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Because we can imagine that it is difficult to decide where to begin, we wrote a frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you find the answers you are looking for.
Alin-Kyan: The Manual of Light
Ledi SayadawThis treatise begins by pairing the five great forms of ignorance with the five types of light needed to destroy them. Take ignorance of the Dhamma.
Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing
Bhikkhu BodhiThe Buddha’s teaching on mindfulness of breathing as a meditation object or focus of meditation. A commonly used meditation method.
Giving in the Pali Canon
Lily de SilvaDana, giving, is extolled in the Pali canon as a great virtue. It is, in fact, the beginning of the path to liberation.
Free Inquiry
Guy E. DuboisThe Buddha encourages every practitioner to examine and investigate all objects of faith (saddha) and test them for truth
Regard All Experiences with Equanimity
Guy E. DuboisWith equanimity (upekkha) one regards all experiences— both the pleasant, the unpleasant and the neutra — as fully equal, without judgement.
Dukkha: The Unsatisfactoriness of Existence
The EditorsThe Buddha pointed the way to liberation from dukkha. But what exactly is dukkha? And why is it so important on the Buddhist path?
Vijjāmagga Dīpanī: Manual of the Path to Higher Knowledge
Ledi SayadawA clear, concise, direct, confronting and very motivational explanation on the development of higher knowledge on the Buddhist path to Freedom.
The Buddha on Wisdom and Consciousness
Guy E. DuboisA kalyānamitta (a good companion, a spiritual friend) recently asked me how many people manage to experience insight into reality as it really is (yathā bhūta…
The Khandha’s: The Five Processes of Which We are Composed
Guy E. DuboisIt is the khanda, the flow of processes that together determine who we are and what we experience. Seeing the khanda for what they are is paramount.
The Practice of Giving
Susan Elbaum JootlaGiving (dana) is one of the essential preliminary steps of Buddhist practice. When practiced in itself, it is a basis of merit or wholesome karma.
Introduction to Dāna (Giving)
Bhikkhu BodhiThe practice of giving is widely recognized as one of the most fundamental human virtues. The Buddha also emphasized its importance.
Expansion of the Digital Theravāda Library and Authors Page
The EditorsWe are working hard to expand our handpicked curated digital Theravāda Buddhist from renowned teachers and authors.
Verify for Yourself
Guy E. DuboisDhamma transcends every Buddhist movement, every tradition, every origin. Dhamma is not bound by words and concepts.
The Blind Spot
The EditorsWhen you meditate, you yourself cannot judge where on the path you are or what you need to move forward. For that you need a meditation teacher.
What is Vipassana?
Guy E. DuboisVipassanā means: seeing things as they really are. In vipassanā meditation the meditation object is the impermanence of all things that present themselves.
Ānāpāna Dīpanī: Manual of Meditation on Breathing
Ledi SayadawMeditate on the breath according to Ledi Sayadaw, a highly respected Buddhist monk and one of the founding fathers of the Vipassana meditation tradition.
Udayabbaya – the Experience of Arising and Decay
Guy E. DuboisIn deep concentration we experience that the phenomena arise and decay so quickly that we cannot grasp them. That they completely escape our mind. That we can'
The Life of the Buddha
The EditorsThe story of the Buddha. The first intention, life as prince Siddharta, becoming a Buddha under the Bodhi tree and his first teaching.
The Pali Canon: How We Know What the Buddha Taught
The EditorsThe Buddha himself did not write anything down. So, you might wonder: how do we know what the Buddha taught? Because of the Pali Canon.
Theravāda Buddhism
The EditorsTheravāda can be translated as “the ancient teaching,” a reference to the unchanging and universal nature of the truths that the Buddha rediscovered.
The Arrows of Thinking: Papañca & the Path to End Conflict
Thānissaro BhikkhuThanissaro Bhikkhu explains papanca - our tendency towards objectification. An important principle on the Buddhist path.
Buddha Statues: History, Use & Meaning
The EditorsWhat does your Buddha statue mean? Learn all about Buddhist statues, their history and use, based on Buddhist texts.
Selected Verses from the Dhammapada
The EditorsThe Dhammapada is a gem of the ancient Buddhist scriptures of Theravāda Buddhism. Read selected verses for inspiration on the Buddhist path.
Preface to the Manual of Abhidhamma
Narada Maha TheraThe Dhammapada is one of the best known and most valued texts in the Pali Tipitaka, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.
Kalyāna Mitta: A True Friend
Sayadaw U PanditaWhat characterizes a good meditation teacher? An answer from Sayadaw U Pandita about the qualities of a kalyana mitta - a spiritual friend.
The Best Meditation-App and a Free Alternative
The EditorsDo you really need a meditation-app to meditate? What is the best meditation-app? Learn more about a free alternative.
