November 2008
Historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Rupa Banduwardena An architectural and sculptural marvel - the temple referred to as the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya with a heritage of glamorous history stands out as the most historic and significant among the many temples in the island today. Situated just ten kilometres away from Colombo, on the Kandy highway, this powerful enchanting temple is among the oldest dating back to the pre-Buddhist era, even before the official introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, by Thera Mahinda.
Thousand stanzas, pure Dhamma and vegetarianism Sachitra Mahendra It’s a common sight to see my inbox flooded with Buddhist related mails. I am not fond of reading all of them, but instead of deleting, I ‘mark them as read’ in case of future reference. Most of them are anti-Buddhist mails, I think, sent to tempt me into a hot debate. It was my wont sometime back, but now I am sick and tired of them However many senders have my own Achille’s heels to lure me into arguments unnecessarily now and then.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - XIII: Particulars Prakirnaka - Chethasika Shamika Soysa Universal mental states or Sabba Chiththa Sadharana Chethasikas which includes in every Chiththas were described in the previous episode. The second category of Annasamana Chethasika would feature with all Chiththas depending on the situation. They may or may not arise with a particular Chiththas at a certain instance. Therefore they are known as “Particular Mental States” or Prakirnaka Chethasikas. The six of them:
Angkor Wat - shadows of a lost empire
Anne Chalfant October 1, 2008 Page 1 of 2 Single page view Two things you need when exploring the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia: first - hire a quick-witted guide who can snake you in and out of temples without getting tangled with tour-bus crowds.
Buddha 'relic' found in Nanjing
Archeologists on Saturday removed an about 1,000-year-old miniature pagoda, believed to hold the top part of Buddha's skull, from an iron case found at a former temple site in Nanjing in July.
Seeing about Bodh Gaya Rupa BANDUWARDENA Pilgrimage to Dambadiva is one that every Buddhist makes sometime in his or her life. Because it is very much a part of our culture, heritage, our Buddhist background and atmosphere. Millions of people from all over the world do visit Dambadiva - a place of many marvels purely religious and sacred, pertaining to the all wise all compassionate Buddha - Sakya Muni Gautama.
Ven. Mahopadyaya Aluthgama Dhammananda A felicitation ceremony Nirmala SAMARASINGHE: A public meeting will be held on November 22 at 3 pm at Senkadagala Eksath Bauddha Mandalaya’s hall, Angarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy to felicitate Ven. Mahopadyaya Aluthgama Dhammananda Nayake Thera, senior member, Karaka Sangha Sabha, Malwatte Chapter on his attaining 94 years by Buddhist societies in Kandy and its suburbs.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - XII: Common features of all Minds Shamika SOYSA One who wishes to learn Abhidhamma in depth and expecting to apply it to understand and answer intricate questions of world and living beings must first by-heart 89 or 121 types of Chiththas with their proper meanings, functionality and applicability. Similarly, 52 types of Chethasikas are also to be by-hearted with an understanding of their meaning and applicability in various Chiththas at different situations. From this episode onward, the 52 types of Mental States would be described quite in detail.
‘Buddhism has to evolve to remain socially relevant in Asia’
New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Buddhism will have to evolve rites and rituals to become more socially relevant in Asian nations, including India, where people identify religion with prayer rites, feels Buddhist scholar Lokesh Chandra.”
Russia’s Buddhist republic sees the light
Russia's republic of Kalmykia is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the dominant religion. Temples were destroyed there during the Soviet era and Buddhism went into decline. But in a new age of tolerance, the steppe region is enjoying a religious renaissance.
Buddhism, changing the world one by one
Q: In your recent answer to an atheist you wrote: “The true teachings of all the great religions of the world are not based upon the belief that God is waiting to hurt the unbelievers, but rather that God is waiting in love and hope to receive all those who begin their journey to God in love and hope.”
TODAY IS IL POYA- Exposure to spiritual subtlety
Rupa Banduwardena- Il Poya is well known for the most significant events in the history of Buddhism. Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha who sat under the Bodhi tree determined to find the eternal truth, succeeded in his intellectual struggle with the enlightenment that dawned upon him. The Buddha the world teacher is believed to have appeared in this world for the good of all mankind, for their happiness and emancipation from evil and sorrow. Thathagatha, the Perfect One proceeded to Saranath and preached his first sermon to the five ascetics. The first Vassana was observed at Isipathana in Benares.
The Il Poya falls on November 12. It is the last Poya of the "Wassana" Rainy Season and a number of important incidents occurred on this day. Therefore, it is a significant day in the Buddhist calender.
The first ten episodes elaborated various types of consciousness arise for oneself. At one particular instance it is just one consciousness arises. But it doesn't arise alone. The consciousness arise at one particular moment is associated with many other features which are called "Mental States" or Chethasika. These mental states feature the consciousness and it describes the nature and behavior of a particular consciousness. The second Paramaththa is about these mental states.
Rebirth, Buddhism and the Rationalists
This is a response to the recent discussion of the above subjects in your columns. Buddhism as widely understood accepts rebirth, but it is not clear whether the Buddha believed in it. There is no way we can know what exactly the Buddha said, except through logical inference from the essence of Buddhism that we can arrive at after sifting it from the vast multitude of its accretions.
‘Right Vision’ to ease fear and sorrow from Buddhism
Dr. Vidhura Mahendra- Money’ is the evil in our highly materialised modern day life. Some say ‘Money talks’- especially the ‘new-rich’ segments of the society. Money generates more money and that leads to vast sums of capital, and dwelling on that scenario often brings us unhappy memories - leading to sorrowful repercussions.
Dispel fear of insecurity The jewel discourse - Ratana Sutta Dr. Vidhura Mahendra - Im very sceptical of what is happening here and am seriously thinking of moving overseas,” said one of my work colleagues. ‘It’s a global thing, isn’t it? I don’t think anything will make any different by leaving where you are now’, I responded. That was a coffee-break dialogue we had during our work and my colleague was talking about the global credit crunch which has gravely affected America, Europe and some parts of the Asian sub-continent these days.
Death, be not proud! Sachitra Mahendra - Any John Donne admirer would take the title as an attempt to plagiarise the renowned English poet. In my case, it is not so. This poem has been fascinating ever since I read it for the first time.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - X What is Mind? First Review Shamika Soysa 121 types of Consciousness It has already been explained the 89 types of consciousness. Before the Review it is important to illustrate how these 89 types consciousness become 121. Five types of Jhana Chiththas were explained as Rupavachara Chiththas. Each of the Supramundane consciousness would arise in categories of Five Jhanas. For example, the first Supramundane Consciousness, Sothapaththi Magga Chiththa would be divided into five Jhanas as below;
T DamuFirst Published : 07 Nov 2008 12:16:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 07 Nov 2008 01:19:22 AM IST A TRUE Brahmin is one who has acquired brahminhood not by birth but through his noble actions. He who has gained Supreme Self-knowledge is a Brahmin. Vedas and Epics proclaim that there is no caste differentiation in the Brahminic State.
BENOY K BEHL One of the oldest sacred forms of Buddhist art is the stupa, a profound representation of liberation from the bindings of the material world. THE concept of samsara, the illusory nature of the material world, underlies the Indian philosophic vision. The search is constantly to rise above illusion (maya, or mithya), to seek the truth beyond: to lose our ego and attachments to the objects of the world around us. To see our oneness with all that there is.
One month of ... Daily 10-minute meditations
In my seemingly never-ending search for a less stressful lifestyle, a friend tells me that a 10-minute meditation session each day is all you need for peace of mind. This seems too good to be true; is meditation really that easy? And can it really stop me waking up at 4am worrying about work, the recession, everything?
Great foundations of mindfulness Mahasatipatthana Sutta: Dr Vidhura Mahendra - Buddhist monks are the pillars of Buddhism and the Sinhalese language. By and large credit goes to many erudite Buddhist monks as such a passage has been constructive for the development of a just society in the country.
Meditation Not for lay success? Sachitra Mahendra -This word has sort of become a popular word, and I think, this is the most mistaken concept among Buddhists let alone others. One clear reason is that meditation is not a Buddhist concept alone; Buddhism has specific methods of meditation.
[ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - IX] Seeing things as they truly are. Shamika Soysa - Think about a person with many likings. That person might enjoy life in many ways by fulfilling those likings. Once he achieved one of his desires he would expect more to satisfy himself further. Assume due to some unfortunate reason he lost the rhythm of his life. Instead of fulfilling his likings he has to struggle to survive.
Jataka Tales: A Window Into Buddhist India Matakabhatta-Jataka Part II—Animals and Buddhism
The teachings of the Buddha have contained both doctrine and stories. Buddhism has traditionally been taught by monks in societies that have been illiterate. Most people could not read the scriptures. Not everyone could comprehend subtle intellectual concepts. Therefore, the Buddha used stories to communicate spiritual truths.
October 2008
Etiquettes taught in Buddhism Dr Vidhura Mahendra We often prefer to advise others, but dislike taking them in return. This is the true nature of many humans. Our behaviour represents the family, then the village, the province and finally the country as whole. Different countries have different cultures due to diverse ethnicities. A healthy and an acceptable society build upon certain principles or governing rules in a country or district to accommodate accordingly.
