Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
7
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Meditation - how to practice it?
Is it more important to develop one's own meditation skills or follow a prescribed method of a teacher? After all I think the Buddha worked it out for himself. And I have noticed in my own practice that following someone else's method can be confusing, if I don't understand properly what they teach....
Is it more important to develop one's own meditation skills or follow a prescribed method of a teacher? After all I think the Buddha worked it out for himself. And I have noticed in my own practice that following someone else's method can be confusing, if I don't understand properly what they teach. Is discovering it for yourself, such as meditation, the best way?
N.B. I don't have any technique, I just sit there and try not to hang onto my thoughts. I think if we make out meditation to be difficult we set up obstacles to it in our minds. When I think its easy I find easy to do.
Brendan Darrer
(247 rep)
Aug 11, 2017, 07:30 PM
• Last activity: Mar 7, 2025, 06:17 AM
0
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3
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How can I find a teacher who is a stream entrant?
How can I find a teacher who is a stream entrant? Any suggestions? Recommendations?
How can I find a teacher who is a stream entrant?
Any suggestions? Recommendations?
Angus
(554 rep)
Oct 24, 2018, 09:41 PM
• Last activity: Apr 7, 2023, 11:02 AM
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4
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Where to go after Meditation apps
I’ve gone through quite a few periods of meditation everyday, but usually something happens and I tend to off the rails stop for a long period to bad effects. I started learning with Headspace and went through all the Pro lessons and now I meditate without a timer or guide. I’m not really into the r...
I’ve gone through quite a few periods of meditation everyday, but usually something happens and I tend to off the rails stop for a long period to bad effects.
I started learning with Headspace and went through all the Pro lessons and now I meditate without a timer or guide.
I’m not really into the religious side of things (sorry if I’m posting in the wrong place.)
I’m wondering if I am missing something that is preventing me from furthering my practice.
I don’t know where to look or ask.
I saw The Mind Illuminated being recommended but then later on being unrecommended due to controversy.
I find it hard to trust anyone that says they are on any particular path these days.
Jessie
(111 rep)
Feb 25, 2023, 01:59 AM
• Last activity: Feb 27, 2023, 10:47 PM
10
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4
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Was meditation not practiced for most of the history of Buddhism?
In a recent [Buddhist Geeks podcast][1] the presenter Bodhipaksa stated that by the time the Buddhagosa wrote the commentary [Visuddhimagga][2] in the 5th Century CE, meditation had been largely abandoned. He goes on to state that there is good evidence that 500 years previously Buddhist monks had g...
In a recent Buddhist Geeks podcast the presenter Bodhipaksa stated that by the time the Buddhagosa wrote the commentary Visuddhimagga in the 5th Century CE, meditation had been largely abandoned. He goes on to state that there is good evidence that 500 years previously Buddhist monks had given up meditation and felt the best they could do was to pass down the Buddhist texts to further generations.
To what extent is this analysis of Buddhism true? Was meditation really not practiced for a large proportion of Buddhist history? If this is the case then when was meditation 'rediscovered' or at least reinvigorated?
Crab Bucket
(21181 rep)
Jan 4, 2015, 06:13 PM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2022, 11:11 PM
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Review of this "Bhaddekaratta Sutta - Liberation teachings on an ideal seclusion", and/or info about the author?
(Note that this is surely an experimental "question" for the usual use, although not different, just the purpose and circumstances) Today the Sangha of the eight directions was given, aside of other Dhamma-Gifts, "[Bhaddekaratta Sutta - Liberation teachings on an ideal seclusion](http://accesstoinsi...
(Note that this is surely an experimental "question" for the usual use, although not different, just the purpose and circumstances)
Today the Sangha of the eight directions was given, aside of other Dhamma-Gifts, "[Bhaddekaratta Sutta - Liberation teachings on an ideal seclusion](http://accesstoinsight.eu/en/lib/authors/dhammajiva/bhaddekaratta_sutta) ", teachings by Ven. U. Dhammajīva Mahā Thero (may all also take part in [rejoicing with the merits](http://sangham.net/index.php/topic,9261.0.html))
"Lacking" an introduction and review for this gift -- as well as a biography and a picture portraying the author -- my person thought of sharing the possibility to give such information via an answer posted here.
