Tag: Buddhism

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

Reincarnation within Tibetan Buddhism!

China: Historical Protocol Decided Regarding Reincarnation of Living Buddha! (2.7.2025)

It was not until 1780, when the sixth Panchen travelled to Chengde to offer birthday greetings to the Qianlong Emperor and reported on the matter, that the emperor accepted the appeals from the Panchen and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders to officially recognize Jampel Gyatso as the eighth Dalai Lama. In 1781, when the Qianlong Emperor formally conferred the title of the eighth Dalai Lama, he simultaneously affirmed Kelsang Gyatso as the seventh Dalai Lama and Tsangyang Gyatso as the sixth. This marked a direct clarification and ordering of the Dalai Lama reincarnation lineage from the perspective of the central government, highlighting the central government’s authority in managing the issue of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

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Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the United States of America held a handover ceremony on June 2, 2025

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic: Remains of US Soldiers Returned! (7.6.2025)

Representing the Lao Government was Mr. Akaphap Phanthavong, Director of the European-American Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Receiving the remains on behalf of the United States was Ms. Michelle Outlaw, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in the Lao PDR. Officials and representatives from both nations stood together in solemn remembrance and solidarity.

The remains were recovered through a joint Lao-U.S. operation, the fourth such survey and excavation conducted during the 2024–2025 period in Dakcheung District, Sekong Province. The mission underscores Laos’ steadfast commitment to humanitarian values and its ongoing efforts to help American families find long-awaited closure.

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Baby Black-Bird Rescued!

South London: Baby Black-Bird Rescued! (22.5.2025)

As Gee has worked in Rescue-Centres many moons ago – she was able to do a full assessment of the bird’s fitness – and this bird passed with flying colours! We teach our pets to be kind to one another and so the cat had not bitten the bird in any place on the body (we think it is a female Black-Bird). The wings were intact, the feet strong, the beak sharp, and the temperament calm and attentive. I held the bird for about 30 minutes whilst the bird calmed down, stood-up and sorted itself-out. Gee then took the bird outside to near where the cat caught the bird – and it stood on her hand for a few seconds, gave a squawk and away it went! This bird flew safely into a high tree and we hope it will now have a good and long life!

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Master Shao Yun (1938-2022) - Disciple of Master Xu Yun (1840-1959)

Ch’an Buddhism – Sit But Do Not Wobble! (5.5.2025)

Nowadays, the situation of Ch’an Buddhism in China is precarious. This is because the Ch’an Path is difficult to follow and is not easy to practice. Of course, there are many people who chant the Buddha’s Name and practice Tantric Buddhism – but there are very few who are truly able to practice Ch’an. Many temples focus on building Buddha Chanting Halls which are popular – with the required practice relatively simple to perform – whilst the establishment of disciplined Ch’an Halls are rare. Even if some temples have established Ch’an Halls, but these places often lack dedicated teachers and practitioners who will sit in meditation for long periods of time – and forget about the body and environment. It should be noted that the inheritance of Buddhism in China is largely due to the talents cultivated in Ch’an Halls.

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NVA Soviet-Built Tank Smashes Down Gates of US Embassy in What Was Saigon!

Laos: Buddhist-Socialist Republic – Breaking Barriers – Transforming Immunization – Promoting Greater Gender Equality! (1.5.2025)

Khamsy’s story is common among rural communities and echo the new study’s stark statistic: 60 per cent of interviewed female caregivers reported a lack confidence in vaccine decisions, often deferring to husbands or elders. While in some cases mothers do lead vaccination decisions, particularly for routine immunization and HPV vaccines for girls, men in the family frequently hold the final authority, including the power to veto decisions. They also tend to have greater influence over vaccination choices for boys than mothers do. Regardless of who holds influence, the study highlights that adolescents generally have limited agency in making vaccination decisions, which are instead made primarily by parents and are often shaped by misinformation.

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Steam Train Travelling Through Galmpton!

UK: Galmpton Sheep & Steam Train! (15.4.2025)

I also remember a “93” double-decker bus in Dartmouth. Why? well, in Sutton – where we live – the “93” TFL bus begins in Priory Road (travelling to Putney Bridge) – we used to live in Priory Road from 1998-2004. We now live one or two streets away – but still near this bus route. This bus travels via Wimbledon Common – near to where the Buddhapadipa Buddhist Temple is located. Believe it or not – there is a Buddhist Temple near Honiton in Devon (Upottery) – the Hartridge Buddhist Monastery. We have visited this place many years ago – and might well visit again sometime soon.

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