#Disappearance of Buddhism in India

[originalbuddhas]

Disappearance of Buddhism in India

Lord Buddha, a transformative figure in the annals of world religions, achieved Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, India. This momentous event marked the beginning of Buddhism, a religion and philosophy that profoundly influenced Asia's cultural and spiritual landscape. From the tranquil lands of Nepal and the varied terrains of India, Lord Buddha's teachings radiated, planting the seeds of Buddhism in the hearts and minds of countless individuals. Read more: Disappearance of Buddhism in India (originalbuddhas.com)

[yoga-onion]

[Image above: Kumārajīva (344–413) was a Buddhist monk, scholar, missionary and translator from the Kingdom of Kucha (present-day, Aksu County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China). The following is presumed to be one of the anecdotes referred by him.]

Buddha to his disciples, mini-series (16)

500 pieces of firewood - Never too late

An old man who had become an alcoholic came to see the Buddha in regretting what he did. He feared the consequences of the crimes he had committed. To the old man, the Buddha taught:

“Suppose we take down to the ground 500 carloads of firewood pulled by white elephants, how many carloads of fire would it take to burn all of this?” the Buddha asked.

“How many cars' worth of fire? No, just a little bit, a pea-sized fire is enough,” the oldman replied.

"Yes, that's right. Even if your accumulated sins are equivalent to 500 carloads, they will disappear if you confess," replied the Buddha.

Avadana 40

Note: Avadāna is one of the twelve-part sutra, a classification of Buddhist scriptures, which relates the good deeds of past lives to the events of their later lives. It mainly refers to the stories of the present and past (previous) lives of the Buddha's disciples, which explain the truth of good causes and effects and bad causes and effects. Avadāna is basically literature developed in tribal Buddhism, which flourished in the post-A.D. centuries from northern to north-western India.

However, there is some confusion with Jātaka (Ref), as many of the stories are on previous lives of Buddha, although they are called Avadāna. As the cult developed over time, it became mixed with neighbouring dialects and Sanskrit, and it is thought that a mixed Buddhist Sanskrit was formed that escaped regionalism. Therefore, the details and background of these Buddhist texts have not been clarified.

[画像: 鳩摩羅什 (くまらじゅう、梵:ｸﾏｰﾗｼﾞｰｳﾞｧ、344年 - 413年) は、亀茲国 (きじこく: 中国新疆ウイグル自治区クチャ市) 出身の西域僧、仏教普及に貢献した訳経僧である。下記は彼により紹介された逸話の一つであると推定されている。]

ブッダから弟子たちへ、ミニシリーズ (16)

五百台の薪 〜 決して遅くはない

酒浸りになっていた老人が、自己を反省して釈迦に会いにやって来た。彼は、これまでに自分が犯した罪業の報いを恐れていた。そんな老人に向かって、釈迦は次のように教えた:

「かりに白象の引く五百台の車いっぱいに積んだ薪を地面に降ろして、これを全部燃やすには、車何台分の火が必要か？」と問う釈迦。

「車何台分の火ですって？いいえ、ほんのちょっぴり、豆粒ほどの火で十分です」と答える老人。

「そうだ。あなたの重ねた罪が、たとえ車五百台分であったとしても、懺悔をすれば消えるのだ」と釈迦は答えた。

衆経撰雑譬喩 (ｱｳﾞｧﾀﾞｰﾅ) 40

注: アヴァダーナとは、仏典経典の分類である十二部経のひとつで、前世の善行を後世の出来事に結びつける仏教文献の一種。主に仏弟子の現世と過去（前世）の物語を指し、善因善果と悪因悪果の真理を説く。アヴァダーナは基本的に、紀元後数世紀にインド北部から北西部にかけて栄えた部派仏教で発達した文学である。

ただし、アヴァダーナと呼ばれるものの、釈迦の前世に関する話が多いため、ジャータカ（参照）と混同されることもある。仏教教団が発達するにつれて、近隣の方言やサンスクリット語と混じり合い、地域性を免れた混成仏教サンスクリット語が形成されたと考えられている。そのため、これらの仏典の詳細や経緯は明らかにされていない。

[hindulivesmatter]

"Of course Buddhists would reject to their religion being considered Hinduism? Some Hindus will claim Buddhism as a branch of their own religion to deny a unique Buddhist religious identity because India is plagued with fascists who want to create a Hindu ethnostate, and Buddhism's disappearance in India can be attributed to the assimilation of Buddhism into Hinduism."

I read this bit in an atla fandom post. For context op was basically responding to a twitter thread by breaking it down and the tweet compares hinduism and buddhism. op could've corrected the misinformation wo the bit about India but decided to spew hinduphobia in a completely unrelated post.

But I'm curious now, would you mind debunking the last bit about buddhism's disappearance in india

Okay hi, so in this post I addressed the differences between Hinduism and religions like Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism.

Now onto the disappearance of Buddhism in India.

Buddhism was always a minority religion. It was observed by Fa Hien (5th ce) that while Buddhism was popular in places like Gaya and Kapilavastu, it wasn't very strong in other areas. Hiuen-tsang, a Chinese Buddhist traveller who visited India in the 7th ce, also noted that Buddhism was in decline. Along with other factors, Buddhism as a whole wasn't in great shape.

But the tipping point would be the Muslim invasions. They destroyed countless shrines and learning institutions, one of the biggest examples being Nalanda University. The last major Buddhist dynasty in India was the Pala dynasty. After the Muslims were done ravaging through the region, Buddhism was never the same again, because there was never a high enough leader to support the Sangha.

Obviously Buddhism hasn't completely disappeared from India. Places like Bodh Gaya and other pilgrimage sites still have a very strong Buddhist presence, and places in the northeast as well.

