3)Zazen (Zen Meditation)

Zazen is the core seated meditation practice in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing "just sitting" in a stable posture to cultivate direct awareness of the present moment. It originated from the teachings of the Buddha and was refined in Japanese Soto Zen by masters like Dogen, focusing on shikantaza, or non-dual observation without specific objects like breath or mantras [1][7].

## Posture and Practice.

...

Practitioners sit in lotus, half-lotus, or seiza position with a straight spine, hands in cosmic mudra (palms up, thumbs touching), eyes half-open gazing downward, and mouth closed. Maintain stillness despite discomfort, allowing thoughts, sensations, and breath to arise and pass without attachment or judgment [2][4].

## Key Methods

- **Shikantaza**: Pure sitting with open awareness, suspending intellectual activity and ego-driven thinking [1][3].

- **Breath focus**:

Observe natural deep breathing, starting with exhalation to calm the mind [2].

- Sessions typically last 20-40 minutes, often in a zendo under teacher guidance, building intuitive insight into non-self and unity [5][9].

## Benefits

Regular zazen fosters mental clarity, reduced reactivity, and realization of original mind beyond dualism. It enhances presence in daily activities like walking or eating when done mindfully [2][10].

Citations:

[1] Zazen - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zazen

[2] Zazen, the zen meditation https://www.zen-azi.org/en/zazen-m%C3%A9ditation-zen

[3] Zazen Is Not the Same as Meditation https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/article/zazen-is-not-the-same-as-meditation/

[4] 3 - Zazen (Seated Meditation) Part 1: What Zazen Is and How to Do It https://zenstudiespodcast.com/zazenpart1/

[5] Zazen Meditation: Benefits, Types, and More - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/zazen

[6] Zazen Meditation Explained: What it is and how to practice it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I08ht3S_fAU

[7] What Is Zazen - Soto Zen Buddhist Association https://www.szba.org/what-is-zazen

[8] How To Meditate: Zazen Instructions https://zmm.org/teachings-and-training/meditation-instructions/

[9] Zazen | Meditation, Mindfulness & Concentration | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/zazen

[10] Zazen and the Practice of Simply Sitting https://kripalu.org/resources/zazen-and-practice-simply-sitting

Tamil Nadu

Head Master buys a van for school, locals give study materials.super.hatsoff,

The school has 110 students studying from Classes I to V, up from fewer than 90 when Chandra took charge.

The materials were brought to the school in a procession with traditional drums and formally handed over in the presence of Backward Classes Welfare Minister C V Meyyanathan.Photo | Express

Pearson Lenekar SR

Updated on:

17 Dec 2025, 8:21 am

PUDUKKOTTAI: As part of her efforts to increase enrolment and ease access for children from remote villages, the headmistress of a panchayat union primary school at Chidambara Viduthi North near Kothamangalam has purchased a van, worth Rs 9 lakh, from her personal funds, for the use of students.

The initiative by T Chandra (56), who has been serving as headmistress since 2016, was complemented on Tuesday by village residents, parents and the school management committee, who together contributed “kalvi seer” (educational materials) worth about Rs 7 lakh.

The materials were brought to the school in a procession with traditional drums and formally handed over in the presence of Backward Classes Welfare Minister C V Meyyanathan. The school has 110 students studying from Classes I to V, up from fewer than 90 when Chandra took charge.

According to Chief Education Officer K Shanmugam, the school and teachers have secured over 15 awards from the state government and private forums. Though there are six elementary schools and two higher secondary schools in and around Kothamangalam Panchayat with some Private Schools, parents from areas such as Paluvanagar, the Adidravidar Colony and Meenagkollai located over two km away and inaccessible by buses due to narrow roads have opted for this school citing teaching quality and learning outcomes. Around 45 students from these localities are expected to benefit directly from the new vehicle.

“The children were eager to study here, but the travel was a struggle for parents who had to drop them on two-wheelers,” Chandra said, adding that teachers had decided to collectively bear the driver’s salary “We will not collect even one rupee from the parents, “ Chandra asserted.

Akila, a parent, said her daughter could now read newspapers, while Rasaiya, a grandfather of four students from the Adidravidar Colony, said the transport facility was as a major relief. On Tuesday, the students made an appeal to Minister Meyyanathan to build a stage (kalaiarangam) for the school. The minister announced an immediate sanction of Rs 5 lakh for its construction.

Bill on sub-classification of SCs for reservation tabled in Assembly

Published - December 17, 2025 09:15 pm IST - BELAGAVI

The Hindu Bureau

The Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill, 2025, that seeks to provide legality to the government orders related to sub-classification of the 101 Scheduled Castes with a reservation share of 17% was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

The one-man commission led by retired Justice H.N. Naga Mohan Das had submitted its report to the government on August 4 this year with specific recommendations on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes among various sub-groups of SCs. The government approved the recommendations of the commission with some modifications to implement the sub-classification among the SCs for ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of reservation benefits, and accordingly sub-categorised 101 Scheduled Castes with a share of 17% of reservation.

e-Paper .

Southern States » Telangana Telangana Lineman Bags Ambedkar Fellowship Award .

Telangana Puli Sharath Kumar 18 December 2025 12:31 AM

Rajaiah received the national recognition for his contributions to literature, arts and social service, particularly his efforts to promote the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and advance the welfare of the Bahujan community. Gangarapu Rajaiah, an assistant lineman from Medipally village in Jammikunta mandal, receives the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Fellowship Award-2025 at the 41st National Conference of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi.— Image By Arrangement KARIMNAGAR: Gangarapu Rajaiah, an assistant lineman from Medipally village in Jammikunta mandal, has been honoured with the prestigious Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Fellowship Award-2025. The award was presented at the 41st National Conference of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (BDSA), held in New Delhi. Rajaiah received the national recognition for his contributions to literature, arts and social service, particularly his efforts to promote the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and advance the welfare of the Bahujan community. The award, comprising a medal and a certificate, was presented by BDSA national general secretary Jay Sumanakhsar and Telangana state president Dr M. Jitendar. Also Read - FIRs Booked Against 9 For Water Pilferage Advertisement The two-day conference drew poets, writers, artists and social activists from across the country and served as a platform to recognise individuals committed to the Bahujan movement and the cause of social equality. Rajaiah’s selection was formally announced by the Telangana State unit of the Akademi, citing his sustained work in these fields. Expressing gratitude, Rajaiah thanked the Akademi’s leadership for recognising his efforts. He noted that the BDSA was founded in 1984 by former vice-president of India Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram and has, for over four decades, honoured individuals working to realise Dr Ambedkar’s vision of social justice. Back in Jammikunta, colleagues and fellow staff members congratulated Rajaiah and expressed pride over his receiving the national honour. ( Source : Deccan Chronicle ) national conference social justice India Southern States Telangana Karimnagar

Karnataka

Legislators from among SCs, STs to meet CM on issues concerning Dalit entrepreneurs

They are demanding timely release of benefits and incentives

Published - December 17, 2025 10:25 pm IST - Belagavi

The Hindu Bureau

Minister Satish Jarkiholi speaking at a meeting of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes legislators in Belagavi on Wednesday, on the problems being faced by Dalit entrepreneurs. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi will lead a delegation of all legislators from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek a permanent resolution to several issues faced by Dalit entrepreneurs.

This was decided in a meeting of the Karnataka Dalit Entrepreneurs Association in Belagavi on Wednesday.

Dalit News.

Sivaji Ayyayiram.UTn

Here’s a **summary of Dalit-related news and developments relevant to India on or around 19 December 2025 — focusing on current reported incidents, political developments, and social justice issues:

🔴 Major Current Reports (Dec 19, 2025)

1. Political debate over Dalit atrocities raised in Uttar Pradesh assembly
The Samajwadi Party and allies in the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly are set to corner the state government over a variety of issues, including increasing crimes against Dalits, alleging that constitutional safeguards are not being effectively enforced. SP has accused the ruling BJP of failing to protect Dalit communities despite constitutional guarantees.

2. Dalit youth beaten in Amroha (Uttar Pradesh)
In Hasanpur, Amroha district, a Dalit youth was reportedly beaten due to old political rivalries — an incident reflecting continuing caste and social tensions in rural Uttar Pradesh.

3. Karnataka passes anti-social boycott law (significant for Dalit protections)
The Karnataka legislature unanimously passed the Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, which makes caste- or class-based social boycott a punishable offence (up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines). Police can act suo motu, strengthening protections for Dalit and other marginalized communities facing ostracism.

📍 Broader Context & Developments (Recent Weeks)

🟡 Dalit rights seminar in Chennai
A seminar organized by the Dr. Ambedkar Cultural Academy highlighted continuing barriers to Dalit inclusion, with church leaders urging institutional reform and active support for Dalit leadership.

📌 Recent Caste-Based Incidents Reported Across India

These illustrate wider issues affecting Dalits (some not from Dec 19 but recent):

Police custody death case in Bengaluru region: A 22-year-old Dalit man died after alleged torture in custody; four police personnel (including an inspector) were suspended and investigation handed over to CID.
Social boycott in Madhya Pradesh: A village panchayat reportedly boycotted a man for eating at a Dalit family’s home and demanded ritual “purification” rites — raising concerns about persistent caste ostracism in rural India.

