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.”
Buddhist monk raises awareness about the swastika’s original meaning
Rev. Kenjitsu Nakagaki wants to educate the West about the history of the manji, a counterclockwise swastika that means “good fortune” in Japanese.
What’s the connection between Buddhism and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar?
How have Buddhists become implicated in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world? Randy Rosenthal looks through history to understand how a religion of peace has become a justification for violence.
J.K. Rowling reveals Buddhist mythology in Harry Potter backstory
Keen observers might have noticed this Sanskrit reference many years ago, but recently J.K. Rowling made public that a key character is related to Buddhist deities.
Who Was Sayadaw U Pandita?
Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita had a defining influence on the Western Insight movement of Theravada Buddhism.
Who Was Prajnatara?
Geoffrey Shugen Arnold tells the story of Prajnatara, the 27th “patriarch” of Indian Buddhism — who is believed to have been a woman.
The History of Pure Land Buddhism
Mark Unno looks at the rich history behind Pure Land Buddhism — the tradition based on the enlightened realm of Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
Who Was Jamgon Kongtrul?
Who was Jamgon Kongtrul and who are his successors?
UNESCO adds seven Korean Buddhist temples to World Heritage list
The ancient mountain temples were established over 1,000 years ago.
Advice for Modern America, from When Buddhism Was Seen as a National Threat
For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Buddhism was considered a threat to America. Hondo Lobley interviews scholar Duncan Williams about what we might want to remember from that time.
