Jeffrey Hopkins

Jeffrey Hopkins is Professor Emeritus of Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia. The former chief interpreter for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he has published 42 books.

Magazine Teachings

Breaking the Habit of Selfishness

Eight Tibetan verses teach us why putting yourself first means you’ll always end up last.

By Kadampa Geshe Langri Thangpa, translated and with commentary by Jeffrey Hopkins

Winter 2014

equanimity practice article: two people taking each other's hand

Magazine Meditation & Practice

Everyone as a Friend

Jeffrey Hopkins explains the Buddhist logic of embracing our enemies as our friends.

By Jeffrey Hopkins

Summer 2002

Magazine Meditation & Practice

Discovering the Sky

After my freshman year, inspired by Thoreau, I retreated to the woods of Vermont where I went on long walks, came alive to colors, dreamt out all my bad dreams, and wrote poetry. I had found a part of the way toward filling the pit of loneliness and anger that had dominated my life. When […]

By Jeffrey Hopkins

Fall 2001

Magazine Meditation & Practice

Equality

The First Step in Cultivating Compassion

By Jeffrey Hopkins

Summer 1999

Magazine

What’s in the Mix?

Zen Abbot Bodhin Kjolhede Do enlightenment and alcohol mix? No. That’s the short answer. But let’s define our terms. There are many people who might consider themselves “drunks” who haven’t touched alcohol in years. But here I take the definition of “a drunk” to be based on behavior, current behavior—someone who consistently drinks to excess. […]

By Bodhin Kjolhede and Jeffrey Hopkins

Fall 1998