Category: Meditation
Shunryu Suzuki explains how to practice zazen
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind is the seminal work by San Francisco Zen Center founder Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. In this chapter alone he explains: how to practice zazen, the difference between small and big mind, and the true nature of thoughts.
5 Reasons to Meditate
The simple act of stopping, says Pema Chödrön, is the best way to cultivate our good qualities. Here are five ways meditation makes us better people.
A Jewish-Buddhist Practice for Well-Being
Darren Kleinberg teaches a Jewish-Buddhist practice for holding the whole universe in your heart.
Silent Illumination: The Method of No-Method
The practice is to be fully here, with this body and mind, in this space. Rebecca Li on silent illumination.
He Gave Me the Best Advice
In the opening editorial of the November 2023 issue of Lion’s Roar, Associate Editor Mariana Restrepo shares the advice Mingyur Rinpoche gave her.
The Power of Tonglen
On the inbreath, says Judy Lief, take in what is bad, freeing others from it. On the outbreath, offer what is good.
The Practice of Love
For many of us, opening our hearts to ourselves may be the hardest part of the path. Here, the late John Welwood shares how and why meditation helped him do it — unconditionally.
Walking Meditation: The Dance that Saves All Beings
Walking meditation in Zen practice is simple, which is no doubt why I needed decades to figure it out. Once an opportunity to stretch and look around, to wander and rove, I now see walking meditation as a pilgrimage, a holy waltz, a march to save all beings. I just needed lots of practice and—critically—others…
The Groundless Path
Santiago Santai Jiménez reflects on how embracing groundlessness and impermanence can help us experience richness in daily life.
How Does Meditation Work?
Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon say meditation works by giving your distracted mind a job. With practice, you can learn to be present with whatever arises.
Zazen: Just Sitting, Going Nowhere
The Zen practice of just sitting, says Lewis Richmond, doesn’t help us to reach our destination. It allows us to stop having one. But how do you “go” nowhere?
Sending & Taking: A Guide to Tonglen Meditation
Tonglen, or “sending and taking,” is a meditation practice to kindle sympathy. Breathing in, we take in the pain of others and send them relief while breathing out.
Am I trying too hard in meditation?
Tenku Ruff examines finding the balance between trying too hard and too little in meditation practice.
Green Tara: Feel Her Wisdom and Love
A fully enlightened female buddha, Tara is the actuality of compassion and wisdom. Meditating on her, says Lama Palden Drolma, can awaken our own buddhanature.
How to Practice Zazen Meditation
Jules Shuzen Harris teaches Zazen, the meditation practice at the heart of Zen Buddhism.
May You Be Safe
As Barbara Gates struggles to protect her adventurous dog Tony from danger, she contemplates the deep aspiration at the heart of loving-kindness practice.
Your Partner Disapproves?
A new meditator’s spouse disapproves of their newfound practice. Susan Piver, founder of The Open Heart Project, answers.
Say Yes to an Open Heart
Diana Winston reflects on the intertwining of mindfulness and compassion, as practiced with an open heart.
The Buddha’s Breath Practice
The Buddha taught mindfulness of breathing as a complete approach to awakening. Buddhist teacher Shaila Catherine outlines his 16-step breath practice that guides us to liberation.