At an intriguing session at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, Michael Biercuk and Rajeeb Hazra discussed the mystery surrounding quantum computing and its colossal transformative potential across global industries. The world is on the brink of a quantum revolution. The insights that he brings to bear on the future of this enabling technology invoke suspense.

In his comments on the highly debated topic of quantum supremacy, Biercuk noted current tangible steps taken in this direction.

Were legitimately talking about comparing todays quantum computers to the worlds biggest supercomputers, said Biercuk. Thats the kind of comparison we make. This statement stresses the remarkable things achieved in harnessing the counterintuitive principles of quantum mechanics for computational prowess.

However, Biercuk cautioned against the allure of fantasies surrounding quantum computing, saying: Quantum computing is not magic pudding. It doesnt solve everything. It doesnt fix everything. It doesnt replace all computers. His pragmatic stance highlights the need for a grounded understanding of quantum computings capabilities and limitations.

Hazra, the CEO of Quantinuum, echoed this sentiment: Quantum gives us the ability to look at physical interactions in a way, and then from that create new physical things that you couldnt have done before. He pinpointed areas where the greatest change lies in quantum computing: for example, personalized medicine, sustainable energy and materials science through models of chemical interactions which could lead to breakthrough innovations.

One of the pressing concerns surrounding quantum computing is the potential for exacerbating societal inequalities due to its anticipated high cost and complexity. Addressing this, Hazra expressed optimism.

The advent of quantum computing in an era where cloud is pervasive is a very good way to democratize access, said Hazra. His vision aligns with the ethos of open science and collaboration, which has been a driving force behind quantum computings progress.

Biercuk echoed this sentiment, pointing out the importance of international cooperation: The thing that will hurt us the most, that will lead to the greatest inequality in a really negative sense is techno nationalism. His words serve as a rallying cry against isolationist tendencies that could impede the equitable distribution of quantum computings benefits.

Amidst the quantum computing race, there are insights that come from Biercuk and Hazra which provide a reasoned perspective. Building a case for caution in terms that may fly in the face of the revolutionary promise that quantum computation often evokes, theirs is a disruptive potential combined with respect for where that potential actually lies. It will ensure international collaboration in pursuit of an in-depth understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the technology, and in the process of harnessing the quantum revolution, we shall make a better future for all.

Featured image: Credit: Qatar Economic Forum 2024

Go here to read the rest:

Quantum Computing's Transformative Potential Highlighted at Qatar Economic Forum 2024 - The Quantum Insider

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2024 D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the worlds first commercial supplier of quantum computers, today announced it is set to join the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the 2024 Russell US Indexes annual Reconstitution, effective at the open of US equity markets on Monday, July 1st, 2024, according to a preliminary list of additions posted on Friday, May 24th, 2024.

The annual Russell US Indexes Reconstitution captures the 4000 largest US stocks as of Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000 Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or small-cap Russell 2000 Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell, a prominent global index provider, determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings, and style attributes.

Its an honor for D-Wave to join the Russell 3000 Index, an important benchmark for the US stock market, said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. This recognition reflects D-Waves leadership in ushering in the era of commercial quantum computing and will greatly increase visibility among the global investor community for the innovative quantum solutions were bringing to market.

Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to the data as of the end of December 2023, about $10.5 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell.

Russell indexesnow in their 40th yearcontinue to evolve to reflect the dynamic US economy. Annual rebalancing plays a vital role in establishing accurate benchmarks, ensuring they correctly mirror their designated market segments and remain unbiased in terms of size and style, said Fiona Bassett, CEO of FTSE Russell, an LSEG Business.

For more information on the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell indexes Reconstitution, go to the Russell Reconstitution section on the FTSE Russell website.

About D-Wave Quantum Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the worlds first commercial supplier of quantum computersand the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing today to benefit business and society. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Waves technology has been used by some of the worlds most advanced organizations including Mastercard, Deloitte, Davidson Technologies, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, Lockheed Martin, Forschungszentrum Jlich, University of Southern California, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Source: D-Wave

See the original post here:

D-Wave Quantum Set to Join Russell 3000 Index - HPCwire

[Editors note: How Quantum Computing Is Already Changing the World was previously published in December 2022. It has since been updated to include the most relevant information available.]

Im a history junkie. So, in this special Sunday issue of Hypergrowth Investing, let me share an interesting story that I bet a lot of you have never heard before.

