Archives: LR Articles
Citizenship as Spiritual Practice
Right speech, right action, right livelihood, compassion—tending to society is part of the Buddha’s path of awakening.
Take Refuge in Your Body
When the storms of life hit, your body can be a place of refuge and healing. Cyndi Lee says it starts with making friends with your body.
Alone Together
How do we take the sting out of loneliness? Toni Bernhard suggests friendliness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity.
An Economy Based on Caring
Farmers, grocery store clerks, garbage collectors, teachers—we’re not just interdependent with essential workers such as these; we’re dependent. Norman Fischer on fair wages for all.
The Ultimate Self-Help
Our editor-in-chief, Melvin McLeod, shares why Buddhism is the ultimate self-help, despite one of its central principles — nonself.
No Worries
Sylvia Boorstein addresses a mental affliction we don’t often talk about in spiritual terms. It’s a big problem for her, and maybe for you—worrying.
Why I Do Not Bow
For some Black Buddhists in predominantly white sanghas, certain practices harken back to the history of forced subservience to white people. Melvin Christopher Horton explores his experience in a powerful poem.
Pa’s Smile
Jaimal Yogis’s dad explained his final wishes: “I’ve gotten so much from Buddhism for good living, I’m not going to pass up their tips for good dying.”
Daily Life is Practice
These days, if an aversive reaction starts to form in my mind, I think to myself, “Wait! Don’t disturb the peace!”
I’m Not O.K., You’re Not O.K.—and That’s O.K.
"We are all subject to the pain of loss, grief, sadness and even plain disappointment. But by talking to one another about it, we console. It is enough."
The Dharma of Distraction
It goes a lot deeper than how many times a day you check your phone. According to Buddhist teacher Judy Lief, distraction is the very foundation of ego.
The Heart Breaks
The Buddha saw an old man, ill man, dead man, and wise man. As her father’s health declined, Minal Hajratwala saw these same sights.
May We Gather: Buddhists Unite Against Anti-Asian Violence and Racism
Read a selection of wisdom shared by Buddhist leaders at "May We Gather: A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Asian American Ancestors."
The Universe in a Grain of Rice
Andrea Miller reflects on the truth that interbeing is as close to us as the white on rice.
Meet a Teacher: Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche
Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche gets personal with the Lion's Roar readership.
Life, Loss, and Connection
When we truly face death, we live more fully. Tracy Franz presents a selection of new books (and one movie) on bereavement, self-discovery in nature, and more.
How I Discovered My Breath (and So Much More)
Counting breaths—the simplest of mindfulness practices—took Zen teacher Karen Maezen Miller on a profound spiritual journey. It’s one we can take too.