THE BUDDHIST COLUMN The sparkling ground Sachitra Mahendra Whenever I brush the bathroom floor, I am spellbound by the sparkling floor. It often takes me to the concept of the purified mind, the result of ceaseless mental and physical effort day and night. You become fed up with the task of purification in many instances. What Buddha exactly preached as Mara (literally translated as death) or the hindrance precisely hangs around us. Mara wishes his client to be glued to the Sansaric existence, resembling mobile phone companies competing with each other to remain the customer in their hold. Mara would willingly provide its value added service: decaying and old age when the days mature.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - VIII Beyond the Forms Shamika Soysa Can the Mind and Body be separated from each other? For an ordinary person this would not be possible. However, strong will power of an improved mind would make it possible for one to experience such state of existence. Fifty-four types of consciousness pertaining to the sensuous-sphere (Kamavachara chiththas) arise without much of an effort in accordance with one's actions. Form-sphere consciousness (Rupavachara chiththas) and Formless-sphere consciousness (Arupavachara chiththas) does not arise as such for any person.
What-would-the-Buddha-Do-Practical-Buddhism-for-modern-times
The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A.: Tales of a Buddhist Monk in America (Shambhala, 2008) by Bhante Walpola Piyananda is a testimony to the simplicity and therefore applicability of Buddhist teachings.
The objective world in Buddhism
I refer to my colleague Eric de Silva’s comment on my reference to the world view of Buddhism and Hinduism. I am no expert in either Buddhism or Hinduism. I go by the numerous articles by Dr Nalin de Silva who berates the Judeo-Christian philosophy.
Bringing the past into present
By Leel Pathirana - Sri Lanka’s history and the Buddhist Civilization are more than 2500 years old. Still those ruins are standing as witnesses of a rich culture. Still the Archeologist could not find how the ancient Artist carved that magnificent works in massive rocks with their bare hands?
Premasara EPASINGHE - From time immemorial, Vap is known as the period of sowing. The major cultivation season is known as ‘Maha’ which begins with the inter monsoonal rain around the month of October. Vap Full Moon Poya is significant for several reasons. The rainy season commenced three months ago. It is known as ‘Vassana Kalo’ and it comes to an end with the Vap Poya and Katina season ushers in the Buddhist Calendar with the month of Vap, which is popularly known as “Cheevara Masaya”.
Banduwardena Ayan Vassana Kalo. This is rather the climax of the Vassana season which culminates in the Katina Cheevara Pooja believed to be the highest merit bestowing religious ceremony performed in the Buddha Sasana coming down from the days of Thathagatha the perfect one. This is a remarkable event, an eventful religious performance of utmost faith ranking as the highest punyakarma that one could perform.
Kathina Ceremony and its Meaning
When Buddhism was first established in ancient India, there were few monks and nuns. These monks normally did not stay in fixed places or temples but rather spent most of their time moving from one place to another as it was their mission to spread the teachings of the Buddha for the happiness and welfare of all people and living beings.
Buddhist monastery dating to 2nd century discovered in Gujarat
Ahmedabad (PTI): A Buddhist monastery dating back to 2nd century has been discovered by the State Archaeological Department (ASD) in Gujarat's Mehsana district. The structure was found during excavation near the Ghaskol Darwaja in the southern part of Vadnagar town, officials of ASD said. "The monastery was probably made between 2nd to 4th century A.D. and would have existed for the next 300 odd years," Director of ASD, Yadubirsingh Rawat, who is heading the excavation, told PTI today.
Early development of Buddhism Ven. Prof. Walpola Rahula ;The Buddha was born in the 6th Century BC. After attaining Enlightenment at 35 until his Mahaparinibbana at 80, he spent his life preaching and teaching. He was certainly one of the most energetic man who ever lived: for forty-five years he taught and preached day and night, sleeping for only about 2 hours a day.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - VII ; Advancing the Mind -Shamika SOYSA ********************* Assume that a broker has taken you to see a house. Vithakka or the "Initial Application" is the mental state which features the Jhana consciousness by directing the mind towards the object just like the broker direct you to the house.
Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa An epitome of principled life Dr. Praneeth ABHAYASUNDERE; The Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka has been appointed as the Supreme Patriot Chairperson of the entire Amarapura Chapter and the act of appointment was presented to the Most Reverened on October 3.
Asoka Weeraratne pioneer in developing post-war Sri Lanka-German ties
The Berlin Buddhist Vihâra ("Das Buddhistisches Haus") is now the most striking symbol of interaction between the German and Sri Lankan cultures and a source of pride and inspiration for people of both countries. It is the key centre in the dissemination, learning and practice of Theravâda Buddhism in Germany and other continental European countries.
Eastern Brains - Probing the partnership between Buddhism and the brain sciences
Harvard Professor Anne Harrington discusses the relationship between neuroscience, cognitive science, and Buddhism in the first lecture of the Religious and Psychological Well-Being Project series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religion and Psychology at the Danielsen Institute.
Sangha and architecture in ancient Sri Lanka
Kamalika PIERIS In ancient Sri Lanka, the Sangha were closely associated with Buddhist architecture. Gamini Wijesuriya says the monks advised the architects when monasteries were built and in this manner had a hand in the monastery architecture. Mahavamsa says that the monks had stopped Dutugenumu from building too large a stupa, and got him to reduce the size.
Like many churchgoers in the Bible Belt, Kristy Robinson teaches Sunday school with her husband and helps prepare communion at their Episcopal church in Franklin, Tenn. She rounds out her church- and prayer-filled life with another spiritual practice that's not quite as familiar: meditation. "I'll see a difference in my day if I don't," says Robinson, who opens each day with 20 minutes of absolute silence.
The ethereal majesty of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Nick Claxton has never ventured outside of Europe before but a combination of too many years in London, a lack of proper responsibilities and an unhealthy admiration for Michael Palin now means he is spending a year travelling the globe. A terminally-disorganised 24-year-old taking on the world - solo. Here is his 19th blog entry:
It's not luck people ... it's Karma
There's an old saying that it's better to be lucky than good. Sure in sports, luck plays some part in a team or an individual's success. But plenty of hard work and practice usually helps that luck come along much more often. I tend to believe in another force of nature, one of the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism -- Karma. One definition of Karma is that it is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings.
Buddhism The message and the messenger Dr Vidhura Mahendra ‘Shooting the messenger’ sometimes may sound ironical in the Buddhist fact as Buddhism does not exude ominousness. It is often in the contemporary society that Buddhist monks are subject to destructive criticism. In any society both ‘constructive’ and ‘destructive’ criticisms prevail though the latter implies to scorn than strengthening of a healthy society.
Abhidhamma: Is it really essential? Sachitra Mahendra Looking particularly at Shamika Soysa’s sixth episode of ‘Abhidhamma in a Nutshell’, we recollect various opinions held on studying Abhidhamma. Abhidhamma is known as ‘higher philosophy/doctrine’ in English owing to its weight over other categories, Sutta and Vinaya, of the philosophy. According to Buddhist text the Buddha preached Abhidhamma to His mother, who was then reborn as a deity in Thusitha Heaven. This account suggests Abhidhamma remained one distinctive separate Dhamma.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL – VI: When engaged in Meritorious Deeds Shamika Soysa It was earlier mentioned that there are 10 kinds of evil acts committed by Deed (Kaya), Word (Vachanaya) and Thought (Sitha). It was also mentioned that at the time of committing any of these evil acts one or more of the 12 types of immoral consciousness arises (akusala chiththas).
THE RIGHT TO LIFE The death penalty: religious perspectives
"Buddhism considers it wrong to kill even a mosquito, so how can we accept that it is right to execute a human being?" These words were part of an uncompromising rejection of capital punishment addressed to a recent gathering at Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai, by a senior monk. He enlarged on the theme in even
S. PATHIRAVITANA The coming of Olcott to Ceylon towards the end of the 19th century was a turning point in the history of this country. Had he not come then the prediction of James de Alwis that Buddhism would disappear from this country at the turn of the century would have come true.
Buddhist Tours – 7 Places You Should Visit on Buddha Trail
India is the country where the seeds of Buddhism were first sown. It was here that Lord Buddha first propagated the doctrines of this noble religion. There are around 16 Buddhist pilgrimage sites, among which 4 deserve a special mention for their religious importance. Embarking on Buddhist tours will make you have an idea of the origin and growth of the religion in the country.
September 2008
Path to ‘non extremist’ living - The Buddhist way Dr Vidhura MAHENDRA “Oh! Uncle, I stepped on that snail and it was completely crushed, I feel very bad of that.” My colleague’s 8 year old son lamented. “Don’t worry son, you did not purposely crush the poor snail, so you would not commit a sin.” I responded to him.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - V: The Sixth Sense Shamika SOYSA Imagine a situation where you had become emotional. You were burning with anger or weeping with sadness or laughing with joy. At such instances you may have experienced that change in your blood circulation and your chest area becomes hot or you would feel the situation in your heart.
Criminology as portrayed in Jataka stories; Sachitra Mahendra; Survival of the Buddhist philosophy totally depends on the association of wise. Why is the survival of the philosophy needed? The Buddhist philosophy has methods of relief for those unhappy in technologically advanced society.
Kamalika PIERIS; The venerable scholar monk Buddhagosa was sent to Sri Lanka by the Buddhist elders of India, to engage in the task of translating into Pali the Sinhala commentaries held at the Mahavihara at Anuradhapura. Buddhagosa came to Sri Lanka in the time of king Mahanama (406-428 AD).
What is your thought on Atheism?
Oprah.com - Chicago,IL,USA; For an example you can practice Buddhism and not accept a personal god. Metaphysically this includes many earth based spiritual practices, pantheism, deism, ...
Bhikkus should not demand respect, but command it
The Island (subscription) - Columbo,Sri Lanka; The constitutional provision that Buddhism will be given the foremost place seems to have been wrongly interpreted by bhikkus for their advantage. ...
