Buddhism
Advancing religious freedom abroad starts at home
(RNS) — On this Religious Freedom Day, we are concerned about the rising threats around the world, but we are hopeful for progress in the years ahead.
How the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation got included in Congress’ $900 billion relief bill
Buddhist temple attacks rise as COVID-19 amplifies anti-Asian American bias
Pandemic’s suffering opens way for Buddhist chaplains
(RNS) — The Buddhist contemplative approach to chaplaincy has spurred a new interest in Buddhism in the medical environment.
RNS holiday gift guide 2020: Puzzles, prayer cards and more gifts for staying in
(RNS) — Religion News Service is bringing back our holiday gift guide, full of ideas for all the people of faith — or no faith — on your list.
Dying ‘the Buddhist way’ gains in hospice centers in the West
(RNS) — The emergence of Buddhist-oriented hospices in the U.S. and elsewhere is said to show a dissatisfaction with conventional Western views of life and death.
Stressed by COVID, online seekers discover Buddhism’s calming practice
(RNS) — Buddhist teachings about suffering and the impermanence of all things, many find, have particular relevance in this moment.
Why ‘namaste’ has become the perfect pandemic greeting
(The Conversation) — As people the world over are choosing to ditch the handshakes and hugs for fear of contracting the coronavirus, namaste is becoming the perfect pandemic greeting.
Reckoning with race, Black Buddhists seek space for healing in the dharma
(RNS) — The nation’s reckoning with racism has prompted Black Buddhists to seek a practice that answers the moment.
Lending hope in a pandemic year, Octavia Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’ makes a comeback
(RNS) — The book hit bestseller lists this year 30 years after its publication, not only for its gritty, prophetic portrait of our times but because of its faith in humans to deal with difficult days.
600 faith leaders sign letter urging California governor to stop transfer of incarcerated people to ICE
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity said Gov. Gavin Newsom can stop the transfers of detainees from state prisons to immigration detention facilities by issuing an executive order.
Buddhist monks have reversed roles in Thailand – now they are the ones donating goods to others
(RNS) — As a result of the pandemic, Buddhist monks in Thailand are increasingly providing material goods, such as hot meals and nonperishable items, for laypeople – thereby reversing roles within this moral economy.
Buddhist teacher Lama Surya Das admits sleeping with adult students in past, says it was wrong
(RNS) — Lama Surya Das said it was inappropriate for him to have sexual relationships with participants in his retreats. Five women have accused Das, the famed Buddhist leader, with past misconduct.
My spiritual path through the COVID-19 darkness
(RNS) — The medical system had done all that it could for me. Now I had to listen to my body and have faith in its wisdom.
Breath, the divine metaphor, becomes a hallmark of America’s twin crises
(RNS) — The normally simple, normally unconscious act of drawing breath has come to define the United States’ most pressing problems. What the world’s faith traditions have to say about the meaning of our first act as humans.
