One of the world’s oldest religions, Buddhism, is a spiritual path deeply entwined with symbolism. It employs a rich tapestry of Buddhist symbols and imagery to convey profound teachings, inspire devotion, and lead its practitioners to enlightenment. These physical and metaphysical symbols offer a glimpse into the complex world of Buddhist spirituality. This article delves …

Buddhist symbols and their inspiring meanings Read More »

Can you explain Zen and its core principles to those unfamiliar with the practice? Zen Buddhism remains true to the original teaching of Venerable Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Both that the root practice of zazen and that we wake up one day realising our situation in this world,  and look for an answer to it, …

Exploring Zen and Buddhism Read More »

In the tapestry of Buddhism’s rich history and intricate symbolism, mudras stand as silent but profound communicators. These intricate hand positions, known as “mudras,” are not mere gestures but bridges between the mundane and the divine, the outer and the inner, the physical and the spiritual. They adorn Buddhist art and are integral to the …

The Profound Language of Mudras in Buddhist Art and Practice Read More »

The recent visit of His Eminence Ling Rinpoche to Russia on 22nd July 2023, holds immense significance for Buddhist communities both locally and globally. At the invitation of Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev of Buryatia, Venerable Ling Rinpoche embarked on a short pastoral journey filled with spiritual blessings and teachings. The warm welcome from representatives of …

The Significant Visit of Venerable Ling Rinpoche to Russia: Strengthening Global Harmony through Buddhist Teachings Read More »

(An insightful Interview with Mr. Thane Lawrie) 1. In your book, “The Buddhist CEO,” the protagonist, Hamish, has a chance encounter with a Buddhist monk that significantly impacts his life. Could you share with us the inspiration behind this story? What led you to explore the intersection of Buddhism and corporate leadership? I had always wanted …

The beauty of Buddhism and “The Buddhist CEO” Read More »

Buddhism is a religion that advocates the best kind of medicine. The cycle of existence (samsara), which is the root cause of all illnesses, is said to be treated by the Buddha, who is revered as the Great Physician for all living things in the universe. Because our attitudes toward samsara are what cause all …

Buddhism and Healing: The Power of Mind, Morality, and Traditional Medicine Read More »

The Buddhist Councils and summits: Preserving and Propagating the Dhamma The Buddhist Councils hold significant importance in the history of Buddhism. These gatherings brought together esteemed monks and scholars to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings and address challenges faced by the Buddhist community. The councils were instrumental in preserving the authenticity of the Dhamma and disseminating …

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The Rise and Rise of Buddhism in India Buddhism, a spiritual tradition known for its emphasis on peace, compassion, and enlightenment, has a deep-rooted connection with India. Siddhartha Gautam founded it in the 5th century BCE in India. Buddhism has left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent, shaping its history, culture, and religious landscape. …

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15 Buddhist Sites in India That Will Inspire You India is a land of rich history and culture, and it is also home to many important Buddhist sites. If you are planning a Buddhist-themed vacation this summer, here are a few places you should consider visiting: 5. Nalanda This was once a great center of …

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Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi will open the inaugural Global Buddhist Summit on April 20 in New Delhi, according to Union Minister for Culture Tourism and DoNER  Shri G.K. Reddy. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), an organisation of the Ministry of Culture will organise the Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) at the Ashok Hotel …

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Buddhism, a major world religion, originated in India over 2,500 years ago and has had a profound impact on Indian culture and history, as well as on the world at large. Many great Buddhist thinkers from India have contributed to the development of Buddhism, and their teachings have had a profound impact on the religion. …

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Submitted by Phuntsog Dolma, Ph. D Bodhidharma, a revered Buddhist monk who lived during 5th or 6th century is credited with the diffusion of Chan Buddhism (Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism) to China. The word Chan is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhyana’ means ‘mental absorption’ or ‘meditation’ which was later transmitted to Vietnam as …

Bodhidharma: A Patriarch of Mahayana Buddhism Read More »

Submitted by Dr. Nilza Wangmo In Mahavamsa, it is mentioned that “When the relics are seen, the Buddha is seen.” While in Śālistamba Sūtra (Rice Seedling Sūtra) we find the Buddha Shakyamuni say, “One who sees the Dharma sees the Buddha” stressing the importance of the body relics and Dharma relics. In the Buddhist tradition, …

Holy Relics of the Shakyamuni Buddha Read More »

A delegation of 24 high-ranking Bhutanese monks arrived in Kolkata on a tour of various Buddhist holy sites in India. Buddhism is not only the state religion of the Kingdom of Bhutan but also a way of life, Venerable Ugen Namgyal, the secretary of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, told PTI. “We try to live in the …

24 high-ranking monks from Bhutan on trip to India Read More »

Submitted by Phuntsog Dolma (Ph. D) Guru Padmasambhava, a great Indian tantric master of 8th century is an important figure in Buddhism. He was instrumental in establishing Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan and is popularly known as Guru Rinpoche means the Precious Master among his followers. Regarding his birth there is both mythical and …

Life and Works of Guru Padmasambhava Read More »

Submitted by Phuntsog Dolma, Ph. D After the Mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, his profound non-sectarian, universal teachings were not confined to the borders of India but rather travelled throughout Asia crossing the paths of oceans, deserts and mountains reaching to the rest of the world. In the North-West of India a network of ancient trade …

Dissemination of Buddhism along Silk Route Read More »

Submitted by Phuntsog Dolma (Ph. D) The Indian Nalanda Buddhist masters had given huge contribution in spreading the doctrine of the authentic Buddha-dharma to the Far East countries. The eminent spiritual Acharyas like Bodhidharma in China, Dhyänabhadra in Korea and Atisha Dipaìkara in Tibet, are well known saint philosophers who through their scholastic work have …

Atisha Dipankara Srijnana: The Reformer of Buddhism in Tibet Read More »

Since the time ‘soft power’ was conceptualized by Joseph Nye in the 1990s, the idea has gained more traction in foreign-policy discussions across the world. In recognition of the changing nature of international relations and a turn (at least in rhetoric) towards peaceful global interaction, Nye posited that conventional hard-power tactics predicated on military might …

Indian soft power : Buddhism Read More »

According to Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya will be the next Buddha and will embody and teach the path of loving-kindness. Maitreya Buddha Project is based on the premise that loving-kindness is the cause of peace and that “inner peace” within individuals is the direct cause of “outer peace” among families, communities and nations. The Maitreya Buddha statue will …

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The Buddha Rice or the ‘Buddha ka Mahaprasad’ (an offering to Lord Buddha) or the Kala Namak Rice has been rebranded as ‘Buddha Rice’, presenting it as an offering made to the Buddhist monks. The packaging of the rice carries a popular quote of Mahatma Buddha saying ‘The unique aroma of the rice will remind people about …

 ‘Buddha’s gift’ : The Buddha Rice Read More »