Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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How bad is the karma of feeding meat to your children?
I have a girlfriend who has a daughter from another man. If I raise this kid not vegetarian, will that be bad karma? Her mother is an omnivore and the kid is being raised in an omnivore household. It would be very difficult to change her diet. Is it my reponsibility to make her vegetarian?
I have a girlfriend who has a daughter from another man. If I raise this kid not vegetarian, will that be bad karma? Her mother is an omnivore and the kid is being raised in an omnivore household. It would be very difficult to change her diet. Is it my reponsibility to make her vegetarian?
luigiman
(133 rep)
Apr 27, 2020, 02:07 AM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2024, 03:03 PM
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If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life & don't need anything anymore, does it mean they ceased craving & became Buddhas
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
setszu
(334 rep)
Jun 27, 2024, 10:18 AM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2024, 03:23 AM
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Can anyone explain this meditation experience pls?
I recently did a two week mindfulness retreat (with focus on Primnordial Awareness) with beautiful conditions and I was grateful to have achieved a degree of concentration, which led to a few meditation experiences. I'm a little bit unclear about this one. Please may someone suggest either a text or...
I recently did a two week mindfulness retreat (with focus on Primnordial Awareness) with beautiful conditions and I was grateful to have achieved a degree of concentration, which led to a few meditation experiences. I'm a little bit unclear about this one. Please may someone suggest either a text or a book to explain this please?
What occurred:
I used the gap between breaths to go into the groundless ground.
Experienced it as vibrations.
Saw multiple white circles of lights.
Then Tibetan Tankha type shapes.
Then had the circle of light at the centre of my forehead swivel (like it was a stage set).
Had the sense that my vision was turning around to look inwards.
Saw the shapes of my eyes and cavernous holes instead of my eyeballs.
This lasted for 2 seconds. Then the phenomenon faded, and I felt a snake like spiral of energy go down from my third eye.
Then it was back to 'normal'.
If anyone has any explanations, or has had similar experiences, and knows what it means for my practice, I'd be v grateful. With metta.
user26222
(1 rep)
Jun 22, 2024, 08:57 PM
• Last activity: Jun 25, 2024, 07:55 PM
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Karma and complicity etc.?
Suppose I suggest that someone else eats meat or steals someone's property: is the karma the same as performing the act? What if I allow them to do so, explicitly or implicitly? Is the karma defined by e.g. what I want the other person to do or what I expect and plan them to do?
Suppose I suggest that someone else eats meat or steals someone's property: is the karma the same as performing the act? What if I allow them to do so, explicitly or implicitly? Is the karma defined by e.g. what I want the other person to do or what I expect and plan them to do?
user26068
Jun 22, 2024, 08:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 10:13 PM
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What is happening?
Sometimes when I meditate it feels like I completely lose all awareness of where I am and what I'm doing. Its like I blink and the hour has gone. I don't remember anything. It's like a blackout. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing?
Sometimes when I meditate it feels like I completely lose all awareness of where I am and what I'm doing. Its like I blink and the hour has gone. I don't remember anything. It's like a blackout. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing?
Sati
(728 rep)
Dec 18, 2023, 08:09 AM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 05:13 PM
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Does karma say anything about reasonableness?
AFAIK, reasonableness is more often linked to theist natural law based ethics, but I would be surprised if people that cannot be reasoned (do you not see what will happen if you keep acting this way?) with have good karma, because karma is often interpreted as habit energy, and many philosophers say...
AFAIK, reasonableness is more often linked to theist natural law based ethics, but I would be surprised if people that cannot be reasoned (do you not see what will happen if you keep acting this way?) with have good karma, because karma is often interpreted as habit energy, and many philosophers say that reason frees us from the nicities of our emotional passions, so why not think that *reason* in some sense undercuts bad karma/habits.
user26068
Jun 19, 2024, 08:46 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 01:41 PM
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I want to ask about the bad karma of speech when cursing and insulting Buddha and enlightened beings.?
I have a question. When I was a child, about 6 years old, I accidentally said insulting and blasphemous words to the Buddha's name. To be more specific, I said the Buddha's name with vulgar and insulting words. It was a mischievous act of an ignorant child. But later when I grew up and realized my w...
I have a question. When I was a child, about 6 years old, I accidentally said insulting and blasphemous words to the Buddha's name. To be more specific, I said the Buddha's name with vulgar and insulting words. It was a mischievous act of an ignorant child. But later when I grew up and realized my wrongdoing, I deeply regretted it. At that time, I did not think it was a serious insult. Now I am a Buddhist, but I am always worried that it will cause me the retribution of falling into hell? What should I do? I really need advice, thank you and I wish you peace.
P/s: I know Buddha and enlightened beings are very compassionate and will not pay attention to the words of sentient beings. But I still worry about the bad karma of my speech. Maybe this is a silly question but it has haunted me for a long time.
