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 [...]
How to Practice Loving-Kindness
JoAnna Harper 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 [...]
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 [...]
The Dalai Lama: The Lamp for Our Path
In the July 2017 issue of Lion’s Roar, 12 leading teachers, writers, and activists reflect on why we need the Dalai Lama and his message more than ever. Jan Willis reflects on the importance of his life's example of compassion, peace, and joyfulness. Some people’s very presence in the world gives hope, solace, and courage to the rest of us. Their life and being is a gift [...]
How I Got Comfortable with My Imperfections
John Manderino stumbles through Zen meal practice — and decides that’s perfectly okay. It’s called oryoki, this very formal, ceremonial-type Zen Buddhist meal where every little thing you do has to be absolutely correct. It’s supposed to help you be mindful—be here, be now, be Zen. At yesterday’s breakfast, they held a sort of run-through for us newcomers. What a [...]
The Dalai Lama, Heart of Compassion
In the July 2017 issue of Lion’s Roar, 12 leading teachers, writers, and activists reflect on why we need the Dalai Lama and his message more than ever. Roshi Joan Halifax reflects on personal moments with him that exemplified his compassion and wisdom. During a talk on compassion I gave at a neuroscience meeting, I shared with the Dalai Lama some words from a clinician who [...]
The Inspiration of the Dalai Lama
In the July 2017 issue of Lion's Roar, 12 leading teachers, writers, and activists reflect on why we need the Dalai Lama and his message more than ever. Richard Gere reflects on how the inspiring leader has impacted him. I remember having an intimate conversation with His Holiness many years ago. At one point he touched the tip of his tongue and quietly said, “This tongue [...]
Lion’s Roar Book Briefs for July 2017
Sit, Walk, Don’t Talk: How I Survived a Silent Meditation Retreat By Jennifer Howd Parallax Press, 2017; 111 pp., $14.95 (paper) For her fortieth birthday, Jennifer Howd gave herself a special present: a nine-day silent meditation retreat at the Spring Insight Retreat in Yucca Valley, California. Things started badly. After checking in, her throat began to ache and her [...]