Saturday, October 6, 2012
Another report after the HR Retreat.
Since after my retreat in NMC last month, my primary meditation object seems to change to physical sensations: hardness, tingling, pressure, etc. Sometimes sharp momentary pain (like needle poking) is felt in between other sensations. These sensations become prominent after just a short while of observing R/F. Sometimes I purposely ignored these sensations in the very beginning and continue with my R/F, but a short while later these sensations become more intense and I have no choice but to note them.
Noting these sensation is very interesting in the beginning, but after some time it is very boring because the arising and vanishing of these sensation is endless . Never ending, only sometime they become less prominent. Sometime the whole hour is just spent on noting these sensation and painful feelings at the end. with some thinking, hearing in between.
Dr. KH Tham
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
COMMENTS FROM YOGIS AFTER THE HARI RAYA RETREAT AT NMC AUG. 2012
Funny how my shift from Breathing In, Breathing Out practice to Vipassana practice had brought me to a different level of understanding in the world of Meditation. I was less tired physically and mentally even though I slept much less at night and did not take naps in the afternoon. Effort was boosted up and so was my initiative.
No doubt the first few days were quite terrible, being restless, sleepless nights, having to wake up at 4am but after experiencing the results, it was really worth every bit of it.
Vipassana had made me observe the “happenings” within me to a more precise degree where I am able to understand them (mind and matter) more deeply and profoundly. There was no more of the wanting to get into “Jhanas” and stay there; to avoid all pain and simply to enjoy the bliss.
Vipassana according to my understanding is to watch the Rising and Passing away of all the phenomena of Mind and Matter, which deepens the realization of Cause and Effect, Impermanence and of course, Dukkha.
Oh! How full of suffering this body is. Even eating with mindfulness was such an interesting chore. Watching the mind choosing the food first, then noting the hand stretching going for the food, scooping, lifting, bringing the food to the mouth, opening the mouth etc. Lastly, watching the food going down from your throat and all the way into your stomach. It’s certainly not an easy task to feed this body! I And it took me at least 45 minutes just to finish my lunch. I never thought eating a meal could be so tedious. But it is when we practice noting all our daily activities like this, from moment to moment, our mind becomes purified; there is no chance for craving, anger, and other defilements coming in. The mind becomes tuned into the present moment…so much PEACE and CLARITY.
Surprisingly pain also became less oppressive and more bearable when watched closely and it’s characteristics of being ever changing and non-self, became evident. Now the half hour of painful sittings have become an hour and a half of pleasant mindful sittings. Overall,I certainly had a very uplifting experience and am planning to go back again for another retreat very soon.
Sis. Vidita
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
HARI RAYA RETREAT (18TH - 25TH AUG 2012)
VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT
with Sister Gin
18th – 25th August 2012
at Nirodharama Meditation Centre, Air Tawar
Come join us…
We invite you to an 8-Day meditation retreat during the upcoming
Hari Raya week.
Nirodharama Meditation Centre is located in the middle of an oil-palm estate. It provides a suitable tranquil environment for meditation.
The daily schedule includes alternating sitting and walking meditations. Participants are required to observe eight precepts throughout the retreat.
Registration is now open. Please do not miss out on this rare opportunity for a meaningful insight meditation retreat!
REGISTRATION:
Complete the registration form and email to mengfen.fam@gmail.com
* Partial retreat is permitted. Please indicate the period of stay in the registration form accordingly.
CLOSING DATE: 12 August 2012
ENQUIRIES:
017-2112075 (Sis. Meng Fen) or mengfen.fam@gmail.com
012-2800787 (Sis. Penny) or lokepenny@gmail.com
016-2868261 (Bro. Cheng) or metta2chonghua@yahoo.com
Organised by :
Setia Alam Sambodhi Buddhist Association Selangor
实达亚南菩提佛学会
Nirodharama Meditation Centre
Lot 2625, Jalan Columbia, 32400 Ayer Tawar, Perak, Malaysia
Public transport i.e. express bus to Air Tawar is available. The pick up point of the express bus is located behind Tesco, Puchong. Please contact us if you require an arrangement for the return bus tickets.
Setia Alam Sambodhi Buddhist Association Selangor
实达亚南菩提佛学会
No. 2-3-2, 2nd floor, Jalan Setia Prima (B) U13/B, Setia Alam
Thursday, June 21, 2012
REMINDERS
We Need to Practise Repeatedly
What you hear or read, you forget; what you see, you remember; what you do, you understand.