And interestingly enough, it could be the key to helping you capitalize on the AI Revolution.

Back in October of 1927, the worlds leading scientists descended upon Brussels for the fifthSolvay Conference an exclusive, invite-only conference that is dedicated to discussing and solving the outstanding preeminent open problems in physics and chemistry.

In attendance were scientists that, today, we praise as the brightest minds in the history of mankind.

Albert Einstein was there; so was Erwin Schrodinger, who devised the famous Schrodingers cat experiment, and Werner Heisenberg, the man behind the world-changing Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Louis de Broglie, Max Born, Niels Bohr, Max Planck.

The list goes on and on. Of the 29 scientists who met in Brussels in October 1927, 17 of them went on to win a Nobel Prize.

These are the minds that collectively created the scientific foundation upon which the modern world is built.

And yet, when they all descended upon Brussels nearly 94 years ago, they got stumped by one concept. Its one that, for nearly a century, has remained the elusive key to unlocking humankinds full potential.

And now, for the first time ever, that concept is turning into a disruptive reality through breakthrough technology that will change the world as we know it.

So what exactly were Einstein, Schrodinger, Heisenberg and the rest of those Nobel laureates talking about in Brussels back in 1927?

Quantum mechanics.

Ill start by saying that the underlying physics of this breakthrough quantum mechanics is highly complex. It would likely require over 500 pages to fully understand.

But, alas, heres my best job at making a Cliffs Notes version in 500 words instead.

For centuries, scientists have developed, tested, and validated the laws of the physical world, known as classical mechanics. These scientifically explain how and why things work, where they come from, so on and so forth.

But in 1897, J.J. Thomson discovered the electron. And he unveiled a new, subatomic world of super-small things that didnt obey the laws of classical mechanics at all. Instead, they obeyed their own set of rules, which have since become known as quantum mechanics.

The rules of quantum mechanics differ from that of classical mechanics in two very weird, almost-magical ways.

First, in classical mechanics, objects are in one place at one time. You are either at the store or at home, not both.

But in quantum mechanics, subatomic particles can theoretically exist in multiple places at once before theyre observed. A single subatomic particle can exist in point A and point B at the same time until we observe it. And at that point, it only exists at either point A or point B.

So, the true location of a subatomic particle is some combination of all its possible positions.

This is calledquantumsuperposition.

Second, in classical mechanics, objects can only work with things that are also real. You cant use an imaginary friend to help move the couch. You need a real friend instead.

But in quantum mechanics, all of those probabilistic states of subatomic particles are not independent. Theyre entangled. That is, if we know something about the probabilistic positioning of one subatomic particle, then we know something about the probabilistic positioning of another subatomic particle meaning that these already super-complex particles can actually work together to create a super-complex ecosystem.

This is called quantum entanglement.

So in short, subatomic particles can theoretically have multiple probabilistic states at once, and all those probabilistic states can work together again, all at once to accomplish their task.

And that, in a nutshell, is the scientific breakthrough that stumped Einstein back in the early 1900s.

It goes against everything classical mechanics had taught us about the world. It goes against common sense. But its true. Its real. And now, for the first time ever, we are learninghow to harness this unique phenomenon to change everything about everything

This is why the U.S. government is pushing forward on developing a National Quantum Internet in southwest Chicago. It understands that this tech could be more revolutionary than the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel.

I couldnt agree more.

Mark my words. Everything will change over the next few years because of quantum mechanics and some investors will make a lot of money.

The study of quantum theory has led to huge advancements over the past century. Thats especially true over the past decade. Scientists at leading tech companies have started to figure out how to harness the power of quantum mechanics to make a new generation of superquantum computers.And theyre infinitely faster and more powerful than even todays fastest supercomputers.

Again, the physics behind quantum computers is highly complex, but heres my shortened version

Todays computers are built on top of the laws of classical mechanics. That is, they store information on what are calledbits, which can store data binarily as either 1 or 0.

But what if you could turn those classical bits into quantum bits qubits to leverage superpositioning to be both 1 and 0 stores at once?

Further, what if you could leverage entanglement and have all multi-state qubits work together to solve computationally taxing problems?

Theoretically, youd create a machine with so much computational power that it would make todays most advanced supercomputers seem ancient.

Thats exactly whats happening today.

