Buddhism background: Buddhism came into existence in India some 2,600 years ago when an Indian Prince, Siddhattha, became enlightened and hence came to be known as the Buddha, meaning the Enlightened One. His teaching is preserved in Buddhist scriptures known as the Tripitaka, which literally means the three baskets, namely the Vinaya or Vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta or Suttanta-pitaka (collection …
Read More »What is the World Fellowship of Buddhists?
The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) is an international Buddhist organization which was founded in B.E. 2493 (1950) in Sri Lanka where representatives from 27 countries from Asia, Europe and North America met for the first time in history. Buddhist delegates from all over the world representing various schools of Buddhism, viz., Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, were unified under …
Read More »What is Karma, and why is it so important to Buddhists?
Karma In Buddhism: The Karma or sum of good and bad deeds that a person did in one life, will affect the quality of their next life. Buddhist believe that everyone is reborn, therefore they think that Karma is important in once life. Karma in Buddhism is the force that drives samsara – the cycle of suffering and rebirth for each …
Read More »What is Buddhism? Buddhism Beliefs
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha. The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his …
Read More »In Buddhism, can women attain enlightenment?
In Buddhism, can women attain enlightenment? The Buddha was the first religious leader to accept equal spiritual potentiality of men and women. The nature of enlightenment transcends gender difference, which otherwise tends to limit women in their social contexts. For this reason women were accepted into the Order (Sangha), and proved themselves worthy of the Buddha’s recognition. Some of them …
Read More »Why do we celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr?
Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr, often abbreviated to Eid, is a two-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity,” while Fiṭr means “original nature,” implying the restoration of one’s best human composition. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset …
Read More »What is Sunnah of Eid?
What is Zakat ul-Fitr? “One must donate all the food one has in surplus after Ramzan and before Eid prayer, this is what Zakat al-Fitr means for a Muslim,” according to Maulana Shakir Ali. Zakat in Arabic and charity in English almost mean the same. Zakat al-Fitr as a phrase means Charity before Eid or celebration. Sunnah of Eid Wake …
Read More »How to Play the Dreidel Game?
How to Play the Dreidel Game? Any number of people can play the dreidel game. At the beginning of the game each player is given an equal number of gelt pieces or candy, usually 10-15. At the beginning of each round, every player puts one piece into the center “pot.” They then take turns spinning the dreidel, with the following …
Read More »Eid-ul-Fitr Festive mood grips Srinagar Valley
Festive mood gripped the entire Kashmir valley, as Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated. Eid-ul-Fitr Festive mood grips Srinagar Valley: While people were seen thronging the marketplaces for last-minute shopping, others were seen rushing home early ahead of the festive occasion. Maximum rush of shoppers was witnessed at the bakery and butcher shops. Most of the offices, especially the government ones, wore …
Read More »Who was the guru of Lord Rama?
Vishwamitra (विश्वामित्र) was the guru of Lord Rama. He took prince Rama and Lakshmana to forest for the protection of Yagna. There after, he lead them to Mithila*, to participate in the Swayamvaram of Sita Devi. Lord Rama successfully lifted the Shiva Danushu and married Sita Devi. Sage Vishwamitra was son of King Gadhi. His original name was Kaushika. King …
Read More »