In this answer , a user writes: > The Buddhist scriptures attributed to the Buddha contain > contradictions, obvious frauds, obvious later-day insertions, etc., > therefore there can be no scriptural authority in Buddhism; apart from > what can be verified for oneself as being true & real that leads to > the ending of suffering. This raises the question:- How can one objectively determine which parts of the Buddhist scriptures, particularly the suttas are likely to be original teachings of the Buddha, and which may be later interpolations or corruptions? What criteria are used in this process? Are there scholarly or traditional methods that help identify interpolations, such as historical analysis, linguistic patterns, consistency with core teachings, or comparisons across early textual traditions? Additionally, how can we be sure that what some modern practitioners or scholars label as later additions were not already part of the original oral tradition? Why could some of these elements not be understood through reinterpretation rather than being dismissed outright? Are there critical editions of the suttas or major academic resources that address this issue? I am interested in perspectives based on traditional commentaries, scriptural analysis, and modern scholarship.

I’m interested in understanding the religious and devotional practices that may have been part of Siddhartha Gautama's life before he undertook his renunciate life and became the Buddha. Specifically: Are there any historical or textual references indicating that Siddhartha Gautama himself, or members of his immediate family (such as his father Suddhodana, mother Māyā etc), participated in worship of deities or followed any theistic religious practices prior to his renunciation? If so, which deities were venerated, and are there any specific suttas, commentaries, or canonical sources that mention this? Additionally, was deity worship a common practice within the socio-religious environment of Kapilavastu at that time? I’m looking for references from early Buddhist texts (Pāli Canon, Āgamas, or later commentarial traditions if relevant) or scholarly interpretations that shed light on this aspect.

When we study with concentration and our mind gets distracted we bring back to the very subject we study. The same thing we do it in meditation,when mind gets distracted we bring it back to breath . So isn't Studying is also meditation

My name is Aidan, I am a senior student from a small High School in Ontario, Canada. I am doing a research project on Buddhism in a world cultures class. I would like to ask practicing Buddhists some questions about the religion to learn more about Buddhism. I have attempted to contact some local Buddhist groups to ask questions, however, none have responded to me. I figured this would be a good place to try and find some practicing Buddhists. If you would be interested in helping me learn more about the religion, I would greatly appreciate any responses. Below I have added the questions for those who would like to respond in the comments. Answer as many or as few as you’d like. - In your opinion, how would you define the organized religion of ‘Buddhism’? Were there any familial expectations to become involved in this religion or was this a personal choice that you made? What does it mean to be ‘Buddhist’ to you? - How long have you been practicing Buddhism? Has your religion been an influential factor in how you were raised? (Eg: have you ever been unable to partake in certain activities because it would compromise your religious beliefs/practices?) Is there a personal reason as to why you chose to become Buddhist? - What are some of the customary rituals and practices related to Buddhism? Are prayer and meditation essential components of this organized religion? If so, how many times a day/week do you pray? - In your opinion, does meditating help you obtain physical, mental and spiritual health? - Are there any items that should be avoided in this life if one were to become a practicing Buddhist? (ex. Foods, meats, alcohol?) - What does Buddhism suggest happens to you when you die? Is there such a thing as an ‘afterlife’ in Buddhism? What are your personal thoughts on what happens when you die? - Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the largest religions in the world. Both believe in reincarnation, however, both religions are very different from each other. What do you think are the key factor(s) that differentiate the two religions? - What do you think of the ideas of modern Atheists/Agnostics, who believe there is no God(s) or do not believe there is enough proof to determine if there is a God or not? Is the practice of Buddhism respectful of these ideas? - In the future, how do you think Buddhsim will evolve moving forward throughout the world - Do you think that there are any misconceptions that surround the organized religion of Buddhism and if so, what do you think they are? What solutions would you put forward to combat these misconceptions in Canada today and moving forward? - How could a person go about joining/becoming a buddhist? If you didn’t join via your family, how did you join buddhism? - How has COVID-19 affected how your practice buddhism?

I’m conducting research into the phenomena of Buddhist Jhanas/Dhyanas, and am looking for a good place to start. In addition to primary sources that discuss what this phenomena is, how would you describe what the Jhanas are to a person unfamiliar with any sort of meditation practice? How do they differ across different sects/schools? How are they viewed sociologically or philosophically from OUTSIDE the lens of a practitioner or one who believes in the concept of enlightenment to begin with? TL; DR seeking primary source information on Jhanas/Dhyanas. What is their history? How do they differ across schools/sects? How would an outsider or an academic understand them? Thank you for your time.

I have been sincerely studying Buddhism for the last 6-8 months. - I have covered most of the famous authors and teachers namely **Ajahn Brahm, Thich Nhat Hanh, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Tenzin Palmo, Alan Watts, D.T. Suzuki, Sharnyu Suzuki.** - I watched a few **youtube videos of Ajahn Brahm** to get some idea of Buddhist outlook towards life. - I read most of the books available out there to cover the history of the Buddha written for the beginners. But I am ***not*** much interested in the history, specifically the progress of sangha and spread of Buddhism in East. - I have read a few topics that interest me on this stack. - I completed 2 10 days Vipassana retreat and one-month long Zen retreat which included a mini shesshin. But now as I see the amount of literature is simply enormous. The Tripitaka, itself is massive. For an e.g., I tried reading an article on 12 nidanas on the wiki but it's difficult to read it that ways. It just feels like information overload. Can you guide me how should I proceed from here studying **Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana**? Give an answer based on the school you are following. In your answer also include the source from where to study, for e.g. '*Read about 8 fold path from this website*'. Please answer in the following format: **Theravada** Study in following order. 1. 4 Noble Truth 2. 8 fold path 3. 10 paramis Also kindly include the recommended retreat and study centers world over that you know of. Imagine that I will be studying this dedicatedly for the next 3 years or so. Also, include the online resources and paper books if required.