In last appearance in NYC, Dalai Lama discusses meaning of kinship

In last NYC stop, Dalai Lama discusses kinship

NEW YORK – The Dalai Lama said Sunday that the U.S.-led war in Iraq could perhaps have been avoided through negotiations with Saddam Hussein.
Responding to a question about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the exiled leader of Tibetan Buddhists said that Hussein was “not such a foolish … Read more : In last appearance in NYC, Dalai Lama discusses meaning of kinship.

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says no group will be excluded from new government

Top Shiite cleric in Iraq calls for unity
BAGHDAD – The leader of the Sunni-backed coalition that won the most seats in Iraq’s March election said the country’s most influential Shiite cleric assured him in a meeting Sunday that no group would be excluded from the new government.

There are concerns that Sunnis will be largely excluded …. Source article  : Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says no group will be excluded from new government.

Cuba to transfer some political prisoners closer to home, grant others medical treatment

Cuba to transfer political prisoners close to home

HAVANA – The Cuban government has agreed to move many of the country’s 200 political prisoners to jails closer to their homes, and will give medical attention to some ailing prisoners, a church official told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The government’s decision comes just days after a rare … Original article on : Cuba to transfer some political prisoners closer to home, grant others medical treatment.

Relatives: 3 Pakistanis held over Times Square bomb case are religious, not extremist

Relatives: 3 Pakistanis innocent in Times Sq. case

ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three Pakistanis detained for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing protested the men’s innocence Sunday, saying their fervent religious beliefs do not mean they are Islamic extremists.
The family members demanded the government either officially charge the men, who have … Read more : Relatives: 3 Pakistanis held over Times Square bomb case are religious, not extremist.

Archeologists unearth 57 ancient tombs in Egypt, most boasting a painted sarcophagus and mummy

57 ancient tombs with mummies unearthed in Egypt

CAIRO – Archeologists have unearthed 57 ancient Egyptian tombs, most of which hold an ornately painted wooden sarcophagus with a mummy inside, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities said Sunday.
The oldest tombs date back to around 2750 B.C. during the period of Egypt’s first and second dynasties, the council …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Top Shiite cleric assures Iraq’s Sunni-backed bloc of inclusion in new government, reps say

Iraqiya: Top Shiite cleric calls for unity

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s most influential Shiite cleric assured leaders of the Sunni-backed coalition that narrowly won the March election that no group will be excluded from the new government, representatives of the Iraqiya list said Sunday.
The 83-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is revered by Iraq’s majority sect and carries … Read more >>.

6 die in renewed religious violence in central Nigerian flashpoint between Christians, Muslims

Nigeria: 6 dead in religion-fueled violence in Jos

JOS, Nigeria – Witnesses say at least six people have died in renewed religious violence in central Nigeria between Christians and Muslims.
Witnesses told The Associated Press that three people died Sunday when an angry mob filled with young people started violence in the troubled city of Jos. The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 6 die in renewed religious violence in central Nigerian flashpoint between Christians, Muslims.

Pope’s visit stirs hopes of ancient sect hurt by Cyprus division and fearing assimiliation

Ancient sect hopes for boost from pope’s visit

KORMAKITIS, Cyprus – In the coffee shop at this farming village on the northern Cyprus coast, the conversation jumps from one hardship to the next: a bad rainy season, a religion weakened by assimilation, and a division of the island that has lasted 36 years with no end … Read more >>>.

Ousted king reappears as Nepal crisis deepens

KATHMANDU – As a constitutional crisis deepened in Nepal and the political parties failed yet again to agree on a way out, deposed king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah made a surprise public appearance Sunday when he was given a red-carpet welcome by royalists.

The last king of Nepal, who lost his crown after an ill-judged attempt …. Original source  : Ousted king reappears as Nepal crisis deepens.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel visits Israel for son’s bar mitzvah celebration

Obama aide visits Israel for son’s bar mitzvah

JERUSALEM – President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, who has stirred anger among Israeli hard-liners, is visiting Israel to celebrate his son’s bar mitzvah, but those hoping to catch a glimpse of him Monday during a rumored visit to a Jerusalem holy site were disappointed.
Rahm Emanuel and his … Read this article on Gaea Times at : White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel visits Israel for son’s bar mitzvah celebration.

