LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From March 2nd – 22nd, living enlightened master and avatar Paramahamsa Nithyananda will be leading eN-Effect, a breakthrough Global Peace Initiative, held around the world via live video streaming from the ashram headquarters in Bidadi, India.
“I am transmitting the experience of cosmic consciousness directly to you, and around the world”
The eN-Effect, short for the “enlightening Nithyananda Effect,” gives the experience of Kundalini energy awakening, bliss, healing, improved health, increased productivity and energy levels and ultimately, rapid transformation to higher consciousness. To learn more about the program, please visit: http://nithyananda.org/en-effect.
“I am transmitting the experience of cosmic consciousness directly to you, and around the world,” explains Paramahamsa Nithyananda. “When an avatar descends, he delivers the experience of Kundalini energy beyond the bounds of space and time - helping you fall into the same coherence (state of restful awareness) and experience the eN-Effect.”
Kundalini awakening is a practice that has been passed on from master to disciple for centuries. In this cyber-age, Paramahamsa Nithyananda is sharing the remarkable ancient science for the 21st Century, and awakening the Kundalini even for those viewing through the Internet.
How does eN-Effect work?
When a tuning fork is struck in a room with more tuning forks of the same pitch, all tuning forks will start to resonate and vibrate the same sound, even though they are not touched. Simply put, the eN-Effect happens in this same way. Through the science of coherence, which works on the basis of resonance, Paramahamsa Nithyananda can transmit this direct experience of higher consciousness to people around the world.
eN-Effect is a provable science to inspire global change. It starts with change in the individual, who in turn, radiates and affects his/her surrounding community. When this internal transformation takes place, each person approaches life with much greater consideration, love for others, and dynamism to implement workable solutions.
In recent research, scientists have found that the eN-Effect is having a major effect on the mitochondria, the human cell’s powerhouse, and is increasing its energy output by 1300%. Additionally, studies on hundreds of participants in 21-day programs in the energy field of Nithyananda’s main ashram in Bidadi, India, show that 99% of the people report a move away from depressive or stressed states towards higher consciousness, and are experiencing more joy, love, creativity, peace, and clarity. Further details on the studies will be released soon. http://nithyananda.org/en-effect/article/science-en-effect
About Paramahamsa Nithyananda:
Rare living incarnation from India, Paramahamsa Nithyananda has emerged as a compelling spiritual force of our millennium. A spiritual genius of incomparable scope, Nithyananda offers us a 360° insight into everything from management to meditation, from relationships to religion, and from success to sannyas. A powerful healer of chronic physical and mental illnesses, and the prolific author of over 200 thought-provoking books in 26 languages, Nithyananda is currently the most-watched spiritual teacher on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/LifeBlissFoundation), with over 10 million upload views. Daily, he attracts thousands of people to his live discourses available freely at http://nithyananda.org/en-tv.
Nithyananda has given presentations and workshops at Microsoft, AT&T, PepsiCo, Oracle Corporation, Qualcomm, Petrobras Corporation (Brazil), and ITT (India).
A recent survivor of religious persecution and unlawful imprisonment in his own country, Nithyananda has emerged still stronger from the attack, and continues to reveal to the world the deeper dimensions of yoga and meditation drawn from the ancient mystic disciplines of the East. Working and sharing with over 20 million people worldwide every year, Nithyananda is committed to helping humanity make the next big breakthrough: into Super Consciousness.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Chapel Hill Services
PRLog – Jan 05, 2011 – Grace Church of Chapel Hill Launches Three New Service Times
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Grace Church of Chapel Hill North Carolina will grow from two to three Sunday morning services beginning on January 16, 2011. The new Sunday service times are 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
“Running out of space is a good problem,” said Kendrick Vinar, senior pastor at Grace. “Two thousand and ten was our most attended year in our history. We are excited to be growing and believe that these three convenient service times will provide guests more options and a wonderful Sunday morning atmosphere for worship.”
The new services will begin with a “Grand Opening” on January 16, which will include some special surprises to celebrate the event, the launch of a “40 Days of Destiny” sermon series and small group program. More information can be found at www.gracelife.com.
About Grace Church of Chapel Hill:
Grace Church of Chapel Hill is a non-denominational church that has been serving the Triangle area since 1986. It is located at 200 Sage Rd. Chapel Hill and has services at 8:30 a.m.,10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Kendrick Vinar has been the senior pastor at Grace since August of 2005. For more information on the church, staff or church activities please visit www.gracelife.com.
# # #
About Grace Church of Chapel Hill:
Grace Church of Chapel Hill is a non-denominational church that has been serving the Triangle area since 1986. It is located at 200 Sage Rd. Chapel Hill and has services at 8:30 a.m.,10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Kendrick Vinar has been the senior pastor at Grace since August of 2005. For more information on the church, staff or church activities please visit www.gracelife.com.
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Grace Church of Chapel Hill North Carolina will grow from two to three Sunday morning services beginning on January 16, 2011. The new Sunday service times are 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
“Running out of space is a good problem,” said Kendrick Vinar, senior pastor at Grace. “Two thousand and ten was our most attended year in our history. We are excited to be growing and believe that these three convenient service times will provide guests more options and a wonderful Sunday morning atmosphere for worship.”
The new services will begin with a “Grand Opening” on January 16, which will include some special surprises to celebrate the event, the launch of a “40 Days of Destiny” sermon series and small group program. More information can be found at www.gracelife.com.
About Grace Church of Chapel Hill:
Grace Church of Chapel Hill is a non-denominational church that has been serving the Triangle area since 1986. It is located at 200 Sage Rd. Chapel Hill and has services at 8:30 a.m.,10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Kendrick Vinar has been the senior pastor at Grace since August of 2005. For more information on the church, staff or church activities please visit www.gracelife.com.
# # #
About Grace Church of Chapel Hill:
Grace Church of Chapel Hill is a non-denominational church that has been serving the Triangle area since 1986. It is located at 200 Sage Rd. Chapel Hill and has services at 8:30 a.m.,10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Kendrick Vinar has been the senior pastor at Grace since August of 2005. For more information on the church, staff or church activities please visit www.gracelife.com.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
See the Buddha in India
PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 18, 2011 – Melbourne to Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, is the economic capital of Gujarat which is also a major financial hub in western India, Ahmedabad is a city that was closely connected with Indian Freedom Movement and the great freedom fighter like Mahatma Gandhi started from here, this city has drawn international attention for its advancement in education, industry and business. It is fastest growing city in India, If you are in Australia and looking for affordable package to Ahmedabad check it out the link given below.
http://www.buddhatravel.com.au/melbourne-to-ahmedabad.html
Melbourne to Karachi
Karachi is the largest city and former capital of Pakistan, is being frequented by visitors who are always attracted by its gorgeous landscapes and diverse cultures. It is also the economic capital of Pakistan; Karachi is also that it has very crucial role in international diplomacy. There are many of must visits places in Karachi like the national museum, with a fine archaeological collection; and the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. If you are in Melbourne and looking for affordable package to Karachi check it out the link given below.
Ahmedabad, is the economic capital of Gujarat which is also a major financial hub in western India, Ahmedabad is a city that was closely connected with Indian Freedom Movement and the great freedom fighter like Mahatma Gandhi started from here, this city has drawn international attention for its advancement in education, industry and business. It is fastest growing city in India, If you are in Australia and looking for affordable package to Ahmedabad check it out the link given below.
http://www.buddhatravel.com.au/melbourne-to-ahmedabad.html
Melbourne to Karachi
Karachi is the largest city and former capital of Pakistan, is being frequented by visitors who are always attracted by its gorgeous landscapes and diverse cultures. It is also the economic capital of Pakistan; Karachi is also that it has very crucial role in international diplomacy. There are many of must visits places in Karachi like the national museum, with a fine archaeological collection; and the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. If you are in Melbourne and looking for affordable package to Karachi check it out the link given below.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Mind Transformation Through Meditation
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 30, 2010 – Thubten Lekshey Ling, the Nyingma Buddhist Meditation Centre in Bangalore, is organizing an applied teaching by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche on how to use Buddhist meditation techniques for achieving lasting transformation of minds. This will be conducted on the 5th of September from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Ashirvad, St. Marks Road, Bangalore.
The core of any Buddhist teaching is about transformation of mind, the spoke person for the center said. Everything about our minds is changeable and trainable. Mind has to be freed from its self-imposed constraints and allowed to flourish into its natural perfection. Contemplations and meditations are taught to transform mind and attain this. Meditation is not merely intended towards peace during a sitting session. Through developing deeper understanding, meditation should help us in transforming life altogether. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche will be teaching about how to prepare for meditation with this goal and how to engage in meditation.
Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche is a distinguished master of the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism, and one of the three superior abbots overseeing the education at Ngagyur Nyingma University of Namdroling Monastery in Bylakkuppe, Mysore. Based on His Holiness Penor Rinpoche's advice, Khen Rinpoche travels extensive around the world delivering teachings and guiding disciples. He received recognition from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his Buddhist scholarship during his studies at the Central University of Higher Tibetan Studies, Saranath. He received all major lineage transmissions of the Nyingma tradition from HH Dudjom Rinpoche, HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and HH Penor Rinpoche. He is affectionately known among his disciples as "Khenpo Guru".
The program is free of charges and open for all. Those who wish to attend may contact the organisers over email at info@lekshey.org or over phone at 98802-96930. More details can be found at www.lekshey.org
# # #
The core of any Buddhist teaching is about transformation of mind, the spoke person for the center said. Everything about our minds is changeable and trainable. Mind has to be freed from its self-imposed constraints and allowed to flourish into its natural perfection. Contemplations and meditations are taught to transform mind and attain this. Meditation is not merely intended towards peace during a sitting session. Through developing deeper understanding, meditation should help us in transforming life altogether. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche will be teaching about how to prepare for meditation with this goal and how to engage in meditation.
Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche is a distinguished master of the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism, and one of the three superior abbots overseeing the education at Ngagyur Nyingma University of Namdroling Monastery in Bylakkuppe, Mysore. Based on His Holiness Penor Rinpoche's advice, Khen Rinpoche travels extensive around the world delivering teachings and guiding disciples. He received recognition from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his Buddhist scholarship during his studies at the Central University of Higher Tibetan Studies, Saranath. He received all major lineage transmissions of the Nyingma tradition from HH Dudjom Rinpoche, HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and HH Penor Rinpoche. He is affectionately known among his disciples as "Khenpo Guru".
The program is free of charges and open for all. Those who wish to attend may contact the organisers over email at info@lekshey.org or over phone at 98802-96930. More details can be found at www.lekshey.org
# # #
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Buddhist Art
MMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 14, 2009 – “Save Our Sacred Buddhist Original Art Treasures”
from Bhutan by finding a Home of Honor!
