Letting go: How do stoics deal with regret?
Dealing with past events can be troublesome and draining. It is quite reasonable to think that every person has his own regrets in life. As humans, we lament over the things we did, and those things we wish we had done. We’re not consumed by regrets all the…
How Should a Stoic Look at Self-Control?
Realizing Self-Control What is self-control and how should a Stoic look at it? Many people seek self-control, but many inevitably fail in that endeavor. The wisdom passed onto us by the ancient Stoics can help us to better understand self-control and enable us to fully realize it. Stoicism…
Why is Stoicism Important?
The Ideal Citizen Many people may question the importance of Stoicism. Yet, the impact of this ancient philosophy has been profound and impactful throughout history. As the Britannica encyclopedia eloquently put it: “In urging participation in human affairs, Stoics have always believed that the goal of all inquiry…
Much more than a chant: What is a mantra in Buddhism?
“If you wish to understand the Universe, think of energy, frequency and vibration. “ Nikola Tesla Many Buddhist mantras don’t have concrete meaning because they were created in a language no longer known. Therefore they carry some incomprehensible syllables. These oral teachings allow the mind to achieve a…
What do Tibetan Buddhists practice?
Tibetan Buddhism is the branch of Buddhism characterized by a more mystical nature. It is also known as Vajrayana or Lamaism (The name Lama means master, since this branch focuses a lot on lamas and disciples). Tibetan Buddhism is a western term. In the eastern cultures, believers don’t…
A comprehensive breakdown of the Theravada tradition
Buddhism was not originally created as a religion, rather it was developed as a philosophy. Today, in the west the general perception is that Buddhism is a religion. Matthieu Riccard is the one that reminds us that this doubt only fits in the western world, for in the…
The Top Ten Stoic Quotes
This a compilation of some of the best quotes from some of the brightest Stoic minds in history, coupled with our own evaluations and interpretations. Stoics are known for their eloquent use of words and fluent language, and the philosophy of their words has echoed throughout human history.…
Who is Zeno? A Tribute to the Founding Father of Stoic Philosophy
Zeno, the First Great Stoic This article will delve into the history and accomplishments of a great figure: Zeno of Citium (an ancient, Phoenician city located in Cyprus), also known as the father of Stoicism. Zeno founded this new school of thought in the early 3rd century BC,…
Japanese Zazen: What is Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhism is a school derived from the Mahayana Tradition. It follows the same basic teachings of the Buddha, and it has found a very fertile soil in Japan and later in the western world. It has incorporated some of the Japanese traditional arts into its practices as…
The wandering prince: What did the Buddha teach?
When we talk about the Buddha, we talk about prince Siddhartha, who left a life of luxury and comfort to seek a way to end human suffering. After a long and arduous journey, Siddhartha accomplished his goal, and became known as Buddha (the awakened one). He decided then…