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Buddhists/Questions Answered by Expert Stuart Resnick
| Subject | Date Asked |
| some questions | 1/29/2012 |
| Q: I’d like to ask you three questions and will appreciate your answer. 1. What is your favourite book ... A: 1. A good mini-book with basic instruction on Zen practice can be downloaded in .pdf form for free ... | |
| Oneness vs Duality? | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: I'll get right to the point - it just seems to me that zen is in direct opposition to everything ... A: It's wonderful that at a young age, you're looking into the Big Questions of life. If you look at ... | |
| Nirvana | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: Why is Nirvana stores in some Sutra? ANSWER: Why would you want to shop at a Nirvana store? Nirvana ... A: If you read a scripture, you can collect various ideas about "Nirvana." But practicing Buddhism ... | |
| Nirvana | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: Why is Nirvana stores in some Sutra? A: Why would you want to shop at a Nirvana store? Nirvana is pure silence and stillness. No need to buy ... | |
| Parable of suffering & searching | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: Good morning, A year or two ago I read a parable online about a woman who was suffering and decided ... A: Most of us spend much time and energy trying to get good feelings and avoid bad feelings. ... | |
| culture | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: Why do westerners go to buddhism instead of their beautiful christianity? why so many buddhist in ... A: The meaning of "Zen" is to clearly perceive the truth of this moment, and respond with compassion. ... | |
| Vows | 2/7/2011 |
| Q: Resnick, This may sound stupid but.... If an over-enthusiastic individual takes a vow in front ... A: Moment to moment, always try to act in a clear and compassionate way. Never waste time worrying ... | |
| question | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I have a serious question that I want to ask that has been on my mind for years. Everyone I ask ... A: Truth has already appeared, right in front of you, in this moment. Just now, what do you see, what ... | |
| a place for Healing & Spiritual Awakening | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: I sincerely need to be in a spiritual community somewhere in Florida where one could stay for Free ... A: Re places to awaken... there's only one place where this is possible: where you are at this very ... | |
| Once enlightened, always enlightened? | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: just a quick question about satori/kensho. Once one has had some sort of enlightenment experience, ... A: Everything in this world is changing changing changing. Sometimes we feel oneness and bliss, ... | |
| Once enlightened, always enlightened? | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: just a quick question about satori/kensho. Once one has had some sort of enlightenment experience, ... A: It's true that when you do Zen practice, you may sometimes get big special experiences. These are ... | |
| meditation & self-awareness | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I'm doing some research on yoga & meditation, as planning on making it a daily thing for me. What ... A: Your original mind is pure and clear. If you attach to thinking (your beliefs, expectations, ... | |
| Buddhism and butchers | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: My question is: can a butcher to be a buddhist? Is it correct? Thank you. A: The practice of Buddhism is to meet this very moment with clarity and compassion. When you do ... | |
| Zen view on abortion and euthanasia | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: and was wondering if you could answer a few questions. 1. What is your view on abortion, do you ... A: In practicing Zen, there's no need to hold opinions about abortion, euthanasia, or anything else. In ... | |
| Zen Buddhism | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I'm currently doing an assignment on Buddhism and Bioethics. Could you please provide me with your ... A: The teaching of Buddhism is to meet each moment with clarity and compassion. That means putting down ... | |
| RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: How do contemporary (modern) Buddhist practices reflect the foundations of the religion? A: "Buddhist practice" means waking up to this very moment. Just now: what do you see, what do you ... | |
| ? again | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: my question is im dealing with one workbook, and seven worksheets. the worksheets are named the days ... A: You've asked this question in the "Buddhist" category of allexperts.com. But your question isn't ... | |
| Zen | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: I'm very happy to be in contact with someone who knows what Zen really is. Especially because, even ... A: Zen means being awake to this moment. Just now, what do see, what do you hear, what are you doing? ... | |
| Samadhi vs Satori? | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I was just wondering - is there a difference between samadhi and satori? That is, when one achieves ... A: There is only one mind-state that matters: the one you have right now. In this moment, what do you ... | |
| what do zen buddhists do from the rest of the Buddhists | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I want to become a buddhist, but i do not know which type to go for. i have heard of zen buddhists ... A: Use anything and everything, if it helps you keep a clear and compassionate mind. If you find using ... | |
| what do zen buddhists do from the rest of the Buddhists | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I want to become a buddhist, but i do not know which type to go for. i have heard of zen buddhists ... A: What Zen Buddhists do is look directly at just-now experience. At this moment, what do you see, what ... | |
