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Buddhism

Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice

Latest Questions

0 votes
4 answers
217 views
What is "the other world" ("paraloka")?
I read the following on the internet: > Perhaps, we can infer from the above that the Dha**m**ma is easy to follow > for those who had little dust in their eyes, keen faculties (i.e. > intelligent), with good attributes (i.e. good habits), easy to teach > (i.e. respectful, eager to learn and diligen...
I read the following on the internet: > Perhaps, we can infer from the above that the Dha**m**ma is easy to follow > for those who had little dust in their eyes, keen faculties (i.e. > intelligent), with good attributes (i.e. good habits), easy to teach > (i.e. respectful, eager to learn and diligent) and **seeing disgrace > (i.e. a strong sense of shame) & danger in the other world (i.e. fear > of ending up in a bad destination after death)**. This is one angle. In comparison to the above Thanissaro translation and in comparison to the idiosyncratic embellishments bracketed by the poster, the translation of Sujato is slightly different, saying: > And some of them lived **seeing the danger in the fault to do with the next world** (paralokavajjabhayadassāvine), while others did not. > > [Sujato's SN 6.1](https://suttacentral.net/sn6.1/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=none¬es=none&highlight=false&script=latin) The relevant Pali above is 'paralokavajjabhayadassāvine', which is in locative case. The locative case can mean 'in" but also can more broadly mean 'in relation/respect to'. Therefore, Thanissaro used the translation of "in" whereas Sujato used the translation of "to do with". > The locative denotes the circumstance or site in space (where) or time (when), a person is, or an action takes place; and can generally be rendered by ‘in, at, on, near, among, **in respect to**’. > > [Learn Pali Blog Spot](https://palistudies.blogspot.com/2018/06/palis-system-of-noun-cases.html) > The seventh case (sattamī = Skr. saptamī) or the loc. serves to denote the where, i.e., the scene of an action. But it is capable of expressing such nuances as are denoted by the English prepositions in, on, at, among, with, by, near, over or **about**. Moreover its employment is not restricted to actual space as normally understood by ‘where’, but extends into other spheres of thought (cp. SS §38.6) Consequently there are various uses of the loc. which can be classified as those denoting, for instance, the varying conceptions of time, of circumstance, of motive, (the nimitta-sattamī of local grammarians), of **relation**, the loc. absolute with its various subdivisions and so on. > > Here as well as in the above type (c.) the loc. is expressive of **relation**, i.e. the thing regarding which... > > [The Locative Case](https://ancient-buddhist-texts.net/Textual-Studies/Syntax-of-the-Cases/07-Locative.htm) Are there any Pali Suttas which explain the meaning of the term "the other world" ("paraloka") to help us clarify the text in SN 6.1 (which the poster on the internet took omniscient privilege to impute their own personal interpretation of)?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu (47072 rep)
Jul 6, 2025, 08:47 AM • Last activity: Oct 20, 2025, 07:39 PM
1 votes
1 answers
52 views
When is dawnrise during polar night?
Several rules in the Buddhist Monastic Code depend on exact definitions of dawnrise (and noon). As an example, Pācittiya 37, which is the basis of the sixth precept, states: > Should any bhikkhu chew or consume staple or non-staple food at the wrong time, it is to be confessed. Where the "wrong time...
Several rules in the Buddhist Monastic Code depend on exact definitions of dawnrise (and noon). As an example, Pācittiya 37, which is the basis of the sixth precept, states: > Should any bhikkhu chew or consume staple or non-staple food at the wrong time, it is to be confessed. Where the "wrong time" is between noon and dawnrise of the next day. Both noon and dawnrise seem to be defined by the position of the sun in the sky. However, in the far north, [polar night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_night) means that some places go months without dawn in the winter. What do monks do in this situation? Surely they don't go that long without eating.
Vincent Bechmann (13 rep)
Oct 19, 2025, 12:53 PM • Last activity: Oct 20, 2025, 04:10 AM
1 votes
3 answers
183 views
Why I find it difficult to breathe when meditating, a lack of oxygen in my head? And how to overcome it?
