Miguel Chen breaks down how setting lofty goals for our spiritual practice only creates more obstacles.
Koans: One with the Question
(c) The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 72-5The enlightenment stories of the ancient masters are confounding to conventional mind. Their truth, says Melissa Myozen Blacker, is revealed only when our whole being becomes the koan.
Who Was the Buddha?
“Buddha” means “one who is awake.” The Buddha who lived 2,600 years ago was not a god. He was an ordinary person, named Siddhartha Gautama.
Just When You Think You’re Enlightened
Temporary spiritual experiences can be helpful signs of progress, says Andrew Holecek, but they can also be traps.
Forum: What Is Enlightenment?
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Ayya Tathaaloka, Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin, and David Matsumoto explore their traditions’ different perspectives on awakening.
You Are Already Enlightened
Guo Gu, a longtime student of the late Master Sheng Yen, presents an experiential look at the Chan practice of silent illumination.
The Dharma of Distraction
It goes a lot deeper than how many times a day you check your phone. According to Buddhist teacher Judy Lief, distraction is the very foundation of ego.
Six Kinds of Loneliness
To be without a reference point is the ultimate loneliness. It is also called enlightenment.
The Whole Way
Is Buddhism a transcendent path to enlightenment or a practical aid to everyday life? The Way cannot be divided like that, Joan Sutherland tells us. LIke the water system of the high desert, it flows in every direction and is found wherever we decide to tap into it.
Practice Like Your Hair’s on Fire
Enlightenment is possible in this lifetime but time is running out. We have to make the most of this rare and fleeting opportunity to wake up.