Questions tagged [theravada]
The oldest of the two big branches in Buddhism. Theravada tries to follow the original teachings of Gautama Buddha as closely as possible
640
questions
3
votes
5answers
125 views
Dhatu-vibhanga sutta question?
Why consciousness not discussed as internal and external in Dhathu-vibhanga sutta?
"And what is the space property? The space property may be either internal or external. What is the internal space ...
1
vote
3answers
47 views
Samma ditthi vs Miccha ditthi
Can someone guide me? Whenever I try to concentrate on Samma Ditthi, some obstacle generate within this body? It's like mirage of something real! Its like a whirlpool of mass of atoms. Help me!
3
votes
2answers
41 views
Does the first precept require me to check the shower for bugs and make sure to remove all of the bugs before using it?
I recently noticed that perhaps fewer than 10 bugs seem to be in my shower. I can try to remove all of the bugs from the shower before using it so that they don’t get washed away and killed. However,...
6
votes
9answers
762 views
Is it even possible to attain Nirvana?
Sorry, I've just read Satipatthana Sutta (MN 10) and feel a bit overwhelmed.
As far as I understand, this is some sort of instruction on how to attain enlightenment. It teaches, that one has to ...
0
votes
5answers
127 views
Can this Buddhist do this job?
At my university I and my group were offered a case of opinion on Buddhism.
Neither I nor my colleagues are Buddhists so we have done a lot of research in the last few days, but we are afraid of ...
0
votes
5answers
99 views
Who should we regard as role models?
When practicing the Dhamma there are many exemplary characters found in Buddhist texts who are worthy of emulation,I want to know whether it would be right for a layman to regard an Arahant Bhikkuni ...
2
votes
2answers
52 views
Steward to a monk/monastery
I am trying to recall the formal/traditional way of offering help to a monk for the longevity of their ordination.
Being a steward doesn't seem like it's the answer I'm looking for.
I have both met ...
1
vote
1answer
56 views
Monk wanting to upgrade technology
If there have been donations for technology upgrades...
Is it possible for someone to ask an abbott exactly what he wants donated funds to be used for? To ask the what specific items he could use?
1
vote
0answers
30 views
Do monks HAVE to accept anything offered to them?
Does a theravada abbott have to accept everything / anything that is offered to them? I'm referencing technology, things beyond requisites.
I know it is important for abbotts to set a good example ...
2
votes
1answer
44 views
Do the Theravādins believe in the Buddhaguṇas?
In the Pāli Theravāda tradition, are there any specific guṇas that a sammāsambuddha has that an arhat has not?
4
votes
3answers
84 views
Sati • Yonisomanasikara
Dearest friends, seeking to clarify my fragmentary understanding of these matters, I would very much appreciate your comments on the distinction between Sati Mindfulness and Yonisomanasikara Attention ...
0
votes
2answers
68 views
What are your thoughts on Ajahn Maha Bua?
Shedding Tears in Amazement of the Dhamma
I am posting this because I've yet to post a question.
I should note that I respect Ajahn Maha Bua a lot. In fact, both of my teachers were students of his.
...
0
votes
2answers
33 views
Taking refuge in the three jewels with respect to DN 26
“Mendicants, be your own island, your own refuge, with no other
refuge. Let the teaching be your island and your refuge, with no other
refuge. And how does a mendicant do this? They meditate ...
3
votes
4answers
190 views
Theravada and Nagarjuna
I appreciate that various aspects of Nagarjuna's teachings are rejected by Theravadans but I'm wondering where the line is drawn. For some of his teachings I can see room for scepticism, but what ...
0
votes
0answers
13 views
Is all property communal for the monks?
The bowl, the robes, the lodgings, the medicines - are these private property, or shared within a Sangha of monks?
0
votes
3answers
65 views
Are there any similar characteristics between Nama and Rupa?
We can define location, size, velocity for rupa. Can we define these for Nama ?
Can we say "a moving mind", "mind is located inside the body", "after the death, mind leaves the body and step into a ...
1
vote
1answer
44 views
Kesi Sutta, what is an untamable person?
