Buddhism
Young Japan priests try to breathe life into fading Buddhism
By Malcolm Foster — June 12, 2020
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.
China says boy picked by Dalai Lama now a college graduate
By Associated Press — May 19, 2020
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
By Pierce Salguero — May 15, 2020
(The Conversation) — For millions worldwide, Buddhist talismans, prayers and protective rituals offer a meaningful way to confront the anxieties of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Vesak from home during pandemic
By Alexandra Radu — May 7, 2020
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.
The Dalai Lama on Earth Day: COVID-19 is ‘a lesson in universal responsibility’
By The Dalai Lama — April 22, 2020
(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.'
Goodbye, Baba Ram Dass
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 23, 2019
(RNS) — Why did Richard Alpert become Baba Ram Dass? It is the story of American Judaism.
The Dalai Lama teaches a lesson on rethinking our faith traditions
By Ira Rifkin — November 27, 2019
(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.
Meditation apps proliferate, even if what they provide is not enlightenment
By Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil — October 15, 2019
(RNS) — Some teachers worry that corporate America's adoption of Buddhism’s spiritual practice could be used for unethical purposes.
Visiting Thailand, Pope Francis to champion the poor and the environment
By Claire Giangravé — September 27, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Francis continues to promote the care of creation, he aims to connect with a broader audience than the country's tiny Catholic community.
Buddhist official tells police alleged abuse victim was exploring her sexuality
By Joshua Eaton — July 1, 2019
(RNS) — Dennis L. Southward, who handled security and domestic violence matters for Shambhala International, told police that the woman 'could do a lot of damage' if she pressed charges against her alleged abuser.
Shambhala International fights to survive in face of sex scandal
By Carina Julig — May 13, 2019
BOULDER, Colo. (RNS) — In order to address outstanding debt, the board is looking into selling Marpa House, a beloved property used as an intentional living community for about 40 people.
Are yoga and mindfulness in schools religious?
By Candy Gunther Brown — May 13, 2019
(The Conversation) — Yoga and mindfulness could become the fourth 'R' of public education. But up for debate is whether the 'R' in this case stands for relaxation or religion.
Swept up in Muslim genocide crisis, Hindu Rohingyas are stuck in Bangladesh
By Jennifer Chowdhury — May 8, 2019
(RNS) — When the Bangladesh government prepared to return 2,000 Muslim refugees to Myanmar, Hindu Rohingya were hopeful they would be sent back, too. But no one came for them.
For Sri Lankan Americans, Easter shooting gives homeland a painful jolt of notoriety
By Ben Sales — May 3, 2019
NEW YORK (RNS) — The world almost never hears about Sri Lanka. Young Americans with Sri Lankan roots are asking why it has to learn about the country this way.
India’s Hindu prime minister touts hometown’s Buddhist links as vote nears
By Priyadarshini Sen — April 11, 2019
VADNAGAR, India (RNS) — Is Indian Prime Minister Modi's interest in Buddhist antiquities genuine, or just a play for votes among his country's dispossessed?
