Buddhism
Tep Vong, the leader of Cambodia’s Buddhist community, dies at 93
By Associated Press — February 27, 2024
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's Ministry of Cult and Religion said Tep Vong died Monday after an extended illness.
A spiritual leader in Nepal known as ‘Buddha Boy’ arrested on charges of rape and kidnapping
By Binaj Gurubacharya — January 10, 2024
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Bamjan is expected to be taken to a court in southern Nepal, where the alleged crimes occurred, to appear before a judge there.
The Lotus Sutra − an ancient Buddhist scripture from the 3rd century − continues to have relevance today
By Megan Bryson — January 5, 2024
(The Conversation) — For many Buddhists today, both in East Asia and across the world, the Lotus Sutra offers religious support for various gender identities.
What is Bodhi Day? And when do Buddhists celebrate it?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 8, 2023
(AP) — Also called Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, it commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening some 2,600 years ago, becoming the Buddha.
How sacred images in many Asian cultures incorporate divine presence and make them come ‘alive’
By Michael Naparstek — December 6, 2023
(The Conversation) — Through the power of rituals, inanimate objects can be understood to transform into agents who can see, hear, taste and respond to the concerns of those who worship them.
Daisaku Ikeda, head of global Japanese Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, dies at 95
By Yuri Kageyama — November 21, 2023
TOKYO (AP) — Ikeda is credited with reviving Nichiren Buddhism in the modern age, making it more accessible for present-day practitioners.
From India and Taiwan to Tibet, the living assist the dead in their passage
By Liz Wilson — October 31, 2023
(The Conversation) — Across cultures, death rituals give mourners a chance to grieve. But they also offer one last opportunity to help the deceased as they transition to the next stage of existence.
Shaligrams, the sacred fossils that have been worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists for over 2,000 years, are becoming rarer because of climate change
By Holly Walters — August 4, 2023
(The Conversation) — Many Hindus, Buddhists and people who follow the shamanic religion of Bon undertake a pilgrimage each year to northern Nepal to look for Shaligrams, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
Modi’s gift of ’10 danas’ – the 10 donations – to Biden reflects ancient Hindu wisdom and carries a deep symbolism
By Jeffery D. Long — July 11, 2023
(The Conversation) — One of the gifts that Prime Minister Modi gave to President Biden symbolizes the recipient’s having seen 1,000 full moons, implying a long and auspicious life.
Happy birthday, Buddha! Why the founder of Buddhism has so many different birthdays around the world
By Megan Bryson — May 24, 2023
(The Conversation) — Buddha’s birthday has not always been a major holiday for Buddhists, but is now celebrated in diverse ways throughout Asia.
White House to host its third-ever Vesak ceremony
By Jack Jenkins — May 4, 2023
(RNS) — This year ambassadors from nations such as Cambodia, India and Nepal are slated to participate.
After 30 years, Buddhist-inspired message of ‘Groundhog Day’ still holds spiritual power
By Bob Smietana — February 2, 2023
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (RNS) — Part Hollywood love story and part secular spiritual parable, the 1993 film shows life can be better if we pay attention.
A solemn Buddhist ceremony offers comfort, healing at site of Monterey Park shooting
By Alejandra Molina — February 1, 2023
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (RNS) — ‘If we take hatred for hatred, we will never have peace of mind,’ said the Venerable Chang Ju. ‘We need the wisdom to overcome all this.’
A Buddhist disaster relief organization offers key support after Monterey Park shooting
By Alejandra Molina — January 27, 2023
ALHAMBRA, Calif. (RNS) — The Buddhist humanitarian organization, Tzu Chi USA, is helping with language translation and funeral service arrangements in the wake of the Monterey Park shooting that left 11 people dead.
What is Mahāyāna Buddhism? A scholar of Buddhism explains
By Pierce Salguero — December 7, 2022
(The Conversation) — The Mahāyāna branch of Buddhism likely emerged around the first centuries A.D. and was most readily carried through the Silk Road and maritime trade routes.
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