Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist and other Spiritual Topics - Article Index
Advaita Vedanta - Article about Vedanta which is the underlying philosophy of all forms of Hinduism. While Hinduism is a rich mixture of many cultural and religious philosophies and customs, Vedanta is purely a philosophy which can be used to understand all religions.
Atman vs Sunyata - Article comparing and contrasting the idea of the Atman in Vedanta and the idea of the Sunyata in Buddhism. Are they actually the same thing?
Avatars - Article about the concept of God coming to Earth in human form. This idea is common to many religions.
Bhagavad Gita - Article about the most beloved Hindu holy book. The Bhagavad Gita is the teaching's of Lord Krishna detailing the nature of absolute reality, and what man must do to attain moksha (liberation). This page also has a free downloadable e-book of the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhakti - Article about the path of Bhakti Yoga which is the path of devotion towards God. In Bhakti Yoga the devotee cultivates the attitude of a lover longing to be with and to please his/her beloved (God).
Bodhi - Article about the meaning of Bodhi / Enlightenment as taught by Buddha, and the way to reach enlightenment.
Bodhisattvas - Article about the Mahayana Buddhist concept of the Bodhisattva ideal. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has postponed their final liberation in order to help all other beings to become enlightened.
Brahman - Article about the Vedantic concept of the underlying principle of all reality. Brahman is even beyond the idea of God with form or God without form. Any attempt to qualify or quantify Brahman is impossible, so Brahman is often described as "not this, not this..."
Buddhism - Main article about Buddha and Buddhism. Discusses the life of Lord Buddha, key concepts in Buddhism, and the development of various branches of Buddhist thought.
Buddhist Art - Article about the history and development of Buddhist art. Discusses how Buddhist art spread throughout the countries of Asia and how it adapted to and influenced each countries culture.
Buddhist News - News feed with Buddhist news stories from around the world.
Buddhist Philosophy - Article exploring the key concepts of Buddhist philosophy. Explores differences of opinion among the various branches of Buddhism.
Buddhist Symbols - Article about the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Explores the symbolism of each one and how it is used in Buddhist art.
Chan Buddhism - Article about the system of Mahayana Buddhism known as Chan. Chan Buddhism primarily developed in China as a result of the combination of Buddhism with the native philosophy of China, Taoism (Daoism). Chan Buddhism places great emphasis on meditation.
Chants and Mantras - Article about Buddhist and Hindu chants and mantras, exploring different types of chanting and mantra recitation, and how and why they are very beneficial. Also has an extensive list of free chanting files that you can stream or download to listen too.
Chi - Article about Chi (Qi). Chi is the Taoist concept of energy. A primary goal of Taoist is learning to cultivate and control chi in order to accomplish many things including self improvement, improving one's health as well as for healing other people. Chi / Qi can also be used to harmonize our environment (feng shui) as well as for martial arts applications (primarily in the Chinese internal martial arts of Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Hsing I).
Christ of India - Article about Jesus training with the Essenes and his subsequent training in Buddhism and Hinduism while travelling throughout India. Extensive documentation.
Chuang Tzu - Article about Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tze, Chuangzi) one of the most important developers of the philosophy of Taoism. His most famous book is the Book of Chuang Tzu. This article discusses his life and teachings.
Conspiracy Theories - The spiritual side of conspiracy theories ranging from Alternative religious and world history, Atlantis, UFO cover-ups, secret societies, 9-11, etc. Many free videos can be watched on these subjects at this page.
Devi - Article about the Hindu concept of Devi, the female aspect of God. Devi is the Divine Mother Goddess. Explores the various forms that Devi can take, including Ma Kali, Durga, Parvati, etc. Devi is the Shakti or power of the male aspect of God.
Dharma - Article about Dharma, which can mean variously the Buddha's teaching, the law, the right way (in a spiritual sense) of living or doing something. Compares and contrasts the Buddhist and Hindu concepts of Dharma. Similar to the Taoist idea of following the Tao.
