Historic Buddhist Statues Destroyed in Maldives by Extremists. Why?

(PHOTO CREDIT: "Light of Buddha" by Loster20 for Free Digital Photos.net)

Similar to the Afghan Islamic Taliban’s destruction of the priceless Buddhist and other historic artifacts in 2001, an Islamic Extremist group has vandalized and destroyed precious Buddhist and Hindu statues in the Maldives which can never be made the same again to preserve the history. 

JAMES: This kind of destruction is derived from extremist beliefs, which are almost always rooted in fear of anything different. Any extreme, (whether liberal, conservative or religious) is dangerous because when you believe that you alone are good, and anything not like you is bad, then you're more likely to justify intolerance, destruction and death. The really sad aspect of this story is how anybody can be so consumed with fear and hatred that they feel the need to lash out in such a way.

A person that rotted with rage can not help but be miserable. Deep down inside, in their private moments of reflection, they must be suffering deeply. It's tragic that they can't see that they don't have to live this way to feel happy. Destroying an ancient statue is tragic, but statues crumble with time anyway. Yet hatred never ceases in its ability to destroy happiness, lives, families, countries and whole planets.

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

Meet the Buddha in Nature.

We all love the stunning beauty of the great Buddhist temples and shrines that stir the heart spiritually. However, I have found just as much spiritual inspiration in the forests and mountains as any ancient holy site. Perhaps that's because since I was a small boy, here in the mountains of Colorado, I have spent countless hours communing with the whispering pines and listening to the profound babbling of the meandering streams. Stood with rapture and awe atop the highest mountain-tops, as well as meditated in fields of wildflowers whose perfumes were every bit as relaxing as temple incense.

All of these wonders and shines in nature sooth even the most anxious mind into a state of pure relaxation and total awareness. For who can't stand in mindful wonder when gazing upon a misty, shrouded peak, or a dazzling stream? Is it any wonder than that many of the Buddhist holy shrines are built atop mountains and deep within forests? The Buddha was a nature lover himself.

The cities were too chaotic for a mind seeking rest, and so Buddha gave himself to nature. Fasting, he meditated under a sturdy tree, pondering the meaning of life. At night the twinkling stars would keep watch and give him encouragement toward realizing the world-changing revelations that his deep meditation would bring us. It was in nature that he came to the profound conclusion of Buddhism--balance. He found that fasting, or starving himself did not take away his suffering. But, he also knew his former princely life of gluttony wasn't satisfying either. For him, it was only on a balanced, middle-path that mental freedom could be found. He saw in nature that one plant or animal can not exist or survive without other plants and animals. This harmony and balance of a middle path between extremes would come to settle his mind to where the Dharma would pour from his newly balanced mind.

It is our calling as Buddhists today to return to Mother Nature, meditate within and work to protect it for future generations. If you have trouble feeling mindful, aware or present when meditating, try doing it out in nature. Only, don't close your eyes...leave them wide open but otherwise meditate as usual and I bet you that you will have an easier time centering into that present moment in nature than almost anywhere else. If you live in a city with no real nature to go into then try a public park, a backyard or a bike path where there are often benches. You can just sit there quietly and look ahead at the nature--the life unfolding right in front of you and sync it with your deep breathing. It will empty you of stress and rejuvenate your body better than a pot of coffee. And, to those passing by on the path they just see you sitting with your eyes open, smiling perhaps and enjoying the park/bike path/open space. They won't have any idea that you are deeply meditating. For this reason, it's a nice way to meditate in public without drawing unwanted attention.

PHOTO: I took this picture of the gurgling stream above Miller Falls near Tracy City, Tennessee in 2011.

---i bow to all beings known and unknown~

Thai Buddhist Monk: The Hands of Change.

Those tattooed and weathered hands and arms have seen a lot of change and yet they are still relaxed. They are a testament that the Buddha's teachings stand the test of time. The tattoos speak of the wisdom his body has absorbed from a lifetime of practicing the Dharma. If those hands could talk, I'm sure they'd have quite an inspiring story to tell!!

~I bow the Buddha within all beings~

Stop Joseph Kony from Torturing and Enslaving Kids in 2012.

There is a monster loose in Africa and he's praying on children to enslave them into his army or marry them as child brides. This is intolerable and we can do something about it. All it takes is the will, the right tools and the internet. Please, watch this short 30 minute video on how we do this. Today we are more interconnected than ever, so let's put that power to good use and save the children of Uganda!!

If your heart is called to action, as was mine after watching this video, please visit the "Invisible Children" website by clicking on this sentence. As Buddhists, we understand the power of interconnection and interdependent actions. This is a very doable goal, but only if we all take a few minutes out of our day to be present with the world and unite out collective compassion. It's easy to say, "Well, I'm only one voice, what can I do?" That is all changed in today's digital realm. When one person joins with other individuals, then we become an unstoppable wave of change. The time is now. Please join me in this effort by visiting "The Invisible Children" website to stop Joseph Kony!!
~Peace to all beings~

Henry David Thoreau the Buddhist?

This quote from the great early American writer, Henry David Thoreau sounds very similar to something you'd hear said in Buddhism. Perhaps the similarity stems from Thoreau's transcendental beliefs. IMAGE CREDIT: www.quotablecards.com

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

The Power of Living in the Present Moment.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kyodo for the Japan Times

The Dalai Lama comforts a child in Japan following the tsunami of 2011. Here we see the Dalai Lama less as a revered leader, and more like a benevolent grand-father. Time stands still as the cool water of the Dalai Lama's compassion soothes the terrifying flames of this child's fear and depression. When we are present for one another with no other motive than compassion and love, there truly isn't anything we can't survive together.

Times of extreme stress often have a way of stripping through the layers of the ego to expose a seemingly lost ability to co-operate as a society. During times of crisis and disaster, the self melts away to expose the innate goodness in all sentient beings. It is our dedication and practice as Buddhists and other spiritual believers to bring this co-operation to all moments.

It is in that unison, I believe, where we can prevent disasters before they unfold with their tragic results. And while a certain level of tragedy is the reality of life, we should do everything in our power to lessen the impact. In being present and aware of changes gives us additional information to head of problems and lessen consequences. That's the power of living in the present moment.

---I bow to the Buddha within all beings---

The Tao of Joy Every Day by Derek Lin.

The beauty of Taoism is that the wisdom is simple yet profound and that is the strength of Derek Lin's book, The Tao of Joy Every Day: 365 Days of Tao Living. Its easy reference style makes it a great gift for those who are often too busy for deep, extended, contemplative meditation.

The book offers up easily digestible wisdom for when you need a quick bit of inspiration. It is a great way to start the day, and it's small size makes it ideal for a nightstand book. It's short but powerful entries are great for settling the mind before bedtime, or on nights when you can't sleep.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the ancient, Taoist wisdom is translated for a modern audience and tailored for today's society. Therefore, it's quite easy to see how the Taoist wisdom can be applied in our every day actions and situations. It's a great "stocking-stuffer" gift for this, and any other holiday season. It's a great addition to any Eastern wisdom book collection.

~I bow to the Buddha within all things~