Ask the Teachers: How do we determine what is true dharma?

Buddhism was an oral tradition for hundreds of years, and many of the earliest writings were lost centuries ago. If we can’t have 100 percent certainty about what the Buddha actually taught—and it seems that we can’t—how do we determine what is the true dharma?

¿Qué te hace ser budista?

No se trata de las ropas que vistes, los rituales que realices, o la meditación que hagas, dice Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse. No es lo que comas o cuánto bebas. Es si aceptas los cuatro descubrimientos fundamentales que hizo el Buda debajo del árbol del Bodhi; si lo haces, te puedes llamar budista. 

May You Be Safe

As Barbara Gates struggles to protect her adventurous dog Tony from danger, she contemplates the deep aspiration at the heart of loving-kindness practice.

Disciplina y determinación en la meditación

Diego Garcia nos invita a mirar a fondo las razones por las cuales nos alejamos fácilmente de los buenos hábitos, y nos da consejos prácticos de como cultivar la disciplina y determinación en nuestra práctica de meditación. 

Buddha eyes.

7 Things the Buddha Never Said

Monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu, a trained translator of the Buddha's words, reveals seven fake Buddha quotes he's found. See if you're not surprised.

Your Partner Disapproves?

A new meditator’s spouse disapproves of their newfound practice. Susan Piver, founder of The Open Heart Project, answers.

All Alone or One With Everything?

Are we all alone in this world or at one with everything? Nick Walser shines a spotlight on the paradoxical nature of loneliness.

Say Yes to an Open Heart

Diana Winston reflects on the intertwining of mindfulness and compassion, as practiced with an open heart.

The Sacred Work of Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros writes to honor her ancestors, because when that’s her motivation, ego gets out of the way. Angélica Paljor profiles the celebrated author of The House on Mango Street.

The Buddha’s Breath Practice

The Buddha taught mindfulness of breathing as a complete approach to awakening. Buddhist teacher Shaila Catherine outlines his 16-step breath practice that guides us to liberation.

Living Fully Is to See Each Moment as Brand New

As our world consistently changes, Rebecca Li explains how we can feel true freedom when we learn to live every moment as a new experience.

The Vinaya Pitaka

The Vinaya is more than just the monastic rule book, says Amy Paris Langenberg. It’s a treasure trove of stories shedding light on ethical dilemmas, community tensions, and human foibles.

My Dog, My Heart

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu discovers you don’t get over the death of a beloved pet. You just learn to love more.

Up-to-Date Dharma

From Silicon Valley and Afrofuturism to healing trauma and gender transition, here is a selection of new books offering a Buddhist take on today’s issues.

Meet a Teacher: Rev. Marvin Harada

Learn more about Buddhist teacher, Rev. Marvin Harada.

Our Hunt for Magical Berries

Jason Gots and his sister were never happier than when they hunted the elusive wild blackberry. Years later, he realizes the magic is in the search.

Right Hope

Economist and ecodharma activist Clair Brown calls on Buddhists to join the fight against climate change. What helps when the future looks bleak is the right kind of hope.

Savor the Joy

When you’re a parent your heart is always on the line, sometimes broken, sometimes full of joy. To help you get through the tough parts, says psychologist and Insight teacher Allyson Pimentel, you can learn to savor the good times in parenting—and in life.

The Buddha in America

Pamela Ayo Yetunde reflects on the future of community in Buddhism in the opening editorial from the September 2022 issue of Lion's Roar.

La practica del amor auténtico

Ivan Trujillo-Priego nos invita a evaluar profundamente nuestras  intenciones y deseos para practicar íntegra y auténticamente.