The Yogis of Ancient Egypt

Adam and eve is kundalini – Artofit

• Asangoham, Oct. 5, 2025; Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Thai Fest by the Beach, LA (9/20-21)

Dance of the Muay Thai

SANTA MONICA, California - Join the Happy Weekend outside of Thailand. Bangkok has a twin city with eerily similar long-form names, and it's "the City of Angels," Los Angeles, home to a large and vibrant Thai Buddhist community. The 2025 delicious celebration of Thai food and culture runs through the weekend on the iconic Santa Monica Pier above PCH in coastal Los Angeles. Bring friends and family to enjoy unforgettable memories at Thai Fest by the Beach (Thai Fest by the Beach). It is not just a food fest, but it's where food, culture, and fun unite in harmony to create an extraordinary experience for everyone. What does Thai Fest by the Beach offer? Discover what makes Thai Fest a one-of-a-kind experience — with incredible food, vibrant performances, and fun activities for all ages. More

• Buddhism in Thailand (Siam, Isan)
• Thai Fest by the Beach | Santa Monica CA | Facebook

(The Urban Foreigner) Thai Fest by the Beach - Santa Monica Pier 2025! 🇹🇭, Los Angeles

Tale of Two Cities' [Names]

Bangkok (or L.A. East) rocks!

Bangkok's ceremonial name came into use during the reign of King Mongkut [e][12]. The full name reads [20][f]:

Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit (กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์).

• The full name of Los Angeles (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) is: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula [30] or "The City of Our Lady [the Virgin Mary] the Queen of the Angels by the River Porciuncula" [29] ("City of Angels"). The original name of the settlement is disputed. Other sources have shortened (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, "The City of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels") or have alternate versions of the longer name [31] established by the Townspeople or Los Pobladores. More

LA is bigger than Hollywood

This name is composed of Pali (the exclusively Buddhist language of the Buddha, also known as Magadhi, where the Buddha lived) and Sanskrit root-words.

It translates as [20]: "The City of Angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the Nine Gems, seat of the King, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra [Sakka]'s behest."

The name is listed in Guinness World Records as the world's longest place name at 168 letters [21][g].

Sakka is Indra is St. Michael

Many Thais who recall the full name do so because of its use in the 1989 song "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" by Thai rock band Asanee–Wasan, the lyrics of which consist entirely of the city's full name, repeated throughout the song [22].

Today, the city is officially known in Thai by a shortened form of the full ceremonial name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร), which is colloquially further shortened to Krung Thep (กรุงเทพฯ) or the initialism Ko Tho Mo (กทม.). Krung กรุง is a Thai word of Khmer origin [23], meaning "capital, king" [24], while thep (เทพ) is from Pali/Sanskrit deva, meaning "deity," "angel," or "god."

The Big Mango = Bangkok, Thailand

The name of Bangkok is more commonly translated as "City of Angels," which is also used to draw comparisons with Los Angeles in the United States, a comparably sized city with similar traffic issues [25].

Another nickname sometimes used to refer to the city is The Big Mango, a tongue-in-cheek comparison to The Big Apple for New York City [26]. More

Does Buddhism approve of sex?

Does Buddhism approve of sex?

Ego (Buddhism podcast) Does Buddhism approve of sex? "This is an age in which sexual matters are discussed with great openness. There are many who are puzzled to know what the Buddhist attitude towards sex is. It is therefore to be hoped that the following guidelines may be found helpful towards an understanding. It is, of course, true to say that Buddhism, in keeping with the principle of the Middle Way, would advocate neither extreme puritanism nor extreme permissiveness. But this, as a guiding principle without further specification, may not seem sufficiently helpful for most people. In the first place, we must distinguish between the rules undertaken by Buddhist monks [and nuns] for their own conduct and any guiding principles for lay people.

• Ego (Buddhism podcast), Dec. 3, 2024 [with appropriated text uncredited to Maurice O'Connell Walshe from Buddhism and Sex, 2006 (Wheel 225, BPS.lk), as this channel often does with Ven. Thanissaro texts]; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Why are Church Christians mean? 10 excuses

Jeremy Myers (redeeminggod.com); Crystal Q., Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Why are Christians so mean? 10 excuses church people give for treating others badly

Christians are notorious for bad behavior.

Some Christian church people are just downright mean. Why?

In some recent surveys (reported in books like unChristian and They Like Jesus but Not the Church), it appears that most people in American culture believe that Christians are about as trustworthy as car salesmen or lawyers.

And I will admit, I myself can behave pretty badly at times, and many of the Christians I know behave in far worse ways than many of the Unbelievers I know.

