Why Some Buddhist Monks Do Not Handle Money
Learn the Theravada rule on accepting money, how lay stewards support monasteries, and where to direct a donation when a monk cannot receive it.
Buddhist Knowledge
Core concepts and foundational teachings of Buddhism for spiritual growth
The Four Stages of Awakening and the Fetters They End
Understand stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, and arahantship through the ten fetters, with clear distinctions from jhana and temporary experiences.
Why Buddhist Monastics Observe the Rains Retreat
Vassa is the annual Buddhist rains residence. Learn why monastics stay in one place, what the season involves, and how lay people can participate.
Is Wanting Enlightenment Another Form of Craving?
Chanda and tanha are not a simple good-desire and bad-desire pair. Read the Pali distinctions and learn how Buddhist practice examines motivation.
The Four Reliances for Reading Buddhist Teachings
The four reliances guide Buddhist study through teaching, meaning, definitive understanding, and wisdom. Learn how to apply them to a difficult passage.
Wise Attention Begins with the Questions You Ask
Yoniso manasikara means attending wisely. Learn how Buddhist practice directs inquiry toward suffering, its causes, and the actions that support liberation.
What Is Spiritual Materialism? When Practice Becomes Identity
Buddhist practice is meant to dismantle the ego, but sometimes the ego hijacks the practice to make itself stronger. Learn how to recognize spiritual materialism and why your 'spiritual identity' might be blocking your path.
What Is the Threefold Training? Ethics, Meditation, and Wisdom as One Path
The Threefold Training (tisikkhā) organizes all of Buddhist practice into three components: ethics (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā). Unlike a step-by-step sequence, these three reinforce each other and cannot be practiced in isolation. This article explains what each training consists of, why skipping one undermines the others, and how common misunderstandings distort the path.