Hey!

I am active duty army and looking to get back into Buddhism.

During basic I would go to a SGI service weekly and loved it. Unfortunately my current base does not have one so I am looking for any Buddhist livestream.

Thanks!

Im a hindu but i want a buddhist's opinion as well so hear me out. Im just curious. Theres no other motive.

I think hinduism,buddhism and jainism is more of spirtuality or way of life than a religion. The concept of religion is more of a western thing. Hinduism,buddhism and jainism was interchangebly practiced back in the days untill recently categorised as religions.

What's your opinion?

During the Song Dynasty, there was a blacksmith named Huang from Dan Zhou, who made a living by forging. Since he started working with iron, he continuously chanted the name of Buddha. His wife saw this and asked him:

• "Forging steel is already hard work, and adding the chanting of Buddha's name must make it even more difficult, right?" Mr. Huang replied:
• "This method is truly wonderful. In the past, when I stood by the forge, I felt hot and uncomfortable, but when I chanted Buddha's name, I no longer felt the heat. Forging steel caused my arms to ache, but when I chanted, my arms no longer hurt."

One day, without any illness, he recited a verse and asked a neighbor to write it down:
“Ding ding tang tang,
Forging for a long time to make steel,
Peace is about to come,
I will return to the Western Paradise.”

Holding the hammer, he stood still, his face unchanged, a fragrant aroma filled the air, and heavenly music resounded, which everyone could hear. His verse was spread throughout Hunan, and many people were inspired to chant Buddha's name.

Commentary:
There is no other skill,
Only the knowledge of chanting Buddha's name,
One strike, one Buddha's name,
Chanting without rest,
Composing verses and then standing still,
Face unchanged,
Fragrant aroma fills the air,
Heavenly music resounds,
Chanting Buddha's name and working,
Do not contradict each other,
Scholars, farmers, workers, and merchants,
All can imitate,
Only by doing this,
Following the example of practice,
Do not seek the miraculous,
And waste a lifetime in vain.

1. Even in the most harmonious marriages, karmic affinities from past lives determine how long two people stay together—10, 20, 30, 40 years—but eventually, they must part. After parting, will they meet again in the next life? Not necessarily! Why? People think and perceive things differently, so it is difficult for them to be reborn into the same world. In ancient society, such reunions were easier to believe in, as people were raised with moral and ethical education. Husbands remained loyal to their wives, and wives to their husbands, making it more likely for them to have a karmic connection in the next life. But today, this loyalty is rare. Divorce used to be almost unheard of; now, it happens so frequently that it's commonplace.

This reflects issues within the family structure. The family is the foundational unit of society, like cells in the human body; when basic units are damaged, society suffers, just as illness affects the body. Therefore, if we want a harmonious society and world, it is very difficult to achieve this without incorporating traditional moral and ethical education through teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism, and karmic understanding. Everyone should understand the Mahayana teachings, recognizing that “all phenomena are empty, without substance,” and live selflessly, thinking, speaking, and acting in alignment with natural virtues. This brings true value and elevates one’s spiritual essence. Harming others for personal gain will only lead to degradation and suffering in the three lower realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and animal realms). This is a reality!

1. We should follow our daily morning and evening recitations, which include the *Four Great Vows. The first vow teaches us to cultivate the Bodhi mind, to strive for enlightenment, and to help sentient beings: “Sentient beings are innumerable; I vow to save them all.” With this vow, you live not just for yourself. Many people say, “Who am I suffering and working so hard for?” It’s a sad question. For whom are you really living? In the end, the wealth and efforts you amassed are left for others; nothing can be taken with you. For us, who follow the Buddha's teachings, we live meaningfully, serving the Dharma and helping sentient beings, making our lives worthwhile. We live to uphold the Buddha’s teachings and help all beings. If one lives for oneself, then it would be better to seek rebirth in the Pure Land sooner.

While this body can still serve others, we should do so without attachment, and without seeking recognition. “All forms are illusion!” Keep a clear, pure mind, detached from the mundane, living a life like the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. After making such a commitment, the first virtue is to overcome afflictions: “Afflictions are endless; I vow to overcome them.” The clearest example is to let go of fame, wealth, and sensory desires. Greed, lust, and fame are the five roots of hell; if we cling to even one, we cannot escape the cycle of rebirth. If we cling to all, even the Buddhas cannot pull us out. So, follow the guidance of the teacher, practicing to cut through afflictions and ingrained habits.

