Essential Buddhist teachings to improve your mindfulness practice.
“The Pali word dukkha (or Sanskrit duhkha) in ordinary usage means ‘suffering,’ ‘pain,’ ‘sorrow’ or ‘misery,’” writes Walpola Rahula (May 9, 1907–September 18, 1997) in his book What the Buddha Taught. “But the term dukkha as the First Noble Truth, which represents the Buddha’s view of life and the world, has a deeper philosophical … Read more
What are the five natural laws in Buddhism? I came across this concept while researching equanimity meditation, which helps us achieve a balance of mind that’s completely free from reactivity. It does so by making us visualize different people, such as a neutral person, a friend, and an enemy. Then, it instructs us to contemplate … Read more
“Ultimately, the source of our problems lies at the level of the individual,” writes the Dalai Lama in the opening chapter of his book Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. “If people lack moral values and integrity, no system of laws and regulations will be adequate. So long as people give priority to material … Read more
Much has been written over the centuries about Buddhism and what its teaching really means. The word “enlightenment” is tossed around like a giant ball of cotton candy — delicious, fluffy but, ultimately, without much substance. This happens because “while second-hand wisdom is valuable as a signpost pointing the way, it is too easily … Read more