Emma Varvaloucas

Emma Varvaloucas is a New York–based writer and the executive director of the Progress Network. She is the editor of two books from Wisdom Publications, Touching Ground and Wholehearted.

Buddha Buzz Weekly: Mindfulness in the Public Sector

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls for more lovingkindness, mindfulness in schools and government is debated, and a memorial service for Bernie Glassman. Tricycle looks back at the events of this week in the Buddhist world.

By Emma Varvaloucas and Matthew Abrahams

Feb 16, 2019

The “Love Guru” I Wouldn’t Listen To

Disgraced former monk Michael Roach is itching for a comeback . . . as a relationship expert.

By Emma Varvaloucas

Feb 14, 2019

CultureMagazine | Feature

Tolerably Black

A Nichiren Buddhist artist invites us to reckon with the painful legacy of American slavery with openness and compassion.

By Emma Varvaloucas

Spring 2019

CultureMagazine | Portfolio

A Martial Arts Ballet

Shaolin monks kick, flip, and dance in a performance both timeless and contemporary.

By Emma Varvaloucas, Choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Spring 2019

Ideas

Dispatch from South Korea

As the Won Buddhist order inaugurates their new head dharma master, a Tricycle editor explores the country’s spiritual landscape.

By Emma Varvaloucas

Nov 13, 2018

Magazine | Books, Openings

What We’re Reading

The latest in Buddhist publishing plus a book worth rereading.

By Eliza Rockefeller, Gabriel Lefferts, Emma Varvaloucas

Winter 2018

Culture

Shaolin Monks Kick, Flip, and Dance in the Martial Arts Ballet Sutra

Kung fu acrobatics serve as more than just cheap tricks in a skillful and evocative performance.

By Emma Varvaloucas

Oct 22, 2018

Reclining Buddha statute, Wat Pho, Thailand, buddhism race

Teachings

What the Buddha Taught Us About Race

Thai forest monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu discusses four main takeaways from his new translation of the Sutta Nipata.

By Emma Varvaloucas

Aug 09, 2018

Same Old Story in a New World

Journalist Katy Butler, who wrote the first exposés on sexual abuse in Buddhist communities in the 80s and 90s, discusses what has changed with the #MeToo movement.

Interview with Katy Butler by Emma Varvaloucas

Aug 01, 2018

Podcasts

Mar 26, 2025 Tricycle Talks — Episode #122

Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test

With Emma Varvaloucas

Emma Varvaloucas explores the surprising results of recent research on mindfulness programs for adolescents.

Listen Now on Tricycle | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Mar 08, 2023 Tricycle Talks — Episode #86

An Antidote to Despair

With Emma Varvaloucas

In this episode of Tricycle Talks, journalist Emma Varvaloucas discusses how we can break out of cycles of pessimism and despair by paying attention to what’s going right.

Listen Now on Tricycle | Apple Podcasts | Spotify