Rescue the worlds Largest Private Buddhist Textile Art Heritage Collection from Bhutan! We seek immediate funding either through a benefactor and/or a few individual piece sales. This is the only opportunity that we will offer a few rare individual pieces to the Friends of Buddhism. Once we receive initial funding we will be able to reveal the Collection to the world and find its permanent Home of Honor. We sincerely ask YOU, Friend of Buddhism, to give your support to this noble cause.
For 25 years the largest Private Buddhist Art Heritage Collection from Bhutan has been stored away and never seen by anyone! This Collection consists primarily of antique Buddhist textiles and some sacred religious artifacts from Bhutan. Recently this unique collection was endangered in California by major fires and earthquakes… What a tragic loss to the Buddhist world and to Buddhist Art Cultural Heritage IF this sacred Collection, which has never been seen and fully documented in its entirety, were to perish. The next vital step is to seek funding for the Collection’s rescue!
The collector Mr. Bartholomew is a world renowned cultural anthropologist and published author of the first definitive book on Bhutan Textile Art and Culture “Thunder Dragon Textiles from Bhutan,” Shikosha (Publisher), Kyoto, Japan, 1985. Mr. Bartholomew has collected nearly all of his pieces between 1976–1982. This is a period of time when Mr. Bartholomew alone was negotiating primarily through barter exclusively with the Bhutanese Royal Families, high-ranking members of the Royal Government of Bhutan, and top religious leaders/Rimpoches of Buddhism in Bhutan. Most of this Collection was acquired outside of Bhutan in India and Nepal. These historical facts of the Provenance of this Collection makes it unique to the world! “Provenance” is the preeminent factor in determining the cultural art historical significance, rarity, and value of any particular art object. The Bartholomew Collection consists of hundreds of heirloom pieces with full Provenance, truly making it a priceless Sacred Buddhist Art Collection. During the 1970’s and 1980’s 10 major international museums have purchased Bhutanese textiles directly from Mr. Bartholomew to augment their own permanent collections of Asian textile art.
The curator of the International Folk Art Museum of Santa Fe, New Mexico stated in 1982 that “Mr. Bartholomew, having gained the friendship of the Royal Family, is one of the few individuals who has been able to document, collect, display and sell the unusual textiles of this remote Kingdom.”
The Wall Street Journal (“Bhutan’s Lost Art”, Aug. 9th 2001) calls Mr. Bartholomew a world-recognized expert on Bhutan textiles, "an American...who has amassed the world's greatest collection of textiles from the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan." The Asian Wall Street Journal adds (Aug. 11th 2001) that it was Mr. Bartholomew “who first revealed to the world the exceptional beauty of weavings from Bhutan.”
Mr. Bartholomew is currently in ongoing discussions with Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan and the Royal Government of Bhutan since his third Royal Government Minister invitation to Bhutan in June, 1999. In May 2009, the Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley (Mr. Bartholomew’s oldest friend) has stated in a letter through his Foreign Minister that “I am sure you (Mr. Bartholomew) will be able to take the right decision in the best interest of the very important art collection.”
The Royal Family and the Royal Government of Bhutan have stated clearly that the proprietary rights and future placement, including sales and exhibitions of this unique Collection, would be solely determined and executed by Mr. Bartholomew or subsequent owners, with no violation or infringement upon the Royal Government of Bhutan.
NOW the time has come to rescue and reveal the Collection and our first step is calling on you, Friends of Buddhism, for your valuable support.
Presently, Mr. Bartholomew is living in Laos and devoted to two philanthropic causes for the past 11 years. He has established the GreenHeart Foundation, a non-profit organization which is in partnership with the Lao government, to help achieve the following two goals:
1. A world awareness campaign for the removal of UXO Bombs (Un eXploded Ordinances) that continue to threaten villager’s lives as well as kill hundreds of innocent people (mostly children!) every year in Laos.
2. Preserve the unique textile weaving traditions of the Laotians, and create sustainable livelihoods for young village girls who are often victims of the child sex industry.
Mr. Bartholomew wants to fully dedicate himself to the GeenHeart Foundation and to raising his 3 young daughters. Laos is his passion now, and he is devoted to finding a future Home of Honor for his entire Collection.
Some of the historical sacred Buddhist heirlooms that are in the Collection are personal treasures from His Holiness the Karmapa’s lineage. Mr. Bartholomew’s current mission is to go to India this month to personally meet with three of his Buddhist teachers. This includes meeting once again with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 17th Karmapa at which time he will present them with some “GIFTS” from the Bartholomew Collection. The 16th Karmapa was Mr. Bartholomew’s personal “Root Lama” and teacher for the past 30 years. The objective of this visit will be to hopefully receive blessings, guidance and potential support for the endeavors of the S.O.S - “B.O.A.T” campaign.
We hope that this story will raise interest, concern and support in finding a Buddhist Benefactor/Buyer for a few of these Buddhist Cultural Art Heritage Treasures.
Please write us about any interest, suggestions or further queries you may have:
admin@BhutanTextiles.com
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 14, 2009 – “Save Our Sacred Buddhist Original Art Treasures”
from Bhutan by finding a Home of Honor!
Rescue the worlds Largest Private Buddhist Textile Art Heritage Collection from Bhutan! We seek immediate funding either through a benefactor and/or a few individual piece sales. This is the only opportunity that we will offer a few rare individual pieces to the Friends of Buddhism. Once we receive initial funding we will be able to reveal the Collection to the world and find its permanent Home of Honor. We sincerely ask YOU, Friend of Buddhism, to give your support to this noble cause.
For 25 years the largest Private Buddhist Art Heritage Collection from Bhutan has been stored away and never seen by anyone! This Collection consists primarily of antique Buddhist textiles and some sacred religious artifacts from Bhutan. Recently this unique collection was endangered in California by major fires and earthquakes… What a tragic loss to the Buddhist world and to Buddhist Art Cultural Heritage IF this sacred Collection, which has never been seen and fully documented in its entirety, were to perish. The next vital step is to seek funding for the Collection’s rescue!
The collector Mr. Bartholomew is a world renowned cultural anthropologist and published author of the first definitive book on Bhutan Textile Art and Culture “Thunder Dragon Textiles from Bhutan,” Shikosha (Publisher), Kyoto, Japan, 1985. Mr. Bartholomew has collected nearly all of his pieces between 1976–1982. This is a period of time when Mr. Bartholomew alone was negotiating primarily through barter exclusively with the Bhutanese Royal Families, high-ranking members of the Royal Government of Bhutan, and top religious leaders/Rimpoches of Buddhism in Bhutan. Most of this Collection was acquired outside of Bhutan in India and Nepal. These historical facts of the Provenance of this Collection makes it unique to the world! “Provenance” is the preeminent factor in determining the cultural art historical significance, rarity, and value of any particular art object. The Bartholomew Collection consists of hundreds of heirloom pieces with full Provenance, truly making it a priceless Sacred Buddhist Art Collection. During the 1970’s and 1980’s 10 major international museums have purchased Bhutanese textiles directly from Mr. Bartholomew to augment their own permanent collections of Asian textile art.
The curator of the International Folk Art Museum of Santa Fe, New Mexico stated in 1982 that “Mr. Bartholomew, having gained the friendship of the Royal Family, is one of the few individuals who has been able to document, collect, display and sell the unusual textiles of this remote Kingdom.”
The Wall Street Journal (“Bhutan’s Lost Art”, Aug. 9th 2001) calls Mr. Bartholomew a world-recognized expert on Bhutan textiles, "an American...who has amassed the world's greatest collection of textiles from the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan." The Asian Wall Street Journal adds (Aug. 11th 2001) that it was Mr. Bartholomew “who first revealed to the world the exceptional beauty of weavings from Bhutan.”
Mr. Bartholomew is currently in ongoing discussions with Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan and the Royal Government of Bhutan since his third Royal Government Minister invitation to Bhutan in June, 1999. In May 2009, the Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley (Mr. Bartholomew’s oldest friend) has stated in a letter through his Foreign Minister that “I am sure you (Mr. Bartholomew) will be able to take the right decision in the best interest of the very important art collection.”
The Royal Family and the Royal Government of Bhutan have stated clearly that the proprietary rights and future placement, including sales and exhibitions of this unique Collection, would be solely determined and executed by Mr. Bartholomew or subsequent owners, with no violation or infringement upon the Royal Government of Bhutan.
NOW the time has come to rescue and reveal the Collection and our first step is calling on you, Friends of Buddhism, for your valuable support.
Presently, Mr. Bartholomew is living in Laos and devoted to two philanthropic causes for the past 11 years. He has established the GreenHeart Foundation, a non-profit organization which is in partnership with the Lao government, to help achieve the following two goals:
1. A world awareness campaign for the removal of UXO Bombs (Un eXploded Ordinances) that continue to threaten villager’s lives as well as kill hundreds of innocent people (mostly children!) every year in Laos.
2. Preserve the unique textile weaving traditions of the Laotians, and create sustainable livelihoods for young village girls who are often victims of the child sex industry.
Mr. Bartholomew wants to fully dedicate himself to the GeenHeart Foundation and to raising his 3 young daughters. Laos is his passion now, and he is devoted to finding a future Home of Honor for his entire Collection.
Some of the historical sacred Buddhist heirlooms that are in the Collection are personal treasures from His Holiness the Karmapa’s lineage. Mr. Bartholomew’s current mission is to go to India this month to personally meet with three of his Buddhist teachers. This includes meeting once again with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 17th Karmapa at which time he will present them with some “GIFTS” from the Bartholomew Collection. The 16th Karmapa was Mr. Bartholomew’s personal “Root Lama” and teacher for the past 30 years. The objective of this visit will be to hopefully receive blessings, guidance and potential support for the endeavors of the S.O.S - “B.O.A.T” campaign.
We hope that this story will raise interest, concern and support in finding a Buddhist Benefactor/Buyer for a few of these Buddhist Cultural Art Heritage Treasures.
Please write us about any interest, suggestions or further queries you may have:
admin@BhutanTextiles.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dalai Lama Celebrates Anand Kumar
PATNA: Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama will felicitate Super-30 founder Anand Kumar, whose pioneering initiative has helped many poor students crack the IIT-JEE, at a function organised by the Bihar Foundation's Mumbai chapter in Mumbai on February 19.
The Dalai will also deliver a discourse on 'Introduction to Buddhism' at the function to which Anand has been invited as the chief guest, foundation spokesperson Ragini Gautam said.
