Spring 2023: Transformation
“There are numerous paths to transformation, and teachings on it. Among the many explored in this issue are Zen origami, fairy tales, solitude and prayer, love, cooking and cleaning, Vedanta, and Jungian analysis. All arrive at the same startling conclusion: that the ultimate transformation is for us to become who we really are all along.”
Current Issue
- Abba, tell me a word
The Desert Fathers and Mothers— and their culture of search - Looking for Gold: The alchemy of Cinderella
The hidden teachings of a beloved fairy tale - The Art of Budo
The calligraphy and paintings of the martial arts masters - Testimony
A powerful remembrance of war and peace - In the Hands of the Sea
A rapturous elegy to love
Online Exclusives
The early Greeks defined presence as the fundamental characteristic of being alive.1 I believe it is not easy for any of us to be fully present, and that we settle for shadows and glimpses, for fleeting moments that sift through…
I had never been good at practicing mindfulness, or being mindful—period—until I got a dog. Observing your breath, extolled as the surefire way to become present, left me in such a deep state of hyperventilation I quickly wanted a break…
These are challenging times for all of us. We at Parabola are offering a free PDF of our “The Search for Meaning” issue from Spring 2017 to anyone who would like one, and we hope you will find comfort in…
Photograph by Lee van Laer In the midst of our anxiety and our reaction to the danger of infection, life seems somewhat surreal—compelling, distracting. I’m taken by the moment, and everything seems to be about the disease itself. Yet…
Four times a year for nearly 50 years Parabola has gathered the wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions to illuminate the central questions of life.
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Upcoming Issues
Summer 2023:
THE COSMOS (submission deadline: March 01, 2023)
Fall 2023:
SAINTS & SINNERS (submission deadline: June 01, 2023)
Winter 2023/2024:
COMFORT & JOY (submission deadline: September 01, 2023)
Please note that these deadlines apply to editorial submissions; our schedule for advertisers may be found here.
The Golden Rule Pledge
All life strives to incorporate the principle of the Golden Rule. Directing our attention toward understanding this most basic principle gives us a reasonable, common sense, and compassionate direction in anything we do. Remembering to use the Golden Rule in our own lives transforms our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with planet Earth.
AN INVITATION TO ALL:
1st—Strive and Incorporate: I will strive to understand the meaning of the Golden Rule for myself and how I wish to incorporate it in my life, recognizing that this effort is sometimes hard and yet always helpful. This is my pledge.
2nd—Invite and Request: I will invite others to do the same: live by the Golden Rule. We can change the world for the better when we apply the Golden Rule in all organizations: environmental, civic, legal, economic, educational, political, or social entities, including religious and faith traditions. This is my petition.
3rd—Stand in Unity: I will join with those on this planet who wish to take real responsibility toward compassion and fairness; and to build an understanding with others about what is to be done based upon the principle of the Golden Rule. Simply stated,
Treat others and the Earth the way you want to be treated
Respect for All Life is the foundation.
The Great Law of Peace, Native American
The Golden Rule Project will continuously make the results of this pledge/petition/proclamation available for all to see and utilize. The more of us who agree and sign, the more power we share as we petition our representatives to live by and apply the Golden Rule in real life situations. This is our Proclamation.