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Buddhist Tourism introduces interesting stories of places, people and activities related to Buddhism

03/12/2021

For those of you interested in Buddhist travels / Buddhist Tourism, tune to this interesting webinar. FREE REGISTRATION here: https://tourismwebinar.com/

20/08/2021

Qizil Grottoes, Xinjiang, China

Qizil Grottoes are a set of Buddhist rock-cut caves on the cliff of Qul-tagh Mountain about 65 km west of present Kucha town of Xinjiang. The Mountain is located just by the side of the Muzart River. These Grottoes are of great historical significance because they are the earliest Buddhist caves of China, much older than the well-known Magao Cave of Dunhuang. Not only that, this grottoes complex is the most centralized and largest in scale, thus was considered one of the four major Buddhist grottoes of China.

Today, there are 236 caves listed in Qizil Grottes out of possibly six hundred over in total. These caves are divided into six groups, of which Qizil grottoes complex is the largest, and the earliest to have constructed. The architectural designs of the caves as well as the wall murals, strongly reflect the unique style practiced by the ancient Kucha artisans, though some reflected the designs of Gandhara school of Buddhist arts. The types of Qizil Buddhist arts, a mixture of Gandharan with local elements, later influenced the developments and designs of Buddhist grottoes in mainland of China.

Read more: http://buddhistravel.com/index.php?id=56,675,0,0,1,0

02/07/2021

The Pursuit of Peace in Malaysia: Places, Pieces and People

Sometime in 2019, Buddhistravel.com was approached by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand (MOTS) to provide them information on some aspects of Buddhist Tourism in Malaysia. Their request was to outline 3 categories, or as they called it the 3Ps, namely: Places, Pieces and People. Places refers to well known or unique Buddhist locations in the country. Pieces are about popular Buddha images, and People refers to well known Buddhist personalities (monks and nuns) who have contributed to the development of Buddhism in Malaysia. As a result, the book titled “The Pursuit of Peace: Places, Pieces and People” was published (MOTS, Thailand, 2020). It is believed that for the first time, prominent Buddhist locations and people from Malaysia are being introduced worldwide through public acknowledgement from an important Buddhist country. This booklet pulls out the section on Malaysia. We hope that this is just the start of an on-going effort to promote the image of Malaysian Buddhism to the larger world, which we sincerely believe is a hidden gem whose time has come for people to come and see.

http://buddhistravel.com/The%20Pursuit%20of%20Peace%20in%20Malaysia%20-%20Places,%20Pieces%20and%20People.pdf

25/05/2021

The Triratna - Buddhism first global icon
by Lim Kooi Fong, The Buddhist Channel, Wesak 2021 (2564 BE)

The Triratna (Pali: ti-ratana) is a Buddhist symbol which is thought to have been prevalent during the reign of King Ashoka, the great Maurya ruler (c. 268 – 232 BCE). The symbol represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha.

It is shaped by a trident the 'trisula' - a popular ancient Indian symbol at the time, framed with two golden fish on the left and on the right. The two fishes represents the Yamuna river on one side, and the Ganga on the other. These two rivers, regarded as the most sacred in India, joined as one to form the mighty Ganga. When they were adopted into Buddhism, the fish came to symbolize happiness and spontaneity, due to their freedom to move through water. In a deeper sence, this was freedom from the cycles of birth and death.

The central spine between the fish is a parallelogram - which is always four in numbers - that represents the four fold assemby of the monks, nuns, layman and laywomen.

Further below the trisula is the Dhammacakra, the Dhamma wheel which represents the rolling forward of the Buddha's teachings. In the Sanchi triratna symbol, framed within the wheel is an eight petals lotus. The circle declares the Buddha's unsoiled purity and also represents the Noble Eight Fold Path, the path leading to the end of dukkha (disfactoriness with life).

The concept of this sacred motif gained prominence when they were incorporated into the stupas of Sanchi and Amaravati. The Triratna became the iconification of Buddhism across the Indian sub continent. It has to be remembered that during the time of its popularity (circa 3rd to 2nd century BCE), Buddhism was still using aniconic symbols to represent the teachings. The Buddha in anthropomorphic depiction was still two hundred years away.

It helped that great rulers like Ashoka was patron of the Buddha Dhamma. After his reign, future rulers such as those from the Indo-Greek King Menander (middle of the second century BCE), the Kuninda Kingdom c. first century BCE and Kanishka of the Kushanas (first century CE) continued to support the religion. Testimonies of their faith lies in the depiction of the triratna in coins from these eras. And since these kingdoms lie along the route of the great ancient silk road, it would only be a matter of time before Buddhism slipped into this stream and traversed out of India and into the big wide world.

