If you were ever under the impression that Buddhism is just for elderly men in orange robes, think again! Many modern followers of the Buddha´s teachings believe that Buddhism is as relevant in the 21st Century as it has even been and reveal their reasoning in lively and passionate text.
Dividing the Zen Buddhism categories into “Light” and “Not so Light” is intended to separate those which are easier to read from those which are philosophy or teachings based – it bears no reflection on the author´s level of enlightenment!
Zen Buddhism (Light)
The Buddhist Blog – Despite its modest denial that this blog is not the definitive guide to Buddhism, it is written in such a touching and relevant way that you can only feel if the Buddha were physically with us today he would commenting in the same way on identical issues. A DO NOT MISS BLOG!
Ecological Buddhism – Sensible and well-balanced, this blog reports on the many positive things happening to combat global warming
Wild Fox Zen – A fox entirely at peace with his spirituality who also organizes open sesshin sessions (we were desperate to get that in) in Pittsburgh
The Reformed Buddhist –This has to be the most down-to-earth, funny and thoughtful Buddhism blog, by an “ordinary guy” who is a big fan of the Washington Caps (so not found peace yet!)
Big Old Oak Tree – An often amusing but always readable blog by a Zen priest trying to lead a “normal” life in Austin, TX
Zenducation – Optimistic blog which mixes social justice and tribal culture with Zen philosophy
Daily Buddhism – Not been “daily” for quite some time, but an excellent archive of podcasts
The Worst Horse – Excellent, often tongue-in-cheek illustration of Buddhism in pop culture
Hardcore Zen – Aa guide to modern-day Buddhism from the author of “Sex, Sin and Zen”
Digital Zendo – Helpful advice for practicing Zen in the digital age and traveling “lighter”
Many Flakes, One Bowl –Personal and readable musings about practicing Buddhism in Denver
Monkey Mind – Reflections on religion, politics and culture with interesting “on this day” features
Zen Buddhism (Not so Light)
Through the Looking Glass – An interesting series of articles which include an impassioned plea for Americans not to “tinker” with traditional teachings to suit the 21st Century
Vincent Horn – One of the driving forces behind “Buddhist Geeks” and “Pragmatic Dharma” blogs about his own spirituality and helping others stay on the path
Sweep the Dust, Push the Dirt – Somber musings from a Buddhist practitioner who describes himself as in Buddhist purgatory
Moonpointer – The “Bhuddist Blog of Everyday Dharma” with a tendency towards Veganism
Slow Zen…Again – The pursuit of Zazen (private Zen meditation) when serving in the military
DQ’s Windmill –Bringing Buddha to the classroom and offering Zen inspiration to teachers
Open Buddha – Ex-Microsoft and Mozilla software engineer promotes “Open Source Bhuddha”
The Endless Further – The concept that the spiritual journey´s destination is just an illusion
Rev. Danny Fisher – The Rev. Danny Fisher posts news, music and spiritual messages of peace
Think Buddha – A philosopher publishes a rich supply of wayward thoughts on the Buddhist way
Jade Mountains – Rev. Mugo´s encouragement to persevere along your spiritual path
Dharma Forest – A sprinkling of music breaks up the thought provoking articles in “the Forest”
Paxicab’s Blog – Advice for helping people to meditate and reflect on the teachings of Buddha
Theravadic Buddhism
Dharma Thai – An interesting introduction to Buddhism, with meditation guides, details about the life of Buddha and how his teachings have developed into Buddhist Dhamma (“law”)
Jayarava’s Raves – Our author proposes that Western Buddhism is a collision between Buddhist enlightenment and European enlightenment. What do you think?
All About Buddhism – Many of the complexities within Buddhism explained in simple terms
Wandering Dhamma – One of very few female Buddhism blogs offers a fresh approach
Clarke Scott – Philosophy of the mind and cognitive science from a Buddhist perspective
My Buddha is Pink – Does Theravadic Buddhism have a place for homosexuality? It does here!
What the Buddha Said – An extensive guide to the Buddha´s teachings in plain English
21awake- A blog focusing on the difficulties of practicing awakening in the 21st Century
Applied Buddhism – Interesting open discussions about applying Buddhism in American daily life
Truth is Within – Text, audio & video teachings by a Buddhist monk who “endures life” with humor
Shin Buddhism
Echo of the Dharma – Bilingual blog (English/Japanese) discussing the popular teachings of master Shinran
Shin Ugly Blog – Older blog, yet a good resource, speaking plainly about the end of world suffering
Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren Buddhism – The Nichiren Buddhist Association of America site has frequently updated content and invites readers to submit their own poems
Lotus Flower SGI – Singaporean site which focuses on Nichiren Buddhism in life, art and pop culture
Mind Body Spirit
Linda’s Yoga Journey – A no-holds-barred yoga-based blog which advocates that “real yoga” is your yoga. Passionate to the point of brutality, this is an honest and reflective mind/body/spirit blog
Luminous Heart – Using photography as a mediation in teachings to “heart-centered” women
Awake is Good – The creator of Buddha Chick is also a Retreat Leader with an interfaith focus
Musings – Recommended book lists for students of Buddhism – and not an Amazon link in sight!
Buddhism News Commentary Promotions
Digital Dharma – News and current events as perceived from a Buddhist perspective
Precious Metal – Zen commentary on world events includes many fascinating book reviews
American Buddhist – A lot of focus on events (sometimes joyous) in Nepal and Myanmar
Dhamma Musings – An interesting combination of random thoughts/musings on current events
The Jizo Chronicles – “Bodhisattvas in the Trenches” is the theme of this call to peaceful action
Sun Space – The blog pages of the leading Buddhist magazine – Shambala Sun – updated daily
Infinite Smile –Often more (self) promotion than content, this site organizes occasional meets