Talking to TOI over phone from Mumbai, Gautam said the foundation last year opened a Bihar medical centre for low income group patients at Nagpara in Mumbai.
The foundation, launched in 2008 at the initiative of the NDA government of Bihar, is an attempt to develop brand Bihar and revive its lost glory. It aims to provide a socio-cultural platform to the Bihari diaspora at the national and global levels and has a steadily growing membership among all sections of the society.
The foundation, which also has seven chapters in foreign countries, has been playing an instrumental role in bettering the image of Bihar and Biharis.
The Dalai will also deliver a discourse on 'Introduction to Buddhism' at the function to which Anand has been invited as the chief guest, foundation spokesperson Ragini Gautam said.
Talking to TOI over phone from Mumbai, Gautam said the foundation last year opened a Bihar medical centre for low income group patients at Nagpara in Mumbai.
The foundation, launched in 2008 at the initiative of the NDA government of Bihar, is an attempt to develop brand Bihar and revive its lost glory. It aims to provide a socio-cultural platform to the Bihari diaspora at the national and global levels and has a steadily growing membership among all sections of the society.
The foundation, which also has seven chapters in foreign countries, has been playing an instrumental role in bettering the image of Bihar and Biharis.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monk Talks the Talk
Non-violence, altruism and patience are some of the key aspects of Buddhism and one of the world's most qualified Buddhist teachers is coming to Rotorua to explain those principles.
Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a free public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday. It is called "The Essentials of Buddhist Practice: non-violence, altruism and patience".
Eastern Bay of Plenty Dharma Group spokeswoman Adrienne Ranson said Buddhist monks rarely visited Rotorua and to have one the calibre of Geshe Sonam Rinchen was extremely fortunate.
"Geshe Sonam Rinchen is hugely qualified to teach on Buddhist ways of understanding the world. He is now around 77 years old and was born in Kham, Eastern Tibet and began his religious studies at the age of 12."
Ms Ranson said the topics of non-violence, altruism and patience were at the very foundation of Buddhist practice, as well as many other religions.
"In Buddhist philosophy, the virtue of not harming other beings, the virtue of altruism, whereby you learn to think and act for the welfare and happiness of others, and the virtue of patience in the face of adversity big and small, can enable and empower a person to lead the happiest of lives free from suffering."
She said non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists were welcome to attend and everyone was sure to gain useful information.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be accompanied by Geshe Sangyey Thinley, who is resident spiritual teacher at Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Buddhist Centre in Whangarei.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be assisted by translator Mathew Whiston and attendant monk the Venerable Nyima.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give his talk that will be followed by a time for questions.
"However, because monks depend on the generosity of others, all donations towards costs will be gratefully accepted," she said.Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday February 19 from 9.45am-11.45am.
Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a free public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday. It is called "The Essentials of Buddhist Practice: non-violence, altruism and patience".
Eastern Bay of Plenty Dharma Group spokeswoman Adrienne Ranson said Buddhist monks rarely visited Rotorua and to have one the calibre of Geshe Sonam Rinchen was extremely fortunate.
"Geshe Sonam Rinchen is hugely qualified to teach on Buddhist ways of understanding the world. He is now around 77 years old and was born in Kham, Eastern Tibet and began his religious studies at the age of 12."
Ms Ranson said the topics of non-violence, altruism and patience were at the very foundation of Buddhist practice, as well as many other religions.
"In Buddhist philosophy, the virtue of not harming other beings, the virtue of altruism, whereby you learn to think and act for the welfare and happiness of others, and the virtue of patience in the face of adversity big and small, can enable and empower a person to lead the happiest of lives free from suffering."
She said non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists were welcome to attend and everyone was sure to gain useful information.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be accompanied by Geshe Sangyey Thinley, who is resident spiritual teacher at Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Buddhist Centre in Whangarei.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be assisted by translator Mathew Whiston and attendant monk the Venerable Nyima.
Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give his talk that will be followed by a time for questions.
"However, because monks depend on the generosity of others, all donations towards costs will be gratefully accepted," she said.Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday February 19 from 9.45am-11.45am.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monk Talks Loved to Students
Tibetan Buddhist monk Tsering Phuntsok spoke in a crowded Mason Hall Auditorium Monday afternoon, speaking to students, faculty and administrators about his religion’s concepts of love and compassion.
Phuntsok has been a monk for 23 years, living and working in Dharamsala, the exiled home of the Dalai Lama, according to an MSU press release. Phuntsok works and studies with the Dalai Lama, has been an instructor at the monastery where he trained, and works on projects to address the needs of the Tibetan refugees and Indian people in Dharamsala. He also facilitates cultural exchange programs between U.S. students and the Tibetan community.
Jeff Wylie, senior lecturer in MSU’s college of health sciences and human services, moderated the event. Wylie said he first met Phuntsok while visiting some colleagues at Hopkinsville Community College and was excited to bring him to MSU.
Phuntsok said the core teaching of Buddhism was non-violence. He said Buddhism recognized that all humans are bound to suffer, but tries to counter that by determining the causes of suffering, which include covetousness and grasping something that one desperately wants. Other causes include “harsh speech,” “idle gushing,” killing stealing and sexual misconduct, he said.
“Compassion is to wish others free from suffering,” Phuntsok said.
Phuntsok has been a monk for 23 years, living and working in Dharamsala, the exiled home of the Dalai Lama, according to an MSU press release. Phuntsok works and studies with the Dalai Lama, has been an instructor at the monastery where he trained, and works on projects to address the needs of the Tibetan refugees and Indian people in Dharamsala. He also facilitates cultural exchange programs between U.S. students and the Tibetan community.
Jeff Wylie, senior lecturer in MSU’s college of health sciences and human services, moderated the event. Wylie said he first met Phuntsok while visiting some colleagues at Hopkinsville Community College and was excited to bring him to MSU.
Phuntsok said the core teaching of Buddhism was non-violence. He said Buddhism recognized that all humans are bound to suffer, but tries to counter that by determining the causes of suffering, which include covetousness and grasping something that one desperately wants. Other causes include “harsh speech,” “idle gushing,” killing stealing and sexual misconduct, he said.
“Compassion is to wish others free from suffering,” Phuntsok said.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
China Bans Reincarnation of Dalai Lama
Described as the most absurd act of authoritarian history, Beijing, already charged for spying against the 17th Karmapa, has banned the reincarnation of HH the Dalai Lama. China has also banned Buddhist monks in Tibet from reincarnating without government permission.
According to the State Administration for Religious Affairs, the law, which goes into effect next month will stipulate the procedure by which one is to reincarnate. It is being dubbed, an important move to institutionalize management of reincarnation.
Commenting on the development, author Tim Jhonson told, “Chinese Communist Government believes that many of the problems faced in Tibet will disappear after the Dalai Lama. They are waiting for him to die”. Jhonson is the author of, ” Tragedy in Crimson: How the Dalai Lama won the world but lost his battle with China “.
“The truth is that the ruling party wants a new kind of Tibetan lamas not loyal to the Dalai Lama. The Party (communist) wants to sever ties between the lamas of the Tibetan plateau and the Dalai Lama. It is not new, Beijing does the same with the Vatican and Catholic bishops in their territory,” says Johnson.
According to the State Administration for Religious Affairs, the law, which goes into effect next month will stipulate the procedure by which one is to reincarnate. It is being dubbed, an important move to institutionalize management of reincarnation.
Commenting on the development, author Tim Jhonson told, “Chinese Communist Government believes that many of the problems faced in Tibet will disappear after the Dalai Lama. They are waiting for him to die”. Jhonson is the author of, ” Tragedy in Crimson: How the Dalai Lama won the world but lost his battle with China “.
“The truth is that the ruling party wants a new kind of Tibetan lamas not loyal to the Dalai Lama. The Party (communist) wants to sever ties between the lamas of the Tibetan plateau and the Dalai Lama. It is not new, Beijing does the same with the Vatican and Catholic bishops in their territory,” says Johnson.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Budda Movie in March
Buddha is the debut film for Pokkiri director Puri Jagannath in B-Town. Both the women in the film have significant role that supports the growth of the scripts. The last time we saw Amitabh and Hema spreading magic on the silver screen was with film Baabul (2006).
Amitabh and Hema's pair has been one of the successful pair till date, be it Satte Pe Satta or Baghban, they have always managed to amaze their fans with the simple and refreshing chemistry that they share on-screen.
The movie will reportedly go on floors in the month of March.
Amitabh and Hema's pair has been one of the successful pair till date, be it Satte Pe Satta or Baghban, they have always managed to amaze their fans with the simple and refreshing chemistry that they share on-screen.
The movie will reportedly go on floors in the month of March.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Prayers for Buddhist Leader
No shouting. No crying. No burning of effigies. No jamming national highways. At a place, where demonstration is the order of the day (Jantar Mantar in New Delhi), this is no Dharna (demonstration) but a prayer meet. At a nearby demonstration being held on price rise, the atmosphere is tense and the police on toes. But here, as Buddhist devotees keep coming from across the Delhi, there is hardly any police personnel visible. Kudos to the Lamas and Buddhist community for the restraint it has shown to convince a government which is brutally suppressing the agitation for Gorkhaland in nearby Darjeeling.
Children, young, old, men, women and common people, the devotees are silently praying in the national capital among chants of monks in red robes. The patience and methodology adopted by the Buddhist community despite unwarranted allegations against their most revered religious leader, deserves praise and attention.
The participants in the demonstration are from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri) and Arunachal Pradesh. The prayer will continue for three days till 11th of February from morning till evening at the same venue.
Children, young, old, men, women and common people, the devotees are silently praying in the national capital among chants of monks in red robes. The patience and methodology adopted by the Buddhist community despite unwarranted allegations against their most revered religious leader, deserves praise and attention.
The participants in the demonstration are from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri) and Arunachal Pradesh. The prayer will continue for three days till 11th of February from morning till evening at the same venue.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pakistan and Buddhists
THIMPHU/ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir on Sunday affirmed Pakistan’s support for comprehensive regional cooperation under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.
Bashir is leading the Pakistani delegation to the 38th session of the SAARC Standing Committee, which started in the Bhutanese capital Thimpu, according to a press release.
Bashir said that among the priority areas, SAARC should focus on issues related to environment and climate change; energy and food security; alleviation of poverty; promote project based cooperation; develop substantive cooperation with observers, including other regional organisations and extra-regional states that have showed keen interest in SAARC. He said that Pakistan fully supported trans-regional economic, energy and development cooperation.
