Arhat – A Worthy One
In Theravada Buddhism ― the dominant school of southeast Asia ― it is believed there is only one buddha per age of humankind; each age is an unimaginably long time. The buddha of the current age is our historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Another person who realizes enlightenment within this age is not called buddha. Instead, […]
How to Start Your Meditation Journey: A Beginner’s Guide
Meditation is a powerful practice to relax your mind, connect with your inner self, and find balance in a busy world. This guide will take you through the essential steps to begin your meditation practice, making it easy, effective, and sustainable. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your meditation technique, this step-by-step […]
Calm Abiding Meditation – the backbone of Buddhist meditation practice
The practice of calm abiding meditation serves as the cornerstone of Buddhist meditation techniques. Establishing a firm grounding in this fundamental practice is essential for achieving mental tranquility and clarity. Traditionally, practitioners dedicate months or even years to mastering calm abiding meditation, fully immersing themselves in its principles and experiencing its transformative effects before exploring […]
Alcohol, Smoking, and Animal Consumption in Buddhism
The Fifth Precept, often translated as “to avoid taking intoxicants,” is a cornerstone of Buddhist ethics. However, interpretations of this precept vary between different Buddhist traditions, leading to nuanced perspectives on behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming animal products. Understanding the Fifth Precept The Fifth Precept encompasses the principle of abstaining from intoxicants, […]
Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna (A.D. c. 150 – c. 250 CE) is regarded by many as the second greatest teacher in Buddhism. For some, Nagarjuna embodies the awaited second Buddha, fulfilling the prophesy of clarity foretold by the Buddha himself. His teachings, especially on emptiness, resonate deeply, shaping the essence of the Heart Sutra. Nagarjuna is widely considered […]
Exploring Monastic Life Across Buddhist Traditions
Monasticism is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, embodying the commitment to spiritual cultivation and ethical living. Across various schools of Buddhism, monks dedicate their lives to the pursuit of enlightenment and the service of others. Each tradition has its own set of rules, rituals, and practices that shape the life of a monk, contributing to […]
Dharma: Path to Enlightenment
In Buddhism, Dharma holds a central place as the teachings of the Buddha that guide practitioners on the path to spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering. Rooted in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, Dharma encompasses profound insights into the nature of existence, ethics, and the cultivation of wisdom. The Essence of […]
Magical Temples in Theravada Buddhism
Theravada is the longest-surviving school of Buddhism, with a strong emphasis on preserving the Buddha’s teachings as they are found in the Pali Canon. There are essentially three kinds of Buddhist structures: 1) stupas, 2) temples, place of worship somewhat similar to a church; and 3) monasteries, which contain living quarters and meditation cells for […]
Green Tara: Symbols, Mantra, Benefits, and Practices
Tara is an important figure in Buddhism and arguably the most beloved deity in Mahayana Buddhism, appearing as a female bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism and as a female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism. “Tara” means “the liberator,” freeing us from ignorance, the root of cyclic existence, and from self-centered thought, which hinders the attainment of full […]
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo – The Most Senior Western Tibetan Buddhist Nun Alive
In the landscape of Tibetan Buddhism, few figures stand as prominently in the quest for gender equality and the revival of the Togdenma lineage as Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. Born Diane Perry in London, 1943, her journey from the bustling streets of the British capital to the serene, snowy peaks of the Himalayas is not just […]
The Story of Jizo: Compassionate Guardian of Souls
The Purpose of Jizo Statues The images of Jizo are more than mere sculptures; they are poignant symbols of solace and hope for grieving parents. According to Japanese folklore, children who pass away find themselves in the underworld, facing punishment for causing sorrow to their parents. As they arrive at Sai-no-Kawara, the riverbed of souls […]
Mahamudra Meditation
Mahamudra is one of the most advanced teachings of the Buddha. Mahamudra is composed of two Sanskrit words, maha, and mudra. Maha is easy to translate: it means “great” or “big.” Mudra has many different meanings: sign, symbol, gesture, seal, and so on. Mahamudra can be translated as “great seal,”, significant because it is a […]