Nichiren Buddhism and Soka Gakkai International
Nichiren Buddhism is based on the teachings of a man by the name of Nichiren Daishonin who was a Buddhist Monk who lived during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and was a firm …
The Links between Buddhism and Hinduism
If you’re practicing either Buddhism or Hinduism, you cannot deny that there are links that connect the two faiths. My mother told me that a lot of Hinduism’s teachings do …
Mindfulness Meditation Buddhism Buddhist Dharma Noble Eightfold Path
Mindfulness is not a strong suit in western culture. A fast-paced, hectic lifestyle joined at the hip to myriad responsibilities creates an environment where the pursuit of mindfulness is at …
Read MoreMindfulness Meditation Buddhism Buddhist Dharma Noble Eightfold Path
Dharmapalas History and Significance
‘Dharmapala’ – hoary Sanskrit from India, terra firma giving birth to the Vedas;’ The End of All Knowledge’, innumerable deities, home of the Ganges river and Buddha The Awakened One …
Buddhism Introduction to the Four Ordinary Foundations
The truth of the path and the truth of cessation can best be understood as Dharma perhaps by beginning where Shakyamuni (so-called, because he was from the clan of the …
Read MoreBuddhism Introduction to the Four Ordinary Foundations
Commentary on Compassion and True Nature
“Buddhism has long argued for the tremendous potential for transformation that exists naturally in the human mind. To this end, the tradition has developed a wide range of contemplative techniques, …
The Middle way or Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism
“The Buddha claimed that the practices he advocated in the quest for enlightenment avoided the extremes of sensual self-indulgence on the one hand and self-mortification on the other and thus …
What are the three Marks of Existence in Buddhist Thought
Unsatisfactoriness (suffering), impermanence and impersonality (emptiness) Buddha Sakyamuni concluded that these three inescapable factors or “marks” of existence were the common characteristics shared by all phenomena. Often referred to as …
Read MoreWhat are the three Marks of Existence in Buddhist Thought
The Five Precepts in Buddhism
The Five Precepts of Buddhism are the basis of the moral code. If one asks about whether or not there are morals in Buddhism, simply refer to the “Five Precepts.” …
A brief History and Simple Understanding of Buddhism
Gautama Buddha was born approximately 563 BC-483 BC. The name he was born with was Siddhartha Gautama ( Sanskrit form, or Siddhatta Gotama, Parkrit form). The name “Buddha” ( meaning …
Read MoreA brief History and Simple Understanding of Buddhism
Experiencing Buddhism
I had always been highly impressed by Gautama Buddha ever since my childhood when I first read about him in our history class in school. There was something very fairytale-like, …
Karma
My friend William once asked me: ‘What is karma?’ ‘You’re sitting on a beetle now and killing it, so you would come back in your next life as a beetle …
Hinayana Mahayana Buddhism
With the death of historical buddha, Mahayana Buddhism split from its earlier beliefs in Buddhism, Hinayana, the lesser cycle. Hinayana sought to preserve the original teaching of Historical Buddha as …
What is the Middle way of Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the world’s great religions and is practiced by millions around the world. It was founded by the man known as Siddhartha Gautama, later called the Buddha (meaning the Enlightened One). It …
What Buddhists do in a Temple
The Buddhists do not extinguish suffering by lighting incense and candles and making pledges to supposedly supernatural things. One uniqueness of Buddhism is that it teaches moral behavior without reference …
Buddhism Precepts
In Buddhism, a precept is a principle or inner virtue by which an enlightened individual lives and conducts one’s self. Mahayana Buddhists, in addition to the ten grand precepts, also …
Non Attachment Dharma Buddhism Contemplative Spirituality
We often talk about the path of non-attachment a central concept found in the Perennialist teachings of Buddha Sakyamuni and Rav Yeshua (Jesus the Nazarene). In order to actually release …
Read MoreNon Attachment Dharma Buddhism Contemplative Spirituality
The Ten Good Deeds in Buddhism
Buddhism’s “Ten Good Deeds” or “Ten Wholesome Deeds” are somewhat different and similar to the “Ten Meritorious Acts.” If you become familiar with Buddhism’s “Five Precepts,” then you should be …
Siddhartha Gautama the first Teaching
The first teaching of Buddha, the transformed Siddhartha Gautama is when the “Enlightened One” explained the truths he learned and the fundamentals of Buddhism. This was his first sermon with …
The Ten Meritorious Deeds in Buddhism
The ten meritorious deeds of Buddhism serve as a guide for a person who seeks a happy and peaceful life. It guides by developing knowledge and understanding of the person …
The History and Significance of Zen Gardens
Zen philosophies come from Mahayana Buddhism. The word “Zen” means meditation. The goal in Zen is to reach enlightenment through focused thinking. Zen gardens provide a place well suited for …
The Silk Road and the Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism originated in what is now Nepal around 400 BC. It was founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as The Buddha (enlightened one). The Silk Road The …
Zen Koan Case of Hui Chaos Question
Case: A traveling monk, Hui Ch’ao, asked Master Fa Yen, “What is Buddha?” Master Fa Yen caused Hui Ch’ao to ‘drop it’ when he answered, “You are Hui’ Ch’ao.” Pointer: …
Buddhism and our Environmental Obligation
Within our society, there are certain innate concepts that every individual is equipped with. Virtues, morals, or the concept of “right and wrong” are just a few examples of such …
The four Noble Truths
The Buddhist’s way of viewing the human experience, particularly the experience of suffering as it pertains to reaching an enlightened state, require that one must embrace and accept the following …
Best Buddhist Quotations
Buddhism can be defined as the “teachings of the Awakened One.” It embodies a set of philosophies based on the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha who was born a prince …
Too Much Snow in your Mind will Prevent you from Living from Loves Truth
Parables are related to Zen koans, as are all teaching stories. Love lives in stories that are told from the energy of that same love. It is love that enlightens …
Read MoreToo Much Snow in your Mind will Prevent you from Living from Loves Truth
History of Buddhism Regional Varieties
Buddhism exists wherever there are sentient beings in contemplation. One need not be a Buddha to attain enlightenment. Many have come close all over the globe. Many have dwelled in …
Is Buddhism a Religion or a Way of Life?
Religion or at least the tenets of any true religion should also be a way of life. So Buddhism is both. Buddhism has components of religion but also outlines various …
Quan Yin Total Compassion and Loving Kindness
Most commonly known as the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Quan Yin became the perfect human being through the mantra (or prayer) Om Mani Padme Hum. She is a symbol …
Praying for Tibet
As they say Tibet is the roof of the world. The Tibetans are people of peace and live in harmony with each other and the natural world around them. This …
The Dharma and its Relationship to Animals
I’d love it if you could meet at Chippy! He’s very cute. He is the guinea pig of my youngest son. Chippy isn’t full grown yet. He has a spacious …