Category: Dharma & Society
Creating an Enlightened Society
Now more than ever, says Thich Nhat Hanh, we need a global ethic of compassion, understanding, and peace. Here’s how Buddhism can help.
Searching for Asian American Buddhists
In this excerpt from Chenxing Han’s new book "Be the Refuge," she shares how Asian American Buddhists are often invisible to the mainstream and each other.
Tina Turner’s Journey into Faith
A review of Turner’s autobiography, "Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good."
The Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg Unite Against the Climate Crisis
Two of the earth’s most ardent climate advocates, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg, are joining their voices together to discuss what we can do collectively to correct the impact of destructive climate feedback loops.
What to Do When Aggression Masquerades as Compassion
Rashid Hughes shares how mindfulness helps us discern if our compassion is actually aggression.
What Is the Sound of Buddhist Music Today?
The dharma speaks through music—it always has, it does today. From jazz to metal to rap to emergent hybrid forms, Buddhism’s influence on the musical realm can be discovered at almost every turn.
The Spark Is There All the Time
Forget the stereotype of the tortured artist, says Steve Silberman. For David Crosby and Becca Stevens, the Muse is happy.
Jarboe on Flying Lotus’s Album “Your Dead!”
The best music opens our hearts and minds. Jarboe on how Flying Lotus lyrically and sonically explores liberation.
The Music in My Heart
For Michael Imperioli, ANOHNI’s voice is a reminder that he’s part of a vast interconnected network of minds and beings. Her voice makes him feel emotions he never knew he had.
Hip-Hop Wisdom
Run the Jewels demands its listeners look outward as much as inward. Annaka Gale on this legendary hip-hop duo.
Constant Craving: Buddhism’s Impact on Pop Music
As part of our overview of Buddhism's influence on modern music, we provide a survey of the artists who were inspired by the dharma to take pop in new and exciting directions, exploring themes of desire, pain, and being present to unexpected results.
The Real Stuff: Buddhism’s Influence on Jazz
Buddhism’s impact on jazz music has been immense. As part of our overview of Buddhism's influence on modern music, we provide a survey of the artists who were inspired by the dharma to break down barriers and seek out new musical vistas.
The Voice of Liberation
Hip hop, like Buddhism, is about liberation. Johnny Edward Dean Jr. on the dharma of Big Sean.
The Zen of Peter Coyote
Actor, writer, narrator, and one-time radical — Jennifer Keishin Armstrong on the many roles of Zen priest Peter Coyote.
We Need a Revolution of Compassion
In this powerful statement on the climate crisis, the Dalai Lama calls on us to make this a century of compassion for the planet and all its inhabitants.
Celebrating the Life & Teachings of Alan Watts
Alan Watts did as much as anyone to introduce Americans to Buddhism. David Chadwick recalls his friend, the unconventional philosopher.
“The world needs people like you” — a post-election pep talk from Roshi Joan Halifax
During Upaya Zen Center’s November 6th’s Jukai and Tokudo ceremony Roshi Joan Halifax took a few moments to acknowledge the the US presidential election.
Leonard Cohen Died Four Years Ago
It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away.
Magic & Loss: Celebrating Lou Reed
Reed's death being a hoax was a hoax itself; Reed, who had had an emergency liver transplant in May, had indeed passed. He was 71.