“Naturally the common people don’t want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist [...]
shifting religions
.
The latest edition of the worldwide Vatican’s Statistical Yearbook shows that, for the first time in history, there are more Muslims than Catholics in the world. All Christian denominations combined, however (e.g., Anglican, Protestant, and Orthodox Churches), still make up 33% of the world’s population. Since the Vatican relied on a variety of secondary sources it makes [...]
learning to accept that which seems unacceptable
As a physician working in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Gabor Maté knows a bit or two about people coping with addictions. His new book* deals with the lives of addicts, the neurobiology of addiction, and strategies for harm reduction and healing. The latter offers wide-ranging applications for any complicated relationships—be it with family members, friends, acquaintances, [...]
what’s with suffering?
Suffering is given a prominent place in the Buddhist approach to conscious living. It’s not a word we use easily, reserving it instead for situations of severe discomfort, pain, and loss: Jesus Christ is said to have suffered death on the cross for us, millions of children suffer from malnutrition around the world, and someone [...]
darn happiness
Doctor, doctor … I’ve been having these happiness attacks. Not just now, but frequently, once or twice a day, several times a week. This has been going on for a couple of months. What’s the big deal, you say? For many this may be a normal way to be, going through life with a sunny disposition, taking problems in [...]
civilian peacekeepers — what a concept!
Excerpts from an article in the Christian Science Monitor, March 27, 2008. To access the full article, click here:
Legends relate that Buddha stopped a war between two kings who were quarreling over rights to a river by asking them, “Which is more precious, blood or water?” Could ordinary people use the same kind of wisdom [...]
sikhs at worship
In an effort to become familiar with various faith communities, I’m planning to visit a Sikh temple. The following is excerpted from the BBC Religion website. © British Broadcasting Corporation
A Gurdwara is the place where Sikhs come together for congregational worship. Guests of all faiths are welcome. The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Gurdwara is the residence [...]
new book
From the publisher’s website: David R. Loy has become one of the Buddhist worldview’s most powerful advocates, explaining like no one else its ability to transform the sociopolitical landscape of the modern world.
In this, his most accessible work to date, he offers sharp and even shockingly clear presentations of oft-misunderstood Buddhist staples-the working of karma, [...]
when is enough … enough?
A few days ago, a farmer friend drew my attention to the business world’s preoccupation, nay obsession, with growth. They’re not content with steady sales, production, and reasonable returns on investment, we agreed, no-one, especially shareholders and stock market analysts, seems content unless there’s that mystical profitability growth from year to year, even quarter to quarter.
Being neither economist [...]
buddhism and war
Non-violence is at the heart of Buddhist thinking and behaviour. The first of the five precepts that all Buddhists should follow is “Avoid killing, or harming any living thing.” Buddhism is essentially a peaceful tradition. Nothing in Buddhist scripture gives any support to the use of violence as a way to resolve conflict.
Figures like the [...]
reliable sources
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all [...]
reluctant marauders
War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death (documentary)
Excerpt from a review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat: to view a clip and read the full review at an amazing website, click here.
Begins with footage of General MacArthur at the end of World War II predicting an era of peace. But since [...]
definitely not about bunnies
.
Easter is an important period for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus two days after he was crucified. Today thousands of pilgrims, residents and tourists went to St. Peter’s Square in Rome to hear Pope Benedict XVI give Easter mass.
In his speech calling for peace in the world’s strife-torn regions, he mentioned Darfur, Somalia, Iraq, Lebanon, the Middle East, and Tibet, “all [...]
belated ‘Mawlid al-Nabi’
March 20, 2008: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Mawlid means birthday of a holy figure and al-Nabi means prophet. The day is commemorated with recollections of Muhammad’s life and significance. Fundamentalist Muslims do not celebrate it. (source)
Abu l-Qasim Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Allāh al-Hashimi al-Qurashi (Muhammad, Mohammed, Muhammed, [...]
my sins
The Latin phrase Urbi et Orbi means “to the City [of Rome] and to the World.” Originally a standard opening of Roman proclamations, it nowadays refers to a papal blessing at Easter and Christmas. In it, the pope confers the forgiveness of sins to all Catholics present in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square and (in 60+ languages) around [...]
