GRT: Tĩnh Lặng - LTP
#46
Galaxies, explained
Some galaxies are similar to the Milky Way, but some are quite different.


BY MICHAEL GRESHKO
PUBLISHED APRIL 17, 2019


[Image: 1086.jpg]

A composite image of the Messier 81 (M81) galaxy shows what astronomers call a "grand design" spiral galaxy, where each of its arms curls all the way down into its center. Located about 12 million light-years away in the Ursa Major constellation, M81 is among the brightest of the galaxies visible by telescope from Earth.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY NASA/JPL-CALTECH/ESA/HARVARD-SMITHSONIAN CFA

Galaxies are sprawling systems of dust, gas, dark matter, and anywhere from a million to a trillion stars that are held together by gravity. Nearly all large galaxies are thought to also contain supermassive black holes at their centers. In our own galaxy, the Milky Way, the sun is just one of about 100 to 400 billion starsthat spin around Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole that contains as much mass as four million suns.
The deeper we look into the cosmos, the more galaxies we see. One 2016 study estimated that the observable universe contains two trillion—or two million million—galaxies. Some of those distant systems are similar to our own Milky Way galaxy, while others are quite different.



Types of galaxies


Before the 20th century, we didn't know that galaxies other than the Milky Way existed; earlier astronomers had classified them as as “nebulae,” since they looked like fuzzy clouds. But in the 1920s, astronomer Edwin Hubble showed that the Andromeda “nebula” was a galaxy in its own right. Since it is so far from us, it takes light from Andromeda more than 2.5 million years to bridge the gap. Despite the immense distance, Andromeda is the closest large galaxy to our Milky Way, and it's bright enough in the night sky that it's visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere.


In 1936, Hubble debuted a way to classify galaxies, grouping them into four main types: spiral galaxies, lenticular galaxies, elliptical galaxies, and irregular galaxies.


More than...
Read the rest of this article on NatGeo.com


https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distr...e/galaxies


--ooOoo--


Bhūmi, Cảnh Giới.

Xuất nguyên từ căn "bhū", theo nghĩa đen là một nơi có chúng sanh sinh sống.

Theo Phật Giáo, quả địa cầu chỉ là một điểm nhỏ không đáng kể trong vũ trụ bao la, không phải là thế gian duy nhất có sanh linh. Con người cũng không phải là chúng sanh duy nhất. Hệ thống tinh tú vô cùng tận, mà số chúng sanh cũng vô cùng tận. "Thai bào cũng không phải là con đường tái sanh duy nhất". 

"Bằng cách đi xuyên qua, chúng ta không thể vượt đến mức tận cùng của thế gian", Ðức Phật dạy như vậy.

https://www.budsas.org/uni/u-vdp-ty/vdpty05.htm
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#47
Vài điều cần làm 

Tránh người (và bản thân cần tránh):
  1. thất niệm
  2. vô trí
  3. thô tháo
  4. náo động
  5. xao lãng
  6. có thành kiến
Gần người (và bản thân cần tu tập):
  1. có niệm
  2. có trí
  3. thanh nhã
  4. trầm tĩnh
  5. có chú tâm
  6. không thiên vị
Suy tuởng về:
  1. các khía cạnh thâm sâu của Pháp
  2. sự hãi hùng trong cảnh khổ
  3. con đường thực hành
  4. phẩm hạnh cao quý của truyền thống, các bậc đạo sư, của đệ tử Phật và bạn đồng tu trong đời phạm hạnh
  5. các bài kinh tạo cảm hứng
  6. đắc thiền
(VietBest - Phật Giáo - Tạp Ghi, #768, p 52)
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#48
[Image: talented-artist.jpg]

Hoạ sĩ đường phố vẽ chân dung hoạ sĩ Frida Kalho
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#49
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


 There are essentially three kinds of Buddhist structures: 
1) stupas, bell-shaped structures that contain a holy relic or scripture; 
2) temples, place of worship somewhat similar to a church; and 
3) monasteries, which contain living quarters and meditation cells for monks.
  • Stupas are solid structures that typically cannot be entered and were constructed to contain sacred Buddhist relics that are hidden from view (and vandals) in containers buried at their core or in the walls. Temples have an open interior that may be entered and in which are displayed one or more cult images as a focus for worship. Although this simple distinction between Stupa and temple is useful, the distinction is not always clear. There are stupas that have the external form of a stupa but are like a temple with an inner corridor and multiple shrines.
  • Local temples are essentially self sufficient and rely on their own lands and support from the local lay community to keep going. Property belongs to the community. There is not a hierarchy of priest, bishops and archbishops like there is Christianity.
  • The word pagoda is sometimes used to collectively describe stupas and temples but generally refers to Japanese- and Chinese style towers inspired by South Asian stupa. The word pagoda is derived from dagada , the word used for relic chamber in Sri Lanka. Classic Japanese- and Chinese-style pagodas usually have multiple stories, each with a graceful, tiled Chinese-style roof, and a top roof capped by a spire. The base represents the earth, the spire symbolizes heaven, and the connecting piece symbolizing the cosmic axis, to the Way.
[Image: Gyantse-stupa.jpg]
Gyantse Stupa in Tibet

See Separate Article  [img=288x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-stupa%20gyantse_stupa_chanez%20in%20Tibet%20Kala.jpg[/img]
Websites and Resources on Buddhism: 
Buddha Net buddhanet.net/e-learning/basic-guide 
Religious Tolerance Page religioustolerance.org/buddhism 
Wikipedia article Wikipedia 
Internet Sacred Texts Archive sacred-texts.com/bud/index ; 
Introduction to Buddhism webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhaintro 
Early Buddhist texts, translations, and parallels, SuttaCentral suttacentral.net 
East Asian Buddhist Studies: A Reference Guide, UCLA web.archive.org ;
View on Buddhism viewonbuddhism.org ; 
Tricycle: The Buddhist Review tricycle.org ; 
BBC - Religion: Buddhism bbc.co.uk/religion ; 
Buddhist Centre thebuddhistcentre.com
A sketch of the Buddha's Life accesstoinsight.org ; 
What Was The Buddha Like? by Ven S. Dhammika buddhanet.net 
Jataka Tales (Stories About Buddha) sacred-texts.com ; 
Illustrated Jataka Tales and Buddhist stories ignca.nic.in/jatak ; 
Buddhist Tales buddhanet.net ; 
Arahants, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas by Bhikkhu Bodhi accesstoinsight.org ; 
Victoria and Albert Museum vam.ac.uk/collections/asia/asia_features/buddhism/index 

Buddhist Art: 
Victoria and Albert Museum vam.ac.uk/collections/asia/asia_features/buddhism/index 
Buddhist Symbols viewonbuddhism.org/general_symbols_buddhism 
Wikipedia article on Buddhist Art Wikipedia 
Guimet Museum in Paris guimet.fr ; 
Buddhist Artwork buddhanet.net/budart/index 
Asian Art at the British Museum britishmuseum.org ; 
Buddhism and Buddhist Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art metmuseum.org ; 
Buddhist Art Huntington Archives Buddhist Art dsal.uchicago.edu/huntington 
Buddhist Art Resources academicinfo.net/buddhismart 
Buddhist Art, Smithsonian freersackler.si.edu

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#50
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


History of Buddhist Temples


[Image: 5c7e773b37fbe.jpg]
Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya, where Buddha experienced his enlightenment

The word for temple in many languages is the same as cave. Many early Buddhist temples were "artificial caves" that attempted to recreate the atmosphere of Buddhist caves in northern India. Describing what they were probably like, the historian Paul Strachen wrote: In his book Pagan: Art and Architecture of Old Burma , "the now spartan brick gu [temple]" was "cluttered with regal objects and requisites, a clamor of activity as food offerings were shuttled from the kitchens down passageways crowded with chanting devotees, brightly colored wall paintings, gilded furnishings and flapping banners and hangings...the usual plain, seated Buddha image, found in the deserted temples of Pagan today, would have been bathed, perfumed and dresses with the finest and most costly garments."

The architecture of Buddhist temples is influenced by the architecture of country in which they are found and various traditions of Buddhist architecture. Japanese pagodas, for example, have unique Japanese features that are modeled after Chinese-style pagodas, which in turn were modeled after Indian stupas.

Because ancient wood temples were often destroyed by fire, temples today are usually made of brick and stone with brass and iron ornaments. Chinese pagodas were often built to commemorate important leaders or event or house important artifacts or documents.

Many Buddhist temples are located in the forests and mountains. There are two reason for their remote locations: first, mountains and forest have always been associated with spiritual purity, and second, Buddhist monks were often persecuted and remote location gave them some safety. In China, Japan and Thailand temples are often in the middle of town.

