Host Master : Khe nrinpoche Lama Lhun d (Abbot of Kopan

Transcription

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre
up
September - October 2009
1000 Offering Events (9th - 11th OCT 2009) ndr
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h
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Host Master : Khenrinpoche Lama
(Abbot of Kopan Monastery)
© Losang Dragpa Centre
No, 1 Jln 17/21F, 46400 PJ Selangor, Malaysia
E-mail: ldc2u@yahoo.com | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org
Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center
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Contents
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Content
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Choose Happiness
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Rap Lyrics to Geshela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg.
9
5.
The Team behind Discovering Buddhism
6.
Dharma For Kids - Contentment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 12
7.
Buddha on how communities & societies should be governed
8.
Essence
9.
Calendar
September
10.
Calendar
October
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Dakini
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2009
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Happiness
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Why have the 1000 Offerings event
and how we should think and act
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by Geshe Tenzin Zopa
he Annual Thousand Offering Event is one of the very important and essential events organized by Losang Dragpa
Buddhist Society (LDC). This event is motivated to bring
immense of benefits and opportunity for as many people as
possible, to gain excellent karmic merit and establish connection with the objects of refuge, namely the Triple Gem.
LDC is a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist centre. The motivation of every action
we do should be Bodhicitta motivation. Our motivation is not just to benefit
one person, or three hundred persons or one thousand persons. Our objective is to benefit infinite sentient beings, not only human beings but all
beings including insects such as ants. Due to our limited abilities, we cannot
reach the numberless beings within a year or 10 years. Therefore, this Thousand Offerings Event is very necessary as it creates a platform for us to create
the positive conditions for Malaysians whose karma to connect with the
Buddhadharma, Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and Lam
Rim have ripened. According to Buddha’s teachings, conducive conditions
are needed in order to ripen the karmic seed of a person to meet Buddhadharma. Even if we have good karma, if we do not have conducive conditions,
the karma cannot complete.
As Abbot of Kopan Monastery, Khenrinpoche is taking care of the ever growing group of monks and nuns and bringing alive Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s and
Lama Yeshe’s vision of Kopan. How fortunate that Khenrinpoche still can
spare the time to be in LDC and in Malaysia to conduct various teaching and
activities. The Thousand Offerings Event was initially inspired by our most
respected guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the founder of LDC.
Whatever activities that are carried out in the Thousand Offerings Event,
whatever activities, including the selling of flowers and candles, including
just bringing people in and let them sit to listen to the puja and receive
blessings, all should be motivated for world peace. This is only possible by
having the pure heart of compassion, loving kindness and the ethic of non
harming, the ethic of non violence and that has to start from some where. So
we do our part by actively participating in the Thousand Offerings Event. So
our motivation is to serve and to bring harmony and prosperity in Malaysia,
non violence and to the whole world. This is the fact. We have to understand
that our position can create so much benefit for others. Even though each
and every individual volunteer might need to go through some hardship
such as heavy workload, no proper sleeping hours, no proper food, and
many other difficulties, you have to remember you are doing this for a huge
purpose, which is to dedicate yourself alone to benefit numberless beings.
9th -11th OCT 2009
二零零九年十月十日至十一日
Apart from that, Thousand Offerings Event
also gives opportunity for others to accumulate merits through their generosity by
contributing their time, wealth, effort, and
knowledge. We are not doing business, we
are not selling holy object, and we are not
selling candles to earn money. All donations or the amount that we collect from
the thousand offerings are to give opportunity for people to accumulate merits.
This is recommended by the Buddha for
human beings like us to accumulate
merits and to bring purification of our
negative karma. Therefore, the so call
“business” we are going to do during
Thousand Offerings Event is not a
common ordinary business. When we talk
to people, we should make it clear to them
to use this opportunity to accumulate
merits.
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Choose Happiness
Why have the 1000 Offerings event
and how we should think and act
by Geshe Tenzin Zopa
9th -11th OCT 2009
We have a really amazing and highly realized Rinpoche (Khenrinpoche,
Abbot of Kopan Monastery) as the Host Master for Thousand Offering
Events. Khenrinpoche is a great Geshe, a great mediator, and great scholar
who has so many qualities and much blessing to give us. All the pujas and
offering prayers led by this great master will help us purify our negative
karma faster and more efficiently.
A portion of the donations that we will collect from Thousand Offerings
Event will be dedicated to the sanghas from the monastery and nunnery
where Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche have to feed 800 to 900 of sanghas
everyday., to train great and well-learned sanghas who study full time and
will be sent to serve and benefit the world. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has
many centres around the world to benefit various people. Hence, many
learned sanghas are needed. In addition to that, Buddha has said that to
preserve the Buddhadharma, you need the Sangha community. Without
Sangha community, there is no Buddha Dharma. The Buddhadharma will
just cease. By having this One Thousand Offerings Event, LDC is taking care
of the Sangha and sons and daughters of our guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa
Rinpoche and Khenrinpoche. Proceeds of the event will be used for providing food, medication, conducive spiritual conditions or to build more
accommodation so that more new Sangha, to those who would like ot
practice celibacy life, to be received, trained and cared for.
