Buddha Amitabha.

A Brief History of Pure Land Buddhism

Pure Land is both a distinct school of Buddhism that developed in Japan and, says Aaron Proffitt, a cornerstone of the whole Mahayana tradition.

The Karma of Taylor Swift

What’s the Buddhist perspective of a certain hit pop song? Sarwang Parikh on why karma isn’t a god or boyfriend.

A Practice for Developing Kindness Toward Yourself

A Practice for Developing Kindness Toward Yourself

Valerie Mason-John shares a meditation for cultivating a positive relationship with yourself, and, by extension, the world.

Man looking into fridge

Making Friends with Emotional Eating

If you soothe yourself with food, your body and mind are trying to tell you something. Jenna Hollenstein on how to listen with compassion.

Cómo tener un sueño lúcido

Andrew Holecek nos enseña a estar despiertos cuando estamos dormidos.

Very Mindful, Very Demure: The Joy of Jools Lebron’s Playful Mindfulness

Pop culture writer Jennifer Keishin Armstrong unpacks the joyful wisdom behind Jools Lebron’s viral “very mindful, very demure” TikTok trend.

How to Break the Chains of Thought

When you study your thought process, says Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, you not only see how it rules your life. In the breaks and gaps between thoughts, you can experience awakened mind on the spot.

People in Seattle, Washington, waiting to vote in the 2022 presidential election. As Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg says, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.”

You Can Make a Difference

All things are impermanent, even political situations seemingly beyond repair. Guo Gu on hope.

a person walking their dog in a path with trees.

Every Day Is a Good Day

Ven. Guan Cheng on how to cultivate true, lasting happiness.

Jeremy Allen White in the kitchen with other chefs, from the tv show The Bear.

The Wisdom of “The Bear”

Harry Um on what one blockbuster television show teaches us about dedication and perfection, grief and love.

Japanese American children playing in a kindergaten playground at Tule Lake Segregation Center, Newell, California during the World War II. September 1944.

Our Dharma Inheritance

Intergenerational trauma taught Judy Yushin Nakatomi to suppress her true self. Now, she uses intergenerational wisdom to heal.

A novice monk uses a cloth to clean a large Buddha statue.

Touch the Earth

Through the senses, we connect with our own hearts, each other, and the world, says Elaine Yuen.

Books in Brief: September 2024

Jessica Little reviews “Confidence” by Ethan Nichtern, “Real-World Enlightenment” by Susan Kaiser-Greenland, “Original Love” by Henry Shukman, and more.

Cinco Puntos Clave de la Práctica Budista

Nuno Gonçalves reflexiona sobre los aspectos importantes del budismo, los cuales son claves para su integración y adaptación en latinoamerica.

Steve Silberman, acclaimed science journalist and author, dies at 66

An award-winning journalist and advocate of autism rights, Silberman was a longtime contributor and friend to Lion’s Roar.

How to Practice “Self-Care” 

Koshin Paley Ellison on why true self-care begins with understanding that there’s no separation between self and other.

Buddhist Advice for Election Anxiety

Are you experiencing strong, difficult emotions due to the upcoming election? Four Buddhists offer advice for dealing with despair, anger, grief, and anxiety.

Self-Care for Activists

As long as we don’t burn out and give up, we really can change the world. Mushim Patricia Ikeda on self-care for activists.

How to Practice Lucid Dreaming

Andrew Holecek teaches us how to be awake when we’re asleep.

1000-Armed Avalokitesvara Statue

Ask the Teachers: Why can’t I perceive bodhisattvas or deities?

Buddhism says that there are all kinds of beings out there—buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities—but I can't perceive them. How do I work with this discrepancy?