I just get started three days ago. When meditating, I felt hard to breathe and even the lack of oxygen to the brain. I felt my bell and chess were stiff and this intervene me in getting enough oxygen. My posture is right (I so sure about that). How do I overcome it? Should I keep going or find some...
I just get started three days ago. When meditating, I felt hard to breathe and even the lack of oxygen to the brain. I felt my bell and chess were stiff and this intervene me in getting enough oxygen. My posture is right (I so sure about that). How do I overcome it? Should I keep going or find some changes?
NAM (11 rep)
Mar 30, 2020, 07:23 AM • Last activity: Oct 20, 2025, 04:04 AM
5 votes
7 answers
5086 views
Is lack of inherent existence the same as 'not real'?
I'm reading Rob Burbea's book Seeing That Frees. The book is about ways of working with emptiness. In the book he says that things lack inherent existence. I'm fairly sure this isnt the same as not been real. Is that right? Can things be real and lack inherent existence? I appreciate the real answer...
I'm reading Rob Burbea's book Seeing That Frees. The book is about ways of working with emptiness. In the book he says that things lack inherent existence. I'm fairly sure this isnt the same as not been real. Is that right? Can things be real and lack inherent existence? I appreciate the real answer will be to meditate on this but I find exploring the issues more intellectually helpful too.
Crab Bucket (21181 rep)
May 17, 2015, 11:33 AM • Last activity: Oct 19, 2025, 12:59 PM
0 votes
0 answers
31 views
Throwing out garden pests instead of killing them
My mother grows organic vegetables so she doesn't spray pesticides. I warned her that killing snails would add to her karma of taking life; she said, "If I don't kill them, what will I eat?" So she no longer smashes the snails on the ground to kill them — she puts the snails into a plastic bag and t...
My mother grows organic vegetables so she doesn't spray pesticides. I warned her that killing snails would add to her karma of taking life; she said, "If I don't kill them, what will I eat?" So she no longer smashes the snails on the ground to kill them — she puts the snails into a plastic bag and throws them in the trash. Is that the right way to handle it?
LindaBMT85 (33 rep)
Oct 19, 2025, 01:21 AM • Last activity: Oct 19, 2025, 11:51 AM
1 votes
4 answers
115 views
Could an enlightened monk of a monastery start a stressful office job and retain the same peace?
This is an extreme example to really get to the bottom of how permanent attainments are, and how dependent awakened people are to the monastic life. Could an enlightened monk start an office job, where people are both highly competitive and also perhaps abusive, and still retain peace while being pr...
This is an extreme example to really get to the bottom of how permanent attainments are, and how dependent awakened people are to the monastic life. Could an enlightened monk start an office job, where people are both highly competitive and also perhaps abusive, and still retain peace while being productive?
Gondola Spärde (461 rep)
Oct 17, 2025, 05:05 PM • Last activity: Oct 18, 2025, 08:28 PM
1 votes
4 answers
199 views
90 mins vs 60 mins meditation mostly Anapana
I've been meditating for 1 hour, and I'm planning to extend it to 90 minutes. Will there be any significant change in my experience? Has anyone had a real experience with this? Follow up Why everyone asks to do twice , not once a day? In vipassana 10 days retreat they asked not to go beyond 60 mins...
I've been meditating for 1 hour, and I'm planning to extend it to 90 minutes. Will there be any significant change in my experience? Has anyone had a real experience with this? Follow up Why everyone asks to do twice , not once a day? In vipassana 10 days retreat they asked not to go beyond 60 mins as it will lead to different state. That's why I asked. Why it's getting more and more difficult if I am increasing duration?
quanity (308 rep)
Dec 28, 2024, 06:15 AM • Last activity: Oct 17, 2025, 05:02 PM
2 votes
4 answers
1988 views
How can I stop speaking with others?
I am basically an undergraduate Student in a university in Asia. My classes started in the month of August 2025. Now before coming to college, I made my mind in such a way that I decided that I will not speak with others, but instead if anyone asks me anything, then I will reply. But after coming to...
