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EXPLAINED: 2 | Rare Historical Photos

As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?

In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a "hip" trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the fundamentals of the faith. "If Buddhism is consumed merely as a 'good image', its newfound hipness may prove to be little more…

The Economic Times

Japanese mindset of the day by Shunryu Suzuki: "Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find..." - inspiring life lessons by Sōtō Zen monk on embracing changes and why accepting change can end unnecessary suffering

Japanese mindset of the day by Shunryu Suzuki: Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki emphasized accepting life's constant flow for inner peace. He taught that resisting inevitable changes causes suffering and disappointment. Suzuki-roshi moved to San Francisco in 1959, establishing the Zen Center. His teachings continue through numerous Zen centers and published…

The Economic Times

Mahakala in Baghdad: How Buddhism and Tantra reshaped Islamic thought

A compelling historical transformation uncovers the distinctions between early Muslim rulers, known as Sultans, and the Mughal Badshahs that followed. This evolution, shaped by Tantrik Buddhism from Tibet, led Mughal leaders to assert divine authority independently of the Caliphate.

The Economic Times

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Elephants are celebrities in India’s Hindu temples – and now the robots are coming

PETA and other nonprofits have donated about 40 robotic elephants, costing about $6,000 each

The Independent UK

Religious proverb of the day from Thailand: "Paste gold leaf onto the back of a Buddha statue" inspires us to do good when no one is watching

The ultimate act of goodness is doing something noble when no one is watching. Such kind works done in shadows do not cry for attention, for reward. And this timeless Thai saying invokes a religious image as it refers to the act of pasting gold leaf onto the back of…

The Times of India

World heritage status for temple in sight

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat has moved a step closer to becoming Thailand's ninth World Heritage Site after Unesco's advisory body recommended its inscription.

Bangkok Post

'Whoever I side with secures power': Ramdas Athawale claims Modi will win 2029 polls

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win the 2029 and 2034 elections. He stated that his party's support guarantees power. Athawale also highlighted the NDA government's secular approach and commitment to Uttarakhand's development. He mentioned projects worth Rs 40,000 crore for the state. The minister also…

The Economic Times

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Why Great Men Are Remembered but Women Are Forgotten

History has a habit of remembering the footsteps that leave and forgetting the hearts that stay behind. When Prince Siddhartha walked out of the palace in search of enlightenment, the world witnessed the beginning of Buddha's journey. Centuries later, people still admire that moment of renunciation. Yet very few stop…

MyLifeXP

Country diary: A celebration of life on the edge

Chelsea, London: I find myself moved by this garden that highlights the ‘edgelands’, those unprotected and modest places where nature can thrive

The Guardian - UK

Wat Pho marks Vesak Day with Sri Lanka, Nepal

The embassies of Sri Lanka and Nepal in Thailand, in collaboration with Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, jointly hosted celebrations on Thursday for International Vesak Day 2026, marking the global observance recognised by Unesco and the United Nations.

Bangkok Post

Quote of the day by Lao Tzu: 'Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.' Life lessons on learning, human nature and success by Chinese philosopher

Quote of the day by Lao Tzu talks about balance, self-control, learning, and human nature. The quote, “Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt,” explains the risks of excess in life. The words of Lao Tzu remain relevant in…

The Economic Times

5 Powerful Lessons Lord Buddha Taught About Anger and Peace

Among the many spiritual teachers who transformed human thought, Lord Buddha remains one of the most powerful voices of peace, compassion, and inner awakening. His teachings continue guiding millions across the world because they address the deepest struggles of the human mind. Among those struggles, anger remains one of the…

Times Life

I’ve learned not to cling to my beliefs – even the ones that shaped me

When held with curiosity, beliefs can be productive, creative and alive. But they can also imprison us, closing down life itself

The Guardian - AU

Robot Buddhist monks march at South Korea’s Lotus Lantern Festival

Robot monks lead the Lotus Lantern Festival in South Korea, ahead of Buddha's birthday on 24 May.

The Independent UK

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The Economic Times

OpenAI seals deal in Malta to give all Maltese access to ChatGPT Plus

Malta is set to become the first nation to provide all its residents with a year of ChatGPT Plus access. This initiative follows the completion of a free course on artificial intelligence usage. The program begins in May and will expand as more citizens finish the training. Maltese citizens living…

The Economic Times

US-born teen Buddhist lama balances monastic life and pop culture in Himalayan foothills

A young American teen, Jalue Dorje, embraces his destiny as a reincarnated lama. He navigates a dual life, blending his love for video games and sports with ancient Buddhist traditions. Recognized by the Dalai Lama, Dorje now trains at a monastery in India.

The Independent UK

Photos of US-born teen Buddhist lama now studying near the Himalayas to become a monk

Jalue Dorje grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis loving rap music, video games and football. But he’s also spent much of his life training to become a monk, memorizing sacred scriptures, practicing calligraphy and learning the teachings of Buddha.

The Independent UK

Minnesota teen swaps football and gaming for life as a Buddhist lama in the Himalayas

Jalue Dorje, 19, was recognized by the Dalai Lama at the age of 2

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TechRadar

Chinese-born robot becomes world's first android monk as humanoid called Gabi takes vows in South Korea — three more $16,000 'spiritual cyborgs' will join it for Buddha’s birthday

South Korean monks ordained an AI powered humanoid robot, triggering debate over spirituality, suffering, and sacred religious traditions worldwide.

The Economic Times

AI in Bloom: How tech helped our garden take deep root

Facing challenges with their home's landscape, the author turned to ChatGPT for a personalized gardening plan. Through an iterative process, they specified preferences for non-shedding, mosquito-repellent, fragrant trees, and sun-tolerant plants suitable for California's climate.

The Times of India

Robot monk Gabi takes Buddhist vows at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple

A humanoid robot has made history in South Korea by becoming the country's first non-human to take part in a Buddhist precept ceremony, joining monks in prayer at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple ahead of Buddha's Birthday, according to Yonhap News Agency.

MyLifeXP

Buddha Purnima 2026: Why Buddha Is Seen as Vishnu’s Avatar

There are certain ideas in Indian spiritual tradition that feel both familiar and quietly mysterious, ideas that people hear repeatedly yet rarely pause to examine in depth. One such idea is the belief that Buddha, the enlightened teacher who spoke about suffering, awareness, and liberation, is also regarded in many…

MyLifeXP

The Real Meaning Behind Vishnu’s Avatars That Most People Miss

There are stories in Hindu tradition that feel larger than mythology, stories that seem to carry a pattern so precise and so layered that they begin to feel less like imagination and more like encoded understanding, and among the most powerful of these is the idea of avatars, the divine…

The Independent UK

From your own AI Jesus to BuddhaBot Plus – The religious tech boom has arrived

A faith-based AI gold rush is underway

The Guardian - UK

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing appointed president after ‘sham’ election

Min Aung Hlaing seized control five years ago and plunged Myanmar into conflict and economic chaos

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