Buckwheat is great for more than just pancakes (and if you’ve never tried buckwheat pancakes, you’re missing out!). While this “pseudocereal” is hardly a household name in the United States, it has been used for centuries throughout Asia. Traditionally buckwheat seeds are used for cooking, while the outer shell, the hulls make great stuffing material.… Read more »
Category: History
The Bonsho Buddhist Temple Bell: Resonance and Tradition
The bonshō Buddhist temple bell is a symbol of spiritual tradition that — like its resonant peals — echoes across time and culture. This large, bronze temple bell emits a sonorous tone that anchors the mind. In Zen and Mahayana traditions, the deep, full-bodied tone of the bonshō marks the rhythm of daily monastic practice… Read more »
The Bodhi Tree: A Living Symbol of Awakening
Buddhist practitioners around the world revere the Bodhi Tree as a living symbol of awakening. The majestic fig that sits today at the heart of the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya marks the spot where Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. This tree is believed to be a direct descendent of… Read more »
11 Popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings
Buddhist statues are some of the most recognizable forms of sacred art in the world. From the serene image of the meditating Buddha to the compassionate presence of Kuan Yin, these statues—found in temples and home shrines alike—serve as powerful, tangible reminders of the values they embody. They are not only representations of historical or… Read more »
Nirvana Day: Commemorating the Death of the Buddha
Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana Day, is a significant observance in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha into Parinirvana, the final state of enlightenment. Celebrated on February 8th or 15th, depending on the Buddhist tradition, this day is an opportunity for reflection on impermanence, the nature of suffering, and the… Read more »
A Brief History of Green Tea
Green tea, Camellia sinensis, with its vibrant color, rich culture, and caffeine kick is as popular today as it was centuries ago. From the courts of Chinese kingdoms to Japanese Zen monasteries, and even your local Starbucks, the history of green tea stretches across cultures and countries. Green tea is more than just a drink… Read more »
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
If you venture just south of Tokyo to the ancient capital city of Kamakura, you’ll find the “Great Buddha” or Daibutsu statue, one of Japan’s most famous cultural treasures. Looming large against the sky at an impressive 11.4 meters (37.4 feet) tall, the bronze-cast Great Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, second… Read more »
The History of Japanese Lacquerware
Japanese lacquerware, known as shikki (漆器), has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The art of applying layers of lacquer to wood, bamboo, and other materials has become highly refined over the centuries, evolving into a prized cultural art form. Lacquerware first emerged during the Jomon period in Japan (14,000–300 BCE), where archaeological… Read more »
What is a mokugyo (fish drum)?
The mokugyo, also known as a “fish drum” or “wooden fish,” is a traditional percussion instrument of East Asian Buddhist traditions, including China, Japan, and Korea. The word “mokugyo” comes from the Japanese characters “moku” (木), meaning wood, and “gyo” (魚), meaning fish, which reflects its shape and material. As the name implies, the mokugyo… Read more »
Hotei the Laughing Buddha
You have likely seen him everywhere, from designer jeans to wellness products: a rotund, laughing Buddha. Known as Hotei in Japan or Budai in China, he is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols in East Asian traditions. With his big belly, jolly smile, and ever-present sack, Hotei represents prosperity, joy, and abundance. Who… Read more »
Recent Comments