Search found 1048 matches

by reflection
Wed Nov 13, 2013 12:32 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism against ecology?
Replies: 7
Views: 2229

Re: Buddhism against ecology?

Could maybe environmental concern be considered like a part of Buddha's precepts that one should protect one's family and friends, like those found in the Sigala Sutta? Also, is 'doing good' that comes after 'not doing bad' in Buddhism considered, to use a Christian term, supererogatory? I don't kn...
by reflection
Wed Nov 13, 2013 12:31 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism against ecology?
Replies: 7
Views: 2229

Re: Buddhism against ecology?

I wouldn't say it is part of the precepts as the Buddha put them down - not the basic 5 at least, since those mainly have to do with the internal world of the mind. I know there are some things you could say are connected with this in the monks & nuns precepts, like not destroying plants. But of...
by reflection
Wed Nov 13, 2013 12:17 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism against ecology?
Replies: 7
Views: 2229

Re: Buddhism against ecology?

Hi, In a way that would be true. If one doesn't intentionally hurt others there is no wrongdoing. However, that's not where Buddhism ends. After avoiding the 'bad', it is also important to cultivate the good. As a famous saying goes: "To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to purify one's mi...
by reflection
Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:03 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Emptiness
Replies: 12
Views: 2169

Re: Emptiness

Hi, I know little about the Tibetan view of emptiness, but the little that I came across sounded pretty compatible with how I think most Theravadans look at it. So at least in my eyes the two may well be the same. For example, this is I think the most prominent way the concept of emptiness is used i...
by reflection
Tue Nov 12, 2013 3:43 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: World Chess Championship 2013
Replies: 46
Views: 10470

Re: World Chess Championship 2013

I feel Anand was the better player, but we'll see how it develops. The press conferences at the end are some of the most lamest things ever. Empty questions and empty answers. :jumping:
by reflection
Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:43 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Really big
Replies: 5
Views: 1472

Re: Really big

This is funny considering the Buddha is supposed to have said to not make images of him, didn't he? :anjali:
by reflection
Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:44 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: metta to a bad person
Replies: 22
Views: 3799

Re: metta to a bad person

In my experience, when it is difficult to send metta to other beings, there can be unresolved (temporary or more ingrained) issues with metta towards myself. Only when these are gone, is the metta to other beings possible and that includes people who have done and will continue to do unskillful thin...
by reflection
Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:44 am
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: Bhikkhuni Ordination performed - by Ajahn Brahmavamso
Replies: 566
Views: 337329

Re: Bhikkhuni Ordination performed - by Ajahn Brahmavamso

I am no Vinaya expert, to say that first. But reading through the book (which I admit I haven't read fully, but also not just the isolated quotes), the main questions raised in the book seems whether bhikkhus can ordain bhikkhunis. That means, to ordain them without bhikkhunis. However, in the case ...
by reflection
Sun Nov 10, 2013 6:36 pm
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: Bhikkhuni Ordination performed - by Ajahn Brahmavamso
Replies: 566
Views: 337329

Re: Bhikkhuni Ordination performed - by Ajahn Brahmavamso

Well, if one was really worried about acceptance, then I for one don't think one should write or support a book saying their ordination may not be valid. That's just doing the opposite. Also, it clearly is not just concern for the future, because to me it is actually questioning the validity of the ...
by reflection
Sat Nov 09, 2013 9:19 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: What Is Nibbana
Replies: 35
Views: 8682

Re: What Is Nibbana

I think often instead of wondering what is nibbana, it is more useful to wonder: what are my attachments and how can I lessen them?

Do you feel attached to your experiences, feel the desire to recreate them? Then it may be better to work with that attachment instead of the experience itself.
by reflection
Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:50 am
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: any retreat by ajahn brahm in thailand?
Replies: 10
Views: 3675

Re: any retreat by ajahn brahm in thailand?

Many monasteries will have a sense of quiet and peace where you can meditate. I can't really give you any specifics as I'm from Europe, but what I mean to say is you don't need to go to Bodhinyana or a retreat by Ajahn Brahm to find some peace. Perhaps some place more local that you may think is not...
by reflection
Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:41 am
Forum: Vipassanā / Satipaṭṭhāna Bhāvana
Topic: Training without self-inspection.
Replies: 12
Views: 4356

Re: Training without self-inspection.

Hi Birdy, If going on such walks helps you, I'd continue doing it. The Buddha and monks also went on walks a lot. But I would use it as an additional practice, not as the only one. The sitting in meditation practice is very important. When talking about some factors of the eightfold path, the Buddha...
by reflection
Thu Nov 07, 2013 12:07 pm
Forum: Vipassanā / Satipaṭṭhāna Bhāvana
Topic: Lost focus...
Replies: 7
Views: 2271

Re: Lost focus...

The breath may be hard to find for different reasons, but the main one seems to be a lack of sharpness/mindfulness. If you then search for the breath and hold it forcefully (not mindfully) the mind will indeed dull down, because it requires energy. I find it best in such moments just to sit and wait...
by reflection
Thu Oct 31, 2013 3:09 pm
Forum: Sīla
Topic: Eradicating sex drive
Replies: 98
Views: 33913

Re: Eradicating sex drive

Hey, I'm curious: Has anyone here any personal experience, success or familiarity with those states of equanimity and deep calm associated with renunciation of sense-pleasures? I've settled for the relatively minor state of calm that arises from understanding the impermanence of conditions. You sor...
by reflection
Thu Oct 31, 2013 12:02 pm
Forum: Sīla
Topic: Eradicating sex drive
Replies: 98
Views: 33913

Re: Eradicating sex drive

I think that it would be more skilful to focus (for now, in the immediate present) on management rather than eradication. I would absolutely agree here. Eradication is a long term goal that comes automatically with other attainments. It would be better to continue the discussion on how to skillfull...