Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
0
votes
5
answers
145
views
Killing Buddha?
I read this: > In Zen, it's generally understood that "When you meet the Buddha, kill > him" refers to "killing" a Buddha you perceive as separate from > yourself because such a Buddha is an illusion." Should we kill illusions of Buddha? I do wonder, in the time of Buddha, some people wanted to kill...
I read this:
> In Zen, it's generally understood that "When you meet the Buddha, kill
> him" refers to "killing" a Buddha you perceive as separate from
> yourself because such a Buddha is an illusion."
Should we kill illusions of Buddha? I do wonder, in the time of Buddha, some people wanted to kill him — perhaps this too is a reason I ask, although that may have been for many reasons.
nacre
(1901 rep)
Mar 29, 2025, 08:33 AM
• Last activity: Apr 18, 2025, 02:44 PM
7
votes
8
answers
847
views
What is right gifting?
I came across this explanation by Buddha, from the [Dana Mahapphala Sutta](https://www.themindingcentre.org/dharmafarer/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2.3-Dana-Mahapphala-S-a7.49-piya.pdf). > THE BEST WAY TO GIVE. Or, instead of thinking, ‘When this gift of mine is given, it calms my mind. Satisfaction...
I came across this explanation by Buddha,
from the [Dana Mahapphala Sutta](https://www.themindingcentre.org/dharmafarer/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2.3-Dana-Mahapphala-S-a7.49-piya.pdf) .
> THE BEST WAY TO GIVE. Or, instead of thinking, ‘When this gift of mine is given, it calms
my mind. Satisfaction and joy arise,’ he makes a gift, thinking, ‘**This is an adornment for the mind, a
support for the mind**.’
I couldn't understand the statement. How does one do this? What should be the state of mind when gifting? When does one start to give gift? Does one have to wait till one's moral conduct is good and has insight?
8CK8
(849 rep)
Jan 20, 2016, 12:20 PM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2023, 10:25 AM
2
votes
9
answers
4357
views
Does hell exist in Buddhism?
I understand that hell is being used for keeping the order of our society. Does hell really exist in Buddhism? As it creates fears instead of freeing one's mind from suffering. It also creates a mechanism of punishment for not believing in the religion as well. If it is written in Tipitaka, how do w...
I understand that hell is being used for keeping the order of our society. Does hell really exist in Buddhism? As it creates fears instead of freeing one's mind from suffering. It also creates a mechanism of punishment for not believing in the religion as well.
If it is written in Tipitaka, how do we know that it wasn't added later by someone that wanted to use it as a rule for making people behave themselves?
Ook
(289 rep)
Mar 24, 2016, 12:58 AM
• Last activity: Sep 11, 2023, 06:55 AM
0
votes
3
answers
135
views
what is memesis from a buddhist perspective?
What is the Buddhist view regarding [mimesis][1]? Mimesis is imitation of nature. How might a Buddhist explain it? > At first glance, mimesis seems to be a stylizing of reality in which > the ordinary features of our world are brought into focus by a certain > exaggeration, the relationship of the i...
What is the Buddhist view regarding mimesis ? Mimesis is imitation of nature. How might a Buddhist explain it?
> At first glance, mimesis seems to be a stylizing of reality in which
> the ordinary features of our world are brought into focus by a certain
> exaggeration, the relationship of the imitation to the object it
> imitates being something like the relationship of dancing to walking.
> Imitation always involves selecting something from the continuum of
> experience, thus giving boundaries to what really has no beginning or
> end.
The wiki page also says "presentation of the self", so maybe it refers to formality in public. Perhaps it has many meanings. The feeling of catharsis comes about as a result. This seems more like fiction (drama), although the philosopher is quoted "drama is imitation of action". Regardless, I am primarily trying to understand the role of mimesis in *regular* life. Is it just faking and self-deception?
nacre
(1901 rep)
Jul 20, 2023, 03:07 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 02:15 PM
7
votes
7
answers
4031
views
Does the Buddha like dogs?
I am not a buddhist but I have a friend who is. He dislikes dogs and I have questioned him as to whether he is a true Buddhist. I believe that the Buddha is peaceful and nature loving, and so would love dogs.
