New York, N.Y. 2019, our 19th year, was a tremendous breakthrough year for Orphans International Worldwide, the J. Luce Foundation, and the New York Global Leaders Lions Club. Our mission of raising, supporting and educating Young Global Leaders was strengthened more than in any previous year. We launched in India. We launched our Luce 24 […]
U.N. to Celebrate Buddhist International Day of Vesak Tonight

United Nations, N.Y. Vesak – “Buddha’s Birthday” – is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the Parinirvãna (passing away) of Gautama the Buddha. A rough approximation to Christmas for Christians. In an era where the world is darkened by multiple conflicts and natural and man-made calamities, the Buddha’s message of non-violence, understanding, compassion […]
Under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya Where the Prince Became The Buddha

Bodh Gaya — the place of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment under a Bodhi tree considered the most sacred place in Buddhism — is not much to look at upon arrival. Flat, dusty – I could be in Haiti. I was amused on the flight here when I realized that Buddhists come in two classes: business and economy. The […]
Next Step of Indian Pilgrimage: Vultures’ Peak Where Buddha Preached

Rajgir, India. Following several days in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha obtained enlightenment under the tree, we continue our pilgrimage to another holy site of Buddhism: Rajgir. One of eight great places of the traditional Buddhist pilgrimage, Rajgir is located in a green valley surrounded by rocky hills. Here and nearby, especially at Vultures’ Peak, many important […]
Following the Footsteps of the Buddha Across North East India

Americans have been flocking to India in search of enlightenment since before America was founded. Europeans, too, the conscientious objector E.M. Forster and psychoanalytic Herman Hesse among them. So my trip — my pilgrimage — to follow in the footsteps of Buddha across Northeastern India is nothing new. Except that it promises to be transformational to one person: me. […]