[lightdancer1]

Ancient India is another good look at the specific origins of a specific branch of patriarchy:

The loaded history of caste in India, which did see a shot in the arm and a rigid codification in the Raj but wasn't exactly invented by it, does play its own part in the specific origins of patriarchy as defined in the Dharmic paths of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Specifically that these cultures were shaped by the influence and the fixations of Brahmin castes, whose stances of ritual purity just 'happened' to assign to women very narrowly defined rules, rules that would later codify and crystallize into the pattern of things like say, Sati. Which incidentally is why the Emperor Aurangzeb and the Raj are both truly hated by the most doctrinaire Hindus. They can forgive massacres and famines, but banning the capacity of high-caste men to have their women burn themselves alive on their funeral pyres, now THAT is unforgivable.

One must, however, note that early Buddhism and Jainism both incorporated the broader strands of it and that Hindu reform movements made these views something of the basis of change and consolidation, not unlike how Christianity and Islam have evolved/devolved into vehicles of misogyny and anti-sex mentalities masquerading as religions in some parts of the world. While the earliest Indian states had these issues, it became fully ideological as a result of the challenge against movements like the Buddhists, Jains, and the two forgotten sects that completely disappeared.

[buddhisms-theory-of-happiness]

You might do someone a big favor. But you may get angry or sad when you don't get something back. This is a characteristic of our “good deeds”. This kind of mind will not disappear because our good deeds are tainted with poison. Buddhism teaches that good deeds we do are poisoned and not true good deeds.

There's a well-known story between Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu of Liang in China, who was a great supporter of Buddhism. Emperor Wu helped many monks and built numerous pagodas and temples, playing a significant role in spreading Buddhism in China.

One day, the emperor invited Bodhidharma from India as an honored guest. When Bodhidharma, who was 120 years old at the time, visited, the emperor eagerly asked, "I have done so much for Buddhism. How much merit have I gained?"

To his surprise, Bodhidharma replied, "None!"

Shocked, Emperor Wu asked, "How can you say that?"

Bodhidharma explained, "Your actions are nothing but false virtue and poisoned good," meaning that the emperor's sense of entitlement and arrogance were corrupting his deeds.

[destinationtourcabs]

Exploring Dehradun's Surroundings: Day Trips and Excursions

Unraveling the Charm of Dehradun's Vicinity

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is not just a city; it's an experience waiting to be explored. Beyond its bustling streets and serene landscapes lies a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural delights. Let's embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems surrounding Dehradun, all while ensuring a comfortable ride with the Delhi to Dehradun Taxi Service.

1. Mussoorie: The Queen of Hill Stations

Venture into the picturesque hill town of Mussoorie, fondly known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations.' Witness breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, stroll along the Mall Road brimming with local delights, and engage in thrilling activities like paragliding or trekking to Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie.

2. Rishikesh: Where Adventure Meets Serenity

Embark on a spiritual and adrenaline-filled journey to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World. Explore ancient temples, partake in yoga and meditation sessions by the tranquil banks of the Ganges, and brace yourself for exhilarating river rafting adventures.

3. Haridwar: Gateway to the Divine

Discover the spiritual aura of Haridwar, where the sacred River Ganges flows. Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, seek blessings at the ancient temples, and delve into the mysticism of this revered city.

4. Dhanaulti: A Tranquil Escape

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a serene retreat to Dhanaulti. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of its lush forests, indulge in camping amidst nature, and witness mesmerizing sunset views at Eco Park.

5. Robber's Cave: A Natural Wonder

Embark on a fascinating journey to Robber's Cave, where nature unveils its mysterious allure. Traverse through narrow caves, witness the mesmerizing sight of a stream mysteriously disappearing and reappearing, and indulge in a refreshing dip in its cool waters.

6. Sahastradhara: The Sulphur Springs

Rejuvenate your senses at Sahastradhara, renowned for its therapeutic sulphur springs. Let the healing waters cascade over you as you bask in the natural beauty of this enchanting destination.

7. Lachhiwala: Nature's Abode

Seek solace in the lap of nature at Lachhiwala, a serene forested area famous for its natural freshwater pools. Spend a day picnicking amidst verdant surroundings, take a dip in the pristine waters, and revel in the tranquility of this hidden gem.

8. Tiger Falls: Majestic Cascades

Embark on an adventure to Tiger Falls, cascading from a height of 312 feet amidst dense forests. Trek through scenic trails, soak in the majestic beauty of the waterfall, and rejuvenate your spirit amidst nature's splendor.

9. Tapkeshwar Temple: Reverence Amidst Nature

Discover divine tranquility at Tapkeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and nestled amidst lush greenery. Marvel at the natural cave where the temple is located, and partake in the serene ambiance of this sacred site.

10. Mindrolling Monastery: Peaceful Retreat

Find inner peace and serenity at Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. Explore its magnificent architecture, engage in meditation sessions, and immerse yourself in the spiritual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

Book here : Delhi to Dehradun Taxi Service

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long is the journey from Delhi to Dehradun by taxi?

The journey from Delhi to Dehradun by taxi typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

2. Are there any reliable taxi services from Delhi to Dehradun?

Yes, there are several reliable taxi services offering comfortable rides from Delhi to Dehradun. It's advisable to book in advance for a hassle-free experience.

3. What is the best time to visit Dehradun and its surroundings?

The best time to visit Dehradun and its surroundings is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

4. Can I customize my day trip itinerary from Dehradun?

Yes, many tour operators offer customizable day trip itineraries from Dehradun, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your preferences and interests.

5. Is it safe to travel to Dehradun and its surrounding areas by taxi?

Yes, traveling to Dehradun and its surrounding areas by taxi is generally safe. However, it's essential to choose a reputable taxi service and follow safety guidelines during the journey.

