Core concepts and foundational teachings of Buddhism for spiritual growth
Taiwanese Buddhism has completed an important modern transformation in Buddhist history. This article delves into how the four major organizations—Tzu Chi, Fo Guang Shan, Dharma Drum Mountain, and Chung Tai Chan Monastery—using Master Yin Shun's "Humanistic Buddhism" as a blueprint, transformed ancient Dharma into social forces of charity, education, culture, and meditation, building a Pure Land on Earth.
"Emptiness" is the most core, yet most easily misunderstood concept in Buddhism. Many people think "Empty" means nihilism or negativity. In fact, Emptiness is full of infinite possibilities and vitality. This article attempts to use the gentlest language to guide you into this world of wisdom that seems profound but is actually closely related to our lives.
The Noble Eightfold Path is the path of practice declared by the Buddha at the first turning of the Dharma wheel, comprising Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. It is the concrete content of the "Truth of the Path" in the Four Noble Truths and a practical guide for every practitioner to move from the mundane to liberation.
The Six Realms of Samsara are the core worldview of Buddhism, revealing the truth that sentient beings constantly cycle through the realms of Heaven, Human, Asura, Animal, Hungry Ghost, and Hell. This article delves into the characteristics of the six realms, the causes of samsara, and how to be liberated from it.
The Four Noble Truths are the first teachings declared by the Buddha after his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, comprising the Truth of Suffering, the Truth of the Cause of Suffering, the Truth of the Cessation of Suffering, and the Truth of the Path. This article delves into the meaning of the Four Noble Truths, guiding readers to recognize suffering, understand its cause, aspire to its cessation, and practice the path to end suffering.