Beyond Buddhism

Can Buddhism do More?

2009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

I posted this in 2007. I hope we will get more response from local Buddhists to be more engaged.

We open our eyes and ears every morning to some news about our world being destroyed. The Polar Caps are melting away, the breath we inhale have lost its freshness. A recent trip to Frasers' Hill shows how much we are missed mother nature. Can we shut our eyes in meditation and retreat from the world knowing very well the law of dependent origination (paticca-samuppada) ties us all together?

Should we open out hearts and minds and do more?

Site for meditation retreat center?

Some interesting sites

much more on the net, what can we do?

The 4Rs of Buddhism and our Environment

2009-12-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Can we just overcome the climate change by planting trees? It is a good initiative but I think we need to go deeper and address causes closer to the roots. Is is enough to just Reduce, Reuse and Recycle? I think the Buddha-Dharma has more to offer.

To save the world and reduce the effects of global warming, everyone must play a role. However, we need to go deeper to explore such. First, it is about lifestyle change. One cannot merely go on planting trees while Buddhist continue to print books for free distribution where the supply exceeds demand. One cannot just talk about the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and recycle while we continue to use tons of plastics disposable bottles and polystyrene containers during Buddhist functions.

We need to study and appreciate the Buddhist practice as not just for the attainment of enlightenment but a lifestyle that encourages sustainable development. The Buddhists has the 4Rs - REFUSE, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. REFUSE represents the practice of avoidance of tanha (craving). It is this craving or thirst for more that gets us dukkha (suffering, or dissatisfaction). Craving is not just about a chant we recite from the Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta every Poshada Day. It is a way of life of simplicity. The simplest form of simplicity is renunciation - to be a bhikkhu/bhukkhuni. As lay people we can and should try to attain some level of simplicity as our practice. In that way, we contribute to a livestyle that sustains our environment for the future.

I am trying to get a couple of Buddhist friends to get together to understand the Buddha Dharma from the perspective of our ecological environment. In turn, we look share this with others. If you are interested to join me, we will meet in line first and subsequently meet on a regular basis.

Buzz me! Let's make a difference at beyond.buddhism@gmail.com

Metta

Editorial: 14 days to seal history's judgment on this generation

2009-12-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

for Malaysia, I took this from The Sun

Minute by minute update of the conference HERE

14 days to seal history's judgment on this generation

By: (Mon, 07 Dec 2009)

This editorial was published yesterday by 56 newspapers around the world in 20 languages including Chinese, Arabic and Russian. The text was drafted by the editors at the Guardian newspaper in UK during more than a month of consultations with editors from more than 20 of the papers involved.

LONDON: Fifty-six newspapers in 45 countries today took the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. They did so because humanity faces a profound emergency.

Unless we combine to take decisive action, climate change will ravage our planet, and with it our prosperity and security. The dangers have been becoming apparent for a generation. Now the facts have started to speak: 11 of the past 14 years have been the warmest on record, the Arctic ice-cap is melting and last year’s inflamed oil and food prices provide a foretaste of future havoc. In scientific journals the question is no longer whether humans are to blame, but how little time we have got left to limit the damage. Yet so far the world’s response has been feeble and half-hearted.

Climate change has been caused over centuries, has consequences that will endure for all time and our prospects of taming it will be determined over 14 days. We call on the representatives of the 192 countries gathered in Copenhagen not to hesitate, not to fall into dispute, not to blame each other but to seize opportunity from the greatest modern failure of politics. This should not be a fight between the rich world and the poor world, or between east and west. Climate change affects everyone, and must be solved by everyone.

The science is complex but the facts are clear. The world needs to take steps to limit temperature rises to 2°C, an aim that will require global emissions to peak and begin falling within the next 5-10 years. A bigger rise of 3-4°C -- the smallest increase we can prudently expect to follow inaction -- would parch continents, turning farmland into desert. Half of all species could become extinct, untold millions of people would be displaced, whole nations drowned by the sea. The controversy over emails by British researchers that suggest they tried to suppress inconvenient data has muddied the waters but failed to dent the mass of evidence on which these predictions are based.

Few believe that Copenhagen can any longer produce a fully polished treaty; real progress towards one could only begin with the arrival of President Obama in the White House and the reversal of years of US obstructionism. Even now the world finds itself at the mercy of American domestic politics, for the president cannot fully commit to the action required until the US Congress has done so.

But the politicians in Copenhagen can and must agree the essential elements of a fair and effective deal and, crucially, a firm timetable for turning it into a treaty. Next June’s UN climate meeting in Bonn should be their deadline. As one negotiator put it: "We can go into extra time but we can’t afford a replay."

At the deal’s heart must be a settlement between the rich world and the developing world covering how the burden of fighting climate change will be divided — and how we will share a newly precious resource: the trillion or so tonnes of carbon that we can emit before the mercury rises to dangerous levels.

Rich nations like to point to the arithmetic truth that there can be no solution until developing giants such as China take more radical steps than they have so far. But the rich world is responsible for most of the accumulated carbon in the atmosphere – three-quarters of all carbon dioxide emitted since 1850. It must now take a lead, and every developed country must commit to deep cuts which will reduce their emissions within a decade to very substantially less than their 1990 level.

Developing countries can point out they did not cause the bulk of the problem, and also that the poorest regions of the world will be hardest hit. But they will increasingly contribute to warming, and must thus pledge meaningful and quantifiable action of their own. Though both fell short of what some had hoped for, the recent commitments to emissions targets by the world’s biggest polluters, the United States and China, were important steps in the right direction.

Social justice demands that the industrialised world digs deep into its pockets and pledges cash to help poorer countries adapt to climate change, and clean technologies to enable them to grow economically without growing their emissions. The architecture of a future treaty must also be pinned down – with rigorous multilateral monitoring, fair rewards for protecting forests, and the credible assessment of "exported emissions" so that the burden can eventually be more equitably shared between those who produce polluting products and those who consume them. And fairness requires that the burden placed on individual developed countries should take into account their ability to bear it; for instance newer EU members, often much poorer than "old Europe", must not suffer more than their richer partners.

The transformation will be costly, but many times less than the bill for bailing out global finance — and far less costly than the consequences of doing nothing.

