Buddhism Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
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Is Enlightenment a misleading ideal?

Is Enlightenment a misleading goal? Is it more of a thought-form than just an experience? I am asking because there is a lot of discussion of awakening, enlightenment, satori, differences, levels, etc. and I think that this distracts from the simple…
user2341
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English (or other European) translations of Pali Canon

Perhaps this should be closed as a 'shopping' question, but maybe translations take a long time to make and therefore there are not too many of them, and they don't go out of date quickly. The English texts I use seem unreliable. For example: One…
ChrisW
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Isnt the desire for giving up the desires, a desire?

It looks like a loop. We know desires cause us suffering, however the desire to abandon desire looks like a desire too, right? I'm sure there is a trick, something to explain why it is different, so... who can help?
konrad01
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Are there any living enlightened people?

Is there any person who is widely believed to be enlightened by Buddhists, and who confirms that himself/herself?
michau
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Can Buddhists be good workplace leaders?

Many people that start to meditate and follow the Dhamma become more tolerant, less attached to reputation, more "easy going" and treat all with loving kindness, this can create an opportunity for people to abuse them, miss deadlines, reduce the…
konrad01
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Health Risks of Meditation?

One hears a lot about the benefits of meditation; everything from calming yourself and lowering your blood pressure to working towards purifying your mind and finding freedom from suffering. Even as a newer meditator, I feel a better sense of…
Robin111
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Life of Buddha, to be taken seriously?

I've been studying Buddhism for the past few months and part of it entails reading about Siddartha's life story, including his path to enlightenment. What's been confusing to me is whether or not one is to believe all of the "magic" that is…
KevinMartillo
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Is Buddhism just Hinduism stripped for export?

I was listening to a podcast featuring Alan Watts and he stated that Buddhism was Hinduism stripped for export. He also says it at more length in his book Buddhism the Religion of No Religion .... Hinduism [..] is a religious culture. Being a…
Crab Bucket
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Meditation and 'not trying to change anything'

I've been practicing mindfulness meditation for around three months now. I've heard many times that a key aim for meditation is to be with whatever thoughts and feelings are present, without trying to change anything. I understand to a large extent…
james6848
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What teachings do all schools of Buddhism share?

Among the many schools and traditions, what core teachings are shared by all Buddhists?
Robin111
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What is the meaning of "dhammā" in the context of the four satipaṭṭhāna?

I've been struggling with this one for quite a while now. The fourth foundation of mindfulness is called 'dhammānupassana' - vision in regards to the dhammas. The old translation I was given when I started meditating was "mind objects", which I'm…
yuttadhammo
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Polyamory in Buddhism

What does Buddhism say about polyamory? By polyamory I mean a consensual romantic relationship that involves more than two adult people, which may or may not involve sexual contact. Is it wholesome, unwholesome or neutral? Is it any different than a…
michau
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What exactly is Jhana?

What exactly is the theory of jhana, how does it come about and how does it relate to the buddhist practice and everyday life? feel free to answer in depth.
Anatta34811
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Questions on the five Skandhas

I find that the five Skandhas can be very confusing at times, as the Western idea of mind and perception is very different to the Buddhist idea of mind and perception. On top of that, many explanations of the five Skandhas online seem vague and…
Steve
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Should a Buddhist feel offended by misuses of Buddha's name or image?

I have just found out that there is a person producing and selling a beer in my town called "Buddha Beer" with Hotei's picture on it. Initially I found it offensive and disrespectful (marketing Buddha's name, associating it with alcohol and putting…
konrad01
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