Melvin McLeod

If you think Buddhism is free of the religious nationalism and violent extremism that plague other religions, think again. Editor-at-large Melvin McLeod talks to journalist Sonia Faleiro about her new book, The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism Is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports). 

Editor-at-large Melvin McLeod introduces the January 2026 issue of Lion's Roar.

Melvin McLeod offers instructions for a basic seated meditation to connect with your body, breath, and mind.

The renowned Buddhist thinker, environmental activist, and author Joanna Macy passed away on July 19, 2025. She was 96. In her memory, we invite you to read this interview with her and Melvin McLeod, in which she shares her vision for the global awakening our planet needs. At heart, it’s a spiritual revolution.

¿Cuáles son Las Cuatro Nobles Verdades? Las famosas cuatro verdades budistas son llamadas nobles porque nos liberan del sufrimiento. Son las enseñanzas básicas de Buda, y comprenden el camino budista completo.

Jon Kabat-Zinn was a yoga teacher and meditator with a PhD in molecular biology—then he founded mindfulness-based stress reduction and sparked the American mindfulness movement. In this second installment of a three-part conversation, he tells editor-at-large Melvin McLeod about the experiences and insights that shaped his journey.

Editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod introduces the March 2025 issue of Lion's Roar.

Un viaje que cambia la vida comienza con una sola respiración. Con el simple acto de prestar atención consciente a una respiración, afirma Melvin McLeod, nos adentramos en un camino completo que va más profundo y más lejos de lo que podemos imaginar.

Editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod introduces the September 2024 issue of Lion’s Roar on the complete path of mindfulness.

A life-changing journey begins with a single breath. With the simple act of paying mindful attention to one breath, says Melvin McLeod, we step onto a complete path that goes deeper and farther than we can imagine.

Melvin McLeod on how Buddhism uses mindfulness to develop the wisdom that frees us from suffering.

Melvin McLeod breaks down the Buddha’s four noble truths and argues it’s not only the ultimate self-help formula, but the best guide to helping others and benefiting the world.

Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod introduces the January 2024 issue of Lion's Roar.

Lion’s Roar is proud to offer this selection of bell hooks' writings and conversations from our pages on spirituality, race, feminism, and life.

Actor and activist Richard Gere talks about his teacher the Dalai Lama, the warm heart of the Tibetan people, and how humanity can benefit from the values of Tibetan culture.

Things to see, do, and enjoy in three American Buddhist hotspots.

Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod reflects on the importance of death in Buddhist philosophy in the opening editorial of the November 2021 issue of Lion's Roar.

Our editor-in-chief, Melvin McLeod, shares why Buddhism is the ultimate self-help, despite one of its central principles — nonself.

Lion's Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod looks at the reasons many Buddhists meditate.

The Buddha’s analysis of how to free ourselves from suffering is profound, universal, and eternal, says Melvin McLeod.

In the opening editorial of the January 2021 issue of Lion's Roar magazine, editor-in-chief Melvin Mcleod looks at what we can learn from the great moral leaders of our time.

If love were enough to truly help others, there would only be one kind of bodhisattva. Melvin McLeod on the trinity of bodhisattva archetypes.

In the opening editorial of the May 2020 issue of Lion's Roar, Melvin McLeod looks at Buddhism’s central insight and the key to Buddhist meditation.

The great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh talks about non-self, interdependence, and the love that expands until it has no limit.

In the opening editorial of our March 2020 issue, editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod looks at the perfectly simple lesson the Buddha taught.

In the sixth and final issue in our 40th anniversary series, five young Buddhists look to the future of Buddhism.

In the opening editorial of the January 2020 issue of Lion's Roar magazine, Melvin McLeod looks at the positive changes Buddhism is going through right now.

In the fifth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod imagines how Buddhism may re-vision itself and adapt to meet the challenges ahead.

In the fourth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at the interface of activism and modern Buddhism.

In 2019, Lion's Roar turns 40. To mark the occasion, we're looking forward to the next 40 years of Buddhism.

In the third issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at how Western Buddhists can deepen their practice and study of Buddhism.