Thinking Big: Russia Launching Global Buddhist Messenger for 500Mln People

Sputnik. 18:06 28.05.2016  

Former President of Russia’s Kalmykia Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is launching a new messenger which seeks to unite 500 million Buddhists all around the world.

In an interview with NSN, Ilyumzhinov recalled that the concept of a Buddhist messenger entered his mind while he was speaking at an international conference in Thailand’s capital Bangkok three years ago.

Seeking a happiness that no money or wealth can buy

“…The Dhamma that allows our mind to be calm and peaceful is mindfulness. But before we can arouse mindfulness, we first need virtue (sīla). And before are able to have virtue, we first must be generous in giving donations (dāna). Being unable to be charitable shows that people still have greed, that they desire to accumulate wealth, are still possessive of their assets and property, and thus they are ones who will not be able to maintain their virtue.

The first kuti in Slovenia!

First kuti at Samanadipa Forest Hermitage completed in less than 2 months upon the formal arrival of Ajahn Hiriko at the monastery 

Vakkali Sutta SN 22.87

Ven Vakkali: "For a long time, Lord, I have wanted to come and set eyes on the Blessed One, but I had not the strength in this body to come and see the Blessed One."

Buddha: "Enough, Vakkali! What is there to see in this vile body? He who sees Dhamma, Vakkali, sees me; he who sees me sees Dhamma. Truly seeing Dhamma, one sees me; seeing me one sees Dhamma."

Emptiness True Health, by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

Posted on 30 May 2016 by Buddhism Now

Emptiness is the most difficult to understand of all the Buddhist Teachings because it is their innermost heart. Being called a heart it must obviously be something subtle and profound. Its understanding does not lie within the scope of mere conjecture or the sort of pondering that ordinary people are accustomed to. It can only be understood by determined study.

Buddha's foremost upasakas and upasikas (14)

Candala sutta, AN 5.175

A lay-follower (upasaka) who has five qualities is a jewel of a lay-follower, is like a lily, like a lotus. What are these five qualities? He has faith; he is virtuous; he is not superstitious; he believes in action (kamma) and not in luck or omen; he does not seek outside (of the Order) for those worthy of support and does not attend there first.