Taming a Mad Elephant Devadatta was a monk who wished to displace the Buddha as the leader of the sangha. Thus Devadatta was constantly coming up with schemes to murder the Buddha. One day, the Buddha led his disciples with their alms-bowls outside the city of Rajagrha to collect alms. […]
A Turn of the Screw Once, there was a factory owner whose production line inexplicably broke down, costing him millions a day. Finally, he tracked down an expert who took out a screwdriver, turned one screw, and then the factory cranked back to life. The expert presented him a […]
Seven Parables of the Lotus Sutra In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha uses similes and parables to explain and unravel the Law of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment in a simplified manner, making them accessible and easy to understand for his disciples. Among all the sutras, only the Lotus Sutra is […]
Maudgalyayana was foremost in supernatural powers among the Buddha’s disciples. While his mother was alive, she slandered the sages and those who were virtuous; therefore, she fell into the realm of hungry ghosts after death. Using his supernatural powers, Maudgalyayana learned of his mother’s suffering and wished to offer […]
The Story of Bata Shoes Bata dominates the African market. Their shops can be found even in the most remotest part of Africa. Here is the story behind: By the end of the 19th century, Africa was opening up its market. Many shoes manufacturers sent their representatives to Africa to […]
Ten Worlds (十界) The Ten Worlds (also known as Ten Spiritual Realms of Life) delineate the various planes of existence in the Universe. It is part of the Buddhist cosmology that provides us a glimpse of the “homes” in which innumerable living beings dwell. A little knowledge about the Ten Worlds […]
In Chapter 20 of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha relates his past life experience as Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful without being asked by any of his disciples. This is significant because usually the Buddha teaches according to questions and requests of his disciples, as opposed to teaching the Law on his […]
Last week, we learnt about the Truths of the Triple Gem. In this week, we shall understand more about the First Gem: the Buddha. Eminent people of esteemed status usually have long titles. One of the examples is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of […]
Last week we learnt about the Essence of Buddhism, which is “Attaining Buddhahood.” This week, we shall learn about the Truths of the Triple Gem. The Truth of the Triple Gem The Triple Gem, also known as the Three Treasures, Three Jewels, Three Refuges or Precious Triad, refers to the […]
Background The other day, I was browsing the web and chanced upon one of the videos in Buddhist Youth Network. This video is an interview of Ven. Matthew Richard, the French Buddhist monk who has served as the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama since 1989. Here is the […]
