Archives: LR Articles
The Great Shooting Way
Review of Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of Archery.
Yoga Body, Buddha Mind
A complete spiritual practice—or even just a healthy, satisfying life—requires working with both mind and body.
Feeding the Spiritually Hungry
For all their material success, says Pico Iyer, many Japanese feel alienated and spiritually starved. They responded hungrily to the Dalai Lama’s teachings on his recent tour of Japan.
The Other Side of the Postcards
HIMALAYA: Personal Stories of Grandeur, Challenge, and Hope. Edited by Richard C. Blum, Erica Stone, and Broughton Coburn.
A Very Public Hermit
ECHOING SILENCE: Thomas Merton on the Vocation of Writing. By Thomas Merton, edited by Robert Inchausti.
The Poetry of Authentic Presence
A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar, by Thinley Norbu. Reviewed by Steven Goodman.
Stumbling on Happiness
Are we just too dumb to be happy? Psychologist Daniel Gilbert reveals some of the common mental mistakes that defeat our search for happiness.
Thanks for the Dance: Pico Iyer considers Leonard Cohen
Pico Iyer considers Leonard Cohen—the ladies’ man, the balladeer, the Zen poet, and the essence of cool with a new love giving voice to his songs of parting and old age.
Shodo Harada Roshi: Nuclear Reactor of Zen
Although not widely known, Harada Roshi is one of the few Japanese Zen masters specializing in teaching Western students.
A Masterful Guide to Vajrayana Practice
Francesca Fremantle reviews Thinley Norbu Rinpoche's book, A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar, published by Shambhala Publications, 2006.
Book Briefs Winter 2006
Taking the Path as the Result; Dogen on Meditation and Thinking; The Platform Sutra; The Mirror of Zen; Songs and Instructions of the Karmapas; and more.
What Is the Sound of No-Sound?
With a strike of the gong, sound is born, sustains, and passes away. All things are like this, notes Erik Hansen, but where is the no-sound his Zen teacher talked about? Is it the sound of one hand clapping? Is it the jackhammer in the street?
Analyzing Enlightenment
Buddhism and Psychotherapy Across Cultures: Essays on Theories and Practices and The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra reviewed by Mark Epstein.
Book Briefs Fall 2006
Zen Sanctuary of Purple Robes, A Song for the King, Hakuin on Kensho, Honen the Buddhist Saint, Zen Master Who?, Quintessential Dzogchen, and more.
Who Does God Vote For?
Seeking an Alternative to the Christian Right: Barry Boyce reports on the movement to develop a political platform that is both progressive and spiritual.