Is there an organized way to study Buddhist sutras? If you want to study Buddhist sutras in a an organized, chronological order, you need to read a book called In the Buddha’s Words by a renowned scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi. Divided into ten thematic chapters, it reveals the full scope of the Buddha’s teachings: from family … Read more
Ancient scriptures of Theravada Buddhism are one of the best ways to learn more about the Buddha’s teachings. And the most prolific writer in this field is Bhikkhu Bodhi. A kindly man has observed that Buddhist monk Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi presents to the Western world the intellectual equivalent of the Hubble Space Telescope: Peering through … Read more
Although initially my daily meditation was secular, it eventually lead me to Buddhism and evolved into a spiritual practice. If I had to name its most challenging part, it would be following the five precepts. For example, a non-monastic life inadvertently leads to occasional alcohol use, white lies, and other morally questionable choices (no one … Read more
What did the Buddha teach about loving your enemies? Central to this teaching is a meditation technique known as metta or lovingkindness. In Buddhist philosophy, lovingkindness is the first of the four sublime states of mind known as brahmavihara: lovingkindness, compassion, altruistic joy, and equanimity. They serve as an antidote to ill will, harmfulness, discontent, … Read more