Image of green plant in clear glass cup.

Are my finances at odds with my Buddhist practice?

Sean Feit Oakes, Gendo Lucy Xiao, and Lama Liz Monson on balancing Buddhist practice and the financial realities of life.

When We Have No Choice

Sometimes, says Pema Khandro, there’s no way out. It’s at those times that we can discover the depth and resilience of the mind.

The Best of bell hooks: Life, Writings, Quotes, and Books

Renowned author, feminist theorist, and cultural critic bell hooks passed away on Dec. 15 at the age of 69. Read about her remarkable life and and work, alongside a selection of pieces by and conversations with hooks published in the pages of Lion's Roar.

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Teacher

Buddhadharma Editor Koun Franz on meeting his teacher for the first time. 

Teachers You May Not Know But Should

Ross Nervig on some teachers past and present whose lives and teachings have a lot of offer us.

She Who Hears the Cries of Marines

As ex-Marine Alex Kakuyo laments a war he can no longer believe in, he turns for help to the bodhisattva Kannon and the buddha Amida.

Wabi Sabi & Aging—the Old and the Beautiful

In Japan, wabi sabi is an aesthetic principle that sees beauty in imperfection and age. Can Kem McIntosh Lee see the wabi sabi of her own aging body?

If You Meet The Buddha On The Road, Kill Him?

Chris Pacheco, Lion’s Roar’s Associate AV Editor, unpacks the real meaning of ninth-century Chinese Buddhist monk Linji Yixuan's famous quote.

Sugar Skulls

Día de los Muertos is a reminder, says Linda González, that we are all one in life and death.

Eihei Dogen

Dogen, the Man Who Redefined Zen

From just sitting to cooking as practice, Dogen defined how most of us understand Zen today. Steven Heine on the life and global impact of Dogen Zenji.

Compassion and Wisdom

The human heart is basically very compassionate, but without wisdom, compassion will not work. Wisdom is the openness that lets us see what is essential and most effective.

Our Bodies are Basically Good

Non-diet dietician Jenna Hollenstein's book "Eat to Love" paves a Buddhist path toward transforming our often troubled relationship with food and body.

Everything Dies

It’s the Buddha’s basic teaching. It’s life’s universal truth. It’s what we most want to deny. Sallie Jiko Tisdale on how this hard but liberating truth can transform your life.

The Buddha Would Have Believed You

In too many Buddhist communities, women have not been believed when revealing harm caused by men. Bhikkhu Sujato looks to the Vinaya and finds another approach.

Spiritual Friendship Is the Path

Each one of us, says David Viafora, can be a kalyana mitra, or “spiritual friend.” Here’s how.

“Days of Spring,” 2021. Painting by Yeachin Tsai. © Yeachin Tsai

The Building Blocks of Belonging

According to Willa Blythe Baker, making a strong, healthy community starts with understanding how it is constructed.

His Dharma Heir

An excerpt from Ruth Ozeki’s new novel, "The Book of Form and Emptiness."

This World of Dew

Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod reflects on the importance of death in Buddhist philosophy in the opening editorial of the November 2021 issue of Lion's Roar.

Meet a Teacher: Ven. Dr. Jue Ji

Learn more about Buddhist teacher, Ven. Dr. Jue Ji. 

Buddhist Funeral Traditions

Buddhist funeral traditions around the world help both the dead and their loved ones let go and move on.