Latest news with #Buddhists'
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SC agrees to examine plea to repeal Bodh Gaya temple law
Gaya: The long-pending issue of total control over management and administration of the Unesco world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara being raised from time to time by a section of Buddhists got a ray of hope, as a bench of the Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea for repealing the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The demand of Buddhists' included replacing the Act with a central law. The bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh issued notice to the Centre and others seeking their responses on the petition and tagged it for further hearing. Earlier on June 30, the apex court had turned down the petition and asked the petitioner to move high court concerned. Mahavihara campus in comprises the sacred Bodhi (peepal) tree, around 50-metres tall shrine structure, the lotus pond known as Muchlind pond, several ancient stupas and other religious signs of Buddha's enlightenment journey. Practising meditation under the shadow of the tree, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment to be called Buddha, around 2,600 years ago. According to the temple Act 1949, an eight-member committee comprising four Buddhists and four Hindu members takes care of management and administration of the sacred shrine. District magistrate of Gaya happens to be ex-officio chairman of the committee, while the member secretary is nominated by home department of the state govt. Apart from seeking all members from Buddhist community in the committee, the petition has also sought removal of encroachment in the vicinity of the Mahavihara campus.
The Star
31-05-2025
- General
- The Star
For the love of peace for all across South-East Asia as Buddhists in Malaysia celebrate the Wesak festivities in prayers and also style
In wishing peace for all in the region of Asia and South-East Asia during troubled times and tariff wars set by the US and in some places seeing the heartache of wars and then some countries also suffering devastating natural disasters, Malaysian Buddhists celebrated the continuing Wesak festivities in fine and grateful style in Brickfields on Saturday (May 31). But while the call for peace was done strongly across the region with prayers being the call of the day but there was much fun, games and festivities (which included dance performances) in the event held at the Dewan Asoka at the event. In much celebration there were much significance for all Buddhists' in the country for the festival and honouring the threefold celebration in celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing with reverence and joy. Significance of the Dana Ceremony This event celebrates Buddhist teachings and the spirit of community. It unites monks, leaders, and devotees from various traditions, showcasing the unity and diversity of Malaysia's rich Buddhist heritage. The Dana ceremony highlights collective generosity and compassion, bringing together hundreds to share in this meaningful act of giving. Expression of Gratitude to the Sangha After the spiritual observances of Wesak celebration the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha. The offering Dana to the Sangha (monastic community) is a way for laypeople to express gratitude and respect for the monks and nuns who preserve and share the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha). It means giving back in appreciation for their spiritual guidance, discipline, and commitment to preserving the Buddha's teachings. What It Means Gratitude to the Sangha Following the spiritual observances of Wesak—which commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha—offering Dana to the Sangha (monastic community) is a meaningful way for laypeople to express gratitude and respect. The Sangha preserves and transmits the Dhamma, guiding laypeople through their spiritual journey. By offering Dana (food, robes, medicines, and other necessities), devotees: -- Honor the Sangha's dedication and spiritual service. -- Acknowledge their vital role in preserving the Buddha's teachings. -- Support their continued practice free from material concerns. This act of giving strengthens the bond between the lay community and the monastics, sustaining the Dhamma across generations. Three main Buddhist sects and their traditions: 1. Theravada -- Oldest school of Buddhism -- Practiced mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia -- Focuses on the Pali Canon, individual enlightenment, and monastic discipline. -- Emphasizes meditation, morality, and wisdom. 2. Mahayana -- Spread across China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam -- Broader path focused on compassion and helping all beings achieve enlightenment. -- Includes schools like Zen and Pure Land -- Belief in Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who delay Nirvana to help others) 3. Vajrayana -- Mainly found in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of the Himalayas -- Combines Mahayana philosophy with esoteric rituals, mantras, and visualizations. -- Strong focus on teacher-student transmission (guru yoga) Cultivation of Merit (Punya) In Buddhism, Dana (generosity) is one of the most powerful ways to earn merit, good karma that leads to peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Offering food and essentials to the Sangha after a sacred day like Wesak helps purify the mind and brings blessings to both giver and receiver. Continuation of a Sacred Tradition For over 2,500 years, Buddhists have practiced Dana as taught by the Buddha. Offering to the Sangha after Wesak links the day's spiritual meaning with a timeless act of giving, strengthening the community's connection to the faith. Uniting the Community Through Dana A large Wesak Dana invites hundreds to give together, fostering compassion, unity, and a shared sense of purpose.
