| WEEKLY BUDDHISM NEWS & REVIEW December 2006 Understanding the Dhamma through direct knowledge U. Mapa - Understanding the Dhamma: There are three kinds of knowledge in relation to Dhamma. First, knowledge acquired by learning - called suthamaya gnana. It may be by hearing from some one or by reading. Second type is knowledge gained by reasoning which is chinthamaya gnana; and the third is direct knowledge gained through contemplation or meditation. This is called bhavanamaya gnana which is insight knowledge. How energies are merged into 'oneness' energy Erika Dias: Meditation: We must, therefore, nip the habitual circle of thinking and the action that follows and think anti-clockwise and act anti-clockwise. We must consciously refine our experience and make it pure and precious. Ex-hotel manager's wish fulfilled Many people have different wishes in their lives. Sometimes they come true some times not; for Dr. G.V.A.B. Peiris who has an honourary doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy, his long standing wish was one day to be a Buddhist Monk for six months and to practise meditation. For the last 25 years he had been nursing this idea in his mind. But there was no one to help him. A case for vegetarianism D. P. Atukorale Vegetarianism: As far as I am aware majority of Sri Lankan Buddhist monks consume flesh. Any monk invited to an almsgiving (dana) at the home of a Buddhist knows that in almost all the cases, the "dayakaya" will offer food that the monk would like to eat. Majority of "dayakayas" usually ask the monks or his "abiththaya" (attendant) or people known to the monk as to what kind of food the monk normally eats, so that the "dayakaya" can avoid giving food that does not agree with him physically or spiritually. As all the monks to whom we give alms happen to be total vegetarians, above problem does not arise in our case. An unparalleled record of honours for poet and peace missionary Eileen Siriwardhana Peace missionary: Daisaku Ikeda has recently been conferred his 200th honorary degree from Beijing Normal University. An unparalleled record. Ikeda's mission has been to bring hope to millions of people through humanist and non - violent measures - lofty ideals of Buddhist philosophy. "And then while raging at the misery and injustice of this earth. I proceed stage by stage along the path of human life. 100th anniversary of Poorvarama Maha Vihara Nirmala Samarasinghe 100th anniversary: The 100th anniversary of Poorvarama Maha Vihara, Dias Place, Colombo will be celebrated on the 24th of this month by the opening of the newly built five storeyed building at the vihara premises. This five storeyed building is named 'Thisarana Religious and Educational Centre' and flanked by a 'chetiya' on the top floor with 28 Buddha statues. The pinnacle-laying ceremony of the 'Chaithya' was held on the 14th December and unveiling of the pinnacle will take place on the 24th. Meditation for all : Nurturing universal skill to care for oneself and the other Erika Dias Meditation: To manipulate and enjoy 'bliss' in the earth-planet tremendous effort is needed. Once we die and stay for a brief time in the astral planet this oneness energy we can enjoy here as the astral world is nothing but mixing of energies. We take with us after we die only thought energy, not our physical bodies. Thought to thought is like mind to mind direct communication. The key to know oneself Ven. B. Souraba Nanda THE KEY: Buddhism plays a great role not just as an incomparable philosophy but more as a great source of practice in our day today life. In other words, Buddhism is more to be practised and above all to be realised. The Buddha practised what He preached (yatha vadi tatha kari). Therefore a genuine Buddhist is one who furnishes and dedicates his lifestyle and finds satisfaction in the light of the Buddha's sublime teachings. Expressing 'the ancient wisdom in the idiom of our time' Andrew Scott Title: The First and Best Buddhist Teachings: Sutta Nipata Selections and Inspired Essays Author: Dr. Susunaga Weeraperuma Publishers: New Age Books, New Delhi Price: Rs. 250 (paperback) and Rs. 395 (hardcover) The First and Best Buddhist Teachings Sutta Nipata Selections and Inspired Essays is a neatly brought out book that should be read and re-read not only by Buddhists but by all those who have an interest to lead a religious and enlightened life in any part of the world. The essence of Buddhism U. MAPA BUDDHISM: The Buddha's last words to the bhikkhus, before his parinibbana, were: "Now monks, I declare to you: all conditioned things are of a nature to decay, work out your salvation without delay.' (Vayadhamma sankhara, appamadena samapadetha). In this very brief exhortation the Buddha did not make reference to dukka (suffering), cause of dukkha, or the liberation from dukka. Meditation for communal harmony and individual well-being K. A. PERERA, Wadduwa special correspondent Ven. Sasthrapathi Moraketiare Dhammika Thera the chief incumbent of Sri Mahindarama temple, Wadduwa with a group of young meditators. MEDITATION: The Ven. Sasthrapathi Moraketiare Dhammika Thera, the chief incumbent of Mahindarama temple, Wadduwa who visited Thailand and stayed at Wat Sanhathan Nonthaburi temple at Thailand is impressed by the meditation and the basic Buddhist teachings inculcated to the children in the early stage of their lives in order to promote communal harmony and individual well-being in society. Appreciation of a missionary monk: Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera Daya SIRISENA APPRECIATION: "Dulabo purisanno naso sabbatha jayathi" The birth of noble personalities is a rarity. Such persons would not be born everywhere. Three months have gone by since passing away of this scholar monk. This article is in memory of Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda. Without a beginning and an end over unimaginable aeons of time rolling cycles of cosmos unfold themselves as world produces civilisations that fall into decay and pass away. Birth centennial of Rissho Kosei-kai founder RISSHO Kosei-kai is a lay Buddhist Society in Japan with 6.5 million members in Japan and 17 other countries including Sri Lanka. Its founder Rev. Nikkyo Niwano was a principal participant in the World Peace Foundation. His birth centennial falls this year. Rev. Nikkyo Niwano To mark Rev. Nikkyo Niwano's birth centennial Rissho Kosei-kai of Sri Lanka will hold an Inter Faith Peace Seminar on December 03 in Colombo. Two kinds of freedom Ajahn BRAHM FREEDOM: There are two kinds of freedom to be found in our world: the freedom of desires and the freedom from desires. Two highly attained Thai monks had been invited to a lay supporter's home to take thier morning meal. In the reception room where they were waiting, there was a decorative fish tank stocked with many species. Plans afoot to revive pledge to Buddhism Deputy Interior Minister Banyat Chansena yesterday proposed that all Buddhist children formally pledge their allegiance to Buddhism when they are eight years old - a tradition adopted during the reign of King Rama VI. He said the idea was part of a long-term government plan to promote morality among Thai youth. The practice would encourage Thai people to observe Buddhist teachings more closely and appreciate Dharma earlier. November 2006 Pancha Seela - bedrock of good governance (Part 1) Indrani IRIYAGOLLE PANCHA SEELA: Throughout the past 2550 years and more Buddhist "Pancha Seela" precepts have guided religious leaders, philosophers, statesmen, moralists, politicians, social scientists and many others. In these principles are embedded moral warnings against injustice to one's ourself and to others. These Buddhist stanzas in Pali though not composed by the Buddha are principles that evolved from the teachings of the Buddha as requisites for the practice of moral goodness or "Seela" for both clergy and laymen. 'High-tech monk' the new Chief Prelate of Singapore Kalakeerti Edwin ARIYADASA Venerabale monk has established several outstanding firsts for Sri Lanka. He introduced the system of temporary ordination of young ones. The initiative received wide publicity in Singapore media. The exposition of the Buddha relics, under his sponsorship, was an unprecedented religious event in Singapore. HIGH-TECH MONK: At a ceremony held at Malwatta monastery in Kandy, the title 'Chief Prelate of Singapore' was solemnly conferred upon Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thera, Chief Monk and Chief Administrator of the Singapore Buddhist Meditation Centre. Buddhism has many principles that fit with democracy - Dr. Robert Thurman, professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University has visited Bhutan many times since the early 90s. On his most recent visit he spoke to Kuensel on the changes he has seen, Buddhism and democracy and the alienation of Bhutanese youth from their cultural moorings. (excerpts from the interview) Dr. Robert Thurman gave a talk in Thimphu on Thursday Q This is the sixth or seventh time you have visited Bhutan. What brings you back this time? A The usual thing. A group of people who want to do a pilgrimage rather than tourism. And so we decided to have a retreat and practice Buddhism, meditating and discussing the Dharma while visiting the holy places in Bhutan Centre of Buddhist faith: Bodh Gaya: Early winter sky is still pink with the rays of the morning sun, which is still much below the cone-shaped domes of Bodh Gaya. A familiar fragrance of Rukattana flowers wafts in the air. As you climb the broad marble steps and enter the precincts of Bodh Gaya Temple, you forget the squalor outside its boundaries... Beggars, most of them disabled, sales shacks and vendors' pitches built all over, vehicles parked haphazardly, rickshaws plying past ... The ancient splendour of Rasseruwa The cries of birds and laughing thrushes filled the morning air as I followed the partly gravel road which was lined on either side by shrub jungle, paddyfield and chena to Rasseruwa rock cave temple where the first colossus of Aukana stands majestically amidst the dense foliage. Sutra found in rubble of Bamiyan Buddha 2006/11/14 TOKYO, AFP A part of a Buddhism sutra was found inside one of the two giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, providing a hint for unveiling the mystery surrounding the creation of the statues, a Japanese news agency reported. The fragment of the scripture was believed to be the original Sanskrit document, written with the letters often used in the sixth and seventh century, according to a Kyodo news dispatch from Kabul. Historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara Rupa Banduwardana TEMPLE: Miraculous and Marvellous temple referred to as the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, with a heritage of glorious history, stands out as the most historic and significant among the many temples in the island today. Situated on the Dehiwela-Maharagama road about two kilometres away from the Colombo-Galle highway in a scenic location, originally surrounded by green fields, this powerful enchanting temple is among the oldest, dating back to the Anuradhapura period. Buddhist temple an AIDS hospice LOP BURI, Thailand: Thailand's primary AIDS hospice at a Buddhist temple here, once a place of certain death, is now becoming overcrowded by the living - people whose lives have been saved by medication but who are rejected by their families or neighbours. Already an international leader in programs for prevention of HIV infection, Thailand has over the past year become a pioneer in distributing low-cost antiretroviral drugs, which are available to all who need them for less than $1 a treatment. India beckons to nirvana seekers By NIRMALA GEORGE -- Associated Press Buddhist monks pray inside the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India. For years, those tourists were largely people who grew up Buddhist, often in Japan, Thailand or Sri Lanka. But increasingly, Buddhism's appeal has spread to the West, where the Buddha's teachings about nonviolence and spiritualism have been melded with beliefs ranging from Judaism to atheism. (AP Photo/Prashant Ravi) October 2006 All set for the grandest Katina Pinkama in recent Lumbini history Malini Govinnage LUMBINI: Lumbini, small town in Nepal will witness the grandest ever religious celebration in its recent history, when All Ceylon Buddhist Congress will take part in the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi and Katina Pooja on 26th and 27th of this month at this place. Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Laying the foundation for a new pilgrims' rest which will be built by the Congress also takes place on the second day, the 27th. Two aspects of Dharma practice Bhikkhu Bodhi Here, I want to suggest that to learn from the Buddha, in a practical context, primarily means to learn two aspects of the Dharma that ideally should run parallel. I will call these self-transformation and self-transcendence. The final goal of the teaching, enlightenment or liberation, is attained through an act of self-transcendence, an act by which we step beyond the limits and boundaries of the conditioned mind and penetrate the unconditioned truth. This act is exercised by wisdom. However, liberating wisdom can arise only in a mind that is properly nurtured, and the process of nurturing the mind is the work of self-transformation. Sacred symbol of gratitude S.N. Goenka On the occasion of the enshrinement of the Sacred Buddha Relics, in the Global Pagoda in Mumbai on 29th October. The magnificent Global Pagoda being built near Mumbai is a sacred symbol of our boundless gratitude towards the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha; towards Emperor Asoka and his teacher Arhant Moggalliputta Tissa Thera, who held the third and final Synod in India on 326 AD, 218 years after the Mahaparinibbana of the Buddha. BODH GAYA, India The road to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, had been long and strenuous. Four hours of jolting along potholed roads had taken their toll. My back was sore and I was more in need of spinal therapy than the spiritual therapy that had brought me to Bihar, a poverty-wracked state infamous for its appalling crime and lawlessness. Journey to a spiritual oasis Nirmala George: The road to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism's holiest sites, had been long and strenuous. Four hours of jolting along potholed roads had taken their toll. My back was sore and I was more in need of spinal therapy than the spiritual therapy that had brought me to Bihar, a poverty-wracked state infamous for its appalling crime and lawlessness. Sri Lankan Buddhists to participate in Lumbini Katina Pinkama Ven. Panditha Eetalawetuna Wewa Gnanathilaka Thera, Viharadhipati, Mirisaweti Maha Viharaya, Anuradhapura. The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress led by its chairman Jagath Sumathipala has organised a Katina Maha Pinkama at the sacred Lumbini city in Nepal, the birthplace of Gauthama Buddha, this month to mark the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi. The pinkama held with the participation of a large number of Sri Lankan Buddhists and blessings of the Maha Sangha will go down in history as the biggest and most unique Buddhist event held in the Buddha's birthplace in recent times. A tribute to "Phra Raj Udom Mongkhon Phaholnarathorn", Ajar Tala Uttama The Mon people would like to offer deep condolences on Ajar Tala's leaving for Devaloka. After two years of medical treatment at Sirirat Hospital with the Royal Patronage, 96 year old Ajar Tala Uttama passed away at 07.22 am. 18 October 2006 in the midst of praying by the Mon people of Sangkhlaburi since he was hospitalized. Ajar Tala's remains has been brought back to the monastery in Sangkhlaburi immediately in accordance with his request before he was hospitalized. He usually used herbs, such as turmeric, sesame oil in healing diseases while he was observing the Dhutanga Practices in the forest. New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and her followers will embrace Buddhism after the BSP gains an absolute majority at the Centre. Ms. Mayawati announced this on Monday at the conclusion of the seventh day rites of party founder Kanshi Ram which were conducted according to Buddhist tradtions at her New Delhi residence. Thousands of Dalits leave Hinduism Thousands of Indian untouchables, also known as Dalit, have left Hinduism and adopted Buddhism and Christianity in a mass conversion ceremony that took place in Nagpur last Saturday. The event was organised by the All India Conference of SC/ST Organisation and the India Christian Council to mark World Religious Freedom Day, a day designed to protest against caste-based discrimination and anti-conversion laws that limit religious freedom adopted in some Indian states ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As a sign of protest, participants burnt copies of the laws in question. 30,000 people embrace "Buddhism" in India's Karnataka New Delhi, Oct 15, IRNA India-Religion-Embraces Over 30,000 Hindu Dalits embraced "Buddhism" in a massive congregation, organised on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of B R Ambedkar converting to the religion, in Gulburga, a city of Karnata state. International Buddhist Youth Organisation President Bhante Bodhi Dhamma solemnised the ceremony by making the converts take pledge of abstaining from stealing, intoxication, illicit sexual relationships and lying, and practicing meditation, a UNI report said here. Learning from the Buddha Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi Excerpts from a talk at the Bodhi Monastery, USA LEARNING: Nowadays, here in the United States, there is a great interest in Buddhism at many levels. Too often, however, practitioners and scholars are separated by a great gap, almost as if they were living in different worlds. Many who consider themselves Buddhist practitioners think of Buddhist practice simply as mediation, pursued in isolation from a broader understanding of the Dharma. 'All Dhammas are on fire' - Part II Dr. Ron Wijewantha Continued from October 04, 2006 Mind or Nama: There are four components or aggregates comprising the mind. But at the fundamental level they are simply four processes in constant interaction with one another. These are: sensation or feeling (vedana), perception, sense-impressions (sanna), reaction or cognitive activities (sankhara) and consciousness (vinana). Kandy - the fascinating Hill Capital by Beverley Jansz Kandy, the fascinating hill capital of Sri Lanka, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here that once, Sinhala Kings ruled majestically. Kandy is still very much a focal point of Sri Lankan culture. It was the capital of the last generation of Sri Lanka's Kings until it fell into the hands of the British in 1815. India's Buddhist heritage beckons seekers of spiritual nirvana BODH GAYA, India -- The road to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism's holiest sites, had been long and strenuous. Four hours of jolting along potholed roads had taken their toll. My back was sore and I was more in need of spinal therapy than the spiritual therapy that had brought me to Bihar, a poverty-wracked state infamous for its appalling crime and lawlessness. 'All dhammas are on fire' Dr. Ron Wijewantha Arhantship: One of the most amazing events recorded in Buddhist texts is the simultaneous attainment of a thousand bhikkhus Arhantship by listening to a short Dhamma discourse of the Buddha. This occurred within the very first year of His Enlightenment, and just a few months after He had ordained Yasa the son of a wealthy millionaire and forty-nine of his friends as members of the Sangha. It will perhaps be recollected that Yasa had been disillusioned with life as a sybarite, and was walking aimlessly in a park in Varanasi, when he had the good fortune to meet the Buddha. Knowledge and truth in early Buddhism An examination of the Kalama Sutta and related Pali Canonical texts Dharmacari Nagapriya Kalama Sutta: What is the Dharma? At first glance this may seem a trivial question. At least for a Buddhist, it hardly seems worth asking. Surely, it is the Noble Eight-fold Path, the Three Characteristics of Conditioned Existence, the Four Noble Truths and, above all Dependent Origination (pa.ticca-samuppaada). However, upon further investigation it may seem less clear that such teachings are 'obviously' the Dharma. Had the Tamil North a Buddhist background? by Paulinus Tambimuttu Dagobas at Kantherodai The view held by some archaeologists, that for some centuries before and after the beginning of the Christian era the majority of the Tamils in India and Ceylon were Buddhists, has been strengthened by the discovery of the ruins of two dagobas at Kantherodai and antique coins and beads which point to ancient Buddhistic influence in the North. Proposal to amend Buddhagaya Temple Management Committee Act Upali RUPASINGHE INDIA: A proposal to amend the Buddhagaya Temple Management Committee Act in order to give more powers to the World Buddhist community in temple activities by appointing the Governor of Bihar State as the Chairman of the Committee and increase its Buddhist membership by seventy five percent is now before India's Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for final approval. India's Buddhist heritage a draw October 4, 2006 By Nimrala George Associated Press Adjust font size: BODH GAYA, India (AP) -- The road to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism's holiest sites, had been long and strenuous. Four hours of jolting along potholed roads had taken their toll. My back was sore and I was more in need of spinal therapy than the spiritual therapy that had brought me to Bihar, a poverty-wracked state infamous for its appalling crime and lawlessness. Buddha-Bar represents hipster enlightenment A 17-foot statue of Buddha dominates the Buddha-Bar's dining room. By Kathy Ehrich Dowd, USA TODAY Hot spot: Buddha-Bar, in New York's Meatpacking District Sizzle factor: A 17-foot, black-lacquered Buddha stands tall as the centerpiece in this 15,000-square-foot restaurant and lounge that opened in April. Lindsay Lohan has been there at least a half-dozen times, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler declares: "It's fun and draws cool people. It has a theme, and I like themes." Archaeologists work to salvage fragments of the giant Buddhas By Andrew Maykuth The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT) BAMIYAN, Afghanistan - The supervisor halted work. Another suspicious piece of metal had been uncovered. As 50 workers stood amid the remains of two giant Buddhas carved into the cliffs of this serene valley, a munitions expert examined the rubble for unexploded bombs. This time they were safe. September 2006 Comedy and tragedy of Self - Kingsley Heendeniya: SELF: I think it is Lady Pankhurst who told Winston Churchill, in Parliament, "If you were my husband, I will poison your drink." And Churchill retorted, "Madam, if you were my wife, I shall drink it!" Throughout history, the world has witnessed this play and display of the self. The over-arch of the self in its many-faceted splendor, vanity and frustration has dominated literature and art, passion, creativity, discovery, war and terror, and much besides. Ceremony of bathing the Buddha and purifying the mind Ven. Xin-xing CEREMONY: The Buddha is the bringer of light to all beings. The suttas say that on the occasion of all the major events in the Buddha's life, there appeared a surpassing light radiating all over the world, which even beings living in the darkest part of the world could witness. This light is said to have been so brilliant and so wonderful that in comparison the sun and the moon lost their splendour. The Buddha brings light to beings and dispels the eternal darkness of the world with this brilliant, marvellous, radiant light. The Buddhist way of life B. N. B. Pethiyagoda BUDDHIST WAY: The birth of a child is a happy event. Parents have the onerous duty of bearing the responsibility of caring for their children and nurturing them to become useful adults of the future. For this the religion plays an important role in providing parents with a framework within which to train the young ones in ethics, behaviour and morality. In Buddhism the Buddha has given very useful advice on the duties of parents towards their children and vice versa. Buddhism becomes alternative religious ticket in the USA -25/09/06 Fed up with both consumer-driven secular materialism and the aggressive certainties of the mainly Christian religious right, an increasing number of people in the United States are turning towards Buddhism as an alternative form of spiritual enlightenment. On understanding intentions in Dhamma: Kingsley Heendeniya : Dhamma: The word for 'intention' in the Dhamma is cetana. It is ubiquitous in the teaching. Understanding it correctly is integral. In this short essay, I shall try to explore its meaning. Consciousness Let me begin with consciousness [vinnana]. Vinnana is the existential determination determining all experience. No one can know how it came to be incorporated in matter. Characteristically, the Buddha does not speak about its origination because it is irrelevant. He taught a fistful of things relevant to the present problem: arising of dukkha. Thus, the standpoint to understanding vinnana and