I am basically an undergraduate Student in a university in Asia. My classes started in the month of August 2025. Now before coming to college, I made my mind in such a way that I decided that I will not speak with others, but instead if anyone asks me anything, then I will reply. But after coming to the college, my friends are repeatedly trying to speak with me and want to make me their friends. But I really don't want that. Not only the friends, but also the teachers of the university are also disturbing me repeatedly. I basically don't want to take the help of others, but the teachers are repeatedly asking me that if you have any questions then please ask. I want to stay alone and silent. But the environment is not permitting to do that. Every time someone is always available to disturb me. Please guide me how to get rid of these things. I want to know: How can I control myself?
Bachelor (133 rep)
Sep 2, 2025, 06:29 PM • Last activity: Oct 16, 2025, 11:12 AM
1 votes
4 answers
153 views
Root cause of anxiety?
So, I have a strong hunch that there must be a root emotional cause of anxiety and not in a worldly manner (*like not related to one's life story*). More like an error in judgment of relation to oneself and others. First candidate that comes to my mind is not being kind towards oneself which produce...
So, I have a strong hunch that there must be a root emotional cause of anxiety and not in a worldly manner (*like not related to one's life story*). More like an error in judgment of relation to oneself and others. First candidate that comes to my mind is not being kind towards oneself which produces lack of confidence, which in turn produces anxiety given unfavourable external conditions (*like meeting new people etc.*). I have witnessed meditation to ease anxiety, but only seems like a partial temporary solution. What would be your understanding of the root cause of anxiety, and any possible practices to resolve it on more permanently?
Kobamschitzo (794 rep)
Jul 24, 2025, 04:26 PM • Last activity: Oct 16, 2025, 11:05 AM
0 votes
3 answers
64 views
Can turning to scripture for guidance and answer be counter to Dhamma?
I find it reassuring to be able to turn to the pali suttas for answers. I happened across comments by users that disparage against turning to the suttas for answers, one describing how it makes one come off as "Buddha's teacher's pet". Some amount of ego-hurt, but also genuine curiousity, makes me q...
I find it reassuring to be able to turn to the pali suttas for answers. I happened across comments by users that disparage against turning to the suttas for answers, one describing how it makes one come off as "Buddha's teacher's pet". Some amount of ego-hurt, but also genuine curiousity, makes me question if turning to the suttas for advice and certainty could be counter to reaching attainments. Would appreciate any perspective.
reign (408 rep)
Oct 15, 2025, 06:42 PM • Last activity: Oct 16, 2025, 07:06 AM
0 votes
4 answers
53 views
Does ' kāma' mean 'sensual'?
A Pali dictionary says the root of kāma is [√kam](https://dpdict.net/?tab=dpd&q=kam)' meaning 'desire', 'wishing', 'delighting'. The Pali suttas contain the stock phase about kāma: > Pañcime kāmaguṇā. > > There are these five kāma strings. > > Katame pañca? > > What five? > > Cakkhuvi&#241...
