or the enlightened teacher, the teachings, and the community. The wheels also relate to the turning of the wheel of dharma, or skillfully using the teachings of the Buddha to face the challenges that the circle of life presents." Mission Tworkov stated that the initial vision for the magazine "was simply to disseminate the dharma. That remains the essential mission and the most inspiring aspect of my work." According to the Tricycle website the Tricycle Foundation's mission is to "create forums for exploring contemporary and historic Buddhist activity, examine the impact of its new context in the democratic traditions of the West, and introduce fresh views and attainable methods for enlightened living to the culture at large. At the core of the Foundation’s mission is the alleviation of suffering that Buddhist teachings are meant to bring about. Tricycle is an independent foundation unaffiliated with any one lineage or sect." Readership According to Notre Dame's American Studies Chair Thomas A. Tweed, Tricycle, based on surveys, "estimated that half of the publication's sixty thousand subscribers do not describe themselves as Buddhist." The vast majority of Tricycle’s readership is politically active and considers social engagement to be most appropriate to, even a key component of, Buddhist practice. Awards Tricycle has twice garnered the Utne Media Award, most recently in 2013. The 2013 Award was for "Best Body/Spirit Coverage." The Utne Reader described why it chose Tricycle:Since its founding in 1991, Tricycle has become a beacon for Western Buddhists, attracting a variety of other spiritual seekers along the way. In the past year, the pages of Tricycle have considered serious topics from addiction to aging, challenged widely accepted notions of the historical Buddha, and recounted spiritual quests that have not led to Buddhism. This openness to difficulty and uncertainty suggests a living-out of the words the magazine puts to print… After much deliberation, some back-issue rereading, and more than one impassioned speech, we're very pleased to announce Tricycle as the winner of Utne's 2013 Media Award for Body/Spirit Coverage. With a wealth of exceptional titles to choose from, the decision was difficult to make. Tricycle stood out for great writing and presentation—but most important was a noted willingness to surprise, even challenge, readers. Through this atmosphere of lively dialogue, Tricycle offers Western Buddhists (and many more) a point of entry to a community of thoughtful spiritual seekers.Tricycle has also been awarded the Folio Award