Motive For Practising
If your motivation for practising meditation stems from negative roots such as desire for material gain, fame or glory, your effort will never bring you happiness or wisdom.
What you hear or read, you forget; what you see, you remember; what you do, you understand.
Motive For Practising
If your motivation for practising meditation stems from negative roots such as desire for material gain, fame or glory, your effort will never bring you happiness or wisdom.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
INVITATION TO OUR UPCOMING WEEKEND RETREAT
Come Join Us…….
In Beginning A Journey Into The Mind
We invite you to come and share something very special, that is, the opportunity to learn the technique of looking within ourselves; to find out who we really are and to discover the potential within the deeper recesses of our mind. We don’t often get a good look at what is happening in our minds because of the constant “busyness” of our lives which distracts us and dissipates our energy. Have you ever thought of dedicating some time and effort on a daily basis towards understanding and cultivating your mind?
Taking the first step is difficult as Spinoza said, “All noble things are as difficult as they are rare”. But taking the first step in the right direction could well be the key to unlocking the secret to happiness in this lifetime and hereafter. Do reflect, too that, it is because of some causes (kamma) in the past that we have now, in this existence, the right conditions to embark upon such a rare and precious undertaking. “Nothing happens without a cause”.
All of us invest a lot of time and money, everyday, in taking good care of our physical bodies; feeding, dressing, washing, beautifying, exercising it and so on but how much time and effort do we spend, taking care of our minds? From our daily activities it seems like we value our bodies more than our minds. Have you ever considered the importance of maintaining a pure and healthy Mind?
As Harv Eker said, “There are no problems in life, only problems in the mind”. And the first verse uttered by the Buddha, in the Dhammapada concerns the Mind. Quote “Mind is the forerunner of all things…”
Without the mind, you cannot be aware of the external world including your own body.
This mind is far more complex and intricate than the most sophisticated computer contrived and it requires proper maintenance to function well. Would it not seem worthwhile then, to pay more attention to the mind, to nurture it with wholesomeness and to spare some time and effort to treat the mind’s sickness –of greed, aversion and delusion by none other than the practice of mindfulness meditation?
In Beginning A Journey Into The Mind
We invite you to come and share something very special, that is, the opportunity to learn the technique of looking within ourselves; to find out who we really are and to discover the potential within the deeper recesses of our mind. We don’t often get a good look at what is happening in our minds because of the constant “busyness” of our lives which distracts us and dissipates our energy. Have you ever thought of dedicating some time and effort on a daily basis towards understanding and cultivating your mind?
Taking the first step is difficult as Spinoza said, “All noble things are as difficult as they are rare”. But taking the first step in the right direction could well be the key to unlocking the secret to happiness in this lifetime and hereafter. Do reflect, too that, it is because of some causes (kamma) in the past that we have now, in this existence, the right conditions to embark upon such a rare and precious undertaking. “Nothing happens without a cause”.
All of us invest a lot of time and money, everyday, in taking good care of our physical bodies; feeding, dressing, washing, beautifying, exercising it and so on but how much time and effort do we spend, taking care of our minds? From our daily activities it seems like we value our bodies more than our minds. Have you ever considered the importance of maintaining a pure and healthy Mind?
As Harv Eker said, “There are no problems in life, only problems in the mind”. And the first verse uttered by the Buddha, in the Dhammapada concerns the Mind. Quote “Mind is the forerunner of all things…”
Without the mind, you cannot be aware of the external world including your own body.
This mind is far more complex and intricate than the most sophisticated computer contrived and it requires proper maintenance to function well. Would it not seem worthwhile then, to pay more attention to the mind, to nurture it with wholesomeness and to spare some time and effort to treat the mind’s sickness –of greed, aversion and delusion by none other than the practice of mindfulness meditation?
Monday, June 18, 2012
Weekend Retreat – 13th to 15th July 2012
Vipassana Meditation Retreat – Preparation Checklist
I THINGS TO BRING
1 Enough clothing for 2-night stay. White colour T-shirts and loose clothing are encouraged (e.g. loose pants etc.). Short skirts, short pants, sleeveless T-shirts, tank top, leotard and the like are not allowed.
2 Bring your own blanket, pillow and bed sheet. Floor mat will be provided. Cushions for meditation are available.
3 Yogis are advised not to bring valuable items.
4 Bring your own toiletries (towel, tooth paste, tooth brush, shampoo and soap), hangers, stationery (e.g. pen, paper & notebook) & socks.
