Megan Bryson

Megan Bryson is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Megan Bryson

The divine matchmaker in Chinese mythology − Old Man Under the Moon − who helps couples find love

By Megan Bryson — February 8, 2024
(The Conversation) — Young people in China are no longer settling into marriages arranged by their parents. But they are still looking for blessings from Chinese gods to find everlasting love.

The Lotus Sutra − an ancient Buddhist scripture from the 3rd century − continues to have relevance today

By Megan Bryson — January 5, 2024
(The Conversation) — For many Buddhists today, both in East Asia and across the world, the Lotus Sutra offers religious support for various gender identities.

Happy birthday, Buddha! Why the founder of Buddhism has so many different birthdays around the world

By Megan Bryson — May 24, 2023
(The Conversation) — Buddha’s birthday has not always been a major holiday for Buddhists, but is now celebrated in diverse ways throughout Asia.

Japan’s Laughing Buddha Hotei is merging into Santa Claus — both are roly-poly sacred figures with a bag of gifts

By Megan Bryson — December 14, 2022
(The Conversation) — Hotei, a Japanese god who carries a large sack, has come to be identified with Santa Claus – except that he brings the goodies on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas.
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