Search found 22 matches

by mydoghasfleas
Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:30 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: What exactly is meant by rapture
Replies: 23
Views: 5009

What exactly is meant by rapture

In the Anapanasati Sutta it says "I will breathe in sensitive to rapture." My question is, is rapture a state of euphoria or some deep state of focus? And does it arise naturally, or is it fabricated?
by mydoghasfleas
Fri Nov 01, 2013 3:46 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?
Replies: 16
Views: 6650

Re: Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?

Wow! These last two links really hit home. It's important to reflect that not only do all beings experience decay and death, but also that all beings experience grief. Like the woman with the dead son who was able to deal better with her grief when she realized there is no one untouched by this. Thi...
by mydoghasfleas
Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:22 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?
Replies: 16
Views: 6650

Re: Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?

I thank all who replied. It's good to hear others stories and listen to their experiences. It's good to be around people who are well-versed in the Dhamma. I am glad I found this site. Even though I don't post much, I have learned many things by reading the threads. Buddhasoup's story is very helpfu...
by mydoghasfleas
Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:54 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?
Replies: 16
Views: 6650

Are there any suttas dealing with death of loved one?

I recently lost my mother and was wondering what the Buddha had to say about this type of grief. Are there any suttas that deal specifically with the loss of a parent? I think it would be a great consolation to me to hear his advice.
by mydoghasfleas
Mon Sep 09, 2013 10:43 am
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Is Kamma self?
Replies: 8
Views: 3462

Re: Is Kamma self?

Thank you for taking the time to consider this question. Your answers are helpful.
by mydoghasfleas
Sun Sep 08, 2013 12:39 pm
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Is Kamma self?
Replies: 8
Views: 3462

Re: Is Kamma self?

Well do you think Kamma could (or should) also be considered not self in an ultimate rather than a conventional sense?
by mydoghasfleas
Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:35 am
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Is Kamma self?
Replies: 8
Views: 3462

Is Kamma self?

I'm not sure if this is the right board to pose this question but here it is. I read: When you see with discernment, 'All phenomena are not-self' — you grow disenchanted with stress. This is the path to purity. -- Dhp 279 There is also: "'I am the owner of my actions, heir to my actions, born o...
by mydoghasfleas
Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:40 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Mindfulness in daily life: 'Best practices'
Replies: 24
Views: 19828

Re: Mindfulness in daily life: 'Best practices'

I try to think of doing things "deliberately." I'm deliberately sitting down; I'm deliberately eating my breakfast; etc. it just gives me another way of paying attention to what I'm doing.

Of course keeping that attitude throughout the day is the real challenge, isn't it?
by mydoghasfleas
Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: What do you sit on?
Replies: 27
Views: 8295

Re: What do you sit on?

I used a bath towel folded into thirds lengthwise and then rolled up. It ends up the same size as a standard meditation cushion and no matter where I travel, there's always a bath towel available.
by mydoghasfleas
Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:39 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Can Enlightenment Be Self Hypnosis
Replies: 17
Views: 7763

Re: Can Enlightenment Be Self Hypnosis

Would an enlightened person even go around saying "I an enlightened?"

I don't think so. Their actions would speak for them.
by mydoghasfleas
Tue Oct 25, 2011 1:08 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Mindfulness of breathing question
Replies: 28
Views: 6545

Re: Mindfulness of breathing question

Thank you all for your thoughtful answers. This has been very helpful to me.
by mydoghasfleas
Sun Oct 23, 2011 3:06 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Mindfulness of breathing question
Replies: 28
Views: 6545

Mindfulness of breathing question

I am somewhat confused by the instructions in the Anapanasati Sutta. After knowing "I breathe in long," "I breath out long," "I breathe in short," I breathe out short" the sutta goes on to say, "I shall breathe in experiencing the whole body." The comment...
by mydoghasfleas
Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:13 pm
Forum: Pāli
Topic: Pali Term: Āsava
Replies: 11
Views: 8211

Re: Pali Term: Āsava

Thanissaro Bhikkhu seems to favor the use of the word "effluents" for asava in his translations. Even though I love his translations, I find "effluents" just as inscrutable as asava. In a footnote in his translation of the Digha Nikaya (footnote 134, page 546), Maurice Walshe not...
by mydoghasfleas
Sun May 23, 2010 5:05 pm
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Is jhana possible?
Replies: 75
Views: 27504

Re: Is jhana possible?

Now I understand more directly why the Buddha said it's important to have noble friends. All your contributions to this dialogue have been most helpful. When you speak from your personal experience of the dhamma it often makes the things I've read "click" and have more meaning. I am gratef...
by mydoghasfleas
Fri May 21, 2010 11:35 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Is jhana possible?
Replies: 75
Views: 27504

Re: Is jhana possible?

Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful responses. It seems the general consensus is that it IS possible for lay practitioners, but not without a significant investment of time on the cushion everyday -- which in itself would put it out of reach of most "householders." Also being a hous...