Zen teacher Norman Fischer applies five mind-training slogans to anger and other emotions. Photo illustrations by Marguerite Sands. To practice with anger—rather than simply being a victim of it—is to make the effort to respect and understand it. This involves being willing to look more deeply at the complex of negative emotions, which naturally arise as part of our human [...]
How to Transform Anger in 4 Steps
Using the traditional metaphor of the poison tree, Judy Lief teaches us four Buddhist techniques to work with our anger. According to Buddhist psychology, anger is one of the six root kleshas, the conflicting emotions that cause our suffering. Its companions are greed, ignorance, passion, envy, and pride. Anger can be white hot or freezing cold. Anger can be turned outward [...]
How to Cool the Flames of Anger with “RAIN”
Emily Horn teaches us how to recognize, accept, investigate, and not identify with our anger. The best way to transform anger and other strong emotions is to befriend them. As with any relationship, it takes time to become intimate with the inner workings of our minds. To do it we need courage and strength. And we need the help of an effective technique. Peeling away [...]
Is Nothing Something?
Illustration by Jessica McClure. Thich Nhat Hanh answers children’s questions. Children have a special place in the Plum Village tradition of Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. There are special practices, vows, and programs designed especially for children and teens, and Thich Nhat Hanh often fashions the first part of his dharma talks with them in mind. He regularly takes [...]
There Is a Path that Frees Us from Suffering
August, 2015 Update: Gina's husband, John Fowle, died on July 28, 2015. See below for details on donating to his memorial fund. Photos by Donna Svennevik. Insight teacher Gina Sharpe is working to create a truly inclusive sangha. The place to start, she says, is facing the truth that even Buddhist communities aren’t free from the suffering caused by racism. A profile by Andrea [...]
On Track with Paul Newman
Between blockbuster movies, car racing, and salad dressing, Paul Newman was one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities. Yet, says Michael Stone, he was one of those rare people who could sit still and watch the rain fall. I’d seen Paul Newman around the track. He wore shades, he always had his collar up, and he seemed like the wise, rebellious leader of both his team [...]
Buddhists Betray the Teachings: Jack Kornfield on the anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar
A religion known for nonviolence is being used to fuel a genocidal campaign against the Muslims of Burma. Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield, recently returned from Burma, urges us to join the call for peace. His full article from the September 2014 Shambhala Sun (now known as Lion's Roar) appears below -- you can also download and share this PDF of the article -- along with with [...]
About a Poem: Willis Barnstone on Baudelaire’s “Our White House”
Our White House Outside the city I have not forgot Our white house, small but in a peaceful lot, Her chipped Pomona and her old Venus In a skimpy grove hiding their bare bust, And twilight sun both dazzling and superb Behind the pane where its immense eye burned Wide open, and the intense curious sky Pondered our long silent meals and the eye Of sun [...]
Obstacles on the Path
If there’s a rock in your path, you have to move it, go around it, or climb over it. The same is true in meditation, says Sakyong Mipham. You can’t just pretend obstacles aren’t there. You have to relate to them. In meditation, we are on a journey from here to whatever we are trying to accomplish, be it mindfulness, peace, or compassion. We are developing the ability to have a [...]
RAIN Cools the Flames of Anger
Emily Horn teaches us how to recognize, accept, investigate, and not identify with our anger. The best way to transform anger and other strong emotions is to befriend them. As with any relationship, it takes time to become intimate with the inner workings of our minds. To do it we need courage and strength. And we need the help of an effective technique. Peeling away the [...]
