St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) was an astute observer of the psychology of religious donors. He saw how they found churches or cathedrals of splendid
In the temple Kozan-ji in Kyoto is a 750-year-old collection of scrolls that is designated a National Treasure. The third scroll, the Illustrated Scroll on the
On 19 February, my partner Olivier Adam and I took part in the ceremonies for the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, at Geden Choeling Nunnery
South Korea’s temples exemplify everything that makes the Buddhist heart beat strong. They boast historical glamor, artistic and architectural splendor, and societal adaptability tempered by
The so-called sectarianism of Buddhism in Japan has enabled Pure Land Buddhism to develop as a quasi-independent tradition within Buddhism. One of the central figures
The Buddhist sangha is perhaps the longest-lived institution in world history. It has diffused across time and space over a period of more than 2,500
In September 2014, I traveled to Ladakh in northern India to explore and create some photographic essays of the people and culture there. Ladakh has
I met Mawlavi Faiz, the chief caretaker and Imam of the Red Mosque in Kandy, on his way out after the evening prayers. On being
Master Empty Cloud, or Xu Yun (虚雲), was born in Fujian Province in southern China during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), on 26 August 1840. This
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is terrifying for many reasons. It is particularly frightening because of its macabre appeal to youth around the
Dr. Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne embodies patient but unwavering activism in a frail body of 83 years. The instant I shook his wrinkled hand at his
Atish Dipankar (Skt. Atisha Dipamkara; 980–1053) was a widely known Buddhist master, scholar, and philosopher. He was born in Vajrayogini Village in the historic region
