Are you wondering how the Buddha's teachings can resonate in your life? Explore the articles, interviews, stories, and images in Faces of Buddha to learn more and share your story of discovery with us!
Articles
"Season's Greetings" from Venerable Metteyya
2010 December 20
May "The Buddha" inspire and awaken new joy in you for the holiday season and new year.
"This Is The Buddha's Love" Melvin McLeod interviews Thich Nhat Hanh
2010 June 03
The great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh talks about non-self, interdependence, and the love that expands until it has no limit.
"You're Becoming a What?: Living as a Western Buddhist Nun" by Ven. Thubten Chodron
2010 June 03
Ven. Thubten Chodron describes her path to Buddhism and monastic life.
"Dealing With Anger" by Lama Surya Das
2010 June 03
Anger is easily misunderstood in Buddhist practice: it's not uncommon to (unhealthily) attempt to suppress it, or to overlook its potential usefulness. Lama Surya Das describes a brief practice to help change our reaction to anger.
"Suffering Zen" by Susan Moon
2010 June 03
"Buddhist teachings are about suffering and the end of suffering, and Zen Buddhism, in particular, emphasizes sitting still in the midst of your suffering and just letting go," writes Susan Moon. But there are times when "letting go" can feel like an impossible task.
"Going Home" by angel Kyodo williams
2010 June 03
When we honor our community, maintain it, treat it like the precious treasure that it is, it returns our investment a thousandfold.
"A Path of Discovery" by Roshi Joan Halifax
2010 May 12
Roshi Joan Halifax describes her personal path to Buddhism, medical anthropology, and care giving, discovering that death is not an enemy, but a teacher and a guide.
"Mindfulness, Compassion & Wisdom: Three Means To Peace" by Joseph Goldstein
2010 May 11
How can three principles of meditation be applied to the world's conflicts? The method is mindfulness, the expression is compassion, and the essence is wisdom.
“Is Buddhism a Religion?” by Gary Gach
2010 May 06
Sometimes it’s good to stay with a question, rather than latching on to any one answer. So, let's consider: is Buddhism a religion? A philosophy? Psychology? Education?
"Dhamma Gita: Music of Young Practitioners Inspired by The Dhamma" by Hanuman Goleman
2010 May 04
A recent album of modern Buddhist music represents the unique voices of a new generation of practitioners.
"Impossible Choices: Thinking About Mental Health Issues From a Buddhist Perspective" by Maia Duerr
2010 May 03
Mental illness is no longer an individual matter, a case of one person’s psyche gone awry, but rather it sits in the context of our society and culture.
"A Glimpse" by Joseph Bengivenni
2010 April 29
A Korean Buddhist story of a monk's near-death experience relates how important it is to cultivate mindfulness and make the most of your precious life.
"Toward a Western Buddhism and Contemporary Dharma" by Lama Surya Das
2010 April 26
It has often been pointed out that historically whenever Buddhism has entered a culture, it has not only changed the culture, it has also been changed by it. Lama Surya Das identifies emerging trends of Western Buddhism and offers advice on beginning Dharma practice.
“Different Paths and One Dharma” by Gary Gach
2010 April 25
A primer on some of the schools and lineages of Buddhist practice which have become popular in the West.
"One Dharma" by Joseph Goldstein
2010 April 20
As different Buddhist traditions take root in the West, is it possible to find an essential teaching that supports them all?
"I Gots da Cling-ons!" By Shane Hennesey
2010 April 20
In Buddhism, clinging (or "attachment") can refer to our tendency to ignorantly pin our hopes for happiness on specific objects, ideas, outcomes, or other people. Shane Hennesey describes how meditation practice can curb our tendency to "cling".
"Mindfulness Meditation" by Steven V. Smith
2010 April 16
Simple instructions for a daily sitting meditation practice.
"Woman to Woman" by Sandy Boucher
2010 April 14
Sandy Boucher on her life and path in the Dharma as a student of pioneering meditation teacher Ruth Denison.
"The Buddha's Revolution" by Sharon Salzberg
2010 April 12
The only status that truly matters, said the Buddha, is the status of personal goodness--and personal goodness is attained through personal effort, not by birth.
"Consumption, Well-Being and Awareness" by Daniel Barbezat
2010 April 12
Want to improve the global economy? Start small: examine your own habits. Why do you want what you think you want? This is an essential step on the path to well-being and satisfaction.
"Birthing and Blooming: Reflections on the Third Noble Truth" by Mushim Ikeda-Nash
2010 April 09
"Amidst the heat and tumult of family life," writes meditation teacher Mushim Ikeda-Nash, "I’ve had to radically redefine what “peace” and “inner peace” mean. In fact, it was my son, when he was around twelve, who helped me figure it out. 'Don’t confuse inner peace with enlightenment,' he said. 'Inner peace is a feeling, but enlightenment is clarity and understanding. It can include inner peace but it is much more.'"
