Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
diary · tags · RSS · Mastodon · flickr · simple view · grid view · page 5/41
Upādāna: Clinging as the root of suffering in Buddhism
Among the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, upādāna plays a crucial role in explaining why suffering (dukkha) persists. Often translated as ‘clinging’ or ‘grasping’, upādāna represents the intensified attachment that arises from craving (tanhā), binding beings to the cycle of rebirth (samsara). In this post, we explore the meaning of upādāna, its psychological and philosophical implications, and its role in the Buddhist path to liberation.
Tanhā: The root of craving and the cycle of suffering
Among the fundamental insights of Buddhist philosophy, tanhā stands as one of the most pivotal and far-reaching. Commonly translated as ‘craving’ or ‘thirst’, tanhā is identified by Siddhartha Gautama as the primary cause of suffering (dukkha) and the driving force behind saṁsāra, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. More than just a desire for pleasure, tanhā encapsulates the human tendency to cling to experiences, resist change, and perpetuate patterns of attachment and dissatisfaction. Understanding tanhā, its manifestations, and its role in perpetuating suffering is crucial for anyone seeking liberation within the framework of Buddhist thought. In this post, we take a look at the nature of tanhā, its psychological and existential dimensions, and the path to overcoming this fundamental obstacle to awakening.
Anatta: The illusion of self
The Buddhist doctrine of non-self (anatta) is one of the most radical and fascinating concepts in Buddhist philosophy. It undermines the idea of a permanent, independent self, which is prevalent in many religious and philosophical traditions. In this post, we go beyond what we have already explored in our post on the Three Marks of Existence and deepen our understanding of the anatta doctrine through an in-depth examination of how the Buddhist notion of non-self challenges the idea of a fixed identity — through classical analogies, conceptual analysis, and its connection to the doctrines of emptiness (shunyata) and dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda).
Understanding Dukkha: Beyond mere suffering
Among the many concepts that shape Buddhist thought, none is more central — or more widely misunderstood — than dukkha. Often translated as ‘suffering’, the term encompasses far more than extreme pain or hardship. In early Buddhist philosophy, dukkha refers to the persistent unease and instability woven into the fabric of all conditioned experience. It is not a passing misfortune, but a structural feature of existence itself — arising wherever impermanence, craving, and delusion remain unexamined. Understanding dukkha, then, is not merely an entry point into Buddhist thought; it is the very key to the problem Buddhism aims to resolve.
The Three Marks of Existence: Understanding the core of Buddhist reality
Buddhism presents a radical and insightful perspective on reality, one that diverges sharply from many philosophical and religious traditions. At the heart of this perspective are the Three Marks of Existence (tilakkhaṇa in Pāli, trilakṣaṇa in Sanskrit) — three fundamental characteristics that define all conditioned phenomena. These marks — non-self (anatta), impermanence (anicca), and suffering (dukkha) — offer a profound analysis of existence, revealing why suffering arises and how it can be transcended. By deeply understanding these principles, it is thought, that Buddhist practitioners can cultivate wisdom (paññā), compassion (karuṇā), and ethical conduct (sīla), which detaches from illusions to progress toward liberation (nirvāṇa).
The Four Noble Truths: The heart of the Buddha’s teaching
The Four Noble Truths (Pāli: cattāri ariya saccāni; Sanskrit: catvāri ārya satyāni) stand as the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice. These truths, articulated by Siddhartha Gautama in his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, encapsulate both the diagnosis of human suffering and the path to its cessation. Rather than being abstract philosophical musings, the Four Noble Truths provide a pragmatic framework for understanding existence and navigating the path toward liberation. In this post, we explore the depth and significance of each truth, their interconnections, and their relevance in Buddhist thought and practice.
Dharma: The universal law in Buddhism
The term Dharma occupies a central place in Buddhism, representing both the universal law that governs reality and the body of teachings provided by the Buddha. Dharma literally translates as ‘that which supports’ or ‘that which holds together’, reflecting its foundational role in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Within Buddhism, Dharma is understood as the nature of reality itself, the truth the Buddha realized upon his awakening, and the instructions he provided to guide practitioners toward liberation. In this post, we explore essential components of the Buddhist understanding of the Dharma, illustrating how it represents the universal law governing existence and provides the framework for the Buddhist worldview.
Siddhartha Gautama: The historical person behind the Buddha myth
Who was Siddhartha Gautama before he became the Buddha, the most central figure in Buddhism? In this post, we explore that question from a historical perspective, seeking to reconstruct a plausible biography of the man behind the myth. While centuries of devotion and tradition have elevated him into a symbol of awakened wisdom, Siddhartha’s actual life likely began in a small tribal republic in northern India during the 5th or 6th century BCE. Rather than dismissing the textual and oral traditions that preserve his memory, this article reads them critically — neither accepting supernatural claims at face value nor ignoring the consistent patterns that suggest a coherent human story. It situates Siddhartha in the vibrant social, political, and intellectual landscape of his time, and follows his transformation from a privileged heir to a seeker, teacher, and founder of one of the most enduring philosophical traditions in human history. Our goal is not to strip away meaning from the Buddha figure, but to understand the historical Siddhartha Gautama: a thinker shaped by his world, whose radical reimagining of spiritual life continues to resonate today.
Buddhism: Philosophy or religion?
Recently, I read the book Die Philosophie des Buddha – Eine Einführung (The Philosophy of the Buddha – An Introduction) by Sebastian Gäb. I found it to be not only an excellent introduction to Buddhism, but also a thoughtful exploration of several key questions surrounding it. One of the most intriguing questions Gäb raises is whether Buddhism is best understood as a philosophy or a religion. Gäb does not settle this question conclusively in the book. Instead, he chooses to approach Buddhism as a philosophy for the purposes of his book, and outlines a number of compelling arguments for doing so. In this post, I summarize and reflect on Gäb’s arguments. In addition, I try to maintain a broader view that also recognizes the religious dimension that has developed around Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings. My aim is to show that both interpretations — philosophy and religion — are justified, and that understanding their relationship helps us grasp what Buddhism is, and what it can be, more clearly.
Buddhism: A short introduction to its history and heart
Buddhism stands as one of the most influential religious and philosophical traditions in the world, shaping not only spiritual practice but also art, literature, and social institutions across Asia and beyond. From its roots in ancient India to its far-reaching expansions via trade routes and patronage by powerful rulers, Buddhism embodies a complex mosaic of ideas, historical developments, and cultural adaptations. In this post, we give a short introduction to Buddhism as a start of a new series on the history and philosophy of this tradition.