After a prolonged struggle with various eating disorders (atypical, anorexia, bulimia, BED) over nearly two years, as well as ongoing mood disorders and severe anxiety for the past three, I've found conventional self-guided Western CBT therapies, and even standalone meditation, largely ineffective for me. Significant barriers (financial, temporal, locational, cultural conditioning) limit my access to consistent professional therapy, and will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future. Believe me, I've tried. I'm looking for an alternative path, a fundamentally different framework than modern psychology, to address a deep-seated lack of purpose and unresolved trauma, ultimately seeking peace of mind. I've long been drawn to the exploration of Western neuroscience and cognitive science on Buddhism, specifically the tangible benefits of mindfulness meditation. My "hope" is to find a Buddhist school that aligns with, and ideally offers a practical experience similar to, approaches like MBSR, MBCT, and DBT, despite their fundamental differences from traditional Buddhism. This leads to my core questions: 1. **Influence of Buddhist Schools on Western Therapies:** How much influence do different Buddhist schools (e.g., Theravada, Zen, Pure Land, Tibetan) have on the development and practice of: * Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) * Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) * Acceptance-Based Therapies (e.g., ACT) * Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) * Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) I understand that Western mindfulness, particularly MBSR/MBCT, is often linked to Theravada (Vipassanā, as seen in the Insight Meditation Society and "Mindfulness in Plain English"). However, I've also come across arguments for significant Zen Buddhist influence on Jon Kabat-Zinn's work, which resonates with the "non-dualistic" feel of modern mindfulness. 2. **Is it problematic to choose a Buddhist school based on these inspirations?** Given my past experiences and current limitations, is it a "wrong" approach to seek a Buddhist tradition that primarily contributed to, or feels practically similar to, these Western therapeutic modalities? My aim is not necessarily "enlightenment" in the traditional sense, but rather a path to alleviate suffering and cultivate inner peace, perhaps building positive karma for future lives (as a layperson, taking a stoic approach to the ultimate goal). 3. **Navigating Availability and Personal Preference:** I'm personally more attracted to Theravada's "down-to-earth" step-by-step Eightfold Path and emphasis on mindfulness, along with the sense of certainty from practices like one meal a day and abstinence from alcohol. However, in both my current city and home city, Mahayana denominations are more readily available (authentic Chan, Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village, and a modernized immigrant Pure Land school). I've visited the immigrant Pure Land and authentic Chan centers, but they simply don't "click" with me; they feel "weird" and I don't like them. I haven't had the opportunity to visit a Theravada temple for comparison. If I choose Theravada, I'd likely need to rely on online sanghas, which may not accommodate my timezone. Given my intention to remain a layperson and focus on personal practice for peace of mind and perhaps future karmic benefit, I'm unsure how crucial an in-person or online sangha is for my goals. Any insights on these points, particularly regarding the historical influences and the appropriateness of my approach to choosing a path, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

How should a Buddhist respond to being bullied / bullying? Obviously there are many admonitions against bullying / related behavior in the suttas, but I'm looking for specific actions that should be taken in response to bullying. Some examples: - Being bullied at school by a stronger person. - Being harrassed at work by a coworker. - Being robbed / attacked in the street. - Dealing with racial/sexual/other forms of bigotry. - Dealing with neighborhood gang / police violence. - Dealing with colonialism / imperialism.

In the conventional sense, views on dukkha (stress/hardships/difficulties/suffering) are rather mixed. We have the saying, [“No pain, no gain”](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/no-pain-no-gain) that implies that suffering is needed to make progress. There is also the saying, [“Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”](https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/what-doesnt-kill-you-makes-you-stronger/) , again implying how difficult experiences make a person more resilient. Yet, it is known today [many diseases are stress-related](https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/10-fixable-stress-related-health-problems) . I have friends/acquaintances who suffered from diseases which I strongly suspect is a result of their stressful lifestyles. What is strange from my observations is that most of the time, they are either not aware or simply feel that everything is normal. I suspect that over the years and decades even though the stress had reached [chronic level](https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder) , their mind had grown used to it even though their bodies did not. In fact, one of them appeared nonchalant when I implied that there might be a link between her illness and stress. Sometimes, I wish doctors are just as good at curing the mind as they are with the body. 1. How should lay Buddhists view and make use of dukkha such that it is helpful not only spiritually but also allow them to make meaningful progress in the world? 2. Is there a way to strike a balance with stress in our personal and professional lives? 3. What advice would you give to non-Buddhist friends who are suffering from chronic stress?