Stupas

Stupas are generally solid, bell-shaped structures that contain a holy relic such as a hair or tooth from Buddha, relics or remains of eminent Buddhist figure, or a sacred Buddhist scripture. They are modeled on ancient Indian burial mounds. The base of the stupa is often sealed with a copper plate incised with a vishva-vajra crossed thunderbolt design that is regarded as protection from evil. Stupas themselves were venerated as symbols of the Buddha.

[Image: 5c7e773b3e47b.jpg]
Dhamekh stupa in Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon

Buddhist stupas symbolize the Buddhist concept of the universe. The solid dome that rises up from the square or circular base is a representation of the dome-shaped sky enclosing the world-mountain, which pierce the dome to form a small balcony at the summit. At the center of the dome is a mast that represents that axis of the earth which rise from the waters that surround the world up to the cosmos. Square bases often also symbolize the earth. The shape of stupas may have been inspired by the staff and begging bowl of the wandering Buddha.

All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Many contain jewelry and other “precious” objects. It is not necessary that the jewelry be expensive. What is important is the symbolic value that is important, not the value in monetray terms. It is believed that the more objects placed into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be. Stupas generally have a Tree of Life, a wooden pole covered with gems and thousands of mantras. It is placed in the central channel of the stupa during a ceremony or initiation, with participants holding colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. These participants pray hard and send their most positive and powerful wishes and blessings, which are stored in the Tree of Life.

History of Stupas

After Buddha’s death his relics were divided and a number of stupas were built to house them. Although no ancient stupas remain the relics they housed are believed to have been saved and placed in other stupas. Many of the oldest stupas date back to the period of Buddhist expansions during the rule of King Ashoka (268-239 B.C.) The objects inside stupas are often unknown. A gold reliquary excavated from a 2nd century B.C. stupa in Bimaran Afghanistan was decorated with images of Buddha and Hindu gods. The reliquary is believed to have contained the ashes of a revered saint or some object he touched.
Stupa developed in India in the 3rd century B.C. and were general objects of worship for Buddhists before the formation of Buddha imagery, sculpture and painting. Sanchi stupa, built near present-day Bhopal, India, is the oldest. It is shaped like a half sphere and built to allow worship around it. The functions of Buddhist stupas were also diffused, and shapes show a variety of styles in each cultural area. [Source: Takashi Sakai, Nihon Kôkogaku, May 20, 2008]

[Image: 5c7e773b45574.jpg]
Great Stupa in Sanchi

Stupa is a Sanskrit word that literally means “to heap” or “to pile up.” Some scholars believe that stupas predated Buddhism and originally were mounds of dirt or rocks built to honor dead kings. Later, these scholars say, the Buddha imbued them with spiritual meaning. Sylvia Somerville wrote in her book on stupas: “This explanation runs counter to Buddhist tradition, which maintains that because the stupa conveys enlightened qualities, it could only have been revealed by the mind of enlightenment. …In fact, some stupas, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa in Nepal, are believed to be self-arising expressions of enlightenment.” [Source: “Stupas: Symbols of Enlightened Mind” by Sylvia Somerville]

Stupas are the oldest Buddhist religious monuments. The first Buddhist ones were simple mounds of mud or clay built to enclose relics of Buddha. In the third century B.C., after his conversion to Buddhism, Emperor Asoka ordered the original stupas opened and the remains were distributed among the several thousand stupas he had built. Stupas at the eight places associated with the life of the Buddha were important before Ashoka and continued to after his death. Over time, stupas changed from being funerary monuments to being objects of veneration. As this occurred they also changed in appearance changed also. [Source: Wikipedia +]

Over the centuries many old stupas became pilgrimage sites. Famous ones became the center of complex ceremonial areas. They were often surrounded by a railing with gateways, through which pilgrims entered the ceremonial ground. Stone lions guarded the entrances. Outside vendors sold food and offerings to pilgrims.

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#51
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


Sanchi: Home of the World’s Oldest Stupa

Sanchi (30 miles from Bhopal) is a pilgrimage site that attracts worshipers from all over the world who come to see Buddhist art and architecture that dates back to the third century B.C. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989 and regarded as one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes in India, it contains monasteries and the world’s oldest stupa.

According to UNESCO: “On a hill overlooking the plain and about 40 km from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) all in different states of conservation most of which date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D. [Source: UNESCO World Heritage Site website ]

“ From the time that the oldest preserved monument on the site (Asoka's column with its projecting capital of lions inspired by Achaemenid art) was erected, Sanchi's role as intermediary for the spread of cultures and their peripheral arts throughout the Maurya Empire, and later in India of the Sunga, Shatavahana, Kushan and Gupta dynasties, was confirmed.


[Image: 5c7e773b4b240.jpg]

“Sanchi is the oldest extant Buddhist sanctuary. Although Buddha never visited the site during any of his former lives or during his earthly existence, the religious nature of this shrine is obvious. The chamber of relics of Stupa 1 contained the remains of Shariputra, a disciple of Shakyamuni who died six months before his master; he is especially venerated by the occupants of the 'small vehicle' or Hinayana. Having remained a principal centre of Buddhism in medieval India following the spread of Hinduism, Sanchi bears unique witness as a major Buddhist sanctuary to the period from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD.”

The ruins of about 50 monuments have been uncovered, “It would appear that the site was settled in the 3rd century BC at the time that the Emperor Asoka, the grandson of Chandragupta, who had defeated the Macedonian invaders and founded the Maurya dynasty, was converted to Buddhism (c. 250 BC). Asoka, whose queen was from the neighbouring town of Vidisha, founded, or at least embellished, a Buddhist sanctuary located at Sanchi. He also had a stone column more than 12 m high erected with his edicts carved on it.

“To the south of Asoka's column and predating it is an early brick stupa about 20 m in diameter and crowned with stone aedicula; a wooden railing encircles it. Now known as Stupa 1, this monument was enlarged under the Sunga and the Andhra dynasties (2nd and 1st centuries BC) and is the principal monument at Sanchi. It consists of a gigantic mound of sandstone surrounded by sumptuous porticoes with stone railings; its hemispherical dome measures 36.6 m in diameter and is 16.46 m high. It is particularly famous for the extraordinarily rich decorative work on the four monumental gateways (torana) that provide access. Positioned almost exactly in line with the four cardinal points, these gateways transpose into stone the structure of the wooden gateways: two pillars and three architraves reproduce the assembly of two posts joined by three rails.

 “The lush carvings, prodigious creations in bas relief, high relief and in the round, are an iconographic treasure trove. The essential theme represented in the decorative work revolves around the former lives of Buddha. Numerous other themes were taken from legends and history. The fresh, wonderfully charming representations of plants, animals and humans, the narrative quality of the stories and the creativity apparent in the fantastic sculptured capitals and cornices combine to make this an unrivalled masterpiece of early Buddhist art. Sanchi has two other famous stupas dating from the Sunga period (2nd century BC). The torana of Stupa 3, executed in the 1st century, are exceptional works. Many other structures are found on the site: within the ruins of a wall dating from the 11th-12th centuries, Sanchi's final years are represented by monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries, all in varying states of preservation. Temples 17 and 45 and monastery 51 are among the most impressive structures.”

[Image: Eight-great-stupas.png][img=592x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-600px-Eight_great_stupas.svg.png[/img]
Eight Great Stupas


Buddhist Temples

A temple is a place of worship as opposed to a shrine, which is a sacred place for praying. It generally contains an image of Buddha and has a place where Buddhists practice devotional activities. Temples attract large crowds during festivals or if they are famous but otherwise a fairly quiet. They are often sought as places for quiet meditation, with most acts of worship and devotion being done in front of an altar at home.
 Buddhist temples are generally a cluster of buildings---whose number and size depends on the size of the temple---situated in an enclosed area. Large temples have several halls, where people can pray, and living quarters for monks. Smaller ones have a single hall, a house fore a resident monk and a bell. Some have cemeteries.

Temples can be several stories high and often have steeply sloped roofs are often supported by elaborately-decorated and colorfully-painted eaves and brackets. The main shrines often contain a Buddha statue, boxes of sacred scriptures, alters with lit candles, burning incense and other offerings as well as images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and devas. The central images depends on the sect.

