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
803
questions
4
votes
1
answer
77
views
Suggestions for observing Uposatha on this coming Christmas
I've been very good about observing the Uposatha days this year, this year it falls on Christmas (US calendar). Any thoughts on observing while spending time with friends and family who are non ...
- 1,334
-2
votes
1
answer
394
views
Lord Buddha's First teaching and its meaning?
Can anybody provide a full translation of Lord Buddha's First teaching. I am referring to a Sutta called "Dhamma chakka pawaththana".
- 3,953
0
votes
2
answers
65
views
What are "Good / Correct things" to a Buddhist to do?
We know there are good and bad things in the world,now that is general knowledge.But our version of right and worlds version of it seems to go against each other,
So my question is what are the ...
- 3,953
2
votes
2
answers
91
views
What makes Lord Buddha worthy of worshiping as to suttas?
I know Lord Buddha is worthy of every respect but what is the correct answer/what has the Lord Buddha himself has said?
What makes a lord Buddha worthy of worship as to lord Buddha are there any ...
- 3,953
-1
votes
3
answers
613
views
How to understand "Four great elements" in real life objects?
I have some understanding about the "Four great elements"
But i have these questions...
My chair is solid wood, So i understand the "Solidity element (Patavi)" but how do i understand the rest of ...
- 3,953
5
votes
4
answers
4k
views
What are The Four Great Elements?
Can someone provide a comprehensive explanation, on what the four great elements are and how they work and exist?
I also have a special interest about the "mobility-element", in the four great ...
- 3,953
5
votes
0
answers
195
views
Meditation techniques used in different branches/traditions of Buddhism [closed]
What are some meditation techniques used in different branches/traditions/vehicles of Buddhism?
Please provide the name of the technique, names of branches/traditions/vehicles that apply this ...
0
votes
3
answers
448
views
Differently able people and their "Vinyana"
Say i am a Differently able person and i cant move my arms so how does my Vinyana work?
Is that part of my "Kaya Vinyana" (The vinyana that works with the body) deactivated or lost contact with the ...
- 3,953
4
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Does Buddhism teach about "Parallel worlds"
I have heard something called "Mangala Sakwala" (The special universe or galaxy where lord Buddhas are born)
This is a real puzzle for me because does it mean that there are many other worlds like ...
- 3,953
1
vote
2
answers
446
views
What is the real "Human Realm"
What is the real human realm,
Is it Earth or are there many other places / Planets with humans?
What are the words of Lord Buddha on this topic?
I am looking for the Theravada perspective.
- 3,953
3
votes
1
answer
86
views
Did the Buddha visit modern day Assam?
During his time, did the Buddha visit the northeast state of India known today as Assam? If so, did he give any discourses there?
Thanks
- 2,673
3
votes
1
answer
67
views
Change and decay of one's own body. How fast is it?
We all know that we get sick and get old but i have heard that "Abhidhamma" talks about a faster version of decay and change.As i have heard there is a change that is happening every fraction of a ...
- 3,953
5
votes
3
answers
392
views
What does the Abhidhamma say about impermanence?
I understand the state of changing (impermanence) mentioned in Buddhism, but I have also heard that another more complex version (of the doctrine of impermanence) exists in the Abhidhamma.
I would ...
- 3,953
1
vote
5
answers
415
views
Is it important to be vegetarian when meditating "Metta meditation"?
Is it essential or somehow profitable to be vegetarian when doing "Metta/Maithree" meditation?
Or Is it essential or somehow profitable to any other form of meditation?
If not why a lot of people ...
- 3,953
4
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Reducing the power of a bad karma
As we all agree none of us have a white past, we've all have done some bad thing in our past before coming to the path and in previous lives.
So how should we use the good karma we generate today to
...
- 3,953
7
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is the intermediate state before birth (Gandhabba)?
What is the intermediate state before birth ("Gandhabba"), mentioned in some Buddhist traditions?
I have only heard the word so I can't explain the question any further.
I would like a detailed ...
- 3,953
4
votes
2
answers
242
views
What to do before correcting regrettable life choices?
If someone has lived a regretful life and want to correct himself, what should he do before he begins his efforts?
If someone regrets the choices made in the past and intends to change, where should ...
