3 min read•Last Updated on July 22, 2024
Buddhism is evolving in the modern world. Contemporary movements like Engaged Buddhism and Secular Buddhism are adapting ancient teachings to address current issues. These movements focus on social justice, environmental concerns, and practical applications of Buddhist principles in daily life.
Influential leaders like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama are shaping Buddhism's global impact. Socially engaged Buddhism applies Buddhist values to tackle societal problems, while globalization has led to new interpretations and practices, challenging traditional structures and expanding Buddhism's reach.
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The Three Universal Truths | vipassana View original
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File:Buddhist monk meditation.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
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Schools of Buddhism - Wikipedia View original
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The Three Universal Truths | vipassana View original
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Bhikkhu bodhi refers to the state of enlightenment achieved by a monk, or bhikkhu, in the Buddhist tradition. This term underscores the significance of monastic life and practice in attaining spiritual wisdom and liberation from suffering. It highlights the essential role of monks in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings, especially during Buddhism's interactions with modernity and the evolution of contemporary movements seeking reform and relevance in today's society.
Term 1 of 32
Bhikkhu bodhi refers to the state of enlightenment achieved by a monk, or bhikkhu, in the Buddhist tradition. This term underscores the significance of monastic life and practice in attaining spiritual wisdom and liberation from suffering. It highlights the essential role of monks in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings, especially during Buddhism's interactions with modernity and the evolution of contemporary movements seeking reform and relevance in today's society.
Term 1 of 32
Engaged Buddhism is a movement within the Buddhist tradition that emphasizes applying Buddhist teachings and practices to social, political, and environmental issues. It seeks to integrate mindfulness, compassion, and ethical conduct into real-world activism, promoting a holistic approach to address the suffering caused by injustice, inequality, and environmental degradation.
Mindfulness: The practice of being fully present and aware in the moment, often cultivated through meditation, which is central to Buddhist teachings and integral to engaged Buddhism.
Socially Engaged Buddhism: A broader term that includes various movements and individuals who apply Buddhist principles to social issues, advocating for social justice and ecological sustainability.
Interdependence: The fundamental Buddhist concept that all beings are connected and that one's actions have far-reaching consequences, underscoring the motivation behind engaged Buddhism.
Secular Buddhism refers to an approach to Buddhist teachings and practices that emphasizes their philosophical, ethical, and psychological aspects while often setting aside traditional religious beliefs, rituals, and metaphysical claims. This perspective aims to adapt Buddhist principles to a modern, secular context, allowing individuals to engage with its teachings without necessarily adhering to the religious structures of traditional Buddhism. Secular Buddhism engages with contemporary issues, often intersecting with Western culture and science, as well as modern movements seeking reform within the broader Buddhist tradition.
Mindfulness: A practice derived from Buddhist meditation that emphasizes awareness and presence in the moment, often used in secular contexts for mental well-being.
Humanistic Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that focuses on social engagement, human welfare, and promoting Buddhist values in a modern, secular world.
Buddhism and Science: The study of the intersections between Buddhist philosophy and contemporary scientific understanding, particularly in psychology and neuroscience.
Social justice refers to the pursuit of a fair and equitable society in which all individuals have equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their background. In the context of contemporary Buddhist movements and reforms, social justice encompasses various efforts aimed at addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and human rights violations, drawing from the core teachings of Buddhism that emphasize compassion, interconnectedness, and the alleviation of suffering.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles to social, political, and environmental issues, advocating for social change and justice.
Compassion: A fundamental aspect of Buddhist teaching that encourages empathy and active concern for the well-being of others, serving as a driving force behind social justice initiatives.
Interdependence: The Buddhist concept that all beings are interconnected, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in addressing societal issues and promoting justice.
Environmental concerns refer to issues related to the degradation and sustainability of the natural environment, which have become increasingly important in contemporary discourse. In the context of Buddhism, these concerns connect to the principles of interdependence and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving the environment as a reflection of ethical living and compassionate action.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that seeks to apply Buddhist teachings and principles to social, political, and environmental issues, advocating for active involvement in creating positive change.
Deep Ecology: A philosophical perspective that argues for the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, promoting a fundamental shift in human-nature relationships.
Buddhist Economics: An approach that integrates Buddhist principles with economic theory, emphasizing sustainability, ethical consumption, and the well-being of all sentient beings.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a renowned Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, and author known for popularizing mindfulness and engaged Buddhism in the West. His teachings emphasize the importance of ethical conduct, mindfulness in daily life, and meditation practices, making significant contributions to the revival and contemporary movements within Buddhism.
