Archives: BD Articles
Who Was Sayadaw U Pandita?
Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita had a defining influence on the Western Insight movement of Theravada Buddhism.
The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa: A New Translation
Tibetan translator Christopher Stagg died in a car accident on October 1, 2018. In tribute, we are republishing this excerpt from his recent translation of The Hundred Thousands Songs of Milarepa, which was featured in the Winter 2017 issue of Buddhadharma.
A Woman of Zen
Melissa Myozen Blacker recounts how she, as a practitioner and a teacher, has navigated a male-dominated tradition.
How We Work with Koans and How They Work on Us
Joan Sutherland, Judy Roitman, and Bodhin Kjolhede examine the practice of koan introspection and how different traditions approach it.
Who Was Milarepa?
Milarepa was a Tibetan master, yogi, and poet who led an inspiring life of spiritual progress and human accomplishment.
Radical Thinkers of Pure Land Buddhism
Mark Unno looks at the historical figures behind Pure Land Buddhism — the tradition based on the enlightened realm of Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
About the art in the Fall 2018 issue of Buddhadharma
We take a closer look at the art featured in the Fall 2018 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly.
Training the Buddhist Leaders of Tomorrow
Gina Sharpe and Larry Yang share how the most diverse Buddhist teacher-training program in American history, now underway at Spirit Rock, came to be.
The New Wave of Psychedelics in Buddhist Practice
Matteo Pistono takes a close look at how some Buddhist teachers are not only turning toward psychedelics in their practice but also making it a part of their teaching.
Inside the Fall 2018 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
The Fall 2018 issue of Buddhadharma is available now. Preview the magazine contents and sample articles and teachings.
Pointing Out Ordinary Mind
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche presents the essential teachings of Mahamudra and its three main approaches to practice, each offering effective methods for directly pointing out mind’s true nature.
Do You Know Your True Face?
Lama Rod Owens says we need to look honestly at who we are, in all our complexity. This is especially vital for those who teach the dharma.
Cultivate Tranquility, Harvest Insight
The classical Theravada model of meditation employs the practices of shamatha and vipassana, both. Ajahn Brahmavamso explains the path of tranquility and insight.
The Healing Practice of Cultural Humility
Charlene Leung discusses the importance of using Buddhist practice to become aware of our biases and develop cultural humility.
Forum: Do You Believe in Miracles?
Debating the supernatural in Buddhism with Judy Lief, Ari Goldfield, and Glenn Wallis.
Four Steps to Magical Powers
Before you fully embark on the path of the bodhisattvas and buddhas, says Sheng Yen, you must first practice the four steps to magical powers.
The Insight Revolution
Determined to save Buddhism in Burma during colonial rule, Ledi Sayadaw popularized the teachings of the Abhidharma and introduced thousands of laypeople to the practice of insight meditation. As Erik Braun tells us, he set in motion a revolution in Buddhist practice still being felt around the globe.
Advice for Going on a Long Meditation Retreat
Andrew Holecek offers some practical advice for anyone considering a long-term retreat.
Is Mine Bigger than Yours?
Charles Johnson explores our endless capacity to compare ourselves to others, and the Buddha’s antidote to trying to measure up.