Is Buddhism a religion, psychology, or way of life? Our three experts, Charles Prebish, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and Joan Sutherland, join the debate.
Is Buddhism a religion, philosophy, way of life, or science of mind?
“I’m confused. Buddhism is considered one of the world’s five great religions, but some people say it’s not a religion at all, but a philosophy, way of life, or science of mind. Which is it?” We answer your questions on Buddhism and meditation.
Are You Spiritual But Not Religious?
Buddhism is about realization and experience, not institutions or divine authority. This makes it especially suited to those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Here are ten reasons why:
Do Buddhists pray? What for?
We’re not praying for something. We’re not praying to anyone. Why would Buddhists pray?
Romantic Vision vs. Everyday Disappointment
In meditation we cut through our fantasies and relate with life as it really is. Then something magical can happen. It’s exactly the same in our relationships.
Be Love Now: A Q&A with Ram Dass

Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, helped to shape a whole generation.
Spiritual but not Religious? Reason #10 Buddhism might be for you: “It works.”
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been sharing with you here Melvin McLeod’s 10 reasons why Buddhism can be enriching to the growing number of us who consider ourselves “Spiritual but not Religious.” (Click here to read Melvin’s introduction to this series, and here to check out the other reasons.) Here now, is #10: […]
Review: There Is No God And He Is Always with You
Brad Warner says that the concept of God can be helpful to Buddhists. Catholic thinker Susan J. Stabile, formerly a Buddhist nun, thinks not. There is No God and He is Always With You By Brad Warner New World Library 2013; 360 pp., $15.95 (paper) I stopped believing in God long before I became a […]
Right Here With You: Andrea Miller on “Love Poems from God”
Andrea Miller, deputy editor of Lion’s Roar, and editor of the book Right Here With You, on Daniel Ladinsky’s Love Poems from God.
God, Guru, and Gender
The root of the problem, says Rita Gross, is our theistic expectation of the spiritual teacher. She wants female teachers with real authority.