Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Practical steps in sense restraint
Right Effort in the Noble 8 fold path has 4 components, the first being the prevention of the arising of unarisen unwholesome states. I've found in Bhikhu Bodhi's 'The noble eightfold path: Way to the end of suffering', a kind of general description of what is called 'sense restraint' as a tool one...
Right Effort in the Noble 8 fold path has 4 components, the first being the prevention of the arising of unarisen unwholesome states. I've found in Bhikhu Bodhi's 'The noble eightfold path: Way to the end of suffering', a kind of general description of what is called 'sense restraint' as a tool one can use to prevent these states from arising. I find the book to be a great resource. However, I think that his description here does not give me enough detail to be able to implement it. Can someone suggest additional reading material that will give more detail and perhaps examples? Kind regards and much metta!
Andre
(125 rep)
Jan 11, 2024, 10:47 AM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 03:01 AM
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When there is no self, who or what will exert a conscious effort to reach nirvana?
According to Theravadic Buddhism there’s no self. Self is an emergent illusion of a collection of smaller entities ( citta, chaithasika etc), in the same way, the physical body is an emergent result of the 5 elements (āpo, thejo etc.). This is also somewhat coherent with modern scientific understand...
According to Theravadic Buddhism there’s no self. Self is an emergent illusion of a collection of smaller entities ( citta, chaithasika etc), in the same way, the physical body is an emergent result of the 5 elements (āpo, thejo etc.). This is also somewhat coherent with modern scientific understanding, which explains mind/self is an emergent result of chemical reactions in the brain. Modern science is also on the path which states there is no free will, but rather responces and interactions to stimuli in a complex system.
My main question here is, if there is no self in Buddhism, what is the meaning of the concept of taking the right-effort (viriya) to attain nirvana, as there’s no actual actor to exert an effort? Conscious action itself is an illusion and there was no control for an alleged self in the first place. There never was an actor, and there never were conscious actions. Everything was an emergent illusion. So why talk about exerting an effort to reach Nirvana?
Buddhika Kithmini
(21 rep)
May 31, 2024, 12:34 AM
• Last activity: Jun 1, 2024, 03:43 PM
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What comes first: effort or motivation?
Master Shi Heng Yi referred to Laozi (Chinese Taoist Teacher) as saying that > It's better to remain clam and do nothing while achieving nothing than doing a lot and investing a lot of effort and energy and at the end not achieving anything (https://youtu.be/HN-YejxtWko) On the other hand, we often...
Master Shi Heng Yi referred to Laozi (Chinese Taoist Teacher) as saying that
> It's better to remain clam and do nothing while achieving nothing than doing a lot and investing a lot of effort and energy and at the end not achieving anything (https://youtu.be/HN-YejxtWko)
On the other hand, we often hear things like "There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons" i.e. keep trying until you succeed.
These two thoughts sound contradictory to me. Could anyone kindly help me figure out what I am missing here? I am open to all schools of thoughts. Personally, I procrastinate a lot while planning or trying to find motivation. I would really appreciate if someone could also share their personal experience.
Noob
(348 rep)
Feb 20, 2023, 05:42 AM
• Last activity: Feb 23, 2023, 01:34 PM
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The Buddha on fun, play & time management during practice & Dharma work
💚Did the Buddha teach anything about scheduling or time management? Did the Buddha ever recommend anything relating to play (as opposed to work that requires effort) as part a good practice routine? Do you know why he taught or did not teach play or time management?
💚Did the Buddha teach anything about scheduling or time management? Did the Buddha ever recommend anything relating to play (as opposed to work that requires effort) as part a good practice routine? Do you know why he taught or did not teach play or time management?
Lowbrow
(7349 rep)
Feb 15, 2023, 03:51 AM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2023, 12:54 PM
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Are there any Buddhist scriptures about motivation & discipline?
Is there a sutta suitable for monastics or laypeople, that helps one become motivated when one is having a hard time disciplining themselves?
Is there a sutta suitable for monastics or laypeople, that helps one become motivated when one is having a hard time disciplining themselves?
Lowbrow
(7349 rep)
Dec 14, 2022, 08:11 AM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2022, 07:16 PM
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What fruits can a poor servant of Mara and his host expect?
Say one has gravely fallen into slavehood by consuming 'free' and, almost unaware, is driven to steal and pull the Gems and it's heritage, into this evil bound. Almost unaware and deluded, he even thinks he does a good by following a Robin Hood like lane, trying to gain surface by pulling Sublime in...
Say one has gravely fallen into slavehood by consuming 'free' and, almost unaware, is driven to steal and pull the Gems and it's heritage, into this evil bound. Almost unaware and deluded, he even thinks he does a good by following a Robin Hood like lane, trying to gain surface by pulling Sublime into his sink.
