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by B. MADHU GOPAL, The Hindu, Oct 9, 2012 Site is at Gudiwada village of Bhogapuram mandal in Vizianagaram district Vizianagaram, India -- The Department of Archaeology and Museums has stumbled upon evidence of a Buddhist heritage site at Gudiwada village of Bhogapuram mandal in Vizianagaram district. << Assistant Director of Archaeology and Museums Vijayawada and FAC for Visakhapatnam K. Chittibabu showing a cistern found on the hill at Gudiwada of Bhogapuram mandal on the banks of Gosthani river in Vizianagaram district. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam The hill, located right on the banks of the Gosthani River, has been quarried on two sides, reducing it to a hillock. There are evidences of a circular stupa, and a small cistern like structure carved out of the rock, and large bricks of 52 cm x 27 cm and 7 cm thickness, pieces of red ware and decorated pottery were also found at different levels on the hill. Shrines About one-half of the hilltop was flattened and two

By DAVE GOSSETT, The Herald-Star, October 8, 2012 Steubenville, Ohio (USA) -- It was raining when Sunim Daeung rode across the Market Street bridge Sunday afternoon. But the 42-year-old Buddhist monk was all smiles as he clasped his hands together and slightly bowed to Jerry Barilla. "It is good to meet you," Sunim said softly. "I am glad to meet you," responded Barilla before leading the monk toward the Historic Fort Steuben Visitors Center. The South Korean had just completed a 43-mile bike ride as part of a two-year bicycle journey that started April 18 in Vancouver, Canada, and will continue through the United States before he heads south to Mexico and then South America. He anticipates completing his trip in 2014 when he arrives in Patagonia. Sunim, a teacher at his Buddhist temple in Seoul, said he wanted to "experience life," so he bought a South Korean Toga touring bicycle and flew to Canada. "I never rode a b

By Farid Ahmed, IPS, Oct 10, 2012 DHAKA, Bangladesh -- Anxiety has yet to die down over a week after crowds of Muslims torched more than a dozen temples and scores of houses in southeast Bangladesh, leaving thousands of Buddhists with the unshakeable premonition that more violence was forthcoming. << Policemen guard a Buddhist monastery in Dhaka following sectarian violence in Cox's Bazar. Credit: Farid Ahmed/IPS The government has repeatedly tried to assure the religious minority that they have the support and protection of the state, while the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Mizanur Rahman, apologised for the atrocities – but it seems nothing can assuage the fear of fresh violence. "We're shocked by this unexpected violence… yet we appeal to all to maintain peace as Buddhist preaches peace and non-violence," Dr. Pranab Kumar Baruya, a former visiting professor of Dhaka University, told IPS during an interview at the Dharma Rajika

A legal dispute has arisen between members of the Vietnamese-American Unified Buddhist Association of Utah and the Vietnamese-American Unified Buddhist Congress in the United States of America over a temple property in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood. Apparently the Utah group had donated the property to the national congress, though members of the local group say that the deed was given without their consent. Protesters in the local group gathered outside another temple in a Salt Lake City suburb on Saturday, where a national conference of monastics was being held. The protesters chanted the slogan, "Give back our temple. Give back our temple." According to the Desert News piece by Jasen Lee , the legal battle over who owns the temple has been the source of much division within the Salt Lake City Buddhist community (with a potential burglary tie-in , to boot). Utah Senator Luz Robles , who represents the district where the temple is, showed up Saturday to

Contemplative photography is a method for working with the contemplative state of mind, seeing the world in fresh ways, and expressing this experience photographically. Each week we choose an image that's been submitted to seeingfresh.com that really exemplifies this practice. This week's photo is one from a series of three on the same theme, submitted by Kelsang Rinzing. You can see the other two after the jump. . . . The interplay of texture, line, and reflection in these images is quite magical — three great examples of fresh seeing. . For more about contemplative photography, and lots of other great photos, visit seeingfresh.com . And don't miss this video or this article on contemplative photography. You can see all our Seeing Fresh posts on Shambhala SunSpace here . Read More @ Source

The dentist nearly always brings me down. Never mind he fitted me with a new crown! Then Orlando (the cat) greeted me at the step. 'I live here'! you smiled, with gentle urging, silent prompting. With bows to John who left a comment which inspired this post. Read More @ Source

