Ringing Mobile Phone - Addressed Skillfully
Ringing Mobile Phone - Addressed Skillfully |
- Ringing Mobile Phone - Addressed Skillfully
- Year of the Water Dragon, Campbell River, BC
- The Cyborg Buddha Project
- Second Annual Longchenpa Retreat at Ratna Ling Retreat Center
- Monk's cancer hastens efforts to rebuild Westminster Buddhist temple razed in December fire
- COTC Meditation program sparks needed discussion
- Matchmaking service gives Buddhist monks a boost in dating market
- Pilgrims re-enact Korean Buddhist journey
- Officials warn of ‘fake monks’ targeting Phuket tourists
- Evicted Buddhist Abbot to Leave Monastery Within One Month
- Prescott-area Buddhists meditate on life, the universe and everything
- ‘19th century archaeologists rediscovered Buddhist past’
- Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society promotes organic farming in PEI
- Buddhists weigh in on Canada’s new Office of Religious Freedom
- What do Canadian Buddhists think about Alberta’s tar sands development?
- Being 'Good' For Others
- Buddhists welcome Year of the Dragon
- Postage stamp for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Patna varsity centre on Buddhist studies soon
- Documentary: Life of the Buddha
- Buddhist monk dies from police torture
| Ringing Mobile Phone - Addressed Skillfully Posted: 24 Jan 2012 08:34 AM PST Sometimes people forget to switch off their mobile phones in circumstances when, if it rings, it disrupts. Phones have gone off during Dharma Talks and meditation periods and it's hard to address the disruption in a way that is both skillful and clear. Here is somebody who addressed the problem during a musical recital with skill, poise, kindness and humour.
Thanks to Paul who sent the link. Read More @ SourceBuddhist/munkdans Propants 
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| Year of the Water Dragon, Campbell River, BC Posted: 24 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST Celebrating today with a Vietnamese Tet Festival assisted by Brother Sakya Phap An, a Buddhist monk… http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/community/137704878.html Read More @ Source
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| Posted: 24 Jan 2012 05:00 AM PST From the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET), comes this article on Religion and Transhumanism, written by Alex McGilvery, a United Church minister in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Normally, that would not be something we cover at Sumeru, but he makes extensive reference to Buddhist, and especially the "Cyborg Buddha Project." Here's the IEET link: http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/McGilvery20120122 For more information about the Cyborg Buddha Project, follow this link: http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/cyborgbuddha Read More @ Sourcechandako_at_mayo_clinic.flv 
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| Second Annual Longchenpa Retreat at Ratna Ling Retreat Center Posted: 24 Jan 2012 03:00 AM PST The Buddhist Channel, Jan 20, 2012The Bay Area's Mentor On Tibetan Buddhist, Dharma Publishing Presents Their Second Annual Longchenpa Retreat and Ceremony This Winter at the Ratna Ling Retreat Center. The downpour of (the Buddha's) truth, the refreshing water of pristine cognitions With clouds of glorious bliss and happiness and prosperity, Will fall on the pure mind of living beings, the fertile soil of a unique occasion and the right juncture. Therefore, with joy and from your heart engage in the quest for the real meaning of life. - Longchenpa, Kindly Bent to Ease Us Bekeley, CA -- The all-knowing Longchenpa (1308-1364) stands at the center of the Nyingma tradition. Acknowledged by all schools of Tibetan Buddhist as one of Tibet's greatest masters, he wrote works that cover every aspect of the Buddhist path. His writings, in clear and luminous prose, have the power to awaken our own innermost knowing and inspire us to act on the knowledge we already have. The Longchenpa Ceremony, practiced during this time by Nyingma Buddhist practitioners around the world, commemorates the Parinirvana of Longchenpa. During the ceremony, retreat guests join the Ratna Ling community in the heart of devotion to chant for 4 days. The ceremony is an incredible opportunity to genuinely explore sustained practice and understand the teachings of the retreat in a new light, while sharing a unique experience with a group of dedicated people from all over the world. Ratna Ling Retreat Center is a place of tremendous beauty with a palpable sense of peace and calm making it an ideal location for spiritual study and practice. Unlike other retreats, this one offers teaching and practice from sun up to sun down, making for very full and rewarding days. As described in a recent review, "Ratna Ling's beauty is not skin deep--it is not just the five star resort accommodations, the amazing vegetarian food, the sweeping views or the swaying redwoods that made us instantly connected to this place, but the spirit, the beating heart, the wisdom that we felt the moment we arrived. It is more than a destination. It is a place to be." For those with an interest in Buddhist, particularly Tibetan Buddhist, the Longchenpa retreat offers the integration of textual study and discussion with selected meditation practices providing an excellent balance between intellectual rigor and practice experience. Reading Kindly Bent to Ease Us gives a taste of the beauty that Longchenpa makes available. His style of writing is pro! found an d striking and his insights into