What is Nichiren Shu?

Along with Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu is one of the largest sects of the Nichiren school of Buddhism. A Nichiren Shu priest explains the tradition’s roots, practices, and basic teachings.

Lotus flower.

Black Bodhisattvas

Dr. Kamilah Majied reflects her experiences at The Gathering of Buddhist Teachers of Black African Descent.

Bodhidharma meditating in a cave.

Who Was Bodhidharma?

The legendary founder of Zen in China famously taught a dictum long-regarded as the taproot of Zen, “Point directly at the human mind, see its nature, and become Buddha.”

The Future Is Now

The future of Buddhism will be decided by how we act right now, says Johnny Edward Dean Jr. He’s putting his faith into action on the South Side of Chicago.

A woman with a shaved head bows before the Buddha.

The First Women’s March

More than two-and-a-half centuries ago, Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's aunt, set a precedent for the women's rights.

Joseph Jarman.

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and jazz musician Joseph Jarman dies at 81

Joseph Jarman developed a love of Jazz while in the army and then discovered Buddhism when he returned home. The two passions defined the rest of his life.

A monk sitting on a rock in the ocean in meditation.

Emptiness and Existence

His Holiness the Dalai Lama takes us step by step through the famed logic of Madhyamika, the Middle Way that defeats all extreme views of reality.

Snow Salutations

Yoga practitioner Alison Wearing discovers how to appreciate the moment, even in the great white north.

You Are Already Dying

The most profound meditation, says Joan Halifax, is contemplating the certainty of your own death.

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?

Is Buddhism a religion, psychology, or way of life? Our three experts, Charles Prebish, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and Joan Sutherland, join the debate.

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.

Gina Sharpe generosity giving Shambhala Sun

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.

Sign that reads  the ban is immoral  in front of Capitol Hill.

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.

Buddha sculpture

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.