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1500 questions
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Answering Other's Questions About Oneself
Do all people practicing Buddhism have difficulty answering questions like these:
What gives your life meaning?
What do you like about yourself?
Somebody asked me these questions, and I am having a difficult time answering them. I don't know if…
pmagunia
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Why did the Buddha touch the earth at his enlightenment?
At the Buddha's enlightenment, he pointed to the earth or touched the earth, meaning the earth (or world) was adequate witness to his spiritual accomplishment or new status, or, perhaps the only witness that would be acceptable to Mara. Mara…
PaPa
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Role of suicide in the context of Dalai Lama's birthday and inevitable deathday
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently celebrated his 80th birthday!
I've read that he is very conscious of the fact that after his death, there will be much turmoil, and it's something he thinks about often. "When I pass away, when I die, of…
Shon
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Controlling one's sexual thoughts
How does one control one's thoughts? ESPECIALLY the uncontrollable desires related to sexual drive which are built deep into our conscience. Answers are DEEPLY appreciated.
Dilshan De Silva
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8
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Is a straight spine/spinal posture during seated meditation critical?
I notice, in images of monks and lay people in seated meditation, that many of these various persons appear to be using very poor posture, e.g. slumped and not erect. Written instructions and video instructions often recommend adherence to a…
PaPa
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Is there an equivalent of heaven and hell in Buddhism?
According to most sources, a soul stays in samsara until it concentrates enough karma to get yet another rebirth.
However, I failed to find any sources explaining if this process is eternal. In other words, what happens if a soul has committed so…
Be Brave Be Like Ukraine
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First life in samsara
In Buddhism, we believe in rebirth and karma. But was there a time when it was our first time in any of the 31 Planes of Existence?
If that is the case, how would we be reborn anywhere since we did not have any karma to pay off?
If that is not the…
user5380
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7
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3 answers
Buddhavamsa Translations?
Do any english translations exist online for the Buddhavamsa ? I cannot find one.
Ryan
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7
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9 answers
Choosing between wrong actions
Recently I found myself having a conversation about having to choose between wrong actions. It begun with the following scenario:
While walking through the forest a rabbit passes by your side, and you see the direction it goes. Seconds after that,…
Masclins
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Vipassana meditation comes naturally; Samatha meditation incredibly hard.
Let me start off by saying that I can do Vipassana meditation for about 20 minutes at present. Accepting thoughts as they arise, noticing sensations without judging is relatively easy, compared to doing Samatha meditation. However, even though my…
Steve
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5 answers
Relationships with fools: Interpreting the Dhammapada
Dhammapada Verse 61: If a person seeking a companion cannot find one who is better than or equal to him, let him resolutely go on alone; there can be no companionship with a fool.
This is obviously self preserving pragmatism of the Aesop's Fables…
Buddho
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What are the core Mahayana and Vajrayana Sutras?
When starting a more in-depth study of the Dharma from a Mahayana and Vajrayana perspective, what are the core (3 most recommended) Sutras (or texts), and the reasons why they are considered important, to have on your reading list in each of those…
Devindra
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7
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3 answers
What was the 1st Buddhist Council about?
I'm interested in the 1st Buddhist Council, i.e. why was it held, where was it held, who attended it and what were the outcome?
I'm not looking for an in-depth and detailed answer. More like an overview of the 1st council and preferably a…
user2424
7
votes
2 answers
Are theravada monks allowed to stay in lay people's house?
A theravada monk would like to stay in my house for one night. I live with my parents, but we don't have special room for guest. Should I suggest him to stay in monastery near my house?
sherly
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What is the difference between a Vipassana Jhana and a Samatha Jhana?
Definitions of the term Jhana tend to emphasize the 'mind state' quality it refers to in various states of meditative absorption:
The jhanas are altered states of consciousness which are produced from periods of strong concentration. Dhamma Wiki
In…
Devindra
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