Category: Teachings
The Heart of a Garden
The pond in her garden isn't like those decorating fancy homes and magazine covers. In time, however, Karen Maezen Miller discovers the right view of her muddy water: they’re not always pretty, but they are beautiful.
Mahamudra: Looking Directly at the Knower
The true nature of mind is empty but knowing. It can’t be identified, says Andy Karr. So look for it.
The Middle Way: Investigating Reality
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel explains the truth of dependent arising, the middle way between existence and nonexistence.
OK, Here’s the Deal
Authentic practice is always available to us, but it doesn’t come cheap. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj reminds us what’s really at stake.
Take a Good Hard Look
Everyone faces doubts about their progress on the path, says Doug Phillips, and the Bahiya Sutta shows us how to meet that doubt honestly.
The World Catches Us Every Time
A mysterious beast captures your attention. Is it distracting you or calling you? It can be hard to tell, says Zen teacher John Tarrant, what’s distraction and what could have real meaning for your life. Either way, there’s no going back.
The Distortions We Bring To The Study of Buddhism
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse calls on Westerners to acknowledge the distortions we may bring to the study of Buddhism—through our cultural arrogance, the deceit of ego, and simple ignorance. The successful transplant of such a subtle and challenging practice as Buddhism, he says, depends on thorough study and clear recognition of our habitual patterns.
About a Poem: Ruth Ozeki on Ono no Komachi
How do we remember a woman’s life? Can we piece her together from a few lines of poetry?
Forum: Your Teacher and You
A forum on what it means to have a teacher today, how you can make the most of the relationship, and what you can do when it’s not working.
A Commentary on “The Eight Bardos”
According to Tibetan Buddhism, all life and death take place in the gap, or bardo, between one state and another. While the most famous bardo is the one between death and rebirth, there are others that also shape our lives. Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen presents a commentary on Milarepa’s song of realization “The Eight Bardos.”
Is there an eternal soul in Buddhism?
The teachers are asked if there is an eternal soul Buddhism.
Profile: The New York Buddhist Church
Michael Haederle profiles the New York Buddhist Church.
This issue’s Editorial: “Buddha’s Daughters”
Andrea Miller on why the March 2014 Shambhala Sun magazine shouldn't be considered particularly special.
Photos and letter emerge from Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s ascetic retreat
The Tibetan Buddhist world was abuzz Friday with the sudden appearance on Facebook of images of (maybe) Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.
One Mind documentary to explore Chan Buddhist life in southern China
Filmmaker Edward Burger has announced a new project to look into the contemporary life of one of China’s most ancient Chan monasteries.
Be a Lamp Unto Yourself
The freedom that Buddhism offers can’t be found if you don’t ask questions—about the teachings, the teachers, and yourself. Larry Rosenberg on how to cultivate a spirit of inquiry, even skepticism, to illuminate your path.
Life, Frame by Frame
Much of the time, life is like watching a movie: we suspend disbelief and lose ourselves in the story. On the bodhisattva path, we see through the illusion.<p class="intro">Much of the time, life is like watching a movie: we suspend disbelief and lose ourselves in the story. On the bodhisattva path, says <strong>Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche</strong>, we see the illusory nature of these appearances, and in doing so discover a boundless compassion.</p>
Journeys: What About My Retreat?
Maureen Connor reflects on the ups and downs of organizing her first retreat, and sense of community that it brings.
New Yorker essay: Book printing a Buddhist invention
The West has a misconception that printing was invented in Europe. In fact, the origins of printing on paper comes from Chinese Buddhism.
“Look, Look!”
Here is the gate through which the buddhas come into the world, born of women, born of wisdom. Judith Simmer-Brown comments on this koan.