TheAge: Why religion deserves a place in our schools

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/why-religion-deserves-a-place-in-our-schools-20140730-zycms.html

Why religion deserves a place in our schools

Julie Szego is an author and freelance journalist.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/comment/why-religion-deserves-a-place-in-our-schools-20140730-zycms.html#ixzz39d4DQNRI

BangkokPost:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/421286/china-embraces-enlightenment

China embraces enlightenment 

The next World Fellowship of Buddhists conference in Baoji will highlight the growing influence of the faith 

Published: 19 Jul 2014 at 06.03

Japan Times :Priestly pair set out to boost ‘Buddhism 3.0′ across Japan

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/08/05/national/priestly-pair-set-out-to-boost-buddhism-3-0-across-japan/#.U-D7JhBvJHs

Japan Times :Priestly pair set out to boost ‘Buddhism 3.0′ across Japan

by Takeshi Nishide

A pair of Zen priests have been causing a stir with their campaign to spread a new interpretation of Buddhism in Japan that combines practices from separate branches of the ancient religion.

newstatesman: What should happen to churches as religion recedes?

http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/07/what-should-happen-churches-religion-recedes

What should happen to churches as religion recedes?

As church-going diminishes, church buildings are repurposed, many retaining vital functions.

SOAS: The Shugden Controversy and the 14th Dalai Lama

http://www.soas.ac.uk/cia/tibetanstudies/events/15aug2014-the-shugden-controversy-and-the-14th-dalai-lama.html

The Shugden Controversy and the 14th Dalai Lama

Various

Date: 15 August 2014Time: 6:00 PM
Finishes: 15 August 2014Time: 8:00 PM

Venue: Vernon SquareRoom: V211

Type of Event: Panel Discussion
Series: Tibetan Studies Outreach Lecture Series

This event will address the controversy surrounding the propitiation of Dorje Shugden in the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. Although many members of the school have ceased to honor Shugden and regard his propitiation as problematic, a vocal minority sees him as an essential component of Geluk orthodoxy. The latter now understand themselves as minority discriminated against on religious grounds. This workshop will include presentations by traditional exponents of both sides of the controversy and by academic authorities. The discussion is moderated by Dr Nathan W. Hill, Lecturer in Tibetan and Linguistics at SOAS. Speakers include:

• Geshe Tashi Tsering (Jamyang Buddhist Centre): Refuting the claim of Dugyal (Shugden) as a protector in the Tsongkhapa tradition
• Carol McQuire (former member of New Kadampa Tradition): Shugden 'practitioners' or Shugden 'followers?
• Dr Martin A. Mills (University of Aberdeen): TBC
• Thierry Dodin:TBC
• Spokesman from New Kadampa Tradition: TBC

Organiser: Dr Nathan W. Hill
Sponsor: London Ney

HuffPost: The Spirituality Of Surfing: Finding Religion Riding The Waves

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/03/religion-of-surfing_n_5617472.html

The Spirituality Of Surfing: Finding Religion Riding The Waves

 The Huffington Post  | By Antonia Blumberg

Mark Epstein On Buddhism In Everyday Life

http://wgbhnews.org/post/mark-epstein-buddhism-everyday-life

Mark Epstein On Buddhism In Everyday Life

Taped by the WGBH Forum Network, Mark Epstein visited the Harvard Book Store to discuss his book, The Trauma of Everyday Life.
Epstein talks about how he found Buddhism, and the links between practicing Buddhism and being a psychiatrist. He also explains why Buddhism alone can't cure the world's ills but that its focus on mindfulness can be an extraordinary experience for those suffering.
This talk took place on July 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.