In my previous article,* I introduced a method of reading Japanese Buddhist texts, especially writings by the Japanese Zen master Dōgen (1200–53).** Here, I would
One of the most widely practiced of all Japanese art forms is ikebana, or flower arrangement. The word “ikebana” literally means “living flowers,” suggesting that while
Ani Choying Drolma has become something of an anomaly. A Buddhist nun renowned for her numerous humanitarian activities, which include the education of young girls,
Despite their internationally recognized endangered status,* a recently published report by the wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic suggests that the world’s population of snow leopards
On 30 April 1975, the Vietnam War ended. Over 2 million people were killed and countless more were injured or missing. Today, more than 40
It is said that the Buddha taught 84,000 different methods for the liberation of sentient beings because of the diversity of sentient beings in their
It is commonly held that converting to a religion for reasons other than personal spiritual conviction or awakening is unethical and unseemly. Reading about Christian
Qianfo’an (千佛庵), the Temple of One Thousand Buddhas, better known as Xiaoxitian (小西天) or the Little Western Paradise, is located in present-day Xi County, Linfen
Mutual amazement at what the other does not find extraordinary is a situation I regularly encounter when speaking with monk dancers. They usually cannot believe
Alexandra David-Neel (1868–1969), a French traveler and a prolific writer, is variously celebrated for being “the first Buddhist in France,” “a fearless explorer,” “the first
In 2006, Taiwanese-American artist Echo Lew (b.1951) was visiting Shanghai from his home near Los Angeles. One night, he found himself standing on a street
By the early 20th century, Chan Buddhism had declined and diminished in China. As the Dharma heir of both the Caodong and Lingji lineages, Master
