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
625
questions
0
votes
2answers
49 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
39 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
56 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
75 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
120 views
Ultimate reality and tilakkhana
Is it correct to say that the tilakkhana (anicca, dukkha, anatta) is ultimate reality?
2
votes
3answers
89 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
37 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
88 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
40 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
78 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
69 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
163 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
100 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
59 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
182 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
78 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
3answers
76 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
76 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
158 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
100 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
56 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
158 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
87 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
56 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
118 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
255 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
183 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
95 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
75 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 ...
6
votes
9answers
614 views
Theravada and Mahayana - The Crucial Differences
I struggle with the idea that Buddhism has two warring schools and wonder why they cannot make peace.
What are the issues on which Theravada and Mahayana cannot agree?
Just bullet points would be ...
3
votes
3answers
95 views
Satori and stream entry
Is Satori like a stage of stream entry? Is Satori only an intellectual knowing or something deeper than that?
3
votes
4answers
180 views
Are there Theravada practitioners that aspire to be Buddhas?
As far as I know, most Theravada followers practice according to the Pali Canon even though they accept the Bodhisattva vehicle as well. So, the main focus is to attain Arahantship for most people. My ...
1
vote
2answers
90 views
What does Anusaya Kilesa means? How to remove them completely?
(2000 years old Buddhist cave near my village)
Anusaya kilesa is lying dormant karmic influence after attaining Nirvana. I am putting various views as under;
SN goenka told in his speech that it ...
2
votes
3answers
102 views
Purpose of cessation or Nirvana!
What is the purpose or cause of cessation or extinction or Nirvana. Did Buddha ever talk about it?
For example, see how SN 23.1 ends:
“But sir, what is the purpose of extinguishment?”
“Your ...
1
vote
1answer
56 views
Where can I find Nagita Thera Apadana
I searched in the Apadāna part of Tripitaka..But couldn't find it...This includes a story of Nagitathera's previous life, and merits Nagitathera got for the god-deeds done in that life...
3
votes
2answers
64 views
Is discussing bad practices of monks a sin?
I've heard in several dhamma deshana that discussing the bad practices practiced by monks is a sin. But I feel that if we don't discuss such with our family & just continue giving, we won't have ...
1
vote
1answer
50 views
Explanation of the six temperaments
Greedy, hating, deluded, faithful, intelligent, speculative
I know they may seem self exploratory on the surface, but I'm looking for an understanding to more properly determine how one is to know ...
1
vote
1answer
71 views
Categories of Dhammanupassana (Satipatthana)
What are the components, the categories (the dhammas)that have to be observed in dhammanupassana (the 4th field of satipatthana)?
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Arahants, Precepts, Monasticism, & Worldly Things [closed]
Namo Buddhaya!
I had four questions pertaining to conduct & the Buddha:
(I am Theravāda Buddhist)
How could the Buddha have been on this Earth as an Arahant if Arahants can only be reborn in a ...
3
votes
5answers
73 views
The Animal Plane & Evolution?
(Please Theravada perspective if possible)
NAMO TASSA BAGAVATO ARAHANTO SAMMA-SAMBUDDHASA (I am not fluent, forgive errors)
These are my following questions:
Do animals feel emotions just like ...
2
votes
4answers
128 views
What are the different meditation types & how to do them?
I know there are many types of meditation, but can someone help clarify the following questions on meditation:
- What types of meditation is essential for the practice & why?
- How do those types ...
0
votes
2answers
51 views
Does emptiness & no-self work together?
Emptiness seems to be very prevalent in Dhamma after Theravada.
But I have seen that it still exists in Theravada, it has just been ignored compared to other teachings.
Why is emptiness ignored so ...
1
vote
1answer
125 views
Can a Sikh enter a buddhist temple with a turban?
As I went to worship at one of the most famous & sacred temples in Sri Lanka a Sikh person entered with his turban. As per the religious traditions we are not allowed to wear any head coverings ...
0
votes
2answers
87 views
How do monks live with medical conditions that require regular meals?
Theravada monks are supposed to eat only one or two meals per day, only between dawn and noon. For the rest of the day, they can drink water or fruit juices. The exception to this rule is if they are ...
