Were living in an enlightened age, the story goes. Aside from Andrew Tate and a bunch of freak gender critical obsessives, most people dont judge others gender identity based on frivolous details like what they enjoy eating. Men dont have to gnaw on red meat to prove their masculinity these days, right?Well, a new study suggests this might be wildly optimistic. According to research published in Sex Roles journal, men on vegan diets are often perceived as lacking in masculinity. This perception seemed to cut across gender, too meaning this wasnt just the Andrew Tate bro crowd calling vegan guys gay. A significant proportion of men participating in the study reportedly felt that male vegans are often viewed as physically weaker and less masculine, and a number of women participants believed there was truth to these stereotypes. Even weirder, some vegans thought this too. In a clear case of vegan on vegan prejudice, the study found negative beliefs about male vegans such as being unmanly or weak were harboured by a number of female vegans. The female vegans themselves were surprised that they have such stereotypical thinking. After all, on a rational level they know that a vegan diet is not related to a persons masculinity, the studys co-author Dominika Adamczyk tells PsyPost. I think this observation further underscores how strong the connection between meat-eating and masculinity is.This seems like a fairly wild discovery, and a blow for all the vegan dudes out there. If even vegan chicks think youre a wimpy soy boy for spurning animal products, what hope is there?! But does this study really hold water? Do women think vegan men are less masculine? More importantly, do guy vegans give girls the ick? To get to the bottom of this, VICE undertook a bit of rigorous scientific research of our own. Basically, we asked loads of women if veganism was a turn off.Yes, one woman responded immediately and decisively to an Instagram call-out. Yeah, hate to say it but I love a man that eats meat, another shot over. Yes, is that bad? another asked, before admitting she was speaking as an ex-vegan herself. I do get the ick a little, but that probably says more about me than them, a fourth woman confessed. I worry that their farts will smell all Quorn-y and I love cooking steak so, it's a defo ick for me, a fifth reported, definitely revealing more about herself than anything else in the process.

So far, its not looking good for the vegan guys. But surely Zoomers care less about all this than Boomers? Veganism is meant to have been normalised now, isnt it? Beyonc and Jay Z are vegan goddamn it! There must be a bunch of ladies out there who dont always associate vegan guys with weakness and flatulence.Next I turn to that infamous source of infinite wisdom: the Girls Group Chats. I dont see a vegan man as less masculine and it definitely wouldn't give me the ick, Phoebe, 29, says in Quorn Guys defence. To be honest, Id quite like it because I'd probably end up eating healthier. A similar line of thinking is advanced by 31-year-old Amy: Being vegan might mean theyre a better, more creative cook, which is a pretty hot trait in my book. Hannah, 30, agrees on the turn on. And now Im left wondering if this says more about early millennials who were raised on cooking shows and now fancy Jeremy Allen White in The Bear, than it does #AllWomen.Theyre more likely to be cooks who are used to adapting, which is also pretty hot stuff, Hannah says. I have lots of friends with intolerances and allergies, and I have other friends who struggle to cook for them because theyre not used to adapting ingredients.So vegan guys are adaptable and good in the kitchen? That might not win over the Andrew Tate bros as signs of alpha masculinity, but it might help them actually get girlfriends IRL.

See the article here:

We Asked Women If Vegan Men Give Them the Ick - VICE

bowl of sea moss - epalinsk/Shutterstock

In the realm of vegan and vegetarian cooking, sea moss gel is a lesser-known ingredient that can actually be a lifesaver when veganizinggelatin-based recipes. Picture a scenario where you're hosting a gathering of friends, some of whom follow a plant-based lifestyle. You might decide to whip up a delicious dessert, perhaps a pudding or a creamy panna cotta, but you know that gelatin is derived from animal bones. Opting for sea moss gel instead not only ensures that the dish remains vegan- or vegetarian-friendly, but also introduces a rich source of minerals and nutrients.

Also known as "Irish moss," sea moss is a nutrient-dense aquatic vegetable similar to seaweed that is commonly harvested from the Atlantic Ocean. It's a species of red algae called Chondrus crispus. Irish moss has grown to be a cult favorite in the vegan community thanks to a derivative product known as sea moss gel, which acts as a versatile and nutritious thickening agent for various recipes, from gummy candies to mousses and other dishes traditionally reliant on gelatin.