everything in the teaching is this element, dukkha. Monastic site in peril by Elmo Leonard Monastic site: The village of Akbopura of the past, and Giritale, today, rests south of Polonnaruwa and the people here, are dependent on rice farming, as it was in times of yore. Here, live 160 Buddhist families, making this village an all-Buddhist setting. The work of treasure hunters at the apex of this Stupa. It was a Full Moon Poya Day and the zealous Buddhist Monk, In-Charge of the village temple Ven. Diyasenpura Sumanajothi Thera looked like a grandmaster attending to the spiritual needs of the Dayakas. The respect they have for Ven. Sumanajothi Thera, now for four years, the Chief Incumbent, is noteworthy. Buddhism from the Net - Simile of the Lion King The Lion King: Ever-victorious between heaven and earth is the Lion King. Our Grand Master shall earnestly expound the reason for this. Divine Light produced by the prana, channels an inner-fire, will release the unrestrained Holy Hero from worldly bindings! On March 24th, while delivering a sermon on the Great Rainbow Brilliance Accomplishment at the True Buddha Tantric Quarters, His Holiness Living Buddha Lian-sheng explained to the assembly the significance of practising Dharma in the spirit of the Lion King. An introduction to Buddhist psychotherapy Dr. H.S.S. Nissanka Psychotherapy: According to a report published by the American Psychologists' Association in 1997, there are a hundred mental disorders which are on the increase in the world today. During the last two centuries, five types of psychotherapy has been developed in the West. They are: 1. Chemotherapy, 2. Electroplexy (Shock therapy), 3. Psycho-surgery, 4. Psycho-analysis and 5. Behaviourial therapy. There is, at present, a predominant belief that medication (use of psychiatric medicine) is the only acceptable therapy for mental disorders. But in actual fact, even with the use of the newest psychiatric medicines, very often Western psychiatry has failed to cure conclusively a large number of mental disorders. The Dalai Lama's visit spotlights the fact that, with 1.5 million adherents, Buddhism is America's fourth-largest religion. The Anapanasati Sutta - Theravada tradition Dr. Ron Wijewantha. The Anapanasati Sutta: The Theravada commentaries state that understanding and comprehending with insight this sutta is possible, only if the course of his practice, the meditator is first able to enter the four material jhanas. This essentially is what separates it from the Mahayana version. The waterfall : Shunryu Suzuki Waterfall: If you go to Japan and visit Eiheiji monastery, just before you enter you will see a small bridge called Hanshaku-kyo which means "half-dipper bridge." Whenever Dogen-zenji dipped water from the river, he used only half a dipperful returning the rest to the river again, without throwing it away. That is why we call the bridge Hanshaku-kyo, "Half Dipper Bridge." At Eiheiji when we wash our face, we fill the basin to just seventy percent of its capacity. And after we wash, we empty the water towards, rather than away from, our body. This expresses respect for the water. This kind of practice is not based on any idea of being economical. Why realization of Nibbana is difficult U. MAPA: NIBBANA: As Buddhists we believe in a beginning-less journey of births and deaths called samsara. We also accept that there are 31 realms, like resting places, in this long samasric journey for beings to be born. These 31 realms are from the lowest i.e. the hell to the highest -Brahma realms. Saga of a missionary monk The late Ven. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda, who was the Chief Sangha Nayake of Malaysia and Singapore. MISSIONARY MONK: In 1951 Venerable K. Sri Pannasara Nayake Thera, head of the Vidyalankara Pirivena received a letter from the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society of Kuala Lumpur asking for a monk to reside in its temple in Brickfields to administer to the religious needs of the Buddhist community in Malaya Lotus Sutra focused on common people Dr. Tilak S. FERNANDO( Part 1 of this article was published on September 06, 2006) When people chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to the Gohonzon, one is able to bring forth the law of life, from within oneself where one fuses one's life with the Gohonzon. Daishonin followers believe that only through this fusion people can attain the objective of their practice, the Buddhahood. The Tathagata is unique Monks, the world is fully understood by the Tathagata; the Tathagata is released from the world. The origin of the world is fully understood by the Tathagata; the origin of the world is abandoned by the Tathagata. The cessation of the world is fully understood by the Tathagata; the cessation of the world has been realized by the Tathagata. Meditation on full awareness of breathing Dr. Ron Wijewantha The Anapanasati sutta: The Anapanasati sutta is considered by many, as first and foremost in the field of mental training in Buddhism. In fact, it is the Buddha himself, who in recommending it as a complete method for attaining Nibbana, praised it as "the Noble abode (Ariya-vihara), the Divine abode (Brahma-vihara) and the Buddha-abode." (S.v. 326). It is recorded in the Mahasaccaka sutta that the bodhisatta Gotama used "in and out breathing with mindfulness" as his meditation subject to reach and abide in the first jhana while yet in his infancy. Buddhism from the Net: Gentle ways to success at work Tarthang Tulku Energy: Energy is our most precious resource, for it is the means by which we transform our creative potential into meaningful action. Our bodies and minds are channels for this energy; they determine the nature of its expression. When we take full advantage of all the possibilities life has to offer, our minds, our hearts, and our energy work together harmoniously, opening us to the full richness of life, the deep enjoyment of experience. Buddhist chief monk K. Sri Dhammananda dies PETALING JAYA: The Chief High Priest of Malaysia and Singapore, Venerable Dr K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera, passed away peacefully at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre at 12.42pm yesterday. He was 87. Those who wish to pay their last respects may do so at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, until 2pm on Sunday. August 2006 Buddhist attitude to other religions Professor K.N. Jayatillake: If we consider possible attitudes of one religion towards another in the light of history, they seem to be classifiable under three main headings. The first is that of dominance based on the belief that one's religion alone contains the full truth and that other religions are either completely false or contain so few elements of truth that the sooner they are ousted by whatever means at one's disposal the better it would be for mankind. The next is the attitude of fulfilment which draws its strength from the belief that while other religions contain important elements of truth they find their fullest is the attitude of co-operation which arises out of a conviction that: Why are rituals necessary? Rajah Kuruppu - Buddha Image: It is said by many that the worship of the image of the Buddha is actually a homage to a great teacher of gods and men. There are offerings of flowers to the Buddha, the lighting of lamps and the burning of incense. Apart from the gesture of homage, there is a deep symbolism in these practices as expressed in the Pali formulae that are recited along with these practices. In the offering of flowers the transient nature of life is reflected. Just as these beautiful flowers will fade away with time so my own body would age and die. Archeologists discover Stupa, Buddha in central Afghanistan A joint archeologist team of Afghan and France has discovered a vast Stupa of Buddhism and 22 other artifacts including a statue of Buddha near the destroyed giant Buddhas in Afghanistan's central Bamyan province, a local newspaper reported Monday. THE SOUND OF MINDFULNESS - Turning off the shower at 2.15 am, I hear something for the very first time - the sound of mindfulness; the sound of the ticking of a small clock on a shelf in the bathroom. I had no idea it ticked so "loudly". The ticking was highlighted by the still of the night, by my mind silenced by the stillness. It was amazing how definite and crisp the ticking sounded - without the sound of the running shower, without the chatter of my mind's thoughts. Dealing with criticism at your work Regardless of how well you do in your work, the people around you are always criticizing you. SOLUTION: The solution for this problem is to be very sensitive about paying attention to how your actions and words affect those around you. That is, before you say or do anything, consider carefully how it might impact others in the workplace. The urbane traveller ... Continued from 09-08-2006 (http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/08/09) Ven. S. Dhammika THE URBANE TRAVELLER: We read of him sleeping in a potter's shed on grass spread on the floor (M,I;502). On another occasion he arrived in Kapilavatthu and finding no proper lodgings, spent the night in Barandu's hermitage sleeping on a mat on the ground (A, I;277). Often he must have simply slept in one of the many mango groves that to this day are still to be seen near most north Indian villages. Finding him out in the open one winter's night Hattaka asked the Buddha if he was happy. The Buddhist way for a better world KANDY: International Buddhist Conference, Kandy Sri Lanka 11th and 12th August 2006. The Draft final report of the First International Buddhist Conference organized by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy under the patronage of the Malvatta Mahavhiara, the Asgiriya Mahavihara and the Government of Sri Lanka. A. SRIVATHSAN Bhubaneswar, the ancient city of the Kalinga Empire, grew into a glorious royal and pilgrimage centre between the 6th and 16th centuries A.D. It would be impossible to imagine a pack of 200 cards and a game with no numbers, no ace, no spades and certainly no jokers. But it does exist or at least it did in India. If you are looking for a contrast to Borobudur, the pagodas of Myanmar provide that contrast: Borobudur, impressive as it is, is a reconstructed set of ruins which have long been abandoned by any living community of Buddhist; Myanmar's pagodas are alive with devotees in a country that, whatever esle it is, is Buddhist. A systematic attempt to wipe out Buddhism in Mongolia was undertaken in the 1930s under the Stalinist leader Choibalsan. Tens of thousand of lamas were murdered, most monasteries were plundered and razed, and ancient scriptures were destroyed. Four boulders keep rolling Four boulders: Once the Buddha was living at the Monastery in Jeta's grove at Savatthi. It had been customary that most of the people of Savatthi paid courtesy visits to the Buddha twice daily and paid homage. The ruling monarch at the time in the kingdom of Kosala too routinely visited the Buddha at the Jeta's grove whenever time permitted on days with no special royal assignments were taking place. History of the 'Encyclopaedia of Buddhism' project Encyclopaedia of Buddhism : The compilation of an Encyclopaedia of Buddhism in the English medium was one of the several undertakings of the Lanka Bauddha Mandalaya (Buddhist Council of Sri Lanka) which was set up by the government of Sri Lanka in 1955, in connection with the celebration of Buddha Jayanthi, the 2500th Anniversary of the Buddhist Era, as traditionally accepted in countries of South Asia where Theravada form of Buddhism prevails. Ageing and death Delighting in the Venerable Sariputta's words The bikkhus asked him Might there be another way, Another way to right view To the true Dhamma. A surge of swanky Buddha-themed bars and restaurants begs the question: WWBD?The lights are so dim at Tao Asian Bistro, a Manhattan restaurant and bar, you can barely read the menu to see the ingredients in your $12 Tao-tini cocktail. Above all the flirting, drinking, and spending, an illuminated 16-foot Buddha statue looms. Karma: A religious ideal or just another overused word? Karma originally was an ideal in the Buddhism and Hinduism religions. In recent years, it has become more universal. The idea of karma centers around good things happening to good people and bad things happening to bad people. Virtue and good deeds are rewarded, bad deeds and sin create suffering. The literal meaning of karma is “action” or “doing.” ...............................Vinnana and cyclic existence: An overview Mahinda Ramanayake The term vinnana appearing in the Buddhist texts is usually translated as consciousness. But we shall see from the