| education in Buddhism | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: A: Buddhism points to the Truth that's already appeared, right in front of us, in this moment. Just ... | |
| intrusive father | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering if there is a specific mudra or breathing exercise or meditation you can tell me of ... A: A Buddhist practitioner has two jobs: inside and outside. Your inside job is to keep clear. That ... | |
| disability | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I wonder if you can help, I am very intrested in buddhism but am a bit confused as I have a son with ... A: True Buddhism mean not clinging to ANY dogmas. If you find a helpful way to use concepts of karma, ... | |
| meaning without god | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I know different schools of Buddhism have different ideas. But a creator god is not generally ... A: The meaning of Buddhism is to understand yourself and help other beings. How do you understand ... | |
| Confucius | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: What does he mean when he says "A gentleman can see a question from all sides without bias. The ... A: If you hold ideas and opinions, you only see one side. If you put down all your ideas and opinions, ... | |
| Mindfulness? | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I have been reading books, watching videos, and searching the internet over and over because ... A: Just don't attach to thinking; that's all there is to it. Books are different people's opinions, so ... | |
| Mindfulness? | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I have been reading books, watching videos, and searching the internet over and over because ... A: Example: say that just now, you're stocking apples. When you're doing that, just stock apples. ... | |
| Eternal Happiness | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: What then is Eternal Happiness? How do I obtain it? Can you provides with a diagram of Eternal ... A: "Eternal Happiness" is an idea. If you want "Eternal Happiness" for yourself, you'll suffer. If you ... | |
| Krsna | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: 1. Can you give me the top three or so of the best Krsna pictures? 2. What are the steps to become ... A: All questions return to oneWhat are you? Do you know? Strongly and sincerely bring up the ... | |
| Eternal Happiness | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: 1. What is Eternal Happiness (Krsna Conscousness)? 2. How do emails all the expert in the category ... A: 1. If you want something, you have a problem. If you want something huge (like Eternal Happiness), ... | |
| Help with meditation? | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I just have a question about my meditation practice. You see, I have been meditating for about 8 ... A: At my first Zen retreat, I had a big special experience, which I've written about here: ... | |
| Help with meditation? | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I just have a question about my meditation practice. You see, I have been meditating for about 8 ... A: You're ALWAYS at square one. Whether you've been practicing meditation for decades or just began ... | |
| patient endurance | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I know different schools of Buddhism have different ideas. I've come across the term Patient ... A: It's wonderful that you have no idea what I'm talking about. Names and ideas aren't so important. ... | |
| patient endurance | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I know different schools of Buddhism have different ideas. I've come across the term Patient ... A: All of us, in every moment, have an original clear mind. It's like a clear mirror, that reflects the ... | |
| Need some relief........ | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: I know this may sound stupid but i really need some relief now. I once went in front of a buddha ... A: The true Buddha isn't a statue. Buddha is your true self, and the true self of all beings. The ... | |
| confussion | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I've been reading the Dali Lama and he said that proof of reincarnation is that non material things ... A: You are correct, there's no need for the hypotesis of reincarnation. Only one thing is needed: ... | |
| Scriptures | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: What has been the Buddhist approach in the last 150 years towards the actual experience of reality ... A: The Buddhist tradition points to the actual experience of reality. It's something that you can ... | |
| the Excel date formula thing | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: re q: "hi - wonder if you can help me, I'm having such a time with date formulas that I want to put ... A: Select cell(s). For this example, we'll say that the upper-left corner of the range selected is cell ... | |
| Meditation help? | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I have come across a problem in my meditation, and I was wondering if you would have any advice. ... A: What you describe is "get something" meditation. When you meditate, you're holding ideas about ... | |
| Morality | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: How can I overcome vanity? I don't want to but I can't help but notice 'this person is good ... A: > How can I overcome vanity? I don't want to but I can't help but > notice 'this person is good ... | |
| karma confusion | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm a little confused about karma. I understood Buddhist believed after one died, that karma was an ... A: Everything in this world is the natural process of cause and effect. The name for this is "karma." ... | |
| astral travel | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: Is astral travel considered important in zen? If someone naturally had the ability would it be ... A: Zen is a practice of seeing for yourself, not following the ideas or values of anyone else. So the ... | |
