Category: Buddhist Wisdom
Book Briefs for Winter 2016
We review "When Awareness Becomes Natural," "Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara," "Passing Through the Gateless Barrier," and more.
Commentary: Let’s Open Our Hearts to Syrian Refugees
Buddhist American international aid worker Katie Letheren makes an appeal for much-needed compassion when it comes to the Syrian refugee crisis.
What does it mean to call yourself a Buddhist?
What does it mean to call yourself a Buddhist? Are there specific things you have to do or believe, or is it up to you?
Between Arhat and Bodhisattva
Ajahn Amaro examines the arguments for and against the arhat and bodhisattva ideals that define and too often divide the Buddhist traditions. He suggests a way out of the polarizing debate.
What is the Rakusu?
Have you ever wondered about that bib-like garment that Zen priests and some lay practitioners wear around their necks? (It was also worn by three people on the cover of the first issue of Lion’s Roar.) Called a rakusu, it’s a miniature version of the Buddha’s monastic robe. Since the Buddha’s robe was said to…
Book Reviews for November 2016
We review David Nichtern's "Awakening from the Daydream," Marianne Williamson's "Tears to Triumph," Norman Fischer's "Experience," and more.
The Power of a Two-Inch Circle
With a little pink ink, tattoo artist Amy Black helps breast cancer survivors reclaim their bodies.
What Do Buddhists Mean When They Talk about Karma?
What do Buddhists really mean when they talk about karma? We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
What Actually Happens in the Lotus Sutra?
Donald S. Lopez, Jr. unpacks the Lotus Sutra, one of the most famous Buddhist scriptures, explaining how it came to be and how its influence has grown.
Playing With Buddha
At age seven, Ira Sukrungruang believed that the Buddha was more than a bronze statue. The Buddha was his best friend.
Forum: The Road Ahead
Gen X teachers from across traditions are transforming the vision and landscape of American Buddhism.
How do I develop insight through Buddhist practice?
We suffer, according to Buddhism, simply because we misunderstand the nature of reality. Sylvia Boorstein on developing insight into how things really are.
Trusting the Three Treasures
Taking refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha, says Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, involves taking a leap forward with a deep sense of trust in our own basic nature and the natural wisdom of all phenomena.
Ordinary Buddha
Master Linji, better known in the West as Rinzai, shook up the Buddhist world by telling his students to drop their enlightenment agenda and simply be their true, ordinary selves. Thich Nhat Hanh examines Master Linji’s teachings on the “businessless person,” who has nothing to do and nowhere to go.
When You Greet Me, I Bow
When a couple sees their relationship as practice, their love is grounded in a deeper knowing of one another. Even if there are tough times, says Norman Fischer, practice brings them back to appreciation and affection.
Mindfulness is the Best Medicine
After 13 years as a Buddhist nun, Sister Dang Nghiem looks back on her medical career and realizes monastic practice and medicine aren’t that different.
What is Monkey Mind?
We all recognize monkey mind—that wild mind going in more than one direction at a time, swinging from one branch of thought to the next. It wants the next banana, the next big thing, the next small thing. It wants to keep moving. Monkey mind likes texting and online gaming. It’s the mind that likes…
Tara, the First Feminist
Since becoming ordained four decades ago, Lama Tsultrim Allione has faced her share of challenges and sexism.
The More Carefree You Are, the Better Your Dharma Practice
The more carefree you are from deep within, the better your dharma practice is.
Shaping Buddhadharma’s Future
Buddhadharma belongs to you, our readers. Help us shape its future.