Over time, it became a way to honor the people, lineages, and communities quietly carrying the Dharma forward in the West. My hope is not to define Buddhism, but to help make visible how it is lived imperfectly, sincerely, and in relationship—so that what is being practiced today can continue to nourish future generations.

Jack Huynh, Founder

Though I am only a beginner on the path, through causes and conditions—and through the blessings of the Buddhist lineages and forebears—I have had the good fortune to witness and participate in the vision of Beyond the Cushion.

Jack Huynh’s project arises from a sincere love of truth and a wish to support the flourishing of the Dharma in our time. With humility, intelligence, heart, and humanity, it seeks to bridge traditional Buddhist teachings with the realities of modern life.
At a time when spiritual teachings are often encountered in fragmented or decontextualized ways, Beyond the Cushion reminds us that authentic transformation is possible through dedication, refuge, relationship, community, and lived example.

Through documentary films, books, and the stories of diverse practitioners and sanghas, the project honors the places where the Dharma quietly takes root. It also offers support for those seeking to meet the challenges of contemporary culture with greater depth, wisdom, and compassion.

Ani Lodro, Nun at Vajra Vidya

When the Mind Awakens, you will finally realize you weren’t there for any of it, because you were never more than a belief in self! Awakening has no you in it.

You will also realize that the only true loss is of greed, hatred and delusion, which are thankfully replaced by gifts/guardians of the heart. Those gifts are loving kindness, compassion and joy, with a new affection for the whole of humanity.

It is true, but come see for yourself.

Mark, Insight Teacher

For many, the path into Buddhism doesn’t begin with belief it begins with a question. A quiet sense that there’s more to understand about the mind, suffering, compassion, and how to live with greater clarity. Exploring Buddhism can open a deeper understanding of Buddhist beliefs, Buddhist teachings, and the ways these teachings become part of everyday life.

What makes this space different are the stories. These are not abstract teachings or idealized ideas, but real experiences from everyday practitioners people who have explored Buddhist practice and experienced the Dharma in the complexity of their own lives. Their journeys offer an honest look at a living Buddhist way of life, showing how the Dharma is practiced, understood, and embodied beyond the surface.

If you’re already walking the path, this is an invitation to look again this time through the lens of how Buddhism is taking shape here in the West. Beyond familiar Buddhist teachings, there’s a living, evolving expression of the Dharma unfolding in real communities and real lives. Through these stories, you can explore how Buddhist practice is understood and lived today and gain a deeper appreciation of a Living Dharma that continues to evolve within contemporary communities.

This is not simply about how Buddhist teachings were passed down but about how they are practiced, tested, and embodied in this cultural moment. These experiences offer a closer look at the beliefs, practices, and everyday choices that shape a Buddhist way of life in the modern West.

This project documents how Buddhist practice is lived in the modern West – through real people, real communities, and real commitments. It explores how Buddhism, Buddhist teachings, and the Dharma are practiced and experienced in contemporary life. Emerging from years of immersion and relationship, it has grown into a two-book series and a supporting non-profit dedicated to preserving living lineages and strengthening sangha.

Through photography, story, and shared reflection, the work invites practitioners and supporters alike to participate in sustaining a Living Dharma as a lived, relational tradition for generations to come. It also offers a glimpse into how Buddhist practice can become part of a meaningful Buddhist way of life in the modern West.

Portraits Explore now Learn from their lived experience—the real power of the Buddhist path, and the pitfalls you only discover by walking it. Your support is needed For fellow practitioners, discover how you can help support and preserve the authentic transmission of the Dharma. Learn how. Seeking collaborators Photographers help document the living presence of Buddhism in the West. Writers help shape the story of how the Dharma is unfolding here and now. Learn how.