Many of us, particularly in the developed world, will have to change our lifestyles. The era of flights that cost less than the taxi ride to the airport is drawing to a close. We will have to shop, eat and travel more intelligently. We will have to pay more for our energy, and use less of it.

But the shift to a low-carbon society holds out the prospect of more opportunity than sacrifice. Already some countries have recognised that embracing the transformation can bring growth, jobs and better quality lives. The flow of capital tells its own story: last year for the first time more was invested in renewable forms of energy than producing electricity from fossil fuels.

Kicking our carbon habit within a few short decades will require a feat of engineering and innovation to match anything in our history. But whereas putting a man on the moon or splitting the atom were born of conflict and competition, the coming carbon race must be driven by a collaborative effort to achieve collective salvation.

Overcoming climate change will take a triumph of optimism over pessimism, of vision over short-sightedness, of what Abraham Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature".

It is in that spirit that 56 newspapers from around the world have united behind this editorial. If we, with such different national and political perspectives, can agree on what must be done then surely our leaders can too.

The politicians in Copenhagen have the power to shape history’s judgment on this generation: one that saw a challenge and rose to it, or one so stupid that we saw calamity coming but did nothing to avert it. We implore them to make the right choice.

Bodhi Day: METTA for a Better Earth

2009-12-08T03:41:00.000-08:00

Today is one of the very important day in the Buddhist calendar, especially the Mahayana tradition, known as Bodhi Day. The day Siddhartha at under the Bodhi Tree and attained enlightenment. The day He became Buddha!

This year, 2009, is important day for us as this year is special - it coincides with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (December 7 - 18, 2009) in Copenhagen. This conference is particularly important it is know recognize that global warming is affecting the world's climate - in more negative ways than positive. Everyone is concerned. Spiritual leaders have come together to move governments to make bold decisions on carbon reduction, to help save our world. Read the Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change

Let's commit ourselves everyday, for the next 10 days until Dec 18, dedicate metta and prayers to the world leaders at Copenhagen - make the change to save our world!

The Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, if we venerate and appreciate the tree as much as we say it - meditate and send metta.

Let's do it!

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

According to the entry in Wikipedia

Bodhi Day traditionally the 8th day of the 12th lunar month has been observed on December 8 in Japan since the Meiji Restoration (1862-1869). It is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautauma, experienced enlightenment, also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit or Pali.

In the Pali Canon, there are several autobiographical discourses of the Buddha, relating to this story. In The Longer Discourse to Saccaka (MN 36), the Buddha describes his Enlightenment in three stages:

During the first watch of the night, the Buddha discovered all of his past lives in the cycle of rebirth, realizing that he had been born and reborn countless times before.
During the second watch, the Buddha discovered the Law of Karma, and the importance of living by the Eightfold Path.
During the third watch, the Buddha discovered the Four Noble Truths, finally reaching Nirvana. In his words:

“My heart, thus knowing, thus seeing, was released from the fermentation of sensuality, released from the fermentation of becoming, released from the fermentation of ignorance. With release, there was the knowledge, 'Released.' I discerned that 'Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for this world.' ”

While there were different of the the Buddha's enlightenment, almost all traditions agree that as the Morning Star rose in the sky in the early morning, the third watch of the night, Siddhartha finally found the answers he sought and became Enlightened, and experienced Nirvana. Having done so, Siddhartha now became a Buddha or "Awakened One".

The word Rōhatsu (臘八) is Japanese and literally means 8th Day of the 12th Month. It is typical for Zen monks and layman followers to stay up all evening in the night before Rohatsu practicing meditation and the holiday is often preceded by an intensive sesshin.

Buddhism and the Culture of Peace: A Brief Report from the 2009 International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) Conference

2009-12-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

Buddhism and the Culture of Peace

A Brief Report from the 2009 International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) Conference

(Chiangmai, Nov 10-17, 2009)

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) began in February 1989 in Siam (Thailand) at a conference of 36 concerned ordained and lay people from 11 countries organized by Sulak Sivaraksa and other thinkers and social activists Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

INEB is an organization that has firm confidence in compassion, non-violence and co-existence as revealed by The Buddha. Confrontation with suffering, analysis and actions to put out suffering, particularly in the modern world context is the core mission. The issues of interest revolve around integration of spirituality and social activities

The network expanded through out years and included members - individuals and organizations - from more than 20 countries from Asia, Europe, America and Australia. Out of this diversity, an understanding of engaged Buddhism has emerged which integrates the practice of Buddhism with social action for a healthy, just and peaceful world. This commitment to global community based on the universal truths of wisdom and compassion guides all of our activities. INEB's areas of concern have centered on peace, human rights, gender issues, spirituality based development, diversity tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

From November 10-17. 2009, INEB celebrated it’s 20^th Anniversary with the Engaged Buddhist Festival of Peace and Social Transformation in Chaingmai, Siam (Thailand).

The Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM) ha d 4 members attended the INEB Conference and Anniversary Celebrations. They were:

Bro Vidyananda K V Soon, Sis Adeline Woon Lai Shan, Bro Mark Low (all from BMSM Shah Alam) and Bro Tan Jong Shyan (from BMSM Kajang). Bro Soon has been involved in INEB in its early years from its inception.

(At KLIA’s LCCT. from left: Bro Vidyananda K V Soon, Bro Tan Jong Shyan, Sis Adeline Woon, Bro Mark Low)

Meditation Retreat (Nov 10-12)

The Anniversary started off very aptly with a meditation retreat held that International Meditation Center of the Mahachulalongkronrajavidyalaya University (IMC-MCU). It was a 3-day retreat lead by Dharmacari Lokamitra of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. It was somewhat a light retreat with focus on the grounding on the practice of meditation and the building and re-kindling of spiritual friendship. In the retreat, the participants discussed and reflected on the the following topics:

a. The original context of the Sangha in contemporary multi-cultural context

b. Kalyana-mitra (Spiritual friendship)

There were all also group sharing sessions related to the above.

Dharmacari Lokamitra conducting a session at the backdrop is the main shrine hall of the International Meditation Center.

