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On 8 April, Buddhist temples across Japan commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism. The festival features small shrines called hanamidō (花御堂) or flowers pavilion, which worshipers decorate with flowers, typically peonies and Japanese irises. The hanamido shelters a statuette standing in a large shallow bowl and is covered and surrounded with flowers.

It's a strange fact that those who live closest to wonders of the world, like the Great Barrier Reef of Australia or the Taj Mahal of India, often take no notice of them at all. These incredible places become too familiar; they seem too accessible and their magic is somehow lost. People seem to think they can learn about the wonders so close to them at any time, but so often never get around to making a start.

The precise origins of Mahayana Buddhism are something of a mystery

In the world of Theravada Buddhism, a solemn and reflective period known as Vassa marks a three-month annual retreat observed by devout practitioners. This sacred tradition unfolds during the wet season, spanning from July to October. As the end of Vassa approaches, Buddhists prepare to mark a significant day known as Pavarana Day, which carries the purpose of atonement and renewal.

In the Alagaddupama Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 22), the Buddha uses the metaphor of a raft to represent the Dharma. The raft is a tool to help us cross the river of suffering and reach the other shore, which symbolises Nirvana or liberation.

The monastic orders of Buddhism in North East India have always been renowned for their peaceful serenity and spiritual doctrines. However, in recent times, they have evolved into environmental custodians, merging their religious values with a deep-rooted obligation towards the environment.

The Dalai Lama on April 21 participated in a global Buddhist conference hosted by India. The Tibetan spiritual leader attended the second day of the event here and addressed delegates from 30 countries which include monks, Buddhist scholars and practitioners and heads of Buddhist organisations from across the globe.

The International Buddhist Confederation, (IBC) supported by the Indian Ministry of culture, will be hosting the Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) on 20-21 April at the Ashok Hotel. The aim of the conference is to focus on a Buddhist response for dealing with the most pressing challenges the world is facing.

One of the most interesting processes of transformation concerns Buddhist nationalism, which has gone through at least three periods, this according to Professor David Moe, of Yale University, who hails from Chin State, a mostly Christian state.

Buddhism Is Losing Its Voice in Asia