Questions tagged [sutras]
A type of literary composition in of varying length. In Buddhism this mostly refers to canonical texts. Sutras is a Sanskrit term however the Pali term sutta is often used by certain traditions. The two terms are equivalent.
379
questions
0
votes
3
answers
736
views
How does Buddhism deal with psychopaths & serial killer
What do the suttas say about such people? Surely they're acting on their ignorance (dependent origination), but can't they make use of restraint/self control?
Is there no penalization in such cases ...
- 2,560
2
votes
1
answer
376
views
Diamond Sutra in Tibetan, Sanskrit, and/or Japanese
Does anyone know where I can find a version of the Diamond Sutra that is in one of these three formats:
Classical Tibetan with Romanized Tibetan and English
Devangari with Romanized Sanskrit and ...
- 123
0
votes
4
answers
256
views
What motivates a fully awakened person in a loving relationship?
Loving relationship here is meant specifically as a mutually intimate partnership like husband and wife and boyfriend and girlfriend. There would be the case where one would become fully awake and ...
user14148
2
votes
4
answers
302
views
Are there other things like life?
In this text SN 56.46 Andhakara Sutta: Darkness, the Buddha seems to say, in my opinion, that life is much more stressful than black holes.
And I think life is an anomaly in this universe just like ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
105
views
I'm trying to find a specific sutta I think
I remember there being a passage where a monk says to Buddha that he thinks the Sangha is at least 50 percent of the teaching and Buddha says something along the lines of 'it's all of it'. Can anyone ...
- 21
3
votes
5
answers
253
views
Did the Buddha according to the suttas mean anything else by the word "self" beyond simply the aspect of control/power?
It looks like according to [the Anatta-lakkhana Sutta][1] one aspect that is considered "self" by the Buddha is power or control. Why did he use the word "self" instead of just "complete control/power"...
- 534
0
votes
4
answers
106
views
Evidence of determinism in DN 2 Samaññaphala Sutta? Was the King already a faith follower?
Near the end of the Samaññaphala Sutta it says this:
"The king is incapacitated. Had he not killed his father — that righteous man, that righteous king — the dustless, stainless Dhamma eye would ...
- 534
-1
votes
2
answers
149
views
Accuracy of suttas [closed]
The suttas were as far as I heard transmitted orally, and it was only several hundred years later that the teachings were put on to paper. Now my questions:
i) Do you believe in every sutta? For ...
- 2,560
2
votes
1
answer
139
views
"Take joy! I am your guarantor for getting 500 dove-footed nymphs."
The Nanda sutta seems contrary to what the Buddha teaches with regard to sensual desire. Therefore, I don't understand how this was a wise approach in the case of Nanda even though Nanda acquired ...
user14148
2
votes
5
answers
226
views
If we consider 'kamma' as intention and habits, how are these transferred from a brain to next life when the brain breaks-up and cease to function?
According to the Pali Canon, how are intentions and habits passed on from one existence to another without any material support?
What do the texts tell us about rebirth and the transference of these ...
- 2,104
2
votes
5
answers
167
views
Why do ignorance and intention have something to do with rebirth?
I have a lot of trouble dealing with rebirth, mostly because of my previous "skeptic" past. However, buddhism has helped me a lot to open my mind and to get detached from any point of view that might ...
- 2,104
2
votes
2
answers
101
views
Perceiving or not perceiving?
My question is related to the quote below taken from Chapter 29 of The Diamond Sutra. Can you provide any references for other explanations for this quote or can you provide your own explanation?
“...
user14148
1
vote
4
answers
157
views
Can good karma, bad karma or neither good and bad karma arise or not arise from not doing?
"Not doing" in this sense is to mean the absence of any form of action that originates from thought (for instance physical form like speech, bodily movements) in such a way that reduces the physical ...
user14148
3
votes
2
answers
462
views
Avataṃsaka Sutra in Sanskrit
I've recently begun reading up on the Avataṃsaka Sutra and was curious if anyone here is aware of any available Sanskrit text. Thank you.
- 323
0
votes
5
answers
461
views
Invalid logic pertaining to karma in sutta AN 5.129?
WARNING: I don't hold the views put forward in Section B (by "the views put forward in Section B" I mean everything in Section B besides the sutta itself.) of this question anymore and I think that ...
- 534
3
votes
3
answers
106
views
How different is "joy of ownership" in the Dīgha,jānu Sutta from clinging onto one's wealth?
In the Dīgha,jānu Sutta, accomplishment of diligence leads to the joy of ownership. Isn't "joy of ownership" just clinging onto one's wealth? What do other Buddhist schools say about this?
