Sculpture of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting and touching the earth.

Who Was the Buddha?

The Buddha who lived 2,600 years ago was not a god. He was an ordinary person, named Siddhartha Gautama, whose teachings on enlightenment and the end of suffering became the basis of the world religion of Buddhism.

Best Practices for Parents of Grown Children

Parenting grown children requires a middle path, says Ellen Hamada Crane sensei. They need you to keep nurturing them and to let them go.

Child stepping in a sunbeam

Thich Nhat Hanh on How to Heal Your Inner Child

Healing the pain of our wounded child within, says Thich Nhat Hanh, is key.

Right Understanding

Anam Thubten on how to understand both ultimate and relative reality — and why this is so important today.

What a Good Horse You Are!

The Buddha valued dispassion, yet he also knew the power of love. Reiko Ohnuma on the poignant relationship between Siddhartha and his horse.

Sepia tone photo of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

Beyond Moral Rules

In this excerpt from the book “Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life,” the late Shunryu Suzuki reflects on how Buddhist precepts can become a path of freedom — not restriction.

A Mother’s Grief Journey

After losing her son, Diane Esguerra traveled through Peru with his ashes and her practice, discovering unexpected moments of connection, healing, and clarity.

Foundational Mindfulness

Jan Chozen Bays explores the essence of mindfulness—what it is, how to practice it, and the transformative power of unifying body, heart, and mind.

The Beautiful Contradiction of Mindfulness

Beth Wallace introduces the September 2025 issue of <em>Lion’s Roar</em>.

Buddha Bows to Buddha

In a world on fire, we need to connect with each other to care for each other. Brian Joshin Byrnes explains how practice can help us come together and recognize one another as buddha.

When Your Memory Fails You

Being diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment is a shock, says Sharon Lukert, but it isn’t the end of leading a fulfilling life.

A Chaplain Holds Space for Dementia Patients

Meg Federico’s patients don’t know where they are or who they are. What comforts them, she says, is acceptance.

How to Practice Mindfulness in the Digital Age

Nikki Mirghafori on how to avoid digital pitfalls—from doomscrolling to sending regrettable emails.

How Mindfulness Transforms Conflict into Connection

Robert Waldinger on how to find alternatives to unhealthy patterns and become a more loving, present, and supportive partner.

What Nature Teaches Us About Mindfulness

In the natural world, nothing is out of place, Cara Lai reminds us. Mindfulness invites us to see our thoughts and feelings the same way.

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Melvin McLeod offers instructions for a basic seated meditation to connect with your body, breath, and mind.

Bring Mindfulness to Your Movement Practice

Mindful movement isn’t limited to yoga or tai chi. Dawn Mauricio on bringing your awareness to lifting, dancing, running, and more.

Mindfulness for Activists

Butterfly (Tony Pham) on how to act from clarity instead of rage, from compassion instead of fear.

Books in Brief: September 2025

Jessica Little reviews a new batch of Buddhist books for September.

In the Bardo: An Interview with Amie Barrodale

In this intimate Q&A, Amie Barrodale opens up about writing as a parent, rediscovering her Buddhist roots, and how navigating an autism diagnosis transformed the story she thought she was telling.