Feng Shui / Fengshui - Article about the ancient Taoist / Daoist science and art of arranging objects and buildings in order to create a more harmonious environment.
Hanuman - Article about the beloved Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman, who is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Hanuman is the ultimate devotee dedicating his life to the service and adoration of Lord Rama. His advantures are detailed in the Indian Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Hinduism - Main article about Hinduism. Discusses the development of Hindu philosophy over time as well as the contribution of various Hindu philosophers and saints. Looks at the various Hindu sects and the systems of Yoga.
Itivuttaka - Article about the Buddha's teachings as recorded in the Pali Theravada Buddhist tradition.
Joseph Campbell - Article about the world renowned expert on comparative religions and mythology. He has had a profound influence on the coming together of various spiritual traditions to find the common ground and truth of all religions. Read about his fascinating life and ideas.
Kali - Article about the Mother Goddess, Ma Kali. With her protruding tongue, necklace of severed heads, and dancing wildly on the prostrate form of her consort, Shiva, Kali is probably the most misunderstood Hindu deity by Westerners. Find out why Kali is considered a loving mother who grants liberation to her devotees.
Karma - Article about karma, the law of cause and effect. Karma, both good and bad binds us through the process of reincarnation. To reach Nirvana, Moksha, Liberation, etc. one must overcome all karma.
Krishna - Article about Lord Krishna, the most popular deity in Hinduism. Lord Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu. His teachings are recorded the the Hindu Holy book, the Bhagavad Gita. This article chronicles his life, the many aspects of his personality, and his teachings.
Kuan Yin - Article about the most beloved Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Kuan Yin (Kwan Yin, Guan Yin) is the Goddess of Compassion. She is beloved by Buddhist, Hindus, and Taoists. She is also known as Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism).
Kundalini - Article about the spiritual energy or force which is lays dormant is most people at the base of the spine. It can be awakened by spiritual exercises to rise up through a mystical channel in the spine. As it rises through the seven chakras along the spine, the spiritual aspirant can have a variety of mystical or spiritual experiences.
Lakshmi - Article about the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, light, and fortune. She is a form of Devi, and she is Shiva's Shakti. She is also revered by Buddhists.
Lao Tzu - Article about Lao Tzu (Lao Tze, Lao Zi, Laozi) the primary expounder of Taoism (Daoism). He wrote the Taoist classic, the Tao Te Ching. He had great influence on the development of Chinese culture and philosophy, and his ideas greatly influenced Chan and Zen Buddhism.
Lord Ganesh - Article about the most beloved deity in Hinduism, the elephant headed God, Ganesh. Sri Ganesh (Sri Ganesha) is the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is considered the God of knowledge, wisdom, and good fortune.
Mahayana Buddhism - Article about the branch of Buddhism, known as Mahayana. Mahayana Buddhism was developed later than Theravada Buddhism, primarily in China, Japan, Viet Nam, and Korea. It focused on the ability of all beings to reach enlightenment by realizing that their true nature was already Buddha nature. The concept of the Bodhisattva putting off his/her own final salvation in order to help others is a distinguishing teaching of Mahayana Buddhism.
Maya - Article about the Goddess Maya, the Goddess of Illusion. Maya binds us in her web of illusion so that we identify ourselves as distinct individuals, separate from each other and separate from God. But Maya, according to Vedanta, is the only one who can free us from the illusion of this world when we finally see and admit that she is both real and unreal.
Meditation - Article on meditation, particularly focusing on the technique's taught by Theravada Buddhism.
Meditation, Types of - Part I - Comprehensive explanation and instruction in the various types of Meditation techniques in Buddhism and Hinduism, and the history of meditation.
Metta - Article about Metta, the concept of universal love that Buddha taught. The article discusses various ways to practice and cultivate Metta in our daily lives.
