Buddhist mythology is a mythology within the Buddhism belief system. It is a relatively broad mythology, as it was adopted and influenced by several diverse cultures. As such, it includes many aspects taken from other mythologies of those cultures (for instance, Japanese kami are considered to be local bodhisattvas by many Japanese Buddhists). See also. Hindu mythology Bön Chinese mythology Japanese mythology ...

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Read more here: » Buddhist mythology: Encyclopedia - Buddhist mythology

Underworld - Aboriginal mythology. Beralku Underworld - Akkadian mythology. Ereshkigal Nergal Underworld - Aztec mythology. Mictlan Underworld - Babylonian mythology. Kurnugia Underworld - Buddhist mythology. Naraka (also Neraka) Underworld - Celtic mythology. Annwn Mag Mell Underworld - Chinese myt ...

See also:

Underworld, Underworld - Underworlds, Underworld - Aboriginal mythology, Underworld - Akkadian mythology, Underworld - Aztec mythology, Underworld - Babylonian mythology, Underworld - Buddhist mythology, Underworld - Celtic mythology, Underworld - Chinese mythology, Underworld - Christian mythology, Underworld - Egyptian mythology, Underworld - Fijian mythology, Underworld - Finnish mythology, Underworld - Greek mythology, Underworld - Hinduism, Underworld - Incan mythology, Underworld - Inuit mythology, Underworld - Islam, Underworld - Indonesian mythology, Underworld - Japanese mythology, Underworld - Latvian mythology, Underworld - Mapuche mythology, Underworld - Mayan mythology, Underworld - Melanesian mythology, Underworld - Norse mythology, Underworld - Oromo mythology, Underworld - Philippine mythology, Underworld - Polynesian mythology, Underworld - Pueblo mythology, Underworld - Roman mythology, Underworld - Slavic mythology, Underworld - Sumerian mythology, Underworld - Vodun, Underworld - Wagawaga mythology, Underworld - Rulers of the Underworld, Underworld - Aboriginal mythology, Underworld - Akkadian mythology, Underworld - Albanian mythology, Underworld - Armenian mythology, Underworld - Aztec mythology, Underworld - Babylonian mythology, Underworld - Balinese mythology, Underworld - Bon mythology, Underworld - Buddhist mythology, Underworld - Canaanite mythology, Underworld - Celtic mythology, Underworld - Chinese mythology, Underworld - Christian mythology, Underworld - Egyptian mythology, Underworld - Elamite mythology, Underworld - Etruscan mythology, Underworld - Finnish mythology, Underworld - Greek mythology, Underworld - Gypsy mythology, Underworld - Haida mythology, Underworld - Hinduism, Underworld - Hopi mythology, Underworld - Ibo mythology, Underworld - Incan mythology, Underworld - Indonesian mythology, Underworld - Inuit mythology, Underworld - Islam/Arabic mythology, Underworld - Japanese mythology, Underworld - Kassite mythology, Underworld - Khmer mythology, Underworld - Latvian mythology, Underworld - Lunda mythology, Underworld - Maya mythology, Underworld - Narragansett mythology, Underworld - Navaho mythology, Underworld - Niquiran mythology, Underworld - Norse mythology, Underworld - Orokolo mythology, Underworld - Persian mythology, Underworld - Philippine mythology, Underworld - Phoenician mythology, Underworld - Phrygian mythology, Underworld - Polynesian mythology, Underworld - Prussian mythology, Underworld - Pueblo mythology, Underworld - Roman mythology, Underworld - Russian mythology, Underworld - Saami mythology, Underworld - Salish mythology, Underworld - Siberian mythology, Underworld - Slavic mythology, Underworld - Sumerian mythology, Underworld - Syrian mythology, Underworld - Tamil mythology, Underworld - Vodun, Underworld - Wagawaga mythology, Underworld - Yoruba mythology, Underworld - Yurak mythology, Underworld - Zuni mythology, Underworld - Fictional underworlds

Read more here: » Underworld: Encyclopedia II - Underworld - Underworlds

Religion is not meant to create conflict and division, but to promote dialogue and harmony. Buddha Purnima is an appropriate occasion to dwell a little on the Buddhist philosophy I follow, of Nichiren Daishonin, called the Soka Gakkai, which literally means "Value Creating Society".

Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International, says: "The people and the society of our age might be compared to a ship in the middle of the ocean which has lost its compass. Without an accurate guide to lead them, they sail aimlessly along towards the future''.

(See also: Buddha Purnima, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Pilgrims visit Bodh Gaya on Vaishakha Purnima day as it marks the three major events in the Buddha's life: His birth, enlightenment and passing away.

