The Cell of Ethiopean Monasticism!

Egypt: Nag Hammadi Gnostic Library, Moasticism and Primitive Tribal Behaviour! (18.4.2024)

Furthermore, it is alarming to read of the primitive blood feuds described as forming the general historical context surrounding this important and epoch-changing discovery – being every bit as brutal and primitive as the murders routinely carried-out by ISIS and Al Qaeda today – behaviour very different from that of moderate, economically developed and well-educated Muslims. These are people who inhabit a pre-modern mode of behaviour and corresponding mind-set – and although I am not a theist – it is interesting to consider why the Christian God would choose to deliver his texts into the hands of such people. But perhaps that is the point. The Christian God speaks of unqualified love and forgiveness (as does the Holy Qur’an of Allah) – whilst the Jewish God is vengeful, vindicative and quite often demanding of blood. Perhaps the essence of Gnosticism has survived right in the middle of Christian theology – and it has done so without being seen – waiting for the moment when the ceramic jar holding its teachings is found!

Buddhist Heritage in Laos!

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic – Preservation of Theravada Culture! (21.3.2024)

Phra Sombath Somepanno, Abbot of Wat Longkhoun Srikhounnaram, expressed that Wat Longkhoun holds a significant place in the Buddhist heritage of Luang Prabang, and it fills the people of Laos from various regions with pride.

The temple has a deep historical connection with Laos, and the monastic community, along with the lay followers, is dedicated to developing Wat Longkhoun into a beautiful and culturally rich Buddhist heritage site.

Buddhism: The Marxist-Dhamma Interface! (14.12.2023)

Although Buddhism is apolitical – in the rel world even an apolitical entity has a political function – even if that function involves the permanent position of ‘opposing’ any and all manifestations of human ignorance known as “political” structures! What are these structures? These unwanted structures are any manifestations premised upon greed, hatred, and delusion, and which function within the inverted world of dualistic being. Such constructs are inherently suffering producing and are not conducive to human happiness. This is why Buddhists strive to uproot greed, hatred, and delusion from their minds and bodies – and in so doing generate the conditions for a better outward world. Click on the above link to read more…

BMA (UK): Buddhism As Anti-Capitalism! (8.11.2023)

Indeed, there is a complete (and refreshing) lack of commercial consideration in the Dhamma teaching. Therefore, Early Buddhism is entirely ‘anti-capitalist’ in both essence and manifestation. The problem is the tide of capitalist distortion which hits our minds and bodies in this modern age. It is as if the Buddha was the CEO of a very successful business – and that we are all shareholders! Nothing could be further from the truth! At the above link – there is an article discussing this issue that should be studied carefully.

China: Gansu Buddhist ‘Smile of the Orient’ Said to Equal That of the ‘Mona Lisa’! (5.9.2023)

The early Buddhist groups in China mirrored that of the extant Confucian scholiastic system – often forming around married laymen – with disciples taking the surname of the teacher as their ‘Dharma-Name’ and essentially becoming an extension of his family. Grottoes such as that featured below were places where Buddhists could meet, share and practice their understanding of Indian Buddhist philosophy. An understanding of Buddhist monasticism started to arrive and distinguish itself in China from the existing lay-practice around the 5th century CE – the date I believe this ‘smiling’ monk appears to date from. Whereas Buddhist lay-practitioners did not shave their heads (like Daoists and Confucians) – monastic Buddhists (male and female) were required to shave their heads – indicative of their ‘rejecting’ of the desire-laden conventions that define, guide and justify the external world.

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