Archives: LR Articles
Life, Death, and Love
Artist and writer Susan MacLeod observes the foibles, humor, and caring of life in a nursing home. There, she and her mother finally came to know each other.
Sandra Oh, Jack Kornfield, and Trudy Goodman on the Future of Buddhism
Leading Buddhist teachers Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman join actor Sandra Oh for a wide-ranging and intimate conversation about their lives, the future of Buddhism in America, and their happy relationship as beloveds.
Is Buddhism a Religion?
Is Buddhism a religion, psychology, or way of life? Our three experts, Charles Prebish, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and Joan Sutherland, join the debate.
10 Vows to Not Make Things Difficult
Who’s really making things difficult? asks Zen teacher Karen Maezen Miller. Here are ten ways to take care of your end.
No Agenda, No Obstacles
If you’re not trying to get somewhere, says Buddhist teacher Judy Lief, nothing can stop you.
The Power of Buddhism
If you ignore power, you ignore powerful Buddhist teachings. Pema Khandro Rinpoche says that Buddhism teaches us how to be powerful and compassionate at the same time.
Joyful Giving
Tis always the season for giving. Six Buddhist teachers on why generosity is the starting place of all the virtues.
I’m culturally a Christian – but in every other way, a Buddhist
With the Holiday season upon us, Sumi Loundon Kim reflects upon her split religious identity: culturally Christian, devoutly Buddhist.
The Heart of Generosity
For December, Lion's Roar features teachings on a powerful practice: compassion. Here, Gina Sharpe offers a short introduction to generosity, explaining how it can be the beginning of the end of suffering.
Commentary: Why I’m Not Attending Conferences in the USA
After the Muslim ban was instituted, Buddhist scholar and priest Jeff Wilson vowed to renounce his attendance at conferences in the USA. As a society, he says, it is imperative that we stop hiding behind borders.
The Case Against “Buddhism”
Randy Rosenthal talks to scholar Glenn Wallis about his thought-provoking new book" A Critique of Western Buddhism: Ruins of the Buddhist Real."
Ego Is the Real Culprit
No matter what the conflict appears to be about, says Zen teacher Norman Fischer, it always come down to defending our shaky sense of self.
I feel a lot of pain when I meditate. What can I do?
Mushim Patricia Ikeda talks about dealing with physical pain in meditation.
Resting the Busy Mind
The way to really rest our busy minds in meditation is to let go of all thoughts about our thoughts. The more we do this, the more we discover our "enlightened potential."
Who Was Niguma?
In the tenth and eleventh centuries, Niguma was one of the most important Buddhist teachers and yoginis in India.
The Hungry Ghosts of “Mad Men”
The characters in "Mad Men" are like hungry ghosts, says Rod Meade Sperry, endlessly consuming liquor, drugs — and each other.
Finding Hope in Hopelessness
If I have no belief that my vision can become real, asks Margaret Wheatley, where will I find the strength to persevere?
Love Doesn’t Have to Mean Agreeing
Susan J. Stabile on how to live with — or even support — your partner’s differing religious beliefs.
How Personal Grief Connects Us to Shared Compassion
Laura Johnson’s eight-month-old cat died as the 2018 California wildfires destroyed nearby homes. She reflects on how her deeply personal loss opened her heart to society's shared humanity.
Dogen’s Instructions for Zazen
Shine the light inward. Body and mind will drop away. A meditation instruction from Eihei Dogen, one of Buddhism’s greatest teachers.