Archives: BD Articles
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?
How Buddhists Can Benefit from Western Philosophy
Take a second look at Western philosophy, advises William Edelglass — it might be more compatible with Buddhism than you think.
Inside the Summer 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
The Summer 2019 issue of Buddhadharma is available now. Preview the magazine contents and sample articles.
How to Work with Emotions
Sharon Salzberg, Judith Simmer-Brown, John Tarrant, and the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche offer new perspectives on how to think about and engage with our emotional lives.
The Moon Is Me, I Am the Moon
We are all one and the same. This is the experience of Zen. So teaches Shodo Harada Roshi in his book of original calligraphies.
Who Was Otagaki Rengetsu?
Grace Schireson on the life, art, and poetics of the Zen nun Otagaki Rengetsu, a woman “humbled by life’s blows as well as its beauty.” Watch Grace Schierson in Lion’s Roar’s upcoming free online event, “<a href="https://promo.lionsroar.com/the-women-of-wisdom-summit-free-registration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Women of Wisdom Summit.</a>”
Who Was Mahasi Sayadaw?
Burmese monk Mahasi Sayadaw helped revolutionize Buddhism. He was a respected scholar, teacher, and meditation master.
Visualizing a Pure and Perfect World
Heidi Köppl looks at how Vajrayana visualization practice, when applied correctly, helps us to acknowledge the emptiness of the present moment.
What does ‘dedicating merit’ really do?
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Nikki Mirghafori, and Gyokei Yokoyama answer the question: "We are encouraged to dedicate the merit of our practice to all beings. It’s a beautiful idea, but what effect, if any, does it really have? And can you offer something you’re not sure you even have?"
About the art in the Spring 2019 issue of Buddhadharma
We take a closer look at the art featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly.
Inside the Spring 2019 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
The Spring 2019 issue of Buddhadharma is available now. Preview the magazine contents and sample articles below.
I Thought I Was Alone
I’ve been a Zen practitioner for thirty years. Ten years ago I was in a deep depression. If I sat down to meditate, demons would torment me.



















