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1500 questions
9
votes
11 answers

How can you see suffering in the breath?

In his book Breath by Breath, Larry Rosenberg says that being mindful of the breath, as in the Anapanasati Sutta, is a complete practice and can lead to complete liberation. Following on from that I would think it should be possible to experience…
Crab Bucket
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9
votes
6 answers

What, precisely, is kamma/karma?

In Buddhist doctrine there is always the problem, that for the sake of understandability, certain concepts are being presented in a solid, substantial way, while actually, one has to keep in the back of one's mind, that by the central tenet of…
zwiebel
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9
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4 answers

Best books & articles for practicing jhanas

Which are the best books and/or articles for practicing the jhanas?
Guy Eugène Dubois
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9
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4 answers

Buddhism vs. Nature and Real World

I'm not very experienced in Buddhism but while reading some articles and few books about it I wonder about one key thing.. If I am not mistaken, the compassion with other species is one of the key pillar of Buddhism. It teaches us that everything is…
Ivan Sivak
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9
votes
7 answers

Do metta practices and anatta contradict each other?

When I was taught the Metta Bhavna meditation practice it was suggested that I repeat the following to myself May I be well May I be happy May I be free Then again repeating the same again to other people. As the practice goes on then this can…
Crab Bucket
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9
votes
3 answers

Ambition and Expectation

I'm very interested in the polarity between ambition and expectation. On one hand to be ambitious is to be confident, to be strong, to have faith. With that comes a sense of hope, expectation that good fortune persevere. Dennis Prager is quoted with…
ThomasReggi
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9
votes
4 answers

What does sati mean?

This normally gets translated as mindfulness. In particular, does it mean remembrance, as in to actively think using words about the past. Or is it about thinking about the present, and not the past. Or is it about suppressing ones internal…
MatthewMartin
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9
votes
3 answers

What is done with offerings after they've been on the altar awhile?

This is an altar maintenance question. What are the sort of typical things done with the food, water, flowers and so on that gets put on the altar for altar maintenance?
MatthewMartin
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9
votes
9 answers

What are the Core Teachings of Buddhism?

I asked, What is the core teachings of the Buddha, ( As I do Know ) There was no modern traditions then. I know that there has been a Buddhist Council gathered to try an reach the core understandings. I Hoped that some may know this, an may even…
Oswulf
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9
votes
5 answers

What did the Buddha teach regarding remorse?

This is a question of practical interest. My personal practice is generally to feel guilty for bad deeds, but today I tried admitting fault and guilt without feeling guilty, and it was much less stressful. I do not know which is correct. Is there…
Jeff Bogdan
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9
votes
10 answers

Why do we need to work?

I am a software engineer. Is it shameful if I became a monk throwing away all the knowledge that I have accumulated all these years(more than a decade). In my previous years, I was amused by programming. But now, I have become dispassioned with…
ukh
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9
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2 answers

Constant mindfulness hard to achieve

I find very hard to be always mindful of all activities (four frames of reference). At the beginning of practice, my persistence are aroused and gradually it becomes indifference/lax. Basically I am starting feel stress trying to be mindful..? Since…
Nyan
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9
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2 answers

In simple words, how are body sensations linked to moods and feelings?

My teacher rightly emphasizes that sensations when observed equanimously will lead to eradication of suffering and he is very right. I have noticed a big change. But I just don't get the link between emotions and body sensations. I can understand…
user3743672
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9
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2 answers

Where's the story in which the Buddha praised a non-returner for keeping the knowledge of his attainment private?

I'm trying to find a specific story in where the Buddha spoke about the attainment of one Anagami lay person with a group of monks while praising his good qualities. Later, when those monks went for alms at his place, they informed him that the…
Sankha Kulathantille
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9
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8 answers

Is it possible to experience powerful sensations, such as orgasm, without getting attached to it?

I used orgasm as an example because it is usually the strongest sensation one can feel due to everything involved and all the chemistry released in the body. Also, I would say that sexual activity and drinking are probably the two biggest challenges…
konrad01
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