Thank You for Your Support & Changes on the Website
The EditorsAbout 8,000 people now visit our websites ( buddho.nl and buddho.org) every month and new people subscribe to our newsletter almost every day…
What is Meditation?
The EditorsWhat is meditation and how should you meditate? Is there a difference between beginning and advanced meditation practioners? Get free personal guidance.
Buddha’s wisdom
Guy E. DuboisOn the timeless truth of Buddhism. What is the essence of Buddhism? Who was the Buddha and what did he teach? By Guy Dubois
Anattalakkhana Sutta: The Characteristic of Nonself
Bhikkhu BodhiCentral to Buddhism is anatta - the experience that there is no self, no I, no mine. This is the teaching of the Buddha on anatta.
In the Eyes of the Wise: The Buddha’s Teachings on Honor & Shame
Thānissaro BhikkhuMoral behavior is very important in Buddhism. The Buddha taught that healthy shame can help. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Samma Samadhi: Detachment Within Activity
Ajahn ChahAjahn Chah’s lesson on right concentration - samma samadhi - on the Buddhist path. Deepen your meditation practice with this inspiring Dhamma talk.
The Buddhist Path: Sila, Samādhi, Paññā
The EditorsWith samatha meditation you develop a calm and concentrated mind, making it pure and clear, allowing you to see reality as it is. Start meditating.
Dhamma is Spontaneous
Guy E. DuboisThe Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha, can be experienced in the here and now. About spontaneous insight. A wonderful text by Guy Dubois.
Still, Flowing Water
Ajahn ChahA lesson from Ajahn Chah on meditation and mindfulness. See the impermanence of all things and let wisdom arise.
Adittapariyaya Sutta: The Fire Sermon
Bhikkhu BodhiA powerful and confronting teaching from the Buddha about the dangers of desire. Essence of Buddhism.
On Perception and Reality
Guy E. DuboisBuddhism is about seeing reality. Here, in this moment. Meditate and lead an ethical life. A wonderful text by Guy Dubois.
Factors for Awakening Part 10: Toward Release
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on the path towards release. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 9: Skills for Awakening
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on skills for awakening. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 8: Equanimity
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on equanimity. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 7: Concentration
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on concentration. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 6: Calm
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on calm. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 5: Rapture
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on rapture. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 4: Persistence
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on persistence. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 3: Analysis of Qualities
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on analysis of qualities. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 2: Mindfulness
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This part focuses on mindfulness. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Factors for Awakening Part 1: Introduction
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe Buddha taught 7 factors for enlightenment (bojjhanga). This is the introduction to these important Buddhist factors. By Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Pictures of Ahba in Myanmar Around 1978
The EditorsThese are some pictures of Ahba from old. They are slides made in Myanmar around 1978, taken by Jaap and Maria Guijt. You can see pictures of Ahba in his…
Thanks for Your Support & New Features
The EditorsEvery month more than two thousand people visit our website, including many returning visitors. We are touched by the donations and positive reactions we have…
Serenity and Insight in the Nikāyas
Bhikkhu BodhiWhat do the ancient Buddhist scriptures say about vipassana meditation vs samatha meditation? A selection by Bhikkhu Bodhi.
A Short Introduction to Buddhism by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Bhikkhu BodhiA free video course on Buddhism with accompanying literature. Get to the heart of Buddhism. By Bhikkhu Bodhi.
Daily Meditation: How to Keep It Up
The EditorsHow do you manage to meditate every day? What influences our discipline for daily meditation and what did the Buddha teach about it?
Initiation of the Relics in Wat Ratanawan
The EditorsAt the invitation of Ajahn Sumedho and Ajahn Nyanadhammo (also in this video) Ahba has blessed the relics of the new hall in Wat Ratanawan in 2012.
Bhikkhu Bodhi Speaks about the Abhidhamma
Bhikkhu BodhiAudio lessons from Bhikkhu Bodhi on the Abhidhamma, the Buddha’s teaching on ultimate reality. Recommended for meditation practitioners.
Taking Care of the Mind with Sati and Samadhi
The EditorsA short dhamma-talk from Ahba about the importance of sati (mindfulness) and samadhi (concentration) to protect the mind and develop wisdom.
Two Styles of Insight Meditation
Bhikkhu BodhiInsight meditation - vipassana - is practiced in a variety of ways today. Broadly speaking, there are two forms of meditation. By Bhikkhu Bodhi.
The Dhajagga-paritta Chant (Iti pi so…)
The EditorsOne of the favorite Buddhist chants for meditation practitioners in Theravada Buddhism. Learn the chant, with audio, text and explenation.
A Look at the Kalama Sutta
Bhikkhu BodhiA critical look at the kalama sutta, the Buddha’s teaching on free inquiry, and the misinterpretation that is often made. By Bhikkhu Bodhi.