“Pakistan is happy to note that under the chairmanship of Bhutan and Secretary General Sheel Kant Sharma, we have seen steady progress in various SAARC programmes and activities,” Bashir said. Terrorism and illegal trafficking of drugs posed significant challenges to SAARC member states, he added. The foreign secretary said that Pakistan had hosted an important Ministerial Meeting of SAARC interior/home ministers, which had adopted the Islamabad statement calling for closer cooperation among SAARC states to overcome these challenges. South Asia, today, was witnessing vibrant democracies at work and the formulation of the SAARC Democracy Charter was an important achievement, he added. The SAARC Standing Committee’s meeting will be followed by a meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers.
Separately, Bashir and the Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations through closer interaction at the government and people-to-people level. During the meeting, Bashir felicitated the Bhutanese government on the excellent arrangements made for hosting the SAARC Council of Ministers and preceding meetings. He expressed the hope that interaction among SAARC member states would provide an effective and viable mechanism for promotion of peace, development and progress in the region. The two highlighted the close relations between Pakistan and Bhutan based on common historical and cultural links, especially the common Gandhara heritage. Both the sides also decided to take steps to increase trade, commercial and economic ties between the nations. Bashir welcomed religious tourism from Bhutan to Swat in Pakistan, the birth place of Guru Padmasambhawa, the Second Buddha. app
Bashir is leading the Pakistani delegation to the 38th session of the SAARC Standing Committee, which started in the Bhutanese capital Thimpu, according to a press release.
Bashir said that among the priority areas, SAARC should focus on issues related to environment and climate change; energy and food security; alleviation of poverty; promote project based cooperation; develop substantive cooperation with observers, including other regional organisations and extra-regional states that have showed keen interest in SAARC. He said that Pakistan fully supported trans-regional economic, energy and development cooperation.
“Pakistan is happy to note that under the chairmanship of Bhutan and Secretary General Sheel Kant Sharma, we have seen steady progress in various SAARC programmes and activities,” Bashir said. Terrorism and illegal trafficking of drugs posed significant challenges to SAARC member states, he added. The foreign secretary said that Pakistan had hosted an important Ministerial Meeting of SAARC interior/home ministers, which had adopted the Islamabad statement calling for closer cooperation among SAARC states to overcome these challenges. South Asia, today, was witnessing vibrant democracies at work and the formulation of the SAARC Democracy Charter was an important achievement, he added. The SAARC Standing Committee’s meeting will be followed by a meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers.
Separately, Bashir and the Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations through closer interaction at the government and people-to-people level. During the meeting, Bashir felicitated the Bhutanese government on the excellent arrangements made for hosting the SAARC Council of Ministers and preceding meetings. He expressed the hope that interaction among SAARC member states would provide an effective and viable mechanism for promotion of peace, development and progress in the region. The two highlighted the close relations between Pakistan and Bhutan based on common historical and cultural links, especially the common Gandhara heritage. Both the sides also decided to take steps to increase trade, commercial and economic ties between the nations. Bashir welcomed religious tourism from Bhutan to Swat in Pakistan, the birth place of Guru Padmasambhawa, the Second Buddha. app
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Akido in Santa Barbara
The nonprofit Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara has moved to a new “dojo,” or training hall at 121 Mason St. to better serve its students and the community.
For the past two years, Sensei Lia Suzuki, the chief instructor, has taught classes at the Santa Barbara Buddhist Temple, 1015 E. Montecito St. However, it became apparent last fall that Aikido Kenkyukai had outgrown that space and a new site had to be found.
The move was made possible largely thanks to an anonymous donor who pledged $1,000, provided that the organization could raise the remaining immediate funding necessary to make the move. The additional $2,000 was raised in about three days, largely employing social media, Suzuki said.
Aikido Kenkyukai is subleasing the dojo from judo instructor Steve Hoyt, who also runs his own nonprofit martial arts group.
Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara, a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit public benefit corporation, was founded by Suzuki, a sixth-degree black belt in aikido with nearly 30 years of experience in the martial art.
Suzuki said the goal of Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara is to pass down the true message of aikido and to nurture a better society by creating individuals of responsibility, compassion, judgment, and character.
She teaches the “art of peace” to anyone age 3 or older. The nonprofit also runs various community projects, such as its sponsorship program for low-income and at-risk children who are given the opportunity to train in aikido.
The nonprofit organization is trying to provide South Coast residents with a path toward peace. It encourages the practice of the Japanese nonviolent martial art of aikido, promoting it as a vehicle for self-improvement and spiritual growth, as well as a harmonious way to resolve everyday stress and conflict.
She initially became interested in aikido and trained in Boston. Suzuki is a former competitive horse rider from Pennsylvania. She planned to visit Japan for a short time in 1987 and ended up finding a job as an English teacher, getting married and returning home in 1996.
“Kenkyukai” translates from Japanese to “research group,” Suzuki said. Her nonprofit group has grown steadily, as can be seen by its board members, advisory council volunteers and monetary sponsors.
For the past two years, Sensei Lia Suzuki, the chief instructor, has taught classes at the Santa Barbara Buddhist Temple, 1015 E. Montecito St. However, it became apparent last fall that Aikido Kenkyukai had outgrown that space and a new site had to be found.
The move was made possible largely thanks to an anonymous donor who pledged $1,000, provided that the organization could raise the remaining immediate funding necessary to make the move. The additional $2,000 was raised in about three days, largely employing social media, Suzuki said.
Aikido Kenkyukai is subleasing the dojo from judo instructor Steve Hoyt, who also runs his own nonprofit martial arts group.
Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara, a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit public benefit corporation, was founded by Suzuki, a sixth-degree black belt in aikido with nearly 30 years of experience in the martial art.
Suzuki said the goal of Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara is to pass down the true message of aikido and to nurture a better society by creating individuals of responsibility, compassion, judgment, and character.
She teaches the “art of peace” to anyone age 3 or older. The nonprofit also runs various community projects, such as its sponsorship program for low-income and at-risk children who are given the opportunity to train in aikido.
The nonprofit organization is trying to provide South Coast residents with a path toward peace. It encourages the practice of the Japanese nonviolent martial art of aikido, promoting it as a vehicle for self-improvement and spiritual growth, as well as a harmonious way to resolve everyday stress and conflict.
She initially became interested in aikido and trained in Boston. Suzuki is a former competitive horse rider from Pennsylvania. She planned to visit Japan for a short time in 1987 and ended up finding a job as an English teacher, getting married and returning home in 1996.
“Kenkyukai” translates from Japanese to “research group,” Suzuki said. Her nonprofit group has grown steadily, as can be seen by its board members, advisory council volunteers and monetary sponsors.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
U.C.S. Bakersfield Acknowledges Professors
Three faculty members at California State University, Bakersfield have been awarded the 2007-08 Faculty Awards by the CSUB Faculty Senate, University Research Council and the university.
Professor of Anthropology Robert Yohe has received the Outstanding Professor Award and the Millie Ablin Award for Excellence in Teaching; Professor of Advanced Education Kathleen Ritter has received the Faculty Leadership and Service Award; and Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tim Vivian has received the Faculty Research Award.
The faculty awards are presented annually to recognize the outstanding contributions of CSUB faculty members to their students, the university and their disciplines. Nominations are submitted by administrators, other faculty members, students and alumni.
Robert Yohe
Yohe first served at CSUB from 1990 – 1993 before being appointed the state archaeologist and administrator of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. During this same period he taught anthropology courses at Boise State University as an adjunct lecturer. He returned to CSUB in 1996.
Yohe has conduced research in the deserts of North America for the past 28 years, working on over 150 different archaeological projects. He is considered one of the foremost stone tool experts in the western United States.
Recently, Yohe has spent his summers working as the senior osteologist (bone specialist) for the El-Hibeh Archaeological Project in Egypt. His expertise in human osteology and animal remains are helping to unravel the mystery surrounding 13 mummies and a number of artifacts that he has helped to salvage. His discoveries have been shared with the world on a recent episode of the Discovery Channel’s “The Bone Detective.”
Kathleen Ritter
Ritter’s 32 years at CSUB have had a significant impact on the Kern County community. Hundreds of her students have gone on to establish their own counseling practices, have been employed in most mental health agencies, and have practiced in the public schools. Additionally she has been instrumental in the development and coordination of three master’s degree programs at CSUB.
Nearly 29 years ago Ritter established the CSUB University Counselor Training Clinic. Utilizing marriage and family therapy student clinicians, the clinic offers low-cost counseling services to the Bakersfield community. Each year the students working in the clinic provide over 2,000 hours of individual, couple, family and group counseling services.
Tim Vivian
Vivian is a dedicated scholar in the field of early Christianity, with emphasis on Coptic Studies and Early Christian Monasticism. He has taught at CSUB in a variety of capacities since 1990.
Vivian has published 10 books, more than 60 articles, and over 100 book reviews in a wide variety of scholarly publications. His scholarship is also based on substantial archeological field work. He has participated in two excavations in Egypt, serving as a director and faculty member at the excavation of the monastery of John Kolobos. He served as project historian for the team restoring and studying the 13th century wall paintings at the monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt.
Professor of Anthropology Robert Yohe has received the Outstanding Professor Award and the Millie Ablin Award for Excellence in Teaching; Professor of Advanced Education Kathleen Ritter has received the Faculty Leadership and Service Award; and Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tim Vivian has received the Faculty Research Award.
The faculty awards are presented annually to recognize the outstanding contributions of CSUB faculty members to their students, the university and their disciplines. Nominations are submitted by administrators, other faculty members, students and alumni.
Robert Yohe
Yohe first served at CSUB from 1990 – 1993 before being appointed the state archaeologist and administrator of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. During this same period he taught anthropology courses at Boise State University as an adjunct lecturer. He returned to CSUB in 1996.
Yohe has conduced research in the deserts of North America for the past 28 years, working on over 150 different archaeological projects. He is considered one of the foremost stone tool experts in the western United States.
Recently, Yohe has spent his summers working as the senior osteologist (bone specialist) for the El-Hibeh Archaeological Project in Egypt. His expertise in human osteology and animal remains are helping to unravel the mystery surrounding 13 mummies and a number of artifacts that he has helped to salvage. His discoveries have been shared with the world on a recent episode of the Discovery Channel’s “The Bone Detective.”
Kathleen Ritter
Ritter’s 32 years at CSUB have had a significant impact on the Kern County community. Hundreds of her students have gone on to establish their own counseling practices, have been employed in most mental health agencies, and have practiced in the public schools. Additionally she has been instrumental in the development and coordination of three master’s degree programs at CSUB.
Nearly 29 years ago Ritter established the CSUB University Counselor Training Clinic. Utilizing marriage and family therapy student clinicians, the clinic offers low-cost counseling services to the Bakersfield community. Each year the students working in the clinic provide over 2,000 hours of individual, couple, family and group counseling services.
