Buddhist Insight

27/01/2026

"2500 Years of Buddhism" / PDF - 552 Pages / Free Download
PDF Link -http://urbandharma.org/pdf11/2500_Years_of_Buddhism.pdf

"2500 Years of Buddhism" / PDF - 552 Pages / Free Download

PDF Link -http://urbandharma.org/pdf11/2500_Years_of_Buddhism.pdf

"The book gives a short account of Buddhism in the last 2500 years. The foreword for the book was written by Dr Radhakrishnan, a world-renowned philosopher.
The book contains 16 chapters and about one hundred articles written by eminent Buddhist scholars from India, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Buddhism is a way of life, of purity in thinking, speaking and acting.

This book gives an account of Buddhism not only in India but also in other countries of the East.

A detailed and insightful glimpse into the different schools and sects of Buddhism finds a place in this book. Buddhist ideas on education and the prevailing state of Buddhism as revealed by the Chinese pilgrims who visited India during that time are other components of the book. Chapters on Buddhist Art in India and abroad, and places of Buddhist interest are also included to give it a holistic perspective.

The spirit of Buddha comes alive in the book and enlightens the reader with his teachings so essential now for peace in the strife-torn world." -- Back cover

Contents
1 India and Buddhism
2 Origin of Buddhism
3 Life and Teachings
4 Four Buddhist Councils
5 Asoka and the Expansion of Buddhism
6 Principal Schools and Sects of Buddhism
7 Buddhist Literature
8 Buddhist Education
9 Some Great Buddhists After Asoka
10 Chinese Travellers
11 A Brief Survey of Buddhist Art
12 Places of Buddhist Interest
13 Later Modifications of Buddhism
14 Buddhist Studies in Recent Times
15 Buddhism in the Modern World
16 In Retrospect

26/01/2026

Lokānukampā, a Pali and Sanskrit term often translated as “compassion for the world,” holds significant importance in the early Buddhist tradition. Rooted in the words loka (world) and anukampā (compassion, sympathy, or empathy), lokānukampā embodies the Buddha’s deep concern for the welfare of all beings.

Lokānukampā: Compassion for the World in Early Buddhism
Lokānukampā, a Pali and Sanskrit term often translated as “compassion for the world,” holds significant importance in the early Buddhist tradition. Rooted in the words loka (world) and anukampā (compassion, sympathy, or empathy), lokānukampā embodies the Buddha’s deep concern for the welfare of all beings.

The term lokānukampā appears throughout the Pāli Canon, particularly in the Nikāyas and Vinaya. The Buddha’s actions, teachings, and decisions are frequently described as being motivated by lokānukampā. For example, in the Vinaya Pitaka, the Buddha is said to have established rules for the monastic community, not out of mere formality, but out of compassion for the benefit and happiness of many, for the sake of the world (bahujanahitāya, bahujanasukhāya, lokānukampāya).

Similarly, the Majjhima Nikāya (Ariyapariyesana Sutta) recounts how, after his Enlightenment, the Buddha hesitated to teach. However, upon realizing the potential for beings to understand and benefit from the Dhamma, he resolved to teach “out of compassion for the world.” Thus, lokānukampā becomes a key motivator for the Buddha’s decision to share the Dhamma.

Lokānukampā is closely related to the foundational Buddhist quality of karuṇā (compassion), one of the four brahmavihāras or “sublime abodes.” While karuṇā refers more generally to compassion, lokānukampā emphasizes a universal and active concern for all beings. It is not merely an emotional response, but a guiding principle for ethical action and the dissemination of the teachings.

Lokānukampā served as both an inspiration and a model for practice. Monastics and lay followers alike were encouraged to cultivate compassion not only for their own sake but for the benefit of the wider community. Acts such as teaching the Dhamma, offering guidance, and establishing ethical codes were all seen as expressions of lokānukampā.

This quality also shaped the Buddhist understanding of leadership and spiritual guidance. A true teacher, following the Buddha’s example, acts not out of self-interest, but from a deep wish to alleviate suffering and promote the welfare of all living beings.

Photo@ Walk for Peace Community

26/01/2026

"Cetanāhaṃ, bhikkhave, kammaṃ vadāmi" is a famous Pali phrase from the Buddha, translated as: "Intention, O monks, is what I call kamma [action]."

Key Aspects of this Teaching:

Intention defines Kamma: The Buddha defines kamma fundamentally as volition or intention (cetanā). It is the mental urge behind an action that determines its moral quality (good or bad).

Three Modes of Action: The full quote continues: "Cetayitvā kammaṃ karoti: kāyena, vācāya, manasā"—"Intending, one does kamma by way of body, speech, and mind.”

Moral Responsibility: Because kamma is based on intention, it highlights personal responsibility for one's actions, words, and thoughts.

For More Details: The Nibbedhika Sutta (Anguttara Nikaya) and Kamma Sutta (SN).