Sea moss gel is the perfect gelatin dupe thanks to a natural compound called carrageenan, which is responsible for its gelling properties.This thickener createsa signature jiggly gelatin texture without compromising on flavor or ethical considerations. That being said, you may have also heard of agar-agar, a similar gelatin substitute also derived from seaweed. The two ingredients have a few key differences.

Read more: What These Imitation Foods Are Actually Made Of

When it comes to gelatin substitutes, agar-agar might be the more familiar ingredient on the vegan and vegetarian scene. Similar to sea moss gel, agar is derived from seaweed and is free of animal byproducts like collagen, found in traditional gelatin. Agar primarily comes from the Gracilaria species of red algae, while sea moss gel, as said before, is made from the Chondrus crispus species.The preparation methods for these two ingredients also differ. Sea moss gel is typically made by washing, soaking, and then blending the threads of moss, while agar is most often removed from the seaweed and then synthesized into a powder or flakes before it is sold.

Story continues

So why use sea moss gel over agar? Sea moss gel not only boasts natural gelling properties, but also a wealth of essential nutrients, including minerals and antioxidants. Unlike agar, which undergoes more processing, sea moss gel provides a more "fresh" and minimally-processed option, for those of us concerned about processed foods. Sea moss is also considered to be softer than agar and easier to melt, making it a better choice when making recipes likechocolate mousse or ice cream. Agar is known to add a more firm or brittle texture to gelled desserts, which is fine if you're not after a super-soft and wobbly result, but too much agar can actually make foods seem hard and possibly unpleasant.

Sea moss has developed something of a cult following online, with loyalists touting its miracle ability to help with clear skin, immune support, and other health benefits. Experts agree that there are solid nutritional benefits to ingesting sea moss, either in gel form, or as a supplement or a liquid drop. Vitamins such as A, B, C, and E are plentiful in the product, as registered dietician nutritionist Samar Kullab told CNBC. These nutrients can help to reduce inflammation and support both heart and gut health.

Sea moss gel can evenhelp balance the thyroid gland, although individuals with thyroid issues should stick to one serving per day and check with their health care providers. "Sea moss contains iodine which helps regulate your thyroid function," Kullab explained. "And iodine is something that our bodies can't produce, so we do have to ingest it."

However, beware of "miracle food" claims regarding sea moss, which can be exaggerated.Dr. Melinda Ring, the executive director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told The New York Times,"It's just not a magical thing that everyone should be taking," as it has not been studied in clinical trials. It's best to view sea moss gel as a great gelatin substitute that also carries a nutrient boost, rather than a sort of cure-all ingredient.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.

Read the rest here:

Sea Moss Gel Is A Slept-On Ingredient For Vegan Gelatin - Yahoo Canada Shine On

New Delhi: Today, in time for Republic Day, Hollywood actor Alicia Silverstone teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to provide delicious vegan desi food to HIV-positive orphans from Bhagini Nivedita Pratishthan in Sangli, students from Ramswaroop Chameli Devi Memorial Junior High School in Bulandshahr, and children with learning disabilities from Pruthvi Women and Rural Development Organisation in Gundlupet. These youngsters enjoyed the tasty lunches after taking a tour to meet to rescued cows, goats, sheep, camels, and other animals at Animal Rahat's beautiful sanctuaries in Gundlupet, Ranapur, and Sangli. The animals were rescued from various hardships, including being used for gruellinglabour or in circuses, or were slated to be sacrificed, would have been abandoned by dairies, or faced other horrific fates.

I love children! And sharing yummy vegan food with them is the perfect way to showcase how rich and flavourful meals are when we leave animals in peace, says Silverstone, a vegan of many years who has raised her strapping son, Bear, vegan. India is such a magical place, and I'm happy to help PETA India celebrate Republic Day with Animal Rahat by treating children to a visit they'll never forget and a healthy and delicious vegan meal that saves lives.

Republic Day is a time to celebrate the many gifts India has given the world, including a phenomenal variety of delectable animal-free dishes that make it so easy to live vegan and show respect for all living, feeling beings, says PETA India Vice President of Celebrity and Public Relations Sachin Bangera. PETA India is delighted to be working with Alicia Silverstone to foster kindness and compassion for all among the next generation by distributing vegan meals to children visiting the Animal Rahat sanctuaries for rescued animals.

