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1500 questions
11
votes
1 answer
How is semchen (sentient being) defined?
Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being. What does this mean? What is sentience?
This question about killing bacteria indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru say dust mites are sentient. Am I imposing my…
Richard Morgan
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11
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6 answers
Software programming/Art and Buddhist Practice - Pursuing creative activity
I have read this question but I'm seeking more advice.
So it is quite obvious in the activity of software programming that we cannot help but think about programming concepts and also end up creating objects as concepts (as in Object Oriented…
esh
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11
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6 answers
Sleep - What about it?
What are the proper relax / Sleep practices for a practitioner of meditation methods?
As to Buddhist point of view what is sleep and how to cope with it?
Theravada
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11
votes
4 answers
mindfulness thinking about future and past?
Is there such thing as mindfulness thinking about the future or past? I have a job that requires a lot of "going" into the future and past (projecting forward and assessing the past). I was wondering if could practice mindfulness while working. But…
jason
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11
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9 answers
In meditation, should one pursue tranquility first, prior to looking for insight?
On the one hand this question has been asked to death on the internet (and yuttadhammo's videos even try to handle it). On the other hand, I personally still don't feel I have a clear answer (and I don't think that's because I'm an idiot.)
From my…
tkp
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11
votes
4 answers
Please explain when and where to use the terms Theravada and Hinayana
I understand that Hinayana as a term is generally pejorative when referring to Theravadin practitioners. Where is the use of the term Hinayana proper, and why is it still used if it's considered offensive to Theravadin practitioners?
I believe that…
likethesky
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11
votes
1 answer
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 / Temples ?
Theravada
- 3,953
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11
votes
1 answer
How does Dating work in Buddhism
What does the Buddha say about dating, in general? This is a fairly open-ended question, and any scriptural references would help.
I would have lustful thoughts when I look at a pretty girl (though I try not to act on it and meditate on…
Reid
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11
votes
2 answers
When were the earliest Buddhist writings created
Buddha was born (according to Wikipedia) somewhere around 563 BCE to 480 BCE, and lived 80 years.
From what I have understood, no teachings that made it to this day, have been written down when he was alive.
What are the earliest scriptures (or…
Anton
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11
votes
3 answers
What is it that is re-incarnated ?
I have been reading Mahayana philosophy.
It proposes non-self and that self does not exist in the 5 aggregates.
If the self/atman does not exist, what is that is re-incarnated?
How can nothing reincarnate ?
Bharat
- 1,082
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11
votes
4 answers
Teachings from Buddhas other than Gautama
I asked this question earlier: What "religions" did previous Buddhas practice?
Now I'm wondering if any teachings from earlier (or later) Buddhas have been passed down to our time. And if not, why?
Anton
- 819
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11
votes
5 answers
Hypocrisy of Buddhism
Aren't Buddhists (with Buddhist I refer to an ideal Buddhist or Buddhists monk) actually not doing enough to prevent harm in this world?
So, Buddhists don't have any attachment to things and work towards reduction of suffering in the world. Given…
Neithrik
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11
votes
5 answers
Are there any differences in karma?
Is there a difference in karma of giving someone $ 1 and giving someone $ 1000, or its same for anything given?
and
Is there a difference in karma of killing a small animal (like mosquito or small fish) and killing an big animal (like a cow or an…
Nalaka526
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11
votes
1 answer
How to "attend to the perception of light"?
In AN 7.58, the Buddha instructed Maha Moggallana on what do to about his nodding:
"But if by doing this you don't shake off your drowsiness, then attend to the perception of light, resolve on the perception of daytime, [dwelling] by night as by…
user382
11
votes
2 answers
What does breaking the fetter 'Clinging to rites and rituals' actually mean?
The second fetter to break when one becomes a stream entrant is given as 'Clinging to rites and rituals'. I've always found that one a little puzzling. How do you know if you are clinging to a ritual? What would be the signs of it? Does the fetter…
Crab Bucket
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