BUDDHISM
NSA Ajit Doval meets Vietnam President To Lam, briefs him on visit outcomes
Ajit Doval's recent visit to Vietnam featured a meeting with President To Lam, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and strategic partnerships. They delved into critical discussions surrounding law enforcement, cyber security, maritime interests, and economic safety. Doval also engaged with key figures, including the Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers, as the nations target USD 25 billion in annual trade by 2030, enriching their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Pema Khandu inaugurates Buddha relic exposition at Tawang Monastery after 13 years
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the inauguration of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha. The relics, returning after thirteen years, will travel through three districts for devotees. Chief Minister Khandu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the event and promoting the state's cultural potential. A new Arunachal Buddhist Confederation will be established to unite local Buddhist traditions and institutions.
Don't scold the mind
Buddha's teachings provide insight into the nature of suffering caused by craving and expectations in life. Mindfulness of breathing allows individuals to become aware of their thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness, one can gently redirect attention to the breath without self-judgment. The process encourages awareness and recognition of wandering thoughts, fostering a sense of calm. This practice can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being and reducing stress.
Of truth and lies
Festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra serve as a reminder of the vital role truth plays in our lives. Dishonesty poses challenges for many, leading to negative emotional consequences. Truthfulness is a core value in numerous faiths, such as Hinduism and Islam. Kant emphasizes that lying diminishes trust in society. By cultivating truthfulness, we can combat the growing trend of deceit found in contemporary life.
AI companies turn to religion for moral guidance, but experts warn of oversimplification
As technology companies focus on developing powerful artificial intelligence, they are increasingly seeking religious guidance. Executives are collaborating with philosophers and faith leaders to navigate ethical challenges. Many warn that simplifying religion into rules may ignore its cultural complexities. Scholars express concern that this approach could distort certain traditions while favoring others. The ongoing dialogue raises important questions about how AI should reflect diverse moral viewpoints.
Thiksey Gustor Festival 2026: Why Ladakh’s Ancient Masked Dance Ritual Is Worth Witnessing
Thiksey Gustor Festival 2026 is scheduled for October 28–29 at Thiksey Monastery near Leh, Ladakh. The annual Buddhist celebration features sacred Cham masked dances, colourful costumes, ceremonial music and traditional prayers. Discover the festival’s spiritual significance, its symbolism of overcoming negative forces, the history of Thiksey Monastery and essential travel tips for visitors exploring Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage.
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Hindus who convert to another religion can't claim reservation: SC upholds Madras HC order on quota
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's plea challenging a Madras High Court order on reservation for converts to Islam. The top court upheld the ruling that a person converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class category on the basis of conversion, stating that social backwardness cannot be transferred from the Hindu social order to a non-Hindu social order.
Converts from Hindu can't claim quota on previous status: SC
The Supreme Court ruled that converts from Hinduism cannot claim reservation benefits from their previous caste status. This decision followed a Tamil Nadu government's appeal against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court had allowed such claims for Hindu converts to Islam from marginalized communities. However, the Supreme Court emphasized that conversion does not automatically confer membership in another backward-class community.
'Massive blow to Congress' appeasement politics': BJP after Supreme Court's conversion ruling
The Supreme Court recently upheld a Madras High Court ruling on backward reservation benefits for converts. It stated that backwardness cannot be carried forward after converting to Islam. BJP hailed the judgement as a significant setback for the appeasement politics of opposition parties. The ruling specifically addresses that only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists can be recognisaed under scheduled castes.
Centre imposing 'unofficial emergency', alleges Abhijeet Dipke after 2 CJP leaders sent to jail
Abhijeet Dipke of the Cockroach Janta Party criticized the Modi government for detaining CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The leaders were taken into custody for waving the national flag at Jantar Mantar, which raised questions about their alleged offense. Dipke claimed that this incident reflects an unofficial emergency imposed by the government. He urged for an official declaration of an emergency if such actions are to continue.
Bhutan PM calls PM Modi ‘Avatar of Vishnu’, Tshering Tobgay compares his leadership to Kalki who is believed to restore dharma
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an “avatar of Vishnu” and praised his leadership, work ethic and vision for a developed India. Tobgay recalled his meeting with Modi and linked enlightened leadership to wisdom, compassion and courage.
Knowing nobody
In 'Tales of Kitagaki', Governor Kitagaki's ornate title fails to impress Zen Master Gasan, who values the essence of a person over status. By crossing out the title, Kitagaki reveals his true self, reflecting on the deeper identity that exists beyond societal labels. This situation highlights the conflict between our constructed identities and our intrinsic nature.
Scholar and botanist, who was 'living encyclopaedia' of plants, wrote 30 books, lived 80 years without electricity, owned just two saris. Who was Dr Hema Sane?
She was a renowned scholar in botany and a walking encyclopaedia of plants. However, late botanist and educator Dr Hema Sane lived eight decades without electricity and conducted a very simple life – that was without much frills or luxury and near to nature and animals.
Quote of the day by Stephen Levine: ‘Our suffering is caused by holding on to how things might have been…’; life lesson on how to cope with grief, not be overwhelmed by regret from American poet-author
It is completely natural to spend our life regretting our past decisions, ruminating on our failures. In an old interview, author Stephen Levine explained that instead of being obsessed with such thoughts, which only added to our grief, we should learn to live with it, accept we cannot alter the past and learn from the experience.
