Dharma Voices for Animals

Daily Mirror, September 28, 2015 Colombo, Sri Lanka -- In the afterglow of Binara Poya, we need to reflect on the Buddha Dhamma’s main theme “May all beings be happy” and on some practical issues connected to it.   At a time when United States policies, especially on human rights issues, are being widely discussed in Sri Lanka, we wish to focus today on the San Diego based ‘Dharma Voices for Animals’ (DVA). DVA is a movement of those committed, both to practising the teachings of the Buddha (The Dharma) and to speaking out when animal suffering is supported by the actions of those in Dharma communities and by the policies of Dharma centres. According to the DVA, it wants to be the voice of the animals, who cannot speak our languages and are unable to ask, “Why are you paying people to do this to me” or “Why are you supporting my suffering?” DVA says it wants to support those who are willing to speak out about the harm we cause other sentient beings, when we eat them, use their body parts as clothing and in other ways, or use household and personal hygiene products that are tested on animals.

Monks in action: Practice of the Six Paramitas in the wake of the Gurkha Earthquake

by Layne Mayard, The Buddhist Channel, Sept 29, 2015

After the Nepal earthquakes this past spring, a group of monks at Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal formed an emergency relief team to support the surrounding community.

Kathmandu, Nepal -- In spite of their own difficult circumstances, their compassion for others motivated selfless service to those floundering in the confusing aftermath of this natural disaster.  Their resilience and determination exemplifies a spontaneous practice of the Six Perfections, an inspiration to anyone with a sincere wish to benefit others.

Nepal has its own kind of chaotic harmony.  As most already know, two major earthquakes disjointed Nepal’s already turbid rhythm in April and May this year. Contrary to the utter devastation reported by the media during the weeks immediately afterwards, when I arrived in June for my annual visit, Kathmandu seemed to have returned to its characteristic pace. Most buildings in the area of Kathmandu and Boudhanath seemed intact. 

However, in conversations with those present during the quakes, I could almost smell the cool cement of freshly cracked pillars. One described the panic at this natural fury strong enough to lift buildings from their foundation.  To another, the air reverberated with a stillness permeated by the terrifying creak of twisting metal. 

Mistreatment of Buddha Iconographies across the Globe

by Emi Hailey Hayakawa, BTN, Sept 28, 2015

Seoul, South Korea -- With the increasing popularity of Buddhism and Zen culture across the globe, especially in the West, there had been a surge of interest in Buddhist iconographies and statues.

With this trend, many fashion and contemporary items, and various businesses tried to profit by implementing images of the Buddha within their merchandise and branding. 

The Buddhist community across the globe have been continuously insulted and outraged by the mistreatment and casual use of Buddhist iconographies as trendy and fashionable items by these businesses.

There have been numerous cases of the mistreatment of Buddha images across the globe: From the creation of Buddha “bars”, shoe and fashion designs, artworks and posters, to Buddha head stools. These controversial items go against Buddhist sentiments because for all Buddhists alike, the representation of the Buddha is considered as one of the most revered in Buddhism.

Moreover, for devout practitioners, Buddha images make their practice much more vivid and significant as they have a tangible object to focus on and to inspire them to perfect their rites and rituals.

Institutions that serve alcohol, tobacco products and other stimulants under a large Buddha statue, the so- called “Buddha Bars,” unfortunately exists all over the world. It has been reported that such Buddha Bars have been established in Malaysia, Myanmar, United States, France, and many other European countries.

Buddha Bars >

To the general public, the Buddha Bar is “just a bar” with contemporary design (usually a large Buddha statue) and a place to feel peaceful and “zen” while enjoying their social lives. For Buddhists however, a bar is not the ideal place for a Buddha statue to be placed.

In their homes and temples, Buddhists create a special 
zone for their prayer altar, complete with a Buddha statue. Thus, Buddhist communities find it very difficult to accept these decadent outlets because of the deep rooted devotion for the teacher, and which they take as an insult to the religion.

Dhammapada 191-192

He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, penetrates with transcendental wisdom the Four Noble Truths — suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of suffering.

This indeed is the safe refuge, this the refuge supreme. Having gone to such a refuge, one is released from all suffering. 

How can we succeed in this competitive world without being dishonest?

Goenkaji: "The essence of leading a virtuous life is that one does not look for excuses to act wrongly. Now, you may have found a reason to justify your wrong actions. You think that you must adopt dishonest methods to succeed in this world because everybody around you is doing so, and progressing at a very fast pace. And, if we who practise Anapana or Vipassana do not do the same, we will lag behind.

How to get strength?

The Path

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcxEnEagDFQ

The Path

Someone once said to me
that nothing stays forever
No state of mind, stays good or bad
but it could, if we were together

Someone once said to me
have you seen the deep insight
life is endless, make it right
things will change throughout your life

Chorus
I'd like to take you with me now
and I hope that it will last
I'd like to take you along a road
and it's called the path
I'd like to take you with me now
so don't think about the past
I'd like to take you along a road
and it's called the path
and it's called the path

Someone once said to me
make the right decision
I said that I can only tell
when I know I have the wisdom

Someone once said to me
you can have enlightenment
Nirvana is where we step
when it's like deep meditation

Chorus
I'd like to take you with me now
and  I hope that it will last
I'd like to take you along a road
and it's called the path
I'd like to take you with me now
so don't think about the past
I'd like to take you along a road
and it's called the path
and it's called the path
yes, it's called the path
------------
Words & Music.Copyright©Keith Law.2013

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