India is admired worldwide for its cultural reverence for animals. The Sanskrit phrase VasudhaivaKutumbakam means that the world is one family, andthe Constitution of Indiarequires citizens to have compassion for animals. And when non-vegans learn that the egg industry confines billions of chickens to cages so small they cannot even spread a wing, that trillions of fish are suffocated or slit open while they're still alive so humans can consume their flesh, or that most calves are torn away from their mothers shortly after birth and many of them are killed just so that humans can steal the milk that was meant for them, many reject this violence by consuming exclusively vegan foods.

Unsurprisingly, India has the largest vegetarian population in the world (39% of the public) because of religious or cultural reasons as well as concerns over animal welfare, the negative environmental impact of animal farming, and the increase in rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

A staggering75% of the population in India along with most of the world is lactose intolerant (unable to properly digest lactose). Studies have shown that consuming dairy can contribute to heart disease, various reproductive cancers like colon and breast cancer, obesity, and other serious ailments.

According to areportby the United Nations which identifies animal agriculture as a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions a global move towards vegan eating is necessary to combat the climate catastrophe, andUniversity of Oxfordresearchers found that ditching meat and dairy can slash one's carbon footprint from food by 73%.

Read the original here:

Ahead of R-Day, Alicia Silverstone provides schoolchildren with Vegan Meals and Cow Hugs - The Northlines

Its been almost ten years since the ground-breaking vegan documentary Cowspiracy was released. The pioneering film about the impacts of animal agriculture raised public awareness, perhaps like never before, about the connection between meat and environmental destruction. Cowspiracy set out to catalyze a broader conversation, and influence viewers to rethink what they eat. But it also marked the start of a trend that would grow over the next decade utilizing the medium of documentary films to highlight underreported information about animal farming, plant-based eating, health and nutrition. Today, the latest doc series to make waves in this space, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, is one of the most-watched shows on Netflix, and is creating a serious stir on social media.

But that stir is notably mixed raising the question of just how much a documentary with a vegan angle can accomplish at this moment in culture.

The new docuseries, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment follows four of the 22 sets of twins participating in an eight-week study to compare the impacts of diet. One twin eats a balanced omnivore diet while the other genetically identical twin eats a balanced vegan diet.

The study was conducted by Stanford researchers and published in November in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The results were striking: participants on the vegan diet had better cardiometabolic health outcomes compared to the omnivore diet, including a 12 percent drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol, a 20 percent drop in insulin levels and a three percent drop in weight.

Findings of a subsequent preprint study (not yet peer-reviewed) that looked further at the Stanford data were also featured in the film. Here, participants on the vegan diet also saw a reduction in biological age assessed by examining the lengths of the protective caps at the ends of DNA strands, known as telomeres in each twin. As individuals age, the lengths of telomeres naturally decrease. The longer telomeres assessed in the twins on a vegan diet pointed to a younger biological age.

But the series goes further than these two studies, to make the environmental, social justice and ethical cases for not eating meat, dairy and eggs. The documentary has a bigger agenda, in other words, and wellness and diet influencers took notice.

Two years after Cowspiracy, another widely watched documentary, What the Health, was released by the same filmmakers, this time making the case for the health risks associated with consuming animal products. Here too, the movie went beyond its central thesis in this case, health to expose evidence of government collusion with the meat and dairy industries.

Almost immediately, the backlash began. Vox published Debunking What the Health, the buzzy new documentary that wants you to be vegan. Time Magazine went with, What You Should Know About the Pro-Vegan Netflix Film What the Health, arguing that links made in the doc between meat/dairy consumption and cancer were overblown and without necessary nuance. On the other hand, the article notes that claims made regarding conflicts of interest in the food and health industries are real, as are concerns about antibiotic resistance due to meat consumption.

Today, reactions to the You Are What You Eat series have been just as strong, swift and polarizing. While many social media users are expressing shock re-thinking their whole lives and stating their intentions to go vegan, others have threatened to cancel their Netflix subscription due to the misinformation.

