Buddhism
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.
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.