I am always amazed at the grace, love, support, and forgiveness that is found among the “Unchurched” that is rarely found among those who regularly go to church. There are numerous contributing factors to this.

Reasons Christians are mean

Die in bliss by being sincere, not a hypocrite.

Some of it is our theology. Many Christians develop a sense of entitlement because we [like our fellow Jews] are the “chosen ones,” the “elite [elect],” the members of the family of God.

We feel this gives us the right to look down upon others who are not one of us. Sometimes, our behavior is a result of our understanding of God’s grace and [guaranteed] forgiveness.

We feel that because God forgives us [in advance] for all our sins, we can treat others in terrible ways, and God will still forgive us. [What choice does He got?]

While it is true that God will forgive us for such behavior, His grace is never a license to treat others so shamefully [Yeah, but, c'mon! Do what'cha want. Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend, like the song from Billy Jack].

Beware of church folk, Billy Carson.

Then there is the critical, judgmental, legalistic attitude so often taught and practiced in churches. Since we feel we have a corner on the truth and that we are the ones who are always right, this makes us believe that it is our responsibility to be the world’s policemen, going around pointing out where people are wrong and how they are sinning.

This is rarely received well by anyone, especially when we have glaringly obvious sins ["missing the mark"] in our own life.

Mean Girls: We're Judeo-Christian

Finally, there is the fact that Christians love to pick and choose which sins are the worst – things like homosexuality or murder – while ignoring sins that are prevalent within our own congregations (which might actually be much worse) – sins like gluttony, greed, and pride [arrogance, conceit].

The watching world sees our blatant hypocrisy and criticizes us in return for our unjustified criticism of them.

But over the years, as I have personally engaged in hypocritical and sinful behavior, and as I have watched other Christians do the same, I have found that there are several excuses we give for our poor treatment of other people and for sin in our own lives.

When we treat others badly, we give excuses for why our treatment of them is justified. Here are the top ten reasons I could think of:

1. We Christians are sinners, too

There are other versions of this excuse such as, “Hey! Nobody’s perfect!” or “I’m not perfect, just forgiven.” The idea behind this excuse is that the watching world has put unrealistic expectations on us as Christians.

We complain that they seem to think we should live perfect lives, which is impossible. So when we sin, and our sin is pointed out to us, we excuse our actions by reminding others that we are sinners, too. Theologically, this is correct. [Is it?!]

But such a statement should never be used to excuse our sin. When our sin is pointed out to us, either by a Christian or non-Christian, the proper response is not, “Hey, I’m a sinner, too, so get off my back about my behavior” but rather should be, “You know what? You are correct. I messed up. I am sorry. Thanks for pointing that out. With God’s help [and maybe some of my own effort], I will do better next time.”

2. It’s nothing personal; it’s just business

Sometimes people say, “This has nothing to do with my Christianity!” Christians who say these things reveal a deep misunderstanding of what following Jesus is all about.

For a follower of Jesus, there is no such thing as “it’s just business.” Truly following Jesus requires that we make changes in all aspects of life... More (507 Comments)

Five genders found in Indonesia (Nat Geo)

National Geographic, Oct. 21, 2008; CC Liu, Dhr. Seven, Ananda, (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Indonesia is the site of the world's largest excavated Buddhist temple complex: Borobudur

Five Genders? | National Geographic

(National Geographic) Through many options for gender expression, including recognizing five genders, this [indigenous] Indonesian community finds balance and peace and prays to share this with the world. It is not part of the original Buddhism that covered the island, nor the subsequent Hindu and Islamic influences that dominate today.

This funded white lab coat says I'm the authority.

WQ COMMENTARY: Does having five basic genders make sense? It does and has since ancient times. Even ancient India recognized that some people might be:

1. male,
2. female,
3. ambiguous or androgynous (both male and female)
4. male feeling like a female
5. female feeling like a male.

If the last two want to identify not as they were born but as they now feel, we might well designate those individuals "transgender" or transsexuals or crossdressers or expressive nonnormative individuals.

Group 3 used to be called hermaphrodites with attendant organs or vestigial components of both organs and/or chromosomal deviations from the standard binary categorization the medical field imposes on a population. Moreover, it would make sense that some humans are asexual (not sexual), eunuchs (neutered/spayed), or gay, bisexual, heterosexual, pansexual, or questioning and fluid, "heteroflexible."

So while this might seem confusing, it is actually not that complex. The growing complexity of LGBTQIA[LMNOP]+ is confusing and left undefined.

