Category: Dharma & Society
Run for Freedom
Freerunning, or parkour, isn’t merely a daredevil’s game. It’s a way to reappropriate our urban spaces as training grounds for body and mind. Vincent Thibault on how running, jumping, and climbing can beautify our cities—and our lives. With photos by Andy Day.
Openly gay Thai Buddhist monk concerns censors after TV appearance
One of Thailand’s only openly gay Buddhist monks who has been willing to discuss his life and choices publicly was censored.
ACLU warns of “religious coercion” in Tennessee bill; Buddhist man in Texas alleges he was fired for refusing to disseminate Bible verses
ACLU is objecting to a Tennessee bill that would allow students in that state to be subjected to unwanted proselytizing in school settings.
Global economics: what would Buddha do?
Can we imagine a Buddhist model for economic organization?
Dalai Lama to Larry King: Same sex marriage OK
The Dalai Lama has no problem with same sex marriage, saying such matters are more the business of government and consenting adults.
Hesse’s “Siddhartha” still inspires, in unexpected ways
Nearly 70 years after earning Herman Hesse the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, his novel Siddhartha continues to provide inspiration.
The Buddha and the swarm of minutiae: provocative new artwork by Gonkar Gyatso on display at the Met
The Buddha and the swarm of minutiae: provocative new artwork by Gonkar Gyatso on display at the Met.
Zen teacher recalls Ellie Krug, her student who transitioned genders
An addition to Ellen Krug's "Coming Home: A Buddhist Transitions Genders," from Zuiko Redding, the teacher Ellen found so helpful.
Making the Buddhist practice of “life release” more environmentally sound: A birder’s view
Konchog Norbu looks into how Buddhists are making the Buddhist practice of "life release" more environmentally sound.
Korean classical innovator Jin Hi Kim to perform multi-media “Digital Buddha” at the Met (Video)
Jin Hi Kim has an upcoming performance of Digital Buddha January 31 at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Followup: Hopeful signs in reducing Chinese consumption of illegal ivory
Some welcome news has surfaced from China about measures to shut down ivory smuggling and change its citizens’ attitude toward ivory.
Drubwang Penor Rinpoche’s reincarnation announced by Palyul Monastery officials
Tibetan Buddhism’s Palyul lineage issued an announcement that the reincarnation of its 11th throneholder has been identified in Tibet.
Erica Chenoweth: This leading global thinker on peaceful resistance finds inner peace through Buddhist meditation
We might think that the only realistic way to upend intractable political oppression is through violent rebellion. Erica Chenoweth says no.
Demand for ivory by Buddhists a factor in unabated elephant poaching
The massacre of wild African elephants for the illegal ivory trade continues virtually unabated, according to a study released this week.
Karmapa urges Himalayan water responsibility at recent conference
The 17th Karmapa concluded an environmental conference with a strong call to recognize the importance of Tibet’s fragile Himalayan ecosphere.
Cambodian monks march to protect rainforest
Monks in Cambodia stood against the Cambodian government and foreign corporations plans to build a hydroelectric dam on the Areng River.
The Tears I Shed Yesterday Have Become Rain
Thich Nhat Hanh personally knows how we all suffer. Yet, he teaches, every single one of us has the capacity to transform our suffering.
You Have the Buddha in You: An Interview with Thich Nhat Hanh
In this exclusive interview, Thich Nhat Hanh sheds light on a little-known Buddhist master, and explains how the Buddha is always teaching.
Spirit Rock at Twenty-five
In 1975, three young Americans who had recently returned from years of meditation and study in Asia embarked on an experiment. Starting with the strict Vipassana meditation in which they were trained, Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, and Sharon Salzberg would teach dharma in the West as a collaboration among Buddhism’s different meditative traditions. It was…
Commentary: I May Not Stay Here With You
As she receives ordination into the Soto Zen school of Buddhism, angel Kyodo williams reflects on her path to acceptance within this lineage.