There are many forms of meditation. Within Buddhism, the main focus is developing and cultivating mindfulness and moment-by-moment awareness, achieved through training and practice. According to the Buddha, there are are four aspects to be cultivated called the...
The Eightfold Path is the Buddha’s guide to enlightenment. Right Livelihood is the fifth element of the Path, and is grouped with Right Speech and Right Action to form the “moral discipline” (read: ethical conduct or harmonious practice)...
The first two elements in the Eightfold Path, Right View and Right Intention, help set the initial understanding and attitude. The next three elements – Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood – are grouped together under the theme of moral...
Sandokai This poem was composed by the 8th century Chinese Zen master Shitou Xiqian. Sandokai refers to the meeting of sameness and difference, the relative and the absolute. Looking at each part: San means plurality, diversity and difference and is associated with...
The Six Paramitas (Perfections) Mahayana Buddhism (the dominant form of Buddhism) initially developed six paramitas or perfections early on in its history. The Perfections are virtues to be cultivated and practiced on the path to realizing enlightenment. The list was...