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1500 questions
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How would an animal ever accumulate enough merit to warrant rebirth as a human?

i have only a basic knowledge of Buddhist thought but have hit a problem that i have not been able to locate an answer to. so any pointers would be appreciated... everything i read suggests that to be born as a human being is very propitious as it…
steve
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Is the age of monastic life over? Is it societal conditioning or keeping up with the times?

I hear a lot of "spiritually awakened" people, on shows like batgap.com and on forums like dharmaoverground.org claim that the age of the monastic life is over, and in the present day one must learn to mix the spiritual life with the ordinary life.…
Buddho
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Punishments for breaking vinaya rules

Are there any punishments if a monk breaks vinaya rule on purpose..? ,if there is punishment ,then who would administer that punishment..?.How does buddhism deal with vinaya rule breakers..?
jathin
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What is idle chatter?

In AN 10.176 idle chatter is defined as He speaks in season, speaks what is factual, what is in accordance with the goal, the Dhamma, & the Vinaya. He speaks words worth treasuring, seasonable, reasonable, circumscribed, connected with the …
Crab Bucket
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7 answers

How is samsara nirvana?

How is samsara nirvana? I have heard this mentioned in a couple books recently, but they never go into much detail.
patrickbarker
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4 answers

What is the buddhist way of responding to compliments?

"Hey David you're a genius!" "Hey David you look so fine!" I think blushing and feeling a little nervous isn't really buddhist... But sometimes if you don't react this way you might look as if youre being rude What exactly do the scriptures say of…
DLV
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5 answers

Mindfulness when on the train, underground and bus

Many of us spend at least a couple of hours per day on public transport like bus, train or underground (for me it is around 2.5 hours). How could we use that time to develop right mindfulness?
nish1013
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How to not slip into Nihilism from Vipassana?

I am sensing this disenchantment from letting go. Meditating on impermanence feels like nihilism to me. There is a fleeting moment of joy from the liberation and just watching emotions go by. And I also notice the joy of it but I let it be and not…
esh
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Is it useful to meditate upon hunger?

I have read that even hunger - a physical sensation in the body - is useful for an object of meditation. Given the fact that I am often hungry and am quite aware of this sensation in my body...and given the fact that I easily gain weight when I…
Jeff Wright
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Buddhist monk education level

I saw that many of the western monks like Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Shumedho, Ajahn Sucitto etc. have an university degree. I'm 24 years old from Switzerland and I only finished secondary school with 15 years old. I tried many times to make an…
Paul
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5 answers

Attachment to other people and beings?

How does one live a life with multiple relationships (family, girlfriends, friends, pets, etc) while not being attached to them(being aware it will end eventually and therefore do not dwell in Dukkha when such thing happens)? Thank you very much! :)
dpw
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Is it considered against standard Buddhist doctrine to meditate with music?

Two slightly related questions: Is it considered against standard Buddhist doctrine to meditate with music? In particular, "meditation music" - where it's calm, relaxing, peaceful, etc. I'm fairly new to all this; my meditation practice is hardly a…
Jeff Wright
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On Vipassana: Focus on feeling sensations VS Focus on describing sensations through words

I have noticed that there are perhaps two main different approaches to experiences/sensations in vipassana. One of them (e.g. Mahasi Sayadaw) describes experiences/sensations through words: Mahasi Sayadaw, Kenneth Folk, Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu: pick a…
user3275957
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Are there examples of the Buddha showing humour in the Pali Canon?

Leading on from this question - are there any examples of the Buddha showing a sense of humour or a certain lightness in his teachings within the Pali Canon? I was once told that it is possible to find examples where he perhaps approaches teaching…
Crab Bucket
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As per buddism, how is it possible to leave behind my obsession with drugs?

I don't want to consult any doctor about my obsession. I do not even want to speak about it to my family and friends. I wish to get an answer tailor-made for me about my obsession with getting dead-drunk and practicing self, the meditation. Please…
jitin
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