Matthew Bingley
Contributor
Matthew - Matthew Bingley
Most of my articles will be related to Hinduism and Buddhism, as these are the traditions I have studied most extensively. I am also interested in mystical traditions such as yoga and meditation, or the contemplative forms of western mysticism. I have also traveled to India on several occasions to visit prominent religious sites, learn languages, and go trekking.
I have an MA in Asian Religions from the University of Iowa. I teach college courses in philosophy and world religions through the online divisions of Empire State College and the University of Maryland University College.
Latest Articles
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How Meditation can Make You a Kinder Person
Meditation works by training the mind and the Buddhist metta meditation is the practice of developing kindness toward others.
Jul 19, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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Understanding Mysticism
Mysticism is the attempt to experience God or enlightenment. Modern scholarship has developed several approaches to understand just what these experiences might be.
Jul 18, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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Hindu Dharma
The word "dharma" is one of the most important terms in Hinduism. But it's not an easy term to understand.
Jul 18, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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Hinduism's Language of Liberation
Hinduism developed an elaborate technical vocabulary in Sanskrit to classify and describe mystical states.
Jul 15, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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Shad-darsana – Hinduism's "Six Views"
Hinduism's six orthodox philosophical schools deal variously with the soul and the body, with knowledge of the world and of God, and with mysticism and ritual.
Jul 15, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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The Buddhist Doctrine of No-Self
The Buddhist doctrine of anatman ("no-self") presents conceptual difficulties. Despite being a central Buddhist teaching, it has been problematic for interpretation.
Jul 13, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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The Eight Consciousnesses of Yogacara
Yogacara developed a theory of mind to interpret meditative practice. This theory of mind structures the mind into eight "consciousnesses."
Jul 9, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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The Doctrine of Emptiness in Buddhism
Central to Mahayana Buddhist thought is the concept of emptiness. It stands for a way of perceiving the world leading to freedom, clarity, and ultimately, nirvana.
Jul 7, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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The Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism and Buddhism both originated on the Indian subcontinent and so have a long shared history. Yet Buddhism originated as a reaction against the Vedic worldview.
Jul 3, 2009
- Matthew Bingley
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