I have heard a rumor that some people believe that Jesus traveled to India and learned Buddhist ideas. The theory is that perhaps this occurred during Jesus' early adulthood, before he started preaching during his 30s. But I am a bit skeptical. Do you know where this idea comes from? Do you think it is probable? Are there books or movies that I should watch about this theory? Any insight would be most appreciated.
posted by mortaddams
on Apr 28, 2013 -
25 answers
I used to practice at a Buddhist Center in Columbus, Ohio (KTC, on Grubb St). I am trying to find a center in Chicago. I really love the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. I also enjoy podcast teacher Gil Fronsdal from the Insight Meditation Center in Cali, which is in the Vipassana tradition. I also enjoy Deer Park Dharma cast which is associated with Thich Nhat Hanh. I would like to find a center in Chicago to help me build a mediation practice, and obviously, mediate with others. To be able to listen to great dharma talks in person, not just on my ipod. And, to be a part of a community. It just doesn't feel the same listening on my ipod, you know? I do not have a car. I have gone to weird a$$ places in Asheville, NC, where random people start there own sangas and ask you for $, and I and not up for that. So, I thought it to be better to ask here than to do the google search. Please let me know if you have thoughts on where I can find a practice center. Also, I know that there is a school of Buddhist Psychology. Where might I find a Buddhist Therapist in Chicago?
posted by TRUELOTUS
on Mar 28, 2013 -
3 answers
I'm looking for a good meditation retreat center somewhere not too far from the midwest. I'm interested in vipassana meditation, although I wouldn't mind branching out. Mainly I want to find a place with good teachers.
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posted by melaleuca
on Mar 5, 2013 -
12 answers
What's the text in which the Buddha tells his disciples to not believe something just because it's written in a book, but to search within the heart?
posted by Tom-B
on Oct 4, 2012 -
3 answers
I would like to read some of the Buddhist sutras but I have no idea where to start. I am looking for both A) a wide (not limited to a single tradition) anthology I could use to get an overview of what is available and to guide further reading and B) sutras that are particularly well translated into English and/or have a particularly good commentary.
posted by jarekr
on Aug 22, 2012 -
7 answers
I belong to a progressive congregation of the United Methodist Church, and we often host educational series exploring other religions/belief systems (our congregation isn't of the "one true path to God" variety). This fall, we're planning a series on Buddhism. Our adult education committee has tasked me with selecting a book to study.
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posted by girlbowler
on Jun 22, 2012 -
13 answers
I need more compassion. I'm semi-Buddhist. What's your favorite guided meditation or other focused technique?
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posted by ceiba
on May 30, 2012 -
13 answers
How does the Buddhist understanding of enlightenment compare with the Western Age of Enlightenment? People who we might now call children of the Enlightenment--Chomsky, Hitchens, Dawkins, deGrasse Tyson, Pinker, and so on--have a way of relating to ethical questions that is very similar to the teachings of the Buddha. There is an understanding that human suffering is a problem to be overcome, and that it can be overcome through understanding things as they are and engaging productively in the physical world, rather than getting caught up in metaphysical abstractions which, stemming from delusion, greed, and aversion, prolong cycles of suffering.
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posted by jwhite1979
on May 23, 2012 -
33 answers
"Now that I'm enlightened, I'm just as miserable as ever". John Cage repeatedly retold this story, attributed to Suzuki -- but where is the original?
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posted by susanvance
on May 11, 2012 -
5 answers
Vien-Suong-Loi. Spiral, hanging incense from Vietnam. Where can I find it in NY?
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posted by ebesan
on Mar 20, 2012 -
5 answers
I need recommendations for histories of ancient India, with particular emphasis on the role/influence of the Hellenic states, development of Buddhism, what might have happened to the Indo-Greeks in the longer term, etc.
Also, it would be interesting to read about Alexander's invasion and its aftermath from the Indian viewpoint, i.e, by Indian scholars using Indian sources.
posted by justcorbly
on Mar 1, 2012 -
2 answers
Once a man has reached enlightenment, and finds the ultimate peace and bliss merely sitting in meditation, regardless of his surroundings, does he have motivation for leaving this position and doing anything at all in the world? See extended explanation...
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posted by mondotwistedmojo
on Feb 29, 2012 -
40 answers
I'm in Luang Prabang, Laos right now and tomorrow is the one month anniversary of a friend's death. I would like to go to the temple and do something, but I'm not sure what the custom is. Any ideas?
