I apologize in advance if this question is not in the scope of this SE. Rather than read about the principles of Buddhism, I'd rather experience the practice of Buddhism through watching a movie. Is there a movie that shows a character learning about Buddhism demonstrating good and bad behaviors as the character learns? For example, something makes the character angry and the movie shows how the person reacts "in a Buddhist way" or reacts in a way that shows the outcome as it relates to Buddhist principles? Preferable to be in the English language and entertaining for adults.

I'm looking for some book(s) that are generally regarded as a good introduction to Buddhism. I know very little about Buddhism, having only read one book on it so far (*What Makes You Not a Buddhist* by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche ). I found the book entertaining, but I'm not sure it was the best introduction for someone completely ignorant on the matter. Are western takes on Buddhism - or at least books on Buddhism by western authors - a good way to start? Or should one jump right into books like the *Tibetan Book of the Dead* ? **What are some books generally regarded as good for a general introduction on Buddhism?**

How to learn dhamma as Māhāvihāra Theravāda Buddhists? How Māhāvihāra Theravāda Buddhists learn kammaṭhāna and dhamma for over 2600 years?

I am a 25 year old who has become interested in Buddhism due to personal reasons. > Are there any good websites which have material to understand Buddhism from the start? Can you please recommend them if there are any?

There were at least 22 universities according to this -- [Ancient Buddhist Universities in India](https://mu.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2016-Ancient-Buddhist-University-in-India-compressed.pdf) by Dr. Sandesh Wagh, Mumbai University: > - In contrast to this with the rise of Buddhism in India, there arose many center's of learning which did not exist before. > - Buddhist monks could opt for a life of meditation in the forests, or a life of teaching, preaching, propagating the Dhamma as a result of these activities, seats of learning arose. > - These seats of monastic learning (Pirivenas) gradually developed and some of them became fullfledged universities. > > 22 Major Ancient Buddhist University > > - These organized institutions in the form of Monasteries, Viharas and Universities formed the spinal cord of the country. > - Well established regular educational institutions were founded during Buddhist period. > - Gradually big shrines and hermitages began to function as educational institutions. > - With the passage of time these places assumed the status of institutions imparting primary and higher education. > 1. Takshila Buddhist University > 2. Nalanda Buddhist University > 3. Vallabhi Buddhist University > 4. Vikramshila Buddhist University > 5. Teleadaka Buddhist University > 6. Odantapuri Buddhist University > 7. Sompura Buddhist University > 8. Jaggadala Buddhist University > 9. Phushpagiri Buddhist University > 10. Nagaarjunakonda Buddhist University > 11. Kashmir or Shardha Buddhist University > 1. Ujjain Buddhist University > 2. Nabadwip Buddhist University > 3. Tawang Buddhist University > 4. Shrangiri Buddhist University > 5. Samye Buddhist University > 6. PanditVihara Buddhist University > 7. Gunshila Buddhist Women University > 8. Kashi Buddhist University > 9. Kanchipuram Buddhist University > 10. Kururshetra Buddhist University > 11. Kanheri Rock-cut Buddhist University However were there any other universities outside India (the Indian subcontinent as we know it now), especially China, Korea, southeast Asia? There were lot of Scholars who travelled to and from India, do any of their travelogues mention any of these universities?

I've created an Anki deck (still WIP, link here: https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/414202630) , drawing on the translations available here in SuttaCentral (with direct links to those pages). My thinking is that using spaced-repetition might be a helpful way for beginners and intermediate practitioners to grasp the core Dhamma teachings, based on the Early Buddhist texts and extracts (excluding Abhidhamma, later Mahayana teachings, etc., but focusing on the common core across the different traditions.) Right now, I've just included the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path. This will gradually expand to include the rest of the 37 *bodhipakyadhamma*. I've also included the Chinese Agama counterparts (but without English translation, so maybe less helpful unless one is bilingual in both English and Traditional Chinese). My questions: 1. Do you think such a tool is helpful in learning and practicing the Dhamma? 2. Appreciate if you could try out the deck, and provide any feedback for improvement please! :) With much metta, PJ

I have asked this considering the importance of Pali in Buddhism. I want to learn Pali. I want to learn it individually on my own. Is there any relatively simple way? Can anyone suggest me anything? Any free learning sites will be appreciated.