philosophy, psychology, and practice help us gain direct access to the enlightened realm. In an intimate and inspiring atmosphere, this unique retreat program provides a space to reflect on the opportunity and mystery of our human embodiment. Overall, the retreat fosters new perspectives on everyday life as well as practical ways of working with personal and professional challenges. More than a brief escape from the rat race, the Longchenpa retreat is a starting point for the cultivation of meaningful change in your life and a truly memorable experience. About Dharma Publishing Dharma Publishing is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the culture of Tibetan Buddhist while contributing to the Western understanding of mind, well-being and human potential. We have a wonderful bookstore in Berkeley and we do events and lectures, book launchings, and promote a Calendar of Retreats throughout the year. Offering various courses and workshops in the Bay Area on meditation techniques as well as various meditation instructional audio CDs for those unable to attend our workshops in person. Our passion is to share our love throughout the Bay Area for Buddhist Books and Culture and to educate people on topics relating to Tibetan Buddhist and meditation and visualization techniques. Please give us a call at (510) 200-0981 to learn more about our very unique products and services that benefit the Tibetan culture. For inquires and registration please contact Dharma Publishing: Email: programs(at)dharmapublishing(dot)com or call 707-847-3717. Read More @ Source My Views On Religion 
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| Monk's cancer hastens efforts to rebuild Westminster Buddhist temple razed in December fire Posted: 24 Jan 2012 02:00 AM PST by Monte Whaley, The Denver Post, Jan 17, 2012WESTMINSTER, CO (USA) -- There is more of a sense of urgency now among the Laotian community to rebuild the Lao Buddhist Temple of Colorado, which was destroyed by fire in December.  << Maly Khanthaphixay stands near statues used in New Year's ceremonies on the grounds of the Lao Buddhist Temple of Colorado, which was destroyed by fire. "It's not an exaggeration to say that the temple is our community's heart and soul," she said. (Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post)Flames almost claimed the life of Ounkham Vuennasack, the head monk who lived there. He suffered smoke inhalation, mild burns and frostbite. Vuennasack recovered, but two weeks after the fire, he complained of being dizzy, and doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in the right side of his brain, said Maly Khanthaphixay, whose father was among the key founders of the temple, near West 108th Avenue and Dover Street. "We truly, truly want him to see the temple before it is too late," she said. "We want to build it for him." The estimated cost of rebuilding could reach $ 600,000. Donations have been pouring in, including from Home Depot, which gave building materials, she said. The Westminster Fire Department also gave $ 1,000 from its Fire Victims Relief Fund to help rebuild the structure. Investigators determined that bad wiring in the building, built in 1989, most likely caused the fire, Khanthaphixay said. Many in the congregation want to build a larger temple to make a bigger gathering place for the Laotian community in Denver, which is estimated to be about 3,000 strong. Members say the temple served as a community center for cultural preservation through dance, music, storytelling, cooking and sports. It also hosted youth programs, gang-intervention programs and community services. The temple has served as lodging for visiting monks, as well as homeless and visiting Laotians. "It's not an exaggeration to say that the temple is our community's heart and soul," Khanthaphixay said. "I personally want to see us stay here and grow," added Si Khanthaphixay, Maly's husband. The temple housed priceless artifacts, including a 7-ton statue of Buddha and sacred writings at least 1,000 years old. The temple is Theravadin, ascribing to the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, which is practiced by most Laotian Buddhists. The giant Buddha statue was a gift from a Buddhist temple in Thailand and paid for by a general in the Thai army. It was melted by the fire and then almost stolen by thieves who most likely coveted it for its metals, Maly Khanthaphixay said. It and other Buddha statues that survived the flames have been taken to an undisclosed location until a new facility can be built. Buddhist Values 
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| COTC Meditation program sparks needed discussion Posted: 24 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST The Newark Advocate, Jan 19, 2012Pataskala, Ohio (USA) -- The turnout Saturday for the informational program and discussion on Meditation turned out to be an outstanding event, reflecting positively on the Pataskala community. And the issue was important enough for those attending not to be deterred by challenging winter weather. The program came about as a result of plans by members of the Columbus Meditation Center to build a Thai temple and Buddhist complex on five acres on the east side of Pataskala. A letter to the editor in the Standard last summer critical of the center and Meditation, which followed a ground-breaking ceremony, was an impetus for scheduling the program. With a Buddhist Monk present, along with varied speakers, including a former Jew who now teaches Meditation and a Catholic nun, the presentation appeared to be well balanced and attempted