The teachings of Buddhism encourage people to follow a spiritual path that will lead them to the jewels of life - happiness, freedom and enlightenment. The Eightfold Path is actually a set of eight practical guidelines that can not only end the suffering in people's lives, but also enhance mental strength and conviction about following an ethical way of living. The eight teachings of Buddhism are about simple yet effective truths. They are all interdependent.
(more…)

It was 9 full months after the Buddha got the Enlightenment, on the full moon day of 6th lunar month, 45 years before the Buddhist era. On the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, Makha, of the year, 4 special events happened:
(more…)

The estimate of the number of Buddhists in the world varies between 350 million and 1.5 billion. The disparity in figures is because of factors like the lack of exact figures for congregational memberships and the practice of Buddhist beliefs in combination with traditional religions like Shinto, Confucianism and Taoism to name a few. Let's take a look at some of the countries where Buddhism has left its imprint.
(more…)

To understand the basic principles of Buddhism, it is not necessary to believe in heaven or hell or to chant mantras. While monks must practice all the precepts, the lay Buddhist (if he is to be called Buddhist) is expected to follow the five main precepts. Buddhist principles are based on the basic idea of cause and effect, also known in eastern philosophy as karma. According to this law every intention, thought and action has a consequence that equals the energy invested in it. From good deeds come good results. Leading a disciplined life can ensure that suffering is kept to a minimum. The calm mind that comes from a disciplined life leads down the path of spirituality to the goal of all human life - self realization, or what the Buddhists call Nirvana. The Buddhist philosophy and way of life is laid out in the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path and the Five Precepts. The first three doctrines are pursued by those who either adopt a monastic life or are involved in a deep philosophical interpretation of Buddhism.
(more…)

Some 2,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama, a prince of the royal Shakya Clan of Nepal, meditated under the bodhi tree (a type of fig tree) in the Indian town of Bodh Gaya (in eastern India) and attained enlightenment. Today, thousands of pilgrims still travel to this sacred town.
(more…)

Most people have a belief that there is something waiting for them in the afterlife, if they lead a good life. It is a hope that there is something beyond death, a place that is a reward for a lifetime of good deeds and being mindful of the rules of that religion.
(more…)

The key to understanding Zen Buddhism is to understand the phrase "I don't know." In this phrase is hidden the secrets of Zen and Zen Meditation. At first glance this may seem counter intuitive or just a play on words, but I assure you that is not the case. This is really the essence of Zen and once you grasp what is being implied here, all the Zen teachings will start to make sense.
(more…)

Revenge, the desire to hurt others who have hurt us, only bears bitter fruit. It hurts those whom we have inflicted our wrath upon. And it hurts us, because no single act in the universe goes unrewarded. From that singular act, our own consciousness is wounded by the expression of our animalism.
(more…)

Millions of people follow Buddhist studies but there are still many people in the Western culture that are unfamiliar with Buddhism. It is a religion that dates back thousands of years and has helped many people overcome their suffering and has taught countless others how to help end the suffering of their fellow man. This religion can seem difficult to understand when you first begin but if you take the time to learn the basic tenants, then you can find your own happiness and sense of self-fulfillment that many miss in life.
(more…)

If you were to ask people what they would wish for most, most would likely say happiness. At least that is what the majority of people seek out subconsciously. Sure, they may ask for riches or fame but the real desire internally is to be happy. If given a choice, many would also like to avoid any suffering or pain of any kind.
(more…)