A Lamp Illuminating the Path

Ethical behavior occupies a central role on the Buddhist path to awakening. Yet often, modern presentations of Buddhist teaching skip over these fundamental principles. In our hurry to jump to the “good stuff,” however, we may be missing some crucial points.

We may notice certain representations such as a Dharma wheel with two deer gazing steadily at it appear frequently. Why do we see this image on every monastery?

Ritual dance performances occur on special days in the Tibetan calendar, particularly around the new year, and are an important way of transmitting the Dharma.

When we spin maṇi wheels in a clockwise direction, rolls of paper (or film) printed with mantras spin. In this way, we are turning the wheel of the Dharma for the benefit of sentient beings and accumulating merit.

Life-release, or the saving of animals destined for slaughter, is practiced throughout the Buddhist world. All schools of Buddhism encourage followers to not only refrain from harming beings, but also to actively save lives.

Prayer flags have now become very popular throughout the world. What is their history and significance?

Water offerings are a tradition was accepted by the masters of the past as a practice unique to Tibet. It is the most common offering of Tibetan Buddhism.

Offering water bowls is an easy and pleasurable meritorious activity widely practiced in Tibetan Buddhism. Water’s purity gives it great power.

Developing confident faith in the Buddha and the Dharma is crucial on the path. Confident faith means conviction based on wisdom and experience.

Remembering correctly is useful in our daily life. We bring more benefit, however, by remembering the Dharma teachings correctly.

Buddhist teachers describe 14 types of mistaken conduct, including six stains. We are instructed to avoid these mindsets when listening to the Dharma.

Three defects of the vessel are explained in traditional Buddhist teachings as something students should avoid. For a Dharma student, correct conduct brings a tremendous advantage.