Googlehas built a quantum computer that is about158 million times fasterthan the worlds fastest supercomputer.

Thats not hyperbole. Thats a real number.

Imagine the possibilities if we could broadly create a new set of quantum computers that are 158 million times faster than even todays fastest computers

Imagine what AI could do.

Today, AI is already being used to discover and develop new drugs and automate manual labor tasks like cooking, cleaning, and packaging products. It is already being used to write legal briefs, craft ads, create movie scripts, and more.

And thats with AI built on top of classical computers.

But built upon quantum computers computer that are a 158 million times faster than classical computers AI will be able to donearly everything.

The economic opportunities at the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing are truly endless.

Quantum computing is agame-changerthats flying under the radar.

Its not just another breakthrough its the seismic shift weve been waiting for, rivaling the impact of the internet and the discovery of fire itself.

We think the top stocks at the convergence of AI and QC havea realistic opportunity to soar 1,000%over the next few years alone.

So which stocks should you be buying right now? And which should you be selling?

Those are the billion-dollar questions we need to answer now if we want to make big money from top AI stocks in 2024.

Which is why I went public with all the details aboutArea 52

A stretch of land in the midwest where the U.S. government is covertly testing whats set to becomethe worlds first quadrillion-dollar technology.

In this brief presentation, I reveal the reason this technology is about to revolutionize everything

And how atiny company poised to bring this breakthrough tech mainstream could 79X your investmentin the days and months ahead

On the date of publication, Luke Lango did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.

Excerpt from:

How Quantum Computing Is Already Changing the World - InvestorPlace

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Sometimes Ill call my mom to talk things through when something is bothering me. After about 10 minutes of me explaining and her saying shes sorry that Im upset, I can feel my heart rate slowing.

Only when I hang up does it dawn on me that I havent given any thought as to how my mom is feeling. Often, I havent asked her a single question.

Many of us would consider this venting, but psychologists refer to it as emotional dumping.

Emotional dumping is an act of unloading an emotional burden or problem onto another person without their consent or consideration of their feelings, explains Daryl Appleton, a New York City-based therapist and head wellness consultant for Brown Universitys general surgery department.

A dumper tends to monopolize the conversation and rarely seems to consider that their timing might be inappropriate or that the content might be upsetting or burdensome for the listener, says Appleton.

Other signs of emotional dumping include blaming others and refusing to take accountability for their role in the situation, Appleton says. Those who engage in this behavior arent interested in fixing the problem through talking it out. Instead, they tend to overshare and overwhelm the listener with opinions and complaints.

Venting and emotional dumping can each provide a release for the person complaining.

Venting can be a useful way to express your feelings. In a productive exchange, the person venting will typically ask for the other persons consent prior to airing their grievances and is aware of how the conversation partner feels. They are open to feedback and may even seek advice, says Lienna Wilson, a New Jersey-based licensed psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Meanwhile, the other party is actively listening and has opportunities to share advice without receiving pushback.

Conversely, a dumper will position themselves as the victim and seek out empathy and validation. Venting can turn into emotional dumping when the speakers emotions take over and they no longer care how much time has passed or what the listener has to say in return, Wilson says. Emotional dumping often happens without warning or regard for another persons emotional state and tends to make the listener feel burdened.

The essential difference between venting and emotional dumping is that dumping tends to be one-sided and unsolicited.

Emotional dumping can start entirely innocently as an attempt to process your feelings. Perhaps youre trying to gain perspective through voicing your concerns or feel seen and heard by others. But it can easily spiral.

When you understand situations in which emotional dumping might happen, youre more likely to notice when it veers away from simply venting. Typically, it happens when people need to quickly release built-up emotions that they couldnt during the triggering event, explains Wilson. Someone is more likely to unload onto others when theyre experiencing frustration, anger, and resentment.

This becomes unhealthy, says Appleton, when we try to crowdsource compassion or dont allow others to have a moment to share their struggles.

We can also cause harm by sharing experiences that are inappropriate for the listener. For example, we might complain about our current romantic interest to someone who just lost their spouse.

In order to stop emotional dumping, you first need to be aware that youre doing itand understand the effect it has on yourself and those around you.

You may have heard yoga teachers mention a concept known as ahimsa. This is an ethical principle in the tradition of yoga that refers to non-harming of self as well as others. Valerie Lucas, senior master trainer at YogaSix, explains that dwelling on negative thoughts or engaging in self-deprecating talk is self-violence.

