Archives: BD Articles
Breaking Life Down to Its Parts
The path to liberation, says Vipassana master U Pandita, is the precise breaking down of life as it unfolds – part by part, step by step, moment by moment.
The Heartwood-Northwestern Symposium: A Groundbreaking Gathering Centering Survivors of Sexual Violence in Buddhism
Mariana Restrepo, deputy editor of Buddhadharma, reports from a first-of-its-kind event designed to bring light — and solutions — to the problem of sexual abuse in Buddhist communities, and how it affects monastics and non-monastics alike.
Watch: Mingyur Rinpoche teaches on Mindfulness of the Body
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teaches us what it means to bring our mind and body into the present moment. Also included is a helpful reflection on the subject from Edwin Kelley.
Understanding the Ngöndro, or the Preliminary Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
Carlo Carranza on how the Ngöndro — the preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism — functions as a roadmap to enlightenment, giving us step-by-step instructions for our journey to liberation.
How to help sanghas and individuals affected by Helene
Here are some organizations that can make the most of any funds or energy you might be able to contribute.
Pema Chödrön confers novice nun’s vows — for the first time
The subject of the ceremony was longtime Vajra Vidya Retreat Center resident, Amanda Atwood of Harare, Zimbabwe.
Jogye Order delegation to visit UN, pledge financial support in support of Korean Buddhist studies
"If the practice of Zen meditation is translated into a national practice beyond our Buddhist community," says Monk Jin Woo, "humanity will surely undergo a great transformation.”
“Facing the Mirror”
What we perceive as the faults of others are simply a reflection of our own. A commentary on two verses of the Dhammapada by the late Ayya Khema.
Understanding Abhidharma, a.k.a. Buddhist Psychology
In this Q&A, Edwin Kelley answers key questions about Abhidharma, a.k.a. Buddhist Psychology.
What is Development Stage Meditation?
Cortland Dahl explains how this form of meditation "uses the power of the imagination and symbolic imagery to help us tap into our buddha nature." An excerpt from his new book, A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism: The Path of Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom.
How Benefiting Others is Also Self-Benefit
The Buddhist concept of "no-self" and the pressure to be selfless can become a daunting task, as it felt for Buddhist practitioner Ching Pan. In this piece, she explores how we can care for others selflessly while also caring for ourselves.
Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan and Zen
Read a brief of Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan and Zen by Nelson Foster, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.
Paranormal States: Psychic Abilities in Buddhist Convert Communities
Read a brief of Paranormal States: Psychic Abilities in Buddhist Convert Communities by D.E. Osto, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Columbia University Press.
To Rescue a World
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi on the shift that transformed his loving-kindness practice, allowing him to truly extend it toward all beings — even those he might have once considered neutral or even hostile.
How Shinran, Founder of Shin Buddhism, Went Beyond the Self
Rev. Jon Turner on how Shinran Shonin was able to gain insight into the true nature of reality, awakening.
“Real-life, positive effects” — What it’s like to join Namchak’s “Compassion In Action” Fellows program
Buddhadharma’s Rod Meade Sperry and Mariana Restrepo talk to Namchak Foundation “Compassion in Action” program Fellow Saulkdi Yangh about his experience with the program.
Rebecca Solnit: “Everything Is Connected, Everything Changes”
Leading writer and activist Rebecca Solnit on Buddhist wisdom and a better world.
How Buddhist Abhidharma Practice Mitigates Aversion, Craving, and Suffering
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche shares Abhidharma practices that can guide you toward inner freedom, compassion, and wisdom in his new manual, Stainless Prajna: Stages of Meditation on the Treasury of Abhidharma. Also included is a short breathing/meditation practice.
Do Buddhas think?
Zen teacher Blanche Hartman, Tibetan teacher Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and Insight teacher Narayan Helen Liebenson answer the question, "Do Buddhas think?"
How do I know whether to avoid or accept something that causes me distress?
In Buddhadharma's Ask the Teachers section, Sestuan Gaelyn Godwin, Larry Yang, and Dungse Jampal Norbu discuss relating to obstacles and difficult emotions.