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. GurugeGetting to know Buddhism
Dr. Sunthorn PlamintrIntroduction to Buddhism
Dr. Sunthorn PlamintrThe Essential Points of the Buddhist Teachings
Ajahn BuddhadasaThe Buddha and His Message: Past, Present and Future
Bhikkhu BodhiThe Buddha and Dhamma
Bhikkhu BodhiWhat is Buddhism?
Jack KornfieldBuddhism: A Method of Mind Training
Leonard BullenWhat is Buddhism?
Lama Thubten YesheIs Buddhism a Religion?
Ajahn SumhedoIs Buddhism a Religion?
Dorothy FigenLiving in the World with Dhamma
by Ajahn ChahAn Introduction to Buddhism
Dr. C. George Boeree, Shippensburg UniversitySpecial Characteristics of Buddhism
Yat-Biu ChingThe Dhamma
Dr. Sunthorn PlamintrGood Question Good Answer
Ven. Shravasti DhammikaBasic Buddhism,
A Modern Introduction to the Buddha's Teaching
Dr Victor A. Gunasekara
Meditation
Meditation:
The Heart of Buddhism
Ajahn BrahmavamsoThe Basic Method of Meditation
Ajahn Brahmavamso
Threefold training - morality, concentration & insight
The Threefold
Training
Bhikkhu Buddhadasa
See Paths in the Learning Center.
Mahayana, Hinayana, and Theravada Compared
Ron Epstein
See the DharmaNet Learning Center to learn about Buddhist schools and traditions.
DharmaNet's brief introduction to the Buddhist traditions