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.

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.

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!”

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).

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.

Look After Women and Girls!

Laos: Buddhist-Socialist Republic Supports the Health of Women & Girls! (4.12.2024)

With over 350 million doses of the HPV vaccine administered globally, its safety and effectiveness are well-documented. “HPV vaccines are a game changer,” said Dr. Tim Armstrong, WHO Representative in the Lao PDR. “This campaign is a pivotal step in reducing cervical cancer cases and saving lives in the Lao PDR.”

Funding from Gavi, the Lao Government, and the Government of Australia underscores the shared commitment to expanding vaccine access and protecting young women across the nation. As Nadia Lasri of Gavi noted, “This initiative highlights the Lao PDR’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its youth and preventing a preventable disease.”

The campaign sets a precedent for continued progress in public health and offers hope for a future free from cervical cancer for the women of Laos.

1 3 4 5 6 7 38