Dan Harris gets the inside story on mindfulness and compassion from Buddhist teachers Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, and Mark Epstein. It was a pretty sweet opportunity, really. The poobahs from Lion's Roar came to me and said: pick your favorite Buddhist teachers, and we’ll set up a public speaking event for you in New York City. Also, they promised to promote my new [...]
Remembering Shunryu Suzuki
The great teacher who founded the San Francisco Zen Center and played a historic role in the establishment of Buddhist practice in the West was born on this day in 1904. Lewis Richmond remembers him. Shunryu Suzuki Roshi has had an enormous influence on the growth of buddhadharma in the West. Yet when he came to San Francisco in 1959, he had no plans, no grand strategy—only a [...]
Why Pema Khandro Rinpoche Loves Bruce Lee Movies
Pema Khandro Rinpoche says Bruce Lee films are filled with images of power and energy, "and that's what Buddhist tantra is all about." This clip was shot at the Lion's Roar 2017 Annual Retreat, "Boundless Love." Transcript Shaolin Abbott: I see your talents have gone beyond the mere physical level. Your skills are now at the point of spiritual insight. Pema Khandro [...]
Who is B. R. Ambedkar?
A profile of B. R. Ambedkar, a vital figure in Indian history and an activist for the Dalit ("untouchables") class. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) was a statesman, social reformer, and independence leader who led a Buddhist revival in India known as the Dalit Buddhist movement. He inspired millions of Indians to convert to Buddhism to escape the oppression of the Hindu caste [...]
Sister Chan Khong on Thich Nhat Hanh: He’s Getting Stronger Every Day
Thich Nhat Hanh’s closest collaborator, Sister Chan Khong, brings us up to date on his health and the future of his teachings and community. Melvin McLeod: Following his stroke three years ago, Thich Nhat Hanh is now resting and recovering at Plum Village in Thailand. How is he doing? He cannot stand up on his feet yet, but he is stronger and stronger every day. He has [...]
What is San Francisco Zen Center?
San Francisco Zen Center is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist communities in the United States. It is part of the Soto school of Zen and has produced many of America’s leading Buddhist teachers and writers, such as Sojun Mel Weitsman, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, the late Blanche Hartman, and Tenshin Reb Anderson. San Francisco Zen Center, often just called “Zen Center,” was [...]
After allegations, Sogyal Rinpoche retires from Rigpa
Following discussion of allegations of abuse, Sogyal Rinpoche, Buddhist teacher and author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, "has decided, with immediate effect, to retire as spiritual director from all the organizations that bear the name of Rigpa in different countries around the world," according to a press release from the organization dated today. The [...]
The Best of Jack Kornfield: Life, Teachings, Quotes, and Books
When the world is seen with the eyes of a bodhisattva, there is no I and other, there is just us. —Jack Kornfield Jack Kornfield is one of today’s most influential spiritual teachers. As a Buddhist monk-turned-psychologist, his skilled integration of modern psychology into timeless Buddhist teachings has helped people around the world heal their hearts and minds. His unique [...]
Buddhist teacher and former police officer Cheri Maples has died
Buddhist teacher Cheri Maples has died, according to an update on caringbridge.com. Maples was injured in a bicycle accident in September of 2016. She died on the morning of July 27th from a systemic infection. "We were with her, surrounding her with love, and she died peacefully," wrote Eileen Harrington in the update. "Yesterday morning, she said to me, 'I have lived such [...]
Eighth Spirit Rock Teacher Training program, especially diverse, begins
Gina Sharpe, Lila Kate Wheeler, and Larry Yang, core teachers of the Teacher Training program at Woodacre, California's Spirit Rock Mediation Center, share about this year's participants. In July 2017, the eighth Spirit Rock Teacher Training program began with more participants from diverse, multicultural communities than ever before. This four-year training will create fully [...]
