# General Theravada topics **URL:** https://classicaltheravada.org/c/general-theravada-topics/8.md [Latest](https://classicaltheravada.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://classicaltheravada.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://classicaltheravada.org/tags.md) --- ## [FAQ and Guide to this forum](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/faq-and-guide-to-this-forum/983)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/faq-and-guide-to-this-forum/983 "2023-10-25T02:46:18Z")
please see this topic --- ## [About the General Theravada topics category](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/about-the-general-theravada-topics-category/18)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2025, 1:33pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/about-the-general-theravada-topics-category/18 "2025-03-29T13:33:23Z")
General Topics in Dhamma. Ask a question or post something you find interesting. --- ## [What to call those who do not like Classical Theravāda](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-to-call-those-who-do-not-like-classical-theravada/441)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2026, 7:54am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-to-call-those-who-do-not-like-classical-theravada/441 "2026-10-28T07:54:02Z")
These days… we lump all of those who do not like Classical Theravada into various categories. It is all the same, yet it gets very complicated who is who… EBT Dwipitakans Nyanavirans Commy Haters Abhidhamma Haters 4 N… --- ## [Donation to the Buddha vs Donation to the Sangha](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/donation-to-the-buddha-vs-donation-to-the-sangha/1438)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2026, 6:43am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/donation-to-the-buddha-vs-donation-to-the-sangha/1438 "2026-10-28T06:43:42Z")
Hello, Which is more meritorious: donation to the Buddha or donation to the Sangha? I found this in the commentary. 376.Evaṃme sutanti dakkhiṇāvibhaṅgasuttaṃ. Tattha mahāpajāpati gotamīti gotamīti gottaṃ. Nāmakaraṇad… --- ## [Vipallāsa/ vipallasa](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vipallasa-vipallasa/2694)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 1:31pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vipallasa-vipallasa/2694 "2026-10-27T13:31:37Z")
Vipallāsa Sutta: Aṅguttara Nikāya 4:49 (9) Inversions “Perceiving permanence in the impermanent, perceiving pleasure in what is suffering, perceiving a self in what is non-self, and perceiving attractiveness in what i… --- ## [Anatta Understanding cause no more Rebirth?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/anatta-understanding-cause-no-more-rebirth/2685)
**Author:** [@NamoBuddhāya](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/NamoBuddh%C4%81ya)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/anatta-understanding-cause-no-more-rebirth/2685 "2026-10-23T21:40:08Z")
Someone on Facebook ask: If a person maintains a deep understanding of not self (anatta) at the experiential level, does that mean their flow of karmic consciousness will not be subject to re-birth? Please, no AI or A… --- ## [Understanding Omniscience](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/understanding-omniscience/1371)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 6:37am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/understanding-omniscience/1371 "2026-10-23T06:37:46Z")
Hello everyone, Can someone tell me how omniscience works. At the moment of attaining it, do you know about all the secrets of the universe such as dark matter, black hole? Does attaining omniscience mean you know all … --- ## [How to donate to Sangha?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-donate-to-sangha/2675)
**Author:** [@iulspop](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/iulspop)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2026, 6:47am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-donate-to-sangha/2675 "2026-10-22T06:47:14Z")
Any practical concrete recommendations for opportunities to donate to Sangha? Especially Sangha who respect Vinaya. Thank you! --- ## [Nutrition Less As Sīla Is Less](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/nutrition-less-as-sila-is-less/2670)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 9:51am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/nutrition-less-as-sila-is-less/2670 "2026-10-21T09:51:42Z")
Agañña sutta speaks about how nutrition gets less. It is well known that nutrition is less in food than 50 years ago, and we can probably say the same related to ancient times too. Agañña Sutta Pāthikavaggapāḷi p75 ‘‘… --- ## [Thank you all for your dedication to the Truth.](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/thank-you-all-for-your-dedication-to-the-truth/2669)
**Author:** [@Joseph\_B](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Joseph_B)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/thank-you-all-for-your-dedication-to-the-truth/2669 "2026-10-08T13:13:32Z")
I just wanted to say that those that run this site as are doing great work for the world. Even as the world turned away from His harder and more abstract teachings, none of you were swayed away from your faith in the Bud… --- ## [Can enlightenment still be attained in this era?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/can-enlightenment-still-be-attained-in-this-era/2660)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 11:27am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/can-enlightenment-still-be-attained-in-this-era/2660 "2026-10-08T11:27:12Z")
