Archives: LR Articles
Generosity is the Virtue That Produces Peace
Our editor-in-chief discusses where real change comes from and how generosity can heal divisions, fight injustice, and ease suffering.
The Mindful Judge
Intentional awareness has served Gretchen Rohr well in her challenging work as a magistrate judge in Washington, D.C.
Don’t Think of the Elephant!
The yoga teacher’s instruction was not to think of anything, but what do you do when pushing thoughts away just makes them get bigger?
Commentary: Let’s Open Our Hearts to Syrian Refugees
Buddhist American international aid worker Katie Letheren makes an appeal for much-needed compassion when it comes to the Syrian refugee crisis.
The Meaning of Barack Obama
Even before he was president, Obama was a 21st global citizen, helping us to transcend parochialism, tribalism, and that most pernicious of fictions — race.
Buddhist Views on the Practice of Politics
Buddhist practice is inherently political, so here are eight views on how to move society along the path to liberation from political suffering.
Put Your Compassion into Action
Philosopher Peter Singer and philanthropist Julia Wise talk with Buddhist monk and author Matthieu Ricard about why altruism leads to innumerable benefits.
What does it mean to call yourself a Buddhist?
What does it mean to call yourself a Buddhist? Are there specific things you have to do or believe, or is it up to you?
Listen: Nepal’s rock star Buddhist nun, Ani Choying Drolma
Listen to the music of Nepalese musician and Buddhist nun Ani Choying Drolma.
Dzogchen master Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche has died
His Eminence Venerable Yangthang Tulku, a highly revered Lama in the Nyingmapa Lineage of Tantrayana Buddhism, has died.
The Elephant in the Meditation Room
Does Buddhism mean you have to be a liberal? No, says Buddhist and lifelong Republican Christopher Ford.
Recalling Bob Dylan’s Buddhist “Monk”
Bob Dylan’s just won the Nobel Prize for Literature — for his body of songwriting. Seems about right; this is, after all, a person of many talents. Which leads us to recall one less-appreciated Dylan art pursuit: painting. In October 2011, the exhibition Bob Dylan: The Asia Series, was mounted at New York’s Gagosian Gallery.…
What is the Rakusu?
Have you ever wondered about that bib-like garment that Zen priests and some lay practitioners wear around their necks? (It was also worn by three people on the cover of the first issue of Lion’s Roar.) Called a rakusu, it’s a miniature version of the Buddha’s monastic robe. Since the Buddha’s robe was said to…
Book Reviews for November 2016
We review David Nichtern's "Awakening from the Daydream," Marianne Williamson's "Tears to Triumph," Norman Fischer's "Experience," and more.
The Power of a Two-Inch Circle
With a little pink ink, tattoo artist Amy Black helps breast cancer survivors reclaim their bodies.
Tomoji Ito’s Kitchen Sermons
For, Shinso Ito, being a good citizen comes down to how we behave in our daily interactions and personal relationships.
What Do Buddhists Mean When They Talk about Karma?
What do Buddhists really mean when they talk about karma? We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
Zen priest, Harvard researcher explains the secret to a “good life”
What makes a good life? In this moving TED Talk, Zen priest and Harvard researcher Robert Waldinger answers that question based on 75 years of data.
17 Resources to Develop Self-Compassion
Essential books, audio, websites, and videos to help develop self-compassion.
What Actually Happens in the Lotus Sutra?
Donald S. Lopez, Jr. unpacks the Lotus Sutra, one of the most famous Buddhist scriptures, explaining how it came to be and how its influence has grown.