following analysis that the term consciousness does not convey the real meaning of vinnana which has a far deeper meaning. The fact that the Buddha has acknowledged the biological and social evolution of beings is evident from the Agganna Sutra in the Digha Nikaya. Queen Maya holding a Sala branch: Vedic ritual Rohan L. Jayathilleke Vedic ritual: Queen Maya Devi of King Suddhodana, as the traditions demand, was on her way to her parents for the birth of the first child. Having ridden in the coaches with her retinue, reaching Lumbini Park (Nepal Terai now) from Kapilavastu palace, 26 kms to the north of Lumbini Park (not Kapilavastu at Piphrawa in India, but Tilauracot in Nepal Terai) while on her way to Videha, labour pains arose and she rested at Lumbini Park. Angulimala - 46 Anxious Bhaggava rushes to meet Mantani G. K. Ananda Kumarasiri BUDDHISM: Mantani related to Bhaggava what had transpired at the Jalini Forest. Bhaggava gave a big sigh of relief. He hugged Mantani and once again asked for her understanding for not setting out himself to warn their son. Mantani smiled and told him that she fully understood his predicament as a loyal high official of the king. Both reconciled themselves to the reality that their son had renounced the householders life and had ‘gone forth’. They whispered a silent prayer that their son would attain final emancipation through the spiritual path he had entered. Millions gaze at Buddha statue emanating 'miracle' rays Colombo, Aug. 2 (PTI): Millions of believers today flocked to various temples and roadside Buddha statues and held up traffic for long hours after word spread that "miracle rays" could be seen emanating from coloured images of the Buddha. The frenzy, reminiscent of the days when statues of Lord Ganesh "drank" milk, was especially noticed after the media reported that porous statues of the Buddha, especially the coloured ones, was giving off "miracle rays." July 2006 A review: Buddhist theory of development economics Ananda W. P. Guruge Development economics: Jagath W. Wickremasinghe. Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardanepura Sri Lanka, presented in January 2000 an "Introduction to the Buddhist Theory of Development Economics" with the title "People Friendly Economic Development." Dharmavijaya Foundation which published this paper as a brochure tied it to the following recommendation of the International Buddhist Conference. Colombo 1998: Sunyata: losing face, gaining emptiness Ven. Jen-chun Sunyata: In Buddhism we talk about Sunyata. This talk of Sunyata is essentially trying to tell us to widen our eyes, sharpen our vision, and open our hearts, so that we can gain freedom. Understanding this fundamental meaning of Sunyata, we will be able to thoroughly examine countless phenomena of the universe. These phenomena refer to heaven, the universe, the earth, and all the phenomena around them. Mahabodhi Committee Denies Rumor of Tree Branch Being Chopped Off Patna Daily, July 24, 2006 Bodh Gaya, India -- Denying that a branch of the historical Mahabodhi tree in Bodh Gaya under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago was recently cut off, the temple management said the news was not true and the branch in question was in fact chopped off over 30 years ago under the directions of noted horticulturists of that time. The challenge to the sangha in the 21st century Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi; Challenge: The Sangha - the order of fully ordained monks and nun s- is the visible representation of the Buddha in the world; for twenty-five centuries, it has sustained the continuity of the Dhamma among humankind; by its procedures of ordination and transmission it ensures that the Buddha's legacy remains alive. The future cosmic religion Part one of this article was published on 12.07.2006 Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge M.D. Cosmic religion: "Karma" is a Sanskrit word meaning "action". It indicates that as a consequence of the law of cause and effect, each action creates a future action, and this produces an uninterrupted eternal chain. On the one hand we put our karma into existence through thoughts, words, and deeds. (According to Newton's 3rd law every action has an equal and opposite reaction) On the other hand, each thought, each word, and each deed expresses our karma. The future cosmic religion Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge M.D. Cosmic religion: In Buddhism the basis is mind. Mind precedes things, mind dominates them, and mind creates them. Buddhist psychology defines mental life in dynamic terms. Today many psychologists accept the dynamic nature of the human mind. In the western psychology mind is generally defined as the organized totality of physical structures and process, conscious, unconscious and endo-psychic philosophically , rather than psychologically the entity or substratum underling these strategies and processes. Jhanic experience or (Jhanic meditation) Part 3 of an essay which explains Jhanas and Jhanic experience in simple terms. The Third Jhana: He then strives to attain to the third jhana that is free of rapture (piti) but has the property of calmness. The transition from the second to the third jhana is a critical turing point in the practice. For, human beings have a natural attachment to thrills and excitement that agitate the mind. Awaken the Sleeping Buddha Within When the Buddha announced his impending exit from the sphere of mortality, his dear disciple Ananda burst into tears. "Lord, you have been the polestar of our spiritual path so far. A true Buddhist fears no god E. M. G. Edirisinghe Buddhist: Whether it is the deities or the symbolic images of gods, a good/true Buddhist fears none of them whosoever. However, mere holding of the title calling oneself a Buddhist for purposes of records, documentation or bio-data, does not give one the licence or the right and weight to lead a life unmindful of the wrath of god or gods. Gods are good servants of good Buddhists at whose difficulties they appear without appeals, prayers or gifts. Psychic factors of the Jhanic experience and first and second Jhanas Part 1 of this article was published on June 28, 2006 Ron Wijewantha PhD Psychic factors: The first two psychic factors of the jhanic experience are vitakka and vicara. Initial right thinking is called vitakka. It helps in eliminating sloth and torpor, and applies the mind and its concomitants to the object of concentration. 2,300-year-old artefacts may change Ashoka-Buddhist history The Organiser, July 9 2006 Issue BHUBANESWAR, India -- Orissa Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS) has unearthed some 2,300-year-old artefacts at Jajpur district in Orissa, which, it claimed, could change some historical narratives on the Ashokan period. The description of Chinese pilgrim Hieun-Tsang about Ashoka that he had constructed 10 stupas in Odra country where Buddha had preached may come true. The Buddha's true face Ven. S. Dhammika Thera Buddha Statue: In the Dhammadayada Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya the Buddha says, "Monks, be heirs of my Dhamma, not heirs of material things". Clearly the Buddha wanted his disciples to give more attention to his liberating teaching than to things like his bodily remains or personal possessions. Nonetheless, after his parinirvana his disciples felt deeply his absence and longed for some form of closeness to their beloved teacher. The stream winner - An elucidation Mahinda Ramanayake Noble Eightfold Path: A sotapanna or stream winner is one who has tread the Noble Eightfold Path to the extent that he or she will not fall back from that path in his or her journey through this round of births and deaths and will be heading towards Nirvana to be attained in a future birth. Eight Ashokan period stupas found in Orissa PTI, June 25, 2006 BHUBANESWAR, India -- Orissa Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS) has unearthed some 2,300 years-old artefacts in Jajpur district in the state which, it claimed, could change some historical narratives on the Ashokan period. "The description of Chinese piligrim Hieun-Tsang about Ashoka that he had constructed 10 stupas in Odra country where Buddha had preached may come true. Earlier, historians refused to accept the narrative. We have already analysed five stupas and found three more similar structures," OIMSEAS Director Debaraj Pradhan said here. June 2006 The Buddha's true faceby Ven. S. Dhammika Thera: Buddha Statue: In the Dhammadayada Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya the Buddha says, "Monks, be heirs of my Dhamma, not heirs of material things". Clearly the Buddha wanted his disciples to give more attention to his liberating teaching than to things like his bodily remains or personal possessions. Nonetheless, after his parinirvana his disciples felt deeply his absence and longed for some form of closeness to their beloved teacher. The stream winner - An elucidation : Mahinda Ramanayake - Noble Eightfold Path: A sotapanna or stream winner is one who has tread the Noble Eightfold Path to the extent that he or she will not fall back from that path in his or her journey through this round of births and deaths and will be heading towards Nirvana to be attained in a future birth. The sorry state of Thai Buddhism There are better ways of ensuring the relevance of our national religion than mass ceremonies or big temples It has become customary for the Religious Affairs Department and Buddhist monastic authorities to intensify the enforcement of disciplinary standards for monks in the run-up to major religious holidays. With the approach of Buddhist Lent, which starts on July 11, they have decided to single out one monk in Nakhon Sawan's Takhli district who has won a huge following among the lottery-buying public for his supposed supernatural powers to predict winning numbers. Overcoming brain damage by Sati - mindfulness Rajah Kuruppu Recently I ran into Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thera, Sangha Nayaka of America. He has his Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, USA. I met the venerable Thera when I went for a recording of the radio programme Buddhist Forum at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). There in the Lobby of the SLBC he introduced me to Ven. Dhammanissayo Thera, an American monk, who was able to overcome serious damage to his brain caused by brain surgery, which was necessary to save his life, by being in Sati or mindfulness almost all the wakeful hours of the day. Sri Lankans celebrate 2550th Buddha Jayanthi in China The Vesak celebrations to mark the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi, organised by the Sri Lanka Embassy in association with the Sri Lankan expatriate and student community in the Beijing area, currently numbering about 200, was held at the Embassy premises on May 13. The 5-meter pandal erected at the Embassy premises The Chinese Buddhist delegation of five monks was led by the Most Venerable Sheng Hui, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China and included representatives from State Administration of Religious Affairs. The Ven. Sheng Hui was recently accorded the title "Buddha Sasana Keerthi Sri Lokarthacharya" in Sri Lanka. Angulimala - 43: Angulimala offers his favourite food to the Buddha G.K. Ananda Kumarasiri BUDDHISM: The Enlightened One accepted the alms offered to Him and divided it into two portions. Taking one portion for Himself, He handed back to Angulimala the other, saying "this food was prepared by your dear mother out of great love for you. It is only proper that you at least consume a portion of it, my son." Gandhi proclaimed himself a Buddhist Mahatma Gandhi: In the 1920s, Mahatma Gandhi proclaimed himself a Buddhist, saying that Buddhism was rooted in Hinduism and represented its essence. During his visit to Sri Lanka in 1927, Gandhi had no hesitation in declaring that he was a "Buddhist" because he saw Buddhism as cleansed Hinduism. The most respected tree in the world P.L.N. De SILVA BODHI TREE: "A young wife is poison to an old husband", says a Sanskrit proverb. King Asoka overlooked the gravity of this saying. Chinese records say that Tisyaraksita, the young queen of King Asoka, was proud of her undoubted beauty. However, she wasn't a disciplined woman. Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura Photograph:Janaka Wettasingha King Asoka had a son by a senior wife. The son was about 25 years old and possessed a pair of attractive eyes like those of a Kunala bird. Therefore this prince was called Kunala. One day the beautiful young Queen Tisyaraksita met Kunala alone in the palace and being infatuated, embraced him. Liberty, equality, fraternity and Buddhism Lionel WIJESIRI BUDDHA DHAMMA: The motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" first appeared during the French Revolution. Although it was often called into question, it finally established itself under the French Third Republic. It was written into the 1958 French Constitution and is part nowadays of their national heritage. Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956), the internationally famous Indian lawyer and social reformer wrote that his philosophy too was "enshrined" in these three words. "Let no one however say that I have borrowed my philosophy from the French Revolution. One hundred years of Buddhism in Hamburg by Michael den Hoet, The Buddhist Channel, June 7, 2006 Vesakh to be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2006 Hamburg, Germany -- Buddhism in the West – just a fashionable trend? Not at all! As early as the 19th century people in Germany began to develop an interest in Buddhism. The most prominent of all was the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 - 1860) who called himself a "Buddhaist" 150 year ago. 1,200-yr-old temple dug out in Bangladesh by Iftekhar Ahmed, Narinjara News, June 7, 2006 Dhaka, Bangladesh -- During the Bangladesh-France joint excavation recently, the Archaeology Department of Bangladesh has discovered a Buddhist temple and a brick-soled road of possibly between the seventh and eighth centuries at the historic Mahasthangarh site in Bogra district of Bangladesh. According to the Regional Director of Archaeology Department, this newly discovered structure of the brick-built Buddhist temple is at least 1,200 years old. Buddhist 'chaityas', monastery of 1st century AD discovered in Andhra Pradesh Posted :Monday, June 05, 2006 Top Viewed 3 Nigerians sent to 10-day police custody; Rahul could be made accused Economics vs politics: Cong in a fix BJP legislators cycle to protest fuel price hike Guntur, India: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its recent excavations at Ghantasala in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, discovered three Buddhist 'chaityas' and a monastery, including broken images, pillars and pottery of 1st and 2nd century AD. Angulimala - 42 Mantani and Angulimala embrace each other tightly G. K. Ananda Kumarasiri BUDDHISM: Mantani was overjoyed and wept profusely. Both mother and son held each other in tight and loving embrace. For a moment they were both absorbed with each other and in a world of their own. Mantani then began to run her fingers over the features of Angulimala's weary face. Her heart crumbled to see that his once gentle and pleasant looks had given way to something unkempt, haggard and weary. He looked so run down as though he had not eaten for sometime. Five contemplations for everyone A Buddha statue sits on Borobudur temple, with Mount Merapi volcano in the background, near the Indonesia city of Muntilan. Some regions near the rumbling Mount Merapi volcano are now considered safe although the alert level for the entire area is still at its highest. REUTERS Five contemplations: There are five facts, O monks, which ought to be often contemplated upon by everyone - whether man or woman, householder or one gone forth as a monk. What five? "I am sure to become old; I cannot avoid ageing." "I am sure to become ill; I cannot avoid illness." "I am sure to die; I cannot avoid death." "I must be separated and parted from all that is dear and beloved to me." Vesak celebrations in Chennai CHENNAI: Vesak is the holiest day in Buddhism and it marks the birth, the Enlightenment, and the passing away of the Buddha. This day is celebrated all over the world and in Chennai too Vesak was celebrated in grand style. The Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka Chennai Centre took a lead role in this which saw the participation of many Sri Lankans and Indians. It was assisted by Ven Palpola Vippassi Thera of Palpola Vippassi Foundation in Sri Lanka. A doctrine pure The Buddha's doctrine pure and serene - An intellectual approach solid and clean, Through mental development sublime Gave answers to all universal problems Then, and for all time. Can thai buddhism be saved from superstition? Followers feel Buddhadasa's teachings are crucially relevant to the present age Mayura Wilainum-chokchai remembers having little interest in the extensive TV news coverage of the funeral of the Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikku 13 years ago. She had never heard of the monk before and simply assumed Buddhadasa was one of many famous Luang pu, senior monks with sacred powers. May 2006 Merit and karmically wholesome actions: Ven. Kiribathoda Gnanananda Thera Head of the Buddha, 3rd to 4th Century A.D. from Gandhara. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. MERIT: When we discuss virtuous living and behaviour according to the Buddha's teaching, two special Pali words are used - kusala and punna. Kusala has come to mean 'karmically wholesome', while punna is taken to mean 'merit'. Often Buddhists in Sri Lanka use the two words to describe one and the same kind of activity - "meritorious". however it would be good to look at these two words in the context of the Buddha's discourses. The Buddhist Centre brings new life to New Zealanders: Anura Vidanapathirana New Zealand: New Zealand celebrated the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi in grand manner. Issuing of a Vesak stamp, with the national flower of New Zealand as its emblem is one among many such activities of celebrations. A Vesak greeting card was also launched. Eating Buddhist for a Healthier Way of Being Chosun Ilbo. May 21, 2006 Seoul, South Korea -- Many people who have had food at Buddhist temples are surprised by how delicious it can be given the limitations on what ingredients can be used - no spring onions or garlic, which are thought of as inflaming the senses, nothing that has been killed. Mantani blesses Angulimala while he pays his respects The Enlightened One, then addressed Angulimala with deep compassion, "Ehi bhikkhu." Angulimala was inspired that the Buddha, had accepted him under His Refuge. Thus Angulimala entered the Bhikkhu Sangha. From then onwards, he revered the Buddha as his Redeemer and Refuge. With this new spiritual aspirations, a second and even greater transformation came about in Angulimala. D.W. Senadheera's Olcott and the Buddhist Revival ,Translated into English by H.M.D. Ananda Herat, is published by the Buddhist Theosophical Society, 203, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 11. Col. H.S. Olcott was the founder of the Colombo Buddhist Theosophical Society. His contribution towards promoting Buddhism among Sri Lankans, Indians and Japanese had far reaching consequences. Fragrance of a Buddha Jayanthi Upali SALGADO BUDDHA JAYANTHI: The two words, Buddha Jayanthi will as from Vesak Day (May 12, 2006) echo in the thoughts of billions of Buddhists living all over the world. What then is a Buddha Jayanthi? The Buddha means the "Enlightened One" or the "Exalted" or the "Perfect One". Sakyamuni Gauthama (or Gotama) Buddha was an extraordinary man who with His own efforts realised the Truth concerning human suffering, (i.e. Dukkha or suffering; Samudyaya-cause of suffering; Nirodha - the cessation of suffering, Marga - the Path) Shower of the Way A pilgrimage to Myanmar Jinith DE SILVA MYANMAR: In last September, I had the fortune of visiting Myanmar, where Theravada Buddhism is being truly followed and practised by its people. According to chronicles, Buddhism was introduced to Myanmar, then known as Swarna Bhumi, during the reign of king Dharmashoka, the same period it was introduced to Sri Lanka. Shwedagon Pagoda - the golden dome rises 98 metres above its base and is covered with pure gold. Today more than 90 percent of the people of Myanmar follow Theravada Buddhism and it is believed that there are more than 22000 Buddhist temples and viharas in the country. Plea to adopt Buddhist economics PEOPLES' INTEREST: Sri Lanka's Buddhist economists say that the cure for worldwide ills like poverty, inequality, insecurity and violence lies in abandoning Western economic theories and models and adopting Buddhist economics - economic principles enunciated by Gautama Buddha, more than 2500 years ago. Eating Buddhist for a Healthier Way of Being Many people who have had food at Buddhist temples are surprised by how delicious it can be given the limitations on what ingredients can be used - no spring onions or garlic, which are thought of as inflaming the senses, nothing that has been killed. Instead, Buddhist cooking brings out the full flavor of the ingredients it does use, awakening both mind and body. Angulimala - 40: Angulimala seeks permission to enter Bhikkhu Order BUDDHISM: On reflecting deeply upon the Buddha?s words, he found in them a great depth of meaning. Moved to the very core by the Buddha?s radiant being and noble bearing, Angulimala desired to follow in His footsteps. No longer did he have an urge to return to Takkasila for he had indeed come across a far more Enlightened and Noble Teacher. He now entrusted himself to attaining final deliverance by conquering his own self-delusion. Buddha was the greatest scientist Tomorrow is Buddha Purnima and though the Guinness Book of World Records does not mention it, the hat-trick that Lord Buddha performed is yet to be rivaled. It was on this day, in 563 BC, that the Buddha was born as Siddharth in the royal family of Kapilavastu. It was on this day that he attained enlightenment. Again, it was on this day that he left this world. When I say that this amazes me like nothing else, I may be accused of being biased be- cause I was born in an orthodox Buddhist family. And hence, for me, regarding the Buddha as the most Significance of the birth of the Buddha for the global society Ven. Horowpothane Sathindriya Thera BUDDHA DHAMMA: "A unique being, an extraordinary man arises in this world for the benefit of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, a benefit and happiness of divine beings and human beings. Who is this unique being? He is the Tathagata, the Blessed One, And Fully Enlightened One." (Anguttara Nikaya) Bhikku Narada Light of Truth: Any person who formally seeks refuge in 'The Triple Gem' - the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha - is called a Buddhist. In Pali the term Upasaka is applied to males, and Upasika to females. Upasaka means one who associates with the Triple Gem. As Buddhist monks lead a purer life than laymen, they are called Bhikkus - Mendicants. Race, colour, caste, class or any such external difference does not prevent one from becoming a Buddhist. The beggar or the outcast has as equal claims as the king or the noble to be a Buddhist. Indian Bhikkhus keen to imbibe Theravada tradition Chamikara Weerasinghe COLOMBO: Indian bhikkhus had requested Sri Lankan Buddhist monks of the Theravada tradition to enlighten them on the value of original teachings of the Buddha. The bhikkhus of All Indian Bhikkhu Society had made this request from Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera of Sri Lanka Mahamevuna Asapuwa, during his visit to India recently to attend a dhamma recitation ceremony at Bodhgaya. SULAV CHOWDHURY Albeit we Buddhists have ritualised the day of Buddha Pournima (full moon) as being the day of recollecting Lord Buddha's birthday, enlightenment day and demise day, this jejune and archaic commemoration does not reflect purely the purport of the day. Buddha's universalism cannot be truncated into mere invocation of three significant events that happened on the very same day of different years. By LI EE KEE Himansu Rai plays Prince Siddhartha in the Light of Asia. AS TODAY is Wesak Day, here is a question for you – how many Asian films are there based on the life of Lord Buddha? And remember, Little Buddha (1993) doesn’t count since it is a Hollywood film. Actually, you will be hard-pressed to think of one although there was a silent movie made way back in 1925 titled The Light of Asia. Even so, it was German director Franz Osten who directed the German-Indian co-production. Strange, isn’t it that the life of the founder of Buddhism has not been a more popular subject for the silver screen? Buddhism: India's spiritual gift to the world! By Sujoy Dhar: Some time during the sixth century BC, a wandering ascetic sat to meditate under a tree in the vast plains of northern India, resolving not to rise until he had attained the ultimate knowledge of spiritual enlightenment. Thus began Buddhism, one of the world's great religions that originated in India and still exerts a magnetic pull for devotees the world over. Varsha Das Thursday, May 04, 2006 20:21 IST Two thousand