Search found 34 matches

by thelotuseffect
Fri May 23, 2014 5:12 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Anyone who has seen rebirth ?.
Replies: 100
Views: 17130

Re: Anyone who has seen rebirth ?.

lyndon taylor wrote:if you believe rebirth is nothing and not real then thats what you have to look forward to, nothing.......
... Jhana? Nothing is a relief. Not believing in rebirth just results in more rebirth after death.
by thelotuseffect
Sun Mar 09, 2014 12:51 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Does really loving someone means letting go?
Replies: 4
Views: 1243

Re: Does really loving someone means letting go?

To answer your question "is it selfish?" yes it was a selfish decision. But, now you are stuck with your choice. Love is the willingness to be with ____ (fill in the blank). There is no attachment to form in Buddhist love. Attachment to form causes affection which IS metta with the contami...
by thelotuseffect
Sun Mar 09, 2014 12:42 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: A Critique of Brahmavamso’s “The Jhanas”
Replies: 266
Views: 98772

Re: A Critique of Brahmavamso’s “The Jhanas”

Its good to see such a discussion occur. This is a very critical point in the development of a western tradition :) I, too, am of the opinion jhana and vipassana must be yoked together, as per the suttas suggest. This is the easiest and most sublime way towards nibbana. Handling objects within the m...
by thelotuseffect
Sat Feb 22, 2014 8:37 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: "Let none see the omissions and commissions of others"?
Replies: 4
Views: 1549

Re: "Let none see the omissions and commissions of others"?

I have a problem with fault fixing in the world :jumping: It is said only Buddhas can understand the full workings of kamma and also they are the only ones properly suited to be "lineage founders" i.e.: professors of conduct (vinaya). They are able to give advice to others perfectly and ha...
by thelotuseffect
Mon Feb 10, 2014 10:56 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Location of the Mind?
Replies: 77
Views: 12436

Re: Location of the Mind?

Mind is immaterial and without location, like a rainbow. If a rainbow has a location why can you not touch it, or even see it when you look at it closely. You cannot see the origin of mind from the viewpoint of mind itself. If by mind you mean consciousness then consciousness is like a beam of light...
by thelotuseffect
Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:08 pm
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Eating chocolate is that okey?
Replies: 9
Views: 1915

Re: Eating chocolate is that okey?

NOOOOOO!
by thelotuseffect
Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:40 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Nurturing Dhamma in Asia
Replies: 9
Views: 2258

Re: Nurturing Dhamma in Asia

I understand your worry. I think what turns people away are the unpleasant aspects that the buddha tells us to be very aware of. They sound negative and most people think it is just an austere strange view (i.e.: to be observant of the unpleasant instead of the pleasant). If you want to amass follow...
by thelotuseffect
Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:14 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Why doesnt a experienced meditator come in exctas by nature?
Replies: 13
Views: 3213

Re: Why doesnt a experienced meditator come in exctas by nat

Wow, it truly is rare that a sentient being thinks about other beings that he may be affecting. :) We kill many beings just because we have this human body. It is by this body that we attain freedom from dukkha, so we take care of it too. Human birth is very rare and provides the best field for libe...
by thelotuseffect
Mon Jan 13, 2014 10:59 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Why doesnt a experienced meditator come in exctas by nature?
Replies: 13
Views: 3213

Re: Why doesnt a experienced meditator come in exctas by nat

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html

It is a natural emergence of an unnatural process (meaning goes against the conditioned mind). It starts with mindfulness directed at your intent (conduct/five precepts).
by thelotuseffect
Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:25 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: understanding anatta with evolution?
Replies: 3
Views: 1469

Re: understanding anatta with evolution?

http://www.leighb.com/mn38.htm "Yes, friends, as I know the Teaching of the Blessed One, this consciousness transmigrates through existences, not anything else." Then those bhikkhus thinking to dissuade the bhikkhu Sati from that pernicious view, cross examined him, asked for reasons and d...
by thelotuseffect
Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:00 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: I purpose its a heavy karma to take alcohol
Replies: 30
Views: 4198

Re: I purpose its a heavy karma to take alcohol

Alcohol makes patience difficult to bear.
by thelotuseffect
Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:37 pm
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Venānga Sutta - jhana not absorbtion method
Replies: 31
Views: 12968

Re: Venānga Sutta - jhana not absorbtion method

I think you could safely assume celestial to be a synonym to heavenly, or divine.

Equanimity is a brahma vihara; a divine, heavenly, celestial state of mind.
by thelotuseffect
Thu Jan 02, 2014 10:32 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Breath is an intrusion now...
Replies: 18
Views: 3433

Re: Breath is an intrusion now...

There really are no right and wrong techniques for this. Its all about how happy and receptive you are to what is happening, even if you don't like it. If you understand this point, meditation opens up easier. A good teacher helps shorten the time to correct understanding so you can attain magga.
by thelotuseffect
Wed Jan 01, 2014 2:21 pm
Forum: Study Group
Topic: SN 1.34 Nasanti: They Are Not
Replies: 8
Views: 2825

Re: SN 1.34 Nasanti: They Are Not

Hmmm... there is something in me that believes the Buddha is doing a bit more than agreeing with the devas in the removal of lust. Traditionally, devas hold a conceit in mind due to not perceiving dukkha & anicca as continually like us humans. Traditionally, its also not so easy to get under the...
by thelotuseffect
Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:15 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Breath is an intrusion now...
Replies: 18
Views: 3433

Re: Breath is an intrusion now...

It is just a phase :) Don't reject the breath, and don't believe in the permanence of your issue.

The breath is very useful as a neutral sign post to maintain mindfulness, so its worth it for you to keep trying.
Find a teacher to relate this to maybe he/she will help.