Before cultivating love and compassion, it is important to understand what these two terms refer to. In the Buddhist tradition, they are seen as two aspects of the same feeling of benevolence: love is the desire that all beings may be happy, and compassion is the wish that they may
The Buddha spoke of four kinds of nutriments, the four kinds of foods that we consume every day. Our happiness and suffering depend very much on whether what we consume is wholesome or unwholesome. THE FIRST NUTRIMENT: EDIBLE FOOD Before eating, we can look at the food on the table
Through the recognition of emptiness and interdependence, Mahayana teachings offer profound insights into the interconnectedness of all phenomena, guiding practitioners on the path toward ultimate liberation for the benefit of all sentient beings. What is Mahayana Buddhism? Mahayana, meaning “Great Vehicle,” emerged around the first century CE as a movement
Anger is a powerful emotion that affects individuals in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional interactions. In Buddhism, anger is considered one of the “three poisons” alongside ignorance and attachment, hindering one’s journey towards enlightenment. However, Buddhism offers profound insights and practical techniques for understanding and managing
We all think that fear is awful and painful, yet the Buddhists—the master psychologists for thousands of years—don’t include fear in the long list of mental afflictions contained in the core teachings on Buddhist psychology. Fear is a healthy thing, in general. It is awareness of danger. Fear is protective;
In a world characterized by diverse spiritual beliefs and practices, the comparison between Catholicism and Buddhism stands as a testament to the complexities of human faith. While the Western world witnesses a growing interest in Buddhism, parts of Asia are experiencing a resurgence in Catholicism. This intriguing phenomenon begs the
What is the Essence of Emptiness? Emptiness stands as the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, setting it apart from other belief systems. Buddhism teaches that neither individuals, nor other sentient beings, nor any aspect of the cosmos possess an enduring, distinct, and autonomous essence, such as a core, soul, or identity.
In the realm of philosophy and neuroscience, a perennial question persists: What defines the self? Some argue that the mind and the self are synonymous, while others propose that the self transcends the confines of the mind, entwining with the essence of being. While the brain serves as the physical
Jataka tales are a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The word “Jataka” means “birth” in Sanskrit and Pali. These stories are meant to teach ethical and moral values, the importance of kindness, and the consequences
Exploring the Concept of Kalpa in Buddhist Cosmology Within the rich tapestry of Buddhist cosmology, time is measured in units known as Kalpas. Derived from Sanskrit, Kalpa signifies a vast period, encompassing the cyclical process of creation and destruction in Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies. Understanding the Magnitude of Kalpas A
Joyful perseverance or diligence in Buddhism Diligence or Vīrya (Sanskrit) is one of the six paramitas or perfections that is so important for everything we do. It is said to be the engine for all the other five perfections, the engine that makes everything work. “From this very moment on, I