The remaining amount from the event will be used to develop LDC and
make it a stronger platform to bring more benefit to others. Every single
cent from the event will to the right purpose, the right direction and for the
right reason. So even if there is a person who donates only one Ringgit, that
donation will not be wasted and the donor will benefit immensely because
it will go towards the development of the Sangha community’s spiritual
practice and on account of this, the donor will continually receive benefits.
These are just some of the many reasons for us to work harder for Thousand
Offerings Event.
Times have changed. We cannot mindlessly stick to ideas according to old
ways just for the sake of it. For example, how to organize the event and how
to set up things, we cannot stick to things we might have done many years
ago. The purpose of making the Thousand Offerings event one of great
beauty, the purpose of generating enthusiasm for the event is to connect
people to Buddhadharma. Who are these people? The new generation
people, the people from the 21 century. Hence, whatever we organize or
decorate, we have to find the best way to attract them. Try to make a very
extensive, colourful and a fun atmosphere during the event.
二零零九年十月十日至十一日
Everybody including our most
respected puja master, Khenrinpoche, all senior members, new
members, and myself included, have
to give full support to this Event, as it
is the dharma event. If you have
nothing good to say, at least don’t
say anything. If would like to say
something, say positive things like
“Rejoice, I ‘m happy for you, can I do
something for you?”, “Can I assist
you?” or at least contribute with our
small amount of donation or at least
moral support by attending the
event. One person’s presence makes
a huge difference for the event. For
the volunteers, when coming for
meetings, you pay for your own
meals, your own petrol, you have to
do everything by yourself and yet,
you seem to only get criticism and
little appreciation. Don’t be discouraged. You are doing this for Dharma.
For those people who scold, criticize,
show black faces, all this is terrible.
Whoever does this has no Dharma
practice in them and this kind of
attitude is totally wrong and negative. If you are not able to support
physically, financially or even
morally, at least keep quiet and smile
and be happy that others are trying
to do virtue.
Of course, all the Buddha and
Sangha protocols should still be
observed according to the Dharma.
In doing so and recognizing that
people’s abilities and interests have
changed, we need to work based on
current times without losing
Dharma.
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9th -11th OCT 2009
9/10/2009 (Friday)
10:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00
02:00
04:00
07:30
08:00
am
pm
pm
pm
pm
-
12:00
03:30
06:00
08:00
09:00
pm
pm
pm
pm
pm
09:00 pm - 09:30 pm
Nectar bath offering to 10 Directions Buddhas and Bodhisattvas , Arhats and
Dharma Protectors
Incense Puja
Tara Puja & Light offerings
Teaching on "How To Eliminate Problems in Life"
Opening Ceremony
Oral Transmission & Recitation on Chenrezig Mantras, Light & Flower offerings
Sur 'Aroma' puja to 10 Direction Buddhas and extensive charity to 6 realms
beings
Dedication & Public Blessing
10/10/2009 (Saturday)
10:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
02:00 pm - 03:30 pm
04:00 pm - 06:00 pm
07:30 pm - 09:00 pm
09:00 pm - 09:30 pm
Extensive Nectar Offering to the Dharma Protectors of Hayagriva, Palden
Lhamo, Mahakala, Kalarupa, Namthose, Tsering Chenya, Thawo the Great
Dharma King and 10 direction Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats and Dharma
Protectors.
Incense Puja
Oral Transmission of White Dzambala mantra with extensive puja & light
offering.
Teaching on “Buddha Nature - Will All Beings Become Buddha One Day?”
Oral Transmission on Seven Medicine Buddha prayers & recitation on
Medicine Buddha Mantra, & Light offering.
Sur ‘Aroma’ offerings to 10 direction Buddhas and extensive charity to 6
realms beings
Dedication & Public Blessing.
11/10/2009 (Sunday)
10:00 am - 10:30 am
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Incense Puja
Powerful Dorje Namjoma Puja - 'Chabtue'
Medicine Buddha Jangwa Puja for both the living and deceased
Dedication & Public Blessing
Contact: 1kofferings@fpmt-ldc.org
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9th -11th OCT 2009
Sponsorship of Specific Altars of
The Glorious Shakyamuni Buddha Altar
(RM 13,888)
The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Shakyamuni Buddha, accompanied by the Golden Light Sutras, a sacred Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill), a
crystal jewel, together with candle & incense set.
The Sublime Tara Altar
(RM 8,888)
The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Tara, accompanied by the
Golden Light Sutra, a holy Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill) together with a
candle & incense set.
