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

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.
Visualization: Developing Pure Perception
Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo teach us how to visualize Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of perfect compassion.
Mahamudra: Looking Directly at the Knower
The true nature of mind is empty but knowing. It can’t be identified, says Andy Karr. So look for it.
The Middle Way: Investigating Reality
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel explains the truth of dependent arising, the middle way between existence and nonexistence.
Tonglen: In with the Bad, Out with the Good
“Accepting and sending out” is a powerful meditation to develop compassion—for ourselves and others. Ethan Nichtern teaches Tonglen practice.
Loving-Kindness Starts with You
Josh Korda on how to free your naturally loving heart and expand your goodwill to include all beings through loving-kindness meditation.
Just Like That – July 2014 Editorial
Associate Editor Rod Meade Sperry’s editorial introduction to the July 2014 issue of Lion’s Roar magazine.