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.
May Beyond the Cushion continue to serve as a bridge for those seeking an authentic path, and may it help strengthen the conditions for the living Dharma to flourish for the benefit of all sentient beings.
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.
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, about suffering, and about how to live with greater clarity and compassion.
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 tested the Dharma in the complexity of their own lives. Their journeys offer something rare: an honest look at what this path actually looks like, 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 teachings, there’s a living, evolving expression of the Dharma unfolding in real communities and real lives. By exploring these stories, you may find a deeper appreciation for the path—not just as it was passed down, but as it’s being practiced, tested, and embodied in this cultural moment.
This project documents how Buddhist practice is lived in the modern West—through real people, real communities, and real commitments. 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 the Dharma as a lived, relational tradition for generations to come.
