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1500 questions
6
votes
4 answers
Is it only possible to pay attention to one thing at a time?
I once was at a (theravada) mini-retreat where the teacher insisted that if one really watched carefully, one would recognize that it is not possible for the mind to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. I commented that in my experience…
OPL
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6
votes
6 answers
Too much Dhamma in modern age
Ajahn Brahm’s quite interesting position on "too much Dharma" and studying Abhidharma might be conveyed in this citation:
I think of our modern age is that too much Dhamma. So much Dhamma that
you get really confused. So, just keep it easy Four…
user13383
6
votes
3 answers
Is it wrong to watch fight events like boxing, MMA, judo etc.?
From a Buddhist's perspective, is it wrong to watch such sports on television for example? Of course, I'm talking as a lay person. Monks have a completely different approach regarding entertainment.
Does watching it create any bad Kamma?
konrad01
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6
votes
5 answers
Is assault against the first precept?
The first precept states
I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing.
So does this mean that punching someone in the nose isn't actually against the first precept and the five precepts generally. It really feels like it should be.
Crab Bucket
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6
votes
8 answers
Should we feel good about life?
It was intense suffering which bought me to the path of Dhamma. But now as I practise I see that I have started defining my life through the lens of suffering. Even if I practise non-attachment and remind myself of ancicca which destroys craving and…
user13135
6
votes
4 answers
Why can't I appreciate my own life?
I am young, today I turn 23, and my life is fast. I am a research student where my work is enjoyable, changing constantly and so invoking that I lose myself in it. My friends are family are fairly supportive, money is not a huge issue and I am in…
Tsangares
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6
votes
2 answers
Euthanasia for animals
Killing and harming are against the first precept. I understand that an important part of the practice is being mindful at the time of death, but do animals have this capacity? Would it be better to end their suffering if they are dying anyway? I…
MFS
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6
votes
1 answer
Hair of the Buddha
How much is known to support, to refute, or to expand upon the following viewpoint?
The Buddha shaved his head like all his bhikkhus.
Supposed reasons to backup this viewpoint are:
There are references in the Pali Canon where someone calls Gotama a…
Anthony
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6
votes
2 answers
What are the requirements or preconditions for someone to ordain?
Can a person ordain at any age? Can he or she have children? In a nutshell, what are the things that will not allow someone to ordain?
konrad01
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6
votes
8 answers
Predetermined future vs. Free will in Buddhism
In Buddhism we are encouraged to make the right choices, make the right effort, keep morality etc. it feels like our future is open. Kamma also points to that direction. The future will be created according to our actions!
On the other hand, on…
konrad01
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6
votes
1 answer
Why do Buddhists have children?
In Buddhism they teach that life is suffering, that it's all about pain (which is true) and that you should try your best to achieve Nirvana and become someone who won't have any more rebirths. This is something that I've learnt since I was young.…
x Nova
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6
votes
2 answers
Should a Buddhist pay homage/bend to his parents?
I once heard we should pay homage (bending, prostrating or some similar) to our parents on their birthday. If that is correct, for who else should we pay homage/bend to? Monks and parents only?
konrad01
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6
votes
5 answers
Why is lust considered as being unskillful?
Sexual lust and pornography in Buddhism is considered as being unskillful, but for me it is not clear why.
If all parties involved consented to taking part in sexual acts, I don't see why they are morally wrong.
As a living animal we can give and be…
Val
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6
votes
1 answer
Buddhist chant from video game
In the old game, Afterlife (Lucas Arts), there is a song that features a chant. The song is the most peaceful of the soundtrack, in my opinion, and I have always wondered what the chant was. The song can be found here:…
GibsonCode
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6
votes
7 answers
Why does the Buddha, in the Pali Canon, periodically engage in harsh speech?
Throughout the Pali Canon you can find instances where the Buddha appears to engage in harsh speech that seems to be contrary to the noble eighfold path. There are several important points/possibilities to understand first:
It may just be the…
Anton A. Zabirko
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