A Pali dictionary says the root of kāma is [√kam](https://dpdict.net/?tab=dpd&q=kam) ' meaning 'desire', 'wishing', 'delighting'. The Pali suttas contain the stock phase about kāma: > Pañcime kāmaguṇā. > > There are these five kāma strings. > > Katame pañca? > > What five? > > Cakkhuviññeyyā rūpā iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṁhitā > rajanīyā, > > Cognizable by the eye forms, wished for, desirable, agreeable, of endearing form, connected with kāma, leading to lust. > > Yaṁ kho ime pañca kāmaguṇe paṭicca uppajjati sukhaṁ somanassaṁ — ayaṁ kāmānaṁ assādo. > > Whatever truly towards these five kāma strings (accusative case), being dependent upon, arise (verb) pleasure & happiness - this is kāma's gratification/enjoyment/taste. > > [MN 13](https://suttacentral.net/mn13/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=none¬es=sidenotes&highlight=true&script=latin) - DD attempted hyper literal translation In English, the term 'sensual' is supposed to mean: > "Sensual" refers to words that express sensations and pleasures that > appeal to the five senses. This term focuses on sensibility and > emotions, mentioning aesthetic charm and how things are felt. Sensual > things emphasize feeling and making others feel. > > For example: > > - Her sensual dance captivated the audience. > > - This sensual fragrance has a relaxing effect. In contrast, in English, the term 'seductive' is supposed to mean: > On the other hand, "seductive" expresses the possession of attraction > or alluring elements. This term focuses on the power to attract others > and attractive elements. Seductive things emphasize evoking people's > desires and interests. > > For example: > > - His seductive smile attracts everyone. > > - That seductive sweet voice is the secret to her popularity. In conclusion: > Thus, "sensual" focuses on sensibility and emotions, expressing > aesthetic charm and how things feel. In contrast, "seductive" > expresses the power to attract others and alluring elements. > > [HiNative](https://hinative.com/questions/24203881) To add: > Sensual - expressing or suggesting physical, especially sexual, > pleasure or satisfaction > > Seductive - making you want to do, have, or believe something, because > of seeming attractive > > [Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/seductive) Yesterday, I was pondering MN 115, the sutta about the many types of elements (if fact, i did a 65 minute audio/video on it) and, today, I was attempting to put MN 115 into practice in a certain highly sensory environment, for the sake of developing more clarity about MN 115, My mind sensed the term 'sensual element' was not strongly realistic, pertinent or meaningful in relation to the sense experience or sense impacts because the term 'sensual' implies 'beauty' and thus overlooks the underlying 'defiled', 'oozy' or 'sticky' aspect of kāma. In pondering the sense objects around me, it was not only the operation of my mind's mentality i was attempting to discern; but i was also attempting to discern the kāma dhatu within those very sense objects, particularly the sense of 'expression' or 'assertiveness' or 'need' manifesting from within those sense objects which themselves also have a desire to look attractive and to be noticed. Thus, my mind concluded, the most realistic & pertinent translation of 'kāma' is '[seductivity](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/seductivity) '. I guess this post may already be a strong argument however I wish for the opinions of others. What are the pros & cons of 'kāma' translated as 'sensuality' vs 'seductivity'? Note: I am reviewing the translation of each of the elements in MN 115
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu (47072 rep)
Oct 14, 2025, 10:45 AM • Last activity: Oct 15, 2025, 08:58 AM
0 votes
3 answers
196 views
meditation and sleep
I can devote 7 hours to ( meditation + sleep ) per day . Should I do 5 hour sleep and 2 hour mediation(1 hour twice) **or** 6 hours of sleep and 1 hour of meditation ?please give reason . will 2 hours increase my productivity (please tell from your own experience, not any bookish knowledge ) Will me...
I can devote 7 hours to ( meditation + sleep ) per day . Should I do 5 hour sleep and 2 hour mediation(1 hour twice) **or** 6 hours of sleep and 1 hour of meditation ?please give reason . will 2 hours increase my productivity (please tell from your own experience, not any bookish knowledge ) Will meditating twice will give me **twice** more benefit than meditating once ?
quanity (308 rep)
Apr 26, 2025, 09:47 AM • Last activity: Oct 15, 2025, 07:00 AM
0 votes
2 answers
68 views
Is meditation bondage or freedom?
How can the deliberate discipline of sitting in stillness, which feels like a form of self-bondage, be the very path to ultimate mental and emotional freedom?
How can the deliberate discipline of sitting in stillness, which feels like a form of self-bondage, be the very path to ultimate mental and emotional freedom?
quanity (308 rep)
Oct 12, 2025, 07:07 AM • Last activity: Oct 14, 2025, 05:05 PM
1 votes
3 answers
493 views
Does "manifestation" (visualization of success) lead to suffering?
[A sports article][1] says this > Do you want to take first place in an upcoming triathlon? Want to > break your personal record in swimming laps? Want to be faster than > your best friend in the pool? Whatever it is you want, visualize > yourself accomplishing it. Would buddhism condone such visual...
