Tricycle : the Buddhist Review

I'm a little "new" to Buddhism. I've been trying to learn more over the past few years. I find that Buddhism is a lot like Christianity for the fact that there are lots of different "types". There's not one Christian religion, there are lots of different ones. . .Baptist. . . Church of Christ. . .Methodist. . . .etc. etc. etc. This is the same way with Buddhism, and honestly, one of the reasons I find Buddhism so "difficult".Having said that, "Tricycle" is a magazine that shares all points of view. The publisher tries to give each type (or tradition, as it's often called) of Buddhism a voice with having articles from a variety of people each issue.Though, to be honest, I'm still VERY confused about Buddhism, I really like "Tricycle" because though it's not really a magazine for "beginners", like me to learn about Buddhism, per se, it does have great articles, and I have found it helpful and enjoyable to read.

Hard to compare, since there isn't a lot of competition in the world of spiritual-inspired magazines. Tricycle stands out on it's own as a great publication. Well written articles, and a broad range of topics covered. And, my favorite bit, they don't repeat themselves every few issues.

Have subscribed before - always love the issues and save to re-read years later when an article is pertinent to my current circumstances.

I love it , and can hardly wait for my subscription to begin again. I miss it greatly.

Tricyle is the oldest American Buddhist periodical, dating from 1991. It is published quarterly on high-quality, glossy paper. According to the publication's website, the name "Tricyle" derives from the Three Treasures (or Triple Jems) of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sanga. The goal of the magazine, again according to its website is"to create forums for exploring contemporary and historic Buddhist activity, examine the impact of its new context in the democratic tradtions of the West, and introduce fresh views and attainable methods for enlightened living to the culture at large. At the core of the Foundation's mission is the alleviation of suffering that Buddhist teachings are meant to bring about."I have been a reader of Tricyle since the late 1990s and the publication has grown on me. The magazine makes a strong effort to live up to its mission and usually succeeds. American Buddhism remains nebulous and diverse. Tricyle has articles which appeal to a variety of readers of different backgrounds, Buddhist interests, and levels of commitment. Many of the articles are specific to Buddhism in the West and to life in the United States. Other articles explore the variety of traditional Buddhisms and schools, from Theravada to Mahayana, Zen, Tibetan, Pure Land, and more. I have found articles with insight into meditation and into Buddhist Scriptures.There is a considerable topical focus to the magazine with articles on the environment, feminism, abortion, war and peace, American politics, social activism and much more. Political views tend to be on the left side of the American spectrum. This made me wary when I first began with Tricycle. As I continued with the magazine, I became more attuned to the Buddhist discussions and less bothered by political views with which I sometimes disagreed. I enjoy the book review section of the magazine and the frequent discussions among readers and contributors. There is a good deal of advertising which some readers have found brings too much consumerism to the publication. But bills need to be paid, and I find many of the advertisements helpful in learning about Buddhism and its resources in the United States.Readers of the magazine will learn about the breadth and seriousness of American Buddhism. They will probably also see that it remains very much a work in progress. The magazine is written on a high level, but it remains accessible to readers with spiritual interests who may not be scholars or intellectuals. Tricycle of course will be of most interest to readers interested in Buddhism, but it also will appeal to readers with a non-sectarian interest in the development of spiritual life in the United States. I continue to look forward to receiving my copy of the magazine every three months.Robin Friedman

I've read a variety of Buddhist and meditation related magazines over the years and they can be hit or miss. I was greatly impressed when I read through my Spring 2010 issue of tricycle. Just about every article in here impressed me with its writing and its message.The news notes caught my attention and had me digging on the web for more information. The interviews with real practitioners expanded my ideas about how to practice. The humor pages were *funny* and I definitely want to share those with my friends!There are frugal, tasty recipes. Exhortations to plant trees. An interesting take on being a Buddhist and a non-karma-believer. A thoughtful investigation into taking on the unknown. An appreciation of darkness.Every article drew me in and encouraged me to think. For example, many people talk about generosity - but is it really being generous if you give away "trash" items you are not using anyway? Is that type of activity benefiting yourself as much as it helps others? You need to dig a little deeper to be generous - to help demonstrate that you are not overly attached to material things. The article cautions, though, not to damage your own health or stability in the name of proving your generosity. If your body is about to collapse because you are starving, and you donate your last food to a rich person who barely notices the additional weight on his table, you are not practicing generosity in a healthy way.There are book reviews, information about upcoming seminars, and even the ads had interesting items I wanted to learn more about.Well recommended!