culture – Page 8 – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

China: Enhanced Co-Operation with Eire Announced! (18.2,2025)

18/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

During his visit, Wang also met with Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Harris.

A unilateral visa-free policy to Ireland to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries was announced during Li’s visit last year. And 2024 saw the relaunch of a year-round direct Dublin-Beijing air route, which operates twice weekly.

According to statistics from Ireland’s government, China is Ireland’s largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, with total bilateral trade of 36 billion euros ($37.7 billion) in 2023. Irish goods exports to China have increased by 529 percent in the decade since 2013.

Ireland also enjoys a trade surplus with China, with its exports to China being driven by medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, computer services, agri-food, and financial services.

Thoughts on the Zhuang Menghan [庄梦涵] – Emily King – Case! (14.2.2025)

14/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

When Mainland Chinese people arrive in the West, usually as students, or sometimes employees, they are usually shell-shocked at the very different culture they find – even if the people are kind and considerate. The fundamental dualism that has built the Judeo-Christian world is thoroughly alien to these people (I have even found this to be the case regarding the very small percentage of genuine Christians that exist in China). Whenever I have travelled around the world, as soon as I exit the aeroplane, I can immediately feel the different frequency of the culture I have entered. I know nothing and am at the mercy of the indigenous population until I can find my feet. When I return to England, as soon as I land, it is like a hand in a glove – I am familiar with everything and know how and what to do to achieve objectives and solve difficulties. Acculturation and acclimatisation are a matter of experience and familiarity. Even Chinese people born outside of China sometimes express an underlying sense of alienation within the culture their parents or ancestors migrated into.

US: Murdered Chinese Woman – Zhuang Menghan [庄梦涵] – Accused US “Boyfriend” of Abuse! (14.2.2025)

14/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

A 23-year-old Chinese student who was found dead at her off-campus residence on Feb. 4 had accused her boyfriend of abuse in a social media post, but the post was later deleted.

In the post, the victim said, “This guy abused me… He always acts like he’s innocent. He’s trying to send me to jail and everything he says is 99 percent lies. I thought it was true love, but I was blind.”

The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles confirmed her death on Wednesday.

Zhuang Menghan, also known as Emily King, was a fourth-year undergraduate student at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). A report from the local coroner revealed that she died from multiple injuries.

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

04/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

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 Buddhist Socialist Republic: Vang Vieng District Recognized as a National Tourist Destination! (3.2.2025)

03/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

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.

Laos: 50 Elephant Festival to be Held in Xayaboury! (30.1.2025)

30/01/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

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.

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