Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
Turning of the Wheel of Dharma (Dharma Cakra Pravartana) – the process by which the Buddha’s teachings transform our minds
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Compassion – The Profound Stirring That Overcomes Passivity
Kindness calms. Compassion Propels. Compassion stirs us forward. It awakens within us a profound recognition.
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Putheri (Buddheri) – The Southern most Stupa of Ancient India
An ancient Buddhist Stupa is found in Putheri, on the outskirts of Nagercoil, in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. This Stupa is, as of now, the southernmost Buddhist Stupa found in India. A statue of a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl can be seen in front of the Stupa.
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History of Buddhism in Kerala
There was wide-spread presence of Buddhism in Kerala from the 3rd Century BCE to at least the 12th Century CE. Some world-renowned scholars and yogis in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition like Bhavaviveka, Vajrabodhi, Ayyappa and Paramabuddha were from Kerala. The practices of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Bodhisattva Tara originated and spread from Potalaka (Agastyakoodam / Potikai) in the Malaya mountains to the rest of the world. There were also some world-renowned Mahayana Viharas in Kerala, such as Sreemoolavasam.
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Like a bird flying through the vast expanse
A bird in flight is a commonly used simile in the teachings of the Buddha in various contexts. At different contexts this simile indicates tracelessness, groundlessness, unobstructedness and effortlessness.
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This Moment – The Delight in this Day of Excellence
The door to peace and wisdom that the Buddha showed is not in tomorrow and not after death. It is here, now, at this very moment. The present moment is the only way for us to be in contact with reality. The present, this moment, comes between the past and the future without abiding for even a moment. Yet, in this seemingly little moment is the expansive openness! This very moment opens up vast possibilities.
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The Liberation Story of Punnika, a Girl from an Oppressed Caste
The liberation story of Punnika Theri. A girl from an oppressed caste, her life transformed upon listening to the Buddha. Later, her wisdom transformed the Brahmin Udakasuddhika. The below narration is based on the liberation songs of Punnika and Udakasuddhika. The songs are present in Therīgātha, a collection of the liberation songs of the Buddha’s female disciples.
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Buddhism in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu
An ancient Buddha statue found in Ulagiyanallur and the dilapidated structure of a vihara from the first millennium is clear evidence of the presence of Buddhism in Kallakurichi dist, Tamil Nadu.
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Buddhism in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
The presence of Buddhism in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu is evident from ancient statues of Buddha found in Thiruvathigai and Pennadam, as well as from the local legends related to the Veerattaneswarar temple.
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Buddhism in Tiruvannamalai, the ancient remnants
Just as in the rest of Tamil Nadu, the presence of Buddhism in Tiruvannamalai district in ancient times is also revealed by ancient Buddha statues and other archeological remains found in Padavedu.
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