One of the greatest treasures of Cambridge University Library is a Buddhist manuscript that was produced in Kathmandu exactly 1,000 years ago. The exquisitely-illustrated Perfection of Wisdom is still revealing fresh secrets. 05.09.2015 One thousand years ago, a scribe called Sujātabhadra put his name to a manuscript known as the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight-Thousand[…]
Padma Angdu was anointed as a Tibetan Buddhist rinpoche, or enlightened being, in 2010. He was 6 years old at the time. By Patrick Winn / 02.15.2018 After death comes for a rinpoche — a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, imbued with supernatural powers — he or she may choose to reincarnate as an infant. Belief dictates that once these children grow old[…]
Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Seattle, Washington. Wonderlane, CC BY By Dr. Pamela Winfield / 01.22.2018 Associate Professor of Religious Studies Elon University In East Asia, Buddhists celebrate the Buddha’s death and entrance into final enlightenment in February. But at my local Zen temple in North Carolina, the Buddha’s enlightenment is commemorated during the holiday season of[…]
Standing Male Worshipper (votive figure), c. 2900-2600 B.C.E., Eshnunna (modern Tell Asmar, Iraq), gypsum alabaster, shell, black limestone, bitumen, 11 5/8 x 5 1/8 x 3 7/8″ / 29.5 x 10 cm, Sumerian (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City) By Dr. Karen Shelby / 08.09.2015 Assistant Professor of Art History Baruch College, The City University of[…]
The young Pema Chödrön By Harish / 09.15.2017 Embrace Yourself as You Truly Are One of my most cherished teachers is the gentle but tireless Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön. Over the years, I have enjoyed her wonderful books, her timeless wisdom and her gentle and loving approach to life. Perhaps the most attractive thing about Pema is[…]
By Elayne Youssef / 08.02.2017 It’s Easy Once You Know How… My 10-day ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ course was held in the main Gompa of Tushita Meditation Center. One of the texts that were written on the walls inside read the following: If it can be remedied, why be upset about it? If it cannot be remedied, what is[…]
By Azriel ReShel / 07.07.2017 Living the Path of Peace and Compassion Our own life has to be our message. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh Beloved by hundreds of thousands of people around the world, called ‘an apostle of peace and nonviolence,’ by Martin Luther King Jr, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the[…]
By Patricia Alves / 05.26.2017 When I decided to go to Southeast Asia, one thing I wanted to do was join a monastery and learn about Buddhism. Some people advised me that I wouldn’t find monasteries to join in Vietnam, my first stop. I visited pagodas all over the country, but always just as a[…]
Mingora, the modern-day capital city of Swat or ancient Mengjieli / Wikimedia Commons By Dr. Anna Filigenzi Professor of Archaeology University of Naples “L’Orientale” Towards a New Reading of Conflicting Sources The more analytical studies highlight the artistic value, theoretical coherence, and innovative character of the rock sculptures, the more glaring appears the contradiction with[…]
By Robert Piper / 04.27.2017 You are Your Greatest Teacher We have to find happiness within, and also find our purpose on the outside. When I was 18 years old, I suffered from anxiety and stomach problems. A compassionate physician and practicing Buddhist referred me to a Taoist monk who specialized in meditation and martial[…]
The Buddha seated in meditation, one hand on his lap, the other pendant in a gesture known as earth-witness, which represents unshakability or steadfastness when being subject to the demons’ temptations. This is a superb example of 12th century Nepalese metalcraft. “Shakyamuni, the Historical Buddha” / Photo by Critstian Violatti, Patan Museum, Nepal By Charley[…]
Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Giant Buddha, on Po Lin monistary. / Wikimedia Commons The Triple Gem Buddha Statue / Wikimedia Commons 1. The Buddha — The self awakened one. The original nature of the Heart; Dharma Wheel / Wikimedia Commons 2. The Dhamma — The Teaching. The nature of reality; Durga Puja Pandal[…]