Embark on a journey of exploration and adventure as you delve into the enchanting surroundings of Dehradun. With comfortable Delhi to Dehradun Taxi Service, every excursion becomes a memorable experience filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual serenity.

[newmic]

In Buddhism emptying oneself is an important notion.

The void for us is everything, through the void, we can obtain everything.

When I visited ADYAR (near Madras), in India the Theosophical Society, I saw a cup which was created by the will of Elena Blavatsky, in deep meditation, that is to say by making a vacuum in she, she extracted from the void a cup which looks like two drops of water to the cups of the tea set she had then.

Today, we give the name of miracle to what we can explain but with our current limited knowledge.

Miracles are only signs of our ignorance in certain areas.

We don't know much and we think we're gods!

My master GURUJI who knew how to put himself in the state of emptiness, knew how to help several people at the same time who were in different places sometimes very far away.

He only did it when necessary, not to show off or play magician.

From a reliable source, he resuscitated a being who had died a few days ago, I believe, but he said that he had been able to do so because the karma of this deceased person allowed it.

I tell you all this so that you try to chase away your sadness, my heart, you will see again, you will find those loved ones who have disappeared, your affection and love for them will have the same intensity (I have experienced this personally) so why not consider these disappeared as gone on a trip for a while, they left us but not for long, we will join them, be sure my darling.

So whenever you feel overwhelmed by this pain, think: “I am going to find the missing loved ones, they just went on a trip and couldn't take me with them”

They've just been away for a while and I mustn't be too sad because my pain is hurting them.

Pages turn in our life, we can't help it.

Look where is the little boy you used to be? he no longer exists and yet you were that little boy but time has passed, a page has been turned.

Here, I had to talk to you about this tonight because I felt you sad since I was too, We are s2 in 1, what you feel I feel it.

This is how.

I send you lots of sweet kisses

[wkdtkcjswo]

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화 <<

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

장사천재 백사장 4회 다시 보기 4화 E04 tvN (고화

For most people who have never had a deep exposure to Buddhist thought, Wonhyo is remembered only as the 'monk who drank the skull', but in fact, he is one of the leading thinkers not only in Buddhism but throughout the entire history of the religious world. In China and Japan, there were also many monks who were influenced by his thoughts. His book, Mahayana Buddhism, was the best treatise on Mahayana Buddhism at the time, and his book, The Ten Cultures, was a collection of Buddhist theories that were popular at the time.

The Japanese Jodo Shinshu (or Ikhyang sect), which is famous for Ikko Ikki and Honganji Temple, which opposed Oda Nobunaga, is also a sect founded under the influence of Wonhyo's book Yusimanrakdo.#

According to written by the Japanese monk Jang Jun, when Wonhyo pointed out the error of Xuanzang Sanzang, the discussion of the upper decision ratio (相違決定比量) was transmitted to China, Chinese scholars contacted it, and Wonhyo It is written that he bowed three times toward the east. Let's think about who is the target of bowing three times in Buddhism.

Emperor Dojong of the Liao Dynasty, who had received Wonhyo's writings through Goryeo, once praised Wonhyo's . On the other hand, in Korea, the influence was relatively insignificant, but it was not until the Goryeo Dynasty when the understanding of Buddhism increased that it was reexamined in earnest. [19]

The disciple of Jinnah [20], who was even called a bodhisattva as a high priest of the Indian school of enlightenment, came to Tang China, read , danced and admired it, and imported it back to India. In another record in Sungo's , a student of Jinnah saw and said, "Is this Wonhyo the successor of our teacher (Jinna)?" and took it to India. In Buddhism, 'successor of so-and-so' also means the reincarnation of a certain high priest or great virtue.

was a bestseller in Japan, but when Omi no Mifune [21] discovered a person named Hannama Seoljungeop, a grandson of Wonhyo, among the envoys from Silla in 779, It is said that he even composed a poem for him while being thrilled. [22]

Muaega, a song that Wonhyo sang by interpreting Buddhist teachings, was incorporated into the court dance of the Goryeo Dynasty under the name Muaemu, just like Cheoyongmu, and remained there until the early Joseon Dynasty. It is said that it was abandoned.[23][24] Among the musical dances created by Crown Prince Hyomyeong in the late Joseon Dynasty, there is Muak of the same name, but 200 years have passed since Muaemu disappeared, and the number of dances by one person has increased to 12, and it has changed to a dance danced by women instead of men. There is no red color at all, and the two are completely different dances. In records such as and , Wonhyo obtained a gourd obtained from clowns in the market and sang, sang, and danced at the author. It is said to have been hung and decorated. "Wielding both sleeves is because you have cut off two worldly passions/ Raising your feet three times is because you have transcended the three worlds", "Your belly is like an autumn cicada and your neck is like a summer cicada/Its bent is worthy of being followed by all sentient beings. In the poems of those who saw Muaemu in the Goryeo Dynasty, such as "The empty thing deserves all things," you can guess the dance moves of Muaemu to some extent.

In an academic sense, there are more than 160 doctoral dissertations on Wonhyo in Korea. The scope of Wonhyo's research is not only wide-ranging, from worldly salvation-oriented Buddhism to logical Buddhism, but the level of content is also at the forefront of East Asia.

Even in the Goryeo Dynasty, it was so well known that figures such as Sukjong, Uicheon, Kim Bu-sik, Lee Gyu-bo, and Il-yeon mentioned it.

While the Buddhist culture of the mid-Silla period was for the good of the present world (praying for blessings in reality), the Pure Land sect (Amitabha faith) preached mainly by Wonhyo is literally good for the afterlife because 'if you recite Amitabha, you will be reborn in paradise'. During the Silla Dynasty, the sect that became the most popular as Buddhism for the salvation of the world was the Hwaeom Order of Uisang.

