Wednesday 25 June 2014

1000 years of European History in a dynamic map, lasting 3 mins

http://www.ilpost.it/2014/05/18/mille-anni-storia-europea/

Watch as 1000 years of European borders change (timelapse map)

An incredible timelapse look at how drastically European borders have changed over the last 1000 years
TransferWise – money without borders
(video from the “Centennia Historical Atlas” by Frank E.Reed)

Saturday 14 June 2014

Pure Land Buddhist Scripures

http://buddhistfaith.tripod.com/purelandscriptures/id14.html

Pure LandBuddhist Scriptures


This Buddhist Faith Fellowship and the Shin Buddhist Fellowship of West Hartford's web sites provide the basic Shin Buddhist scriptures, and other important sacred texts for beginning to the advanced seekers.
 
The Larger and Smaller Sutra & the Contemplation Sutra were written over 2000 years ago. For the 21st century Western reader, they may appear at first to be written in a fantastic language that makes the entire Pure Land teaching diffiicult and incredible to believe. However, these text were written in a literary style that the people of the Sub-Indian continent could understand as appreciate. In other words, the language and symbols are of another culture and time. Therefore, these Three Sutras are NOT TO BE READ LITERALLY but are to be read in a metaphoric or symbolic way.
 
Remember that all Buddhist texts begin with "Thus have I heard" which means that the texts are just a skilful means that point to the truth and are not the truth themselves. Do not get distracted by the fantastic scenes but concentrate on the meaning behind the circumstances.
 
The other text is a 13th century Japanese commentary that was written in a more direct and simple way. It is classic text and a must to read. We hope you enjoy these sutras and text and may they deepen your faith and practice.

web site

R. Stampini : Buddhist Stories

http://viewonbuddhism.org/resources/buddhist_stories.html

R. Stampini : Buddhist Stories

101 Zen Stories

http://www.101zenstories.com/

101 Zen Stories

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Ajahn Brahm Buddhist Talks

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL062FE6FB1703EFA7

Ajahn Brahm Buddhist Talks

Dhamma: Genuine Teachings of the Buddha and His Noble Disciples

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYlkMQuFlfqxgXP9mvrcow

Dhamma: Genuine Teachings of the Buddha and His Noble Disciples 

Forest Sangha, Ven Sumedho, Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Presentation of Mind and Awareness (Teachings 2012-2013)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8DRNsjySiiY57eXGCsSQjTbQfH64LVBn

Presentation of Mind and Awareness (Teachings 2012-2013)

 by Sravasti Abbey , 25 videos, 27 hours

Shunryu Suzuki: Beginner's Mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCOVusLqXmk&list=PL7397EBE36468FEB0

Shunryu Suzuki: Beginner's Mind 

 Uploaded on Apr 11, 2009
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

Present! - Talks of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7umcFZEb7c

Present! - Talks of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

 Uploaded on Sep 2, 2008
Mel Van Dusen presents the talks of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center.

Zen - Introduction to zen practice / full version - Taigen Shodo Harada Roshi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL2XUTeoUsM

Zen - Introduction to zen practice / full version - Taigen Shodo Harada Roshi 

Uploaded on Dec 11, 2010
Zen Meditation Breathing
subtitles:Danish,English, French,German,Hungarian,Spanish
please, turn on caption!
A short film for beginners about zen meditation by Taigen Shodo Harada Roshi, who is the abbot of Sogen-ji zen monastery in Okayama.

Shodo Harada Roshi's public talk (Feb.27,2008) "Wash Your Bowls"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xdg9-oXe2s

Shodo Harada Roshi's public talk (Feb.27,2008) "Wash Your Bowls"

Published on Jun 29, 2012
This is a public talk by Shodo Harada Roshi. Given on Feb., 27, 2008. Roshi begins with a story from Zen Master Joshu, known as 'wash your bowls', and applies this teaching to each persons situation in the world today.
The talk was given in support of enso house a hospice on Whidbey Island, founded by Harada Roshi.
Roshi teaches in Japanese with translation into English.

oneDropTahoma
speaker: Shodo Harada Roshi
translator: DaiChi Storandt

Nyoho Zen : The full Living Zen series (Anchorage, 2009-2010)


http://nyoho.com/about/

Nyoho Zen : The full Living Zen series (Anchorage, 2009-2010)