Consider alternate ways of expressing your thoughts and feelings, including movement and journaling. Practicing yoga or other forms of movement when youre emotionaland before speaking to otherscan help you navigate your emotional discomfort while also increasing self-awareness.

Also consider journaling about your emotions. Jot down what was taking place when you became upset and how you handled the situation. Appleton suggests asking yourself: what is the main issue causing you stress? What feedback are you getting from others? What do you need to do next?

These what questions allow us to be more self-aware and engage in action steps to move forward, says Wilson. We can learn to go inward through journaling and practicing our yoga instead of retreating from these feelings or going outward by dumping on others.

When you feel the need to vent, try starting the conversation by allowing the other person an opportunity to share first, Wilson says. Its a good idea to ask ahead of time if they have the emotional energy and time to listen to a long story about a negative event in your life, she says. Another way of saying this is, Could I talk through a situation thats been bothering me? or Im having a hard time right now. Can I talk to you about it?

You can also let your friends or family know that theyre free to interrupt or remind you when they need to leave the conversation.

If youre feeling insecure about the situation, youre also more likely to feel the need to release these emotions through dumping. Try to catch yourself when youre seeking others approval or validation.

Ultimately, awareness empowers you to become less dependent on the opinions and validation of others, says Lucas.

Its okay to let someone know when a conversation feels overwhelming or beyond your problem-solving capacity, says Appleton.

You can still empathize with someone and validate their feelings and then politely state what your limits are concerning your time, energy, or emotions. Its important to set boundaries to protect your mental health, says Wilson.

One strategy is to mirror what the person has shared without adding your opinions. Appleton suggests saying, I hear you, or That sounds really difficult, and then redirecting the conversation by asking, Have you thought about what youre going to do?

Now the person has to consider what decision theyll make. This also subtly suggests to the person that you have boundaries around how much youre willing to hear them complain. This approach not only safeguards your own energy but assists your friend or loved one in breaking the cycle of rumination, says Lucas.

Heres what this can look like in practice:

Scenario: A coworker repeatedly complains to you about your boss moving deadlines.

Response: I hear you. These last-minute requests are frustrating. Id like to stay and listen but unfortunately, I have a deadline as well.

Scenario: Someone you know only casually discloses personal details about their divorce and history of depression and keeps bringing this up to you.

Response: I appreciate you sharing the difficulties youve faced. It sounds like it could be beneficial to speak to someone about it. If youre open to it, I can share the names of some terrific therapists I recommend.

Scenario: A friend who broke up with their partner wants to talk about their ex every time you see them.

Response: I understand that this breakup has affected you in multiple ways, although when we get together, it seems like we end up replaying the same hurt. Id like to support you in moving forward.

Scenario: A family member who was laid off around the same time as you wants to commiserate over your job losses.

Response: This loss is hitting me harder than I expected. I need some time to process my emotions so I can support you in the way youve been there for me.

Even after you become aware of your tendency to engage in emotional dumping, it can still happen. We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed and default to unhealthy coping strategies.

Or maybe you repeatedly find yourself on the listening end of the situation and are working to change how you respond to it.

Either way, you can learn to change how you show up, whether that means sitting with your uncomfortable feelings rather than unleashing them on others or drawing a conversation to a close.

Follow this link:
Are You Just Venting or Are You Emotional Dumping? - Yoga Journal

For years he has travelled the country barefoot, from north to south, feeding on alms and sleeping in the forests. A eulogy of religious devotion through the 13 ascetic practices of Dhutanga. Hostilised by official Buddhism, the monk is tolerated by the government and exalted by people of all faiths who follow him on social media.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - An example against corruption and a testimony of faith and rigour for the entire country, capturing the imagination - and respect - of millions of Vietnamese as the ruling class struggles for power through purges, trials and death sentences.

Recounting the journey on foot of Thich Minh Tue, a humble man, is the Fulcrum website, which praises his devotion to Buddhism through the 13 austere ascetic practices of Dhutanga aimed at reaching the non-self (Anatta).

He is a loner, who on his path has obtained the approval of politicians (and the Communist Party) and who, with his path, constitutes a unique and unprecedented challenge to the State from the perspective of fighting for religious freedom as enshrined in its Constitution.

