Buddhism
Shaligrams, the sacred fossils that have been worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists for over 2,000 years, are becoming rarer because of climate change
By Holly Walters — August 4, 2023
(The Conversation) — Many Hindus, Buddhists and people who follow the shamanic religion of Bon undertake a pilgrimage each year to northern Nepal to look for Shaligrams, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
Myanmar’s generals unveil giant Buddha statue as they seek to win hearts and minds during civil war
By Grant Peck — July 24, 2023
BANGKOK (AP) — The military-controlled government of strife-torn Myanmar on Friday showed off a new giant statue of a sitting Buddha that is scheduled to be consecrated on Aug. 1.
In Thailand, ‘socially engaged Buddhism’ goes beyond meditation to seek justice
By Kalpana Jain — July 17, 2023
BANGKOK (RNS) — A network of socially conscious Buddhists is challenging conceptions of personal devotion to tackle pressing problems in the faith and even beyond their country's borders.
The Dalai Lama, Tibetan spiritual leader, celebrates 88th birthday
By Ashwini Bhatia — July 6, 2023
DHARMSALA, India (AP) — The Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday on Thursday, as hundreds of his supporters and exiled Tibetans thronged his hillside Indian headquarters in Dharamsala.
NYC will add Diwali as a public school holiday. But there’s a catch this year
By Associated Press — June 27, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The push for official recognition of Diwali comes as South Asians have gained numbers and clout in New York and nationally.
Reparations campaign takes new forms with Bible study, Juneteenth march
By Adelle M. Banks — June 12, 2023
(RNS) — 'The case for restitution and restoration is laid out across the Old Testament and New Testament,' reads the introduction of the National Council of Churches' study.
What is Theravada Buddhism? A scholar of Asian religions explains
By Brooke Schedneck — May 31, 2023
(The Conversation) — Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religious system in several parts of South and Southeast Asia, but there is a rich diversity of beliefs and practices in this tradition.
How the practice of Nichiren Buddhism sustained Tina Turner for 50 years
By Ralph H. Craig III — May 30, 2023
(The Conversation) — Turner was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism in 1973, and its teachings provided inspiration for some of the final projects of her career.
Young people aren’t buying far-right religious beliefs
By Serene Jones — May 26, 2023
(RNS) — Younger Americans aspire to build a world marked by love and justice. But they don't see much of that in church.
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.
For 25th year, State Department reports on threats, triumphs in religious freedom
By Adelle M. Banks — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — The report, which assesses conditions in 199 countries, also looks at policies and laws, including those about blasphemy and apostasy, that ‘criminalize religious expression.’
Meditative mothering? How Buddhism honors both compassionate caregiving and celibate monks and nuns
By Liz Wilson — May 12, 2023
(The Conversation) — The lines between family life and Buddhist monasticism are not so ‘either/or’ as they might seem.
White House to host its third-ever Vesak ceremony
By Jack Jenkins — May 4, 2023
(RNS) — This year ambassadors from nations such as Cambodia, India and Nepal are slated to participate.
Faith leaders ask Biden to mark Mother’s Day with prayer day against gun violence
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2023
(RNS) — Fellowship of Reconciliation leaders, who organized the letter, also pointed out ties that have been found between Christian nationalism and opposition to gun control legislation.
Repression of women points to worsening religious freedom trends abroad
By Nury Turkel and Abraham Cooper — May 3, 2023
(RNS) — Denying religious freedom and women’s rights go hand-in-hand.