The [Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN2)](https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/DN/DN02.html) had often been quoted as the Buddha’s objections towards relying on *“animal”* arts for a livelihood. If one is learned in Mathematics, one can be a Math teacher. If one is experienced in cooking, one can work as a cook. If one is skilled in the *“animal”* arts, is a **shaman** even considered a legal occupation? Reading a paper: [On Buddhism, Divination and the Worldly Arts...](https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=relsfac_pubs) , however, got me thinking deeply on the reasons and contexts of this position. Is there more to it than the grounds of wrong livelihood? Could there be other dangers? Conversely, are there really no benefits whatsoever? What if one used divination and was able to avoid a misfortune...perhaps, even physical harm? Going to a Thai monastery, I have often wondered when devotees bring amulets to the monks to get them blessed. If you worn a white thread after visiting, you will be familiar with the practice of “sai sin”. Similarly, I have known of some devotees who approached monks for divination on matters that falls under serious or mundane. Also, in the paper mentioned above, the Buddha himself, had been approached to divine the subsequent rebirths of devotees on many occasions. I could be wrong but does this mean as long as one adheres to some underlying restrictions, clauses or conditions with regards to the occult arts then one might not ended up on the ***“dark”*** side after all? If this is so, what are those conditions? If not, what are the dangers other than wrong livelihood?

If you have means, Buddhist notions are much easier to live by. If you do not, you may have to break the precepts in order to survive. This is particularly true for women and other vulnerable peoples. Is true Buddhism an elitist ideology?

I have been thinking to simplify my diet. The reasons are two-fold, first off, one, that I don't have to think about food, which automatically avoids getting entangled in cravings and aversions towards taste. The second being that it will be healthier for me and probably also cheaper. So I was thinking of some possible recipes for meal prepping which are both Healthy and easy to prep. I would like to eat that on a regular basis, and hopefully be done with this ever-present hassle of being concerned about food and focus on meditation/study instead. Needless to say, taste doesn't matter much but not extremely bland would be preferred. As of now I jsut came up with these options : 1) Brown rice+ frozen vegetables+nuts 2) sweet potatoes and rice-beans. 3) Tofu- vegetables-beans ( I am a noob when it comes to cooking ). So I was wondering if you guys have any great ideas on easy meal prepping or on eating/food in general for lay buddhists.

I have been doing buddhist practices and ***trying*** to keep the precepts for a few months, after an intensive retreat. I have been noticing recently that I have automatically started to avoid looking at any women that are potentially attractive. This is almost instinctive and I go out of my way to avoid looking at them as much as possible. Also, I can see that I do not find most women attractive now, like in the sense of having that primal urge to have sex with them. Instead there is a subtle judgement like 'Hey, she looks pretty' but mostly without any deeper lust. While watching porn (I do it compulsively unfortunately) I have just a few moments of actual lust during the whole session, and for the most part, even the prettiest women there have stopped appealing sexually to me. But there are some women though, in real life, for who I am like "MY GOD she is too beautiful!" and I feel that strong sexual urge (and suffering along with it) unlike with all others. I want to ask, is this normal and expected part of the practice? Not that I am complaining - I am pretty happy with it tbh coz when I don't jerk off for a few days I feel my mind stronger, calmer, happier and have energy to get stuff done. I am worried though if my avoidance is rooted in aversion to feel the sexual urge and the suffering? If this is indeed good, are there any other practical tips (other than meditation) on how to take this further - to remove all lust- and the slavery that it carries? Kindly give your insights. Please do not hold back on technical aspects, give me as accurate and precise answer as possible as I understand the formal terminology of the sutras etc. Any responses are appreciated. Thank you

For most people identifying as Buddhists in very Buddhist countries (Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand), what are the most significant ways in which being a Buddhist affects their lifes? For instance, how common is - visiting the temple service at least once a month? - saying grace before eating? - intense meditation? My current image is that unless one's a monk, being a Buddhist is a formality for most people in South East Asia, mostly manifesting in Buddhism classes in schools, weddings and funerals.

Perhaps ritual isnt the right word but hopefully I can explain. So I am attracted to orthodox Christianity and its culture but I dont believe any of it. I like its fasting ritual many of its holidays, its worship and etc. and being in the west its easy to find like minded people to make that a part of my life or rather part of my practice. Buddhism by oneself is basically reading suttas and meditation since there is no local sangha but I find I would like to integrate more in my life so I can inundate my existance around buddhism without monasticism. I cant become a monk I have a wife and children. Is there anything like a Buddhist lifestyle beyond the 5 precepts for laypeople to follow to make it more "holy"?

