Thailand: Grim future for bhikkhuni under new constitution draft

by Sanitsuda Ekachai, The Bangkok Post, Apr 20, 2016

Bangkok, Thailand -- A case of arson at a bhikkhuni centre in Rayong is shocking. Although it is yet to be determined what caused it -- land conflicts, gender discrimination, or both -- it is clear that it is not easy being a female monk. And the next charter -- if it passes the referendum -- will not make it any easier.

The greatest hurdles for female monks come from inside the clergy, but Buddhists almost universally welcome the Bhikkuni. (File photo by Suchada Hongsa) 

The incident took place at the International Women's Meditation Centre in Rayong early this month. Run by two female monks, Bhikkhuni Lee, an American, and Bhikkhuni Rattanavali, a Thai national, the centre has ordained 35 bhikkhuni and samaneri (female novices) as of 2013, according to its website.

The 6 Qualities of the Dhamma

Svakhato Bhagavata Dhammo, Sanditthiko, Akaliko, Ehipassiko, Opanayiko, Paccattam Veditabbo Vinnuhi ti.

A Western Soto Zen Buddhist Statement on the Climate Crisis

The Buddhist Channel, April 22, 2016

Zen practitioners and teachers in Asia and in the West issues statement of "deep concern" with regards to climate emergency which will have grave effects on the fate of the earth, of our children, of their children, and all beings.

BERKELEY, CA (USA) -- This statement offers a Zen Buddhist perspective on the climate emergency, expressing deep concern and pointing towards actions to halt and reverse climate change. It is a first step.

This statement is a unique collaboration among Soto Zen Buddhists in the west. Soto Zen, with its Japanese roots in the 13th century teachings of Eihei Dogen, emphasizes zazen, or seated meditation, developing a down-to-earth awareness of one's own mind as expressed in all areas of daily life -- at home, at work, and in society.

Among the largest of Japan's Buddhist denominations, Soto Zen was brought to the west by teachers like Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Taizan Maezumi Roshi, Dainin Katagiri Roshi, Jiyu Kennett Roshi, and other spiritual pioneers creating Zen centers throughout the continent. The members and teachers of these centers are deeply concerned about the fate of the earth, of our children, of their children, and all beings. The statement argues:

Dhammapada 84

" He is indeed virtuous, wise, and righteous who neither for his own sake nor for the sake of another (does any wrong), who does not crave for sons, wealth, or kingdom, and does not desire success by unjust means." 

“The Story of God” – A Buddhist Perspective on Creation

April 20, 2016 by Justin Whitaker 

This week’s episode (airing Sunday the 24th), brings us face to face with the question of creation. As Morgan Freeman muses at the beginning, walking through his own history in Mississippi, “You can’t understand me without understanding where I was created.”

“Every religion has a creation story,” he continues.

But is that true?

From this week’s “The Story of God” (courtesy National Geographic, see the trailer here)

Buddhanussati

"Itipiso bhagava araham sammasambuddho
vijjacharana sampanno sugato lokavidu anuttaro
purisadhammasarati satta devamanussanam
buddho bhagava ti".

Dhamma to provide our mind with peace and joy

“….If we meet the Buddha or his enlightened disciples, we will be able to receive their teachings that instruct us to discard our sensual craving that habitually uses the body as a means to seek happiness. They teach in this way because the body is not lasting or reliable.

When the body is healthy, we can use it according to our wishes. But when it deteriorates or is not able to function, our mind will be very distressed. We may not even want to live anymore. People with physical disabilities who are paralyzed and cannot use their body at all, who cannot take trips to various places, might often be easily agitated, annoyed, or in a bad mood.