Tim Vivian
Vivian is a dedicated scholar in the field of early Christianity, with emphasis on Coptic Studies and Early Christian Monasticism. He has taught at CSUB in a variety of capacities since 1990.
Vivian has published 10 books, more than 60 articles, and over 100 book reviews in a wide variety of scholarly publications. His scholarship is also based on substantial archeological field work. He has participated in two excavations in Egypt, serving as a director and faculty member at the excavation of the monastery of John Kolobos. He served as project historian for the team restoring and studying the 13th century wall paintings at the monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
New York China Exhibit from Forbidden City
-- The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York put on display treasures of China's famous Emperor Qianlong on Tuesday, offering a glimpse of the emperor's artistic passion and personal sentiments. The exhibition "The Emperor's Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City" features 90 splendid art items, including silk scrolls, paintings, murals, furniture, Buddhist icons, jades, from the Qianlong Garden built in the northeast corner of Beijing' s Forbidden City
Highlights of the exhibition comprise a portrait of the Emperor Qianlong, a silk panel portraying a Buddhist shrine, magnificent thrones executed with impeccable craftsmanship, and a monumental jade-and-lacquer screen consisting of 16 panels.
"It (the exhibition) tells the story about the private garden of Emperor Qianlong. It not only tells the historical background of that period of time, but also presents the pinnacle of artistic, philosophical and research achievement at that time. I believe Western visitors can get a lot of inspiration from it," Li Ji, Executive Deputy Director of The Palace Museum of China, told Xinhua.
Emperor Qianlong was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China. As a connoisseur of art, a dedicated scholar, and a devout Buddhist, Qianlong created a lavish and secluded garden paradise intended for his retirement, although he never relinquished the throne, and the space remained unchanged and unoccupied since its 1776 completion.
Maxwell K. Hearn, Douglas Dillon Curator for Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department of Asian Art of the Met museum said the objects will be reinstalled permanently in their original home in the Qianlong Garden of the Forbidden City once the tour concludes.
"So this is a remarkable opportunity to understand the level of craftsmanship, the style, the taste in the exotics, that the emperor indulged in during his lengthy reign," he said.
Highlights of the exhibition comprise a portrait of the Emperor Qianlong, a silk panel portraying a Buddhist shrine, magnificent thrones executed with impeccable craftsmanship, and a monumental jade-and-lacquer screen consisting of 16 panels.
"It (the exhibition) tells the story about the private garden of Emperor Qianlong. It not only tells the historical background of that period of time, but also presents the pinnacle of artistic, philosophical and research achievement at that time. I believe Western visitors can get a lot of inspiration from it," Li Ji, Executive Deputy Director of The Palace Museum of China, told Xinhua.
Emperor Qianlong was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China. As a connoisseur of art, a dedicated scholar, and a devout Buddhist, Qianlong created a lavish and secluded garden paradise intended for his retirement, although he never relinquished the throne, and the space remained unchanged and unoccupied since its 1776 completion.
Maxwell K. Hearn, Douglas Dillon Curator for Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department of Asian Art of the Met museum said the objects will be reinstalled permanently in their original home in the Qianlong Garden of the Forbidden City once the tour concludes.
"So this is a remarkable opportunity to understand the level of craftsmanship, the style, the taste in the exotics, that the emperor indulged in during his lengthy reign," he said.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
American Suicide in India Buddhist Center
JAIPUR, India — An American man has died after setting himself on fire in an abandoned Buddhist centre in northwestern India, leaving a cryptic suicide note that blamed his death on "cruel incidents" in his homeland and India, police said Thursday.
The charred body of Jeff Knaebel, a 71-year-old Californian, was found Wednesday by villagers at a meditation site in Rajasthan state, police superintendent Mohan Singh said.
"I am killing myself because of cruel incidents in both the U.S. and in India," Knaebel wrote in a note, according to police.
The note contained a request that only police handle his body and instructions that the 45,000 rupees ($1,000) in his bag be given to the poor. It did not explain his motivations further.
Knaebel had renounced U.S. citizenship in 2009 and had been living in India since 1995.
Police said he had recently been visiting villages in the Rajasthan to talk to people about the teachings of India's independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi. He reached the Buddhist centre — in Virat Nagar, a town 90 miles (150 kilometres) north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan — three days ago, police said.
Police said the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi of Knaebel's death, Singh said. A spokesman at the U.S. Embassy did not have immediate comment.
The charred body of Jeff Knaebel, a 71-year-old Californian, was found Wednesday by villagers at a meditation site in Rajasthan state, police superintendent Mohan Singh said.
"I am killing myself because of cruel incidents in both the U.S. and in India," Knaebel wrote in a note, according to police.
The note contained a request that only police handle his body and instructions that the 45,000 rupees ($1,000) in his bag be given to the poor. It did not explain his motivations further.
Knaebel had renounced U.S. citizenship in 2009 and had been living in India since 1995.
Police said he had recently been visiting villages in the Rajasthan to talk to people about the teachings of India's independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi. He reached the Buddhist centre — in Virat Nagar, a town 90 miles (150 kilometres) north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan — three days ago, police said.
Police said the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi of Knaebel's death, Singh said. A spokesman at the U.S. Embassy did not have immediate comment.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Republic Day Celebration
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's attendance as chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations was significant. The last Indonesian chief guest to attend these celebrations was President Sukarno in 1950. With the passing of the Nehru-Sukarno era, India's relationship with Southeast Asia ceased to be a priority in our diplomatic agenda. This was unfortunate.
Indonesia is a major emerging market economy like India and China, and a G20 member. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are also important players in Asia. Vietnam is another emerging power and potential strategic partner. Reinventing India's relations with countries of the ASEAN region is a critical factor in the new global power balances that is now evolving. It lies at the heart of India's Look East policy. This recent doctrine is in fact a rediscovery of an ancient relationship - India's deep engagement with Southeast Asia well over a thousand years ago - that offers many lessons as well as opportunities for our own times.
This ancient relationship is perhaps best reflected in Angkor Wat. This remarkable temple is the national symbol of Cambodia, but it is also a Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Vishnu. Built in the 12th century, Angkor marks the pinnacle of Khmer art and civilisation, but the origin of Khmer rule goes back to the eighth century. At its peak, this empire included not only Cambodia, but also large parts of Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. It was ruled by Hindu god kings, and by their Buddhist descendants from the 12th century onwards. Travel further east to Vietnam, and on the shores of the Pacific you will find the ruins of the Hindu kingdom of Champa. Travel further south to Indonesia, and there you will encounter in central Java the great temple complex of Prambanan, built in the eighth century by Hindu kings of the Sanjaya dynasty.
Like Hinduism, Buddhism too had taken root in Java by the eighth century. The Buddhist Shailendra kings built grand Buddhist temples in Borobudur and also in the environs of Prambanan. Today, Buddhism is the main religion in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, while Islam predominates in Malaysia and Indonesia. Hinduism, Buddhism and later Islam, along with the cultures in which these great religions are embedded, flowed to Southeast Asia from India, led by the growth of trade. There were no Indian military campaigns or conquests, no Indian empires were built. But as trade relations grew, Indian art and iconography, its religious practices and its way of life spread across the region through a process of cultural osmosis.
These relationships were ruptured by the European colonisation of Southeast Asia. With the pendulum of economic power now swinging back from the West to the East, led by China and India, both countries seek to deepen their engagement with the region. As in the past, India's re-engagement with Southeast Asia will be led by economic interests, including trade. India's high growth requires high growth of exports. For that, India has to look to the dynamic ASEAN economies, China and South Korea, not the slow growing economies of the West. Intra-regional trade in ASEAN countries is growing much faster than their trade with the rest of the world and India needs to link itself to this growth.
Indonesia is a major emerging market economy like India and China, and a G20 member. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are also important players in Asia. Vietnam is another emerging power and potential strategic partner. Reinventing India's relations with countries of the ASEAN region is a critical factor in the new global power balances that is now evolving. It lies at the heart of India's Look East policy. This recent doctrine is in fact a rediscovery of an ancient relationship - India's deep engagement with Southeast Asia well over a thousand years ago - that offers many lessons as well as opportunities for our own times.
This ancient relationship is perhaps best reflected in Angkor Wat. This remarkable temple is the national symbol of Cambodia, but it is also a Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Vishnu. Built in the 12th century, Angkor marks the pinnacle of Khmer art and civilisation, but the origin of Khmer rule goes back to the eighth century. At its peak, this empire included not only Cambodia, but also large parts of Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. It was ruled by Hindu god kings, and by their Buddhist descendants from the 12th century onwards. Travel further east to Vietnam, and on the shores of the Pacific you will find the ruins of the Hindu kingdom of Champa. Travel further south to Indonesia, and there you will encounter in central Java the great temple complex of Prambanan, built in the eighth century by Hindu kings of the Sanjaya dynasty.
Like Hinduism, Buddhism too had taken root in Java by the eighth century. The Buddhist Shailendra kings built grand Buddhist temples in Borobudur and also in the environs of Prambanan. Today, Buddhism is the main religion in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, while Islam predominates in Malaysia and Indonesia. Hinduism, Buddhism and later Islam, along with the cultures in which these great religions are embedded, flowed to Southeast Asia from India, led by the growth of trade. There were no Indian military campaigns or conquests, no Indian empires were built. But as trade relations grew, Indian art and iconography, its religious practices and its way of life spread across the region through a process of cultural osmosis.
These relationships were ruptured by the European colonisation of Southeast Asia. With the pendulum of economic power now swinging back from the West to the East, led by China and India, both countries seek to deepen their engagement with the region. As in the past, India's re-engagement with Southeast Asia will be led by economic interests, including trade. India's high growth requires high growth of exports. For that, India has to look to the dynamic ASEAN economies, China and South Korea, not the slow growing economies of the West. Intra-regional trade in ASEAN countries is growing much faster than their trade with the rest of the world and India needs to link itself to this growth.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Buddhists Celebrate in Sri Lanka
A number of Tamil Buddhist organizations in Chennai have expressed and rendered their support for the Sri Lankan Independence celebrations being organized in Chennai, Chennai Mahabodhi Center Head - Venerable Kalawane Mahanama Thera said.
An official ceremony to commemorate the Sri Lankan Independence Day is being organized at the Deputy Sri Lankan High Commission in India to be held on February 4. Another event is scheduled to be held on February 5 at the Chennai Mahabodhi Centre with the participation of Sri Lankans residing in Chennai as well as Indian Buddhist organizations.
