Was watching this recently, it's a documentary by National Geographic called Drugs Inc, made in Houston, Texas. It includes swearing and strong violence so I would not recommend it to everyone.

Many good replies posted here, thanks. If I have any more questions I will come back with a follow up.

A good chicken curry will also do the trick

Reductor wrote:
But seriously, the phrasing of this question is loaded with dubious meaning. Why not ask "Good reasons to choose Theravada over Mahayana?"

That works for me.

tiltbillings wrote:I don't think we need to bash the Mahayana here. This thread will have a very short life if that what starts to happen.

I hope that doesn't happen either as I am a Mahayanist myself. I'm just looking to read well written intelligent responses.

I've been following Mahayana teachings for some time now but would like to know amongst strictly Theravada practitioners why you have have chosen Theravada over Mahayana. Surely many of you have done your research and know specifically why you have chosen the path you are on.

Thanks.

Understood, thanks.

In the state of deep sleep there is no desire, no attachment, nothing at all but oblivious bliss. Can this be likened to Nibbana? I think the great about liberation is the ability to handle the most difficult situations in life with wisdom, compassion and equanimity. I agree but what does this have...

In the state of deep sleep there is no desire, no attachment, nothing at all but oblivious bliss. Can this be likened to Nibbana?

hermitwin wrote:if a person who is keeping the 5 or 8 precepts gamble, is the precept broken?

Buddha never made it a precept to forbid gambling, he only advised against it.

Thank you for all the replies.

Apologies if this question offends anyone, but it is something I've been thinking about recently. Given the Buddha's stance on non violence, if someone came up to you and started physically assaulting you, what would you do about it? What would a good Buddhist do about it?

If swearing is done without the intent to hurt anyone, does that still constitute as unwholesome kamma? A couple examples would be something like "where the f are you going this late" or just generally insulting someone in a jokingly manner without wanting to hurt them.