The Year of the Wood Dragon and Its Significance in Buddhist Teachings

The Buddhist Channel, 14 Feb 2024

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the year of the wood dragon gets underway from 10 February 2024. The Chinese dragon is unique in featuring a comprehensive set of qualities combining various kinds of animal qualities and the four elements, namely fire, water, earth and air.

The Diamond Sutra, the World's Oldest Printed Book

The Buddhist Channel, October 9, 2023

London, United Kingdom -- Nestled within the British Library resides a relic of profound historical significance: a Chinese copy of the Diamond Sutra, a sacred Buddhist text, printed over 1,100 years ago.

Rediscovering the Buddhist Art Ateliers of Ancient Magadha

The Buddhist Channel, 14 August, 2023

Patna, India -- India's rich art history has been graced by the masterpieces of anonymous artists and this legacy shines brilliantly in the ancient Buddhist art of Bihar. The story of these artists and their contributions comes to life as we delve into the past of the Buddhist ateliers that once thrived in the heart of ancient Magadha.

The Fruit Gardens of Ancient Southeast Asian Buddhist Centres

by Kooi F. Lim, The Buddhist Channel, 24 July 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- In many Buddhist centres all over the world, open areas are fodders for the imaginative mind to create natural spaces that intertwines with spiritual serenity. The dreamers of such designs almost always use two yardsticks as successful measures, which are spaces that encourage tranquility and contemplation.

The Shakya Clan, Nepal's Master Metallurgical Craftsmen

The Buddhist Channel, 3 June 2023

Kathmandu, Nepal -- The ancient metallurgical arts of Nepal have gained widespread recognition for their historical significance and fine craftsmanship. Despite common complaints that Nepal's contemporary art no longer supports its traditional rituals and festivals, the art of repoussé (ornamented metalwork) in particular, continues to thrive. These highly professional craftsmen have demonstrated their class in making diverse forms of metallurgy artifacts, which Nepal is famous for.

Zen Enso - The Way of the Brush

The Buddhist Channel, 29 May 2023

Kyoto, Japan -- From afar, the brush stroked circle looks like a big round zero plonked right in the middle of a plain, white canvas. For a Japanese "Zenist" however, that stark zero signified the moment when the mind was free to let the body create.

The Art of Calm Abiding Meditation

The Buddhist Channel, 13 May 2023

Getting Closer to the Root of Buddhist Symbols

The Buddhist Channel, 1 April 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Buddhism is a religion that originated in ancient India and has spread throughout the world, influencing countless cultures and peoples. To gain a deeper understanding of this religion, many scholars and researchers have undertaken a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach.

The Triratna - The world's first global Buddhist icon

by Lim Kooi Fong, The Buddhist Channel, Wesak 2021 (2564 BE)

The Triratna (Pali: ti-ratana) is a Buddhist symbol which is thought to have been prevalent during the reign of King Ashoka, the great Maurya ruler (c. 268 – 232 BCE). The symbol represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha.

The Ephemeral Butter Art of Tibetan Buddhism

by Anne Ewbank, May 23, 2018

The artists need cold fingers and plenty of patience.
Tibet, China -- In many cultures, sculpted butter is an artistic medium, whether as a banquet-hall spectacle or an exhibit at the county fair. But for Tibetan Buddhist monks and laity, artistic butter designs, known as torma or tsepdro, take on a spiritual role.