Proletariat Blogging in the Heart of (UK) Predatory Capitalism! Exploring the Interface between Matter and Perception, Chinese Buddhism, Daoism, Hakka Ethnography, and All Aspects of Radical Politics, History, Psychology and Philosophy – 全世界无产者联合起来!
Exploring the philosophy (and practice) of Early and Later Buddhism.
“Your exploration of Christian monasticism as a blueprint for spiritual and communal living is both insightful and thought-provoking. The parallels you draw offer a fresh perspective on how different traditions can inform and enrich one another. Your writing reflects deep contemplation and a genuine appreciation for the wisdom found in monastic practices. Thank you for sharing such a meaningful and well-researched reflection!”
There is a tradition within Chinese culture of “Master to Disciple” transmission of spiritual, medicinal, and martial culture (I know – as I have been a recipient and beneficiary of it). This still occurs within the Chinese diaspora – and it still happens in Mainland China – but with the caveat that modern China requires a rigorous professional approach when it comes to medicine and selling treatments to the public. TCM has been aligned with the educational standards of modern medicine – both of which are available to Chinese citizens. In fact, there are entire hospitals dedicated to TCM within which all the staff are university-educated. Mainland TCM doctors also have surgeries throughout the West – and are often not cheap to consult (although some offered “free” treatment to Westerners during the Covid-19 Pandemic). Regardless, a number of law-abiding citizens in China disagree with what the Hou family has experienced via the PRC Judiciary.
Laos is a Socialist (Marxist-Leninist) State. Religious freedom is guaranteed as a private matter (through the separation of Temple and State) whilst Theravada Buddhism is the tradition religion of the people. Therefore, Laos may be considered a Buddhist-Socialist State – as the Buddhist Masters advocate Socialism and Dhamma in equal measure. In English, this old temple should be literally known as the “New Temple” – due to its relatively recent repair (just over 200-years) – by Royal Command. As to the Pali name – it translates as “Golden Ground of Ram” – “Ram” is an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, ancient Brahmanism spread far and wide from India – before the rise and spread of Buddhism. By the time Buddhism arrived in the region – Brahmanism was already in-place – with the Buddha being associated with Vishnu (even in modern India – many contemporary Hindus count the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu [Ram] sent to earth to encourage vegetarianism).
The purpose of the Master Plan is to serve as a reference for the government, business, and other stakeholders in developing the tourist destination in a way that does not affect the environment and ensures sustainability. This Master Plan covers a total area of 23,456 hectares, including Vang Vieng City and the surrounding landscape along the valley and the Nam Song River. Currently, the city centre and surrounding areas cover a total area of 6,553 hectares, covering 15 villages and the city centre area covers an area of approximately 185 hectares.
The festival aims to preserve Laos’ dwindling elephant population, which is at risk of extinction, while inspiring support for their conservation and ensuring their cultural significance endures, Lao national TV reported on Thursday.
Each year, the festival attracts large crowds to Xayaboury, where visitors can witness the majestic elephants, trained and led by their mahouts.
This year, 50 elephants will participate in the festival, reflecting the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The festival will kick off with a mini-marathon and elephant rides, followed by cultural performances. A street market will offer a variety of products from Laos and beyond.
When they arrived, nobody wanted to help. They had to walk the streets for two-days in the Oxford area until a Police Constable directed them to a local school. Here, they were given food and a bed on the floor of a school hall. Eventually, a local family let them live in a small cottage – where they slowly developed a new life. My grandfather joined the Royal Navy Patrol Service (RNPS) and fought in the North Atlantic fighting in-part alongside the USSR. My grand-uncle joined the Coldstream Guards and guard Buckingham Palace for a time. At the beginning, local Oxford people did not like the Cockney accents of my family – but they soon got use to it. My family eventually got jobs in the local area, joined Unions, and integrated into the local community. This is why I was born in Oxford. I am the product of displacement due to war – albeit within my own country. Today, the bourgeoisie loves to make international “war” as a business option that generates billions of dollars each year.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 