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The http://BuddhistChannel.tv wishes all its readers a Blessed Vesak 2021 (2564 BE)

06/05/2021

Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan, China

The Giant Buddha of Leshan is carved on Lingyun Hill, east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of three rivers, namely, Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River which is not far away from Mount Emei. The statue depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. The statue makes itself the most renowned scenic spot in Leshan City. In December, 1996, the location of the Buddha was included by UNESCO on the list of the World Heritage sites. As the biggest carved stone Buddha in the world, Leshan Giant Buddha is featured in poetry, song and story.

The solemn Buddha is 71 meters high and its head itself is 14.7 meters high. Its ear is 6.2 meters long, eye 3.3 meters wide, and shoulder 34 meters wide. Its head is covered with 1,021 chignons. Its middle finger is 8.3 meters long, and each of the feet are 11 meters long and 8.5 meters wide, large enough to accommodate more than 100 people sitting on it. The huge figure sits with his hands resting on his knees, his head reaching the hilltop and his feet the river, occupying the entire hillside.

The charm of the Buddha lies not only in its size but also in its architectural artistry. There are 1,021 buns in the Buddha's coiled hair. These have been skillfully embedded in the head. The skill is so wonderful that the 1,021 buns seem integral to the whole.

02/10/2020

The Silk Road in Xinjiang
Articles and Photographs contibuted by Yap Pak Choong (C) 2020

A fascinating account of various Buddhist sites in Hotan (Khotan), Tashkurgan and Kashgar. See the remains of Rawak Buddhist Complex, The Melikawat Ruins, the Stone Fortress at Tashkurgan and the Ruins of Moer Buddhist Pagoda.

Visit Buddhist Travel to get an insight into this incredible journey: http://buddhistravel.com/index.php?id=56,674,0,0,1,0

20/07/2020

Mt. Kailash, A Pilgrim’s Companion

After Mount Everest, Mount Kailash is the most celebrated mountain in the Himalayas. The name Kailash is derived from the Sanskrit kailāśā meaning ‘crystal’. It is 6,714 meters (22,028 ft.) above sea level and some 2000 meters above the surrounding plain. Technically Mt. Kailash is not in the Himalayas but in what is called either the Gangdise Range or the Kailash Range which runs parallel to the Himalayas. Despite its fame it is by no means the highest mountain in the Himalayas, not even the highest in the region. It is commonly said that Mt. Kailash is ‘sacred’ to Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and the followers of Bon, but this statement needs to be qualified as far as early Buddhism is concerned. According to the Buddha, going to “sacred mountains, trees or shrines” cannot impart any significant spiritual benefit (Dhp.188-92). Neither did he teach that a ritual like circumambulation of a mountains could purify negative kamma or lead to enlightenment. Only wisdom can do that. If spiritual advancement was as quick and convenient as a three-day walk around a mountain we would not need the Buddha and his precious Dhamma.

Read more: http://budblooms.org/2020/07/19/mt-kailash-a-pilgrims-companion/

04/07/2020

Asahna Bucha Festival in Thailand

Today, Thailand marks the beginning of Asahna Bucha (elsewhere is Asia, Asalha Puja) Day. This Buddhist festival, which takes place on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, celebrates the day when the Buddha held his first sermon at a deer park at Benares in India after his enlightenment to his first five disciples some 2,600 years ago.

At this sermon, the Dharma was symbolised as a wheel, called the "Dharmachakra", or the "Wheel of Life", "Wheel of Law" or "Wheel of Doctrine". This symbol can be seen on flags in temples and buildings all across Thailand. Similarly, pictures of deer can often be seen at temples or in depictions of the Buddha to represent the first sermon at the deer park.

The day after Asahna Bucha is another significant day with Wan Khao Phansa marking the start of the three-month ‘Phansa‘ period which is sometimes referred to as ‘Buddhist Lent’ (elsewhere known as Vassa).

In Nakhon Phanom, the Lao-influenced culture here gives a different twist to the Khao Phansa celebrations. The festival centres on the iconic local pagoda of Wat Phra That Phanom and there is always a procession of exquisitely carved candles to enjoy as well as the Miss Candle Beauty contest where local beauties hope to be named winner. The tradition of donating candles dates back to the times before electricity where extra light was needed at the temple during the darker days of the rainy season. Local people will also ‘wian tian‘ which involves walking around the wat with a lit candle, lotus flowers and incense.

