Merit making in a world grown empty

9 Sept 18:11 Key points summarised by AI

A recent temple embezzlement scandal has sparked public demand for monastic accountability, leading some Thai Buddhists to reconsider their donations.
The commercialization of Buddhism has shifted merit-making from selfless acts to transactional exchanges, often driven by personal gain or tangible keepsakes like amulets.
Venerable Bhante Kantasilo emphasizes that true merit stems from individual transformation, overcoming greed and delusion, and cultivating virtues like patience and loving-kindness, rather than solely through monetary transactions.

Inside George Lucas’s Futuristic Museum of Narrative Art

Today 15:30 Key points summarised by AI

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a US$1 billion institution founded by George Lucas, opened September 22, 2026, in Los Angeles, dedicated to the art of storytelling across diverse media.
Its futuristic, biomorphic architecture by Ma Yansong houses over 30 galleries, two theaters, and a research library, blending seamlessly with Exposition Park.
Exhibitions feature a vast collection of narrative art, from "Star Wars in Motion" and global art reproductions using advanced 3D scanning to works by Van Gogh, Rockwell, and contemporary artists.
The museum extends its offerings with a public research library, extensive outdoor gardens, and monumental sculptures, creating a comprehensive cultural and recreational destination.