- What Are the Four Noble Truths? - General
- What is the Eightfold Path? - General
- What is Buddhism? - Tibetan
- Being a Buddhist - Tibetan
- The life of the Buddha - Tibetan
- Buddha's teachings - Tibetan
- Introduction to Buddhism - Theravada
- How to Meditate - Learn how to meditate with plain-language instructions and advice. - General
- Tibetan Buddhist Meditation - Learn how to practice Tibetan Buddhist Meditation by focusing your attention on the mind. - Tibetan
- Meditation Online - Online meditation groups using video chat. - General
- Buddhist attitude to Wealth
- Buddhism and Money: The Repression of Emptiness Today
- The Greatest Wealth is Contentment: A Buddhist Perspective on Poverty
- The Buddha on Making Money
- Does Buddhism say I should give money to panhandlers?
- Where Buddhism and Science Meet: Teachings, Commentary, and News
- Mind and Life Institute - Founded in 1991 to establish the field of contemplative sciences. Based in Charlottesville, Va., the institute provides a home for scholars and scientists from different disciplines around the world to incorporate contemplative practices into various fields of study.
- Is Buddhism the Most Science-Friendly Religion?
- Why (Science Says) Buddhism Is True 🎧
- The Buddha
- The Dalai Lama
- Ajahn Chah
- Thích Nhất Hạnh
- Pema Chodron
- Sharon Salzberg
- Dr. Robert Thurman
- Dr. Judith Simmer-Brown
- Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
- Ponlop Rinpoche
- Alan Watts
- Tricycle - The Buddhist review.
- Lion's Roar - Accessible Buddhist wisdom for life today.
- Buddhadharma - Quarterly journal for committed practitioners.
- /r/buddhism on Reddit
- IRC Snoonet, see #irchelp for more about IRC.
- Urban Dharma NC - Tibetan
- Free Buddhist Audio - General
- Dharma Seed - Vipassana
- Audio Dharma - Insight Meditation
- Buddhist Geeks - General
- The Interdependence Project - General
- Zencast - Zen
- Wisdom Publications - General
- Shambhala Publications - Tibetan
- Vajra Publications - Tibetan
- Windhorse Publications - General
- Tharpa Publications - New Kadampa
- Buddhist Publication Society - Theravada
- DharmaNet - DharmaNet is a multi-media resource center for learning about meditation, wisdom, and compassionate action.
- Study Buddhism - Study Buddhism is an extensive source of authentic Buddhist teachings, presented in a down-to-earth and practical way. Free, the aim is to make the wisdom of Tibet available and accessible.
- Tzu Chi - Taiwanese international humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Master Cheng Yen, a Taiwanese Buddhist nun. 🇹🇼
This next section is a "map" of the various schools of Buddhism.
- Wikipedia - Theravāda (Pali, literally "school of the elder monks") is a branch of Buddhism that uses the Buddha's teaching preserved in the Pāli Canon as its doctrinal core.
- Acccess To Insight - Readings in Theravada Buddhism.
- Theravada Buddhism: A Brief Introduction to Its History and Teachings
- SuttaCentral - Early Buddhist texts, translations, and parallels
- Dhamma Wheel - A Buddhist discussion forum on the Dhamma of the Theravāda.
- dhammatalks.org - This site offers an extensive collection of English translations of suttas from the Pāli Canon, as well as a multitude of free downloads of Dhamma from the Kammaṭṭhāna (or Thai Forest) Tradition of Buddhism. 🎧
- Map of the Tipitaka 📷
- Insight Meditation
- Barre Center for Buddhist Studies 🇺🇸
- Wikipedia
- Sangharaj Nikaya - The Sangharaja Nikaya is a tradition of Theravada Buddhism, located in Bangladesh. The community consists largely of rural Bengali Buddhists. It was formed in 1864 by Sangharaja Saramedha Mahasthavira.
- Mahasthabir Nikaya - The Mahasthabir Nikaya is a Bengali order of Buddhist monks. They are doctrinally identical to the Sangharaj Nikaya. Differences between the lineages are purely practical, i.e., they advocate different day-to-day practices for their monks. The distinction served only to maintain an organizational front, not a doctrinal opposition.
- Wikipedia
- Thudhamma Nikaya - Thudhamma Nikaya is the largest monastic order of monks in Burma, with 85-90% of Burmese monks (250,000) belonging to this order.
- Shwegyin Nikaya - Shwegyin Nikaya is the second largest monastic order of monks in Burma. Approximately five percent (50,000) of Burma's monks belong to this order.
- Dvaya Nikaya - Dvaya Nikaya a small monastic order of monks in Burma, numbering a three to four thousand monks, primarily in Lower Myanmar. The order is very conservative with respect to Vinaya regulations.