to cover as much territory as possible. Pataskala Mayor Steve Butcher's assurances that the city would closely monitor zoning codes that affect potential commercial aspects of the complex were reassuring as well. Our nation is a diverse collection of people, ideals and religions. The Pataskala community has begun to experience this in particular with the diversity reflected in the student enrollment in the Licking Heights School district. The potential for the Buddhist complex presents another opportunity for learning and accepting things we're not accustomed to. And once again, the Pataskala campus of COTC and its Lifelong Learning Institute have proven their unquestionable value to the community by promoting this discussion, encouraging the rest of us to ask open-minded questions and, based on the answers, make our own judgments about issues of the day. Read More @ Source 
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| Matchmaking service gives Buddhist monks a boost in dating market Posted: 24 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST The Japan Times, Jan. 19, 2012Kyodo, Japan -- Buddhist monks and matchmaking services may sound like an unlikely combination, but many Buddhist sects in the country are now offering such services for their monks as their temples face a dearth of successors and possible integration with other temples. Out of its 3,700 temples nationwide, some 800 currently have no managing monks and are being overseen by other temples. In Japan, it is typical for relatives of monks — especially head monks — to inherit caretaker duties of their temples. But because of a lack of successors, the monks have become desperate to find wives in order to preserve this tradition and save their temples from being closed or integrated. According to Takua Kamei of Kongobuji, the head temple of the Shingon sect, one problem is that "the harder they pursue Buddhism, the fewer opportunities they can have to meet people of the opposite sex." Kamei noted that families, known as "danka" in Japanese, which for generations have provided voluntary financial support to Buddhist temples, are also concerned about their temples if monks remain single and have no successors. Kongobuji joined the matchmaking service in April 2009 to help its monks and their sons and daughters find partners. Under the service, those who are interested submit to the temple forms in which they introduce themselves and state various information, including whether they are willing to live with their potential in-laws or to be adopted by their partner's family or if they mind smoking or drinking. As of December, about 80 monks were registered as members of the free service, according to the temple. Since its launch, the service has helped two couples marry and two others begin dating. Nishi Honganji, the head temple of the Shin Buddhism sect in Kyoto, also joined a similar service in 2007. Twelve couples from that temple had decided to get married by the end of last September. The Nichiren sect has meanwhile held matchmaking parties each year since 2008, managing to pair up two couples. Read More @ Source 
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| Pilgrims re-enact Korean Buddhist journey Posted: 23 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST By Simon Phillips, The Korea Times, Jan 17, 2012Seoul, South Korea -- On a cold late December afternoon after fifteen days on the road a group of pilgrims arrived at a small cave high on Wonhyo-bong peak southwest of Seoul. They had achieved the first known re-enactment in more than 1,300 years of a journey the famous Korean Buddhist saint Wonhyo made from Gyeongju to the area of the cave, which now bears his name.  << Pilgrims stand in front of Wonhyo Cave on Wonhyo-bong, a 510-meter mountain peak near Seoul on Dec. 18. From left are Myanmar monk Pannabhoga, Canadian English teacher Rhea Metituk, Ph.D. student Chris McCarthy of the United States, South African English teacher David Watermeyer, Canadian M.A. student Tony MacGregor and Korean monk Sangmin Seunim. Missing from the photo is David Mason, a professor at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, and Park Wang-su, an organic farmer and guide for the last part of the pilgrimage.The idea was conceived by Tony MacGregor in 2007 when he was working in Korea as a journalist and he was accompanied by Chris McCarthy, an American Ph.D. student and the chief navigator of the group. MacGregor said the pilgrimage was a joint effort between him and his friends and was inspired by the kindness and goodwill from Koreans that he and his friends had experienced during their stays here. "We wanted to say thank you to Korea and Koreans in a special way, and what better way than through a pilgrimage to honor Korea's most beloved and respected Buddhist saint Wonhyo." Wonhyo (617-686) was born into a simple family in the Shilla Kingdom, and after his enlightenment became a great scholar for many years with more than 80 commentaries and essays to his credit. He then renounced the formal religious life to teach and inspire ordinary people. He was known to carry a gourd, dancing and singing around the country, encouraging people to chant and recite the Buddha's name. He called himself "muae-gursah" (unhindered practitioner). He even spent a night with a Shilla princess who then had a son that later became a leading Confucian scholar. His philosophy centered on oneness or "ekayana," the interrelatedness of everything in the universe. Legend has it that this view arose from an event that took place while he was attempting