How are goals used in Theravada Buddhism and Buddhist practice in general in a positive way. --- How do goals relate to the early teachings, and one's own practice in a positive way. ------ *Prior discussions on Buddhism Stack Exchange:* - Difference between Attachment and Goals - Does suffering motivate us to achieve our goals? - Is it possible to set goals for the future and be present at the same time? - Is Nirvana the goal, for Zen and Theravada? - Why does Buddhism seem to have more than one goal? - Should meditation be practiced without a goal? - Is Nirvana the goal for all Buddhist? - Is mindfulness the path or the goal? - How can someone integrate the Buddhist philosophy on life's purpose into daily life? - Ambitions - Are they Real or just an Illusion - Stopping Tanha or craving - Attachment to practice itself

Life in this world has been amazing. I was amazed by this world growing up travelling to amazing places seeing hills, mountains and what not. Then the tech boom that got me addicted. And the amazing food the world offers, I could go on. When I discovered Buddhism, I just couldn't believe that nirvana is the ending to all this journey in this vast universe. While I now have been transformed a lot studying the Buddhism stuffs, and a bit bored of the current world, somehow deep I am expecting more from the universe. I just can't believe nirvana is the end of it all. Is it possible that nirvana is just a temporary resting point in the eternal dance of the universe? A bit speculative but would love to get some perspectives from the wise ones.

Can a person decide to do X action and be able to do it forever... from a mental point of view - if physically he can do that action? What I'm trying to say is many times I decided to not do anything for fun or to meditate Y time every day but even when it was 5 minutes every day I didn't do it. Every time either I didn't want to sit to meditate or even be mindful of actions - or I wanted to watch a YouTube video and pass the time with YouTube videos etc. Is it possible to decided to do something and not break it at all? I mean for example I keep the 5 precepts by default and will probably keep them at the future hard for me to see a situation I won't - but for example if I decide to keep the 8 precepts and never break them (again mentally) even if I never have to face something like a physical injury or even friend begging me to go to a movie etc but just in dealing with my own defilement - can I decide not do break it in advance and guarantee myself I won't break it in the future (again if physically it's possible to avoid it).

What is the main goal for Theravada Buddhism and Zen Buddhism? Is it Nirvana for both or is there any additional differences? Can the answer be detailed because this is an assignment and I am trying to be as detailed as possible. Thanks so much!

Why do some Buddhists regard nirvana as an important goal while other want better rebirth? Do all Buddhists have the same goal and if not why?

I understand that craving stuff leads us to suffering (Second Noble truth) and that getting what we think we want won't lead to happiness. However, is there any explicit indication that it's even good **not** to get what we want? (any similarity with The Rolling Stones' lyrics is just a coincidence). The only quote I can find is from the Dalai Lama: 'Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

i saw an answer here that i liked: >... > Of course we have all these grand ideas about the great business we > want to open, or the great way we could help people, or other visions > of great success - but they are only projections of thought into the > future. This projection creates a mismatch between "here" and "there". > From this mismatch comes dukkha, the feeling of wrongness. > > Instead, for any success you will have achieved, there must be a > pathway from where you are now, to there, with the first step being > within reach. Therefore the only way to get there is to work with what > you have right here and now. So do your best with what life gives you > at every given moment ... i have a job i don't like - it hurts my legs because of long standing time - and i was thinking about other career paths... of ways i can earn money and leave this job - like starting a private business - but in light of the above answer, is it a bad idea to think about this, from Buddhism perspective? i would really like to know your thoughts on this: should i stop and just work without thinking about a better job / a private business?