Purple clouds during sunset.

Mindfulness: Birth of a New Contemplative Tradition

Editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod introduces the March 2025 issue of Lion's Roar.

Be Confident in Your Buddhanature

The key to unshakable self-confidence, says Lama Döndrup Drolma, is recognizing the deepest truth of who you are.

Photo of buddha poster on street in Los Angeles

Cholo Dharma

Sanathavihari Bhikkhu used to despise and avoid gangs. Now, he befriends gang members and tries to show them there are other, more skillful ways of living.

Bhikkhuni Dhammawati Guruma smiles in pink robes

Her Liberation: Bhikkhuni Dhammawati Guruma

Bhikkhuni Dhammawati Guruma broke through oppressive patriarchal barriers to pursue spiritual freedom. Wendy Garling tells her inspiring story.

Mother and children sitting cross-legged meditating.

Meditation for Kids

Even young children can learn to tune into themselves and the world with curiosity and wonder. Vanessa Zuisei Goddard offers step-by-step instructions for teaching them.

Photo of a statue of Gyara Murti Gandhi, walking

The Gandhi Experiment

Perry Garfinkel shares his bold attempt to live by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles in today’s complex world.

Illustration of woman meditation beside potted plants

How Mindfulness Builds Confidence

Ethan Nichtern on how mindfulness can help you “take your seat” and trust yourself — to trust your decisions and your ability to navigate whatever arises.

El poder del tantra budista

¿Cuál es la fuente del poder espiritual del budismo Vajrayana, que se considera suficiente para llevarnos a la liberación en una sola vida? Quizá no sean las prácticas tántricas en sí, sino la devoción y la fe de sus practicantes, lo que resulta verdaderamente transformador. Gaylon Ferguson nos explica cómo la visión y práctica tántrica nos ayudan a transformar la confusión en claridad y sabiduría.

The Purple Cloud building in Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, is seen after the fire.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village monastery loses building to fire, seeks funds to rebuild

The building was where Thich Nhat Hanh, the monastery's late founder, had his room, a "sacred space where he rested after Dharma Talks, welcomed guests for tea, guided his students, listened to chanting, signed books, and relaxed in his hammock."

Cynicism, Nihilism, and the Bodhisattva

It’s natural, says John Negru, for even a bodhisattva to be discouraged by the state of our world. Here he shares some hard-won encouragement for sticking with the dharma for the long haul and for the benefit of all beings.

Memories of Thay

This week marks the third anniversary of the passing of Thich Nhat Hanh, the influential Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and founder of the Engaged Buddhism movement. Here, a selection of Buddhist teachers and thought leaders share their tributes and memories.

How Does Karma Work?

Understanding karma can help you in your life and on the spiritual path. Barry Boyce and Andy Karr explain.

bell hooks thich nhat hanh

Building a Community of Love: bell hooks and Thich Nhat Hanh

In this conversation, bell hooks and Thich Nhat Hanh reflect on the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and discuss how we can build a community of love.

A Body Scan Meditation for Stress Relief

From your facial muscles down to your toes, body scan meditation can relieve stress and help you discover what your body really needs.

A family member holding a elderly woman’s hand by hospital bed.

How to Help When Death Is Near

Those who are dying and their families need compassionate support. Drawing from Pure Land Buddhism, Rev. Michael Tran explains how to provide that support.

Books in Brief: January 2025

Jessica Little reviews a batch of new books for Lion's Roar.

image of a little boy peeping out of hung clothes in closet.

Mindful Parenting Techniques for Young Children

Don’t dwell on your parenting missteps. Qalvy Grainzvolt on being kinder to yourself.

The Hula Sutra

The spirit of aloha helps us see beyond the small self. June Ryushin Tanoue on why she dances through the challenges of life.

Pema Chödrön’s Wisdom to Wake Up to Your World

Pema Chödrön shares why the simple practice of taking a break from our usual thoughts is the most important thing we can do with our lives.