Mindfulness: A mental practice that involves focusing one's awareness on the present moment, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement founded by Thich Nhat Hanh that combines Buddhist principles with social action, promoting peace and social justice.
Meditation: A practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, regarded as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This title has significant cultural and religious implications, as the Dalai Lama plays a crucial role in both religious practices and political leadership within Tibetan communities. His influence extends beyond Tibet, impacting cultural adaptations and contemporary Buddhist movements globally.
Bodhisattva: A Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.
Tibetan Buddhism: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that incorporates unique rituals, beliefs, and practices from Tibetan culture, emphasizing meditation and the pursuit of enlightenment.
Lama: A Lama is a teacher of Buddhism in Tibet, who is regarded as a spiritual guide and often holds a significant position in Tibetan society.
Socially engaged Buddhism refers to the movement within Buddhism that actively seeks to address social, political, and environmental issues through the application of Buddhist principles. This approach emphasizes compassionate action and social justice, encouraging practitioners to engage with the world around them to alleviate suffering and promote peace. It connects deeply with the historical contexts of Buddhism's rise and decline in India, as well as contemporary movements that seek to reform Buddhist practices to be more socially responsible.
Engaged Buddhism: A term often used interchangeably with socially engaged Buddhism, emphasizing the application of Buddhist teachings to social activism and ethical responsibility.
Social Dharma: The understanding and application of Buddhist teachings to contemporary social issues, focusing on justice, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): A therapeutic program that integrates mindfulness meditation with cognitive therapy, often seen as part of the broader movement of bringing Buddhist practices into modern health and wellness contexts.
Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, cultures, and people through trade, communication, technology, and migration. This phenomenon has significant implications for contemporary Buddhist movements and reforms, as it influences the way Buddhism is practiced, understood, and adapted across different cultures and societies.
Cultural Exchange: The process by which different cultures share ideas, customs, and traditions, often leading to adaptations and the blending of cultural practices.
Diaspora: The dispersion of people from their original homeland, which can lead to the spread of cultural practices and beliefs, including religious traditions like Buddhism.
Transnationalism: The process of individuals or groups maintaining connections across national borders, influencing their identities and practices while participating in multiple countries.
Humanistic Buddhism is a contemporary movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles to improve the human condition and promote social engagement. It seeks to integrate traditional Buddhist teachings with modern social issues, focusing on ethical living, community service, and personal development, aiming to address the needs of people in everyday life rather than solely concentrating on monastic practices or esoteric teachings.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement that encourages Buddhists to actively engage in social, political, and environmental issues, applying Buddhist teachings to bring about positive change in society.
Secular Buddhism: A modern interpretation of Buddhism that focuses on the philosophical and ethical aspects of the tradition while minimizing supernatural beliefs and rituals.
Theravada Buddhism: One of the oldest branches of Buddhism that emphasizes individual enlightenment through meditation and moral conduct, often contrasting with the communal focus of Humanistic Buddhism.
Fo Guang Shan is a prominent Buddhist organization founded in Taiwan in 1967 by Master Hsing Yun. This movement focuses on the integration of Buddhism with modern society, emphasizing education, cultural activities, and social welfare while promoting humanistic Buddhism, which aims to bring the teachings of the Buddha into everyday life.
Humanistic Buddhism: A modern approach to Buddhism that emphasizes applying Buddhist principles to daily life, focusing on social engagement and improving the human condition.
Master Hsing Yun: The founder of Fo Guang Shan, known for his efforts to modernize Buddhism and promote its relevance in contemporary society through various initiatives.
Buddhist Education: An important aspect of Fo Guang Shan's mission that includes establishing schools and universities to promote Buddhist teachings and ethics among students.
The Tzu Chi Foundation is a global humanitarian organization founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Master Cheng Yen, focusing on providing medical care, disaster relief, and educational support. It embodies the principles of compassion and altruism found in Buddhist teachings, striving to alleviate suffering and promote peace through charitable initiatives and volunteerism.
Compassion: A fundamental Buddhist value emphasizing empathy and kindness towards all living beings, driving the actions of organizations like Tzu Chi.
Bodhisattva: In Mahayana Buddhism, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings, exemplified by Tzu Chi's charitable work.
