Do Buddhists worship idols?

A reader asks why Buddhists bow down and make offerings to statues of the Buddha.

a dog named dominga

The Dharma of Dogs

Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax recalls her good fortune with four-legged friends.

“Why do Buddhists bow so much?”

Zen teacher Anthony Stultz shares a personal answer to a frequently asked question.

How Would a Buddhist Monk Solve the Classic “Trolley Problem”?

Facing the dilemma of letting five people die or killing one instead, what is "right action"?

Nichola Bealing Birdgeman Art Library Painting Oil Linen Crowded Island People Water Overpopulation Small Planet Dalai Lama Lion's Roar Shambhala Sun West Wind 2006 Environment Ecology

New Ethic for a Small Planet

If this century is to be one of peace and caring, says His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we must develop a new ethic of human values that transcends religion.

the dalai lama mind of great capacity bodhicitta

Developing the Mind of Great Capacity

A teaching on practices to generate bodhichitta by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Spiritual But Not Religious Buddhism

Are You Spiritual But Not Religious?

Buddhism is about realization and experience, not institutions or divine authority. This makes it especially suited to those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Here are ten reasons why:

That Time I Sobbed My Way Through a Himalayan Meditation Retreat

Fear, sadness, grief, jealousy, and anger are like quicksand: resisting them in a sudden, knee-jerk way can make them much more troublesome. But investigating them patiently – embracing them, even — can undo their effects. Pema Chödrön, an American nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, tells a story about Milarepa, a Tibetan sage who lived…

Do I Have to Believe in Reincarnation to Be a Buddhist?

Are Buddhists forced to believe in something like reincarnation or rebirth even if there is no evidence it is true?

Crowd watching fireworks.

The Biggest Party Ever

As a child, Howard Axelrod dreamed of a festival that everyone in the world attended. Now he realizes that it's been happening all along.

Portrait of Myokei Caine-Barrett by buddhist altar

Meet a Teacher: Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin

Buddhist teacher Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin gets personal with the Lion's Roar readership.

How do I explain my Buddhist practice to my family?

Every time I see my family, I end up hurt because they believe Buddhism is a weird fringe religion. How can I make them understand?

The Art That Illustrates Another Reality

Do the strange and potent images of Tibetan art represent a deeper and truer reality? Francesca Fremantle on the symbolism of awakened mind.

Man sitting in front of whole foods in zazen posture with hat on ground, begging for changing.

The Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers

Bernie Glassman explains how the three tenets of the Zen Peacemakers work to turn confusion into skillful action.

10 Leading Thinkers Choose Their Favorite Buddhist Films

We asked ten actors, filmmakers, and writers to each tell us their favorite movie that has a Buddhist message.

Overcoming Ego With the Practice of Chöd

Lama Tsulrtim Allione explains how the Buddhist practice of chöd — offering one's own body to demons — can help us overcome ego.

These Beautiful Photos Chronicle a Search for Light and Enlightenment

David Gabriel Fischer's ongoing photo journal gives viewers a glimpse into a mind and world defined by Zen.

What Is a Stupa?

Stupas are one of the most recognizable forms of Buddhist architecture. Learn the meaning behind these famous Buddhist monuments.

My Body, My Life

How mindfulness has helped Buddhist teacher Lama Rod Owens live as a Black queer man in America.

Buddhist researchers seek to reveal link between heart, mind

Researchers at Hong Kong’s Center of Buddhist Studies have published findings that point to a connection between the heart and the mind.