A sports article says this > Do you want to take first place in an upcoming triathlon? Want to > break your personal record in swimming laps? Want to be faster than > your best friend in the pool? Whatever it is you want, visualize > yourself accomplishing it. Would buddhism condone such visualization of success?
reign (408 rep)
Oct 13, 2025, 08:01 AM • Last activity: Oct 14, 2025, 02:23 AM
2 votes
2 answers
217 views
Is it bad to reflect on powerlessness?
Dependent origination is interpreted by users of this platform to mean that craving and grasping can give rise to a sense of self. It's also advised on this platform to reflect on not-self of various things like mind and body. Not-self is described elsewhere as "not in control of", although people c...
Dependent origination is interpreted by users of this platform to mean that craving and grasping can give rise to a sense of self. It's also advised on this platform to reflect on not-self of various things like mind and body. Not-self is described elsewhere as "not in control of", although people caution against conceptualizing not-self. I take this to mean that whenever I feel I "am", that "I" is an illusion built on a layer of craving and grasping. So, whenever I feel I "am", I reflect on an inability of me as an illusion to change anything - to move a body part, to breathe in a different way, to change thoughts, to prevent something, etc. Is this a wrong view?
Gondola Spärde (461 rep)
Oct 13, 2025, 12:37 PM • Last activity: Oct 14, 2025, 02:00 AM
1 votes
2 answers
64 views
Is it the aggregates holding self-view that causes suffering within aggregates?
In my current considerations, there are two options regarding self view and suffering, and I am not sure which one applies. Would appreciate any advice. Option 1: there is a true self that can be deluded into identifying with the aggregates. While there is a lot of talk about how there is no self at...
In my current considerations, there are two options regarding self view and suffering, and I am not sure which one applies. Would appreciate any advice. Option 1: there is a true self that can be deluded into identifying with the aggregates. While there is a lot of talk about how there is no self at all, Zen Buddhism to my understanding teaches that there is a "big I" and "small I", and that the big I should be revealed. The big I in option 1 could have the property "asleep" or "misidentifying". Option 2: it's the aggregates themselves holding self-view which causes suffering *within the aggregates*, and through the Dhamma it is our aggregates that learn to stop holding self view. There is no separate self beyond the aggregates at all, not even realized after awakening nor in a conceptual manner. Which one is correct? Possibly neither of them?
Gondola Spärde (461 rep)
Oct 12, 2025, 08:15 AM • Last activity: Oct 13, 2025, 04:07 AM
9 votes
7 answers
882 views
How should I stop thinking that I am even slightly enlightened?
I don't know how else to phrase this question, but please advise. I have this constant irritating feeling that I am kind of enlightened. It is confusing. I don't really know if it is my ego which is trying to assume this sort of "super self", when in reality I am just a normal person, making normal...
I don't know how else to phrase this question, but please advise. I have this constant irritating feeling that I am kind of enlightened. It is confusing. I don't really know if it is my ego which is trying to assume this sort of "super self", when in reality I am just a normal person, making normal mistakes. I become unaware of my mental formations sometimes, or careless about what I say, or I get angry at times. A little more about this. I know about this ultimate goal, like Nirvana or Moksha or call it anything. I listen to talks by Ajahn Brahmavamso, Alan Watts, J.Krishnamurti and some other yogis. Then I think my ego blends into acting like that enlightened being. I sometimes advise my parents on some matters also. It is definitely weird. You see I want to achieve that final goal, but I accelerate towards it in a moment. It definitely seems wrong. Or is there a final goal at all? It seems like I am constantly checking myself against enlightenment. It is funny too. So please advise. And also I would like to know if there was any such situation(in the texts) which the Buddha faced.
esh (2272 rep)
Jun 21, 2016, 04:28 AM • Last activity: Oct 12, 2025, 04:08 PM
1 votes
1 answers
53 views
List of Cognitive behavioral methods to end defilements
So far I learned the following methods, derived from the pali suttas , to bring an end to defilements via cognitive behavior: - contemplating on thoughts of pleasure, cruelty and ill will, in respect to them leading to suffering for self, others and both (example [MN 19][1]) > “As I abided thus, dil...
