Practice and belief in Pure Land Buddhism

Christopher Beckwith robustly argues in Warriors of the Cloisters that modern science, or as he calls it, a “full scientific culture,” which took root in the Scientific Revolution of the Enlightenment

Looking at Chinese motifs and the values they symbolize

Wisdom and Means, Emptiness and Compassion: Philosophical Problems   In this column’s first segment, we explored how Shantideva’s idea of compassion, noble as it was, led to some very interesting q

Editor's note: This feature was first published in the now-retired Bodhi Journal, Issue 6, December 2007.  Although the Dhamma[1] Theory is an Abhidhammic innovation, the antecedent trends that led to

Editor's note: This feature was first published in the now-retired Bodhi Journal, Issue 1, October 2006. In which sense can we speak of a characteristically Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition? In answering

These days, it is almost impossible not to associate culture and sophistication, such as refined tastes in music, literature, sculpture or fine dining with “creativity.” One needs to contribute someth

The Buddha emphasized many times that the doctrine he preached was understandable only by the wise. He also said that one who sees the dhamma can see the Buddha and vice versa. The statement is very t

Two Important Benefits   Mariusz touched on two of the more important benefits of a systematic and guided self-development. Firstly, accomplishments produce well-being and inner peace. Wellbeing an

The discussion below will treat the question what counts as empirical knowledge, and whether extending its definition can influence empirical pursuits in a fruitful way. Those questions will be partia

Buddhism is still very much a minority religion in London. Interest in Buddhism began with Wesleyan missionaries and preachers of other denominations, who sought to expand their knowledge of the Dharm

The Buddhist faith, despite coming from the Indic heartland is often seen as a ‘traditional’ faith in China. This has both negative and positive connotations. The worst of perceptions (mis)construe Bu

Examining the foundations of Buddhism in a new light

Dr. Bill. M. Mak graduated from Peking University and is currently based in the Department of Indological Studies at Kyoto University.   My Journey as a Buddhist, from Diamond Sutra to Diamond Sutra