Kalama Sutta: The Buddha’s Charter of Free Inquiry
Thānissaro BhikkhuThe kalama sutta is one of the most famous teachings of the Buddha. About reling on your own research and experience and not just blind faith.
Arahants, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas
Bhikkhu BodhiOn the different goals in Theravada vs Mahayana Buddhism. The Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arahant ideal. By Bhikkhu Bodhi.
The 9 Qualities of the Buddha
The EditorsWhat are the unique qualities of the Buddha and how can you meditate on them? On the 9 qualities of the Buddha and buddhanusati meditation.
Anicca Vata Sankhāra
Bhikkhu BodhiBhikkhu Bodhi on the sankharas, those conditioned and transient phenomena of existence that are central to Buddhist philosophy.
Videos of Ahba’s New Uposatha Hall
The EditorsA year ago, Ahba announced the construction of a new Uposatha Hall. This hall would be entirely built in Burmese style, with a central Buddha statue in the…
Mindfulness According to the Buddha
The EditorsMindfulness originates in Buddhism. What did the Buddha teach about mindfulness and what role does mindfulness play in Buddhist meditation?
Jhana Not by the Numbers
Thānissaro BhikkhuAjahn Lee talks about the importance of concentration in your meditation. Without concentration there is no insight. Without samatha there is no vipassana.
Short Message from Ahba on Meditation
The EditorsIn this video Ahba talks briefly about meditation. He emphasizes the importance of daily practice, limiting yourself to one meditation system and keeping the…
Our Real Home
Ajahn ChahAjahn Chah speaks to a disciple approaching death. How does Buddhism view death? What is important in the last moments of your life?
Meditation Retreat: Deepen Your Practice
The EditorsLooking for a meditation retreat? Do you want to deepen your medtation practice? Read more about medtation retreats at the Buddho Foundation.
Lifestyles and Spiritual Progress
Bhikkhu BodhiDo you have to become a Buddhist monk in order to meditate? Bhikkhu Bodhi reflects on the influence of lifestyle on the Buddhist path.
Subrahma’s Problem
Bhikkhu BodhiBhikkhu Bodhi reflects on our fears and the impermanence of existence on the basis of a discourse of the Buddha. Let go and find freedom.
Thoughts on the Dhamma
Mahasi SayadawMahai Sayadaw, the founder of modern Vipassana meditation, gives his view on meditation and the Dhamma. Vipassana as a first step, for everyone.
Saddhā, Viriya, Sati, Samādhi, Paññā, Khanti and Mettā
The EditorsThese 7 mental qualities are developed through meditation. But you have to do it. Start meditating and embark on the path of self-transformation.
Dhamma and Non-duality
Bhikkhu BodhiHow does traditional Buddhism view non-duality? A critical exposition from a Theravada Buddhist point of view. By Bhikkhu Bodhi.
What is the Abhidhamma?
The EditorsA short and concise introduction to the Abhidhamma, the Buddha’s teaching from the perspective of ultimate reality. Deepen your meditation practice.
What is Buddhism?
The EditorsWhat is the essence of Buddhism? What are it’s main features? A succinct summary of the Buddhist teachings.
Are All Boeddhists Vegetarian?
The EditorsIn Buddhism, love and compassion play a central role. Are Buddhists always vegetarian? What did the Buddha teach about food?
The 5 Precepts: Buddhism and Morality
The EditorsOn the Buddhist path to liberation the development of morality is essential. That’s why the Buddha taught 5 moral precepts for daily practice.
The Teacher-Disciple Relationship Must Be 100% Safe
The EditorsAbuse by Buddhist teachers is common. This is unacceptable. Contact with your meditation teacher is essential and must always be 100% safe.
Ajahn Suwat on Right Concentration
Ajahn SuwatAjahn Suwat’s teaching on right concentration - one of the factors of the eightfold path taught by the Buddha - by meditating on buddho.
Meditation Without Desire
The EditorsMeditation is not a fast process. It is important to meditate with patience. The desire for wisdom is a obstacle on the path.
Exploring Reality with Samādhi
The EditorsMeditation allows you to see things as they really are. This is due to the development of samadhi (concentration), which allows you to see the world clearly.
The 5 Hindrances that Hinder Progress in Meditation
The EditorsWhile meditating you will sooner or later encounter 5 hindrances that impede progress. What are these hindrances? And what are their antidotes?
Sexual Abuse by Buddhist Teachers
The EditorsAn unacceptably high percentage of member organizations active in the Buddhist Union Netherlands (BUN) have experienced sexual abuse.
A Buddhist Perspective on the Problems in the World
The EditorsIn the West, we live in a time of unparalleled material prosperity, rellative world peace (never before has there been as little war as today), security…
Origin and Use of the Mālā (Meditation Beads)
The EditorsWhen meditating, you can use a beaded neklace (mala). How do you use a mala while meditating? And where does this usage come from?