Johnny, we hardly knew ye . . . http://mytinyspot.blogspot.com/2012/10/meet-newer-kinder-john-sununu-mitts.html#... added by: mfb1949   0 comments Read More @ Source

Homepage » News » His Holiness the Dalai Lama Attends Common Ground for Peace Forum in Syracuse, NY » October 9th 2012 Syracuse, NY, USA, 8 October 2012 - After a very long flight from New Delhi, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived yesterday in Syracuse, New York, where he was met at the airport by Syracuse University Chancellor, Nancy Cantor, Vice President Tom Walsh and Oren Lyons, Native American Faithkeeper of Onondaga Nation. A short drive through maple forest in an array of autumn colours brought him to the residence of Samuel and Carol Nappi, who were there to greet him. Mr Nappi, founder and director of World Harmony Productions, is the inspiration for the Common Ground for Peace forum that His Holiness is participating in during his stay. This morning, the weather was crisp and bright as His Holiness met his fellow panellists backstage at the Goldstein Auditorium of Syracuse University. The audience who had come to listen to them were first regaled with the haunti

Not long ago we brought you news about Buddhist Global Relief 's 2012 "Walk to Feed the Hungry" fundraising events. This is the third year for the events, which seek to raise funds for its programs that provide relief to communities around the world afflicted by chronic hunger and malnutrition. So far, walks have in total raised over $ 120,000 to support BGR's humanitarian efforts. All the walk events in 2012 will take place this month in the following cities: Ann Arbor, MI (October 13), Chicago, IL (October 13), New York, NY (October 13), San Francisco, CA (October 13), San Jose, CA (October 14), Los Angeles, CA (October 20), Escondido, CA (October 25). Walks have already taken place in Seattle, WA, and Yorkshire, UK. Buddhadharma News reporter Danny Fisher caught up with the  Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi  – the well-known translator of Pali Buddhist texts into English, and the founder of Buddhist Global Relief – to ask him about the walks. They talked via emai

Detail of Adam Yauch/Bucky Lasek collaboration: Lyrics to "Bodhisattva Vow" on skateboard ridden by X Games multi-medalist and Tibetan Freedom advocate Bucky Lasek. Image Copyright © Tony Hawk Foundation 2012. Photo by Miki Vuckovich, courtesy of Tony Hawk Foundation. Click to expand. Last month, we told you about how three skateboard decks customized, triptych-style, by the late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch — in collaboration with skater Bucky Lasek (a voice for pro-Tibetan freedom, just as Yauch was) — were to be auctioned by the Tony Hawk Foundation. Originally, no photos were available but the Foundation has shared with us a couple of shots of what awaits the highest bidder. . Lyrics to "Bodhisattva Vow," written by Adam Yauch, on skateboard ridden by X Games multi-medalist and Tibetan Freedom advocate Bucky Lasek. Image Copyright © Tony Hawk Foundation 2012. Photo by Miki Vuckovich, courtesy of Tony Hawk Foundation. Click for larger view. These shots are o

Respected Feng Shui master and consultant, Venerable Jampa Ludrup, will present a lively talk and slide show on the ancient science of Feng Shui, which teaches us how to arrange our physical environment to create harmony in our surroundings and enhance our well-being. During this special event, you will learn some of the ideas behind Feng Shui and the many ways in which it can benefit you and your loved ones. According to Lama Zopa Rinpcohe, "The number one way of helping people is Buddhist – the number two is Feng Shui." During his New York stay while on his East Coast tour from London, Ven. Jampa is also available for personal consultations at your home or workplace, which will give you detailed advice about your particular space. Click here to learn more about Feng Shui and what happens during a personal consultation. If you are interested in a consultation, you may contact Shantideva Meditation to request an appointment with Ven. Jampa. Location: Tibet House

Brushing dust off a thick, bound 14th century volume, Professor Robert Buswell stood in his office, surrounded by a chronicled literary history of ancient Buddhist culture. Read More @ Source

