Category: Dharma & Society
A Pillar of Zen: Roshi Philip Kapleau 1912 – 2004
Roshi Philip Kapleau's longtime student Rafe Martin remembers a pioneer of American Zen.
What’s Right With Islam
In a discussion with Melvin McLeod, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf says the true spirit of Islam is one of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy.
Smells like Teen Spirit
Todd Stein on how Buddhist communities are tailoring programs specifically for teens and young adults, making a big difference in some young lives.
In Engaged Buddhism, Peace Begins with You
Thich Nhat Hanh, who originated Engaged Buddhism, in an interview with John Malkin.
Wabi-Sabi For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers
An excerpt from Leonard Koren's gem, Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers, considered a class statement on this Japanese aesthetic.
The Days I Like Best Have Meditation, Lovemaking, Eating Scones in Them
From Alice Walker’s forthcoming collection of poems, <i>Absolute Trust in the Goodness of the Earth</i>.
Poems & Zen talks of Philip Whalen
Philip Whalen died in San Francisco on June 26, 2002. Here are a selection of his poems and zen talks.
Something Has to Change: Blacks in American Buddhism
Lawrence Pintak tells the compelling stories of three African-American dharma teachers. He asks them why American Buddhism attracts so few people of color and what can be done about it.
Zen’s Radical Conservative: John Daido Loori Roshi
John Daido Loori is an imaginative modernizer yet fierce upholder of the old ways of Zen. John Kain reports from Zen Mountain Monastery.
Learning Where You Are The Experience of Place Based Education
Where are you? Who are you? How does where you are affect who you are? Place based education is interested in examining these questions.
My Year of Meats
Mirroring the journey of her novel’s heroine, Ruth Ozeki explored meat and media and discovered that writing is always political and denial always a choice. What’s in a Name? Last year my first novel was published. It’s called My Year of Meats. It’s a good title, I think. A funny title. A little proud, a…
How Do We Measure Progress?
Ronald Colman argues for a more human and sustainable measure of progress than simple economic growth, one that truly reflects what we value in life.
Zen Sells: How Advertising has Co-opted Spirituality
From computers to beauty products, Madison Avenue has discovered that spirituality sells. Todd Stein on the irony of spiritual themes in materialism.
Post-Porn Priestess of Pleasure: Annie Sprinkle Takes a Sex-Positive Position
Former porn-star, now artist and educator, Annie Sprinkle's real specialty is the public display of a positive attitude toward sex.
Penis Passion
bell hooks argues that our erotic lives are enhanced when men and women can celebrate the penis in ways that don't uphold macho stereotypes.
Is It Only Rock and Roll?
"I am constantly asked, why pay any attention to any of it? Isn't this middle brow culture somehow not really spiritual? What a small God, that."
There Are No Words
Roshi Bernard Glassman discusses his practice of bereavement following the death of his wife and dharma partner, Sensei Sandra Jishu Holmes.
Ain’t She Still a Woman?
Increasingly, patriarchy is offered as the solution to the crisis black men face. Black women face a culture where everyone wants us to stay in our place.
It’s Been a Long Time Coming
Asked by one reporter what a bunch of musicians were really going to be able to do for Tibet, both Thom Yorke and Sean Lennon went on the counterattack.