Spreading Buddhism via old-style storytelling

by Takeshi Nishide, Japan Times, Feb 6, 2014

OSAKA, Japan -- In an effort to broaden the understanding of Buddhism among the lay population, some followers are using a traditional form of Japanese storytelling as a teaching tool.

Meeting Taiwan's new-age Buddhists

By Cindy Sui, BBC News, Jan 29, 2014

Taipei, Taiwan -- Sorting through a large pile of used clothes and household items, Hsiao Hsiu-chu is the picture of a new-age Buddhist.

Fire destroys 100 residences at the Larung Gar Buddhist

Radio Free Asia, Jan 9, 2014

A fire destroyed around 100 residences on Jan. 9, 2014 at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Kardze prefecture’s Serthar county

Sichuan, China -- A massive blaze has destroyed around 100 houses of nuns studying at a prominent Buddhist academy in a Tibetan area of China’s Sichuan province, according to sources in the region.

Funeral gripes fuel Buddhist rethink

by Takeshi Nishide, Japan Times, Dec 4, 2013

Kyoto, Japan -- An increasing number of Buddhist priests are re-evaluating funeral services amid rapidly changing attitudes over the way they are conducted.

Some Buddhist temples now accepting ashes through the mail

By SHIGEYORI MIYAMOTO, Asahi Shimbun, December 30, 2013

Tokyo, Japan -- A small number of Buddhist temples are being accused of blatant commercialism for providing burial services for cremated remains sent through the mail for one affordable and convenient fee.

Butter lamps light up Buddhist festival in Tibet

By Palden Nyima and Daqiong, Xinhua, Dec 28, 2013

BEIJING, China -- Butter lamps twinkled like stars, and the scent of burning juniper branches filled the evening air in Lhasa Friday as the annual Gadan Ngachod - Butter Lamp Festival - kicked off in the plateau city.

Taiwan: Historian fighting to protect Buddhist site

By Loa Iok-sin, Taipei Times, Dec 16, 2013

The Lay Buddhist building in New Taipei City’s Tucheng District was originally home to Chinese settlers, who arrived 200 years ago, the historian said

Taipei, Taiwan -- In tears, Lee Jung-tai, a historian and the daughter-in-law of late Buddhist clergyman Lee Ying-pin, yesterday recounted the history of the Lay Buddhist monastery Puantang, while calling on the government to save the building from a forced demolition scheduled for today.

Japanese Buddhists organize ‘monks without borders’

by John Hofilena, Japan Daily Press, Dec 17, 2013

Japanese Buddhists organize ‘monks without borders’

Kyoto, Japan -- A group of Buddhists in Japan have formed an organization called “Monks Without Borders,” aiming to unite different Buddhist sects in tackling global issues such as poverty. The new group is similar in name and in concept to organizations already created by doctors and reporters, and the monks recently held their inaugural meeting in the city of Kyoto.

Kukai and the impact of Shingon Buddhism in stunning Koyasan: Amazing beauty of Wakayama

by Michel Lebon and Walter Sebastian, Modern Tokyo Times, November 17, 2013

Koyasan, Japan -- Kukai is one of the most powerful individuals in Japanese history and religion. Today his legacy can be seen throughout Shingon Buddhism and this branch of Buddhism is still growing and developing in new countries. Kukai saw the world in a unique way and relayed this within esoteric Buddhism after various stages of his life created new milestones.

Tzu Chi Foundation Taiwan to send makeshift classrooms to disaster-hit Visayas, Mindanao

by Michael Siao, Tzu Chi Foundation, 12 November 2013

Taipei, Taiwan -- Tzu Chi Foundation, at the behest of founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen, will be sending 160 makeshift classrooms to the Philippines to address the urgent need for shelters of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Visayas and the armed conflict in Zamboanga.