Anagarika Dharmapala : Today is the 144th Birth Anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala : A man with untiring spiritual effort . Dharmapala spent in India about 40 years of his life of 69. He worked day and night for Buddhism revival in India. He enlisted the co-operation of influential men in India and Asian
The monk and the law Sachitra MAHENDRA Ever since the inception of Buddhism, religion has been considered ultra venerable in Sri Lanka. Heads of state always sought the advice of the monk. This position is given since the monk was considered aloof from lay bonds. The recent turn of events led us to contemplate on the role of the monk in the law. Should the monk respect the country’s judiciary by standing when the Judges approach? A sensitive and complicated issue that has no straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
The Five Sense organs Shamika SOYSA The first five immoral resultant consciousness and moral resultant consciousness are together called as Dvipanchavinnana as they arise on five sensual organs at the time they acquire objects related to them Mind or consciousness is not a single entity. So far some classes and types of consciousness have been elaborated. It has already been explained that consciousness arises in six places: eye, ear, nose, tongue, body (panchindriya) and mind (mano).
Remembering a great son of Lanka
Gaveshaka discusses significant events in September The birth centenary of one of Sri Lanka's great sons, Angarika Dharmapala was celebrated 44 years ago – on September 17, 1964. He was born at a time when Buddhists with renewed interest and energy following the Buddhist – Christian controversies, were organizing themselves to preserve their religious heritage.
Jonny Wilkinson: 'I've become a Buddhist after reading quantum physics books'
We should have known that Jonny Wilkinson had a spiritual side from the way he clasps his hands as if in prayer before he kicks for goal. Now the England rugby star has revealed that he has found inner peace through Buddhism.
Buddhism and vegetarianism Dr Vidhura Mahendra ‘Buddhists are not vegetarians’ uttered my colleague, ‘they eat anything and everything without respect’ he added. That was the beginning of a lengthy conversation I had with the non-Buddhist fellow mate of mine. ‘I’m a Buddhist and a vegetarian too’ I stepped into the conversation.
The Buddhist Column: Global Village: What’s Lanka’s contribution? Sachitra Mahendra Some scholars predict Jackson Anthony’s ‘Aba’ will harm the image of Buddhist culture. With this in the backdrop, we could listen to a well-prepared speech by Anthony on a book launch by Nuwan Nayanajith at BMICH recently. Nayanajith launched his fifth book Gaddarika Pravahaya Hevath Sookiri Batillange Lokaya.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - III When committing evil acts Shamika Soysa “Bruce is a strong follower of his leader. He has been assigned a mission by his leader to steal a sacred object which is hidden in a highly protected place. His belief in his faith and leader tempt him to remove any obstruction on his way by any means including murdering.
Binara Poya and the Bhikkuni Order
Premasara EPASINGHE Out of the Poya days, which falls during the rainy season, Binara is of special significance as far as Buddhist Order is concerned. Binara Poya begins according to the English Season in Autumn (Sarath in Sinhala) between Summer and Winter from September to November in the Northern hemisphere.
Ancient Sleeping Buddha Found in Afghanistan
A team of archaeologists has discovered an ancient 19-meter- long sleeping Buddha statue in Afghanistan’s central province of Bamiyan, an official said Tuesday. The statue to the third century and was found, almost three thousand years later, by a France-based team of archaeologists led by Zemaryalai Tarzi, an Afghan archaeologist.
Buddha Gaya, Remnants of a spiritual history: Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa The modern pilgrim visiting Buddha Gaya will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the palpable sense of the ‘sacred’ when approaching the unconquered seat of the Buddha. The road that leads you to the sacred precincts, teems with polyglot vendors and hawkers. Strange enough they are adept at speaking to you in your language, exhibiting quite an intimate awareness of your country. They will insist on keeping a promise on your honour as a genuine Buddhist.
ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL – II: The Worlds we live Shamika Soysa A person with an ill-will mind is always engaged in nasty, unwholesome evil act and spends a restless life. Such a person always feels like living in a hell. Extreme attachment, aversion, hatred, ill-will, ignorance, blindness are the feelings he always suffer with.
Book Reviews: The Gems of Buddhist wisdom Hela Isuru WIJAYADARSHANA In 1983 at the 21st anniversary of the founding of the Buddhist Missionary Society, Gems Of Buddhist Wisdom was published with a collection of various articles concerning different aspects of Buddhism written in a simple and concise manner.
Thus I heard Thoughts of a septuagenarian Sachitra Mahendra The much quoted Kalama Sutta is a distinctive Sutta in Buddhist text, which instructs the disciples not to follow the philosophy because it came down from ancestors, but to inquire and testify.
Buddha statue’s head unearthed
Islamabad, Sept 02: French and Afghan archaeologists have unearthed the head of a Buddha statue and a precious coin in the province of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. The statue’s head belongs to the period when Buddhism thrived in the central province and the coin dates back to the time of Alexander and the Greek empire, according to Najeebullah Ahrar, the director of the information and culture department in the province.
UK Immigration Laws may restrict Minister of Religion Visas
UK Migration Expert September 01 2008 The UK Government are introducing laws which will make it more difficult for Ministers of Religion from outside the EU to enter the UK to address their congregations and lead UK people in prayer. It could hinder freedom of worship in the UK. The idea which we all hold as sacred and take for granted is our freedom to worship. This core belief is central to all that makes us British and therefore makes us one of the most tolerant and respected free societies on earth.
August 2008
Buddhism and literature Mathisha PALANGASINGHE For more than a thousand years after the fourth council, Buddhism flourished and enjoyed the patronage of many kings throughout India. Great monastic universities like that of Nalanda (near Rajagriha) were built and generations of scholars from India as well as the rest of Asia were taught there. Magnificent Buddhist paintings, sculptures and other monuments were created, many of which can still be seen today, for example, at Ajanta.
Buddhist meditation An introduction R K Wijayaratne Meditation, or more accurately concentration (samadhi), is an essential factor to be developed towards enlightenment (Nibbana). The purpose of meditation is to clear the mind of mental defilements (kilesa) thereby facilitating wisdom (panna).
What is Mind? Prasad Soysa This would be one of the most difficult questions to answer in any context, be it religious, philosophical or scientific. Many scientific researches and investigations are carried out to seek a proper answer for this question. In Buddhism, Abhidhamma is the area which would explore the mind and its various features and classes.
Who is the Buddha? The philosophy and the history of the spiritual leader: Robert N. SARATHCHANDRA In general, ‘Buddha’ means ‘Awakened One’, someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. A Buddha is a person completely free from all faults and mental obstructions.
Celibacy The Buddhist way: Dr. D P Atukorala Celibacy is deliberate refraining from sexual activity usually in connection with a religious role or practice. It has existed in some form in most religious and may indicate a person’s ritual purity or may be adopted to facilitate spiritual advancement. In Hinduism, “holy men” (or women) who have left ordinary secular life to seek final liberation are celibate.
Introduction to Abhidhamma Prasad SOYSA Mind is a phenomenon highly explored in Buddhism. Mano phubban gama dhamma, which means “mind is the forerunner”, is a highly heard verse from “Dhamma Padaya”. The ultimate objective in Buddhism is attained by purifying and improving mind. However, understanding what mind is a quite complicated act for any person. This is a barrier for someone interested in learning Buddhism deep.
A New Breed of Monk Rises in Myanmar
SAGAING, Myanmar -- Sitagu Sayadaw sits on a raised platform, three visitors kneeling below him, and explains the source of his power as a Buddhist monk. "I don't have any guns but I have very strong weapons: love, kindness and compassion," he says, as two novice monks massage his feet.
Anuradhapura Glory of an ancient city: Rupa BANDUWARDANA One hundred and twenty eight miles away from Colombo is the first capital of Sri Lanka founded about the fourth century BC; undoubtedly the most important city for Buddhists. Anuradhapura the most sacred city reflects the glorious past of a paradise.
Buddhist India - Notes of a pilgrim: Kalakeerthi Edwin ARIYADASA In any season, whether it is Vesak, Poson or Esala, Buddhist devotees throng to sacred sites of India, hallowed by their association with the Buddha. Currently, the world experiences a Buddhist re-awakening. Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike are drawn to Buddhist India, by a deep urge to worship the Sacred Buddhist sites and to adore places that kindle a keen religious fervour. The number of holy tourists is phenomenally on the increase. Strangely enough, the Buddha was the first to exult in the charm of his land, India.
The spread of Buddhism in China
A traveller falls into a river and calls for help. A huge stag with a fur of nine colours saves the drowning man. The queen of a nearby kingdom dreams about the stag and longs for its fur. She prompts the king to post a reward for anyone who can locate the deer. The traveller had promised the stag not to tell anyone about it, but on hearing about the reward, he goes to the palace and breaks his promise.
Japan offers a high-tech afterlife
In one of the world's fastest ageing societies, Japanese seniors are worrying about a life-and-death issue: finding an "after-life" home in an island short of land. For some, going high-tech is the solution.
Psychological aspects of Jathaka stories Dr. Ruwan M. JAYATUNGE Stories are part of a human environment. Human beings have probably been telling stories since the very early days of our civilisation. Buddhist Jathaka stories are unique. The Jataka stories are a voluminous body of folklore concerned with previous births of the Buddha which is based as a collection of five hundred and fifty stories.
The role of Dhamma in Buddhist way of life By Rupa BANDUWARDANA Dhamma adorned the world with the dawn of Buddhism. For the emergence of the Dhamma the first event of great historic and cultural significance is the birth of the Buddha, Thathagatha the Perfect One. The most amazing event was setting foot on seven lotuses which sprang up to welcome him immediately after seeing the world saying 'Aggo hamasmi lokassa'... meaning chief am I in this world, because he was to be the Thathagatha later.