to travel to China. That event was the focus of the pilgrimage. MacGregor, a Buddhist for about 20 years, said he began learning about Korean Buddhism shortly after he arrived here in March 2005 at the International Zen (Seon) Center located at Hwagye Temple in Seoul. He began reading about the lives of Korean Buddhist teachers and came across Wonhyo, whose tangled, unconvent! ional li fe and brilliant teaching fascinated him. He discussed the idea of a pilgrimage with his friends and they grabbed hold of the idea and finally pushed it to completion. McCarthy, who revived the Wonhyo project after it had fallen into a hiatus for several years, said that when they started the pilgrimage in Gyeongju they emphasized the importance of the inner journey. "We tried to use the physical journey as a tool to facilitate the inner journey, a journey towards self understanding," he said. He added that the inner journey had been heightened by the daily hikes, sometimes lasting six or seven hours and by our daily discussions about Wonhyo's teachings and life. David Watermeyer, a South African who teaches English at Dongguk University, one of the original planners of the project and a veteran of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, said walking is a wonderful way of creating an open, meditative state of mind. "Once you get into the swing of the hike you can simply focus on the present moment, putting one foot before the other in the midst of the ever-changing and often beautiful scenery," he said. "It's a wonderful way of coming back to yourself. It puts you in touch with ancient and fundamental knowledge and feelings." He said there were many parallels between the Camino de Santiago and the Wonhyo Trail, especially in variety of scenery. "But the most obvious difference was that we were blazing the trail. We were the first to walk the Wonhyo Trail so every day was a step into the unknown while the Camino de Santiago has been walked for hundreds of years and it has a well developed infrastructure." He added that they didn't completely walk the Wonhyo Trail because a lot of work still needs to go into developing a workable route. At times the pilgrims took public transportation and were given a lift from a friend. "That's something that needs to be looked at closely," he said. "W! e have a n opportunity now to refine and improve the trail we explored." Other pilgrims included David Mason, a professor at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, who outlined the route linking a series of temples across the peninsula from Gyeongju to the final destination; Sangmin Seunim, a Korean monk who provided invaluable service as an interpreter and the link between the pilgrims and the temples; Rhea Metituk, a Canadian English teacher who joined the pilgrimage whenever she could, bringing her good humor, organizational skills and a curious outlook; Pannyabhoga, a monk from Myanmar, who used to lead a meditation group in Seoul; and Park Wang-su, an organic farmer and the guide for the last part of the pilgrimage. On the last day of the pilgrimage in front of Wonhyo's cave, MacGregor gave a brief talk thanking the pilgrims for their efforts and handed out necklaces from which a small skull hung, the symbol of Wonhyo's enlightenment. Later he talked about the permanent legacy of a pilgrimage. "It should affect you permanently and this pilgrimage has for me. Whenever I recall the many acts of kindness we experienced on the journey I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. I also keep in mind Wonhyo's teachings about the importance of the small things in life and try to find satisfaction in the little things that gave me so much pleasure during the pilgrimage such as the sound of ice cracking under my boots, the taste of mulberry juice and the warm smile of a cleaning lady." The group hopes to hold another Wonhyo pilgrimage in 2012 and write a book about the first Wonhyo trip over the next few months. More information about the pilgrimage can be found at www.inthefootstepsofwonhyo. ------- Simon Phillips is a contributing writer for The Korea Times. Read More @ Source Buddha Festival 2012, India : Global Promo 
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| Officials warn of ‘fake monks’ targeting Phuket tourists Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:00 PM PST Phuket Gazette, January 20, 2012PHUKET, Thailand -- The 'monk police' of Phuket are warning everyone on the island of con men who are impersonating Buddhist monks and tricking locals and tourists into giving them money.  << Most genuine Buddhist monks do not seek alms after 8am, said Mr Chatpawit. Photo: Warisa TemramChatpawit Jinapong, Director of the Phuket branch of the National Office of Buddhist, which operates directly under the Prime Minister's Office, spoke with the Phuket Gazette about these fraudulent "monks". "High season in Phuket attracts a lot of these con men who dress like Buddhist monks to get money, which really isn't appropriate. We found that most are from Cambodia, here in Phuket on tourist visas, though there are Thai fake-monks too," he said. On casual observation the phony monks appear to be collecting alms as part of a merit making ceremony. However, their true objective is to collect money rather than other offerings such as food. "However, we have caught more than 10 and Phuket Immigration have deported them," he said. Mr Chatpawit went on to explain how to spot the bogus monks, who often operate in busy places such as markets and tourist attractions. "Fake-monks are not calm when collecting alms, they are frequently looking around and trying to identify people likely to offer money instead of food," he said. The biggest giveaway is a "monk" collecting alms after 8am, he said. Though they have caught dozens of the con men, Mr Chatpawit says he and his team of five officers have their work cut out for them. "We have three 'monk' police officers in each of the three Phuket districts to keep an eye on things, generally the beaches, especially Patong Beach," he said. To aid Mr Chatpawit's team, he has asked regular police officers to also be on the lookout for these frauds. "The penalty for impersonating a monk is a 3,000 baht or up to three months imprisonment," he added. Read More @ Source His Holiness teaching at KTD - English - 1 of 3 
