Becoming a Buddhist
Outside Asia, most people develop an interest in Buddhism by reading about it, and there are many excellent books about Buddhism available. Yet Buddhism learned only from books is only a taste, not the full banquet. Finding a teacher and community of Buddhists is easier than ever.
The Practice of Buddhism
Buddhists often speak of Buddhism as a practice rather than a faith. What exactly is Buddhist practice?
Buddhists often speak of Buddhism as a practice rather than a faith. What exactly is Buddhist practice?
Reasons to Convert to Buddhism?
Why I can give you no good reason to convert to Buddhism.
Why I can give you no good reason to convert to Buddhism.
Ritual and Buddhism
Can there be Buddhism without the rituals? Maybe, but the rituals do have a purpose.
Can there be Buddhism without the rituals? Maybe, but the rituals do have a purpose.
Buddhism and Sexism
Is sexism intrinsic to Buddhism, or did Buddhist institutions absorb sexism from Asian culture? Can Buddhism treat women as equals, and remain Buddhism?
Is sexism intrinsic to Buddhism, or did Buddhist institutions absorb sexism from Asian culture? Can Buddhism treat women as equals, and remain Buddhism?
Feeding the Buddha
Offering food is one of the oldest and most common rituals in Buddhism. Food is offered to monks and ritually to deities and hungry ghosts. Here is a brief explanation of the meaning and purpose of Buddhist food offerings.
Offering food is one of the oldest and most common rituals in Buddhism. Food is offered to monks and ritually to deities and hungry ghosts. Here is a brief explanation of the meaning and purpose of Buddhist food offerings.
Giving Thanks for Our Food
How do Buddhists give thanks for food? Here are meal chants from three schools of Buddhism that are chanted before meals, expressing gratitude.
How do Buddhists give thanks for food? Here are meal chants from three schools of Buddhism that are chanted before meals, expressing gratitude.
Hot-Button Issues and Buddhism
Global warming, Wall Street and embryonic stem cells were not concerns during the Buddha's life. On the other hand, there was war, sexism and abortion 25 centuries ago. What does Buddhism have to teach about these and other contentious issues?
Global warming, Wall Street and embryonic stem cells were not concerns during the Buddha's life. On the other hand, there was war, sexism and abortion 25 centuries ago. What does Buddhism have to teach about these and other contentious issues?
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.
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.