Built during the Srivijaya Period in the 9th Century C.E., Borobudur is one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist monuments in the world. Its structure symbolizes the entire Buddhist cosmology comprising different realms of existence. Thousands of sculptures and relief carvings chronicling the Buddha’s life adorn the enormous stupa, making it extremely rich in narratives.
Read moreEver wondered why the Buddhist Flag is so colourful?
Well, it was not originally intended to be attention-grabbing; but it is undoubtedly conspicuous and eye-catching! You see, the Flag was designed way back in 1885 in Sri Lanka. Back then, the emerging modern Buddhist movement needed a peaceful yet potent symbol to rally followers around.
Read moreThe Buddhist Flag was first hoisted in Sri Lanka on Wesak Day, 28 April 1885, when the country was still under British colonial rule. At that time, the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population felt discriminated against by the colonial authorities when carrying out their religious activities, as well as pressurized by relentless foreign evangelism. The Buddhists needed an icon to peacefully rally around, and hence, the idea of the ‘Buddhist Flag’ was conceived.
Read moreAfter almost six years of painful and ultimately futile austerities, Siddhattha Gotama abandoned the practice of self-mortification that did not lead to liberation from suffering. He then came to the bank of Nerañjara River, to the village of Senanigāma.
Read moreAfter leaving Rajagaha, Siddhattha Gotama went to the vicinity of Uruvela to further his cultivation towards liberation. There, He was joined by five ascetics in the practice of extreme abstinence from food, rest, and any semblance of comfort, in the belief that such self-mortification can lead to the liberation of the mind from craving and clinging.
Read moreIn the 7th Century BCE, Rājagaha (modern-day Rajgir) was the old capital city of Magadha Kingdom. During the reign of King Bimbisara, it was one of the largest cities in the world. King Bimbisara was a good administrator and a generous, spiritual person. Thus, many religious and meditation teachers of the day were attracted to Rājagaha due to his munificent support.
Read moreIn the 7th Century BCE, Kapilavatthu was the capital of Sakka (also spelled ‘Sakya’) Kingdom, a small but prosperous principality south of the Himalayas rich in agriculture. The most famous king to have reigned there was King Suddhodana and his consort Queen Māyādevī, who were the parents of Prince Siddhattha Gotama (who later became Sakyamuni Buddha).
Read moreLumbini Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Nepal, just 26km from the border with India. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists along with Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinara, because Prince Siddhattha Gotama (who later became Sakyamuni Buddha) was born there in 623 BCE.
Read moreThe ruins of the majestic ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’ stands proudly in the State of Bihar, India. Even in its present derelict condition, the large foundations and thick walls of its structures still inspire awe in the thousands of people who visit it annually.
Read moreToday is the full-moon day for the month of ‘Potthapāda’ (or ‘Binara’ [ බිනර ] in Sinhalese). According to Sri Lankan Theravada tradition, this day commemorates the occasion where the Buddha allowed the ordination of ‘bhikkhunīs’ (women renunciates), and thus is a very important anniversary.
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