Category: Dharma & Society
Three Buddhist Nunneries Dance a New Chapter of Empowerment and Opportunity
For over a thousand years, mostly monks performed the sacred cham dances of Vajrayana Buddhism. Then in 2014, the 17th Karmapa made a significant move by inviting nuns to learn and perform these dances before a crowd of over ten thousand. Karen Greenspan spent four years following these pioneering practitioners, revealing a story of tradition, transformation, and the ongoing movement toward gender equality in Tibetan Buddhism.
New Atlanta exhibit features Rima Fujita’s works on the Dalai Lama
The exhibit will run from February 13 through June 7, featuring imagery of the Dalai Lama, whom Rima Fujita considers her principal teacher.
Who Do We Want to Be in This Moment?
Buddhist scholar Cortland Dahl returns to his native Minneapolis, where he inspired to follow the example of the Tibetan people who have responded to the injustice they have suffered with compassion and wisdom.
In the Land of the Thunder Dragon
From the philosophy of Gross National Happiness to the emerging Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan is reimagining its future through a Buddhist lens. Andrea Miller reports on the country’s evolving balance of tradition and innovation.
Toward a More Skillful Mode of Buddhist Political Speech
"Knowing that so many are engaged in resisting the current violences and attacks on democracy in our nation," writes Gregory Snyder, "my hope is that our Buddhist communities will continue to work to develop a place that encourages our political voices."
Seven Ways to Actualize Skillful Buddhist Political Speech
Let your voice be heard and your presence felt with these tips for skillful engagement from Gregory Snyder.
The World Is Your Zendo
On remote islands, Pico Iyer discovers that this moment, now, is the gift-wrapped present we can’t afford to overlook.
Wheel of Time, Wheel of Peace
The Kalachakra empowerment was at the heart of the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan. Andrea Miller explores the deep meaning of the Kalachakra.
A Buddhist Response to “Climate Overshoot”
“Catastrophic climate chaos has become a fact," writes Colin H. Simonds. “Once-in-a-generation disasters have become near-yearly events thanks to anthropogenic climate change. In the midst of these effects of our climate overshoot paradigm, what is a Buddhist to do?"
Wings of Contemplation
Noel Alumit visits the Ryosokuin Temple in Kyoto to experience Taiji Terasaki’s latest art exhibition.
Jane Goodall’s Message of Hope
The celebrated environmental and animal activist and conservationist Jane Goodall passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91. In this interview with Lion’s Roar editor Andrea Miller, she spoke about the compassion that exists in our natural world and the enduring hope that guided her life’s work.
Remembering Joanna Macy
Beloved scholar, activist, and Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy taught generations to face ecological grief without turning away. A reflection on her legacy by Kritee (Kanko).
The Samsara of “Severance”
The surreal Apple TV+ series not only shows us the workings of karma and suffering, says Kim Thai, it also hints at liberation.
We’re Not Who You Think We Are
Chenxing Han examines the stereotypes marginalizing Asian American Buddhists and reports on the diversity and depth a new generation of practitioners.
Mindfulness for Activists
Butterfly (Tony Pham) on how to act from clarity instead of rage, from compassion instead of fear.
The Dalai Lama on Surviving the Climate Crisis Together
For the sake of future generations, the Dalai Lama tells journalist and activist Franz Alt, we must develop a sense of universal responsibility — for the earth and all humanity.
Find Freedom from Bias
Anu Gupta explains how faith, wisdom, and compassion can help us heal from internalized discrimination.
Sisterly Support for Our Becoming: The 19th Sakyadhita International Conference in Malaysia
The 19th Sakyadhita conference held in Malaysia in June brought together hundreds of Buddhist women to share practice, scholarship, and sisterhood. Pamela Ayo Yetunde reflects on the gathering.
The Single Life
Why do so many people believe the key to feeling fulfilled is having a partner? Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần on how she finds fulfillment in simplicity, solitude, and self-discovery.
Commentary: Protecting Human Dignity from the Threat of Moral Nihilism
In Vietnam for the UN International Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City from May 5-8., Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi gave the May 6th keynote address. His topic: “Protecting Human Dignity from the Threat of Moral Nihilism.” In his concluding remarks he focuses on Gaza as “the epicenter of the contest between the forces of moral nihilism and our obligation to protect human dignity.” An adaptation of the address follows here.