Archives: LR Articles
Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: A Time of Reformation
In the fifth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod imagines how Buddhism may re-vision itself and adapt to meet the challenges ahead.
Women Are Not Second-Class Buddhists
Ven. Karma Lekshe Tsomo calls for an end to the inferior status of Buddhist nuns, and of Buddhist women generally.
Buddhadharma Book Briefs for Winter 2019
Daigengna Duoer reviews "The Life of Jamgom Kongtrul the Great" by Alexander Gardner, "The Circle of the Way" by Barbara O'Brien, and more for the Winter 2019 issue of Buddhadharma.
What vows do Buddhists take and why?
In Buddhism, a vow is like a compass, but there are many different kinds of vows that Buddhists can take.
Liberation: It’s All or Nothing
None of us is free until all of us are free. In America, says rev. angel Kyodo williams, that means outer and inner liberation from white supremacy.
Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: Right Activism
In the fourth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod looks at the interface of activism and modern Buddhism.
Don’t Just Sit There—Act
When we sit in meditation, we awaken to oneness. Then we take compassionate action. That’s what drives Andy Hoover’s work at the ACLU.
Review: Spring and Autumn Annals
Spring and Autumn Annals is the vibrant story of a decade-long friendship, interspersed with the author's memories of her childhood in Brooklyn.
The Real Source of Happiness
The Buddhist teachings on the jhana states contain a secret about where positive emotions really come from. Allen Weiss explains.
Is it too late to save the planet?
Some meditators have suggested that it's too late to save the planet, so we should focus on our own spiritual salvation. Zen priest Kritee discusses the concept of "planetary hospice."
What are some good LGBTQ dharma books?
We recommend some great books by LGBTQ Buddhist teachers and practitioners.
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.