Barbara O'Brien Zen Buddhism Expert Education B.J., Journalism, University of Missouri Introduction Author of Rethinking Religion: Finding a Place for Religion in a Modern, Tolerant, Progressive, Peaceful and Science-Affirming World, (Ten Directions, 2014)A former student at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, New YorkHas written extensively about Buddhism, and religion in general, and how it impacts politics and culture Experience Barbara Hoetsu O'Brien is a student of Zen Buddhism and a journalist who covers religion in American politics and culture.O'Brien began her formal study of Buddhism in 1988, upon her acceptance as a laity student at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Temper, New York. In the intervening years, O'Brien has actively engaged in meeting Buddhists from other traditions and cultures to learn about the many forms of Buddhism. O'Brien also practiced at the Empty Hand Zen Center in New Rochelle, New York, as well as the Zen Center of New York City. O'Brien previously covered Buddhism and other religious-themed topics for ThoughtCo. Through her blog, Rethinking Religion, she wrote primarily about Buddhism and religion in general. She also wrote extensively about religion in America, looking at how religion helped to shape the nation's politics and culture. Her work includes several books such as Rethinking Religion (TenDirections, 2014). Her articles have been published by The Guardian, Tricycle.org, and elsewhere. Education Barbara Hoetsu O'Brien holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri.Awards and PublicationsRethinking Religion: Finding a Place for Religion in a Modern, Tolerant, Progressive, Peaceful and Science-Affirming World (Ten Directions, 2014)The Buddhist Art of Nonjudgmental Judging Is Subtle (The Guardian, 2011)Who Was the Buddha? (Lion's Roar, 2018)The Buddha's Instructions for the Practice of Mindfulness (NikosMarinos.com) Learn Religions and Dotdash Meredith Learn Religions, a Dotdash Meredith brand, aims to help you explore the practices of your own faith, understand your neighbor’s beliefs, and familiarize yourself with the world’s major religions. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from Barbara O'Brien The Five Powers The Buddhist Practice of Loving Kindness (Metta) Buddhist Views on War Bodhicitta: Practice for the Benefit of All Beings The 14 Dalai Lamas from 1391 to Present The Life of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama Buddhist Holidays, 2019–2020 Saga Dawa or Saka Dawa Sri Lanka's Festival of the Sacred Tooth The Mindfulness Controversy of Buddhism vs Psychology The Life of Ananda, Buddha's Disciple and Attendant Henry Steel Olcott's Unlikely Life The Buddhist Councils The Buddha's Path to Happiness: An Introduction Buddhism and Sexism The Prajnaparamita Sutras Buddhism: 11 Common Misunderstandings and Mistakes Padmasambhava the Precious Guru of Tibetan Buddhism What Do Buddhist Teachings Mean by Sunyata, or Emptiness? An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism Bhaisajyaguru: The Medicine Buddha Buddhism and Equanimity The Principle of Dependent Origination in Buddhism The Seven Factors of Enlightenment