The Potent Medicine Buddha Altar
(RM 8,888)
The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Medicine Buddha accompanied
by the Golden Light Sutra, a precious Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill) together
with a Candle + incense set.
The Dzambala Altar of Abundance
(RM 16,888)
The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Yellow Dzambala, accompanied
by the Golden Light Sutra, sacred Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill), crystal jewel,
a box of saffron together with a candle & incense set.
Should you have any quer y please do not hesitate to contact Karen ( + 6 012 661 1974 )
or email (1kofferings@fpmt-ldc.org).
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Integrating Lam Rim
into Daily Life
by Ven Khadrola
@ L o s a n g D r a g p a C e n t r e , K u a l a L u m p u r, M a l a y s i a 1 6 J u l y 2 0 0 9
Venerable Khadrola giving teaching in LDC on 16th July 2009
A
s Buddhists, you should be proud of yourself as you
have chosen a path of non-violence and caring for
all beings. The intrinsic nature of all beings is
wanting happiness and not wanting suffering. The benefits
received from a Guru is no different from that received from
the Buddha. Therefore, Guru should be regarded as Buddha
because there is no kinder person than the person who
introduced Dharma to our life. Geshe Tenzin Zopa who is
here giving lojong and Lam Rim teachings is covering the
entire Buddhadharma, therefore you should put effort to
study well. Practising Dharma is not merely collecting
intellectual knowledge but to be practiced from the heart.
I would like to say that from my observations, in this
country, there are all sorts of Lamas without proper study
and lineage, claiming to be Lamas. If you follow such
persons, you will end up wasting your precious human
rebirth. Therefore, think how fortunate you are to be in a
Centre guided by true Lamas and where proper teachings
are being given, so please don’t waste such a precious
opportunity.
Many Buddhist practitioners give up Dharma when
facing great difficulties. This is solely because of the person
himself/herself. The main purpose of Dharma is not about
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power. It is not about running after initiations and hunt for
high titled Lamas because if you do that, you could end up
being overwhelmed by your own superstitious thoughts and
when great problems arise, you give up Dharma altogether.
Instead, you need to study, you need to understand well, the
teachings of Lam Rim and lojong (mind-training). Even if you
take a 100 initiations and have 100 ritual implements, as long
as you don’t fully comprehend mind-training (lojong) and Lam
Rim, you will deceive yourself and you will become disappointed. Therefore, it is very necessary to engage in the study
of mind training and Lam Rim.
Why is it necessary to practice mind-training? Because the
purpose of learning Dharma is to find solutions in life, to
overcome the samsaric aggregates which keep us in suffering.
In ordinary life, gaining wealth, food and shelter brings some
pleasure at a physical level but not at a mental level. The worst
suffering is mental suffering. Therefore, we have no choice but
to learn how to transform such suffering. To do this, one needs
to transform the mind. Wealth, rank, position can never handle
or deal with mental suffering. Even having a large number of
friends or guardians does not help because when faced with
mental suffering, nothing can help except for mind-training.
All the sufferings, fears, problems arise due to our hallucinations, wrong concepts, wrong perceptions and therefore, we
must subdue our minds through applying Dharma. The root
cause of suffering is self-grasping (and the belief in inherent
existence). This gives rise to all sorts of suffering and superstitions. In order to purify the grasping to self and the grasping to
phenomena, one must learn and understand about the true
nature of existence. Otherwise, there is no way to eliminate
suffering.
Since we seek happiness and wish to avoid suffering, it is
necessary to investigate where happiness comes from. Every
experience is dependent on causes and conditions. Positive
experience comes from positive causes and negative experiences come from negative causes. There is nothing existing
that is not in the nature of dependent arising. By being able
to understand this, one will gain conviction that nirvana is
definitely possible.
If we honestly investigate how
Buddha revealed his teachings in the
various schools of philosophy, in sutra
teachings, in tantra teachings, we
see that Buddha was teaching
according to the mental
capabilities of the sentient
beings he was teaching to. This
in itself shows how Buddha’s
teachings themselves are based
on interdependence.
For people nowadays, it is
recommended to follow Lam
Rim teachings and in particular, on Bodhicitta. To achieve bodhicitta, one needs to first
realize all sentient beings as mother. In these times, this idea
of sentient beings as mother, might appear strange or contradictory. Practices such as exchanging of self for others also
seem to be difficult practices. It is difficult only because we
don’t realize that our happiness is dependent on other
sentient beings. Again the realization of dependent arising is
important. Without engaging in the 6 Perfections, it will be
impossible for us to gain liberation. Yet, there is no way of
gaining realisations in the 6 Perfections without sentient
beings.
The self cherishing mind and self grasping are reasons why we
cannot see others as mother sentient beings. Buddha’s teaching on Refuge itself is already emphasizing to us the need to
relate our Dharma practice to other sentient beings.
