Bodhi Mandala

  Like any other major religions in the world, Buddhism also has its fair share of cults. Whether the leader is called Guru Rinpoche, Sifu or Bhante, as long as there is tendency to use and abuse the Dharma for personal gain, such as in getting followers to feed on the leader's ego or eccentricity, cultist will always exist. Cults will also thrive as long as there are followers who willingly or have been unwittingly misled. A cult is defined by the Free Dictionary as, (1) A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader,  (2)  A usually  nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease and (3) Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. Here are some key signs where cultists can be spotted. The lead...

  After years of deliberation, I have finally decided to reactivate my Buddhist blog. Originally called "Lotus Seeds", it was meant to share Dhamma teachings and talks which I have given at temples. I have lost counts on the number of Dhamma sharings and talks that I have given over 30 years, but it's probably in the hundreds. In this rebirth, the blog is now renamed "Bodhi Mandala" and instead of just posting my talks and sharings, I will (when time permits) express my views and opinions on areas of concern such as dogmatism, sectarianism, life as a Buddhist in Malaysia, Dhamma outreach and technology and state of the Buddhist situation primarily in Malaysia. The Buddhist Channel Over the years also, due to my work in the Buddhist Channel ( BC - https://buddhistchannel.tv/ ), I have been exposed to news makers and situations which directly or indirectly have impact on Buddhist development here and elsewhere. The BC has enabled me to network with similar news...