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The Independent
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Richard Gere pays tribute to Dalai Lama at leader's 90th birthday
Hollywood actor and practicing Buddhist Richard Gere paid tribute to the Dalai Lama at his 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, India on Sunday (6 July). Receiving blessings from the Dalai Lama in person, Gere respectfully kissed his hands and bowed down before making a speech. Recalling his teachings, he said: 'Every moment is a birthday and that's what we should be living by.' 'Speaking for all the westerners,' he added, 'we've never seen someone like this, who embodies selflessness, complete love, compassion and wisdom.' Richard Gere converted to Buddhism in 1978 and became more deeply involved in the religion after meeting Tibetan Buddhist monks and, notably, the Dalai Lama.
The Independent
01-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
An ancient village ran out of water. So it moved and started over again
The slow, deliberate rhythms of life in Samjung, a remote Himalayan village nestled over 13,000 feet above sea level in Nepal's Upper Mustang, have been irrevocably silenced by the relentless march of climate change. For centuries, this Buddhist community thrived, its inhabitants herding yaks and sheep, and harvesting barley beneath sheer ochre cliffs. These towering formations are honeycombed with ancient "sky caves" – 2,000-year-old chambers used for ancestral burials, meditation, and shelter, testament to a deep-rooted heritage. But the lifeblood of Samjung – its water – began to vanish. Year after year, the snow-capped mountains that fed its springs turned brown and barren as snowfall dwindled. Springs and canals dried up entirely, and when rain did come, it arrived in destructive deluges, flooding fields and dissolving the very mud homes that had stood for generations. Faced with an increasingly uninhabitable landscape, families were forced to abandon their ancestral homes, leaving one by one. What remains is a skeletal testament to a community transformed by environmental devastation: crumbling mud homes, cracked terraces, and unkempt shrines, a stark illustration of how climate change can erase centuries of human existence. The Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain regions — stretching from Afghanistan to Myanmar — hold more ice than anywhere else outside the Arctic and Antarctic. Their glaciers feed major rivers that support 240 million people in the mountains — and 1.65 billion more downstream. Such high-altitude areas are warming faster than lowlands. Glaciers are retreating and permafrost areas are thawing as snowfall becomes scarcer and more erratic, according to the Kathmandu -based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development or ICMOD. Kunga Gurung is among many in the high Himalayas already living through the irreversible effects of climate change. 'We moved because there was no water. We need water to drink and to farm. But there is none there. Three streams, and all three dried up,' said Gurung, 54. Climate change is quietly reshaping where people can live and work by disrupting farming, water access, and weather patterns, said Neil Adger, a professor of human geography at the University of Exeter. In places like Mustang, that's making life harder, even if people don't always say climate change is why they moved. 'On the everyday basis, the changing weather patterns ... it's actually affecting the ability of people to live in particular places,' Adger said. Around the globe, extreme weather due to climate change is forcing communities to move, whether it's powerful tropical storms in The Philippines and Honduras, drought in Somalia or forest fires in California. In the world's highest mountains, Samjung isn't the only community to have to start over, said Amina Maharjan, a migration specialist at ICMOD. Some villages move only short distances, but inevitably the key driver is lack of water. "The water scarcity is getting chronic,' she said. Retreating glaciers — rivers of ice shrinking back as the world warms — are the most tangible and direct evidence of climate change. Up to 80% of the glacier volume in the Hindu Kush and Himalayas could vanish in this century if greenhouse gas emissions aren't drastically cut, a 2023 report warned. It hasn't snowed in Upper Mustang for nearly three years, a dire blow for those living and farming in high-altitude villages. Snowfall traditionally sets the seasonal calendar, determining when crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes are planted and affecting the health of grazing livestock. 'It is critically important," Maharjan said. For Samjung, the drought and mounting losses began around the turn of the century. Traditional mud homes built for a dry, cold mountain climate fell apart as monsoon rains grew more intense — a shift scientists link to climate change. The region's steep slopes and narrow valleys funnel water into flash floods that destroyed homes and farmland, triggering a wave of migration that began a decade ago. Moving a village — even one with fewer than 100 residents like Samjung — was no simple endeavor. They needed reliable access to water and nearby communities for support during disasters. Relocating closer to winding mountain roads would allow villagers to market their crops and benefit from growing tourism. Eventually, the king of Mustang, who still owns large tracts of land in the area nearly two decades after Nepal abolished its monarchy, provided suitable land for a new village. Pemba Gurung, 18, and her sister Toshi Lama Gurung, 22, don't remember much about the move from their old village. But they remember how hard it was to start over. Families spent years gathering materials to build new mud homes with bright tin roofs on the banks of the glacial Kali Gandaki river, nearly 15 kilometers (9 miles) away. They constructed shelters for livestock and canals to bring water to their homes. Only then could they move. Some villagers still herd sheep and yak, but life is a bit different in New Samjung, which is close to Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city cut off from the world until 1992, when foreigners were first allowed to visit. It's a hub for pilgrims and tourists who want to trek in the high mountains and explore its ancient Buddhist culture, so some villagers work in tourism. The sisters Pemba and Toshi are grateful not to have to spend hours fetching water every day. But they miss their old home. 'It is the place of our origin. We wish to go back. But I don't think it will ever be possible,' said Toshi.