So far I learned the following methods, derived from the pali suttas , to bring an end to defilements via cognitive behavior: - contemplating on thoughts of pleasure, cruelty and ill will, in respect to them leading to suffering for self, others and both (example MN 19 ) > “As I abided thus, diligent, ardent, and resolute, a thought of > sensual desire arose in me. I understood thus: ‘This thought of > sensual desire has arisen in me. This leads to my own affliction, to > others’ affliction, and to the affliction of both; it obstructs > wisdom, causes difficulties, and leads away from Nibbāna.’ When I > considered: ‘This leads to my own affliction,’ it subsided in me;... - observation of the Nidanas, like how contact of senses with things gives rise of consciousness and attention, which gives rise to pleasant or unpleasant or neither pleasant nor unpleasant feelings, which can lead us to crave, which can lead to grasping and so on (example SN 12.2 and DN 15 ) > So: name and form are requirements for consciousness. Consciousness is > a requirement for name and form. Name and form are requirements for > contact. Contact is a requirement for feeling. Feeling is a > requirement for craving. Craving is a requirement for grasping. > Grasping is a requirement for continued existence. Continued existence > is a requirement for rebirth. Rebirth is a requirement for old age and > death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress to come to be. > That is how this entire mass of suffering originates. - mindfulness of breath (MN 118 ) > Bhikkhus, when mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated, > it is of great fruit and great benefit. When mindfulness of breathing > is developed and cultivated, it fulfils the four foundations of > mindfulness. When the four foundations of mindfulness are developed > and cultivated, they fulfil the seven enlightenment factors. When the > seven enlightenment factors are developed and cultivated, they fulfil > true knowledge and deliverance. What other cognitive behavioral shifts can be learned from the pali suttas? Feel free to correct me or suggest improvements to the descriptions above in the comments
Gondola Spärde (461 rep)
Oct 10, 2025, 10:28 AM • Last activity: Oct 11, 2025, 05:07 AM
0 votes
1 answers
76 views
Can meditation be a hindrance toward enlightenment for people with ADHD?
When you meditate with ADHD, the difficulty level of life drops a lot. If you then practice the noble eightfold path in order to come closer to nibbana, you're sort of doing that on a wheelchair. If you stop meditating, ADHD will come back full force, and you still have 0 experience of being on the...
When you meditate with ADHD, the difficulty level of life drops a lot. If you then practice the noble eightfold path in order to come closer to nibbana, you're sort of doing that on a wheelchair. If you stop meditating, ADHD will come back full force, and you still have 0 experience of being on the noble eightfold path on that difficulty level. Could meditating be a hindrance toward enlightenment, for that reason? Aren't you making it too easy for yourself?
reign (408 rep)
Jul 13, 2025, 07:11 PM • Last activity: Oct 10, 2025, 05:00 AM
0 votes
4 answers
190 views
Why these skandhas?
(Not sure if i should break this down into two questions. Let me know if that's better.) 1. Is Gautama Buddha the originator of the idea of skandhas? 2. The suttas provides multiple accounts of the skandhas characteristics, and their foundational role in dukkha (For instance [SN 22.86][1]). But does...
(Not sure if i should break this down into two questions. Let me know if that's better.) 1. Is Gautama Buddha the originator of the idea of skandhas? 2. The suttas provides multiple accounts of the skandhas characteristics, and their foundational role in dukkha (For instance SN 22.86 ). But does the suttas provide a rationale for the taxonomy into these five particular skandhas? (To clarify, i'm not asking what the skandhas are, or how they function). In other words: *why* rupa, vedana, sanna, sankharas and vinnana? Are the reasons detailed in any sutta? Or should this question be deemed acinteyya?
user11699
May 30, 2020, 09:06 AM • Last activity: Oct 9, 2025, 10:04 PM
Showing page 4 of 20 total questions