Kushinagar Archives - Indo-Buddhist Heritage Forum

The Wisdom of Buddhist Quotes: A Categorized Collection

adminForum9 months ago9 months ago078 mins

Buddhism, a philosophy that originated in ancient India, is known for its profound teachings on life, mindfulness, compassion, and enlightenment. Over centuries, Buddhist teachings have been encapsulated in numerous quotes that continue to inspire and guide individuals. Here, we explore some of the most insightful Buddhist quotes, categorized into various themes for a deeper understanding. 1. Mindfulness and Presence Mindfulness is at the heart of Buddhist practice. It involves being fully present in the moment and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. These quotes reflect the essence of mindfulness and presence, providing insights and inspiration for living a mindful life. 2. Compassion and Kindness Compassion, or ‘karuna’, is a fundamental Buddhist principle that emphasizes empathy and concern for the suffering of others. These quotes reflect the profound wisdom and emphasis on compassion and kindness in Buddhist teachings. 3. Wisdom and Enlightenment Buddhist teachings encourage the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment as the path to ultimate freedom. These quotes emphasize the importance of inner wisdom, enlightenment, and the journey of self-discovery in Buddhist teachings. 4. Suffering and Impermanence The concept of ‘dukkha’ (suffering) and the transient nature of life are central to Buddhist teachings. These quotes reflect the Buddhist perspective on the nature of suffering, impermanence, and the path to overcoming them through wisdom and insight. 5. Inner Peace and Happiness Buddhism teaches that true peace and happiness come from within and are not dependent on external circumstances. These quotes emphasize the Buddhist teachings on finding inner peace and happiness through mindfulness, letting go of attachments, and living a life of compassion and understanding. Other Important Buddhist Quotes Quotes by Dalai Lama Quotes by Buddha Quotes by Nagarjuna Quotes by Kamalaśīla Quotes by Dharmakirti Quotes by Candrakīrti In conclusion, the quotes provided from various Buddhist thinkers offer profound insights into life, wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. The diverse perspectives of these thinkers contribute to the rich tapestry of Buddhist literature, guiding individuals on paths towards enlightenment and understanding. The thinkers whose quotes were shared include: Together, these thinkers represent centuries of contemplative wisdom, offering guidance on personal growth, spiritual development, and the pursuit of inner peace through their teachings and philosophical insights. Their contributions continue to resonate and inspire millions worldwide, shaping the practice and understanding of Buddhism in profound ways.

Indian soft power : Buddhism

adminForum2 years ago2 years ago06 mins

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 would no longer be the sole factor in determining the degree to which a nation commanded power in the international system. India has a unique soft power that no other country in the world possess and i.e. it being the HOME OF WORLD BUDDHISM. Buddhism has contributed to its soft power in the following ways. “The teachings of ‘Buddh’ (Lord Buddha) rather than the message of ‘yuddh’ (war) is India’s contribution to the world”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 during his address on terrorism to United Nations General Assembly. Buddha and his teachings are precious because of their relevance to the world even 2,600 years later. His saying, “mind is the source of happiness and unhappiness” from thousands of years ago, is still considered the central mantra for inner transformation. Buddhism has been described by experts as India’s civilizational heritage which finds place in foreign policies across the globe. As it emphasizes peaceful co-existence that most of the countries desire, the world has embraced its principles. According to Pew Research Centre, the think tank based in Washington DC, there are about 488 million worldwide followers of Buddhism which originated in India. Thus India’s most strongest soft power in the world is indeed its rich heritage of Buddhism.

Soft Power

Maitreya Buddha Project in Kushinagar

adminForum2 years ago2 years ago09 mins

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 be the centre piece of a landscaped park which will contain halls for prayer and meditation and shrine rooms filled with spiritual art. Surrounding the Maitreya Buddha Project site, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh has set up the Kushinagar Special Development Area Authority to support the planned development of the area around the Project. Within the Kushinagar Special Development Area, Maitreya Buddha Project has already begun a mobile healthcare initiative. This will provide healthcare services, particularly for the underprivileged in Kushinagar and surrounding villages. Maitreya Buddha Project’s vision integrates spiritual, educational, healthcare and economic benefits with technological advancement and environmental responsibility. The project is being designed and built to international standards of “best practice” and aspires to become a model of socially responsible and sustainable development. As the project and its spiritual and social work are planned to thrive and continue developing for at least 1000 years, the Maitreya Buddha Project holds the potential to bring incalculable and sustainable benefit. Who is Maitreya Buddha? Maitreya is a bodhisattva who will appear on Earth in the future and is regarded as a future Buddha of this world. He is also known as Ajita Boddhisattva. Maitreya has promised that “anyone keeping just one vow of moral discipline purely during the time of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings will become my personal disciple when I appear, and all such disciples I shall liberate.” Ven. Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche