Munisha gives a talk about women and Buddhism for International Women’s Day, at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, March 7th 2015 Advertisements

I’ve been reading the Karmapa’s book, The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out, particularly Ch. 10. “Spiritual Paths: Integrating Life and Spirituality”. The Karmapa says some very surprising things in this chapter. Here’s a few selections: My family did not practice Buddhism as a religion: “I was born in a Buddhist family. We… Read More 17th Karmapa: I Am Not A Buddhist

[Editor: Engage! welcomes author Alycee Lane, who submitted this article as a reflection on Labor Day in the USA.] It is “quiet time” as I write this, a misnomer if there ever was one to characterize that coveted two hours when my two and-a-half year-old is supposed to take a nap or engage in some… Read More Alycee Lane: A Different Kind of Labor

I would like to respond to the thoughtful critiques that people have posted of a recent post, “Buddhism as a Practice, Not a Religion.” I appreciate the critiques because it makes me rethink and clarify my position. In response, I would like to present the ideas of Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa, from his… Read More 17th Karmapa: Engaged Buddhism as a Humanist Spirituality

Dancing Buddhas is a 30 minute film about the team of people who help to build one of the UK’s most eco friendly and inspiring Buddhist led festivals. We go behind the scenes of this drink and drug-free festival, see the wide variety of music, dance, yoga and creative workshops on offer and we try… Read More Dancing Buddhas: Triratna’s Buddhafields Festival in the UK

Russell Brand’s documentary, From Addiction to Recovery, on the nature of addiction and society’s response to addiction, is gutsy and intelligent. He makes a plea for compassion and treatment for addicts. He argues that it is a pragmatic approach to dealing with addiction as a health issue, not a moral issue.

I don’t view Buddhism as a religion, and I refuse to practice it that way. By “religion”, I mean in the usual Western sense, being one’s main system of belief and spiritual practice, one’s main source of spiritual connection with others, to the exclusion of other beliefs, practices and associations. There’s too much pressure from other people to be… Read More Buddhism As a Practice, Not A Religion