1. We don’t need television or radio. Newspapers and magazines are unnecessary. Focus solely on the sutras. This way, your mind can be peaceful and pure. Without giving up attachment to material and worldly desires, achieving the spiritual path will be impossible. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to cultivating the path, refrain from worldly distractions, and chant Buddha’s name with a focused mind. Read sutras, chant Buddha’s name, and listen to Dharma teachings.
2. If you truly wish to escape the cycle of six realms (gods, humans, asuras, hungry ghosts, animals, hells) and be reborn in the Pure Land, then immerse yourself in one practice. Fellow practitioners must remember this! In this life, focus on one sutra, like the Amitabha Sutra or the Infinite Life Sutra, and one phrase, "Amitabha Buddha," until your practice is effective.
3. Nowadays, for those who recite the Buddha’s name, I advise spending several hours daily listening to Dharma teachings. Why? Without understanding the teachings, doubts arise, leading to afflictions and obstacles. Therefore, listen to the Dharma for four hours a day without interruption, and spend the rest of the time chanting. In this way, both understanding and practice are balanced, with practice as the main focus and understanding as support. This method is effective and stable. In both domestic and international Dharma centers, this approach is widely practiced.
4. If we vow to repay the Buddha’s kindness and help all sentient beings understand the Dharma, we must first let go of the attachment to the self and always seek to benefit others. No matter the hardship, vow to never retreat, just like Amitabha Buddha’s original vows. As long as sentient beings benefit from the Dharma, especially the Pure Land teachings, any sacrifice is worthwhile.

(Ven. Master Chin Kung)

*Note: The Four Great Vows:

1. Sentient beings are innumerable; I vow to save them all.
2. Afflictions are endless; I vow to overcome them all.
3. Dharma doors are boundless; I vow to learn them all.
4. The Buddha’s path is supreme; I vow to realize it.

Thaan Ajaan Geoff is visiting Australia and New Zealand in November and December. Hopefully Dharma friends who live nearby can attend one of the events, learn something from his teaching, and be inspired to practice further.

I believe in Buddha and intellectually know the nature of things. But I'm a slave to my bad habits like porn and binge-watching as they give me some 'high' in the moment. Porn stimulates me to feel the rush and gives a hit of pleasure, but consciously I hate it, lust is the biggest flaw in my character and I don't know how to overcome it.

Bbinge-watching is an escape from my boring life, to 'numb' the unworthy feeling that I was dumped as if I'm nothing by the person whom I would have taken a bullet for. I consciously got over the person and I am wishing them a lifetime of happiness right after they felt the pain they caused me. I don't know if it's right to wish so, but I just feel it's justice that they should experience all of that even if I have no idea how that person is now.

I am starting a new chapter of my life soon and I'm trying to get better but these things are weighing me down. I tried to 'slow it down' by meditating, and journaling but I'm not able to stick to them as they are not giving the rush like the bad habits.

I don't have anyone who listens patiently and offers wise and kind advice, so any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

I'm learning abhidhamma these days and found that there aren't many resources to learn Cognitive Process (Anubandaka Citta Vithis) part..looking for a some long and descriptive guide in english , wish many merits to someone who can give some resources to learn this..thanks..

I’ve been struggling with feelings of pain and injustice due to past hurts and the damage done to me by others. It’s difficult to let go of the hurt when people close to me have caused harm, whether it’s through betrayal, dishonesty, or mistreatment. I often wonder if karma or some form of divine justice will eventually catch up with those who have wronged me, or if they will simply go unpunished for their actions.

I’ve been trying to understand how the concept of justice works when it comes to those who harm others. In particular, I wonder if it’s right to hope for some kind of retribution or consequences for those who have caused harm, or if I should focus instead on forgiveness, healing, and moving forward. Is it natural to want justice, or should I just release the need for it and let things unfold as they will?

I’m also curious if there are any spiritual practices, mantras, meditations, or rituals that can help guide me toward inner peace or help bring about karmic balance. Specifically, are there ways to feel more at peace with the injustices I’ve faced, and help restore balance in my life?

At the heart of my question is the struggle between wanting justice for the wrongs I’ve faced and trying to cultivate a sense of peace within myself, free from anger or resentment. What do others think about this? Should I focus more on forgiveness and moving forward, or is it okay to hope for karmic retribution for those who have hurt me?

I’d really appreciate any insights or advice based on your own experiences, spiritual practices, or philosophical perspectives. Thank you.

Can I agree with the concepts of both Hinduism and Buddhism and practice them both? I have this doubt because many people in west are practicing both Christianity and Buddhism or practicing both atheism and Buddhism eg secular buddhism

After a long life and ultimate disease, I lost my pet a while ago and I hope (and know) he is in a better place, because he was just the best and most sweet individual.

