What Are the Five Hindrances?
The five hindrances are negative states of mind that are impediments to Buddhist practice. They are often most clearly seen, and arise as obstacles, in
Category: Ending Suffering
What Are the Three Jewels?
One of the oldest ways of expressing faith in Buddhism is by taking refuge in the three jewels. Also known as the triple gem and
What Is the Eight-Fold Path?
The eight-fold path is the fourth noble truth, the way to awakening. The Buddha began and ended his teaching career with a discussion of the
You Don’t Know For Sure Who Is Right
This is a hard one to stomach, but it’s true. How can we possibly know? We can hold long-cherished ideals, but the truth is, since
Doing and Not Doing
During this period of the Corona virus pandemic, and the worldwide lock-down of millions of people, great acts of compassion and self-sacrifice are being carried
The Mind
Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so the discerning man straightens his mind – so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.
Cause and Effect
Good deeds can be compared to a pine tree. When we do a good deed it may not attract much attention, whereas evil may at
How to Have True Peace and Happiness
This restless mind is indeed a source of great suffering. Our mind is at all times craving for satisfaction from external objects: beautiful sights, music,
SIMILE: The Six Animals
“Suppose that a man, wounded and festering, were to go into a swampy jungle. Its sharp-bladed grasses would pierce his feet; its thorns would scratch
Knowledge & Goodness
Knowledge is like a knife. You hone it until it’s sharp—really sharp. Then you put it away. The knife can cause both benefits and harm.