Top Egyptian Cleric Faces Backlash for Praising Buddhism
A top Sunni theologian has faced backlash on social media after he praised Buddhism and described its founder as “one of the most humane characters in history.”
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Mongolia Protests Chinese Import Tax Following Dalai Lama Visit
Local Chinese governments on the border with Mongolia have imposed new fees on companies exporting minerals from Mongolia into China, a move that closely follows Mongolia’s warm welcome of Dalai Lama.
China: Fighting Dalai Lama Influence ‘Highest Priority’ in Tibet
Chinese communist officials have admitted that diminishing the influence of the Dalai Lama, the highest authority in Buddhism, is their “highest priority” for governing Tibet, as Chinese state media attempts to elevate the profile of a rival, state-approved Buddhism authority.
China to Demolish World’s Largest Tibetan Buddhist Institute
China is taking steps to at least partially demolish Larung Gar, described as “the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world” by the BBC.
China: ‘Strongly Displeased, Opposed’ to Obama, Dalai Lama Meeting
President Barack Obama met with the Dalai Lama in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, much to China’s disappointment.
China: Tibet’s ‘Living Buddhas’ Can Be ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ If Not Regulated by Beijing
China is continuing its push to promote further communist government meddling in Buddhism. An article in the state-run Global Times cites an “expert” warning that the religion’s living Buddhas could become “weapons of mass destruction” if not properly controlled by Beijing.
Garry Shandling to be Honored as Monk at Buddhist Funeral
According to TMZ, late comedian and actor Garry Shandling was a devout Buddhist and asked to be posthumously honored as a monk at his upcoming funeral. The entertainment news and gossip site reports Jewish-born Shandling, who died suddenly a week
Japan to Remove ‘Confusing’ Swastika Symbols from Maps
It seems like a decision that might be rather long overdue, but the UK Guardian reports that Japan has decided to stop using swastikas to mark the location of Buddhist temples on maps.
Tibetan Monk Issued Life Sentence Dies in Chinese Prison
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, 65, a Tibetan monk and prominent political prisoner, died in Chinese captivity on Sunday. In 2002, he was arrested and imprisoned on a bombing charge his supporters claim was wrongful. The United States, European Union, and international human rights organizations all pushed for his release.
Watch Dalai Lama Rock Out with Patti Smith at Glastonbury Music Fest
The UK’s Glastonbury music fest featured a slew of big names over the weekend, and although rapper Kanye West was describing himself as “the greatest living rock star on the planet” Saturday, the Dalai Lama spent Sunday calling for world peace.
Buddhist Monks in Myanmar Call for Hijab Ban
Buddhist monks in Myanmar have called for a government-enforced ban on headscarves in schools across the country. “When [Muslims] live in Myanmar, they need to obey the laws and regulations of the country. We are not targeting or attacking their religion,” U Pamaukkha, a monk calling for this ban, said.
Buddhists Turn Violent in Struggle Against Muslims in Sri Lanka
The principle of non-violence is central to Buddhist teachings, but in Sri Lanka some Buddhist monks are being accused of stirring up hostility towards other faiths and ethnic minorities. Their hard line is causing increasing concern.
Buddhist Nuns Build Convent Out of Straw
Buddhists live a life of simplicity and gratitude, yet even the most simple of lifestyles require the bare necessity of a sound shelter for living. A group of Buddhist nuns in Escondido, California has been working together to build their own
Tibetan Nun Sets Herself On Fire to Protest Chinese Rule
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that Tibetan nun Yeshi Khando is presumed dead after setting herself on fire to protest Chinese rule, demanding freedom for Tibet and the return of the exiled Dalai Lama. Her death could not be confirmed by international media or Tibetan advocacy groups because her body was so quickly removed from the scene by police.
World’s First Three-Way Gay Marriage Takes Place in Thailand
Valentine’s Day 2015 will be infamous for more than the release of the film version of 50 Shades of Grey. It also witnessed the world’s first recorded polygamous gay marriage, as Joke, 29, Bell, 21 and Art, 26 tied the knot. Watchers of The Hangover Part 2 will not be surprised to learn that the marriage took place in Thailand, in the Uthai Thani Province.
