Search found 834 matches

by LonesomeYogurt
Wed May 15, 2013 7:23 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Morning meditation
Replies: 15
Views: 5355

Re: Morning meditation

Remember that most retreats will have you going to bed around ten or so - it only takes a day or two to really get used to that schedule if you work towards it in the week or so beforehand. In general, one needs less sleep during a retreat. After all, you're not doing much but sitting! I don't think...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sun May 12, 2013 9:26 am
Forum: Sīla
Topic: Abortion
Replies: 149
Views: 45356

Re: Abortion

Perhaps if the mods would move this post to Classical Theravada the subject of abortion could be discussed exclusively from the classic Dhamma texts. While I understand your desire to get at "what the Buddha taught" here, trying to form an opinion on abortion in today's world based on the...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sun May 12, 2013 3:01 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Breath as a concept by Yuttadhammo
Replies: 15
Views: 5649

Re: Breath as a concept by Yuttadhammo

The problem is that the Buddha made it quite clear that mindfulness of breathing was not simply samatha but instead a fully capable vehicle for insight. To refer to the breath as "conceptual" or to claim that knowing the character of the breath is somehow not insight or not capable of lead...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 11, 2013 3:37 pm
Forum: Introductions
Topic: Hello from Costa Rica
Replies: 6
Views: 4582

Re: Hello from Costa Rica

Hola Filipe! Welcome to Dhammawheel.
by LonesomeYogurt
Thu May 09, 2013 6:51 am
Forum: Sīla
Topic: Violent sports
Replies: 43
Views: 11780

Re: Violent sports

One should be especially mindful during these activities so as to make sure that unwholesome aggression does not arise - however, if one accepts the risks and acts to mitigate them, sports like boxing or the martial arts can be fun and productive forms of entertainment and exercise.
by LonesomeYogurt
Tue May 07, 2013 3:11 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: the great rebirth debate
Replies: 7539
Views: 1326959

Re: the great rebirth debate

A kammic explanation is redundant, because human aggression and cruelty are sufficient to explain such actions. Bad things happen to good people because violence, hatred and greed are common human afflictions. No further "metaphysical" explanation is needed. This is an important point. Wh...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 6:28 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence
Replies: 146
Views: 49054

Re: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence

But... What would motivate Buddhist ( monks or laity ) to do all those alleged things? Greed, hatred, and delusion. Reflecting on lay life - yes becoming a peaceful meditating monk who minds his own business is the best. But apparently even that is not safe. I hate to sound like I'm speaking in pla...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 5:55 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence
Replies: 146
Views: 49054

Re: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence

I know someone who is getting seriously burned by trying to be nice... I wonder if in this cruel world being "nice" is really that good. You're free to wonder that, but if you come to the conclusion that compassion, gentleness, and nonviolence are not worthwhile qualities for one striving...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 5:48 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Is there any experience of Parinibbana?
Replies: 20
Views: 7814

Re: Is there any experience of Parinibbana?

Oh I see. But from the first person point of view, the arahant experiences nothing after death. Correct? No form, feeling, consciousness, perception, or thought arises after the death of one without clinging. All of these things are conditioned, and thus do not exist "in" Nibbana. But it'...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 5:35 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence
Replies: 146
Views: 49054

Re: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence

The simple point that you don't seem to understand here is that I am merely wondering about what a realistic and skillful response would be to a situation like the one in Burma. And we are saying that there is only one realistic and skillful response - nonviolence, compassion, gentleness, and equan...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 5:23 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence
Replies: 146
Views: 49054

Re: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence

Is self-defense prohibited? Killing in self-defense is not, no. Either way, seeking out Muslims and attacking them is not self-defense. If one is sick with bacterial infection, is one allowed to take anti-biotics? What about immune-system? Is good Buddhist forbidden to have one? I will not bring up...
by LonesomeYogurt
Sat May 04, 2013 5:10 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence
Replies: 146
Views: 49054

Re: Genocide in Burma: Monks and Perpetuation of Violence

People who are merely putting up with others tend to explode, sooner or later. And they explode because they have greed, hatred, and delusion in their hearts. It is suicidal to be peaceful with someone who would want to convert or kill you if given a chance. It is hard to believe those whose faith ...
by LonesomeYogurt
Fri May 03, 2013 8:52 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism & overcoming traumatic experiences?
Replies: 12
Views: 4491

Re: Buddhism & overcoming traumatic experiences?

What lessons can we take from this? In my humble opinion, it's that meditation can help you a lot, but to do it in apropriate dosages. This is important - you can't just power through trauma by racking up a certain number of hours on the cushion. Brahmaviharas, mindfulness, and samadhi are incredib...
by LonesomeYogurt
Thu May 02, 2013 8:25 pm
Forum: Vipassanā / Satipaṭṭhāna Bhāvana
Topic: sutta support for vipassana jhanas?
Replies: 26
Views: 9311

Re: sutta support for vipassana jhanas?

With this topic in mind, which, if any, teachers teach the Anapanasati Sutta in such a way that the vipassana jhanas are attained and not the commentarial jhanas? There is no way to do it any other way; any teacher who teaches Anapanasati will teach sutta Jhanas. Commentarial Jhana is too deep for ...
by LonesomeYogurt
Thu May 02, 2013 5:36 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: More important: view or practice?
Replies: 9
Views: 2929

Re: More important: view or practice?

Perhaps the division between view and practice is a false one. After all, Right View is in itself a practice. It's not just about sitting there with the right opinions and thoughts - it's about training yourself to see things in a way that is in accord with the Dhamma, and it is as much a skill to d...