Category: Teachings
The Dalai Lama: The Lamp for Our Path
Jan Willis reflects on why the world needs His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his message of compassion, peace, and joyfulness more than ever.
In the Pure Land of the Present Moment
This is what I heard. Thich Nhat Hanh came to Hollywood to announce that one of his books would be made into a movie. At that time, Thay had with him a number of monastic disciples—monks and nuns from Deer Park Monastery and Plum Village—a number of lay disciples, and many movie stars, directors, and…
Pain, Practice, and Pure View
When the teacher F's up, what's a Buddhist to do? Justin von Bujdoss offers a clarification of the pure view of the tantric Buddhist path.
How I Got Comfortable with My Imperfections
John Manderino stumbles through Zen meal practice — and decides that’s perfectly okay.
Official statement on passing of Michael Stone released
Carina Stone, Erin Robinsong and Rose Riccio have released an official statement on the passing of Buddhist teacher Michael Stone.
Remembering Buddhist teacher Michael Stone
Michael Stone, 42, was an activist, family man, and teacher of yoga and Buddhism.
Our Teachers Are Not Gods
Longtime practitioner and psychotherapist Rob Preece says even though as students we may be devoted to our teachers, we can't afford to idealize them anymore.
Confronting Abuse: Be Proactive
An Olive Branch presents an action plan for putting the necessary supports in place to protect sangha members from abuse
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…
When we pray, says Mark Unno, it’s important not to get caught up in magical thinking or to become attached to specific outcomes. Just praying is enough.
Beyond Present, Past, and Future Is The Fourth Moment
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on meditation, the spiritual path, and a sense of basic being beyond relative time.
Do Buddhists worship idols?
A reader asks why Buddhists bow down and make offerings to statues of the Buddha.
“Why do Buddhists bow so much?”
Zen teacher Anthony Stultz shares a personal answer to a frequently asked question.
Do I Have to Believe in Reincarnation to Be a Buddhist?
Are Buddhists forced to believe in something like reincarnation or rebirth even if there is no evidence it is true?
The Art That Illustrates Another Reality
Do the strange and potent images of Tibetan art represent a deeper and truer reality? Francesca Fremantle on the symbolism of awakened mind.
The Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers
Bernie Glassman explains how the three tenets of the Zen Peacemakers work to turn confusion into skillful action.
Overcoming Ego With the Practice of Chöd
Lama Tsulrtim Allione explains how the Buddhist practice of chöd — offering one's own body to demons — can help us overcome ego.
What Is a Stupa?
Stupas are one of the most recognizable forms of Buddhist architecture. Learn the meaning behind these famous Buddhist monuments.
What Mindfulness Is (Not)
You can’t reduce mindfulness to just a single idea. Andrew Olendzki unpacks its many meanings in classical Buddhism.
Sisyphus, the Bodhisattva
Following Albert Camus' lead, Radhule Weininger reconsiders the mythical sufferer as a joyful model for us all.
Romantic Vision vs. Everyday Disappointment
In meditation we cut through our fantasies and relate with life as it really is. Then something magical can happen. It’s exactly the same in our relationships.