Although he was a Buddhist theorist and religious figure, he contributed greatly to the popularization of Buddhism. To the public, 'Buddhist scriptures are difficult to understand, so don't worry too much about that and do your best as a living person. He is also a significant figure as a living Buddhist who approaches the people directly, represented by the content that he can only turn away from Namu Amitabha Buddha. The fact that Namu Amitabha was actually 'discovered' also came from his deep understanding and reflection on the scriptures.

[fantasyinvader]

i've been wondering about the whole Dragon Vs. Snake thing FE has done recently. We had the Nabateans vs. Agarthans, referred to as Those Who Slither in the Dark, now we have Divine Lumeria Vs. Fell Sombron. Sombron's dragon design and color also reminded me of Kamen Rider Ouja, the first VILLAIN rider and a foil to show lead Ryuki.

In Kamen Rider Ryuki, Ryuki entered the Rider War, a battle royale inside the world of mirrors where the last one standing gets a wish granted, in order to protect people from being eaten by the monsters who live in that world. But Ryuki is forced to confront that some of the guys fighting are doing so for not-bad reasons. Zolda wants to cure his terminal cancer, while Knight wants to revive his girlfriend. So Ryuki trying to stop the fighting between Riders and sealing the Mirror world would result in others dying and it's something he struggles with (especially when he learns that the only way to save the female lead from disappearing is to use the wish to save her). It creates a moral dilemma for him, especially in the final episodes. In the end, his reason for fighting was to seal the Mirror World off regardless if people would suffer for it, only to die before the final boss after protecting a little girl, but his influence convinces the guy who set up the Battle Royale to let the female lead, his sister's reflection, die rather than resetting time over and over again resulting in the series never happening.

Ouja ends up being a foil. He too has no real reason to fight, but he doesn't need one. He simply enjoys it, as he was already a serial killer before this. He racks up the most kills and is unpredictable. He's also the most popular character in the series and keeps coming back in crossovers.

So, I was wondering if there was something about this in Buddhism and looked it up. It turns out that giant snakes are seen as protectors the dharma, the truth that liberates us, in India but they were unknown in China and instead artists depicted them as dragons. This stems from a 2500 year old story about when Buddha sat in mediation for seven weeks following achieving enlightenment. During the sixth weak, a storm broke out and Mucalinda, the king of snakes, shielded Buddha from the storm. The key though is that it's giant snakes that are seen in a positive light. Regular snakes also represent one of the three poisons of human nature that plague mankind, anger alongside greed (represented by a rooster) and ignorance (pig).

So, giant snakes/dragons are protectors of the truth that results in enlightenment, while regular snakes represent one of the things someone must rid themselves of in order to achieve that enlightenment. This works with the themes of Houses really well.

[rogergreenawalt]

During the reign of the Buddhist Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the Buddhist community split into two branches: the Mahāsāṃghika and the Sthaviravāda, each of which spread throughout India and split into numerous sub-sects. In modern times, two major branches of Buddhism exist: the Theravāda in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, and the Mahāyāna throughout the Himalayas and East Asia. The Buddhist tradition of Vajrayana is sometimes classified as a part of Mahāyāna Buddhism, but some scholars consider it to be a different branch altogether. The practice of Buddhism as a distinct and organized religion lost influence after the Gupta Empire, in around the 7th century AD, and the last large state to support it, the Pala Empire, fell in the 12th century. By the end of the 12th century, it had largely disappeared with the exception of the Himalayan region and isolated remnants in parts of south India. However, since the 19th century, modern revivals of Buddhism have included the Maha Bodhi Society, the Vipassana movement, and the Dalit Buddhist movement spearheaded by B R Ambedkar. There has also been a growth in Tibetan Buddhism with the arrival of the Tibetan diaspora and the Tibetan government in exile in India, following the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950. (at Pasadena, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CleuDrny2cK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[vajranam]

No Need For Too Much Tradition

Shamar Rinpoche – No Need for Too Much Tradition

Some Western practitioners view Tibetan Buddhism to consist of Dharma practice mixed in part with Tibetan tradition. Often, they cannot distinguish between the two. It is very important to know the difference between tradition and the Dharma.

The biographies of Milarepa, Marpa, and Gampopa relate only the pure Dharma. Everything about these great Kagyu masters from the way they lived to the way they taught was the authentic Dharma. For example, Marpa brought the teachings from India to Tibet to teach the Tibetans. He first studied the Dharma in India according to the Indian tradition. Naropa, his teacher, lived in India. Most of the time Naropa was naked. Sometimes he would wear the ornaments of a Heruka. This was the tradition of some Indian yogis in those days. But Marpa never told the Tibetans to copy Naropa’s way of attire. When Marpa taught in Tibet, he did not introduce any Indian customs such as the wearing of saddhu robes. His Tibetan followers continued to wear the chuba, a Tibetan style of clothing. Marpa taught the Dharma in a very pure way.

In the West, people have read a lot about „Tibetan lamas”. Some Western scholars traveled to Tibet to seek adventure. Later in America, Lobsang Rampa wrote books full of fantasies, including stories of astral travels: about one mind transmitting messages to another’s mind. The result of meditation gained by highly realized Buddhist practitioners is the ability to understand supernatural things and to read thoughts. When a very, very good meditation is attained, the meditator is capable of knowing some unbelievable things. The Buddha, for instance, knows all the thoughts of every single sentient being. Unfortunately, Lobsang Rampa misrepresented these special powers. He made them out to be mystical powers. He created the fictitious notion that a person can send his mind to another in order to read thoughts. His books influenced Western ideas about Tibet in a negative and false way. Later on, when the biographies were translated into the various Western languages, all the „sensational stuff” was of course included. In this way, many erroneous ideas about Tibetan Buddhist saints were developed. One example is the claim that they could all fly in the air.

