“Pain is certain, suffering is optional.” -Buddha “A strong person loves, forgives, walks away, lets go, tries again, perseveres… no matter what life throws at them.” -Buddha “Self control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power.” -Buddha “In the confrontation of the stream and the rock, the stream always wins-not through strength, but …
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Reincarnation
When Buddhism was established 2,500 years ago, it incorporated the Hindu belief in reincarnation. Although Buddhism has two major subdivisions and countless variations in regional practices, most Buddhists believe in samsara or the cycle of rebirth. Samsara is governed by the law of karma: Good conduct produces good karma and bad conduct produces evil karma. …
Anatta
One of the first stumbling blocks that Westerners often encounter when they learn about Buddhism is the teaching on Anatta, often translated as no-self. This teaching is a stumbling block for two reasons. First, the idea of there being no self doesn’t fit well with other Buddhist teachings, such as the doctrine of Karma and …
The Elephant in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the elephant is seen as an earthly manifestation of the qualities embodied in the Buddha himself. Even at his inception, Buddha was linked to the elephant. When his mother became pregnant, she dreamt of a pure, white elephant offering a white lotus from his trunk, circling around her three times and entering her …
Happiness Quotes
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” – Buddha “Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.” – Buddha “If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.” – Buddha …
Place of Worship
HomeFor lay people, daily worship usually takes places at home. A small home shrine might include incense, candles and a representation (image or statue) of the Buddha. Home worship might also include the “puja” or the offering of flowers and the recitation of Buddhist chants such as the “Three Refuges.” Statues of the Buddha aid …
Hamsa Hand
The earliest known appearance of the Hamsa was in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq area). Here it could be seen in the amulets worn by certain female goddesses. From there, it’s theorized it spread to Egypt as a two-finger amulet representing Osiris and Isis. It then began spreading to different religions in several different forms- including …
The Om Symbol
The Om symbol is often placed at the beginning and/or end of Buddhist mantras and texts. One of the most commonly known mantras is Om mani padme hum, the mantra of compassion. Many people interpret this mantra as the “totality of sound, existence, and consciousness.” During the 14th century, the Dalai Lama described Om as …
Buddhism Books
‘The Heart Of The Buddha’s Teaching’ The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh introduces the core teachings of Buddhism. The book explores concepts like the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the three doors of liberation and demonstrates their power to transform lives. ‘Real Happiness’ Real Happiness, by renowned Buddhist teacher Sharon …
Buddhism Misconceptions
Buddhism is Only Practiced in ChinaPeople often associate Buddhism with China, partly due to the common sight of Buddhist statues in Chinese restaurants. But the truth is that Buddhism is a major religion in many Asian countries, including Thailand, Japan, and India. Statues Depict the BuddhaSince we mentioned Buddhist statues, we should clarify that most …
Buddhism 101 