“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.
What do Americans know about Buddhism? “Not much,” say most.
One-fifth of survey respondents incorrectly said that Buddhists believe in an “immortal soul,” and most said they don’t personally know a Buddhist.
Illness and the Buddha’s Prescription
The Buddha knew that illness is a natural part of human life. Toni Bernhard shares how the first noble truth has helped her gracefully accept being chronically ill.
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.
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.
What Are the Four Noble Truths?
These four truths are called noble because they liberate us from suffering. They are the Buddha’s basic teaching, encapsulating the entire Buddhist path.
Between Arhat and Bodhisattva
Photo by Masao Yamamoto.Ajahn Amaro examines the arguments for and against the arhat and bodhisattva ideals that define and too often divide the Buddhist traditions. He suggests a way out of the polarizing debate.
How do I develop insight through Buddhist practice?
We suffer, according to Buddhism, simply because we misunderstand the nature of reality. Sylvia Boorstein on developing insight into how things really are.
Now the Bad News: Birth, Old Age, Sickness, and Death
A prince was so shocked that he went off to seek enlightenment. Now, birth, old age, sickness, and death is still the impetus for awakening.