We have reached the 21st century and we are engaging in
preliminary practices which is very good, though we should
not expect ourselves to achieve the benefits tomorrow. When
you analyse on the nature of cause and effect, as well as the
nature of dependent arising, you find so much excitement
and interest in wanting to study Dharma.
There is no miracle to enable one to change one’s life but
there is a solution, which is to know the right cause, to gain
the right result. After all, even in the case of machines, without
the right causes and conditions, the machines cannot
function. Therefore, similarly with happiness, even though we
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In short, try your best to gain the understanding of emptiness
e
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through the knowledge of dependent arising. Actualize bodhIn
do understand Lam Rim and chant prayers, without tying our
lives to carrying out what is taught in the Lam Rim (and create
the right causes), we will continue to trigger all our problems.
There are various way of accumulating merit and virtue but
one of the greatest ways of doing this is to learn about and
understand the true nature of existence. As long as one
cannot eliminate self-grasping, thinking of “I, I, I” all the time, it
will be difficult to gain lasting happiness. The stronger the
self-grasping, the greater the suffering.
Going after physical comforts, serving the self-grasping mind
brings only insecurity. Why not fight with this trouble-making
self-grasping mind instead. Be more contented. Be more
renounced.
Through my visit to various countries, I noticed that there are
many self-appointed Lamas providing initiations. They do this
because they don’t know how to teach and just confer initiations by ringing bells and say goodbye, without even giving a
proper teaching on refuge. There is even the danger of their
giving commitments to people to recite powerful mantras,
where a person receiving such a commitment (without proper
understanding and motivation) can end up having enhanced
anger, attachments and other delusions which cause them to
end up in the lower realms. To really learn Dharma, one has no
choice but to learn Lam Rim and Lojong. Thus in daily life, the
transformation of delusions can only happen by applying
lojong/mind-training. If one meditates without understanding Dharma, one might gain the benefit of some relaxation
but otherwise, the meditation is wasted.
The actual power of Dharma is its ability to help us subdue our
minds and therefore, enables us to handle samsaric life better
and equip us to cope with the pressures of daily life. Since
delusions are not always active in our mental continuum, it
means that we have the opportunity to meditate on antidotes
and we should do so. In any situation, including in family situations, there will be more harmony, less fights, less problems if
we understand dependent-raising, by understanding that
care and respect must be mutual.
icitta through practicing non-harmful thoughts. Reduce
anxiety, fear and insecurity in your daily life because these
bring out problems and suffering in your daily life. As long as
one has proper refuge, the blessings of the guru and one puts
effort in understanding and applying Dharma, (happiness can
be gained).
I am just an ordinary woman lacking in knowledge and thus it
may be impolite of me to give you advice. But whatever I have
advised you here is based on my own life in building a sense of
security, fearlessness, contentment and unshakeable faith in
the Dharma, my Gurus, karma, dependent arising. My life
changed due to my little understanding of dependent arising,
due to the inspiration that came from learning about dependent arising.
Question: Seeing how difficult Khadrola’s life was before and
now, how does Khadrola feel about life now?
Answer: I don’t cling to past experiences because life in this
contaminated body will naturally have all forms of difficult
experiences and changes. So I don’t dwell on the past.
Question: Women seem to have more difficulties in practicing
Dharma – temperament, jealousy, tendency to idle-talk. What
advice does Khadrola have?
Answer: In Dharma (potential), there is no difference between
men and women. The nature of delusions, the nature of clear
light, the antidotes to be applied are the same for men and
women. In physical aspects, there are differences but in
Dharma practice, both have the same capabilities. I would say
that women are more suited to being leaders of countries
because they have an innate sense of care and would more
willingly embrace other countries. For the practice of bodhicitta, women have a quicker potential to actualize that
because of this deep sense of caring and sacrificing for others.
Whether the men support women or not, the Buddhas and
bodhisattvas support us! (laughter) And when the Buddha
taught, he taught referred to mother sentient beings and not
father sentient beings! (more laughter). But yes, some women
do have narrow thinking and cling to small issues. Better to be
broad-minded and think at a higher level.
8
hie
To Geshe
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Lyrics by Clare
n ce Chu a M
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When I am down in submission,
You are there to listen
As though its your mission
With trust and compassion.
So when I go out thumping the streets,
I know I won’t feel samsaric defeat.
In my darkest hour you always come to me.
With your words of wisdom you set me free.
The fog is gone my eyes are no clear to see.
Not many will hear what you’ll say
But whether you can hustle or at least portray
Life is like a battle its one of the same,
They don’t see the face,
They just see the chains.
But you’re there when I hustle
You’re there every time
When I’m in the office
Or when I am in the front line.
Your words of wisdom I will surely follow,
Taking me back and guiding my tomorrow.
In this crazy world with so much rage,
Im a burnt book
But you give me a new front page.
So even when you are close or far away,
I know you are with me everyday.