"It is true, Kesi, that it's not proper for a Tathagata to take life.
But if a tamable person doesn't submit either to a mild training or to
a harsh training or to a mild & harsh training, ...
0
votes
1answer
57 views
What are the requirements for Once-returner?
I know about the ten fetters model. I read that a Once-returner has very reduced desire and aversion to the point that they only appear when tired or unmindful.
Are there other relevant requirements?...
2
votes
3answers
82 views
Are the Pali-words Patinissagga and Vossagga synonyms?
Are both Pali-words synonyms or is there a slight difference between 'patinissagga' and 'vossagga'?
1
vote
3answers
132 views
Ultimate reality and tilakkhana
Is it correct to say that the tilakkhana (anicca, dukkha, anatta) is ultimate reality?
2
votes
3answers
123 views
What is the difference between panna vimutti and ceto vimutti?
I wonder if the difference has something to do with the permanent destruction (through vipassana bhavana) vs. the temporary destruction (through samatha bhavana) of the kilesas?
2
votes
4answers
109 views
Are monks expected to accept life lessons from (time spent with) the laity?
In general, the monks are expected to preach the Dhamma and the laity should listen. But "behind the scenes", so to say, should monks really be learning from at least some situations they run into ...
1
vote
1answer
38 views
Reference to Questions of King Milinda in Progress of Insight, Chapter 12
In Mahasi Sayadaws "Progress of Insight", Chapter 12. Insight Leading to emergence (vutthanagamini-vipassana-ñana), a reference is made to Milindapañha.
Also in the Questions of King Milinda it is ...
0
votes
2answers
132 views
Is this a grave mistake in DN22 translation?
Is this a grave mistake in DN22 translation?
It appears both Ven. Thanissaro and Bhante Sujato have made a grave translation error in DN22.
“Mendicants, the four kinds of mindfulness meditation ...
0
votes
3answers
90 views
Understanding Saṅkhāra in dependent origination as *choices* of body, speech and mind?
Continuing to try to understand Dependent Origination from my own reading of the suttas as well trying to grok the understanding of other skilled practitioners and I've come across an interesting ...
0
votes
2answers
43 views
Relationship between the 5 higher fetters and the Three Characteristics or the Three Doors
I use the definition of Three Doors posted here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/6rrbl8/any_commentaries_on_the_three_doors_of_liberation/dl7h0e1/
To me, it looks like there is a ...
0
votes
1answer
81 views
Is HH Dalai Lama conceited? [closed]
I heard that Theravada presupposes HH Dalai Lama is not even reached initial bodhisattva enlightenment and that His existence is mocked. Is it not so?
3
votes
1answer
74 views
Which Pau Auk branch to stay at?
I am writing to you today for your advice. I have been considering ordination in the Pau Auk tradition. I am planning a trip to stay for a month in May to see what the life is like. I am undecided ...
-1
votes
6answers
173 views
Without reproducing, how is buddhism a proper belief in a world where resources are limited?
Say foreign people would come in a ideal buddhist country where everyone is an aharant. They would take the monks into slavery by force to have them work in a field and they would also steal their ...
-4
votes
2answers
102 views
King Siddharta, his wife Jasodhara, and other buddhas
What happened to king Siddhartha after he left the palace after renouncing the duty of King?How many days queen Jasodhara remained in the palace with his son?A king is not so weak minded so that he he ...
0
votes
3answers
61 views
Causes of downfall of a Man, pointed by Buddha in Mangala Sutta
As, pointed out by Buddha in Mangala Sutta, the causes of downfall of a man. Among those following is the one among them;
1) Those who have ample wealth does not support his old aged father and mother ...
0
votes
4answers
185 views
What could be some teachings that Buddha has not revealed to us?
In Maha-parinibbana Sutta Buddha has said:
"there is nothing, Ananda, with regard to the teachings that the Tathagata holds to the last with the closed fist of a teacher who keeps some things back."
...
0
votes
3answers
84 views
Reincarnation of a Sotapanna person (Stream Enterer)
When the life of a Sotapanna ends, let's say he/she reincarnates as a human.