28/06/2020

Deur Kothar: The Earliest evidence of Buddhism

Recent archaeological discoveries made in India have pushed back evidence for Buddhism, and therefore for the Buddha himself, to perhaps only nine or ten generations after his time, perhaps even an earlier than the evidence provided by King Asoka’s inscriptions. This evidence has come from a so far little-known and remote site in the northern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in a location called Deur Kothar. This place sits on the top of a high, steep-sided plateau which must have been on or near the famous Dakkhinapatha, the main route from the Middle Land, i.e. the Ganges valley where the Buddha’s life and mission unfolded, to the Dakkhina, i.e. the South, what is now called the Deccan. This road passed in the north, the famous stupa of Barhut and the even more famous stupa of Sanchi in central India. It was
one of the main routes monks took as they spread Buddhism throughout India. Deur Kothar was discovered in 1982 and the first excavations were done there in 1999-2000.

Excavations done at Deur Kothar have unearthed four brick stupas dating from the time of King Asoka and some thirty others made mainly of stone. Also found are numerous foundations of early monasteries, ancient pathways, water cisterns and some fifty caves and rock overhangs, some of which show evidence of being lived in, almost certainly by monks. On the walls of one of these caves is a much-faded painting of a stupa and a tree surrounded by a railing, almost certainly meant to be the Bodhi Tree that the Buddha was sitting under when he was Enlightened. Excavation of the monasteries has revealed coins, beautifully made bangles, small clay sculptures, and various copper objects. Also found has been iron and copper slag suggesting that metallurgy may have taken place in some of these monasteries, perhaps at a later date for making small images.

All these discoveries are of enormous importance to the history of India and of Buddhism in particular, and have aroused great excitement amongst Indian archaeologists and historians. When ordinary people hear of important and exciting archaeological discoveries they think of dazzling treasure, of Indiana Jones kind of objects. Nothing could be further from the truth of the discoveries at Deur Kothar. The location is dry and rugged, the structures are impressive to the eye, and the objects uncovered do not glitter or shine. In fact, everything about Deur Kothar would be underwhelming to the average untrained person. But to the trained eye they might well fill big and frustrating gapes in the early history of Buddhism.

Read the full article here: http://budblooms.org/2020/05/10/deur-kothar-the-earliest-evidence-of-buddhism/

21/10/2019

Have you ever wondered how early Thais greeted Khatina - the end of Lent or vassa (Thai: Khatin)?

In Sukhothai, under the reign of its founder King Ram Khamhaeng (1279 - 1298 AD), the heart of Khatin ceremonies was the King's presentation of robes and gifts to the Sangha. This act affirms his role as supreme protector of Theravada Buddhism.

Sukhothai's Khatin ceremonies usually lasted a month, which included donations of cowries (shells, used as money), flowers, cushion and betel nuts. Sukhothai's citizens went in procession to the Sangharaja's wihan (shrine hall), and then returned to the city, forming a line all the way from the monastery to the parade ground.

Today, remnants of King Ramkamhaeng's dedication to the Buddhist faith can be seen in the relics and artifacts of Wat Saphan Hin. In the well preserved Wat Mahathat (stupa of the Great Relics), a stele (stem of ancient tree) found there provides a wealth of information about the great King Ramkhamhaeng and the history of both the Sukhothai empire and the temple.

If you visit: Sukhothai is serviced by air from Bangkok via Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Lion Air. You can also take Bangkok Airways to nearby Phisunalok but needs to travel 45 minutes by road to reach Sukhothai.

Best time to visit: October to December.

16/10/2019

Elegant Buddha, Sukhothai Style

Thai Sukhothai art refers to the art and style of the Sukhothai Empire period. It was was inspired by Theravada Buddhism which created a new style in which spiritual serenity is merged with human form and reflected in the numerous images of the Buddha.

Sculptors did not base their images on strict human form but on interpretations of metaphors from religious verse and Pali language scriptures.

This pose depicts the Buddha walking after his enlightenment on a circular lotus base. The Buddha hand position is in the vitarka mudra explaining to his devotees the Buddhist Dharma.

The vitarka mudra is a gesture of discussion and debate. It indicates communication and an explanation of the Dharma. The tips of the thumb and index finger touch, forming a circle. All other fingers are extended upwards.

Where to see these Buddha images: Thailand
Origin: Sukhothai (circa 900-1300 AD)

14/10/2019

Lay Buddhists who yearn after good and well being often seek refuge in temples and monks, looking for "blessings". While not many take to learning the suttas, such as the Mangala Sutta (Discourse on Blessings), they are much more familiar - and comfortable with - in partaking blessing rituals.