White House Chief of Staff Emanuel in Israel for son’s bar mitzvah celebration

WH chief of staff in Israel for son’s bar mitzvah

JERUSALEM – President Barack Obama’s chief of staff is in Israel to celebrate his son’s bar mitzvah but some Israelis are displeased at the visit.
Rahm Emanuel is facing antipathy from ultranationalists who believe he’s behind a U.S. demand to halt West Bank settlement construction.
Pro-settler activist Itamar …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hindus raise money for Muslim girl’s wedding

LUCKNOW – It was more than a wedding since it also symbolised celebration of unity and communal harmony when Hindus in an Uttar Pradesh village raised money for a poor Muslim girl’s marriage.

Hindus in Sunhera village in Baghpat district, some 400 km from here, performed the marriage Sunday. They are proud of their action, which … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hindus raise money for Muslim girl’s wedding.

800 monks to pray in Delhi for Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI – Nearly 800 Buddhist monks and lamas from Tibet, Nepal and India will gather here Thursday to offer special prayers on the occasion of Buddha Purnima — which, they say, for the first time will fall on the same day as per the Hindu and Tibetan calendars.

Organised by the South Asia Buddhist Association, [..] Read the original article: here.

Meira Kumar greets nation on Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima that India celebrates Thursday.

In her message, the speaker Wednesday reminded the nation of the noble path shown by Gautam Buddha and asked the people to rededicate themselves to “the Buddha’s noble emphasis on non-violence, equality, peace …. Original article  : Meira Kumar greets nation on Buddha Purnima.

Andhra government to rebuild collapsed temple tower

HYDERABAD – The “Rajagopuram” towering entrance to the 15th century Srikalahasti temple in Chittoor district that collapsed Wednesday night will be rebuilt with the assistance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah announced Thursday.

“We will approach the Archaeological Survey of India to rebuild the Rajagopuram in a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Andhra government to rebuild collapsed temple tower.

Kalahasti Temple Entrance Falls Apart

ANDHRA PRADESH (GaeaTimes.com)- The towering entrance of the eminent Srikalahasti temple in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh collapsed yesterday night, as it has been reported by various media outlets. However, no one has been injured owing to the incident. The Rajagopuram of the temple which is more than 130 feet tall had developed cracks. … Read more »»».

Buddha Purnima celebrated at Bodh Gaya

BODH GAYA – Hundreds of Buddhists from across the world Thursday celebrated Buddha Purnima, the day Lord Buddha was born, at Bodh Gaya in Bihar where he attained enlightenment.

Bodh Gaya temple management committee organised a function to celebrate the 2,554th Buddha Jayanti at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Buddhism’s holiest shrine.
“Special prayers … Original source on Gaea Times at : Buddha Purnima celebrated at Bodh Gaya.

Dalai Lama inaugurates Buddha Smriti Park in Patna

PATNA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Thursday inaugurated the Buddha Smriti Park, a sprawling 22 acre park dedicated to Lord Buddha in the heart of the city, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

The inauguration of the Buddha memorial park was an international event attended by delegations from four predominantly Buddhist countries — …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dalai Lama inaugurates Buddha Smriti Park in Patna.

Victims’ kins protest mosque plan at 9/11 site

NEW YORK – A community board has approved the construction of a mosque at the site of New York’s World Trade Centre, which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attack, triggering protests by the victims’ relatives in the city.

Relatives of 9/11 victims clashed with supporters of the proposed mosque near “Ground Zero”, soon after … Read more »».

Los Angeles Catholics to welcome future leader of nation’s most populous archdiocese

LA Catholics to welcome coadjutor archbishop

LOS ANGELES – The future leader of the nation’s most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese will be formally welcomed Wednesday in a religious service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
The Mass of Reception will mark the start of Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s ministry as an assistant to …. Original article  : Los Angeles Catholics to welcome future leader of nation’s most populous archdiocese.

NYC bus ads targeting disenfranchised Muslims are decried as a smokescreen

NYC bus ads asking ‘Leaving Islam?’ cause a stir

NEW YORK – The questions on the ads aren’t subtle: Leaving Islam? Fatwa on your head? Is your family threatening you?
Ads carrying those phrases are appearing on at least 30 New York City buses, paid for by a conservative activist and the organizations she leads.
The activist, Pamela … Read more »»».