According to Mahanama Thera, the preparations for the Sri Lankan Independence Day were being successfully carried out at the moment. Speaking further Mahanama Thera who also spoke about several programs that are being carried out by the Mahabodhi center in Chennai said that they had taken steps to preach dharma in Tamil during special occasions.
Mahanama Thera also said that programs to create awareness and increase knowledge on meditation and Buddhism were also organized by the Mahabodhi in Chennai and they also receive a good response for the temporary ordination program which they carry out on Tamil children in order to provide a deeper understanding on Buddhism.
An official ceremony to commemorate the Sri Lankan Independence Day is being organized at the Deputy Sri Lankan High Commission in India to be held on February 4. Another event is scheduled to be held on February 5 at the Chennai Mahabodhi Centre with the participation of Sri Lankans residing in Chennai as well as Indian Buddhist organizations.
According to Mahanama Thera, the preparations for the Sri Lankan Independence Day were being successfully carried out at the moment. Speaking further Mahanama Thera who also spoke about several programs that are being carried out by the Mahabodhi center in Chennai said that they had taken steps to preach dharma in Tamil during special occasions.
Mahanama Thera also said that programs to create awareness and increase knowledge on meditation and Buddhism were also organized by the Mahabodhi in Chennai and they also receive a good response for the temporary ordination program which they carry out on Tamil children in order to provide a deeper understanding on Buddhism.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Buddhist is Politically Active
Samana Photirak, leader of the Santi Asoke sect, has vowed to lead a "neo protest" to press the government to change the way it handles the Cambodian issue.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Photirak yesterday predicted the sect's strength of commitment would be enough to force the government to review its handling of territorial disputes with the neighbouring country.
The sect, which has close affiliations with the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), recently joined the Thai Patriots Network rally in front of Government House to pressure the government to help bring home seven Thai nationals being held in Cambodia on illegal entry charges.
The group has hundreds of bare-footed faithful camped at Government House and says it can call on the support of thousands more for what could be a prolonged campaign.
The sect's cause encompasses not just the fate of the Thai seven but the thornier issue of Thai-Cambodia border demarcation.
The seven were arrested in Cambodia in late December. All but one, Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid, are now free on bail.
Photirak said the sect's call for the release of the seven detained Thais was based on compassion for those who share similar fates.
Some members of the sect had been affected by the border disputes. They are scattered in northeastern and eastern provinces bordering Cambodia.
Santi Asoke also has a branch called the Sisa Asoke Buddhist community in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket, which borders Cambodia.
But Photirak stressed the mission was now bigger than that.
"At issue is the loss of territory," he said.
"It is a national problem. We cannot accept the ways the government is managing things. The Santi Asoke followers cannot allow the government to continue what it has been doing and see Thai territory being gradually occupied."
Photirak said the rally was a "neo protest" using a non-violent and knowledge-based approach.
"It is not a 'mob' thing. It is chaste and pure. It is peaceful and polite. It sticks to objectives, presents truth and shares knowledge. It doesn't focus on quantity."
He insisted the Santi Asoke's rally was justified given the government's management of the border issues.
"We gave them enough time. The [year] 2000 memorandum of understanding [on the demarcation of the border] is still in place. We have the Joint Border Commission and the longer this drags on the more territory we lose. If we let this carry on, we'll lose all [of the disputed areas]."
Photirak admitted his movement might not be able to achieve the expected results but said he would do his best to make the public understand the issue better.
"Our protest will be different from that of other groups," he said.
Photirak said it took work to mount a protracted protest but it was necessary when the government was not doing what it was mandated to do.
He said taking on the Abhisit administration was challenging as the government seemed to have the media and academics on its side.
He also said the rally was not driven by politics, apparently referring to the New Politics Party which was formed by PAD leaders.
Photirak said his group would camp in front of Government House and wait for a PAD rally on Jan 25.
The PAD postponed its rally from Dec 11 last year to next Tuesday.
The campaign is to protest against possible parliamentary endorsement of minutes from previous meetings of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission.
The minutes are based on the 2000 memorandum of understanding that governs the survey and demarcation of the land boundary between the two countries.
The PAD claims the memorandum, which recognises a French map of 1:200,000 scale, puts Thailand at a disadvantage.
It filed a complaint with the Administrative Court yesterday, accusing the government of putting Thai territory at risk by its observance of the memorandum.
Photirak said it was just hearsay that the Santi Asoke sect was difficult and obstinate.
"We stand for the public interest and never quit. Would you consider this being stubborn?"
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Photirak yesterday predicted the sect's strength of commitment would be enough to force the government to review its handling of territorial disputes with the neighbouring country.
The sect, which has close affiliations with the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), recently joined the Thai Patriots Network rally in front of Government House to pressure the government to help bring home seven Thai nationals being held in Cambodia on illegal entry charges.
The group has hundreds of bare-footed faithful camped at Government House and says it can call on the support of thousands more for what could be a prolonged campaign.
The sect's cause encompasses not just the fate of the Thai seven but the thornier issue of Thai-Cambodia border demarcation.
The seven were arrested in Cambodia in late December. All but one, Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid, are now free on bail.
Photirak said the sect's call for the release of the seven detained Thais was based on compassion for those who share similar fates.
Some members of the sect had been affected by the border disputes. They are scattered in northeastern and eastern provinces bordering Cambodia.
Santi Asoke also has a branch called the Sisa Asoke Buddhist community in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket, which borders Cambodia.
But Photirak stressed the mission was now bigger than that.
"At issue is the loss of territory," he said.
"It is a national problem. We cannot accept the ways the government is managing things. The Santi Asoke followers cannot allow the government to continue what it has been doing and see Thai territory being gradually occupied."
Photirak said the rally was a "neo protest" using a non-violent and knowledge-based approach.
"It is not a 'mob' thing. It is chaste and pure. It is peaceful and polite. It sticks to objectives, presents truth and shares knowledge. It doesn't focus on quantity."
He insisted the Santi Asoke's rally was justified given the government's management of the border issues.
"We gave them enough time. The [year] 2000 memorandum of understanding [on the demarcation of the border] is still in place. We have the Joint Border Commission and the longer this drags on the more territory we lose. If we let this carry on, we'll lose all [of the disputed areas]."
Photirak admitted his movement might not be able to achieve the expected results but said he would do his best to make the public understand the issue better.
"Our protest will be different from that of other groups," he said.
Photirak said it took work to mount a protracted protest but it was necessary when the government was not doing what it was mandated to do.
He said taking on the Abhisit administration was challenging as the government seemed to have the media and academics on its side.
He also said the rally was not driven by politics, apparently referring to the New Politics Party which was formed by PAD leaders.
Photirak said his group would camp in front of Government House and wait for a PAD rally on Jan 25.
The PAD postponed its rally from Dec 11 last year to next Tuesday.
The campaign is to protest against possible parliamentary endorsement of minutes from previous meetings of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission.
The minutes are based on the 2000 memorandum of understanding that governs the survey and demarcation of the land boundary between the two countries.
The PAD claims the memorandum, which recognises a French map of 1:200,000 scale, puts Thailand at a disadvantage.
It filed a complaint with the Administrative Court yesterday, accusing the government of putting Thai territory at risk by its observance of the memorandum.
Photirak said it was just hearsay that the Santi Asoke sect was difficult and obstinate.
"We stand for the public interest and never quit. Would you consider this being stubborn?"
Monday, January 17, 2011
Buddhist Fair in India
Buddhist devotees and representatives of various trusts, societies and cultural organisations participated in a grand 'Buddhist Fair' in Visakhapatnam.
Maturi Srinivas, organising member of the fair, said that this is the place where Buddhist monks lived and the fair is organised to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
"It is an auspicious Buddhist place because this is the place where the Buddhist monks lived and they propagated Buddhism to the country. In India, Andhra Pradesh has a special place and in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is one of the famous Buddhist ancient places where Buddhism was cherished and propagated here. This is the day where thousands of people come here to commemorate the day of Sankranti and this is the day where all the Buddhists come together to propagate Buddhism," he added.
Khemaacharaathero, a monk said that he prayed for the wellbeing of the mankind and everybody should live happily with peace and harmony.
"All the human beings should live happily with peace. I prayed for world peace. We should work for humanity. We all are one," he added.
Few centuries back the place was the center of Buddhist culture and learning. The name of the village "Sankaram" was derived from the word "Sangharama" which meant monastery.
The place is filled with ancient monolithic sculptures, rock cut caves, ruins of prayer and meditation halls, bricks build structural edifices, resting places on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. (ANI)
Maturi Srinivas, organising member of the fair, said that this is the place where Buddhist monks lived and the fair is organised to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
"It is an auspicious Buddhist place because this is the place where the Buddhist monks lived and they propagated Buddhism to the country. In India, Andhra Pradesh has a special place and in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is one of the famous Buddhist ancient places where Buddhism was cherished and propagated here. This is the day where thousands of people come here to commemorate the day of Sankranti and this is the day where all the Buddhists come together to propagate Buddhism," he added.
Khemaacharaathero, a monk said that he prayed for the wellbeing of the mankind and everybody should live happily with peace and harmony.
"All the human beings should live happily with peace. I prayed for world peace. We should work for humanity. We all are one," he added.
Few centuries back the place was the center of Buddhist culture and learning. The name of the village "Sankaram" was derived from the word "Sangharama" which meant monastery.
The place is filled with ancient monolithic sculptures, rock cut caves, ruins of prayer and meditation halls, bricks build structural edifices, resting places on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. (ANI)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Shaolin Temple Opening 40 Centers
The famed Shaolin temple in China, where Zen Buddhism had originated, has decided to open 40 centres to meet the rising demand for kung fu and, by a stretch, for Zen Buddhism. The man who is spearheading the expansion programme is the abbot of the temple. Interestingly, in the ostensibly atheistic communist China, there is outrage that Zen Buddhism is being commercialised. The abbot has rebutted the criticism saying that there was no profit motive, and it was just a design to meet the kung fu desires of people spread across the world.
There is plenty of irony embedded in all this, but this could be turned into a delightful Zen koan, the pithy riddle that carries contradiction as the kernel of its truth. Business is good as long as it is not meant to generate profits, which is indeed crass. At a more mundane level, all that it means is that even as China is under the deluge of change, the esoteric Buddhist temple is also being swept by it. And it also meets with the essential Buddhist tenet that change is the only permanent thing. The Shaolin cult’s market success is then no anomaly.
