Twenty-four episodes of the adventures of Dharma, Dharma’s human master Bodhi, and their friend Siam the mouse are available on the site, and a new episode is added each month. In addition, there is a wealth of short writings on everything from rebirth to humane pest control from a Buddhist perspective. Humor is often a very good (and memorable) way to learn, and this site makes a refreshing contribution to one’s understanding of Buddhism.

>> Dharma the Cat

BuddhaNet

Buddhist comics? An animated meditation class? Crossword puzzles related to three traditions of Buddhism? An interactive tour of the Wheel of Life? And that’s just a few items that this site has to offer.

BuddhaNet has taken advantage of technology to introduce and educate people in the various Buddhist traditions. Not only do they provide E-books that range from introductory teachings to advance scriptural and meditation texts, but you can also download documents for your Palm. Various audio files include Buddhist chanting and talks on Dharma. Here you can also find Buddhist art and architecture, photo documentaries, and original artwork featuring. computer-generated interpretations of traditional Buddhist images. Definitely a site that is not only fun, but informative.

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The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Here is a truly beautiful Web site! While it does take a little time to load (depending on the speed of your modem), it’s worth the wait. Elegantly designed on a rich blue background, this is the Web version of an exhibition on The Tibetan Book of the Dead that was recently held at the University of Virginia. (This famous text is meant to serve as a guide to the afterlife for the recently departed soul.)

The home page features ever-changing and thought-provoking quotations from great Buddhist teachers, with links to gorgeous art and ritual objects, and ancient texts and prayers. I especially liked the annotated guide to the many different Western translations available of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. All in all, this is a lovely and highly informative site for delving deeply into the mysteries of death and rebirth.

>> The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Women Active in Buddhism

This delightfully comprehensive collection of resources on contemporary Buddhist women seems to be growing all the time. Female teachers, activists, scholars, nuns and yoginis (practitioners) in the Zen/Ch’an, Vajrayana, Theravada, and other traditions are featured here, as well as teachings and special events, projects, organizations, and a bibliography. In addition there is detailed information on the ordination of women within the various Buddhist traditions and countries.

One of my favorite pages features the beautiful images and stories of over 30 inspiring female Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism. And there’s even a page of famous contemporary Buddhist women, including poet Diane di Prima, performance artist Laurie Anderson, and singer Tina Turner. Plus a feast of on-line teachings on or by women, as well as interviews and poetry, discussion lists and more. A beautiful and well-designed site that makes for lots of fruitful exploration!

>> Women Active in Buddhism