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN, October 6, 2012 Kyoto, Japan -- The public got its first glimpse of a famous Buddhist painting on Oct. 6, when the Byodoin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, unveiled the "Nissokan-zu." <<The original "Nissokan-zu," right, painted on two doors during the Heian Period, and a re-creation of the picture, left, are on display at Kyoto's Byodoin temple. (Kazunori Takahashi) The painting, a national treasure, depicts a form of meditation from the Heian Period (794-1185). It will be on display at the temple's Museum Hoshokan through Dec. 14. Since the establishment of the temple in the 11th century, only a small group of people have had access to the picture, which is painted on two door panels placed behind the Seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) statue, the principal Buddhist image of Byodoin temple. The exhibition was planned following the start of major renovations of the temple's Phoenix

By Jasen Lee, Deseret News, Oct. 6 2012 WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (USA) -- A complicated legal dispute has put members of a Utah religious group at odds. Last October, members of the Vietnamese-American Unified Buddhist Association of Utah were displaced from the temple located at 1185 W. 1000 North. A legal battle has ensued over who owns the property and members of the congregation of more than 100 fear it could take the beloved temple away them. Chanting, "Give back our temple. Give back our temple," protesters on Saturday went to another Buddhist temple in West Valley City, where a group of monks had gathered for a national conference. The monks are members of the Vietnamese-American Unified Buddhist Congress in the United States of America. For the past year, the two groups have been embroiled in a legal battle over property rights to the temple in Rose Park. The Utah group agreed to donate the property to the congress, but that deed was g

By Kang Soon Chen, The Star/Asia News Network,Oct 6, 2012 PETALING JAYA, Malaysia -- A group of Universiti Sains Malaysia medical students has allegedly been brainwashed into leaving their studies by a Buddhist monk. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia lay adviser Chong Hung Wang said the student Buddhist association from the campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, had voiced its concern that around 30 medical students had shown behavioural changes and disinterest in their studies after returning from a trip to Thailand with the monk in August. "These students were led to believe that patients should not receive medical treatment for their condition as sickness is the result of their karma. "They are convinced that they should not become doctors as the act of treating patients will interfere with karma," said Chong. It is believed that the monk had approached the students in March this year and had gained a following through religious activities

By Sandun Jayawardana, The Nation, October 7, 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka -- Three years after the end of the war, archaeologists are hard at work in the country's Eastern province. Teams from the Department of Archaeology have been exploring areas that were previously inaccessible for decades due to fighting. As these excavations are taking place, controversies regarding the history of these areas and who exactly arrived first are once again starting to arise. << Remnants of statues at Sella Hatharagama Kovil Some historians and archaeologists claim that there were a large number of Buddhist temples in the region which were subsequently destroyed by invading armies from South India, whose leaders built Hindu temples on top of the ruins of the Buddhist places of worship. This claim is in turn disputed by others, who say that Hinduism in the region predates Meditation by centuries. According to some, it was the destructive tsunami of 2004 which first 'revealed

By The Associated Press SEBASTIAN ABBOT (Associated Press), ZARAR KHAN (Associated Press), October 4, 2012 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Lacking the necessary cash and manpower, Pakistan is struggling to stem the flow of millions of dollars in ancient Buddhist artifacts that looters dig up in the country's northwest and smuggle to collectors around the world. << Photo credit: AP | In this photo taken on July 6, 2012, A Pakistani official looks at Buddha statues confiscated by custom authorities in Karachi, Pakistan. Lacking the necessary cash and manpower, Pakistan is struggling to stem the flow of millions of dollars in ancient Buddhist artifacts that shadowy criminal gangs dig up from the country's northwest and smuggle to collectors around the world. (AP Photo/B.K. Shakil Adil) The black market trade in smuggled antiquities is a global problem that some experts estimate is worth billions of dollars per year. The main targets are poor countries like Pakistan that p

Sapa-AFP, October 7, 2012 Timphu, Bhutan -- The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, famed for seeking "happiness" for its citizens, is aiming to become the first nation in the world to turn its home-grown food and farmers 100-percent organic. The tiny Buddhist-majority nation wedged between China and India has an unusual and some say enviable approach to economic development, centred on protecting the environment and focusing on mental well-being. Its development model measuring "Gross National Happiness" instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been discussed at the United Nations and has been publicly backed by leaders from Britain and France, among others. It banned television until 1999, keeps out mass tourism to shield its culture from foreign influence, and most recently set up a weekly "pedestrians' day" on Tuesdays that sees cars banned from town centres. Its determination to chart a different path can be seen in its ne

