Tag: Buddhism
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The brave French policeman who ‘died a hero’
Should you give your own life to save someone else? The world is mourning Arnaud Beltrame, a French policeman who died after saving a complete stranger during a terrorist attack on Friday.
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Row brewing over global craze for beer yoga
Does doing the “Drunken Row Boat” betray a sacred tradition? Purists have condemned yoga teachers who incorporate beer into their classes. Beer fans say it makes yoga more accessible…
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Backlash after school abolishes Mother’s Day
Should Family Day replace Mother’s Day? That is what a school in Belgium has done, sparking intense debate. Some think the change is progressive, but others say old traditions must survive.
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Muslims begin longest Ramadan for 33 years
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has begun. This year Muslims face arduous self-denial through long daylight hours. Why do so many people around the world still believe in fasting?
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New Star Wars premieres as fans debate meaning
The British premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits London this evening. The series has become a global phenomenon — but is it any more than...
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‘Be great, be grateful’ says sick teenager
In a moving speech, terminally-ill Jake Bailey told his classmates to be ‘micro-ambitious’ and focus only on short-term goals. Is it time to abandon grand visions and start living for now?
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Meditation therapy ‘as effective as drugs’
A new study suggests that the Buddhist-inspired practice of mindfulness is as effective as medication in treating depression. Do religious ideas have a place in modern medicine?
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EU hails Burma ‘progress’ despite ethnic violence
For the first time in 20 years, Europe’s leaders have lifted sanctions on Burma’s authoritarian government. But bloody riots by Buddhist gangs cast doubt on the country’s future.
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War captive who forgave Japanese tormentors dies
Eric Lomax’s experiences as a prisoner of war left him with physical and emotional scars. But his death this week reminded the world of an extraordinary story of reconciliation.
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Monks set themselves alight in Tibetan protest
Eleven Tibetan monks and nuns have set fire to themselves this year, in protest at Chinese rule over their homeland. They want independence – but is it worth the battle?
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A new era for Tibet as Dalai Lama steps down
The holiest monk of Tibetan Buddhism is retiring from politics after decades of service to his people. Now Tibet’s exiles face an uncertain future.