Category: Dharma in Daily Life
Another New Year
Sitting still in the dark zendo and breathing with others is exactly what Natalie Goldberg needs. On this last night of the year, she wonders what this human life is all about.
How can I frame my dharma practice in more positive terms?
Satya Robyn, Harry Um, and Valerie Brown discuss the "positive" and "negative" focuses of Buddhist practice.
Our Traditions Can — and Must — Change
Even as we uphold tradition, says Justin von Bujdoss, we also have to leave room for it to grow.
The Kindness Instinct
Brain-science writer Daniel Goleman describes how we are hard-wired from kindness—and why that impulse is sometimes short-circuited.
A Tale of Two Crises
Rachel Neumann on what it was like to simultaneously navigate the pandemic and the wildfires that ravaged the West Coast.
Nothing to Give, No One to Receive It
For December, we're celebrating compassion on Lion's Roar and in Shambhala Sun. Here, Norman Fischer says giving is the Buddha way.
Do Dishes, Rake Leaves: The Wisdom of the Ancient Homemakers
Karen Maezen Miller on how the domestic practice of ancient Zen masters can lead us to intimate encounters with our own lives.
The Only Constant is Impermanence
Each Friday, we share three topical longreads in our Weekend Reader newsletter. This week, Lion's Roar magazine's Hal Atwood looks at the gifts of impermanence.
Spirit in the House, Witch Under the Bridge
Karen Connelly on giving unseen beings their due.
The Five Great Fears
As a prelude his five-part series, Zen teacher Lewis Richmond asks us to consider fear itself: what is fear? What are we so afraid of?
Voices and Visions
When the spirit moves into writing, shaping its direction, that is a moment of pure mystery.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Sharon Salzberg reflects on the selflessness of everyday caregivers, and encouraging a balance of compassion and equanimity.
Life Lessons from the Poker Table
Psychologist and mindfulness meditator Maria Konnikova talks about what she learned about life, luck, and paying attention on her journey from complete novice to poker professional.
Ethical Conduct Is the Essence of Dharma Practice
The Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron outline three levels of Buddhist ethical codes and how we can follow them.
How do Buddhist teachers work with doubt?
Sometimes when I teach I feel like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not because I see where I fail to live up to these precious teachings. I begin to doubt.
What is the Buddhist view of hope?
Oren Jay Sofer, Sister Clear Grace, and Ayya Yeshe look at the meaning of hope in Buddhism and what it means in today's world.
Turning to the Present Moment of Racism
How do we hold the realities of racism in our hearts, asks Doshin Mako Voelkel. And how do we hold the parts of ourselves that might want to look away?
Practice Is the Right Medicine
This, says Jan Chozen Bays, is the healing power of practice: we release our fear, transform our unskillfulness, and discover our kindest selves.