What does good householder think: Which fruit, by acts grave wrong view (taking ungiven, cheating, hiding up, disregard...), following demand and 'my right' (given by Lord Mara, industy and his host), has he and those he encourage likewise, to expects, how ever 'naively good' he might justify his ways, even it directly warned? Liberation or long time even lower slave of Mara and his host?
Sure, answer honest and in line with the teacher, after having reflected wise, might change ones ways, and one might not only seek for excuse old but change the way toward out. Yet those answers might be rare and less voted up, naturally, bound like-a-like.
user23341
(41 rep)
Jan 18, 2022, 12:54 PM
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Understanding compassion fatigue from a buddhist point of view
For the last couple of years there has been growing research on so called compassion fatigue among social workers/therapists/social workers, and their likes. In short, compassion fatigue can be described as exhaustion and/or vicarious traumatization in different forms of healthcare/emotional labor....
For the last couple of years there has been growing research on so called compassion fatigue among social workers/therapists/social workers, and their likes. In short, compassion fatigue can be described as exhaustion and/or vicarious traumatization in different forms of healthcare/emotional labor. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion_fatigue) .
My question is - if and how - one can understand these phenomena based on buddhist dharma? As far as i understand there is no mentioning of these types of specific phenomena in the suttas.
A few personal hypotheses is that compassion fatigue is the result of one or more of these factors:
- an imbalance between the five indriyas/faculties and the five pancabalani/strengths, leading to
- akusala padhana/unwholesome effort.
- upadana, grasping for being overtly supportive at the expense of own health, or clinging to a self-view as a tireless helper.
I realize this may seem counter to popular buddhist notions such as the brahmaviharas, for instance. I still can't help but wonder if this can explain compassion fatigue, or if there are other alternative interpretations based on a buddhist framework?
(This is a sutta reference request)
user11699
Dec 1, 2019, 04:43 PM
• Last activity: May 19, 2020, 04:02 PM
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vāyāma vs virya?
I've heard both of these Pali terms translated to the English term "effort". 1: sammā-vāyāma: the 6th item in the 8-fold path. 2: virya: the 2nd of the 5 faculties/powers/Indrias. If 2 terms are used instead of 1, they probably represent slightly different concepts but the similarity and difference...
I've heard both of these Pali terms translated to the English term "effort".
1: sammā-vāyāma: the 6th item in the 8-fold path.
2: virya: the 2nd of the 5 faculties/powers/Indrias.
If 2 terms are used instead of 1, they probably represent slightly different concepts but the similarity and difference between these 2 is unclear to me.
My best guess from my fuzzy understanding is ...
Gil Fronsdal has identified virya as being a kind of "heroic effort".
It's part of the 5 Indrias and Indra was the god that ruled the other gods so perhaps this refers to an heroic effort to rule over the hindrances?
sammā-vāyāma is associated with the 4 right exertions.
As such it seems to be about moving away from unwholesome states and towards wholesome states.
The 2 terms seem very similar.
The only difference I can detect is that the "heroic" modifier associated with virya suggests a stronger emphasis on courage and/or aggression.
Is this correct?
Alex Ryan
(604 rep)
Apr 6, 2020, 02:50 PM
• Last activity: Apr 7, 2020, 03:20 PM
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Deload weeks for meditation
I like to go to the gym and lift weights. If you do that you are recommended to take deload weeks where periodically you lift lighter weights or less frequently or both. It's meant to be very beneficial. Could the same be said for meditation practice? Has any teacher / book recommended something sim...
I like to go to the gym and lift weights. If you do that you are recommended to take deload weeks where periodically you lift lighter weights or less frequently or both. It's meant to be very beneficial.
Could the same be said for meditation practice? Has any teacher / book recommended something similar? Could periodically taking it easy (less frequently or shorter sits) benefit the practice generally? The advice I've seen seems to be the opposite i.e. the answer to poor meditation is more meditation. That kind of thing hasn't worked for me in the past and has actually caused me to go from poor meditation to no meditation.
I do appreciate lifting weights and meditation are different though.
Crab Bucket
(21181 rep)
Mar 3, 2020, 09:39 PM
• Last activity: Mar 4, 2020, 04:44 AM
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6
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Buddhism and Losing Determination
I noticed that I tend to very well know what I must do, and that I also strive and attempt to do these things, but that often I am filled with a kind of 'defeatism' or 'pessimism'. I know the right way, attempt the right way, but this heavy and saddening discouragement just makes me go: "What's the...
