Rev. Danny Fisher

Just a Buddhist Minister Trying to Benefit Beings
June 29, 2009

Happy 24th Birthday, Your Holiness!

Image via the Official Website of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
This via the wonderful Molly De Shong over at Shambhala Sun Space: His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje celebrated his 24th birthday this past week in India. His official website has a description of the celebrations as well as some delightful pictures (like the one posted above). Take a look.

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June 29, 2009

Over 600 Laotian Buddhists Honor Deceased Monk in Nashville

“Monks gather around the casket of the Venerable Somdy Soumano Soupanya on Sunday, the end of more than 30 days of mourning for the beloved spiritual leader.” Photo by John Partipilo for The Tennessean.
The Tennessean reports that “more than 600 of Nashville’s Lao Buddhists gathered on Sunday to pay their final respects to a beloved spiritual leader and one of the Southeast’s leading Buddhist monks”: the Venerable Somdy Soumano Soupanya. Take a look.

June 29, 2009

Burma News (6.29.09)

Here’s the latest Burma-related news:

  • Laura Bush exhorts readers of the Washington Post: “Do not forget Burma.”
  • The Post also reports that “out of fear that history might repeat itself, the authoritarian governments of China, Cuba and Burma have been selectively censoring the news this month of Iranian crowds braving government militias on the streets of Tehran to demand democratic reforms.”
  • The BBC reports that “UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari has left Burma after a two-day visit aimed at paving the way for a possible visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.”
  • Secretary-General Ban’s spokesperson confirms today that he will visit Burma soon, according to the BBC, the Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
  • Finally, the BBC also reports that “Burma’s highest court has rejected an appeal by lawyers for opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to allow two prominent dissidents to testify in her defence.” Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate and the democratically-elected Prime Minister of Burma, is currently standing trial before the country’s ruling military junta.

    • June 29, 2009

    L.A.P.D. Names Its First Muslim Chaplain

    “Sheik Qazi Asad prays five times each day. The Pakistani-born immigrant, who is now a U.S. citizen, first got involved with law enforcement after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, working with the Sheriff’s Department.” Photo by Jake Stevens for the Los Angeles Times.
    The Los Angeles Times reports today on the appointment of the Los Angeles Police Department’s first Muslim chaplain:

      Sheik Qazi Asad, 47, will serve as a reserve chaplain at the LAPD’s North Hollywood station.

    Warmest congratulations and As-Salāmu `Alaykum, Imam!

    June 29, 2009

    Buddhist Teacher Shot Dead in Southern Thailand

    Reuters is reporting that suspected insurgents in southern Thailand have murdered a female Buddhist teacher.

      Two gunmen riding a motorcycle fled after killing the 38-year-old victim on a road in Narathiwat province.

      [...]

      Two other militants managed to get away, even though the house they escaped to was surrounded by 200 police and soldiers.