Creativity and Contemplation explores the intersection of meditation and creative expression. Impulses for creativity originate deep in the soul, psyche, or what Buddhists call “mind.” The arts give voice, shape, feeling, or color to this human journey of living and dying, and are modes of integrating our experiences of reality. Visual art, sound work, spatial exploration, and even cooking, dreaming, and work can be forms of meditation in action if engaged in with awareness.
Sarah C. Beasley (Sera Kunzang Lhamo), Nautilus Gold award-winning author of Kindness for all Creatures: Buddhist Advice for Compassionate Animal Care (Shambhala 2019), has been a Nyingma practitioner since 2000. Sarah is a Certified Teacher, and an experienced writer and artist, with an MA in Educational Leadership and a BA in Studio Art. Sarah spent six years in traditional retreat under the guidance of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. With a lifelong passion for wilderness, she has summited Mt. Kenya and Mt. Baker, among other peaks. Her book and other works can be seen at www.sarahcbeasley.com.
Sarah C. Beasley uses her work to bring us the beautiful artistic talent of Native American artist Jamie Okuma
Sarah C. Beasley reflects on the power of art to elicit calm, connection, and joy, especially in times of growing disconnection and uncertainty in our world
The teachings of Pure Land Buddhism can offer a powerful antidote to our ego-driven habits that give rise to so much suffering
In our busy and difficult modern lives, we forget that life flows in circles. But the wisdom of our teachers can bring us back to that essential truth and harmony
Reflecting on the changing of the seasons and the recent eclipses, Sarah C. Beasley reminds us of the central Buddhist practice of wishing that all beings be happy
Sarah C. Beasley shares how translating Buddhist teachings and practice for American adults in an open and engaging manner requires wisdom and patience
As we enter into a new lunar year, Sarah C. Beasley invites us to take joy in all four parts of the Buddha’s community
Sarah C. Beasley offers a moving tribute to the renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Tulku Thondup Rinpoche
Columnist Sarah C. Beasley guides us into a Buddhist practice for the cold and dark winter days ahead
A rare look inside one of Portugal’s thriving Buddhist communities
BDG columnist Sarah C. Beasley reviews the latest film from Bhutanese filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji, about Bhutan’s transition to a democracy in 2006
A Buddhist reflection on the lessons that bees and other insects might teach us about generosity and community