There are a few posts on the site asking for good introduction/beginner books on Buddhism, but I can't seem to find any that a child could read and understand. Although age range doesn't really matter to the answer that people might post, let's say someone between the age of 7 and 14, just to have some context.

For the [reasons explained here](https://buddhism.meta.stackexchange.com/q/2248/254) , can you recommend one or more books about Buddhism? - I suggest a format like, > Title of Book by Name of Author > A summary of what's in the book, recommended for these reasons. - One book per answer (but multiple answers, a different book for each answer, is welcome) - Books -- but not videos -- i.e. readable; published in print, and/or online - I think it's more important to mention why you recommend a book, and less important to summarise what's in it --- Unlike most other topics on this site, this topic is [Community Wiki](https://meta.stackexchange.com/a/11741/139866) . If it's a good *introductory* book then post it here instead -- https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/60/254 -- and use this topic for other (non-Introductory) books about any more-specific topics.

Perhaps this should be closed as [a 'shopping' question](https://meta.stackexchange.com/a/158810/139866) , but maybe translations take a long time to make and therefore there are not too many of them, and they don't go out of date quickly. The English texts I use seem unreliable. For example: - One book I have (using a 1925 CE translation) has a translation which (because it uses an abstract noun "the lovely") [I had thoroughly failed](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/4053/compassion-to-friends-stepping-in-vs-letting-them-learn-on-their-own#comment5397_4055) to understand. In that case, [the 'Access to Insight' translation](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn45/sn45.002.than.html) was clearer (using concrete nouns like 'with people' and 'with friends' instead of abstractions like "with what is lovely"). So I have been using **Access to Insight**. - However when I wanted the Samuddo Sutta, the [Access to Insight version](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn35/sn35.187.wlsh.html) is (in my opinion) relatively very inadequate compared to [this **Buddha Vacana** version](http://www.buddha-vacana.org/sutta/samyutta/salayatana/sn35-229.html) . I only found these using Google, i.e. I have no expertise about what translations exist. - Can you recommend **any (single) specific translations**? - Can you give **any survey of what (many) is available**? - Or should I ask about **translators** instead of translations (I'd prefer 'the best' translation rather than the 'historically-first' translation)? Even if there are too many, are there **great/classic resources** that any Anglophone should know? - **Printed** books would be on-topic, though I'm warned that such things might be [ten times the size of a bible](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/4019/254) . - **Online** or (at least) **digital** references might be convenient. For example the side-by-side (hyper-linkable) translation feature found on the *Buddha Vacana* site helped me understand (by linking to the Pali word) what it meant when it said "mental phenomena". - A resource for any **European** language (English, French, German, etc) would be interesting - Google Translate doesn't do Pali or Sanskrit, but if there's a (free or affordable) semi-competent **machine-based** translator (accurate although not poetic or idiomatic), that might be good (though it may be hoping too much, to hope for the existence of such a thing yet).

This is in the spirit of this (previously requested) https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/25889/254 Books are wonderful for learning (and audio books are great travel partners/work listening), but I wondered if those of you who listen to podcasts could suggest a Buddhist podcast that serves your learning style. Please include: - a link to it, - a few words about what it brings you (or a description, as you like) - If it is in a language other than English please mention it to help those who would prefer to listen in a language in which they are more fluent. I would prefer only a list of the ones you like/recommend. thank you MODERATOR's MESSAGE: please post one podcast per answer, so people can vote for each podcast individually.

I recently bought this *Ayya Khema Ebook Bundle* . I bought the bundle for my own interest in the first place but after reading in them I would now like to share them with my friend, who is just starting out on the Buddhist Path. Can I share the books I bought with my friend or should I buy the Ebook bundle again in order to share it? Thank you for your time.