Ryota Sakai
(33 rep)
Jun 20, 2024, 06:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 21, 2024, 06:56 AM
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Talking to dead loved ones
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
Lowbrow
(7468 rep)
Oct 7, 2022, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Jun 19, 2024, 05:06 AM
3
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What is the difference between absolute and positive Samadhi?
Reading through Sekida's translation of The Blue Cliff Record I keep coming across mentions of both absolute and positive Samadhi, and I'm interested in hearing some clearer definitions of these two terms. My interpretation of them is that: - when we're in absolute samadhi we recognize the unity of...
Reading through Sekida's translation of The Blue Cliff Record I keep coming across mentions of both absolute and positive Samadhi, and I'm interested in hearing some clearer definitions of these two terms.
My interpretation of them is that:
- when we're in absolute samadhi we recognize the unity of reality but we haven't attained a state of pro-activity yet. Reality seems unchangeable
- positive samadhi is when our meditative state becomes intrinsically tied with our everyday behavior, we embody the meditative state in everything we do, and take an active role in the world
Does this sound correct?
Cdn_Dev
(480 rep)
Apr 2, 2024, 01:28 PM
• Last activity: Jun 18, 2024, 01:28 AM
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What is the meaning of the Zen quote: "Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water"?
In the question [*"A question regarding the level of worldly participation for a buddhist monk"*][1], Bhante gave an answer containing a Zen quote. The quote is; >"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water". - What is the origin of the quote? - What is t...
In the question *"A question regarding the level of worldly participation for a buddhist monk"* , Bhante gave an answer containing a Zen quote.
The quote is;
>"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water".
- What is the origin of the quote?
- What is the meaning of the quote?
Thank you for your time.
user2424
Jul 19, 2016, 11:09 AM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2024, 06:09 AM
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Does Theravada have the role of priest like Japanese Mahayana?
I'm aware that they both have monks generally, but what about priests? If so, do they perform the same function?
I'm aware that they both have monks generally, but what about priests? If so, do they perform the same function?
setszu
(334 rep)
Jun 17, 2024, 03:28 AM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2024, 05:42 AM
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Seeking Information on Theravada Bhikkhuni Monasteries in Canada, USA, and New Zealand
I am a student from the UK interested in pursuing PhD research focused on Bhikkhuni ordination within Theravada Buddhism. As part of my research, I am seeking information on Theravada Bhikkhuni monasteries located in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, where fully ordained Bhikkhunis reside and practi...
I am a student from the UK interested in pursuing PhD research focused on Bhikkhuni ordination within Theravada Buddhism. As part of my research, I am seeking information on Theravada Bhikkhuni monasteries located in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, where fully ordained Bhikkhunis reside and practice.
I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or resources regarding these monasteries. I am particularly interested in gaining firsthand experience with Bhikkhunis to enrich my research and inform my future academic pursuits.
Anne Anderson
(1 rep)
Jun 14, 2024, 10:50 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 11:39 AM
1
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4
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How should a bodhisattva respond to evil?
Not saying I have bodhicitta, one assumes I would know the answer if I did, but we can all emulate enlightening beings. What is the best way to respond to an nominally (nothing like that is innate) evil person doing evil (whatever you think amounts to that enough to at know not only that they should...
Not saying I have bodhicitta, one assumes I would know the answer if I did, but we can all emulate enlightening beings.
What is the best way to respond to an nominally (nothing like that is innate) evil person doing evil (whatever you think amounts to that enough to at know not only that they should be stopped but that a lot hinges on it for other people) to get what they want?
We vow to save all sentient beings: can we postpone it for some? Do we say "a Buddha would help you in your next life, but I cannot"?
I suppose the answer is just to offer help to others first: after-all, we are all said to have undergone countless, trillions by trillions of lives, so no one life can be blamed for how it has suffered. But what if the evil doer turns to you for a better rebirth, after or even before their evil actions?
user23322
Feb 20, 2022, 11:26 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 11:27 AM
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Is our mind faster than light?
Here is what I have been told by some Thai followers: The sun's light takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, but our mind can think of the sun or even of distant stars instantly. That is to say, our mind is faster than the speed of light. They claim science is a subset of Buddhism. Is this true or fals...
Here is what I have been told by some Thai followers:
The sun's light takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, but our mind can think of the sun or even of distant stars instantly. That is to say, our mind is faster than the speed of light. They claim science is a subset of Buddhism.
Is this true or false?
Pantip
(51 rep)
Nov 29, 2014, 07:42 AM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 05:29 AM
3
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1
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Why am I more alone and less tolerant of people now?
Since beginning insight practice over ten years ago I have practiced daily and attended many retreats. As a result I feel more peaceful and have gained an understanding and insight into the true nature of reality and I can see clearly the consequences of my actions etc and so I make better choices b...
