Retreat cabin.

On Retreat, Block All Exits

It takes courage to undertake a retreat, says Andrew Holecek. But in that container, we find freedom.

Can I sit in a chair for meditation?

I have a bad back and it really hurts when I meditate sitting on a cushion. Is it okay if I sit in a chair to meditate?

Sculpture of a face.

What Is Dream Yoga and How Do You Do It?

If you indulge your fantasies, lucid dreaming becomes super-samsara. If you go deeper, lucid dreaming can develop into dream yoga—spiritual practice.

Photo by Gary King.

Topsy-Turvy World

The strength of mind that comes from meditation, says Norman Fischer, can help us end the denial that keeps a world of problems spinning.

Thai sculpture of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Breathing Lessons

Four teachers compare breath practices in yoga and three schools of Buddhism—Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism.

Shambhala Sun, Zazen, Suzuki Roshi, Zen, Thoughts, Big Mind, Small Mind, Buddhism, Lion's Roar

Shunryu Suzuki explains how to practice zazen

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind is the seminal work by San Francisco Zen Center founder Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. In this chapter alone he explains: how to practice zazen, the difference between small and big mind, and the true nature of thoughts.

Nolan Pelletier illustration of man meditating with clock.

How long should you meditate for?

I’m trying to start a daily sitting meditation practice, but I hear a lot of conflicting opinions on how long I should meditate for. What’s your advice?

Buddha statue sitting on rocks.

Consider This Before Going on a Buddhist Retreat

Christine Skarda has been on retreat for the past twenty-five years. She offers advice on preparing for a successful Buddhist retreat.

Person meditating surrounded by noise.

How to Meditate with Noise

I can’t seem to escape from external noise when meditating. What should I do?

Meditation: Touching In with the Present Moment

A meditation practice to find yourself in the present moment from renowned American Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön.