As we develop the ability to focus on the nature of mind itself through our shamatha (calm-abiding or mindfulness) meditation, then the mind naturally begins to slow down. As our concentration becomes stronger, the stream of thoughts becomes slower. It can happen that...

Recently, I had an epiphany while practicing loving-kindness meditation using Tara Brach’s guidance.  For context, the practice I was using is her “Loving-Kindness for Others” meditation presented in this issue. In this version, you offer phrases of goodwill to three...

In the wake of the 2024 American election, leading Buddhist and mindfulness teacher Tara Brach gathered with friends to sit in silence. They were just outside of Washington, D.C., and fear and reactivity swirled through their minds. But slowly, their thoughts...

This loving-kindness practice invites us to awaken the heart by seeing the goodness in others and offering sincere blessings for their well-being. We begin with those who are easy to love, then extend care to those we know less well and, finally, to those with whom we...

Andrea Miller: What was your introduction to Buddhism? Jet Li: In the 1980s, I was making my first movie, Shaolin Temple. I went to a few temples to make that film, and I was so happy. The temples just felt very familiar. After the movie was released, then I was quite...

Our research told us that the path to inner flourishing demands both steady practice and a comprehensive approach to training the mind, one focused on a range of different qualities, from mindful awareness to deep insight into the workings of the human mind. We...