Humanitarian Aid: Assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, often during crises or disasters, which aligns with Tzu Chi's mission to help those in need regardless of their background.
Stephen Batchelor is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and author known for his secular approach to Buddhism. He emphasizes a modern interpretation of Buddhist teachings, advocating for a practice that is relevant and applicable to contemporary life, often stripping away traditional cultural elements and rituals that can distance Buddhism from its core principles.
Secular Buddhism: A movement that interprets Buddhism without reliance on supernatural beliefs, focusing instead on practical ethics and meditation practices.
Mindfulness: A mental practice rooted in Buddhist meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way, widely adopted in various contexts beyond traditional Buddhism.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement that seeks to apply Buddhist teachings to social, political, and environmental issues, promoting active involvement in societal challenges.
Sam Harris is a contemporary author, neuroscientist, and philosopher known for his critiques of religion and advocacy for secularism. His work often emphasizes the importance of reason and scientific inquiry in understanding human morality and the nature of belief, connecting to modern Buddhist movements that challenge traditional views and promote rational thought.
Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a society based on reason and ethics without reliance on religious doctrine.
Mindfulness: A practice rooted in Buddhism that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment, often discussed by Harris as a means of improving mental well-being.
Neuroscience: The scientific study of the nervous system, which Harris draws upon in his arguments regarding consciousness, morality, and the implications of free will.
The vipassana movement refers to a contemporary practice of insight meditation that emphasizes direct experience and awareness of the present moment. This movement has roots in the Theravada Buddhist tradition and has gained significant popularity worldwide, particularly in the context of modern mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques.
Meditation: A practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
Mindfulness: The psychological process of bringing one's attention to the present moment, often cultivated through meditation practices like vipassana.
Theravada Buddhism: One of the oldest branches of Buddhism, which emphasizes individual enlightenment through meditation and adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha.
S.N. Goenka was a prominent teacher of Vipassana meditation and a key figure in the modern revival of Buddhism, particularly in the context of contemporary Buddhist movements and reforms. He established a network of meditation centers worldwide, promoting the practice of Vipassana as a means to achieve insight and mental clarity. His teachings emphasized a secular approach to meditation, making it accessible to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Vipassana: A form of meditation that focuses on deep awareness of bodily sensations and mental processes, leading to insight into the nature of reality.
Meditation Centers: Places established for teaching and practicing meditation, often providing retreats and guidance for practitioners.
Secular Buddhism: An approach to Buddhism that emphasizes practical teachings and practices without the religious or supernatural elements, focusing instead on personal experience and ethics.
The Insight Meditation Society (IMS) is a prominent organization that offers meditation retreats and teachings based on the principles of insight meditation, rooted in Theravada Buddhism. Established in 1975, it has played a crucial role in introducing mindfulness and meditation practices to Western audiences, bridging the gap between traditional Buddhist practices and modern psychological approaches to well-being.
Vipassana: A form of insight meditation focusing on seeing things as they truly are, emphasizing mindfulness and awareness of thoughts and sensations.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): A therapeutic program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn that incorporates mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Buddhism in the West: The adaptation and integration of Buddhist teachings and practices within Western culture, often leading to new interpretations and movements.
Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. It plays a crucial role in understanding suffering and cultivating ethical conduct, providing a pathway to mental discipline and a deeper connection to the nature of existence.
Meditation: A mental exercise that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of calm and heightened awareness.
Awareness: The ability to consciously perceive and respond to internal and external stimuli, forming the foundation for mindfulness practice.
Concentration: The mental ability to focus one's attention on a particular object or thought, which is often enhanced through mindfulness practices.
The Plum Village Tradition is a contemporary Buddhist movement founded by Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh in the 1980s, emphasizing mindfulness, community living, and engaged Buddhism. This tradition focuses on integrating meditation and mindfulness practices into everyday life to cultivate peace, compassion, and awareness, making Buddhism accessible and relevant to modern practitioners.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that seeks to apply the teachings and practices of Buddhism to social, political, environmental, and economic issues.
Mindfulness: The psychological process of bringing one's attention to the present moment, often cultivated through meditation practices and key to the Plum Village Tradition.
Thich Nhat Hanh: A Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, and author who founded the Plum Village Tradition and is known for his teachings on mindfulness and engaged Buddhism.
