Category: Teachings
How the Five Skandhas Build Our Sense of Self
We assemble the thing we call "self" ourselves, according to Buddhist psychology. Gaylon Ferguson breaks down the five-step process of ego development.
How to Practice Vipassana (Insight) Meditation
Step-by-step instructions on how to practice Vipassana Meditation — the foundation of all Buddhist meditations — from the famed master Sayadaw U Pandita.
Happiness in Every Breath
When we stop feeding our cravings, says Thich Nhat Hanh, we discover that we already have everything we need to be happy.
The Unseen World
Lama Tsultrim Allione, Rob Preece, and Acharya Gaylon Ferguson discuss their individual relationships with nonmaterial realized beings and the purpose of including them in your practice.
How the Gandharan Manuscripts Change Buddhist History
The Gandharan Buddhist manuscripts are leading scholars to rethink the origins of Mahayana Buddhism. Richard Salomon looks at what we can learn from the recently-unearthed texts.
What Are the Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism?
Here's a short primer on the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and some of their key practices.
The Natural State of Happiness
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche presents five noble qualities that enable us to experience our ever-present natural happiness.
The Koan in the Refrigerator
All he wanted was an egg. Instead Sam Guthrie got a close-up look at his compulsive need for order.
The Problem of Personality
We believe deeply in ourselves as personalities, says Ajahn Sumedho, each committed to the reality of our own personal history and distinctive traits.
The Real Practice of Mindfulness
As mindfulness becomes an increasingly popular concept, it is often mistaken for just “being in the moment.” Andrew Olendzki examines the Abhidharma teachings to uncover what mindfulness practice really is and how it works.
Healthy Self or No Self?
Modern psychology encourages us to have a healthy sense of self, but Buddhism teaches that the self doesn’t even exist. Barry Magid says there’s no conflict.
Amida Buddha Welcomes All Refugees
Jeff Wilson explains how the Jodo Shinshu school of Pure Land Buddhism emerged from the refugee experiences of its two Japanese founders.
Through the Lens of Madhyamaka
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche unpacks the Madhyamaka view of the two truths.
An Ode to Phoebe: The Genuine Friend
Lama Surya Das recalls the honest, kind, and thoughtful Phoebe.
The Path of Gratitude
The goal of Shin Buddhism’s central practice, nembutsu, is not to attain buddhahood for ourselves, says Jeff Wilson, but to express gratitude for all we have received.
Dalai Lama suggests ending Tibetan reincarnation system
The Dalai Lama said that the Tibetan Buddhist system of recognizing reincarnate Buddhist teachers “may have had its day.”
Vajrayana Explained
The late Karma Kagyu master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche presents a clear explanation of the view of Vajrayana and its main practices of generation and completion.
No Teacher of Zen
In Zen, wisdom comes from personal experience. Everyone is a student – even the teachers.
We’re In This Together
Our culture has a deeply-ingrained sense of individualism, says Judith Simmer-Brown. But what would happen if we began to trust each other?
What Are the Three Devadutas?
Devaduta is pali for "divine messengers." It is said that the Buddha embarked on his quest for enlightenment after encountering three devadutas: a sick person, an old man, and a corpse.