Archives: BD Articles
The Problem of Personality
We believe deeply in ourselves as personalities, says Ajahn Sumedho, each committed to the reality of our own personal history and distinctive traits. “It is so easy for us to conceive the conditions we attach to,” he writes. “Yet with satipañña (discriminating alertness) and sati-sampajañña (awareness), we begin to awaken ourselves to the way it is, rather than being committed to the conventional realities.”
The Real Practice of Mindfulness
As mindfulness becomes an increasingly popular concept, it is often mistaken for just “being in the moment.” Andrew Olendzki examines the Abhidharma teachings to uncover what mindfulness practice really is and how it works.
Becoming Truly Alive
We live a kind of artificial life, says Thich Nhat Hanh, lost in worries and anger. Our practice is to wake up and live each moment fully.
It Comes Down to Character
We often look at Buddhist practice as a way of cultivating particular qualities; Thanissaro Bhikkhu reminds us, however, that the Buddha also spoke of qualities we must have to take up the practice in the first place.
Along Came a Tigress
Sara Lewis reviews "Inseparable Across Lifetimes: The Lives and Love Letters of Namtrul Rinpoche and Khandro Tare Lhamo," translated by Holly Gayley.
Practicing Financial Awareness
Laura Jomon Martin suggests ways to identify our habitual patterns and attitudes around money and to foster a more generous outlook.
Amida Buddha Welcomes All Refugees
Jeff Wilson explains how the Jodo Shinshu school of Pure Land Buddhism emerged from the refugee experiences of its two Japanese founders.
Inside the Winter 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
The Winter 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly is available now. Inside, you'll find teachings, book reivews, and more.
Through the Lens of Madhyamaka
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche unpacks the Madhyamaka view of the two truths.
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.