Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

E

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

E

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

E

Street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Buddhist monks from World Heritage-listed Kinpusenji Temple head out for their annual year-end street fundraising campaign in Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 1, 2025.

E

Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

A Tendai Buddhist monk from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, visits a home in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by the Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

E

Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Tendai Buddhist monks from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, walk around houses in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

E

Roof Partially Collapses at Sin Ming Buddhist Monastery - Singapore

This photo shows the hole left by the fallen roof tiles of the Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall of Singapore's Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery on November 27, 2025. Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Roof Partially Collapses at Sin Ming Buddhist Monastery - Singapore

This photo shows the hole left by the fallen roof tiles of the Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall (R) of Singapore's Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery on November 27, 2025. Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

102nd anniv. of 1923 post-quake massacre of Koreans

A Buddhist priest prays at a stone monument in Tokyo for Koreans and Chinese massacred by Japanese in the aftermath of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in Tokyo and its vicinity on Sept. 1, 2025, the 102nd anniversary of the disaster. A Japanese government disaster prevention panel says Korean and Chinese victims accounted for at least 1 percent of the 105,000 people who died or went missing in the earthquake.

E

102nd anniv. of 1923 post-quake massacre of Koreans

A Buddhist priest prays at a stone monument in Tokyo for Koreans and Chinese massacred by Japanese in the aftermath of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in Tokyo and its vicinity on Sept. 1, 2025, the 102nd anniversary of the disaster. A Japanese government disaster prevention panel says Korean and Chinese victims accounted for at least 1 percent of the 105,000 people who died or went missing in the earthquake.

E

102nd anniv. of 1923 post-quake massacre of Koreans

A Buddhist priest prays at a stone monument in Tokyo for Koreans and Chinese massacred by Japanese in the aftermath of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in Tokyo and its vicinity on Sept. 1, 2025, the 102nd anniversary of the disaster. A Japanese government disaster prevention panel says Korean and Chinese victims accounted for at least 1 percent of the 105,000 people who died or went missing in the earthquake.

E

80th A-bomb anniversary

Gyoshu Utsumi (C), Buddhist monk from Japan, chants a sutra during a memorial ceremony for the victims of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6, 2025, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, marking the 80th anniversary of the bombings. Oak Ridge was home to several Manhattan Project facilities linked to the development of the bombs.

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

A dancer performs during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

Dancers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

Drummers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

A decorated elephant participates in a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

Drummers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

Decorated elephants participate in a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

Drummers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Esala Perahera Festival - Sri Lanka

A fire dancer performs during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, with a history of more than 1,000 years. This year's festival was held from July 30 to August 9. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

E

Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

E

Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

E

Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno de Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Poson Poya Day - Sri Lanka

Buddhist devotees participate in a religious ritual on Poson Poya Day at a temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, June 10, 2025. Poson Poya Day marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Poson Poya Day - Sri Lanka

Buddhist devotees participate in a religious ritual on Poson Poya Day at a temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, June 10, 2025. Poson Poya Day marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Fire at building near Buddhist temple in Seoul

Monks and other onlookers watch as firefighters respond to a fire in a building next to Jogye Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in downtown Seoul, South Korea, on June 10, 2025.