Tag: Buddhism

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

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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God and Jesus Do Not Exist!

The Objective Study of Religion Through Logic and Reason! (26.3.2025)

Needless to say, the learned Benedictine Brothers were not impressed with my missive – and certainly refused to print it in a Christian academic journal. One Brother took me to one side and explained that the Catholic concept of “Interfaith” was a misnomer – as its true purpose was to have the minds of Buddhists infiltrated by Catholic dogma – and for these Buddhists to “convert” to Christianity as a means to stop their heathen (non-White) souls descending into the fires of hell following their physical death. So far – so good. In military terms – this type of unscripted and quite often messy advance to gain intelligence about the enemy is termed “reconnaissance under fire”. The vehicle through which these Brothers delivered their condescending attitudes was one of racism and discrimination – disguised as religious piety (even those non-Whites who convert – are inferior to White Christians regardless of strength of belief). I was also informed that Asian Buddhists were invariably “Socialistic” – an ideology rejected by the Catholic Church.

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Dhamma Practice

Email: Studying Monasticism – BMA (UK) – Replying to Comment! (20.2.2025)

“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!”

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Life of the Buddha!

Laos: Buddhist Temple – “Golden Ground of Ram” [ວັດໃໝ່ ສຸວັນນະພູມາຣາມ – Wat Mai Suvanna Bhumi Ram]

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).

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Laos Students Benefit from Chinese Internationalism!

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic: Students Receive Bicycles Donated by China Foundation for Rural Development! (7.1.2025)

Lin Yuan, Assistant Director of the International Development Department of CFRD, also spoke at the event. He mentioned that the 1,000 bicycles, delivered via the China-Laos Railway — a symbol of the friendship between the two countries — reflect the strong bond between the people of Laos and China.

One of the recipients, Athit Khounthavong, a Lao student, shared his excitement upon receiving a new bicycle. “It was very inconvenient to go to school before, as it took me half an hour to walk. Now, with the bicycle, I can get to school in just 10 minutes. Going to school has become much more convenient!” he said.

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