Posts tagged Buddhism
Why It’s Birthrates (And Not Beliefs) That Are Shaping Global Faith

(ANALYSIS) This may be unsettling to those who’ve invested in the idea of a steadily secularizing globe, but the numbers don’t lie. In the long run, the groups that reproduce tend to shape the narrative. If religion continues to dominate global culture through the 21st century, it won’t be because it won a war of ideas. It’ll be because believers have more babies.

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How Are Popes And Other World Religious Leaders Chosen?

Saturday’s majestic open-air funeral for Pope Francis is now followed by election of the next pope by the College of Cardinals in a process shrouded in secrecy. Indeed, the Latin root for “conclave” means “locked room”). Its legendary status was underscored in January when the fictionalized movie thriller “Conclave” was nominated for Best Picture and other Oscars.

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‘Voice For The Voiceless’: The Dalai Lama’s Struggle For Tibet And Religious Survival

(REVIEW) The Dalai Lama has hopes for Tibet, but as someone who knows the feeling of having governance forced upon him all too well, he does not say that these conditions are the absolutely correct ones. Instead, he makes clear that neither the CCP nor he should decide the destiny of the Tibetan people. While the Dalai Lama expresses disappointment at the fact that he will likely not return to Tibet.

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What ‘The White Lotus’ Gets Wrong About Common Buddhist Practices

(ANALYSIS) While the Thai Buddhism depicted in “The White Lotus” is not completely realistic, there are several authentic ways to engage deeply with Buddhism, ranging from offering donations to short meditation retreats to ordination as a monastic. The series depicts an American woman who is interested in joining a yearlong meditation program at a temple, even though they do not offer such programs.

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Crossroads Podcast: Why Current Religion Trends Are So Confusing

While we were recording the podcast this week, I told Lutheran Public Radio listeners that I was well aware that much of the information I was sharing was rather complex, if not downright confusing. That was kind of the point. When it comes to statistical trends in religion, we live in a very, very confusing age.

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How Japanese Anime Draws On Buddhist, Shinto And Samurai Traditions

(ANALYSIS) Many have spent years studying and teaching Japanese anime, exploring how its narratives intertwine with cultural, philosophical and religious traditions. One of the most compelling aspects of Japanese anime is its ability to merge thrilling action with deep spiritual and ethical questions. It’s this mix of Buddhist and Shinto traditions that have helped make anime the very popular storytelling form it is today.

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Christian Ministry Heals Bodies — And Souls — In A Buddhist Nation

Cambodia Christian Ministries models the medical missions it hosts after Jesus’ example, Meierhofer said, referencing Matthew 4:23. About 93% of Cambodia’s 17 million people are Buddhist, making it essential that the Christian nonprofit work within government systems to spread the Gospel.

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Remembering China’s Buddhist Empress Who Paved The Way For Future Female Rulers

(ANALYSIS) Even though the Empress Dowager Ling’s rule was problematic and short — resulting in her assassination — she laid the foundation for other, more successful female rulers across medieval East Asia. Empress Dowager Ling was not a warrior, but she embraced martial symbols of her own power that were available to women in Taghbach culture, not in Chinese culture.

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After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes

As the U.S. continues to evolve religiously, the Pew study underscores the complex and shifting nature of religious belief and practice in America. While Christianity remains the dominant faith, trends suggest that the future may hold further diversification — something fueled by immigration, secularization and the beliefs of Gen Z.

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‘Faith In The Dharma’: Advocate For Universal Values By Using Compassion

(OPINION) The Buddha didn’t suggest that monks and nuns become society’s moral police, dictating correct behavior and enforcing his rules. Rather, by living simply within his guidelines and refraining from harm, monastic communities can exemplify ethical living. By deliberately cultivating equanimity, love, compassion and empathic joy, they could inspire others to do the same.

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This Valentine’s Day, Connect With Others By Trying Loving-Kindness Meditation

(ANALYSIS) Love is one of the richest and most diverse human emotions. There are many ways to experience love — so this holiday, as a scholar of mindfulness and communication, I encourage you to try out a practice of “metta,” or loving-kindness.

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America’s Religious Heritage And Trump’s New Transgender Agenda

(ANALYSIS) With the transgender policies among President Trump’s blizzard of new executive orders, further explanation is needed on the cultural reality of deep-seated religious concepts. In particular, the resolutely “binary” Bible depicts humans as either male or female and underlies 2,000 years of Jewish and Christian teaching. Similarly with the Quran and Muslims. How should that heritage affect secular society and policy? 

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Keeping The Faith: Religious Pilgrimages Are Back In A Big Way

In an era of secularism, where discussions often center around the decline of religious belief, going on a pilgrimage may seem outdated. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The appeal of religious tourism attracts people of all ages. As many make plans for the coming summer, this type of tourism has become big business in a post-pandemic world.

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Hongbao: A History Of The Red Envelopes Given Out At Lunar New Year

(ANALYSIS) Red envelopes, known as hongbao in Mandarin, are a cherished cultural tradition in China and many other parts of Asia. In China, the vibrant red color symbolizes good fortune and joy. Hongbao can be given during many various festive and joyful occasions, and they are a prominent feature of Lunar New Year.

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US Has Low Levels Of ‘Religious Nationalism,’ But Its Impact Stands Out

The United States has a “relatively low level of religious nationalism” compared to other countries, but its impact on politics and society is particularly notable among high-income nations. The Pew Research Study released on Tuesday examined the role of religion worldwide by surveying people across 36 countries.

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The 300-Year-Old Monastery in Japan That’s Full of Westerners

(ESSAY) Over the course of our hour together, Sokyu had walked me through the 16-year journey which had taken him from a mundane life n Budapest to a Hungarian witch who claimed to see angels and healed by waving her hands over him, then finally to an 18th-century Zen monastery in the mountains of rural Japan.

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What Buddhism Can Teach Us In This Moment Of Deep Divisions

(ANALYSIS) Democracy depends upon using words wisely. With the right words, citizens can live and work together, even in disagreement – and resolve conflicts peacefully. A lesson from Buddhism seems particularly apt in this moment of enemyship: Treat the people you disagree with as mistaken rather than evil.

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Cosmic Comics: 3 Graphic Novels Highlighting Faith That Are Worth A Read

(ANALYSIS) In the company of endless superhero comics and Japanese pirate manga lives a delightfully sizable population of religious graphic novels. This is fitting, as perhaps the oldest comics are religious. Regardless of intention, what do ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics read like if not a comic strip? Here’s a look at three stories that touch upon faith.

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What Happens When Christianity and Buddhism Are Forced To Compete?

(REVIEW) Many of us might be acquainted with conventional narratives that combine 19th century colonialism and Christianity with cultural suppression and forced conversion in Asian territories where local inhabitants fought back intruders and crushed evangelical missions. Thailand, however, has a different history.

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