| Buddhism | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Please could you give your view with reasons on what Buddhists beliefs might be for understanding ... A: All Buddhists teachings are like signposts pointing to Truth. It's not so good to cling to any ... | |
| Buddhism | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Please could you give your view with reasons on what Buddhists beliefs might be for understanding ... A: This is similar to pondering the question, "How many fingers does a human being have on each hand?" ... | |
| karma | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I've asked a few questions about Buddhism and I have one more that I hope will complete my ... A: I wouldn't say that Buddhism is rooted in belief or reason. I'd say that the teachings and practices ... | |
| reality | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: What should reality look like? How do I know I am on the right path? I have been meditating many ... A: Open your senses right now. What do you see, what do you hear, what are you doing? When you look at ... | |
| Appropriate attitude on hatred | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: There's a question bothering me for quite a long time. The purpose of asking is actually simple: to ... A: As Buddhists and as humans, it's our job to try to help all beings, without exception. That doesn't ... | |
| the eightfold path | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: 1. is the eightfold path a very big part of your life? 2.are you seen as sinful if you are not ... A: Please don't look at your life in terms of a "path" that gets you from here to there. Instead, ... | |
| origin of reincarnation | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: where does the concept of reincarnation originated? A: In Buddhist teaching, everything points to your experience of this very moment. What are you doing ... | |
| Compassion vs Selflessness | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: I recently find I am having difficulty feeling compassion for others. For animals and the planet ... A: You don't need to make compassion. If you let go of "I/my/me," then compassion will appear ... | |
| Compassion vs Selflessness | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: I recently find I am having difficulty feeling compassion for others. For animals and the planet ... A: The Buddhist tradition does emphasize the practice of compassion. That's different from feeling ... | |
| Advaita and Zen | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: Do you beleive that Advaita and Zen are compatible? Theyre may be minor conceptual differences but ... A: Correct Zen means putting down all your ideas and returning to before-thinking mind. That means ... | |
| Trying to become a buddhist. | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I've been very interested in the teachings of Buddha for a long time now. I've finally decided to ... A: The most important thing is to make a firm decision to understand yourself and help others. As long ... | |
| General questions about Buddhism | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: Buddhism for my philosophy class. 1. How do you think the practice of Buddhism has changed the ... A: 1. Buddhism means acting with clarity and compassion. Each time one individual acts with kindness, ... | |
| Buddhist Lifestyle | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: I am hoping to learn what lifestyles Buddhists generally lead. Are the majority of their occupations ... A: The great vow of Buddhism is to understand yourself and help other beings. How do we do this? Each ... | |
| Does the reality exist? | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I have read article from some website...and I have some issue concerning the existence of science ... A: 1.Does buddlism believe in afterlife? Forget about what "Buddhism" believes, and pay attention to ... | |
| Does the reality exist? | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: I have read article from some website...and I have some issue concerning the existence of science ... A: You're thinking much much much too much. First step is to put down your thinking. Breathe in and ... | |
| Buddhism and Happiness | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: here is a question which i don't really understand and i would be very happy for you helping me ... A: Where did you get the idea that Buddhists are happy all the time? Buddhism points to our original ... | |
| perfection | 5/25/2008 |
| Q: if the perception of enlightenment is the perfection of all things. How is it that enlightenment ... A: Don't worry about "enlightenment" or about "felt need." When you're hungry, eat. When someone else ... | |
| The question "what am I?" | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I've reading and enjoying the answers you've given to others. One of the things you say most often ... A: It's always great to meet someone who lives "an examined life"! Re "What am I?", it's the ... | |
| buddhism zen rebirth | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: What is the zen understanding of rebirth. Will something of me persist beyond death? A: You ask about whether "something of me" will persist beyond the death of the body. What is this ... | |
| Samsara | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: In buddhism it teaches that all beings are trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth called Samsara ... A: "Enlightenment" etc are just concepts that are sometimes used in teaching. The "Buddha" who lived ... | |
| Samsara | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: In buddhism it teaches that all beings are trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth called Samsara ... A: Buddha's teaching is pointing to the Truth of this moment. Right now, what do you see? What do you ... | |