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| Evicted Buddhist Abbot to Leave Monastery Within One Month Posted: 23 Jan 2012 09:00 PM PST By ZARNI MANN, The Irrawaddy, January 19, 2012Yangon, Myanmar -- Prominent Buddhist monk Ashin Pyinna Thiha, the abbot of the Sardu Pariyatti Monastery, agreed to follow the order of the Maha Nayaka Sangha Council of Rangoon, the official Rangoon council of Buddhist monks, and leave the monastery within one month.  << Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw, a pro-democracy Buddhist monk. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)"I just agreed to sign and leave and live peacefully as an obedient person to the Sangha, as I don't want to be a reason for dispute. I would like to request all monks and everyone not to fight about my case as this may affect national reconciliation. However, all the social work we do will be continued by the other monks here," said Ashin Pyinna Thiha, also known as Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw. The agreement regarding Ashin Pyinna Thiha's departure was signed and acknowledged by Divisional Religion Officer Zaw Zaw Oo, the head of the divisional Sangha, and other authorities at the Rangoon Division Sangha office, while hundreds of supporters and monks waited outside under tight security. The 47-member Maha Nayaka Sangha Council, Burma's official state council of Buddhist monks, had previously banned Ashin Pyinna Thiha from giving Dhamma talks for one year. In September, however, he spoke at the Mandalay office of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, where he vowed to keep working for peace in Burma and called for the release of political prisoners and the end of civil war. He said that there is no peace as long as political prisoners remain behind bars and there is war on the border. A recorded video of the event spread among the Burmese public, and apparently citing this video, the Maha Nayaka Sangha Council issued a statement saying that the abbot was "disobedient" within the monk community and was to be evicted from his monastery. He sent a letter of apology to the council asking that it reverse its decision, but the request was denied. Ashin Pyinna Thiha is well known for social work and for allowing political events to be held in his monastery, as well as for sermons relating to the current situation in Burma. He was also among the social activists who met with US Secretary Hillary Clinton's landmark visit to Burma. Read More @ Source Imee Ooi - The Chant Of Metta - English subtitled version 
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| Prescott-area Buddhists meditate on life, the universe and everything Posted: 23 Jan 2012 08:00 PM PST by Nicholas DeMarino, The Daily Courier, Jan 18, 2012Prescott, AZ (USA) -- "It's private, a really good spot, and has exactly the same junipers as home for smoke," the Venerable Lama Bunima said, referring to the local Garchen Buddhist Institute.  << Nicholas DeMarino/The Daily CourierThe Venerable Lama Bunima walks the grounds surrounding the Garchen Buddhist Institute east of Chino Valley. Nicholas DeMarino The Daily Courier For 70 minutes Tuesday, 10 people sat with their eyes closed in a house on Garden Street, in Prescott. It was completely silent, except for that chair cracking, that person clearing his throat, a dog barking, at least five times but definitely not more than seven a car door slamming (or maybe that was someone blasting John Cage), a toilet flushing and a phone ringing. And that clock. That clock that ticked, but didn't tock, with that tick-y tick, like 100 Scrabble tiles falling into a perfect stack in rapid succession, and that, if you really, really listened, sounded almost like - a woman inviting you to open your eyes and stretch. "It's about mindfulness and being aware, something that hopefully transfers into the rest of your life," explained Carol Cook later. Carol and her husband, Monty, have hosted weekly Prescott Vipassan Sangha meditations at their home and place of business since the mid-1990s. It's one of the community's fleeting faces of Meditation. The varieties of religious experience By the U.S. Census Bureau's count, the Vipassana group is a fraction of a fraction of a percent of Prescott's 38,843 people, let alone Yavapai County's 211,033. A 1976 law prevents the Census Bureau from keeping tabs on religious beliefs in mandatory questionnaire form, but their annual reports often cite estimates from other sources, including the American Religious Identification Survey. Buddhists comprised an estimated 0.5 percent of Americans in 2008, on par with 2001 figures and up from 0.2 percent in 1990, according to the most recent survey. "The popularity of Meditation and its attraction for white converts that was evident in the 1990s seems to have receded," the report notes in its only