INEB Conference (Nov 13-15)

As soon the retreat was over, the Conference proper went on the way. The Conference was attended by over 200 participants from Buddhist organizations from different parts of the world. There were representatives from Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Ladakh, Tibet, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and the U.S. The theme of the conference was: Engaged Buddhism: Past, Present and Future Towards a Turning Point in Buddhist Identity and Community.

In the conference we heard one of the key founders of INEB, Sulak Sivaraksa, present the keynote address where he shared INEB’s vision and strategic direction. Throughout the conference, participants heard very moving and inspiring accounts of how lives and have been transformed when Buddhism became truly engaged in our hearts, our communities and our societies. We also heard accounts of how lives continue to be mired in dukkha and how efforts continue to be provided. Some of the other topics covered in the conference by way of paper presentations and group discussions were:

a. Economics and development – the need to search for a Buddhist perspective of economics.

b. Environment justice, what some members are doing and how that would affect our lives.

c. The issues and challenges of gender biases and how re-visioning is greatly needed.

There were also separate group that talked discussed about, among other things, Alternative Education, Gender and the Environment. There were also specific country and regional discussions.

A section of the participants during the conference

The conference ended on Nov 15 with a Buddhist Culture of Peace Festival held at Wat Suandok in the evening. It was a spiritual as well as cultural event aimed at articulating the value of peace – within and without.

The Festival of Peace at Wat Suandok (Chaingmai)

Overall the conference was special as there was as much focus on individual, inward transformation as social transformation – emphasizing the importance of grounding onto the practice of meditation.

International Alms Round (Nov 16)

On the following day, monks, nuns, novices and ordained people from all traditions participated in an international alms round to collect medical supplies to be passed to refugees and those in need of such supplies and not able to access them. Over USD1000 worth of medical supplies were collected and shall be distributed to refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border as well as other areas of need.

Members of the public prepared medical supplies

(Bikkhuni Dhammananda of the Theravada tradition and Rev Alan Senauke of the Soto Zen tradition)

(Thai Novices)

(Japanese monk)

The rest of the day and the following morning say a series of public forums on “Buddhist Culture of Peace and social Justice.

Peace Walk (Nov 17)

The last and final day of the festival saw the chanting of the Uppapata Santi Gatha by 200 monks and nuns of all traditions and peace walk that started from Buddhasathan to the Tha Phae Gate. Several hundred monks, nuns and lay people walked peacefully which drew a lot of attention from the general public.

At the Tha Phae Gate the following conference statement was read out. A fitting conclusion to INEB’s 20^th anniversary conference and festival of Peace.

INEB CONFERENCE STATEMENT

This week in Chiang Mai the International Network of Engaged Buddhists celebrated its 20th anniversary with a successful conference dedicated to peace and social transformation. As kalyanamitta, more than two hundred socially engaged Buddhists from twenty-five countries – from Asia and the Pacific region, from North America and Europe – joined together for study, dialogue, and dharma practice, committing ourselves to work for peace.

We affirm our deep belief that the suffering of society – war, racism, poverty, gender oppression, destruction of the environment, and cultural degradation – can be transformed into liberation for all beings.

We affirm and have seen ourselves that peace can arise from even the fiercest of conflicts.

Together we confronted critical concerns that affect life on this precious and fragile planet:

• the intertwined disasters of consumerism and environmental destruction;
• the vital need to empower and educate young people;
• the pervasive oppression of women, and all gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgendered men & women;
• the denial of human rights and meaningful livelihood;
• the need to preserve Buddhism and all traditional culture and religion;
• and the obscenity of war, civil strife, and violence.

These concerns, wherever they arise in the world are our concerns. They are close to our hearts. In the Buddha's way and in the way of every great religion, we know that we must meet this suffering not with faith alone, but with all our efforts and action day by day.

— 17 November 2009

Conclusion & Action Plan

The entire event was overall inspirational and the recognition that the message of Buddhism needs to be more engaged needs to be developed. Malaysia’s representative have committed to develop and educate a core group to explore this further and BMSM Shah Alam has committed to lead this.

With metta

Vidyananda K V Soon

The (mis)Economics of Merit

2009-11-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Free Dharma?

If you walk into any local Buddhist centers or temples, there will usually be a section (or sections) of free books, CDs or materials on Buddhism - intended to help devotees understand the Buddha Dharma better. It is a good things to provide information about Buddhism freely to anyone who wants to learn about Buddhism. But have you ever noticed that many of the titles are books written many years ago? Have you ever observed that there are usually ample (at time too much) supply of such materials? In our center, we have too much and people keep send them to us.

A certain temple in Kuala Lumpur have 3 large rooms filled with books amounting to thousand (maybe hundred of thousands) of ringgit just sitting there - some more than 5 years old. I am not sure it is because there is an over supply or a lack of distribution strategy, or both. Either way it reflect a lack of management or even lack of focus in the management of the materials along the whole supply chain. In short, not having the "big picture" as it were.

Temple Buddhism

Monks, nuns and temples that depends on donation to sustain themselves, naturally gravitate towards using this perception for bringing in funds. This trend continue to evolve among Asian communities and temples or organizations that take generosity to the next level such as the recycling of robes. In fact, tapping on generosity on the basis of merit has become a very innovative past time.

Buddhas in Merit-making: A row of Buddhas in a local Siamese temple, ready to collect "cash"

The monetizing of merit has reached a point that almost every circular, newsletter leaflet that comes out from any Buddhist centers never fails to contain a "donation sheet" either for some printing project, building fund or somethings else. While buildings are important and there are those who are doing excellent work, I think there are just too many temples / Buddhist center being built - some do not have any clear plan on how and what to do with these buildings. These are the temples that are taking a lot of the community's resources. If we think about it carefully and really analyse the situation - a lot of the Buddhist community's funds are flowed out to businesses such as printers, contractors - little is left to say, fund lay Buddhist workers or effective missionary work.

Innovation? This Wesak, some temples increased the rates of oil lamps, almost doubling previous years revenue.
This can be very significant when the temple is big, with lots of devotees.

What need is to to have organizations be very focused on the development of missionary activities. Other than building new buildings, building extensions and the printing of more (usually same old) booklets, we hardly hear of funding towards Dhamma teachings, or sponsorship of local Dhamma teachers - they are rare but there - too few to mention.

