Buddhism, China and the Environment

Communist China is supporting a return to traditional Buddhist values in order to convince citizens to care about the environment.
 

Transforming Unhealthy Habits through Mindfulness by Hugh Byrne

When harmful or unhealthy habits form, they can cause us much suffering and they can be hard to change because they are carried out automatically and without conscious awareness. Mindfulness is a key to changing harmful or unwanted habits as it provides skillful methods and practices to bring them into the light of awareness. Three elements of mindfulness are particularly important in changing unhealthy or unwanted habits - Intention, Attention, and Attitude. The talk explores these three elements with a focus on Intention.

An Interview with the 17th Karmapa

The 17th Karmapa has broadened his activities this year to address the concerns of young Western Buddhist aspirants and the welfare of animals in his Indian home. An organization called the Karmapa Youth Community recently posted this extensive interview with the Karmapa.

During last month’s annual prayer ceremony of the Karma Kagyu tradition in Bodh Gaya, India, the Karmapa also initiated an “Animal Medical Camp.” According to the post-camp report, volunteer veterinarians and their helpers treated 830 animals “from an injured beetle to a sick elephant.” There was also an educational component, with efforts put toward reducing rabies infections, dispelling local superstitions that lead to animals’ suffering, and discouraging the capture and caging of wild birds.

Uncertain Minds: How the West Misunderstands Buddhism

Here's one from Stephen Batchelor and John Peacock.

Japan, The Land of the Disappearing Buddha

This is an old film about Buddhism in Japan, but well worth watching. The Land of the Disappearing Buddha – Japan. From The Long Search (BBC 1977) series by Ron Eyre.