The concept of Mahabrahma, also known as Brahma, is an intriguing subject to me, but it may be perceived as complex by some. It is referenced in various ancient texts of Buddhism and Hinduism. This blog post aims to explain the concept of Mahabrahma as it is understood in Buddhism in comparison to Hinduism. The […]
Chivara Robe and Chivara Puja
The chivara, a monastic garment worn by Buddhist monks and nuns, holds deep significance beyond its function as an article of clothing. It is a symbol of the unity and communal bond within the sangha, or monastic community. The chivara is a feature of all Buddhist traditions, although the style and length of the garment […]
What Is the Easiest Type of Meditation?
Meditation is a powerful practice with a wide range of benefits, but it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. There are many different types of meditation, each with its own unique approach and technique. For those new to meditation, it can be difficult to determine which type is the most suitable for them. […]
Will Buddhism Die Out?
Buddhism is still a prominent religion worldwide, with followers in many countries such as China, Japan, Tibet, Korea, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Laos and more. However, the question arises, is Buddhism dying out? While there are some parts of the religion that are dying out, Buddhism itself does not appear […]
Can You Be a Buddhist if You Don’t Meditate?
Meditation is a central aspect of Buddhism, as it is often considered a religion of mindfulness, with a focus on meditative practices. In the Western world, meditation is frequently associated with Buddhism, as many practitioners of the religion often incorporate meditation into their spiritual practice and vice versa. However, some may question the connection between […]
The Foot Feels the Foot When It Feels the Ground
It’s commonly believed that “The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground” comes from Buddha, but it was actually written by a noted English author named Ernest Wood. Ernest Wood’s ‘Zen Dictionary’ (page 91-92) quotes this line. In this blog post, I will explore what this means and how it relates to a […]
Anger in Buddhism (Things You Need to Know)
Anger encompasses a spectrum of emotions, from minor annoyances to intense rage. It is a normal human feeling and an inherent aspect of being human. The issue is not the emotion of anger itself, but rather how we respond to it. This blog post will examine anger from a Buddhist perspective and address frequent inquiries […]
How to Be Happy in Life (The Buddhist Perspective)
Obtaining happiness, whether in one’s personal or professional life, is a common desire for all of us. But, actualizing happiness can be challenging. Are some individuals naturally content? Do some people have a charmed life? Can one simply will themselves to be happy? This blog post explores the Buddhist viewpoint on happiness. Happiness is the […]
Happiness in Buddhism Explained (Questions Answered)
Buddhism’s teachings on happiness stem from the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in India during the 6th century BC. He is widely regarded as a significant philosopher. This blog aims to explore various aspects of happiness in Buddhism, presented in a clear and straightforward manner. I hope you find it engaging! What […]
Simplicity in Buddhism (Things You Need to Know)
This blog post will look at how Buddhism deals with the concept of simplicity. The capacity to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. – Hans Hofmann There are so many things that are different in our modern society compared to the societies in the past. We have so much […]
Is Buddhism a Pessimistic Religion?
Buddhism is a widely recognized religion with a global following of around 520 million practitioners. It also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest philosophies, dating back to the 6th century BCE. Despite its popularity and longevity, Buddhism is often misinterpreted as promoting a negative or overly complex view of life. Some people […]
Photography as Meditation (Things You Need to Know)
Meditation and photography can be a powerful combination. By centering oneself while creating something beautiful, it can be a way to find inner peace and inspiration. In this blog, I will explore how photography can serve as an enjoyable and beneficial form of meditation, providing techniques and insights for readers to incorporate into their own […]
Why Did Buddha Deny God?
Buddhism differs from other religions in its core beliefs, one of which is the absence of a belief in a creator god. Instead, followers of Buddhism believe that enlightenment can be attained by individuals, as exemplified by the historical Buddha. In this post, we will delve into the Buddha’s teachings on the concept of god, […]
Anattā (The Easy-to-Read Version)
Anattā, often translated as “non-self”, is a central concept in Buddhism that can be difficult to fully grasp. But is it simply about the absence of ego or is there more to it? In this blog post, we will explore the true meaning of anattā and how it can enhance your mindfulness practice. The post […]
Meditation vs Trance (Video Included)
Meditation is a powerful tool that can aid in relaxation, reducing stress, and promoting feelings of confidence and happiness. The practice has been utilized for thousands of years. While some individuals meditate specifically to achieve a trance-like state, others may inadvertently enter a trance during their meditation practice. However, it is important to note that […]
Koi Fish in Buddhism
Koi fish are renowned for their vibrant colors and unique markings, making them a popular choice for keeping in fish tanks, as well as for decorating garden ponds and parks. While koi fish are widely known and loved, many may not be aware of their association with Buddhism. In this blog, we will explore the […]
Pramāda and Appamāda (The Buddhist and Hindu Concept)
Pamada (pramāda) and its negation, appamāda, are often discussed in the context of mindfulness and spiritual practices. While mindfulness, meditation, and living mindfully are gaining popularity in Western culture, these terms (pramāda and apramāda) are not as widely known outside of Buddhist and Hindu circles. In this blog, we will explore the meanings of pramāda […]
Buddha on Friendship (A Detailed Guide)
The importance of friends in our lives cannot be overstated. They serve as a reflection of ourselves, helping us to see and understand ourselves better, and as a sounding board for our thoughts and feelings. However, it’s all too common for us to get caught up in the whirlwind of life and lose touch with […]
Vanity in Buddhism (Updated)
Buddhism emphasizes compassion, understanding, and enlightenment and also aims to eliminate negative traits like greed, hatred, and vanity. This piece will delve into Buddhism’s perspective on vanity and provide suggestions on how to overcome it in your daily life. Excessive pride in one’s appearance or accomplishments is referred to as vanity or narcissism. This trait […]
Good-hearted Friends (Updated)
A good friend is someone who is kind, caring and makes you laugh, someone who is always there to lend an ear when needed. It takes being a listener and always being present to be a good friend. This blog post delves into the characteristics and actions that define a good-hearted friend. It is important […]
What Are the Buddhist Beliefs on Rebirth (Reincarnation)?