Buddha Purnima assumes great importance especially when the world faces challenges of violence and terrorism in various forms. Buddha said that just as fire cannot extinguish fire, war cannot solve disputes. Enmity cannot overcome enmity; it can be overcome only with love. Disputes can be settled through dialogue and negotiation, not by war..

(See also: Vaishakha Purnima day, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Underworld - Aboriginal mythology. Beralku Underworld - Akkadian mythology. Ereshkigal Nergal Underworld - Babylonian mythology. Kurnugia Underworld - Buddhist mythology. Naraka (also Neraka) Underworld - Celtic mythology. Annwn Mag Mell ...

Including:

• Underworld - Underworlds
• Underworld - Aboriginal mythology
• Underworld - Akkadian mythology
• Underworld - Babylonian mythology
• Underworld - Buddhist mythology
• Underworld - Celtic mythology
• Underworld - Chinese mythology
• Underworld - Christianity
• Underworld - Egyptian mythology
• Underworld - Fijian mythology
• Underworld - Finnish mythology
• Underworld - Greek mythology
• Underworld - Hinduism
• Underworld - Incan mythology
• Underworld - Inuit mythology
• Underworld - Islam
• Underworld - Indonesian mythology
• Underworld - Japanese mythology
• Underworld - Latvian mythology
• Underworld - Mayan mythology
• Underworld - Melanesian mythology
• Underworld - Norse mythology
• Underworld - Oromo mythology
• Underworld - Philippine mythology
• Underworld - Polynesian mythology
• Underworld - Pueblo mythology
• Underworld - Roman mythology
• Underworld - Slavic mythology
• Underworld - Sumerian mythology
• Underworld - Vodun
• Underworld - Wagawaga mythology
• Underworld - Rulers of the Underworld
• Underworld - Aboriginal mythology
• Underworld - Akkadian mythology
• Underworld - Albanian mythology
• Underworld - Armenian mythology
• Underworld - Aztec mythology
• Underworld - Babylonian mythology
• Underworld - Balinese mythology
• Underworld - Bon mythology
• Underworld - Buddhist mythology
• Underworld - Canaanite mythology
• Underworld - Celtic mythology
• Underworld - Chinese mythology
• Underworld - Christian mythology
• Underworld - Egyptian mythology
• Underworld - Elamite mythology
• Underworld - Etruscan mythology
• Underworld - Finnish mythology
• Underworld - Greek mythology
• Underworld - Gypsy mythology
• Underworld - Haida mythology
• Underworld - Hinduism
• Underworld - Hopi mythology
• Underworld - Ibo mythology
• Underworld - Incan mythology
• Underworld - Indonesian mythology
• Underworld - Inuit mythology
• Underworld - Islam/Arabic mythology
• Underworld - Japanese mythology
• Underworld - Kassite mythology
• Underworld - Khmer mythology
• Underworld - Latvian mythology
• Underworld - Lunda mythology
• Underworld - Maya mythology
• Underworld - Narragansett mythology
• Underworld - Navaho mythology
• Underworld - Niquiran mythology
• Underworld - Norse mythology
• Underworld - Orokolo mythology
• Underworld - Persian mythology
• Underworld - Philippine mythology
• Underworld - Phoenician mythology
• Underworld - Phrygian mythology
• Underworld - Polynesian mythology
• Underworld - Prussian mythology
• Underworld - Pueblo mythology
• Underworld - Roman mythology
• Underworld - Russian mythology
• Underworld - Saami mythology
• Underworld - Salish mythology
• Underworld - Siberian mythology
• Underworld - Slavic mythology
• Underworld - Sumerian mythology
• Underworld - Syrian mythology
• Underworld - Tamil mythology
• Underworld - Vodun
• Underworld - Wagawaga mythology
• Underworld - Yoruba mythology
• Underworld - Yurak mythology
• Underworld - Zuni mythology
• Underworld - Fictional underworlds

Read more here: » Underworld: Encyclopedia - Underworld

Dharma: Path of Powerful Dharma Beings

One takes refuge in the Buddha's path because it allows the freedom to modulate it to one's self-awareness, provided one takes responsibility of one's own suffering. Buddhism's view of dependent origination and the inherent emptiness of all phenomena is a profound and radical one.

It dispenses with the existence of a Creator God or a Superior Being. The view is taught not as an article of faith or an exclusive revelation to a messiah or prophet, but is one that can be ascer-tained by study, debate, and direct experience.

Read more here: » Dharma: Path of Powerful Dharma Beings

Relevance of Buddhism In the New Century

In the 20th century great changes took place as a result of experiments and developments in a broad range of human activities, in economics, politics, and science. The past hundred years' experiences have made us appreciate the importance of freedom, and the significant contributions of individual and private enterprise in improving the economy. We also began to recognise the importance of putting a stop to the production and proliferation of weapons of tremendous destructive power.

