Tag: theravada

Buddhist Swastika

China: How to Read the Buddhist “卍” (Swastika) Symbol Currectly! (17.10.2024)

Empress Wu Zetian (武则天) of the Tang Dynasty was attracted to Buddhism very much and often invited Ch’an Masters to the palace to explain Buddhist Sutras to her. It was under the promotion of Wu Zetian that Huayan (华严) Sect became a major Buddhist school during the Tang Dynasty.

At that time, there was still no consensus on the pronunciation of “卍” within Buddhism. Some people insisted that it should be pronounced as “万” (Wan4) or “The Ten Thousand Thing” – but others opposed this interpretation – and believed it should be pronounced as “万”(mo2) or “Scorpion” – referring to an Oracle Bone Inscription which refers to a non-Chinese primitive tribe (during the Shang Dynasty) that worshipped the “Scorpion” whilst mimicking its movements in a ritualistic dance (perhaps implying the “foreignness” of India).

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Musing on Transgenderism!

BMA-UK – Musings on Transgenderism! (21.5.2024)

Although the Theravada believes that the six senses must be kept clean by a continuous disassociation with the outside world to avoid regression – the Mahayana and Tantrayana both teach that once the six senses are purified by emptying the mind of greed, hatred and delusion, the mind and body remains permanently “clean” in all situations (with no regression). In other words, even by engaging in the outside world as lay-people – the six senses of those who are enlightened will never become sullied. This reality can be seen in the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra and the Altar Sutra – as well as in the stories of the Mahasiddhis. Monastics can return to lay-life – but lay-people – given the right conditions, can also fully realise Enlightenment!

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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.

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Tree of Enlightenment - Buddha Disappeared!

Perceptual Experiment: “Portrait of God” [Short Film]! (6.1.2024)

When the Buddha attained ‘Enlightenment’, the habitual karmic-power that continuously pulled together his physical and psychological existence fell away – leaving only the residual karmic-power of his present (final) bodily existence. Although the Buddha had broken the ridge-pole of continuous delusional habit – the physical body he occupied whilst attaining this position still had to be ‘lived through’ – until its biological functions naturally expired and its cohesive structure fell away. All of the material universe exists within empty space. Buddhist ‘Enlightenment’ seems to suggest a subjective appreciation of this external space and understands that all material expression exists within a continuous state of flux. As the Buddha broke-free of the human attachment to physical existence – his achievement was originally portrayed by his followers as ‘being not there’.

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Richard Hunn: The South-Paw Guitar Player! (15.10.2023)

his is how I ended-up training under Mangala Thero (in 1996) at the Ganga Ramaya Temple (in Beruwela) – situated in Sri Lanka. I have subsequently discovered that Mangala Mahathero has passed away after spending the last decade of his life living and meditating in isolation. I am told that Richard Hunn would sit ‘still’ for hours on end in various Zen Temples throughout the Kyoto area. Although outwardly he was practicing ‘Zen’ – inwardly he was practicing ‘Caodong’ Ch’an – the preferred lineage of Master Xu Yun (1840-1959). Although none of us know how long we will be on this Earth – we must remain vigilant and use our time effectively and productively! Not a single second must be wasted when it comes to self-cultivation! Instead of reading this board – look within! Richard Hunn was my academic and spiritual teacher between 1989-2006. He taught me to read and translate properly every modern and traditional Chinese language ideogram – whilst also conveying to me the teachings of the authentic Chinese Ch’an Buddhist tradition!

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Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic: High-Ranking Brunei Delegation lays wreath at Unknown Soldier Memorial! (4.10.2023)

His Highness Somdek Suntan Haji Hassanan Bongei of Brunei Darussalam, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Selimxay Kormasit, visited the Laos People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) from October 2nd-4th, 2023. During their visit, they laid a wreath at the Niranam Warrior (Red Star) Monument on the morning of October 3rd in Vientiane, the capital city. The act was a tribute to the Laotian Marxist-Leninist Martyrs, remembering their sacrifices in establishing the Laotian People’s Democratic Republic on December 2nd, 1975.

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