The Order of Interbeing is a concept in Buddhism that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, illustrating how everything exists in relation to everything else. This idea is foundational to many contemporary Buddhist movements, promoting a holistic understanding of existence and encouraging compassion, mindfulness, and ecological awareness.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement that applies Buddhist teachings to social, political, and environmental issues, emphasizing active participation in improving society.
Mindfulness: The practice of being fully present and aware in the moment, fostering deeper connections to oneself and the surrounding world.
Dependent Origination: A core Buddhist teaching stating that all phenomena arise in dependence on conditions and are interconnected, reinforcing the idea that nothing exists in isolation.
Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama, a significant figure in contemporary Buddhism who advocates for peace, compassion, and human values. As the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, he has played a pivotal role in promoting Tibetan culture and the importance of non-violence in the face of adversity, particularly after his exile from Tibet in 1959. His teachings emphasize the need for a modern adaptation of Buddhist principles to address contemporary global issues.
Dalai Lama: The title given to the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
Tibetan Buddhism: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by its unique practices, rituals, and beliefs, heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and philosophy.
Non-violence: A principle often associated with Buddhist teachings that emphasizes peaceful resolution of conflict and the rejection of violence as a means to achieve goals.
Bhikkhu bodhi refers to the state of enlightenment achieved by a monk, or bhikkhu, in the Buddhist tradition. This term underscores the significance of monastic life and practice in attaining spiritual wisdom and liberation from suffering. It highlights the essential role of monks in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings, especially during Buddhism's interactions with modernity and the evolution of contemporary movements seeking reform and relevance in today's society.
Sangha: The community of monks and nuns in Buddhism, considered one of the Three Jewels alongside the Buddha and Dharma.
Bodhisattva: A being who seeks enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings, often associated with Mahayana Buddhism.
Vinaya: The code of monastic discipline that governs the ethical conduct of monks and nuns in Buddhism.
Shunryu Suzuki was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher who played a significant role in introducing Zen Buddhism to the Western world, particularly in the United States during the 20th century. He is best known for founding the San Francisco Zen Center and for his teachings that emphasized the importance of practice and mindfulness in daily life, bridging traditional Zen practices with contemporary needs.
Zen Buddhism: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation (zazen) as the primary means of awakening and enlightenment.
San Francisco Zen Center: One of the largest Zen centers in the United States, founded by Shunryu Suzuki in 1962, serving as a hub for Zen practice and education.
Mindfulness: The practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, often emphasized in both Zen Buddhism and contemporary mindfulness practices.
Zen mind, beginner's mind is a concept in Zen Buddhism that emphasizes approaching life with openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceived notions. This mindset encourages individuals to experience the world as if they were seeing it for the first time, fostering curiosity and freshness in their perceptions. In the context of contemporary Buddhist movements and reforms, this idea inspires practitioners to let go of attachments to past experiences or rigid beliefs, facilitating personal growth and deeper understanding.
Mindfulness: A mental practice of focusing one's awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Satori: A sudden moment of enlightenment or realization in Zen Buddhism, often described as an awakening to the true nature of reality.
Shikantaza: A form of seated meditation in Zen that translates to 'just sitting,' emphasizing complete attention to the present moment without any specific focus.
The San Francisco Zen Center is a prominent Buddhist organization founded in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki, known for its role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the Western world. This center has significantly influenced the contemporary Buddhist landscape in the U.S. by promoting Zen practices, meditation, and community involvement, making it a key player in modern Buddhist movements and reforms.
Shunryu Suzuki: A Japanese Zen master who played a critical role in introducing Zen Buddhism to the West and founded the San Francisco Zen Center.
Zazen: A form of seated meditation that is central to Zen practice, emphasizing mindfulness and direct experience.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that emphasizes social action and responsibility, seeking to apply Buddhist principles to social, political, and environmental issues.
Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over a territory or people, often by establishing settlements and exploiting resources, which typically leads to the domination and subjugation of the native population. This historical phenomenon has profoundly influenced social, political, and economic structures in colonized regions and has had lasting effects on cultural identities and religious practices, particularly in the context of Buddhism as it encountered Western powers and modernity.
Postcolonialism: A critical approach that examines the cultural, political, and social legacies of colonialism and imperialism, often focusing on the experiences and perspectives of formerly colonized peoples.
Cultural Imperialism: The imposition of one culture over others, often seen in the spread of Western cultural values and norms during the colonial period, which affected indigenous practices and beliefs.
