In Buddhism, hungry ghosts, or pretas, are beings who are tormented by desire that can never be sated.
Who Is Avalokiteshvara?
Avalokiteshvara has undergone many transformations over the centuries, but their purpose remains the same — to help humanity with compassion and mercy.
What is the Meaning of the Lotus in Buddhism?

The lotus is one of Buddhism’s most recognizable symbols of enlightenment and is important in many Buddhist traditions.
Who Was B. R. Ambedkar?
A profile of B. R. Ambedkar, a vital figure in Indian history and an activist for the Dalit (“untouchables”) class.
What is San Francisco Zen Center?
Profile of San Francisco Zen Center, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist communities in the United States.
What Is a Stupa?
Stupas are one of the most recognizable forms of Buddhist architecture. Learn the meaning behind these famous Buddhist monuments.
What is Pure Land?
What is Pure Land? Jeff Wilson answers.
What are Kalpas?
In traditional Buddhist cosmology, kalpas are unfathomably long periods of time.
What is the Rakusu?
From the Beginner’s Mind department of Lion’s Roar magazine. Have you ever wondered about that bib-like garment that Zen priests and some lay practitioners wear around their necks? (It was also worn by three people on the cover of the first issue of Lion’s Roar.) Called a rakusu, it’s a miniature version of the Buddha’s […]
What is Monkey Mind?
We all recognize monkey mind—that wild mind going in more than one direction at a time, swinging from one branch of thought to the next. It wants the next banana, the next big thing, the next small thing. It wants to keep moving. Monkey mind likes texting and online gaming. It’s the mind that likes […]