Our May 2016 magazine is the second issue of Lion’s Roar (the leading Buddhist magazine formerly known as the Shambhala Sun), and it’s now available. It features Benedict Cumberbatch on its cover — and delves into the Buddhist life of the actor inside. Here’s a preview of what else you’ll find, along with some special online Lion’s Roar exclusives.
Favorite dharma movies, and the Buddhist life of actor Benedict Cumberbatch—on the cover of the second issue of Lion’s Roar.
Big Screen Buddhism
Top 10 Buddhist Films
Time for a dharma binge-watch. From Groundhog Day to Double Indemnity, our industry insiders nominate their favorite Buddhist-themed films.
Seth Greenland: Double Indemnity
Mickey Lemle: Groundhog Day
bell hooks: A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki
Peter Coyote: Opening Night
Naima Mora: Kung Fu Panda
Jeff Bridges: The Big Lebowski
David Grubin: A Man Escaped
Jessica Pimentel: The Matrix
Krista Tippett: Perfect Sense
Michael Imperioli: For the Benefit of All Beings & Brilliant Moon
The Buddhist Life of Benedict Cumberbatch
He first connected with Buddhism when he taught English at a Tibetan monastery in India. Benedict Cumberbatch sits down with Dominic Wells to talk about the leading role Buddhism has since played in his life and career.
Online: Read a preview of the article, “Benedict Cumberbatch on how he found Buddhism.”
The Strange Case of Doctor Strange’s “Tibet”
The upcoming film—with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role—features a comic-book hero who learned his “Mystical Arts” in a highly romanticized Tibet. But the politics of shooting there are real.
Plus
Buddhism in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter
We need to update the traditional narrative of the Buddha’s life, says Pamela Ayo Yetunde, for oppressed people who know suffering all too well.
Online: Explore our Race & Diversity archives.
The False Comfort of the Familiar
The comfort of being with people like ourselves is a big reason communities aren’t more diverse, says Zen teacher Jules Shuzen Harris.
Walking the Talk
Leading Buddhist teachers Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman join actor Sandra Oh for a wide-ranging and intimate conversation about their lives, the future of Buddhism in America, and their happy relationship as beloveds.
Online: Jack Kornfield — A Lion’s Roar Teacher Spotlight
Friends Along the Way
We shouldn’t think of Buddhism as a path we walk alone, says Zen teacher Norman Fischer. He extols the beauty and benefit of spiritual friendship.
Online: Norman Fischer — A Lion’s Roar Teacher Spotlight
Start with What’s Easy to Love
Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm shares his personal approach to loving-kindness meditation.
Online: Ajahn Brahm on “Restlessness, Contentment, and ‘Kindfulness’“
…and, in the magazine’s front section, The Moment:
From Where I Sit
My Hopes, Your Worst Fears, by Robert Langan
Q&A
Acting Out of Compassion: Jessica Pimentel of Orange Is the New Black
Bodhi Chatter
Dharma, pop culture, and good-natured gossip. Featuring President Barack Obama, Garry Shandling, this issue’s Dharma-Burger, and more.
Heart & Mind
The Death Poem of David Bowie, by Tony Stultz
More onlne: Read about the time David Bowie almost became a Buddhist monk. Watch Lama Chime Rinpoche’s tribute to Bowie. Plus: Ashes to Ashes: David Bowie’s Buddhist Death Ceremony.
Advice for Difficult Times
$TRE$$ED!, by Susan Piver
This Dharma Life
The Seasons of Life and Death, by Mark Unno
Share Your Wisdom
What’s the most important Buddhist teaching to proclaim in today’s troubled world?
Beginner’s Mind
Buddhism by the Numbers: 3 Kinds of Suffering
FAQs: Prison Dharma, Daily Practice, Karma
Who, What, Where: The Rakusu
Meet a Teacher
Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara
Departments
Editorial
The Voices of Buddhism, by Melvin McLeod
Hot Off the Press
Dharma Delight, by Musho Rodney Alan Greenblat
Reviews
We review Gaylon Ferguson’s Natural Bravery, Krista Tippett’s Becoming Wise, Buddhist coloring books, and more.