My Buddhism and my career have always been intertwined. I became a Buddhist sitting in front of a bank of police radios in the newsroom of the old Montreal Star, where I was a junior police reporter. I opened a book on Buddhism I had happened to buy and felt an instant and profound sense of connection. I knew at that moment that that was who I was, and I have been a Buddhist ever since.
In the following years, I alternated a career as a television reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation with doing weird things like spending a year alone in a cabin in the woods and going around India looking for my teacher. My colleagues were baffled but indulgent. Then in 1992, my spiritual and professional lives came fully together when I was made editor of the small Buddhist newspaper that is now Lion’s Roar, the largest Buddhist media organization in the English language.
That’s thirty-three years as editor-in-chief, and I couldn’t have been luckier. I have been lucky to have work I believe in, applying my professional skills in the service of my deepest values. I have been lucky to edit Buddhist teachings and stories for many years, because there is no better way to study the dharma. I have been lucky to meet many of the great Buddhist teachers of our time. I have been lucky to work with wonderful colleagues and friends who share the goal of spreading the benefit of meditation, wisdom, and compassion.
I couldn’t have a better job in the world, but now, at age seventy-four, it is time to leave it. I have stepped down as editor-in-chief of Lion’s Roar and become editor-at-large. I will continue to produce content about Buddhism and mindfulness, both written and video, but I’ve handed over my leadership and management responsibilities to a great team.
I have worked in partnership with publisher Ben Moore for many years, and he takes over now as president of the Lion’s Roar Foundation and, effectively, as CEO of Lion’s Roar. Leadership of the editorial department is now in the very capable hands of senior editors Andrea Miller, Rod Meade Sperry, and Lilly Greenblatt. Working with them, I will continue to contribute as an editor-at-large.
As I step back, I’m reminded how much this has always been a shared journey. I feel deep gratitude for everyone who has supported Lion’s Roar—readers, teachers, donors, and friends. This work has always been sustained by generosity, and that same spirit will carry it forward. Your interest and your support have made possible everything we’ve achieved together—and it will be your continued generosity that allows us to keep bringing the dharma to new generations.
I couldn’t be more hopeful about the future of Lion’s Roar. We have a great team in place and an exciting vision for the next phase in Lion’s Roar’s development. Lion’s Roar is now a lot more than a very good magazine and comprehensive website. It’s a community of like-minded people like you, coming together to learn, practice, and live the dharma. While continuing to publish great Buddhist journalism, we are now also a resource and companion on your path, offering the best of Buddhist and mindfulness learning, expertly structured to help you wherever you are on your journey, from beginner to longtime meditator.
I hope you will take full advantage of all the new resources Lion’s Roar has to offer. Your practice and your life will benefit. And if you can also offer us a donation this year, your financial support will help us spread the benefit of the dharma even further. Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s true that this world has never needed it more. We share this journey together. Please join us.