five hundred years ago, Gautam Buddha went on a quest and found the root cause of human suffering as well as a way to alleviate it. Subsequently, he reached out to the masses, helped them to shift their focus from trivial to essential aspects of life, so that they could be at peace. Ananda College to play leading role in Buddha Jayanthi COLOMBO: Ananda College, Colombo will mark the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi with ceremonies at the college's Kularatna Auditorium on May 9 in keeping with a move by the Education Ministry to celebrate the event in all national schools. Ananda College will function as the centre for all Buddha Jayanthi programmes to be held in schools throughout the year. The College had invited President Mahinda Rajapakse to grace the festival as the Chief Guest. Buddha Jayanthi Vesak fervour spreads to schools Chamikara Weerasinghe COLOMBO: The national schools throughout the country will celebrate Vesak in keeping with a circular issued by the Education Ministry to mark the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi. The Education Ministry will issue instructions to 9760 schools in the island to organise Vesak programmes in schools commencing from May 9 to 15 to mark the Buddha Jayanthi on the advice of the Mahanayake Theras of the Ministry's Buddhist Advisory Committee. Ph. D. course on Buddhism soon By Our Correspondent KATHMANDU, May 5: The Lumbini Bauddha University (LBU) is set to run Ph.D. course in Buddhism aiming to address the crunch of teaching manpower on the subject at the higher level. The newly opened university in Tenhawa VDC of Parsa Chauraha has asked 15 students who applied for the course to submit their research proposals, LBU registrar, Kedar Shakya said. April 2006 Buddhism Helping Westerners Find Respite From A Greedy, Violent And Stressed-out World This Article Also Appears In Psychology / Psychiatry Main Category: Public Health News Article Date: 22 Apr 2006 - 15:00pm (PDT) Madonna made those little red Kabbalah bracelets cool for five minutes, and Tom Cruise talked up Scientology, but Buddhism firmly remains the religion du jour for Westerners looking for respite from a greedy, violent and stressed out world, according to a University of Western Sydney expert. Buddhism plays positive role for world peace By Zong He (China Daily) Updated: 2006-04-25 06:33 Call it a "predestined opportunity," Buddhism, which preaches equality, benevolence and harmony, is being endorsed and encouraged to contribute to a harmonious world and a peaceful society. Two millennia after it came to China, the religion marked a milestone in its development with the first World Buddhism Forum convened in the coastal province of Zhejiang. The four-day gathering from April 13-16 brought 1,000 monks, nuns and scholars from at least 30 countries and regions to Hangzhou and Zhoushan, two scenic cities known for their Buddhist legacies dating back more than 1,000 years. Chinese Buddhism re-emerges as major global force By Senaka Weeraratna China is re-discovering the priceless value of Buddhism and the role it must play in the dissemination of Buddhism worldwide. The World Buddhist Forum (WBF) that was held in China recently was the first major step taken in the new role that China has embarked upon. On the eve of Chinese President's visit to USA, the Chinese Govt. used the WBF conference to send a strong message to Washington that the China of the future will not only be a supplier of goods and services but also a source of enlightened thinking based on Buddhism. Buddhism and the art of brain science By Bruce Lieberman Wednesday, April 26 2006, 12:24 AM BUDDHISM AND BRAIN SCIENCE In October 2004, neuroscientist Fred Gage took a leap of faith and flew to India to present a lecture to Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama. The religious leader had asked him to participate in a workshop on brain science at his compound in Dharamsala, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Dalai Lama wanted to learn more about Gage's explorations at the Salk Institute in San Diego into the adult brain's ability to generate new cells. A long journey to look inside, find one's self Published April 26, 2006 E-mail this article Printer friendly version Most e-mailed articles News on your cell When young people in their early 20s start looking for the meaning of life, they usually find it quickly. When it happens to those of us hovering about 50, look out. Things are bound to get intense. Today, Mark Winwood is starting a life-changing adventure, and thanks to technology, we can take this emotional ride with him. The BUDUSARANA: Significance of Vassana Retreat and Katina Ceremony Introduction of Buddhism into Japan Does Buddhism condone or condemn meat eating? Susunaga Weeraperuma VEGETARIANISM: Eating meat was widely prevalent in India during the days of the Buddha. Jivaka, a vegetarian monk, asked the Buddha whether the consumption of meat was in accordance with his teachings. According to the Jivaka Sutta the Buddha declared that there are three instances in which meat much not be eaten - when it is seen, heard or suspected that a living being has been killed for a monk. Although this disciplinary rule applies to only monks, it is often taken to be applicable to all laypersons also. The Buddha requests Angulimala to stop G. K. Ananda Kumarasiri BUDDHISM: Angulimala yelled out to the Buddha loudly, "Stop, ascetic! Stop, ascetic!" The Buddha calmly responded to Angulimala, saying "I have stopped, angulimala, you too stop." When he heard these words, a dramatic transformation came over him. The suppressed current of his good kamma ripened, allowing his nobler and virtuous inner goodness to breakthrough the wall of hardened cruelty into which he had been entrapped. Ganghara Week: Exploring pre-Buddhist and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan CULTURAL EXPEDITION: Ganghara Week is a cultural expedition organized by the Government of Pakistan annually in order to give the world community, in particularly scholars, writers, cultural tour operators, business community and others in the Asian region, a first hand experience in art, history and culture of Pakistan. The name 'Gandhara' is pregnant with lot of historical and cultural meanings. In particular, for one who is interested in Buddhist art and architecture, Gandhara brings out the memories of arguably the first ever attempt at creating the statue of the Buddha. China gives official approval to Buddhism April 11, 2006 BEIJING -- Buddhism can undoubtedly contribute to building harmony in China as well as world peace, a Chinese government official dealing with religious affairs has said. Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, was quoted by Xinhua as saying other religions, such as Christianity and Islam, also could contribute to building a harmonious society, but that Buddhism, which pursues an idea of harmony close to that in the Chinese outlook, could make a "distinctive contribution." Buddhism has a 2,000-year old history in China. The country is estimated to have nearly 100 million Buddhist followers. Apart from Buddhism, China's main religions include Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. Chinese mainland has 20,000 Buddhist temples and about 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns. The Buddhist Association of China is a national religious organization. There are 34 Buddhist schools and colleges. The colours of BUDDHISM: French artist Jacques-Leon Charrier finds inspiration in Buddhist monks Contrary to his artistic predecessors, who chose to immortalise angelic beings, French artist Jacques-Leon Charrier conveys spirituality through the numerous Buddhist monks that populate his paintings. Exploring human vulnerability through the men who devote their lives to the teachings of the Buddha, his paintings shed light on the paradoxical quest for inner peace and the desire for ecclesiastical conformity. Similarities In Hinduism & Buddhism By Bimal Kumar Subedi Although it is natural for one to see an obviously wide gulf in between Hindu and Buddist epistemology, nevertheless, in this article, we are going to talk something about the unique similarities in their cognitive process. The commonality and their existential inter-dependence are there in their deep -structured inner level if not in the easily perceivable surface level. Their premises of linguistics universalities and the inadequacy of language in representing the concern facts are some of the common ground for their internally converging epistemic unity. Angulimala 36: The Buddha appears before Angulimala BUDDHISM: With tears flowing from his eyes and trembling hands he raised his sword and rose from the bushes to pounce upon his unsuspecting mother. Just at that critical moment, the Buddha with His psychic powers appeared before Angulimala on the dusty cart track. On seeing the Buddha, Angulimala's mind instantly switched from attacking his mother to killing the Buddha. 29 March 2006 TAIWAN: Tour-guide monks, security monks, executive monks and mechanic monks are all part of the daily business at Taiwan's new space age monastery. A high-ranking monk takes Sophie Neville on a guided tour. The Chung Tai Chan Monastery alights on the landscape of rural Taiwan like a spaceship. A huge gold dome seems to hover in the sky, atop an enormous grey edifice building that looks more modern architectural marvel than monastery. Idaho Mountain Express[Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:17]Wisdom Publications 2006. Reprinted from The Tibetan Art Calendar 2006, with permission of Wisdom Publications; www.wisdompubs.org. In Western cultures, sacred art is cherished, declared invaluable and preserved by any means possible. Meanwhile, sacred Buddhist mandalas, complex symbolic representational paintings of the universe, are often destroyed nearly as soon as they are completed. The painstaking creation of a sand mandala is a meditational practice, an act of mindfulness. Its consequent destruction represents the inherent impermanence of life, a fundamental principle of the Dharma, or teachings of the Buddha March 2006 Bangladesh discovers ancient city Wari, Bangladesh, Mar 23: Archaeologists in Bangladesh say they have uncovered part of a fortified citadel dating back to 450 BC that could have been a stopping off point along an ancient trade route. So far, a moat round the citadel has been uncovered along with parts of an ancient road at Wari, 85 km northeast of the capital Dhaka. ``The citadel and a raft of artefacts may help redefine history of India,`` said Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, head of the Department of Archaeology at Jahangirnagar University, near Dhaka. Japan Sri Lanka Contact: New Historical Evidence Professor Laksiri Fernando - Ryukoku University "How about coming to Ceylon?" A Japanese journalist Shotaro Noda wrote to Jiji Shinpo, a popular Japanese newspaper in 1890 from Colombo. Noda seriously suggested Japanese migration to Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, and gave a vivid picture of the country to his readers in his "Chronicle of the Japanese Worships Bound for Turkey." We have so far known very little about Japan - Sri Lanka contact during this time, and the recent translation of Noda’s Chronicle by Michael Penn has shed much light on this obscure history. Naomi Watts Converts To Buddhism by Tashi Singh Mar 23, 2006 Hollywood actress and former model, Naomi Watts, seems destined to go the path of many flighty stars, and is converting to Buddhism (vs. Kabbalah or Scientology). Apparently, Watts became obsessed with the religion while filming her new movie 'The Painted Veil', according to reports. Dau Pagoda - cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism 10:09' 22/03/2006 (GMT+7) VietNamNet - The Dau Pagoda, also known as Phap Van, Dieu Ung or Co Chau, is located in Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district, the northern province of Bac Ninh. The pagoda is at the centre of the prominent historical and cultural sites in northern Bac Ninh Province: the Luy Lau ancient citadel, Si Nhiep temple, and a system of pagodas, temples, villas, roads, markets, tombs, brick and pottery kilns - the evidence of a historical period tens of centuries before Christ. Freedom of thought in Buddhism Rev. Shen SHI'AN THE historical Buddha is an embodiment of all the virtues that He preached. He translated all His words into action. He was tireless in His spreading of the Truth and was the perfect model example. At no time did He ever show any human weakness or base passion. His qualities of Morality, Wisdom and Compassion are the most perfect the world has ever known. The Buddha represents the highest peak of spiritual cultivation possible. He taught that all can attain true perfection. No other founder of a religion has ever said that its followers too have the same chance to gain the same experience of peace, happiness and salvation as oneself. Steven Rose The BRAIN: Brain scientists are on a roll. Concern about rising level of mental distress have resulted in unprecedented level of funding in the US and Europe. And a range of new technologies, from genetics to brain imaging, are offering extraordinary insights into the molecular and cellular processes underlying how we see, how we remember and why we become emotional. Kate Moss turns to Buddhism for good karma 15th Mar 2006 19.05 IST To get through the tough times that followed the exposé of her drug addiction last year, supermodel Kate Moss is dabbling in Buddhism, reports say. Reports have it that Moss is learning about the message of the enlightened Gautam Siddhartha, the Indian prince who came to be known as Buddha after attaining nirvana more than two-thousand years ago. Emotions as seen in Buddhism and modern science Western science teaches that genetic makeup, environment, and external experiences influences the brain, which in turn creates emotions and leads to thoughts. From the Buddhist view, thoughts influence emotions, which in turn affect behaviour and brain functions. Most rational thinkers today believe that the scientific view is disempowering because by emphasizing external factors, there seemed little the individual could do to influence his emotions and thoughts. An anthology of discourses from the Pali Canon reflecting the edifice of the Buddha's teachings IN the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon. Edited and introduced by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2005. 