I noticed that I tend to very well know what I must do, and that I also strive and attempt to do these things, but that often I am filled with a kind of 'defeatism' or 'pessimism'. I know the right way, attempt the right way, but this heavy and saddening discouragement just makes me go: "What's the point? It's all futile anyways."
**How would Buddhism describe and remedy such an emotion?**
I feel like this is distinct from not knowing the right way, and not attempting the right way. It's more of a temporary emotion dragging me down, a kind of hopelessness or shame or maybe even self-hatred.
This emotion doesn't always occur, but it occurs enough for me to be held back in my practice. **What should I do?**
user7302
Nov 10, 2019, 10:09 PM
• Last activity: Nov 15, 2019, 01:12 PM
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How important is constancy in meditation practice?
I'm going through a period of meditating every day which is not how I usually practice. Before I would meditate 5-6 times a week then deliberately not do more as I would seem to 'run dry' and lose my feeling for it and felt like a needed a gap. So I'm trying just to keep going and see how that works...
I'm going through a period of meditating every day which is not how I usually practice. Before I would meditate 5-6 times a week then deliberately not do more as I would seem to 'run dry' and lose my feeling for it and felt like a needed a gap. So I'm trying just to keep going and see how that works.
But how important is constancy in meditation? - is it better just to ease off for a day if you feel depleted with it or would the thing be to keep with it even if the practice feels dry and barren.
Many thanks as always
Crab Bucket
(21181 rep)
Feb 12, 2019, 11:05 PM
• Last activity: Oct 13, 2019, 03:32 PM
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Is there a conflict between dependent origination and right effort?
My current understanding of dependent origination is that things cause other things to arise and cease and ultimately it a big interconnected web of influences. If that's reasonably correct (on a provisional level) then what meaning does right effort or just effort generally have in that context. If...
My current understanding of dependent origination is that things cause other things to arise and cease and ultimately it a big interconnected web of influences. If that's reasonably correct (on a provisional level) then what meaning does right effort or just effort generally have in that context.
If I arise and cease dependent on other things then where does my own effort come into it? If I decide to practice the Dharma how does that come about? Isn't my decision to practice just the interplay of causes in a big interconnected web?
I appreciate that this kind of questioning can be (rightly) criticised as metaphysical nitpicking. However when I meditate (or even just sit around and reflect) this kind of question comes up for me. It's like a little personal koan that keeps nagging at me so I would appreciate any input - even if it is just a reminder not to worry and get practicing.
Crab Bucket
(21181 rep)
May 6, 2015, 06:43 PM
• Last activity: Oct 13, 2019, 03:03 PM
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Choice-less awareness vs directed
I read that after careful mental noting of experience in mindfulness .One reaches a state of effortless effort and choiceless awareness .So I want clear out if awareness can direct itself without deciding or should it always be consciously directed ?. For example what decides that now awareness has...
I read that after careful mental noting of experience in mindfulness .One reaches a state of effortless effort and choiceless awareness .So I want clear out if awareness can direct itself without deciding or should it always be consciously directed ?.
For example what decides that now awareness has to be shifted from the breath to the body ?.If this decision is unconscious then it isn't wise .And if it's based only on information coming from the breath, then its not a well educated decision.
So shouldn't awareness be directed on "**where should it be directed**"?.
Omar Boshra
(507 rep)
Apr 10, 2019, 09:13 AM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2019, 11:02 AM
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Are Good Qualities Proportional to Our Efforts?
I mused that clearly, certain efforts are necessary for the path. But, I can easily imagine a person exerting lots of efforts towards a detrimental goal, or a person exerting a bit of effort towards a *wholesome* goal. So, effort *in itself* seems not directly related to good qualities. Another exam...
I mused that clearly, certain efforts are necessary for the path. But, I can easily imagine a person exerting lots of efforts towards a detrimental goal, or a person exerting a bit of effort towards a *wholesome* goal. So, effort *in itself* seems not directly related to good qualities.
Another example is a proficient meditator for whom meditation might be easier, but more potent and pleasant; this contrasts with the beginner who struggles and must apply effort. The experienced meditator might generate more effect with less effort.
**What is the relationship in Buddhism of effort to its resulting benefit? Is it indirect?**
Thank you
user7302
Sep 4, 2019, 12:56 PM
• Last activity: Sep 4, 2019, 04:15 PM
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How to Proceed By Right Effort
I understand and have understood what in Buddhism is linked to right effort, which involves aspiring to what is skillful and abandoning what is unskillful. Yet, I wonder: **How do practitioners proceed in terms of order or in terms of determining what to do next? How does one determine what is most...
I understand and have understood what in Buddhism is linked to right effort, which involves aspiring to what is skillful and abandoning what is unskillful.