Buddhist temples come in many shapes and sizes. Pagodas found in China and Japan are perhaps the best known. Stupas, stone structure built over Buddhist scriptures or relics of the Buddha or famous holy men, are found throughout the Buddhist world. . Buddhist temples are designed to symbolise the five elements: 1) Fire, 2) Air, 3) Earth, symbolised by the square base, 4) Water, and 5)Wisdom, symbolised by the pinnacle at the top of the temple. All Buddhist temples contain an image or a statue of Buddha. [Source: BBC]

People sometimes donate money to temples and have their names hung on special wooden plaques attached to lanterns of the temple. Generally, the larger the donation, the larger the plaque. Buddha never viewed himself as an object of worship. He probably would not have been very pleased to see his birthday as the object of veneration and merit so crassly exchanged for money.

Many temples are tourist attractions and outing destinations for local people. Souvenir amulets and other offerings are sold in little shops or booths; the names of large contributors are placed in special boxes; and priests are available to perform special rites.

[Image: Angkor-Wat-4.jpg][img=602x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-Angkor_Wat%204.jpg[/img] Anglkor Wat, a Hindu-Buddhist temple


Features of Buddhist Temples

Buddhist temples usually contain numerous Buddha statues. The central Buddha images are often surrounded by burning incense sticks and offerings of fruit and flowers. Some contain the ashes or bone reliquaries of popular holy man. Many Buddhist temples face south and sometimes to the east, but never to the north and west which are regarded as unlucky directions according to Chinese feng shui. Many temples are entered through the left door and exited through the right. 

The main hall is usually found at the center of the temple grounds. Inside are images of the Buddha, other Buddhist images, altars and space for monks and worshipers. The main hall is sometimes connected to a lecture hall, where monks gather to study and chant sutras.. Other buildings include a the sutra depositor, a library or place where Buddhist scripture are kept; living, sleeping, and eating areas for monks, and offices. Large temples often have special halls, where treasures are kept and displayed.

Some temples have shrines for making prayers to the dead filled with funerary plaques with photographs of dead relatives. The photographs are often of deceased people whose funeral ceremony was performed at the temple. Some temple feature sets of wooden plaques with the names of large contributors and other sets with afterlife names of deceased people. In the old days the afterlife names were only given only to Buddhist priests but now they are given to lay people who paid the right price and now in some places have become a kind of ranking system in the after life based in how much one has contributed..

Many Buddhist temples contain large bells, which are rung during the New Year and to mark other occasions, and cemeteries. The pathway to the temples is often lined with stone or paper lanterns donated by worshipers, or strung with prayer flags. Many temples are filled with small shops selling religious items.
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#52
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


Buddhist Temple Gates

Buddhist temples usually have outer gates and inner gates protected by statues or paintings of beasts, fierce gods, or warriors that ward off evil spirits. The gateways are composed of wood, stone, bronze or even concrete. The beasts include Chinese lions and Korean dogs. Fierce guardian gods and warriors on the outer gate sometime have lighting bolts coming out of their nostrils and a serrated swords in their hands. Their duty is to keep demons and evil spirits out of the temple area.

The inner gate at the antechamber to the temple complex is often guarded by four guardian kings, representing the four cardinal directions. The king in the north holds a pagoda representing earth, heaven and cosmic axis. The king in the east holds a sword with the power to evoke a black wind that produces tens of thousands of spears and golden serpents. The king in the west possesses lute. And the king in the south holds a dragon and a wish-fulfilling jewel.

[Image: 20120501-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTO%20_01.gif][img=502x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTO%20_01.gif[/img]
 Some demon statues are covered with spitballs from worshipers who wrote prayers or petitions on pieces of paper, chewed them, and threw them on the demon statues in hope that the prayers would be answered. Usually they are fold paper.

World's Oldest Buddhist Shrine — Dating to the Buddha’s Time — Found in Nepal

In 2013, archaeologists said that structure inside Mayadevi temple in Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace, dated to the sixth century B.C. — when Buddha is believed to have been alive Associated Press reported: “Archaeologists in Nepal say they have discovered traces of a wooden structure dating from the sixth century B.C. which they believe is the world's oldest Buddhist shrine. Kosh Prasad Acharya, who worked with archaeologists from Durham University, said that the structure had been unearthed inside the sacred Mayadevi temple in Lumbini. The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is generally thought to have been born in about the sixth century BC at the temple site. The findings were published in the December issue of the journal Antiquity. [Source: Associated Press, November 26, 2013 )~(]

“Acharya said the traces had been date tested using radiocarbon and luminescence techniques. The archaeological team dug underneath previously known brick structures in the temple, and experts from the University of Stirling examined and collected the samples, he said. The team has been working at the site for the past three years. The site at Lumbini had been hidden under the jungle until it was excavated in 1896. )~(

“Previously, a pillar installed by the Indian emperor Ashok with inscriptions dating to the third century BC was considered to be the oldest Buddhist structure, Acharya said. "This finding further strengthens the chronology of Buddha's life and was is major news for the millions of Buddhists around the world," Acharya said. "Very little is known about the life of the Buddha, except through textual sources and oral tradition," a Durham University archaeologist, Robin Coningham, said. "Now, for the first time, we have an archaeological sequence at Lumbini that shows a building there as early as the sixth century B.C."” )~(

Coningham and his team of 40 archaeologists discovered the tree shrine while what was initially supposed to restoration work Lumbini. "It has real significance," Coningham told The Guardian. "What we have for the first time is something that puts a date on the beginning of the cult of Buddhism. That gives us a really clear social and economic context... It was a time of huge transition where traditional societies were being rocked by the emergence of cities, kings, coins and an emerging middle class. It was precisely at that time that Buddha was preaching renunciation – that wealth and belongings are not everything." [Source: Elizabeth Day, The Guardian, December 1 2013 +/+]

Elizabeth Day wrote in The Guardian: “The early years of the religion took hold before the invention of writing. As a result, different oral traditions had different dates for the Buddha's birth. This is the first concrete evidence that Buddhism existed before the time of Asoka, an Indian emperor who enthusiastically embraced the religion in the third century BC. Legend has it that the Buddha's mother, Maya Devi, was travelling from her husband's home to that of her parents. Midway in her journey, she stopped in Lumbini and gave birth to her son while holding on to the branch of a tree. The research team believe they have found evidence of a tree in the ancient shrine beneath a thick layer of bricks. According to Coningham, it became clear that the temple, 20km from the Indian border, had been built "directly on top of the brick structure, incorporating or enshrining it". +/+

[Image: 20120501-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_03.gif][img=506x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_03.gif[/img]

Chinese Buddhist Temples

[Image: 20080219-temple-Xuchang%20Nollx.jpg]

Buddhist temples are generally a cluster of buildings — whose number and size depends on the size of the temple — situated in an enclosed area. Large temples have several halls, where people can pray, and living quarters for monks. Smaller ones have a single hall, a house for a resident monk and a bell. Some have cemeteries.

Patricia Buckley Ebrey of the University of Washington wrote: “ Before the end of the fifth century there were reportedly more than 10,000 temples in China, north and south. Some were undoubtedly small, modest temples, but in the cities many were huge complexes with pagodas, Buddha halls, lecture halls, and eating and sleeping quarters for monks, all within walled compounds. These temple complexes provided a place for the faithful to come to pay homage to images of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and meet with clergy. [Source: Patricia Buckley Ebrey, University of Washington, depts.washington.edu/chinaciv /=\]

The best evidence of the interior decoration of early temples is found in the surviving cave temples. Although only a few wooden buildings have survived from the Tang period or earlier, hundreds of cave temples have survived. Here we offer glimpses of the three most famous cave temple complexes, Dunhuang in Gansu Province, Yungang in Shanxi Province, and Longmen in Henan Province.

“The temples at which most Chinese monks and lay Buddhists worshipped were made of wood, built to last at most a few centuries. Some were in the mountains, built for monks who wished to remove themselves from the clamor of everyday life. Lay Buddhists might make pilgrimages to these mountain temples, but there were also Buddhist temples much closer at hand in every town and city. There are no extant urban temple complexes dating from Tang times, though there are some in Japan that were based on Chinese models. “

Temples can be several stories high and often have steeply sloped roofs that are supported on elaborately-decorated and colorfully-painted eaves and brackets. The main shrines often contain a Buddha statue, boxes of sacred scriptures, alters with lit candles, burning incense and other offerings as well as images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and devas. The central images depends on the sect.

Buddhist temples usually have red pillars while Taoist temples have black ones. Just inside a Buddhist temple gates are statues or images of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Four Directions and Maitreya, the chubby laughing Buddha. The main hall features three large statues seated on lotus flowers: the Buddhas of the past, present and future. Behind them is often a statue of Guanyin, the multi-armed Goddess of Mercy.

Many temples are funded by donations with large amounts of money for prestigious temples coming from Buddhists in Hong Kong and Taiwan and elsewhere around the world. Some Chinese Buddhist temples invite Tibetan monks in an effort to attract to more followers.