Some of the voices already have their minds made up. Author and social media personality Dave Asprey known for advocating for low-carb dieting and putting butter in your coffee, aka bulletproof coffee called the film another manipulative piece of propaganda to his nearly 1 million followers on Instagram. He also claims the study was funded by Beyond Meat (it wasnt).

Others approached the film with a more open mind. In a review of the documentary on her website, Toronto-based registered dietician Abby Langer criticized the film for being stacked with experts with an agenda. While she appreciated some of the films points the agriculture industrys influence on dietary guidelines and an absence of healthy plant-forward options in many BIPOC communities she expressed frustration at the lack of counterbalance. About the films presentation of antibiotic use by the animal agriculture industry, she wrote:

Should the average person be concerned? Im not sure, because we were only presented with one side of the argument. The average person will probably take that unchallenged side as fact, which is problematic. I would have liked to hear from an unbiased farmer and scientist about this, and about, well, the entire documentary.

Langer clearly isnt vegan but shes no meat advocate either. In a post from 2018, she called the carnivore diet the perfect example of a post-truth era diet fad.

In reaction to some of the backlash, author and surgeon Dr. Garth Davis came to the defense of the documentary, stating via social media that the Stanford study was nicely done, and describing the doc as excellent. But he too worried about the presentation, noting that while I want everybody to see what happens in a factory farm [and] I want everybody to see the climate effects, I dont really know if that fit in this documentary. And thats making people say it is biased.

While some may argue that films like You Are What You Eat and other vegan documentaries might better serve the subject matter by letting the science, stats and facts speak for themselves without any attempt to persuade viewers, the question is: would they be entertaining enough to get people to watch in the first place?

It is difficult to measure just how much a documentary can persuade viewers to change what they eat. However, a 2020 preliminary study published in Frontiers in Communication tried to do just that. Researchers showed Cowspiracy to 27 participants. It also showed 21 respondents two episodes of the nature documentary Planet Earth, which made no reference to meat consumption.

The differences were striking: a significant change in attitude to reduce meat consumption was predicted by the type of documentary they saw, write the authors. The average attitude score in the group that watched Planet Earth did not change, but increased in the group that watched Cowspiracy. Further, intention to reduce meat was predicted by the type of documentary they saw [] Intention to eat less meat did not change in the group that watched Planet Earth [] but increased in the group that watched Cowspiracy.

In a subsequent study by Faunalytics, it was found that 37 percent of surveyed animal advocates said they got their start in the movement after being exposed to some form of media, with 13 percent specifying that media as full-length documentary, such as Earthlings.

Jodey Castricano, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, has been teaching critical animal studies for over a decade and has long utilized documentaries about animal farming in her class, including Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home and The End of Meat. She admits though, that there is a fear that once a documentary is widely considered vegan, mainstream/meat-eating audiences are more likely to err on the side of their own bias and avoid it, in order to avoid the resulting cognitive dissonance. When asked if she thinks there is such a thing as the curse of the vegan documentary, Castricano tells Sentient Media yes, since vegan is often discredited as being preachy and is easily dismissed or ridiculed.

By its very nature, the medium of the vegan documentary aims to amuse and appeal to broad audiences, often relying on narrative structure, emotive language and music, all to keep viewers engaged and entertained (and those Netflix ratings up). Thus documentaries can or sometimes must oversimplify information and leave out important nuances. This can result in the subject matter being reinterpreted, leaving it vulnerable to criticism; especially when that subject matter is veganism, and even more so when its about health and nutrition.

Nutritional science is one of the most complex, varied and ever-evolving (or messy as Vox once described) fields of study because humans are complex, varied and ever-evolving. Making the case for plant-based eating based largely on this fluctuating field can be difficult, so it is understandable to want to fortify that position with the many more concrete and shocking facts about animal agriculture. If the audience is there, hit them with the whole story, right?

There is, however, that risk of catching the vegan documentary curse being deemed biased and then ultimately dismissed. Is this risk worth the reward? Well, so far, You Are What You Eat has been viewed 8 million times. Even with their limitations, vegan documentaries are still worth making. As Kate Manzo writes in her journal article on the usefulness of climate change films: If climate change films cannot offer a complete view of climate change due to the nature of the subject matter and the nature of film [] then climate change films are necessarily imperfect. In other words, tis better to have these films out in the world, even in their flawed form, than not at all.

