Buddhist Beliefs
Latest Contributing Articles
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Buddhism's Three Characteristics of Existence
The three characteristics of existence are that life is suffering, no-self is a reality for us and all things, and all things are impermanent.
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Buddha's First Sermon
The four noble truths of Buddhism are: life is suffering, the causes of suffering, suffering can be stopped, and the eightfold path is the way to stop suffering.
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Can Sex Lead to Enlightenment?
An examination of tantric and Buddhist views on the connection between sex and enlightenment
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The Buddhist Idea of No-Self
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) proposes the idea of no-self (anatta) as a critique of the soul (atman) of Classical Hinduism.
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The Buddhist Sangha in America
Practice is key to being a Buddhist. Practicing with a Sangha is the key to staying committed to practice.
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The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths were the subject of the Buddha's first sermon, and they serve as the guide to and summary of the Buddhist path.
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Moral Dangers of Eating Meat - a Buddhist View
According to Buddhist teachings, the eater of meat and the animal eaten are locked together in a vicious cycle of mutual resentment leading to rebirth and suffering.
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Buddhism's Three Marks of Existence
According to Buddhist doctrine, all objects of experience have three characteristics which define a relationship with the devotee and set one on the path to nirvana.
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The Buddhist Doctrine of No-Self
The Buddhist doctrine of anatman ("no-self") presents conceptual difficulties. Despite being a central Buddhist teaching, it has been problematic for interpretation.
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The Eight Consciousnesses of Yogacara
Yogacara developed a theory of mind to interpret meditative practice. This theory of mind structures the mind into eight "consciousnesses."
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The "Three Aspects" in Yogacara Buddhism
The Yogacara school of Buddhist philosophy teaches that while everything one perceives is just an appearance, the mind alone is truly real.
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The Doctrine of Emptiness in Buddhism
Central to Mahayana Buddhist thought is the concept of emptiness. It stands for a way of perceiving the world leading to freedom, clarity, and ultimately, nirvana.
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The Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism and Buddhism both originated on the Indian subcontinent and so have a long shared history. Yet Buddhism originated as a reaction against the Vedic worldview.
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Buddhism and the Four Limitless Qualities
Pema Chödrön stresses the importance of the four limitless qualities to help dissolve the barriers that perpetuate the suffering of all living creatures.
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Buddhism and the Message of Impermanence
The Buddha's message of impermanence can reveal many truths and lead to a fundamental understanding of the nature of the universe.
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The Buddha's Four Nutriments
According to Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, people who look deeply can discover the nutriments that feed them, nutriments that can lead to happiness or suffering.
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Buddhist Meditation and the Practice of Shamatha
Thich Nhat Hanh believes that meditation must include shamatha - stopping, calming, and resting - for individuals, communities, and nations to achieve a state of healing.
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Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva or Guanyin
In Chinese Buddhism, Guanyin (or Guanshiyin) is often portrayed as a woman. Understand how local Chinese culture has influenced the gender of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
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Shakyamuni Buddha's Long Large Ears
Explanations for Buddha's long ears range from the historical and biographical, to the cultural and symbolic, as well as the amalgamation of different interpretations.
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The Five Precepts of Buddhism
The Five Precepts of Buddhism are the basic ethical guidelines of a Buddhist life. Buddhists believe these simple suggestions can prevent many misfortunes.
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Seven Treasures of Buddhism
Find out what the seven treasures and precious substances are in Sanskrit, and how these have been interpreted as various gems in Chinese and English.
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Buddha Finds Enlightenment
After leaving behind all of his worldly things, Siddhartha started practicing a severe form of meditation called asceticism.
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Siddhârtha Gautama – The First Buddha
The first Buddha, you may ask? Many people who begin studying Buddhism are confused by this. Many people think Buddha is just Buddha.
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Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren believed that the Lotus Sutra (an important text of the Mahayana School of teaching) held the true meanings of what Buddha was trying to teach.
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Buddha as God
Many non-Buddhists ask if Buddha was/is a God. The best way to answer that is to tell the story of the Buddha's life.
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