Ven. Shravasti Dhammika Much attention has been given to how far west Buddhism extended in ancient times. The most westerly Buddhist monument that can be is the foundations of a large stupa in the south east corner of the ancient citadel of Khiva in Turkmenistan. Small communities of Buddhists may have existed beyond this but if they did they would have been insignificant, isolated and exceptional. We can say therefore that the outer edge of Buddhism in the west was what is now western Iran. But how far to the east did Buddhism spread its gentle and civilizing influence? To the outer islands of Indonesia, to Australia or perhaps beyond?
Burning joss sticks 'as deadly as traffic fumes or cigarette smoke'
Worship is generally not a life-threatening pursuit. But devotees across Asia could be taking their life into their hands every time they go to a temple to pray, according to a study by a Thai doctor. Burning joss sticks lit as an offering in shrines and temples fill the air with cancer-causing toxins that are every bit as deadly as traffic fumes and cigarette smoke, says Dr Manoon Leechawengwong.
July 2008
The origin of Esala Poya Rupa BANDUWARDANA- Esala Full Moon day is of great significance for a variety of reasons. This revered month of religious festivals is celebrated with much grandeur and splendour, as it signifies a number of events in the life of the Buddha as well as in the history of Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. The first sacred event of great historical and cultural importance starts with the birth of the Buddha. Queen Mahamaya, the wife of King Suddodana leading a very righteous life, having given alms to the poor, while in her sleep that night on Esala Full Moon Day, had an unusual dream in which she saw the four guardian Devas carrying encircling her thrice entered her abdomen.
Glimpsing the Nibbana Random thoughts on a common phrase: Channa Cabraal LOKULIYANA A definite phrase found in daily Sinhala conversation, especially among ancestors, is “Nivan Daekkaa”, which literally means to have attained Nibbana. Does it really have a meaning in depth? Puthe, umba budun deka nivan dekapan (Son, you should see the next Buddha and see [attain] Nibbana) was often said by the old folks - but is hardly heard now. Why?
A global spiritual force Janaka PERERA - Continued from last week - Lim Kooi Fong is a well known Dharma preacher in Malaysia and has been involved in Buddhist related activities since 1985. Apart from giving talks, he also conducts Sutta Study lessons and has published children story books based on the Jataka tales.
Strong Similarities between Buddhism and Islam
by A. F. Dawood - The Holy Quran, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 1400 years ago, makes allusion to the Buddha, and there are several similarities in Buddhism and Islam. A prince of the Sakya clan who spent 13 years of his life in luxury, Siddharta Gautama relinquished his worldly life at the age of 29 years and meditated in the forest for six years in search of the truth for the cause of suffering and attained Enlightenment, or Buddhahood.
Religion cannot be separated from politics; what did the Buddha say about Political Involvement?
By Ashin Mettacara - Allow me to discuss with the reader the subject of the Buddha and His views on politics. Being a Buddhist monk, I will try to illuminate you on the right way of life and the best kind of political involvement, according to Buddha's teaching. These teachings are not only for Buddhists, but also for all non-Buddhists: for everyone.
Ven. Mahanuwara Sasanawanse We are made wise not by the recollections of the past, but by the responsibility towards our future generation. Selfishness is the greatest curse among human race. When the activity of a given individual is shaped in consonance with the welfare of the whole it leads to progress and happiness.
Premasara EPASINGHE The Buddha’s first serman The hymns were sung, even during the time of Indo-Aran civilisation to unseen gods, to invoke the blessings for human beings. They believed these hymns will protect them from unseen spirits and disasters.
Where the Buddha delivered His First Sermon
Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa According to the annals of Buddhism, the Supremely Enlightened Buddha delivered his first sermon Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta (The Discourse on the Turning of the Wheel) on an Esala Full-Moon Day. After He attained Supreme Enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven weeks at Buddhagaya, the site of His Supreme Enlightenment.
M. B. WERAPITIYA By virtue of the fact one is born to Buddhist parents makes one claim to be a Buddhist, by religion. In reality, one becomes a Buddhist by tradition. However, a true Buddhist is one who takes refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma his teaching and the Sangha the Order of venerable Monks.
The largest stone image of Samadhi Buddha in Sri Lanka Rupa BANDUWARDENA With a heritage of glorious history Kuruunegala stands out as a famous citadel well-known for its strategic location with rocks right round. The history of Kurunegala dates back to the advent of Kalinga Magha and the consequent drift to the South West by the Sinhala kings followed by the Western rule.
Sakyamuni’s attaining the buddhahood and other legends Ven. FA-HSIEN From this place, after travelling to the west for four yojanas, (the pilgrims) came to the city of Gaya; but inside the city all was emptiness and desolation. Going on again to the south, they arrived at the place where the Bodhisattva for six years practised with himself painful austerities. All around was forest.
Buddhist monument in a dilapidated condition in Bihar
Kesaria (Bihar), July 9 (ANI): Residents and pilgrims lamented the dilapidated condition of a Buddhist monument in Bihar, despite it being under control of the country's archaeological department. The Buddhist stupa, a mould-like structure of religious monuments located in Kesaria, about 110 kilometers from Patna, is a sought after destination for tourists and pilgrims coming to the state.
The caves of Dunhuang, an illustration of buildings from the Infinite Life Sutra and an array of painted sculptures Sand is implacable in far western China. It blows and shifts and eats away at everything, erasing boundaries, scouring graves, leaving farmers in despair. It's one of many threats to the major tourist draw of Dunhuang, an oasis city, on the lip of the Gobi desert: the hundreds of rock-cut Buddhist grottoes that pepper a cliff face outside town. Known as Mogaoku -- “peerless caves” --and filled with paradisiacal frescos and hand-moulded clay sculptures of saviour-gods and saints, they are, in size and historical breadth, like nothing else in the Chinese Buddhist world.
Review of “Buddhism Without Beliefs”: Awakening & Awareness in Buddhism and the Old Testament
July 5, 2008 -- A new post on CultureSocietyBlog.com reviews the idea of “Awakening” as discussed in the book “Buddhism Without Belief” by Stephen Batchelor. In addition to this the author, Abbas Abedi, points to similarities in the Old Testament suggesting that parallels for this Buddhist concept exists in the Hebrew Bible. Abbas starts by saying that Buddhism initially rose as a philosophy and only later became a religion. He claims that Stephen Batchelor has separated the philosophical aspect of Buddhism from the religious part making it more applicable to meditational practitioners and observers of other religions.
Lifestyles and spiritual progress Bhikkhu Bodhi Newcomers to Buddhism often ask whether a person’s lifestyle has any special bearing on their ability to progress along the Buddha’s path, and in particular whether the Buddha had a compelling reason for establishing a monastic order governed by guidelines quite different from those that hold sway over the lay Buddhist community.
The damsel by the well The woman in the Buddha’s time: Padma EDIRISINGHE The moon was about to shed its sheen on Indian skies as the lass of Sadol Kula, one of the most degraded castes of this sub-continent, was drawing water from the almost dried up deep well in her garden. That enchanting story, we would come to by and by, after this prelude.
Everything is not due to “Kamma” Prasad Soysa One of the Buddha’s main teachings is Law of Kamma. However, this is one of the teachings which have been taken incorrectly by many Buddhists. We are used to hear Karume in many negative incidents that happen in life. This is against the Buddha’s teachings and Kamma does not provide explanations or excuses for all the incidents that occur in one’s life.
New Book on Religion Shows Teachings of Jesus Came from Buddha
Written by Editor Choice Wednesday, 02 July 2008 ew book by Robert Korczynski, “Buddha’s Big Foot,” presents the well-documented evidence that a Jewish man was not the first person to speak the words of Jesus; all of the, “New Testament,” books of the, “Bible,” turn out to be sourced from the teachings of the Buddha. // (See also ... the New Testament is a Pirate-copy of Buddhist Gospels)
Atheists and the Will to Believe
The Pew poll results could simply be a curiosity. Without a definition of “God” or “atheism,” who really knows the state of unbelief that an atheist feels? If you take the common image of God as a patriarch sitting above the clouds, it’s entirely possible to reject a personal God while retaining a religious spirit. Einstein spent years explaining this as his position, and few understood what he meant
Planning the Demise of Buddhism
Some Western drug companies spend millions of dollars developing and marketing a new drug only to have the health authorities later discover that it has dangerous side-effects and then ban it. Needing to recover their investment and unable to sell their drug in the West some of these companies try to market their dangerous products in the Third World where public awareness of health issues is low and indifferent governments can be brought off. Some might say that Christianity is a bit like this.
June 2008
See Buddhist history, culture which Pakistan has preserved - Envoy tells Buddhists
High Commissioner for Pakistan Shahzad Chaudry called on the Buddhist world to come to Pakistan and see the Buddhist history and culture which Pakistan has been preserving for the world.
Bat Buu Phat Dai in Binh Chanh District, 30 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City center, is a historical place of refuge for Buddhists. The towering statue of Sakya Muni – the Buddha and man who founded Buddhism – sits on an eight-side lotus in the grounds of Thanh Tam Pagoda. Sakya Muni, whose birth name is Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher from ancient India and a key figure in Buddhism.
UK's first Buddhist school planned 5 days ago
Plans are in the pipeline for the UK's first Buddhist school, a Buddhist trust has revealed. The Birmingham Buddhist Vihara Trust is hoping to set up a primary school to go with plans to form a Buddhist university in the city. Ideas for the school are in their early stages but trust chairman John Beard said he hoped it would be a success.
Book Review: Rise and fall of Buddhism in South Asia
Before the rise of Brahmanism the subcontinent was overwhelmingly Buddhist. South Asian monks and merchants had introduced Buddhism to other countries. Although in those Asian countries it continues to prosper, in South Asia it survives only as a jumbled memory. The human agency, the Aryan-Brahmans, behind the unusual fate of Buddhism in the subcontinent also became its modern day historiographers.
