Buddhism Stack Exchange
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What is Nirvana (mahayana)?

...as per the title. In the Theravada literature, the Buddha is seen as someone who found an end to suffering and taught that for all his life, urging his disciples to apply themselves to it, to not waste the opportunity and regret later. While…
user382
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What is the meaning of Anicca and Anatta?

Most of the English translation I read, Anatta is translated as not-self and Anicca as impermanence. However many Sri Lankan Buddhist monks do not agree with this translation. They say it is a miss translation by Buddhagosha. According to many…
SarathW
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When and how should someone practice Patikulamanasikara meditation (reflections of replusiveness)

The practice of Patikulamanasikara, or loathsomeness of the body has intrigued me for quite a while but I was always uncertain of how to do it right. So, here goes: How do I know if it would be a right meditation for me and how does one start? Yes,…
DirkM
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Is our success predestined by our past karma?

Some people are more richer other others, some are more intelligent than others, some are more beautiful than others... Are all these predestined? I heard that one's karma in his/her past life affects his/her present life. So if one is not as…
Donald
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Interpretation of Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse is an excellent book and is written with the spirit of mystery and wonder that also permeates most Buddhist teachings. At the end of the book, Siddhartha has attained what appears to be Nirvana. He is sitting with his…
dgo
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Which early canonical references help one find a skillful teacher?

There is a similar question from the Vajrayāna stand-point in which I gave an answer that was partially off-topic since it wasn't from that tradition's texts. So I thought it could be useful for newcomers to know what the early texts say on this…
Unrul3r
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Is it helpful to stay single if I am not going to become a monk?

In most Buddhist traditions, monks are expected to follow an austere life without being married or involved with another person, but what about lay people who are not going to become monks? Personally, I've reached what most people consider mid-life…
pmagunia
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Is rebirth essential to Buddhist philosophy?

Elements of Buddhism can be rationally accepted such as the suffering that arises through attachment, the benefits of meditation, and even the acceptance of anatta, or non-self. It seems, however, that a belief in rebirth cannot be accepted…
Rob Wardrop
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What are some Buddhist ininterpretations of claims of past-life memories?

There are stories of people who claim to remember their past lives. Such stories have been investigated by researchers such as Ian Stevenson and Jim Tucker. These accounts lend themselves nicely to Jewish and Hindu understanding of transmigration of…
MathAdam
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The Seven Factors of Enlightenment

Are the Seven Factors of Enlightenment understood to happen as specific phases in a linear progression in one's journey or are they understood to happen in a circular manner with ever deepening understanding?
Robin111
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What is considered consciousness?

Could someone illuminate me in "consciousness"? Is it simply the ability to rationalize, analyze and most important concentrate? With or without ego? Does consciousness dictate who we are?
user10244
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Are there any cultural or religious guidelines for Buddhist tattoos?

I've notice people on Instagram are getting tattoos of Mahakala and other Buddhist deities. Are there any cultural or religious guidelines to consider when getting a tattoo of a Dharmapala or any other Buddhist religious deity?
DharmaEater
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Is Karma different for accidental killing than intentional killing?

Ever since I have started following Buddhism, I have stopped killing any type of insects but during the course of time I have accidentally killed few insects when I had no intentions of harming them like 1) While using touchscreen a tiny insect of…
Varun Krish
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Help for a monks studies

I am an Australian monk at Pa Auk Tawya in Myanmar. For my studies I need some tipitaka translations to read on my kindle (available from amazon). I have no means to pay for these. Any suggestions? With metta
Candana Bhikkhu
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Is Buddhism in a worldwide decline?

I was listening to a podcast a while ago and it stated that Buddhism worldwide is in decline. I found that surprising. Is that true? Does anyone have any references or better still statistics to prove or disprove that.
Crab Bucket
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