Buddhism

Hanamatsuri, Celebrating the Birth of Buddha

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.

Impermanence in Buddhism (Anicca)

All compounded things are impermanent. The historical Buddha taught this, over and over.

How Buddhism helps us in developing better relationships

The dialectical context I will use is from a school of Buddhism called Mādhyamaka, a Buddhist tradition founded by Nagarjuna some 600 years after the Buddha's parinirvana (the great passing).

Emptiness in Taoism and Buddhism

Taoism and Buddhism have a lot in common. In terms of philosophy and practice, both are nondual traditions.

The Buddhist Way

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.

Origins of Mahayana Buddhism

The precise origins of Mahayana Buddhism are something of a mystery

Nirvana and The Concept of Freedom in Buddhism

The word nirvana is so prevalent for English speakers that its true meaning is often lost. The word has been adopted to mean 'bliss' or 'tranquility.'

The Buddha and His mesage: Past, present and future

A Five Minute Introduction

The Five Powers

The five powers are faith, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.

Buddhism: Philosophy or Religion?

Buddhism—some Buddhism, anyway—is a practice of contemplation and inquiry that doesn't depend on belief in God or a soul or anything supernatural.

End of Vassa, a Day of Atonement and Renewal in Theravada Buddhism

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.

Modern Metaphors for the Buddhist Raft

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.

What is the Nalanda Tradition?

The Nalanda tradition is a Buddhist philosophical and educational lineage that traces its origins to the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, India. Nalanda was a renowned center of learning from the 5th to the 12th century CE and attracted diverse community of scholars from all over Asia, making significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy, logic and other fields of knowledge.

Buddhism & Sustainability - North East India's Monastic Orders Embrace Environmental Initiatives

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 Art of Calm Abiding Meditation

Publication of a special poem dedicated to our readers and all those who profess the Buddhist faith. May we all benefit from our Dharma practice so that all beings shall benefit from our love, kindness and compassion.

Dalai Lama attends the International Buddhist Summit hosted by India

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.

Global Buddhist Summit to address Contemporary Global Challenges

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.