Possibilities for Contemporary Buddhist Living

Sharing Dharma in the West is a true challenge. On one hand, we strive to faithfully transmit the teachings of our Buddhist traditions, while on the other, we must present these teachings in a way that is relevant to our readers today.

This is Mandala's challenge: to inspire people to awaken and deepen understanding of themselves, their lives, and the world around them - through the teachings and experiences of Buddhist practitioners and masters. To explore the possibility of fulfillment in contemporary life, through the lens and lifestyle of Buddhism.

We have given the magazine a facelift to reflect this new mission. Starting with this issue, we hope to bring you more stories of people who overcome everyday challenges, through their practice. We have also started several new sections providing insights on Buddhist life, from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gehlek Rinpoche, and other great masters. We hope new columns on work, relationships and health will also enrich your lives.

Seven years have passed since Mandala was born in 1995. Obviously, in this time the magazine changed a lot: circulation has grown more than five times, and so has the yearly budget. But the most obvious change is the focus: from a newsletter of the Foundation of the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), to a magazine of Buddhist living - relevant to the lives of a broad spectrum of readers - spanning various traditions, religions, ethnicities, gender, age and nationalities.

A word of thanks and deep appreciation goes to our former editor Nancy Patton, who started this new focus for Mandala two years ago and has catalyzed the rapid growth of the magazine. Thanks also goes to Ven. Robina Courtin, the founder of Mandala, who laid the grounds for the magazine's success.

Finally, let me introduce the Mandala's new Managing Editor and Associate Publisher, Helen Chang. She will be a key in the magazine's fulfillment of its goals in coming years, and I have full confidence in her ability to do that.

So, dear readers, may you enjoy this new issue of Mandala - and find its stories worthwhile and relevant to your lives today.

Warm regards,

Massimo Corona
Publisher