There is plenty of irony embedded in all this, but this could be turned into a delightful Zen koan, the pithy riddle that carries contradiction as the kernel of its truth. Business is good as long as it is not meant to generate profits, which is indeed crass. At a more mundane level, all that it means is that even as China is under the deluge of change, the esoteric Buddhist temple is also being swept by it. And it also meets with the essential Buddhist tenet that change is the only permanent thing. The Shaolin cult’s market success is then no anomaly.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Dalai Lama Talks Buddha's Words
Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibet's political and spiritual leader will address Tuesday (11 January) the ongoing conference on the translation of one of the Tibet's most precious treasure of the Buddha's teachings known as 'Tengyur' at the Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) in Sarnath.
The four-day 'Tengyur Translation Conference: In the Tradition of the 17 Pandits of Nalanda', which began on 8 January, is being jointly organised by CUTS and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University.
The conference is aimed at focusing on issues pertaining in particular to the translation of the Tibetan Tengyur not only into English, but also Sanskrit, Hindi, Chinese and other languages, according to the organisers.
The conference is part of the long-term project initiated by the American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and Tibet House US of translating the Tengyur into English and other modern languages, and to publish the many works in a collection called 'The Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences'. The project received the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for its historic initiative to support, create, and publish authoritative English translations, studies, and editions of the entite Tibetan Tengyur and its associated literature.
The works of the foremost Indian scholars of Nalanda tradition are presently preserved in the collection of their writings known as Tengyur in Tibetan translation. It took teams of Indian masters and great Tibetan translators over four centuries to accomplish the historic task of translating them into Tibetan. Most of these books were later lost in their Sanskrit originals, and relatively few were translated into Chinese. The Tengyur is truly one of the Tibet's most precious treasures, a mine of understanding that Tibetans have preserved in Tibet for the benefit of the whole world.
The Buddhist culture that flourished in Tibet can rightly be seen to derive from the pure tradition of Nalanda, which comprises the most complete presentation of the Buddhist teachings. Foremost Indian scholars of Nalanda Monastic University such as Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Aryaasanga, Dharmakirti, Candrakirti and Shantideva wrote the scriptures that we Tibetan Buddhists study and practise.
"When translated into Tibetan, these works in turn inspired Tibet's own enlightenment renaissance. Accordingly, the Buddhist teachings in these Tengyur texts are deemed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many other great Tibetan masters to be of the highest value," the organisers said in a statement.
Expressing his support to the American Institute of Buddhist Studies' Tengyur translation project in 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had said: "At the present time, when there is a great emphasis on scientific and technological progress, it is extremely important that those of us who follow the Buddha should rely on a sound understanding of his teaching, for which the great works of the renowned Nalanda scholars provide an indispensable basis."
"... It surely will require the intelligent and creative efforts of generations of translators from every tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, in the spirit of the scholars of Nālandā, although we may hope that using computers may help complete the work more quickly," His Holiness said.
"As it grows, The Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences series will serve as an invaluable reference library of the Buddhist Sciences and Arts. This collection of literature has been of immeasurable benefit to us Tibetans over the centuries, so we are very happy to share it with all the people of the world. As someone who has been personally inspired by the works it contains, I firmly believe that the methods for cultivating wisdom and compassion originally developed in India and described in these books preserved in Tibetan translation will be of great benefit to many scholars, philosophers, and scientists, as well as ordinary people," he added.
The four-day 'Tengyur Translation Conference: In the Tradition of the 17 Pandits of Nalanda', which began on 8 January, is being jointly organised by CUTS and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University.
The conference is aimed at focusing on issues pertaining in particular to the translation of the Tibetan Tengyur not only into English, but also Sanskrit, Hindi, Chinese and other languages, according to the organisers.
The conference is part of the long-term project initiated by the American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and Tibet House US of translating the Tengyur into English and other modern languages, and to publish the many works in a collection called 'The Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences'. The project received the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for its historic initiative to support, create, and publish authoritative English translations, studies, and editions of the entite Tibetan Tengyur and its associated literature.
The works of the foremost Indian scholars of Nalanda tradition are presently preserved in the collection of their writings known as Tengyur in Tibetan translation. It took teams of Indian masters and great Tibetan translators over four centuries to accomplish the historic task of translating them into Tibetan. Most of these books were later lost in their Sanskrit originals, and relatively few were translated into Chinese. The Tengyur is truly one of the Tibet's most precious treasures, a mine of understanding that Tibetans have preserved in Tibet for the benefit of the whole world.
The Buddhist culture that flourished in Tibet can rightly be seen to derive from the pure tradition of Nalanda, which comprises the most complete presentation of the Buddhist teachings. Foremost Indian scholars of Nalanda Monastic University such as Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Aryaasanga, Dharmakirti, Candrakirti and Shantideva wrote the scriptures that we Tibetan Buddhists study and practise.
"When translated into Tibetan, these works in turn inspired Tibet's own enlightenment renaissance. Accordingly, the Buddhist teachings in these Tengyur texts are deemed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many other great Tibetan masters to be of the highest value," the organisers said in a statement.
Expressing his support to the American Institute of Buddhist Studies' Tengyur translation project in 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had said: "At the present time, when there is a great emphasis on scientific and technological progress, it is extremely important that those of us who follow the Buddha should rely on a sound understanding of his teaching, for which the great works of the renowned Nalanda scholars provide an indispensable basis."
"... It surely will require the intelligent and creative efforts of generations of translators from every tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, in the spirit of the scholars of Nālandā, although we may hope that using computers may help complete the work more quickly," His Holiness said.
"As it grows, The Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences series will serve as an invaluable reference library of the Buddhist Sciences and Arts. This collection of literature has been of immeasurable benefit to us Tibetans over the centuries, so we are very happy to share it with all the people of the world. As someone who has been personally inspired by the works it contains, I firmly believe that the methods for cultivating wisdom and compassion originally developed in India and described in these books preserved in Tibetan translation will be of great benefit to many scholars, philosophers, and scientists, as well as ordinary people," he added.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Ex Buddist Now California Governor
Democrat Jerry Brown was sworn in today as California's 39th governor, returning to the office he left 28 years ago but inheriting a much different and more troubled state than the one he led then.
The man who once was California's most famous bachelor took the oath of office after being introduced by his wife of five years, former Gap Inc. executive Anne Gust Brown, inside Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.
She held a Bible that was her grandfather's and was used during her wedding with Brown.
Brown has predicted a grim future for the financially beleaguered state. Where his predecessor, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, expressed optimism at every turn, Brown has been realistic since winning the Nov. 2 election. California has faced several years of deep budget deficits and is confronting another estimated at $28 billion through June 2012.
Its general fund is $15 billion less than it was just three years ago, reflecting a sharp drop in tax revenue from a recession that has battered the economy of the nation's most populous state. Brown, 72, said the choices facing California's 38.8 million people are painful.
"The year ahead will demand courage and sacrifice," he said after taking the oath from California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.
Brown noted the recession has taken a toll on California and polls show most voters believe the state is on the wrong track. He urged lawmakers with both political parties to get out of what he called their "comfort zones" and to "rise above ideology" for the good of the state.
The inauguration was a scaled-down affair, reflecting the austerity of the former Jesuit seminarian and Buddhism student. Brown's speech lasted about 15 minutes, and the only other speaker listed on the one-page program was his wife.
Brown's style contrasts past governors, some of whom held inaugural balls after their swearing-in ceremony. Schwarzenegger even threw himself what he called a "Wrap Party" last month to celebrate his seven years in office, complete with some of his Hollywood buddies.
Even during Brown's first term as governor, he preached an era of limits, saying government cannot deliver everything people expect from it. He lived that philosophy himself, ditching the governor's mansion for a sparsely furnished apartment and driving a Plymouth instead of riding in a limousine.
Schwarzenegger and former first lady Maria Shriver, former Gov. Gray Davis, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were among the roughly 3,000 people attending.
After winning office last fall, Brown promised to travel California and hold what he called a civic dialogue about what Californians want from their government and what they are willing to pay for it. After voters rejected an $18-a-year license fee to stabilize state park funding, Brown declared that Californians were "in no mood to add to their burdens."
Yet his press aides have not quashed speculation that Brown will try to call a special election this spring to extend a set of temporary tax hikes approved in 2009. Brown said he would not raise taxes without voter approval, but will need some Republican help to reach the two-thirds legislative vote necessary to place any tax or fee measure on the ballot.
Brown responded to reporters' questions about a possible special election as he left the auditorium.
"I'll confer with the legislative leaders, and we'll work something out that makes sense, but we don't have a lot of time and we've gotta cover a lot of ground," Brown said before heading into his nearby rented loft.
The new governor will release his budget proposal for the coming fiscal year next Monday, when he is expected to deliver voters a series of stark choices. He said his budgets would not contain "smoke and mirrors," an apparent reference to spending plans signed by Schwarzenegger over the past few years that often contained accounting gimmicks and unrealistic revenue assumptions as a way to balance the budgets on paper.
He promised his version would be painful.
"It's a tough budget for tough times," he said.
The man who once was California's most famous bachelor took the oath of office after being introduced by his wife of five years, former Gap Inc. executive Anne Gust Brown, inside Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.
She held a Bible that was her grandfather's and was used during her wedding with Brown.
Brown has predicted a grim future for the financially beleaguered state. Where his predecessor, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, expressed optimism at every turn, Brown has been realistic since winning the Nov. 2 election. California has faced several years of deep budget deficits and is confronting another estimated at $28 billion through June 2012.
Its general fund is $15 billion less than it was just three years ago, reflecting a sharp drop in tax revenue from a recession that has battered the economy of the nation's most populous state. Brown, 72, said the choices facing California's 38.8 million people are painful.
"The year ahead will demand courage and sacrifice," he said after taking the oath from California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.
Brown noted the recession has taken a toll on California and polls show most voters believe the state is on the wrong track. He urged lawmakers with both political parties to get out of what he called their "comfort zones" and to "rise above ideology" for the good of the state.
The inauguration was a scaled-down affair, reflecting the austerity of the former Jesuit seminarian and Buddhism student. Brown's speech lasted about 15 minutes, and the only other speaker listed on the one-page program was his wife.
Brown's style contrasts past governors, some of whom held inaugural balls after their swearing-in ceremony. Schwarzenegger even threw himself what he called a "Wrap Party" last month to celebrate his seven years in office, complete with some of his Hollywood buddies.
Even during Brown's first term as governor, he preached an era of limits, saying government cannot deliver everything people expect from it. He lived that philosophy himself, ditching the governor's mansion for a sparsely furnished apartment and driving a Plymouth instead of riding in a limousine.
Schwarzenegger and former first lady Maria Shriver, former Gov. Gray Davis, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were among the roughly 3,000 people attending.
