Category: Teachings
Bringing Manjushri Home
When Diana Reynolds Roome brought home a thangka of Manjushri from Nepal she wondered, “How could I bring this great bodhisattva into my humdrum existence?”
The New Wave of Psychedelics in Buddhist Practice
Matteo Pistono takes a close look at how some Buddhist teachers are not only turning toward psychedelics in their practice but also making it a part of their teaching.
Pointing Out Ordinary Mind
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche presents the essential teachings of Mahamudra and its three main approaches to practice, each offering effective methods for directly pointing out mind’s true nature.
What are the Eight Awakenings?
The eight awakenings are pithy descriptions of what bodhisattvas and other enlightened beings realize, which are chanted mainly in the Mahayana tradition.
The Message of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths
The message of Buddha's Four Noble Truths is that paying attention and seeing clearly lead to behaving impeccably in every moment on behalf of all beings.
Cultivate Tranquility, Harvest Insight
The classical Theravada model of meditation employs the practices of shamatha and vipassana, both. Ajahn Brahmavamso explains the path of tranquility and insight.
The Healing Practice of Cultural Humility
Charlene Leung discusses the importance of using Buddhist practice to become aware of our biases and develop cultural humility.
Four Steps to Magical Powers
Before you fully embark on the path of the bodhisattvas and buddhas, says Sheng Yen, you must first practice the four steps to magical powers.
Koan and Shikantaza: Escaping the Trap of Delusion
Jan Chozen Bays on shikantaza and koan study, Zen’s two primary practices.
Buddhist teacher researches ways to improve Indigenous healthcare
Native American Buddhist teacher Bonnie Duran works to decolonize healthcare for Indigenous communities.
The Insight Revolution
Determined to save Buddhism in Burma during colonial rule, Ledi Sayadaw popularized the teachings of the Abhidharma and introduced thousands of laypeople to the practice of insight meditation. As Erik Braun tells us, he set in motion a revolution in Buddhist practice still being felt around the globe.
To Enter the Vajrayana Start at the Beginning
It is the kindness of the buddhas to provide us with a complete path, and the preliminary practices are part of that path.
The Burning Heart of a Bodhisattva
On the 55th anniversary of Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation, Edward Tick shares what he has learned from his pilgrimages to the site of the famous protest.
Advice for Going on a Long Meditation Retreat
Andrew Holecek offers some practical advice for anyone considering a long-term retreat.
Shamatha–Vipashyana: Our Original Nature
Gaylon Ferguson explains that through both shamatha and vipashyana meditation we bring our mind back to its original state.
Buddhism Began with a Good Meal
Buddhism isn't about depriving yourself of worldly pleasures. Andrea Miller explains how a healthy meal helped Siddhartha understand the importance of nourishment — and offers a healthful recipe for cashew pulao.
Awakening the Bodhisattva
Venerable Pannavati, Anne Klein, and Ejo McMullen on the possibilities and challenges of the bodhisattva path. Introduction by Taigen Dan Leighton.
Deer to the Heart
Even if you don't think much about them, they're always present. Andrea Miller reexamines something we all might have missed in the meaning of the quiet, watchful deer.
Gautama vs the Buddha
Buddhist scholar Glenn Wallis argues that we should look to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama―an ordinary person like us.