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
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.
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