Most Westerners think that all Tibetan lamas are totally pure. Whatever it is that a lama might do, they would think like this, „Oh, there must be some deep meaning behind it.” When a lama seemed a little bit unusual, there must be a reason for it. They assume that the lama must have seen something in their minds. This is my experience with some Westerners.

Another misconception of Westerners is to think that it is important to bring all the Tibetan traditions into the Dharma practice. They think that the system of monasteries in Tibet is somehow related to enlightenment. Nowadays people can travel to Tibet easily. They are often shocked by the reality check when they are there – how different reality is to their own ideas of it. They think, „What is this? The lamas are like us. They have the same problems as we do.” Some of them become totally confused. But the truth of the matter is that lamas are just human beings. In Kathmandu, you can see monks going to the casinos. I can say this here because some of you have seen this for yourselves. This is not a secret.

How does the Tibetan system of monasteries work?

A long time ago, a system was introduced in Tibet where very young children were brought to the monastery. They were fed and cared for free of charge. In today’s Afghanistan, there was once a „Vajrayana Kingdom” called Oddiyana. A very holy king ruled there. He had achieved enlightenment and taught all his subjects. They too became enlightened and the kingdom disappeared. Then a Tibetan king also wanted to do the same. He wanted to end samsara by letting the kingdom of Tibet disappear. He introduced some new rules. Monasteries for monks and nuns were erected all over the country. All monks and nuns received food for free and the harvest from the farmers went to the monasteries. As a result, the people became monks not only to become enlightened but because there was free food. There were also enlightened monks but they were not the majority, maybe one in a million. Enlightened beings were very rare then because there were so many distractions. There was enough to eat but not much to do. None of them practiced like Milarepa did in the earlier times. Nevertheless, there was a monastery in every valley and all of Tibet was filled with monasteries which housed big administrations.

In the beginning, there was a Kagyu master who founded a monastery in a right way. He started a study program and a meditation center. His wish was to preserve the teachings and not to let them simply vanish. At that time, there was no Tulku system (the system of recognition of consciously reborn Buddhist masters). It was then up to the master’s son to take on the responsibility for the monastery in succession to the father. In this way, many Kagyu monasteries expanded. But as time went by, things deteriorated. Monasteries became little kingdoms with very arrogant administrators. They were often very cunning. They knew that the spiritual leaders were necessary to control the people. They would then introduce a spiritual leader, but tried to keep all the power in their own hands. It was all very political. Beneath the spiritual exterior was a political underside.

Every monastery had land. Sometimes the property was extensive. When the monasteries bordered on one another, each side wanted to protect their own land. If an animal from one side crossed over the border it would be kept there. Sometimes fighting broke out over disputed borders. The peasants worked on the land much like slaves of the monasteries, and the administrators reigned like dictators.

The actual ruler of the country had hardly any power. Each monastery ruled supreme. Between monasteries, there was constant fighting. The government was completely powerless. It was later on that they managed to gain some influence and organized themselves like the monasteries did. Then the country was controlled in a strictly religious manner. Good practitioners were not part of the administration. The good masters and monks mainly practised in isolation. Nearly nobody reached enlightenment in a monastery. Monks were too strictly organized by the administration. Religion and politics were so intermingled in Tibet. The politicians used religion to control the people. The problem was not the enlightened masters, but the administrators. Unfortunately, Westerners have the idea that everything in the Tibetan monasteries was related to Dharma. They think that a monastery is a big mandala, and that every monk is a certain Buddha aspect and the guru is Dorje Chang.

People also think that the thrones of the lamas are a part of the Dharma practice. Actually they can often be a source of conflict. Take for example that you have prepared a throne for me. I am sitting on it now. If you do not do the same thing for another teacher, then problems may arise. This is the way of politics. If you had provided a beautiful chair instead, nobody would have any problems with it. The older Tibetan lamas, even the good and friendly ones, are used to certain customs based on their culture. When they come to the West, the absence of Tibetan musical accompaniment, or the throne lacking a beautiful brocade cover, might make them feel that something is missing. They will also tell you that you should arrange everything in a certain way. You might then think that this is part of the practice. If you do, you are building up the Tibetan tradition in the West. I do not think that these cultural protocols are going to last. If they do, they will be a source of problems in the future. Who should have a higher throne? Somebody is bound to have a smaller throne. In this way many problems can come up.

You must see the difference between Dharma and tradition. When problems occur, understand that they do not come from the enlightened ones, but from the administrators. Even the Chinese communists who do not believe at all in religion nevertheless use it from time to time for their own political ends. This is because the administration system is so well established and is so powerful. In the West you do not have to adopt the administrative and political aspects. I do not mean that your teachers should now sit somewhere on the floor, or you should point your feet at them when you sit. But there is simply no need for too much tradition.

Lecture given in Vienna, September 1993.

[gabriulio]

Persona World’s Demon Encyclopedia

Persona 1 and 2 do not have a compendium. The closest thing we got in-game are the small blurbs on the Analyze screen in P2... and the closest thing to an actual compendium is the Demon Encyclopedia at the end of Persona World.

I’ve translated some of those entries in the past for the Megaten Wiki, but now I intend to translate everything. That’s right, I’ll translate everything - one entry per day.

So, have this initial dump of profiles I’ve translated in the past few days and see you tomorrow for more! (I’m also posting the translations on twitter, for those interested)

Afanc

A giant beaver monster. It dwells in the Conwy river, which is located to the north of Wales.

It creates whirlpools and drags down those who look into them. Furthermore, the Afanc is strong enough to overpower a group of adult men.

However, it is weak to maidens. By using one as bait, it’s possible to lure Afanc into a trap and capture it.

Archangel

Angels originating from Israel. It is said that they carry out the Lord’s Divine Will.