If wishing to make it an unbound gift toward the Sangha, with a complete text and material, feel free to make use of the pages linked for such -- also if looking for discussion on it -- and possibly link that into your answer.
A short summary of the "question":
- A review, criticism, and/or "teaser" for the teachings given in the _Bhaddekaratta Sutta - Liberation teachings on an ideal seclusion_ -- links to references elsewhere, or answers of your own posted here.
- Biographical informations about the Ven. Dhammajiva -- links to pictures, relay-able sources -- possibly accessible to make use of it, since something bonded and not released toward Sangha can not really be used
Samana Johann
(21 rep)
Apr 29, 2019, 11:44 AM
• Last activity: Jul 12, 2021, 01:28 PM
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2
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Finding a Meditation Teacher
I am keen on finding a teacher that is experienced in Samatha meditation. I have come to understand meditation as a skill to be practiced and developed over time. This practice is something I plan to take seriously and dedicate myself to, but have struggled to find local teachers. I am wondering if...
I am keen on finding a teacher that is experienced in Samatha meditation. I have come to understand meditation as a skill to be practiced and developed over time. This practice is something I plan to take seriously and dedicate myself to, but have struggled to find local teachers. I am wondering if there are any known means of perhaps finding virtual teachers, or how those of you without access to a local sangha have taken this important step.
In seeking out a teacher I do have concerns about being misguided by someone that is not themselves an advanced meditator. I do strive towards the path to stream entry and I worry that in my inexperience I may lack the discernment to know when a teaching is solid or not. Any advice in this regard would be much appreciated as well.
It is worth noting that I am fond of the teachings of the Thai Forest Lineage but would not be closed off to welcoming teachings from other traditions :)
Thank you!
Deck
(111 rep)
Jun 7, 2021, 10:56 PM
• Last activity: Jun 10, 2021, 03:18 PM
1
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The Various Theravada Traditions
> **What are the various specific traditions in Theravada Buddhism?** > > If you could please **describe, compare, and contrast** each of them > that would be greatly appreciated. May you be well.
> **What are the various specific traditions in Theravada Buddhism?**
>
> If you could please **describe, compare, and contrast** each of them
> that would be greatly appreciated.
May you be well.
user20570
Feb 20, 2021, 04:46 AM
• Last activity: Feb 21, 2021, 07:39 AM
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Is there any point in learning meditation from an unenlightened person?
If a meditation teacher is not enlightened, is there any point in learning from him/her? According to [Satipatthana Sutta](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/soma/wayof.html), the awakening should usually take some time between 7 days and 7 years. If somebody who devoted his life to teaching...
If a meditation teacher is not enlightened, is there any point in learning from him/her? According to [Satipatthana Sutta](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/soma/wayof.html) , the awakening should usually take some time between 7 days and 7 years. If somebody who devoted his life to teaching meditation still hasn't got enlightened, there must be something wrong with his method, then? Or am I missing something?
The question is general, but to give some context: I have been to a meditation retreat using S.N. Goenka's method, and what I learnt seems to have some merits. But if I assumed a Buddhist point of view that the awakening is the ultimate goal, there is no reason to follow his advice, since Goenka has stated that he is not enlightened. Is there any point in using his techniques?
kami
(2732 rep)
Feb 24, 2015, 01:20 PM
• Last activity: Feb 12, 2021, 02:37 PM
6
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3
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First Lay Teachers
I'm hearing of lay people becoming enlightened by the Buddha but did any of them become Lay Dhamma Teachers? When where the first lay teacher(s) of the eightfold path?
I'm hearing of lay people becoming enlightened by the Buddha but did any of them become Lay Dhamma Teachers? When where the first lay teacher(s) of the eightfold path?
Lowbrow
(7349 rep)
Apr 10, 2016, 07:46 AM
• Last activity: May 8, 2020, 11:00 AM
3
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6
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The Oldest Traditional Buddhist Lineage?
In Hinduism the traditional master-disciple relationship in the transmission is very important, which means that a student can go and learn from a teacher [whose initiatory lineage goes back directly to Adi Shankara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankaracharya) for example. I would have liked to kn...
In Hinduism the traditional master-disciple relationship in the transmission is very important, which means that a student can go and learn from a teacher [whose initiatory lineage goes back directly to Adi Shankara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankaracharya) for example.
