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Resources for Dharma Study

Vairochana Buddha image.

The Wisdom Buddha Vairochana

"May our actions turn the Wheel of the Dharma."

Vairochana Buddha, "The All-Encompassing One," represents the culmination of all Buddha characteristics. Always expounding the Dharma, His hands are held in the Dharmachakra mudra gesture of teaching. this page is dedicated to providing resources for your study of Buddhism.




“Do not believe in anything (simply)
Because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions
Because they have been handed down for many generations.
Do not believe in anything
Because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything (simply)
Because it is found written in your religious books
Do not believe in anything merely
On the authority of your teachers and elders.
But after observation and analysis when you find that
Anything agrees with reason and is conducive
To the good and benefit of one and all then accept it and live up to it.”

            Words of the Buddha – Kalama Sutta.


Glossary of terms used on the Karida web site.

Questions & answers about Karida Buddhist Sangha

Go to Karida Sangha bookstore

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"What is Buddhism" by Dr. Nobuo Haneda

In this article Dr. Haneda, Head of the Maida Center, elaborates on his spiritual path. His recommendation is that if we want to know Buddhism, we need to develop an attitude of a broad and empty mind that is "not trapped by superficial labels and identities."


Introduction to Buddhism with Michael Elia

The Buddhist Handbook by Snelling is an excellent general introduction to the various teachings of the different schools of Buddhism. Reverend Elia welcomes the opportunity to assist those who are studying the book. Assistance is in the form of email commentary, questions, and answers. This mentor arrangement is free of cost except for the purchase of the book. For further information email.


Additional reading:

Armstrong, Karen. Buddha. New York: Penguin Books, 2004. Armstrong has woven early scriptures, later biographies and the cultural landscape of the 6th century B.C.E., into one of the most readable biographies of the historic Buddha.

Batchelor, Stephen. Buddhism Without Beliefs.  Contemporary Guide to Awakening. New York, N.Y., Riverhead Books, 1997. This book "de-mythologizes" Buddhism and presents it as a philosophy or way of life stripped of the trappings of religion. The teachings of the Buddha can stand on their own without religion.

Fields, Rick. How the Swans Came to the Lake. Shambhala; 3 Rev Upd edition July 7, 1992. This is a detailed history of the development of Buddhism in America. Fields is an excellent story teller.

Kohn, Michael H., trans. A Concise Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen. Shambala Publications, Boston, MA, 2010. This compact dictionary has over fifteen hundred entries of Buddhist terms and concepts: a useful tool for your library.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. Essence of the Heart Sutra. Summerville, MA, Wisdom Publications, 2005. "The Heart Sutra," only one page in length, is the core of Buddhist philosophy. The Dalai Lama's line by line commentary on this most important Sutra is highly recommended as part of your developing understanding of Buddhism and the concept of "emptiness."