Buddhist Learning For All

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  • Buddhist Glossary

    Alphabetical Link Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Abandonment See pahāna Abhidhamma Pali / Skt: abhidharma The third ‘basket’ of the Pali Canon; a systematic philosophical analysis of mind, mental factors, matter, and…

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  • 108 Misunderstandings About Buddhism

    Section I: The Nature of the Buddha and Enlightenment 1. The Buddha is a god. 2. Buddhism is a pessimistic religion obsessed with suffering. 3. There is no self, so nothing exists. 4. Karma is fate or predestination. 5. Rebirth means a soul transmigrates. 6. Buddhism teaches that desire should be completely suppressed. 7. Nirvana…

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  • Beginner’s Mind: Shoshin and the Practice of Fresh Perception

    Key Takeaways Introduction In a world that often celebrates expertise, certainty, and rapid answers, the simple yet profound invitation to approach life with a Beginner’s Mind can seem almost revolutionary. We are conditioned to value knowing over not-knowing, to seek mastery in our fields, and to take pride in our accumulated knowledge and experience. Yet…

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  • Zen Buddhism: A Guide to Its History, Practice, and Meaning

    1. Introduction: What Is Zen? Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct, experiential insight into the nature of existence. At its heart, Zen is not a belief system or a philosophy to be studied, but a practice to be embodied. The word “Zen” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “Chan,”…

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  • Zazen Meditation: A Guide to the Practice of “Just Sitting”

    1. What is Zazen? Understanding the Heart of Zen Practice Zazen is the central meditation practice of Zen Buddhism. The word is Japanese: “Za” means “to sit,” and “Zen” means “meditation.” So, Zazen literally translates to “seated meditation.” But it is much more than simply sitting quietly. It is a practice of bringing your full…

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