The Power of Acceptance and Inclusivity with Rev. Melissa Opel

In this episode of The Lion's Roar Podcast, Lion’s Roar’s Sandi Rankawduwa talks to Dr. Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Barbara. With 25 years of expertise in LGBTQ psychology and social justice, and as the author of Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation, Dr. Israel offers invaluable insights on bridging divides with compassion. In this conversation, she explores how to maintain connection amidst political differences, stay true to our convictions without demonizing others, and approach tough conversations — from navigating “cancel culture” to managing anger, and preserving our spiritual aspirations in the face of political conflict. This episode is sponsored by Minding the Gap Coaching: mindingthegapcoaching.com Photo of Tania Israel by Laurie Bailey.

In this interview, Buddhadharma deputy editor Mariana Restrepo speaks with Dr. Pierce Salguero about a survey he conducted among Buddhist studies scholars, providing an insightful look into the changing landscape of Buddhist scholarship. The survey highlights the growing intersection between academic research and Buddhist practice, challenging the traditional expectation that scholars maintain objectivity by distancing themselves from the religious traditions they study. Instead, the survey reveals that many Buddhist studies scholars are actively engaged in religious and spiritual practices, with some attributing their academic paths to profound mystical or spiritual experiences. This episode is sponsored by Minding the Gap Coaching: mindingthegapcoaching.com

Today, we’re delighted to invite you to our new 5-week course, “Five Keys to the Complete Path of Mindfulness.” Led by renowned mindfulness teachers, the course includes live sessions, guided meditations, and practical exercises to help you apply mindfulness in your daily life. Sign up here. In this conversation, Lion’s Roar associate publisher Beth Wallace speaks with editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod about taking mindfulness beyond the basics. Together, they explore the Complete Path of Mindfulness, which presents mindfulness as a way of life that integrates meditation with insight, ethics, compassion, and community. These five keys unlock the path to deep personal growth and transformation, leading to a more fulfilling life. To learn more about our online course beginning October 24th, visit our website.

In this episode, Lion's Roar Assistant Editor Sandi Rankaduwa talks to James Ishmael Ford, a Zen priest and Unitarian Universalist minister who describes himself as having a "Buddhist brain, a Christian heart, and a rationalist stomach." James shares what first drew him to Zen, how he balances it with his role as a Unitarian Universalist minister, and whether these two traditions complement each other. We also dive into the power of Zen koans, the roles of doubt and uncertainty in spiritual growth, and his advice for those seeking a spiritual guide.  This episode is sponsored by Minding the Gap Coaching: mindingthegapcoaching.com

In this insightful discussion with the Buddhadharma editorial team, Tibetologist David Germano talks about his work on the Generative Contemplation Initiative, a suite of projects that explore in depth the research on contemplative practices and how such practices might be more widely, and/or pointedly, applied to be of utmost benefit. This episode is sponsored by Minding the Gap Coaching: mindingthegapcoaching.com

Mariana Restrepo, deputy editor of Buddhadharma, speaks with Rosamaría Segura. With a background in the Vipassana and Soto Zen traditions, Rosamaría’s work has focused on advocating for social justice, supporting disenfranchised communities, and serving as a death doula — a central topic of today’s discussion. The conversation delves into how her Buddhist practice shapes her approach to death and dying, how to support those going through this transition, and the profound insights she has gained from those approaching the end of life.

Following her insightful and compassionate commentaries on the war in Gaza for lionsroar.com, Buddhist teacher Tara Brach sits down with editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod to talk about the ultimate root of conflict, the destructive dehumanizing known as othering, and how we can overcome it in ourselves and society. Read Tara Brach’s pieces mentioned in the episode: What Is Love Asking from Us?  Gaza and the Bodhisattva Path

In this episode of the Lion's Roar Podcast, assistant editor Sandi Rankaduwa talks to Reverend Melissa Opel, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a minister at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco — the oldest Jodo Shinshu, or Shin Buddhist, church in the mainland United States.  Rev. Opel shares what drew her to Buddhism, what keeps her inspired as a minister, how acceptance and inclusivity are central to the Jodo Shinshu tradition, and how Buddhists and Buddhist institutions can offer meaningful support to the LGBTQ+ community.   This episode is sponsored by Karuna Training. Find out more at karunatraining.com

Today, we’re re-sharing one of the most popular episodes of The Lion’s Roar Podcast featuring essayist and novelist Pico Iyer. For Iyer, travel is a spiritual experience that shakes up our usual certainties and connects us to a richer, vaster world. In this conversation, Iyer & Lion’s Roar’s editor-in-chief Melvin Mcleod, discuss Iyer’s book The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise and his eclectic contemplative practice. Read Pico Iyer's articles discussed in this episode at lionsroar.com/author/pico-iyer/

In this episode of The Lion’s Roar Podcast, we’re thrilled to invite you to participate in BuddhaFest 2024, an online festival presented by Lion’s Roar. This year, BuddhaFest is dedicated to celebrating women in Buddhism. In this conversation from BuddhaFest 2024, Gaetano Maida, executive director of the Buddhist Film Foundation, explores the intersection of film and Buddhism with Sharon Suh, president of the Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, and author of Silver Screen Buddha. Together, they discuss the importance of telling women’s stories through film, the profound contributions of female filmmakers, and their own experiences watching this year’s selected BuddhaFest films. This special event runs from July 15 through August 26. Your festival pass includes access to nine talks, 14 Buddhist films, musical performances, and more. Register at buddhafestonline.com‌ This podcast is sponsored by Karuna Training. Discover embodied compassion with Karuna's 2024 to 2026 Basic Training Program. Start your journey today at karunatraining.com