JoAnna Hardy teaches us the famed Buddhist practice of metta – offering love to ourselves and others. When I was introduced to the practice of metta—most often translated as lovingkindness practice—I definitely knew it wasn’t for me. It was too mushy and sentimental for my pragmatic mind. It was reminiscent of the wishful praying that I thought was reserved for the type of [...]
A Zen Priest at Harvard Finds the Key to Happiness
Robert Waldinger is a Zen priest and leader of the longest-running study of human happiness. As Andrea Miller tells us, he’s found that science and Buddhism agree on what makes life happy and meaningful. What makes life worth living? What really makes us happy? As a Zen priest and leader of the one of the most important studies of human happiness ever undertaken, Robert [...]
Yes, Buddhism is a Religion
Buddhism shouldn’t be stereotyped as a New Age fad or reduced to a mere technique, says Scott Mitchell. We miss so much by not acknowledging what it really is. In the American imagination, Buddhism has long been associated with counterculture drop-outs—Beat generation iconoclasts, Age of Aquarius hippies, woo-woo New Agers. This unfortunate stereotype identifies Western [...]
Be Free Now: An interview with Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield, one of the leading Buddhist teachers of our time, talks to Melvin McLeod about the hopeful message in his new book: we can have joy and freedom — right here, right now. Over the decades, your teachings have tracked and helped lead the evolution of Buddhism in the West. You have undertaken intense traditional practice, integrated the insights of Western [...]
Is it worth sticking with a testy relationship?
Karen Maezen Miller on taking a break or sticking with it. Question: Even though I am an adult, my relationship with my parents still involves a lot of arguing. It feels kind of toxic and I’m considering taking a break from communicating with them. But I also feel guilty about deserting them. What does Buddhism say about my obligation to others vs. my obligation to take care [...]
Meals That Heal the Heart
Her parents’ divorce meant angry mealtimes, but Elissa Altman found her way back to a nurturing table. She shares her tips on preparing and enjoying meals that heal yourself and others. Eggs were my mother’s mood barometer. When my parents were happy, she made us delicate soft-boiled eggs every morning. They were nestled in English porcelain egg cups, their tips carefully [...]
What is San Francisco Zen Center?
San Francisco Zen Center is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist communities in the United States. It is part of the Soto school of Zen and has produced many of America’s leading Buddhist teachers and writers, such as Sojun Mel Weitsman, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, the late Blanche Hartman, and Tenshin Reb Anderson. San Francisco Zen Center, often just called “Zen Center,” was [...]
Develop a Mind Like Sky
Meditation teacher Jack Kornfield explains the why and how of developing wise attention, or open awareness. Meditation comes alive through a growing capacity to release our habitual entanglement in the stories and plans, conflicts and worries that make up the small sense of self, and to rest in awareness. In meditation we do this simply by acknowledging the [...]
Crisis on the Roof of the World
The repression, surveillance, and propaganda are Orwellian. Chinese money, immigrants, and tourists are pouring in. The fight to control religion is heating up. John Demont reports that China’s longterm campaign to assimilate Tibet has entered a critical new stage. There was understandable skepticism last March when Chinese state broadcaster CCTV declared Lhasa “the [...]
Don’t Wait to Be Happy!
A heartfelt message to us all, from Jack Kornfield. Dear friends, after more than forty years teaching mindfulness and compassion to thousands on the spiritual path, the most important message I can offer is this: You don’t have to wait to be free. You don’t need to postpone being happy. All too often these beautiful spiritual practices of mindfulness and compassion [...]