"Thoughts On Renunciation" by Ven. Thubten Chodron
2010 April 08
Renunciation doesn't mean to give up happiness, but to give up suffering and its causes and to cultivate genuine satisfaction and joy.
"Sarnath" by Shantum Seth
2010 April 08
Shantum Seth, an experienced guide to Buddhist holy sites, describes a visit to the place where the Buddha first spoke about his enlightenment experience.
"Cultivating Compassion: Meditation for Better Relationships" by Chade-Meng Tan
2010 April 08
There are at least two components to spiritual practice: Wisdom and Compassion. Associating with people, especially in difficult situations, helps us grow Compassion.
"The Meditative Perspective" by Douglas Chermak
2010 April 08
How can meditation practice support the practice of law? For the past five years, the Working Group on Meditation and Law has been exploring some of the ways in which a meditative perspective can be transformative in the working lives of lawyers and contribute to a re-envisioning of the legal profession.
"Improvisation, Creativity, and Consciousness" by Ed Sarath
2010 April 08
Professor Ed Sarath describes the founding of the University of Michigan's program in Jazz and Contemplative Studies, one of the first degree programs to integrate a significant contemplative studies component with conventional coursework in psychology, philosophy, religion, and socio-cultural studies.
“What Would Buddha Do?” by Gary Gach
2010 April 07
If wisdom can be symbolized by the head, and meditation by the heart, then we see ethics as pertaining to the body: refining our instinctual nature. The Buddhist invitation is thus to live with body, heart, and head as one; to fully keep our appointment with life.
"Vowing Peace in an Age of War: Part 4" by Alan Senauke
2010 April 06
To achieve peace, we need to understand that the potential for hatred—or goodness—that we see in our enemies exists simultaneously in ourselves.
"Beat Buddha" by Wes Nisker
2010 April 06
In the 1950’s, the Beat writers popularized Buddhism in the West, talking about it in their novels and poetry and making it relevant to modern audiences.
"The Fourth Noble Truth: Suffering As A Resource" by Reginald Ray
2010 April 05
When we take our suffering seriously, contemplating it and experiencing it fully, fundamental transformation can occur.
"Stupefaction" by Susan Piver
2010 April 02
Contemplative practice can reveal a kind of wisdom that transcends the conventional mind, and our relationships--whether personal and spiritual--are catalysts for self-understanding.
"Vowing Peace in an Age of War, Part 3: Giving, Fearlessness, and Renunciation" by Alan Senauke
2010 April 02
How can we create a path to peace? Alan Senauke offers Giving, Fearlessness, and Renunciation, based in Zen Buddhist teachings, as guiding practices for creating a more peaceful world.
"A Personal Journey" by Alfred W. Kaszniak
2010 April 01
Our lives have many facets, reflecting our professional identity, our spiritual beliefs, our roles in our families, our personal hobbies and interests, and so on. How do we choose to blend or merge these often diverse aspects? Psychology professor and researcher Al Kaszniak shares his own story.
"How American Women Are Changing Buddhism" By Rita M. Gross
2010 April 01
American women are taking Buddhism away from its patriarchal past, participating confidently as practitioners, teachers, and leaders. The job is not finished, says Rita M. Gross, one of Buddhism's leading feminist thinkers, but the role of American Buddhist women is unprecedented and may change Buddhism forever.
"Lumbini" by Shantum Seth
2010 April 01
Shantum Seth, who leads many pilgrimages in South Asia, offers a description of Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace.
"Falling Off a Horse With Mindfulness" by Deborah Schoeberlein
2010 March 31
The practice of mindfulness meditation can help us cope with the unexpected events life throws at us.
"Vowing Peace in an Age of War, Part 2: Carrying Forth Realization Into The World" by Alan Senauke
2010 March 30
Alan Senauke relates modern socially engaged Buddhism to the ancient teachings of the Buddha and Eihei Dogen, a founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
"Apple" by Calvin Malone
2010 March 30
Every part of every day offers an open invitation for quiet reflection and mindful awareness.
"A Life of One Piece" by Sharon Salzberg
2010 March 29
The threads of wisdom and compassion can sew our fragmented lives into one seamless whole.
"Vowing Peace in an Age of War, Part 1: The Wide World Is A Meditation Hall" by Alan Senauke
2010 March 26
“Bearing witness” is a radical act of complete acceptance, recognizing the human capacity for violence that exists within our minds.
"An Introduction to Engaged Buddhism" by Maia Duerr
2010 March 26
A very brief introduction to Socially Engaged Buddhism, with recommended videos, articles, links and books to further your understanding.
"Walking Meditation" by Steven V. Smith
2010 March 24
Meditation doesn’t always require you to sit still: walking meditation brings mindfulness to every step.
"Everybody Loves Something" by Pema Chödrön
2010 March 23
Love is like a weak spot in the walls of ego--our hearts can be opened by just one moment of great compassion.
"Understanding Karma" by Reginald Ray
2010 March 22
According to Buddhism, all of our actions bring consequences, no matter how insignificant they seem.