There are many theories as to what their role is, but the most commonly accepted one is that Archangels hold a high position in Heaven’s hierarchy and are tasked with communicating the Divine Will to humans.

They are said to command nine armies of angels who fight against the armies of demons that try to guide humans down to Hell.

In ancient times, Archangels were considered the topmost position of the divine hierarchy, but during the Middle Ages many classes above them were created --such as the Seraphs and Virtues-- which knocked the Archangels down the list.

Arthur

The main character of the Arthurian Mythos, Arthur was an English hero from the Middle Ages.

It is said he went on expeditions both in and outside the British Isles, all the while accompanied by his loyal Knights of the Round Table.

He won multiple battles with the help of Merlin, his strategist and court mage. After successfully establishing his kingdom, Arthur began to expand its borders, and eventually conquered both Scandinavia and Rome.

According to the legends, Arthur possessed a multitude of weapons, including: the legendary sword Excalibur, the spear Ron, and the shield Prydwen, the latter of which depicts an image of the Virgin Mary.

It is believed that, out of all characters depicted in the Arthurian Mythos, only a few of them actually existed, but even so there is little historical evidence to back up this claim. Those characters are: Arthur, Mordred, Ambrosius, and Aurelianus.

Armaiti

Exemplary goddess from Zoroastrianism. She is a member of the Amesha Spenta, the children of the chief god Ahura Mazda.

Her name means “devotion,” and as such she represents godly and spiritual harmony as well as faith itself. She laments acts of evil and rejoices when those who follow the divine will cultivate the earth or have children.

Aizen Myouou

A Wisdom King of Buddhism born in India.

He rules over human lust and passions, and is also responsible for purging that lust. He’s also worshipped as the guardian deity of shops who work with indigo dye.

Aizen Myouou’s face is always depicting an angry expression, with his three eyes wide open and his hair standing up. His six arms are dyed red with the power of passion.

Aeshma

One of the seven demons of Zoroastrianism and a follower of Angra Mainyu. He rules over wrath and lust, enchanting people into performing evil deeds.

He’s always being pursued by the angel Sraosha. Whenever Aeshma does an evil deed, Sraosha will descend from the heavens to fight him.

Aeshma is also stated to be the archetype of the Christian demon Asmodeus.

Aello

The oldest of the harpy sisters from Greek mythology.

Her name means “storm-swift,” and as it suggests she is a spirit of storms and dust devils. Similarly to her fellow harpies Ocypete and Celaeno, she’s commonly depicted with a human head and a bird’s body.

She’s a servant of the sun god Apollo, and will sometimes carry out divine punishment in his stead.

Red Cloak and Blue Cloak

Spirit that appears in school bathrooms.

It will ask the following question to those who enter the bathroom: “Do you need a red cape? Or do you need a blue cape?”. If a person picks “red” they will become a bloodstained corpse, and if they pick “blue” they will become a corpse whose blood has been completely drained.

Argetlam

From Celtic mythology, this is another name for Nuada, the king of the Thuata De Danann. He has shining golden hair and wields the magic sword Claimh Solais.

He had one of his arms cut off during combat, and was given a silver prosthetic arm by the god of medicine. “Argetlam” means “one with a silver arm” and is from this incident that Nuada gained this second name.

Argetlam was killed in battle by the evil dragon Crom Cruach, which was summoned by the Fomorian king Balor.

Agathion

A general term for incorporeal familiars.

When employed by a magician, Agathion will do anything it is ordered to, from cursing people to household chores. Also, it will disappear in the blink of an eye once it has fulfilled its duty.

Since Agathion has no real form, it takes a different form each time it is summoned, such as a small bird or animal. It can change its size freely, allowing Agathion to hide inside small objects such as bottles, amulets, rings, etc.

Alladin’s genie in the lamp from Arabian Nights can be considered a kind of Agathion.

Agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa.

A German alchemist and researcher of witchcraft and secrets who was active during the Renaissance. He wrote On the Vanity of the Sciences and the Arts and was known as the greatest magician of the Middle Ages.

He caught the eye of people by, among many things, arguing in favor of separating magic from demons, combining Kabbalah and Hermeticism together, and also his theories on the structure of the universe. He was also the first one to point out the existence of spiritual power in humans.

Agrippa was born in Cologne, Germany in the year 1486. After graduating from Cologne University, he served under Emperor Maximilian I. For a brief period, he worked as a lecturer in the University of Dole, but was forced to leave under suspicions of being a heretic.

After that, he wandered through many countries such as England and Italy working as a doctor for the nobility, but never managed to stay in one place for too long due to his short temper. He passed away in 1535, in the city of Grenoble.

See you tomorrow for: Azazel.

[ark3750]

25 Amazing FACTS, not fiction for all those who consider Hinduism to be irrelevant, obsolete n unscientific! (2/2)

May 08, 2022

The original name in Sanskrit for Hinduism is Sanātana Dharma, which means the Eternal way of Salvation. The word Hindu or Indu comes from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, meaning a large body of water or River. It was coined by the Greeks to describe the people who lived around the Indus River in the Indus valley.

Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world having a history of more than 3,500 years. Many linguists consider it to be the mother of many (almost all) languages. It belongs to the language family of Proto-Indo-Aryan, Proto-Indo-Iranian and Proto-Indo-Europian Languages. It is also been proven that Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computers.

Why is the German national Airlines called ✈"Lufthansa"✈ ? The word, Lufthansa is derived from the two Sanskrit Words,- 'Lupth' (लुप्त) & 'Hansa'(हंस) meaning, the Disappearing Swan (लुप्त हुआ हंस). When the German airline service first started commercial flights in 1926, the aircraft they employed in service were pure white, resembling huge white swans. When these aeroplanes would fly into the sky and slowly grow smaller and smaller before disappearing, they resembled large white swans, flying up, up and away before disappearing into the vastness of the sky. In Sanskrit, the phrase that could aptly describe them was ‘lupth-hansa’, (लुप्त हुआ हंस) or Luft-hansa,- the disappearing swan!