I am not a buddhist but I have a friend who is. He dislikes dogs and I have questioned him as to whether he is a true Buddhist. I believe that the Buddha is peaceful and nature loving, and so would love dogs.
Andy Lim
(246 rep)
Jul 26, 2016, 06:07 AM
• Last activity: Jul 26, 2022, 01:46 AM
0
votes
2
answers
103
views
Does the relinquishing of views prohibit belief in the permanence of buddha nature?
Does the relinquishing of views prohibit belief in the permanence of buddha nature? > I prostrate to Gautama, who, out of loving compassion, taught the > excellent Dharma in order to relinquish all views. The dedication to Nagarjuna'a MMK > In the opening of the Buddha nature book of Sbobogenzo, Dog...
Does the relinquishing of views prohibit belief in the permanence of buddha nature?
> I prostrate to Gautama, who, out of loving compassion, taught the
> excellent Dharma in order to relinquish all views.
The dedication to Nagarjuna'a MMK
> In the opening of the Buddha nature book of Sbobogenzo, Dogen quotes
> the following passage from the Nirvana Sutra: — H > Qnai no sbujo wa
> kotogotoku bussbdoyusu; Nyorai v>ajdjuniibite benyaku arukoto natbi),
> “All sentient beings without exception have the Buddha nature:
> Tatbdgata (Buddha) is permanent with no change at all.”8 This well
> expresses the fundamental standpoint of Mahayana Buddhism. In the
> passage two important themes are emphasized: “All sentient beings have
> the Buddha nature,” and “Tathagata abides forever without change.”
> These two themes are inseparable from one another. Against this
> traditional reading, Dogen dares to read as follows...
Masao Abe, Dogen on Buddha Nature.
user23322
Feb 23, 2022, 05:04 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2022, 05:54 PM
1
votes
2
answers
1303
views
What caused the Golden Bowl to go upstream?
After finishing the last meal before attaining enlightenment, the Ascetic Gautama threw the golden bowl into the river and said: > "If I am to succeed in becoming a Buddha today, let this bowl go > upstream, but if not, let it go downstream." ([source][1]) Gautama was not yet a Buddha and I don't th...
After finishing the last meal before attaining enlightenment, the Ascetic Gautama threw the golden bowl into the river and said:
> "If I am to succeed in becoming a Buddha today, let this bowl go
> upstream, but if not, let it go downstream." (source )
Gautama was not yet a Buddha and I don't think he had psychic powers to make the bowl go upstream. Even if he had the power, it seems he was not doing it by himself.
Was Gautama expecting some divine being to answer his request?
Did a Deva or god make the bowl go upstream? If not, how did the Golden Bowl go upstream?
Mawia
(781 rep)
Jul 12, 2014, 06:41 AM
• Last activity: Feb 27, 2022, 04:06 PM
2
votes
4
answers
420
views
Is Buddha Nature the original state, i.e. Awareness/ Consciousness without Existence?
Existence, Consciousness, Bliss is described as Brahman by Vedanta but surely that only applies when viewed through the veil of Maya and experienced as the universe. As awareness/ consciousness is always "on", no matter of what state it's in then surely awareness/ consciousness would still experienc...
Existence, Consciousness, Bliss is described as Brahman by Vedanta but surely that only applies when viewed through the veil of Maya and experienced as the universe. As awareness/ consciousness is always "on", no matter of what state it's in then surely awareness/ consciousness would still experience non-existence, akin to our lack of any experience in deep sleep.
Is Buddha Nature Vedanta's opposite of Brahman i.e. Non-Existence, Consciousness, Bliss?
Knowing that existence arises from Buddha Nature, non-existence, is this why we start to grasp and cling to the dream of there being any existence at all? Not that there is nothing but that there are no-things, no names or forms, no self, just awareness/ consciousness?
Colin
(21 rep)
Jul 31, 2020, 09:25 AM
• Last activity: Sep 24, 2021, 04:02 PM
0
votes
1
answers
143
views
What happens after the death of a fully enlightened being such as Buddha Shakyamuni?
If possible could someone provide me with references to sutras where the Buddha broaches such topics? In my previous question I asked about it generally and a kind user told me that information could be found in the second and third turnings of the Dharma wheel. Since I am fairly new to Buddhism, co...
