A Translator’s Journey Into the Tibetan Language
Ana Carla Vergara Calvar on how she found her way into translating the dharma — and how you might, too.
The Dark Side of Buddhism
If you think Buddhism is free of the religious nationalism and violent extremism that plague other religions, think again. Editor-at-large Melvin McLeod talks to journalist Sonia Faleiro about her new book, The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism Is Shaping Modern Asia.
Like Fire, We Rise Up Together
Roshi Joan Halifax of Upaya Zen Center looks at the notion of bodhisattva-based, socially engaged, participatory community — and how it could make a real difference in our world today.
Deep Dive
Modern Bodhisattvahood
What does it mean to dedicate your life to the liberation of all beings? It’s a vow so vast it can seem impossible — and in a world increasingly defined by hatred, confusion, and the steady drumbeat of bad news, even seasoned practitioners can find themselves sliding toward cynicism, despair, and the temptation of nihilism’s false refuge.
The nine pieces in this month’s Buddhadharma Deep Dive don’t look away from any of that. They show many facets of bodhisattva-hood: from the classical tension between arhat and bodhisattva ideals, to the politics of disrupting systems that concentrate suffering, to the acknowledgment that even the most compassionate among us burn out and sometimes can barely get out of bed.
But in every case — whether through the tonglen practice of taking and sending, through the legend of Avalokiteshvara swallowing poison so others won’t have to, or through Mushim Ikeda’s plainspoken vow to practice self-care so she can keep showing up — the teachings return us to the same source: love. Not love as sentiment, but love as orientation. This is the bodhisattva’s path.
How to Open Your Heart
Tonglen is a transformational Buddhist meditation that awakens compassion. Susan Kaiser Greenland offers step-by-step instructions.
Cynicism, Nihilism, and the Bodhisattva
It’s natural, says John Negru, for even a bodhisattva to be discouraged by the state of our world. Here he shares some hard-won encouragement for sticking with the dharma for the long haul and for the benefit of all beings.
Bodhisattva, What Color is Your Neck?
When it comes to right speech, can Buddhist practitioner Ching Pan follow the example of Green-Necked Avalokitesvara? Could you?
When Bodhisattvas Break
Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön invites us to find hope and resilience in our grief, just as the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, even after shattering under the weight of samsara, finds strength to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
Why Bodhisattvas Need to Disrupt the Status Quo
According to Zen priest and climate scientist Kritee, part of our work in addressing climate change is to understand systems — how they work, how we’re complicit in them, and how we can change them to work for the good.
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.
Let Us Be Brave
Rev. Blayne Higa on how to bring more light and wisdom to a world where greed, anger, and ignorance threaten to compromise, or even consume, us all.
I Vow Not to Burn Out
Mushim Patricia Ikeda says it’s not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too.
The Building Blocks of Belonging
According to Willa Blythe Baker, making a strong, healthy community starts with understanding how it is constructed.
Community joins together after Buddhist Church of Sacramento vandalization
One never fully realizes the strength of community until a time of need,” writes the BCS in response to the care of its sangha and neighbors.
Dharma Books: Excerpts
Bringing Yidam Practice to Human/AI Encounters
Deborah McGlauflin wades into the “virtual buddhafield” — and asks us to consider joining her there.
Toward a More Skillful Mode of Buddhist Political Speech
“Knowing that so many are engaged in resisting the current violences and attacks on democracy in our nation,” writes Gregory Snyder, “my hope is that our Buddhist communities will continue to work to develop a place that encourages our political voices.”
The Inspirational Example of Venerable Jotika
Hein Htet Kyaw profiles Venerable U Jotika of Maha Myaing Forest monastery — monk and advocate for democracy, interfaith and multi-culturalism.
How Shinran, Founder of Shin Buddhism, Went Beyond the Self
Rev. Jon Turner on how Shinran Shonin was able to gain insight into the true nature of reality, awakening.
Three Buddhist Nunneries Dance a New Chapter of Empowerment and Opportunity
Karen Greenspan spent four years following these pioneering practitioners, revealing a story of tradition, transformation, and the ongoing movement toward gender equality in Tibetan Buddhism.
New Atlanta exhibit features Rima Fujita’s works on the Dalai Lama
The exhibit will run from February 13 through June 7, featuring imagery of the Dalai Lama, whom Rima Fujita considers her principal teacher.
Buddhism A–Z
Learn all about key Buddhist terms, concepts, and traditions in our in-depth glossary — perfect for beginners and committed dharma practitioners alike.