Elton John performance in Morocco raises outcry from Islamists about his homosexuality

Elton John performance in Morocco raises outcry

RABAT, Morocco – A concert by Elton John is testing the limits of Morocco’s drive for modernity, probing this Muslim nation’s complex and ambiguous attitudes toward homosexuality like rarely before.
Islamists in the North African kingdom are outraged by the gay pop star’s visit, while the royal palace, government and …. Source  : Elton John performance in Morocco raises outcry from Islamists about his homosexuality.

INLD wants assembly meet to ban same-gotra marriages

CHANDIGARH – The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Wednesday sought a special session of the Haryana assembly to move a resolution to amend the Hindu Marriage Act and to ban marriages in the same ‘gotra’ (lineage).

The main opposition party in the state has come out openly in favour of the khap panchayats’ (community councils) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : INLD wants assembly meet to ban same-gotra marriages.

President, PM greet nation on Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha to be celebrated Thursday.

Vice President Hamid Ansari also sent his best wishes to the people on the occasion.
The president said in her message: “On the auspicious …. Read the original article  : here.

PM greets people on Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima Thursday, recalling the Lord’s message of non-violence, love and compassion.

In a message, he said that Lord Buddha stood for “non-violence, love, compassion and brotherhood.
“Let us follow Lord Buddha’s message and eschew all forms of violence and …. Source article  : PM greets people on Buddha Purnima.

President, vice president greet nation on Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima Thursday.

“On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all our citizens,” the president said in her message.
“May the message of Lord Buddha inspire us …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Elton John to perform in Morocco concert despite Islamist outcry about his homosexuality

Elton John to perform in Morocco despite outcry

RABAT, Morocco – Elton John is expected to be the highlight of Morocco’s biggest music festival Wednesday evening – despite calls by the country’s main Islamist party to shelve the British singer because of his homosexuality.
The public spat between organizers for the Mawazine Festival and the Justice and … Read more »».

Buddha Smriti Park ready for inauguration Thursday

PATNA – The Buddha Smriti Park is ready for inauguration here by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Thursday, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

The inauguration will be a gala international event attended by delegations from four predominantly Buddhist countries — Sri Lanka, Burma, Japan and Thailand, officials in the Chief Minister’s Office said.
The … Read more »»».

Pakistan restoring access to YouTube, but will block videos deemed offensive to Muslims

Pakistan to restore YouTube, block certain videos

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan will restore access to YouTube but will block videos offensive to Muslims that are posted on the video-sharing site, the government said Wednesday.
A number of high-profile websites were blocked in Pakistan last week over offensive content, such as a Facebook page that urges users to post … Read more >>>.

Los Angeles Catholics welcome future leader of nation’s most populous archdiocese

LA Catholics welcome coadjutor archbishop
LOS ANGELES – The future leader of the nation’s most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese was welcomed Wednesday with a standing ovation in a religious service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

The Mass of Reception marks the start of Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s ministry as an assistant to … Read : Los Angeles Catholics welcome future leader of nation’s most populous archdiocese.

Authorities distribute 20,000 long skirts to enforce tight pants ban in Indonesia’s West Aceh

Tight pants ban takes effect in Indonesia’s Aceh

MEULABOH, Indonesia – Authorities in a devoutly Islamic district of Indonesia’s Aceh province have distributed 20,000 long skirts and prohibited shops from selling tight dresses as a regulation banning Muslim women from wearing revealing clothing took effect Thursday.
The long skirts are to be given to Muslim women caught … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Authorities distribute 20,000 long skirts to enforce tight pants ban in Indonesia’s West Aceh.

Nevada tea party candidate tests limits of anti-government mood, scrambles GOP Senate race

Tea party candidate is Nevada hopeful on the rise

PAHRUMP, Nev. – Sharron Angle wants to wipe out Social Security, shutter the Education Department and return to the days almost a century ago when the federal income tax was unconstitutional.
A tea party conservative testing the limits of anti-government sentiment, she’s also the Republican on the rise …. Read the original article  : here.

