There are two forms of meditation in The Theravada tradition: Samatha: Calming meditation; and Vipassana: Insight meditation. Vipassana can be translated as “Insight,” a clear awareness of exactly what is happening as it happens. Samatha can be translated as “concentration” or “tranquility.” Samatha meditation is focused on calming the mind,
In Theravada Buddhism ― the dominant school of southeast Asia ― it is believed there is only one buddha per age of humankind; each age is an unimaginably long time. The buddha of the current age is our historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Another person who realizes enlightenment within this age
Monasticism is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, embodying the commitment to spiritual cultivation and ethical living. Across various schools of Buddhism, monks dedicate their lives to the pursuit of enlightenment and the service of others. Each tradition has its own set of rules, rituals, and practices that shape the life
Theravada is the longest-surviving school of Buddhism, with a strong emphasis on preserving the Buddha’s teachings as they are found in the Pali Canon. There are essentially three kinds of Buddhist structures: 1) stupas, 2) temples, place of worship somewhat similar to a church; and 3) monasteries, which contain living
