In some cultures, menstruation and childbirth are treated as polluting, not life-giving. One Buddhist text’s interpretation of ‘Blood Pond Hell’ shows how far such beliefs go – and how women respond.
- Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee
The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, taught that family ties were obstacles to enlightenment. However, his relationship with his mother remained important for him.
For Buddhists, Bodhi Day represents hope and the potential to overcome suffering.
The ‘Laughing Buddha’ shows how people have adapted Buddhism to different cultural and historical contexts.
Young people in China are no longer settling into marriages arranged by their parents. But they are still looking for blessings from Chinese gods to find everlasting love.
For many Buddhists today, both in East Asia and across the world, the Lotus Sutra offers religious support for various gender identities.
Buddha’s birthday has not always been a major holiday for Buddhists, but is now celebrated in diverse ways throughout Asia.
In most parts of East Asia, the new year that begins on Jan. 22 corresponds to the rabbit. In Vietnam though it will usher in the Year of the Cat.
The Seven Lucky Gods usher in good fortune in the new year in Japan. Among them, Hotei plays the most prominent role, for he is considered not just a lucky god, but also a buddha.
Hotei, a Japanese god who carries a large sack, has come to be identified with Santa Claus – except that he brings the goodies on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas.
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