Buddhist Schools: Theravada, Mahayana & Vajrayana
The EditorsThere are three major Buddhist schools of thought: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Read more about their origin, the similarities and differences.
The 16 Best Books on Buddhism & Meditation
The Editors16 highly recommended books on Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. From present day to ancient times. Definitely worth your time.
Metta: The Philosophy and Practice of Universal Love
Acharya BuddharakkhitaWhat did the Buddha teach about metta (loving-kindness)? How do you meditate on metta? Learn more about developing love and compassion in buddhism.
7 Practical Meditation Tips
The EditorsMeditating every day can be quite a challenge. With these 7 practical meditation tips you will succeed in continuing your meditation.
Ahba Speaks About Meditation, Mindfulness and Patience
The EditorsIn this Dhamma talk, Ahba answers some questions about meditation, mindfulness and patience in Buddhist practice.
Devotion in Buddhism
Nyanaponika TheraIs Buddhism a religion? What do Buddhists worship? Nyanaponika Thera gives a clear answer about the role of devotion on the Buddhist path.
Venerable Empty-Scripture
Ajahn ChahAjahn Chah’s Lesson on putting Buddhist teachings into practice. Not talking or studying, but meditating, that’s what it’s about.
Questions & Answers on Meditation
Ajahn ChahDo you have questions about meditation? Not sure how to start meditating? In the answers of Ajahn Chah everyone can find pearls of wisdom.
New Years Resolutions
The EditorsThe new year is coming and many people are thinking about what they will do differently the coming year. This often results in intentions to refrain from…
The Cognitive Process According to the Abhidhamma
The EditorsHow does the Abhidhamma view the cognitive process? What are citta and cetasika? And how does this help you in your daily Buddhist practice?
A Short Demonstration of Samatha Meditation on Buddho
The EditorsA short demonstration of the samatha meditation on the word buddho, as taught by Ahba (Luang por Opart). The volume and pitch used here are just an example…
Meditation on Buddho
Ajahn ThateAjahn Thate’s on meditation on buddho. A wonderful teaching on how to use this meditation object to develop concentration and wisdom.
The Mayahana Shurangama Sutra Explained
The EditorsIn the Shurangama Sutra, a gem of Mahayana Buddhism, Quanyin explains how to see reality through meditation.
Images of the Bodhgaya Temple Opening Ceremony
The EditorsThe Maha Bodh Chedi (also called Bodhgaya temple) is a 1:1 replica of the temple with the same name in Bodhgaya India, erected on the spot where the Buddha…
Pali chanting: Anumodana, Paritta and More
The EditorsListen toTheravada Buddhist (pali) chants by Thai monks and practice them yourself with the provided chanting book. For free.
Samaññaphala Sutta: The Fruits of the Contemplative Life
The EditorsA masterpiece from the Pali Canon. At its core, it is a comprehensive portrait of the Buddhist path of practice, the Buddha’s teaching.
Opening Ceremony of the Dhammacakka-hall in Australia
The EditorsHere are images of the opening ceremony of the Dhammacakka-hall in Australia, in Ajahn Kalyano's monastery. Ajahn Kalyano invited Ahba to oversee this ceremony.
Ahba’s Chant and Dhamma talk in Australia
The EditorsAjahn Kalyano, himself a pupil of the famous meditation teacher Ajahn Anan, in the tradition of Ajahn Chah, invited Ahba to oversee the opening of the…
Ajahn Sao’s Teaching on Meditation
Ajahn SaoAjahn Sao was a meditation teacher who taught the essence of meditation. He advised to use buddho as an object of meditation to calm the mind.
Blessing of the Ground for the Bodhgaya Temple
The EditorsIn 2012 the ground in Ahba's monastery was blessed for the construction of the Maha Bodhi Chedi (also called Bodhgaya Temple), a 1:1 replica of the temple in…
Ahba’s Paritta Chant in Wat Ratanawan
The EditorsAt the invitation of Ajahn Sumedho and Ajahn Nyanadhammo (also pictured) Ahba gave his blessing by means of an extensive paritta chant (in Burmese style) during…
Reality and Ethics in the Abhidhamma
The EditorsAbout the 4 ultimate realities in which the Abhidhamma divides reality, and the Buddhist ethical qualities attributed to them.
The Mindful Way – Ajahn Chah
The EditorsA BBC documentary about Ajahn and his monastery, with inspiring lessons by Ajahn Chah on living as a Buddhist monk, the Dhamma and meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EditorsBy now you can find a lot of information on our website. That in itself is very nice, but if you came to our website with a specific question it can be quite…
Links to Recommende Websites
The EditorsWhether it's about finding new (Buddhist) books, audiofiles of Dhamma-talks, translations of sutta's, or discussions and questions on a forum…