Life takes me down and makes my palms sweaty
And yet this burden called karma is not that heavy
You give me strength and unlimited power,
Teaching me to care and trust one another
A guide to the trust you are my light
That shines away through the darkest night,
And like that light that shines so bright.
You never go away without a fight
And what I say is definitely true,
There is no one on Earth just like you.
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Discovering Buddhism (DB) is a
6-month program at LDC that was
born out of the steely resolve of
Geshe Tenzin Zopa to have senior
students lead Dharma sessions
and the hesitant but well-meaning
efforts of "oldies" in Selina Foong,
Quah, Eric Tan and huei. Scheduled
on Mondays (English version) and
Wednesdays (Chinese version), DB
is designed for beginners to the
dharma wishing to explore the rich
tradition of Tibetan Buddhist
teachings in a systematic manner .
Based on FPMT’s study program , it
includes topics on “Mind and its
Potential” and those of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment (Lam
Rim) which encompasses the
Buddha’s teachings arranged into
a beautifully logical order. The DB
session leaders aim is to introduce
key Buddhist concepts to newcomers, as well as old-timers who
need to refresh their Dharma
knowledge, with a view to "handing them over" to a REAL teacher,
i.e. our Geshela, for in-depth
classes. The DB program will be run
on a repeat basis, approximately
twice in a year at LDC. For the DB
schedule, log onto www.fpmtldc.org
DB session leaders were asked by
Shabda to share their favourite
one-liners which they use in class
and also to say a little about what
aspect of Dharma affected them
the most at a personal level:
From
Selina
Favourite One-liner
From Eric
“Wherever we are now in our spiritual
progress , is where we have to start from
– there is no choice. So instead of feeling
shame or pride, the important thing is to
keep improving by studying and applying the teachings” .
What aspect of Dharma has affected my
personal life the most
This is a very hard question, because I feel
that Dharma has affected my life in so
many ways.
For a start, the Dharma has softened my
grip on trivial matters. I realize that even
as I write this, seconds of my life are
ticking away, never to return. Thus, I see
the need to not be overly obsessed with
the affairs of this life alone...so these days,
I am a lot more conscious of how I spend
my time.
The Dharma has also softened the barrier
between myself and others. I understand
that we are essentially the same – we all
want happiness; no one wants suffering.
Taking this to heart, I readily feel warmth
and respect towards others, whereas in
the past, the labels of ‘friend’, ‘enemy’ and
‘stranger’ would have really stuck.
And in quiet moments, I marvel at my
good fortune in meeting my Gurus and
the holy Dharma – the door to my
enlightenment.
It strengthens my
resolve to not waste this wonderful life.
1. Favourite one-liner
Stay focused now because we only have
one-and-a-half hours to listen to dharma .
So put aside the worries from work, family
issues and the resonance of heavy traffic.
Be glad for these hours in having a
chance to listen to dharma.
2. What aspect of Dharma has affected
my personal life the most
I love Dharma. Buddhism empowers me
in my decision-making, creativity at work,
self-debate. Dharma covers every aspect
of life. Often, people only label things as
"good and pure" in relation to religion; as
for matters outside this scope, we don't
spend much time thinking or talking
about it. In my view buddhism gives us a
wider spectrum of viewpoints to ease this
line of 'discrimination'. I think this is
important in the context of what is called
a correct view. From gross to subtle level.
From individuals to families and even
countries, carry out acts without correct
view and so we see suicides and wars.
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From Wong
1. Favourite one-liner: It is difficult to have an optimum human
rebirth, and it is even more difficult to come to know Dharma.
We must congratulate ourselves for having created the good
karma to overcome both difficulties.
2. W hat aspect of Dharma has affected my personal life the
most: I am born a hard-core pessimist, and was often
immersed in depression. Surely, being pessimistic speaks
volumes of my "self-graspingness" and "self-centredness". Very
fortunately, though, I have a good karma to come to know
Dharma. Dharma helps me see things differently and, more
importantly, makes me realize the purpose of this precious
human life, that is, not simply to achieve happiness for myself,
but to help others eliminate their suffering and achieve happiness too. I am sure my involvement in hospice services and the
DB classes are movements in the right direction, and I am most
grateful for the opportunities that come my way for me to be so
involved. Still learning to shed off my pessimism, but I am
definitely a much happier person than I would otherwise be if
not for the Dharma.
From Huei
Favourite one-liner
"If one learns nothing from these
Dharma sessions, one needs at least, to
understand karma".
What aspect of Dharma has affected my
life the most:
My Guru, in showing me how to be; and
the Dharma in showing me what I can be
and how to get there.
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D 6 Guid
Part 1: How
1
we T
hink
3. Contentment
Patience means….
I have what I
need, if I don’t
feed my greed.
Appreciating all we have
instead of looking to next
thing we want.
Living with a quiet joy.
Moderation; Balance & Not Over Doing it.
