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Thursday, August 14, 2025
TopicBuddhism

Topic: Buddhism

Buddha used to be Vishnu in India. In Sri Lanka, Vishnu is a future Buddha

In the 15th–17th centuries, the politics and ethnic diversity of Sri Lanka led to the subordination of Vishnu into the Buddhist pantheon.

How Gujarat spread Buddhism—Devnimori dig gives us a mahastupa, inscribed casket, coins

Organic remains wrapped in silk cloth were discovered during the dig at Devnimori. Archaeologists agreed that these are probably the sacred remains of Gautama Buddha.

Java to Iceland, ancient India’s Panchatantra stories had 200 versions in over 50 languages

In 'The Indian Cat', BN Goswamy explores how the cat was represented in stories, paintings, poetry, and proverbs in India.

Overdressed, deluded—how Brahmins viewed Buddhists in medieval India

In ‘Dust on the Throne: The Search for Buddhism in Modern India’, Douglas Ober provides a new perspective on India’s modern Buddhist revival.

Central Railways sent special train, museum gave statue for Ambedkar’s Buddhism conversion

In 'A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar', Ashok Gopal uncovers the unrelenting toil and struggle that went into the making of Ambedkar legend.

Buddhism has just been reduced to anti-Brahmin thought. But it shaped Hindu reforms too

Buddhism's colonial rediscovery was revolutionary, influencing generations of political and intellectual leaders in the lead-up to India’s Independence and thereafter.

SubscriberWrites: Buddha vs. Buddhatva: Unveiling the distinct spiritual essence

Buddha refers to the historical figure Siddhartha Gautama, while Buddhatva is a universal concept applicable to all beings.

Religion key to national identity in Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia, finds Pew Survey

Survey done last year by US think tank shows a majority of Buddhists in Cambodia, Sri Lanka & Thailand & Muslims in Malaysia & Indonesia believe religion is vital for national identity.

‘Made in Heaven’ made India curious about Buddhist weddings—This is how they happen

Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, with lakhs of his Dalit followers. But not before laying the foundation of Buddhism, its customs and rituals, for the converts.

China’s crackdowns haven’t stamped out religion & ritual. Pew report highlights their survival

According to a Pew Research Center report, which analyses various surveys conducted in China, the number of places of worship rose for traditional Chinese religions between 2009 and 2018.

On Camera

Asim Munir wants to be guardian of the Middle East. He’s fated to fail at home

Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

India, US troops to undertake joint military exercise next month, first after Op Sindoor

21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.