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October 28, 2023 Why Do We Practice Buddhism?   Tricycle’s Winter 2023 issue is here! From discussions of Buddhist modernism to AI translations of Tibetan texts to teachings on gratitude, impermanence, buddhanature, and more, our new issue is sure to captivate you from cover to cover. Here’s what you’ll find between the pages:  In his Letter from the Editor, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, tracks down the origin of “Buddhist modernism,” reflecting on when it first appeared in Tricycle’s pages. The value of highlighting scholarly perspectives of Buddhist history, says Shaheen, lies in its ability to help us understand the Buddhist traditions, revealing “otherwise hidden assumptions, sectarian attachments, and personal biases. And isn’t shedding light on such blind spots a big part of why we practice Buddhism in the first place?” Also in the new issue, actor Michael Imperioli discusses how his search for satisfaction led him down the Buddhist path in “No Mud, No Lotus.” Ken McLeod’s essay “A Game Changer for Classical Tibetan Translation?” tests his translating skills against ChatGPT and outlines the benefits and concerns of AI. In “Finding the Words,” beloved Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein sat down with Amy Gross to talk about his newfound love of poetry—how he started, what inspires him, and what poetry has to offer. And in his article “Why Should I Appreciate Life?” author Dale S. Wright draws comparisons between Zen master Taizan Maezumi Roshi and German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, emphasizing what each had to say about loving life—both the good and the bad. Enjoy these and other features in the new issue, now available online and in print! Read the new issue now » Also this week:  November’s Film Club pick is available now! Learn about Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s four-and-a-half-year wandering retreat in the film Wandering…But Not Lost directed by Paul MacGowan. Our Pilgrimage to Ladakh in June 2024 is sold out, so we added a second trip! Join us on a trip to Ladakh, India from May 15-27 and explore the “Land of High Passes” alongside the Tibetan plateau. Learn about the Buddhist basics—including the many traditions, practices, and teachings—on our free online learning platform, Buddhism for Beginners. A new online course with Sharon Salzberg begins on November 13, 2023! Real Life will offer a path from contraction to connection, helping you to reach your full potential.