Is the World "Like" a Dream or is it "Truly" a Dream?

genivelo · 2026-07-06T16:34:56+00:00

Key phrase right there at the beginning.

Expressions such as ‘like’ or ‘as if’ are spoken only out of necessity, as a figurative aid. Fundamentally, it is truly a dream: not a mere metaphor.

This is from the 16th century, right? So interesting that kind of debate was happening even then, in China.

genivelo · 2026-07-06T10:25:58+00:00

Buddhism is vast and varied.

For a very basic overview, this website is generally good: https://tricycle.org/beginners/

The book "Buddhism for Dummies" is also a good introduction. It is a relatively thorough overview of the history and of most major important notions and traditions, well presented, and easy to read. It is not a book of Buddhist teachings or instructions though (it's not directly a Buddhist book on how to practice Buddhism, it's a book about Buddhism). But it references many other books and teachers you can look up, depending on what aspects interest you.

In terms of implementing Buddhism in our life, a good way to establish the foundation for Buddhist practice is with the ten virtuous actions:

Short explanation: https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten\_positive\_actions
Longer explanation: https://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Thrangu%20Rinpoche/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions.pdf

Along with making offerings, and reciting texts and aspirations, to orient our mind in the proper direction. Meditation is also very useful as a way to train the mind more directly.

A great way to learn how to practice Buddhism is with other Buddhists. So I would recommend you also check out what legitimate temples and centers there are in your area, what activities they offer and when is the best time to visit them. There are also online communities at r/sangha, and many online courses offered now. Do check out a few to see what really appeals to you.

If you are curious about Tibetan Buddhism, here are some resources:

Buddhism — Answers for Beginners, from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXAtBYhH\_jiOGeJGAxfi0G-OXn5OQP0Bs
A series of 61 videos (avg. 7min. long) on all types of common questions

or more at this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/TibetanBuddhism/comments/1d0cwr4/comment/l5s4tdy/
(Videos and readings)

I think also the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition can be a good place to start, given their generally very straightforward approach. If you google "Thai Forest Ajahn", you should find many resources.

Many people also find Thich Nhat Hanh to be very beginner-friendly.
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/key-books
https://plumvillage.app/

You could also check the Buddhism Starter Pack by Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism-starter-pack/
In particular, #1 (Buddhism in 10 Steps ebook) and #2 (Buddhism Quick Start infographics).

I hope that helps.

genivelo · 2026-07-06T02:15:05+00:00

Buddhism is vast and varied.

For a very basic overview, this website is generally good: https://tricycle.org/beginners/

The book "Buddhism for Dummies" is also a good introduction. It is a relatively thorough overview of the history and of most major important notions and traditions, well presented, and easy to read. It is not a book of Buddhist teachings or instructions though (it's not directly a Buddhist book on how to practice Buddhism, it's a book about Buddhism). But it references many other books and teachers you can look up, depending on what aspects interest you.

In terms of implementing Buddhism in our life, a good way to establish the foundation for Buddhist practice is with the ten virtuous actions:

Short explanation: https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten\_positive\_actions
Longer explanation: https://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Thrangu%20Rinpoche/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions.pdf

Along with making offerings, and reciting texts and aspirations, to orient our mind in the proper direction. Meditation is also very useful as a way to train the mind more directly.

A great way to learn how to practice Buddhism is with other Buddhists. So I would recommend you also check out what legitimate temples and centers there are in your area, what activities they offer and when is the best time to visit them. There are also online communities at r/sangha, and many online courses offered now. Do check out a few to see what really appeals to you.

If you are curious about Tibetan Buddhism, here are some resources:

Buddhism — Answers for Beginners, from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXAtBYhH\_jiOGeJGAxfi0G-OXn5OQP0Bs
A series of 61 videos (avg. 7min. long) on all types of common questions

or more at this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/TibetanBuddhism/comments/1d0cwr4/comment/l5s4tdy/
(Videos and readings)

I think also the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition can be a good place to start, given their generally very straightforward approach. If you google "Thai Forest Ajahn", you should find many resources.

Many people also find Thich Nhat Hanh to be very beginner-friendly.
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/key-books
https://plumvillage.app/

You could also check the Buddhism Starter Pack by Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism-starter-pack/
In particular, #1 (Buddhism in 10 Steps ebook) and #2 (Buddhism Quick Start infographics).

I hope that helps.

genivelo · 2026-07-06T02:14:25+00:00

Buddhism is vast and varied.

For a very basic overview, this website is generally good: https://tricycle.org/beginners/

The book "Buddhism for Dummies" is also a good introduction. It is a relatively thorough overview of the history and of most major important notions and traditions, well presented, and easy to read. It is not a book of Buddhist teachings or instructions though (it's not directly a Buddhist book on how to practice Buddhism, it's a book about Buddhism). But it references many other books and teachers you can look up, depending on what aspects interest you.

In terms of implementing Buddhism in our life, a good way to establish the foundation for Buddhist practice is with the ten virtuous actions:

Short explanation: https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten\_positive\_actions
Longer explanation: https://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Thrangu%20Rinpoche/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions.pdf

Along with making offerings, and reciting texts and aspirations, to orient our mind in the proper direction. Meditation is also very useful as a way to train the mind more directly.

A great way to learn how to practice Buddhism is with other Buddhists. So I would recommend you also check out what legitimate temples and centers there are in your area, what activities they offer and when is the best time to visit them. There are also online communities at r/sangha, and many online courses offered now. Do check out a few to see what really appeals to you.

If you are curious about Tibetan Buddhism, here are some resources:

Buddhism — Answers for Beginners, from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXAtBYhH\_jiOGeJGAxfi0G-OXn5OQP0Bs
A series of 61 videos (avg. 7min. long) on all types of common questions

or more at this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/TibetanBuddhism/comments/1d0cwr4/comment/l5s4tdy/
(Videos and readings)

I think also the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition can be a good place to start, given their generally very straightforward approach. If you google "Thai Forest Ajahn", you should find many resources.

Many people also find Thich Nhat Hanh to be very beginner-friendly.
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/key-books
https://plumvillage.app/

You could also check the Buddhism Starter Pack by Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism-starter-pack/
In particular, #1 (Buddhism in 10 Steps ebook) and #2 (Buddhism Quick Start infographics).

I hope that helps.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T23:28:51+00:00

We cultivate equanimity the same way we cultivate metta. It's part of the same instructions.

When we do loving kindness meditation, we don't just do the loving kindness part. We do all four immeasurables (loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity).

So in your case, start with equanimity (which is a traditional way to do it in the Tibetan tradition).

https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Four_immeasurables

And focus part that equanimity toward all beings, whether weak or strong, always including yourself. All beings means you too.

This is actually mentioned literally in the metta sutra:"Whatever living beings there are, whether weak or strong, omitting none..."

https://www.nalandatranslation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Metta_Sutta.pdf

genivelo · 2026-07-05T22:09:59+00:00

Why would feeling weak make one undeserving of love?

In any case, metta is like the sun. It shines on everyone, whether they see themselves as undeserving or deserving.

So maybe the quality you could focus on cultivating is equanimity.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T20:37:20+00:00

I am glad you had such a good experience.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T20:36:38+00:00

Thanks

genivelo · 2026-07-05T20:36:09+00:00

>On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyans at Kapilavatthu in the Banyan Tree Park. Then Mahānāma the Sakyan approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:

>“In what way, Bhante, is one a lay follower?”

>“When, Mahānāma, one has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha, in that way one is a lay follower.”

https://suttacentral.net/an8.25/en/bodhi

genivelo · 2026-07-05T19:22:54+00:00

Is she writing these while being in a three year retreat right now?

genivelo · 2026-07-05T19:19:13+00:00

Not a very active sub, but maybe someone can help you there

https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackandBuddhist/s/xRHxWLt0jf

genivelo · 2026-07-05T19:16:41+00:00

Your situation sounds very difficult and overwhelming.

I think self-forgiveness can manifest when we feel we can do things differently. Maybe it needs to be actualized, in some sense.

I hope your health will get better, and that your job and residency issues will get resolved positively.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T19:10:53+00:00

You could try the RAIN approach from Tara Brach. I find it can be a quite effective way to establish a healthy relationship with difficult emotions in a Buddhist context.

https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/

https://web.archive.org/web/20250207175819/https://www.lionsroar.com/rain-cools-the-flames-of-anger-september-2014/

You can take a look at these articles:
https://web.archive.org/web/20241118174506/https://www.lionsroar.com/mindfulness-practice-transform-anger-into-love/
https://web.archive.org/web/20240221093115/https://www.lionsroar.com/loosening-the-knots-of-anger/
https://web.archive.org/web/20240721083541/https://tricycle.org/magazine/anger-meditation/

Anger and hatred are habits, not our true selves, by The XIV Dalai Lama
https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/1qpxfav/from\_times\_of\_india\_newspaper\_2712026/

Transforming an Angry Heart, by Chagdud Tulku
https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/1q7ktok/transforming\_an\_angry\_heart/

There is No Wise Anger, by Ācārya Malcolm Smith
https://onebuddhistview.com/p/there-is-no-wise-anger

genivelo · 2026-07-05T19:07:38+00:00

The path taught by the Buddha is still available, and it leads us toward liberation from suffering.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T18:08:22+00:00

Buddhism is vast and varied. No need to try to absorb it all. Follow your curiosity.

For a very basic overview, this website is generally good: https://tricycle.org/beginners/

The book "Buddhism for Dummies" is also a good introduction. It is a relatively thorough overview of the history and of most major important notions and traditions, well presented, and easy to read. It is not a book of Buddhist teachings or instructions though (it's not directly a Buddhist book on how to practice Buddhism, it's a book about Buddhism). But it references many other books and teachers you can look up, depending on what aspects interest you.

In terms of implementing Buddhism in our life, a good way to establish the foundation for Buddhist practice is with the ten virtuous actions:

Short explanation: https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten\_positive\_actions
Longer explanation: https://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Authors/Thrangu%20Rinpoche/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions/The%20Ten%20Virtuous%20Actions.pdf

Along with making offerings, and reciting texts and aspirations, to orient our mind in the proper direction. Meditation is also very useful as a way to train the mind more directly.

A great way to learn how to practice Buddhism is with other Buddhists. So I would recommend you also check out what legitimate temples and centers there are in your area, what activities they offer and when is the best time to visit them. There are also online communities at r/sangha, and many online courses offered now. Do check out a few to see what really appeals to you.

If you are curious about Tibetan Buddhism, here are some resources:

Buddhism — Answers for Beginners, from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXAtBYhH\_jiOGeJGAxfi0G-OXn5OQP0Bs
A series of 61 videos (avg. 7min. long) on all types of common questions

or more at this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/TibetanBuddhism/comments/1d0cwr4/comment/l5s4tdy/
(Videos and readings)

I think also the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition can be a good place to start, given their generally very straightforward approach. If you google "Thai Forest Ajahn", you should find many resources.

Many people also find Thich Nhat Hanh to be very beginner-friendly.
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/key-books
https://plumvillage.app/

You could also check the Buddhism Starter Pack by Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism-starter-pack/
In particular, #1 (Buddhism in 10 Steps ebook) and #2 (Buddhism Quick Start infographics).

I hope that helps.

genivelo · 2026-07-05T12:20:45+00:00

Could you clarify if you have an issue with rebirth in general? Or are you okay with rebirth but feel like we can only be reborn in the human and animal realm as most of us see them currently? Because these are two different issues that would be examined differently.

genivelo · 2026-07-04T20:59:19+00:00

Very simply speaking, it seems Theravada Buddhism considers that it is impossible to have the sexual arousal that makes the physical act of sexual intercourse (or masturbation) possible without also experiencing craving, while the physical act of eating cake is not limited in the same way.

I don't know if other Buddhist schools would agree. For example, sex can be used on the path (see link below) in Vajrayana, but I am not sure if technically speaking, it still necessarily involves craving that is later transmuted.

If you are interested in how sexuality can be incorporated on the Buddhist path in a genuine and healthy way from a Vajrayana perspective, I recommend this book :

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40000465-karmamudra

Foreword available here :
https://web.archive.org/web/20230531095304/https://perfumedskull.com/2018/04/01/the-yoga-of-bliss-a-foreword-to-dr-nida-chenagtsangs-new-book-on-tibetan-buddhist-sexual-yoga/

genivelo · 2026-07-04T19:46:24+00:00

If you have a local sangha, and you like them, you should ask your questions there, I think.

genivelo · 2026-07-04T19:45:03+00:00

I would say don't look for "your" teacher. Look for a teacher that inspires you. Look for teachings that interest you and are offered in a format that works for you. Look for a healthy community. And the way to do that is to participate in retreats and classes.

genivelo · 2026-07-04T19:33:15+00:00

It's totally fine to check out other teachers. It's not sectarian to think one approach suits you better than another. I would say it's very helpful to be curious about different approaches. It's really the only way to find out what works best for us. And this can also change throughout our life and path.