08.22.2025 Listen to Larry Ward   On Tuesday this week folks in the Buddhist and mindfulness world arose to the news that Dr. Larry Ward — author and dharma teacher in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village community, co-founder of The Lotus Institute, partner and co-teacher to Peggy Rowe Ward, and longtime friend and contributor to Lion’s Roar, had passed away. The Lotus Institute’s announcement of Larry’s death noted that he “had faced some health challenges recently,” but from a bit of a distance it felt sudden, as any such loss or death might — especially given the vitality and resilience that was on natural display in Larry’s relaxed, wise countenance and his teachings. So this Weekend Reader, we’d just like to share with you some of Larry’s teachings as published by Lion’s Roar over the years. For Larry, listening was key to being mindful and connected, so it suits that a couple of these pieces are meant to be heard. Whether you’re hearing Larry’s teachings for the first time or the fourteenth, may they help wake you — and us all — up to the beauty of each and every unique moment. And may we all hold Larry, and Peggy, in our hearts with gratitude for all their wisdom, compassion, and selflessness. Thank you for reading, and thank you for your practice. — Rod Meade Sperry, Senior Editor, Special Projects Listening to the Sounds of the Earth Larry Ward shares the daily meditation he uses every morning and every evening to ground himself with the planet.   ADVERTISEMENT How to Really Listen with Drs. Larry and Peggy Ward Two senior dharma teachers ordained by peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh share a poetic dharma talk and guided meditation to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with each other.   I Will Follow in the Direction of Hope Larry Ward looks at the path of leadership, and how we get entangled along the way. What I learned from my beloved teacher in terms of leadership, and lifelong practice with disempowerment and empowerment, starts with the story of my wife, Peggy, and I having the pleasure of being married in Plum Village almost thirty years ago, with people from around the world. The sun was out. It was a great day. (Except for me being on my knees for a long time — I thought I was going to die!) Then we went back to where we lived in Idaho. We had a new little house. And about six months after the ceremony, it was bombed by the Aryan Nation.