It’s no secret that finding time to build your personal meditation practice is difficult. Especially when you are busy or stressed, putting off good habits and self care can be the default. If you travel frequently or keep long hours at work, sustaining a routine for your practice can be even more daunting. Fortunately, there… Read more »
Author: Still Sitting
The Bodhi Tree: A Living Symbol of Awakening
Buddhist practitioners around the world revere the Bodhi Tree as a living symbol of awakening. The majestic fig that sits today at the heart of the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya marks the spot where Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. This tree is believed to be a direct descendent of… Read more »
11 Popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings
Buddhist statues are some of the most recognizable forms of sacred art in the world. From the serene image of the meditating Buddha to the compassionate presence of Kuan Yin, these statues—found in temples and home shrines alike—serve as powerful, tangible reminders of the values they embody. They are not only representations of historical or… Read more »
Exploring Traditional Zen Buddhist Garments
In Zen Buddhism, simplicity and form are not just aesthetic preferences—they are essential parts of the practice. This reverence for form extends to the traditional Zen Buddhist garments worn by practitioners, both lay and ordained. These vestments carry centuries of meaning, a connection to lineage, and a reminder of the vows taken. Whether it’s the… Read more »
What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
In our fast-paced digital world, meditation has emerged as a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace. But meditation is not a singular, monolithic practice. Instead, there are countless variations from cultures around the world. One form known as mindfulness meditation stands out as one of the most accessible and scientifically validated approaches. Meditation encompasses a… Read more »
Meditation and Cortisol: Slaying ‘The Stress Hormone’
Pick up a magazine or do some online browsing and you’ll see that a certain health boogeyman is back in the spotlight: cortisol, “the stress hormone.” You’ll find influencers on TikTok whose claims about “low-cortisol” diets and supplements make bigfoot hunters sound credible. Fortunately, if you’re reading this blog, you already have a powerful tool… Read more »
5 Essential Items For Your Home Meditation Space
Creating a meditation space at home is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself. It doesn’t have to be large or ornate—just intentional. A designated corner or cushion can help you carve out moments of calm in the middle of a busy day. With the right setup, your space becomes an invitation:… Read more »
Buddha’s Birthday: A Global Celebration
In the spring, millions of Buddhists around the world prepare for one of the most significant celebrations of the year: Buddha’s Birthday. Known as Vesak, Buddha Purnima, or Hanamatsuri depending on the tradition, this occasion commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the Buddha. Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated on different dates depending… Read more »
How Meditation Shapes Elite Athletes
From NBA coaches to the Olympic village, meditation shapes how elite athletes compete. When most people think about improving athletic performance, their minds jump to physical training—more repetitions, heavier weights, longer distances, or faster times. Yet sports psychology has increasingly revealed that peak performance isn’t just about physical capabilities. The mental aspect of sports—focus, resilience,… Read more »
What is a Bodhisattva?
On home altars, devotees gather to venerate the serene figure of Kuan Yin, “she who hears the cries of the world” or the flaming-sword-wielding Manjushri. Along roadsides in Japan, small stone statues of Jizo, a diminutive bald man carrying a staff, dot the landscape. They say that he protects the souls of children and travelers.… Read more »
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