A Buddhist-Themed Commencement Address
In his speech to UCLA’s graduating Humanities students, Professor Robert E. Buswell, Jr. emphasizes self-reliance and “seeing things as they are” on the path to realizing their dreams.
Robert E. Buswell, Jr.
Robert E. Buswell, Jr. holds the Irving and Jean Stone Endowed Chair in Humanities at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is also Distinguished Professor of Buddhist Studies and founding director of the Center for Buddhist Studies
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Four Ennobling Truths
The four noble truths are not true for everyone.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
The Biggest Misconception about Buddhism
Contrary to popular belief, most Buddhists throughout history have not meditated.
10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Two Buddhist scholars expand on popular misconceptions about Buddhism.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Only the Occasional Brothel
The “unconstrained conduct” of Zen is more literary trope than pervasive practice.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Was Buddha God or Human?
While Buddhism has a place for gods, the Buddha wasn’t exactly one of them.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
One Way to Nirvana
It’s not just the Buddha Way that’s different—the Buddhist mountaintop is different, too.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Slow-Motion Satori
The Zen tradition’s “sudden enlightenment” may not be so sudden after all.
Teachings 10 Misconceptions about Buddhism
Buddhism: Philosophy or Religion?
In Asian religious traditions, religion—with its myths, magic, and miracles—goes hand in hand with philosophy.
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