Category: Bodhi Leaves
When Memory Fails Us
Mark Amaratunga explores the strange phenomenon of the Mandela Effect—collective false memories that reveal the fluid, constructed nature of perception.
The Blind Passions of “Love Is Blind”
Netflix’s <i>Love Is Blind</i> isn’t just melodramatic reality TV, says Rev. Jean-Paul deGuzman. It’s a mirror for our own attachments and delusions.
Asian American & Buddhist
What are the challenges, joys, and practices of today’s Asian American Buddhists? And what does the future hold for Asian American dharma communities? Mihiri Tillakaratne, Renato Almanzor, sujatha baliga, Chenxing Han, and Rev. Marvin Harada engage with these and other questions.
The Ultimate Gift
Mushim Patricia Ikeda’s parents gave her baby sister to an aunt living an ocean away. This act of generosity changed the way she thinks about giving.
How to Make Friends with Your Beautiful Monsters
Anger, fear, envy—usually we’re ashamed of our so-called monstrous emotional patterns. Yet if we make friends with our monsters, says Tsoknyi Rinpoche, magic happens. We are no longer afraid.
Be Beautiful, Be Yourself : Q&A with Brother Trời Bảo Tạng
Kim Thai interviews Brother Trời Bảo Tạng, a monastic in the Plum Village tradition, who discusses why a non-binary monastic order is needed, and the practice of speaking up and letting go.
You Are the Great Perfection
Rest in your true nature without effort or distraction — Mingyur Rinpoche teaches the renowned practice of Dzogchen.
What to Do When Politics Make You Angry
Cristina Moon on how physical activity cultivates clarity, calm, and more effective political action.
Overcome Overwhelm
If you try to push away the sensation of being overwhelmed, it only gets worse. Brother Phap Huu on how to truly feel calm, stable, and refreshed.
The Dharma of Shogun
Paul Daisuke Goodman on what one critically acclaimed TV show teaches us about right view, right action, and deep listening. Spoiler warning.
How I Reclaimed My Body
Rev. Syd Yang on how the Heart Sutra supported them on their journey from self-harm to self-healing.
The Wisdom of “The Bear”
Harry Um on what one blockbuster television show teaches us about dedication and perfection, grief and love.
Touch the Earth
Through the senses, we connect with our own hearts, each other, and the world, says Elaine Yuen.
The Pure Land of Parkour
Take the leap, says An Tran. Discover that the cityscape is a place of bliss and wonder.
How I Share the Dharma with My Kids
Cathryn Dhanatya discovers the power of ritual to help her family create meaning and community, and to connect to their Thai heritage.
Welcome to “Bodhi Leaves: The Asian American Buddhist Monthly”
Editors Noel Alumit and Mihiri Tillakaratne on why “Bodhi Leaves” centers Asian American experiences and how it’s part of a larger movement creating a more inclusive American Buddhism.
Mindfulness with Every Step
Rev. WonGong explains how a rushing mind can trip us up — literally.
Lotus Seats for the Dead
Reverend Michael Tran on a Buddhist practice that can help us find closure when we lose a loved one.
Share Your Wisdom: Your Home Altar
For our next issue of “Bodhi Leaves,” we want to see your home altar!
“May We Gather” Buddhist memorial and pilgrimage honors Asian American ancestors
Lion’s Roar associate editor Mihiri Tillakaratne reports on the 2024 “May We Gather” event in Antioch, California, which marked the three-year memorial of the Atlanta-area spa shootings.