Photo by Anne E. Jones. Karen Maezen Miller on how the domestic practice of ancient Zen masters can lead us to intimate encounters with our own lives. In the fall, the broad canopy of giant sycamores in my backyard turns faintly yellow and the leaves sail down. First by ones, and then by tons. A part of every autumn day finds me fuming at the sight of falling leaves. Then, I [...]
Can I practice meditation on the go?
I have very little free time to meditate, so instead of taking the time to sit at home, is it okay if I take opportunities to meditate during the day, such as when I'm waiting in line or sitting on the bus? Ideally, spiritual practice is something we do all the time, because every moment is an opportunity for mindfulness and compassion. But there’s no substitute for [...]
Discovering the dharma in “Frog and Toad”
Through the 70’s, Arnold Lobel wrote and illustrated four extraordinary collections of children’s stories about Frog—practical, a problem-solver, eternally patient—and his best friendshowing Toad, who is ruled by his reactions to his surroundings: he wants this, he fears that. Frog never comments on Toad’s behavior, he takes gentle action. More often than not, a story ends not [...]
How to Drink a Mindful Cup of Tea
A cup of tea or coffee is a nice break. Drinking it mindfully is a real break. Joseph Emet teaches us this five-step practice. Here is a homemade koan for drinking tea: Who is enjoying this tea? Ask yourself this question with each sip. When you encounter that person, let them go. You need a break from their story now and then. Otherwise your tea break will not really [...]
In honor of “Character Day,” a Buddhist guide to character strengths
Wednesday, September 13, marks the fourth annual Global Character Day, which was launched by filmmaker and Webby Awards founder, Tiffany Shlain. The idea of the day is to get us all talking about "the importance of character building in today’s increasingly distracted and overly-connected world." Sounds to us at Lion's Roar like a very good thing to do. Perhaps the place to [...]
How to Practice Loving-Kindness
JoAnna Harper teaches us the famed Buddhist practice of metta – offering love to ourselves and others. When I was introduced to the practice of metta—most often translated as lovingkindness practice—I definitely knew it wasn’t for me. It was too mushy and sentimental for my pragmatic mind. It was reminiscent of the wishful praying that I thought was reserved for the type [...]
“What Should I Do About My F’d-Up Life?”
The question that Colin Beavan just had to ask his Zen teacher is one that's on the tip of everybody's tongues. Even the teacher's! At the Chogye International Zen Center of New York, part of the Kwan Um School of Zen, where I study meditation, my fellow students and I sit cross-legged on two long, parallel rows of mats and cushions. It is completely quiet except that [...]
How to Practice Metta with Children
You’re never too young to practice loving-kindness. Gail Silver on how to teach metta to your kids. When I returned home after attending my first silent retreat, I was overflowing with loving-kindness and found myself spontaneously reciting certain phrases of the metta prayer aloud: May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be strong. May you live with ease. “Did you [...]
I Vow Not to Burn Out
Mushim Ikeda says it's not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too. At the end of January, one of my close spiritual friends died. A queer Black man, a Sufi imam “scholartivist” (scholar–artist–activist) and professor of ministry students, Baba Ibrahim Farajajé died of a massive heart attack. He was sixty-three, and I’m guessing he had been carrying [...]
The Ultimate Me-Time for New Parents
New moms and dads, you'll want to read this: Sumi Loundon Kim offers two simple practices that can turn your energy and attitude around so you can better connect with your little one — and yourself. Does this sound familiar? You need some quiet time to recharge yourself, but the demands of your infant, baby, or toddler now make the opportunities for that all too rare. So, [...]