Thich Minh Tue's strict adherence to Dhutanga includes walking barefoot, feeding himself with alms, seeking shelter in forests, bushes or cemeteries, renouncing all material possessions. His commitment to observing the precepts has inspired Vietnamese from all walks of life, including intellectuals, artists, expatriates, other monks and even Christian priests.

He and his robe, made of scraps of cloth collected during his travels, inspired multiple artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, poetry, music and launched a new fashion.

After walking barefoot from south to north - and back - for several years, Thich Minh Tue has only recently become a national phenomenon, thanks to a host of internet users, profiles and social pages on YouTube, Facebook and TikTok that follow and celebrate his walks, broadcasting them live to millions of eager viewers.

Many Vietnamese warmly welcome him at every step, not only for his testimony of faith, but as a social and media phenomenon.

Many aspiring monks or mere onlookers are already looking to him, not least because he has been able to conquer the limelight without the support of any religious entity under State control, an anomaly in the country's political landscape. Moreover, the authorities are very wary of any large-scale spontaneous mobilisation that could undermine social stability and the regime itself.

From the official leadership, both state and religious, there has been no lack of rumours and attacks directed at Thich Minh Tue. His pilgrimages have triggered public debates on how to observe the dictates of the Buddhist religion, which is predominant in Vietnam with 14 million believers, twice as many as the seven million Catholics.

On social media, citizens hail him as an embodiment of genuine spiritual dedication to basic Buddhist values such as simplicity and renunciation. On the contrary, instances of misconduct and materialistic life of some monks are pointed out and some pagodas or official denominations are criticised for being more profit-oriented and functioning with the tacit approval of official sources.

Among the latter is the reaction of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (Vbs), the country's official organisation, which is largely negative. Its leadership has attacked Thich Minh Tue claiming that he is not a monk, nor is he affiliated to any institution linked to the Vbs.

This stance triggered a reaction between indignant and hilarious public opinion, while the wandering monk declared that he is a simple citizen who seeks to learn and practise the Buddha's teachings.

The government's Committee for Religious Affairs states that he is not framed within religious institutions, although it does not deny his status as a monk, thus distinguishing him from the Vbs' version.

The story is also a sign of the power of social media in spreading a message to the public, providing an alternative view to the official state narrative. In contrast, the leadership in Hanoi shows a different approach and, without giving in to the impulse to ban or repress, seems to have chosen the path of control, thus giving more space to individual freedoms, starting with religious freedom.

Read more from the original source:
VIETNAM Thich Minh Tue, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk who walks barefoot for faith and (religious) freedom - AsiaNews

Pleasant, intriguing humming produced by thin metal funnels painstakingly being rubbed together at the hands of Tibetan Buddhist monks, who this week are creating a sand mandala in Colorado Springs, reaches deep into the human core, leaving solace and beauty behind.

Just what the world needs, says Geshe Khenrap Chaeden.

The Dalai Lama-ordained Buddhist teacher leads the 2023-24 Drepung Gomang Sacred Arts Tour Group, which is in town to build the ancient art form, teach people about Buddhism, and share customs of food and fellowship.

Peace is important. Its all peoples responsibility to come together in love for peace and happiness, Chaeden said Wednesday.

Ten months after arriving in the United States, seven monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery have made their 35th stopover at Unity Spiritual Center In the Rockies.

The monastery has been located in India since the Buddhist monks were exiled from Tibet in 1959 by the Chinese Communist Party. The religious community of refugees has 2,300 people today, who rely on the caravanning monks' fundraising efforts to live.

God is moving in next door to Hooters.

The monks are creating an Interfaith World Peace Mandala in the spiritual centers sanctuary at 1945 Mesa Road, where the public can view the process from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Dressed in traditional burgundy and yellow robes, monks remove their shoes, pull up cushions to sit on, pick up their funnels and deposit colored grains of sand in an intricate circular pattern on a 5-foot-by-5-foot wooden board on the floor.

The geometric Interfaith World Peace image presents graphics from 12 religions that flank the innermost circle of a globe encasing a dove of peace.

The next ring speaks of the four elements in nature and the four seasons, followed by a circle of the eight symbols of Buddhism. Lastly, a multi-colored ring depicts how the world shines as everyone comes together in peace, Chaeden explains.

The buzzing vibration emitted during the method used to fashion the temporary work of art is the antithesis of the irritating cicada.