485 pages. Price (at BPS, Kandy): Rs. 875.00. An anthology: In the Buddha's Words is a landmark anthology of discourses of the Buddha by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi. It brings together selected discourses from the Pali Canon in order to reflect the overall structure of the teachings of the Buddha by way of a clear scheme. Love is lost in lust - There are some individuals who say that "Love is not Lust" and others have to come out to say that love and lust are two different things and love is a sweet relationship between two individuals. Amor vincit omnia is another version we are familiar with. All these misconceptions or misinterpretation are due to either misuse of words or being unaware of using the right word to give light to the envisaged point of expression. Colonel Olcott: Man who realised the 'Truth' G. P. DHANATUNGA COMMEMORATION: The 99 death anniversary of Colonel Olcott fell on February 17, 2006, and there on the centenary year of his death commenced. During this year and until February 17, 2007 a series of commemorative events have been organised to take place, specially in schools, temples and other institutions. The Government will also commemorate this occasion at National level. 'Dead Sea scrolls' may be missing link in Buddhism 08.03.06 1.00pm Carbon dating tests of rare manuscripts dubbed the 'Dead Sea Scrolls of Buddhism' have confirmed the priceless texts are from the first and fifth centuries AD, and could be the missing link in Buddhist history, a group of Australian scientists have reported. Conference to examine North American style of Buddhism International scholars to discuss Buddhism in a modern context - The University of Toronto will welcome internationally renowned scholars of Buddhism to campus for a conference March 11. Coming from universities in the U.K., Australia, Europe and North America, presenters will address topics including missionaries’ engagement with Buddhism in the 18th century, Buddhism and gender and the marketing of modern Buddhism. The World - A Buddhist Perception By Asuramuni Karunasena - The world we live in or the world around us or the world we belong to, however we try to identify or classify our traditionally accepted conventional world; it is confined to the reach of our senses. The two main features common to this conventional world are the existence of things and beings, implied feature of a degree of permanency. The galaxies, the universe, planets, countries, mountains, rivers, seas, trees, buildings, vehicles and all tangible things do exist in the conventional world. Similarly, human and other beings from single-celled ‘amoeba’ to all other creatures do also exist. This is the meaning of the world in common language or everyday language - the language of the people. China's prosperity inspires rising spirituality Chinese Buddhists light incense at the Buddhist Lama Temple in Beijing during a festival in February. Religion, particularly Buddhism, has seen a resurgence. – Ming Zhaung is never without a place to sleep, food to eat, or ink for his brush. The Zen master of the Bailin Temple in Hebei Province is constantly cared for by his devotees - now more than 1,000 students, most of whom started attending his lectures last summer. 7 Thai women to receive UN awards for 2006 Seven Thais and 11 women from other countries will be honored with the United Nations' list of Outstanding Women in Buddhism for 2006 for their contributions to Buddhism. The seven Thai females, including a female monk, a novice and two nuns, and 11 others are scheduled to receive the awards at theUN office in Bangkok on Tuesday. The Buddha, the great humanist Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera - In this August assembly the topic for discussion today is Humanism: Foundation of the new world as a great nation of Humanity. This indeed is a timely topic, extremely relevant for the present world. It's very prudent on the part of the organizers of this international conference on Humanism to focus attention on this special theme. And I am grateful to them for inviting me to make this brief presentation. Mental disorders and the mother's womb Dr. H.S.S. Nissanka- There is a general belief that some people become mental patients due to traumatic experiences in their childhood. Also, many case studies have revealed that some people have become mentally ill due to traumatic experiences undergone during their teens or even adulthood. Going by Freudian psychoanalytic concepts, some believe that the incidents which caused traumatic experiences are the causes of mental disorders. The Buddha understood what is transient Excerpts from the keynote address was made by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, at the commencement of 2550th Buddha Jayanthi celebrations held in Buddha Gaya, India on February 14 at which Hotlines the Dalai Lama was the chief guest, attended by over 5000 persons, including about 2000 Buddhist monks from India, Japan, Burma, Thailand, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Famous monk ordains hundred to monk hood Phara Uttama a famous Mon monk in Thailand and the head of the monastic association ordained about hundred men to monk hood to spread Buddhism on his 96 th birthday ceremony. Phara Uttama, a Mon monk who has been spreading Buddhism for many decades in Thailand ordained a hundred villagers in Wangka village, Sanghklaburi, where his temple is based even though he was under treatment in a hospital in Bangkok . 27-02-2006 The Most Ven. Dr. M. Vajiragnana, Sangha Nayake of Great Britain, Head of the London Buddhist Vihara receiving an O.B.E. from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. This award was made in recognition of his services to Inter-Faith relations in this country, by promoting peaceful living and harmony among the many different religions in Britain. Most Ven. Dr. M. Vajiragnana Appointed O.B.E. February 2006 CONSCIOUSNESS: This essay should be read with the previous one on understanding matter [rupa]. Understanding consciousness [vinnana] is now a priority pursued at high scientific and intellectual levels. I read a book titled 'CONSCIOUSNESS' written by a blind Australian academic but in the extensive bibliography there was no mention of the Buddha. This was also the case in the first and only book published titled 'GREED' by an American professor of anthropology. No one, for more than 2500 years, has spoken with penetrative understanding and insight of both these subjects than the Buddha. They are related. To the ordinary uninstructed man [puthujjana], consciousness may be likened to the radiance of the flame of an oil lamp. Anapana Sati Meditation - II Rajah KURUPPU POSTURE: The recommended posture for this meditation is to be seated with legs crosswise and body erect. This is the lotus posture. Today what is recommended by meditation masters is the lotus or semi-lotus postures with back erect. Either seated on the ground or on a straight back chair with feet resting on the ground to ensure that the body is erect. To cultivate this meditation effectively, all the bones of the spine should be linked together in an erect position. Thus, the advice to keep the upper part of the body erect. Two Buddha statues unearthed in Chennai BUDDHA STATUES: Two beautiful Buddha statues and ornamental pillars have been discovered at Kolapakkam village, about 20 km from Chennai. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Chennai Circle, had earlier found a 10th century A.D. inscription in Tamil that mentioned the donation by a king from Sumatra, "Sri Vijaya Maharaja", of land to a Siva temple at Kolapakkam. Hint of urban appeal in Buddhist finds Two statues of the Buddha have been dug up near the Tamil Nadu capital, opening up exciting possibilities for archaeologists who say they could be contributions by a foreign king and also speaks of the religion’s urban character. Buddha's Ancient Wisdom for Modern Secular Life Published: Tue, 21 Feb 2006, One may call it Buddha's ancient path, yet the word "ancient" is suitable only to identify the 2500-year-old texts from which these ideas are taken. The wisdom offered is practical, useful, and exceedingly relevant to modern life. In his book "Beautiful Living: Buddha's Way to Prosperity, Wisdom, and Inner Peace" (ISBN: 0-9772343-0-4), Bhikkhu Basnagoda Rahula reveals, in simple yet elegant language, the steps and techniques Buddha recommended for the success and happiness of his lay community. On understanding matter Matter: The concept and interpretation of matter [rupa] in the Teaching of the Buddha is unique. It is significantly different to physics. Bertrand Russell defined 'matter' as: 'Physical things are those series of appearances whose matter obeys the laws of physics.' The material world experienced by our five senses and mind give rise to the notion - since the material world of one individual largely corresponds to that of another - that there is a general material world common to all individuals. Anapana Sati meditation (mindfulness of breathing) MEDITATION: Considerable reference is made to the subject of Anapana Sati meditation. Both in the Maha Satipattana Sutta of the Digha Nikaya and the, Anapana Sati Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya. The place, picture and description of Anapana Sati in both the Suttas is basically the same though not identical. In the Anapana Sati Sutta of the Majjihama Nikaya (the new translation of Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi first published in 1993, p. 643), it is stated as follows: "Bhikkhus, when mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated,it is of great fruit and great benefit ... Preserve the murals of this ancient temple MURALS: Wadduwa and Molligoda Maha Viharaya at Wadduwa is one of the ancient temples of Kalutara district. The ancient temple was established by Ven. Welivita Pindapathika Asarana Sarana Sri Sadhalankara Sangharaja, the founder of Syamopali Maha Nikaya of Mahavatte Chapter. Buddha statue in bar upset people Buddha bar, the popular French bar, which has an outlet in the Grosvenor House hotel here, has upset hundreds of Buddhists by placing an eight-foot tall statue of the sage and founder of Buddhism inside the bar. Dalai Lama to inaugurate International Buddha Seminar in Bodhgaya today February 13, 2006-Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama will today inaugurate the week-long celebration of the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The seminar has been organised by the Mahabodhi Society at Kalchakra Maidan in Bodh Gaya. Dalai Lama will later release a special edition of the magazine 'Sambodhi' at the ceremony. The inauguration of 'Tripitika Chanting' would also take place, which would last for a month. The keynote address at the seminar will be delivered by Chief Justice of Sri Lanka Sarath De Silva and president of Mahabodhi Society of India, Dr Bhupendra Kumar