Appreciates how much we have already, so we
do not need to grab for more.
Comel
Contentment
Have you ever seen
anyone fighting
over a rock or stick?
Yes, my brothers
Ong Hsien Min &
Ong Hsien Jun.
What questions do
you have about
contentment?
Does contentment
have any other
meaning?
Where in you life is
moderation
needed?
When we have
money and food.
Does your favourite
food have built-in
goodness?
Sometimes but not
all the time.
I wonder if you think the photo
of the boy refusing sweets was a
good choice to represent
Contentment?
Well, if he refuses to eat
sweets, then that is good.
Is there any
way to raise
your
happiness
level?
No.
Would it be possible to get
everything you want? If you
did, would you be happy?
Yes, but it won’t make
me happy because it
could cause bad things.
How can you enjoy
your food more?
By eating it
slowly and
peacefully.
How is Contentment related
to moderation, balance and
not overdoing?
It is like when we eat
food, we don’t just keep
eating and eating, we stop
when we are full.
Instant Replay Questions on Contentment
Answers by Ong Kye Li (9 years old)
12
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16 Guidelines
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Part 1: How we ThinK Content
Comel Contentment
Contentment ‘Diary‛
Write or draw all the wonderful things
that you are happy for.
Food is life. Without food or water.. No one in the world will survive.
Parents.. I am still young.. My parents help me with everything. I love them with
all my heart. Without them, I won‛t be here.
My own room. I always fight with my brother. I am so happy and grateful to have
my own room, so that we do not need to share a tiny room.
I also appreciate knowledge I get from school and tuition. Without them I would
be dumb and not smart and creative as I am now.
I also appreciate accessories I have. Without accessories I cannot tie my hair.
Without ear rings and bangles, I am lost without fashion.
I also appreciate clothes I wear.. without them.., I would be ....
I am also contented with shoes that protect my feet from harm.
Amanda Loo
by Ong Kye Li
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Buddha on how
communities & societies
should be governed
“ The Buddha had gone beyond all worldly affairs,
but still gave advice on good governance”
The Buddha came from a warrior caste and was naturally
brought into association with kings, princes and ministers.
Despite His origin and association, He never resorted to the
influence of political power to introduce His teaching, nor
allowed His Teaching to be misused for gaining political
power.
The thrust of the Buddha Dhamma seeks to approach
the problems of society by reforming the individuals
constituting that society and by suggesting some
general principles through which the society can be
guided towards greater humanism, improved welfare of its
members, and more equitable sharing of resources.
There is a limit to the extent to which a societal system can
safeguard the happiness and prosperity of its people as
long as the people in the system are dominated by
afflictions like greed and hatred. ……To be free, people
will have to look within their own minds and work
towards freeing themselves from the chains of ignorance and craving. Freedom in the truest sense is only
possible when a person uses Dhamma to develop his
character through good speech and action and to train his
mind so as to expand his mental potential and achieve his
ultimate aim of enlightenment.
Firstly,
the Buddha spoke about the equality
of all human beings long before Abraham Lincoln,
and that classes and castes are artificial barriers erected by
society. The only classification of human beings, according to the Buddha,
is based on the quality of their moral conduct.
…..Secondly, the Buddha encouraged the spirit of social co-operation and active participation in society.
…..Thirdly, since no one was appointed as the Buddha's successor, the members of the Order were to be
guided by the Vinaya, or in short, the Rule of Law. Until today very member of the Sangha is to abide by the
Rule of Law which governs and guides their conduct.
…..Fourthly, the Buddha encouraged the spirit of consultation and the democratic process. This is shown within
the community of the Order in which all members have the right to decide on matters of general concern. When a
serious question arose demanding attention, the issues were put before the monks and discussed in a manner similar to
the democratic parliamentary system used today. This self-governing procedure may come as a surprise to many to learn
that in the assemblies of Buddhists in India 2,500 years and more ago are to be found the rudiments of the parliamentary
practice of the present day. A special officer similar to 'Mr. Speaker' was appointed to preserve the dignity of the Parliamentary
Chief Whip, was also appointed to see if the quorum was secured. Matters were put forward in the form of a motion which was
open to discussion. In some cases it was done once, in others three times, thus anticipating the practice of Parliament in requiring that a bill be read a third time before it becomes law. If the discussion showed a difference of opinion, it was to be settled
by the vote of the majority through balloting.
14
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a
dh
d
Bu
ow
h
n
com
ities & societie should be governed
n
u
m
In the Jataka, the Buddha had given to rules for Good Governance, known as
'Dasa Raja Dharma'. These ten rules can be applied even today by any group
which wishes to rule any community or country peacefully. The rules are as
follows:
The Buddhist approach to governing
societies is the moralization and the
responsible use of public power. The
Buddha preached non-violence and
peace as a universal message. He did not
approve of violence or the destruction of
life, and declared that there is no such
thing as a 'just' war. He taught: 'The victor
breeds hatred; the defeated lives in
misery. He who renounces both victory
and defeat is happy and peaceful.' Not
only did the Buddha teach non-violence
and peace, He was perhaps the first and
only religious teacher who went to the
battlefield personally to prevent the
outbreak of a war. He diffused tension
between the Sakyas and the Koliyas who
were about to wage war over the waters
of Rohini. He also dissuaded King
Ajatasattu from attacking the Kingdom
of the Vajjis.
