Buddhism Site
	Lisa Erickson BellaOnline's Buddhism Editor

Buddhist Mandalas
Buddhist mandalas employ sacred geometry to create representations of the universe used for meditation and mindfulness training.

Buddhist Mantras
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 Meditation and Brain Changes
Recent research indicates compassion meditation and other Buddhist practices permanently change the brain. Learn how, and what this research means for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

Chakras in Tibetan Buddhism
Chakras or 'channel-wheels' are energy centers associated with points in the body, and meditated on within both Hindu yogic and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This article describes some aspects of Tibetan Buddhist systems that employ chakras.

Finding Your Mindfulness
Mindfulness - being fully present in the moment - is a central part of Buddhist practice. It has also been shown to reduce stress levels and increase productivity. Here's a simple introduction to finding your own form of mindfulness.

Metta or Lovingkindness Meditation
Metta, or 'lovingkindness', meditation is a beautiful spiritual practice common to many Buddhist schools that anyone can practice and benefit from, Buddhist or not. It begins by helping us cultivate feelings of self-love, and concludes with feelings of metta towards all beings.

Mindfulness for Healing Trauma
A growing number of psychotherapists and other mental health practitioners are incorporating Buddhist-based meditation and mindfulness practices into their therapeutic work, especially with trauma victims. Explore how this may help you or someone you know.

Starting a Meditation Practice
Regular meditation benefits your mind, body, and spirit, regardless of whether you are doing it as part of a Buddhist practice. Here are some tips for building meditation into your daily life.

Thinking Vs. Sinking Mind in Meditation
In meditation, most of us swing between 'monkey-mind', in which we are running from thought to thought, or 'sinking' mind, in which we feel either drowsy or simply dimly aware. Here is advice for dealing with either.

Types of Buddhist Meditation
Meditation is an essential part of Buddhist practice, and there are many different types, ranging from focusing on the breath, to mindfulness, to mandala and mantra meditations.

Vipassana or Insight Meditation
Vipassana means 'insight into reality' and is a method of meditation focused on observing the mind, rather than concentrating it, in order to discover the roots of thoughts and sensations.