Read More

Whether Veganuary Works Long-Term, Its Certainly Better Than Nothing

Meat Consumption In the U.S.: Is It Increasing or Decreasing?

Blue Zones: New Netflix Docuseries Highlights Plant-Based Longevity

Read this article:

Vegan Documentaries Like 'You Are What You Eat' Seem Damned If They Do or Don't - Sentient Media

January 23, 2024 Heerea Kaur Rikhraj

NEW YORK Every year in mid-January, Livia Gao arrives at Mahayana Buddhist Temple in New Yorks Chinatown at dawn to prepare 2,000 batches of congee, a soupy rice mixture, for the community.

About 30 volunteers join her, peeling longan skin, boiling coconut milk with white sticky rice and organizing red beans, green beans, dates and lotus seeds to add for additional flavor.

When a sweetness fills the air signaling that the congee is done, the team wanders to the main hall to join a line of monks who begin the days service with a variety of sutra prayers, followed by a series of chants. As the prayers come to an end, the attendees then pack the congee and distribute it to senior centers and passersby on Canal street.

READ: Religion And National Identity Linked In Southeast Asian Countries

This special service is held each year, and is more commonly known as the Laba Festival by Mahayana Chinese Buddhists. Laba, which translates to 12 (La) and eight (ba) is named as such as the festival falls on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, typically three weeks before Lunar New Year. It usually falls on Jan. 18 on the Gregorian Calendar. The day is one of the most important for Chinese Buddhists as it is considered the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment.

According to various historical accounts, Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting for several days under a Pipal tree in what is now modern day India. It is believed by many that a young girl who was passing through handed him a bowl of rice pudding, which was the last thing he ate before achieving enlightenment.

This is why Buddhists prepare during Laba, a way to commemorate the shepherdess who offered Buddha rice pudding that enabled him to achieve enlightenment. Eight, which is a lucky number in Chinese culture, is a central number during the festival. Thus, the congee made is prepared with eight or more ingredients to bring in good luck. For Mahayana Buddhists, distributing Buddhas congee or Laba congee is a way to bring happiness, luck and good health to the public.

This act also helps us as Buddhists practice grace and generosity, Gao said.

While the modern-day Laba festival is connected to Buddhism, the festival itself existed long before Buddhism came to China. In its original form, folks would pray for good fortune, health and a good harvest by making sacrifices to the gods a few weeks before the new year.

When Buddhism arrived in China in the first century, locals switched the offerings to congee, and used the festival as a way to commemorate Buddha. This is why the Laba Festival is typically only celebrated in China and by Chinese Buddhists in other areas of the world.

Buddhism, the worlds fourth largest religion, originated in modern day South Asia, and the teachings of Buddha are central to the religion. Buddha, who was born as Siddhartha Gautama, was a child of a royal family from the Shakya Clan. Miraculous circumstances surrounded his birth and early life. Gautamas mother was said to have given birth to him standing up while leaning against a tree.

Moments after he was born, it was noted that he proceeded to take seven steps. Astrologers also predicted he would be a great king or religious teacher. His father, who feared that Gautama would choose the path of religious teachings if exposed to the ails of the world, isolated him from the outside world for as long as he could.

At age 29, Gautama ventured out of the palace grounds three consecutive times, encountering an elderly person, a corpse and an ill person for the first time. The fourth time he ventured out, he encountered an older holy man, whose way of life inspired Gautama to leave home and pursue a life of spirituality. He spent years as an ascetic, and fasted intensely before attaining enlightenment. He then shared his learnings, encouraging folks to pursue The Middle Way, which emphasizes a life of balance.

There are four tenents central to Buddhism, known as the Four Noble Truths. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. In essence, these tenents emphasize one principle: That while suffering exists, there is a way to its end. Buddhism also recognizes that happiness is present, but that it is fleeting. There are several schools of Buddhism which currently exist such as Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, but the four noble truths are central in these variations of Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism is the most common form of the religion practiced in China and other East Asian countries. It differs from other schools as it accepts both early Buddhist teachings and other doctrines that other schools dont. For instance, Mahayana Buddhists believe that anyone can aspire to achieve Buddhas awakening and become a bodhisattva (one who is one the path to becoming a Buddha). Other schools of thought believe that Buddha is the only bodhisattva that can exist.