In the Cakkavatti Sihananda Sutta, the
Buddha said that unethical conduct and
crime, such as theft, falsehood, violence,
hatred, cruelty, could arise from poverty.
..Thus it is futile to eradicate crimes
through force but rather, …in the
Kutadanta Sutta, the Buddha suggested
economic development instead of force
to reduce crime. Those who rule societies
should use its resources to improve the
economic conditions of the country. It
could embark on agricultural and rural
development, provide financial support
to businesses and provide adequate
wages for workers to maintain a decent
life with human dignity.
1) be liberal and avoid selfishness,
2) maintain a high moral character,
3) be prepared to sacrifice one's own pleasure for the well-being of the subjects,
4) be honest and maintain absolute integrity,
5) be kind and gentle,
6) lead a simple life for the subjects to emulate,
7) be free from hatred of any kind,
8) exercise non-violence,
9) practise patience, and
10) respect public opinion to promote peace and harmony.
Regarding the behavior of persons who govern
communities, He further advised:
- One should act impartially and should not be biased and discriminate between
one particular group of subjects against another.
- One should not harbor any form of hatred against any of his subjects.
- One must possess a clear understanding of the law to be enforced. It should not
be enforced just because one has the authority to enforce the law. It must be
done in a reasonable manner and with common sense. -- (Cakkavatti Sihananda
Sutta)
Sometimes the Buddha is said to be a social reformer. Among other things, He
condemned the caste system, recognized the equality of people, spoke on the
need to improve socio-economic conditions, recognized the importance of a
more equitable distribution of wealth among the rich and the poor, raised the
status of women, recommended the incorporation of humanism in all forms of
governance and administration, and taught that a society should not be run by
greed but with consideration and compassion for the people. Despite all these,
His contribution to mankind is much greater because He took off at a point which
no other social reformer before or ever since had done, that is, by going to the
deepest roots of human ills, which are found in the human mind. It is only in the
human mind that true reform can be effected. Reforms imposed by force upon
the external world have a very short life because they have no roots. But those
reforms which spring as a result of the transformation of man's inner
consciousness remain rooted.
- Extracted from an article by the late Ven K. Shri Dhammananda Maha Thera
15
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e recipe
e
s
e
t
f
s
y it t o e
Fee
. )
E
(
l re o tr
a h m .. : )
Ingredients:
1 Heartfelt Essence of Bodhichitta, squeezed from arising fresh and positive altruistic Motivation
1 Human Optimum Re-birth, sautéed with Renunciation
1 Bottled Up of Understanding of the Great Bliss of Emptiness
1 Firm Understanding of Karma and Lifetime Devotion to the Guru
3 Fearful Bites of Lower Realms
3 Handfuls of Mixed Delusions – Red Hot Anger, Sparkling Attachment and Blissful Ignorance
Many lifetimes of self arising ‘I’, grated roughly
7 Limbs of Prayers, distilled into daily practice
Generous amount of faith in Triple Gem with unshakeable Refuge to taste
Directions:
1. First squeeze fresh and positive altruistic Motivation
from the core of one’s being and sieve it with compassion. Once compassion arises, take the essence of
bodhichitta and infused it into one’s heart practice, so
that everyday actions of body, speech and mind
becomes the Dharma essence of life.
2. With this precious human optimum rebirth, recall its
preciousness by folding in 3 fearful bites of the pits of
the lower realms and 1 firm understanding of karma
and recall how this endless cycle traps one in samsara.
Grind the self arising ‘I’ and gradually add in the 3 handfuls of mixed delusions in this order, grind till very fine
– remember that blissful ignorance gives rise to red hot
anger which will then cause attachment to sparkle –
and this is how the cycle of samsara ferments and
grows, causing great suffering. Sieve and remove all
seeds of delusions and simmer this with deep meditative contemplation. Beat and stir these Dharma truths
until it settles into the deep recesses of the mind. Once
fear arises again, apply generous amounts of faith in
the Triple Gem. Add Refuge to taste and fold in guru
devotion at every stage.
3. Realizing how this endless cycle grows
and wanting to put an end to this suffering, recall the Great Tsongkapa’s principles
by generously infusing renunciation,
bodhichitta and binding them with the
great bliss of emptiness, apply the 7 limbs
into one’s daily practice with great guru
devotion and mix in the nectar essence of
tantra and sutra generously. Subdue the
mind and remove all traces of delusions.