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#53
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


Chinese Temple Features

Many temples have courtyards. Often, in the middle of the courtyard is a small bowl where incense and paper money are burnt. Offerings of fruit and flowers are left in a main hall at the intricately-carved altars, often decorated with red brocade embroidery with gilded characters.

[Image: 20080219-construction%20of%20shaolin%20t...eifan3.jpg]

Temple under construction


Traditional Chinese temples contain wall paintings, carved tile walls and shrines to gods and ancestors that in turn are wonderfully decorated with wood carvings, murals, ceramic figures and plaster moldings with motifs that the Chinese regard as auspicious.
 
On the outside of temples there are often stone walls with simple carvings; gates with statues of fanged, bug-eyed goblins, intended to keep evil spirits away; and monuments of children who displayed filial piety to their parents and virgins who lost their fiances before marriage but remained pure their entire life.

Wealthy Chinese temples often contain gongs, bells, drums, side altars, adjoining rooms, accommodation for the temple keepers, chapels for praying and shrines devoted to certain deities. There is generally no set time for praying or making offerings---people visit whenever they feel like it---and the only communal services are funerals.

At Chinese temples orange and red signifies happiness and joy; white represents purity and death; green symbolizes harmony; yellow and gold represents heaven; and grey and black symbolize death and misfortune. Swastikas are often seen on Chinese temples. The Chinese word for swastika (wan) is a homonym of the word for "ten thousand," and is often used in the lucky phrase "chi-hsiang wan-fu chih suo chü" meaning "the coming of great fortune and happiness." See Hinduism, Buddhism

Fayuan Temple in Beijing: an Example of an Urban Chinese Buddhist Temple

Patricia Buckley Ebrey of the University of Washington wrote: Fayuan Temple (Dharma Origin) in Beijing was first completed in the late seventh century during the Tang. Over the last thousand plus years, the temple was destroyed by warfare, fire, and even an earthquake. Thus it has had to be rebuilt many times, and most of its surviving buildings date to the seventeenth-nineteenth centuries. [Source: Patricia Buckley Ebrey, University of Washington, depts.washington.edu/chinaciv /=\]

Worshipers enter through the main gate. The side buildings are of secondary importance. They include halls to patron saints, halls to remember loved ones and temple offices. The next layer out is made up of buildings used by monks and nuns rather than lay people. There are dormitories, study halls, and dining halls for those who live in the temple. /=\

The main gate is also called the mountain gate. Looking inside we see an incense burner set before the first central building and a pair of lions guarding the door, which are common to many kinds of buildings in China, not just Buddhist temples. Passing through the gate we glance to our right and left and see the drum and bell towers respectively. As the name implies, the drum tower houses a large drum and the bell tower, a bell. /=\

The central buildings are ones of primary importance. They house the shrines to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other deities as well as scriptures and holy relics. The characters over the door in the he first central building tell us it is the hall of the Divine Kings, the guardians of this temple. These temple buildings are good examples of traditional Chinese architecture. Even today there are attempts to incorporate elements of traditional Chinese architecture into new temple buildings. /=\

[Image: 5c7e7c5b3fa14.jpg]
Fawant Temple, second oldest in China

The main altar in the Main Hall is on the left side as you enter. A gilded Buddha statue almost four meters tall stands in the center, flanked by two other figures. In front of them are a ceremonial incense burner, candles, a vase of flowers, and plates with offerings of fruit. Further back in the temple compound we find the building that houses the Buddhist scriptures. /=\

Chinese Buddhist Temples Activities and Acts of Worship

Patricia Buckley Ebrey of the University of Washington wrote: “Common forms of Buddhist practice for lay persons include visiting temples to pray, burn incense, place offerings of fruit or flowers at altars, and observe rituals performed by monks, such as the consecration of new images or the celebration of a Buddhist festival. Buddhist women's association meet for worship. Ceremonies at tenmples are held for things like the enshrinement of an image of a wealthy patron. [Source: Patricia Buckley Ebrey, University of Washington, depts.washington.edu/chinaciv /=\]

Joss sticks (incense sticks) have traditionally been an important component of Taoist religious practice. Worshippers believe the smoke helps waft prayers towards their deities. Today the sticks are also fixtures of Confucian and Buddhist worship. Sometimes they are even part of Christian rituals. Worshippers normally light three joss sticks in the courtyard of the house of worship, and place them in sand-filled containers or in specially prepared racks. [Source: The Religions of South Vietnam in Faith and Fact, US Navy, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Chaplains Division,1967 ++]

Joss sticks and incense burners are found in family altars, spirit houses, and temple courtyards and before the figures of Buddha. Not all joss sticks are fragrant as some are primarily for smoke and have only the faintest odor. However, the more favored joss sticks are the ones with incense which serves both as a means of veneration and as a practical deodorizer. Few homes are without a joss stick to be utilized for some reason. Traditionally, joss sticks have been handmade. Basically the joss stick is made with a thin bamboo stick, which is painted red, Part of the stick is rolled in a putty-like substance-the exact formulae are guarded by their owners. ++ Joss sticks are very reasonably priced, and it is good for the common people that this is so, for few acts of devotion could be complete without the lighting of joss sticks. These may be placed in sand-filled containers either in the temple courtyard or in racks located in front or on top of an altar. Sometimes after burning joss sticks are placed in front of a Buddha statue, the ascending smoke from the burning joss stick is thought by some to have beneficial aid in pleasing that power to whom worship is made, or prayers offered. ++

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#54
BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BUILDINGS


[Image: 20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_04.gif][img=504x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_04.gif[/img]
Japanese style


Japanese Buddhist Temples

There are 70,000 Buddhist temples in Japan. They are places of worship not shrines (sacred places for praying). Shrines are usually associated with Shintoism. A temple generally contains an image of Buddha and has a place where Buddhists practice devotional activities. Temples attract large crowds during festivals or if they are famous but otherwise a fairly quiet. They are often sought as places for quiet meditation, with most acts of worship and devotion being done in front of an altar at home.

Buddhist temples are generally clusters of buildings, whose number and size depends on the size of the temple. Large temples have several halls, where people can pray, and living quarters for monks. Smaller ones have a single hall, a house for a resident monk and a bell. Some have cemeteries.

The architecture of Buddhist temples is influenced by the architecture of Korea and China, the two countries that introduced Buddhism to Japan.

Early Japanese Buddhist temples consisted of pagodas, which were modeled after Chinese-style pagodas, which in turn were modeled after Indian stupas. Over time these pagodas became one building in a large temple complex with many buildings.

Buddhist temples built in the 7th century featured vermillion-painted columns and eaves supported and decorated with mythical beasts sculpted in "dry-lacquer" (layers of hemp cloth glued together and covered with lacquer) or guilt bronze. Unfortunately no original examples of this style of architecture remains. The earliest Buddhist paintings had a strong Indian influence.

Large Kyoto temples, such as Chionin temple--- the head temple of Jodoshu Buddhism? have no danka (community-support system) and are run like large companies. The 150 priests who work at Chionin receive a salary from the temple. The majority of the salaried priests have their own small temples elsewhere, but the support of their danka alone is not enough. They use their Chionin salaries to subsidize their own small temples, much like Sakakibara used his salary from the university to sustain his temple.

Types of Buddhist Temples and Buildings in Japan

There are three main types of Buddhist Temples: 1) Japanese style (wayo), 2) Great Buddha style (daibutsuyo), and 3) Chinese style (karayo). These in turn vary according to the Buddhist school and the historical period in which they built.

The main hall (kondo or hondo) is usually found at the center of the temple grounds. Inside are images of the Buddha, other Buddhist images, an altar or altars with various objects and space for monks and worshipers. The main hall is sometimes connected to a lecture hall.

[Image: 20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_02.gif][img=499x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_02.gif[/img]

A monk at Mtizuzoin Temple in Tokyo told the Daily Yomiuri, ”When people think of temple, they tend to think of it as a shadowy, scary kind of place. This is because temples have long been regarded as being associated with death. This stems from the fact that many people only visit the temple for Buddhist rites” for the dead.

Other buildings include a lecture hall (kodo), where monks gather to study and chant sutras; the sutra depository (kyozo), a place where Buddhist scripture are kept, and often shaped like a log cabin on stilts; living, sleeping, and eating areas for monks; and offices. Large temples often have special halls, where treasures are kept and displayed. Some have a pagoda. Many temples have small shops that sell religious items.

Features of Buddhist Temples in Japan

Japanese style pagodas have multiple stories, each with a graceful, tiled Chinese-style roof, and a top roof capped by a spire.

