What Is Tricycle: The Buddhist Review?

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review is an independent Buddhist journal and magazine that publishes dharma teachings, meditation guidance, cultural commentary, podcasts, and online courses for a general Western audience. It is a publication, not a Buddhist school, lineage, or teacher-training institution. It is a reasonable place to read about Buddhism online if you want edited, teacher-authored articles and introductory material; it is not a substitute for studying with a teacher or a sangha if you are looking for practice instruction or credentialing.

What Tricycle publishes

Tricycle describes itself as "the leading independent Buddhist journal in the West dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available." Its content spans several areas:

• Teachings — dharma essays and talks, such as Pema Chödrön's "Eight Slogans to Transform Your Mind," Joanna Macy on karma, and Thanissaro Bhikkhu on clinging.
• Meditation — practical guidance and reflections on practice.
• Ideas and culture — interviews and commentary, including William Edelglass in conversation with James Shaheen on "A Vision of Buddhist Democracy," and Stephen Batchelor on transforming suffering.
• Personal reflections — first-person pieces, such as students remembering Thich Nhat Hanh.
• Podcast — interview-style episodes with teachers and writers.
• Online courses — structured programs, for example a course on preparing for death and dying with Zen teacher and palliative care nurse Sallie Jiko Tisdale.

The site also carries a current issue (Fall 2026, Volume 36, Number 1) with features and columns, plus a "Meet a Teacher" section.

Free resources vs. subscription

Tricycle mixes free and paid access. Based on the site's own navigation:

The site does not state prices in the material available here, so check the subscribe page for current rates and terms. Do not assume the full archive or current issue is open access — the "Subscribe to Read" label indicates at least some issue content is gated.

Who it is for

• Newcomers who want orientation: start with the "New to Buddhism?" resources and the free Daily Dharma newsletter.
• Regular readers who want teacher-written essays across traditions: browse Teachings, Meditation, and Ideas.
• Listeners: the podcast offers long-form conversations with teachers and scholars.
• Structured learners: online courses provide a guided format, though these are editorial offerings rather than formal dharma transmission or certification.

What it is not

Tricycle is not a Buddhist school, a lineage authority, or a teacher-training body. Reading it can inform your understanding of Buddhist teachings and introduce you to teachers and texts, but it does not confer authorization to teach, and it does not replace a local sangha or a relationship with a teacher. Treat articles as edited journalism and commentary from named authors, and check a teacher's lineage and background if you plan to study further.

A practical way to start

1. Sign up for the free Daily Dharma newsletter to sample the editorial voice.
2. Read the "New to Buddhism?" introductory resources to get oriented.
3. Browse the Teachings and Meditation sections for topics that match your interest.
4. If a current-issue article is marked "Subscribe to Read," decide whether the subscription is worth it for you by checking the subscribe page for price and terms.
5. If you want structured study, review the online course listings and instructor backgrounds before enrolling.