Associate Editor Andrea Miller’s editorial introduction to the September 2014 issue of Lion’s Roar magazine.
Books in Brief – September 2014
Brief summaries of Buddhist books from the September 2014 issue of Lion’s Roar magazine.
Nothing Special: The Joy of Being Ordinary
Geri Larkin tells us that when we honestly dare to be ordinary, the wisdom of the universe opens up for us. Joy happens. We feel free.
A Refuge from Addiction

Noah Levine uses Buddhist principles and meditation practices to help people take refuge from the terrible suffering of substance abuse.
About a Poem: Sarah Messer on Nick Flynn’s “Hive”
About a Poem: Sarah Messer analyzes Nick Flynn’s poem, “Hive”.
Books in Brief – July 2014
Andrea Miller’s roundup this issue features books on yoga, parenting, and our connections to animals.
A Punk Looks at Fifty
I recently turned 50. Happy birthday to me! It’s an annoying age: you’re not old enough to be considered wise but you are old enough to be considered old.
The Heart of a Garden
Photo by Karen Maezen Miller.The pond in her garden isn’t like those decorating fancy homes and magazine covers. In time, however, Karen Maezen Miller discovers the right view of her muddy water: they’re not always pretty, but they are beautiful.
Dzogchen: The Sky of Wisdom (Your Guide to Buddhist Meditation/July 2014)
Let the display of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions unfold naturally and without clinging, says TSOKNYI RINPOCHE, like clouds passing through an open sky. Our real mother is the spaciousness of wisdom, rigpa. So when phenomena arise—perceptions, thoughts, emotions of different kinds—gently introduce them to her. If a positive or negative emotion comes up, let them […]
Visualization: Developing Pure Perception
Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo teach us how to visualize Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of perfect compassion.