- Hngettwin Nikaya - Hngettwin Nikaya is a monastic order of monks in Burma, numbering approximately 1,000 monks, primarily in Mandalay.
See in Other Vajrayana.
- Wikipedia - Chan is a tradition of Mahāyāna Buddhism developed in China from the 6th century CE onwards. After Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368), Chan more or less fused with Pure Land Buddhism. Chan spread south to Vietnam as Thiền and north to Korea as Seon, and, in the 13th century, east to Japan as Zen.
- Exploring Chan
- Wikipedia - Seon is the religious Korean denomination of Chan Buddhism tradition. A primary feature of Seon Buddihism is a method of mediation, Ganhaw Seon. In the early 20th century, Master Kyongho (1849–1912), re-energized Korean Seon.
- Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
- Wikipedia - Zen is the Japanese variant of Chan Buddhism, a Mahayana school that strongly emphasizes dhyana concentration-meditation. This practice, according to Zen proponents, gives insight into one's true nature, or the emptiness of inherent existence, which opens the way to a liberated way of living.
- Wikipedia - Sōtō is the largest of the three traditional sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism. It emphasizes Shikantaza, meditation with no objects, anchors, or content. The meditator strives to be aware of the stream of thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass away without interference.
- Soto Zen International Official Website 🇯🇵
- The Shōbōgenzō
- Wikipedia - Rinzai is one of three sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism. Rinzai Zen is marked by the emphasis it places on kensho ("seeing one's true nature") as the gateway to authentic Buddhist practice, and for its insistence on many years of exhaustive post-kensho training to embody the free functioning of wisdom within the activities of daily life.
- Joint Council of Rinzai and Ōbaku Zen 🇯🇵
- Wikipedia - Ōbaku is often termed the third sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan, it was established in 1661 by a small gruop of masters from China and their Japanese students at Manpuku-ji in Uji, Japan. In addition to their contribution to the culture of Zen in Japan, the Ōbaku also "disseminated many aspects of Ming-period culture" in the country.
- Joint Council of Rinzai and Ōbaku Zen 🇯🇵
- Wikipedia - Pure Land Buddhism is a broad branch of Mahayana Buddhism and one of the most widely practiced traditions of Buddhism in East Asia. Pure Land is a tradition of Buddhist teachings that are focused on the Buddha Amitābha. Pure Land Buddhism is built on the belief that we will never have a world which is not corrupt, so we must strive for re-birth in another plane, referred to as the "Pure Land".
- Wikipedia - Jōdo Shinshū also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran. Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.
- Jodo Shu Headquarters
- A Primer of Shin Buddhism
- Wikipedia - Huayan is a tradition of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy that first flourished in China during the Tang dynasty. The Huayen teachines are based primarily on the Avatamsaka Sutra. Huayan School is known as Hwaeom in Korea and Kegon in Japan. The tradition had a strong influence on Chan Buddhism.
- Wikipedia - Nichiren Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism based on the teachings of the 13th century Japanese priest Nichiren (1222–1282). Nichiren Buddhism focuses on the Lotus Sutra doctrine that all people have an innate Buddha-nature. There are two essential emphases in the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. First is the chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo which Nichiren believers contend has extraordinary power. Second is the Gohonzon, a calligraphy which is prominently displayed in the home or temple altars of Nichiren believers.
- Wikipedia - Soka Gakkai is a Japanese Buddhist religious movement based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren as taught by its first three presidents Tsunesaburō Makiguchi, Jōsei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda.
- Soka Gakkai International
- Soka Gakkai International - USA
- Wikipedia - Tibetan Buddhism is the form of Buddhist Vajrayana doctrine and institutions named after the lands of Tibet, but also found in the regions surrounding the Himalayas and much of Central Asia. It derives from the latest stages of Indian Buddhism and preserves the Tantric status quo of eighth-century India. It has been spread outside of Tibet, especially due to the Mongol power of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), founded by Kublai Khan, that also ruled China. Tibetan Buddhism applies Tantric practices, especially deity yoga, and aspires to Buddhahood.
- Rigpa Shedra Wiki - An online encyclopedia of Tibetan Buddhism.
- 84000 - 84000’s primary focus for translation is the canonical Tibetan texts included in the Kangyur and Tengyur.
- The Berzin Archives - The Berzin Archives is a collection of translations and teachings by Dr. Alexander Berzin primarily on the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Wikipedia - Kagyu school, also known as the "Oral Lineage" or Whispered Transmission school, is today regarded as one of six main schools of Himalayan or Tibetan Buddhism. The central teaching of Kagyu is the doctrine of Mahamudra, "the Great Seal".
