Stories written by
Jana Igunma
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In Thai manuscripts, the future Buddha is at the centre of some of the most beautiful illustrations
According to canonical scriptures, Ariya Metteyya is the fifth in the lineage of Buddhas of the current aeon and the successor of the 28 Buddhas of the past.
Jana Igunma
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Illustrations: A puzzling fragment from an 18th-century Thai meditation manual
The lavishly illustrated manuscript consists of just three complete and two half folios with Pali and Thai text in Khmer and Khom scripts.
Jana Igunma
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Illustrations: In Thai Buddhist cosmology, Indra lives in a celestial stupa with 32 other deities
The ‘Chulamani Chedi’ is mentioned repeatedly in the story of the life of the Buddha.
Jana Igunma
Trending
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The curious case of Pran Puri, the 18th century travelling monk who was discovered and forgotten
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How Alexander the Great became Iskandar Zulkarnain, the legendary ancestor of Malay kings
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In Assam, a police crackdown on child marriage leaves a trail of crying women and broken families
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Watch: ‘3 Idiots’ stars Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan comically reunite to promote new film
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Nepal was convinced of its plan to revive the wild water buffalo population, until things went wrong
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In Thai manuscript paintings, chariots are more than just vehicles for transportation
The chariot has special importance in religious traditions in Thailand, especially those related to royal ceremonies and funerals.
Jana Igunma
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The story of star-crossed lovers Suthon and Manora lives on in Thailand’s dance and drama
Manora, a mythical bird-like creature, and Buddhist prince Suthon, were separated after a murder attempt on the former.
Jana Igunma
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How the 50 ‘birth-tales’ of Buddha spread from Thailand to the rest of Southeast Asia
The Paññāsa Jātaka contain stories outside the Buddhist canon.
Jana Igunma
Video
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Watch: Chased by crocodile, antelope swims for its life across river, escapes in nick of time
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Watch: Tiger waits for trucks to pass before crossing busy highway
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Watch: Rishi Sunak mentions ‘dharma’ as his reason for taking up the job of UK PM
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Turkey earthquake: Scenes of horrifying devastation emerge across the affected region
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Watch: American DJ Diplo shows off batting skills during game of gully cricket with locals in Mumbai
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Illustrations: The many lives of Gautama Buddha in 18th and 19th century manuscripts
The Buddha-to-be was portrayed as a mythical serpent king and the son of blind hermits.
Jana Igunma
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How translated texts, paintings and songs brought Buddhism to the western world
Europeans first came into direct contact with Buddhist ideas in the 13th century.
Jana Igunma
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Christian Europe once celebrated the story of Buddha without even knowing it
The Buddha as Josaphat became a saint in medieval Europe with his own feast day: November 27.
Jana Igunma
The Reel
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‘The Consultant’ trailer: Christoph Waltz plays a sinister boss in dark comedy series
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Watch: Behind the scenes of Hansika Motwani’s December wedding
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Amit Trivedi lets his music do the talking: ‘There’s one life. We take it way too seriously’
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Start the week with a film: Horses and a quietly thumping heart in ‘The Rider’
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‘Class’ review: An immersive and revealing show about privilege
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Photos: How ancient manuscripts have depicted the teachings of Gautam Buddha
Snapshots from the British Library’s ‘Buddhism Illuminated: Manuscript Art from Southeast Asia’.
San San May & Jana Igunma
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Ilustrations and photos from 19th century show elaborate Thai funeral traditions through history
For kings, the mourning period could last for a year, as was seen with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.
Jana Igunma
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Pictures: How Thai manuscript art brought the background to the forefront
The background is an important part of the composition and has a significant impact on the finished artwork.
Jana Igunma
The Field
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India vs Australia: KL Rahul on spin combination for Nagpur Test, batting in middle order and more
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WPL auction, player list: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry in first set; 409 in total
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Senior One Day Trophy: Tanuja Kanwer stars as Railways beat Karnataka to win record 14th title
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WPL 2023: Inaugural edition to be played in Mumbai from 4 March, 409 players shortlisted for auction
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IND vs AUS: From Kohli vs Cummins to Ashwin vs Khawaja – four key battles in Border-Gavaskar Trophy