Archives: LR Articles
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.
Buddhadharma Book Briefs for Winter 2018
Rory Lindsay reviews "Spontaneous Creativity," by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, "In the Cool Shade of Compassion" by Kamala Tiyanavich, and more.
Everything Is Buddhanature
Original sin vs. original goodness: Mahayana Buddhism offers a more hopeful view of human nature. Zen teacher Melissa Myozen Blacker reveals how nondual practice frees us from our temporary obscurations and reveals our true, awakened nature.
Editorial: What Does It Mean to Be Kind?
In the opening editorial of our January 2019 issue, Lion’s Roar‘s editorial assistant Hal Atwood shares how she defines kindness.
What Happens When a Government Loses Its Compassion?
Without compassion, everyone is worse off. Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax comments on the Trump administration's family separation policy.
Metta for Refugees
Zen priest Liên Shutt teaches a short meditation to foster compassion for beings in search of refuge.
I’ve been meditating for a long time, but I’m still a schmuck. What’s the point?
In the November 2018 issue of Lion’s Roar magazine, 14 Buddhist teachers answer the most frequently asked questions about challenges on the spiritual path. Here, Sylvia Boorstein shares the simple way Buddhist practice has changed her.