Archives: BD Articles
How to Work Together for Real Change
Ethics was deeply important to the late Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. (In fact, “An Ancient Path for Modern Times: Applied Ethics” is the theme of his Plum Village community’s retreat for experienced practitioners this year.) Here he explains how we can awaken together through our work—and why we must.
How Right Action and Right Livelihood Work Together
Forest Tradition teacher Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo (1907–1961) defines right action—how it manifests, within and without us, and informs our aspiration to engage in right livelihood. Introduced and translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Why We Take Refuge
There are two kinds of refuge. The reason we take refuge in the outer forms of enlightenment is so that we may find the buddha within.
The Treasure of the Teacher
“You do the practice, you realize the way,” writes Norman Fischer. “And yet you must begin by finding a teacher you can have faith in.”
Ethics, Meditation, and Wisdom
Norman Fischer on how <em>sila</em>, <em>samadhi</em>, and <em>prajna</em> work together to give us stability on the Buddhist path to liberation.
Buddhadharma on Books: Summer 2024
Constance Kassor reviews the latest in Buddhist books, including The Jhanas, Buddhism Between Religion and Philosophy, and more.
Excerpt: A Dakini’s Counsel: Sera Khandro’s Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions
Read a brief of A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions by Sera Khandro, translated by Christina Lee Monson, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.
Excerpt: Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland
Read a brief of Nāgārjuna's Precious Garland: Ratnāvalī by Sara McClintock and John Dunne, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Wisdom Publications.
Excerpt: The Jhanas, by Shaila Catherine
Read a brief of The Jhānas: A Practical Guide to Deep Meditative States by Shaila Catherine, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Wisdom Publications.
Excerpt: The Blue-Cliff Record, translated by David Hinton
Read a brief of The Blue-Cliff Record by David Hinton, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.
Excerpt: A History of Uyghur Buddhism
Read a brief of A History of Uyghur Buddhism by Johan Elverskog, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Columbia University Press.
Excerpt: Lotus Girl, by Helen Tworkov
Read a brief of Lotus Girl by Helen Tworkov, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
Dukkha as a Doorway to Liberation
Scott Tusa on how Buddhist ethics transcend mere morality and help us to realize awakening.
Concentrating on the Work at Hand
In this excerpt from The Gift of Work (originally published as Skillful Means), the prolific Nyingma teacher Tarthang Tulku shares a plain-language exercise for concentration, as developed over his five decades interacting with Americans from various business backgrounds.
What Is Harmful? What Is Helpful?
Chan teacher Guo Gu on how, through practice, we awaken to the best in others and ourselves.
Understanding the Vinaya
Amy Paris Langenberg on the history, evolution, and modern manifestations of the training rules followed by Buddhist monastics.
How the Three Tenets Help Us Live Wisely
Roshi Joan Halifax reflects on the guiding principles of the Zen Peacemaker Order, and why we all might benefit from putting them to the test.
Opening to the Joy of Work
Making a living while living our values can be easier said than done, but Maia Duerr has discerned six keys for cultivating the qualities and conditions for doing abundant, cheerful, sustainable work.
Discernment Guided by Compassion
Ryuei Michael McCormick on right speech: When should we use forceful words, or gentle ones? Or none at all?
All-Encompassing Compassion
Heidi Nevin remembers her teacher Chatral Rinpoche’s inspiring commitment to vegetarianism as part of the dharma path.