Category: Dharma & Society
Looking Back on Barack Obama’s Friendly Relationship with Buddhism
As Barack Obama's presidency comes to a close, we're looking back on his friendly relationship with Buddhists around the world.
Conservative Buddhists Speak
We recently issued a call to conservative Buddhists so that their voices might be better represented. Here are some of the responses we’ve received.
Watch this moving TED talk on how a Zen hospice is “redesigning” death
In this TED Talk, BJ Miller, a palliative caregiver at the Zen Hospice Project, describes how he wants to see death redesigned.
George Michael remembered by Boy George: “I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms”
When the news broke, Christmas Day, of the death of singer George Michael at 53, fellow pop star and namesake Boy George was among the countless fans seeking to pay tribute on social media. In an extended tweet, Boy George referenced the spirituality that has informed his own life and, perhaps, that of George Michael:…
Facing My White Privilege
When Tara Brach came to recognize her own white privilege, it revealed blind spots. That changed her as a dharma teacher and leader.
How does Buddhism view LGBTQ people?
As a gay man, I’d like to know how Buddhism views LGBTQ people. I’m not interested in joining any religion that disapproves of who I am.
A Zen read of the visual language of “Arrival”
If the new film Arrival had you thinking about “Zen circles,” you’re not the only one. Buddhadharma Deputy Editor Koun Franz on the happy accident of the film’s unique approach to alien communication.
Now Is the Time to Stand Up: Practicing the Dharma in Uncertain Times, Part 2
Three weeks after his initial response to the election, Jack Kornfield has issued a second, more action-oriented installment of guidance and encouragement.
How Buddhism inspired Monet’s masterpieces
Was the great Impressionist master inspired by Zen Buddhism? The curator of a new exhibition believes so. Lilly Greenblatt reports for Lion's Roar.
With Renewed Resolve
In response to the US presidential election, Shinge Roko Sherry Chayat says we can turn turmoil into realization, and anxiety into right action.
Commentary: Why this gay Buddhist teacher is dubious about Buddhist refuge in the Trump era
I love you, Western Buddhism, but as a gay man, I find your privileged lack of urgency in the wake of the election of Donald trump disturbing.
What’s a Buddhist Nihilist to Do?
If you're feeling mired by a sense of "deep not-okayness," says our digital editor Rod Meade Sperry, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Leonard Cohen Burns, and We Burn with Him
“God is a fire,” said Nikos Kazantzakis. “He burns and we burn with Him.” Art, passion, and Zen are fires too—burning the self, leaving behind only ashes and essence.
Buddhist teachers respond to Trump’s presidential win
After Donald Trump's stunning upset, Lion's Roar has reached out to a number of Buddhist teachers for their individual responses.
8 North American Buddhist nuns, including Pema Chödrön and Thubten Chodron, receive “Global Bhikkhuni Award”
Pema Chödrön and Thubten Chodron have been awarded the Global Bhikkhuni Award for their achievement in promoting, protecting, and preserving the dharma.
Commentary: This Nation Needs Our Awakening Together
East Bay Meditation Center's core teacher Larry Yang provides commentary on what the nation really needs following the US election.
Practicing the Dharma in Uncertain Times
Following the results of the US presidential election, Jack Kornfield shares how to practice the dharma in these uncertain times.
The Buddhist Life of Benedict Cumberbatch
Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch sits down with Dominic Wells to talk about the leading role Buddhism has played in his life and career.
A Future Is Possible
When we see people living mindfully, smiling and behaving in a loving manner, we gain confidence in our future.
Generosity is the Virtue That Produces Peace
Our editor-in-chief discusses where real change comes from and how generosity can heal divisions, fight injustice, and ease suffering.