DARK SECRETS: 2 | Rare Historical Photos

Woman found buried in Bangkok temple hall

Workers renovating a 155-year-old hall at Wat That Thong in Bangkok have uncovered a rotting wooden coffin containing a woman

Bangkok Post · Jul 20

Workers digging beneath a 1,300-year-old reclining Buddha in Thailand uncovered 33 ancient gold, silver and bronze treasures

What began as a routine drainage project at an ancient Thai temple quickly turned into one of the country's most remarkable archaeological discoveries in recent years. While installing an underground drainage system beneath a 1,300-year-old reclining Buddha statue, workers unexpectedly uncovered a ceramic container filled with 33 gold, silver and…

The Times of India · Jul 19

Woman found buried in 155-year-old temple hall

Workers renovating a 155-year-old hall at Wat That Thong in Bangkok have uncovered a rotting wooden coffin containing a woman's skeleton, buried in the floor immediately before the main Buddha image.

Bangkok Post · Jul 19

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 · Jul 7

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 · Jul 6

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 · Jul 3

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 · Jul 3

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 · Jul 2

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 · Jun 20

'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 · Jun 11