If possible could someone provide me with references to sutras where the Buddha broaches such topics? In my previous question I asked about it generally and a kind user told me that information could be found in the second and third turnings of the Dharma wheel. Since I am fairly new to Buddhism, could you tell me where exactly to find answers to above question?
Arbuiwer
(145 rep)
Jun 4, 2021, 03:04 PM
• Last activity: Jun 5, 2021, 11:24 PM
2
votes
2
answers
119
views
Are Buddha nature and Original enlightenment different, or always identical?
Are Buddha nature and Original enlightenment different, or identical? So, when a [sastra][1] says "Since the essence of Mind is grounded on the Dharmakaya, it is to be called the original enlightenment", is the exact same the case for Buddha nature? When a Soto monk says "manifest buddha nature", do...
Are Buddha nature and Original enlightenment different, or identical?
So, when a sastra says "Since the essence of Mind is grounded on the Dharmakaya, it is to be called the original enlightenment", is the exact same the case for Buddha nature?
When a Soto monk says "manifest buddha nature", do they mean "manifest original enlightenment"?
user2512
Aug 26, 2019, 05:36 PM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2021, 03:02 PM
1
votes
5
answers
611
views
Interdependent origination
Is the doctrine of interdependent origination found in Vedas . What is real origin of this? I have heard of indra net .just curious
Is the doctrine of interdependent origination found in Vedas . What is real origin of this? I have heard of indra net .just curious
Pythagorean Mystic
(127 rep)
Aug 10, 2016, 11:48 AM
• Last activity: Sep 13, 2020, 01:05 AM
-2
votes
3
answers
83
views
Do only sentient being suffer
All I can think of off the top of mind head is the zen claim that mountains are buddha nature. Do they suffer? They are composed of parts, and I believe that there is a type of suffering from "conditioned existence", in Pali.
All I can think of off the top of mind head is the zen claim that mountains are buddha nature. Do they suffer? They are composed of parts, and I believe that there is a type of suffering from "conditioned existence", in Pali.
user2512
Sep 7, 2020, 07:10 PM
• Last activity: Sep 7, 2020, 11:57 PM
4
votes
4
answers
961
views
What does a monk think on a day to day basis?
I go through my daily chores and it has become habituated to the extent that i do not need to concentrate on the action and my mind has some time to do thinking or just wander. Now monks life is also similar in that they repeat the activities over life time. So my question, what does monk think on d...
I go through my daily chores and it has become habituated to the extent that i do not need to concentrate on the action and my mind has some time to do thinking or just wander.
Now monks life is also similar in that they repeat the activities over life time.
So my question, what does monk think on daily basis?
Does one control his thoughts or let it wander without attaching oneself to the thought? How does a monk achieve oneness or prepare to be in present?
Regards,
Contemplating One
user5256
(501 rep)
Jul 7, 2015, 07:23 AM
• Last activity: Jun 20, 2020, 07:18 PM
1
votes
3
answers
800
views
Are the differences between Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism merely semantic/perspective?
having studied Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, I've seen that the differences between the two are almost non-existent. This [video][1] does a good job at fleshing out the Vedanta and Buddhist perspective and he himself seemingly states that the differences between the two are trivial at best. I'd be i...
having studied Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, I've seen that the differences between the two are almost non-existent.
This video does a good job at fleshing out the Vedanta and Buddhist perspective and he himself seemingly states that the differences between the two are trivial at best.
I'd be interested to hear some input from those more familiar with Buddhism.
Aaron
(21 rep)
May 21, 2020, 08:13 PM
• Last activity: May 24, 2020, 05:44 AM
0
votes
2
answers
139
views
Under what conditions does a Samyaksambuddha arise?
Buddha arises. In the past there were several Buddhas. And it is said that in the future there will be at least one. My question is under what conditions does a Samyaksambuddha arise?
Buddha arises. In the past there were several Buddhas. And it is said that in the future there will be at least one.
My question is under what conditions does a Samyaksambuddha arise?