Since beginning insight practice over ten years ago I have practiced daily and attended many retreats. As a result I feel more peaceful and have gained an understanding and insight into the true nature of reality and I can see clearly the consequences of my actions etc and so I make better choices but it also feels like I have become more alone and less tolerant of people. I do metta practice and do not wish harm to anyone but I'm now painfully aware of the hatred, ignorance and delusion in the world and I don't like being around people because of it. So I am pretty much a recluse apart from when I see people on retreat and an online Sangha I attend. I feel very compassionate and loving towards animals to the extent that I try hard to not step on ants etc but humans I just don't feel the same way. I guess I see animals as more vulnerable and innocent whereas humans are capable of doing way better but they dont. Instead they just perpetuate greed and violence etc. Is this a normal part of the path or am I completely misguided?
Sati
(728 rep)
Jun 14, 2024, 11:27 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 04:11 AM
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Did I imagine that official tantric sex without orgasms is extremely dangerous for the practitioner?
Did I imagine that official tantric sex without orgasms is extremely dangerous for the practitioner? I cannot recall where I may have read this (and it is extremely unlikely anyone has ever *told* me it).
Did I imagine that official tantric sex without orgasms is extremely dangerous for the practitioner? I cannot recall where I may have read this (and it is extremely unlikely anyone has ever *told* me it).
user26068
Jun 14, 2024, 08:39 PM
-1
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Do the children and grandchildren etc. of eminent "buddhas" get blesssed in any way?
Do the children and grandchildren etc. of eminent "buddhas" get blesssed in any way? I know the buddha had a child, before his enlightenment, and that most important buddhists are celibate, but I wondered, supposing I were the great great... grandchild of e.g. Linji or Dogen or Mahakasyapa or whoeve...
Do the children and grandchildren etc. of eminent "buddhas" get blesssed in any way? I know the buddha had a child, before his enlightenment, and that most important buddhists are celibate, but I wondered, supposing I were the great great... grandchild of e.g. Linji or Dogen or Mahakasyapa or whoever, if it's be fortunate of me etc.. Don't worry, I am not!
user25078
May 12, 2024, 10:43 PM
• Last activity: Jun 13, 2024, 06:01 PM
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Are scientific Truths impermanent?
There are many scientific truths which seem to be absolute. For example- matter attracts matter , whether it is the matter of earth or sun or stars or dark matter etc ,they all attract each other. How do we identify such truths as and are they really permanent?
There are many scientific truths which seem to be absolute. For example- matter attracts matter , whether it is the matter of earth or sun or stars or dark matter etc ,they all attract each other.
How do we identify such truths as and are they really permanent?
SacrificialEquation
(2535 rep)
Nov 4, 2023, 10:29 AM
• Last activity: Jun 13, 2024, 04:17 PM
1
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Are somanassa and cetasik-sukha same thing?
Some teacher (Goenka) says vedanānupassanā is bodily only because sukha and dukha in general are bodily. But the definition of sukha includes cetasikaṃ vā sukhaṃ too > Yaṃ kho, āvuso visākha, kāyikaṃ vā cetasikaṃ vā sukhaṃ sātaṃ vedayitaṃ: ayaṃ sukhā vedanā. > > (Cūḷavedalla sutta) So my question is...
Some teacher (Goenka) says vedanānupassanā is bodily only because sukha and dukha in general are bodily.
But the definition of sukha includes cetasikaṃ vā sukhaṃ too
> Yaṃ kho, āvuso visākha, kāyikaṃ vā cetasikaṃ vā sukhaṃ sātaṃ vedayitaṃ: ayaṃ sukhā vedanā.
>
> (Cūḷavedalla sutta)
So my question is, how a cetasikaṃ sukhaṃ different from somanassa?
Sachin Sharma
(1111 rep)
Jun 13, 2024, 10:59 AM
• Last activity: Jun 13, 2024, 12:39 PM
2
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1
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What are the suttas in which the Buddha claimed he was greater than the gods?
There are many people, especially from other religions, who say, ‘The Buddha is just a human being; he is not a god,’ but I know the Buddha is greater than the gods because he attained Nirvana by himself. However, I need every sutta where the Buddha claimed he is greater than the gods. I heard the B...
There are many people, especially from other religions, who say, ‘The Buddha is just a human being; he is not a god,’ but I know the Buddha is greater than the gods because he attained Nirvana by himself. However, I need every sutta where the Buddha claimed he is greater than the gods. I heard the Buddha claimed it, but I don’t remember the names of the suttas. If someone knows those sutta names, it will help all of us.
Nina Harriet
(411 rep)
Jun 11, 2024, 12:26 AM
• Last activity: Jun 11, 2024, 06:04 AM
Showing page 43 of 20 total questions