📌 Ongoing Structural Issues

Caste census policy
The Government of India decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming decadal census (announced April 2025), a step advocates say could help tailor policies for marginalized communities like Dalits.

Adivasi,Tribal news.

.....

Here are the latest tribal / Adivasi-related news and developments in India around 19 December 2025 (based on the most recent verified reports available today):

📰 Current Tribal / Adivasi News (19 Dec 2025)

1. Education crisis in tribal ashram schools (Mysuru, Karnataka)
Ashram schools meant to educate tribal children are facing a major staff shortage, with many posts vacant or filled only temporarily. As a result, students are returning home daily despite the schools being residential, raising concerns about quality of education and student welfare.

2. Bombay High Court orders better health staffing in tribal areas (Maharashtra)
The Bombay High Court has directed the state government to immediately appoint specialists — including a gynecologist and pediatrician — in health centres serving tribal regions (e.g., Melghat), where medical infrastructure and travel challenges persist. Infant mortality has dropped over time but gaps remain.

3. Academic collaboration for tribal welfare (Jharkhand)
A delegation from the University of Southampton visited the Central University of Jharkhand to explore partnerships on tribal welfare initiatives, including research and community development projects focused on health, education, and sustainable development.

4. Tribal student murder probe (Odisha)
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (ST panel) has asked for a detailed report on the alleged murder of a tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Odisha, seeking clarity on safety measures and accountability.

5. Cultural tribal custom story (Nagaland)
A report describes a traditional practice among the Konyak tribe where women historically got special tattoos to signify their husband’s bravery after they brought back an enemy’s head. While largely historical now, it highlights rich and unique tribal cultural traditions.

📌 Related Tribal & Adivasi Context / Ongoing Issues (relevant background)

📌 Government policy & development schemes

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan — a major ₹24,104 cr scheme with interventions targeting tribal housing, roads, water, electrification, healthcare and livelihoods benefiting millions of tribal people across states.

📌 Language and digital empowerment

The government launched Adi Vaani, an AI-powered translation app to support tribal languages like Santali, Gondi, Mundari and Bhili, aiming to preserve linguistic heritage and improve communications in remote areas.

📌 Tribal empowerment campaigns

Initiatives like the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan are training tribal leaders and youth to promote participatory development across thousands of villages.

🧭 Broader Tribal Issues Reported Recently

(Not specific to Dec 19 but contextual for the current climate)

In some regions, tribal lands and rights disputes (e.g., land allocation issues) have drawn political criticism and legal scrutiny.
Tribal communities in the Northeast have protested governmental proposals on ST listings for various groups, reflecting regional identity and policy debates.
Reports from civil society highlight violence and marginalisation affecting tribal Christians and community safety in parts of Odisha.

Dr Ambedkar News.

.....

Here’s the latest news related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar around 19 December 2025 — including recent developments, events, and related mentions in current news:

🗞️ Recent Mentions & Developments

Special Train Service Named After Ambedkar — Indian Railways is operating special winter/Christmas-season trains running between Dr. Ambedkar Nagar and Tokur to ease holiday travel demand. This reflects an ongoing use of Ambedkar’s name in public infrastructure and travel services.
BAMU Exam News — Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University exam processes have strict enforcement underway, with authorities seizing mobile phones from students caught cheating to uphold exam integrity.
Traffic & Local Notices on Ambedkar Punyatithi — Earlier in December (6 Dec 2025), cities like Lucknow implemented traffic diversions to manage events marking Ambedkar’s death anniversary.
Mahaparinirvan Diwas Tribute — On 6 Dec 2025, the nation observed the 70th death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, with political and civic leaders paying homage to his legacy of equality, social justice and constitution-building.
Political Discussion Involving Ambedkar’s Legacy — Political tensions have appeared around the perception and positioning of Ambedkar’s legacy in local politics, such as claims in Delhi about removal of his portrait sparking debate.
Quotes & Tributes Circulate — In the run-up to and around Mahaparinirvan Diwas, widely shared quotes, tributes, and reflections on Ambedkar’s life and ideals continued to be in the news and social discourse.

📌 Important Context (Recent but not on Dec 19)

Mahaparinirvan Diwas — This event on 6 Dec 2025 commemorated the 70th anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar’s passing, with programmes nationwide and political leaders quoting his visions on social justice and constitutional values.

Buddha News.

