Category: Buddhadharma
Buddhadharma on Books: Summer 2024
Constance Kassor reviews the latest in Buddhist books, including The Jhanas, Buddhism Between Religion and Philosophy, and more.
Excerpt: A Dakini’s Counsel: Sera Khandro’s Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions
Read a brief of A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions by Sera Khandro, translated by Christina Lee Monson, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.
Excerpt: Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland
Read a brief of Nāgārjuna's Precious Garland: Ratnāvalī by Sara McClintock and John Dunne, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Wisdom Publications.
Excerpt: The Jhanas, by Shaila Catherine
Read a brief of The Jhānas: A Practical Guide to Deep Meditative States by Shaila Catherine, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Wisdom Publications.
Excerpt: The Blue-Cliff Record, translated by David Hinton
Read a brief of The Blue-Cliff Record by David Hinton, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.
Excerpt: A History of Uyghur Buddhism
Read a brief of A History of Uyghur Buddhism by Johan Elverskog, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Columbia University Press.
Excerpt: Lotus Girl, by Helen Tworkov
Read a brief of Lotus Girl by Helen Tworkov, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
Dukkha as a Doorway to Liberation
Scott Tusa on how Buddhist ethics transcend mere morality and help us to realize awakening.
Concentrating on the Work at Hand
In this excerpt from The Gift of Work (originally published as Skillful Means), the prolific Nyingma teacher Tarthang Tulku shares a plain-language exercise for concentration, as developed over his five decades interacting with Americans from various business backgrounds.
What Is Harmful? What Is Helpful?
Chan teacher Guo Gu on how, through practice, we awaken to the best in others and ourselves.
Understanding the Vinaya
Amy Paris Langenberg on the history, evolution, and modern manifestations of the training rules followed by Buddhist monastics.
How the Three Tenets Help Us Live Wisely
Roshi Joan Halifax reflects on the guiding principles of the Zen Peacemaker Order, and why we all might benefit from putting them to the test.
Opening to the Joy of Work
Making a living while living our values can be easier said than done, but Maia Duerr has discerned six keys for cultivating the qualities and conditions for doing abundant, cheerful, sustainable work.
Discernment Guided by Compassion
Ryuei Michael McCormick on right speech: When should we use forceful words, or gentle ones? Or none at all?
All-Encompassing Compassion
Heidi Nevin remembers her teacher Chatral Rinpoche’s inspiring commitment to vegetarianism as part of the dharma path.
Is Our Practice Enough?
Clair Brown on how Buddhists’ vow to end suffering must go beyond the individual to a global understanding of how our suffering—and happiness—is connected to all living beings on our planet.
Watch: Berkeley Zen Center abbot Hozan Alan Senauke gives first talk after heart attack
In his first dharma talk since being hospitalized last year, Hozan Alan Senauke shared his gratitude and insights on the value of practice in difficult times with the Berkeley Zen Center community.
How Right Action and Loving-Kindness Work Together
Nikki Mirghafori on why the cultivation of good will can lead to wise action—and vice versa.
Insight Meditation: Present, Open & Aware
Emily Horn on how to discover the peace and awakening in every moment.
Moving Through the Three “Karma Doors”
Vanessa Zuisei Goddard on how understanding our gateways to the world — body, speech, and mind — is key in our practice of sila.