Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha lived in India and the border regions of Nepal more than 2500 years ago. Through personal experience and deep meditation, Buddha realized the true nature of reality. With this, he dispelled all his confusion and shortcomings, realized all his potentials, and attained enlightenment. Spending the rest of his life imparting his insights, Buddha showed the ways for others to likewise free themselves from their difficulties in life.

Life of Shakyamuni Buddha

Dr. Alexander Berzin

A look at the life, enlightenment and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

Buddha in Theravada, Mahayana and Tantra: The Same?

Dr. Alexander Berzin

This article explains the various non-conflicting contextual presentations of the Buddha’s life, and teaches us how these can be practically applied to our spiritual path.

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.

Sutra of Golden Light Also called “The King of Glorious Sutras, the Sublime Golden Light,” this sutra is recited throughout the Mahayana Buddhist world for building up positive force (merit).

Karaniya Metta Sutta: Buddha’s Words on Loving Kindness

This Theravada sutta is one of the most complete sets of instructions on how to use the practice of loving-kindness to reach enlightenment. It can be found in the “Sutta Nipata,” the collection of sermons of the Buddha.