Stephen Batchelor talks to Buddhadharma deputy editor Koun Franz about the importance of study in Buddhist practice and the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings to modern life.
Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: A Time of Reformation
In the fifth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod imagines how Buddhism may re-vision itself and adapt to meet the challenges ahead.
Ask the Teachers: Is happiness really the central goal of Buddhist practice?
Anushka Fernandopulle, Ven. Thubten Chodron, and Kaira Jewel Lingo discuss the real meaning of “happiness” in Buddhism.
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 vows do Buddhists take and why?
In Buddhism, a vow is like a compass, but there are many different kinds of vows that Buddhists can take.
What Is the Threefold Training?
Buddhist training falls into three categories: sila (discipline or ethical living, samadhi (concentration), and prajna (insight or wisdom).
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 Five Powers?
The five powers are a set of qualities that work in a sequence to support awakening.
Is Buddhism Violent?
Buddhism is a religion of peace. So why do some monks carry guns and preach hatred? In this conversation with Lion’s Roar, religious studies professor Michael Jerryson says that, if you look closely, “violence abounds” in Buddhist doctrine.
What Are the Five Skandhas?
According to Buddhism, people are made of five aggregates, or “heaps.” These are known in Sanskrit as the skandhas.