Hi , I wanted to know about the references Suttas about dying without the attainments (sotapanna , once returner, etc) . What its gonna happen if we practice all our lifes and we fail on that? I am very worried and anxious about this, because one Bikkhu once told us that if we dont become Sotapanna...

It's always important to remeber the context of these teachings of non-attachment. Who was the Buddha speaking with, when did he teach it and for what purpose? Lay people are not monastics and teachings for monastics are not always appropriate for lay people to practice if they have a family life an...

I think this has a precedent in the Buddhavamsa, on which I've actually just created a thread (that I wouldn't mind seeing merged with this one, since the topics are essentially the same). The Buddhavamsa lists one of the conditions of becoming a samma-sambuddha as being a man and not a woman or in...

That's misspeak on my part. What I meant was I've come across what I would call "magic" in other traditions. That made me uncomfortable. Within Theravada I've seen images of demons and hell that are disturbing but I think that's the point. I watched a brief talk from Ajahn Brahm on heaven and hell ...

Theravada has my heart. I love the Suttas, the simplicity, the lack of supernaturalism ... it feels "authentic." I rejoice in your enthusiasm of finding the Dhamma, may all your goals be achieved. :buddha1: There are many "supernatural' elements of Buddhism found in the Suttas, in temples and in pr...

If space is an issue, you can always try a Japanese butsudan. These are small cabinets which are very attractive, but functional as they have doors that allow the images to be tucked away when not in use. Many also have drawers for storage. The prices vary widely, but there are some nice ones for un...

I was reading about world religions in school and came across Buddhism. The seminal book that I connected with was World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored & Explained published by DK. When I read about the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path I just remember thinking, "This is it." The ...

So as I'm sure you know, the core teachings of the Buddhas teachings known to therivadins, is actually considered the first of three stages to Tibetan Buddhism (being Hinayana then Mahayana and Vajrayana). Now at this point of my life, I would like to transition to practicing Theravadin Buddhism by...

Hello Upsaka Pumo, I'd like to respond more fully to your post, but I'm on my way out for the night! Regarding the 8th: Although I usually sleep on a bit of a big bed, sometimes I also sleep on a small couch with a sleeping bag or a small blanket (when weather is warm) at the living room. The couch ...

But why couldn't someone practice the laws of nature(dhamma) take refuge and find this beneficial to their possibly deeper understanding of their own religion. It doesn't really matter if you take refuge in Buddha or Christ, etc... To me the word religion suggests a belief or faith based outlook, I...

Which individuals get to do what updating? Whose inconsistency gets updated? As a few others stated, this work is currently being done by the traditions independently already. The same sutta/sutras are not found in all traditions. Major portions of the Tengyur is not found in the Pali canon, for exa...

Hello John, I think your analysis of the possible consequences of the institutional critique that began in the 60's on current personal commitment to institutions is very interesting and plausible. It is interesting to think of in my own life, for example, beginning to get involved with some institu...

Do you find it equally difficult to take seriously those who engage in "Buddhist practice" but still identify as Buddhists? No. I answered that in my previous post. Taking refuge and having faith in Three Jewels is an integral factor of awakening in Buddhism, to liberation in fact. I came to the Dh...

This is a website dedicated to translating Sutras important to and within the Tibetan Mahayana/Vajrayana canon. http://84000.co/ As others have said, I think that it would impossible for all of the traditions to meet together and preserve their own scriptures corporately given the intricate details ...

Maitre, Thank you for your detailed post. As a previous question prompted a wondering, I appreciate different folks take on it. ...Certainly from the Roman Catholic perspective it matters that a priest wholly believes in the doctrines of the church, so how can they practice a tradition which teache...