A possible ...
- 143
0
votes
0
answers
137
views
The Cula-suññata Sutta - Pali Canon and emptiness [duplicate]
I've closed the question. No need to answer
It's a sore and sensitive subject, emptiness.
The Cula-suññata Sutta: The Lesser Discourse on Emptiness.
What else is there in the Pali canon that has a ...
user14148
0
votes
3
answers
78
views
Eclecticism in the Dhamma (as per AN 3.72; AN 3.65; MN 20)
“Those who teach a Dhamma for the abandoning of passion, for the abandoning of aversion, for the abandoning of delusion — their Dhamma is well-taught”.
(Ājīvaka Sutta; AN 3:72)
Does this verse imply ...
- 2,560
1
vote
1
answer
77
views
What did the Buddha mean by "the stage beyond study" in the Shurangama Sutta?
The Buddha mentioned, "The stage beyond study", in chapter 5 of the Shurangama Sutta.
What did the Buddha mean by this?
user14148
1
vote
1
answer
43
views
Satipathanna sutta in audio English (long version)
Can anyone direct me to the full audio version of the satipathanna sutta?
NOTE: I'm not looking for a guide or a talk just the plain sutta spoken clearly in English.
user14148
1
vote
1
answer
63
views
Buddhist cannon database
s there an online database that either contains the Buddhist canon in either English or Chinese?
I've had a difficult time tracking down first hand sources other than the usual suspects (Heart Sutra, ...
- 11
2
votes
3
answers
189
views
Must one move through the various jhanas to realise nibbana?
Some of these jhanas are incredibly powerful but they have an opposite, that being emotional and mental upheaval and the dark nights.
Essentially, I realise that there are valuable insights to learn ...
user14148
2
votes
2
answers
136
views
Satipathanna Sutta and contemplating mind externally?
More specifically, Buddha informs the Kurus thus:
"Contemplating mind internally. Contemplating mind externally. Contemplating mind both internally and externally"
How is one to contemplate the mind ...
user14148
2
votes
3
answers
133
views
Suttas which explain how to deal with unwholesome habits
Are there any suttas where the Buddha gives advice how to change one's behaviours, like eating addiction, mindless eating, addiction to entertainment, laziness and all that? Basically giving in into ...
- 2,560
1
vote
3
answers
93
views
Source on the 4 types of ways to protect the 5 precepts
Recently I got to know that there are 4 types of ways to protect the 5 precepts.
Such as
You don't do it
You don't make others do it
You don't support others to do it
You don't praise and talk ...
- 1,233
2
votes
3
answers
70
views
Which case is "I am a professor" with identity view?
According to the Yamaka Sutta quoted below, a run-of-the-mill person thinks one of the following:
the form to be the self
the self as possessing form
the form as in the self
the self as in form
And ...
- 36.1k
3
votes
2
answers
262
views
Suttas on the 5 Precepts
I am looking for the suttas where the Buddha has preached about the 5 precepts. Also how it can lead you to Samadhi, Niravana and etc.
-Metta
- 1,233
1
vote
1
answer
237
views
Definition of Sathpurisha
What is the definition of "Sathpurisa/Sathpurusha" according to the Buddha?
Please provide sutta references.
Metta.
- 1,233
3
votes
2
answers
114
views
A person being enlightened by a non-enlightened
I have heard stories of non-enlightened monks preach dharma to ordinary people and those people would become enlightened (At least a stream-enterer).
Can I have any sources on these? Possibly any ...
- 1,233
1
vote
1
answer
83
views
Is there a sutta which answers where a nirvanaised consciousnesses is after death and comapres it to a fire going out?
Is there a sutta which answers where a nirvanaised consciousnesses is after death and comapres it to a fire going out?
I thought there was, but can't find it. Sounds like Vacchagota mashed up with ...
user2512
1
vote
2
answers
166
views
From which text is the quote by Buddha “My practice is the nonpractice, the attainment of nonattainment” taken?
I was reading an article on Tricycle written by Thich Nhat Hanh, in which he quotes Buddha as follows:
“My practice is the nonpractice, the attainment of nonattainment.”
From which text is this ...
user13664
3
votes
3
answers
137
views
Kakacūpama Sutta and Mistress Vedehika
I'm not sure sure if this is opinion based or not but my question is. is it fair to judge Vedehika, poorly (and does the sutta really do this). It seems like she was pushed to the breaking point (...
