Tag: Buddhism

Exploring the philosophy (and practice) of Early and Later Buddhism.

I Can See Your Thoughts...

Dialectical Materialism & Rebirth for Marxists! (26.8.2025)

In a moment – things dialectically change forever. When the axe fell on the neck of Charles I in 1649 – the ancient convention of an absolute monarch in England ended forever. How could this have happened? Well, there was a Revolution which saw tens of thousands fight and die in England so that the emerging bourgeois class could usurp political power from the aristocracy. There was no future for the absolute monarchy. And yet the agency of the “moment”, despite its nature, continue to manifest unabated. Rebirth is not reincarnation – the Buddha hinted about the former but rejected the latter. Rebirth may not be what the average Marxist thinks it is. An effective Marxist regime must be replicated effectively from one generation to the next.

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Seizing power on August 23, 1975,

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic: Remembering “August 23rd” [1945] – and the Seizing of Power! (24.8.2025)

The day of seizing power on August 23, 1975 is of great significance to the entire Lao people, because such a victory is the fruit of the protracted Revolutionary struggle of the Lao people and the tribes under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party; It is the result of the ingenious courage of the use of the 3-step strategy to seize and hold power in the whole country without being overwhelmed, the victory of the correct Revolutionary line and the wise leadership of the Party, which knows how to creatively incorporate Marxism-Leninism into the actual behavior of the Revolution; It is the victory of the strength of unity, the unity of the whole nation, the unity of the army and the tribal people, the victory of the solidarity of the fighting alliance between the Lao people, the Vietnamese people and the Cambodian people who have stood shoulder to shoulder against the same enemy throughout the previous National Liberation Revolution, that is, in the mission of preserving and building the present nation.

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“United Against Human Trafficking: Safe and Legal Migration Protects Us All.”

Laos: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Marks “International Day Against Human Trafficking”! (11.8.2025)

This year’s observance aimed to raise public awareness and intensify efforts to prevent human trafficking, emphasizing the role of safe and legal migration in protecting vulnerable populations.

Human trafficking continues to evolve, with traffickers adopting new and increasingly deceptive methods to exploit victims particularly women and children. Current data shows that one in three victims worldwide is a child, with girls being disproportionately affected. Fraud, manipulation, and coercion remain common tools used by traffickers to lure victims into exploitation.

In response, public education remains a cornerstone of prevention. Awareness campaigns help communities especially women, children, and at risk groups recognize and avoid trafficking schemes. These initiatives are essential in building informed and resilient communities that can resist exploitation.

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The Post of Dalai Lama Has Never Been Independent!

China: Central Government has Final say on Reincarnation of Dalai Lama! (6.8.2025)

The reincarnation of living Buddhas follows strict religious rituals and historical conventions, and the legitimacy of the title of the Dalai Lama in fact originates from the central government, Gama Cedain, chairman of Xizang, said during a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on the region’s economic and social development achievements since it was established 60 years ago.

On several occasions in the past, the 14th Dalai Lama has said he might reincarnate while still alive. At other times, he has said he will personally choose his successor.

In July, he released the so-called “Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama”, personally appointing a trust to recognize the future reincarnation.

“Reincarnation has never been solely determined by the Dalai Lama himself,” Gama Cedain said. “The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must strictly follow the principle of ‘carrying out the search domestically, drawing lots from a golden urn, and gaining approval from the central government’, while complying with the country’s laws and regulations.”

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Shaolin Latest: Shi Yongxin’s Brother [Liu Yingbiao] of Shaolin Painting & Calligraphy Institute – “Missing”! (2.8.2025)

The reputation of the former Head Monk of the famous Shaolin Temple – Shi Yongxin – literally collapsed overnight! The trouble he has caused has not been limited only to himself! After Shi Yongxin got into trouble, his brother – Liu Yingbiao – quite literally disappeared from public view – with the media reporting that he has gone “missing”.

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Master Yin Le - the New Head Monk of the Shaolin Temple!

China: Shaolin Temple [少林寺] Quickly Appoints New Head Monk! (30.7.2025)

Years ago, when I first accessed the internet, I used to argue with young Americans (and some UK and EU people) that the gongfu they were learning for vast amounts of money in China and the West – was not real and product of youth-orientated (Western-derived) gymnastics. They were so brain-washed they thought the lay-men who taught them in robes were real Shaolin monks! Furthermore, they said that our gongfu was “old fashioned” and “out of date”! Many of the ethnic Chinese “teachers” were greedy and money-orientated – seeing spirituality as “weak”. I stopped arguing as I did not want to be seen as attacking the CPC – which I would never do. In return, I was asked to appear on Chinese TV and explain my connection to China – but I politely refused. The last thing I wanted was further exposure and hundreds of people asking for instruction. It is important to live humbly and simply – and not for show. It is best to disappear and not be seen. If in doubt, keep out of sight.

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