BuddhisNow: recommended selection of articles

Self is Heavy, by Buddhadasa Bhikku

Often, when we say that there is no self, people get worried, or angry. Their attachment and identification to this idea of a self is so strong that they actually become hostile towards us if we begin to say there is no such thing. We need to explain this a bit, therefore, so that you don't get mad at us... Click here for Self is Heavy

The Guru, by Dalai Lama

There is a saying in Tibetan: 'Although your realization is high, like that of a divine being, you should maintain your way of life in conformity with other people.' Click here for The Guru

We need to put ourselves into perspective, by Ajahn Sumedho

Existence is something that can strengthen us, rather than weaken us. We need to put ourselves into perspective; we need to see ourselves in terms of the mass as well as in terms of the individual. When we take life on the extreme level of 'me' as a person, we forget the common problem that we share with the rest of humanity... Click here for We need to put ourselves into perspective

Happiness in Solitude, by Beopjeong Sunim

Human existence is fundamentally about being alone. We're born alone, live life as long as we can, and then eventually die alone. Although we may live our lives connected with others, we all maintain our own individual views and belief systems. Just as we each have different facial features, our individual karmic tendencies, which direct our lives, also differ... Click here for Happiness in Solitude

Scroll of Mudras

This handscroll depicts hand gestures known as mudras in Sanskrit, the Indian language in which many early Esoteric Buddhist texts were written. In Japan, the gestures are called inso, the Japanese term for a Chinese word that combines the characters for 'seal' and 'form.' Click here for Scroll of Mudras

Buddhism Now archives

We are posting the covers of old paper versions of Buddhism Now including selected articles... Click here for Buddhism Now archives

Vimalakirti Sutra

At that time, out of this very skill in liberative technique, Vimalakirti manifested himself as if sick. To inquire after his health, the king, the officials, the lords, the youths, the aristocrats, the householders, the businessmen, the townfolk, the countryfolk, and thousands of other living beings came forth from the great city of Vaisali and called on the invalid. When they arrived, Vimalakirti taught them the Dharma... Click here for Vimalakirti Sutra

Ippen's Pure Land

Pure Land Buddhism is one of the major schools in the East, yet has hardly made a dent here. I remember once hearing it being described as too 'Christian' for Westerners, yet almost all of the other schools encompass the notion of a Pure Land in some way or other. Even in Theravada the three Refuges can easily be interpreted in a Pure Land way. The very essence of it is that one is taking refuge... Click here for Ippen's Pure Land

The Laughing Buddha Humour and the Spiritual Life, by Dennis Sibley

Humour lies at the heart of Buddhist thought and practice... Click here for The Laughing Buddha Humour and the Spiritual Life

Telephone Meditation, by Thich Nat Hanh

Usually when you hear a telephone, you cannot resist running to it. 'Telephone Meditation' by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is a very strong meditation... Click here to read Telephone Meditation.

New to Buddhism? Would you like to learn how to meditate? Then try these easy to follow 'first steps into Buddhist meditation'.

Buddhist Insight from Mahasi Meditation Tradition, by Bhante Bodhidhamma

Bhante Bodhidhamma's talk begins with a short meditation then goes on to explore the nature of self as experience... Click here to hear Bhante Bodhidhamma's talk

Wrinkles, The Universe and All That, by Linda Clark

I never really thought about the ageing process until I was twenty-five and my new employers, the South-Eastern Electricity Board, sent me to London on an induction course... Click here to read Wrinkles, The Universe and All That

The Real Way, by John Aske

These loves, hates, frustrations etc, unpleasant as they seem, are the essential manure out of which the lotus of enlightenment grows and blossoms... Click here to read The Real Way.

Buddhist art: Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness

Some Buddha images. Click here to view the Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness.

A few things you should know about Buddhism. Foundations of Buddhism.

Awareness part one If I manage to restrain my mind, by Acharya Shantideva
Translated by Stephen Batchelor

If angry thoughts alone are overcome, it is equivalent to conquering all one's enemies... Click here to read If I restrain my mind.

Awareness part two Always delight in silence, by Acharya Shantideva
Translated by Stephen Batchelor

Never forsake, even at the cost of one's life, those spiritual friends who understand the meaning of the great way and personify the bodhisattva's practice... Click here to read delight in silence.

Yours in the dharma,

Richard

Buddhism Now
Buddhist Publishing Group