There are many issues to address such address from organizational strategies, vision to the problem of merit (puñña)

The problem of Merit Many people extend donation because they felt there some spiritual benefit called "merit" (puñña). Merit making is a hugely popular practice in many Asian countries. People just love to give money to print and distribute books. It usually does not matter how and what books they are as long there merits that can be "deposited" into a certain karma bank to be used in the future is fine.

We need to appreciate the meaning of merit and have a perspective of the economics of the Buddhist community. Otherwise we will continue to face the problem of fiscal outflow exceeding inflow. We must address this issue before we lose more than money - Buddhist who are looking for more than just devotion will turn away from temples because other aspects of spirituality are not addressed.

One of the key problem here I think is the that of the perception of "of merit" (puñña) and "generosity" (dana).

Unfortunately, "puñña" and "dana" has been a very much been misunderstood. It seems that "puñña" is associated only with "dana" or generosity. I agree with Santikari and Phra Phaisan [1] that with the growth of capitalism "puñña" or merits has began to be commodified in terms of monetary value. They also added that as we live more urban lives, time and other resources are becoming more and more scarce and the need to put monetary value into things becomes a necessity.

Monks, nuns and Buddhist leader must educate the community and endorse clearly the what the Buddha said in the Puññakiriyavatthusuttaṃ ("Meritorious actions discourse," AN 8.36 or A 8.4.6) that the basis of merit (puññakiriyavatthu) consists of three bases of actions .

* giving (dānamayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)
Dana, although the most important teaching appearing in different sources such as the practice of the parami (perfections), dana is not practised in isolation. It is also important to stress that is dana is as much about giving as renunciation - the appreciation of needs versus wants, the curbing of craving (tanha). It is not just about good karma.

* virtue (sīlamayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)
Virtue represents positive relationship with the other, the community and even the environment. To a great extent, it is about spiritual friendship (kalyana-mitra). If we live all alone in this world, dana has no meaning.

* mental development (bhāvanāmayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)
By cultiviting the habit of giving and spiritual friendship, the basis of mental development is formed.

I personally feel that the puññakiriyavatthu is an expression of:
sabbapāpassa ākāranaṃ (giving), kusalassaupasampada (virtue); and saccitta pariyodapanam (mental development). For this is the teachings of the Buddhas: etaṃ Buddhāna sāsanaṃ

In the "Sangiti Sutta" ("Chanting together discourse," DN 33), verse 38, Ven. Sariputta identifies the same triad: dāna, sīla, bhāvanā.

With the reinforcement of the Suttas, it it imperative that we need to educate our devotees such.

More importantly, we need to set our temples and Buddhists centers to support the virtual and mental development aspect much more. In my opinion, these three bases needs to be core practices. Some organizations may need to review their overall strategy.

What can we do when inflow exceeds outflow?

I am no talking about monks or nuns owning cars and and have more material assets then many other lay followers. I will blog about that later. We need to seriously give back to community in more ways than one. On the welfare side, the works like welfare and hospice needs to be self sustainment. One excellent example is something I blogged about here.

Money can be channeled into areas such as to encourage writing to enable expression of the Buddha Dharma, pay royalty to writers, generate more original works, fund publishing projects and use money to make money - wisely.

Youngsters (our future generation) can take this as their business and still be involved in the Dharma. We can catch innovative thinking young people to contribute. We can easily educate our devotees and encourage them to continue to donate but publications will be made more widely available. With right funding, books can be well designed and placed at bookshops. In that sense, we reach a wider audience - not just end up in Buddhist centers and temple where their value are not appreciated. We can surely do more.

As Buddhists, we need to engaged with our community and society in more ways than one - to change and affect the lives of people that cross our Dharma path. To borrow from the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, we need to support Dharma workers who are:

*Warriors: People in the "frontline" of the action, standing up against injustice to communities, upholding the practice and the values the precepts (panca-sila) represents.

*Healers: People to work to heal the communities, especially in times of difficulties.

*Educators: Those to are actively empowering other through knowledge and education

*Creators: Finally, those who create cultures of peace in the spirit of the Buddha Dharma.

Buddhists need to make a difference in our society in a proactive, positive manner.

So, think we before we contribute - do not be afraid to ask and even demand for answers.

May all being be well and happy.

------------------------
[1] Goodness and Generosity Perverted: The Karma of Capitalist Buddhism in Thailand. Santikaro & Phra Phaisan, As an article in Rethinking Karma: The Karma of Social Justice, Ed Jonathan Watts, Silkworm Books, 2009

The Spirit of the Turning Wheel

2009-11-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Buddha Explaining the Dhamma to his 5 friends. Painting at the Thai Temple in Seremban (Loop Road)

Here's a quick thought I would like to share.

We chant the Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta every full moon and new moon evening. It is a wonderful Sutta that reminds of the importance of the Buddha's teaching, core teachings. We need to appreciate the spirit of this Sutta. I think they are:

1. The spirit of going forth. The Buddha, after His enlightenment did not just sit and wait for people to be taught. He WENT to look for people. This is very important as I think, to many Buddhists who just work in their temples - they have become complacent and take "ehi passiko" as an excuse. It is a reminded that Buddhism needs to be personal and beyond just the walls of the temples.

2. The spirit of Spiritual Friendship. I personally think that the Buddha cared. He had a heart. Despite all that we hear about deep doctrines such as abhidharma, we need to reach to our hearts and to reach out to be friends of others.

3. The spirit of inquiry. The 5 friends could have just walked away from the Buddha, as they did the last time. Of course, some would attribute this to spiritual power of the Buddha. However, I believe the main reason they stayed was because they were curious and want to learn. Indeed we are at times, filled with knowledge and find learning difficult we need to throw tea away - as the story of the scholar who asked a Zen master the meaning of Buddhism. The master merely poured tea and caused the teacup to overflow. When the scholar pointed this to the Zen master, the master's reply was, "How can wisdom be attained when we have some much knowledge?" (my own paraphase-lah).

Hope this inspires you to look at the Sutta differently. Let me know if you have different inspirations.