The central images in the main hall is often surrounded by burning incense sticks and offerings of fruit and flowers. Inside the temple there is one set of wooden plaques with the names of large contributors and another set the afterlife names of deceased people. In the old days the afterlife names were only given to Buddhist priests but over time they were given to lay people who paid enough money and now are almost used as ranking system in the after life.

Many Buddhist temples contain large bells, which are rung during the New Year and to mark other occasions, and cemeteries. Chion-in Temple in Kyoto contains the largest bell in Japan (a massive 74-ton bronze made in 1633). Ringing the massive bell requires 17 monks, 16 of them to raise the giant wooden hammer by pulling it away from the bell with hanging ropes, while the 17th monk rides the hammer, ready to push off with his legs in the split second before impact. The chime produced by the bell lasts for 20 minutes. When Albert Einstein visited Chion-in in 1922 he investigated the bell and said that the assertion that the bell was inaudible directly underneath it when it was struck was based on sound physics.

Many temples use concrete that has been expertly camouflaged to look like wood. Near many Buddhist temples are stone Jizo figures with red bibs and a staff in one hand and a jewel in the other. They honor the souls of children who have died or been aborted. See Above.

Buddhist Images in Japan

There are four main types of Buddhist sculptures found in Buddhist temples, each conveying a different level of being in Buddhist cosmology: 1) Nyorai (“images of Buddha”); 2) bosatsu (“bodhisattvas”); 3) deities and spirits such as ten (“heavenly being or devas”) and nio (“guardian tens”); and 4) myoo (“kings of wisdom and light that serve as protectors of Buddhism”). The most common myoo, Fudo Myoo, is usually a menacing-looking holding an upright sword.

[Image: 20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_05.gif][img=498x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20090801-Buddhist%20Temple%20JNTOe_05.gif[/img]

Bosatsu are distinguishable from nyorai by a more human like appearance and a top knot of hair or a crowed headpiece, sometimes with smaller figures in the crown. One of the most common bodhisattvas found in Japanese temples is Jizo, a bodhisattva who helps children and travelers. Kannon (Avalokitesvara) appears in 33 different manifestations, including the Goddess of Mercy, is also very popular, especially with pregnant mothers.

Nyorai images are recognizable by their simple robes, lump on the head (symbolizing wisdom) and "snail shell" curls of hair. Common images found in temples include 1) Shaka (the Historical Buddha), recognizable by one hand raised in a praying gesture; 2) Yakushi (the Healing Buddha), with one hand raised in the praying gesture and the other holding a vial of medicine; 3) Amita (Buddha of the Western Paradise), sitting down with the knuckles together in a meditative position; 4) Dainichi (the Cosmic Buddha), usually portrayed with in princely clothes, with one hand clasped around a raised a finger on the other hand (a sexual gesture indicating the unity of being; and Maitreya (Buddha of the Future).

Nyorai images are often depicted with two bodhisattvas in a triad configuration and/or are backed by a nimbus a (large wooden board with Buddha and other images carved or painted on them).

Temple Gates at Japanese Buddhist Temples

Buddhist temples usually have outer gates and inner gates protected by statues or paintings of beasts, fierce gods, or warriors that ward off evil spirits. The gateways are composed of wood, stone, bronze or even concrete. The beasts include Chinese lions and Korean dogs. Fierce guardian gods and warriors on the outer gate sometime have lighting bolts coming out of their nostrils and a serrated swords in their hands. Their duty is to keep demons and evil spirits out of the temple area.

The inner gate at the antechamber to the temple complex is often guarded by four guardian kings, representing the four cardinal directions. The king in the north holds a pagoda representing earth, heaven and cosmic axis. The king in the east holds a sword with the power to evoke a black wind that produces tens of thousands of spears and golden serpents. The king in the west possesses lute. And the king in the south holds a dragon and a wish-fulfilling jewel.

Some demon statues are covered with spitballs from worshipers who wrote prayers or petitions on pieces of paper, chewed them, and threw them on the demon statues in hope that the prayers would be answered. Usually they are fold paper.

Temple Rituals and Etiquette in Japan

Temples are places where people pray, meditate participate in religious ceremonies, make offerings, light incense and candles, offer food to monks, meditate alone or in groups, chant mantras, listen to monks chant mantras, attend lectures or discussions led by respected teachers . Individual may also seek counseling from monks on nuns on personal matters. Buddhists are not required to visit temples.

One needs to take one's shoes off only if entering a temple. Hats should also be removed. Do not clap at Buddhist temples as you would at a Shinto shrine.

[Image: 20091016-visualizingculturemit19thcentur...Bell22.jpg][img=502x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20091016-visualizingculturemit19thcenturygj10406_Kyoto_GreatBell22.jpg[/img]
The great bell at Chion Temple in Kyoto


Praying is done by prostrating oneself or bowing with hands clasped from a standing or seated position in front of an image of Buddha. Prayers are usually made after tossing a coin into the saisen-bako (offering box). Offerings left at shrines include coins, apples, business cards.

Many Japanese visiting temples and shrines attach omiyuki folded paper fortunes to trees in the belief it will bring them good fortune. At some Buddhist temples visitors pay ¥300 for the privilege of writing the prayers on wooden rice spatulas.

Borobudur: the Ultimate Buddhist Temple

Borobudur, in Central Java, Indonesia, is the biggest Buddhist monument in the world. It was built during over a half century by the Sailendra Dynasty after Mahayana Buddhism was introduced from the Srivijaya Kingdom of South Sumatra in the early half of the 8th century AD. Many Buddhism images and reliefs in Borobudur were made referencing Gandavyuha and Vajrayana/Esoteric Buddhism from Sri Lanka and East India. [Source: Takashi Sakai, Nihon Kôkogaku, May 20, 2008]

The stepped pyramid shape without an inner space as found at Borobudur is found in neither India nor Sri Lanka. And there are no stupas with that similar shape in Southeast Asia prior to Borobudur. Similar shaped monuments are found only in South Sumatra etc. This type of monument, originating from the mountain religions of Megalithic culture that predated the introduction of Buddhism continued through the Historical Age. Borobudur can be seen as a massive monument of this origin, decorated in Buddhism style.

Borobudur, ranks with Pagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archeological sites of Asia, if not the in world. The eminent Dutch archaeologist A.J. Bernet Kempers called it "a Buddhist mystery in stone. An actual meeting of Mankind and the Holy. A shining tower of the law." It’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vihara Buddha Uhr" which means "Buddhist monastery on the hill." Borobudur is located in Muntilan, Magelang, in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java. It is about 100 kilometers from Semarang.

Borobudur is a square 123 meters (403 feet) on each side and 32 meters (105 feet) high.Constructed of unmortared grey andosite and volcanic basalt stone and surrounded by lush green fields of the Kedu Plain and tourist infrastructure, it is about the size of a stadium, and took about 80 years to build. Four large volcanos, including the often-smoking Mount Merapi, and numerous hills are visible in the distance. The temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. The monument is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

[Image: 20120501-Borobudur_2008.JPG][img=596x0]https://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20120501-Borobudur_2008.JPG[/img]
Borobudur in Java


Borobudur is a step pyramid, built around a natural hill, comprised of a broad platforms topped by five walled rectangular terraces, and they in turn are topped by three round terraces. Each terraces is outlined with ornaments and statues and the walls are decorated with bas reliefs. More than two million blocks of volcanic stone were carved during its construction. Pilgrims have traditionally walked around the monument in a clockwise manner moving up each of the five levels, and in process covering five kilometers.

Unlike most temples, Borobudur did not have actual spaces for worship. Instead it has an extensive system of corridors and stairways, which are thought to have been a place for Buddhist ceremonies. Borobodur also has six square courtyards, three circular ones, and a main courtyard within a stupa at the temple’s peak. The entire structure is formed in the shape of a giant twirling staircase, a style of architecture from prehistoric Indonesia.

Borobudur is a three-dimensional model of the Mahayana Buddhist universe. The climb to the top of the temple is intended to illustrate the path an individual must take to reach enlightenment. At the main entrance on the east side, visitors can not even see the top. Scholars believed this was intensional. At the top was the ideal of Buddhist perfection, the World of Formlessness. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar!

Borobudur resembles a giant stupa, but seen from above it forms a mandala. The great stupa at the top of the temple sits 40 meters above the ground. This main dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa. Five closed square galleries, three open circular inner terraces, and a concentric scheme express the universe geometrically. At the center of the top of the temple is a beautifully shaped stupa which is surrounded by three circles of smaller stupas that have the same shape. There are 72 of these, each with a Buddha statue inside. Touching them is supposed to bring good luck. Unfortunately many had their heads lopped off by 19th century explorers looking for souvenirs. The 72 small latticed stupas look like perforated stone bells. The temple is decorated with stone carvings in bas-relief representing images from the life of Buddha— the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world.

