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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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, I will explore the true meaning of anattā and how it can enhance your mindfulness practice. The post […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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.” […]
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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. […]
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Deciding on the right incense gift set can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options available. This article will guide you through the various types of incense gift sets available in the market, and assist you in identifying the key factors to consider when making your purchase. It includes a few recommendations that should […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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The use of incense in Buddhist temples is a significant aspect of their culture. However, many may wonder what type of incense is used in these temples. There are actually a wide variety of incenses used in Buddhism. This blog post will delve into the various types of incense commonly found in Buddhist temples and […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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The dress code for a Buddhist meditation is typically simple. There are no strict rules or guidelines, but people usually wear comfortable clothes that cover their body.In this blog post, I’ll address some of the questions you might have about what to wear for your next Buddhist meditation session. Buddhist meditation is a form of […]
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If you are planning to visit a Buddhist temple and are unsure of what to wear, this post is for you. The people at Buddhist temples are some of the kindest, most welcoming I’ve ever met, but if you are new to visiting a Buddhist temple, you may not know what is considered appropriate attire. […]
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Economic development is usually viewed as a product of consumerist development. Do Buddhist countries lag behind in this regard? Answer: Yes, some Buddhist countries have lagging economic development compared to other countries, and it is worth exploring the reasons for this. While it is not accurate to say that all Buddhist countries have poor economic conditions, […]
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The Buddhas found in Buddhist religious texts fall into three categories: According to the text ‘Buddhavamsa’, there have been 28 Buddhas who have appeared on Earth so far, including Gautama Buddha, who is described as the last Sammaka Sambuddha. Gautama Buddha was born as a prince, but he renounced his wealth in pursuit of the […]
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Islam, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Judaism are some of the leading religions that use prayer beads. Among these, the Soka Gakkai prayer beads are particularly well-known and widely used by Buddhist practitioners. These traditional beads are commonly used during prayer and meditation. Additionally, juzu prayer beads are considered to be one of the three essential items […]
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Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation as a means to achieve a state of calm and clear awareness, known as the “zen state of mind.” Zen practitioners believe that this state of mind is necessary for achieving enlightenment. Whether you want to get into meditation/zen state of mind […]
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This article focuses on some of the most important words and phrases that are essential for understanding Buddhism. According to Wikipedia, Buddhism is the world’s fourth largest religion with more than 520 million followers worldwide. However, a Buddhist has no religious sentiments that fit the profile of either a monotheistic or polytheistic worldview. In many […]
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Learning through fables and stories can be enjoyable and effective. As with many other religions of the world, Zen Buddhism uses fables and legends to teach various concepts. From my research, I have observed that Zen stories are highly beloved by readers of all faiths, including Buddhists and non-Buddhists. However, it can be challenging to […]
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