Dalits Bravely Embrace Buddhism.

Hundreds of Dalits belonging to Chettipulam, a village near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district are planning to embrace Buddhism on December 6, the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar. During September 2009, the CPI(M) had alleged that the Dalits were not being allowed entry into the temple by the villagers. The party organised temple entry agitations twice - on Sep 30,and Oct 14 of that year.James: I have been watching with interest the continued phenomena of Dalits converting to Buddhism since...

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The Best Buddhist Writing 2010. A Book Review.

How would you like to have a collection of excellent Buddhist writings all in one book for your library? Well, that's exactly what Melvin McLeod and the Shambhala editors have offered up in the "The Best Buddhist Writing" series. Each year they select the cream of the crop in Buddhist essays and other writings to inspire and edify the Buddhist community. This year they have complied one of their best, and it's not simply Buddhist masters who are featured.You'll read heartfelt writings from people...

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The Winds of Change.

changing winds swirlclinging golden leaf shiverssmoke escapes cabinBy James R. UreRecently my wife and I did some cabin-sitting for our friends. Their A-frame structure is perched on a small hill deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado near where I live. It is miles from any sign of civilization, which is divine. They are nearly entirely, "off-the-grid" or self-sufficient thanks to solar panels and wind turbines that our friend manufactures with a buddy at his cabin a few miles away. It's a lovely...

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I'm Linkedin!!

I finally signed up for Linkedin, so you can find me at the link below:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ure-james/26/73a/608~Peace to all bein...

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Tips Membersihkan Virus Shortcut Pada Komputer

Lagi-lagi virus membuat semua pekerjaan jadi terhambat, meskipun tidak semua virus menghilangkan data namun yang namanya virus memang sangat menjengkelkan.Meskipun tidak merusak dokumen meski begitu tetap saja virus tetap menggannggu dengan menghambat pekerjaan (proses) yang dilakukan komputer.Salah satu virus yang akhir-akhir ini cukup merepotkan yaitu yang sering disebut dengan virus...

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The Power of an Open Question: A Book Review.

Recently I was sent a copy of Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel's book, "The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom" by Shambhala Publications. I must be honest and say that this book probably won't make it onto my Buddhist "classics" bookshelf but I did enjoy parts of her work.I enjoyed the section of the book about suffering and "fixing" things. In our deluded states of mind we sometimes think we can "fix" all the worlds problems but as Buddha teaches, "suffering is inevitable." This can...

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Living the Simple Life: Stories and Teachings of Munindra.

Anagarika Munindra was a Bengali Buddhist master who many (certainly in the west) might not of heard about, and there's a reason for it. He was a very simple yet profound man who didn't seek attention or recognition for his presence of being. Yet the energy that he radiated made him a magnet that seekers of awakening couldn't help but be attracted to. Whenever he went; people followed.His teaching was not complicated, which in my mind that is the true nature of Buddhadharma. Recently some students...

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Damp Soil Haiku.

spout pours waterfalldamp soil aroma swells lungssmiling body sighsBy James R. UreWhen cleansing rain touches brittle and cracked soil it expands and swells to life, which allows it to emit that rich, musty scent that is so relaxing. There is something so familiar about this scent that makes me feel so comfortable and balanced. I think it's because it reinforces the reality that I am at one and interdependent upon the saturated earth. Perhaps we feel that instant comfort from wet soil because we...

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A Letter to Homosexual Teens and Others: You are Loved and Important.

(click image above to enlarge)Recently a wave of homophobia has gripped the nation with the news of several gay teens and college students committing suicide over bullying they received for being honest about who they are. Then, a few days ago in New York, a gang savagely beat, terrorized and tortured 3 men that they perceived to be homosexual. So, today I want to address homosexual adults and teens who feel vulnerable and afraid to be who they are: To all the young people out there who are...

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New Look 2.0: Accent Color Poll.

I'm glad the majority prefer the gray background--I do too. Now, the other question I have is about the accent color I want to use with the gray color scheme. I heard some in the last poll thought the purple on gray was hard to read as well. So, I've set up a new poll (to the left--->) allowing you to choose, which color of the options you think goes best with a gray background. Something to remember is that this accent color will only be used for links and the sidebar text color.In order to...

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The New Look: Take the Poll!!

Well, after several kind requests about the blog being somewhat difficult to read with the black background; I've decided to go with gray. I set up a poll about it, and I'd appreciate if you gave me some feedback. And if your answer isn't one of the ones I listed then feel free to leave it here in the comment section.~Peace to all bein...

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Pema Chodron Online Retreat: Free Tickets Offer.

Renowned Tibetan Buddhist nun, and author, Pema Chodron will be leading an online retreat this month from the 15th through the 17th. She seldom leads such an event for the general public, so this is something special. Not surprisingly, the event sold out early but don't fret; Shambhala has kindly offered a chance for "virtual" participation via live-streaming of the retreat online. Click on this sentence for further information; including on how to sign-up for the online event. Shambhala is also...

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Installasi 2Dua Office Dalam Satu Komputer

Microsoft sebagai produsen microsoft office tidak merekomendasikan untuk menggunakan lebih dari satu office di dalam satu komputer, namun microsoft tidak melarang para pengguna office untuk mencobanya. Namun apabila ingin melakukan installasi office lebih dari satu dalam sebuah komputer bisa baca syarat yang disampaikan oleh microsoft sendiri bisa di baca di sini http://support.microsoft.com/...

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Buddhist Bhutan Bans Monastics from Voting.

In the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan monks have been allowed to vote in political elections, but that is about to change. The government says it's to maintain a distinct space between religion and politics. Yet, one has to wonder if they've gone too far in that pursuit since Buddhist clergy have been beneficial over the years in effecting political change that helps create a fertile field for less suffering for a vast, diverse number of people.Two obvious examples being the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat...

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Environmental Global Reset Button.

Recently Cambodian Buddhist monk Bun Saluth was honored by the United Nations for his environmental preservation work in preserving 18,000 acres of forest land in Cambodia. When asked about his monumental efforts he didn't hesitate to say that he was simply following Buddha's example (not just his words); When Buddha was still alive, he used trees and caves as lodging to obtain enlightenment. In this way, he has taught us to love the natural resources and wild animals.Additionally, I would add...

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