Instead of setting teeth on edge, the soothing high-pitched rhythm of the monks dedication to the ancient craft balances the mind and body.

Its so meditating, calming and centering, said the Rev. Dr. Ahriana Platten, interim minister of Unity Spiritual Center In the Rockies. That sound clears your mind and brings you to a place of comfort and ease.

The chaos in the Middle East weighed heavily on the hearts of Christians and people of other faith traditions who gathered in Colorado Springs

The monks pray constantly as they set about the centuries-old work of constructing the mandala, which means world in harmony in Sanskrit.

The art also is intended to serve as a visual prayer that encourages healing, peace, purification and spiritual focus for creators and onlookers.

Of special significance is that each granule of sand that forms the predetermined pattern represents a tear shed by people affected by violence. Blending the sand with tools embodies unity, nonviolence and compassion.

To have in our city this world prayer for harmony amongst all religions at a time when theres so much religious tension around the world is wonderful, Platten said. The work happens over a week here but the impact, the prayer and the blessings carry forward.

A sand mandala is destroyed after its completion to signify the impermanence of existence and in keeping with the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.

A public dissolve the mandala ceremony will happen at 11 a.m. Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the public can view the completed mandala before the ritualistic destruction.

Then, the sand will be swept in circles and poured into water, which is said to disperse the mandalas healing energies throughout the world.

Each attendee will receive a small packet of the sand to release in their gardens, and a caravan led by the monks to a moving body of water to distribute the remaining sand also is scheduled.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, participants will reconvene at Unity Spiritual Center for a Tibetan Cultural Pageant, an event for children and adults with costumed snow lions, dancers, music and singing.

Business owners, customers and residents of Colorado Springs say they're tired of homeless people infringing on their rights, as they encounter more illegal activity and inappropriate behavior.

The monks will attend Sundays 10 a.m. religious service at the spiritual center before they take off for their next destination, Kansas City, where they repeat the schedule.

This is the first time the monks have returned to Colorado Springs since 2018.

Platten expects up to 1,000 people to participate in the week's activities.

For Michael K., who watched the mandala construction on Wednesday, the event has become a spiritual discipline.

"It's a meditative practice, watching them in their meditation," he said. "What they're doing is not just beautiful but meditative also, and I love visiting this holy place, too."

The monks also sell wares the monks have made such as bracelets, necklaces, wall hangings, purses and other goods and accept donations that they forward to the monastery to pay for the refugees living expenses and operational costs.

Read more:
Tibetan Buddhist monks create a slice of world peace in Colorado Springs, one grain of sand at a time - Colorado Springs Gazette

Anthony Clark speaks Mandarin fluently, studied in Beijing, and taught tai chi and kung fu for more than 15 years. Students can pop into the Whitworth University professor's office anytime to practice Chinese calligraphy. As a historian of Chinese-Western exchange, Clark has dedicated his professional career and much of his personal life to learning Chinese culture.

But the key to his cross-cultural success? Acknowledging the differences between people, he says, in order to see them as they truly are.

This is the underlying motivation beneath Clark's recent work, Catholicism and Buddhism: The Contrasting Lives and Teachings of Jesus and Buddha. Unlike some of his other scholarly works, it is a short book for the general public that parses the deep-rooted differences between Catholicism and Buddhism.

Though outward expressions of each religion might look similar, the inward motivations of the two practices are separate and, at times, contradictory. While Christians seek to live aligned with a good, loving creator forever, Buddhists hope their kindness will eventually earn them the peace of extinction. Instead of conflating the two belief systems, understanding their differences is a way to respect our neighbors and their worldview, he says.

"Virginia Woolf once said something like, 'If you can't be honest about yourself, how can you be honest about others?'" Clark says. "This idea of being genuinely honest about what one thinks and believes, and what one's identity is, helps us to be more sympathetic."

Clark is a Catholic who teaches classes on China and Buddhism at a Protestant university. He knows what it is to sit in, and even seek out, disagreement. It's a lesson in patience and compassion that is not only helpful in religious discussions, but in any setting where disagreement could be uncomfortable.

"All of my Buddhist friends, especially Buddhist friends outside of the United States, were very adamant that we will understand each other better if we actually write down what we think, so that we can confront these differences and collaboratively work together," Clark says. "So it came about from this strong commitment to be honest, and then secondly, a strong commitment to how much we need to be together with that honesty."

