Buddhism Stack Exchange
Buddhism Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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2 answers

Does Buddhism have a concept of avatars?

Avatars are a Hindu concept as far as I know, but I have noticed that many of these religions (from places like India) have similar things in common, whether they be symbols, names, beliefs, or whatever. My question is, does Buddhism have a concept…
مجاهد
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7 answers

What are the three marks of existence?

What are the three marks of existence and where are they found in the canon? Is there any fundamental differences in interpretation among the different traditions?
user70
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How does Buddhism describe God?

I've encountered many ideas about the identity of God, ranging from the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent as in Judeo-Christian cultures, to that of one who has reached enlightenment. Is it suggested that Buddha is God or that Buddha is one who…
somehume
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Did Gautama Buddha believe in God?

I hear the Buddha rejected the cultural gods when he achieved enlightenment and made statements that seem to reject gods, is this true? If not, what kind of God did the Buddha believe in?
Bodhi
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What was the chronology of events in the Buddha's life?

This is the sort of question I'd find really useful to get an answer on; I'm looking for a rough chronology of the 45 years of the Buddha's (not the Bodhisatta's) life, year by year. I know there is some orthodox-approved order, I just can't find it…
yuttadhammo
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7 answers

Consciousness and Name-Form

In the twelve nidanas in the dependent origination it is said that through ignorance arises constructive activities (Sankskara). I do understand that. But the fact that I am still having trouble understanding is how Sankara causes the consciousness…
Akila Hettiarachchi
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10 answers

How does Buddhism explain consciousness if there is no self?

One major differing point between Hinduism and Buddhism is the understanding of the self. Buddhist reject the Brahminical notion of an eternal, non-material soul substance that is distinct from the mind, body and sense organs. How then, is…
Rob Wardrop
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6 answers

Usefulness of attending a Thai temple in the United States

So I've been a Buddhist since around 2007, but I've never been to a temple. I don't think I've ever actually met another Buddhist. I just go by what I read in Bodhi's translations and Thanissaro's lectures and practice on my own. A few months ago, I…
Caleb Paul
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How does one become a lay Buddhist?

I'm well aware that there are many different types of Buddhism, so I'm looking for the fortune-cookie sized description of the various kinds of induction/process/rituals/ceremony involved for the lay follower.
MatthewMartin
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Did Shakyamuni Buddha say anything in regard to fear

I'm sure that at some point Shakyamuni talked about fear, but I am wondering more specifically if he had listed something like "the five types of fear" or something like that(e.g. Four noble truths, ten worlds, ten factors, five eyes).
Morella Almånd
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Can a military career be ethical?

There are military generals as lay people and stream enterers in the suttas. And there is no clear prohibition to a military career. There are some suttas that criticize the karma of soldiers on the battlefield. My question is, since being a…
user2174870
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7 answers

I would like to become Buddhist

I'm a mathematics student and I want to become a buddhist because I've heard that they don't believe in any god. How can I get in to buddhism? What kind of books do you recomend to read for starters? Can I be a Buddhist without joining any…
I.S. Guerra
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Can a Buddhist be ambitious?

Over the last few months I've distanced myself from my sangha and from Buddhism in general. I still meditate but no longer identify as a Buddhist. One of the things I've noticed is the return of some old ambitions or longer term desires if you like.…
Crab Bucket
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What is Buddhist law of marriage ? Is there any?

Should both partners be Buddhist in a marriage? If they want get a love marriage can they still get married if one of the partners is not Buddhist. What is the law in Buddhism about marriage?
Swapnil
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What are the suttas in which the Buddha provides instruction on how to meditate?

What are the actual suttas in which the Buddha described how to meditate? A list of all such suttas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Ian
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