Investigator’s report says at least 205 ex-students claim abuse at Jesuit schools in Germany

Germany: 205 claims of abuse at Jesuit schools

MUNICH – A special investigator says in her final report that at least 205 former students claim to have been sexually or otherwise abused in Jesuit schools in Germany.
Investigator Ursula Raue said Thursday she thinks the number is even higher, as “we cannot expect to have heard everything [..] Read the original article: here.

Debate over Muslim immigration makes way for balancing the budget in Dutch elections

Money, not Islam, matters most in Dutch elections

AMSTERDAM – For a decade, the Netherlands has been at the forefront of a Europe-wide crackdown on immigration and the debate over a perceived failure of Muslims to integrate.
But with national elections less than two weeks away, issues like banning burqas and mandatory citizenship classes have been shouldered … Read more »»».

Dalai Lama, Karmapa lead Buddha Purnima celebrations in India (Roundup)

PATNA/NEW DELHI – Thousands of Buddhists from all over the world, including the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa, Thursday led the Buddha Purnima celebrations in India that was attended by hundreds of monks from as far as Tibet and Nepal.

The Dalai Lama, leader of the Tibetan community, inaugurated a sprawling 22-acre park in Patna to …. Read the original article  : Dalai Lama, Karmapa lead Buddha Purnima celebrations in India (Roundup).

Karmapa participates in Buddha Purnima celebrations in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi celebrated Buddha Purnima Thursday, enriched by the presence of hundreds of monks and lamas from all over the country besides Tibet and Nepal, including the Karmapa, one of the most important lineage holders of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

It is for the first time that Buddha Purnima has fallen …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Karmapa participates in Buddha Purnima celebrations in Delhi.

Dalai Lama inaugurates Patna’s Buddha Smriti Park

PATNA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Thursday inaugurated the Buddha Smriti Park, a sprawling 22-acre park in the heart of Patna dedicated to Lord Buddha, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

After the inauguration, a smiling Dalai Lama named the 200-foot-high newly-built stupa in the park as ‘Patliputra Karuna’. The stupa marks Bihar’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dalai Lama inaugurates Patna’s Buddha Smriti Park.

Buddha Purnima celebrated with great fervour in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi celebrated Buddha Purnima Thursday, enriched by the presence of nearly 800 monks and lamas from all over the country besides Tibet and Nepal.

It is for the first time that Buddha Purnima has fallen on the same day as per the Hindu and Tibetan calendars, according to the South Asia Buddhist Association. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistani minority sect demands protection after suicide attacks killed 93 members

Pakistan sect demands protection after attacks

LAHORE, Pakistan – Leaders of Pakistan’s minority Ahmadi sect demanded better government protection Saturday as they buried many of the 93 sect members killed by Islamist militants at two of the group’s mosques.
The request could test the government’s willingness to take on hard-line Islamists whose influence is behind decades of …. Original source  : Pakistani minority sect demands protection after suicide attacks killed 93 members.

President Patil dedicates Indian-style Buddhist temple to China

LUOYANG – Visiting Indian President Pratibha Patil Saturday dedicated a Buddhist temple, built with Indian assistance, to the Chinese people.

The structure is adjacent to the White Horse Temple (Baima Si) built in the first century A.D. in honour of two Indian monks who travelled on horseback, carrying with them religious texts and an image of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : President Patil dedicates Indian-style Buddhist temple to China.

After Dalai Lama, Aga Khan gets Canadian honour

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Friday bestowed honorary citizenship on the Aga Khan and laid the foundation stone of what would be one of the largest Muslim art and culture centres in North America.

The Aga Khan is the Imam of over 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims spread around the world.
“Conferring honorary … Original source on Gaea Times at : After Dalai Lama, Aga Khan gets Canadian honour.

Canada bestows honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan

Canada grants honorary citizenship to the Aga Khan

TORONTO – Canada has granted honorary Canadian citizenship upon the Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader of 20 million Muslims worldwide.
The Aga Khan was in Toronto on Friday to launch the development of a $285-million cultural center for Ismaili Muslims and the Aga Khan Museum for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Canada bestows honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan.

Spanish city bans full veils in public buildings

LERIDA – The Spanish city of Lerida Friday banned women from wearing veils that fully cover the face in its public buildings.

