
Oct 19, 2017, 06:54 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2017, 07:49 AM
Showing page 302 of 20 total questions