Moksha - Article about Moksha, the final release from the cycle of reincarnation to attain unity with Brahman according to Hinduism. Also referred to as Samadhi. Compared and contrasted with the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.
Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist - An online book by T.D. Suzuki comparing the similarities between Christian Mysticism, especially as espoused by Meister Eckhart, and Buddhism. Chapter 1: Meister Eckhart and Buddhism.
Chapter 2: The Basis of Buddhist Philosophy
Nirvana - Article about Nirvana, the final release from the cycle of rebirth, which is do to our clinging to the false notion of an individual self. Compared and contrasted with the Hindu concept of Moksha.
Om / Aum - Article about the divine word or sound, Om / Aum. It is usually written as Om in a Buddhist context and as Aum in a Hindu context. It is believed that Om / Aum is the original sound of the cosmos, through which all else was manifested. It is a part of virtually all mantras, and meditating on it meaning is very enlightening.
Pure Land - Article about Pure Land Buddhism. Pure Land Buddhism is the most widespread branch of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition in Asia today. Pure Land Buddhism emphasizes devotion to Amitabha Buddha by chanting his name in order to escape the cycle of rebirth on Earth, and to be born in the Western Pure Land Heaven with Amitabha, where it will be much easier to attain Nirvana.
Qigong / Qi Gong / Chi Gong - Article about the Chinese system of exercises designed to cultivate and control Qi / Chi energy. Qigong / Qi Gong / Chi Gong was developed by Buddhist and Taoist / Daoist monks as well as practitioners of the internal martial arts. It can be used for healing oneself and others as well as for martial arts applications.
Quotes - Quotes from spiritual masters including Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, the Dalai Lama,...
Ramakrishna - Article about Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Hindu saint (who many consider to be a divine incarnation) who taught the harmony of religions, and that all paths will lead the sincere devotee to God. This modern Indian mystic had a profound influence (along with his disciple, Swami Vivekananda) on the emergence of modern Hinduism.
Ramana Maharshi - Article about one of the most well known and influential Vedantists of the 20th century.
Reincarnation - Article about reincarnation, exploring the concept historically from an Eastern and Western perspective. The idea of reincarnation or rebirth is found in some form in almost every religion. Discover the various views about reincarnation, and how Buddhism and Hinduism teach us to escape the endless cycle of suffering that it entails.
Samadhi - Article about Samadhi, the state of divine union with Brahman.
Samsara - Article about Samsara, the condition of being trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. Both Buddhists and Hindus strive to break the trap of samsara, and to attain Nirvana / Moksha.
Saraswati - Article about Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and all literary art, including music, arts, and speech.
Satori - Article about Satori, the Zen Buddhist concept of sudden enlightenment.
Shakti - Article about Shakti, the female aspect of God, representing divine energy, power, and action.
Shiva - Article about Lord Shiva (Siva) a member of the Hindu Trinity. Shiva (Siva) represents the destructive aspect of God. He destroys our worldly attachments and our clinging to illusion. He represents the perfect ascetic or yogi, deep in meditative contemplation.
Shiva Lingam - Article about the Shiva (Siva) Lingam (Linga), the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. It is usually in the form of a pillar, sometimes sitting in a Yoni (symbolic of Shakti). The Shiva Lingam is used as an abstract symbol during ceremonies and meditation to represent Lord Siva who is beyond all forms.
Suffering - Article explaining the Buddha's often misunderstood teaching in the Four Noble Truths that life entails suffering. Discusses how this is not a pessimistic view at all, and how one can achieve happiness in this very life!
Tantra - Article about Tantra, the greatly misunderstood and secretive "back door" practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Well known Tantric practitioners include the Dalai Lama and Sri Ramakrishna. Tantra is identical to yoga practices in many respects.
Tao Te Ching - Article about the Tao Te Ching, the primary book of Taoism written by Lao Tzu (Lao Tze, Lao Zi, Lauzi). One of the most widely translated and loved books of all time, it also has an almost seemingly limitless number of interpretations, and therein lies its beauty and profundity.
