The True Dragon

If you are carving your own dragon, you will never see the real one. That’s why true zazen requires giving up your personal style of practice.

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Does my transgender identity conflict with Buddhism’s teachings on no-self?

I was born male, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually a transgender woman. As a Buddhist, I feel conflicted by the teachings on no-self.

Our Teachers Are Not Gods Confronting Abuse of Power Rob Preece

Our Teachers Are Not Gods

Longtime practitioner and psychotherapist Rob Preece says even though as students we may be devoted to our teachers, we can't afford to idealize them anymore.

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Confronting Abuse: Be Proactive

An Olive Branch presents an action plan for putting the necessary supports in place to protect sangha members from abuse

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If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…

When we pray, says Mark Unno, it’s important not to get caught up in magical thinking or to become attached to specific outcomes. Just praying is enough.

Sculpture of a face.

What Is Dream Yoga and How Do You Do It?

If you indulge your fantasies, lucid dreaming becomes super-samsara. If you go deeper, lucid dreaming can develop into dream yoga—spiritual practice.

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15 Buddhist Apps to Help Recognize You Don’t Really Need a Buddhist iPhone App

Sam Littlefair learns why there are so few Buddhist apps and how — even if they're not totally necessary — they might help you on your spiritual journey.

Why do Buddhists Pray Buddhadharma Lions Roar

An Invitation

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know whom you’re praying to, says Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel. The very act of asking for help allows the heart to open and invite the world in.

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Should I believe the thought that I want a divorce?

Three teachers answer the question: "How can I know whether or not I should believe the thought I wish I weren't married to my spouse?"

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Krispy Kreme Mind

Jan Chozen Bays on the incessant desires that fuel our confusion and suffering.

Is My Sangha Inclusive?

When reverend Kiyonobu Joshin Kuwahara asked himself "is my Sangha inclusive?," he wasn’t sure of the answer. So he decided to find out.

When the Retreat is Over

Mingyur Rinpoche, who spent more than four years on wandering retreat, shares his most challenging moments as well as practical advice for returning home.

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That Driver Could Be Your Mother

Compassion and rebirth came together for me recently as I sat reflecting on how I nearly drove my mother off the road.

Should I Meditate If I Can’t Stop Thinking about Porn?

Bodhin Kjolhede, JoAnna Harper, and Repa Dorje Odzer answer the question "Should I meditate if I can't stop thinking about porn?"

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Entering the Jhanas

Entering the jhanas is not easy—the harder you try, the more difficult it becomes. But you can make yourself ready for them to open up to you.

The Life of the Lotus Sutra

Paul L. Swanson reviews "The Lotus Sutra: A Biography" by Donald S. Lopez, Jr. From the Summer 2017 issue of Buddhadharma.

Why Buddhist Communities Should Include Children

Jodo Shinsu minister Jeff Wilson on why teaching children the dharma is genuine bodhisattva work.

Inside the Summer 2017 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly

The Summer 2017 issue of Buddhadharma is available now. Here is a preview of what you’ll find in the magazine.

A Jewel Heart: Remembering Gelek Rimpoche

Gelek Rimpoche passed away in February at the age of 77. Dimitri Ehrlich remembers his teacher's generosity.

Buddhists Helping Buddhists

Pamela Ayo Yetunde reviews "A Thousand Hands: A Guidebook to Caring for Your Buddhist Community." From the Summer 2017 issue of Buddhadharma.