Vesak Day in Sri Lanka by Bhante Sathi

During this month’s Mindfulness & Meditation Retreat for Animal Activists, a retreatant asked Bhante the following question. “Bowing in, I was very interested in what your experience has been growing up in a Buddhist country. We’re particularly interested in the Mercy release practice and the fact that slaughterhouses were closed down on the holiday. Bowing out.” So you all know the Buddhist calendar goes to … Continue reading Vesak Day in Sri Lanka by Bhante Sathi

A Mother’s Day Story by Carrie Thompson, Director of DVA’s US Centers Project

To all mothers, human and nonhuman, DVA hopes you had a happy Mother’s Day. It was 4 PM, and after about 50 miles of riding my bike, I was trying to decide between setting up camp in the exposed and super windy Utah desert or riding another 15 grueling miles back to my car. That’s when I saw a baby cow with a dry umbilical … Continue reading A Mother’s Day Story by Carrie Thompson, Director of DVA’s US Centers Project

Lion's Roar

Friends, Not Food

By DVA President Bob Isaacson This article was first published in Lion’s Roar magazine, April 2019. If you stopped people on the streets of Chicago or London and ask them if Buddhists are vegetarian, the most likely response you’d get is “yes.” The public perception, at least in the West, is that since Buddhism is based on reverence for life, followers of the path don’t eat … Continue reading Friends, Not Food

Report: Honoring All Life: Exploring The First Precept Of Non-Harming

Update on our huge DVA event, last month’s day-long at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, called Honoring All Life: Exploring the Precept of Non-Harming.   In the morning of our event, a group of well-respected Dharma teachers joined Bob Isaacson and another DVA cofounder, Patti Breitman, to lead the event. Joining Bob and Patti were Spirit Rock teachers Bob Stahl, Richard Shankman, and James Baraz, and Jain activist … Continue reading Report: Honoring All Life: Exploring The First Precept Of Non-Harming

Extending compassion to all beings

DVA’s Response to Lion’s Roar Article

In a recent article in Lion’s Roar magazine, a number of prominent Buddhist teachers discussed the current political situation in this country and made a call for action, asking us to stand up against social injustice in whatever form it takes. While the goal of skillful interaction with the world is certainly laudable, the message did not go far enough. In pointing to racism, gender- … Continue reading DVA’s Response to Lion’s Roar Article