Here are the **latest & most relevant **Buddha-related news in India around 18 December 2025 🇮🇳:

🛕 1. International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony — Bodh Gaya

The 20th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony — a major Buddhist spiritual event — took place in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. It brought together thousands of monks, nuns, and devotees reciting the Buddhist scriptures (Tipitaka) under the Bodhi Tree, promoting peace, harmony, and cultural unity.
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan paid homage to Lord Buddha at the concluding sessions, emphasizing unity and peace among participants.
Recent peace prayers and spiritual gatherings are continuing at Bodh Gaya as part of this broader event.

🇮🇳 2. Holy Buddha Relics Return from Bhutan

A portion of the sacred Buddha relics enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi returned to India after a 17-day public exposition in Bhutan (Thimphu), where they were displayed during the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led the delegation to bring the relics back, highlighting the strong spiritual and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.

📌 Contextual Background (Recent Buddhist Heritage News)

While not dated exactly 18 Dec 2025, these developments provide broader context around Buddha-related events in India this season:

✅ The International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony 2025 ran from 2–13 Dec with participation from across India and many Buddhist-majority countries.
✅ Earlier in November, the shared display and honoring of Buddha’s relics in Bhutan strengthened India-Bhutan cultural diplomacy, with PM Modi expressing gratitude for the reception.

Employement news.

[17/12, 4:17 pm] null: ✅ *RRB Isolated Categories Recruitment 2026 Notification [311 Vacancies]*

📅 Apply Online From 30/12/2025 to 29/01/2026

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/rrb-isolated-categories-recruitment.html

[17/12, 5:08 pm] null: ✅ NCERT Recruitment 2026 Notification for 173 Non Academic Posts [Apply Online from 20.12.2025]

https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/ncert-recruitment-2026.html

[17/12, 10:05 pm] null: 📅 *Last Date 18/12/2025 (Thursday) Government Jobs - Apply Online Now*

✅ Oriental Insurance (OICL) Administrative Officer Vacancy 2025 (300 Posts)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2015/07/OICL-Oriental-Insurance.html

✅ Indian Oil (IOCL) Apprentice Vacancy 2025 (2757 Posts)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2018/10/IOCL-Apprentice-Recruitment.html

✅ CSIR NML Driver Vacancy 2025

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/CSIR-NML-Driver-Recruitment.html

[18/12, 10:44 am] null: ✅ *Bank of India Credit Officer Recruitment 2026 Apply Online [514 Vacancies]*

📅 Apply Online: From 20/12/2025 to 05/01/2026

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/Bank-of-India-Credit-Officer-Recruitment.html

[18/12, 11:23 am] null: ✅ *RFCL Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 36 Experienced Professional Posts | Last Date: 15/01/2026*

https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2019/02/RFCL-Recruitment.html

[18/12, 12:25 pm] null: ✅ *IIM Kozhikode Recruitment 2025-26 Apply Online for 17 Non Teaching Posts | Last Date 12.01.2026*

https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/iim-kozhikode-recruitment-2025-26-apply.html

[18/12, 7:14 pm] null: ✅ *National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Recruitment 2026*

🎓 Qualification: Degree, Post Graduate, B.E. / BTech

📅 Last Date: 18/01/2026

🔗 Scientific & Technical Posts (30 Vacancies): https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/nfsu-scientific-technical-recruitment.html

🔗 Non Teaching Posts (31 Vacancies): https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/nfsu-non-teaching-recruitment.html

[18/12, 8:17 pm] null: ✅ UPPRPB Computer Operator Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 1352 Vacancies

https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/upprpb-computer-operator-recruitment.html

[18/12, 9:01 pm] null: *🔥 Last Date (19.12.2025 - Friday) Government Jobs - Apply Online Now!*

✅ IAF AFCAT Group A Officers 2025 (340 Vacancies)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2018/12/IAF-AFCAT-Recruitment.html

✅ Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran Various Posts 2025 (290 Vacancies)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/11/MJP-Recruitment.html

✅ Balmer Lawrie Officer & Manager Posts 2025 (15 Vacancies)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2014/12/balmer-lawrie-co-ltd-2015.html

✅ MCMC Koraiwas Senior Resident 2025 (68 Vacancies)

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/mcmc-koraiwas-senior-resident.html

✅ NALCO Railway Operational Coordinator Posts 2025

🔗 https://www.indgovtjobs.in/2025/12/nalco-railway-operational-coordinator.html.

UntouchableNews.

18.12.2025.UT Daily News. தீண்டாமை தினசெய்திகள்.(A collection of SC.ST.Buddhist,Adivasi,reservation atrocity news of India).by Team Sivaji.9444917060.asivaji1962@gmail.com.