Swimming Upstream

Chinese legend has it that if a carp swims up a waterfall, it transforms into a dragon. Be like that carp, says Koshin Paley Ellison. Throw your whole self into waking up.

5 Ways to Make the World Better Through Facebook

Karen Maezen Miller gives us tools to engage with our fellow Facebookers in ways that benefit us all.

An Ode to Phoebe: The Genuine Friend

Lama Surya Das recalls the honest, kind, and thoughtful Phoebe.

Authentic Love

Sumi Loundon Kim weighs in on seeing and communicating clearly in love and marriage.

How Maitri Opens Your Heart

Maitri means loving-kindness or unconditional friendliness. David Nichtern and Cyndi Lee show you how to do this heart-opening Buddhist practice.

Commentary: Let’s Envision a Buddhist Political Philosophy

Randee says it's time to define Buddhist political philosophy. He proposes four core components for a political philosophy informed by the dharma.

Sharing Trans Joy at the First Residential Retreat for the Transgender and Gender Expansive Community

In September, “Creating Joy In Community” brought together 50 members of the transgender and gender expansive community for a residential retreat.

The Invisible Majority

The vast majority of American Buddhists are of Asian heritage, yet they are too often ignored, mispresented, and even looked down upon. Chenxing Han offers four ways we can start to heal the great divide in American Buddhism.

Is Buddhism Violent?

Buddhism is a religion of peace. So why do some monks carry guns and preach hatred? In this conversation with Lion's Roar, religious studies professor Michael Jerryson says that, if you look closely, "violence abounds" in Buddhist doctrine.

How to Invoke the Medicine Buddha

David Michie teaches us a healing meditation to purify karma and cultivate well-being.

Dalai Lama suggests ending Tibetan reincarnation system

The Dalai Lama said that the Tibetan Buddhist system of recognizing reincarnate Buddhist teachers “may have had its day.”

Review: “The Magnanimous Heart”

We review "The Magnanimous Heart: Compassion & Love, Loss & Grief, Joy & Liberation" by Narayan Helen Liebenson.

My Partner Disapproves

Susan Piver answers a reader's question about meditation and relationships.

A close-up of Buddhism-inspired content from Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger

Heart of Glass: J.D. Salinger & the Bodhisattva Ideal

After the launch of the New York Public Library's J.D. Salinger exhibit, Rod Meade Sperry reflects on how the famed author and his characters reckoned with Buddhism and spirituality.

Review: The Little Book of Being

In "The Little Book of Being," Diana Winston—using straightforward, secular language—explains how to cultivate natural awareness.

16th century sculpture of the eleven headed acalokiteshvara

Bodhichitta: The Excellence of Awakened Heart

The mind of enlightenment, bodhichitta, is always available, in pain as well as in joy. Pema Chödrön lays out how to cultivate this soft spot of bravery.

An Olive Branch Be Proactive Abuse of Power Confronting Buddhism Sangha Teachers Misconduct Controversy

Afrontar el abuso: Sé proactivo

An Olive Branch presenta un plan de acción para poner en marcha el apoyo necesario para proteger a los miembros de la sangha de los abusos.

The Life of Thich Nhat Hanh

Lindsay Kyte tells the story of what is perhaps Thich Nhat Hanh’s greatest teaching — his courageous life.

Extinction Rebellion activist Mark Ovland on bringing climate activism & Buddhism together

Tynette Deveaux talks to Buddhist Extinction Rebellion (XR) activist Mark Ovland about his decision to join the XR movement.

A Cat by Any Other Name

When Sarah Chauncey drops the label “cat,” she sees her pet clearly for the very first time.