Hi all,

This Sunday is the Lunar New Year, celebrated in many Buddhist cultures, and 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. One of my latest two articles is on this holiday, and predictions for the Year of the Tiger. The other is on the Three Jewels or Refuges, a teaching common to most Buddhist schools.

Since this is in many ways the start of the Buddhist New Year, I thought I would fill you in on my plans for the BellaOnline Buddhism site this year. In addition to adding articles to the existing subject areas, especially the Buddhist Art and Branches of Buddhism series, I plan to start several new series, including one on sutras and one on Buddhist meditation practices. I will of course also continue to review the latest books and movies, for children and adults. If you have any suggested article topics or items for review, please don't hesitate to email me.

Here's the latest articles, and be sure to read this week's sutra quote (on friendship) and forum link below them:

Lunar New Year - 2010 Year of the Tiger
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47761.asp

The Three Jewels or Refuges
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47503.asp

Here is this week's sutra quote, from the Hiri Sutta (translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu):

"One who, flouting, despising a sense of conscience, saying, 'I am your friend,' but not grasping what he could do [to help]: know him as 'Not my friend.'

One who, among friends, speaks endearing words to which he doesn't conform, the wise recognize as speaking without doing. He's not a friend who's always wary, suspecting a split, focusing just on your weakness. But him on whom you can depend, like a child on its parent's breast: that's a true friend whom others can't split from you."

Be sure to check out the Buddhism forum as well:

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=351

In Peace,
Lisa Erickson, Buddhism Editor
http://buddhism.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com