The Burma Library

2009-11-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

I recently met the founder and operator of the Burma Library. He began work on Burma by collecting information to be fed back to the United Nations (US) on the situation on the ground there. To cut the long story short, he has put up all the collection of manuscripts he has collected, including new ones into a website Called Burma Library. Check out (http://www.burmalibrary.org)

You might also like to check out his photo website at http://www.arnott-photo.org

What is interesting is that it provides valuable information on Burma - information useful to the not just activists and social workers. Information will also be valuable to business people and other "actor" or "stakeholders" of Burma. Perhaps, this (and more) is what Burma need to be appreciated and hopefully contribute to revival of democracy in Burma.

I like the vast information available on the site on Burma.

Great effort!

Robes Recycling?

2009-11-21T00:31:00.000-08:00

aka Kathina ceremony

Monks Robes (Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michale/)

I am just wondering if it is right to recycle monks' robes - not in the environment sense. I do not mean sending old or spoilt onces to a center to have its form reconfigured into something else. I am refering to new robes.

During the recent Kathina ceremony, a member of a local Buddhist Center exclaimed happily that it they have much more money this year's Kathina's ceremony, how? By recycling the robes here this person meant:

a. Devotees purchase the robes at the temple grounds for a fee.

b. Devotees will then take this robes to be offered to the monks

c. Since there were only few monks and hundres of devotees, the monks kept receiving these robes

d. As the monks are receiving the robes, lay devotees take the robes which have been received by the monks to the front door and they are "sold" again.

Smart way of raising money, right?

"Yes!"

Right way to raise money?

"Wrong!"

This defeats the purpose of Kathina and blatantly use such sacred ceremony as an excuse to raise funds. It is unnecessary and against the principle of the Buddha Dharma. It is riding on the generosity of the lay devotees to make money for the temple. End of the Vassa ceremony is NOT a The end cannot justify the means, for the Buddhism the means or the journey is very important.

I hope Buddhist centers will stop this practice at once and not make a mockery or abuse the meaning of dana and kathina.

All monks and nuns need is just one or two new robes after the end of vassa

To know more about this very meaningful ceremony and the story behind it, check this link out.

Returned from Chengmai

2009-11-19T23:56:00.000-08:00

Just returned from the 20th Anniversary of INEB in Chengmai. Attended a retreat, the INEB Conference and it was great to reconnect with good friends and great teachers. The only way to practice Buddhism is to be engaged!

More thoughts, coming soon.

For those who are wondering what is engaged Buddhism? Check this out:

What do young people think?

2009-10-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

Young people out there, Youth Sections leaders..... strongly encouraged to join.

Draw & WIN!

2009-09-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

JOIN US & SHOW US YOU CREATIVITY

Buddhist Center Giving Away Money?

2009-09-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Our Buddhist center, Kota Kemuning Buddhist Center (KKBC), is organizing an art competition for children. For the first time, not done anywhere else in this country (I think), we are giving our cash prizes. Some people jumped up and said, "Giving away money?! Why?"

It is quite difficult to conceive that fact that while most Buddhist centers has one objective to raise more money - for whatever reasons, from printing free booklets (don't care if there are already a million copies and no one reads them) to selling bricks or putting names on walls. This situation causes the same community (at times, the same people) making contributions again and again. I am not saying that this bad but why continue to tax the people in the name of merit? While the same people continue to give, it also built a comfort zone for some Buddhist leaders not to expand the scope of out-reaching to people outside their community. Sometimes, I wonder how long we can live in this "economics of charity". It is for those reason that we decided to do things differently.

How different? Firstly, we need to reach out to a wider audience - cast our net further. To do

that we need to think dhammaduta or missionary, not mere temple-bound activities. We need to break away from the walls of the temples and Buddhist centers.

Remember, the Buddha's advise that made Buddhism probably the world's first organized missionary religion:

Go forth, O Monks, on your journey, for the profit of the many, for the bliss of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the welfare, the profit, the bliss of the gods and mankind.

Go not any two together. Proclaim, O Monks, the Law (dharma), good in its
beginning, in its middle, and in its ending. …Make known the perfect, pure, and righteous life.

There are beings with but a little dust of passion on their eyes, who perish through not hearing the Law.

There will be some who will understand.

Mahavagga 11.1

[some will say, the message was meant for monks, *sigh*. I will deal with this another day]

Secondly, to reduce dependence on donations. Donations are good but people who donate knows what they are donating them for without taxing the donors. Thirdly, we need to develop a sustainable environment and structure (yet, not profitable in a materialist way).

The third is perhaps the most important aspect because this may spur models where lay Buddhist could find a way to practice and teach the Dharma. I think this is the most important reason is we are building the base for an the implementation of a Buddhist economics model. I have blogged about this here on why need innovation in the way Buddhist centers look at money and wealth.

I believe Buddhism needs to innovate its approaches, focus on Dhammaduta, and a greater

involvement from the laity. We need to move past part-time speakers. We have too many "speakers" touting powerpoint slides, not enough teachers. Above all, once economics is stable and sustainable, true engagement in the Dharma and living a truly Dharma lives will be possible.

I hope this art competition will be a start, albeit a very small start.

For those who want to argue, I say - please sign-up, do your best and win. When you give give the money back to give it to any charity you feel deserves it.

What are you waiting for, click more on the art competition click here and here.

congrats to BMSM Kajang

2009-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

On their 10th Anniversary! This is their 10th Anniversay dinner September 12 2009 at the Xi Lai Ton Restaurant, Sungai Chua, Kajang.

Well done and Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

A Buddhist Wedding

2009-09-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

Attended the wedding of Bro Purna (aka Bro Puka) and Sis Jia Ming on Saturday (19-9-09). I enjoyed the luncheon. Firstly, it was vegetarian - good to know we appreciate the fact the no live should be sacrificed for our special occassion. Secondly, the athmosphere was jovial and positive. On this occassion, our girls (comprising my daughters and another KKBC member) performed Buddhist songs and later some pop song to liven up the mood.

The girls not only represented KKBC well but help bring about a dimension of Buddhism and spirituality to the event - at least this was what I personally felt. Buddhist weddings rocks!

Congrats to Purna and Jia Ming- may you live long and happily in the Dharma together.