treatment of the group in light of dramatic trends. There's debate as to the distinction between Buddhists and people who practice Buddhist meditation, but for a small group of Tibetan Buddhists east of Chino Valley, it's semantics. Then again, they've got plenty of time to think about some antics. Head for the hills To the Venerable Lama Bunima, the hills surrounding the Garchen Buddhist Institute look like home. "It's private, a really good spot, and has exactly the same junipers as home for smoke," Bunima said, alluding to the ritual burning of dried juniper leaves. He grew up in Gargon, a Tibetan village, and began following H! is Emine nce Garchen Rinpoche about the time he turned 18. "I think this is a very powerful place for meditation practice," Bunima said Wednesday, giving an impromptu tour of the center. Garchen first visited Tucson around 1996, and received a letter from local patrons who wanted him to start a temple in the area. So he did. They were going to set up shop in Mayer, but year-round access was an issue, so they started building east of Chino Valley around 1999. Today the center houses four resident lamas, said Trisha Lamb, president of the nonprofit. There are five staff members and multiple group retreats, including 100-day and three-year retreats for followers of Vajrayana Meditation. "They say it takes 12 years of solitary retreat to get basic taming of the mind," said Lamb, who moved from California to work at the center. "If you've done a little bit of retreat, you'll see why it takes that long." During such endeavors, people live regimented lives in which they cook their own food and meditate for two hours at a time, four times a day. Retreats, Buddhist or otherwise, are usually in total silence, which Lamb said is often difficult for Westerners. "Sometimes, after a week, they come out and say, 'I really thought it was going to be this relaxing thing, but my mind is just crazy," she said laughing. "And we tell them they're actually seeing their mind as it is without distractions for the first time in their lives." Whether during monthly events or infamous no-sky retreats, most of the people who visit the center aren't from Arizona. There's a Garchen group in Prescott, too, but their numbers are still fairly low. Still, Bunima said, Buddhist practices are relevant for just about everyone. "Buddhism, higher Meditation is difficult, I think," he said. "But there's not much learning for the lower levels. It's more basic; it's compassion and kindness, an! d it' ;s easy for everyone to learn." When in Prescott After each Tuesday meditation in Prescott, Carol reads a selection to the Vissapana group, and they talk about things like personal relationships, service projects and something another woman called "post-Paleolithic stress." Group membership hovers under three dozen, although only a third usually attends weekly meditations. Vipassana, a form of introspective, observation-based meditation, is practiced by people from multiple walks of life, Carol said. "I don't think of it as a religion so much as a psychology of living," Monty countered. "But you've got to be careful, because some people consider it a religion," Carol said. "Whatever 'religion' means, anyway," Monty added. (They've been married for three-plus decades - closer to three-and-a-half, Carol said.) "When I sit down, I let thoughts and feelings come through," said Carol, who, by day, is a counselor in another part of the house. "I don't try to do anything special; I just try to be present and let go." The meditative technique is open-ended, although there are many variations. Practitioners are invited to start by simply sitting and observing their mind and body. Label thoughts as thoughts, feelings as feelings, intentions as intentions, note them - note noting them - and let them pass. It's done wonders for four-year member John Dooley, who, when he's not working as a counselor and Prescott College professor half the year, meditates with similar groups across the country. "It reminds me I'm not just my mind, or a collection of my thoughts," said Dooley, who began practicing 40 years ago. He began studying eastern religions while making bombs in the Navy during the Vietnam War. "I was very interested in the people who we were killing," Dooley said. "A! fter tha t I found out about (Western Zen guru) Alan Watts, the foundations of mental health, and the dignity of people - that was pretty much it for me." He's practiced a variety of meditation forms, but is fond of Vipassana. "It appealed to me because it's not as rigid about physical stillness," Dooley said. "It lets me wander, if I want to, then get back to sitting." Read More @ Source 
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| ‘19th century archaeologists rediscovered Buddhist past’ Posted: 23 Jan 2012 07:00 PM PST TNN, Jan 22, 2012JAIPUR, India -- John Keay, an English journalist and prolific author of narrative histories on India and China, talked of how 19th century scholars and archaeologists rediscovered India's Buddhist past, thus reintegrating it into Indian history and authenticating claims of its classical civilisation. He talked of the element of luck in 'being in the right place at the right time' and having the right people at hand to help them interpret their findings. He talked of the important role played by the first director of Archaeological Survey of India, Alexandar Cunningham in his 25 years and the crucial rule of ASI in the excavation, classification and protection of India's extraordinary heritage, particularly the Buddhist stupas and monasteries. 