I’m feeling a bit discouraged because I don’t know if there is anyone who can guarantee that enlightenment is still possible in this era. Is there any meditation teacher (lay person or a monk) who can confidently say “I … --- ## [Heart base - or brain](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/heart-base-or-brain/44)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/heart-base-or-brain/44 "2026-10-06T22:41:38Z")
This is edited from letters I wrote 20 years ago on heart base. A friend wrote to me that the reason they have little confidence in the Atthakattha (Commentaries) is because they say the heart is the base for consciousn… --- ## [mind is the observer? (and points about Abhidhamma)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/mind-is-the-observer-and-points-about-abhidhamma/2663)
**Author:** [@Dhamma001](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Dhamma001)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2026, 9:57am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/mind-is-the-observer-and-points-about-abhidhamma/2663 "2026-10-05T09:57:03Z")
Nama-rupa, the five aggregates are not any observer. Mind knows - mind knows other aggregates but does not observe. There is no puggala (individual / self). The whole thing is just a sankhara (construct and activity). … --- ## [Transitioning to "Womb-born" human birth](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/transitioning-to-womb-born-human-birth/2661)
**Author:** [@divyakashyap](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/divyakashyap)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2026, 4:03am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/transitioning-to-womb-born-human-birth/2661 "2026-10-03T04:03:29Z")
What kind of transgressions result in Brahmas becoming womb-born humans? --- ## [Are Relics Proof of Arahantship?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/are-relics-proof-of-arahantship/2654)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/are-relics-proof-of-arahantship/2654 "2026-09-30T13:53:31Z")
Are relics proof of Arahantship? Greg, can you elaborate? I also heard from the Sayadawgyi himself that they stuff rubies into the bowels. I also heard that you can get relics from chicken bones (a Sri Lankan monk told… --- ## [How to find a practice group when all are highly politicized in my area?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-find-a-practice-group-when-all-are-highly-politicized-in-my-area/2635)
**Author:** [@Zans](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Zans)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-find-a-practice-group-when-all-are-highly-politicized-in-my-area/2635 "2026-09-29T20:44:42Z")
Every Buddhism group in my area is full of woke political ranting. To be completely fair and unbiased I don’t want the opposite either. If a sangha is ranting about non-woke politics I would also be displeased. Likewise,… --- ## [Is The Pa-Auk Teaching of Past Lives Real?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-the-pa-auk-teaching-of-past-lives-real/822)
**Author:** [@LifelessAtta](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/LifelessAtta)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 1:26am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-the-pa-auk-teaching-of-past-lives-real/822 "2026-09-29T01:26:27Z")
Bhante, do you think then that recalling past lives (Pa-Auk version) can be distorted by our imagination? I’ve read contradictory things on the subject. Please, I would like to know the opinion of the Pa-Auk system. --- ## [Existence and Its Undying Fuel](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/existence-and-its-undying-fuel/2573)
**Author:** [@Nripendra](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Nripendra)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/existence-and-its-undying-fuel/2573 "2026-09-26T00:39:52Z")
If the self is a mere linguistic designation, a non-static aggregate or bundle of dynamic processes, and an emergent pattern of a subsystem within the supersystem of Saṃsāra (Saṃsāra = Citta + Cetasika + Rūpa), why is it… --- ## [Sāmaṇera by Choice: Avoiding Vinaya, Vassas, and Hierarchy](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sama-era-by-choice-avoiding-vinaya-vassas-and-hierarchy/2641)
**Author:** [@Phaeton](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Phaeton)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sama-era-by-choice-avoiding-vinaya-vassas-and-hierarchy/2641 "2026-09-25T03:39:08Z")
Based on the experience of the venerable monks on this forum, how often does a sāmaṇera decide against taking upasampadā because he wishes to avoid participating in sanghakamma, accumulating vassas, holding a certain sta… --- ## [Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu on Overemphasizing Results](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/yuttadhammo-bhikkhu-on-overemphasizing-results/2627)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 5:55am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/yuttadhammo-bhikkhu-on-overemphasizing-results/2627 "2026-09-19T05:55:00Z")
In this video Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu makes some excellent comments about not overemphasizing results in practice. “Results come out of these moments of clarity.” R --- ## [How to Prevent Distortion, Destruction, and Preserve Dharma Teachings for Future Generations?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-prevent-distortion-destruction-and-preserve-dharma-teachings-for-future-generations/2375)
**Author:** [@Richard](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Richard)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-prevent-distortion-destruction-and-preserve-dharma-teachings-for-future-generations/2375 "2026-09-14T03:34:56Z")
Hello, I have a question for my Dhamma friends. What are the ways to protect Dharma? What are the ways to destroy Dharma? What are the ways to distort Dharma? How can we securely pass the Dharma to the next generations? … --- ## [The best heaven to fulfill paramis](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-best-heaven-to-fulfill-paramis/1339)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 11:10pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-best-heaven-to-fulfill-paramis/1339 "2026-09-09T23:10:58Z")
I think it’s Tavatimsa because you can still be mindful of death due to war with the Asuras. You can also offer flowers to a cetiya there and make merit. The sensual pleasures there are weaker than those in higher realms… --- ## [Which rūpa-kammaṭṭhāna did the Buddha practice when he was studying under Āḷāra Kālāma?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/which-rupa-kamma-hana-did-the-buddha-practice-when-he-was-studying-under-a-ara-kalama/2609)
**Author:** [@Phaeton](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Phaeton)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/which-rupa-kamma-hana-did-the-buddha-practice-when-he-was-studying-under-a-ara-kalama/2609 "2026-09-09T21:38:15Z")
Which rūpa-kammaṭṭhāna did the Buddha practice when he was studying under Āḷāra Kālāma? On which meditation object did he practice the rūpa-jhānas in order to then transition to the arūpa-jhānas? I am asking this becaus… --- ## [Ordination of Naga](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/ordination-of-naga/2606)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/ordination-of-naga/2606 "2026-09-03T03:50:53Z")
The mula vinaya text. During bhikkhu ordination (upasampada), the candidates are asked twice if they are human. This is the reason why they ask if we are human before our ordination. mahāvaggapāḷi p.121 tiracchānagat… --- ## [Angry](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/angry/2594)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 3:17am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/angry/2594 "2026-08-27T03:17:52Z")
(Edited by admin) There is an insight I keep reflecting on from the following talk. Generally, if we are angry, we are angry at something that has already ceased: Choose this link here to open a new window to get Engl… --- ## [I ordained as a novice](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/i-ordained-as-a-novice/2568)
**Author:** [@orthodox](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/orthodox)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 7:19am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/i-ordained-as-a-novice/2568 "2026-08-23T07:19:38Z")
Just a short post to follow up on my previous post. I have ordained as a novice (since I am 18) at a Shwegyin Nikaya pariyatti monastery in Burma. Its been about 3 days now and I have been enjoying my time so far. For h… --- ## [Context Is Very Important](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/context-is-very-important/2566)
**Author:** [@orthodox](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/orthodox)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 5:10am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/context-is-very-important/2566 "2026-08-23T05:10:37Z")
I had an discussion (more of an argument) on Insta with a Buddhist-impersonating anti-Theravada feminist who kept spamming suttas that “talk down” on women such as Black Snake Sutta etc… People and even Theravadins can … --- ## [How to make the most out of this life?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-this-life/2542)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2026, 10:51pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-this-life/2542 "2026-08-21T22:51:21Z")
How do I make the most out of this life? If stream entry is too far out of reach, how do we make the most out of this life? Does someone have a good Buddhist routine they could share that I could follow each day to live … --- ## [Per the pali canon, is there such a thing as a being being eternally and permanently trapped in hell?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/per-the-pali-canon-is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-being-being-eternally-and-permanently-trapped-in-hell/2539)
**Author:** [@Zans](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Zans)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/per-the-pali-canon-is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-being-being-eternally-and-permanently-trapped-in-hell/2539 "2026-08-15T15:14:10Z")
From what I understand hell may last an extremely long time, aeons even, but is always temporary and beings there always eventually cease and are reborn in another realm. Is that correct? --- ## [Might ordain this week](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/might-ordain-this-week/2561)
**Author:** [@orthodox](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/orthodox)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 7:30am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/might-ordain-this-week/2561 "2026-08-14T07:30:11Z")
I just returned back to my home country (Burma) for summer break. I have been planning to temporarily ordain since I was in the UK but now I feel an unstoppable urge to ordain (as long as I can), if it is permanent then … [Next page](https://classicaltheravada.org/c/general-theravada-topics/8.md?page=1)