China says boy picked by Dalai Lama now a college graduate
BEIJING (AP) — A boy who disappeared 25 years ago after being picked by the Dalai Lama as Tibetan Buddhism’s second-highest figure is now working at an undetermined job.
How do Buddhists handle coronavirus? The answer is not just meditation
(The Conversation) — For millions worldwide, Buddhist talismans, prayers and protective rituals offer a meaningful way to confront the anxieties of the global coronavirus pandemic.
A new book on Tara explores a portal to the divine in a female form
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Author Rachael Wooten hopes Tara’s different emanations can help people overcome suffering and cultivate compassion, even if they never embrace Buddhism.
Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Vesak from home during pandemic
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) — With all temples in Malaysia closed to the public in an effort to curb the coronavirus outbreak, the country’s 5.4 million Buddhists — the second largest faith group in the mostly Muslim nation — observed Vesak, or Buddha Day, from home this year.
National Day of Prayer, reshaped by pandemic, includes interfaith and online events
(RNS) — In its 69th year, the observance — often predominated by evangelical Christians gathering in public places — will feature interfaith and even international voices on computer screens and cellphones.
Digital pilgrimages allow the faithful to travel the world from their couches
(RNS) — From hashtagged photos posted on Instagram to immersive apps, digital pilgrimages are making spiritual journeys possible for the faithful, even as they stay home.
The Dalai Lama on Earth Day: COVID-19 is ‘a lesson in universal responsibility’
(RNS) — Our response to the current global pandemic, said the Tibetan leader, 'must be as one humanity providing for the most essential needs of all.'
There's an app for that: Christian mindfulness, meditation apps find their moment
(RNS) — Many apps have reported spikes in searches for meditations on fear and anxiety since the pandemic started.
Fear remains a barrier for minority participation in US census, say faith leaders
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Some religious leaders are supporting the count that officially starts April 1, but issues of trust and safety remain.
Thomas Merton, my stroke and the light within
(RNS) — You don’t always need classes run by Zen masters. Reading the right books at the right times can provide essential solace and guidance.
How a Western megachurch pastor fell in love with Eastern meditation
(RNS) — Coming from an evangelical upbringing, I’ve heard religious leaders cast meditation as a dangerous pagan practice. But Western Christians have missed out since abandoning our own tradition of meditation.
The Dalai Lama teaches a lesson on rethinking our faith traditions
(RNS) — Tibetan Buddhism's leader recently called to end the prominence of reincarnated lamas, a model for religious leaders who cling to entrenched modes of thinking.
As Americans become less religious, the role of chaplains may grow
(RNS) — As fewer people identify with a specific religion and as houses of faith experience a drop in attendance, some religious scholars expect that in the next number of years people will be more likely to meet a chaplain than a local clergyperson.
In Thailand, Pope Francis wins hearts by breaking the mold
BANGKOK (RNS) — In Thailand's highly formal society, Pope Francis’ relaxed approach has already brought together political and religious leaders to help those left behind in the country's increasingly commercial culture.
Pope brings his 'show, don't tell' evangelization to Thai Catholics
BANGKOK (RNS) — Pope Francis praised Thai Catholics as 'missionary disciples' for their work in health care and serving others during his visit to the mostly Buddhist nation this week.