Short answers to the most common questions about Buddhism.
No matter how long you’ve been practicing Buddhism, you’ve probably got questions. Especially if you’re just starting out.
In every issue of Lion’s Roar magazine, our editors answer a few common questions about Buddhism. These questions are helpful for beginners, and they’re also entry-points for profound explorations. Seemingly-simple questions like “What does it mean to call yourself a Buddhist?” can be riddles that Buddhists wrestle with for their entire lives!
Below, you’ll find all of the FAQs from Lion’s Roar magazine. If you’d like to pose your own question to the editors, you can send it to [email protected] And to get every edition of new questions and answers — plus lots of other practical and profound Buddhist writing — become a subscriber to Lion’s Roar magazine.
What are some good LGBTQ dharma books?
We recommend some great books by LGBTQ Buddhist teachers and practitioners.
Why does my breathing feel uncomfortable in meditation?
You can’t breathe wrong. Generally, Buddhist meditation is not a yogic practice in which you’re supposed to breathe in a particular way.
What is “Secular Buddhism”?
Secular Buddhists reexamine Buddhism through a rationalist and humanistic lens.
Can you recommend some Buddhist books for kids?
Buddhist children’s literature offers parents a fun, gentle way to share dharma concepts and practices with their kids.
Do Buddhists believe in sin?
Do Buddhists believe in sin? We answer your questions about Buddhism and meditation.
Now that I'm doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
I’m in psychotherapy and it’s been very helpful to me. Now that I’ve started doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
Is Buddhism a religion, philosophy, way of life, or science of mind?
"I’m confused. Buddhism is considered one of the world’s five great religions, but some people say it’s not a religion at all, but a philosophy, way of life, or science of mind. Which is it?" We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
Why does Buddhism talk about suffering so much?
"The Buddha’s first noble truth says that life is suffering. What’s this obsession with suffering? If I don’t feel like I’m suffering am I still a Buddhist?" We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
What’s the difference between a Buddhist church, temple, and center?
What’s the difference between a Buddhist church, temple, and center? We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
I'm always either jumpy or drowsy in meditation. Am I doing it wrong?
"When I meditate, I often get drowsy after awhile. At other times, I’m agitated and feel like jumping off my cushion. In neither case do I feel like I’m meditating correctly."
Thank you for reading Lion’s Roar. Now can we ask for your help?
Lion’s Roar is a nonprofit. Our mission is to share the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings—to inspire, comfort, support, and enlighten readers around the world. Our aspiration is to keep LionsRoar.com available to everyone, providing a supportive, inspiring Buddhist community that anyone can access, from curious beginners to committed meditators. Do you share our aspiration? We can’t do this without your help.
Lion’s Roar reaches more readers like you than ever before. Unfortunately, advertising and other revenues are falling for print and online media. We know we have something deeply precious to share with the world, and we want to continue this important work. Can you help support our efforts now?
Lion’s Roar is independent, unbiased, not-for-profit, and supported by readers like you. Please donate today and help the lion’s roar echo for readers around the world.