| Question on Attachment | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: Buddha said that all suffering is because of attachment...be it an object or a person. How does one ... A: Typically, much suffering is cause by confusing "love" with "attachment." Love means "for you"; ... | |
| Zen beginnings | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: What was the name of the disciple who smiled when Buddha raised the flower? ANSWER: It was time for ... A: No. When Spring arrives, you must find every blade of grass, and pull on it just right, to make sure ... | |
| Origins of An Immaterial Consciousness | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: I have recently started to believe in the Buddha's lessons once again, but I have a few questions I ... A: Consciousness begins right now, because this moment, like it or not, is precisely all we've got. So ... | |
| Religion | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: why are 1st world countries not as fervant about religion as 3rd world countries? A: Typically, when you're feeling good, you don't ask the Great Questions of life. When you're ... | |
| levitation | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: Is it possible to learn how to levitate? Is it at all possible to hover over the ground? If so, how ... A: I'm assuming that this stick this guy was holding was touching the ground. So if the stick was ... | |
| levitation | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: Is it possible to learn how to levitate? Is it at all possible to hover over the ground? If so, how ... A: I don't know if it's possible to levitate. Staying on the ground is perfectly OK almost all the ... | |
| Maitreya Solar Cross | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: Who is The Buddha Maitreya H.H. Jetsun Gyalwa Jampa Gonpo? Are his products- crystals worth buying. ... A: If you like crystals, you can buy crystals, no problem. But if you want something, if you're ... | |
| Zen Master, What do you Do? | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: So, practicing Zen, how does that apply to your life, do you things, like meditation, as a daily ... A: Zen means understanding yourself and helping others. If you have time to practice formal sitting ... | |
| The Quest for Knowledge | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: I am seeking answers about many world beliefs in a quest to arm myself with knowledge. I beleive you ... A: > When you meditate, what do you find? Is it just a way > to releive stress, or a path to self ... | |
| Buddhism Graphic Organizer | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: I need help with creating an organizer. It's suppose to show the historical development of Buddhism ... A: rituals, traditions, and belief systems all have nothing to do with Buddhism. Buddhism means to ... | |
| Buddhism | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: What are some changes Buddhism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief ... A: Americans today tend to be more independent than the original Chinese Buddhists centuries ago. Also, ... | |
| Buddhism | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: What are some changes Buddhism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief ... A: Buddha gave sermons for many years, talking about the Truth he experienced. After Buddha died, they ... | |
| Buddhism | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: What are some changes Buddhism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief ... A: Centuries ago, Buddha saw a star and got enlightenment. His words and actions, and the tradition ... | |
| Buddhism | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: I am currently enrolled in Axia College online and I have to interview someone on Buddhism for my ... A: 1. In the Zen tradition, the only time that's important is this moment. 2. Right now, I'm typing ... | |
| Meditation | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: There seems to me to be two basic types of meditation: one where you stay aware and present in the ... A: Keep a mind like clear space, like a clear mirror that reflects what's in front of it. You can try ... | |
| hi | 6/26/2007 |
| Q: what types of food can buddhists eat and why ? A: The "why" is the important part. The reason to eat is to help other beings. In order to help others, ... | |
| mind training | 6/24/2007 |
| Q: Stuart! Do you do any exercises to train your mind and concentration? What are they? thanks A: Mantra is a simple and effective way to concentrate the mind. Here's an example of something you can ... | |
| buddhists | 5/3/2007 |
| Q: Stuart! I've got two questions: 1. I've noticed that Buddhists are mostly bald, at least the ones ... A: In many Eastern traditions, monks shave their heads. This only applies to monks, or to people living ... | |
| reality | 4/21/2007 |
| Q: Stuart! I came across such a sentence somewhere: "Your perception of the world around you is not ... A: Pay very close attention to how you keep your mind, because that's what makes your world. If you ... | |
| hi | 4/16/2007 |
| Q: im in high school and i have to interview a zen Buddhists for a paper in english class..this is the ... A: 1) Zen means understanding myself and helping others. Understanding myself means not holding onto ... | |
| experience | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: Stuart! Some martial artist described his experience in this way: "The first enlightenment ... A: The body is more or less like a piece of clothing, or like a rental car. If we don't question, we ... | |
| a few questions | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: Sorry to put a few questions in one. to start off i went to catholic school for 5 years but never ... A: To enter the path that Buddha pointed too, the important thing is how you keep your own mind, not ... | |
| want to know your opinion | 4/4/2007 |