This discussion already took place in ancient Buddhist times, and the great commentator Ven. Buddhaghosa and others of his day opined that apart from males and females, they are pandakas ("perverts," deviants, gender-benders, crossdressers, humans with ambiguous genitalia and therefore "eunuchs," which could be karmic in origin -- usually spoken of as the result of past sexual misconduct -- or simply within a biological spectrum of what's normal for human earthlings, as opposed to the humanoids that live elsewhere throughout the galaxy and universe, within and outside of this world-system).

ABOUT: National Geographic [claims that it] is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible. More: Official site: NatGeoOfficialSite. Facebook: FBNatGeo Twitter: NatGeoTwitter Instagram: NatGeoInsta ➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe

• Taboo: Third Sex: channel.nationalgeographic.com...
• Five Genders? | National Geographic • Five Genders?

Christianity made me talk like an idiot (video)

Seth Andrews (TheThinkingAtheist, 6/20/17); Seth Auberon, Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly

The great Lord God shan't be mocked, or else! (I'm really the Lord of Lords Sakka).

Seth Andrews gave this speech on June 3, 2017 in Toronto at the Imagine 7 Conference. It's a humorous and therapeutic romp through Andrews' religious past and the often bizarre words and attitudes that reflected his Christian faith.

• Support Seth Andrews: patreon.com/sethandrews.

An Irish Celebration, L.A. (March 17-18)

ParsonsNose.org, Pasadena, LA County; Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Parson’s Nose performs condensed classic adaptations that present the language, characters, plot and spirit of the world’s greatest writers in a fun and humorous way! Our adaptations run approximately 80 minutes on average, and focus on the central story and themes within the play. We believe the classics are accessible to everyone and the same themes of family, money, society, and power still ring true in today’s society. Think you won’t understand Shakespeare or be entertained by Shaw? We want to prove you wrong! Parson’s Nose focuses on the comedic plays of the greats and presents them in a simple yet sophisticated comic style. We believe that the writing and story are what the audience should focus on – simple set pieces and props are enough to bring you along on the ride created by some of the greatest writers who’ve ever lived. Give us the chance to steal you away for an hour and bring you into the fantastic worlds of Shakespeare, Moliere, Shaw, Belasco, Goldsmith and many more! 

• What does Lance of Parson's Nose think?

Comedians of the World (video)

Netflix, Dec. 18, 2018; Xochitl, Seth Auberon, Wisdom Quarterly

Comedians of the World: Behind the Scenes Making Of

Comedians of the World is available to stream beginning Jan. 1st, 2019. Watch COMEDIANS of the world on Netflix (netflix.com).

About: Netflix is the world's leading Internet entertainment service with 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause, and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Connect with Netflix online: Visit Netflix WEBSITE: nflx.it/29BcWb5, facebook, twitter, instagram, tumblr, youube.com/netflix.

The Buddhist Attitude Toward Nature

Lily de Silva (BPS.lk/ATI); Amber Larson, Crystal Quintero (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Wise attention and wise reflection

The Cakkavattisihanada Sutra (DN 26) predicts the future course of events when human morals undergo further degeneration. Gradually human health will deteriorate so much that life expectancy will diminish until at last the average human lifespan is reduced to ten years, marriageable age to five years.

 

At that time all delicacies such as ghee, butter, honey, and so on will have disappeared from the Earth; what is considered the poorest coarse food today will become a delicacy then. Buddhism maintains that there is a close link between human morals and the natural resources available.

 

According to a discourse in the Numerican Discourses (AN), when profligate lust, wanton greed, and wrong values grip the heart of humans and immorality becomes widespread in society, timely rain does not fall. When timely rain does not fall, crops are adversely affected by various pests and plant diseases. Through lack of nourishing food, human mortality and morbidity rates rise (A. I, 160).

 

Several sutras from the Pali canon show that early Buddhism believes there to be a close relationship between human morality and the natural environment. This idea has been systematized in the theory of the Five Natural Laws (niyamas, pañca niyama-dhamma) in the later commentaries (Atthasalini, 854).

There are five natural laws or orders: seasons, seeds, mind, karma, and Dharma.

.

According to this theory, in the cosmos there are Five Natural Laws, orders, regularities, or forces at work, namely: utu-niyama ("season-law"), bija-niyama ("seed-law"), citta-niyama ("mind-law"), kamma-niyama ("karma-law"), and dhamma-niyama (Dharma-law). 

They can be translated as physical laws, biological laws, psychological laws, moral laws, and causal laws, respectively. While the first four laws operate within their respective spheres, the last-mentioned law of causality operates within each of them as well as among them.

 

This means that the physical environment of any given area conditions the growth and development of its biological component, that is, the flora and fauna. These in turn influence the thought pattern of the people interacting with them.

