Christopher Titmuss Dharma Blog

A Buddhist Perspective

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Is Islam a threat to Western civilisation or is the West the real threat to itself?

Posted on March 29, 2023 3:03 pm by Christopher 1 Comment

I have much  affection and respect for the Muslim communities. I had the opportunity in 1967 and after to travel to Muslim countries – Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sumatra/Java (Indonesia) plus numerous annual visits to Palestine between 1993 to 2019. I learnt to appreciate the virtues and not deny the vices of the Muslim world. I take much the same view of the West – much to appreciate and much to feel deep concern about.

As a founder of Prajna Vihar School in Bodh Gaya, India in 1992, we begun an inter-religious school to cultivate harmony and understanding between teachers and young people of different faiths and secular beliefs. Action speaks louder than words.

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Sixteen Questions and Answers on Karma. Views on Good and Evil

Posted on January 31, 2023 2:47 pm by Christopher Comment

An exploration of karma (actions/deeds with consequences) needs to be brought into public conversation in the West on personal, social and political issues. Continue reading →



A Nose and a Hand-kerchief. Cultural Differences. Different Strokes for Different Folks

Posted on November 9, 2022 12:50 pm by Christopher Comment
While teaching a residential course last week in the Pauenhof Buddhist Zentrum, in Germany, I heard a graphic example of differences in culture. I have expanded on it to make a point.
A person went to India and witnessed Indians blowing their nose with head pointing down to the ground – one finger on one nostril and then the other nostril.
The Westerner said to her travelling companion: “That’s disgusting.”
A little while later, a Westerner in India blew his nose into their handkerchief and then put their handkerchief back into their pocket.
An Indian turned to his companion and said: ” She put her handkerchief back into her pocket. That’s disgusting.”
To summarise: We easily jump to conclusions about the behaviour of another with no idea how our behaviour may appear to others.
From The Ballad of East and West by poet Rudyard Kiplin (1865-1936)
Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,
Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat;
But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face, though they come from the ends of the earth! |
Do you have an example of cultural differences?


New UK Prime Minister is Rishi Sunak, a practising Hindu. Will the PM endorse the teachings of the Hindu tradition to develop our society? 17 Questions to the PM.

Posted on October 26, 2022 5:43 am by Christopher Comment

Here are 17 Questions to the new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a Hindu from an Indian family. The questions invite the PM to bring the wisdom of the Hindu tradition into the heart of politics and society in the UK. Continue reading →




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