I’m a very anxious person and for a long time I worried but also tried not to, as to not impact my pet’s rebirth, wish the best for him, human rebirth, enlightenment.

Currently some time has passed from this, and now I find myself with a new fear for rebirth for me and my family in animal realms or as confined beings. This is because of two things. When pet was alive, and family would have to leave for work, for some hours he would be walked to an enclosed corridor-like pen between bedroom, main area, bathroom, with his bed and water, just because of home alarm system. Before, he would be around freely, but since security system started recognising him as human when he would stand or move above floor level, the security would be called each time, so my family found this solution.

Another thing was, when he was older he got less and less walking time with human, and would just be let outside to roam the backyard. Most important reason why, was that walking neighbourhood area is full of ticks that once before even made him almost die, so family (I was impacted by fear and obligation too) didn’t want him to go to long grass or accidentally get ticks and die this time. So overtime this walking time ritual stopped being constant and was also impacted not only by fear but laziness too, and since he was old and mostly slept all the time it didn’t seem as urgent.

Now I loved him very much, will do forever, and believe to meet again. I know my family does too. He was our family, he traveled with us, celebrated with us, was there for us. Was and is deeply loved.

However, since I’m super anxious person now my mind jumps back and forth around this walking issue and confinement-when-in-work for our pet, our family member, and I’m afraid for me and my family to be reborn as animals or beings (humans and etc.) confined to some crates or pens, or corridors as such, as bad karma, and that there’s nothing I can change. I feel disappointed and angry that I obliged to these things for family, and I’m scared for them. I’m worried that I caused depression in our dog if I didn’t walk him myself or for all these times he had to wait for us returning in the corridor crate.

I logically know that karma is not one on one transaction, that non of my family was acting maliciously (albeit ignorantly in some ways, like fear, or obligations for security etc), I’ve been learning and learning about this. I know it’s more subtle and in a way I’m literally confining myself right now with anxiety, which could be my karma.

How can I feel at ease about this and be sure that because of this my family or me are not condemned for animal rebirth or confinement in consequential rebirth.

Thank you for anyone who would read and respond to ease my anxious mind. 🙏

Buddhism has lots of pantheons like brahma,siva and indra but most buddhists especially in west doesn't believe in Buddhist gods while Tibetans believes in these deities. How many of you in this sub believe in Buddhist gods?

Did many Brahmins convert to Buddhism in the past, and what was their contribution to Buddhism? I recently learned about Maitreya Buddha, who is said to be born among Brahmin priests. Does this mean the new Buddha will be born in India?

Source-https://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com

Maitreya will be born the son of a Brahmin priest, and will renounce the world and attain enlightenment in a single day, not requiring six long years.

The world in this time will be politically neutralised, and therefore the warrior class and its martial virtues will be obsolete.

Thus he will be born among the intellectuals, the priests, and his teaching will bring the gentler emotions to the fore.

His teachings will not deviate from that of previous Buddhas, except for an interesting tradition that he will not teach any esoteric Tantras (most likely hinting that Maitreya's mission will in general be more effective than Shakyamuni's).

This does not show a difference in the perfection of liberative techniques of the two Buddhas, rather a difference in the evolutionary stage of the human beings on the planet (Shakyamuni Buddha taught at a time of violence and widespread militarism,

and had to turn to the martial qualities of toughness, ascetism and determination toward the pursuit of enlightenment.

Shakyamuni Buddha also predicted that those who followed his teachings would be reborn in the first circle of Maitreya's entourage and would be able to complete the spiritual path under Maitreya's guidance.

Shakyamuni Buddha with Maitreya and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas alongside Indra and Brahma.

Namo Amitabha

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gb8XZkCaUAAVOVG?format=jpg&name=900x900

https://i.ibb.co/F8J5Mkm/20211015-192456.jpg

Ever since I've been dedicated to meditation and study, I feel like my method of practice and mindset has changed a lot.

I've also learned from studies that everyone is going to experience Buddhism and meditation differently...

How does meditation make you feel? (Body, mind, sites around you, etc).

https://www.reddit.com/r/streamentry/comments/1fz5d1b/practices_for_daily_life_from_zen_master_hakuin/

https://www.reddit.com/r/streamentry/comments/fnw3y9/centering_in_hara_with_breathing_attention_and/

Is this practice better than maintaining normal mindfulness; that is, just focusing on and being present with the task that you are currently doing?

I practice the five precepts very seriously. But I throughly believe that the voices are real people. Im on medication for mental health.

