Rod Meade Sperry. Photo by Megumi Yoshida, 2024

Rod Meade Sperry

Rod Meade Sperry is the editor of Buddhadharma, Lion’s Roar’s online source for committed Buddhists, and the book A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation: Practical Advice and Inspiration from Contemporary Buddhist Teachers. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with his partner and their tiny pup, Sid.

Recent Articles

How to help sanghas and individuals affected by Helene

Here are some organizations that can make the most of any funds or energy you might be able to contribute.

Amanda Atwood of Harare, Zimbabwe is seen in a Buddhist hair-cutting ceremony, part of her ordination.

Pema Chödrön confers novice nun’s vows — for the first time

The subject of the ceremony was longtime Vajra Vidya Retreat Center resident, Amanda Atwood of Harare, Zimbabwe.

Monk Jin Woo is pictured standing and smiling.

Jogye Order delegation to visit UN, pledge financial support in support of Korean Buddhist studies

"If the practice of Zen meditation is translated into a national practice beyond our Buddhist community," says Monk Jin Woo, "humanity will surely undergo a great transformation.”

“Real-life, positive effects” — What it’s like to join Namchak’s “Compassion In Action” Fellows program

Buddhadharma’s Rod Meade Sperry and Mariana Restrepo talk to Namchak Foundation “Compassion in Action” program Fellow Saulkdi Yangh about his experience with the program.

Rebecca Solnit: “Everything Is Connected, Everything Changes”

Leading writer and activist Rebecca Solnit on Buddhist wisdom and a better world.

Peter Coyote is seen giving a talk at San Francisco Zen Center

Watch: Peter Coyote talks “Stumbling” on the Zen Path

Peter Coyote looks back at his life in the arts, activism, politics, and Zen.

Buddhadharma: Deepen Your Practice & Study of Buddhism

What’s new at Buddhadharma

Featuring teachings from Mingyur Rinpoche, Bhikkhu Bodhi, new dharma books, and more.

Talking with Namchak Foundation about their unique “Compassion In Action” Fellows Program

In this video conversation, Namchak Foundation’s Jessica Larson and Marissa Fornaro speak to the Buddhadharma editorial team about their “Compassion in Action” Fellows Program and who can benefit from it.

Jeffrey Hopkins, American Tibetologist and Tibetan translator, has died

Hopkins was the author and translator of numerous books about Tibetan Buddhism and previously served as the Dalai Lama's interpreter.

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, renowned scholar, yogi, and prominent Karma Kagyu teacher, dies

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, a renowned scholar and one of the foremost teachers in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, died on June 22.

Watch: Berkeley Zen Center abbot Hozan Alan Senauke gives first talk after heart attack

In his first dharma talk since being hospitalized last year, Hozan Alan Senauke shared his gratitude and insights on the value of practice in difficult times with the Berkeley Zen Center community.

Buddhist orgs are issuing warnings about AI deepfake videos

"Part of the content is even contrary to the teachings of Buddha dharma and may mislead and cause confusion among practitioners," one of the statements says.

Watch: Yungchen Lhamo delivers sound healing and love in KEXP performance

Yungchen Lhamo’s most recent album, “One Drop of Kindness,” is uplifted and unpretentious, inspired and inspiring, says Rod Meade Sperry.

Remembering Dr A.T. Ariyaratne (1931-2024)

Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, founder of the socially engaged Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, has died at 92.

Louis Nero’s “Milarepa” film to reimagine Tibetan Buddhist figures in sci-fi future

The forthcoming film will offer a sci-fi twist on the lives of the eleventh-century Tibetan Buddhist figures Jetsun Milarepa and Marpa Lotsawa.

Crimson Tide Uncovers The Hidden Joy of Basketball

Crediting their success to the Buddhist concept of mudita, the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team is headed to the Final Four for the first time.

The University of Toronto Buddhism & Psychology Student Union lotus logo.

Join the Campaign to Save University of Toronto’s Minor in Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health

Buddhist author and professor Jeff Wilson is calling to save a major Buddhist Studies program at the University of Toronto.

Remembering Buddhist teacher and author Wes Nisker (1942-2023)

Wes Nisker, the Oakland, California-based Buddhist teacher, author, radio personality, and founder and co-editor of "Inquiring Mind" has died.

Power & You (Summer 2023 Editor’s Note)

Buddhadharma editor Rod Meade Sperry introduces the Summer 2023 issue.

Zen During Wartime: Sergey Washin Tsarenko on Practice in Ukraine

“Life may not be the same,” writes Zen priest Sergey Washin Tsarenko about day-to-day existence in Ukraine, “but it is always worth living it fully.”

El maestro budista Lama Zopa Rinpoche, co-fundador de la FPMT, muere a sus 76 años

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche fue el co-fundador del monasterio Kopan, de la editorial Wisdom Publications y de la organización Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).

Buddhist teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche, co-founder of FPMT, dies at 76

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche was the co-founder of Kopan Monastery, Wisdom Publications, and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).

Remembering Wayne Shorter, Rogue Philosopher (1933-2023)

Rod Meade Sperry looks at the life, art, and Buddhism of the jazz great Wayne Shorter.

What Is a “Darkness Retreat”?

Rod Meade Sperry talks to Lama Justin von Bujdoss about the practice of "darkness retreat," which made headlines this week after NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed he will soon undertake the practice to determine the future of his football career.

Lama Tsomo on Buddhist Practices That Help Us Cultivate Wisdom & Connection

Rod Meade Sperry talks to Lama Tsomo about her new book "Deepening Wisdom, Deepening Connection."

Buddhist nun Ayya Khema was a force of nature — and of unconditional love

Lion's Roar's Rod Meade Sperry talks to Leigh Brasington about a new posthumous release from Ayya Khema, "The Path to Peace: A Buddhist Guide to Cultivating Loving-kindness."

Following climate activist’s self-immolation, Buddhist leaders release statement

If we had known about his plans, we would have stopped him in any way possible, the statement reads. "That would be our spiritual, moral and legal responsibility."

Zopa, featuring Michael Imperioli, releases dharma-infused song, “Red Sky”

The lyrics to Zopa's new track capture "fellow wanderers in samsara taking refuge in love," Imperioli says. 

“I was transported” — music legend John McLaughlin on the inspiration of “Mila Repa”

The virtuoso musician's new album is equal parts incendiary and reflective. And there's a bit of Buddhism in the mix, too.

Meditation is some serious funny business for Bizarro comic-strip artist Dan Piraro

Rod Meade Sperry reports on the meditation advice recently shared by "Bizarro" creator Dan Piraro.

Born I,  Unenlightened  promo image.

Listen to “Unenlightened” — Born I’s newest example of “trap music for meditators”

Listen to Born I's third single from his upcoming album, "Unenlightened."