Category: Social Justice
Does my transgender identity conflict with Buddhism’s teachings on no-self?
I was born male, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually a transgender woman. As a Buddhist, I feel conflicted by the teachings on no-self.
A Buddhist Cop’s Approach to Justice
Cheri Maples, a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and former police officer, addresses the current crisis in policing and how a Buddhist outlook could help.
See Us Clearly: A Buddhist’s View of Transgender Visibility
In recognition of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, Ray Buckner shares a personal view of what it means to be Buddhist, gender-queer, and trans.
“Facing Death Is a Device for Tenderizing Hearts”
Twenty-two years ago, Pascal Auclair had to come to terms with his own mortality. Now, as a Buddhist meditation teacher, he’s helping others do it.
Meet a Teacher: Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin
Buddhist teacher Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin gets personal with the Lion's Roar readership.
My Body, My Life
How mindfulness has helped Buddhist teacher Lama Rod Owens live as a Black queer man in America.
Is My Sangha Inclusive?
When reverend Kiyonobu Joshin Kuwahara asked himself "is my Sangha inclusive?," he wasn’t sure of the answer. So he decided to find out.
“Dear White People” creator Justin Simien talks Buddhism, finding empathy for trolls
One element of Justin Simien’s identity isn’t obvious in his new Netflix hit: Buddhism. But it’s there.
Why isn’t the “Angry Asian Buddhist” angry?
As his cancer goes from bad to worse, the anonymous blogger known as the "Angry Asian Buddhist" strives to accept the absurdity of life.
Countering Oppression by Cultivating Peace
What started as a mindful walk became a personal "disturbance of the peace." Ray Buckner on how taking a moment to pause can transform a negative situation.
Pema Chödrön & bell hooks on cultivating openness when life falls apart
bell hooks talks to Pema Chödrön about how to open your heart to life's most difficult challenges.
Even a Broken Heart is Fundamentally Good
Buddhist practitioner Ray Buckner on the struggles of letting go after a relationship ends, and how being on the dharma path can help.
Lama Rod Owens on “having the conversation” at the Third Buddhism and Race Conference at Harvard
We spoke with Lama Rod Owens, one of the organizers and presenters at the Third Buddhism and Race Conference at Harvard, about this year's conference.
Facing My White Privilege
When Tara Brach came to recognize her own white privilege, it revealed blind spots. That changed her as a dharma teacher and leader.
How does Buddhism view LGBTQ people?
As a gay man, I’d like to know how Buddhism views LGBTQ people. I’m not interested in joining any religion that disapproves of who I am.
Commentary: Why this gay Buddhist teacher is dubious about Buddhist refuge in the Trump era
I love you, Western Buddhism, but as a gay man, I find your privileged lack of urgency in the wake of the election of Donald trump disturbing.
The Meaning of Barack Obama
Even before he was president, Obama was a 21st global citizen, helping us to transcend parochialism, tribalism, and that most pernicious of fictions — race.
Watch the heartwarming “Love Has No Labels” — the first PSA to win an Emmy
In this beautiful PSA about implicit bias, we're reminded of love's power to cross any perceived boundaries.
Coming Home: A Buddhist transitions genders
In 2010, at fifty-three, I surgically transitioned from male to female. It happened after years of therapy, soul-searching, and grudging self-acceptance.
Beyond Privilege: a Q&A with angel Kyodo williams
To make diversity real, says Zen teacher angel Kyodo williams, Buddhists must look deep into their own hearts.