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Understanding the Buddhist Heart Sutra
Of all the Mahayana Buddhism texts, the Heart Sutra is one of the most well-known and often recited. It is short, however it is believed ... -
What Is Samadhi?: Complete Absorption of the Self in Buddhism
Samadhi is described as being in an intense state of concentration. In Hindu yoga, it is considered the final stage where the practitioner reaches divine ... -
The Lotus and the Mud: Understanding the Murky Life of a Sacred Flower
On the surface, the sacred lotus flower looks breathtaking. It’s an aquatic blossom that seems to float on the water. It folds up and disappears ... -
How to Grow a Lotus Flower at Home
The lotus flower is a gorgeous plant that holds tremendous meaning in the eyes of Buddhists. The blossom represents purity of the body, mind and ... -
Exploring the Many Benefits of Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana is one of the most ancient meditation methods used in India today. Gotama Buddha rediscovered this technique over 2,500 years ago. The term means ... -
Group Meditation: An Ancient Practice with Enormous Impact
Modern society often views practices like meditation as positive, yet not that outwardly impactful. There can certainly be a big impact on the individual practitioner, ... -
The Symbolism Behind the Creation and Destruction of the Buddhist Sand Mandala
The sand mandala is a traditional Buddhist design constructed out of colored sand. Monks will painstakingly create intricate patterns then destroy them, an act that ... -
Animal Death Beliefs and Rituals in Buddhism
Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha or Awakened One. Followers strive to attain enlightenment through the Four ... -
The Second Noble Truth: The Origin of Suffering
Buddha’s Second Noble Truth is the origin of dukkha, or suffering. He realized that there was no way to end suffering if its cause was ... -
The First Noble Truth: Suffering
Regardless of size, shape, color or background, there is one thing that all people in the world have in common: suffering. This truth was discovered ...
