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.
Dalai Lama suggests ending Tibetan reincarnation system
The Dalai Lama said that the Tibetan Buddhist system of recognizing reincarnate Buddhist teachers “may have had its day.”
India creates its first Buddhist-majority state, provoking diplomatic conflicts
On Tuesday, Indian lawmakers made significant administrative changes to the contested region of Kashmir, India.
Commentary: We must address religious nationalism to prevent Buddhism from being perverted into a force for evil
Is the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar rooted in religion, or is it fundamentally a manifestation of secular right-wing nationalism? Khin Mai Aung looks at the role of Buddhism in Myanmar’s ongoing genocide.
The Power of Pilgrimage
In our Weekend Reader newsletter, Lion’s Roar’s Andrea Miller shares her transformative experience on pilgrimage in India.
Only Nirvana Is More Beautiful
Andrea Miller visits the ancient artistic wonder in India known as the Ajanta Caves.
The Dharma Was Built on These Bricks
Andrea Miller visits the ruins of Nalanda, the great university where much of what we know today as Buddhism was developed.
The Handprint Left Behind
A young monk in Nepal practiced so many prostrations that he left his handprint pressed into a mat. Vanessa Sasson can’t forget him.
Sri Lankan Buddhist communities across North America hold candlelight vigils for bombing victims
After the attacks that killed 320 in Sri Lanka on Sunday, Sri Lankan Buddhist communities across North America are holding candlelight vigils.
Sri Lanka celebrates classic Buddhist text, requests UNESCO world heritage designation
This week, the government of Sri Lanka is officially celebrating the Tripitaka, the collection of texts that form the foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The government has declared the week of March 16 to 23 “Tripitaka Week.”