Koun Franz was born in Helena, Montana, but has spent more than half of his adult life in Japan. He was ordained in 2001, then trained at Zuioji and Shogoji monasteries. From 2006 to 2010, he served as resident priest of the Anchorage Zen Community in Alaska (some of his talks from that time can be found here). Koun and his family recently relocated from Japan to Canada (Halifax, Nova Scotia), where he leads practice at Zen Nova Scotia.
A July, 2013 interview with Koun can be found at Sweeping Zen.
The full Living Zen series (Anchorage, 2009-2010)

Awareness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SRT9l86s3Bg
Compassion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j6siXyR2W08
Fearlessness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-G5iITv659M
Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KM4Eur4yVHE

Ven Thubten Chodron, Topic is on Bodhicitta and relationships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qfS9vK35UA

Ven Thubten Chodron, Topic is on Bodhicitta and relationships

Monday 9 June 2014

Buddhist Art News

http://buddhistartnews.wordpress.com/

Buddhist Art News


News on Buddhist art, architecture, archaeology, music, dance, and academia

M.T.Morse: The Gateless Gate

http://www.thegatelessgate.com/

The Gateless Gate


About

The Gateless Gate is a personal pictorial reflection on the compilation of Zen cases referred to as the Mumonkan or Gateless Gate. In 2010, a series of events instigated this idea of completing a drawing for each of the Mumonkan’s 48 stories. It was a process that led me through everything from pen and ink, to paper mache figures and Daruma decorated wooden totem poles.
With those initial experiments and drawings completed, it is my intention to revisit each one as a weekly post on this website, offering another opportunity to consider their meaning and continue what has evolved into a meaningful ongoing education in art making.

The Gateless Gate was complied in early 13th century China by Mumon Ekai and the stories remain a central theme to Zen training to this present day. For the purposes of my own efforts, I am making use of the translation and commentary by R.H. Blyth, from his book Zen and Zen Classics, Volume Four, Mumonkan. Although there are several other english translations available in print and online.

The stories of the Mumonkan are largely a mystery to me, especially in regards to the role they play in meditative inquiry. My drawings are for the most part literal caricatures of the stories with further assistance provided from a range of commentaries. Although enlightenment alludes me, the drawing process has provided a wonderful sense of familiarity to the stories as I have been able to put faces to these Zen exploits. The Mumonkan is a book filled with the joy and agony of many wayward and enlightened characters.
I have found them to be a wonderful collection of entanglements that has only grown richer through the time spent envisioning them on paper. Of all it’s stories, the example of Zuigan in case 12 provided a playful potential for my own creative efforts. For if it is possible to call upon your own master, might it be possible to draw your own?

Case 12: Zuigan’s Calling the Master
Every day Zuigan used to call to him self, “True self!” and would answer “Yes?” “Awake! Awake!” he would cry, and “Yes! Yes!” he would answer. “From now onwards, do not be despised by others, do not let them make a fool of you!” “No, I will not!”
Mumon’s Commentary:
The master, Zuigan, himself sells and himself buys. He has a lot of puppets of gods and devils that he plays with. For what reason? Look and see! A calling one, an answering one, one that says “Wake up!” and one that will not be looked down on. But you must not stick to these appearances for that is your former mistake. And imitating others (e.g. Zuigan) is only the mental disguise of a fox.

I’d look forward to any conversation regarding these stories, art making, and of things lost or found in the visual translation. You’ll find me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ or Email.
Thank you
Mark T. Morse

http://www.thegatelessgate.com/

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Thubten Chodron: Prison Dharma

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/PrisonDharma/index.html

Thubten Chodron: Prison Dharma

About this section:
Imagine trying to generate even the slightest bodhicitta -- the intention to become fully enlightened in order to benefit all sentient beings most effectively -- in a prison environment. It's similar to generating compassion in hell! Although we are all prisoners of our negative karma, negative emotions, and disturbing attitudes, we still have this precious human life. Nothing can ever take away our Buddha potential. Ven. Chodron and the prisoners with whom she corresponds offer practitioners insights into how they can benefit themselves and others in even the most difficult situations.
Contents
  • Contributions from Inmates:
    • Humor

Thubten Chodron: Questions and Answers with Children

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DailyLifeDharma/q_and_a_with_children.html

Questions and Answers with Children

by Venerable Thubten Chodron©
at Tender Loving Care Student Care Centre, Singapore
7 Jan 2004



[mp3 files]
A lively session with children aged about 7 to 8 years old. Ven. Chodron began by talking briefly about greeting and respecting others and beginning the day with kind thoughts and a happy mind. She then invited the children to ask questions, which the children eagerly did--Why are there 'girl monks'? Where do you come from? What do you eat? What time do you wake up? Why do you shave your head? Are you married? How do you celebrate your birthday? and many other questions.