There are currently three Mahayana Buddhist temples in the greater New York area, with two of them sitting in the city. The original temple, on Mott street in Chinatown, opened in 1962. The largest of the three sits on Canal Street, and opened to the public in 1997.

Outside the red pillars is where Gao and several volunteers man a booth to hand out around a 1,000 congee boxes to passerbyers during the Laba festival. The other 1,000 are sent to senior homes in the neighborhood.

Gao, who has organized the festival in New York for the last four years, grew up as a Mahayana Buddhist in China before moving to the United States. The festival was only open to the Buddhist community during COVID, but reopened to the public last year. Every year, the congee runs out before the day is over.

Its nice to see so many people celebrating with us and enjoying this gift, Gao said.

Heerea Kaur Rikhraj is a New York-based journalist who covers religion, health, Indigenous and foreign affairs. She is currently an intern for New Mexico in Depth.

Discover more from Religion Unplugged

Visit link:
Distributing Buddhas Congee Thousands Of Miles From Home - Religion Unplugged

Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa addressing the conference.

Taipei: Under the direction of the Office of Tibet, the first conference of Tibetan Buddhist Centres based in Taiwan was organised, together with a forum to discuss the current status of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan and its prospects for the future, on 18 and 19 January 2024, at Hsuan Chuang University. This duo symposium was jointly organised by the Universitys Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Global Tibetan Buddhist Research Center, and Taiwan International Tibetan Buddhist Association.

Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa from the Office of Tibet delivered opening remarks during the forums inaugural session. The opening session was also addressed by the Hsuan Chuang Universitys Chancellor, Xingguan; Principal Dr Chien Shao-chi; President of the Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Shih Chao-hwei; President of the Global Tibetan Buddhist Research Center, Khenpo Tsewang Rigzin; Chen Ming-ru; and Zhong Zhi.

Over the course of the two-day conference, the speakers consisting of Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, Dr Liu Huijuan, Professor Liu Yu Guan, Professor Weng Shi Jie, Professor Pan Mei Lin, and Guoji Rui read their respective research articles on the current status and prospects of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan to the forums participants and discussed on inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Taiwan as wills of the Taiwanese people.

As part of the Tibetan Buddhist Centres conference, a round table meeting was also held between the representatives of the major Tibetan Buddhist schools who introduced their respective schools and spoke about the establishment of their religious centres in Taiwan. It was also joined by the advisors of the Office of Tibet, Zhong Zhi and Chen Ming-ru, along with the President of the Taipei-based Gaden Shartse Centre, Liu Jin Chai.

On the second day, a debate session was organised to discourse on observing Buddhist ceremonies in Taiwan, developing relations amongst dharma centres in Taiwan, preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan, and the services Tibetan Buddhism provides to contemporary global societies.

-Report filed by OoT Taiwan

Read this article:
Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Attends Forum at Hsuan Chuang University to Discuss Current Status and Future ... - Central Tibetan Administration

Japan Art and Cats: Cat in Buddhist Robes

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Cats are the theme in this article concerning Japanese art. However, the above art piece by Okubo Tadanobu(1722-1777)is very intriguing, unlike the other two more natural settings of cats.

In traditional Japanese folklore, cats had a deeper negative angle. This concerns the corpse-eating cats (kasha), the shapeshifting (bakeneko) cat with one tail, and the two-tailed cat (nekomata).

Yet, in the art piece by Okubo Tadanobu,the cat is the protector of the written words of Buddhism. This concerns cats being brought to Japan in increasing numbers during the Nara Period (710-794) for a specific purpose. Accordingly, cats protected important Buddhist scrolls from gnawing rats.

Another unique trait of this stunning art piece is the chrysanthemums on the robes. Henceforth, another important connotation that links the Imperial Family with cats.

The second art piece is by Sasajima Kihei (1906-1993). From 1962, he focused on religious themes in his art. For example, the Sacred Moutain and Fudo Myo-o (Buddhist Deity).

The final art piece of the Sleeping Cat is by Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889). He was independent in mind and thought. This reality shines right through the art of Kyosai.

Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times group

http://moderntokyotimes.comModern Tokyo Times International News and Japan News

http://sawakoart.com Sawako Utsumis website and Modern Tokyo Times artist

https://moderntokyonews.comModern Tokyo News Tokyo News and International News

PLEASE JOIN ON TWITTER

https://twitter.com/MTT_NewsModern Tokyo Times

PLEASE JOIN ON FACEBOOK

http://facebook.com/moderntokyotimes

See the rest here:
Japan Art and Cats: Cat in Buddhist Robes Modern Tokyo Times - Modern Tokyo Times

Disciples of Buddhism and honorary guests were treated to a vibrant grand opening for a new house of worship in central Las Vegas.

Thursday mornings festivities at the Benevolence Temple kicked off with a traditional Dragon Dance, which saw performers gyrate to booming and clanking drum sounds as they entered the packed building past cloth-covered deities that towered over fresh fruit and food offerings.

The temple will extend equal care to all sentient beings regardless of race, gender, or religion, according to the organization. The term benevolence signifies language, actions, and thoughts that are kind, caring, and beneficial to others.

Elected officials or their representatives entered and lined up in front of the main shrine, each holding a red ribbon shaped like a flower. They each were handed scissors to cut strands in a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The curtain shielding the shrine was pulled to reveal a large golden statue at the center of what appeared to be a tranquil garden.

Great day for the state of Nevada, Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony said in his opening remarks. I want to congratulate you on this significant milestone for your temple and your efforts to unify local residents and people from different religions and races.

The temple led by Holy Guru Jiaozun Zhengda, vice president of the World Buddhism Headquarters will preach the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Shakyamuni Buddha, according to the organization.

Naming a Buddhist temple with these words expresses the original intention of Holy Guru Jiaozun Zhengda to propagate the cause of Buddhism through selflessness and compassionate virtuous deeds, with the vow to enable sentient beings to learn the Buddhist Dharma and attain liberation through a compassionate Bodhi mind, the organization wrote.

The Las Vegas Benevolence Temple was founded in 2019 but operated at a temporary site before it found its new home, 700 E. St. Louis Ave., which was vacant four months ago.

The Buddha statues were declared sacred in a Thursday ceremony. Now, the temple will offer meditation guidance, teach Dharma discourses and the chants of Mahayana Buddhism, according to the organization.

The disciples will participate in charity, the organization wrote. The objective is to contribute in a practical way to the local community while spreading the doctrines of Buddhism to the public.

The Metropolitan Police Department and City Council members Victoria Seaman and Olivia Diaz sent representatives.

The community will benefit from the sanctuary that your temple provides, Anthony said to applause.

Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.

Original post:
Vibrant ceremony marks grand opening of new Buddhist temple PHOTOS - Las Vegas Review-Journal

In the early 2000s, the state archaeology department unearthed a significant piece of history a Buddhist monastery in Vadnagar. This discovery marked the town as a pivotal center for Buddhism. The journey to uncover Vadnagars Buddhist heritage began in 1992 with the finding of a Bodhisattva idol, subsequently leading to the revelation of a trove of artifacts from both the town and its surroundings.

HiuenTsangsAccount :

In 641 CE, the renowned Chinese travelerHiuenTsang traversed the region, bestowing the name Anantapura/Anandapura uponVadnagar. He described a bustling town with a dense population, boasting tensamgharamasand harboring fewer than 1,000 monks.HiuenTsang noted their study of the Hinayana of theSammatiyaSchool,providinginvaluable insights into the religious practices of that time.

Approximately38kmnortheast ofVadnagarlies Taranga, offering a distinct chapter in the regions Buddhist history. Experts contend that while Buddhism flourished inVadnagarfrom the 1st to the 7th centuries CE, its practice persisted in various forms until the 14th century at the Taranga hills. Further excavations at Taranga uncovered structures believed to be part of a Buddhist religious complex, unveiling the enduring nature of Buddhism in the region.

ASI Excavations atVadnagar:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),commencingexcavations inVadnagarsince 2015, has uncovered remarkable structures. Among these is an elliptical structure accompanied by a nearby square stupa, alongside a colossal edifice near Sharmishtha Lake. These findings contribute to solidifyingVadnagarsstatus as a crucial Buddhist site, echoing with historical significance.

The recent joint study by prominent institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Physical Research Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Deccan College, reveals compelling evidence of cultural continuity inVadnagar, Gujarat. This continuity persists even after the collapse of the Harappan civilization, challenging the notion of a Dark Age in Indian history.

