Tricycle : the Buddhist Review

This magazine helps you understand Buddhism a little bit at a time. It, however enormously motivates you to meditate. Especially in the western culture, where materialism is so rampant, there is little to motivate you to sit still and spend time with yourself. This magazine makes me want to meditate, learn more and find answers to some of the difficult question sthat arise. It also helps me select the right books to deepen my practice. There is roughly equal representation of Tibbatan Buddhism, Zen and the Vipassana traditions, and quite often, much to my joy, there is such an amalgamation of these three main divisions. What ever lineage you may belong to, or want to pursue, you would still like the basic oneness of the Buddha's teaching.

Those interested in Buddhism should also look into "The Shambhala Sun" magazine, which comes every 2 months and which, though leans more towards Tibbatan Buddhism, does carry superb articles, book reviews and practical instructions. I think it is every bit as useful as Tricylcle.

Lastly those more inclined towards Zen Buddhism would like "The Mountain record", a quarterly magazine. It seems too abstract to me though, although I appreciate some of the articles and practically all the superb photographs it has in black and white.

Are you a Buddhist, enjoy meditation, or are you interested in learning more about Buddhism? Then this may be the magazine for you.

Tricycle is well written, has great photos, and is a very nice looking magazine. (The quality of the paper, heavy with a glossy coating, gives the magazine a 'coffee table book' feel.)

What I liked most about my subscription to Tricycle was that as a Buddhist in America I felt more of a connection to others who share the same interest. I also enjoyed reading articles on the different schools of Buddhism. Even the advertisements were helpful in learning more about cushions, retreat centers and more.

Of all the Buddhist magazines now entering the market this one seems, to me, to be the best of the group. Enjoy your subscription!

Buy Tricycle : the Buddhist Review Now

While I am not a Buddhist,(our son and friends are) I still love, appreciate and gain wisdom from this wonderful publication, which I was exposed to over a decade ago by Zen master Don Gilbert of Tracy, CA. And I was so excited, if that's the right word, when the new issue arrived, because two articles caught my eye.

One is titled (page 39) The Gossip Trap and should be read by most Americans. Page 40 'What are we achieving by holding up a magnifying glass instead of looking in the mirror?' Or page 111 'If speech has five marks, O monastics, it is well spoken, not badly spoken, blameless, and above reproach by the wise. What are the five marks? It is speech that is timely, true, gentle, purposeful, and spoken with a mind of loving kindness. -the Buddha (Auguttara Nikaya).

The second (page 62) is titled Growing Ground and is a serious but also humorous piece about composting toilets at a Zen center in Southern California. All about the process of human waste becoming compostable soil and the funny things that happen when one has to turn the stuff with wood chips, leaving the drop door open so that cold wind and not warm air hits the bottom end of those who sit down to make a deposit. Page 54 'Once they get going, wood chips and waste have the kind of chemistry and connection that puts most human couples to shame'.

Alas, this is a mature, thoughtful publication to be sure. But it also doesn't take itself so seriously that one cannot see the simple joy in ones life, that sadly, to many Americans wont slow down to see.

Read Best Reviews of Tricycle : the Buddhist Review Here

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

Want Tricycle : the Buddhist Review Discount?

I've enjoyed Tricycle for many years, but it does contain a lot of advertising, and I'm baffled when the publisher solicits donations to keep the magazine running. I'd rather see them fully embrace one form of revenue or the other. If they're not-for-profit, what's with all the slick ads?

Essentially, Tricycle seems to be heading towards a more self-serving model of publishing. Perhaps I simply miss the days when it was fresh and vibrant with new ideas.

Still, four stars!