aging

old-men-chatting

Meditating with My Father’s Friends

By Martha Henry | March 12, 2019

We were all there for the same purpose—to understand our own suffering and maybe find some relief.

blindboys

Blind Boys

By Brian Ted Jones | November 5, 2013

A revelation at the Austin City Limits music festival.

"the Clinquant of Hope" by Derrick T via Flickr

Juan Lucas

By Susan Parker | December 3, 2009

Can a man be better than his rap sheet?

Photo by the author.

Blessings & Booty

By Kate Pond | September 24, 2009

She would love to be a saint, but she can’t seem to stop herself.

By egor.gribanov via Flickr

A Meaningful Story

By David Plante | September 12, 2009

From Essential Stories: God, Love, Death, Joy, Suffering, Beauty.

Gabriela Camerotti via Flickr

Awakening

By Gabrielle Selz | August 1, 2009

A ferry ride into the fog of Alzheimer’s.

Killing the Buddha

Fairies or Princesses?

By Nathan Schneider | May 14, 2009

We recently received a delightful short essay from James Royce McGuire, writer of fiction and plays, called “The Fairy Land.” Let’s wander through it together! It’s extremely easy to lose…

Sima's Undergarments for Women

Perfect Breasts

By Ilana Stanger-Ross | March 2, 2009

She finds the right bras for the right breasts. In Brooklyn. Underground.

Icon of Saint Simeon the One-Eyed Tanner

Wayward Sheep

By Ashley Makar | August 23, 2008

More schooled than churched, she wanted to try dying to the self, to grope for the Spirit under the water, and come up in grace. It was more awkward than that.

"'He says you must pray,' the young monk said. 'Pray for what?' I asked..." (photo by jduemer/flickr)

The Temple Door

By Danielle Trussoni | November 11, 2006

The daughter of a damaged Vietnam veteran returns to the scene of the crime.

"If Buddha had played a trick like that on me, I would've torn his goddamn head off."

White Ashes

By Jeff Wilson | May 25, 2005

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the loss of a loved one will haunt you forever.

Cash backstage in an undated photo.

The Gospel According to Johnny Cash

By Jon Hooten | September 15, 2003

Was the Man in Black our own personal Jesus?

“As bad as it gets.”

Schmidt Happens

By Rob Stennett | February 13, 2003

Sold your soul? Buy it back for $22.

"My one-girl betrayal of the Catholic community was something I kept to myself."

Oh Come On, All Ye Faithful

By Maura Kelly | December 24, 2002

A Christmas story about lost faith and the routine of prayer.

Kafka

Kafka in Love

By Erik Hanson | May 18, 2002

College reunions, marriage proposals, and other trials that make you buggy.

barmitzvah

My Bar Mitsvah: A True Story

By Laurence Klavan | March 23, 2002

Today, he is a man. Tomorrow, he’s playing Vegas.