What is Kokoro?

Kokoro as defined by Shohaku Okumura, a Soto Zen priest.

Ego Is the Real Culprit

No matter what the conflict appears to be about, says Zen teacher Norman Fischer, it always come down to defending our shaky sense of self.

There Is No Author

When Judy Roitman learned her favorite dharma text was actually a patchwork of phrases and poems lifted from other sources, she started looking into the authorship of Buddhist texts. What she found surprised her.

Thangka of Niguma.

Who Was Niguma?

In the tenth and eleventh centuries, Niguma was one of the most important Buddhist teachers and yoginis in India.

Nichiren Shonin: A Teacher of Equality

Based on letters Nichiren Shonin wrote to his female followers, Myokei Caine-Barrett explains why the thirteenth-century champion of the Lotus Sutra was a practical feminist.

Shin Buddhism Is American Buddhism

It’s a late summer afternoon, and strings of lanterns run from the Buddhist Church of Oakland’s substantial facade to the trees in Madison Park. Inside, the minister is giving tours of the hondo, where services are held. He explains the meaning and symbolism of the altarpieces—the statue of Amida Buddha, or Buddha of Infinite Light…

Buddhadharma Book Briefs for Winter 2018

Rory Lindsay reviews "Spontaneous Creativity," by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, "In the Cool Shade of Compassion" by Kamala Tiyanavich, and more.

Everything Is Buddhanature

Original sin vs. original goodness: Mahayana Buddhism offers a more hopeful view of human nature. Zen teacher Melissa Myozen Blacker reveals how nondual practice frees us from our temporary obscurations and reveals our true, awakened nature.

Monks in orange robes walking on alms rounds in Los Angeles.

Buddhist groups increasingly taking root in Latinx communities

More and more Buddhist groups are offering programs in Spanish and doing outreach in Latinx communities. That means stronger community for everyone, reports Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil.

Aaron Lee.

Let’s Continue Aaron’s Work

Funie Hsu reflects on honoring the legacy of Aaron Lee, known to many as the "Angry Asian Buddhist."

Cat resting.

When, if ever, is it okay for a Buddhist to euthanize a pet?

James Ishmael Ford on the toughest call a pet lover will have to make.

One Day with Bernie

At the memorial service for Bernie Glassman, longtime student Michael O'Keefe reflects on his teacher's life and legacy.

Tibetan Nuns Project educates female monastics

Rinchen Khando Choegyal fights the second-class status of female monastics in Tibetan Buddhism.

Inside the Winter 2018 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly

The Winter 2018 issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly is available now. Preview the magazine contents and sample articles.

Gassho

What Is Gassho?

Kobun Chino Roshi explains the meaning of gassho, a hand gesture that is often accompanied with a bow.

Mountain.

In Accord with All Time 

If you can know yourself as the unity of past, present, and future, says Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, then you see you’re right where you ought to be.

Buddha and candles.

Illness and the Buddha’s Prescription

The Buddha knew that illness is a natural part of human life. Toni Bernhard shares how the first noble truth has helped her gracefully accept being chronically ill.

Who Is Avalokiteshvara?

Avalokiteshvara has undergone many transformations over the centuries, but their purpose remains the same — to help humanity with compassion and mercy.

Are there types of work that are incompatible with Buddhist practice?

Konda Mason, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, and José Shinzan Palma discuss the difficulty of aligning our work lives with our Buddhist values.

Pema Chödrön

Smile at Fear: Pema Chodron on Bravery, Open Heart & Basic Goodness

Pema Chödrön offers a talk on bravery, fearlessness, warriorship, and smiling.