Vinaya – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

Shi Xingzheng (Front-Centre) & Shi Yongxin (Back-Left)

China: Former Shaolin Head Monk – Shi Yongxin – Recent Developments! (28.7.2026)

28/07/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

The Shaolin Temple was founded by visiting Indian monks to China long before Bodhidharma arrived (in 528 CE), Sitting and clearing the mind has always been the primary skill. However, many other temples and spiritual centres also combine seated meditation with “moving” meditation in the form of martial endeavour (it is even hinted at in the Book of Change). Although the Shaolin Temple is famous – it is in no way the only place martial arts are practiced for health and self-defence. Master Xu Yun changed the law in China by integrating the Vinaya Discipline with Chinese Secular Law. Failing to uphold the Vinaya Discipline is tantamount to breaking the law. What is happening to the former Head Monk of Shaolin – Shi Yongxin – is entirely due to the legal reforms that Xu Yun initiated in the early 1950s as a means to protect China from going down the Japanese path of abandoning the upholding of the Vinaya Discipline. The above translation (click picture link) gives all the recent developments in this fascinating case.

Fire Boat Festival (Lai Heua Fai), marking the End of Buddhist Lent on October 7, 2025. Coinciding with the full moon of the 11th lunar month

Laos: Rainy Season Retreat Comes to an End for Buddhist Monks! (13.11.2025)

13/11/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Beyond the spiritual rituals, the festival grounds came alive with vibrant activity as local vendors showcased a wide array of goods, ranging from traditional foods and drinks to handmade crafts, clothing, and household items. The lively marketplace added a festive touch, transforming the event into not just a religious celebration, but also a vibrant community gathering.

Well-organized and secure, the event provided a safe and joyful environment for all attendees. It stood as a testament to Laos’ rich cultural heritage, while also promoting environmental consciousness and community unity.

As the glowing boats drifted peacefully down the Mekong and candlelight danced in the night breeze, the Fire Boat Festival once again proved to be a captivating blend of faith, folklore, and festivity—a timeless tradition that continues to illuminate the hearts of those who take part, year after year.

A scene of people socialising with drinks at a pub on Khaosan Road in Bangkok. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3133310/new-thai-alcohol-rules-put-drinkers-on-the-hook-for-fines. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

Thailand: Western Degenerates Lament Enforcement of Buddhist Morality! (10.11.2025)

10/11/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

With the possibility of drinkers themselves being fined, sales of alcohol may halve during those times, Bob, an assistant manager working on Friday said, declining to give his full name because he is not authorised to speak publicly.

There is also concern the stricter laws present an opportunity for officials to enforce fines on customers, restaurants — or both — for personal gain.

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a member of parliament from the opposition People’s Party who has pushed for liquor liberalisation, said alcohol sales should be around the clock. “The amended law aims to serve the purpose of those opposing alcohol,” Mr Taopiphop said.

They also risk confusing foreign tourists who may order a drink before the restricted hours but consume it afterward, he said.

In Thailand, where Buddhism is the main religion, practitioners and monks follow the Five Precepts, which include abstaining from alcohol and intoxicants to promote mindfulness and avoid heedlessness.

Becoming Aware of the Mind - Moment To Moment!

BMA-UK: Uprooting the Delusion that Underlies Racism! (21.9.2025)

21/09/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Racism is learned on the outside of the body – and imported into the interior of the mind – where it becomes a habit of interpretation regarding other objects in the world. Perpetuating racism is one manifestation of racism – as is being a victim of racism – or the recipient of racism. In Asia, the Buddhist answer is to remove all klesa (defilements) – greed, hatred, and delusion – so that the conditions that allow racism to exist cannot function. Laws can be changed outlawing racism in the external world – this only deals with the superficiality that is racism – the tip of the iceberg so-to-speak.

Shaolin Latest: Shi Yongxin Privately Met With Taiwan-Supporting Pope! (31.7.2025)

31/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

This is because the Vatican (an “Independent” State) is the only country in Europe to still maintain diplomatic relations with “Taiwan” – and view Taiwan as the “Republic of China” (ROC). The Vatican does NOT recognise the “People’s Republic of China” – as the Roman Catholic Church has a long history of supporting fascism and opposing “Socialism”. The Catholic Church supported Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, provided priests to bless the Nazi and fascist troops invading the USSR, helped thousands of Nazi War Criminals escape Europe after the war, and is fully supportive of Neo-Nazi Ukraine today. The chatter on Chinese-language website in the PRC is of the opinion that Shi Yongxin was up to no good – and this feeds into his “defection” stories, etc. Indeed, it is believed that this might well be a Vatican-inspired intrigue designed to strengthen US foreign policy, bolster the image of Taiwan, and damage the PRC.

Shi Yongxin Accused of Making Giant Spliffs at Shaolin!

China: Shi Yongxin Rumours Light-Up Internet! (29.7.2025)

29/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

It was the Trotskyite Khrushchev who (copying the US) introduced the Death Penalty for Civil Crimes in 1959. The problem Khrushchev had was that no Soviet-educated Jury would inflict the Death Penalty – as they had been taught that the Czarist Authorities routinely used “Death” as a means of controlling and oppressing the workers. Karl Marx, of course was opposed to all forms of Death Penalty. He quite rightly said that the State does not possess the right to harm an individual’s body in anyway – and I agree (doubly as a Buddhist). Lenin was of the opinion that Marx only meant that the Death Penalty should not be applied to the workers – but can be applied to class enemies. Why Lenin thought this – I am not sure. Lenin was a trained lawyer after-all – so perhaps he is seeing something I cannot in the work of Marx. Of course, I do accept that in the time of brutal war – executions might be required – even if I personally disagree. Sometimes we have to separate our personal beliefs (disentangle them from exterior circumstance) if life is to flow-on unhindered. This is why we require a strong moral foundation to our characters and judgement. We must avoid self-indulgence and wayward harshness. If it is proven “true” that Shi Yongxin was defecting to the US and was preparing to condemn the Communist Party of China on the White House lawn whilst Vance and Trump chuckle away – then i could well see an execution taking place. Surely a demonstration of bad-karma if ever I’ve seen it!

1 2 3 … 5 »