I run a Buddhist blog with daily updates and i am facing a bit of trouble finding sources for it as i try to update it everyday with at least a single new article or a book everyday. I am already using "Accesstoinsight.org" as a primary source of good materials. Can you please mention a few more such good web sites?

I've read many books on Buddhism in the last 3 years and I started to meditate daily 10 months ago. I have a general idea about many topics, without a deep understanding of any of it. Is there a specific way in which a lay person with a deep commitment for Buddhism should approach the teachings? Is there a specific order of the subjects? Can you, please, give me some advice about where to start and how to proceed? Thank you!

I am listening through the talks and guided meditations from the retreat at Amaravati Just One More: Dependent Origination and the Cycles of Addiction Retreat , where there are a number of references to the teachings, and using them in meditation. However, although I've found many websites referencing the Paṭiccasamuppāda, I've been unable to find study materials for learning how to practically use the teachings. Not having any teacher nearby, I have been looking online for materials. Wikipedia mentions the Twelve Nidānas , but that resource is mostly fact oriented, which is not what I am looking for. Can anyone direct me towards any online materials (website, pdf, audio, video) that help develop techniques in this area? **EDIT** for clarification. There are many writings on the subject, and many try to explain the concepts of dependent origination. However, this question is regarding **finding practical instructions to applying the teachings in meditation**. In other words, instead of focusing on acquiring some intellectual "understanding" of the teachings, I am following the "see for yourself" approach, by not taking anyone's word for granted. Instead, using the teachings to access the wisdom they describe. In essence, it's like being thirsty, and finding a sign saying "water this way ->". You have the choice to walk the path leading to the water, and drink, or study the sign, which won't leave you any less thirsty.

I really like Ajahn Brahm's Darma talks on YouTube. But, I can perfectly understand what he's saying on 2x speed. Am I losing anything by listening at this speed or is it ok as long as it's not for any other reason than I can understand it so I can watch two in the same amount of time as one?

Can someone help ? i am looking for fun teaching of meditation and Buddhist teaching from age 4 ~ 13 old. Also help with morality, environmental protection, chanting, Buddhist religion's etiquette and meditation would be appreciated.

I organise an afternoon where we invite parents and children to out my local Buddhist centre . I put on some craft type activity for the children and then we do a mini reflection and a story. The adults eat cake. Previously I have been shamelessly inspired (i.e. pinched) the ideas for crafts from the local Methodist church (my wife used to go to their family afternoon). But I would really like some crafts and/or activity that are themed around Buddhist practice and or texts and stories. The children are between 1 and about 7 years old but some older ones did attend last time and it was particularly challenging to think of something for them. I think they got bored. I don't mind spending money on materials - I do that anyway in the spirit of contribution to the centre. Many thanks for any all ideas

This community wiki post is about gathering lists that serve as a ***quick-overview*** of the different Dhammas in Buddhism. We are looking for dhamma-lists from all traditions. If you have found a list and want to post it please follow the same formating style.

There is some person in my life and whenever I see his or her photo, or something related to him or her (e. g. reminder of the place he or she lives), I experience strong feelings. They are totally irrational (I haven't been in contact with this person for years, I live thousands of kilometers apart from him or her) and I don't understand them (when you don't see a person for a long time, you tend to forget him or her, but I don't). No psychological technique I tried (all kind of NLP stuff, EMDR, meditations, relaxation tapes, long walks, sex, talking with lots of nice people, hard work and whatnot) didn't help me understand and get rid of those feelings. Whenever I think I've forgotten him or her, I get a reminder from the outside world (someone mentions something related to him or her, or a there is a billboard with a message related to him or her, or I hear a piece of music from his or her region in the radio etc.). Basically, I need to figure out whether 1. I should do something with or about this person or 1. just forget him or her. What publicly available Buddhist teachnings can I read in order to learn in order to sort out these feelings (begin to understand their nature) **on my own** ? Notes: 1. I don't want to discuss what kind of feelings they are. I just need a manual, which I can apply and do it myself. 1. Going to a group, or talking to a psychologist or guru aren't viable options because according to my experience 99.9 % of advice you get from other people on important matters is wrong (in the past such advice caused more harm than good).