New to Buddhism?

Get a short overview and practical advice.
Essentials
What Is Ethics?
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
An introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhist ethics.
How to Develop Compassion
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
Buddhist methods for developing compassion, the beneficial state of mind wishing for others to be free of their suffering.
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.

Seeking a Deeper Understanding?

Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism
Envy: Dealing with Disturbing Emotions
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Envy is a complex emotion made up of many disturbing factors, but can be overcome by identifying these factors and applying effective antidotes.
Buddhist Advice on Death and Dying
The 14th Dalai Lama
Advice on how to face death and help those who are dying.
The Heart Sutra
This short text on prajnaparamita (the perfection of wisdom) presents the essence of the far-reaching discriminating awareness of voidness (emptiness). It is recited and meditated upon throughout the Mahayana Buddhist world.

Want to Go Further?

Explore more Buddhist topics in greater detail.
Advanced Studies
The Terms Hinayana and Mahayana
Dr. Alexander Berzin
“Hinayana” has become a collective term for 18 Buddhist schools, only one of which is currently extant and with scriptures in Pali, Theravada. “Mahayana” similarly spans several schools, not all of which have scriptures in classical Sanskrit.
The Four Buddhist Tenet Systems Regarding the Two Truths
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Progressive understanding of the two truths as asserted by the four Indian Buddhist tenet systems helps for deconstructing deceptive appearances.
Details of Tibetan Astrology 2: Heavenly Bodies and Periods of Time
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Ten heavenly bodies are treated in the Kalachakra system, all of which are called “planets.” A common feature with the ancient Greek and Hindu systems is the naming of the days of the week after the planets.

Interviews

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

Interview with Dhammananda Bhikkhuni

Document
Interview with Khandro-la
Matt Lindén
Khandro Kunga Bhuma Rinpoche talks about the intersection of Buddhism and science, the profound significance of stupas, and the importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the world today.
Document
Interview with Sulak Sivaraksa
Matt Lindén
Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa discusses the importance of socially engaged Buddhism, why we shouldn’t spend all of our time meditating, and how to fight oppression.

Latest Content

Keep up to date with our most recent additions.
Read more
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.
Strengthening Our Minds through Meditation Practice
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II
Learn how to gain inspiration and strength from our meditation so as to bring what we learn into everyday life.
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