'What is the sound of one hand clapping?' Zen koans such as this one are a puzzle or seemingly paradoxical statement designed to help us breakthrough our usual ways of perceiving the world. Learn more about koans, including many more examples, in this article.

The Tibetan Art of Parenting covers the cultural and spiritual beliefs that guide Tibetan parenting practices, from before conception through to early childhood. It covers Tibetans beliefs regarding karma, rebirth and subtle energies, as well as many pregnancy and childcare medical practices.

In each of the various cultures in which Buddhism has flourished, a rich set of symbols have developed to represent the Buddha and Buddhist teachings. View and discover the meanings of several in this article, including the Lotus Flower, Buddha's Eyes, the Endless Knot, and more.

View some of my favorite Buddhist-based books, including those for children and teens. Many of these are suitable for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, focusing on how developing mindfulness and compassion can help us with the challenges we face in our everyday lives.

Favorites amongst the books I have reviewed for kids and teens, sorted by age group.

Buddhism defines six realms of existence that beings may be born into based on karma, from a god-realm to hell. Learn what these realms are, and why a human birth is considered the most auspicious.

Buddhist mantras - sounds or words repeated aloud or silently - are an important part of meditation practice in some Buddhist schools. This article lists some common mantras and their meanings, and includes a sampling of monks chanting one.

Buddhist nun Pema Chodron's latest book offers insight into how we can work with the triggers of our daily lives, and transmute them into opportunities for spiritual growth and awakening. Buddhists and non-Buddhists will benefit from this gem of a book.

Lama Tsultrim Allione is one of the leading women Buddhist teachers in the West today, and this book includes both her own compelling personal story, as well as the sacred biographies of six historical Tibetan Buddhist yoginis.

The Buddha taught that there are three characteristics of everything we experience in our world - impermanence, suffering or dissatisfaction, and 'no-self'. Understanding the true nature of these is the foundation for Buddhist wisdom and the attainment of nirvana.