Is "[Racial color blindness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_color_blindness) " covered in the Buddha's teaching? What would be the closest Buddhist concept that covers it? Is there a scripture that teaches colorblindness? Could it have originated from the Buddha's teaching, Christianity, both or somewhere else? Does anyone know what Thích Nhất Hạnh taught MLK about colorblindness?

I have the following question regarding Vipassana: From time to time I get unpleasant emotions. And instead of diving into them, I find a place to sit and concentrate on the sensation that this feeling causes. After some time, there is no trace of a negative feeling :) The question is: Is it ok at such moments not to shift attention all over the body, but simply to focus on a certain sensation? Does it violate the technique?

I've seen Master Lu live, i noticed this but not all agreed and their services are everywhere in the town So, i visited few temples and many of their members to understand more about this and the culture. Some feedbacks as below from the Temple lead and senior members (including high wisdom and high compassion Doctor). They knew exactly what are they doing (can and cannot). 1. There are many critical illness been cured including Doctor himself 2. There are too many free thinkers here and difficult to access or understand Buddhism. This concept can be easily accepted and easily spread Buddhism. To get a good and genuine Monastery/Temple in town is really difficult Limited of Buddhism Sharing . 3. Doc asked me, If you are diagnosed with critical illness then do you still have time to practice Four Noble Truths ? Q) Can this teaching accepted as something "like" prescribed pain killer/drugs in Medical practices. One must told what Buddhism allowed and disallowed then should practice the right path upon almost recovery? One should not addicted with this prescribed drugs ?

This post is relevant to Buddhist Funeral Process Can i do it online like playing the recorded video as below with nice TV and nice sound system ? Funeral Chanting - Theravada Buddhism - Pali - Abhayagiri Monastics (+ chanting text) Q) Effect would be same? Guess it's much better and safe especially in this Pandemic to avoid crowd and putting the monks into risk?

I've heard of Vastu shastra, but what kind of dwellings are conducive to Buddhist practice and living and why?

I am curious about vinaya regulations & accounts otherwise relevant to a householder's attending to the bhikkhusangha. Of interest are lay attendants in particular, how far one can go in being useful, what makes a good lay-attendant as to ideal & minimal qualification. Not particularly interested in the circumstance of an anagarika or a novice's circumstance, although i would appreciate a delineation of differences very much. References & general thoughts on the matter are welcome.

If a person have a small Buddha statue in their room and they (sorry) masturbated in that room, is it considered sexual misconduct? Sorry if this question is unappropiate.

In most Buddhist traditions, monks are expected to follow an austere life without being married or involved with another person, but what about lay people who are not going to become monks? Personally, I've reached what most people consider mid-life and I'm getting too old for any monastery to accept me, but I'm sure this question applies to lay people both older and younger. I am under the impression, monks are required to be single because of the attachment and desire that arises when being involved. However, a good number of monks do not live among lay people which I imagine would make it easier. It seems like lay people would benefit though, and when their time on Earth has expired also make it easier to let go. However, I don't have a teacher nor do I have access to one so I wanted to reach out to the community to see what their impressions were. My guess is that it is helpful but a personal choice that differs from individual to individual. I mean 'helpful' in the sense of being closer to Nirvana or Enlightenment.

The question 'What is the purpose of life? ' has been asked before. What I understood is that if I were to set a purpose to life, once I achieve my goal, life becomes meaning less. There is no single thought great enough to spend an entire lifetime. So, life has no intrinsic meaning. In everyday life, we try to plan things. Setting goals provide clarity about what exactly to do, what's important and what's not. Reaching goals help building self-confidence and motivates to move forward. It also helps to work efficiently while dealing with big tasks (Makes big tasks into smaller, more manageable units, Helps good decision making that are inline with the final goal). Both sound reasonable to me but they also seem contradictory. Then how should a lay man approach his life to be productive and at the same time seek liberation from the sufferings of samsara?

I'm looking for Buddhist therapists for a friend of mine (who is also a practicing Buddhist). He's been using traditional therapists and it has not worked for him Is there a list of Buddhist therapists available anywhere online?

This question springs forth as I haven't found yet any sutta showing this premise, has the Buddha ever taught anapanasati to lay followers ? And if not, what could be the reason ? May you be well.