Melvin McLeod

Melvin McLeod is the Editor-in-Chief of Lion’s Roar magazine and Buddhadharma.

Recent Articles

The Profound Practice of Enjoying Life

Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod introduces the January 2024 issue of Lion's Roar.

America Needs bell hooks

Lion’s Roar is proud to offer this selection of bell hooks' writings and conversations from our pages on spirituality, race, feminism, and life.

Richard Gere on Tibet’s Gift of Love

Actor and activist Richard Gere talks about his teacher the Dalai Lama, the warm heart of the Tibetan people, and how humanity can benefit from the values of Tibetan culture.

No Self, No Suffering

Melvin McLeod breaks down the Buddha’s four noble truths and argues it’s not only the ultimate self-help formula, but the best guide to helping others and benefiting the world.

Photo of streetscape and the bookshop City Lights in San Francisco.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Enlightenment

Things to see, do, and enjoy in three American Buddhist hotspots.

This World of Dew

Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod reflects on the importance of death in Buddhist philosophy in the opening editorial of the November 2021 issue of Lion's Roar.

The Ultimate Self-Help

Our editor-in-chief, Melvin McLeod, shares why Buddhism is the ultimate self-help, despite one of its central principles — nonself.

Why Do Buddhists Meditate?

Lion's Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod looks at the reasons many Buddhists meditate.

Joanna Macy on the Great Awakening the Planet Needs

Buddhist thinker and environmental activist Joanna Macy on the global awakening the planet needs. At heart, it’s a spiritual revolution.

The Ultimate Healing

The Buddha’s analysis of how to free ourselves from suffering is profound, universal, and eternal, says Melvin McLeod.

¿Cuáles son Las Cuatro Nobles Verdades?

¿Cuáles son Las Cuatro Nobles Verdades? Las famosas cuatro verdades budistas son llamadas nobles porque nos liberan del sufrimiento. Son las enseñanzas básicas de Buda, y comprenden el camino budista completo.

Lead with Love & Wisdom

In the opening editorial of the January 2021 issue of Lion's Roar magazine, editor-in-chief Melvin Mcleod looks at what we can learn from the great moral leaders of our time.

How Mindfulness Leads to Enlightenment

Melvin McLeod on how Buddhism uses mindfulness to develop the wisdom that frees us from suffering.

Love Is Not All We Need

If love were enough to truly help others, there would only be one kind of bodhisattva. Melvin McLeod on the trinity of bodhisattva archetypes.

The Secret Is Mind

In the opening editorial of the May 2020 issue of Lion's Roar, Melvin McLeod looks at Buddhism’s central insight and the key to Buddhist meditation.

This Is the Buddha’s Love: An Interview with Thich Nhat Hanh

The great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh talks about non-self, interdependence, and the love that expands until it has no limit.

The Simplest Meditation

In the opening editorial of our March 2020 issue, editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod looks at the perfectly simple lesson the Buddha taught.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: The Next Generation

In the sixth and final issue in our 40th anniversary series, five young Buddhists look to the future of Buddhism.

We’re Made for This Moment

In the opening editorial of the January 2020 issue of Lion's Roar magazine, Melvin McLeod looks at the positive changes Buddhism is going through right now.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: A Time of Reformation

In the fifth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod imagines how Buddhism may re-vision itself and adapt to meet the challenges ahead.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: Right Activism

In the fourth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at the interface of activism and modern Buddhism.

Buddhism: The Next 40 Years

In 2019, Lion's Roar turns 40. To mark the occasion, we're looking forward to the next 40 years of Buddhism.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: Deepening Our Practice and Study

In the third issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at how Western Buddhists can deepen their practice and study of Buddhism.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: The Importance of Diversity

In the second issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at the importance of diversity in the development of modern Buddhism.

Congressman Tim Ryan Wants to Heal America’s Trauma with Mindfulness

The Democratic primary contender is the leading proponent of mindfulness in American politics. He talked to Lion's Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod about how to address the trauma the heart of America.

Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: What’s the Message?

In the first issue of our 40th anniversary series, we ask: what is Buddhism's most important message moving forward?

George Washington sitting in zazen meditation.

What Would Mindful Politics Look Like?

Lion's Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod introduces "Mindful Politics," a new collection of teachings and commentary speaking to our troubled times.

The protector Vajrasadhu, painted by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

The Wisdom of Anger

If you know how to use it, says Melvin McLeod, the energy of anger becomes fierce and compassionate wisdom. Even the buddhas get angry about injustice.

Bucket.

6 Ways to Step in a Bucket

Melvin McLeod reflects on the ways in which Buddhism turns your world upside down in the opening editorial of our July 2018 issue.

What Are the Four Noble Truths?

These four truths are called noble because they liberate us from suffering. They are the Buddha’s basic teaching, encapsulating the entire Buddhist path.

Economics.

The Promise of Buddhist Economics

Economist Clair Brown argues for an economic system based on altruism, sustainability, and a meaningful life.