All articles tagged with #buddhism
A Thai woman, known as Ms Golf, was arrested for blackmailing monks with videos and photos of sexual acts, allegedly extorting around $11.9 million over three years, prompting calls for reform within Thailand's revered Buddhist institution amid ongoing scandals.
The 15th Tibetan Religious Leaders Meeting was held in Dharamsala, where leaders expressed support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's recent statements, emphasized the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and discussed the political and religious significance of reincarnation, with wishes for His Holiness's long life and continued leadership.
Solar eclipses have historically evoked awe and dread in various religions, with beliefs ranging from auspicious days for spiritual practice in Tibetan Buddhism to signs of the "end times" in Christianity. In Hinduism, eclipses are seen as bad omens, leading to fasting, ritual bathing, and prayer. In Islam, a solar eclipse is a time for prayer and turning to God, while Judaism views eclipses as ill omens and opportunities for introspection.
The author reflects on his late husband's 12-year journey with dementia and Alzheimer's, sharing how his study of Buddhism helped them cope with the challenges. He discusses the application of Buddhist practices in their lives, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and love in facing the disease. Despite the difficulties, the author believes they were able to navigate the path of dementia and Alzheimer's with mindfulness and resilience, ultimately cherishing the time they had together.
Buddhists around the world are celebrating Bodhi Day, also known as Buddha's Enlightenment Day, which commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama achieved awakening and became the Buddha. The holiday is celebrated on different dates depending on the region, with Japan observing it on December 8. Bodhi Day is most commonly celebrated in East Asia's Buddhist Mahayana traditions, and observances vary but often include prayers, scripture readings, tree decorations, special meals, acts of kindness, and meditation. The Bodhi Tree, under which Gautama attained enlightenment, is considered a sacred symbol in Buddhism, and Bodh Gaya in India is a significant pilgrimage site.
Daisaku Ikeda, the head of Soka Gakkai, a global Japanese Buddhist organization, has passed away at the age of 95. Known for reviving Nichiren Buddhism and making it more accessible, Ikeda emphasized a philosophy of goodness, respect for others, and happiness. Soka Gakkai has millions of members worldwide, including celebrities like Herbie Hancock and Tina Turner. Ikeda's dedication to peace and his efforts in spreading the teachings of Buddhism have left a lasting impact. A private funeral has already been held, and a public commemorative service will be announced at a later date.
Daisaku Ikeda, the longtime leader of the lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, passed away at the age of 95. As the third president of Soka Gakkai, Ikeda played a significant role in the group's growth and influence, with a claimed membership of over 8.27 million households. He also established Komeito, a political group, and engaged in dialogue with world leaders to promote global peace. Born in Tokyo in 1928, Ikeda's experiences during World War II shaped his commitment to working for peace.
Daisaku Ikeda, the longtime leader of the lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, has passed away at the age of 95. With a claimed membership of over 8.27 million households, Soka Gakkai is one of the largest religious groups in Japan. Ikeda also established Soka Gakkai International, which has 2.8 million members in over 190 countries and territories.
Brother Spirit, a Zen Buddhist monk from Plum Village monastery in France, played a role in connecting Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff with the founders of Humane, the company behind the AI-powered screenless wearable called Ai Pin. Brother Spirit suggested that Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, former Apple employees and founders of Humane, share their ideas with Benioff. Benioff, who is also an investor in Humane, expressed belief in the potential of the Ai Pin. Brother Spirit advocates for merging technological innovation with ancient wisdom, like Buddhism, to challenge the individualistic and competitive culture of the tech industry.
Pope Francis arrived in Mongolia on a low-key visit, barely making a ripple in the predominantly Buddhist country. With a small Catholic community of only 1,450 people, the pope's visit aims to draw attention to minority groups and issues in the peripheries of society. His first engagement will be an official welcoming ceremony and address to government leaders and diplomats. Despite the lack of fanfare, Francis expressed his excitement to visit the country and its rich culture. He will preside over religious events, including a Mass and an inter-religious service, before departing on Monday.
The Catholic Church in Mongolia has a discontinuous presence dating back to the 7th-10th century. After a period of absence, Catholic missionaries returned to Mongolia in 1992, and the Church has since grown slowly but steadily. Currently, there are around 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia, served by one bishop, 25 priests, and 30 women religious. The Church focuses on social, health, and education initiatives, and has good relations with the Mongolian authorities and other religions, particularly Buddhism. The main pastoral challenges include deepening the faith of Mongolian Catholics, promoting unity among missionaries, and proclaiming the Gospel in a society where 40 percent of the population identifies as atheist.
Myanmar's military junta has arrested a Swiss national and 13 Myanmar citizens for their involvement in a film called "Don't Expect Anything," which authorities claim is offensive to Buddhist culture and tradition. The film, released on YouTube and TikTok, allegedly misleads audiences about Buddhists and insults the dignity and morality of Buddhist monks. Religion is a sensitive subject in Myanmar, and the Swiss government is in contact with local authorities regarding the case.
A Swiss citizen, Didier Nusbaumer, has been arrested in Myanmar for allegedly creating a film that insulted Buddhism. Nusbaumer, along with 13 Myanmar nationals, was detained on August 8th. Insulting Buddhism is a punishable offense in Myanmar, where religious nationalism has been on the rise. The film, titled "Don't Expect Anything," was posted on YouTube and spread on social media, drawing criticism from Buddhist nationalists. This is not the first time a foreigner has been detained in Myanmar for insulting Buddhism.
A Swiss citizen, Didier Nusbaumer, has been arrested in military-ruled Myanmar for creating a film that allegedly insulted Buddhism. Nusbaumer, along with 13 Myanmar nationals, was detained on August 8. Insulting Buddhism is a punishable offense in Myanmar, where religious nationalism has grown. The film, titled "Don't Expect Anything," was posted on YouTube and spread on social media, drawing criticism from Buddhist nationalists. This is not the first time a foreigner has been detained in Myanmar for insulting Buddhism.
The Chinese Communist Party has long dictated how religious groups should practice their faiths, including Buddhists. The party is particularly concerned with the succession of the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, whose reincarnation lineage began in the 16th century. The Dalai Lama has declared he will not take rebirth in any region under Chinese control, and the party has responded by claiming it has the right to adjudicate all matters of tulku succession. This struggle between tradition and Communist Party control is likely to play out over the course of the next few decades, and the future looks increasingly grim for those who want to resist.