You don't have to be a religious scholar to read Clark's book. It starts with a basic question that almost everyone asks at some point in their life: Is there a God?

"The fundamental difference between Christianity and Buddhism is the God question," Clark says. "The God question is an important one, no matter what religious tradition you're in. In terms of Christianity, we have this idea of a God, then we have this trinity with Jesus and this whole idea of redemption and being given grace and forgiveness. In Buddhism, there is no theology because there's no 'theos,' there's no God. That's crucially different."

Christianity is based on a relationship with the creator, Clark says, in which the human knows that they are loved. Buddhism doesn't worship a deity but is reliant on an impersonal justice system known as karma, where personal actions dictate future incarnations until one reaches the state called "nirvana."

"I like to think of Buddhism as an idea that we have something like a soul, and that soul could go through trillions or zillions of reincarnations," Clark says. "But at the end of one's reincarnated cycle, your soul ends. Now, what that end means is a debate within Buddhism. But you have multiple lives and an end of the soul. Christianity is the opposite. You have one life, but a soul that is eternal. That distinction inspires us to think differently about how we live."

Even though both religions value charity, compassion, peacefulness and self-understanding, the motivations for those virtues are different.

Clark says that Christians ought to live in the secure knowledge that everyone is loved by a creator God who knows and suffers with them. The end goal is for everyone to live together forever.

Buddhists, Clark says, see in every person the possibility that they are a spouse, friend or relative from a past or future life. Therefore, they must be treated respectfully in order to finally achieve the ultimate peace that is oblivion or annihilation.

There are other secondary distinctions that Clark discusses, but they can pretty much all be traced back to these separate foundations.

"The Dalai Lama once said, 'When people say that Christianity and Buddhism are the same, it's like putting a sheep's head on a yak's body,'" Clark says. "My research wants to tease those differences out so that someone doesn't go to Kmart and buy a Buddha statue but not understand the message of Buddhism, which is a beautiful, loving message. But it's good to know what that means. We talk so much in modern academics today about respecting and honoring the other part of that is actually listening to the other. That's part of the project. Celebrating the other requires knowing the other."

Follow this link:
Whitworth historian Anthony Clark's recent book helps Buddhists and Christians acknowledge their differences in order ... - The Inlander

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), the worlds largest Tibet support group based in Washington, released its report on Wednesday that exposed the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) strategy of using a Chinese Buddhist group to transform Tibetan Buddhism in Chinas image.

The report titled Buddhist Association of China Takes A Leading Role In Chinas Attempts To Control and Forcibly Reshape Tibetan Buddhism mentioned that, since the takeover of Xi Jinping President of China, the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) has become a key tool in assimilating and transforming Tibetan Buddhism. Especially concerning the search for and recognition of reincarnating lamas. The BAC has a special Tibetan Buddhism Working Committee, which oversees the implementation of CCP directives in Tibetan monasteries.

The report documents a change in the charter of BAC to fit the CCPs political agenda. According to the report, In 2020, it was amended to include Sinification of Buddhism in China as one of its objectives and to support the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the socialist system, study and implement Xi Jinpings Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and adhere to the direction of the Sinification of Buddhism in China.

According to the report, the BAC has adopted an extreme political tone, leaving no stone unturned in pushing forward the CCPs agenda. The BAC is forced to form a party-oriented committee within the BAC, even when the decisions of the BAC are made by local religious leaders. It has been strengthening its institutional foundation in recent years, which includes five-year plans and shaping monastic training to meet political goals, the report says.

The report further elaborates that the CCP has introduced measures, regulations and initiatives to exercise control over the recognition of centuries-old traditions related to the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

Read the original here:
Beijing uses Chinese Buddhist group to transform Tibetan Buddhism: report - India Narrative

New Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Relations on Friday 31 May, conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism on Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara.

At a special ceremony held at the India Centre of the Embassy of India in Yangon, E. Kumar Tuhin, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism 2023 on Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, one of the most revered personalities in the Buddhist community in Myanmar.

This Award carries a citation, a medallion and a cash prize of USD 20,000 (USD twenty thousand). It recognizes Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara's dedicated self-less service to promotion of Buddhism and Buddhist teachings in Myanmar and beyond. In the past, the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism had been presented to Otani University (Japan), Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Huong (Vietnam) and Mr. Choijamts Demberel (Mongolia).

