Professor Donald Lopez on how the understanding of buddhahood evolved and expanded in the centuries following the death of the historical Buddha. In Sanskrit, the word buddha can mean “awakened,” “expanded,” and “understood.” It was the title bestowed on an itinerant teacher about whom little is known, apart from the teachings that have been attributed […]
The Buddha’s Journey
Scholar Andrew Olendzki on how the Buddha discovered a path to liberation that we can take too.
The Four Noble Truths
Buddhist teacher and scholar Jan Willis on the Buddha’s central teaching, the diagnosis and cure for suffering.
Who Was the Buddha?
“Buddha” means “one who is awake.” The Buddha who lived 2,600 years ago was not a god. He was an ordinary person, named Siddhartha Gautama.
What Is Suffering?
Nine teachers explain what suffering is, how we feel it, and why it isn’t a condemnation — it’s a joyous opportunity.
Women in Buddhism: Profiles, Conversations, and Teachings
For International Women’s Day, here’s a collection of our best teachings from, profiles on, and conversations with women in Buddhism.
Buddhist Glossary
Definitions of key Buddhist terms, from Abhidharma to Zen.
Buddhism by the Numbers
Buddhism is full of lists and numbers. Find explanations of some of the most important of these, how they connect, and why they’re important.
What Are the Four Brahmaviharas?
The brahmaviharas are four prized emotions or mindstates that give us a framework to cultivate positive behaviors and minimize harmful ones.
What Are the Three Poisons?
The three poisons are the energy of ego’s three basic attitudes—for me, against me, and don’t care.