A Musing

Not sure what's in the air these days (besides impenetrable coal smoke pollution), but I just found another fantastic blog, dhamma musings, authored by a Western Buddhist monk. Somehow serious and bemused at the same time, Ven. Shravasti Dhammika issues his missives from Singapore, covering topics ranging from entertaining explorations of details small and great from the Buddha's teaching, to critiques of orthodox Christianity and its espoused views on Buddhism, to the odd observations of this peculiar realm which we collectively inhabit.

I mean, who can't appreciate a celibate Buddhist monk who devotes an entire post to "The Highest Limb: The Penis in Buddhism," enhanced by an hysterical graphic? My kinda feller. Blogrolled.

Update: Looking further, my venerable brother penned one of the most affecting and heartbreaking essays on Buddhism and homosexuality I've ever read.

Comments

[Christian]

Thanks for the link.

While I find diverting to bitch about Christianity a little (as much as I am entertained by such questions as "If there is no self, what is reborn?" etc.), our monk over there does not seem to understand Christianity as well as he understands Buddhism. He even mentions that the word "hell" appears more than a 100 times in the New Testament (126?), while a quick online search gives, depending on the translations, between 10 and 15 occurrences. Anyway, Christianity is much more subtle than he thinks and deserves a much more studied bitching. (All in good sport, of course.)

I wonder if the mention of the penis of the Buddha remaining hidden in his body could have something to do with a rejection of sexuality. Or that he had mastered sexual desire, as it was said that Adam could have an erection at will.

Anyway, it was a refreshing read.

[Norbu GD Tashi]

Hey Check this out! from "Mongolia Web News" :)

Mongolian teacher of Buddhism receives Prince Claus Award

Tuesday, 09 December 2008

The Netherlands-based Prince Claus Award has been presented to a Mongolian teacher of Buddhism.
G.Purevbat, born in Tov Aimag, has been presented the award for his work as an artist and teacher of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition.

Purevbat has worked to revitalize Buddhism in Mongolia, which was suppressed under the communist regime. Purevbat founded a school to train artists and teachers in disciplines such as painting, sculpting, appliqué, architecture and dance. He established the Zanabazar Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art, which sponsors exhibitions, documents historical sites and undertakes restoration projects and the re-introduction of festivals.

lama purevbat with a four horns goat on research work about abnormal figures of animalsHe also was recognized for creating a masters course for graduates and his ongoing writing of a 23-volume series on Buddhist art theories and techniques.
The Prince Claus Awards noted, in announcing the award, “Purevbat’s fine artworks, inspirational activities and dissemination of knowledge have created a renaissance in Mongolian cultural identity and timely self-affirmation. Artist and scholar, Venerable Purevbat is honored for the rigorous authenticity of his methods and techniques, for re-establishing an important ‘un-modern’ aesthetic practice, for his dedication and generosity in fostering future generations, and for nurturing local identity through artistic tradition and culture.”

The annual Prince Claus Awards are presented to offer individuals and organizations “new opportunities and recognition,” according to the Prince Claus Fund.