Borobudur is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The ten levels of the temple symbolize the three divisions of the religion’s cosmic system. As visitors begin their journey at the base of the temple, they make their way to the top of the monument through the three levels of Budhist cosmology, Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). As visitors walk to the top the monument guides the pilgrims past 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Book: Borobudur: Tales of the Buddhas by John Miksic

[Image: 5c7e830f6eaf3.jpg]

Borobudur, northwest view


Image Sources: 
Wikicommons Media, 
Japanese National Tourist Organization

Text Sources: World Religions edited by Geoffrey Parrinder (Facts on File Publications, New York); 
Encyclopedia of the World’s Religions edited by R.C. Zaehner (Barnes & Noble Books, 1959); 
Encyclopedia of the World Cultures edited by David Levinson (G.K. Hall & Company, New York, 1994); 
The Creators by Daniel Boorstin National Geographic articles. 

Also 
The New York Times, 
Washington Post, 
Los Angeles Times, 
Smithsonian magazine,
Times of London, 
The New Yorker, 
Time, 
Newsweek, 
Reuters, 
AP, 
AFP, 
Lonely Planet Guides, 
Compton’s Encyclopedia 
and various books and other publications.


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#55
[Image: bonsai-Copy.jpg]


Cây tre này được uốn giống con rồng quá .

https://www.bonsaimary.com/bamboo-bonsai.html


Walt Whitman

Nhà thơ Walt Whitman từng nói: " Hãy luôn luôn hưởng về mặt trời, bóng tối sẽ ở sau lưng bạn."

Walt Whitman said- “Keep your face always toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.”
Reply
#56
Đối Diện Với Cái Chết

Vài hôm trước, khi vừa tự ban 3 ngày được vài phút, có bạn vẫn muốn tiếp tục tranh cãi với LTP.

Lúc đó, LTP tự nhủ: "Khi nhắm mắt lìa đời, ta phải buông hết, huống chi ba cái chuyện lẻ tẻ trong diễn đàn?"

Cám ơn VB.  Ok-sign-smiley-emoticon



TƯỢNG PHÁP
Tác giả: Toại Khanh

Con vô phúc sinh nhầm thời vắng Phật
dấu vết Ngài còn lại mấy pho kinh
Nam với Bắc tha hồ mà bất nhất
kinh so kinh...ngồi gẫm lại giật mình

Thầy dạy con dựng chùa to, tượng bự
tổ dạy con xăn áo  độ quần sanh
trộn hai món, đời tu con ứ hự
mấy mươi năm còn chưa tỏ ngọn ngành

Ráng gồng mình vùi đầu làm mọt sách
mong đời cho là bác lãm quần thư
chữ với nghĩa mòn vai đeo ì ạch
tuổi già buồn với hơn nửa đời hư

Rồi non thẳm với rừng sâu tham án
mình với mình diện bích chục năm dư
cõi tam muội chưa thông tường sâu cạn
ngày xuống đời cũng khoác áo thiền sư

Đời cần gì, con ráng chìu món đó 
đệ tử nhiều như lá úa mùa thu
một khuya cuối đời, chong đèn tự hổ
gì cũng dư, chỉ thiếu mỗi công phu

Con dạy người biết bỏ tà theo chánh 
Để riêng con chi cũng cứ mịt mù
Sống như phàm, mong được xem là thánh
Gì cũng ôm, chỉ thiếu mỗi lòng tu

Chiều ra suối nhặt cuội về sám hối
mỗi một viên là một lỗi bình sinh
Đống cuội giờ đã cao hơn đầu gối
Mà tội con còn nguyên đống...chình ình !

 Toại Khanh

http://vietbestforum.com/showthread.php?tid=2003&pid=395791#pid395791

Post # 76, p 6

Cám ơn bác abc .
Reply
#57
Northern Sea Oats / Inland Oats - Ornamental Uniola Latifolia Grass

[Image: il_794xN.1184223904_n3n9.jpg]
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#58
5 Great Reasons to Grow Inland Sea Oats

https://nativebackyards.com/inland-sea-oats/

Have you heard of Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)? It is one of my new favorite native grasses! I have always loved the look of ornamental grasses mixed into landscaped areas. I often like to use them in container pots as well.

However, the one drawback with ornamental grasses is they typically need full sun to look their best. In my yard dotted with large live oak trees, a full sun spot is tough to find!

That is not the case with Inland Sea Oats. This grass performs just as beautifully in partial shade. In fact, it is the perfect plant to incorporate into a shady spot of your yard or gardens.

[Image: inland-sea-oats-texas-1-768x1024.jpg]Inland sea oats in fall when their seed pods turn brown.

5 Reasons to Grow Inland Sea Oats in Your Yard

This past year, I added a single plant to a shady corner of my yard near the Turk’s Cap. It has done great and I am excited to add more.

Since it is deer resistant, I’d even like to try it in the greenbelt area behind our fence along with my wildflower garden. It also would look great planted in a pot!

Here are five reasons why it is worth trying in your yard.

1. It grows well in the shade

This is what really sets Chasmanthium latifolium from other ornamental grasses. Most grasses need full sun to look their best. This is one of the few that looks amazing in part shade to even full shade. It is great for planting under a tree or along the side of the house.

Inland Sea Oats can handle sun, but it will need more water to stay looking good. If you are unsure where to put it in your yard, try it out in a pot first along with some flowering plants for a fun container plant.

2. It provides year round interest

A beautiful green throughout the spring and summer, the grass really starts to get interesting by August or early fall when its seed heads turn from green to golden light brown. They really pop against the green grass.

The grasses turn bronze during winter, providing year round interest in your yard. It would add some nice contrast to your gardening design when planted along with evergreen plants. The seed heads are also great additions to flower arrangements !

3. It is a low-maintenance shade grass

In addition to being able to handle a range of sun conditions, it can tolerate a range of soil conditions as well, including poorly drained soil. Inland Sea Oats are often found along creek beds because they like their feet wet.

4. Inland sea oats provide shelter and food for wildlife

The bunch grass can provide shelter and native habitat for birds and other small mammals. The seed heads also provide food for seed eating animals in the winter, so make sure to leave them on the plant all winter long.

5. It is a host plant for several pollinators!

When it comes to adding a new plant to your yard, I always recommend prioritizing larval host plants. Host plants are ones that butterflies and moths choose to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars. You can read why this is so important in my Top Benefits of Native Plants.

According to wildflower.org, Inland Sea Oats are a host plant for several skippers – a cross between a moth and a butterfly. I learned something new – I had not heard of a skipper before doing my research!


Other names for Inland Sea Oats

A particular species of plant can have many common names but only one scientific name.

Scientific Name: Chasmanthium latifolium

The scientific name for Inland Sea Oats is Chasmanthium latifolium. That is a mouthful, but a helpful name to write down before heading to the nursery to make sure you buy the right plant! Plant labels typically always include the scientific name.

The scientific name helps you distinguish it from regular Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata), which grow in sand dunes along subtropical coastal areas. You may occasionally hear Chasmanthium latifolium called by its old scientific name Uniola latifolia. Sometimes scientists will recategorize a plant (confusing!). Know that these two names refer to the same species!

Common Names

Other common names for Chasmanthium latifolium include Inland Oats, Northern Sea Oats, Wild Oats, River Oats, Upland Oats, and Indian Wood Oats.

Where do Inland Sea Oats grow?

While this grass does great in Central Texas, according to Wildflower.org, this grass has a large native range in the United States spanning from the Great Plains to the Eastern United States! You can find it growing in a whopping 29 states.

If your state is on this list, there is a good chance you can find the grass at native nurseries. Here are some tips for finding native plants near you.
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • District of Columbia
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • West Virginia
What do Inland Sea Oats look like?

Inland Sea Oats are a clumping / bunch grass that can grow between 2-4 feet tall. Its most unique characteristic is the beautiful drooping seed heads that have a chevron pattern. The seed heads are green until late summer when they start to turn a pretty light brown.

This native plant is often looking its best in the heat of summer when other plants are fading! By late fall the green foliage turns to a golden light brown color.

[Image: inland-sea-oats-seed-heads.jpg]Inland sea oats have unique drooping seed heads that turn from green to brown.

How do you grow Inland Sea Oats?

This native perennial grass is easy to grow from transplants or seeds. Inland Sea Oats is a great choice for erosion control in rain gardens or shade gardens.

