Dharma Wheel

How do Mahayana Buddhists handle claims that Pali Canon is the authentic teachings of the Buddha and anything beyond it is isn't Buddha's teachings? It depends. Some teachers explicitly state that Shakyamuni taught the Mahayana sutras directly, in this dimension so to speak. Others say that the Mah...

I'd expect the question of how to handle or view satori/kensho depends a lot on the teacher. Off the top of my head I don't think anyone would claim satori is irrelevant, but considerable variation might be seen on its importance eg is it a goal or not, and to what extent such experiences are to be...

I think we should go back and talk about the topics at hand ok Just to clarify then: is the problem of satori an “elephant in the living room” kind of problem for Soto Zen, is it more of a problem for the Soto clan than it is for the Rinzai clan and, if so, is this degree of problematic related in ...

I never really cut contacts. I just would not spend so much time with them. And say that this way of life is not mine.I just cannot easily sit with such rich people and chat in a relaxed way if I am personally in contact with somebody in need. For example. I guess you just have to work out what is ...

I have a question about the right conduct: If a Bodhisattva takes care of different people- can he then expect that those who are in contact with him think of the others and take care of each other? In case some people have mental problems, others health problems and others money problems and other...

Is this a good thing? I'm wondering if I should do the same. Collectively I feel like it help creates an inspiring environment. I see my co-students and their expressions of religious dedication and I want to emulate them. It depends on intent I think. If the intent is to benefit self and others an...

Since I know that many Rinzai Buddhists do not practice very seriously nowadays I doubt that all Roshis would have the needed expertise to answer that question. However, just my two cents. You seem to have made the same sort of generalized statements in the opposite direction, unless of course you ...

I have noticed that in the Dharma talks I go to, the other participants have the camera facing them with thangkas or pictures of teachers in the background. It seems like people are positioning things to intentionally be in camera view. Is this a good thing? I'm wondering if I should do the same. C...

Since I know that many Rinzai Buddhists do not practice very seriously nowadays I doubt that all Roshis would have the needed expertise to answer that question. However, just my two cents. You seem to have made the same sort of generalized statements in the opposite direction, unless of course you ...

That sounds an awful lot like depression to me. Then I would submit you should probably learn more about Buddhism if you want to know how it handles this sort of issue. What things "sound like" tends to be based primarily on prior experience and exposure. if your exposure to Buddhism is minimal or ...

I don't know. Living on your own seems to be a thing after a certain age. I come from a hispanic culture and after a certain age living with parents is regarded as negative, not to mention how stunted people can be as a result. Do you know the Eight Worldly Dharmas? Here you go: Original Sutta: htt...

That said, even when Rinpoche was alive a direct answer about what DI authorized vs. what required lungs was not initially easy to find, the DC was not gooñd about clear presentation of things like that, from my point of view. If they had been I think there would be less ambiguity today. I had to s...

You shouldn't give out stuff to people you know don't have the transmission, that's just common sense. I don't think people need to get all fire and brimstone about it, but at the very least you are giving people something they are are not actually capable of fully practicing, and perhaps creating o...

Interestingly enough, the need to move out of the parent’s house is something that only really became an issue after WW2, as the United States shifted more towards industrialization, the sprawling of new suburbs, and new highways. In Chinese culture, and many others, living with the parents is not ...

Well right now it’s what bited for me. My current degree is general studies which I really can’t do much with. I understand that being on my own isn’t magic but I also know that my current situation is not sustainable and if I don’t take steps to move out and get a better paying job then I’ll end u...

Something that bugged me when it comes to desire and in my own life. I live at home with my folks and the only job I can afford is fast food. I don't make nearly enough to support myself and I do yearn for a place of my own. Yet Buddhism says that grasping and wanting is cause for suffering, but at...

Plenty of Buddhists have been involved in antiwar movements. Thich Nhat Hanh is one famous example, but there are others too. What exactly are they supposed to do you meet your expectations? Plenty of Buddhists have been involved and plenty have not. PadmaVonSamba asked me to provide some example o...

Most if not all of the Buddhists I know (Theravadins included) would probably strongly object to what you are saying, IMHO While it is true that enlightenment can’t come without love and compassion, lots of people have all sorts of love and compassion, and most of them are not Buddhists and are not...