"Primary" here refers to those Kagyu lineages founded by the immediate disciples of Gampopa (1079-1153) while "secondary" refers to all the lineages founded by disciples of Phagmo Drupa (1110-1170), the main disciple of Gampopa.
- Wikipedia - The Karma Kagyu is the most widely practiced lineage within the Kagyu school. The lineage has long-standing monasteries in Tibet, China, Russia, Mongolia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and current centers in at least 62 countries. The spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu is the Gyalwa Karmapa, and the 2nd through the 10th Karmapas were the principal spiritual advisors to successive Emperors of China. The Karma Kagyu are sometimes called the "Black Hat" Lamas, in reference to the Black Crown worn by the Karmapa.
- Wikipedia - The Barom Kagyu was founded by Gampopa's disciple Barompa Darma Wangchuk in 1160. This school was popular in the Principality of Nangchen in Kham (modern Nangqên County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southern Qinghai) where it has survived in one or two pockets to the present day.
- Wikipedia - The Tshalpa Kagyu was established by Zhang Yudrakpa Tsöndru Drakpa (1123–1193), who founded Tsel Gungtang Monastery. Lama Zhang was a disciple of Gampopa's nephew Dagpo Gomtsul Tsultim Nyingpo (1116–1169). The Tshalpa Kagyu tradition continued to function independently until the 15th century when it was absorbed by the Gelug, who still maintain many of its transmissions.
- Wikipedia - The Phagdru Kagyu was founded by Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo. From 1435 to 1481 the power of the Phagmodrupa declined and they were eclipsed by the Rinpungpa of Tsang, who patronized the Karma Kagyu. The Phagmo Drupa monastery of Dentsa Thel was destroyed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
"Primary" here refers to those Kagyu lineages founded by the immediate disciples of Gampopa (1079-1153) while "secondary" refers to all the lineages founded by disciples of Phagmo Drupa (1110-1170), the main disciple of Gampopa.
- Wikipedia - The Drikung Kagyu was founded by Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217) of the Kyura clan, who was the disciple of Phagmo Drupa. The first and main Drikung Kagyu monastery is Drikung Thil Monastery founded in 1179 by Jigten Sumgön approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Lhasa. The Drikung lineage is popularly known for its development of the practice of Phowa, in which a practitioner learns how to expel his/her consciousness or mindstream through the posterior fontanelle at the top of the skull at the moment of death. Another unique feature of the Drikung lineage is its female dharmapāla, Achi Chokyi Drolma. One of the two current heads of the lineage are Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche the 37th Drikungpa, and Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang Rinpoche, the 36th Drikungpa.
- Official Website
- Wikipedia - Lingre Kagyu refers to the lineages founded by Lingrepa Pema Dorje.
- Wikipedia - The Drukpa lineage was founded in west Tibet by Tsangpa Gyare (1161–1211), a student of Ling Repa. Within the Drukpa Lineage, there are further regional sub-schools, most notably the eastern Kham tradition and middle Drukpa school which prospered in Ladakh and surrounding areas. In Bhutan the Drukpa Lineage is the dominant school and state religion.
- Wikipedia - The Shuksep Kagyu was established by Gyergom Chenpo Zhönnu Drakpa (1090–1171). The Shuksep Kagyu emphasized the Mahamudra teachings of the Dohas, spiritual songs of realization by Indian masters such as Saraha, Shavaripa, Tilopa, Naropa and Maitripa.
- Wikipedia - The Taklung Kagyu was founded by Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal in 1180 CE. Like the other Sarma schools, it is part of the second founding of Buddhism in Tibet and incorporates the teachings of the early Kadam school. The Taklung Lineage teaches Mahamudra practices in particular.
- Wikipedia - The Trophy Kagyu was established by Gyeltsa Rinchen Gön (1118–1195) and Künden Repa (1148–1217), and was developed by their nephew, Thropu Lotsawa, who invited Pandit Shakyasri of Kashmir, Buddhasri and Mitrayogin to Tibet.
- Wikipedia - The Yazang Kagyu was founded by Sharawa Kalden Yeshe Sengge, d. 1207. The Yazang Kagyu survived as an independent school at least until the 16th century.
- Wikipedia - The Yelpa Kagyu was established by Druptop Yéshé Tsekpa, b. 1134. He established two monasteries, Shar Yelphuk and Jang Tana.
- Wikipedia - The Shangpa Kagyu lineage was founded by the 11th-century Tibetan scholar Khyungpo Neljor. Seeking to increase his understanding of the teachings he received in Tibet, he traveled to India. On his return to Tibet, Khyungpo Neljor established a monastery at Shang in Tsang. The Shangpa lineage is often referred to as the "secret lineage" because Niguma instructed Khyungpo Neljor to transmit the teachings to only one student for the first seven generations beginning with Vajradhara and Niguma.
