Archives: BD Articles
Teachers Are People Too
We want our teachers to practice what they preach, but when we look closely, they can seem just as flawed as the rest of us. Sumi Loundon Kim discovers for herself what’s so special—and so ordinary—about being the teacher.
A Commentary on “The Eight Bardos”
According to Tibetan Buddhism, all life and death take place in the gap, or bardo, between one state and another. While the most famous bardo is the one between death and rebirth, there are others that also shape our lives. Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen presents a commentary on Milarepa’s song of realization “The Eight Bardos.”
A Meeting of Hearts and Minds
In a teacher-student relationship, says Jakusho Kwong, it’s not enough to know your teacher’s heart and mind. You also need to know your own.
Falling in Love with a Buddha
Frank Berliner, a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, describes the ever-deepening stages of relationship one experiences with their guru.
Chanting Names Once Forgotten: The Zen Women Ancestors Document
A quiet movement to reshape our understanding of Zen lineage and history is bringing attention to the forgotten names and voices of women in the tradition.
Enlightenment is Something We Do Together
There’s a romantic idea of enlightenment as a solitary and heroic act, but even if you’re off by yourself in a cave, you are still part of a culture, and it’s observable that some cultures are more friendly to discovery than others. Building a culture has been an ongoing and repeated task of Buddhism since the time of the Buddha.
Is there an eternal soul in Buddhism?
The teachers are asked if there is an eternal soul Buddhism.
Let’s Talk: Cybersanghas—Do They Work?
Dosho Port discusses the emerging trend of online sanghas, and whether the dharma can be practiced digitally.
Profile: The New York Buddhist Church
Michael Haederle profiles the New York Buddhist Church.
Journeys: A Glimmer of Dharma
Patrick Brady discusses his struggle and perseverance to follow the Buddhist path while in prison.
A Questioning Life
Toni Packer didn’t call herself a Buddhist, but she dedicated her life to exploring the path of awakening.
The Gift Goenka Gave Us
S.N. Goenka, in the lineage of Ledi Sayadaw, brought the method of insight meditation to modern-day people from all walks of life.
Back from the Brink
Jim Willems’ chronic pain and illness had become so bad he decided to take his own life. But the dharma kept him going through the darkness.
Can meditation become addictive?
The teachers are asked whether meditation can become addictive, bringing about withdrawal symptoms when a session is missed.
Reviews: Investigating the Subtle Body
Willa B. Miller reviews "Religion and the Subtle Body in Asia and the West" and "Training the Wisdom Body: Buddhist Yogic Exercise".
Profile: Sanshin Zen Community
Michael Haederle profiles the Sashin Zen Community, led by Shohaku Okumura Roshi and based in Bloomington, Indiana.
Journeys: What About My Retreat?
Maureen Connor reflects on the ups and downs of organizing her first retreat, and sense of community that it brings.
Let’s Talk: What are you doing to protect your Buddhist treasures?
Ann Shaftel says there are many things we can and must do to preserve sacred Buddhist art.
From Folk Hero to Deity
Geoffrey Samuels reviews "The Epic Of Gesar Of Ling: Gesar’s Magical Birth, Early Years And Coronation As King".
What Do You See?
Ever notice how quickly you form opinions about the world around you? Next time stop and take a closer look, suggests Geoffrey Shugen Arnold.