By The Dalai Lama

Read more here: » Buddhism: Relevance of Buddhism In the New Century

Sacred Places: Tree Of Knowledge Can Liberate You

Siddhartha Gautam roamed in search of the secret of sorrow and suffering. At Gaya, a village on the banks of the river Niranjana in Bihar, he sat in silent contemplation under a banyan tree.

He attained enlightenment there, and became known as the Buddha. The spot began to be referred to as the Throne of Wisdom, and the banyan tree is now known as the Eternal Wisdom Tree, the Akshaya Bodhibriksha .

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Buddhism: Funeral Rites as practiced in Thailand and other South East Asian Countries.

Funeral rites are the most elaborate of all the life-cycle ceremonies and the ones entered into most fully by the monks. It is a basic teaching of Buddhism that existence is suffering, whether birth, daily living, old age or dying. This teaching is never in a stronger position than when death enters a home. Indeed Buddhism may have won its way the more easily in Thailand because it had more to say about death and the hereafter than had animism.

Read more here: » Buddhist Rites: Buddhist Funeral Rites

Pali Chanting in the Theravada Buddhist Tradition

With translation to enlglish, including

Vandan a - Homage to the Triple Gems

Ti-Sarana - The Three Refuges

Panca-sila - The Five Precepts

Buddha Vandana - Homage to the Buddha

Dhamma Vandana - Homage to the Teachings

Sangha Vandana - Homage to the Disciples of the Buddha

Maha-Mangala Sutta - Discourse on Blessings

Karaniya Sutta - Discourse on Loving Kindness

Ratana Sutta - The Jewel Discourse

Read more here: » Buddhism: Pali Chanting in the Theravada Buddhist Tradition

Rituals in Buddhism: Buddhist Funeral Rites

Theravadins Buddhist follow the Indian custom of burning the body at death. The BuddhaÕs body was cremated and this set the example for many Buddhists, even in the West. When someone is dying in a Burmese home, monks come to comfort them. They chant verses to them, such as:

Read more here: » Rituals in Buddhism: Buddhist Funeral Rites

Buddhist Rituals: Traditional Chinese Funeral Arrangements

On the passing away of the father, the eldest son becomes the head of the family. f the eldest son passes away, his second brother does not assume leadership of the family. Leadership passes to the eldest son of the eldest son or the grandson of the father. He must assume the responsibilities and duties to the ancestors on behalf of the family

Read more here: » Buddhist Rituals: Traditional Chinese Funeral Arrangements

The Purpose of Buddhist Prayer

Buddhist prayer is a practice to awaken our inherent inner capacities of strength, compassion and wisdom rather than to petition external forces based on fear, idolizing, and worldly and/or heavenly gain. Buddhist prayer is a form of meditation; it is a practice of inner reconditioning. Buddhist prayer replaces the negative with the virtuous and points us to the blessings of Life.

Read more here: » Prayers in Buddhism: The Purpose of Buddhist Prayer

Praying in Buddhism: Examples of Buddhist Prayers

Including:

Universal Love Aspiration

Daily Affirmation Prayer

Golden Chain Prayer

Prayer for Light

Refuge Prayer

Metta Karuna Prayer

Buddhist Mealtime Prayer

Read more here: » Praying in Buddhism: Examples of Buddhist Prayers

The Thai Buddhist Calendar

With important days for ceremonies and rituals, including: Visakha Puja, Magha Puja, Asalha Puja, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa, Tod Kratin

Read more here: » Buddhism: Thai Buddhist Calendar

Buddha Day: The Significance of Vesak - Buddha Day

The significance of Vesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.

As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.

Read more here: » Buddha Day: The Significance of Vesak - Buddha Day

Buddhism: Uposatha Observance Days

Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma practice, observed by both lay people and monastics throughout the world of Theravada Buddhism.

Read more here: » Buddhism: Uposatha Observance Days

Buddhist Festivals and Special Days

There are many special or holy days held throughout the year by the Buddhist community. Many of these days celebrate the birthdays of Bodhisattvas in the Mahayana tradition or other significant dates in the Buddhist calendar. The most significant celebration happens every May on the night of the full moon, when Buddhist all over the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. It has become to be known as Buddha Day.

Read more here: » Buddhism: Buddhist Festivals and Special Days

Buddhism: Buddhist Marriage Ceremony

Although wedding ceremonies have always been regarded as secular affairs in Buddhist countries, the parties concerned have nevertheless obtained the blessing from monks at the local temple after the civil registration formalities have been completed.

In view of the traditional importance that the marriage ceremony has in the West, moreover, local, and especially isolated Buddhists without access to a temple or a monk might well adopt the following service that could be performed by relatives and friends of the bride and groom:

Read more here: » Buddhism: Buddhist Marriage Ceremony