New to Buddhism?

Get a short overview and practical advice.
Essentials
What Are Universal Ethics?
Geshe Dorji Damdul
Universal ethics are values that can be accepted by everyone on earth, and which lead to peace, harmony and happiness.
What Are the Four Noble Truths?
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
The basic framework for the Buddhist teachings.
What Is Buddhist Practice?
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
An introduction to the Buddhist practices that help us deal with our problems.

Seeking a Deeper Understanding?

Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism
Life of Shakyamuni Buddha
Dr. Alexander Berzin
A look at the life, enlightenment and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Spread of Buddhism in Asia
Dr. Alexander Berzin
A short introduction to how Buddhism spread from its beginnings in northern India to become the major belief system across much of Asia.
Merit: Does Happiness Need to Be Earned?
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Constructive behavior builds up positive potential (merit) on our mental continuum for experiencing happiness. But what does that mean?

Want to Go Further?

Explore more Buddhist topics in greater detail.
Advanced Studies
Kalachakra: The Four Creative Drops
Dr. Alexander Berzin
An explanation of the role of the four creative-energy drops in the process of causing uncontrollably recurring samsaric existence.
Finding a Spiritual Teacher
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Choosing our spiritual teacher or a root guru, someone whose inspiration serves as a root to anchor and nourish our spiritual growth, requires us to have examined them well and to feel a sense of instinctive connection.
Meditations on Selflessness in the Four Buddhist Tenet Systems
Dr. Alexander Berzin
The Gelug presentation of meditations on the different Indian Buddhist tenet systems concerning the selflessness of persons and phenomena.

Interviews

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

Interview with Geshe Namdak

Document
Interview with Khandro Rinpoche
Matt Lindén
Khandro Rinpoche explores her nostalgia for the past, the status of women in Buddhism, and why contemplating impermanence can be so enriching.
Document
Interview with His Eminence Dagyab Rinpoche
Matt Lindén
His Eminence Dagyab Rinpoche discusses the importance of lifelong learning, why a clear understanding of emptiness is crucial, and how to stop ourselves from impulse buying.

Latest Content

Keep up to date with our most recent additions.
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A Personal Account of the Upbringing of Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II
Dr. Alexander Berzin
Dr. Berzin's role in the education of the reincarnation of his teacher.
Commentary on “Opening the Door to the Dharma” – Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
All the Buddha’s diverse teachings, vehicles and traditions are skillful graded methods leading different beings to the same ultimate realization of liberation and enlightenment.
Opening the Door to the Dharma
Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro
This text by Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro presents an extensive overview of the Buddha’s teachings as organized into multiple vehicles, turnings of the wheel of Dharma and lineages.
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