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posted by hazyspring
on Jan 4, 2012 -
3 answers
The last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony begins by recapitulating and rejecting themes from the first three movements. What is being symbolically rejected?
A friend of mine says the Ninth is about the Brahmaviharas, the four immeasurables. The first three movements represent compassion, benevolence, and equanimity, all of which are rejected by the fourth in favour of joy, hence the Schiller.
As a personal interpretation I think this works quite well, but the idea that Buddhist doctrine is what Beethoven (or Schiller for that matter) had in mind is surely bonkers.
So what did Beethoven have in mind? The sources I've found say 'nobody knows'.
posted by Segundus
on May 19, 2011 -
12 answers
In Buddhist traditions that emphasize sitting meditation (thinking about Zen here, but curious about others too) how are people who are physically unable to maintain proper sitting posture expected/advised to meditate? I was curious in particular about those who had been disabled in some way (paralysis etc) and in historical answers to the question.
posted by StrikeTheViol
on Mar 3, 2011 -
18 answers
Can you suggest Buddhist resources - churches, sanghas, gompas, meditation groups, communities - in the Los Angeles Area?
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posted by jnnla
on Jan 20, 2011 -
7 answers
Can you help me understand a little more about Buddhism so I can enjoy both sides of the discussion in a particular book?
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posted by studentbaker
on Jan 6, 2011 -
13 answers
I want to learn about ancestor worship, particularly as practiced in China and by Buddhists.
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posted by swift
on Sep 15, 2010 -
4 answers
How did your everyday life change when you became a Buddhist? I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have moved from a Western religious tradition to Buddhist practice. I'm also most drawn to Tibetan Buddhism, but would be glad to hear from practitioners in any Buddhist tradition.
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posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy
on Jun 28, 2010 -
16 answers
What was the world's largest religion before Christianity, and when did Christianity overtake it in size?
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posted by dontjumplarry
on Jun 12, 2010 -
19 answers
Can you explain to me (or point to resources that explain to me) a couple of apparent metacontradictions in Buddhism?
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posted by ignignokt
on Jun 3, 2010 -
28 answers
What are some good resources on Buddhism for someone who wants to remain attached to Western scientific rationalism?
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posted by Lifeson
on Mar 10, 2010 -
35 answers
Any MeFites attend the SF Insight meditations at the Unitarian church on Franklin? Or any Dharma Punx here? Anyone have experience with a more strictly zen sangha in the city?
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posted by muscat
on Feb 3, 2010 -
4 answers
Do you know of any good online Buddhist discussion forums? I used to frequent
e-sangha, but it's been down for some time. I prefer that it be diverse or at least inclusive of Zen.
posted by desjardins
on Dec 28, 2009 -
3 answers
My fledgling Buddhist Dharma Punx meditation/discussion group expressed at our first meeting last week that they would like readings on "rubber meets the road" Buddhism, or the practical application of Buddhist principles in everyday life. Whatcha got, Mefi?
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posted by 2or3whiskeysodas
on Aug 27, 2009 -
15 answers
I want to become a Buddhist monk at some point in my life and live out my days in a authentic monastery, preferably in a traditionally Buddhist country. Please advise.
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posted by DetonatedManiac
on Jun 3, 2009 -
18 answers
Trying to remember a quote relating to Confucianism and Buddhism and comparing them to different types of stores.
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posted by Anoxs
on May 7, 2009 -
6 answers
How much should of a donation should we give to the Buddhist temple for our wedding service?
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posted by bobbyno
on Apr 17, 2009 -
5 answers
I'm interested in going to a buddhist monastery or retreat for two weeks to a month. Preferably somewhere in the northeast US.
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posted by hazyspring
on Mar 19, 2009 -
19 answers
Has anyone studied Pali in Southeast Asia or Sri Lanka? I have an extensive background in Sanskrit and Buddhism, and I'd like to spend a summer or a semester reading a few Pali texts with a highly qualified private tutor overseas.
posted by AArtaud
on Jan 18, 2009 -
2 answers
Buddhism question about what happens before we are born and the lives we choose for ourselves.
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posted by ttyn
on Jan 16, 2009 -
14 answers
"
Mudita is a Buddhist (Pali and Sanskrit: मुदित) word meaning rejoicing in others' joy." The
Wikipedia description is really, really good. Where can I find more really good information about the brahmaviharas?
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posted by zeek321
on Jan 9, 2009 -
7 answers
