New to Buddhism?

Get a short overview and practical advice.
Essentials
How to Meditate
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
How to get started with meditation? For most people, with meditation focusing on the breath and then generating love.
11 Ways to Help Others
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
There are many ways to help when we meet someone in need.
What Is Compassion?
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
An introduction to compassion, the heart of the Buddha's teachings.

Seeking a Deeper Understanding?

Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism
Types of Buddhism
Dr. Alexander Berzin
A variety of forms of Buddhism developed as people in the different lands it reached emphasized one or another aspect of the teachings. Here is a general description of some of the major forms found in Southeast Asia, China and Tibet.
What Is a Mantra?
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Mantras are a tool we can use to keep focused on a positive state of mind.
How I Found My Spiritual Master
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche describes how and why he chose his teacher to be his guru.

Want to Go Further?

Explore more Buddhist topics in greater detail.
Advanced Studies
Commentary on “Compendium of Ways of Knowing” – Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
This eighteenth century text concerns the mind and the ways in which it knows things, and is written from the point of view of the Gelug interpretation of the True Aspectarian branch of the Sautrantika tenet system of Indian Buddhism.
Tainted and Untainted Phenomena
Dr. Alexander Berzin
A comparison of the Vaibhashika, Chittamatra and Prasangika presentations of tainted phenomena, which perpetuate samsara, and untainted ones, which do not extend it.
The Eightfold Noble Path on the Path of Meditation
Dr. Alexander Berzin
The Gelug Svatantrika presentation of the eight branches of an arya pathway mind as explained by Tsongkhapa in “A Golden Rosary of Excellent Explanations.”

Interviews

Read interviews with some of the world’s most esteemed Buddhist spiritual teachers and with scholars from various related disciplines.

Interview with Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf

Document
Interview with Dr. Philippe Goldin
Matt Lindén
Dr. Philippe Goldin delves into the intersection of neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy, explores what emotions really are, and discusses how compassion practices transform the brain.
Document
Interview with Dr. Alan Wallace
Matt Lindén
Dr. Alan Wallace tells a tale from the Buddha’s time, urges us to give priority to meditation, and explains what genuine mindfulness is.

Latest Content

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Explanation of the Six Preparatory Practices
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey’s presentation explains the six preparatory practices to be performed before meditation sessions, including a detailed explanation of the seven-limb prayer and mandala offering.
How a Spiritual Mentor Should Impart the Buddhist Teachings to Students
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
Explore how the traditional sources explain the proper way for spiritual mentors to teach the Dharma.
How to Study the Buddhist Teachings with a Spiritual Mentor
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
Learn the most effective way to study the Dharma with a teacher according to multiple traditional sources.
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