Modes of thinking determine moral standards. The opposite process of interaction is also possible. The morals of humans influence not only the psychological makeup of the people but the biological and physical environment of the area as well. 

So the Five Laws demonstrate that humans and nature are bound together in a reciprocal causal relationship with changes in one necessarily bringing about changes in the other.

 

The commentary on the Cakkavattisihanada Sutra goes on to explain the pattern of mutual interaction further (Dh.A III, 854). 

• When humankind is demoralized through greed, famine is the natural outcome;
• when moral degeneration is due to ignorance, epidemic is the inevitable result;
• when hatred is the demoralizing force, widespread violence is the ultimate outcome.

Nature is sacred and spiritual (jiuzhaigou1/tenlivingcities.org)

 
If and when humankind realizes that large scale devastation has taken place as a result of our moral degeneration, a change of heart takes place among the few surviving human beings. With gradual moral re-generation, conditions improve through a long period of cause and effect and humankind again starts to enjoy gradually increasing prosperity and longer life.

 

The world, including nature and humans, stands or falls with the type of moral force at work. If immorality grips society, humans and nature deteriorate; if morality reigns, the quality of human life and nature improves. 

So greed, hatred, and delusion produce pollution within and without. Generosity, compassion, and wisdom produce purity within and without. This is one reason the Buddha has pronounced that the world is led by the mind, cittena niyati loko (S. I, 39). So humanity and nature, according to the ideas expressed in early Buddhism, are interdependent.

Human Use of Natural Resources

For survival humankind will have to depend on nature for food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and other requisites.

 

For optimum benefits humans have to understand nature so that he can utilize natural resources and live harmoniously with nature. By understanding the working of nature -- for example, the seasonal rainfall pattern, methods of conserving water by irrigation, the soil types, the physical conditions required for growth of various food crops, and so on -- humans can learn to get better returns from our agricultural pursuits.

But this learning has to be accompanied by moral restraint if we are to enjoy the benefits of natural resources for a long time. Humans must learn to satisfy our needs and not feed on our greeds. The resources of the world are not unlimited, whereas human greed knows neither limit nor satiation. 

Modern humans in our unbridled voracious greed for pleasure and acquisition of wealth have exploited nature to the point of near impoverishment.

 

Ostentatious consumerism is accepted as the order of the day. One writer says that within forty years Americans alone have consumed natural resources to the quantity of what all mankind has consumed for the last 4000 years (Quoted in Vance Packard, The Waste Makers, London, 1961, p. 195). More

Optimistic Women Live Longer

In the US in 2005, life expectancy for women averaged about 80 years, whereas for men it was about 75 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This research strongly suggests that deep-seated masculinity beliefs are one core cause of men's poor health, inasmuch as they reduce compliance with recommended preventative health services," said study researcher Kristen Springer of Rutgers University in New Jersey.

So while acting the part of a "real man" can attract fertile gals and even help a person to heal faster from injury, keeping up the tough-guy part could mean dodging the doctor's office. Tough guys who buy into ideals of masculinity are much less likely to seek preventive health care services, such as a prostate exam, compared with other men. This new finding, based on survey data, reveals that such manly beliefs could help to explain the lower life expectancy of men compared with women.

Optimistic Women
Optimistic women live longer and healthier lives than their pessimistic peers, the study suggests. Specifically, researchers found that women who see the glass as half full are at a lower risk for developing heart disease (with a lower overall risk of dying from any cause) than those who see the same glass as half empty.

The new research, detailed in the journal Circulation, also found that women with a high degree of cynical hostility, defined as harboring hostile thoughts toward others or having a general mistrust of people, were at a higher risk of dying in general.

"As a physician, I'd like to see people try to reduce their negativity in general," said Dr. Hilary A. Tindle, lead author of the study and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. "The majority of evidence suggests that sustained, high degrees of negativity are hazardous to health." The study is the largest to date to examine the health effects of optimism and cynical hostility in postmenopausal women over time.

• (Source: Livescience.com, August 11, 2009)

Religion and Health care

(KQED) Religion and health care: Put these words together in the same sentence, and opinions are sure to fly. Join the April edition of "Health Dialogues" as it explores how religion affects health care: from making major life decisions, to choosing health practitioners, to religio-cultural attitudes towards health care, and much more. Tune in to hear more. (Find local airtimes). View clips from this month's interviews.

• Health Dialogues is a special series from KQED's "The California Report." It fa-cilitates an ongoing discussion of California health care issues important to the underserved: children, low-income residents, minorities, and people with disabilities to name just a few. Learn more>>

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