In 2021, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) instituted the prestigious"International Award for Promotion of Buddhism", to recognize the outstanding contribution of foreign scholars/individuals/organizations for the promotion of Buddhism globally.

For millennia, India and Myanmar have shared a deep-rooted Buddhist connection, serving as conduit for the transmission of wisdom and culture across our borders.

Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Ashin Nyanissara's tireless efforts have further strengthened this bond, transcending geographical boundaries to promote harmony and understanding among diverse communities.

Through his extensive philanthropic initiatives, Dr. Ashin Nyanissara has played a pivotal role in providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to the people. His holistic approach to social welfare has empowered countless individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Furthermore, Dr Ashin Nyanissara's efforts in preserving and promoting the rich Buddhist cultural heritage, shared by both India and Myanmar, have been instrumental in fostering greater cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.

His initiatives have promoted exchanges of visits of monks and scholars between India and Myanmar, facilitated academic dialogue and enriched the cultural tapestry of both countries.

The Award Ceremony today was attended by about 150 guests. Ambassador of India to Myanmar Abhay Thakur welcomed them, and underscored India's abiding Buddhist connection with Myanmar.

In his acceptance speech, Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw dwelt upon the role and contribution of Buddhism in addressing individual and social problems as well as in promoting mutual understanding and spiritual ties between India and Myanmar. Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn, Union Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Soe Thein, Mayor and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee U Bo Htay graced the event.

In addition to senior Buddhist figures including Venerable Sayadaw Sobhita from the International Buddhist Education Centre in Sagaing Region and Venerable Panna Zaw Da, Chief Monk of the Alodawpyie Meditation Centre and Monastery in Rakhine State, President of U Nu Daw Mya Yi Foundation Daw Than Than Nu, scholars, academics, ICCR Alumni from Universities across Myanmar, and members of the Indian and Indian-origin community in Myanmar attended the event.

Read the original:
Sitagu Sayadaw Receives International Buddhism Promotion Award in Yangon - ETV Bharat

Grant Cardone Slams NYC After Trump Verdict: 'I Will Never Do Business In New York City'

Real estate mogul Grant Cardone said he'll never do business in New York City again after former President Donald Trump was found guilty of all 34 charges in his hush money trial.

In a May 30 post on X, Cardone asked his followers why anyone would invest in New York City real estate, noting that investors can't evict, can't raise rents, can't predict taxes, can't get fair legal treatment and can't do business in New York.

Accompanying the post is an image of a Fox News video from February in which Cardone said he would "immediately discontinue" doing business in New York City. The Fox News interview came after New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump and his organizations owe more than $345 million in damages plus 9% interest and barred the former president from running a business as an officer or director in the state for three years.

Don't Miss:

During that interview, Cardone said the risks outweigh the opportunities and that New York demonstrated its politicization when it comes to doing business.

"We invest for 14,000 investors at Cardone Capital that depend on cash flow. And if I can't predict the cash flow because of some ruling, or because of the migrants, or because I can't evict people, New York City just keeps doing every single thing they can to sell real estate in Florida, not sell real estate in New York," Cardone said.

After Thursday's verdict, Cardone encouraged his followers to send a message by donating to the $355M Unjust Judgment gofundme account created by his wife, Elena. So far, more than 34,000 contributions amounting to over $2 million have been raised for the effort.

Trending: Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune How much is that worth today?

"Any amount sends a message [that] we support Donald Trump," he wrote.

"Given the circumstances, my husband and I have also now decided to cancel all future events in NY and halt all our real estate ventures there," Elena Cardone wrote on the gofundme page. "I believe NY is not safe nor a place to conduct business at this time."

In the days leading up to the verdict, Cardone indicated he had planned to invest $500 million in New York City but redirected the money to Florida because New York is too risky. He said the state violated the First Amendment, weaponized the legal system, is unfriendly to property owners and that crime is out of control.

Story continues

"New Yorkers get a handle on those in power or risk losing your great state forever," he posted.

Keep Reading:

"ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now!

Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?

This article Grant Cardone Slams NYC After Trump Verdict: 'I Will Never Do Business In New York City' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

See the original post:

Grant Cardone Slams NYC After Trump Verdict: 'I Will Never Do Business In New York City' - Yahoo Finance