- 3,953
2
votes
4
answers
200
views
What is Buddhism's view about debating teachings?
What is Buddhism's view about debating teachings: should we accept teachings without question, or should we have our own internal and social debates about what we learn?
If we should debate, what is ...
- 3,953
0
votes
2
answers
238
views
Where can I read more about the rare special supernatural creatures mentioned in Buddhism?
There are some special supernatural creatures mentioned in the Buddhist Tipitaka, which include for example:
Beings of negative births living like gods
Floating creatures in immense pain only seen by ...
- 3,953
4
votes
1
answer
174
views
Tips to improve mindfulness in daily life
Does anyone know any new beginners ways to improve mindfulness in
daily life?
- 3,953
11
votes
1
answer
745
views
Buddhism in ancient Arabic regions
In the age of king "Asoka", the expansion of Buddhism reached Arabic countries. Does anybody know what those countries are called now?
Can anyone provide details about what happened to those places / ...
- 3,953
1
vote
3
answers
223
views
Having trouble meditating long sessions (Physical pain)
I like to meditate but because of me being new to it i guess, it is hard for me to meditate more than ten minutes.
I have no trouble concentrating only got some physical pains, that occur during long ...
- 3,953
4
votes
3
answers
530
views
Can anyone recommend some guided anapanasati resources on the Web?
I'm trying to take my practice back to the beginning in the hopes of energizing it and I think this might be helpful.I currently don't have access to a teacher so some Web resources would be great ...
- 1,334
5
votes
2
answers
250
views
How is white lie damaging?
Someone is chased by a murderer, he hides in your house. The person who wants to kill him asks you if you have seen the man. And you say you didn't see. How is this action damaging, what harm have you ...
- 1,191
1
vote
5
answers
378
views
What practices can aid (or not ruin) the mahasi style meditation?
This question goes specifically to theravada insight practicioners - but everyone can answer if they think they have something useful to add - even from other traditions
since my mahasi style ...
- 1,472
1
vote
1
answer
486
views
Devas and their appearance
Far as i know Devas are born without parents so why are they in two genders?
If they have no biological need to reproduce what is the reason for two genders and if the Devas are born after doing many ...
- 3,953
6
votes
1
answer
917
views
Meditation posture and language as a monk in Thailand
I am not able to sit in the lotus position. I'm only 24 years old but quite tall (189 cm). Usually I sit in this position:
(I googled the picture, it's from EMPFOHLENE MEDITATIONS-POSITIONEN UND ...
- 61
1
vote
2
answers
166
views
How many types of lying?
To fulfill a lie:
The statement must be untrue.
There must be an intention to deceive.
An effort must be made to deceive.
The other person understands the meaning.
One person says something he didn'...
- 1,191
2
votes
2
answers
159
views
Is there any research on physiology of deep and long meditative states (i.e. days and weeks of sitting)?
I keep hearing about Theravada monks who are able to stay in deep meditative states for days and weeks on end. While I do not [yet] question ability to stay in meditation for that long, what interests ...
- 131
4
votes
2
answers
174
views
What does venerable Sariputta mean by "dwelling withdrawn"?
In Bhikkhu Bodhi's "In the Buddha's Words", venerable Sariputta gives a discourse on "The Conditions for Wisdom", which contains eight causes and conditions for obtaining wisdom. He says,
Having ...
- 2,673
4
votes
3
answers
139
views
Five Hindrances Right Mindfulness Interrelated?
Dear Buddhist Community,
Would someone help to explain how eradicating/suppressing the five hindrances and right mindfulness can go together?
According to the Buddha: (http://what-buddha-said.net/...
- 321
4
votes
4
answers
170
views
Is the next Buddha the same entity/being as the previous Buddha, or another discrete being who comes to the same realizations as the previous Buddha?
I do not have a strong theoretical grasp of the concept of rebirth, so I am wondering:
Is each Buddha that has existed/will exist the same being, reincarnated? Or is each Buddha a totally unrelated ...
- 2,673
2
votes
1
answer
154
views
Earth covered with water in the beginning?
I have heard a monk saying, in the beginning of this kappa Earth was covered with water. And a god or a brahma, I dont remember exactly whom, had put a lotus seed into that water and there grown 5 ...
- 113
3
votes
4
answers
3k
views
What is considered lying in Buddhist (five) precepts?