There Is No single founder of Hinduism Most religions have a founder such as Prophet Muhammad for Islam, Jesus for Christianity, Buddha for Buddhism, Mahavir for Jainism and so on. Hinduism, however, has no single founder and no one knows the exact timeline for when the oldest religion on Earth originated.

The Only Religion That Doesn’t Have A Conversion Rule Hinduism is the only religion that never invaded any country or other religion to convert them into Hindus. Hinduism has no rule or ritual for conversion. But it doesn’t restrict those who wish to practice it and attain salvation from embracing it.

The Hanuman Chalisa predicted the distance between Sun & Earth Hanuman Chalisa is a prayer offering to Lord Hanuman written by Santh Tulsidas in the 16th century. In a verse of this prayer, it’s written as follows,- “Yuga-Sahasra-yojana para Bhanu Leeloo Tahi Madhura Phala Janu” According to the above verse, the distance between the Sun and Earth is Yuga-Sahasra-yojana. As said by Hinduism, 1 yuga is 12,000 divine years, Sahasra means one thousand and Yojana means 8 miles. Now equating this calculation we get 12000 x 1000 x 8 = 96 mn miles, which is 154.4 mn kms approximately, much closer to the 20th-century calculation of 152 mn kms at Aphelion (Longest distance between the Sun and the Earth). WOW!

The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas It is the oldest Indian & one of the oldest Indo-European texts. On the basis of astronomical calculations, it is dated back to 8,000 years and some calculations date it back to 10,000 years. It is a religious text, composed in Sanskrit, that originated in ancient India (1,800-1,100 BCE.) The Rigveda is regarded as one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism. It has fascinated scholars and historians due to its significance and antiquity. It is a collection of ancient Vedic Sanskrit hymns.

Feel proud to be born a “Hindu”, live as a devout Hindu, inspire n create more Hindus n later, move on n seek moksha as a Hindu! Jai Shri Ram! जय श्री राम! 🙏🏽 Ohm Namah Shivaaya! ॐ नमः शिवाय! 🙏🏽

[argumate]

the introduction of Buddhism to China is interesting, seems to be still unclear exactly when and how it arrived, and it was immediately syncretised with Taoism to form part of the Traditional Chinese Mishmash in much the same way that Buddhism and Hinduism are intermingled in South East Asia [citation needed]

if you think about it Buddhism disappearing from India and travelling 5000km to take root in altered form in Japan is pretty frickin’ weird! almost as weird as a Jewish cult taking over the empire behind the genocide in Judea, or the religion of the Arabs taking over Indonesia.

[laamaadventours]

✓Leh was an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and also between India and China for centuries. The main goods carried were salt, grain, pashm or cashmere wool, charas or cannabis resin from the Tarim Basin, indigo, silk yarn and Banaras brocade. ✓Although there are a few indications that the Chinese knew of a trade route through Ladakh to India as early as the Kushan period (1st to 3rd centuries ),and certainly by Tang dynasty, little is actually known of the history of the region before the formation of the kingdom towards the end of the 10th century by the Tibetan prince, Skyid lde nyima gon (or Nyima gon), a grandson of the anti-Buddhist Tibetan king, Langdarma. ✓He conquered Western Tibet although his army originally numbered only 300 men. Several towns and castles are said to have been founded by Nyima gon and he apparently ordered the construction of the main sculptures at Shey. "In an inscription, he says he had them made for the religious benefit of the Tsanpo (the dynastical name of his father and ancestors), and of all the people of Ngaris (Western Tibet). This shows that already in this generation Langdarma's opposition to Buddhism had disappeared." Shey, just 15 km east of modern Leh, was the ancient seat of the Ladakhi kings. (at Leh, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHenIeFD2sX/?igshid=1wrday190wp0

[luciddeparture]

Is Meditation for Morons?

I’m can’t exactly recall the first time I decided to meditate. I just know what happened when I finally bothered to learn how to. It has since had a profound effect on my life. 

Now I know what you are probably thinking… “Meditation? I don’t need any of that woo woo crap in my life.” That’s at least how I used to feel about it, but who knows? Maybe you are a little bit less cynical than I was. 

It is somewhat ironic that I am now the one who is writing a blog on meditation and its benefits.

When I first heard about meditation I immediately dismissed it, until I rediscovered it about two years ago whilst listening to a podcast called The Tim Ferris Show. The podcast is a series of interviews where Tim Ferris interviews top performers in a variety of fields from all around the world. Surprisingly, over “80% of the people [he] interviews have some form of meditation practice”. That’s a significant percentage! I’m by no means insinuating that we all need to be world-class performers, but I feel that it could not hurt to learn from those who are achieving high levels of success. Especially when there is an easily identifiable common trait, which in this case is meditation. 

It slowly became clearer and clearer to me that meditation might be less bullshit than I had originally anticipated. 

Before we get into things, it is important to acknowledge that although meditation is now becoming increasingly commercialised and “trendy” in Western Cultures, meditation has been a huge component of many spiritual practices for many hundreds of years. In the East, meditation played a huge role in particular in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The earliest records of Meditation can be found in the Vedas, a religious text written in Sanskrit in 500bc.  After reading the Vedas the Buddha added his own spin too, developing his own technique called Satipatthana, which is now most commonly known as Mindfulness. The direct translation is Sati (Attention) or (Remember) + Upa (Inside) + Thana (to keep) So Satipatthana means: To keep your attention inside. 