It is known to spread quickly, can form a tall ground cover in the area where it is planted. f you want to minimize the spread, the new clump of growth can be pulled up easily. Consider potting it and giving a transplant to a neighbor!

Inland Sea Oats Pruning

You can leaf the coppery color grass up for winter interest in your flower beds and to provide habitat for wildlife. Cut the leaf blades back to the ground in early spring when new growth starts to appear at the base.

You can also cut off seed heads throughout the growing season and add them to cut flower arrangements for a pretty look!

How do you propagate Inland Sea Oats?

I have had success growing this grass from seed! You want to wait until the seed heads turn completely brown in the late fall to collect the seeds. I started mine in a seed starter tray with dome over the winter. Once they had germinated and were a few inches tall, I transferred them to larger pots.

Where can you buy Inland Sea Oats?

Look for Inland Sea Oats at a local nursery that specializes in native plants. Remember to make sure to ask for it by its scientific name (Chasmanthium latifolium). Local native plant societies also have regular plant sales or exchanges. Find a native plant society near you.

You can also buy the seeds from online retailers. My favorite source is Native American Seed.

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Scientific Name:
Chasmanthium latifolium
Native to:
AL, AR, AZ, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI,
MO, MS, NC, NJ, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Mature Height and Width:
2-4' tall (bunching grass)
Sun Conditions:
Full shade to part sun. Tolerates a variety of sun conditions.
Water Needs:
Not necessarily drought tolerant. Likes to have its feet wet. Can tolerate poor draining soil. Needs more water in direct sun.
Wildlife Benefits:
Provides seeds and shelter for wildlife. Host plant to Pepper & Salt Skipper, Bells Road Side Skipper, and Bronzed Roadside Skipper.


Materials

Tools Instructions
Watering
Likes moist soil. Water regularly in summer.
Pruning
Cut back to ground at the end of winter. It is great to leave the seed pods on as long as you can as they provide food for wildlife.
Propagating
Plant spreads easily and can be propagated by digging up new clumps and transplanting. You can also grow new plants by collecting the seeds in fall.
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#59
Cần Phải Làm Gì Nếu Bị Bệnh COVID-19 | CDC

https://vietnamese.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2...-sick.html

COVID-19DANH MỤC



Tuyên bố miễn trừ trách nhiệm: Trang web này được cập nhật thường xuyên. Một số nội dung có thể còn bằng tiếng Anh cho đến khi được dịch hết.


 Quay lại COVID-19 Home

Cần Phải Làm Gì Nếu Bị Bệnh
Cập nhật ngày 17 tháng 3 năm 2021
Ngôn ngữ
Nếu bị sốt, ho hoặc có các triệu chứng khác, có thể quý vị đã mắc COVID-19. Hầu hết mọi người mắc bệnh nhẹ và có thể phục hồi tại nhà. Nếu quý vị bị bệnh:
[size=undefined]

Các bước giúp ngăn ngừa sự lây lan của COVID-19 nếu quý vị bị bệnh
Nếu quý vị mắc bệnh COVID-19 hoặc cho rằng quý vị có thể đã mắc bệnh COVID-19, làm theo các bước dưới đây để chăm sóc bản thân và giúp bảo vệ những người khác trong nhà và cộng đồng của quý vị.
Ở nhà trừ khi cần được chăm sóc y tế[/size]
  • Ở nhà Hầu hết mọi người mắc COVID-19 bị bệnh nhẹ và có thể hồi phục tại nhà mà không cần chăm sóc y tế. Đừng rời khỏi nhà của quý vị, ngoại trừ khi cần sự chăm sóc y tế. Đừng đến các khu vực công cộng.
  • Chăm sóc bản thân. Nghỉ ngơi và uống nước thường xuyên. Dùng các loại thuốc không cần kê toa, chẳng hạn như acetaminophen, để giúp quý vị cảm thấy tốt hơn.
  • Giữ liên lạc với bác sĩ của quý vị. Gọi điện trước khi đến khám bệnh. Phải tìm sự chăm sóc y tế nếu quý vị bị khó thở, hoặc có các dấu hiệu cảnh báo cấp cứu, hoặc nếu quý vị nghĩ đó là một trường hợp cần cấp cứu.
  • Tránh dùng giao thông công cộng, đi chung xe hoặc taxi.
[size=undefined]

Tách bản thân khỏi những người khác
Cố gắng ở trong phòng riêng và tránh xa người khác và thú cưng trong nhà quý vị càng nhiều càng tốt. Nếu có thể, quý vị nên sử dụng phòng vệ sinh riêng. Nếu quý vị cần ở gần người khác hoặc động vật trong hoặc ngoài nhà, hãy đeo khẩu trang.
Thông báo chonhững người liên hệ thân thiết với quý vị biết rằng họ có thể đã phơi nhiễm với COVID-19. Người nhiễm bệnh có thể lây lan COVID-19 bắt đầu 48 giờ (hoặc 2 ngày) trước khi người đó có bất kỳ triệu chứng nào hoặc có xét nghiệm dương tính. Bằng việc thông báo cho những người liên hệ thân thiết với quý vị biết rằng họ có thể đã phơi nhiễm với COVID-19, quý vị đang giúp bảo vệ mọi người.[/size]
[size=undefined]

Theo dõi các triệu chứng của quý vị[/size]
  • Các triệu chứng của COVID-19 bao gồm sốt, ho hoặc các triệu chứng khác.
  • Thực hiện theo các hướng dẫn chăm sóc từ nhà cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe và sở y tế địa phương. Cơ quan y tế địa phương sẽ đưa ra hướng dẫn cách kiểm tra các triệu chứng của quý vị và báo cáo thông tin.

Gọi điện trước khi đến gặp bác sĩ của quý vị
  • Hãy gọi điện trước. Có thể hoãn hoặc thực hiện buổi khám định kỳ qua điện thoại hoặc dịch vụ y tế từ xa.
  • Nếu quý vị có một cuộc hẹn khám bệnh không thể hoãn lại, hãy gọi đến văn phòng bác sĩ của quý vị để thông báo cho họ quý vị đã mắc hoặc có thể mắc COVID-19. Việc này sẽ giúp phòng khám bảo vệ bản thân họ và các bệnh nhân khác.
Tiến hành xét nghiệm
Nếu quý vị bị bệnh, hãy đeo khẩu trang che mũi và miệng
  • Quý vị nên đeo khẩu trang che mũi và miệng nếu quý vị phải ở gần người khác hoặc động vật kể cả thú cưng (dù là ở trong nhà).
  • Quý vị không cần đeo khẩu trang nếu quý vị ở một mình. Nếu quý vị không thể đeo khẩu trang (ví dụ vì gặp vấn đề khi thở), hãy che miệng khi ho và hắt hơi theo một số cách khác. Cố gắng đứng cách xa người khác ít nhất là 6 feet, tương đương 2 mét. Điều này sẽ giúp bảo vệ những người xung quanh quý vị.
  • Không nên đeo khẩu trang cho trẻ em dưới 2 tuổi, bất kỳ ai bị khó thở, hoặc bất kỳ ai không thể tự tháo khẩu trang mà không có sự trợ giúp.
[size=undefined]
Lưu ý: Trong đại dịch COVID-19, khẩu trang cấp y tế dành riêng cho nhân viên y tế và một số người ứng phó đầu tiên.
[/size]

Che miệng khi ho hoặc hắt hơi
  • Che miệng và mũi bằng khăn giấy khi 
D-19DANH MỤC



Tuyên bố miễn trừ trách nhiệm: Trang web này được cập nhật thường xuyên. Một số nội dung có thể còn bằng tiếng Anh cho đến khi được dịch hết.