- Wikipedia - The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Nyingma particularly believes in hidden terma treasures and place an emphasis on Dzogchen. The Nyingma tradition actually comprises several distinct lineages that all trace their origins to the Indian master Padmasambhava. Traditionally, Nyingmapa practice was advanced orally among a loose network of lay practitioners. Monasteries with celibate monks and nuns, along with the practice of reincarnated spiritual leaders are later adaptations.
- Wikipedia - The Sakya tradition developed during the second period of translation of Buddhist scripture from Sanskrit into Tibetan in the late 11th century. It was founded by Drogmi, a famous scholar and translator who had studied at the Vikramashila directly under Naropa, Ratnākaraśānti, Vagishvakirti and other great panditas from India for twelve years. The head of the Sakya school, known as Sakya Trizin, is always drawn from the male line of the Khön family.
- Wikipedia - Jonang is one of the smaller schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its origins in Tibet can be traced to early 12th century master Yumo Mikyo Dorje. The Jonang school was widely thought to have become extinct in the late 17th century. The Jonang re-established their religio-political center in Golok, Nakhi and Mongol areas of Kham and Amdo with the school's seat at Dzamthang Monastery and have continued practicing uninterrupted to this day.
- Wikipedia - Kadam was founded by Dromtön (1005–1064), a Tibetan lay master and the foremost disciple of the great Bengali master Atiśa. The school is known for it's Lojong Oral Transmission Teachings. The Kadam tradition ceased to exist as an independent tradition by the end of the 16th century. Nowadays the Gelug tradition keeps and transmits the Kadam lineage of the Scriptural Traditions of the Six Canonical Texts. Together with Dagpo Kagyu Tradition they keep and transmit The Pith Instructions of the Sixteen Essences, and the Dagpo Kagyu Tradition keeps and transmits the Key Instructions of the Four Noble Truths.
- Wikipedia - The Rimé movement is a movement involving the Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism, along with some Bon scholars. Rimé was intended to recognize the differences between traditions and appreciate them, while also establishing a dialogue which would create common ground. Rimé is responsible for a number of scriptural compilations, such as the Rinchen Terdzod and the Sheja Dzö.
- Wikipedia - The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT—IKBU) is a global Buddhist new religious movement founded by Kelsang Gyatso in England in 1991. The NKT-IKBU describes itself as ‘an entirely independent Buddhist tradition’ inspired and guided by ‘the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as presented by Kelsang Gyatso’.
- Wikipedia - Shingon is one of the major schools of Buddhism in Japan and one of the few surviving Vajrayana lineages in East Asia, originally spread from India to China through traveling monks such as Vajrabodhi and Amoghavajra.
- Wikipedia - Tendai is a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism, a descendant of the Chinese Tiantai or Lotus Sutra school. Tendai gave rise to Nichiren and Jōdo-shū, a form of Pure Land Buddhism.
- Wikipedia - Shugendō is a highly syncretic religion that originated in Heian Japan. Shugendō evolved during the 7th century from an amalgamation of beliefs, philosophies, doctrines and ritual systems drawn from local folk-religious practices, pre-Buddhist mountain worship, Shinto, Taoism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In modern times, Shugendō is practiced mainly through Tendai and Shingon temples.
- Wikipedia - Newar Buddhism is the form of Vajrayana Buddhism practiced by the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It has developed unique socio-religious elements, which include a non-monastic Buddhist society based on the Newar caste system and patrilineality.
- Wikipedia - Tantric Theravada is used to refer to certain Tantric and esoteric practices, viewsm and texts within Theravada Buddhism. One specific kind of Tantric Theravada is termed the Yogāvacara tradition and this kind of esoteric Buddhism is most widely practiced today in Cambodia and Laos and in the pre-modern era was a major Buddhist current in Southeast Asia.
- Wikipedia - Indonesian Esoteric Buddhism refers to the traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism found in Maritime Southeast Asia which emerged in the 7th century along the maritime trade routes and port cities of the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra as well as in Malaysia.
- Wikipedia - Chinese Esoteric Buddhism refers to traditions of Tantra and Esoteric Buddhism that have flourished among the Chinese. Esoteric Buddhist practices continued to have an influence into the late imperial period and Tibetan Buddhism was also influential during the Yuan dynasty period and beyond.
- Wikipedia - Korean milgyo refers to Vajrayana practices and texts that arrived in Korea during the initial introduction of Buddhism to the region in 372 CE.
Karma in Buddhism Rebirth in Buddhism
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