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 Lead an Ethical Life
The 14th Dalai Lama
Helping others, if possible, but at least not harming them is the way to live an ethical life.
What Is Happiness?
Dr. Alexander Berzin, Matt Lindén
A short introduction to the Buddhist idea of happiness.

Seeking a Deeper Understanding?

Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism
The Life of Tsongkhapa
Dr. Alexander Berzin
A portrait of the life and deeds of one of the most famous masters of Tibetan Buddhism.
What Is a Mandala?
Dr. Alexander Berzin
This article introduces the mandala, a sophisticated tool used in Buddhist meditation practices.
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.

Want to Go Further?

Explore more Buddhist topics in greater detail.
Advanced Studies
Detachment, Nonviolence and Compassion
Dr. Alexander Berzin
When we look at how we act in a certain situation, we need to differentiate between the motivation and the action.
Commentary on “The Three Essential Moments” – Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche
A detailed explanation of the Avalokiteshvara practice, as well as the practices for the time of death and in-between bardo state.
A Discourse on “Autocommentary to ‘A Root Text for Mahamudra’” – The Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama explains, in great depth, the essential points of the Fourth Panchen Lama’s own commentary elaborating his root text for the Gelug/Kagyu tradition of mahamudra.

Interviews

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

Interview with Dr. Philippe Goldin

Document
Interview with Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II
Matt Lindén
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II talks about the pressures of the tulku system, the differences between Buddhists in the West and his homeland of Spiti, and the importance of compassion.
Document
Interview with Dr. Alexander Berzin
Matt Lindén
Dr. Alexander Berzin talks about the differences between spiritual teachers and therapists, the importance of understanding karma, and his work on Islamic-Buddhist dialog.

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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