dharma – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

BMA-UK: Zhao Zhihao (赵志浩) – Promoting the Further Sinicization of Buddhism & Integration with Socialist Society! (3.8.2026)

03/08/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

As the Mahayana Sutras became more popular in China than the Pali Suttas – the idea of strict vegetarianism (which had spread from India via various Vinaya Discipline texts) took root (even though it was only meant initially for the monastic order). Buddhist vegetarianism was not invented in China (as the author of the below [translated] text seems to imply). It is true that at least two Emperors in China did ban meat-eating in their respective countries – and instigated an expansive vegetarianism amongst the general public (Buddhist and non-Buddhist). This meant that Buddhist monastic vegetarianism was spread throughout the Buddhist laity and beyond – and this was a transformation of Buddhist practice in general that has persisted into modern times. Much, if not all of the interfacing Chinese philosophy that at least gave structure to Chinese Ch’an (Dhyana) Buddhism arose from the “Change Classic”

Lao authorities are accelerating efforts to determine the cause of a land subsidence incident in Nong Kadeng village, Vilabouli District, Savannakhet Province!

Laos: Detailed Survey Launched Into Savannakhet Land Subsidence! (15.7.2026)

15/07/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

Lao authorities are accelerating efforts to determine the cause of a land subsidence incident in Nong Kadeng village, Vilabouli District, Savannakhet Province, with officials pledging to provide regular public updates as the investigation progresses. According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Department of Geology and Minerals (DGM) is working with local authorities, relevant government agencies and Lane Xang Mineral Co., Ltd. to conduct a detailed geophysical survey of the affected area. While experts have preliminarily concluded that the subsidence is a natural phenomenon associated with underground limestone formations, the additional survey aims to collect comprehensive geological data to verify the cause with scientific evidence.

Laos and Cuba have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership in sports and physical education by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation and strengthen sports development in the Lao PDR.

Laos: Sports Partnership Renewed with Cuba to Boost Athletic Development! (30.6.2026)

30/06/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

The renewed MoU builds on the enduring friendship between Laos and Cuba and continues bilateral cooperation in sports, physical education and arts education. It also establishes a framework for the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and consultations in other mutually agreed areas, further enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two governments.

Cuba has been a longstanding partner in supporting Laos’ human resource development. Over the years, it has awarded scholarships to Lao students to study sports and physical education, as well as Spanish, medicine and law. These educational opportunities have helped strengthen the country’s professional capacity across a range of sectors.

80 000 Wooden Blocks of Complete Collection of Buddhist Scriptures

DPRK: Buddhist Sutras on Display! (17.6.2026)

17/06/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

On a slightly different note, there was an English man called “Stephen Bachelor” who travelled to South Korea and joined a Buddhist monastic order. Indeed, I believe he eventually met the woman who would become his wife – at the time a Buddhist “nun”. Upon returning to the UK he established a Buddhist College in Devon – but as the years went by he started to describe himself as an “atheist” who do not believe in any form of religion or mysticism. He even banned Buddha statues from his meditation rooms – and when my teacher – Richard Hunn – was invited to teach, he also banned all incense. Of course, Buddhism is not a religion with the Buddha being described as “non-theist” (he said gods only seem to exist until believers realise they are non-existent). Yes – monotheism was unknown in the Buddha’s time – so it is interesting to consider what exactly it was that Mr Bachelor was reacting to? Did he think Buddhism was a religion – and the Buddha a god? Is this what they were teaching in South Korea?

Laos has secured its first medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok after athletes Koungking Boudaxay and Mala Chanthalaksa won a joint bronze in the women’s Ju-Jitsu Duo Show on 10 December.

Laos: First Medal Claimed at 33rd SEA Games with Ju-Jitsu Bronze! (28.1.2026)

28/01/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

Laos has secured its first medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok after athletes Koungking Boudaxay and Mala Chanthalaksa won a joint bronze in the women’s Ju-Jitsu Duo Show on 10 December.

The pair impressed judges with a score of 41 points, earning them a place on the podium alongside Vietnam, who also took bronze.

Host nation Thailand dominated the event, capturing both gold and silver with scores of 50.5 and 48.5 points respectively.

The Lao national athletes with disabilities have set a target of winning 1 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from January 20–26, 2026.

Laos: Paralympic Team Sets Medal Target for 13th ASEAN Para Games! (28.1.2028)

28/01/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

Laos will send a total delegation of 164 members, including 62 women, comprising athletes, coaches, and officials. The Lao team will compete in 12 out of the 19 sports on the official competition program: athletics, swimming, powerlifting, goalball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, football, cycling, shooting, fencing, badminton, and tennis.

An official send-off ceremony for the delegation was held on January 9, 2026, at the Lao National Olympic Committee Club. The event was attended by Ms. Dalavone Kittiphan, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports and Vice President of the National Paralympic Committee of Laos (NPCL), and Ms. Khanthaly Siriphongphanh, President of the NPCL, along with relevant officials.

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