Search found 275 matches

by rolling_boulder
Tue Nov 11, 2014 9:34 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Is Art an Obstacle to Mental/Spiritual Development?
Replies: 24
Views: 5092

Re: Is Art an Obstacle to Mental/Spiritual Development?

I think there's much worse things than creating art. Ultimately any occupation is an obstacle to the practice, but should only be dropped when you discern that it's the right time to drop it. IMO. There are Buddhist artists: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddh...
by rolling_boulder
Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:46 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Reasons for not devoting one's life completely to the path?
Replies: 13
Views: 2801

Re: Reasons for not devoting one's life completely to the pa

Because not everybody is ready to give away all their money and possessions and live off alms forever.
I think it takes a great leap to ordain for this reason. Even a very devoted dhamma practitioner may also have worldly responsibilities like taking care of family members.
by rolling_boulder
Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:35 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Isn't it amazing?
Replies: 6
Views: 1122

Isn't it amazing?

Truly isn't it just astounding how true and profound the teachings are? Isn't it amazing how the Dhamma cuts through so much noise and illusion and destroys suffering at the root? Isn't the peace and calm of meditation just incredibly conducive to the arising of insight? Even now I am only a novice ...
by rolling_boulder
Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:08 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: How to deal with intense mind racing?
Replies: 20
Views: 3992

How to deal with intense mind racing?

Hello, Does anybody else experience a phenonenon just after waking or just before falling asleep, where all mindfulness and equanimity and positive factors just seem to disappear? The age old "waking up in the middle of the night tossing and turning, can't fall back asleep" problem. Upon w...
by rolling_boulder
Mon Oct 13, 2014 10:54 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Thanissaro Bhikkhus Talks...
Replies: 6
Views: 2364

Re: Thanissaro Bhikkhus Talks...

I'm guessing that you are listening to the evening talks from his monastery. There are longer talks, usually given in retreat/study group situations which can be found on other websites. e.g.: http://bit.ly/1soigCq http://bit.ly/1soikSC http://bit.ly/1soin0J The longer format allows for more more d...
by rolling_boulder
Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:59 pm
Forum: Wellness, Diet & Fitness
Topic: I can't get up in the morning... Problem with lethargy
Replies: 9
Views: 3677

I can't get up in the morning... Problem with lethargy

Hello, I am having a lot of trouble with waking up in the morning recently. I usually get up at 5 to arrive at school by 7 but it seems like periodically I run into times where I just can't will myself to do it. It doesn't seem related to the amount of sleep I get, I am just always tired and want to...
by rolling_boulder
Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:21 am
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Am I continually generating new Rebirths?
Replies: 7
Views: 3028

Re: Am I continually generating new Rebirths?

Thanks for the replies everyone !
by rolling_boulder
Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:08 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Virya
Replies: 2
Views: 601

Virya

Hello

What are some ways that energy can be cultivated?
The suttas mention that energy should be cultivated with only a couple of suggestions here and there on how to do it.

Thanks!
by rolling_boulder
Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:02 am
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: How do monks shave?
Replies: 19
Views: 9377

How do monks shave?

Hi

This is kind of a silly and lighthearted question, but an honest one!
If monks only own a bowl and robe how do they keep themselves so hairless?

Thanks!
by rolling_boulder
Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:56 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Dilemma: Accept holiday invitation even if I don't want?
Replies: 24
Views: 4852

Re: Dilemma: Accept holiday invitation even if I don't want?

It's a legitimate question, if a little bit self-righteous. Ultimately the decision is yours. There are precious few moments on this earth to spend time with your family and loved ones, and there is plenty of time to practice. (You should be practicing all day long!) For as long as you have breath t...
by rolling_boulder
Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:45 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Dhammapada clarification
Replies: 4
Views: 770

Dhammapada clarification

Hello, Lately I have been reading Glenn Wallis' translation of the Dhammapada, and I have a bit of confusion regarding two verses in it. Verse 76: Regard the person who sees your faults As a revealer of treasures. Associate with that skilled person as one who is wise, who speaks reprovingly. Keeping...
by rolling_boulder
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:41 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Hallucinatory 'voices' shaped by local culture
Replies: 5
Views: 1009

Re: Hallucinatory 'voices' shaped by local culture

Just to add to the information here

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... tself.html

This is a writing by Thanissaro on the topic
by rolling_boulder
Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:19 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Actor Robin Williams dies of suicide at 63
Replies: 33
Views: 6795

Actor Robin Williams dies of suicide at 63

What an unfortunate turn of events.
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/#!/content/1.2733770
It really can happen at any time...
by rolling_boulder
Fri Aug 08, 2014 3:51 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: A Theory of Eel Wrigglers
Replies: 11
Views: 2188

A Theory of Eel Wrigglers

Hello, 'If you ask me if there exists another world [after death], if I thought that there exists another world, would I declare that to you? I don't think so. I don't think in that way. I don't think otherwise. I don't think not. I don't think not not. If you asked me if there isn't another world.....
by rolling_boulder
Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:57 am
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Am I continually generating new Rebirths?
Replies: 7
Views: 3028

Am I continually generating new Rebirths?

Hello. We can apply this simile to the case of rebirth. The body of the candle is like the physical body of the person. The wick might be compared to the sense faculties that function as the support for the process of consciousness. The particles of oxygen are like the sense objects and the flame is...