Buddhist Temples and Japanese Americans across the US Celebrate Obon Festival
Raymond Lam
25 July 2024
Celebrated one month earlier than in Japan, the Obon festival commemorates the deceased and the bodhisattva Jizo’s compassion
Dancing the Bardo: A Conversation with Virpi Pahkinen
Joseph Houseal
13 July 2024
Joseph Houseal explores the Buddhism-inspired creative expressions of avant-garde dancer Virpi Pahkinen.
Metta Stands Out
Mettamorphsis
14 June 2024
Our loving-kindness practitioner teaches us that our greatest service can sometimes come by stepping outside of a situation while offering sincere care to those inside
Anti-War Performance, Part Two
Joseph Houseal
8 June 2024
Joseph Houseal continues his exploration of anti-war activism and peace advocacy in art and performance.
The Pamo (Heroines) of Karma Drubdey Nunnery
Karen Greenspan
29 May 2024
Karen Greenspan visits Karma Drubdey Nunnery in central Bhutan, where female monastics are manifesting the rich heritage of cham ritual Buddhist dance
Anti-War Performance, Part One
Joseph Houseal
11 May 2024
Joseph Houseal explores anti-war activism and ritual suicide as a performative expression of nonviolence and compassion
Malaysian Buddhists Seek Ban on Korean DJ for Dressing Like a Monk
Justin Whitaker
9 May 2024
The DJ had performed for Buddhists in Seoul just last month without a problem, showing the different attitudes toward monastics and monastic clothes in the two countries
Hong Kong Sees the Globe: Lindzay Chan on Master Nan Huai-chin and the Existentialism of Shakespeare’s King Lear
Raymond Lam
12 April 2024
A Hong Kong artistic icon discusses her thoughts on the Shakespearean masterpiece and her learning from a Buddhist master
Buddhists Look to Youth at International Buddhism Expo in Seoul
Justin Whitaker
11 April 2024
VR headsets, a chocolate bodhisattva, and remixed Buddhist sutras were on display as organizers sought to attract young people to the religion
Writing Dance in Stone, Part 2: The Case of the Tibetan Gorshey
Joseph Houseal
9 March 2024
Joseph Houseal offers a contemporary exploration of Tibet’s ancient Gorshey folk dance
Writing Dance in Stone, Part One
Joseph Houseal
17 February 2024
BDG columnist Joseph Houseal explores the historical legacies and heritage of ritual dance traditions from the world of Buddhism and beyond
Rainbows and Relics Manifest in the West
Karen Greenspan
26 January 2024
The story of the stupa construction, funerary ceremony, and cremation of the fearless Lama Wangdu, Chöd master and lineage holder