Tricycle | Awake in the World

Politics or Polemics I was somewhat distressed at the political nature of both a letter to the editor and a primary article in the Winter 2000 issue of Tricycle. This political material is not what I subscribe to Tricycle for, and although I agree that where politics, religion and philosophy collide, it is perfectly reasonable for Tricycle to address relevant issues, my expectation is that when it comes to politics Tricycle should rise above polemics. More »

Lama Drama If Thinley Norbu Rinpoche has the severe philosophical and practical problems with Western Buddhist teachers, groups, and students that he claims to have, then it should be plain and clear that factual examples need to be given support to these very serious criticisms. If this chafing indeed exists as he says, then it needs to be openly aired, not further irritated by keeping it under cover (this is mainly the job of the journalist, not the interviewee). I would hope the spirit of open and honest inquiry is present whether you are interviewing a Tulku or a first-year student or a person hostile to the dharma. I find it difficult to believe that the interviewer didn’t ask the obvious “Who?” Is Rinpoche commenting on Ole Nydal or Lama Surya Das or Stephen Batchelor? Friends of the Western Buddhist Order or the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Buddhism or the New Kadampa Movement? More »