Can't help it but this was one song which the girls sang, enjoy!

Thoughts on Buddhism and Education

2009-09-20T05:46:00.001-07:00

WL & I have been wondering about what Buddhist principles that can be applied to help parents and children in their education and learning process -especially with regards to children. Almost all local Buddhist organizations left this important aspect of Buddhist missionary work outside their scope of activities. Key activities are usuallyrevolved around talks, (Dharma) classes and of course the usual ceremonial and religious stuff the likes of Puja, chanting and or meditation - mostly catered and targeted towards the adults. For the kids, it would the after thought of Sunday schools and the ocassionally "tadikas" or kindergartens (pre-schools, to some).

I think it is time (hopefully not too late) to seriously rethink education and learning from the Buddhist perspective. We need to do something for our children and the future generation and we cannot fully depend on the government-driven policy of education to lead us there. We all know there are flaws in the system, yet I am suprised that no real effort has really been made to look at this aspect, we just assume a it is something we just pass on to the system. Out Sunday schools adopts the systems of conventional schools.

I think we need to seriously relook at how Buddhism can be a catalyst for alternative education. Buddhism talks a lot about the mind. In many ways Buddhism articulates about how we as individuals learn. The Buddha is a master teacher. He knew the the mind of his audience and disciples, applied the right approach and caused them to attain states of enlightnment. He did not run standard classes for monks/nuns and expected everyone to learn in the same way. He recognized that different people learn differently.

In the course of His missionary, the achievement of Wisdom (Panna/Prajna) is paramount. Detailed approaches to training (sikkha), expounding the knowledge needs to be engaged in different "roots" in the teachings of the "roots of wisdom" (mula prajna). These are some very interesting teachings that exposes how people learn and how to teach.

We believe there are a lot of teaching from the wisdom of the Buddha that can be used to innovate the schooling system. We can use Buddhist teaching to help our children to be better people. After all, this is what Buddhism is all about. If properly studied and executed, the
Buddhist may be a powerful force in transforming learning and education.

Our current Buddhists leaders needs to think out of the school-box (of government policied institutions) and rethink the entire paradigm. We need to start to think about this seriously. We need to RETHINK again - and again, with the Buddha Dharma fully engaged.

in the coming blogs, I will be sharing my thoughts on this and how we can initiate this paradigm shift. I am unsure if I have all the answers but I know that every child is different and special. The schooling system is not up to mark, our world and society if changing and we need ancient wisdom to take us and our children to the future.

We MUST do it, there is little choice!

(mobile blogged in Ipoh, edited later)

A Funeral, A Wedding & A Birthday

2009-09-18T19:01:00.001-07:00

Another busy weekend - not just with activities but with underlining contemplation and reflection.

Attended the wake of Jennie Cheong. I am glad that her body was finally found and recovered. Finally, there can be closure. Finally, there can be griefing and the healing process can take place. While at the wake, I felt a sense of peace and tranqulity. There were even miracles reported and seen during the wake and services. The gods and devas are shining on her and her family. I somehow felt that this was the way it was meant to be, being a believer of "connecting the dots" - something good will come out of this. I am sure. The Dharma is strong. May the power of the Dharma bring peace to Jennie, her family, relatives and friends. May the power of the Dharma bring renewed spiritual strength to all.

Before I could sink my thoughts in, will head to a wedding. Circumstances forced me to think not of death but renewal and rebirth. In this wedding, I need to coordinate the songs - surely I need to shift my mind to a "happy" mood. This is reminder that there are silver linings, faith need to be strengthened and moving on is key. Myheart felt congratulations to Bro Puka and Sis Jia Ming. May your lives' journey life together be HAPPY!

Like a movie with action that never stops, our family will be attending Wai Leng's grandmother's birthday dinner tomorrow! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Well, what more can I say..... life goes on! Never give-up, never give in! Who knows what lessons life will throw at you.

May all be well and happy. Here's a dedication for you....

LIFE NEVER DIES Wayfarers

Life never dies, although we live.

In midst of change and death,

Only the forms shall pass away.

And not the spirit's breath.

The consciousness can never die.

Although it seems to fade.

It doth but pass to other forms.

Which thoughts and acts have made.

"There is no death" all nature cries.

The rose will reappear.

Its petal will more perfect be.

After the winter drear.

The tiny bird that lifeless falls.

A victim to its prey.

Returns again in higher forms.

Upon its upward way.

From life to life more high and free

The myriads forms evolve

O may we learn to know the truth

This mighty riddle solve.

Buddhists and Justice

2009-09-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Over the past months, we have see in justices in our country that we cannot turn away with a blind eye. The latest (not the last, I dread) is the infamous "cow head incident" involving the relocation of a Hindu temple. On a single day, we witness a total breakdown of society decending from blatant religious insensitivity to threats of bloodshed and violence. As I watch the video, my heart screamed in horror. I asked myself, "How can our country, build by the strength of diversity, come to this?".

The subsequent incidents that followed were equally shocking. The Home Minister defended the protestors and later did a "u" turn after public pressure. The police acted so slowly, watched the entire episode from the sidelines and took almost two weeks to charge the protestors. Compared it with the speed and efiiciency the police nabbed and manhandles peaceful candle-light vigil protestors. I have personally seen the full force of the police in clamping down peaceful candle-vigils. Click here.

Along with the fact, the MCMC then came hard on Malaysiakini demanding them to remove the videos of the protest and even the subsequent press conference by the Home Minister. It is not difficult to injustice.

As a Buddhist and holding to the principles of the Buddha Dharma, I feel the Buddhist community should come out of our shell and speak out against such religious insensitivities and injustices. Buddhist cannot shut out these injustices as we close our eyes in meditation. Meditation need to be put in action for the betterment of oneself, others and society.

The Buddha Himself was the personification of this action, we all come to know s compassion (karuna). The spirit of the Buddhist Sila (sometimes translated as Social development) has several aspects embodied in the precepts. The precept here is regarding the value of life. Panatipata veramani is not just about NOT taking life.

The first precept refers to entails NOT taking life, not cause the taking of life and effort of the preservation of life. Clearly, threatening bloodshed is calling for the destruction of human life. This is against the Buddhist practice and moral principles. I believe it is against the principles of all other major religion.