Buddhism in the Hellenistic world
Lionel Wijesiri Buddha in Greco-Buddhist style : 1st century BC The interaction between Hellenistic Greece and Buddhism started when Alexander the Great conquered Asia Minor and Central Asia in 334 BC, going as far as the Indus, thus establishing direct contact with India, the birthplace of Buddhism.
Holy Tour to Buddha’s Birthplace
For the devoted and dedicated pilgrims to Buddhist India, the prime sacred site is the birth-place of the supremely enlightened Buddha. Although we tend to describe this holy place as the site where the Buddha was born, it is strictly the place where prince Siddhartha was born, since he was at birth, only a royal prince.
Born to a confused suffering world Was a man unsurpassed, Not immortal, Not divine, yet God-like ways He had, The way to Truth, the path to Peace, He showed in logical form, Two thousand years And more ago, was Gautama Buddha born.
Some thoughts for Poson: Ven. Nyanaponika The Buddha repeatedly discouraged any excessive veneration paid to him personally. He knew that an excess of purely emotional devotion can obstruct or disturb the development of a balanced character, and thus may become a serious obstacle to progress on the path to deliverance.
J.C. Boange The advent of Arahath Mahinda on Poson full moon day was the most momentous occurrence in the history of this Dhamma deepa, after the founding of the Sinhala kingdom by Prince Vijaya. The conversation between Saint and Monarch brought out the broad principles of good governance to the ruler and the duty to protect beast and environment.
Existence of Buddhism before Arahath Mahinda’s arrival
Dr. Keerthi Jayasekera Poson Full Moon day is associated with the official introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahath Mahinda around 236 B.C. This happened over 250 years after Buddha’s passing away. Did Buddhism exist in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during this long period? Mahavansa the great chronicle of Sri Lanka, Deepawansa the history of the island and Samathapasadika the Pali translation of the Sinhala commentaries of the Vinaya Pitaka; cite three visits by the Buddha.
Arahath Mahinda’s first discourse: Cullahatthipadopama Sutta
Sachitra Mahendra - During his short stay in the island, Arahath Mahinda made use of 5 works of Thripitaka: Cullahatthipadopama Sutta (Majjhima Nikàya I, 3. 7 Cålahatthipadopamasuttaü, 27), Peta Vatthu and Vimana Vatthu, 2 books of Khuddaka nikaya (short volume) on celestial and ghostly mansions, Devaduta Sutta (on Heavenly Messengers - Majjhima Nikâya III 3. 10. Devadåtasuttaü, 130) and Balapandita Sutta (on Wise and Fool - Majjhima Nikâya III, 3. 9. Bàlapaõóitasuta, 129).
Mahinda Thera and Emperor Asoka
Transmission of Emperor Asoka’s message - a point of view: Padma Edirisinghe One of those lucky enough to get a manuscript of Dr. Ananda P. Guruge’s edition of the Mahavamsa for a hunt for any printers’ devils who lurk in every printing office, was me who located about ten devils. Naturally as a reward, Godage International, the publishers handed me a copy. Too voluminous for reading at a stretch it lay in my library almost neglected till recently I opened up its leaves.
The spotlight once again turns on Mihintale the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, on Poson Full Moon Saturday when thousands of pilgrims gather from all over the island to pay homage to the memory of Arahat Mahinda, son and emissary of Emperor Asoka of India who brought the message of Buddha Dhamma to Sri Lanka, almost 23 centuries ago, on a Poson day.
Sanchi: A magnificent architectural expression
Sanchi is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s heritage sites of the world. Emperor Asoka laid the foundation of this religious centre, a remarkable sense of Buddhist art and architecture. Anil Gulati has the details.
Ancient Buddha statue discovered in Taxila
Associated Press of Pakistan WAH CANTT: The Federal Archaeology and Museums Department team discovered a statue of a future Buddha made of black shiest stone belongs to the second century AD at the Buddhist monastery, locally called Badalpur, about 13 kilometres northeast of the Taxila Museum.
Walter Wijenayake - Arahath Maha Mahinda Thera, the son of the Emperor Dharmasoka of India came to Sri Lanka 236 years after the final passing away of Buddha with a defined purpose to make Lankadipa a Dharmadipa exactly 2316 years ago today, the Full Moon Poya day of Poson in the 2552nd year as per the Buddhist calendar.
An architect fulfills the vision of working on a spiritually enriching project-After more than thirty years as an architect, John Martens had been in these types of meetings before. Difficult conversations where he would have to tell one of his clients that despite everyone's commitment and best intentions, a deadline could not be met.
'Buddhism is a medicine without expiry date'
Press Trust of India / Itanagar June 18, 2008, 17:22 IST The teachings of Buddha is like a medicine without an expiry date and one can use them to become happy anytime anywhere, said a young monk here. Speaking on the relevance of Buddha's teachings on the concluding day of a month-long Buddha Jayanti celebration here today the monk of Mahabodhi Society of Thetaveda Centre of Tawang Panya Rakkhita said whenever and wherever one felt deprressed one could try Buddhas' teachings as medicine. "Even af ter 2,500 years they still work."
Peshawar has largest number of Buddha stories
Monday, 16 June 2008 20:11 www.daily.pk There are 74 Buddha stories carved in on stone that are on display in the Peshawar Museum describing all the episodes of his life from the time of his birth to death and such a large number of stories does not exist in any museum of Pakistan, the former director of the Peshawar Museum and retired chairman of the Archaeology and Fine Arts Department of the Peshawar University Professor Fidaullah Sehrai said.
Buddhist faith school first for Birmingham
Jun 16 2008 By Shahid Naqvi, Education Correspondent Britain’s first Buddhist faith state school looks set to be launched in Birmingham. The city’s Buddhist community claimed “the time is right” for the 2,500-year-old religion to have its own school in this country that would promote the teachings of the Dalai Lama to children.
Sanchi, a magnificent architectural expression
Sanchi is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's heritage sites of the world. Emperor Asoka laid the foundation of this religious centre, a remarkable sense of Buddhist art and architecture..
Thich Nhat Hanh Human link with prophetic past Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced Tick-Naught-Han) is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk. During the war in Vietnam, he worked tirelessly for reconciliation between North and South Vietnam. His lifelong efforts to generate peace moved Martin Luther King Jr. to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. He lives in exile in a small community in France where he teaches, writes, gardens, and works to help refugees worldwide.
Ariyavamsa sutta festival Ancient religious festivities in Sri Lanka: Rohan L. Jayathileke The Viashya settis, who were the third class in the four-tiered class system of India in Pre-Buddhist Vedic society and post Buddhist society of India - the order being Kshtriyas (rulers and warriors), Brahmanas (priestly class) Vaishya-settis (merchants and bankers) and Sudra (labouring class).
The Buddha's technique and practice of counselling as depicted in the Pali Canon Author: Dr. Jenny Quek Printed by : KepMedia International Pte Ltd, 22 Jurong Port Road, Tower A # 04-01, Singapore 619114 It is interesting to note that the Buddha who appeared in India in the 6th century B.C. recognised that there are two types of sickness one physical and other mental.
The Buddhist Publication Society of Kandy
by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi The Buddhist Publication Society of Kandy (BPS) has reached its fiftieth birthday. At this birthday. At this age it is enjoying a life span far longer that its founders had ever foreseen for it when they established the BPS on New Year's Day 1958. The society was born 'in the Forest Hermitage 'in Udawattakele, a wooded hill just behind the Dalada Maligawa, the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Senarath Bandara Kulasekara ANURADHAPURA: All arrangements have been finalised to celebrate the Poson Festival marking the advent of Arahat Mahinda Thera on Poson Poya Day with the message of Buddhism this year too in the Raja Rata in a grand and fitting manner. Abase Ltd will sponsor the Mihintale Aloka Pooja organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd for the fourth consecutive year
Religion cannot be separated from politics; what did the Buddha say about Political Involvement?
Allow me to discuss with the reader the subject of the Buddha and His views on politics. Being a Buddhist monk, I will try to illuminate you on the right way of life and the best kind of political involvement, according to the Buddha's teaching. These teachings are not only for Buddhists, but also for all non-Buddhists: for everyone.
Man comprises of mind and body.
Modern medical science is now according an important place to the mind, but the Buddha over 2,500 years ago emphasised the invaluable role of the mind. In fact the opening lines of the Dhammapada, a collection of important sayings of the Buddha, state that the mind is the forerunner of all states of being, mind is supreme, mind made are they.
Thu-Van Tran sat outside Cat-Tuong Temple in Garden City one Sunday in May and recalled the "miracle" that inspired her belief. During her childhood in Vietnam, Tran's family experienced anguish over her grandfather's severe alcoholism. One day, her aunt sought out the advice of a Buddhist monk and began meditating constantly for an end to her grandfather's drinking.
The Buddhist Flag A glimpse into history: Rupa BANDUWARDENA The Buddhist Flag is a unique symbol of religious tradition. It denotes the pride of place given to religion playing a very important role in enhancing the religious significance.
Mind purification Bhikkhu Bodhi An ancient maxim found in the Dhammapada sums up the practice of the Buddha’s teaching in three simple guidelines to training: to abstain from all evil, to cultivate good, and to purify one’s mind.
Reading the natural mind Ven. Ajahn Chah Our way of practice is looking closely at things and making them clear. We are persistent and constant, yet not rushed or hurried. Neither are we too slow. It is a matter of gradually feeling our way and bringing it together. However, all of this bringing it together is working towards something, there is a point to our practice.
