Welcoming Faith

For Myokei Caine-Barrett, how we welcome the various parts of our traditions is a reflection of how we welcome others.

Who Am I?

Melissa Myozen Blacker teaches the Koan practice of asking again and again, "Who am I?" Every time an answer arises, set it aside. Eventually, answers stop coming, replaced by a feeling of profound wonder.

The Ultimate Service

Indigo Ocean explores the concept of worship and how it can enrich the Buddhist practice of awareness. 

Buddha statue holding flowers.

Glimpses of Awakening

Although enlightenment can seem like an unreachable goal, says Judy Lief, we're actually having glimpses of awakening all the time.

Canyon form emptiness thich nhat hanh.

The Heart Sutra: the Fullness of Emptiness

Emptiness is not something to be afraid of, says Thich Nhat Hanh. The Heart Sutra teaches us that form may be empty of self but it’s full of everything else.

How to Have the World — and the Life — We Want

Leading Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg talks to Lion's Roar's Andrea Miller about how to care for ourselves, for others — and for the future. Because we’re in it for the long haul.

Why You Should Read “That Bird Has My Wings” by Jarvis Jay Masters

Jenny Phillips reviews "That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row" by Jarvis Jay Masters, the powerful memoir first published in 2009 and now in the news in 2022 thanks to Oprah Winfrey's picking of it for her famed book club. 

Zen Mind, Writer’s Mind

Author Natalie Goldberg discusses Zen and the writer's practice.

Reading book while meditating.

Essential Meditation Books for Your Library

If you're looking for good books to begin or deepen your relationship to Buddhist meditation, you can't go wrong with these essential picks.

Oh Tara, Protect Us

In this teaching, Thubten Chodron comments on a prayer to the buddha Tara to protect us from the eight dangers.

Death: The Greatest Teacher

Buddhist teacher Judy Lief explains why our awareness of death is the secret of life.

Buddhist nun Ayya Khema was a force of nature — and of unconditional love

Lion's Roar's Rod Meade Sperry talks to Leigh Brasington about a new posthumous release from Ayya Khema, "The Path to Peace: A Buddhist Guide to Cultivating Loving-kindness."

The Sutta Pitaka

What was it like to gather around the Buddha and hear him teach? To find out, says Pascale F. Engelmajer, just read the suttas.

Ask the Teachers: How do we determine what is true dharma?

Buddhism was an oral tradition for hundreds of years, and many of the earliest writings were lost centuries ago. If we can’t have 100 percent certainty about what the Buddha actually taught—and it seems that we can’t—how do we determine what is the true dharma?

abortion, buddhadharma, lion's roar, buddhism, narayan helen liebenson, blanche hartman, tenzin wangyal rinpoche

How do you know if you should practice with one Buddhist teacher or another?

the teachers are asked "How do you know if you should be with one teacher or another?"

abortion, buddhadharma, lion's roar, buddhism, narayan helen liebenson, blanche hartman, tenzin wangyal rinpoche

How do we retain passion while accepting all of life equally?

The teachers are asked "How do we retain passion while accepting all of life with equanimity?"

Buddha eyes.

7 Things the Buddha Never Said

Monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu, a trained translator of the Buddha's words, reveals seven fake Buddha quotes he's found. See if you're not surprised.

All Alone or One With Everything?

Are we all alone in this world or at one with everything? Nick Walser shines a spotlight on the paradoxical nature of loneliness.

The Sacred Work of Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros writes to honor her ancestors, because when that’s her motivation, ego gets out of the way. Angélica Paljor profiles the celebrated author of The House on Mango Street.

Living Fully Is to See Each Moment as Brand New

As our world consistently changes, Rebecca Li explains how we can feel true freedom when we learn to live every moment as a new experience.