Shambhala - Buddhism Basics

Basic buddhist concepts are discussed in thematic excerpts taken from selected texts.

Read a short story of the Buddha's life

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The Basics of Buddhism

Four Noble Truths adapted from The Essence of Buddhism, by Traleg Kyabgon

The Eightfold Path adapted from The Myth of Freedom, by Chögyam Trungpa

Karma adapted from Seeking the Heart of Wisdom, by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield

Attachment adapted from At Home in the Muddy Water, by Ezra Bayda

The Three Marks of Existence adapted from When Things Fall Apart, by Pema Chödrön

Koans adapted from Straight to the Heart of Zen, by Philip Kapleau

Mindfulness adapted from Voices of Insight, by Bhante Gunaratana

Bardo adapted from Luminous Emptiness, by Francesca Fremantle

Heart Sutra adapted from The Compass of Zen, by Zen master Suen Sahn

Lovingkindness adapted from Lovingkindness, by Sharon Salzberg

Pure Perception adapted from The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones, by Dilgo Khyentse

Then the venerable Ananda approached the Lord, prostrated himself and sat down to one side. Sitting there the venerable Ananda said to the Lord:

"Half of this holy life, Lord, is good and noble friends, companionship with the good, association with the good."

"Do not say that, Ananda. Do not say that, Ananda. It is the whole of this holy life, this friendship, companionship, and association with the good."

—Adapted from the Samyutta Nikaya