Transcendental Meditation was introduced to the West in part by the popular culture of the 1960’s. A notable contribution was The Beatles sharing their experiences after visiting India. Although Mindfulness meditation was introduced much later to Western Cultures. Throughout this article I will primarily be discussing the effects of Mindfulness Meditation.

Over the last few years, the process of meditation, as well as its effects, has become a rapidly expanding subfield of neurological research. One of the most interesting experiments involved scientists conducting tests on a Monk, finding that although he was 41 he had the brain of a 33 year old. They gave him an FMRI scan while asking him to cultivate a sense of compassion by meditating, and the neural activity in his empathy circuits grew by 700-800%!  One of the researches later wrote “Such an extreme increase befuddles science.” 

When most of us anticipate getting burned our pain receptors act as though we are already suffering. So much so that when the pain actually comes nothing really changes. Once the physical stimulus stops the mental pain slowly subsides. Expert meditators act much less in anticipation of the pain and feel the pain more intensely while the stimulus is present. Their awareness of the pain ceases immediately as soon as the stimulus is removed.  

Interestingly enough, the emotional centre for  the brain, the Amygdala, acts in a similar fashion to the pain response. Meditators are often much better at responding in anticipation to emotional stress.

I’m someone who has always lived predominately inside their thoughts, probably leaning on the more erratic side. The thought of being able to sit in silence sorta freaked me out, not to mention seeming borderline impossible.

To understand what my mind looks like, you need to look no further than The Simpsons. Remember that scene where Homer is listening to Marge and inside his brain a monkey is clanging symbols? That’s the relationship I had with my brain almost all of the time. I believe this is the same for most of us. 

Let’s put this to the test. You, my lucky reader, can be the test subject of a little experiment on your own psyche. For the next minute, I want you to close your eyes and just do your best to focus solely on your breath. 3…2..1. GO! 

How did you go? Did you get lost in your thoughts? Did you forget entirely that you were even trying to focus at all? Where did your mind take you? Your relationship (or lack of)? Work? Or maybe even what you might have for dinner?

I found that when I first began meditating my mind would sometimes find itself distracted on the most obscure things. The reason why I am illustrating this point is because often when I speak to others who have tried meditation for the first time, I hear “I tried meditation, and it’s not for me - I just think too much”. I hate to say it, but these are the people who probably should be learning to meditate most of all. 

The way I see meditation, is similar to closing background apps on your phone. It saves battery, and it just makes your phone faster. No brainer. I believe the same is true with meditation and giving your brain a break from constantly thinking. 

A lot of the people who are reading this article will have grown up with internet access. Therefore,  you have been bombarded with external stimuli in each and every moment. Bzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzzzzzz. I’m sure that most of you will have received a messages even whilst reading this article.

Our brains have been over stimulated and are in a constant state of overdrive. Even when we are asleep our brains are constantly thinking, even if it is in the form of dreams! Obviously that isn’t a negative on it’s own, in fact sleep is crucial for the brain. But when you add everything up it’s a lot for a brain that has only been subject to this much stimuli for around 15 years - the first iPhone only came out 13 years ago. 

As you discovered just before, learning to “not think” doesn’t happen instantly. Like you, when I first attempted to sit in silence and tried to focus on my breath it did not work. My monkey mind remained supreme. Once again I was convinced that it wasn’t for me. But like all skills, meditation takes time and discipline to both learn, and improve. 

I’m not saying this to deter you, it’s just the truth. An easy comparison might be to say that you wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument. It would be ridiculous to expect that you would be able to play your favourite song after your first time attempting to pick up the instrument. The same logic can be applied to meditation. It takes time, practice and discipline - however unlike musical instruments, you bring your mind to all situations in life. In my opinion, sharpening your ability to think is well worth the investment. According to scientific studies Mindfulness meditation induces big changes in the minds of experts, but when beginners first meditate not much happens.

At its core, the aim of meditation is to become more present in each moment by focusing and training attention and awareness. This is to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. This in turn gives you the ability to have significantly more control of how you react to external and internal stimuli when they arise in your life.

In Mindfulness meditation, the goal is to act as an observer whilst focusing on your breath, watching your conscious experience as thoughts and sensations arise and disappear. 

As mentioned earlier we are often multi tasking, with tech and external stimuli, but even whilst we are not, we remain deep in thought. We are often living in the past or in the future through memory rather than in each and every moment.  

Meditation helps you learn how to not be constantly reactive to stimuli on the inside or outside. When I meditate, I find that it simply quiets my mind. It’s a simple reset of the brain allowing me to slow down and focus solely on the present. 

Another way of looking at it is that meditation is like going to the gym. You can see it as a way of working out your mind. To begin with your mind will wander, time traveling from the past to the future. But with practice you can slowly train your mind to become more present.

Being present throughout the day allows me to consciously make better decisions, rather than just remaining on autopilot. 

As hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio puts it “When you're centred, your emotions are not hijacking you”. “Meditation is 'the single most important reason for my success.”

If you are looking to start meditation, Mindfulness meditation apps are a great way to initially learn how to meditate. I still find myself using one most days. Having tried all of them, I would recommend Sam Harris’ Waking Up app. Its thirty day training course is clear and concise and an awesome starting point to learn how to meditate. After that, new daily meditations appear on the app. Harris is a Neuroscientist and an Atheist and breaks meditation down in a way that is less spiritual which might make more sense to a western audience. 

Worried it’s going to cost too much? If you can’t afford a subscription, you can email the help section and receive a one year free subscription. No questions asked. You have no excuse not to try it! 

Other Mindfulness app alternatives are: 

- Headspace - Andy Puddicombe

- Smiling Mind (An Australian non-profit alternative)

For further learning check out these guys:

Sam Harris, Mooji, Ram Dass and Andy Puddicombe

I am by no means an expert in this field, I just wanted to share something which has improved the quality of my life by at least 10%. I hope that it works for you too!