Lerida, which has 135,000 inhabitants, is the first community in Spain to outlaw the dress worn by conservative Muslims.
The city dropped an original plan to also prohibit women wearing a burqa or niqab [..] Read the original article: here.

Gunmen attack 2 mosques of minority sect during Friday prayers in Pakistan

2 minority sect mosques attacked in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan – Gunmen armed with grenades attacked two mosques of a minority Islamic sect during Friday prayers in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, police said. Casualties were expected.
The attacks were against the Ahmadi group, which radical Sunni groups have targeted in the past, though never on such …. Source  : Gunmen attack 2 mosques of minority sect during Friday prayers in Pakistan.

‘SGPC polls not possible during this year’

CHANDIGARH – The elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, are not possible this year or even by early 2011, an official Friday said.

Chief Commissioner of Gurdwara elections, Justice (retd.) H.S.Brar said that final preparation and publication of electoral rolls will be completed by November this year and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘SGPC polls not possible during this year’.

Towering cross on mountain in southern Illinois draws thousands of tourists, ire from atheist

Illinois cross draws tourists, ire from atheist

ST. LOUIS – Farmers sold pigs to help raise money to build the towering cross on southern Illinois’ highest point as a year-round testament to faith. The 11-story monument draws thousands of visitors each year, and supporters say it has promoted self-growth and reflection for nearly half a century.
But …. Read the original article  : Towering cross on mountain in southern Illinois draws thousands of tourists, ire from atheist.

Monks upset over Dalai Lama not raising temple issue

PATNA – Buddhist monks in Bihar are disappointed that Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama did not raise the demand for Buddhist control over the management of the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya during his visit here.

“As usual, the Dalai Lama did not raise the core issue of Buddhist control over the management of the …. Source article  : Monks upset over Dalai Lama not raising temple issue.

Bangladesh blocks Facebook over campaign to draw images of Islam’s Muhammad

Bangladesh blocks Facebook over prophet drawings

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Bangladesh has become the second South Asian nation after Pakistan to block the popular social networking website Facebook over a page that urged people to draw images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
Chief telecommunication regulator Zia Ahmed said Sunday that access to the site has been temporarily blocked because …. Read the original article  : Bangladesh blocks Facebook over campaign to draw images of Islam’s Muhammad.

Old, opulent NY Catholic church to be dismantled, rebuilt in affluent Atlanta suburb

Old Buffalo church to be reborn in Atlanta suburb

BUFFALO, N.Y. – For decades, countless people from Buffalo have made the move from Rust Belt to Sun Belt. Maybe it was only a matter of time before one of its buildings would follow.
A Roman Catholic parish in the affluent northern suburbs of Atlanta has begun raising …. Read the original article  : Old, opulent NY Catholic church to be dismantled, rebuilt in affluent Atlanta suburb.

At a Tibetan precipice: With the Dalai Lama nearly 75, what happens after he dies?

What happens when the Dalai Lama dies?
DHARMSALA, INDIA – The question looms over this raggedy hillside town, a place where ancient mysticism constantly brushes against the realities of modern geopolitics. The monks who fled across the Himalayas ask it quietly, as do the exile politicians. Even the angry young activists are careful how they raise [..] Read the original article: here.

An Indian-style Buddhist temple gifted to ’sister civilisation’ China

LUOYANG – Wearing yellow robes and chanting mantras, dozens of Buddhist monks received President Pratibha Patil who dedicated a grand Indian-style temple to China as a “gift from the people of India to a sister civilisation”.

As rows of monks in brown and yellow gathered at the courtyard of the temple, which adjoins the famous White … Read more : An Indian-style Buddhist temple gifted to ’sister civilisation’ China.

Iraq’s al-Maliki says he’s only PM nominee from his party, rejects consensus candidate

Iraq’s al-Maliki says he’s only party PM nominee

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister said Saturday he is the only nominee from his political party to run the nation’s next government, rejecting suggestions of a consensus candidate to satisfy those concerned about his leadership.
Nouri al-Maliki’s comments revealed an unwillingness to budge in negotiations with his Shiite partners … Original article on : Iraq’s al-Maliki says he’s only PM nominee from his party, rejects consensus candidate.