In addition to being Valentine’s Day in the west, Feb. 14th 2010 is the start of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Losar (Tibet and Bhutan.) Learn how this holiday has merged with Buddhist culture in some countries, and what predictions are for the Year of the Metal Tiger.

Buddhism emphasizes interdependence and compassion. Read my review of a book that frames global warming and environmental issues in the context of Buddhist teachings, including essays by the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Bhikkhi Bodhi, Robert Aitken Roshi, Joseph Goldstein, and more.

The Sixteenth Karmapa, from the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, had a profound effect on the spread of Buddhist teachings in the West. Learn more about this fascinating teacher, including details of the 'Black Crown Ceremony', in my review of this documentary about his life.

The Jataka Tales are a set of folk stories that originated in India, and are often used in Buddhist cultures to relay ethical teachings. This article reviews a set available from Dharma Publishing, targeted to 3-8 year olds.

This article continues and concludes the story of the Buddha's life, starting with his flight from home at age 29, and covering his subsequent spiritual quest, awakening, teaching, and death.

The Buddha's life story is an important part of Buddhist teachings, and illuminates many foundation tenets. In this first of two articles, learn about the Buddha's birth, childhood, and flight from home as a young man.

The Tibetan Art of Parenting covers the cultural and spiritual beliefs that guide Tibetan parenting practices, from before conception through to early childhood. It covers Tibetans beliefs regarding karma, rebirth and subtle energies, as well as many pregnancy and childcare medical practices.

In each of the various cultures in which Buddhism has flourished, a rich set of symbols have developed to represent the Buddha and Buddhist teachings. View and discover the meanings of several in this article, including the Lotus Flower, Buddha's Eyes, the Endless Knot, and more.

View some of my favorite Buddhist-based books, including those for children and teens. Many of these are suitable for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, focusing on how developing mindfulness and compassion can help us with the challenges we face in our everyday lives.

Favorites amongst the books I have reviewed for kids and teens, sorted by age group.