The so-called sectarianism of Buddhism in Japan has enabled Pure Land Buddhism to develop as a quasi-independent tradition within Buddhism. One of the central figures
The Buddhist sangha is perhaps the longest-lived institution in world history. It has diffused across time and space over a period of more than 2,500
In September 2014, I traveled to Ladakh in northern India to explore and create some photographic essays of the people and culture there. Ladakh has
I met Mawlavi Faiz, the chief caretaker and Imam of the Red Mosque in Kandy, on his way out after the evening prayers. On being
Master Empty Cloud, or Xu Yun (虚雲), was born in Fujian Province in southern China during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), on 26 August 1840. This
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is terrifying for many reasons. It is particularly frightening because of its macabre appeal to youth around the
Dr. Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne embodies patient but unwavering activism in a frail body of 83 years. The instant I shook his wrinkled hand at his
Atish Dipankar (Skt. Atisha Dipamkara; 980–1053) was a widely known Buddhist master, scholar, and philosopher. He was born in Vajrayogini Village in the historic region
There is a painting in the Freer Gallery of Art’s current exhibition, Zen, Tea, and Chinese Art in Medieval Japan, that beautifully symbolizes the remarkable cultural
China’s pollution continues to affect countries across the world, despite the accelerated growth of its renewable energy industry and President Xi Jinping’s estimable pledge with
One of my aspirations as a journalist of religion is to explore how to better recount and share the teachings of Buddhism with more people.
Four years ago, one of my best friends visited Hong Kong. The first cultural landmark I took him to was Chi Lin Nunnery, which I