SacrificialEquation
(2525 rep)
Feb 26, 2020, 04:17 PM
• Last activity: Feb 27, 2020, 08:08 PM
1
votes
2
answers
111
views
Is Buddha nature everywhere the same?
Is Buddha nature everywhere the same? I don't think so, that seems wrong. But original enlightenment is always everywhere bliss, right? So how can Buddha-nature, which I would translate into, rather than "awareness" as the early Korean Son master Chunl's translators do, *place*, ever be impermanent...
Is Buddha nature everywhere the same?
I don't think so, that seems wrong. But original enlightenment is always everywhere bliss, right? So how can Buddha-nature, which I would translate into, rather than "awareness" as the early Korean Son master Chunl's translators do, *place*, ever be impermanent *independent* of the body?
Without rupa, form, "awareness" -- or place -- is presumably just ***nothingness***, unless original enlightenment -- just like enlightenment itself -- can be lost and gained?
user2512
Jan 2, 2020, 07:55 AM
• Last activity: Jan 2, 2020, 02:41 PM
3
votes
4
answers
702
views
Buddhists advise against "me and mine" does that include times?
Buddhists advise against "me and mine" does that include times? Do Buddhists really talk about "my" future past and present? If so, what are the nature of those times? Specifically: will "my" present always be "my" past? ---------- I'm just asking because I'm trying to work out if there's any reason...
Buddhists advise against "me and mine" does that include times? Do Buddhists really talk about "my" future past and present?
If so, what are the nature of those times? Specifically: will "my" present always be "my" past?
----------
I'm just asking because I'm trying to work out if there's any reason to believe that, if this will be "my" past, will "I" then exist in the future.
----------
It's often said that impermanence is the Buddha self. Could that be one answer: and why believe it?
user2512
Jul 17, 2019, 05:04 AM
• Last activity: Jul 17, 2019, 02:01 PM
0
votes
2
answers
117
views
Has any Buddhist ever talked about postponing Buddhahood forever, but not for all sentient beings?
Has any Buddhist ever talked about postponing Buddhahood **forever**, but *not* for all sentient beings? I do not, I suppose, mean because the "bodhisattva" enjoys life. I am trying to ask about "[compassion][1]" for some group or even individual, if that is possible? I don't mind if the answer igno...
Has any Buddhist ever talked about postponing Buddhahood **forever**, but *not* for all sentient beings?
I do not, I suppose, mean because the "bodhisattva" enjoys life. I am trying to ask about "compassion " for some group or even individual, if that is possible?
I don't mind if the answer ignores the alledged universality of Buddha-nature, but would prefer if it was from that perspective.
user2512
Apr 23, 2019, 10:49 AM
• Last activity: May 24, 2019, 06:27 AM
0
votes
3
answers
167
views
What if there is no rebirth but karma is not eradicated by meditation and the path?
What if there is no rebirth but karma is not eradicated by the path? I think that would mean that the agent experiences the results of their actions even without rebirth. Am I right? At least if the buddha self is not just impermanent.
What if there is no rebirth but karma is not eradicated by the path?
I think that would mean that the agent experiences the results of their actions even without rebirth. Am I right? At least if the buddha self is not just impermanent.
user2512
Feb 3, 2019, 06:46 PM
• Last activity: Feb 5, 2019, 01:20 PM
0
votes
2
answers
112
views
What makes a great a spiritual leader? Is it nature or nurture or something else?
Two premises presumed for my question: 1. The 14th Dalai Lama is an especially sincere spirit 2. Reincarnation, beyond the scientific eg recycling of atoms / culture / dna, is an incorrect idea. Is the 14h Dalai Lama's charisma created by being raised as a spiritual leader? Are all Tibetans especial...
Two premises presumed for my question:
1. The 14th Dalai Lama is an especially sincere spirit
2. Reincarnation, beyond the scientific eg recycling of atoms / culture / dna, is an incorrect idea.
Is the 14h Dalai Lama's charisma created by being raised as a spiritual leader? Are all Tibetans especially sweet souls? Is it both or neither, but rather great luck?
I am trying to tease out nature & nurture, and squeeze out the supernatural!
user1309285
(1 rep)
Jan 6, 2018, 08:46 PM
• Last activity: Sep 20, 2018, 03:01 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions