Did the Buddha say, “There is no self”? To answer this question, I turn to an article from Access to Insight written by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. He begins by saying that anatta, the Buddhist doctrine of no self, is one of the first major obstacles for Westerners trying to understand Buddhism. He writes: First, the idea … Read more
What is Theravada Buddhism? You must have heard about different schools of Buddhism, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen, to name a few. Which one should you study first? This article argues that you should start with Theravada Buddhism because it provides a solid foundation for exploring other Buddhist schools and their teachings. Why Learn … Read more
This classic hit may be considered the greatest Buddhist song of all time, but in my music collection the accolade belongs to “Dust in the Wind.” Because to contemplate its meaning is to realize the impermanent nature of things, to see life through the lens of death and by doing so approach the condition … Read more
You may think that your actions, once performed, vanish without leaving any traces apart from the visible impact on other people and the environment. However, according to the Buddha, your actions bring forth fruits that correspond to the ethical quality of what you have done. This capacity of our deeds to produce morally appropriate … Read more
Last month, I wrote about contemplation of the five hindrances. Overcoming these defiled states of mind leads to purification of your conduct in its mental, verbal, and physical dimensions. With such solid foundation established, you are ready for the next step in your practice — mindfulness of the seven awakening factors. “Cultivation of the seven … Read more