- 1,334
2
votes
1
answer
88
views
Is "the mind is without feature or surface, limitless, ..." in the Pali canon?
in John Haspel's book, 'Becoming Buddha', the following quote is attributed to MN 11:
“Magandiya, when you hear the true Dhamma, ... When released from
clinging the mind is without feature or surface,...
- 567
3
votes
2
answers
545
views
How should one be mindful of death?
Namo Budhaya.
In the Mindfulness of Death sutta Buddha says the following:
When this was said, the Buddha said to those mendicants: “The
mendicants who develop mindfulness of death by wishing to ...
- 3,985
2
votes
4
answers
454
views
How to die professionally?
In this book Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition Lama Tharchin makes a powerful statement
Dharma is how we can come to die professionally.
...
user13064
1
vote
3
answers
120
views
Sutta advice on obstacles and insults, similar to Epictetus' (Stoic) advice?
Lately, I have been reading (again!), more and more, the workings of the roman stoic philosopher Epictetus: and I think Buddhism and Epictetan Stoicism share a bunch of similarities; and I would now ...
- 2,560
1
vote
1
answer
335
views
What are the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma according to Tibetan Buddhism?
Tibetan Buddhists often talk about the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma...
What are the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma according to Tibetan Buddhism?
Where did they take place according ...
- 4,324
2
votes
2
answers
246
views
Looking for mentions of karma related to actions taken while dreaming
I am looking for early mentions of the accumulation of karma while dreaming.
Here is what I've been able to find so far:
In The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom a discussion of accumulating karma in ...
- 4,324
4
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Earliest usage of "rope or snake" allegory in Buddhist literature?
The allegory of a rope being mistaken for a snake to explain subtle metaphysical points is widespread in Buddhist literature. In particular, Je Tsongkhapa uses this allegory many times in his works to ...
- 4,324
1
vote
1
answer
131
views
Can you translate, from Pali, this sutta about Equanimity?
I have been trying to find out the meaning and nature of Equanimity or Upeksha.
I came across this Sutta which says something about Equanimity but it is in Pali.
Mahālomahaṃsacariya (Cp 35, i.e. ...
- 3,985
1
vote
0
answers
57
views
How to develop Equanimity or Upeksha? [duplicate]
Namo Buddhaya.
This sutta asks for development of 7 factors of enlightenment including Mindfulness and Equanimity. Development of Mindfulness is described in detail but I couldn't find any sutta ...
- 3,985
1
vote
4
answers
260
views
Does MN9 imply a cyclic causation? How does it work?
The Nanamoli and Bodhi translation of MN9 states in 2 excerpts:
With the arising of the taints there is the arising of ignorance. With
the cessation of the taints there is the cessation of ...
- 36.1k
2
votes
3
answers
125
views
Importance of the first three Brahmaviharas in Theravadan Buddhism
So while reading a lot of teachings, especially "higher" teachings, a great deal is mentioned about dispassion in worldy things, unattractiveness in the body and various contemplations on death. It's ...
- 2,560
0
votes
3
answers
67
views
Reference request: the ways of the world
I am looking for sutta text where the Buddha says something like...
The ways of the world will never be finished find your own salvation
with diligence...
Meaning, all the politics, hatered, war ...
user13135
2
votes
1
answer
171
views
Girimananda sutta
The 10 perceptions in the sutta are meant to be meditated upon? Aniccasaññā is then not to be understood as empirical seeing the 3 characteristics, but contemplating on impermanence, right?
- 2,560
1
vote
1
answer
357
views
What and why is "perception of the dimension of nothingness"?
This is a paragraph of Cula-sunnata sutta;
(Nothingness)
"Further, Ananda, the monk — not attending to the perception of the dimension of the infinitude of space, not attending to the perception ...
- 603
2
votes
5
answers
87
views
Best study tools on the net or books
I currently don't have a teacher and I'm looking for good study guides for the sutta's. I mean I'm reading them but when it comes to interpretation often I'm at a loss. Is there a source(s) or book(s) ...
- 1,334
2
votes
1
answer
53
views
What are the suttas in which the Buddha describes suffering as "burning"
I remember reading suttas in which the Buddha describes suffering, lust or other unwholesome mind states as burning. What are these suttas?
- 2,653
1
vote
2
answers
180
views
What did the Buddha mean by "no truth can be spoken?"
What did the Buddha mean by "no truth can be spoken" in the Diamond Sutra?
- 498
5
votes
7
answers
400
views
A concentrated monk discerns things as they actually are?
Samadhi Sutta
(Concentration)
[Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.]
“Develop concentration, monks. A concentrated monk discerns things as they actually are present...
Is this an accurate ...
- 6,998