Buddhism and Philately

It’s no surprise that many stamps of M. Lokeswara Rao are related to nature.
But about one-third of Mr Rao’s stamp collection is on Buddhism. In his book, Buddhism on Stamps, which was released on Thursday, he discusses the life and teachings of Buddha through 1,134 philatelic (collection of stamps) material, including stamps and postcards.
“I took to painting Buddha in 2014 as a stress-relieving hobby. Two years later, when I retired, I started the stamp collection. I am not a Buddhist but I like the teachings of Buddha because they are about peace and nature,” he said.
Apart from Buddhism, Mr. Rao also collects orchids and Penny Red stamps.

Buddhist Philosophy/Teachings of the Buddha

It teaches the Middle Path renouncing extreme steps like an indulgence and strict abstinence.

The four noble truths (Arya Satya) in Buddhism are:

Four Noble Truths

The world is full of sorrow
Desire is the root cause of all sorrow
Sorrow can be conquered by conquering desire
Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths (Ashtangirka Marga)

The eight-fold path in Buddhism is:

Right understanding
Right resolve
Right Speech
Right action
Right living
Right efforts
Right thought
Right self-concentration.

The Tri Ratnas of Buddhism is Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Buddha: the highest spiritual potential in everyone.
Dhamma: the teachings of Buddha (Pali for Sanskrit Dharma or righteousness)
Sangha: order of monks who follow Buddhism.

Other principles:

Buddha did not believe in God or the soul.
Stressed on karma and ahimsa.
He was against the Varna system. Buddha taught in Pali.
Buddhism spread to several countries outside India. China adopted Buddhism in the 1st century AD.

Source: TH

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