South China Morning Post
17-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Cat competition in Romania, full moon in Russia: pictures of the week
Devotees fly lanterns during the commemoration of Vesak, which marks the day of Buddha's birth... Devotees fly lanterns during the commemoration of Vesak, which marks the day of Buddha's birth, death and...
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
From Brickfields to Tumpat, Wesak Day draws crowds celebrating peace, faith and Malaysia's spiritual diversity
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — This year's Wesak Day celebration was marked with vibrant and harmonious gatherings as Buddhist devotees filled temples nationwide to observe religious rites. In the capital, worshippers began arriving at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields from 8am to take part in ceremonies commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration also drew local visitors and foreign tourists eager to experience the occasion and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions. Visitors kneel before a statue of Buddha during the Wesak Day celebration at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic Among them was M Rajan, 45, a Hindu, who said he attended the event to honour his Buddhist friends and learn more about their beliefs. 'Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country. I believe it's important for us to respect one another's faiths and celebrate together. This is one of the ways we can nurture harmony,' he told Bernama. Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes said he visited the temple to gain a deeper appreciation of local culture and religious celebrations. 'It's nice to see how peaceful and respectful the atmosphere is. I'm not a Buddhist, but being here today has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Malaysia's spiritual diversity,' he said. A woman says her prayers while holding incense sticks as part of Wesak Day celebrations at the Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic In Selangor, visitors thronged the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, one of the main destinations and top choices for thousands of Buddhists during the annual Wesak Day celebrations. Temple manager Miao Yue, 52, said an estimated 30,000 devotees visited the temple since last Saturday, carrying out religious ceremonies and tributes marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama. In Perak, over at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun, Bernama observed thousands of devotees queuing to light incense, scatter flower petals and perform the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues, joined by foreign tourists eager to experience the Wesak Day celebration as well. Wat Siribunya Maggarama on Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh was similarly packed with devotees from all walks of life, with many families arriving as early as 8am, carrying flower bouquets and necessities such as rice to be donated to the temple. Buddhists light up oil lamps as part of religious rites in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebrations at the Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic In Penang, Wat Chaiya Mangalaram on Lorong Burma, Wat Buppharam on Jalan Perak, and Kek Lok Si in Air Itam were filled with visitors as early as 8am. The celebration was equally vibrant at the Malaysian Buddhist Association building on Jalan Burma, where devotees of all ages took part in religious rituals, including lighting incense and lotus-shaped candles. In Perlis, Wesak Day was marked with great enthusiasm as thousands of devotees gathered at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar for religious ceremonies led by 28 monks. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin said a float procession would be held later in the evening to add a special touch to this year's celebration. In Sarawak, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng were present to liven up the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association building in Kuching. Buddhists mark the Wesak Day celebration with religious rites at the Wat Prachumthat Chanaram, Tumpat, Kelantan today. — Bernama pic In Kelantan, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat was the focal point for Buddhists from across the country, as Wesak Day was celebrated with reverence and solemnity. The temple, which has hosted annual celebrations for over 40 years, organised various religious activities including a procession of flower offerings and candlelight walks around the stupa three times, a symbolic gesture in honour of the life of Siddharta Gautama. Committee member Thom Ija, 67, said nearly 200 devotees had gathered since last night to take part in the religious rituals, which will continue until tomorrow. A visitor from Selangor, Kok, 69, said he makes the long journey each year, drawn by the temple's peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to pay tribute to the teachings of Siddharta Gautama by visiting several other temples in the area. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