"Family Life as Practice" by John Makransky
2010 March 19
Buddhist “non-attachment” is sometimes misconstrued as “non-loving.” But in the Buddhist view, self-protective clinging prevents us from loving our families more unconditionally, powerfully, and enjoyably.
"My Favorite Sutra" by Shane Hennesey
2010 March 19
Get up, pay attention, keep practicing, and keep moving into the fullness of life even when life feels frightening, uncertain or groundless.
"Bodh Gaya" by Shantum Seth
2010 March 18
A visit to Bodh Gaya, the holiest of all Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where the Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment, affords time for peaceful contemplation.
"In Search of Happiness" by Lama Surya Das
2010 March 18
The path to happiness can be found through compassionate service and generosity.
"Why We Love War" by David Loy
2010 March 18
Seeing the world primarily as a war between good and evil is one of our more dangerous delusions.
"Teahouse Poems" by Jane Hirshfield
2010 March 17
In Japanese Zen, it’s sometimes said that there are four kinds of Buddhist practice. One is priest practice, one is monastic practice, one is layperson’s practice, and the fourth is “teahouse practice.”
"How Buddhism Came to the West" by Maia Duerr
2010 March 17
A brief summary of some of the modern faces and forms of contemporary Western Buddhism.
"Empathy and Compassion in Buddhism and Neuroscience" by Alfred W. Kaszniak
2010 March 17
The Buddhist view of empathy, compassion and self-identity seems to be supported by recent neurophysiologic research.
"Mindfulness in 2 Minutes" by Chade-Meng Tan
2010 March 17
To "just be" is simultaneously the most ordinary and the most precious experience in life.
"A Buddhist Perspective on Grieving" by Roshi Joan Halifax
2010 March 11
The grieving process offers a precious opportunity for discovering deep love, wisdom, and a wholesome perspective on our own life and death.
"The Chicken and the Duck" by Ajahn Brahm
2010 March 11
When you’re having an argument, pause and ask yourself which is more important: harmony and happiness, or being the “winner”?
"To Touch Enlightenment With the Body" by Reginald Ray
2010 March 11
A close examination of physical pain and suffering can be a gateway to greater spiritual understanding.
"Why I Meditate" by Shane Hennesey
2010 March 11
When you feel truly connected to the world, real kindness emerges.
"Buddhism and Environmental Politics" by Paul Wapner
2010 March 10
Our environmental work begins and ends with stepping into our lives with all the mindfulness we can, and taking that mindfulness seriously.
"Loving-Kindness Meditation" by Steven V. Smith
2010 March 10
This practice comes from the Buddhist tradition, but can be easily adapted and practiced by anyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
"Practicing in Daily Life" by Joseph Goldstein
2010 March 10
We need to create a rhythm in our lives, establishing a balance between times when we are active in the world and times when we turn inward.
"The Buddha's Coming: A Trip to Lumbini" by Joseph Bengivenni
2010 March 10
A visit to the Nepali village of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
"Kushinagar" by Shantum Seth
2010 March 10
A visit to Kushinagar, where the Buddha is said to have died at the age of 80.
"Living as a Western Monastic" by Ven. Thubten Chodron
2010 March 10
Ven. Thubten Chodron describes some of the challenges of Buddhist monastic life in the West.
"A Baptist-Buddhist" by Jan Willis
2010 March 10
Ultimately, labels and names do not matter: our religious life teaches us eternal truths that transcend worldly boundaries.
"If the Buddha Used Twitter" by Soren Gordhamer
2010 March 07
The Buddha said, "Better than a thousand senseless verses is one that brings the hearer peace." What might he have said about Twitter?
"Buddhism and Relationships" by Susan Piver
2010 March 01
How do the Buddha’s teachings apply to love and intimacy? Susan Piver offers an interpretation.
"Sky-Gazing Meditation" By Lama Surya Das
2010 March 01
Lama Surya presents a path to accessing the sky-like nature of the Buddha Mind.
"Love Lessons" by Lama Surya Das
2010 March 01
For our children’s sake, it is vitally important that we try to live up to our own principles in life, walk our talk, and practice what we preach.
"Journey to Mt. Kailash" by Maia Duerr
2010 March 01
Twenty people, five weeks, dozens of yaks, and a sacred Tibetan mountain make for one unforgettable pilgrimage.
"Meditation: Receiving the Healing, Liberating Power of Love" by John Makransky
2010 March 01
We all possess a tremendous capacity for love, compassion and wisdom. This meditation practice will help you gently relax into the open, loving nature of your mind.
"Being Alone" by Barry Magid
2010 March 01
It’s important to remember that we all share common problems and difficulties, even when we feel as though nobody can relate to our particular situation.
"Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness" by Deborah Schoeberlein
2010 March 01
Students learn as much if not more from what we do as teachers and how we are, than from what we say.
"I Don’t Know" by Lin Jensen
2010 January 20
Don’t worry about having the right answer to all of life’s questions.
