Voices and Visions

When the spirit moves into writing, shaping its direction, that is a moment of pure mystery.

Don’t I Know You?

When we overlook the strangers among us, we miss the chance to connect to people as they are, free of the usual ways we judge them.

Robert Thurman the Dalai Lama

The Meaning of the Dalai Lama for Today

When I have attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving Buddhist teachings to large assemblies, I have had an odd sensation lately...

The Buddha’s Journey

Scholar Andrew Olendzki on how the Buddha discovered a path to liberation that we can take too.

The Progressive Buddha

Karma Lekshe Tsomo on the Buddha as social reformer — for his time and ours.

The Star of the Plate

Andrea Miller reports on celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s spiritual journey, his approach in the kitchen, and what it’s like to go to his restaurant.

What Does It Mean to Be Free?

Tracy Franz on some timely themes in new books and media.

Life Lessons from the Poker Table

Psychologist and mindfulness meditator Maria Konnikova talks about what she learned about life, luck, and paying attention on her journey from complete novice to poker professional.

How to Tame the Wanting Mind

You’re hungry, but what are you really hungry for? Sasha Loring on opening your heart, offering your attachments, and being mindful.

To Love Abundantly: Sharon Salzberg’s Journey on the Path

How Sharon Salzberg found loving-kindness in the darkest of times. By Trish Deitch Rohrer.

Practice Is the Right Medicine

This, says Jan Chozen Bays, is the healing power of practice: we release our fear, transform our unskillfulness, and discover our kindest selves.

Chanting for Buddhahood

Shodaigyo meditation combines silent sitting with chanting to the beat of a drum. Ryuei Michael McCormick on how to do this calming yet exhilarating practice.

On Suffering and the End of Suffering

It's an essential truth about life itself: suffering of one kind or another is a natural part of existence. Knowing this truth gives our lives wholeness and peace, as it frees us from the exhausting postures of pretense and denial.

Finding Freedom: The Death Row Journey of Jarvis Jay Masters

Susan Moon on the spiritual journey of Jarvis Jay Masters, a Buddhist practitioner on death row in San Quentin prison.

When Spirituality and Diet Culture Collide

In this commentary from non-diet dietician Jenna Hollenstein, she shares why we need to stop battling our basic biology as a means to overcome "craving" on the path to liberation.

Beyond Birth and Death

Water and wave, being and nonbeing, beginning and ending—liberation from all duality, teaches Thich Nhat Hanh, is the key to enlightenment.

The Beauty of Imperfection

Lion's Roar Special Projects editorial assistant Sandra Hannebohm looks at wabi-sabi and the perfection of imperfection.

The Supreme Meditation

Aging, illness and death are treasures for those who understand them. They’re Noble Truths, Noble Treasures. If they were people, I’d bow down to them.

Meditation & Therapy Working Together

Psychotherapy can be a powerful complement to spiritual practice, supporting our inspiration to develop awareness and compassion.

Vipassana Meditation Takes Gumption

In the direct, insightful style for which he is known, Bhante Henepola Gunaratana teaches the meditation technique known as Vipassana and explains why only meditation addresses the human condition.