How Wesak Day became a public holiday in Malaysia and why it's sacred to Buddhists: Questions you might have, answered here
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Thousands of Buddhist devotees are expected to gather at the historic Maha Vihara in Brickfields here as the temple marks not just Wesak Day sacred to Buddhists but also its 130th celebration today. Founded in 1894 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society, the Maha Vihara Temple first marked Wesak Day in 1895 after the arrival of two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks. Wesak Day, observed on the full moon of the lunar month of May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. Malaysia's Chief High Priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana said all three events occurred on the same date in different years, making Wesak Day the most sacred day for Buddhists. 'In 1961, the Buddhist community decided to appeal to the Malaysian government to declare Wesak Day as a public holiday and it was officially declared as a public holiday in 1962. 'Buddhist communities from around the world, such as Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and recently, we also have Buddhists from Bangladesh, coming to commemorate the great master,' he told Malay Mail in an interview last week. Malaysia's Buddhist Chief High Priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana. — Picture by Choo Choy May On Wesak Day, Buddhist devotees typically wear white and observe the Eight Precepts — a stricter version of the Five Precepts — as a form of spiritual discipline. The Five Precepts are to: Abstain from killing living beings. Abstain from stealing. Abstain from sexual misconduct. Abstain from lying. Abstain from becoming intoxicated. The Eight Precepts contain an additional three guidelines, which are: Refrain from eating after midday: This practice is to promote simplicity and detachment from material desires. Refrain from dancing, singing, music, and unseemly shows: This is to discourage frivolous activities that distract from mindfulness. Refrain from perfumes and cosmetics: This is to encourage a simple and unpretentious lifestyle. The Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. — File picture by Hari Anggara How Maha Vihara is celebrating its 130th Wesak Celebrations at the Maha Vihara today begin with the raising of the Buddhist flag, followed by prayers, hymns, and lighting of lotus-shaped oil lamps. Devotees then queue to receive blessings and a sacred string from The temple also hosts meditation sessions, religious talks, and a blood and organ donation drive that started yesterday – on the eve and day of Wesak. Buddhist devotees during the Wesak Day celebration at Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur on May 4, 2023. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Offering alms to monks is also part of the celebration, which Dhammaratana said helps devotees let go of desire and move toward spiritual happiness. 'This year, a church in our neighbourhood will also be coming forward to offer food to the monks and distribute food to devotees coming here on Wesak Day,' he said. A grand float procession will take place on May 12, starting from the temple and moving through several key streets in Kuala Lumpur. The route covers: Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad Jalan Tun Sambanthan Jalan Petaling Jalan Yap Ah Loy Jalan Hang Lekiu Jalan Gereja Jalan Raja Chulan Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock This year, the procession will skip Jalan Bukit Bintang due to a new one-way traffic system. Between 20 to 25 colourful floats featuring Buddha's life and teachings will participate in the 12-kilometre procession, which begins at 6pm and is expected to last four hours. Dhammaratana said the event usually attracts between 30,000 to 50,000 spectators annually. Devotees blessed by Buddhist monks on the floats during the Wesak Day procession at the Maha Virana Buddhist Temple on Jalan Berhala, Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin 'While Wesak Day is a religious day and not a merrymaking celebration, the procession draws young people closer to Buddhism, making way for them to build up on the devotional part.' 'During the annual procession, road users are very understanding, patient and tolerant to accommodate for our celebration.' 'It is a very unique thing to Malaysia, because we have a multicultural and multi-religious society here that can work as one family,' he said.
