Archives: BD Articles
Medicate or Meditate?
Four physicians and long-term meditators explain why both antidepressants can have an important role to play in treating depression.
No Turning Back
Christine Skarda’s investigations into the nature of perception drew her out of the research laboratory and onto the meditation cushion.
The Magical Illusion of Self
For the meditator who sees things as they really are, explains the late Mahasi Sayadaw, there is no “I” or “being”—only mental and physical phenomena coming together in the present moment.
What is Sabba?
Sabba as defined by Glenn Wallis, a scholar in Buddhist studies from Harvard University.
Can Buddhism Save the Planet?
<p><strong>Buddhism may be our planet’s only real hope, say David Loy and John Stanley. They’re calling for an international gathering of Buddhist leaders to address the ecological crisis before it’s too late.</strong></p> <blockquote>If we continue abusing the earth this way, there is no doubt that our civilization will be destroyed. This turnaround takes enlightenment, awakening. The Buddha attained individual awakening. Now we need a collective enlightenment to stop this course of destruction. Civilization is going to end if we continue to drown in the competition for power, fame, sex, and profit.<br /> <br />— Thich Nhat Hanh, <em>The Art of Power</em></blockquote>
Spotless from the Start
In order to overcome the five main obstacles facing a bodhisattva, says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, we must realize that all beings are primordially pure. He presents the essential teachings on buddhanature from Maitreya’s Uttaratantra Shastra.
Zen Has No Gates
Nyogen Senzaki, one of the great Zen masters of the twentieth century, quietly dedicated his life to bringing the authentic practice of Zen to America. Now, on the 50th anniversary of his death, a new collection of his teachings, Eloquent Silence, presents his commentary on the classic koan collection, The Gateless Gate. Introduction by Roko Sherry Chayat.
Forum: Next-Gen Buddhism
Sumi Loundon Kim, Norman Fischer, Rod Meade Sperry, and Iris Brilliant discuss the future of Buddhism in a post-baby boomer world.
Oh Mighty Buddha
Bill Porter travels to China’s ancient Yunkang caves, where devotees carved more than fifty thousand Buddhist statues.
Commentary: Looking Under the Bed
Karen Maezen Miller on being a Zen priest and a mother in a modern world that won't confront the "Zen under the bed".
Why do so many Buddhists eat meat and wear fur?
The teachers are asked why so many buddhists still eat meat and wear leather or fur.
Profile: Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Andrea Miller profiles the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Berkeley, California.
Brothers First
What’s it like being the Dalai Lama’s kid brother? Tendzin Choegyal talks about his struggles and the big brother who has stood by him.
A Lotus in Mormon Land
In Utah, Buddhist scholar Charles Prebish is surprised to discover a Buddhist community thriving alongside its Mormon neighbors.
How does one deal with sexuality within the sangha?
The teachers are asked "How does one deal with one’s sexuality on an individual level, within sangha, and especially with Buddhists in a teaching role?
Profile: The University of the West
A Profile on the University of the WEST (UWest), founded by Master Hsing Yun in 1991.
Burning with the Fire of Shingon
Richard Payne's account of his experience with the Shingon tradition.
Understanding Buddhist Koans
A koan as defined by Steven Heine, a scholar of Zen Buddhism at the Florida International University.