Buddhism Site
	Lisa Erickson BellaOnline's Buddhism Editor

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism
Answers to 10 frequently asked questions about Buddhism. This is the place to start if you are new to Buddhism - or even if you're not.

An Overview of Buddhist Writings
Buddhism has thousands of sacred and teaching texts, including sutras, tantras, koan collections and more. Here's a broad overview of the major ones, including a relatively recent find that is sometimes referred to as the 'Buddhist Dead Sea Scrolls'.

Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta - The 3 Marks of Existence
The Buddha taught that there are three characteristics of everything we experience in our world - impermanence, suffering or dissatisfaction, and 'no-self'. Deeply contemplating the nature of these is the foundation for wisdom, which is itself a foundation for enlightenment.

Basics - Introduction to Buddhism and Buddhist Meditation Ebook
This e-book covers the life story of the Buddha, Buddhist branches, scripture, major teachings, ideas about karma, rebirth, and more. It also contains several meditation techniques that you can try.

Buddhist Precepts
The Buddhist Precepts are the core ethical guidelines for practicing Buddhists. There are core 5 Precepts adopted by both lay and monastic practitioners, and then additional Precepts added for monastics. These Precepts are guidelines for practice, not commandments.

Buddhist Rebirth
Many people associate reincarnation with Buddhism, but in fact the Buddha taught a doctrine of rebirth, not reincarnation. What is the difference, and what do the different schools of Buddhism teach about it? What is its relevance to Buddhist meditation and practice?

Detachment in Buddhism
Teachings on detachment in Buddhism are often misunderstood to mean complete detachment from pleasure or personal relationships. In fact, a true understanding of Buddhist detachment goes hand in hand with understanding compassion, and connects, rather than alienates, us.

Test Your Buddhist Knowledge
Test your knowledge (and learn more about) Buddhist Art, Symbols and Writings with the latest Buddhism quiz. If you haven't already tried the Buddhist History and Buddhist Teachings quizzes, be sure to do so - quizzes are a fun learning tool.

The Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are the Buddha's first teaching, and the foundation for Buddhism. They describe the Buddha’s realizations regarding the nature, origin, and cessation of suffering (or dukkha). But what is suffering in the Buddha’s teachings, and how can his understandings help us today?

The Noble EightFold Path
The Eightfold Path is a foundation teaching of Buddhism, the last of the Four Noble Truths, explaining how we can cease suffering and awaken. This article offers a brief overview of each aspect.

The Ten Buddhist Perfections
The paramitas, or perfections, in Buddhism are a set of virtues that aspirants cultivate as part of their path. Cultivating these virtues is seen to purify karma, and clear away hindrances to enlightenment.

The Three Jewels or Refuges
The Three Jewels or Refuges in Buddhism are the three things Buddhists look to for guidance - the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Learn about each of them in this article.

Types of Buddhist Meditation
Meditation is a central to Buddhist practice, within all the various schools and lineages. This article provides an overview of the different types.