Modi among others. Observing First Precept PROFESSOR MAHINDA Palihewadana FIRST PRECEPT: There are people who say that the first precept is negatively formulated. And that this is intentionally done - to allow us room to eat animals that are killed by others. Such People conveniently forget the positive corollary of the negatively worded precept. Buddhism does not stop at teaching us not to kill. It also insists that we protect and cherish all life. This is the teaching of loving kindness. I Give You My Life: An extract from the autobiography of Ayya Khema, Continued from last week AYYA KHEMA: They were taught by the Buddha; he practised and praised them highly. These levels of consciousness broaden our horizons and make possible for us a glimpse of the cosmic process. Every person who practises with patience reaches such states of complete concentration. It is in this way that a person can find a way into the inner space of his or her mind, where absolute purity and clarity prevail. The oldest Buddhist temple in Cambodia BAYON TEMPLE: The political history of Cambodia shows it as a land troubled by invasions and wars, political struggles even in modern times. In spite of these travails, down through the centuries, the country has remained totally Buddhist. Five precepts applicable to every religions The Five Precepts is not only limited to Buddhism. It is a common truth to all religions and nations, said Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya Secretary Dr. Pallekanda Rathanasara Thera. The Thera expressed these views at the observances of the World Religion Day, at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo organised by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i Faith in Lanka on the role of religious leaders in promoting national unity, recently. Death - its significance and immensity by Sarath Lewke Bandara. Man, as the individual representative of the collective psyche, occupied in the relentless pursuit of pleasure and of the avoidance of pain and suffering, has from the earliest of times, been incessantly concerned with birth, death and life after death. Whilst in every society birth has been a cause for rejoicing and celebration, in most civilisations death has been regarded as an abhorrent and morbid phenomenon to be shunned, avoided and postponed. An extract from the autobiography of Ayya Khema : I Give You My Life Ayya Khema was born of Jewish parents in Berlin in 1923. She founded Wat Buddha Dhamma near Sydney in 1978. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in Sri Lanka in 1979, and started the Nuns' Island in 1982. She established the Buddha Haus in Germany in 1989. She died in 1997. Meditation Finding Converts Among Western Doctors Regular meditation may increase smarts and stave off aging, according to an ongoing study. The research is one in a string of studies that suggest some time spent getting in tune with the flow of one's breathing can complement a regimen of pills, diet, and exercise. Meditation is being prescribed for stress, anxiety, infertility, skin diseases, and other ailments. January2006 The Asokan perspectives of Buddhist righteous governance BY ROHAN L. Jayetilleke - IT was Emperor Asoka (274-237 B.C.) of the Mauryan dynasty, who introduced into his great Mauryan Empire of India, the most sublime form of democratic governance, far superior to the modern democratic concepts of governance. In Seven Pillar Edicts recorded at a late date in his reign Asoka, continued, developed and reviewed his instruction on governance based on Dharma (Righteousness and Piety), which he had recorded in his thirteenth regnal year. Hindrances to spiritual progress BY KINGSLEY Heendeniya - THERE are hundreds of things (Dhamma) whose nature (Dhammata) hinder, obstruct or delay any kind of spiritual progress. Sakyamuni as an ascetic. Lacquered wood, Chinese, about, A.D. 1300 All religions recognize this. But in the teaching of the Buddha, the goal of other-worldliness is unique. In the Maha-Assapura Sutta, He teaches some monks in the following way. "You who seek the status of a recluse should not fall short of your goal; while there is more to be done. Conditions for wisdom - THERE are, O monks, these eight causes and conditions for obtaining the wisdom fundamental to the holy life when it has not been obtained and for bringing about the increase maturation and fulfilment by development of the wisdom that has already been obtained. What eight? Here, a monk lives in dependence on the Teacher or on a certain fellow monk in the position of a teacher, and he has set up towards him a keen sense of shame and moral dread and regards him with affection and respect. This is the first cause and condition for obtaining the wisdom fundamental to the holy life ... Portuguese plunder of a Buddhist vihara in Jaffna Vallipuram is a village in the sea coast in the Vadamarachchi division of the Jaffna peninsula. The area is practically covered with sea sand deposited during centuries. This area had been a populated townlet as the name Vallipuram indicates. Indian Buddhist monk nominated for the Grammys Saturday January 28 2006 00:00 IST IANS BOMDILA: A tribal Buddhist monk from Arunachal Pradesh could well rock the world if he walks away with a Grammy award next month. Ngawang Tashi Bapu's album "Tibetan Master Chants" has been nominated in the Best Traditional World Music category for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards to be given away in Los Angeles on Feb 8. Braving the cold wave in the Terai that has already claimed dozens this winter, Ram Bahadur Bomjon, known as the Buddha Boy, is continuing his meditation wearing just a thin cloth. Eight months have already passed since he began his "deep meditation" but the confusion whether he has really not eaten or drunk anything during this period is still unresolved. It has been claimed that the 16-yr-old has not drunk even a single drop of water since he began his meditation on May 17, last year. What the Buddha taught Mahapajapati Gotami by Kingsley Heendeniya - The Buddha was living among the Sakyans in Nigrodha's Park at his hometown, Kapilavatthu. His father Suddhodana had died a few months ago. One day, his second queen, younger sister of the first, Mahapajapati Gotami, foster mother of the Blessed One, went to him, paid homage, sat on one side and said, "Lord it would be good if women could obtain the going forth from home life into homelessness in the Dhamma and Discipline declared by the Perfect One." "Enough, Gotami, do not ask for the going forth...declared by the Perfect One. Dhamma without rebirth? - by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi - In line with the present-day stress on the need for religious teachings to be personally relevant and directly verifiable, in many Dhamma circles the time-honoured Buddhist doctrine of rebirth has come up for stern re-examination. Although only a few contemporary Buddhist thinkers still go so far as to suggest that this doctrine be tossed aside as "unscientific", another opinion has gained currency which also detracts from the teaching on rebirth. According to this other view, the doctrine of rebirth is a mere "metaphysical" hypothesis that has no essential connections with the heart of the Buddha's teaching. Noble friendship leads to final liberation Upatissa and Kolita in friendship bound, Lived at Rajagaha with conscience sound; They went to see a show one day, But disgusted fully, came sadly away. From Anguttara Nikaya : Vicissitudes of life "These eight worldly conditions, O monks, keep the world turning around, and the word turns around these eight worldly conditions. What eight? Gain and loss, fame and disrepute, praise and blame, pleasure and pain. "These eight worldly conditions, monks, are encountered by an uninstructed worldling, and they are also encountered by an instructed noble disciple. What now is the distinction, the disparity, the difference between an instructed noble disciple and an uninstructed worldling?" When conflict and stress hit you at work, try looking East to calm yourself and find better ways to cope. Robert Zeglovitch, an employment attorney at Leonard, Street and Deinard in Minneapolis, has been practicing Zen meditation for more than 10 years. When he offered to teach a Buddhism-based but secular form of meditation called "mindfulness" within the law firm in 2004, the demand was so great that he expanded from one to three classes. Oldest Buddhism literature in Chinese discovered in N. China "Zhu Fo Yao Ji Jing", a collection of Buddhist sutra in Chinese, has been discovered out of a number of fragments in Dalian, a coastal city in northeast China's Liaoning Province. Some of the slates are as large of magazines we read and some of them are as small as nail. Serene and quiet this tiny little village, holiest among holy places is Bodhgaya, Where the quest of Prince Siddharth was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth and place from where the saga of Buddha began. He attained the supreme enlightenment and became 'The Buddha', the enlightened one. French researcher translates ancient Buddhist text An ancient work on Vietnamese Buddhism has been translated into French and published in Paris by Orientalist, Dr Philippe Langlet. The work includes 56 lyric poems and dialogues by Vietnamese monks from the 10th and 12th centuries. It was extracted from a text on China with attached French and Vietnamese versions. Our mind is our best friend by Bhikkhu Bodhi - In our lives we often distinguish people as enemies and friends. We consider as enemies those people who are bent on harming us, on doing some damage to us or to our loved ones. And we consider as friends those people who wish to benefit us, to provide for our welfare an the well-being of those close to us. Now let us consider what kind of harm an enemy can do to us.The great virtue - Sugato by Chandani Abeynayake - A noble follower paying obeisance to the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha would always begin by chanting with faith the Nine Special Qualities of the Buddha in veneration. There He recollects the fourth sublime virtue of the Buddha as the virtue of Sugato. The uniqueness of the word sugato is mainly attributed to the Bosat as an aspirant to Buddhahood, striving on with diligence to perfect himself in the journey through samsara or the repeated cycles of Birth and Death adhering to pleasant manners and habits. The Buddha and Hindu god images of Narmada marbles by Rohan L. Jayetilleke - Narmada river recently gained attention of the world, when the Indian authorities planned construct 396 dams across the river to generate hydro - electricity. This river being the holy river of india for the Hindus and virtually of the same degree as the Ganges river in the north-eastern region of India, saw mass protests over the plans. Relgion in America: Buddhism BoomingBarnet, Vermont - The religious traditions of most Americans are rooted in the Judaism and Christianity of Europe and the Middle East. However, in recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the spiritual traditions of Asia, especially Buddhism. At a meditation center in the New England state of Vermont, Americans from many walks of life practice a Tibetan form of Buddhism. Are you a hasty critic of people? Once the Venerable Ananda, having dressed in the morning, took his bowl and went to the house of the female lay disciple Migasala, where he sat down on the seat prepared for him. The female lay disciple Migasala, after having paid homage to him, sat down to one side and said to him: "Please, venerable sir, how ought one to understand this teaching taught by the Blessed One: namely, that one who leads the pure, celibate life and one who does not should both have the very same status after death? My father Purana, venerable sir, was (in his later years) a celibate, living remote from sensuality, abstaining from the low sexual life; and when my father died, the Blessed One declared that he had attained to the state of a once-returner and had been reborn among the Tusita devas. The problem of conflict by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi - "Since conflict is rooted in envy and avarice, it follows that the path to non-conflict must be a course of relinquishment, of removing the constrictive thoughts and desires that pivot around the notions of "I" and "mine", the drives to identify and to possess. It is one of the bitterest ironies of human life that although almost all human beings cherish a desire to live in peace, we continually find ourselves caught in conflict, pitted against others in relationships marred by tension, distrust, or open hostility. |
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