Archives: BD Articles
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.
Empty Splendor
The tantric path teaches us how to cut through our concepts, says the late Traleg Rinpoche, so we can experience reality in its full clarity.
The View from Mount Meru
Ajahn Punnadhammo explains how traditional Buddhist cosmology contains important insights for practicing the Buddhist teachings.
Journeys: The Real Rodeo
Kiley Jon Clark recounts an exhilarating moment of transition that turned "doing" into "being" – much like his Buddhist practice.
Review: “Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism: Kukai and Dogen on the Art of Enlightenment”
Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism: Kukai and Dogen on the Art of Enlightenment By Pamela D. Winfield Oxford University Press, 2013 When I was a novice at Shogoji monastery, every day I passed by some framed calligraphy by the main doors of the dharma hall, excerpts from the Ten Examples of Suchness (junyoze). For…