The 7 Factors of Enlightenment
A Sri Lankan Theravada monk on the interconnected factors that lead to awakening
Enlightenment
Enlightenment, or awakening, in Buddhism is used to translate the Pali and Sanskrit term bodhi, which has its root in the meaning of to awaken and to know. It means direct insight into the fundamental truths of existence: the four noble truths, which are the truth of suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path out of suffering, known as the eightfold path. Enlightenment, or awakening, is distinct from nirvana (Pali, nibbana), which is the extinguishing of suffering, as opposed to understanding the ultimate nature of reality.
The Nature of Concepts
Plato’s allegory of the cave as a metaphor for seeking nirvana
The Path to Awakening
Korean meditation master Daehaeng offers a concise teaching on reaching enlightenment in the midst of defilements
Remembering My Child
Grieving the death of her only son, a mother unexpectedly finds awakening.
Things as They Can Be
What happens in awakening
The Philosophy of No-Mind
Ineffable enlightenment experiences in the life and times of Ishida Baigan
Enlightenment Is Broadway
Stripping away the ritual and finding Zen at the checkout line
Translating Bodhi
A Theravada monk argues that “awakening” is the enlightened choice
In Defense of “Enlightenment”
“Awakening” has become the preferred English term for the Buddha’s attainment. But has something gotten lost in translation?
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