I would have liked to know if there was such a thing in Buddhism, and if so, what were the oldest lineages still in place? With the master-disciple initiation chain unbroken.
Is there one that can be traced back to the Buddha himself? I hear a lot about the Forest Tradition, [but it only dates back to the 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Forest_Tradition#Formative_period_(around_1900)) .
Kalapa
(826 rep)
Mar 26, 2020, 03:07 PM
• Last activity: May 3, 2020, 07:13 AM
1
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2
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How can I find a teacher?
What is the best way, or how would I even go about finding a Buddhist teacher or spiritual guide? Thanks.
What is the best way, or how would I even go about finding a Buddhist teacher or spiritual guide? Thanks.
Kevin Hudson
(11 rep)
Oct 13, 2019, 01:39 AM
• Last activity: Oct 13, 2019, 09:29 AM
10
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7
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Methods of Modern Meditation Masters
There are some very influential meditation masters of the 20th century such as Mahasi Sayadaw and S.N. Goenka who have many people today who follow their methods. Is it possible to summarize the methods particular to modern meditation masters (type of meditation, etc.) and provide links to their tea...
There are some very influential meditation masters of the 20th century such as Mahasi Sayadaw and S.N. Goenka who have many people today who follow their methods. Is it possible to summarize the methods particular to modern meditation masters (type of meditation, etc.) and provide links to their teachings? This might be helpful to those new to meditation or those looking to expand their understanding of the many styles of meditation available today.
This is a community wiki and a work in progress. Please consider adding your knowledge to this post. Thank you!
Robin111
(9612 rep)
May 20, 2015, 11:45 AM
• Last activity: Feb 22, 2019, 02:18 PM
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2
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Getting out of a rut when your sick and dying
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any Doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any Doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
Lowbrow
(7349 rep)
Nov 18, 2018, 08:05 PM
• Last activity: Nov 20, 2018, 03:03 PM
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3
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Proper way to ask a teacher to become their student
I'm seeking a meditation/dharma teacher to help strengthen my practice, once I find one and establish some relationship what is the proper way to request becoming their student. I'm interested in The etiquette for lay or monastic. Also where I am there is not a strong community of practice what sugg...
I'm seeking a meditation/dharma teacher to help strengthen my practice, once I find one and establish some relationship what is the proper way to request becoming their student. I'm interested in The etiquette for lay or monastic. Also where I am there is not a strong community of practice what suggestions if any does anyone have about online teachers/instruction? (Hazards/cautions) if the relationship has to be long distance what steps can I take to make it more beneficial?
m2015
(1344 rep)
Jun 17, 2017, 11:32 AM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2017, 10:17 AM
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my meditation practice question
Would like to ask if my method of meditation(Mahasi method rising-falling) is correct. When some feeling arise in me, most of the time, i can noting the feeling was somewhere in the body( example: scare feeling near my abdomen/ back of my body). When i concentrate on that feeling, i will either yawn...
Would like to ask if my method of meditation(Mahasi method rising-falling) is correct. When some feeling arise in me, most of the time, i can noting the feeling was somewhere in the body( example: scare feeling near my abdomen/ back of my body).
When i concentrate on that feeling, i will either yawn/ tears coming out or even deep sign. Then i will feel better after every 'reaction'.
I would like to know when i noting the feeling part inside/outside the body, is this the right way? i did not do it purposely but i can just feel it when i concentrate'
Looking for a meditation teacher for years(answer my question from time to time- prefer online). Been practicing meditation for years on and off as i could not really get a teacher. I practice and learning teacher S.N.Goenka method before but i feel Mahasi method suit me. Unfortunately cannot get one to help.
Appreciate if anyone out there know any online tutor/ bante who can online help in meditation. Thanks
user11602
(31 rep)
Jun 24, 2017, 04:53 PM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2017, 08:29 AM
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4
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Mindful meditation, problems with anger. Where do I find other Buddhist for learning support?
I consider myself new to being a Buddhist. I've been practicing mindfulness for the past two and a half years . Most of what I have learned and what seems practical are teaching from books written by Thich nhat hanh . I've had much success dealing with anxiety. Lately though I've been unable calm my...
I consider myself new to being a Buddhist. I've been practicing mindfulness for the past two and a half years . Most of what I have learned and what seems practical are teaching from books written by Thich nhat hanh .
