Archives: BD Articles
Our Path Is Limitless and Vast
While women may feel constrained by Buddhist institutions, the dharma itself poses no such limitations, says Joan Sutherland.
Revisiting the Traditional Buddhist Views on Sex and Sexuality
When it comes to sex, Western Buddhists tend to be fairly liberal. But as scholar José Cabezón explains, Buddhist tradition takes a much more conservative approach, prohibiting, among other things, oral or anal sex, male homosexuality, and even sex during daylight hours. He challenges us not to dismiss traditional Buddhist views on sexuality but rather to critically examine them, beginning with the study of sexual ethics in Buddhist texts.
Why Forms are Fundamental to Buddhist Practice
Embrace the ritual forms of Buddhist practice, says Zen teacher (and former Buddhadharma editor) Koun Franz — you can't escape them anyway.
Koans for Troubled Times
How do we as Buddhists meet the challenges of our time? Joan Sutherland says an answer lies in the teachings of two great Chan masters.
Beyond Good and Evil
Jan Chozen Bays ponders the question of evil's origin, considering the Christian and the Buddhist perspectives on good and evil.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Sharon Salzberg reflects on the selflessness of everyday caregivers, and encouraging a balance of compassion and equanimity.
Ethical Conduct Is the Essence of Dharma Practice
The Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron outline three levels of Buddhist ethical codes and how we can follow them.
How do Buddhist teachers work with doubt?
Sometimes when I teach I feel like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not because I see where I fail to live up to these precious teachings. I begin to doubt.
Inside the Fall 2020 Buddhadharma magazine
The Fall 2020 issue of Buddhadharma features in-depth teachings for cultivating your Buddhist practice and manifesting those teachings in everyday life.
Comparing Mahamudra and Dzogchen
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996) on the differences between Mahamudra and Dzogchen—and the relationship between them.
Think Again Before You Dismiss Magic
Roger R. Jackson reviews "Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, and Enchantment Through the Ages" by Sam van Schaik.
What is the Buddhist view of hope?
Oren Jay Sofer, Sister Clear Grace, and Ayya Yeshe look at the meaning of hope in Buddhism and what it means in today's world.
The Enlightenment Project
Rob Preece shares why the Buddhist path isn't about trying become spiritually evolved, but about being authentic, open, and compassionate.
The Enduring Teachings of Suzuki Roshi
To mark the fiftieth anniversary of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi‘s Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, we present two teachings from the book, alongside testimonials from Buddhist teachers.
When Sadness Rages Like Fire
Pema Khandro Rinpoche shares the life of the Tibetan yogi Shabkar, whose practice and teachings were inseparable from loss and grief.
No One Wakes Up Until We All Wake Up
Buddhist practice is not meant to be comfortable, says Tenku Ruff. We have to keep pushing our edges — and that includes waking up to the reality of deeply rooted white superiority.
If You Could See the Heart Sutra
Paula Arai introduces us to the world of Tsuneo Iwasaki, who discovered a world of practice in giving (actual) shape to the "Heart Sutra."
How the Sacred Treasure of Literacy Came to Tibet
When written language arrived in Tibet, says Patrick Dowd, it brought the dharma with it.
Waking Up in Dark Times
In order to shed light on the realities of climate change, says Ajahn Sucitto, first we should get more comfortable with the darkness.
Turning to the Present Moment of Racism
How do we hold the realities of racism in our hearts, asks Doshin Mako Voelkel. And how do we hold the parts of ourselves that might want to look away?