For the First Time Ever, the White House Celebrates Vesak, the Buddha’s Birthday

Representatives from the three major Buddhist traditions gathered for prayers and candle lighting.

By Alison Spiegel

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 marked a historic moment for Buddhists in the US. For the first time ever, the White House celebrated Vesak, the holiday that commemorates the Buddha’s birthday, death, and enlightenment.

Wangmo Dixey, Executive Director of Dharma College and President of the International Buddhist Association of America, coordinated the event with the offices of Mr. Shekar Narasimhan, President of the Dharma Into Action Foundation. The celebration included candle lighting with the Second Gentleman, Mr. Douglas Emhoff, and prayers by leaders from the three major Buddist traditions. The White House also released an official statement by President Biden: Read more »

Buddha’s Light International Association Western Australia celebrated Buddha’s Birthday

Buddha’s Light International Association Western Australia celebrated Buddha’s Birthday on 17 and 18 April 2021 with multi culture and multi faith.

The ancient swastika symbol is almost universal

The ancient swastika symbol is almost universal – but made most famous by the Nazi rule of Germany and the ensuing World War 2 and all the hatred, violence and ignorance that was caused.
This fascinating read that will explain how the Nazi swastika differs from the other types of swastika symbols used in many parts of the world and which predate Buddhism.
Certain Buddhists temples adopted a form of the swastika as the photos will show.
Buddhism is about universal compassion like the rays of the sun which reaches every corner of the world. It is a four spoked symbol representing the Four Noble Truths.

The Dalai Lama receives his first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, left his home on Saturday to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and promote vaccination against the coronavirus, in what was his first public appearance in over a year.

The 85-year-old scrapped plans to receive the injection at home, opting instead to travel to a clinic in Dharamsala, India, where he’s lived since fleeing China after a failed uprising in 1959.

He was photographed exposing his right shoulder to receive a vaccine known as Covishield in India, which was developed by the University of Oxford and drug firm AstraZeneca. In a video message afterward, the Dalai Lama said, “I took [the vaccine] so I want to share [that] more people should have courage to take this injection.”

 

The incredible Ajahn Vayama

Ajahn Vayama

Ajahn Vayama in front of her caravan at Dhammasara in December 1998

by Peace Weekes – originally published on Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage

From an early age Ajahn Vayama was very keen to offer help and support to others in need. She often reflected on the reality of suffering and was involved in collecting funds for many aid organisations, including Red Cross and Freedom From Hunger Fund.

After finishing high school she studied at the University of Sydney to become as a social worker. Compassion for others suffering always motivating her to take action, she pioneered the first women’s refuge on the north coast of New South Wales. Through her experiences as a social worker, she witnessed much emotional and physical suffering. Yet in spite of all the efforts she made, the suffering seemed endless. At times she felt there was little she could do to really help people. Even when her help was welcomed and well utilised it was still largely up to those individuals to continue to maintain any lasting changes in their own lives. Read more »