Buddhism
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
Why ‘namaste’ has become 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.
As Dalai Lama turns 85, his lineage’s future is as uncertain as Tibet’s
(RNS) — As the Tibetan Buddhist leader ages, a confrontation with China over the legitimacy of his successor looms.
Interfaith group: No Buddhist or Hindu statues in nightclubs
BOSTON (AP) — An interfaith coalition is launching a campaign to stop what organizers call the ‘disrespectful’ use of sacred Buddhist and Hindu statues as decor in nightclubs.
Chicago celebrates Juneteenth with interfaith march through iconic Grant Park
CHICAGO (RNS) — Thousands of people came out for a faith community-led march celebrating Juneteenth on Friday afternoon (June 19) through downtown Chicago’s Grant Park, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.
Young Japan priests try to breathe life into fading Buddhism
TOKYO (AP) — Buddhist leaders say a third of the country’s 75,000 temples are barely functioning, but a younger generation of priests is working to reverse the faith’s downward spiral.
The Dalai Lama to release 1st album in July
NEW YORK (AP) — ‘Inner World,’ an album featuring teachings and mantras by the Dalai Lama set to music, will be released on July 6, his 85th birthday.