Archives: BD Articles
The Path of Gratitude
The goal of Shin Buddhism’s central practice, nembutsu, is not to attain buddhahood for ourselves, says Jeff Wilson, but to express gratitude for all we have received.
The Natural World as a Powerful Teacher
Elizabeth Monson invites us to consider how the natural world can do far more than provide us with a peaceful environment for meditation.
Vajrayana Explained
The late Karma Kagyu master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche presents a clear explanation of the view of Vajrayana and its main practices of generation and completion.
No Teacher of Zen
In Zen, wisdom comes from personal experience. Everyone is a student – even the teachers.
We’re In This Together
Our culture has a deeply-ingrained sense of individualism, says Judith Simmer-Brown. But what would happen if we began to trust each other?
What Are the Three Devadutas?
Devaduta is pali for "divine messengers." It is said that the Buddha embarked on his quest for enlightenment after encountering three devadutas: a sick person, an old man, and a corpse.
Becoming a Buddha: Lessons from Little Girls
Buddhist scholar Stephanie Balkwill examines the historical arguments around the question: "Can women attain buddhahood in a female form?"
Can Buddhism Meet the Climate Crisis?
David Loy makes clear what Buddhism offers in the face of climate change. From the Spring 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly.
Free from the Burden of Holding On
What do you cling to? Let it go, says Ajahn Jayasaro, and you’ll discover something profound.
Buddhadharma Book Briefs for Fall 2019
Daigengna Duoer reviews "Love on Every Breath" by Lama Palden Drolma, "Green Buddhism" by Stephanie Kaza, "Just Enough" by Gesshin Greenwood, and more.
The Path We Walk as Women
In the commentary to the Fall 2019 special women’s issue of Buddhadharma, Jan Willis reminds us of the powerful role of women in Buddhism, historically and today.
The Sakyadhita Movement
Judith Hertog profiles the Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, which has been leading the way for gender equality in Buddhism for more than thirty years.
Inside the Fall 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
The Fall 2019 issue of Buddhadharma is a special women’s issue highlighting and celebrating women’s enormous contribution to the dharma.
Calling on Jizo
In Japan, Jizo Bodhisattva is the “guardian of children who have died.” Zen priest and grief counselor Dojin Sarah Emerson recalls how the Jizo Ceremony helped after the death of her daughter.
The Paradox of Prayer
Prayer is alive and well in Western Zen, says Jan Chozen Bays, even as it challenges us to make sense of what we’re doing.
What kinds of personal changes can we expect from Buddhist practice?
Sebene Selassie, Rose Taylor Goldfield, and Guo Gu respond to the question "It seems that Buddhists are just as reactive and narcissistic as anyone else. What kinds of changes can we reasonably expect from Buddhist practice?"
What a Wall Teaches
Lin Jensen recounts his experience with the ancient Zen practice of wall sitting: what is it about a wall that helps penetrate consciousness?
Dismantling the Master’s House
Thanissara presents an honest discussion of internalized racism and how seeing it clearly transforms sanghas.
Bearing Witness to the Wounds of Internment
Mark Unno reviews "American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War" by Duncan Williams.
As a Buddhist, should I support the pro-choice view on abortion?
Three teachers respond to the question: How would you counsel someone who is considering getting an abortion?