21/01/2026

The Story of a Brahmin

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (216) of this book, with reference to a brahmin who was a farmer.

The brahmin lived in Savatthi, and he was a non-Buddhist. But the Buddha knew that the brahmin would attain Sotapatti Fruition in the near future. So the Buddha went to where the brahmin was ploughing his field and talked to him. The brahmin became friendly and was thankful to the Buddha for taking an interest in him and his work in the field. One day, he said to the Buddha, "Samana Gotama, when I have gathered my rice from this field, I will first offer you some before I take it. I will not eat my rice until I have given you some." However, the Buddha knew beforehand that the brahmin would not have the opportunity to harvest the rice from his field that year, but he kept silent.

Then, on the night before the brahmin was to harvest his rice, there was a heavy downpour of rain which washed away the entire crop of rice. The brahmin was very much distressed, because he would no longer be able to offer any rice to his friend, the Samana Gotama.

The Buddha went to the house of the brahmin and the brahmin talked to him about the great disaster that had befallen him. In reply, the Buddha said, "Brahmin, you do not know the cause of sorrow, but I know. If sorrow and fear arise, they arise because of craving."

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Craving begets sorrow, craving begets fear. For him who is free from craving there is no sorrow; how can there be fear for him?
At the end of the discourse the brahmin attained Sotapatti Fruition.
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21/01/2026

What we truly wish to see is a mutual respect for each other’s traditions, no matter where we come from—be it Mahayana, Theravada, or any other path. We can sit together, learn together, and share the Dharma and the message of peace as one. Spreading peace and compassion to the world and communities, without any division or discrimination, is the essence of humanity.

True unity and peace must begin from a common ground. For example, when we gather in a temple, we can sit side by side, learn, and share the Dharma together, even if our traditions are different. We can embrace our diversity while moving forward together, like one sun and one moon shining on one earth. By respecting each other’s traditions and working in harmony, we help turn the wheel of the Dharma for the benefit of all.

Original content by: @[Walk for Peace]

20/01/2026

Nibbānaṃ Paramaṃ Sukhaṃ
Nibbāna Is the Supreme Bliss

In life, we encounter two types of happiness: sensual happiness and the happiness of peace. Sensual happiness arises from worldly, divine, or Brahma riches—such as enjoying good food, music, or luxury. These pleasures can be minor or immense, but all are fleeting and dependent on external conditions.

In contrast, the happiness of peace comes from the cessation of suffering—finding relief from pain, anxiety, and misfortune. This peace, even in small amounts, is valued more highly than all the riches in the world. For example, someone would give away all their wealth, even a kingdom, to be free from unbearable pain. The value of true peace, especially freedom from the endless cycles of suffering and death, is beyond measure.

Nibbāna, or Nirvana, is the ultimate state of peace where all suffering ends. No worldly, divine, or Brahma pleasure compares to the supreme bliss of Nibbāna. While material and sensual pleasures are always tied to suffering and change, Nibbāna is absolute, unshakable peace and freedom.

Let us reflect on the limitations of worldly happiness and aspire toward the incomparable joy of Nibbāna.

Detailed Summary : The teaching "Nibbānaṃ Paramaṃ Sukhaṃ – Nibbāna Is the Supreme Bliss" explores the Buddhist distinction between sensual happiness and the happiness of peace:

Sensual happiness is derived from worldly, divine, or Brahma riches and pleasures. These include sensory enjoyments such as sights, sounds, tastes, and touches, which can be minor or great in value but are always temporary and dependent on external objects.

Happiness of peace is the relief from suffering, such as freedom from pain, anxiety, or misfortune. This peace is recognized as superior, as people are willing to give up even immense wealth or status (like a kingdom) for the sake of freedom from suffering. The story of King Bimbisara, who was willing to give up all his riches for relief from pain, illustrates this point.

The supreme value of Nibbāna: The text further explains that even the greatest worldly or heavenly pleasures cannot compare to the peace one attains in Nibbāna. While sensual pleasures are always mingled with suffering and subject to change, Nibbāna offers complete liberation from all suffering, including the endless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (saṃsāra).

Suffering in worldly existence: All material riches and pleasures in the human, divine, or Brahma worlds are essentially rooted in suffering, whether due to impermanence, change, or inherent dissatisfaction. Even those at the highest levels of existence are not free from suffering unless they attain Nibbāna.

The call to reflection: The teaching urges us to see the dangers and limitations in worldly pleasures and to deeply appreciate the incomparable, unconditioned happiness that comes with realizing Nibbāna.

Nibbāna is described as the ultimate and supreme bliss, surpassing all forms of mundane happiness. It is the absolute peace and liberation from suffering, which should be the true aim of all sentient beings.

🙏🙏🙏

18/12/2025

Buddhism in Hong Kong

18/12/2025

Ling Wan Monastery (Kwun Yam Shan) in Hong Kong.

07/12/2025

Buddhism in Sri Lanka

01/12/2025

Buddhism in Thailand