Summer 2009 Issue

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Features

Beyond No-Self
Insight into the truth of personal selflessness, or no-self, is an important step on the path to liberation, says the Dalai Lama, but it doesn’t go far enough.

Why We Need a Plan B
Soto Zen priest Norman Fischer says we need to be open to new and less traditional ways of teaching the dharma in the West if we want it to be meaningful to more people’s lives.

Facing the Financial Crisis
John Tarrant, Sharon Salzberg, and David Loy discuss how Buddhism can help us deal with the challenges of the current economic crisis. Introduction by Michael Carroll.

Living and Dying With Dignity
A tribute to Master Sheng Yen, a great teacher of Chan Buddhism and its most prominent voice in the West. And a teachings in which he reminds us to approach life—and death—with a clear mind, without regret, anger or pride. Introduction by David Berman.

Nothing Left to Cling To
Narayan Liebenson Grady reports on Chan Master Sheng Yen’s final days as well as the ceremonies following his death that attracted tens of thousands of people, yet in keeping with his wishes, left no traces of him behind.

Rethinking Buddhism and Sex
When it comes to sex, says scholar José Cabezón, Buddhist tradition takes a very conservative approach, prohibiting, among other things, male homosexuality. 
He challenges us to critically examine such views, beginning with the study of sexual ethics in Buddhist texts.

Departments

Commentary - each issue features an editorial written by one of the main teachers in Western Buddhism. Tynette Deveaux: Heads Up! We’re Making Changes.

Letters - Email letters to the Editor.

First Thoughts - a collection of short essays to open the journal, by notable teachers and writers

News & Culture

Ask the Teachers - Question: Is it ever appropriate for a teacher to be wrathful with a student? Geshe Tenzin Wangyal’s answer. Email your practice questions.

Inside Art with Denise Leidy

Reviews - Buddhism Between Tibet and China, edited by Matthew T. Kapstein and On the Cultural Revolution in Tibet: The Nyemo Incident of 1969 by Melvyn C. Goldstein, Ben Jiao, and Tanzen Lhundrup. Reviewed by Nancy Lin.

The Holy Land Reborn: Pilgrimage and the Tibetan Reinvention of Buddhist India
by Toni Huber. Reviewed by Judith Simmer-Brown

Book Briefs - Alexander Gardner reviews 10 of the latest books on Buddhism

On Translation: Glenn Wallis

Dharma Dictionary - Andy Karr defines pramana.

Centers and Programs - A section highlighting upcoming programs being offered at various centers.

Lives Lived - Remembering Richard Manz.

Network Listings - A directory of meditation and yoga centers throughout North America.

Journeys - Jarvis Jay Masters: A Hard Sell on Death Row

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