The archaeological excavation, led by the ASI and funded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (Government of Gujarat), uncovered a settlement inVadnagardating back to 800 BCE. This period aligns with the late-Vedic/pre-BuddhistMahajanapadas or oligarchic republics, suggesting a rich historical tapestry that endured over 3,000 years. The study proposes that the rise and fall of kingdoms and recurrent invasions in India were influenced by climatic changes, such as rainfall or droughts.

Published in the Elsevier journal Quaternary Science Reviews, the paper titled Climate, human settlement, and migration in South Asia from early historic to medieval period: evidence from new archaeological excavation at Vadnagar, Western India outlines the research findings. The excavation, supported by Sudha Murthy (former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation), unveiled Vadnagar as a multicultural and multireligious settlement encompassing Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Islamic influences.

The archaeological exploration in Vadnagar unearthed seven cultural stages, spanning from the Mauryan period to Gaekwad-British colonial rule. The citys endurance through diverse cultural epochs is evident in the discovery of one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, along with artifacts like potteries, copper, gold, silver, iron objects, intricately designed bangles, and coin molds from the Indo-Greek rule.

According to ASI archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar, the excavations co-author, Vadnagar may be the oldest living city within a single fortification in India. Recent unpublished radiocarbon dates suggest the settlements potential age of 1400 BCE, contemporary to the late post-urban Harappan period. Professor Anindya Sarkar of IIT, the lead author, posits that if true, this challenges the concept of a Dark Age and implies cultural continuity in India for the past 5500 years.

As we look to the way forward, these findings emphasize the importance of continued archaeological research and preservation efforts in Vadnagar and other historical sites. Understanding the rich cultural history can contribute to a deeper comprehension of Indias past and foster a sense of national identity.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Preservation of archaeological sites requires substantial resources and vigilant conservation measures. Furthermore, disseminating these historical insights to the wider public is crucial for fostering a collective appreciation of Indias diverse cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the discovery in Vadnagar provides a fascinating glimpse into Indias ancient history, challenging prevailing notions and underscoring the need for sustained efforts in archaeological exploration, preservation, and public awareness. The journey towards uncovering the depths of Indias past continues, promising a richer understanding of the cultural mosaic that has shaped the nation over millennia. This groundbreaking study challenges historical perceptions and suggests a cultural continuity in India for the last 5500 years, potentially debunking the idea of a Dark Age.

Link:
Vadnagar unearthed: Journey through Millennia, challenging notions of a Dark Age - Times of India

With the 3-month-long dry spell continuing in the state, people say they have been left with few alternatives

The people of Himachal Pradesh have turned to the divine, praying for snow and rain as a dry spell that has been on in the state since the past three months, continues.

Hindus and Buddhists in Himachal Pradesh are organising special religious ceremonies in temples and monasteries for rainfall and snowfall.

Hindus are praying to Kamrunag and Indrunag, two deities that are considered rain gods. Buddhists are organising prayers in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Dharamsala.

Hindus and Buddhists together organised a joint prayer for rain and snow at the Kunzum glacier located at a height of 4,590 metres.

Buddhists in the Spiti Valley organised a prayer ceremony at the 1,000-year-old Key monastery belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Residents from across the Tod Valley took part in the ceremony at Key.

Jogendra Sharma, a horticulturist from Rohru in Shimla district, said people were distressed due to the lack of snow and rain. Not having any alternative, they had now sought divine help.

People had started ceremonies to appease the gods and he was sure they would shower their benediction upon them in the form of rain and snow.

The long dry spell in Himachal is having an impact on fruit-bearing trees and cereal crops. The latter are on the verge of drying out. Apple growers are worried as the fruits require a certain chilling hour to develop.

This years rainfall deficit has broken a 122-year-old record for Himachal Pradesh, according to the meteorological department. Rain and snowfall is likely to be miniscule in the state till January 24, according to the department.

Shyam Azad, from Lahaul-Spiti district, told this reporter that the area was facing a lot of problems due to the lack of precipitation. People now only have the divine to look up to for help, he said.

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.

Read more from the original source:
In Himachal Pradesh, Hindus and Buddhists organise religious ceremonies for rain & snow - Down To Earth Magazine