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| Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society promotes organic farming in PEI Posted: 23 Jan 2012 06:00 PM PST This article from the Charlottetown Guardian is about how the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society has taken root in Montague, PEI. The story includes information on the centre's future plans, reactions from the local community, and a major focus on an organic farming project. This past summer, the Institute saw more than 600 people attend their 3rd annual Open House… Details here: http://peicanada.com/eastern_graphic/publication/more_600_people_attend_monks_third_annual_open_house_montague Read More @ SourceBuddhism Three Jewels 三寶æŒ 
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| Buddhists weigh in on Canada’s new Office of Religious Freedom Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:00 PM PST It hasn't even opened, and Canada's Office of Religious Freedom is already stirring up controversy. This article from the Toronto Star brings up some of the problems, and if you read between the lines, you can get some idea of Canadian Buddhists' thoughts on the subject… Read More @ Source
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| What do Canadian Buddhists think about Alberta’s tar sands development? Posted: 23 Jan 2012 04:00 PM PST Here's an interesting article from the Rossland Telegraph about opposition to the Alberta tar sands development. Several prominent Buddhist leaders are clearly against the plan (as cited in the article). Where do Canada's Buddhists stand? For the record, I'd much rather see our efforts going into reducing our energy gluttony, conservation and renewable energy options. http://rosslandtelegraph.com/news/i-am-environmentalist-16250 Read More @ Source
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| Posted: 23 Jan 2012 03:00 PM PST Here is a letter from a reader, with my responses. Published with permission. Dear Reverend Mugo, I was interested in your writing that sitting still is enough to do great good for oneself and others. (See this post.)
My understanding of zen practise has boiled down to being in each moment as it occurs and I have been wandering for a while how this relates to the Bodhisattva vows.
If I am walking down the street being fully present how am I helping others?
I have been reading Katagiri's book 'Each Moment is the Universe' and from what I can understand in some profound way (my words not his) being fully present in the moment is doing good for others.
During the eighties (yes back then!) I was very involved in the Protest movement and things seemed quite simple; I was on the good side, trying to change the world for the better. But all the conflict got to me and it wasn't long after I started a regular meditation/Buddhist practice.
However now I've taken to asking myself how my life is benefiting others. I mentioned to some friends that I don't ever remember taking the Bodhisattva vows and they laughed. Was it like how people used to be conscripted for the army; being plied with drink and waking up the next day; "Oh no what have I done!"?
And if being present in each moment is enough; why have the Bodhisattva vows? Not sure if I'm wanting an answer to all this but the blog resonated with where I'm "at" with Buddhist practice.
Here is an intro. to the Bodhisattva Vows, an overview really. But I'd not take what is written in this Wikipedia article as 'gospel. Read More @ Source
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| Buddhists welcome Year of the Dragon Posted: 23 Jan 2012 02:00 PM PST By Hallie Jordan, Houston Chronicle, January 22, 2012Houston, Texas (USA) -- About 100 members of Houston's Chung Mei Buddhist Temple kneeled and chanted in Mandarin for almost two hours as they welcomed the Lunar New Year during a traditional prayer service Sunday.  << Jue Au, a Buddhist nun, center leads Chung-Mei Buddhist Temple's attendees walk about as a part of their chanting service for Chinese New Year Eve Prayer & Peace Lantern Festival, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Stafford. The Temple has scheduled special Dharma functions to be held on January 29, 2012 to pray for world peace, blessings, and good fortune in the coming year. The Homage to Thousand Buddhas Ceremony will be on January 29th and the Light Offering Dharma Service will be February 5th. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Nick De La Torre / © 2012 Houston ChronicleThe sanctuary was decorated on the eve of the holiday with brightly colored yellow and red candles, representing both the living and deceased. Incense burned in the entry way, as participants received prayer books and brought offerings, such as soap and tea. "Chinese New Year's Eve is the most important day of the year. It's a family reunion and a blessing so you go to Temple," said Peishu Huang, 36, a regular attendee of the Chung Mei Temple. "We have the opportunity to come here. All follow the same tradition." The new year, which begins Monday, is the Year of the Dragon according to the 12-year cycle Chinese zodiac calendar. Some consider the Year of the Dragon particularly special and lucky. "We like to think the dragon will bring luck to the people," Huang said. "We look for that, but that doesn't really mean the best, though we take it as a lucky symbol." Typical festivities often include the classical dragon dance, as well as parades and fireworks. New Year's Eve dinners include foods that have symbolic meanings, such as sticky rice cakes, which are eaten to bring luck in the new year. "The idea is to let go of this year and welcome the new year and move forward," said Charlene Chuang, 54, who lives in the Memorial area. Though celebrations in Houston are much smaller than those in China, members of the temple said they felt the New Year's Eve service was a way to come together with both their families and the larger community. "We are in America so we don't really celebrate Chinese New Year," Sharon Chen, 24, said. "I think the main place is in the temple." Built in 2001 and a follower of the Hsing Yun order of Buddhism, the Chung Mei Temple is open to newcomers and visitors. Jo Ankley, for instance, joined about six months ago, feeling her personal beliefs fit with Buddhist ideals. "We cultivate things in our life and are responsible for changing our behavior and speech," said Ankley, a 53-year-old Missouri City resident. "It's 100 percent about responsi! bility a nd humanness. I like to believe people are good." Read More @ Source 
