Self & Ego

To Know Yourself is to Forget Yourself

by Pema Chödrön| December 16, 2019

We might think that knowing ourselves is an ego-centered thing, but by looking at ourselves, we begin to dissolve the walls that separate us from others.

The Ultimate Self-Help

by Melvin McLeod| March 22, 2019

Each Friday, we share three topical longreads in our Weekend Reader newsletter. This week, our editor-in-chief, Melvin McLeod, shares why Buddhism is the ultimate self-help

Give and You Shall Receive

by Reginald Ray| December 18, 2018

Reginald A. Ray argues that far from being a “lesser” practice, giving is central to all schools of Buddhism and essential to the relinquishment of ego.

What do “2001,” “Dear White People,” and Buddhism have in common?

by Sam Littlefair| April 27, 2018

This month, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey,” turns 50. “Dear White People” creator Justin Simien talked to Lion’s Roar about the film’s influence.

Does my transgender identity conflict with Buddhism’s teachings on no-self?

by Sallie Jiko Tisdale, Narayan Helen Liebenson and Andrew Holecek| July 31, 2017

transgender identity man woman male female buddha anatta attachment buddhism sallie jiko tisdale andrew holocek narayan helen liebenson gender lion's roar ask the teachers advice buddha

I was born male, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually a transgender woman. As a Buddhist, I feel conflicted by the teachings on no-self.

It’s Not Us and Them

by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche| June 3, 2017

The fear so many of us are feeling these days can stress us into freezing our world and getting caught up in dualism. But, says Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, we can get past that by practicing mindfulness and gentleness.

The Problem of Personality

by Ajahn Sumedho| January 27, 2017

We believe deeply in ourselves as personalities, says Ajahn Sumedho, each committed to the reality of our own personal history and distinctive traits.

How To Live a Genuine Life

by Ezra Bayda| October 19, 2015

Clouds, Ezra Bayda, Lion's Roar, Shambhala Sun, Genuine, How to

"It's possible to learn to relate to the clouds of conditioning as just clouds, and see them more and more within the context of the sky." Photo by Gregory Palmer.

Author and Zen teacher Ezra Bayda say our Buddhist practice involves cultivating awareness of our addictions to comfort, self-judgement, thoughts, identities, and fears.