Buddhists believe that there are cycles of death and rebirth throughout one’s lifetime. This post will explore some of the beliefs and theories related to rebirth or reincarnation within Buddhism. The concept of the soul being trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth until it achieves purification is well recognized in Buddhism. It’s important […]
Is Buddha a God or Teacher? (Updated)
For the Buddhist, Buddha is not a god but an enlightened human being who showed the way to transcend suffering and pursue enlightenment. A “buddha” means “enlightened one,” and is someone who has found liberation from suffering (dukkha). Someone who accomplishes this task is given the title of Buddha which literally means “the awakened one.” […]
Statues of Buddha: 7 Most Famous Gautama Buddha Statues
Buddha statues are representative of tranquility and serenity, and have been revered for many centuries. They retain significant cultural and spiritual importance to this day. In this post, we will delve into some of the most renowned Buddha statues present in the world currently. Buddhism is a belief system that originated in the Eastern world. […]
Buddhist Chi: The Concept of Chi in Buddhism
Qi/chi, referred to as “chee” in Chinese, is the energy that flows through the body and mind to enhance health, sustainability, and happiness. Although its origin can be traced back to Taoism and Hindu practices, the concept of chi is also present in Buddhism. In Buddhism, chi comes from nature and those who possess the […]
Nirvana vs Moksha
This blog post aims to provide insight into the meaning of nirvana and moksha (also known as moksh) for those not well versed in Buddhist thought. I will also explore the similarities and differences between the two concepts. Nirvana and Moksha- both of are used within the religions Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Moksha finds its […]
What Kind of Tea Do Buddhist Monks Drink?
Tea, a widely consumed beverage for centuries, has a history dating back 5000 years in China. This post examines various types of tea accessible to Buddhists, their advantages, and guidelines for consumption. Additionally, it delves into customs linked to Buddhist tea drinking. The practice of offering guests some form of refreshment when they visit (such […]
How to Address a Buddhist Monk in English
One of the questions frequently asked by Westerners who are interested in Buddhism is the appropriate way to address a Buddhist monk. Knowing the proper etiquette is crucial in showing politeness and respect. This post will provide guidance on how to address a Buddhist monk in a respectable manner. If you have ever been to […]
What Do You Call a Buddhist Priest?
Buddhist priests are known by various titles, such as bhikkhu, monk, and lama. However, there can be confusion surrounding the distinction between these terms and their relation to Buddhist practice. This article will examine some of the typical titles given to religious leaders in various Buddhist traditions, and evaluate similarities and differences between them. The […]
How to Cite Buddhist Scriptures?
Citing Buddhist scripture can be somewhat confusing at times. This blog post aims to provide a clear and concise guide to the most commonly used citation styles by Buddhist scholars. I hope this information will be especially useful for those who wish to use Buddhist scripture in their research or writing. The scriptures of Buddhism […]
What Day Do Buddhists Go to Temple?
In this blog post, we will discuss the practices and routines of Buddhist followers in relation to temple attendance and prayer. Specifically, we will explore the following questions: What day do Buddhists typically go to the temple? How do Buddhist followers schedule their time? And, do they follow a specific routine when praying? Buddhism encourages […]
Why Are Buddhists Vegetarian?
This article will help you understand some of the reasons behind Buddhism’s vegetarianism and how it can benefit your life. Buddhism is seen as a way of life that promotes self-discipline, mindfulness and tolerance. It teaches people to live an ethical life, based on the “Middle Way”. Also, Buddhist principles dictate that life has infinite […]
How Often Do Buddhists Worship?
For Buddhists, worship is a way of expressing their gratitude for life, for the guidance of their teachers, and for the blessings bestowed upon them. Worship can also be an opportunity to purify one’s mind and body, to become more mindful, and to meditate. Buddhists may worship by offering flowers, incense, lighting candles, or making […]
How Do Buddhists Celebrate Birth?
Bringing a new child into the world is one of the most joyful experiences a family can share together. When a Buddhist family welcomes a new baby, they often celebrate with a special ceremony. This celebration can vary greatly depending on their locality and culture; however, most include some form of spiritual prayer or invocation […]
What Do Buddhist Nuns Wear?
Buddhists nuns around the world wear and follow different rules about what they can wear, with many regions having their own unique set of practices. This blog post explains what Buddhist nuns wear in different parts of Asia. The article contains pictures and is relevant to anyone with an interest in the different types of […]
How to Greet a Buddhist Monk
What is the best way to greet a Buddhist monk? How should you act around one? These are all very common questions that people have about Buddhist monks. It’s easy to feel anxious and uncertain when you’re not sure what to do in this situation, but there are some simple guidelines that can help. In […]