Articles Index

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?

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.

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.

Taking Refuge: Becoming a Buddhist

To become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures -- the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. This essay explains what "taking refuge" means to a Buddhist.

Dependent Origination

Dependent Origination is a Buddhist teaching on the nature of existence -- nothing exists independently of other things.

Life Is Suffering? What Does That Mean?

The First Noble Truth of Buddhism usually is translated "life is suffering." But what the Buddha said is that "Life is dukkha." And "dukkha" doesn't translate well. What does it mean?

Bhavana: An Introduction to Buddhist Meditation

All Buddhist meditation practices are forms of bhavana. Here is a basic explanation of bhavana and how it is practiced in Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Buddhism: Philosophy or Religion?

Is Buddhism a philosophy or a religion? Clarifying this point is important to understanding Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhism.

What Do Buddhists Believe?

What do Buddhists believe? In Buddhism, beliefs are beside the point, and doctrines are a means to an end, not the end itself.

What Is Buddhism? An Introduction to Buddhism

There's more to Buddhism than shaving one's head and being blissful. Here is an introduction to Buddhism for beginners.

Buddha's Birthday

Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on different dates by various schools of Buddhism. Whatever the date, it is a joyous holiday featuring parades, hanging lanterns, and the sharing of food and flowers.

The Birth of the Buddha

The story of the Buddha's birth is rich with mythical symbolism.

The Life of the Buddha

This simple account of the historic Buddha's life covers his early life, the Four Passing Sights, the Renunciation, the Quest, his Enlightenment, and his later life as a teacher.

Tibetan Buddhism: An Introduction

Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished by its rich mythology and art, its esoteric tantra practices, and its reincarnated lamas. Here is a basic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.

The Life, Teachings and Art of Zen Master Hakuin

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) is known for his bold drawing and calligraphy, his inspirational writing, and for reviving the Rinzai school of Zen. He also created the koan "the sound of one hand." Part One looks at his life and teaching.

Fusatsu: A Zen Buddhist Ceremony

Fusatu is one of the most beautiful ceremonies of Zen Buddhism. It is a ritual of atonement, purification, and renewal of vows.