Archives: BD Articles
True Blessings
In this commentary on Guru Rinpoche visualization, Tulku Thondup Rinpoche reveals the deep nontheistic essence of Vajrayana practice.
A Straight Road with Many Curves
Gregory Shepherd looks back on his Zen training in Japan with the late Yamada Roshi and the difficult lessons he learned.
Unlimited Heart
After caring for his mother, Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on self-sacrifice and the importance of cultivating a strong and expansive heart.
Forum: Your Meditation Reality Check
Three teachers discuss how to identify obstacles in your practice, apply antidotes that work, and deepen your meditation in the process.
Awaken with Them? Really?
Zen priest Catherine Toldi examines the painful conflicts that can arise in sanghas and offers practical advice on how to deal with them.
Commentary: Walking the Talk
Andrew Olendski looks at why our wise teachers can, sometimes, behave in what appears like an unwise manner.
Guide to the Three-Yana Journey
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s comprehensive presentation of the three-yana journey, taught only to his senior students, is being made public for the first time in The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche takes us through this unique body of teachings.
Why does meditation make it harder to drop my “self”?
The teachers address the problem of finding that meditation makes it more difficult to drop the barriers between "self" and "other."
Let’s Talk: What Are You Waiting For?
Clinical therapist Tamara Kaiser asks why Buddhist communities have not adopted ethical standards long accepted by the rest of society.
Lost in Beantown
Boston newcomer Brian Arundel struggles to make sense of the locals’ reckless driving, knack for obscenities, and disregard for others.
Do Not Stand By
Jack Kornfield talks about the response of Western Buddhist leaders to the ethnic violence incited by Burmese monks and abbots.
Profile: Boundless Way Zen
Andrew Merz profiles Boundless Way, a hybrid Zen school led by four teachers trained in different lineages.
On Second Thought
Shayne Larango turns away from her corporate life to join a Vipassana retreat – only to find the transition more difficult than anticipated.
What’s In a Name?
Ajahn Amaro presents two helpful meditation practices you can do while listening to the inner sound.
The Sound of Silence
Ajahn Amaro explains how to practice nada yoga and why this simple act of listening to inner sound can help you realize emptiness.
Is Meditation Enough?
Sharon Salzberg, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, and Gaylon Ferguson examine the central role of meditation in Western Buddhism and explore how other practices, such as study and ritual, may or may not be necessary. With introduction by Norman Fischer.
Here With You
Dr. Friederike Boissevain on how Zen practice has taught her that being present with a mind of not knowing is sometimes the best medicine.
No Small Effort
Coming back to the issue of diversity is no different from bringing one’s awareness back to the breath or any object of awareness.
First Thoughts – Winter 2012
Excerpts of Buddhadharma's favorite writings and teachings from Winter 2012, featuring Thich Nhat Hanh, Ven. David Xi-Ken Astor, and more.
Let’s Talk: It’s Time to Open Our Doors
Joshua Eaton asks: “Why is it that Buddhists are always talking about compassion but aren't providing shelter for those in need?”