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.

Exposing, Embracing, Responding & Letting Go

In the Chan Buddhist practice of mindfulness, Guo Gu explains, four steps help us realize the three marks of existence and the four noble truths.

What Mindfulness Is (Not)

You can’t reduce mindfulness to just a single idea. Andrew Olendzki unpacks its many meanings in classical Buddhism.

ecodharma retreat center.

Land purchased for “Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center” in Colorado wilderness

Next month, a group of Buddhist teachers will purchase 180 acres of rural Colorado land to start "Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center."

Freedom is Possible

Kate Johnson shares what she believes to be the most important teaching to proclaim in today’s troubled world.

Do Buddhists pray? What for?

We're not praying for something. We're not praying to anyone. Why would Buddhists pray?

Playing the Game of “Everything”

Sam Moore reviews the fantastical — or is it all-too-real? — new simulation game that dares you to “Be the Universe.”

Sisyphus, the Bodhisattva

Following Albert Camus' lead, Radhule Weininger reconsiders the mythical sufferer as a joyful model for us all.

man and woman dancing

Romantic Vision vs. Everyday Disappointment

In meditation we cut through our fantasies and relate with life as it really is. Then something magical can happen. It’s exactly the same in our relationships.