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A Conflict That Redefined a Continent: Four Years Into the Ukraine War

                                        A woman walks past houses heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike. As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the conflict has become more than a regional struggle—it has reshaped global politics, security priorities, and the daily lives of millions. What began in February 2022 as a full‑scale invasion has hardened into a grinding war of attrition, marked by shifting front lines, evolving military strategies, and an unrelenting humanitarian toll. Ukraine continues to fight with determination, relying on a mix of domestic resilience and international support. Cities like Kharkiv, Odesa, and Kyiv have adapted to a wartime rhythm, balancing normal life with the constant threat of missile strikes. Meanwhile, the eastern and southern regions remain the most fiercely contested, with neither side achieving decisive breakthrough...
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Unexpected Oasis: The Buddha Statue in New Jersey Unites Faiths

 

Just off a bustling state highway in Franklin Township, New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States. Rising 30 feet high from the woods near Princeton, this statue has become an unexpected interfaith hub and spiritual home for many.

Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan monk ordained in Theravada Buddhism, the statue is part of the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. The monk's dream was to unite people of all faiths, and today, that vision is a reality.

The center has become a gathering place for practicing Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians, reflecting New Jersey's diverse religious landscape. Among the regular visitors is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor who grew up in a Korean Christian church and now follows Tibetan Buddhism. He has been meditating in front of the Buddha statue since 2015 and describes it as a "public shrine" where people from various backgrounds come together.

The center also hosts interfaith gatherings and maintains a peace garden, tended to by a leader of the local Nepali community. Visitors often find themselves surrounded by colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural painted by local students.

"It's uniquely New Jersey," Choi said, noting the mix of people and the untraditional location of such a shrine. "You hear traffic, you hear people chatting, and yet, there's a sense of peace and connection here."

The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara follows Theravada Buddhism but welcomes all Buddhist traditions and other faiths. This inclusive approach has made it a beloved spot for curious tourists and passersby who come to sit in front of the statue, take in the moment, and soak in the vibe.

In a world where finding common ground can be challenging, this unexpected oasis in New Jersey offers a place for people of different faiths to come together, find peace, and connect.



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