In this principle, Buddhist cannot condone such laws like the ISA and detention with trial - without any opportunity to defend oneself, locked away at the pleasure of the Home Minister. As Buddhists, we cannot condone violence and threats of violence.

However, at the same time, we need to be conscious that protestors such as the ones who carried the cow head needs as much metta and karuna as well. Buddhists understands that paticca-samupadda is in action and with the law of causality people behave in ways which they are conditioned - we call this karma.

We believe that deep down, all beings wants to be good and do the right things and above all be happy. Given the chance, I am sure we would like to do things differently. Having fought, we would prefer to make peace. We believe that everyone has it. If we praise and respect the Buddha, we would do so towards everyone- for the are undiscovered Buddhas, seeking liberation in the paths they see and know. We call this inner calling Buddha Nature.

Buddhists need come away from the whispering in our little corners of the temples and viharas. We need to come out as one voice of conscience, peace and calm. Stop being arm-chair social or political critique!

Let's get past our fears, speak up and be an agent for change. Change, the thought and the courage to make changes in His life made him Buddha. Otherwise, he would remain in his palaces and we would be .................. (fill in your own blanks)

(blogged during the usual massive evening traffic jam, modified after that)

No Double Standards in Religion

2009-09-07T17:58:00.001-07:00

No Double Standards in Religion

MCCBCHST (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism) notes with deep concern that the cowhead incident in Shah Alam is not an isolated case. Another recent example of this kind of insensitivity was when the Holy Eucharist was desecrated when certain persons went to a church, took the consecrated bread and spewed it out.

Such irreverent and sacrilegious conduct should not be condoned and allowed to be repeated with impunity. In seating the organisers of the recent demonstration in Shah Alam to his right and left during his press conference, the home affairs minister seemed to have bestowed honour to the perpetrators of a gravely offensive and dangerous event whereby seditious speeches accompanied by the stepping on the severed head of the cow were made. What signals would this send to the people?

Not surprisingly, therefore, the same disrespectful, unruly and unwilling to listen behaviour on the part of some rendered the town hall meeting between the Menteri Besar and Section 23 residents to discuss the issue on September 5 2009 unmanageable and unproductive.

The same rules must apply to all.

MCCBCHST is concerned that wheareas in the August 28 2009 Shah Alam incident the police had stood by while the demonstrators desecrated the cow head and made seditious speeches, the police acted strongly against would-be candlelight vigilers in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka on September 5 2009. Also, Malaysiakini has now been warned by MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) not to make the video showing the terrible acts in the Shah Alam incident available for viewing to their readers. Thinking Malaysians will rightly raise the question: Which comes first- the act or the video which exposes the act? How do we as a country go about resolving our problems? In this case, stopping the video of the act will not unmake the act. We must surely first prevent the act and the video would not have existed.

For the sake and good of all Malaysians and peace and order in Malaysia, consistent, fair, just and rational measures should be applied regardless of religion, ethnicity, culture, gender or political connection.

There must be one rule for all Malaysians.

All who incite ill feelings amongst religious communities, denigrate any religion, desecrate the religious symbols of any religion or threaten to commit violence against others must be promptly deterred and held accountable. They must face charges and given a fair trial in a court of law.

Sacrilegious acts committed by adherents of any one religion upon another religion must never be condoned. We hold to the principle that all human beings and communities have a sacred right of freedom of choice as far as their religious belief and practice is concerned.

We stand with Malaysians of all religious and political persuasions who were outraged by the flagrant disregard for the sensitivities of others shown by the Shah Alam demonstrators.

We welcome the partnership of all Malaysians of goodwill. Together we can weather the mischief and bigotry of those who seek to drive a wedge between us and divide rather than unite the people of this land.

We Malaysians live in a pluralistic society and accordingly we must respect our neighbours and endeavour to learn about their beliefs, customs and sentiments. It is upon such understanding of others and what is dear to them that our nation can be firmly rooted and grow strong and united.

The way to manage our differences is not by creating enclaves whereby Malaysians will be segregated and separated from one another but through understanding and respect. Let us live together next to one another rather than to live apart. Each succeeding generation of Malaysians should grow closer rather than to be pulled apart.

The site chosen in Section 23 of Shah Alam for the Hindu temple to be relocated to complies with local government conditions. It is over 300 meters away from any housing area, six times more than the 50-meter requirement. If the authorities accept the objection to it by certain quarters, the social dynamics of Malaysian life will be affected and the consequence on national integration will be very serious indeed.

We must not subscribe to the view of thinking about Malaysians as majorities and minorities, and majorities versus minorities.

MCCBCHST therefore calls upon all Malaysians of goodwill to be in earnest prayer for the peaceful and just resolution of the issue. Those in authority at the community, religious and governmental level must be firm to unequivocally reject unreasonable, unfair and anti-social behaviour and demand.

Rev. Dr Thomas Philips

MCCBCHST President

Petaling Jaya

September 7 2009

Picked up from MySinChew

For the uninitiated, please watch the news HERE

YBAM’S RESPONSE TO “COW HEAD INCIDENT”

2009-09-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

YBAM’S RESPONSE TO “COW HEAD INCIDENT”

http://www.ybam.org.my/cms/Latest_Update/Announcements/178.html

The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) strongly deplores the “cow head incident” that happened in Shah Alam recently in relation to the issue of relocation of a Hindu temple in Section 23. The Hindu temple in Section 23 was built during the earlier stage of development of Shah Alam, and had become the place for worship for the Hindus residing in the area.

Every religion has its own sacred relics and symbols that represent holiness. To Hindus, the cow is a sacred animal. As such, the YBAM is appalled that fellow Malaysians would resort to using the head of a severed cow to protest to the authorities over the construction of a Hindu temple in their vicinity in Shah Alam. This insensitive and uncivilized action is tantamount to threatening violence against others; indeed, it has sowed the seeds of hatred among followers of different religions and ethnic communities in Malaysia.