 Quay lại COVID-19 Home

Cần Phải Làm Gì Nếu Bị Bệnh
Cập nhật ngày 17 tháng 3 năm 2021
Ngôn ngữ
Nếu bị sốt, ho hoặc có các triệu chứng khác, có thể quý vị đã mắc COVID-19. Hầu hết mọi người mắc bệnh nhẹ và có thể phục hồi tại nhà. Nếu quý vị bị bệnh:
[size=undefined]

Các bước giúp ngăn ngừa sự lây lan của COVID-19 nếu quý vị bị bệnh
Nếu quý vị mắc bệnh COVID-19 hoặc cho rằng quý vị có thể đã mắc bệnh COVID-19, làm theo các bước dưới đây để chăm sóc bản thân và giúp bảo vệ những người khác trong nhà và cộng đồng của quý vị.
Ở nhà trừ khi cần được chăm sóc y tế[/size]
  • Ở nhà Hầu hết mọi người mắc COVID-19 bị bệnh nhẹ và có thể hồi phục tại nhà mà không cần chăm sóc y tế. Đừng rời khỏi nhà của quý vị, ngoại trừ khi cần sự chăm sóc y tế. Đừng đến các khu vực công cộng.
  • Chăm sóc bản thân. Nghỉ ngơi và uống nước thường xuyên. Dùng các loại thuốc không cần kê toa, chẳng hạn như acetaminophen, để giúp quý vị cảm thấy tốt hơn.
  • Giữ liên lạc với bác sĩ của quý vị. Gọi điện trước khi đến khám bệnh. Phải tìm sự chăm sóc y tế nếu quý vị bị khó thở, hoặc có các dấu hiệu cảnh báo cấp cứu, hoặc nếu quý vị nghĩ đó là một trường hợp cần cấp cứu.
  • Tránh dùng giao thông công cộng, đi chung xe hoặc taxi.
[size=undefined]

Tách bản thân khỏi những người khác
Cố gắng ở trong phòng riêng và tránh xa người khác và thú cưng trong nhà quý vị càng nhiều càng tốt. Nếu có thể, quý vị nên sử dụng phòng vệ sinh riêng. Nếu quý vị cần ở gần người khác hoặc động vật trong hoặc ngoài nhà, hãy đeo khẩu trang.
Thông báo chonhững người liên hệ thân thiết với quý vị biết rằng họ có thể đã phơi nhiễm với COVID-19. Người nhiễm bệnh có thể lây lan COVID-19 bắt đầu 48 giờ (hoặc 2 ngày) trước khi người đó có bất kỳ triệu chứng nào hoặc có xét nghiệm dương tính. Bằng việc thông báo cho những người liên hệ thân thiết với quý vị biết rằng họ có thể đã phơi nhiễm với COVID-19, quý vị đang giúp bảo vệ mọi người.[/size]
[size=undefined]

Theo dõi các triệu chứng của quý vị[/size]
  • Các triệu chứng của COVID-19 bao gồm sốt, ho hoặc các triệu chứng khác.
  • Thực hiện theo các hướng dẫn chăm sóc từ nhà cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe và sở y tế địa phương. Cơ quan y tế địa phương sẽ đưa ra hướng dẫn cách kiểm tra các triệu chứng của quý vị và báo cáo thông tin.
[size=undefined]
Thời điểm nên tìm kiếm chăm sóc y tế khẩn cấp
Tìm các dấu hiệu cảnh báo cấp cứu* của COVID-19. Nếu có người đang biểu hiện bất cứ dấu hiệu nào trong số này, hãy tìm đến dịch vụ cấp cứu y tế ngay lập tức:[/size]
  • Khó thở
  • Đau hoặc tức ngực thường xuyên
  • Trạng thái lẫn lộn mới
  • Không thể thức dậy hay duy trì sự tỉnh táo
  • Da, móng tay hoặc môi nhợt nhạt, xám hoặc có màu xanh, tùy vào tông da.
[size=undefined]
*Danh sách này không bao gồm tất cả các triệu chứng có thể xuất hiện. Hãy gọi ngay cho nhà cung cấp dịch vụ y tế của quý vị về bất kỳ triệu chứng nào nghiêm trọng hoặc đáng lo đối với quý vị.
Gọi 911 hoặc gọi trước cho cơ sở cấp cứu địa phương: Thông báo cho nhân viên trực tổng đài rằng quý vị đang tìm kiếm sự chăm sóc cho một người nhiễm hoặc có thể nhiễm COVID-19.

Gọi điện trước khi đến gặp bác sĩ của quý vị[/size]
  • Hãy gọi điện trước. Có thể hoãn hoặc thực hiện buổi khám định kỳ qua điện thoại hoặc dịch vụ y tế từ xa.
  • Nếu quý vị có một cuộc hẹn khám bệnh không thể hoãn lại, hãy gọi đến văn phòng bác sĩ của quý vị để thông báo cho họ quý vị đã mắc hoặc có thể mắc COVID-19. Việc này sẽ giúp phòng khám bảo vệ bản thân họ và các bệnh nhân khác.
[size=undefined]
Tiến hành xét nghiệm[/size]
[size=undefined]

Nếu quý vị bị bệnh, hãy đeo khẩu trang che mũi và miệng[/size]
  • Quý vị nên đeo [url=https://vietnamese.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html]khẩu trang che mũi và miệng nếu quý vị phải ở gần người khác hoặc động vật kể cả thú cưng (dù là ở trong nhà).
  • Quý vị không cần đeo khẩu trang nếu quý vị ở một mình. Nếu quý vị không thể đeo khẩu trang (ví dụ vì gặp vấn đề khi thở), hãy che miệng khi ho và hắt hơi theo một số cách khác. Cố gắng đứng cách xa người khác ít nhất là 6 feet, tương đương 2 mét. Điều này sẽ giúp bảo vệ những người xung quanh quý vị.
  • Không nên đeo khẩu trang cho trẻ em dưới 2 tuổi, bất kỳ ai bị khó thở, hoặc bất kỳ ai không thể tự tháo khẩu trang mà không có sự trợ giúp.
[size=undefined]
Lưu ý: Trong đại dịch COVID-19, khẩu trang cấp y tế dành riêng cho nhân viên y tế và một số người ứng phó đầu tiên.

Che miệng khi ho hoặc hắt hơi[/size]
  • Che miệng và mũi bằng khăn giấy khi quý vị ho hoặc hắt hơi.
  • Vất khăn giấy đã sử dụng vào thùng rác có lót bao rác.
  • Rửa tay ngay lập tức bằng xà phòng và nước trong ít nhất 20 giây. Nếu không có xà phòng và nước, hãy làm sạch tay bằng dung dịch sát trùng tay có chứa ít nhất 60% cồn.
[size=undefined]

Rửa tay thường xuyên[/size]
  • Rửa tay thường xuyên bằng xà phòng và nước trong ít nhất 20 giây. Điều này đặc biệt quan trọng sau khi xì mũi, ho hoặc hắt hơi; đi vào phòng vệ sinh; và trước khi ăn hoặc chuẩn bị thức ăn.
  • Sử dụng dung dịch sát trùng tay nếu không có sẵn nước và xà phòng. Sử dụng dung dịch sát trùng tay có nồng độ cồn ít nhất 60%, phủ kín tất cả các bề mặt của bàn tay và chà xát tay với nhau cho đến khi cảm thấy khô.
  • Xà phòng và nước là lựa chọn tốt nhất, đặc biệt là khi tay bẩn rõ ràng.
  • Tránh chạm vào mắt, mũi và miệng bằng tay chưa rửa sạch
  • Lời Khuyên về Rửa Tay
[size=undefined]

Tránh dùng chung đồ dùng cá nhân[/size]
  • Không dùng chung bát đĩa, ly uống nước, cốc, dụng cụ ăn uống, khăn hoặc bộ trải giường với người khác trong nhà quý vị.
  • Rửa kỹ các đồ dùng này sau khi sử dụng bằng xà phòng và nước hoặc cho vào máy rửa chén.
[size=undefined]

Làm sạch tất cả các bề mặt "hay chạm vào" hàng ngày[/size]
  • Làm sạch và khử trùng các bề mặt tiếp xúc thường xuyên trong "phòng bệnh" và phòng vệ sinh; đeo găng tay dùng một lần. Để người khác làm sạch và khử trùng các bề mặt ở những khu vực chung, nhưng quý vị nên tự làm sạch phòng ngủ và phòng vệ sinh của mình, nếu có thể.
  • Nếu một người chăm sóc hoặc người khác cần làm sạch và khử trùng phòng ngủ hoặc phòng vệ sinh của người bệnh, họ nên làm việc này chỉ khi cần thiết. Người chăm sóc/người khác nên đeo khẩu trang và găng tay dùng một lần trước khi vệ sinh. Họ nên chờ càng lâu càng tốt sau khi người bệnh đã sử dụng phòng vệ sinh, trước khi bước vào để làm sạch và sử dụng phòng vệ sinh.
  • Làm sạch và khử trùng các khu vực có thể có máu, phân hoặc chất dịch cơ thể trên đó.

  • Sử dụng chất tẩy rửa và chất khử trùng dùng trong gia đình. Làm sạch khu vực hoặc vật dụng bằng xà phòng và nước hoặc chất tẩy rửa khác nếu bị bẩn. Sau đó, sử dụng chất khử trùng gia dụng.
Reply
#60
Các bạn có thể mua "COVID-19 Testing Kits" ở các pharmacy như CVS, Walgreens, Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/browse/health/co...89_3092061
Reply