How do we maintain a selfless attitude without falling into the co-dependent, helper/enabler syndrome – especially when complicated by low self-esteem issues? This is how Tubten Pende responded.

From Mandala August-September 2006.

Elea Redel discusses in “To Wear Pain Like an Ornament“ how she learned from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to bring chronic pain and illness on the path. “Lama Zopa once told me that I should make my sickness my ornament,” Elea shares, ”and that ornament represents the suffering of all sentient beings. So using my sickness like this is my job.”

From Mandala April 1990. 

Pumpkin "Cheesecake"

Eating is such a common activity that we often forget that it also has the potential to be a powerful way to benefit ourselves and others. With a proper motivation, cooking and eating really can transform food into spiritual fuel.

The online content for the October-December 2011 issue of Mandala featured a vegan dessert recipe by Ven. Gyalten Lekden (formerly, Tsültrim Davis), former spiritual program coordinator at Kurukulla Center in Massachusetts, U.S., perfect for any time when large squash, like pumpkins, are readily available.

Get the recipe now!

From Mandala October-December 2011.

A discussion of the relationship between psychotherapy and Buddhism called “Leaving Mirages for Firm Ground,” by Renate Ogilvie, from Mandala, May 1996.

Wendy Cook, a student of FPMT since the late 1980s and former director of Kurukulla Center in Massachusetts, USA (among other positions within FPMT), generously offers “Move, Breathe and Be Kind” to help students connect with their bodies and minds through yoga.

From Mandala July-September 2011.

Jan Willis uses Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara and her experience in the Civil Rights Movement to discuss anger – the negative emotion that “is by far the most dangerous for it not only causes much harm to others; it is perhaps most harmful to us, ourselves.”

From Mandala July-September 2011.

This article is also made available in Hebrew, Russian and Spanish.

Lorne Ladner discusses confidence and self-esteem with Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

From Mandala January-March 2010.

Andrew Vahldieck  discusses how he became a quadriplegic thirty years ago, at the age of 17, in a swimming accident in Wisconsin, USA, and how Buddhism has helped him thrive while living with physical limitations.

From Mandala July-August 1999.

In “Reversing the Energy of Addiction,” Jindati Doelter writes about the life of Ngawang Chotok, one of Lama Yeshe’s earliest students. Chotok’s own addictions and recoveries have informed his meditations and practice profoundly.

From Mandala January-February 1996.