Five Thai novice Bhikkunis to enter Higher Ordination Five novice Bhikkunis, Nandayanee Silmatha, the head of the “Wot Nirodharama Foundation” in Chennai, Thailand, Payauree, Sadhaseeli, Pannabhari and Varadinna Silmathas will enter Higher Ordination on June 7, 2008 at the “Buddha Seema Malaka”, Pinwatta Piriwena in Panadura, under the guidance of Ven. Thallale Mettananda Thera the Executive Director of Suddharmakara Pirivena, Pinwatta, Panadura.
Chinese arrest 16 Tibetan monks over bombings
CHINESE police have arrested 16 Buddhist monks in Tibet and accused them of three bomb attacks and bomb plots. And they are looking for three more monks they claim were involved in the bombings. Meanwhile, talks between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed, because Chinese officials are taken up with the response to the Sichuan earthquake.
ROBERT THURMAN was changing a flat tyre on his car when the tyre lever slipped. It destroyed his left eye but transformed his life. It prompted the then-20-year-old to drop out of Harvard and head east on a remarkable journey that has led him to become a monk, America's leading Buddhist scholar and one of the country's most influential thinkers - oh, yes, and father of actress Uma Thurman.
Angkor and Phnom Penh pull in two million visitors as Cambodia's tourism industry looks for its place in the sun The Angkor Wat and temples at its periphery constitute Cambodia's premier major tourist attractions and together with Phnom Penh, its capital, pulled in more than two million foreign visitors last year, a record for the country that is still smarting from decades of internal strife and a war-torn past.
May 2008
Vesak - Some historical facts Rupa Banduwardena Birth Enlightenment Passing away The Buddhists all over the world await the arrival of the Vesak Full Moon Day which falls on May every year to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.
Colourful Buddhist calendar for Vesak R.S. Karunaratne Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage The calendars issued during the previous years depicted wall paintings of temples created by Sri Lankan painters. However, the calendar issued this year features four paintings highlighting certain aspects of the Buddha's life. The paintings are created by Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage, a local artist of international repute.
Ten days with the Buddha The meditation programme participants at Dhammakuta Vipassana meditation centre I participated in the 10-day Vipassana meditation course at the Dhamma Kuta, at Mowbray Estate, Peradeniya. Situated in a beautiful location, it calms your mind the very moment you step into their premises.
The Dalai Lama’s practical guide to happiness
“I had to come. This is the nearest thing to meeting a Buddha that’s going to happen in my lifetime,” said Morag, 45, a science teacher from Glasgow. For ten-year-old Gialbu Sherpa from Ashford, Kent,
Nepal: Pluralism in the Buddha’s Teachings
Professor G.A. Somaratne University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Pluralism in the general sense is the acknowledgement of diversity and freedom of individuals, groups, and communities within a region or a country; such acknowledgement is the survival kit of human civilizations.
Sharon Stone claims the earthquake in China is the result of bad karma for its treatment of Tibetans. Is her definition - "when you are not nice, bad things happen to you" - correct? Radiohead sings of the "karma police", called in to arrest those who upset Thom Yorke: "This is what you get when you mess with us." And Boy George warbles about a "karma chameleon", in a toxic relationship because he's not "so sweet" anymore.
QPAC presents a photographic exhibition of Buddhist tradition by Brisbane photographer Anthony Anderton. The exhibition ranges from intimate, personal expressions of faith to vibrant colourful festivals and religious celebrations. The images were taken on location across Asia, including Tibet, China, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Burma.
Dalai Lama reaches out to non-Buddhists in UK
By GREGORY KATZ – 5 hours ago LONDON (AP) — Late-night revelers in London's pricey Mayfair district may see a light on if they amble past the London Hilton at 3:30 a.m. That's when the Dalai Lama rises for four hours of meditation, even when he is on the road. His pronouncements about China and the Olympics have made headlines, but the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader's visit to Britain has a religious dimension as well, particularly in the coming days as he delivers a series of lectures on nonpolitical matters.
Sri Maha Bodhi- The oldest sacred tree in the world
(By Gamini Jayasinghe) There is no specific place for the aspirants of Pacceka Buddha or secondary Buddha and aspirants of Arahantship or Saintship to attain those positions. However, the aspirants of supreme Buddha can attain Buddhahood only at a specific place in this world.This place is called Bodhi Mandalaya — the region for the attainment of
Buddhism fastest-growing religion in Singapore
Singapore - Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion in Singapore, particularly among the young and educated, census figures released Monday showed. The number of people aged 15 and over who are Buddhists jumped from 31 per cent of the population in 1
Vesak Reflection on the Medical Profession
by Nalin Swaris ‘Physicians’ as the very term implies deal with the body, which is subject to sickness, decay and death. As such physicians seem to be engaged in a Sisyphean task – an absurd, but for many lucrative, preoccupation devoted to propping up what Shakespeare called "this muddy vesture of decay".
Dr. H. S. S. Nissanka's contribution to The Island Midweek Review of 14/5 is very informative and interesting. Among many other things, he refers to a "stormy session at Kuliyapitiya Central College. About 400 students had come from all over the country for a Dhamma discussion session.
Indonesian temple a reminder of country's Buddhist past
BOROBUDUR, Indonesia (Reuters) - The Buddhist temple of Borobudur, set among volcanoes on Indonesia's Java island, stands as a testament to the Buddhist roots of the world's most populous Muslim country.
Lionel Wijesiri - I always adored Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. For me it was the ideal religious place for an evening's peace of mind. The gentle rustle of bo leaves, the soft murmur of gatha, the fragrance of incense and the silent holiness of the place always took me into a distant world of tranquillity.
Gem of Truth embodied in Dhammapada
Premasara EPASINGHE The three significant events associated with Vesak is the Birth of Siddhartha, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of the Buddha. Vesak signifies the most outstanding events in the life of the Buddha Anthology sacred stanzas popularly known as Dhammapada, achieves a high significance as, the Essence of Buddhist Wisdom. The moral and philosophical teachings of the Buddha is embodied in Dhammapada.
Pirith chanting ceremony to invoke blessings on 67.5 feet Samadhi Buddha statue
Seventy per cent of the sculpturing of the 67.5 feet Samadhi Buddha statue at Monaragala Viharaya, Rambodagalla, Kurunegala has been completed. A 365-day pirith chanting ceremony was inaugurated to invoke blessings on the 67.5 feet high Samadhi Buddha statue being sculptured at Monaragala Viharaya, Rambodagalla, Kurunegala.
Man can change his environment Ven. Dr. K Sri Dhammananda : Nature is evenly balanced: her equilibrium cannot be disturbed. Natural laws, which operate unerringly and inexorably are not swayed by praises, prayers or sacrifices. They operate in the physical and mental realms without intervention a law-giver. One of natural laws which have a strong earning on the quality of human life is the cosmic law of Kamma.
The right to question Rajah Kuruppu An important attraction of Buddhism to its followers, specially those of an intellectual frame of mind, is the Right to Question conceded in the teaching of the Buddha. The Buddha declared to his disciples not to accept even what He says without scrutiny.
Moral causation and survival in Buddhist perspective Ven. Piyadassi Mahathera Karma is the law of moral causation. Basically it is volition. Volition, O monks, I declare is Kamma. Having willed, man acts, by deed, word or thought.' is the Buddha's definition. Volition, which is will, a force, is a factor of the mind; kamma is the action or seed.
Buddhist Vesak Day forum spreads message of peace
(16-05-2008) A scene from the conference titled Buddhism and Conflicts and Wars Prevention in the framework of the UN Day of Vesak 2008. — VNA File Photo HA NOI — Vietnamese Buddhists will strive to put the wheels of peace in motion, a meeting during the second working day of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2008 heard yesterday.
By DAVID A. MASON May 9, 2008 One of Buddhism's ancient legends holds that many people brought portable lanterns to illuminate one of Sakyamuni Buddha's evening sermons, most of them quite fancy ones donated by wealthy laymen. But then a strong wind blew out all of them except for a humble one donated by an impoverished old woman, and the Buddha proclaimed that her simple piety had proven to be the most virtuous. According to karma, she would surely be rewarded with enlightenment.
'Dalada Pujava' - ceremonies to worship the Tooth Relic
1. Mannar, Valikamam, Trincomalee, Illuppayikkadavai and Kayts, were all under Magha's rule then. Some of these towns were maintained as fortresses. He used to get down soldiers from abroad every now and then. He was constantly taking steps to stabilize his power. Therefore the northern coast was entirely under his power. Magha was able to carry on a successful rule over Rajarata as well.
The present Mahabodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is believed to be an offshoot of the original tree in Bodh Gaya under which Gautama Buddha had attained nirvana, writes D B N Murthy Anuradhapura, in the northern province of Sri Lanka, is on the Golden Triangle Anuradhapura- Sigiriya-Kandy of the Buddhist circuit.
Visiting Borobudur, the magnificent Buddhist Temple, has always ranked among one of my most coveted dreams. However, as I ticked off other sights over the years, this one remained elusive. In Asia already for eighteen months, Borobudur, located in Indonesia, has taunted both Erik and me with its close proximity, but given Elisa's young age, we had so far resisted. However, with the realization that our time in Asia may be coming to an end, we decided that three and a half was old enough to brave the Indonesian jungle.
April 2008
West Buddhism, a New Religion is Emerging as the Ideas of Buddha Travels West
Born in India 2.600 years ago Buddhism was only noted by the West over the past century and as its ideas spread a new form of Buddhism, the West Buddhism, is emerging leading people to ask what these old ideas can offer to the western men and women of the 21st century. Rio de Janeiro, RJ (PRWEB) April 24, 2008 -- Yanabooks is pleased to announce the launching of its first book, "The Gospel of Buddha", an updated edition of a classical book on Buddhism that throws light on the core ideas of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, an eastern faith that is being reshaped in the West.
First-ever oil paintings found in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Scientists have found what they described this week as the earliest oil paintings ever discovered. Afghan murals show oil painting was going on for centuries earlier in Asia than Europe. Murals found on cave walls in Afghanistan prove that painting with oil had been going on in Asia for centuries before artists used the technique in Europe, scientists said this week.
The development of Nalanda, the ancient seat of learning in Bihar, will help improve ties between India and China, an expert said. "Nalanda's proper development will help improve India-China ties due to its importance in both countries," said R. Pant, vice chancellor of Nav Nalanda Mahavihar.
Dalai Lama: Lessons of Buddhism as applied to medicine
The Dalai Lama offered a scarf as a thank-you gift to Dr. Nisha Manek, who works in integrated medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The Tibetan spiritual leader spoke with about 400 of the clinic’s doctors and nurses about compassion, mind-body healing and emotional well-being Wednesday.
The Lantern Festival in Taiwan
Unlike the New Year celebration of the West where it only happens on the first day of the year, Chinese New Year is never on the same day. It usually falls in January or in February of every year but it occurs on the first day of the lunar year.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Buddhism has about 300 million followers around the world. The word comes from the Pali and Sanskrit word "budhi,'' meaning "to awaken.'' Buddhism's origins came about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was awakened, or enlightened, at the age of 35.
Enlightenment through education
For many, Buddhism is a mystery. To those on the outside, the religion’s origins, customs, practices and teachings may seem more like an ancient cult or fantastic scene in an old martial arts movie than a thriving belief system.
Buddhism is central to life in serene Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is still shrouded in night when my alarm starts. Five-thirty is a ridiculous hour to be rising anywhere but it seems particularly wrong tobe wrenched awake in one of Asia's most peaceful and serene cities.
Unique Holy Man: The "Pope" Of Buddhism
(NAPSI)-A growing number of Americans are turning to Buddhism in their search for spiritual and philosophical answers. With 360 million adherents worldwide, Buddhism addresses the problem of materialism that has become an important issue in modern American society.
Rare Buddha relics discovered in Pakistan daml
Islamabad, April 4 (ANI): Archaeologists have discovered rare Buddha relics from the Diamer-Bhasha dam site in Pakistan. According to a report in The International news, the relics include rare stone carvings, sculptures and statues of the Buddha.
March 2008
Buddhists seek control over Mahabodhi temple management
Buddhist monks are upset with the Bihar government for “deliberately” delaying the formation of a panel for running the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Buddhism’s holiest shrine, and want control to be vested with Buddhists.
A brief history of Tibetan Buddhism
Prior to the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet, the majority of the Tibetan people practiced an animistic religion called Bon. Bon originated in Olmo Lungring, a region west of modern day Tibet; it then spread east to Zhang Zhung and finally, to Tibet where it took root. It is still practiced by a minority of Tibetans today as well as, by a significant percentage of Lepchas, the indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim.
Buddhism in the eyes of a Western photographer
At the age of 19 Beat Presser was travelling through Southeast Asia and had a car accident in Thailand. He was healed from a serious spine injury by monks in a Buddhist monastery, and he vowed to do something in return, should he become the photographer he intended to be.
Wisdom and Samadhi - a two way process
Ven. Acariya Nanasampanna Thera A person, who wants to train his heart to become skilful and to know what is behind the deluded tricks of the defilements (kilesas), must not be attached to study and learning in Buddhism to such an extent that it gives rise to the defilements. But also he must not abandon study and learning, for to do this goes beyond the teaching of the Buddha. Both these ways are contrary to the purpose which the Buddha desired that one should aim at.
600 int’l delegations to attend Vesak Buddhist celebration
For the first time a Buddhist concert will be organized during the United Nations Day of Vesak 2008, slated from May 8-13, 2008, in Vietnam. The event is co-organized by the Vietnamese Government, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and the United Nations Day of Vesak International Organization Committee (IOC).
Awaken joy and get more happiness
It came as no surprise to a woman we'll call Joan when, after 16 years of marriage, she and her husband started discussing the possibility of divorce. Deep down she'd never believed her marriage, or any marriage, could be genuinely happy. Still, the reality was crushing. "I was desperate," she says. "I thought, 'I'd do anything to feel better.'"
The Word of the Buddha or the Disputations of his Disciples?
The Pali Nikayas contain a number of different schemes of the Buddhist path. These schemes are characteristically set out in the Nikayas by way of variations on stock formulas presented in a variety of narrative frames. It has been argued by scholars that these different schemes represent competing voices within early Buddhist texts, and some scholars even argue that it is possible to identify the authentic voice of the Buddha among these voices.
Development plan for Buddha Gaya: Main road named after Anagarika Dharmapala - The pre-Buddhistic India had sixteen kingdoms or republics, viz. Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Cheti, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machhaja, Surasena, Assaka, Avanthi, Gandhara and Kamboja. The ancient Magadha kingdom was situated in the area south of river Ganges. Ganges had the tributaries Sona, Neranjara/Nelanjala (bluish water) now called Phalagu. This kingdom in its periphery had Gayasirsa and Rajgir hill ranges. Rajgir was belted by five high rise hilly ranges of Gijjakuta, Isigili, Vehara, Pandava and Vepulla.
Falling leaves - parable on death Probably the hardest of deaths for us to accept is that of a child. On many occasions I have had the honour to conduct the funeral service for a small boy or girl, someone not long set out on their experience of life. My task is to help lead the distraught parents, and others as well, beyond the torment of guilt and through the obsessive demand for an answer to the question, ‘Why?’
On the banks of Mahi River Dhaniya Gopala: With meals cooked and cows milked With the newly thatched house and fires crackling On the Mahi river bank I do reside Oh! the rain-god the way you lord over Rain, rain and rain
Scientist says Buddhism showed there's life in space
By Walter Jayawardhana, Sinhalaya News Agency CHIEF EXPONENT OF PANSPERMIA SAYS BUDDHISM PROVIDED THE PHILOSOPHICAL BACKDROP TO THEORY OF LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE The world’s chief exponent of the theory that tells life began in deep space and reached earth riding on comets said the philosophical backdrop for his theory was provided by Buddhism.
Precious and rare information on Buddhist literature Buddhist and Pali Studies - Silver Jubilee Commemoration Volume of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka Reviewed by Rajah KURUPPU On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of its existence, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka has published in 2007 a commemoration volume appropriately titled Buddhist and Pali Studies. The volume consists of 34 articles by erudite scholars on Buddhism and related subjects, 13 in English and the balance in Sinhala. This review is confined to the English articles.
Ratmalana Rathanaramaya celebrates 50th Year The founder of Sri Rathanaramaya, at Rathmalana was the late Panadura Thotamuna ha Raigam Korale Pradhana Sangha Nayaka, Most Ven. Panditha Olaboduwe Rathanapala Nayaka Thera.
Encyclopaedia of Buddhism nearing completion The International English medium Encyclopaedia of Buddhism Project launched by the Government in 1955, to commemorate the 2500th Buddha Jayanthi, under the pioneering Editor-in-Chief, Professor Emeritus G.P. Malalasekera, is nearing its completion now. The Encyclopaedia of Buddhism covering a vast field of Buddhist doctrines and philosophy, culture and diverse Buddhist activities has been planned to be completed in eight volumes and an Index Volume.
Monks at the Wat Buddharangsi in the Redland practice Theravada Buddhism, the predominant religion of Thailand. Adherents consider Theravada Buddhism the oldest sect of the worldwide religion. Ceremonies are conducted in the ancient language of Pali, spoken by the original Buddha, Indian Prince Siddhartha Gautama.
Nalanda University: It's timeAsia paid back the 'knowledge' debt Mahendra Ved, The New Straits Times, Feb 18, 2008 Ruins of Nalanda University. New Delhi, India - It is payback time for the world community, especially East and Southeast Asia, for what it received by way of knowledge from an ancient Indian university that is in the throes of revival as an international seat of learning.
Lumbini Master Development Plan Rohan L. Jayetilleke The Asokan Pillar set up by King Asoka to mark his pilgrimage to Lumbini in his twentieth regnal year in the third century BC (260 BC) is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the birth place of the Buddha. It is the most noteworthy monument and an authentic historic document in Brahmi script of the birth place of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini.
Study Shows Majority In U.S. Are Christian
Buddhism makes up 0.7% of the population, with Jews at 1.7%, Muslims at 0.6% and Hindus along with New Age at 0.4%. The study was based on interviews in English and Spanish with more than 35,000 adults.
February 2008
'Service to humanity is the worship of the Buddha' Can Buddhist thought contribute to contemporary psychological counselling?: Dr. Senerat Wijayasundara (The 17th memorial lecture in honour of Prof. K. N. Jayatilleke in Sinhala) Reviewed by Prof. Emeritus Jayadeva Tilakasiri It is said that at least one out of eight Sri Lankans in our contemporary society is subject to some sort of mental problem or disorder. Therefore, it is obviously a grave problem that we cannot overlook. Consequently, it is our duty to come out with some proper ways and methods to meet this unfortunate situation.
Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya where millions congregate seeking inner peace P. Rajakaruna Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya is a dome Stupa built in the period 1995-2000 and enshrines a total of one million Buddha images (both inside and out). The construction is a sacred meeting place for open-air congregations. The surrounding grounds are designed to accommodate one million people for meditation, prayer or the study of Dhamma.
The Buddha was the avatar of the situation we find ourselves in today, because he refused to rely on the traditional gods or God. He didn't use the social safety net of the priestly caste with its automatic connection to spiritual privilege.