Scenes of small groups of people or individuals placing their palms together, usually with eyes closed, while kneeling in front of a chanting monk are commonly seen throughout the day in Theravada Buddhism shrine halls.

The soothing voice of the chanting monk emits Buddha's sayings delivered in an ancient language called Pali. While some devottees know some basic verses, many will just opt to listen to the chant without understanding any of the meaning. All they know is that they are holy sounds.

Once the chanting stops, the monks then "blesses" the devotees with holy water. They do this by dipping a flower into a bowl of water and sprinkling them onto the heads of the devotees. This water sprinkling act replicates the teachings of the Ratana Sutta (the Jewel Discourse), where the Buddha was reported to have brought torrential rain to cleanse the city of Vesali of decaying co**se caused by a major famine.

When this water blessing is done, the monk then tie yellow strings around their wrist. The string, which symbolises the sangha's robes, offers a reminder to the wearer the merits of walking the path of Buddha's teachings, the Dhamma.

When this is done, the devotees make the 5 points prostration three times. These five points are the parts of the body which touches the floor when they bow down, namely: the two knees, the two palms and the forehead. The three bows are offered to the Triple Gem, that is Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

The ceremony ends by the devotees chanting Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! which means "excellence", a common aural ending to most Buddhist activities.

Supporting the aura of the blessing ceremony, the shrine hall is dressed with many symbolic items representing the Buddha's Enlightenment, such as beautiful bouquet of flowers (signifying impermanence), water vessels (representing purity) and candles/oil lamps (marking Enlightenment). Of course, it is not complete without the large Buddha image sitting sagely in the hall over looking all those who come to seek refuge.

What are these blessings for? They could be for anything - birthday celebrations, requests for well being of close relatives who are unwell, blessings for good examination results, blessing offered after wedding registration, or just generally when one feels like having one.

If you fancy experiencing a blessing ceremony such as the above, it is available throughout the day at the Buddhist Mahavihara at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Just go to the main shrine hall and request for the service of a resident monk there.

Where: Usually at the main shrine hall, Buddhist Mahavihara, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
When available: Any time of the day.
Who administers: Resident monks in the temple.
Language used: English and Pali

12/10/2019

Thai Wat Chetawan (วัดเชตวัน) in Petaling Jaya reflects one of the finest of Thai Temple architecture outside of Thailand. The architectural plans was drawn by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, based in Bangkok, which also oversaw the construction of the temple. Skilled craftsmen from Thailand and local builders worked together to create the main shrine hall or Vihara (Viharn). The structure, heavily gilded in gold leaves, intricately decorated with multi-coloured glass tiles, and crowned with a multi tiered roof trimmed with chor fahs, represented the most stunning Thai temple architecture in the Klang Valley.

This is the only temple in the Klang Valley where the Royal Insignia of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is mounted on the front gable of the building. His Majesty also donated the main shrine Buddha image named Phra Buddha Thammeen. This is considered a rare honour, reflecting His Majesty’s special consideration and compassion towards Wat Chetawan.

The Government of Malaya helped in the cause of developing the temple via a grant approved by the then Prime Minister, YM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. The Tunku is said (by himself) to be of partial Siamese descent. The Selangor state government generously donated two acres of land for this purpose.

Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Tradition: Thai Theravada

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Have you ever wondered how early Thais greeted Khatina - the end of Lent or vassa (Thai: Khatin)? In Sukhothai, under the reign of its founder King Ram Khamhaeng (1279 - 1298 AD), the heart of Khatin ceremonies was the King's presentation of robes and gifts to the Sangha. This act affirms his role as supreme protector of Theravada Buddhism. Sukhothai's Khatin ceremonies usually lasted a month, which included donations of cowries (shells, used as money), flowers, cushion and betel nuts. Sukhothai's citizens went in procession to the Sangharaja's wihan (shrine hall), and then returned to the city, forming a line all the way from the monastery to the parade ground. Today, remnants of King Ramkamhaeng's dedication to the Buddhist faith can be seen in the relics and artifacts of Wat Saphan Hin. In the well preserved Wat Mahathat (stupa of the Great Relics), a stele (stem of ancient tree) found there provides a wealth of information about the great King Ramkhamhaeng and the history of both the Sukhothai empire and the temple. If you visit: Sukhothai is serviced by air from Bangkok via Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Lion Air. You can also take Bangkok Airways to nearby Phisunalok but needs to travel 45 minutes by road to reach Sukhothai. Best time to visit: October to December. #sukhothai #thailandtourism #thailand