| Q: This is kind of odd, because i have no clue who you are and no clue of why you might understand this ... A: Reese. Socrates did indeed say "Know thyself." But then one day someone asked him, "Do YOU know ... | |
| meditation | 3/14/2007 |
| Q: I’ve been practicing Zen meditation for about eight months at a local temple in my city. Sometimes ... A: Zen means attaining your original clear mind, that reflects this moment like a clear mirror. ... | |
| Buddhism question | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: I am taking an online class right now that is requiring I interview an expert. So I had a few ... A: 1. In growing up, when I experienced personal suffering, or saw the suffering of other people in the ... | |
| Zen questions for class | 2/22/2007 |
| Q: This is for a class of mine we have to ask an expert three questions and make a report on your ... A: Steve. Regarding web sites, the center I practice at is http://www.emptygatezen.com/; it's part of ... | |
| Life is like a dream | 1/4/2007 |
| Q: 1.Why do people sometimes says "Life is nothing but a dream"?Why is our life like a dream? What is ... A: "Life is like a dream" means that everything is changing, changing, changing, nonstop. So don't hold ... | |
| Question about buddhism | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: I still have some doubts to clear with you. 1.According to the Buddhism, are we living in a world ... A: A great Buddhist sutra says, "If you want to understand all the Buddhas of the past, present, and ... | |
| Question about buddhism | 12/27/2006 |
| Q: I am a Buddhist for many years,but recently I started to get really interested in the topic of ... A: 1. Life is like a dream because everything is changing, changing, changing nonstop. 2. Only one ... | |
| nirvana state comparison | 12/19/2006 |
| Q: So it sounds like everything is nothing. But there is something. If there is nothing, then it can ... A: Our aspiration is to help others. Since many people are attached to the names and forms of this ... | |
| nirvana state comparison | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: If I understand that attachment is the problem to the question, "wouldn't you run out of souls if ... A: The starting point is the direct experience of this moment. What are you? If you ask strongly and ... | |
| buddhism | 12/17/2006 |
| Q: hey i was wondering what is the predominant japanese religion and why? i was thinking it is buddhism A: Zen was born over 1000 years ago when the teachings of Buddha from India interacted with the Taoist ... | |
| breath | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: Could you recommend me some breathing exercises that I could practice everyday at home for a few ... A: In meditation practice, being attentive to your breath is a great way to find your clear mind, the ... | |
| - | 11/12/2006 |
| Q: Is there any special way one should breathe during practicing meditation. Should I breathe ... A: To help stabilize the mind... please try breathing long, slow, and steady, down into your center ... | |
| Concerning Zen | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: my name is Joshua Wallace. I am taking Eastern and Western Thought online and would like to ask you ... A: Joshua, thanks for your questions. 1. The purpose of Zen is to understand yourself and help others. ... | |
| zen | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: what is self?what is zen? Answer - Understanding yourself and helping others A: Why ask me?? If you want to understand yourself, you must strongly and sincerely ask YOURSELF, ... | |
| Consciousness and Death | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: again. I’ve been reading about the anatta concept in Buddhism and was wondering what the Buddhist ... A: All things appear out of emptiness and return to emptiness, then arise again, etc. The body appears ... | |
| Conversion | 9/11/2006 |
| Q: I'm sort of new to Buddhism in that, while I have been studying Buddhism for quite a while and feel ... A: > I'm having a lot of difficulty leaving some of my old > beliefs and attachments behind, like the ... | |
| Sacred Literature | 8/31/2006 |
| Q: What is the Buddhists sacred literature? A: Buddha had great questions about his true nature, and about how to deal with suffering. After much ... | |
| meditation (buddhism) | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: How did you find out about that question? (What am I?) Different email, It has been changed to new ... A: I personally got Zen teaching from the Korean tradition (http://www.kwanumzen.com/). This tradition ... | |
| Buddhist meditation | 8/18/2006 |
| Q: How can I meditate to become enlightened? I am a Christian and want to start right away. I simply ... A: What is this "I" that wants to become enlightened? Who is it that makes ideas of "right" and ... | |
| meditation (buddhism) | 8/18/2006 |
| Q: How can I start meditating to attain enlightenment? A: Ask the greatWhat am I? Ask it strongly and sincerely enough for just one thing to appear: Don't ... | |
| Arahant | 8/5/2006 |
| Q: Namo Amitabha , According to the book , THE GREATEST DISCIPLES OF BUDDHA " One of the diciples was ... A: I can only answer from the Zen perspective. We say that everything is made by thinking. At this very ... | |
Buddhists
Answers by Expert:
Stuart Resnick
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I'm a long-time practitioner in a Korean-style Zen school. I can answer questions regarding Zen, formal sitting meditation, self-inquiry, the practice of "koan" transmission, and offer the particular perspective of this school on the great life questions.
Experience
18 years of formal practice with the Kwan Um School of Zen, currently with the Empty Gate Zen Center of Berkeley, currently a "Senior Dharma Teacher" at this center, I give periodic talks and informally answer questions of students interested in Zen practice and teaching style
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