Good governance: Buddhist perspective Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera Except for those yet blindly hold into the wrong view that Buddhism is a religion concerned about the well-being in next life, it would not be surprise to find a very profound political philosophy in Buddhism. The Buddha saw a very close mutual relation between secular life and spiritual life. His belief was a settled and contended secular life provides the congenial background necessary for gradually stepping with spiritual life.
Great Pagoda in Thailand world's tallest stupa Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam Historians are of the view that Buddhism reached Siam (renamed Thailand after 1949) even before ancestors of the present day Siamese migrated to the country. After embracing Buddhism, King Asoka sent Buddhist missionaries to various parts of the East.
Launch of the Sinhala translation "The Buddhist Catechism" Bauddha Kathaopa Katahanaya the Sinhala translation of Colonel Henry Steel Olcott's "The Buddhist Catechism" will be launched at the Paramavidyanartha Buddhist Society Hall, Colombo 11 on February 17 at 3 p.m.
Sat, 2008-02-16 02:26 Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda What is the Purpose of life? Man is the highest fruit on the tree of evolution. It is for man to realise his position in nature and understand the true meaning of his life. To know the purpose of life, you will first have to study the subject through your experience and insight. Then, you will discover for yourself the true meaning of life. Guidelines can be given. but you must create the necessary conditions for the arising of realisation yourself.
Emperor Ashoka in our Backyard: Deciphering the Rock Edicts and the Law of Piety
It was Emperor Ashoka (died 238 BC) who first introduced what he called the “Law of Piety” sometime in the third century BC. He even introduced “moral agents”, the equivalent of the MMA’s proposed “vice and virtue squads”, to enforce his Law of Piety.
Consciousness Science's biggest mystery
By RICH HEFFERN A baffling and profound mystery lies at the heart of one of the fastest-growing research areas in science today. The mystery is human consciousness and how -- or even whether -- it arises out of our fleshy brains. How does it happen that billions of nerve cells collaborate in an organ no bigger than half a football, allowing us not only to navigate intricate math equations and entertain elaborate thoughts, but to observe ourselves as we perform such functions, to feel exquisite emotions that a computer couldn’t begin to comprehend?
World’s first oil paintings Buddhist images in Bamiyan caves - Forget Renaissance Europe. The world’s first oil paintings go back nearly 14 centuries to murals in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan caves, a Japanese researcher says.
Prajapati, the first Bhikkhuni Retelling from the Pali Canon: Robert Allen Mitchell MYANMAR : A Buddhist novice meditates at a corner of Arnandar Pagoda in Bagan, some 640 kilometers north of Yangon,. The 42 sq km plain of Old Bagan is dotted with some 3,000 ancient temples and is one of the key tourist attractions in Myanmar. AFP Now, it came to pass that Lady Prajapati (aunt and foster mother of the Exalted One) heard from Krsa Gautami’s own lips of the bliss of Nirvana. Thereupon Prajapati, already a lay disciple of Buddha, went with longing for the Highest Attainment to Nigrodha Park where Shakyamuni was.
What is the best thing you can give a monk?
January 30 2008 at 07:07PM Bangkok - A Thai research institute has developed mosquito-repellent robes targeting the kingdom's 400 000 Buddhist monks, who are prohibited from killing all animals including pesky insects, insect, media reports said Wednesday.
A CHAITYA TO BE BUILT IN BIRMINGHAM MAHA VIHARA UK
For the first time in the history of England a full scale Sri Lankan style Chaitya is to be built at the Birmingham Maha Vihara in the Midlands. This was revealed to a visiting Rupavahini news crew who went to the Vihara to record a news item on the honorary facilitation of the OBE by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth the II to the chief incumbent Ven.Dr.Witharandeniye Kassapa Thera. Ven. Kassapa Thera is the President of the Midlands International Buddhist association in the U.K., and the President of the International Buddhist Relief Organisation (I.B.R.O.) attached to the United Nations and the Head of The Birmingham Maha Vihara.
January 2008
Buddhism and education in contemporary Sri Lanka Prof. Oliver Abeynayake The origin of all problems in contemporary Sri Lanka is due to the disorganized system of education. Some of the problems to be recalled here are unemployment, poverty, violence, underdevelopment and ethnic disharmony.
Sri Lanka: Significance of Duruthu Pasalosvaka Poya
Duruthu, the first Poya in the Buddhist calendar is known for the most significant event in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha's first visit to Mahiyangana had taken place on a Duruthu Poya Day. This is an event of great historical importance, because this sacred event has preceded the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Venerable Thera Mahinda in 247 BC. After attaining Enlightenment Sakyamuni proceeded to Saranath and preached His first sermon to the five ascetics. Later Yasakulaputra and his 55 disciples attained Arhantship.
Saga of German Jew turned Buddhist publisher - Rohan L. Jayetilleke January 1st 2008 marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy founded by Most Venerable Nyanaponika Maha Thera. The person who was to become known all over the world as the Venerable Nyanaponika Maha Thera was born on 21st July 1901 in Germany, zat Hanau, near Frankfurt, as the only child of a Jewish couple, Isaak and Sophie Feniger.
Ven. Olande Ananda as we see him Bhikkhu Andhra Dhammika and K. G. L. Chandrasena - ‘Ven. Olande Ananda’ completed his 60th year on January 02. Ven. Olande Ananda of dutch nationality has been serving the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka for three decades. For people who lead busy lives many of them being professionals, his pansala in Nugegoda is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
What happened to Buddhism in India?
January 17, 2008 Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta - I read this with great interest but also had many questions which arose and as I also received the same article in an email, I inquired about them from the sender. The fact that Buddhism disappeared from India over a period of about 800 years is not in doubt. Starting right from the great days of Buddhism after Emperor Ashoka gave the most almighty push, a combination of incorporation within Hinduism, emergence of Jainism, the invasions of the Muslims, the sectarian splits between various Buddhists sects, etc. all meant that we do not see Buddhism in India as seen in other countries. But this theory that Brahmins and/or Hinduism eradicated Buddhism does not quite hold.
KENDRAPARA: Remains of a monastery, Buddha Vihar, along with some stone images of Lord Ganesh were unearthed from a cremation ground in Palei village, 15 km from here. The railway authorities had acquired the land for construction of a railway line from Haridaspur to Paradip and some workers stumbled upon the relics while digging the earth for construction of a wall.
Basic formula for happiness Yapa A. D. S. K. Wickramasinghe - There is a grave misconception among some people that, Buddhism's sole consideration is only suffering or dukkha of life and is always inclined towards discussing dukkha or suffering.
Translating the Tripitaka into Sinhala Rupa Banduwardena - It is an event of utmost importance to learn about the recent translation of the Tripitaka from the original Pali to Sinhala. This is most welcome news to Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist philosophy embracing the teaching of the Buddha enshrined in the Thripitaka gives a unique opportunity to its readers to familiarise with the sacred doctrine and the fact that the sacred doctrine has been given pride of place is something to be proud of.
The stone sculptures at Ellora are breathtakingly beautiful.
If only stone sculptures could talk, we would have great stories! Kailas temple among the Ellora cave temples, dedicated to Shiva, wasdeclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is a Nandi in front of the temple and an intricately carved dwajastamba. On either side of the main temple walls are panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Ancient Korean Buddha Statue Hardly Be Re-erected
A 1,300-year old Buddha statue, which was discovered in a southeastern ancient capital last year, is unlikely to be re-erected soon, government officials said Monday. A Maaebul, or a Buddhist statue carved into rock, was found in May in Gyeongju, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage since 2000.
Do Spirituality And Politics Mix?
I still regard myself as a novice when it comes to many aspects of the Buddhist teachings. Having now a ten-year daily meditation practice, and having read quite widely in the literature, I do not yet think of myself as a "student" in the the sense that a true student immerses himself or herself deeply and without reservation in the teachings.
The Golden Temple of Bangladesh
by Arpan Shrestha, DrikNEWS, Jan 4, 2007 Banderban, Bangladesh -- The Buddha Dhatu Jadi, a Thervada Buddhist temple located in Balaghata in Banderban is the largest Buddhist temple of Bangladesh. Set atop a 60m hill, this temple popularly known as The Golden Temple exhibits unique Arakanese Architecture (South-East Asia style) and houses Lord Buddha's dhatu (material remains of a holy person) and the second largest statue of Lord Buddha in Bangladesh.
Nalanda, the ancient university
The name Nalanda has its origin from Sanskrit word Nalam means lotus (a symbol of knowledge) and da (to give). Another account suggest that bodhisattva (rebirth of Buddha) once had his capital here and he gave alms without intermission; hence the name Nalanda.
Buddhist life which evolves in Nepal
By A CORRESPONDENT Being a birth place of Shakyamuni Buddha , Nepal is a land full of stories, legends and traditions of Buddhism. From high Himalayan mountains to low land in south of Nepal , Buddhism has made great impacts on all areas. Despite being a society with Hindu domination, the country has never seen any conflict between the various religious sects, particularly Hindus and Buddhists. In Kathmandu valley, people are so tolerant that they build Buddhist and Hindu temple side by side and live together harmoniously.
Nalanda: Ancient University, Part-II
My inquisitiveness led me to discover more about the ancient Nalanda university, and I come to know that the name Nalanda has originated from Sanskrit word Nalam means lotus (a symbol of knowledge) and da (to give). Another account suggest that bodhisattva (rebirth of Buddha) once had his capital here and he gave alms without intermission; hence the name Nalanda. During the time of Buddha (500 CE), Nalanda was a flourishing temple city. Sariputta, the right hand disciple of the Buddha, was born and died at Nalanda.