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Vesak: The Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Final Passing
Key Takeaways 1. Introduction Vesak is widely regarded as the most important festival in the Buddhist calendar. Known by various names: Vesākha [Pali], Vaiśākha [Sanskrit], Buddha Pūrṇimā, Buddha Jayanti, Visakha Bucha, or simply Buddha Day, it is a day of profound significance for Buddhists around the world. The holiday commemorates three extraordinary events in the…
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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: The third ‘basket’ (piṭaka) of the Pali Canon; literally ‘higher Dhamma’ or ‘Dhamma in detail.’ A systematic philosophical…
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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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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…