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Bid on outstanding selections like a relaxing weeklong stay at Casa Garuda in beautiful Umbria, Italy. Plus: Original artwork , programs and events , retreats and vacations , books and audio — including signed editions, clothing and jewelry , gifts and decor , practice supplies , and more… Click here to view all the items being auctioned. Bidding runs from November 26 through December 11. The Shambhala Sun Foundation gratefully thanks our auction partners for their generous donations. All proceeds support our communication of the dharma. Donations are still welcome; please contact Cindy Littlefair at c.littlefair[at]shambhalasun.com. Donating is easier than you think! Read More @ Source

September is a pregnant month Sifting hope from dying embers Laying to rest old enigmas, Where dreams had risen to limited vistas. Splashing strange colours on the passing plethora, But holding not that which is timed. So much must fall before new sights rise Taking away once clutched at ways, And drawing a line for season change Where the unseen can claim its ground. We have not always wanted this passing, For pain is too close to a dying. But nature has hidden ways, gentle urgings, Promptings of hidden callings Unveiled and discovered By the passing pilgrim. By a practicing Quaker Thanks go to Andi for sending in the poem. Much appreciated and please thank your friend. Read More @ Source

One who sees dependent arising sees the Dharma;  One who sees the Dharma sees dependent arising.  (Majjhima Nikaya 28, Tipitaka) Recently, I've been drawn to reflecting on the important Buddhist teaching of paticca-samuppada , variously translated as 'dependent origination', 'conditioned genesis', 'conditioned co-arising', or 'dependent arising'. It explains the conditioned nature of the self, without reference to a permanent soul or essence. It also explains life without recourse to a creator god, describing how various factors combine to influence present circumstances. A typical description of paticca-samuppada can be found in Anguttara Nikaya 3:61: It is with ignorance (avijja) as a condition that formations (sankhara) come to be; with formations as a condition, consciousness (vinnana) comes to be; with consciousness as a condition, name and form (nama-rupa) come to be; with name and form as a condition, the six bases (salayatana) come to be; w

Photo via changjinlee.net At Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, New York, a 10-foot inflatable Buddha statue sits in the East River while pedestrians pass by. The art installation, titled "Floating Echo," is the work of Korean-born artist  Chang-Jin Lee and will float in the river from now until March 3, 2013. According to a recent piece in the New York Times by Sharon Otterman, people are definitely taking notice of Floating Echo, like 25 year-old Brian Polanco: "In the background, you see the whole entire city, and he's just quietly sitting on the water. It puts some perspective on things."   Read More @ Source

Homepage » News » His Holiness Inspires Taiwanese Devotees as Teachings Commence » October 4th 2012 Dharamsala, India, 01 October 2012 (Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post International) - At the request of a group of Taiwanese devotees, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet commenced the first of four days of teachings on 'Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment' to an audience from over 60 counties at the main temple in Dharamshala, India. His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the first day of his four day teaching at the request of a Taiwanese group in Dharamsala, India, on October 2, 2012. Photo/Tenzin Choejor Amid a buoyant atmosphere on the morning of September 1st, one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the world led the teachings with a brief, yet insightful introduction into Buddhist itself. The main temple, which numbered crowds surpassing 2000, was packed with a colourful array of Tibetans wearing traditional attire from a wealth of age grou

Dharamsala, India, 2 October 2012 (Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post International) - Dharamshala: - Day two of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings on Atisha's "Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" continued at the main temple in Dharamshala, India. The spiritual leader of Tibet educated furthermore into the sacred 11th century text, on October 2nd2012: the second of four days of teachings. The gathering, which included over 800 Taiwanese guests and visitors from over 60 countries, entailed insightful knowledge by one of the world's most esteemed spiritual leaders; into one of Tibetan Buddhism's most innovative texts. Welcoming the audience warmly, His Holiness continued from the previous day by elaborating on how individuals can progress along their spiritual path; incorporating both body, speech and mind. His Holiness stated: "Buddha bodies cannot be obtained just by wishing for them; you have to follow the Bodhisattva paths", adding that this will lead