Quote of the day by Alan Watts: ‘The meaning of life is just to be alive. So simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if…’ American author on why living in the present matters more than chasing success
Alan Watts' quote remind individuals about the significance of experiencing the present moment. Many people suffer from anxiety and burnout due to the pressure of achieving future goals. He argues that true fulfillment comes from appreciating life as it occurs and not as a means to an end. Individuals are encouraged to redefine success beyond external achievements and to embrace simple existence.
Japanese Mindset: 'Monozukuri'-The Japanese philosophy that turns making things into a lifelong practice of precision and mastery
Japanese Mindset: Monozukuri emphasizes the significance of the craftsperson and the process of creating high-quality products. It combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with personal growth, showing how attention and care influence outcomes. The concept suggests that the maker is transformed alongside the object being created, fostering skills and discipline. Engaging deeply with materials can enhance one’s craftsmanship and overall experience.
The 'curious' case of Buddhist Studies department: Why it remains an epicentre in DUSU politics
This year, seven of the 10 candidates who contested the four central-panel posts in the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections were from the Department of Buddhist Studies, including both presidential candidates -- ABVP's Yash Dabas and NSUI's Vijai Shankar Meena.
At 76, PM Narendra Modi’s journey runs from a Gujarat town to the world stage
Narendra Modi Biography: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns seventy-six on September seventeenth. His political journey began in Vadnagar and led him to national leadership. Modi served as Gujarat's chief minister for over a decade. He became India's prime minister in two thousand fourteen. Modi now holds the record for India's longest-serving elected prime minister.
Quote of the day by Lena Headey: 'Freedom isn’t free at all, that it comes with the highest of costs. The cost of blood.' Life lessons from inspiring quote on privileges, achievement, true strength, hard work, courage and sacrifice
Quote of the day by Lena Headey highlights the link between freedom, sacrifice and courage. Spoken by Headey as Queen Gorgo in the 2006 film 300, the saying explains that freedom can come with a human cost. It also offers lessons about appreciating rights, understanding sacrifice, standing up for others, working for important goals and recognising the effort needed to protect peace, safety and independence.
This 20-year-old Chinese restaurant in Bengaluru is run by a Mandarin family, but it serves veg-only food
Fortune Chinese Vegetarian Kitchen in Bengaluru’s Koramangala has been serving Chinese food without meat since 2006. Run by a family with roots in China, the restaurant was recently featured by the Instagram page Lets Eat Bengaluru, prompting users to share their experiences and recommend dishes. The small eatery offers vegetarian favourites including wontons, Mapo tofu, noodles and fried rice.
IndiGo to start direct Guwahati-Bangkok flights from October 27
IndiGo will launch twice-weekly non-stop flights between Guwahati and Bangkok from October 27, marking its first international operations from Guwahati. The route will give Northeast India direct connectivity to Thailand and strengthen Guwahati’s position as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
He built Hawell’s from one ice cream shop to 22 branches. Why is he selling the $6 million business after 27 years?
After building Hawell’s from a single ice cream shop into a 22-branch business within just three years, founder Siripong Akkarasriyuk is now putting the company up for sale for 165 million baht. After more than two decades in the ice cream business, Siripong plans to step away from entrepreneurship and enter monkhood, dedicating the next chapter of his life to Buddhist practice.
Spiritual Lesson of the day by Thich Nhat Hanh: ‘The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to present moment, we cannot be...’; Vietnamese monk’s lesson on finding peace in the now
Thich Nhat Hanh is attributed with the quote, “The past is gone, the future is not yet here,” reminding us to return to the present moment. The Vietnamese monk’s teaching highlights how regrets and worries can pull attention away from life as it unfolds. By practising mindfulness through breathing, walking, eating or listening, we can reconnect with ourselves and find greater peace.
As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?
In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a "hip" trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the fundamentals of the faith. "If Buddhism is consumed merely as a 'good image', its newfound hipness may prove to be little more than a passing trend," said an editorial in the Hyunbulnews newspaper, a Buddhist outlet.
Mahakala in Baghdad: How Buddhism and Tantra reshaped Islamic thought
A compelling historical transformation uncovers the distinctions between early Muslim rulers, known as Sultans, and the Mughal Badshahs that followed. This evolution, shaped by Tantrik Buddhism from Tibet, led Mughal leaders to assert divine authority independently of the Caliphate.
Buddhism as prosperity gospel
Merchants played a significant role in the spread and support of Buddhism, as evidenced by various Buddhist scriptures and historical sites along trade routes. They funded the construction of stupas and other religious activities, intertwining Buddhism with trade and economic prosperity.
Buddhism separate religion; Hindus must seek permission to convert: Gujarat govt circular
The circular, dated April 8, said that the law and the rules under it are being arbitrarily interpreted across district magistrate offices and it has been noted that proper procedure is not being followed in case of permitting conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism's future: Journey of 8-year-old 10th Bogd Lama caught amidst political turmoil
In a tale of unexpected spiritual destiny, an 8-year-old boy, A. Altannar, born into a wealthy Mongolian mining family, has been declared the 10th reincarnation of the Bogd, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
India's historical connection to Buddhism goes back two millennia
India, the place of origin of Buddhism, has a close spiritual connection to the faith. Scholars and priests travelled throughout far-off nations on pilgrimages while carrying the Buddha's teachings during the height of India's supremacy. Buddhism was spread throughout Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as a result of this mystical journey, frequently via Sri Lanka's dynamic centre.
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