I've had much success dealing with anxiety. Lately though I've been unable calm my anger and it seems to be getting worst not better. No matter how much I focus on breathing.
I live near Vancouver BC, Canada. How do I find other Buddhists or teachers for support? Something in line with Thich nhat hanh's books.
strings
(133 rep)
Feb 8, 2016, 06:29 AM
• Last activity: Feb 8, 2016, 06:37 PM
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4
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Are monks better teachers than ex-monks?
It seems that most of the dharma teachers in the West are lay people, as opposed to Asia where most of the teachers are ordained monks. Many of the western teachers were monks for a while, but decided to disrobe. My assumption is that these teachers are not enlightened because they usually get in re...
It seems that most of the dharma teachers in the West are lay people, as opposed to Asia where most of the teachers are ordained monks. Many of the western teachers were monks for a while, but decided to disrobe. My assumption is that these teachers are not enlightened because they usually get in relationships after disrobing.
My question is, is it wise to follow these lay teachers, or is it better to wait and try to find a monk who has made a firmer commitment to the dharma?
I'm not trying to be disrespectful, it's just that it seems like the act of disrobing is sort of a rejection of Buddhist teachings.
user2429448
(193 rep)
Jul 9, 2015, 05:36 PM
• Last activity: Dec 29, 2015, 08:25 AM
3
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1
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Training with both Zen and Rimé
I am very fond of the Prasangika Madhyamaka following Candrakirtis interpretation of Nagarjuna. This is what I read and study most. But I am also attracted to Zen. Does anyone have any thoughts, moral or otherwise the, on pros and cons if I want to train with teachers at both a Zen center and a Tibe...
I am very fond of the Prasangika Madhyamaka following Candrakirtis interpretation of Nagarjuna. This is what I read and study most. But I am also attracted to Zen.
Does anyone have any thoughts, moral or otherwise the, on pros and cons if I want to train with teachers at both a Zen center and a Tibetan Rimé center?
Mr. Concept
(2683 rep)
Dec 16, 2015, 08:28 PM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2015, 03:02 AM
2
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How many Tibetan monks practiced meditation in "old Tibet"?
One aspect of the notion of "Buddhist Modernism" is that in modern history (ancient times aside) even the Theravada monkhood, let alone the laity, did not generally meditate, until the Burmese/Thai revival due to Mahasi Sayadaw and a few others in the 19th and early 20th century. (http://meaningness...
One aspect of the notion of "Buddhist Modernism" is that in modern history (ancient times aside) even the Theravada monkhood, let alone the laity, did not generally meditate, until the Burmese/Thai revival due to Mahasi Sayadaw and a few others in the 19th and early 20th century. (http://meaningness.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/theravada-reinvents-meditation/)
Yet, there is still the question of Tibetan monks, given the vigor of that tradition back to its introduction into Tibet. McMahan suggests (without any references!) that very few of them meditated:
> Tibetan forms of meditation have gone rather abruptly from being the
> province of a small number of specialist monks in Himalayan hermitages
> to being offered widely to the public in countries all over the globe.
> (McMahan, David L. (2008-10-17). The Making of Buddhist Modernism (p.
> 187). Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.)
But my impression is that in "old Tibet", that is pre-1950's, a fairly large fraction of the (very numerous) monkhood did practice meditation, via tantric sadhana and/or mahamudra.
Does anybody have actual references bearing on this? I realize there will be no quantified data, but how about biographies, reminiscences and other historical literature?
David Lewis
(1187 rep)
Oct 4, 2014, 12:59 AM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2015, 05:04 PM
8
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1
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When and why did monks stop meditating?
My understanding is that meditation went through a revival in the last two centuries, in part due to the efforts of the Theosophical Society. Supposedly in the past, monks had nearly or totally stopped meditating. Can anyone fill out the picture? - Main question in the title, when and why did monks...
My understanding is that meditation went through a revival in the last two centuries, in part due to the efforts of the Theosophical Society. Supposedly in the past, monks had nearly or totally stopped meditating. Can anyone fill out the picture?
- Main question in the title, when and why did monks stop meditating?
- Were other elements involved in the revival?
- Is this perspective more descriptive of Theravadan countries?
- How did reality differ from this picture?
Anthony
(2598 rep)
Oct 5, 2014, 03:17 AM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2015, 05:03 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions