Articles Index

Sex and Buddhism

Buddhism challenges us to think about sexual ethics and morals very differently from the way most of us have been taught to think about them. What does Buddhism teach about sex?

The Fifth Buddhist Precept

The Fifth Precept of Buddhism, translated from the Pali Canon, is "I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented and distilled intoxicants which are the basis for heedlessness." Does this mean Buddhists aren't supposed to drink?

Right View

The Buddha taught that Right View is an essential part of the Buddhist path. In fact, it is part of the Eightfold Path, which is the basis of all Buddhist practice.

The Lost World of Buddhist Gandhara

The ancient Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara stretched across what is now Afghanistan and Pakistan and made invaluable contributions to Buddhist art.

Buddhism in Japan: A Brief History

Buddhism in Japan, Part I: The First Seven Centuries. This brief history begins with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan and continues to the establishment of the two major Pure Land schools, Jodo Shu and Jodo Shinshu.

Early Buddhist History: The First Five Centuries

A brief overview of the early history of Buddhism, beginning with the death of the Buddha, about 483 BCE, to the beginning of the 1st millennium CE.

Buddhism and Vegetarianism

The historical Buddha and his disciples were not vegetarians. Why then did vegetarianism come to be associated with Buddhism?

War and Buddhism

Buddhism opposes war, but sometimes Buddhists must go to war. Buddhism values pacifism, yet Buddhism is associated with martial arts. What does Buddhism teach about war?

Buddhism and Abortion

Buddhism teaches that abortion is the taking of a human life, but at the same time most Buddhists are reluctant to interfere with a woman's personal decision to abort. From a Buddhist perspective, these positions are not contradictory.

The First Buddhist Precept

The first precept of Buddhism -- do not kill -- touches on some of today's hotter issues, from veganism to abortion and euthanasia. Let's take a look at this precept and at what some Buddhist teachers have said about it.

Manjushri Bodhisattva

Manjushri is one of the most important iconic figures of Mahayana Buddhist art and literature. He represents prajna, wisdom that is not confined to conceptual knowledge.

Secular Buddhism

"Secular Buddhism" is a hot topic in western Buddhism. But what is Secular Buddhism?

The Buddhist Precepts

The Buddhist Precepts are not a list of commandments to follow. Here is an introduction to the Precepts, both Theravada and Mahayana

Buddhism and Compassion

The Buddha taught that compassion isn't just a nice virtue; it is essential to realizing enlightenment.

The Buddha's Robe

Although the robes of Buddhist monks and nuns come in many colors and styles, they are all part of a tradition going back to the time of the historical Buddha, 26 centuries ago.

Buddhism and Science

If there is an article of faith among many present-day Buddhists, it's that the more science discovers, the better scientific knowledge harmonizes with Buddhism. Is this true, and is it a good way to approach Buddhism?

Go on a Buddhist Retreat

Retreats are a great way to initiate a personal exploration of Buddhism, and of yourself. Here is advice about how to find authentic Buddhist retreats and what to expect when you participate in one.

The Dhammapada

The Dhammapada is a volume of 423 short sayings of the Buddha, sometimes called a Buddhist Book of Proverbs. It is a treasury of gems that illuminate and inspire.

Zen 101: An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

This is a bare-bones introduction to Zen Buddhism for those who don't know Zen from spinach. It includes a brief history of the school and the Zen definition of Zen.

Buddhism and Karma

Understanding the laws of karma is essential to understanding Buddhism. Yet karma is mostly misunderstood by Westerners. This essay briefly explains the Buddhist view of karma.

Vesak

What is Vesak? Vesak is a major Buddhist holiday observing the historical Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death (Parinirvana).

The Five Skandhas

The historical Buddha spoke often of the Five Skandhas, also called the Five Aggregates or the Five Heaps. What we think of as "I" is a process of the skandhas. Here is a basic explanation of the skandhas.

Right Speech

Right Speech is a portion of the Buddhist Eightfold Path. What do Buddhists mean by Right Speech?

Earth Witness

The "earth witness" Buddha is one of the most common iconic images of Buddhism. What is the earth witness gesture, and what does it mean?

Buddhist Economics

E.F. Schumacher built an economic theory on Buddhist values. Now his ideas, once considered heresy, seem prophetic.