Mindfulness: an effective mental health treatment but not a panacea

Kate Bermingham  14 May The Guardian

It may be an ancient Buddhist practice, co-opted and misrepresented by celebrity practitioners, but scientists and health practitioners have found that mindfulness has specific benefits for mental health patients. The medical profession, too, is beginning to take it seriously. 

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Florian Ruths explains why: “MBCT [mindfulness based cognitive therapy] is a powerful intervention –it isn’t fluffy or alternative. The MBCT course is based on solid scientific research, and Nice [the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence] has recommended it since 2005 for keeping patients with recurrent depressive vulnerability depression-free.”

The 3 Best Bits of Advice the Buddha Ever Gave

May 22, 2015

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The Buddha was a wellspring of wisdom and clarity. He gave so many wonderful, clear and concise teachings. Here are my favourite three bits of advice that he ever gave to his disciples…

Earthquakes shake faith of many Nepal survivors

Margie Fishman, The News JournalMay 25, 2015

(Photo: The News Journal)

In Nepal, locals refer to the 
two major earthquakes that 
rocked their Himalayan 
homeland as "Daiveeya 
Prakop," or "God's punishment."

For Ganesh Pradhan, a Hindu 
who lost his mother-in-law and 
only son in the first 7.8 
magnitude temblor, such a 
vengeful God is not deserving 
of his faith.

Named for the deity Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu 
god of prosperity and wisdom, Pradhan has vowed to 
abandon his religion and his name.

"I'm not believing in gods and goddesses now," the 
English teacher explained recently, crouched in a gray 
tent weighed down by stones. "It's the duty of God to 
save the lives of the people."

What words can change the world?

India reaches out to Indonesia's Buddhist community

Zee News, May 25, 2015

Jakarta, Indonesia -- India has reached out to the large Buddhist community in Indonesia, which has the world`s largest Muslim population, by organising an exhibition on the Buddha.

"Buddha Carika - In the footsteps of Shakyamuni Buddha" was inaugurated in the Gedung Prasadha Jinarakkhita in Indonesia`s capital Jakarta Sunday, the Indian embassy said in a statement.


The famous Prasadha Jinarakkhita has been built through the efforts of Mahabhiksu Ashin Jinarakkhita Mahasthavira who was instrumental in spreading Buddhism in Indonesia and uniting all the sects of Buddhism under one organisation.

Buddhists Go to the White House

by Hozan Alan Senauke, Lion's Roar, May 15, 2015 Washington DC, USA -- The streets of Washington DC were lined with blossoms and greenery, the prospect of promise. One hundred thirty Buddhist teachers, monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen, academics, and organizers met on Thursday May 14 for the first “White House - U.S. Buddhist Leadership Conference,” the subject at hand being “Voices in the Square - Action in the World.”

Toronto teacher simplifies life with Buddhism

by Veronica Henri, Toronto Sun, May 17, 2015 TORONTO, Canada -- Moses Wuggenig recalls how he drew a puzzled blank stare after informing a friend about his decision to become Buddhist. The part-time Toronto high school teacher says his friend asked him if he was sure about embarking on a new way of life — a decision that was perhaps made even more puzzling given he was in his 50s. Wuggenig, 55, says he answered confidently in the affirmative as the life change “just felt right.” In July 2014, he sold his condo and gave away 90% of his possessions, including a flat-screen television, a state-of-the-art stereo, hundreds of books, more than 800 record albums, and a beloved espresso machine.

An Indonesian Muslim rejoices on the "going forth" of his friend.