Yet, I wonder:
**How do practitioners proceed in terms of order or in terms of determining what to do next? How does one determine what is most important?**
Thank you
user7302
Jul 17, 2019, 10:57 PM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2019, 05:47 PM
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What contentment and modesty, what persistence and grasping, toward what, craving, craving holding on what leads to liberation?
What contentment and modesty, what persistence and grasping, toward what, craving, craving holding on what leads to liberation? Doing, acting, content toward what is skilful, toward what unskilful in relation of path and fruit? Doing, acting, persist toward what is skilful, toward what unskilful in...
What contentment and modesty, what persistence and grasping, toward what, craving, craving holding on what leads to liberation?
Doing, acting, content toward what is skilful, toward what unskilful in relation of path and fruit?
Doing, acting, persist toward what is skilful, toward what unskilful in relation of path and fruit?
*(Note: this is not given for exchange, stacks, trade or entertainment but as a means for liberation from this wheel.)*
user11235
Jul 14, 2019, 11:25 PM
• Last activity: Jul 15, 2019, 07:20 AM
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Gratitude, Movement and Compassion
I noticed all the emotions mentioned in the title have a certain similarity. **Does Buddhism talk about movement or gratitude?** Similarly, movement seems to occur spontaneously, but gratitude and compassion may be practised. **Is movement more of a reaction, and less constructive on that basis?** F...
I noticed all the emotions mentioned in the title have a certain similarity. **Does Buddhism talk about movement or gratitude?**
Similarly, movement seems to occur spontaneously, but gratitude and compassion may be practised. **Is movement more of a reaction, and less constructive on that basis?**
Finally, movement seems akin to sympathetic joy. Would feeling sympathetic joy in itself -- i.e. the feeling or experience of it -- be constructive independently of practice, or is the *implementation* more constructive? **In other words, would practise like meditation or action bring benefit much beyond merely feeling moved?**
I guess I'm somewhat implying the question as well: **Do experiences without effort (e.g. merely *feeling* compassion) have any potential for spiritual growth?**
Thank you.
user7302
Apr 24, 2019, 11:40 AM
• Last activity: Apr 27, 2019, 10:12 AM
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3
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First Effort in "Right Effort"
The first effort states **to prevent the arising of unarisen unwholesome states** How is this done? How can we prevent something beforehand? By avoiding situations? By trying to be in a rational and/or 'dhammic' frame of mind? If there is contact with an object, either ignorance or wisdom arises sub...
The first effort states **to prevent the arising of unarisen unwholesome states**
How is this done? How can we prevent something beforehand? By avoiding situations? By trying to be in a rational and/or 'dhammic' frame of mind?
If there is contact with an object, either ignorance or wisdom arises subsequently in response, and AFTER THAT, we can use sati-sampajañña to get rid of the unwholesome state (2nd factor of right effort).
But how is the first factor to be practised?
Val
(2560 rep)
Mar 13, 2019, 04:12 PM
• Last activity: Mar 13, 2019, 05:01 PM
3
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5
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What did the Buddha say about motivation?
**What did the Buddha say about wholesome types of motivation?** Is there a difference in the Pali language between "intention" (as in Right Intention) and "motivation"? From what I understand Right Intention is renunciation, good-will and harmlessness. I can understand how good-will and maybe renun...
**What did the Buddha say about wholesome types of motivation?**
Is there a difference in the Pali language between "intention" (as in Right Intention) and "motivation"?
From what I understand Right Intention is renunciation, good-will and harmlessness. I can understand how good-will and maybe renunciation can be a sort of motivation, but harmlessness seems to be more passive and therefore maybe not a motivation in the same way
**Basically what I'm looking for are the things that motivate us (as in "drives us") to do things, which are considered wholesome in Buddhism**
(Maybe there is also a connection to Right Effort here)
Grateful for help with understanding this better!
sunyata
(954 rep)
Mar 18, 2017, 03:16 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2018, 07:25 PM
3
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3
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Developing Positive Qualities and Diminishing Negative Qualities
I wondered recently whether the ideas of developing positive qualities and abandoning negative qualities are different. To me, it seems developing positive qualities requires an active effort, a type of striving. In contrast, abandoning negative qualities requires a relinquishing, a restraint. **Are...
I wondered recently whether the ideas of developing positive qualities and abandoning negative qualities are different. To me, it seems developing positive qualities requires an active effort, a type of striving. In contrast, abandoning negative qualities requires a relinquishing, a restraint.
**Are these endeavours two different aspirations? Does achieving one ascertain the achievement of the other or not?**
In other words, does one lead automatically to the other, or should one *intentionally* implement both?
user7302
Sep 23, 2018, 12:33 PM
• Last activity: Sep 25, 2018, 01:44 AM
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