This precept is often translated as harsh speech or false speech. The meaning of this precept is often understood as not to tell lie. But how are we supposed to define "lie" in Buddhist context ...
- 1,191
5
votes
2
answers
354
views
Is radiating loving kindness increase attachment?
In the early stage, it's said that radiating loving kindness to opposite sex can potentially arouse lust. While I'm not sure if the person who we radiate loving kindness to can have their lust aroused,...
- 1,191
4
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Any recommended monasteries in Sri Lanka that offer extended meditation retreats?
Could anyone provide links and/or info about Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka that offer extended meditation retreats?
For those who have taken part in such retreats, how was the experience? Would ...
- 2,673
3
votes
3
answers
534
views
Did Mara win over Buddha?
There is incident where Mara is trying to get to Buddha even after he became enlightened.
Finally Mara win him over by his death.
With that knowledge is it correct to assume he had hunger feeling and ...
- 1,191
3
votes
1
answer
165
views
How careful must monks be about their use of water?
According to this list of the Patimokkha Rules,
Using water, or getting others to use it, knowing that it contains
living beings that will die from that use, is a pācittiya offense. (Pc
62)
So, does ...
- 2,673
5
votes
2
answers
182
views
Is aversion toward unwholesome deeds normal?
The more we do wholesome deeds the more the inclination to do more good deeds and avoid unwholesome deeds.
Wholesome deeds are encouraged but not unwholesome deeds.
We need to keep doing wholesome ...
- 1,191
7
votes
9
answers
2k
views
Celibacy - why not?
In Buddhist forums where I had asked this question, there are always "advanced" practitioners who say that there is no benefit for a lay person to be celibate. So every time i read that, I stop trying ...
- 1,472
3
votes
4
answers
497
views
What does the word "world" mean in the Buddhist context?
The Hemawatha Sutta Is a (very old)? sutta in "Sutha Nipatha" of KN, Just after the first sermon of "Dammachakka". 'Hemawata' (General of yakka's ) is also a listener of that. He ...
- 1,601
1
vote
1
answer
519
views
What are the views considered "false convictions", and why are they false?
According to Brahmajāla Sutta, there are "62 False Convictions" (Views) regarding the Past & Future.
False Convictions Regarding the Past
Eternity of the Self and World,
...
- 1,601
8
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Depersonalization phenomenon as described in the Pali Canon
According to the gentleman in this video ...
Enlightenment, DP/DR & Falling Into the Pit of the Void ~ Shinzen Young
Shinzen talks about the empowering facets of enlightenment and compares this ...
- 2,673
5
votes
5
answers
6k
views
What are the "defilements"?
Simple question, but I would like to know- what are the defilements, according to Theravada Buddhism? I keep hearing this term and would like to find out what it means, according to the original ...
- 2,673
9
votes
2
answers
300
views
Discernment vs. judgement in the labeling meditation
To watch the mind, as far as I understand, is to simply watch the mind without judging it. But there is a method, which teaches us to note sad when we are sad, dislike when we dislike something, happy ...
- 1,191
4
votes
4
answers
257
views
How is meditation considered a good deed?
I have heard it said that meditation is "the greatest good deed". Is this considered to be true in Buddhism? If so, how is meditation superior to all other good deeds? It seems self serving compared ...
- 2,673
5
votes
2
answers
879
views
In what way(s) does engaging in sexual activity affect meditation practice?
Does sexual activity (masturbation and beyond) hinder vipassana meditation practice? If so, does anyone know through experience or references exactly how this activity affects the practice? For ...
- 2,673
6
votes
8
answers
897
views
What should you do when someone teaches false Dharma?
I was part of a religious group that claimed to be everything that the Buddha teaches. But, when you listen to their teachings, you can tell discrepancies between their teachings and Buddhist ...
- 321
4
votes
3
answers
203
views
Unconscious intention?
Sometimes we do thing intentionally sometimes unintentionally. But is there such thing such as unconscious intention in Buddhism (Theravada)?
- 1,191
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What happens if a monk is called for jury duty?
Is it possible for a monk to be called for jury duty in the U.S.A.? If so, does the Buddhist religion prevent them from taking part int he judicial process, as it involves passing judgment on others? ...
- 2,673