Taoism / Daoism - Article about the the Asian religion of Taoism / Daoism which teaches one to follow the "Way" in order to achieve harmony with the universe. It was consolidated by Lao Tzu (Lao Tze, Lao Zi, Laozi) in his book the Tao Te Ching, and it was further greatly elaborated upon by Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tze, Chuang Zi, Chuangzi) in his book, the Book of Chuang Tzu.
Tara - Article about one of the most beloved goddesses / bodhisattvas in Buddhism (especially in Tibetan Buddhism). She was formed from the tear drop of Avalokiteshvara (Kuan Yin, Kwan Yin, Guan Yin), and she is the embodiment of compassion.
Thai Art - Article about the history and different types of Thai art. The art of Thailand was greatly influenced by Buddhism.
Thailand - Article about the history and culture of Thailand. Covers Thai customs, manners, beliefs, past-times, Thai food, etc.
Theravada - Article about the oldest form of Buddhism, whose teachings are preserved in the Pali Canon. Theravada Buddhism (sometimes referred to as Hinayana Buddhism) is primarily practiced in the South East Asian countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar/Burma, and Sri Lanka. Theravada Buddhism stresses the importance of becoming a monk or nun to reach Nirvana.
Tibetan Buddhism - Article about Tibetan Buddhism which is also known as Vajrayana Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism (or Vajrayana Buddhism) is sometimes referred to as the third branch of Buddhism, after Theravada and Mahayana, but Tibetan Buddhists consider themselves to be the final unfoldment of Mahayana Buddhism.
Vajrayana Buddhism - Article about the esoteric Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as practiced primarily by Tibetan Buddhist and in parts of Mongolia and Japan.
Vedanta in America - Article about the development of Vedantic thought and influence in America since the establishment of Vedanta in America by Swami Vivekananda in the early 1900's. Discusses the impact Vedanta had on influential writers and philosophers such as Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Henry Miller, Gerald Heard, J. D. Salinger, Houston Smith, Joseph Campbell, etc., and how they spread the teachings of Vedanta and Sri Ramakrishna to America.
Vishnu - Article about Lord Vishnu, a member of the Hindu Trinity. He is the preserving aspect of God. He has incarnated many times to teach humanity the Dharma, and to help them escape the bondage of Samsara so they can reach Moksha (also known as Nirvana and Samadhi).
Vivekananda - Article about Swami Vivekananda, the direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. It is Swami Vivekananda who synthesized the many seemingly divergent branches of Hinduism into one coherent form that we recognize today as modern Hinduism. He is the greatest spokesman of Hinduism and Vedanta in particular in the modern era, and he is responsible for the spread of Hinduism to the West more than any other individual.
Wu Wei - Article about the Taoist / Daoist concept of "no action", meaning taking no action that is only for our own self interest or that is against the Tao. This concept has had a great influence on Chinese political philosophy. The idea of wu wei is very similar to the concept of following the law of Dharma.
Yin Yang - Article about the Taoist / Daoist concept of the harmony of opposites. Taoism / Daoism teaches that as long as we are in this manifest universe, we are subject to the law of duality. In order to have a happy and harmonious life, we must maintain the proper balance in all pairs of opposites.
Yoga - Article about the various Yoga paths and methods. Compares Yoga with Tantra, as well as Yogic practices in Eastern religions in general. Explores Patanjali's Yoga Aphorisms.
Yoga History - Article exploring the history and development of Yoga philosophy and practices. Examines how Yoga fits into the overall philosophy of Hinduism.
Zen Buddhism - Article about Zen Buddhism, which is a type of Mahayana Buddhism. Zen Buddhism was the Japanese development of the Chinese system of Chan Buddhism. Both Chan and Zen Buddhism were heavily influenced by Taoism / Daoism.
