Search found 328 matches

by Rui Sousa
Fri Sep 07, 2012 4:52 pm
Forum: Sīla
Topic: is the 5th precept seen as "optional" by some?
Replies: 73
Views: 27001

Re: is the 5th precept seen as "optional" by some?

I appreciate the continued discussion on this thread, of which I was the original poster. However, I'd like to point out that it appears that some of the posts have lost track that I am not, myself, suggesting that the 5th precept is or should be "optional." My OP was more directed to whe...
by Rui Sousa
Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:49 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: how to meet some thai monks?
Replies: 16
Views: 5634

Re: how to meet some thai monks?

This video, from May 2012, may be helpfull. It was shot when Ven. Ajahn Jaysaro was in Portugal to support the creation of the new monastery:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=pt-PT&v=BSWfoFAvN_k" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
by Rui Sousa
Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:27 am
Forum: Sīla
Topic: is the 5th precept seen as "optional" by some?
Replies: 73
Views: 27001

Re: is the 5th precept seen as "optional" by some?

Would anyone give a few drinks to a child? If the answer is no, then Why not? In my opinion because when a child is envolved it becomes very clear how harmfull that is. We rationalize and delude ourselves in thinking that it is OK to drink a few beers and feel a bit woozy. But if we are honest and r...
by Rui Sousa
Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:36 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: My girlfriend
Replies: 13
Views: 4266

Re: My girlfriend

Thank you Ben. I did see that documentary ages ago, but will watch it again now - from a very different point of view obviously. My plan is to be more open about my relationship with buddhism now and my girlfriend is slowly coming to terms with that. Also obviously I must respect what the doctors a...
by Rui Sousa
Fri Jun 29, 2012 10:27 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Samatha to See Gods.
Replies: 48
Views: 17008

Re: Samatha to See Gods.

I believe the Jhanas are a requirement for rebirth in the Deva realms, and a Deva's mind is more often than not in a Jhana state.

I guess a good way to comunicate could be to sit a do samatha. If a Deva recognizes in the human the ability to reach Jhanas it may have some interest in communication.
by Rui Sousa
Fri Jun 29, 2012 10:16 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: The Third-Eye in Buddhism
Replies: 12
Views: 9603

Re: The Third-Eye in Buddhism

Hello questionasker, The image in your post seems to equate the third eye with a chackra located in the forehead. As far as I know, some yogic traditions consider that channelling energy to that point in our body can have some effect in improving our "spirituality". I am very skeptic of th...
by Rui Sousa
Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:10 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism
Replies: 137
Views: 30445

Re: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism

In your opinion the nervous cells between the ear and the brain are part of the sense-door (rupa), or are they a support of feeling(nama)? Is the electrical signal created by the change of ions on the neuron cell walls nama or rupa? Hi Rui Sousa, Perhaps if you rephrase the question to expand beyon...
by Rui Sousa
Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:30 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism
Replies: 137
Views: 30445

Re: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism

(...) You're the one who brought up dependent origination. http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12798&start=100#p194124" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; "The mechanics of the senses" has quite a bit to do with dependent origination. The brain ext...
by Rui Sousa
Sun Jun 24, 2012 10:25 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism
Replies: 137
Views: 30445

Re: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism

I see the brain as the rupa that supports the sixth sense, in the same way the ear, with all its mechanics, supports earing. HI Rui Sousa, Our brains extend throughout our bodies via the nervous system. Sensations depend upon nervous sensations. Therefore, the brain extends throughout the sense org...
by Rui Sousa
Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:22 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Do you wish to continue?
Replies: 11
Views: 4247

Re: Do you wish to continue?

Great satyre. But the question is very meaninguful. Do I wish to continue experiencing life? The honest answer is yes :(

Not proud of it anymore, but I really want to be alive and have a body and mind just as this one. And so I do.
by Rui Sousa
Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:25 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Consulting ariya devas in other realms
Replies: 24
Views: 5153

Re: Consulting ariya devas in other realms

According the the Kevatta Sutta DN.11 ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.11.0.than.html ) a certain monk tried to ask a question to the Devas, and in the end was directed to the Buddha. It is interesting to see that the Devas in the Great Brahma realm could not answer the monk's questio...
by Rui Sousa
Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:39 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism
Replies: 137
Views: 30445

Re: Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism

The leap from rupa to nama is something I don't understand. How electrical signals in the brain condition vedana, sañña, sankhara and viññana is beyond my understanding. But I can easily understand and accept the nama-rupa bound and mutual support relationship. This is very difficult question. How ...
by Rui Sousa
Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:34 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Pressure/tension in face/teeth during meditation
Replies: 49
Views: 41622

Re: Pressure/tension in face/teeth during meditation

Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate the feedback and advice. I'll give these techniques a try. I find that with metta I get a very strong third eye pressure. I've tried relly more on walking meditation as of late as ive found it benefocial in relieving the pressure. Any advice/technique...
by Rui Sousa
Tue Jun 19, 2012 11:25 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: healing as a part of dhamma practice
Replies: 2
Views: 1496

Re: healing as a part of dhamma practice

hi everyone. i think a lot of people in the world have emotional baggage. being bullied, having a parent leave, a love one die. i have been a meditator for a while now and making not so much progress. i started a healing practice and my well being and emotional health have drastically improved. im ...
by Rui Sousa
Tue Jun 19, 2012 11:13 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Pressure/tension in face/teeth during meditation
Replies: 49
Views: 41622

Re: Pressure/tension in face/teeth during meditation

Not sure if information helps, but I feel as if this tension/pressure is getting in the way of allowing myself to fully relax into the breath and I'm starting to develop the slightest aversion to it that I think it's creating a hindrance. The aim of my practice is towards developing the first jhana...