Archives: BD Articles
What’s Daoism Got to Do with It?
Livia Kohn reviews "China Root: Daoism, Chan, and Original Zen by David Hinton."
Welcome to the Charnel Ground
Chöying Khandro takes us on a tour of Chöd, where we visit the places we don’t want to go and offer ourselves up to the things that frighten us the most.
The Promise and Peril of Spiritual Authority
Gina Sharpe, Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, and Pilar Jennings examine spiritual power, the roots of its abuse, and how we might learn to hold it differently going forward.
How can I frame my dharma practice in more positive terms?
Satya Robyn, Harry Um, and Valerie Brown discuss the "positive" and "negative" focuses of Buddhist practice.
Our Traditions Can — and Must — Change
Even as we uphold tradition, says Justin von Bujdoss, we also have to leave room for it to grow.
Buddhadharma Book Briefs for Winter 2020
Joie Szu-Chiao Chen reviews "Praise of Great Compassion" by the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron, "America’s Racial Karma" by Larry Ward, "Reading the Buddha’s Discourses in Pali" by Bhikkhu Bodhi, and more.
Everything Is Enlightenment
Enlightenment is everywhere we look, says Joan Sutherland — we can choose to notice it, but at the same time, we can also trust that it will find us, wherever we are.
The Complete Practice
Pamela White completes eight cycles of the intense purification process known as nyoungne, and finds it a joyous experience.
This Is the Origin, This Is the Cessation
Teachings on the Four Noble Truths from Handful of Leaves, Thanissaro Bhikkhu’s new translations of selected suttas from the Pali Canon.
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.