Buddhism and the Dharma

The founder of Buddhism is neither a deity nor a prophet, but a man who has awakened from ignorance to perfect enlightenment; his name, Buddha, is in fact a title meaning the Enlightened One. The Buddha's teaching, known to his followers as the Dhamma, is taught on the basis of his own clear comprehension of reality, free from appeals to divine authority and demands for unquestioning faith. Open to reason and critical inquiry, the Dhamma calls out for personal verification.

The teaching begins with the observation that human life is beset by a sense of dissatisfaction pain or suffering and the cause for the suffering is the self centered desires. Then follows the most optimistic affirmation of the Buddha that suffering can be totally overcome! Hence liberation from suffering is the goal of the teaching and the Noble Eightfold Path has been laid down as the way to liberation.

Buddhism offers, as integral to its path, a profound philosophy, an intricate analysis of the mind, lofty ethics and well-tested methods of meditation. The fruits of the Buddhist Way show in serene understanding, in kindness and compassion towards others, and in equanimity amidst the vicissitudes of life. Free from dogma, emphasizing personal responsibility as the key to right conduct and direct experience as the key to truth, Buddhism has an important role to play in the modern world.

Buddhism in Modern Life
Ananda W.P. Guruge

Getting to know Buddhism
Dr. Sunthorn Plamintr

Introduction to Buddhism
Dr. Sunthorn Plamintr

The Essential Points of the Buddhist Teachings
Ajahn Buddhadasa

The Buddha and His Message: Past, Present and Future
Bhikkhu Bodhi

The Buddha and Dhamma
Bhikkhu Bodhi

What is Buddhism?
Jack Kornfield

About Buddhism

Buddhism: A Method of Mind Training
Leonard Bullen

What is Buddhism?
Lama Thubten Yeshe

Is Buddhism a Religion?
Ajahn Sumhedo

Is Buddhism a Religion?
Dorothy Figen

Living in the World with Dhamma
by Ajahn Chah

An Introduction to Buddhism
Dr. C. George Boeree, Shippensburg University

Special Characteristics of Buddhism
Yat-Biu Ching

The Dhamma
Dr. Sunthorn Plamintr

Good Question Good Answer
Ven. Shravasti Dhammika

Basic Buddhism,
A Modern Introduction to the Buddha's Teaching
Dr Victor A. Gunasekara

Meditation

Meditation:
The Heart of Buddhism
Ajahn Brahmavamso

The Basic Method of Meditation
Ajahn Brahmavamso

Threefold training - morality, concentration & insight

The Threefold
Training
Bhikkhu Buddhadasa

See Paths in the Learning Center.

DharmaNet's brief introduction to the Buddhist traditions

Mahayana, Hinayana, and Theravada Compared
Ron Epstein

 See the DharmaNet Learning Center to learn about Buddhist schools and traditions.