Oh Tara,
Protect Us
In this teaching, Thubten Chodron
comments on a prayer to the buddha Tara
to protect us from the eight dangers.
Deep Dive
Heart Journeys: All About Buddhist Pilgrimage
“The aim of all Buddhist practice,” writes Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, “is to catch a glimpse of the awakened state. Going on pilgrimage, soaking up the sacred atmosphere of holy places, and mingling with other pilgrims are simply different ways of trying to achieve that glimpse.”
With the next Lion’s Roar pilgrimage offering coming up at March’s end — a “Heart Journey Pilgrimage” to Bhutan and Nepal led by Alex & Sisse d’Artois of Himalayan Hermitage — we’re sharing practical information, and plenty of inspiration, for anyone who might one day undertake Buddhist pilgrimage. (There are plenty of opportunities: other Lion’s Roar pilgrimages this year include trips to Mongolia, Tibet and Nepal, and India and Nepal.)
Featuring pieces by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Shantum Seth, Andrea Miller, Scott Tusa, and more.
Make the Most of Your Pilgrimage
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche explains how to get the most out of your spiritual journey to India, from generating proper motivation to the most effective practices for accumulating merit and wisdom while visiting Buddhism’s holy sites.
In the Land of the Thunder Dragon
From the philosophy of Gross National Happiness to the emerging Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan is reimagining its future through a Buddhist lens. Andrea Miller reports on the country’s evolving balance of tradition and innovation.
Scott Tusa on Pilgrimage, Parenting, and Practice in Nepal
Mariana Restrepo speaks with dharma teacher Scott Tusa while on pilgrimage in Nepal, reflecting on the intersections of practice, pilgrimage, and parenting—from shared monastic roots to the realities of everyday life.
Footsteps of Buddha: Buddhist Pilgrimage in India
Read an excerpt from Footsteps of Buddha, the photography book by James Gritz—a visually rich and spiritually grounded reflection on twenty years of pilgrimage to India’s most sacred Buddhist sites.
How YouTube Is Changing Buddhist Pilgrimage and Re-Historicizing Buddhism’s Past
Nikhil Stewart shares what he’s learned by interviewing 30 monks about how vlogging (video-blogging) has impacted Buddhist pilgrimage — online, and “IRL.”
The Pilgrim’s Progress
Joseph Szostak reports from India on the history of Buddhist pilgrimage and the challenges and benefits of this ancient practice.
12 Extraordinary Buddhist Temples & Monasteries
Embark on a visual pilgrimage through awe-inspiring Buddhist sacred sites from around the world.
The Building Blocks of Belonging
According to Willa Blythe Baker, making a strong, healthy community starts with understanding how it is constructed.
Cultivating the 5 Powers
Author, medical doctor, and Plum Village monastic Sister Dang Nghiem talks about how Thich Nhat Hanh taught the “five strengths” — faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, and insight — and how we can harness them to drive and deepen our dharma practice.
Dharma Books: Excerpts
Commentary: Embrace the Queerness of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Transgender Buddhist monastic and social justice worker Ven. Tashi Choedup on Buddha as their teacher, dharma as their guardian, and sangha as their guide.
I Vow Not to Burn Out
Mushim Patricia Ikeda says it’s not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too.
See Things Clear Through
Upasika Kee Nanayon shows us how to combine concentration and clear-seeing to penetrate the “mass of deceit” that is the mind.
Understanding the Ngöndro, or the Preliminary Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
Carlo Carranza on how they function as a roadmap to enlightenment, giving us step-by-step instructions for our journey to liberation.
Buddhism A–Z
Learn all about key Buddhist terms, concepts, and traditions in our in-depth glossary — perfect for beginners and committed dharma practitioners alike.