Decolonization: The process through which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, leading to a reassertion of local cultures, identities, and governance.
Social inequalities refer to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, often resulting in disparities in wealth, education, healthcare, and social status. These inequalities can affect various groups based on factors like class, race, gender, and religion, leading to systemic disadvantages that are difficult to overcome. In the context of contemporary Buddhist movements and reforms, social inequalities highlight the need for addressing these disparities and promoting social justice through Buddhist teachings and practices.
Social Justice: The pursuit of equality and fairness in social policy, aiming to eliminate discrimination and provide equal opportunities for all individuals.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that emphasizes applying Buddhist teachings to social, political, and environmental issues to create positive change.
Caste System: A hierarchical social structure found in some cultures, particularly in India, that divides people into different social groups based on heredity and occupation.
Interdependence is the concept that all phenomena arise in dependence on other phenomena, emphasizing that nothing exists in isolation. This idea highlights the interconnectedness of all things, where each element influences and is influenced by others, which is crucial for understanding the nature of existence and the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Dependent Origination: A fundamental Buddhist teaching explaining how various factors contribute to the arising of phenomena, illustrating the chain of causation leading to suffering and enlightenment.
Anatta: The doctrine of non-self in Buddhism, which posits that there is no permanent, unchanging self and that individuals are a collection of changing components influenced by interdependence.
Karma: The law of moral causation in Buddhism, where actions have consequences that affect future experiences, emphasizing how one's actions are interdependent with their circumstances.
The Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF) is an organization founded in 1978 that seeks to engage Buddhism with social justice and activism. It emphasizes the importance of applying Buddhist principles, such as compassion and mindfulness, to address social issues like war, poverty, and environmental crises. The BPF aims to create a more just and peaceful world by promoting a compassionate response to the suffering experienced in society.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement that combines Buddhist teachings with social and political activism, focusing on addressing societal issues through compassionate action.
Social Justice: The pursuit of a society where individuals have equitable access to rights, resources, and opportunities, often addressed through activism and reform efforts.
Mindfulness: A mental practice rooted in Buddhism that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a global organization that connects socially engaged Buddhist practitioners, promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace. The network fosters dialogue and collaboration among Buddhists around the world, encouraging them to apply Buddhist teachings to contemporary social issues and engage in activism that aligns with their values.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles to address social, political, and environmental issues.
Socially Engaged Buddhism: An approach that encourages Buddhists to actively participate in social change and community service, reflecting compassion and mindfulness in action.
Mindfulness-Based Social Change: A practice that integrates mindfulness techniques with social activism, aiming to create awareness and promote healing within communities.
Zen Peacemakers is an international organization founded by Bernie Glassman in the 1990s that combines Zen Buddhism with social action, emphasizing compassion, community service, and non-violent conflict resolution. This movement aims to address social issues through mindfulness and a commitment to peace, fostering interfaith dialogue and community engagement to create positive change in the world.
Engaged Buddhism: A movement within Buddhism that emphasizes applying Buddhist teachings to social, political, and environmental issues, promoting active involvement in societal change.
Mindfulness: The practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, often used as a tool for promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Socially Engaged Buddhism: A form of Buddhism that advocates for addressing societal challenges and injustices through compassionate action, inspired by Buddhist principles.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a therapeutic program that incorporates mindfulness meditation and yoga to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. It emphasizes the practice of being fully present in the moment, allowing individuals to cultivate a deeper awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This approach draws heavily from Buddhist practices, especially in its use of meditation, making it relevant to discussions about the role of meditation in promoting mental well-being and its influence on modern adaptations of Buddhist teachings.
Mindfulness: A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Meditation: A practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness.
Therapeutic Applications: The use of mindfulness practices in various therapeutic settings to help individuals cope with psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
The bhikkhuni ordination movement is a contemporary effort to establish full monastic ordination for women in the Buddhist tradition, particularly within Theravada Buddhism. This movement seeks to revive the bhikkhuni lineage that has been largely absent in many regions, advocating for gender equality within the monastic community and promoting the inclusion of women as fully ordained monks.
bhikkhu: A bhikkhu is a fully ordained male monk in Buddhism, adhering to the Vinaya, the monastic code of conduct.
Theravada Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism, prevalent in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, emphasizing the original teachings of the Buddha.
Vinaya: The Vinaya is the regulatory framework for the monastic community in Buddhism, outlining rules and guidelines for monks and nuns.