Thinking about the jhana states, I am aware that the levels of ones desire to experience a jhana state will effect ones chance at reaching the state; I understand this stated desire, as perhaps a desire for the bliss found in the jhana, desire for what is thought to be a 'sensual pleasure', right? ...

when I think about how the jhana states are attainable for all, with right effort Interesting point. I have heard a monk say that one's kamma might mean that jhana is unobtainable. Is there any canonical support for this, and what do people think? I feel like that case is true in a manner of 'can I...

lkearns, My tradition offers ten-day residential retreats in vipassana meditation on a pure dana basis. There's a centre in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, two hours by rail west of Sydney: http://www.bhumi.dhamma.org/ I recommend that you think about attending a course when your HSC is over - in...

Hello, My name is Luke, I am 18 year old living in Australia; I couldn't say to a point how long I have been practicing and studying various different aspects of buddhism, to a degree it has been present through much of my life, having been born in Singapore with a father who is in Asia for 2 out of...

Hello, Thinking about the jhana states, I am aware that the levels of ones desire to experience a jhana state will effect ones chance at reaching the state; I understand this stated desire, as perhaps a desire for the bliss found in the jhana, desire for what is thought to be a 'sensual pleasure', r...

Thanks Kevin, that is interesting to think about.

Hello everyone, For about a year now, I have been making my way following Buddhist teachings and practicing frequent meditation; I have begun to take an interest in formal Buddhist rituals and practices, but I really have no idea where to begin! I am looking to learn about simple rituals that I can...

ah yes I would chant this before meditation in the morning... Is that an appropriate application of the chant?

Hello everyone, For about a year now, I have been making my way following Buddhist teachings and practicing frequent meditation; I have begun to take an interest in formal Buddhist rituals and practices, but I really have no idea where to begin! I am looking to learn about simple rituals that I can ...

I appreciate all these responses very much,
Good concepts to think on for future events

Thanks everyone!

I find myself confused in situations where, I can take 3 routes. - 1 route makes another person happy. - 1 route makes me happy, another person upset. - 1 route makes me happy, another person happy, but involves lying (which results in me feeling guilty). I am quite new to Buddhism and have come fro...

Thank you, you are very kind. Right now i read "Abhidhamma in daily Life" from Ashin Janakabhivamsa. It is written in an easily understandable language, translated into German. Later i would like to start with "Jewels from the treasurehouse" by Vasubandhu and Wangtshuk Dorje - M...