Then meditate for a lifetime until golden
light or the enlightened mind comes to
being!
- by Kieren Lim
1
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Calendar
Sept2009
Special
Buddha Day
Precept
Day
Solar/Lunar
Eclipse
Sunday
Tuesday
Monday
Calendar may be subject
to changes.
Please regularly log on to
www.fpmt-ldc.org
for updates .
6
Meditation
Session @
10 :30am
- 11:30am
DFK @
10am - 12pm
10 :30am
- 11:30am
DFK @
10am - 12pm
Public
Holiday
- Hari Raya
Lama Choepa
Puja
@ 7.30 pm
DFK @
10am - 12pm
Animal
Liberation
@ 12 noon
Public
Holiday
- Hari Raya
Lama Choepa
Puja
7
@ .30 pm
9
Discovery
Buddhism
(Man) @
8:00pm
16
23
22
Discovery
Buddhism
(Man) @
8:00pm
Emptiness
pt 2
Prostration
Ngondro
@ 7:30pm
29
Prostration
Ngondro
@ 7:30pm
Saturday
4
Prostration
Ngondro
@ 7:30pm
5
GTZ
@ CGC Death n
Dying Course
for weekend
11
10
Class
with
GTZ
@ 8pm
17
Discovery
Buddhism
(Man) @
8:00pm
Emptiness
pt 1
Prostration
Ngondro
@ 7:30pm
28
Friday
3
Medicine
Buddha
Puja at
KHC @
7.30 pm
8
15
21
27
Session 10 :30am
Members
Dharma
Movie Night
@ 8 pm@ LDC
Pilgrimage
to Tibet
14
20
Meditation
7
short break
in Eng DB
till Tues
6 Oct
Session @
Thursday
2
Discovery
Buddhism
(Man) @
8:00pm
Prostration
Ngondro
@ 7:30pm
Discovery
Buddhism
(ENG) @
8:00pm
13
Meditation
Wednesday
1
12
Class
with GTZ
@ 3-5pm
18
Class
with
GTZ
@ 8pm
24
19
Class
with
GTZ
@ 8pm
25
Class
with
GTZ
@ 8pm
30
26
Class with
GTZ@ 8pm
Cittamani
Tara &
Protector
Puja
@ 7.30pm
Discovery
Buddhism
(Man) @
8:00pm
17
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Calendar
Oct 2009
Special
Buddha Day
Precept
Day
Solar/Lunar
Eclipse
Sunday
Tuesday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Calendar may be subject to changes.
Please regularly log on to
www.fpmt-ldc.org for updates .
“Living Well under 4
Pressure; Dying
Well Without Fear”
- Joint LDC-KHC m
program 2 - 6:30p
DFK @
Medicine
10am - 12pm Bu
5
Khenrinpoche’s
(KR) arrival
(till 4th NOV)
ddha
Puja at
KHC @
7.30 pm
11
no DFK
1000
Offerings
Event
@ Chinese
Assembly
Hall
12
Disc
Buddhism (Eng)
Emptiness
Pt2
Khenrinpoche’s
(KR) Rest Day
18
KR to
CGC
Meditation
KR to
CGC
25
Session 10 :30am
DFK @
10am - 12pm
Animal
Liberation
@ 12 noon
Lama Choepa
Puja w KR
@ 7.30 pm
+ Light
Offering
26
Preparation
for 1k
event
27
Lama Choepa
Puja w KR
@ 7.30 pm
+ Light
Offering
29
Calm
Abiding
meditation
by KR
8pm
1000
Offerings
Event
@ Chinese
Assembly
Hall
16
KR to
Penang
10
17
KR to
CGC
22
KR’s
rest day
28
9
1000
Offerings
Event
@ Chinese
Assembly
Hall
15
KR @ KHC @
8pm
“5 Powers & How
to share Dharma w
people who are
non-receptive
21
KR return
to KL
LL Puja tune
@ 10am-noon
Class with GTZ
@ 3-5pm
Moon Cake Fest
@ LDC 7:30pm
8
14
Consultation
Day w KR
20
KR to
CGC
Cittamani
Tara &
Protector
Puja
@ 7.30pm
Discovery
Buddhism
Man @ 8pm
tranforming
Problems
(Final)
13
19
Disc
Buddhism
Tantra
(Final)
7
3
2
Class
with
GTZ
@ 8pm
6
Discovery
Buddhism
Eng @ 8pm
Emptiness
Pt 1
Saturday
23
KR depart
to RJL
@ 1pm
30
24
KR @
RJL
31
LL Puja practice
Calm
Tunes + D. Dance
Abiding
meditation
Hayagriva
by KR
Controlling Fire
8pm
Puja lead by KR
@ LDC @ 7:30pm
18

Host Master : Khe nrinpoche Lama Lhun d (Abbot of Kopan

Transcription

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