Vishvapani

NKT, Succession and ‘The Rules’

Posted by Vishvapani on Feb 21, 2012 in Buddhist World, Featured | 0 comments

As the controversial, fast-growing Buddhist movement, The New Kadampa Tradition prepares for life after its ageing founder it has produced a new constitution. It raises issues of control and diversity that concern Buddhists of all hues.

Responding to Praise and Blame

Posted by Vishvapani on Feb 15, 2012 in Buddha, Ethics, Featured | 2 comments

What happens when we are praised - and what happens when we're criticised? Here's some advice from the Buddha, placed by later Buddhists on page 1 of the User's Manual of Buddhism

The Fall of a Banker

Posted by Vishvapani on Feb 3, 2012 in Comment, Thought for the Day | 0 comments

Fred Goodwin was a start of the banking world. His risks failed, the market turned and he's been stripped of his knighthood. The worldly winds are blowing again: Weekend Word (Good Morning Wales, 03/02/12)

Dharma Life Magazine

Posted by Vishvapani on Jan 30, 2012 in Triratna, Vishvapani | 0 comments

For nine years, from 1996 to 2005 I edited Dharma Life magazine, which explored the encounter between Buddhism and the modern world. Most...

Belonging & Identity

Posted by Vishvapani on Jan 24, 2012 in Featured, Thought for the Day | 0 comments

There are jobs in the South East, but the regions and deprived areas are losing out as the recession bites. But people South Wales where I live have a sense of identity and belonging that can't just be transplanted. Thought for the Day 24/12/2012

Buddhism’s Happiness Agenda

Posted by Vishvapani on Jan 17, 2012 in Featured, Thought for the Day | 2 comments

The UK government intends to shape its policies according to what promotes happiness and wellbeing. But what is happiness, and what are the factors, according to Buddhism, that develop it? Thought for the Day 17th January 2012

Gautama Buddha: paperback and new website

Posted by Vishvapani on Jan 6, 2012 in Gautama Buddha | 0 comments

Gautama Buddha: the Life and Teachings of the Awakened One is now out in paperback, published by Quercus at £8.99. There's also a new website for the book including all the reviews, talks, interviews and articles associated with it

The Dharma of Dickens

Posted by Vishvapani on Jan 3, 2012 in arts, Featured, Thought for the Day | 0 comments

Dickens' moral vision mirrors the Buddhist teaching of karma: every character is a moral actor, whether they know it or now, inhabiting a fictional world that is imbued with a meaning and where every action has significance.