All articles tagged with #buddhism
A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Seoul’s Jogye Temple, marking the first time a robot takes vows and leads in a Buddhist ceremony. Gabi received the Five Precepts—crafted with Gemini and ChatGPT—and pledged devotion to Buddhism, reflecting Korea’s push to integrate AI into society and keep Buddhism relevant amid shrinking adherents.
Twenty-two Buddhist monks returning from a four-day trip to Thailand were arrested at Sri Lanka's international airport after customs found 242 pounds of marijuana—worth about $3.4 million—hidden behind false walls in their luggage; a 23rd monk who organized the trip was later arrested. Investigators said the narcotics were carried by monks-in-training from various temples and schools, funded by an unnamed sponsor as a supposed 'donation' for their return. The seizure is the airport's largest kush detection in history, and the monks were remanded for seven days for further questioning.
At Sri Lanka's main international airport, 22 student monks were arrested for attempting to smuggle about 242 pounds (roughly 110 kg) of cannabis, concealed in false walls in their luggage. The group had been returning from a Thailand trip; the organizer, a 23rd monk, was later arrested in Colombo. Police said it was the largest Kush seizure at the airport, and the students remain in custody for further questioning.
Fort Worth’s Buddhist monks who walked 2,300 miles for peace—and their dog Aloka—are welcomed back home with flowers, blessings and city recognition after a grueling cross-country trek that included a monk’s injury and cold weather.
A group of about two dozen Buddhist monks is walking roughly 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. on a Walk for Peace led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, visiting state capitals to spread a message of peace with no political agenda. The pilgrimage, backed by a large social media following, has drawn everyday supporters and Christian protesters, and has faced challenges including a Texas car crash that injured two monks; they expect to arrive in Washington, D.C. around Feb. 10, 2026, possibly meeting with lawmakers as part of their mindfulness-focused journey.
Eighteen barefoot Buddhist monks have reached the halfway point of a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across the United States, a three-month trek that stops at state capitals to promote peace, compassion and Vesak and to pressure Congress to recognize Vesak as a federal holiday; the journey has faced injuries, including a crash that sent one monk to lose a leg, and the group’s rescue dog Aloka is recovering after surgery.
A Thai woman, known as Ms Golf, was arrested for blackmailing monks with videos and photos of sexual acts, allegedly extorting around $11.9 million over three years, prompting calls for reform within Thailand's revered Buddhist institution amid ongoing scandals.
The 15th Tibetan Religious Leaders Meeting was held in Dharamsala, where leaders expressed support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's recent statements, emphasized the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and discussed the political and religious significance of reincarnation, with wishes for His Holiness's long life and continued leadership.
Solar eclipses have historically evoked awe and dread in various religions, with beliefs ranging from auspicious days for spiritual practice in Tibetan Buddhism to signs of the "end times" in Christianity. In Hinduism, eclipses are seen as bad omens, leading to fasting, ritual bathing, and prayer. In Islam, a solar eclipse is a time for prayer and turning to God, while Judaism views eclipses as ill omens and opportunities for introspection.
The author reflects on his late husband's 12-year journey with dementia and Alzheimer's, sharing how his study of Buddhism helped them cope with the challenges. He discusses the application of Buddhist practices in their lives, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and love in facing the disease. Despite the difficulties, the author believes they were able to navigate the path of dementia and Alzheimer's with mindfulness and resilience, ultimately cherishing the time they had together.
Buddhists around the world are celebrating Bodhi Day, also known as Buddha's Enlightenment Day, which commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama achieved awakening and became the Buddha. The holiday is celebrated on different dates depending on the region, with Japan observing it on December 8. Bodhi Day is most commonly celebrated in East Asia's Buddhist Mahayana traditions, and observances vary but often include prayers, scripture readings, tree decorations, special meals, acts of kindness, and meditation. The Bodhi Tree, under which Gautama attained enlightenment, is considered a sacred symbol in Buddhism, and Bodh Gaya in India is a significant pilgrimage site.
Daisaku Ikeda, the head of Soka Gakkai, a global Japanese Buddhist organization, has passed away at the age of 95. Known for reviving Nichiren Buddhism and making it more accessible, Ikeda emphasized a philosophy of goodness, respect for others, and happiness. Soka Gakkai has millions of members worldwide, including celebrities like Herbie Hancock and Tina Turner. Ikeda's dedication to peace and his efforts in spreading the teachings of Buddhism have left a lasting impact. A private funeral has already been held, and a public commemorative service will be announced at a later date.
Daisaku Ikeda, the longtime leader of the lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, passed away at the age of 95. As the third president of Soka Gakkai, Ikeda played a significant role in the group's growth and influence, with a claimed membership of over 8.27 million households. He also established Komeito, a political group, and engaged in dialogue with world leaders to promote global peace. Born in Tokyo in 1928, Ikeda's experiences during World War II shaped his commitment to working for peace.
Daisaku Ikeda, the longtime leader of the lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, has passed away at the age of 95. With a claimed membership of over 8.27 million households, Soka Gakkai is one of the largest religious groups in Japan. Ikeda also established Soka Gakkai International, which has 2.8 million members in over 190 countries and territories.
Brother Spirit, a Zen Buddhist monk from Plum Village monastery in France, played a role in connecting Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff with the founders of Humane, the company behind the AI-powered screenless wearable called Ai Pin. Brother Spirit suggested that Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, former Apple employees and founders of Humane, share their ideas with Benioff. Benioff, who is also an investor in Humane, expressed belief in the potential of the Ai Pin. Brother Spirit advocates for merging technological innovation with ancient wisdom, like Buddhism, to challenge the individualistic and competitive culture of the tech industry.