But I have been abused for most of my adult life. They believe they are doing good things. I know their karma isn’t so good. They lie a lot and have gaslight me as well as encourage paranoid beliefs. As well as more serious violations. I feel so violated. I have a hard time practicing metta for them, i focus on people i feel better about and all beings as well.

I was taught that meditation isn’t the only way to practice. But when I meditate i feel scared to open up, i spent years actively not remembering parts of my life because I don’t feel comfortable. And that has carried into my meditation, i just don’t feel comfortable exposing my innermost thoughts. I know we are all nothing but I’m not there yet. As well feel they are influencing my karma by being in my mind. Im not just psychology abused but my karms is being spoiled by them. I cant bear this weight. I wont let my wife down though, how to handle this. Are there ways to improve my karma with people who make me go crazy or black me out and encourage crazy beliefs as well a lot of other things like sexual assault and such.

I cant talk them out of it, without evidence i cant take legal action. How do you handle people who are in control of your mind.

Do you think there's a big difference from a set of 7 Tibetan singing bowls for like $150 on eBay or Etsy vs a set of 7 from a more new agey spiritual store like (Himalayanbowls dot com, the Ohm store, etc) that sells for $800? Is it just marketing? Thank you

I just want to know

I few months ago I found what I though to be a stray cat. I was leaving the restroom in my work, then this cat came out of nowhere screaming at my feet. He looked to be two or three months old. I picked him up right way and he got quite comfortable in my arms.

I talked to few people nearby if they knew anything about the cat, but everybody thought he was just a stray cat. A friend of mine gave him food and we noticed he was starving, also his hear leg seemed to be broken. That's all I thought I needed to consider him a stray cat. Also, most people I talked to said I should take him home.

I brought him home and gave him milk, he was really starving. He could not move his rear left leg and sill can't, I guess it must be some kind of injury or malformation.

I thought I was doing a good thing by giving him shelter and food. Until a few days later, an older female cat with some physical traits resembling those of the cat I brought home. I might be overthinking or imagining things, but I had the impression she was looking for her lost child. I got a very bad feeling that I might have separated mother and child.

Up to this day, she still wanders through the same area I found the cat, as if she is looking for him. Sometimes she make calls, as if she is trying to find another cat. I know she might not have been able o take care of her son, if it was really her son I took home, but she never gave me permission to me to take him home either.

Did I break the precept of not taking what was not given? Or did I make any bad Kamma out of ignorant compassion?

I thank anyone who wants to give their opinion on the matter. Also, English is not my mother language, so I apologize for any mistakes.

There is an apparent contradiction in Jewel Ornament of Liberation that I hope I could get some clarification on.

In one section regarding characteristics of Bodhisattva spiritual masters it reads "'Power over life' means one can live as long as one wishes."

However, in another section regarding impermanence it reads:

There are three reasons for the certainty of death:

a. because there is no one from the past who is alive,

b. because this body is composite, and

c. because life is becoming exhausted every moment, death will definitely occur.

and

My death is certain because this body is composite and all composite phenomena are impermanent.

Bodhisattvas have composite bodies so are they able to live forever or not? What is the text trying to communicate here? Thanks for any input in advance.

I am an American. After seeing the results of the election, I have just become depressed. It is getting better and going away, but I'm still feeling this way. When I think about all the people in not just my country, but the world who are going to suffer from this, my heart just aches and i feel so defeated. I have been coming back to Buddhism for help but I just feel lost on where to start.

I’ve been wondering (although trying no to get too deep and cause myself too much attachment and stray too far) and came up with some questions:

If an enlightened being (and sometimes maybe even regular being/not yet enlightened being too in some cases?) has the ability to vividly recall past lives, could “he” effectively have personal point of view exact repetition of “past life” as if it is happening now? Because of how vivid and exact this would be, as I understand, it’s not just a simple fuzzy mortal memory?

Then essentialy (and this is more philosophical, I hope not to offend anyone) would it be possible that some enlightened being is recalling “his” past life right now, and this past life is my current life/reality?

Have you guys ever tried talking about Dharma with GPT chat? What did you think?

I, personally, am surprised and very pleased with the responses. I can include topics that I consider complex and with little online content and still consider the responses very satisfactory and in line with Dharma.

Of course, these are intellectual conversations. But even so, I find it impressive how an AI that is not capable of having subjective experiences can be assertive and not fall into the understanding traps that are so common to so many of us.

So I've heard this idea several times in online threads and various websites, but for the life of me I can't find the original source for this (a sutra? a tantra? a sastra?). I poked in various places, like the Tara tantra in 84000 etc. And no luck. Does anyone have the slightest idea?