Does that mean, the reincarnated is capable of demonstrating the qualities of a Sotapanna since a very young age?
Or, ...
1
vote
4answers
96 views
Devotion to parents
As a Buddhist, I believe devotion to mothers is very important if we want to have a good life. Since I was child I followed my mother's instructions until I became an adult. This included getting ...
0
votes
1answer
97 views
What is the origin of Buddho meditation?
Some people say its from the forests of Thailand before Ajaan Sao's time -
Some people say it comes from the Pali Canon but was scrubbed over time
Some people say it comes from Sri Lanka
Some ...
2
votes
2answers
174 views
Is there mention of Maitreya Buddha in Pali Canon?
How did this idea of next Buddha formed? Is it the influence of other religion where they say Kalki or Christ will return.
Also does Pali Canon mention many other Buddha before Gautam Buddha?
0
votes
0answers
16 views
Are Jataka tales authentic words of the Buddha? [duplicate]
If these stories could be taken to be truly narrated by the Buddha, it gives some interesting twists to the generally understood history of India and Indian philosophy.
For example, there are Jataka ...
1
vote
3answers
124 views
Is suffering always present?
I'm reading Thich Nhat Hanh's "The heart of the Buddhist teaching". When discussing the three dharma seals he talks about misconceptions of suffering. He says that teachings where suffering is ...
1
vote
2answers
60 views
Right Livelihood Monastics
Since we know (in some traditions) monks and nuns can't work, what is meant by right livelihood for them?
2
votes
9answers
162 views
simplest possible teaching on the four Satipatthana
I have read about
The Satipatthana Sutta, the Discourse on the Foundations of
Mindfulness, is generally regarded as the canonical Buddhist text with
the fullest instructions on the system of ...
0
votes
3answers
88 views
Important Commentaries?
Q:
1) Can someone name the most important commentaries, sub-commentaries,
etc. I should read while reading the Tipitaka?
0
votes
1answer
82 views
Arguing of Buddhists?
Q:
Do Buddhists argue over topics? Wouldn't that be unwholesome and view
clinging?
2
votes
0answers
58 views
Monastics & Hygine
I had questions on Monastic hygiene in Theravada:
1) Do monks/nuns brush their teeth and put on deodorant etc
2) If monks/nuns are only allowed to bathe every 2 weeks, how do they
deal with ...
0
votes
4answers
119 views
The Complex Abhidhamma
I have been having trouble analyzing the Abhidhamma.
Can someone explain all or the main points of the Abhidhamma, but
simply, just so I can understand it better as I continue my studies?
Thanks!...
3
votes
4answers
282 views
Permission of parents to be a Monk
I already know this much https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/35802/17220
Still ,there is a particular case where ,I have no experience/knowledge which is below.
Person with 27 yrs. of age and ...
3
votes
5answers
186 views
Is it in line with the pali cannon suttas to accept other scriptures?
According to the suttas
Are human beings capable of discerning what dhamma is outside of the suttas?
Is it possible to know enough from the suttas and then make use of the Abhidhamma?
What about ...
3
votes
5answers
108 views
Difference between buddhasasana and buddhadhamma
Is it correct to say that the buddhasasana (the teaching of the Buddha) is conditioned and impermanent in contrary with Dhamma itself which is unconditioned and permanent.
1
vote
2answers
64 views
Have I invented this statsitic on Theravada enlightenment?
A solitary Buddha occurs in one in a million of the human population: please correct me if that's how often the vehicle occurs -- though I struggle to completely understand the concept of a "solitary" ...
0
votes
4answers
81 views
Can we use Piti as a meditation subject?
Can we use Piti as a meditation subject?
There are 40 meditation objects are given in Visuddhimagga as follows.
Ten recollections; ten foul objects; ten kasinas; four sublime abidings; four formless ...
4
votes
1answer
138 views
Can Mahayana and Theravada learn from eachother?
What can those following the Theravada learn when studying the Mahayana as the Mahayana see it?
What can those following the Mahayana learn when studying the Theravada as the Theravada see it?
Is ...