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| Postage stamp for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Posted: 23 Jan 2012 01:00 PM PST The Buddhist Channel, Jan 23, 2012Colombo, Sri Lanka -- Indian Buddhist leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar deserves to be honoured with a commemorative Postage Stamp in Sri Lanka.  << Dr. B.R. AmbedkarAs a leading Buddhist country in the world, the Buddhists of this country should seriously consider requesting the Government of Sri Lanka to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for the great work he has done for his people and the cause of Buddhist in India. There are 250 Million Dalits in India which is virtually 1/4th of the Indian Population. Sri Lanka should befriend these people. Buddhism can cement ties between Indian Dalits and Sri Lanka. Mayawati, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a staunch Buddhist. She heads the Bahujan Samaj Party, which represents the Bahujans or Dalits, the weakest strata of Indian society. This is her fourth term as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She is an icon for millions of India's Dalits. She is sometimes referred to as Behen-ji (sister). Uttar Pradesh is the most populous State in India. Sri Lanka should invite Mayawati to visit Sri Lanka and in turn seek the strengthening of ties between Uttar Pradesh and Sri Lanka, The Buddhist World must give her recognition outside India. The example of Ambedkar embracing Buddhist should be given the widest publicity in the North and East ( as Gamini Gunawardena has suggested) to motivate the so called low caste Tamils in these areas and the Hill Country of Sri Lanka to pursue a similar path. Buddhism teaches equality. This was Dr. Ambedkar's message to his fellow Dalits. Indian Dalits who are Buddhists (in the absence of Dr. Ambedkar) may well spread that message among Tamils in Sri Lanka who feel persecuted and oppressed by members of the higher profile Tamil castes. Dr. Ambedkar's legacy may well play a bigger role in Sri Lanka's efforts at reconciliation between various communities. Read More @ Source Around the World For Free - Day 126: Life in Poipet, Cambodia 
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| Patna varsity centre on Buddhist studies soon Posted: 23 Jan 2012 12:00 PM PST TNN, Jan 22, 2012PATNA, India -- Patna University (PU) has decided to set up a centre on Buddhist Studies to promote teaching and research on different aspects of Buddhism. The academic council also decided to introduce a faculty of computer science and information technology. Currently, the university has no such faculty even as several courses on computer applications are being run at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The academic council also approved the format of the revised syllabi of PG courses under the semester system which would be introduced from the next academic session ( 2012-13). The admission ordinance and examination regulations of these courses would be finalized by a committee of deans. 
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| Documentary: Life of the Buddha Posted: 23 Jan 2012 11:00 AM PST Filmed by David Grubin, Narrated by Richard Gere, The Buddhist Channel, Jan 23, 2012This documentary is made by filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere. It tells the story of the Buddha's life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world's greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha's life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This documentary is brought to you by http://www.comethailand.com. 
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| Buddhist monk dies from police torture Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST AsiaNews/RFA, Jan 23, 2012 Geshi Tsultrim Gyatso, 51, dies after six months in detention in a Qinghai prison. Police does not deny occurrence but claims it is "not responsible" for his death outside of prison. Chinese repression in Tibet continues unabated.  According to writer Woeser, who has lived in Beijing for years, the authorities arrested the 51-year-old monk in July 2011 in Hainan Prefecture. He was released in December 2011 to be taken to hospital where all efforts to save him proved fruitless. He was dismissed a few days ago and died at home on 22 January."Just a few days ago, the local hospital returned him to his family. He was physically incapacitated and frail due to maltreatment in prison. He passed away at home on 22 January," Woeser said, citing local sources. The authorities do not deny his death but claim, "We are not responsible for a prisoner's death which occurred outside the prison. We handled many cases of detention and releases [and are] not aware of this particular case," a police staff said. In March 2008, he had taken part in a peaceful protest with 60 other monks from his monastery demanding freedom for Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. He had been also fighting to preserve the Tibetan language and culture. In Tibet, the situation is deteriorating. In the past few months, 16 people, mostly Buddhist religious men and women, have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and justice for their country. Beijing has responded to the crisis by blaming the Dalai Lama for these acts, despite the fact that that the Buddhist leader has repeatedly asked his compatriots not to use suicide as a tool of struggle. Read More @ Source Daimoku: Chantng Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. LIVE FROM INDIA 
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