When townships were established in the early days of our independence, places for religious worship were made easily available to adherents of all religions, irrespective of the number of devotees in the location. Places of worship were also built near to one another and Malaysians of all religions had lived amicably in peace and harmony. This is a true reflection of the freedom of religion that was the vision of our forefathers and practiced by all Malaysian citizens for a very long time.

Unfortunately, we have recently witnessed an increase of incidents by irresponsible elements to incite religious feelings of one community against another. Such blatant disregard for the sensitivities of others, if unchecked, could severely jeopardize the social harmony that has existed among different religious communities in our country since independence.

The YBAM would therefore like to urge the State Government and related organisations to seek a satisfactory solution to resolve the misunderstanding between the communities of different religions in Shah Alam. At the same time, YBAM would like the Government to strongly condemn such blatant expression of religious intolerance, and to take severe action to punish the culprits of the “cow-head” incident to prevent future incidences from happening.

Interesting Dhaniya Sutta Discussion Today

2009-09-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Had an interesting discussion and study of the Dhaniya Sutta (SN 1.2). Besides the historical aspect of the study, it was interesting to read how the Buddha compared the spiritual life with the life of a successful lay business person.

We had a pretty lifely discussion and touched on many aspects of Buddhism and our lives. One things we touched on if hear a certain calling. This struck the chord in a couple of us we felt the force of the Dharma is strong but did did not follow through. How time it was when in the Dhaniya sutta, Mara appeared before Dhaniya and tried to prevent him from seeking refuge in the Buddha by reminding him of his wealth.

Very of then, we tend not to take the next step when our calling comes because of insecurity of leaving a zone we are comfortable in.

One take takeaway from the study today, when the calling comes a calling - just go!

Metta

Memorial Service at the BMV

2009-08-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

In memory of a group of remarkable ladies whose contribution to Buddhism and Buddhist social welfare is so great that it is often overlooked by their simple outlook. Among them, they have provided help to the children and adults from Africa to Ladakh. including helping the children of Ladakh. It is in Ladakh that they passed on to new lives. i prefer to to recognize this as the place they continue on their spiritual path to the next stage.

To Sisters Angee Lee, Lee Ah Yem and GG Tan, may you attain the peace of Nirvana and may you shower your blessings upon you families, relatives and friends.

May the power of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas help Sis Jenny Cheon and that she may be found safely.

May the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas give strength to their family and relatives that they will continue on the spiritual path and continue to grow in the Dharma.

May Sis Lim Bee Wong have a speedy recovery and rejoin her family and friends.

May all be well and happy.

(mobile blogged from BMV)

FAQ: Difference between rebirth and reincarnation?

2009-08-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

In a recent Dharma dialogue, we had some questions of Buddhist teaching (and somewhat related ones), I felt they were interesting (though out of place at times). I thought I'd share my answers (note: may not be acceptable by some, accept it at your own risk):

Question: What the difference between REBIRTH and REINCARNATION?

My answer: Go check the english dictionary!

More acceptable answer: Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism). The word we should understand is punnabbhava. Compare with http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/pali/

Dialogue with Ven Saranankara

2009-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Main Shrine at the Sri Jayanti temple Sentul

We had a really good session with Ven Saranankara last weekend - he shared his "journey" how he became a monk and what made him stay monk. It was interesting. The session, a dialogue session was the first time we had such a dialogue - where we ask question - not so much about the philosophy of the Buddha Dharma but more from the personal experience of the Dharma.

View Larger Map

I personally felt that what's more important not what Buddhism is and is not but rather how Buddhism change the lives of ourselves and the people around us. Ven Saranankara is an excellent example of how he transformed a small "shed-like" temple into a landmark of Sentul and at the same time, helping the the "urban poor" of Sentul -giving opportunity for many children to continue their education. Venerable is the "Chief" at the Sri Jayanti Temple in Sentul (map available if you want to visit it).

When I asked him which aspect of the Buddhist teachings inspires him the most, his reply was "dana". The more he gave the more strength and inspirations he gets to continue the work. In his case the dana to help the people around him. He has a difference the lives he touched.

Sadhu!

My first ever BMSM AGM

2009-08-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

I attended my first ever BMSM AGM on Sunday (Aug 2) after being a member for over 15 years! The event was never boring to say the least. Exciting sometimes tense on other times but never boring (except until the end). We had accusations thrown around, temporary/memory loss, demands and of course the walk-out by the Spiritual Advisor. There were shouts and threats of getting out of Buddhism, you need to be there to experience it!

After all the drama. Finally we appointed a committee that headed by Dato Chee Peck Kiat. I feel Dato Chee will steer BMSM on course to greater things. Guess what? Yours truly is now a Vice President! Won the last seat in a nail biting contest. I was initially unsure if I can truly contribute in a organization which is pretty much entrenched in old ways of thinking and who see Buddhist missionary from the very traditional approach. Nevertheless, I believe BMSM is the correct platform to enhance Buddhist missionary in the country (and beyond). All the elements are there to succeed. Perhaps, it may take time but I think we will get there. That's why I decided not to decline when nominated.

I am looking forward to an exciting time ahead (challenging as well) but one step at a time will be fine.

Thank you for your support WITH METTA!

Beyond Buddhism

Can Buddhism do More?

The 4Rs of Buddhism and our Environment

Editorial: 14 days to seal history's judgment on this generation

Bodhi Day: METTA for a Better Earth

Buddhism and the Culture of Peace: A Brief Report from the 2009 International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) Conference

The (mis)Economics of Merit

The Spirit of the Turning Wheel

The Burma Library

Robes Recycling?

Returned from Chengmai

What do young people think?

Draw & WIN!

Buddhist Center Giving Away Money?

congrats to BMSM Kajang

A Buddhist Wedding

Thoughts on Buddhism and Education

A Funeral, A Wedding & A Birthday

Buddhists and Justice

No Double Standards in Religion

Picked up from MySinChewFor the uninitiated, please watch the news HERE

YBAM’S RESPONSE TO “COW HEAD INCIDENT”

Interesting Dhaniya Sutta Discussion Today

Memorial Service at the BMV

FAQ: Difference between rebirth and reincarnation?

Dialogue with Ven Saranankara

My first ever BMSM AGM

Picked up from MySinChew

For the uninitiated, please watch the news HERE