Category: Dharma & Society
Dharma for a Dangerous Time
The world may seem particularly dangerous and uncertain, but it’s wise to remember that the ways of history—and the dharma’s response—haven’t changed.
Forum: How Should I Help?
Forum with Paul Haller, Robina Courtin, and Bernie Glassman on the relationship between social engagement and Buddhist practice.
Profile: Snow Lion Publications
To the surprise of the publishing world, the Dalai Lama and his translator Jeffrey Hopkins decided to give the project to Snow Lion Publications.
Profile: Death of a Pioneer
The famous Buddhist scholar Herbert Guenther passed away on March 11, in Saskatchewan, at the age of 88. "Engagement with what matters" was his motto.
Robert Coles and the Moral Life
When so much talk of morality is marked by aggression and self-righteousness, Robert Coles, child psychiatrist, is a gentler and deeper moral voice.
Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo talks meditation
Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo speaks to Jeff Pardy about his introduction to meditative practice, and it’s impact on both his music and the band.
Creative Conflict
Barry Boyce reminisces on a September 11th tribute played at a Jazz club by Toshiko Akiyoshi.
Spring Comes, the Grass Grows by Itself: Remembering Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927-2004)
Stanley Lombardo remembers Zen Master Seung Sahn, founder of the Kwan Um School of Zen, who died in November.
The Future of Ice
Novelist Gretel Ehrlich spent a year travelling the world's coldest places, meditating on the experience of winter and exploring the polar regions.
Elaine Pagels’ Search for Christ the Mystic
Who was Christ, really? Barry Boyce profiles Elaine Pagels, the leading authority on Christianity's suppressed gospels.
A Pillar of Zen: Roshi Philip Kapleau 1912 – 2004
Roshi Philip Kapleau's longtime student Rafe Martin remembers a pioneer of American Zen.
What’s Right With Islam
In a discussion with Melvin McLeod, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf says the true spirit of Islam is one of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy.
Smells like Teen Spirit
Todd Stein on how Buddhist communities are tailoring programs specifically for teens and young adults, making a big difference in some young lives.
In Engaged Buddhism, Peace Begins with You
Thich Nhat Hanh, who originated Engaged Buddhism, in an interview with John Malkin.
Wabi-Sabi For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers
An excerpt from Leonard Koren's gem, Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers, considered a class statement on this Japanese aesthetic.
The Days I Like Best Have Meditation, Lovemaking, Eating Scones in Them
From Alice Walker’s forthcoming collection of poems, <i>Absolute Trust in the Goodness of the Earth</i>.
Poems & Zen talks of Philip Whalen
Philip Whalen died in San Francisco on June 26, 2002. Here are a selection of his poems and zen talks.
Something Has to Change: Blacks in American Buddhism
Lawrence Pintak tells the compelling stories of three African-American dharma teachers. He asks them why American Buddhism attracts so few people of color and what can be done about it.
Zen’s Radical Conservative: John Daido Loori Roshi
John Daido Loori is an imaginative modernizer yet fierce upholder of the old ways of Zen. John Kain reports from Zen Mountain Monastery.