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DailyLifeDharma/q_and_a_with_children.html

Thubten Chodron: a Marriage blessing

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DailyLifeDharma/a_marriage_blessing.html

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DailyLifeDharma/wedding_ceremony.html

Thubten Chodron : a Marriage Blessing/Wedding


A Marriage Blessing
I was asked by a couple in USA to lead a marriage blessing (This is different from a marriage ceremony, which monastics are not allowed to perform) and prepared the following. Others may use or borrow from it according to their needs.
Thubten Chodron

and

Wedding Ceremony
by Steven Vannoy and Samia Shalabi

The following "ceremony" was performed as our celebration of our wedding. We were married in a private ceremony by a magistrate and then arranged to invite extended family and friends to our "celebration of love". We had our friend facilitate the ceremony, while we stood holding hands, facing the guests with the main facilitator read what follows off to our left. The crowd was more Christian than Buddhist, but we received a lot of positive feedback from people, particularly of the kind, "that really made me think!"
First names were replaced with generic pronouns in order for people to adapt this to their own use.

Thubten Chodron: DeathAndDying




Thubten Chodron: DeathAndDying 

 

About this section:
The Lamrim suggests three perspectives about death: death is unavoidable, its time is uncertain, and our only security is the strength of our practice. In the face of these three realities, Ven. Thubten Chodron invites us to consider how we can prepare for death and use our dying to benefit ourselves and others.

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DeathAndDying/index.html

Thubten Chodron: Baby Blessing Ceremony

http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DailyLifeDharma/baby_blessing_ceremony.html



Baby Blessing Ceremony:

Prepared by Venerable Thubten Chodron with additions by Geshe Gelek.

(This event is open to all members of the Dharma community, their families, and guests. The babies, as well as older children, will be present.)
Program:
  1. The leader welcomes everyone and gives an introductory talk about the preciousness of the parent-child relationship and the value of Dharma in a family.
  2. Parents welcome their babies 
  3. The community welcomes the babies 
  4. Children's Aspirations for the Parents 
  5. Parents' Aspirations for the Children 
  6. Chanting and Blessing
  7. Dedication

A Twenty Minute Buddhist Meditation For Beginners

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms0AqRMnl8U

A Twenty Minute Buddhist Meditation For Beginners 


Published on Jun 1, 2014
A 20 minute Buddhist meditation for beginners, intermediate or advanced that enjoy nature meditations.

Sit back, relax and enjoy. If ever you need to scratch or adjust during meditation then do so. Meditation is not meant to be uncomfortable.

Sunday 1 June 2014

Ajahn Brahm – Using non-self to let go (ANATTA)

http://www.theravada-dhamma.org/blog/?p=10802

Ajahn Brahm – Using non-self to let go

Posted by Theravada Dhamma on Dezember 31, 2012
:: English Postings - Englische Beiträge
PrintFriendly and PDF
Edited from a recorded talk given by Ajahn Brahmavamso during a 9-day meditation retreat in 1997, Perth, Western Australia.

Times Education Supplement: Religious Education teaching resources

http://www.tes.co.uk/religious-education-secondary-teaching-resources/

Times Education Supplement:  Religious Education teaching resources

22,543 Free religious education resources: religious education lesson plans, worksheets, revision, teaching ideas and much more.
Key Stage 3, 4 and post 16
Last updated: 01 June 2014 





Ed Scotland: Support materials for religious and moral education

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/curriculumareas/rme/nondenominational/supportmaterials/index.asp

and

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/curriculumareas/rme/nondenominational/principlesandpractice/index.asp

Support materials for religious and moral education

These support materials are here to help implement the experiences and outcomes under Curriculum for Excellence. They are broken into sharing practice and resources.