After winning office last fall, Brown promised to travel California and hold what he called a civic dialogue about what Californians want from their government and what they are willing to pay for it. After voters rejected an $18-a-year license fee to stabilize state park funding, Brown declared that Californians were "in no mood to add to their burdens."
Yet his press aides have not quashed speculation that Brown will try to call a special election this spring to extend a set of temporary tax hikes approved in 2009. Brown said he would not raise taxes without voter approval, but will need some Republican help to reach the two-thirds legislative vote necessary to place any tax or fee measure on the ballot.
Brown responded to reporters' questions about a possible special election as he left the auditorium.
"I'll confer with the legislative leaders, and we'll work something out that makes sense, but we don't have a lot of time and we've gotta cover a lot of ground," Brown said before heading into his nearby rented loft.
The new governor will release his budget proposal for the coming fiscal year next Monday, when he is expected to deliver voters a series of stark choices. He said his budgets would not contain "smoke and mirrors," an apparent reference to spending plans signed by Schwarzenegger over the past few years that often contained accounting gimmicks and unrealistic revenue assumptions as a way to balance the budgets on paper.
He promised his version would be painful.
"It's a tough budget for tough times," he said.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Buddha Statue for India
The Indian High Commission in a press release says: On the auspicious occasion of Unduvap Poya and as per agreed in the Joint Declaration issued during the State visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Indian High Commission would like to announce that the Indian Government has commissioned a 16 foot high statue of The Buddha in the Sarnath style from the Gupta period which is proposed to be installed at the entrance of the International Buddhist Museum complex at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. An agreement to this effect has been signed between the Indian External Affairs Ministry and Ms Icons India, for the preparation of the statue. Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara has welcomed the proposal to install the Sarnath Buddha statue at the Museum in Kandy.
The Sarnath Buddha statue is an exquisite sculpture based on the famous 5th century Gupta period statue from Sarnath, where The Buddha preached His first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The statue in the Dharmachakra pravartana mudra (turning the wheel of law) and its pedestal will be carved out of a single piece of beige-coloured Chunar sandstone.
Other activities forming part of the joint commemoration of the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi include the establishment of an Indian Gallery at the International Buddhist Museum and the organization of an International Buddhist Conference. An expert appointed by the National Museum of India is working on putting together Indian Buddhist artefacts that portray the Buddhist art, culture and heritage of India in its entirety.
The process of identifying the important statues/artefacts related to Buddhism in India has started and the fabrication of replicas is being undertaken. An International Buddhist Conference will also be organized in Kandy early next year (before end of March) with the support of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The Sarnath Buddha statue is an exquisite sculpture based on the famous 5th century Gupta period statue from Sarnath, where The Buddha preached His first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The statue in the Dharmachakra pravartana mudra (turning the wheel of law) and its pedestal will be carved out of a single piece of beige-coloured Chunar sandstone.
Other activities forming part of the joint commemoration of the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi include the establishment of an Indian Gallery at the International Buddhist Museum and the organization of an International Buddhist Conference. An expert appointed by the National Museum of India is working on putting together Indian Buddhist artefacts that portray the Buddhist art, culture and heritage of India in its entirety.
The process of identifying the important statues/artefacts related to Buddhism in India has started and the fabrication of replicas is being undertaken. An International Buddhist Conference will also be organized in Kandy early next year (before end of March) with the support of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Guru Talking Peace
Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Jan 3 (IANS) The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are trying to find common ground to carry forward Lord Buddha's teachings in way they can be used to resolve geo-political conflicts, says Thrinley Thaye Dorje, the 17th spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
'The awareness that the four schools have to find common ground is getting stronger. It will happen because unity among the Buddhist sects is crucial to world peace,' 27-year-old Thrinley Dorje told IANS in an interview in Bodh Gaya, the seat of Gautama Buddha's enlightenment.
'It can solve conflicts because the teachings of Buddha are based on bringing inner and outer peace,' he added.
The four schools are the ancient Nyingma tradition, the Karma Kagyu school, the Sakya school and the Gelug school. The last three are relatively new when compared to the eighth century Nyingma tradition.
The Karmapa (the high monk) was in the town to preside over the commemoration of the 900th anniversary of the Karma Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. The order traces its lineage to north Indian monk Tilopa and was formally founded by Dusum Kyenpa (1110-1193) - known as the high monk with the black crown. The Karma Kagyu sect manages the affairs of the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim.
Thrinley Dorje believes that although traces of Buddhism have existed in the Himalayas for a long time, globalisation and modernism have helped it spread on a larger scale.
'Globalisation has brought the world together. Even 45 years ago, Buddhism was not heard of outside East and Southeast Asia,' he said.
He said, 'In general, all the four (Tibetan) Buddhist schools are built on the same foundations'.
'They believe in carrying the teachings of the Buddha forward. The difference is in the way of interpreting and teaching the tenets of the Buddha. Our way of teaching is transmission which emphasises on meditation. Our lineage is one of meditation,' the Karmapa said.
The seat of the 17th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu sect has been a subject of controversy. After the death of the 16th Karmapa in 1981, two young masters, 27-year-old Thrinley Dorje and 25-year-old Ogyen Trinley Dorje, have been contenders to the post. Both have been enthroned as the spiritual heads.
The Chinese government and the Dalai Lama however approve of Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Born in Tibet, both the lamas fled to India in the 1990s and have been identified as reincarnations of great Buddhist spiritual masters.
Thrinley Dorje does not miss his homeland or feel distanced from Tibet.
'There is not much of a distance because globalisation has strengthened bonds between Tibet and India. My bonds are stronger from the perspective that when I meditate, the physical gap becomes a relative thing - it's nothing more than an idea,' said the Buddhist master, who was born in Tibet.
'In our state of meditation, we (Tibet and I) are very much connected. It is like the way I connect to my students at the opposite side of the globe through meditation,' he added.
Thrinley Dorje has meditated in isolation for 12 years before being deemed fit for the post. He was identified as a holy reincarnation at the age of two and a half by a monk of the Sakya Pa school in Tibet, who informed the Karma Kagyu monastery in Nepal about the 'boy and his previous life'.
He was led through the rites of passage after an early initiation by a Kagyu red hat lama, Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro, who traditionally instructs the Karmapa on the complex doctrines of the sect.
'Tibet has four major schools of Vajrayana Buddhism (that incorporates tantrik Buddhism),' he said.
Thrinley Dorje said he was 'trying to make Buddhism relevant to youth'.
'The awareness about the faith is rising worldwide and it is one of the ways to reach out to the people. The world finds it easy to emotionally connect to Buddhism,' he said.
One way that could help youth harness the power of the Buddha in them was to 'remain close to the family', the master said.
'Youth must respect their parents and remain devoted to them. Respect and devotion to parents are vital to Gautama's teachings, especially in modern times,' Thrinley Dorje said.
'The modern times are very exciting and interesting. And if one does not engage in the right way, it can be quite harmful. The transition to modern times must be peaceful,' he added.
He advocated 'compassion, tolerance and patience for the monks in Tibet, who were being persecuted.' 'If we have compassion, tolerance and peace, situations change because you will not repeat history,' he said.
'The awareness that the four schools have to find common ground is getting stronger. It will happen because unity among the Buddhist sects is crucial to world peace,' 27-year-old Thrinley Dorje told IANS in an interview in Bodh Gaya, the seat of Gautama Buddha's enlightenment.
'It can solve conflicts because the teachings of Buddha are based on bringing inner and outer peace,' he added.
The four schools are the ancient Nyingma tradition, the Karma Kagyu school, the Sakya school and the Gelug school. The last three are relatively new when compared to the eighth century Nyingma tradition.
The Karmapa (the high monk) was in the town to preside over the commemoration of the 900th anniversary of the Karma Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. The order traces its lineage to north Indian monk Tilopa and was formally founded by Dusum Kyenpa (1110-1193) - known as the high monk with the black crown. The Karma Kagyu sect manages the affairs of the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim.
Thrinley Dorje believes that although traces of Buddhism have existed in the Himalayas for a long time, globalisation and modernism have helped it spread on a larger scale.
'Globalisation has brought the world together. Even 45 years ago, Buddhism was not heard of outside East and Southeast Asia,' he said.
He said, 'In general, all the four (Tibetan) Buddhist schools are built on the same foundations'.
'They believe in carrying the teachings of the Buddha forward. The difference is in the way of interpreting and teaching the tenets of the Buddha. Our way of teaching is transmission which emphasises on meditation. Our lineage is one of meditation,' the Karmapa said.
The seat of the 17th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu sect has been a subject of controversy. After the death of the 16th Karmapa in 1981, two young masters, 27-year-old Thrinley Dorje and 25-year-old Ogyen Trinley Dorje, have been contenders to the post. Both have been enthroned as the spiritual heads.
The Chinese government and the Dalai Lama however approve of Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Born in Tibet, both the lamas fled to India in the 1990s and have been identified as reincarnations of great Buddhist spiritual masters.
Thrinley Dorje does not miss his homeland or feel distanced from Tibet.
'There is not much of a distance because globalisation has strengthened bonds between Tibet and India. My bonds are stronger from the perspective that when I meditate, the physical gap becomes a relative thing - it's nothing more than an idea,' said the Buddhist master, who was born in Tibet.
'In our state of meditation, we (Tibet and I) are very much connected. It is like the way I connect to my students at the opposite side of the globe through meditation,' he added.
Thrinley Dorje has meditated in isolation for 12 years before being deemed fit for the post. He was identified as a holy reincarnation at the age of two and a half by a monk of the Sakya Pa school in Tibet, who informed the Karma Kagyu monastery in Nepal about the 'boy and his previous life'.
He was led through the rites of passage after an early initiation by a Kagyu red hat lama, Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro, who traditionally instructs the Karmapa on the complex doctrines of the sect.
'Tibet has four major schools of Vajrayana Buddhism (that incorporates tantrik Buddhism),' he said.
Thrinley Dorje said he was 'trying to make Buddhism relevant to youth'.
'The awareness about the faith is rising worldwide and it is one of the ways to reach out to the people. The world finds it easy to emotionally connect to Buddhism,' he said.
One way that could help youth harness the power of the Buddha in them was to 'remain close to the family', the master said.
'Youth must respect their parents and remain devoted to them. Respect and devotion to parents are vital to Gautama's teachings, especially in modern times,' Thrinley Dorje said.
'The modern times are very exciting and interesting. And if one does not engage in the right way, it can be quite harmful. The transition to modern times must be peaceful,' he added.
He advocated 'compassion, tolerance and patience for the monks in Tibet, who were being persecuted.' 'If we have compassion, tolerance and peace, situations change because you will not repeat history,' he said.
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