II FOOD & DRINKS
1 Meals i.e. breakfast & lunch on Saturday & Sunday (14th & 15th July 2012) will be arranged. Drinking water and hot water is available in the dining hall. 3-1 coffee and Milo will also be available.
III CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
1 Check in shall be 7.00 to 8 p.m. on the 13th of July (Friday). Yogis are encouraged to come at 7 p.m. to help to mop the meditation hall.
2 Check out shall be 7.00 p.m. on the 15th of July 2012 (Sunday).
IV OTHERS
1 Please note that you are required to observe 8 precepts during the retreat.
2 Location map to Samadhi Vihara is as attached.
3 For further information and/or to confirm your participation you can contact:
a. Bro. Cheng Chonghua at 016-2868261or e-mail: metta2chonghua@yahoo.com.
b. Sis. Penny Loke at 012-2800787 or e-mail: lokepenny@gmail.com
c. Those interested please confirm latest by 6th July 2012 as the organizer will need to arrange for breakfast & lunch.
Vipassana Meditation Retreat – Preparation Checklist
I THINGS TO BRING
1 Enough clothing for 2-night stay. White colour T-shirts and loose clothing are encouraged (e.g. loose pants etc.). Short skirts, short pants, sleeveless T-shirts, tank top, leotard and the like are not allowed.
2 Bring your own blanket, pillow and bed sheet. Floor mat will be provided. Cushions for meditation are available.
3 Yogis are advised not to bring valuable items.
4 Bring your own toiletries (towel, tooth paste, tooth brush, shampoo and soap), hangers, stationery (e.g. pen, paper & notebook) & socks.
II FOOD & DRINKS
1 Meals i.e. breakfast & lunch on Saturday & Sunday (14th & 15th July 2012) will be arranged. Drinking water and hot water is available in the dining hall. 3-1 coffee and Milo will also be available.
III CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
1 Check in shall be 7.00 to 8 p.m. on the 13th of July (Friday). Yogis are encouraged to come at 7 p.m. to help to mop the meditation hall.
2 Check out shall be 7.00 p.m. on the 15th of July 2012 (Sunday).
IV OTHERS
1 Please note that you are required to observe 8 precepts during the retreat.
2 Location map to Samadhi Vihara is as attached.
3 For further information and/or to confirm your participation you can contact:
a. Bro. Cheng Chonghua at 016-2868261or e-mail: metta2chonghua@yahoo.com.
b. Sis. Penny Loke at 012-2800787 or e-mail: lokepenny@gmail.com
c. Those interested please confirm latest by 6th July 2012 as the organizer will need to arrange for breakfast & lunch.
OUR NEXT WEEKEND RETREAT
SETIA ALAM SAMBODHI BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION SELANGOR
实达亚南三菩提佛学会
2-3-2 & 2-3-3, Jln. Setia Prima (B) U13/B, Setia Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603-33582701 / +6016-2868261 Email: sasbas@hotmail.my
WEEKEND VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT (13th to 15th July 2012)
“Get the most from your body and life before you are too sick and too old to strive for the Dhamma.”
The process of self-purification by introspection as taught in the vipassana course is certainly not easy. By your own effort you attain realization of insight knowledge gradually; no one else can do this for you. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. Therefore, the meditation retreat would suit only those prepared to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is for the benefit and protection of all fellow participants with the same objective in mind.
In a retreat meditators should consider it a privilege that they are provided with special conditions that are not found in daily lives at home, which are conducive for them to practise intensively for an extended period of time. Their basic needs are catered for, and distractions are kept to a minimum so time gained is spent solely on the practice throughout the day. Reading, writing, chanting and talking are not allowed and noble silence should be observed except during the interviews.
Ten days is usually the duration recommended for a retreat to enable one to penetrate into the true nature of reality and get the exquisite taste of Special Dhamma. However ten days away from work/business is too big a sacrifice for most people who are not prepared and who are yet unconvinced of the benefits it brings; so this weekend retreat is primarily meant to acquaint them to a retreat setting with the hope that they would get a good feel of what a retreat entails and gain much in terms of acquiring the necessary skills involved in maintaining mindfulness in daily life. There is a chance they may even experience deep concentration and insight knowledge. It is hoped that after completing this retreat they will follow up on other 10 day retreats at their own time and on their own initiative at any of the existing vipassana centres which are open for admission throughout the year. A list of these centres can be obtained on request otherwise look out for new postings about upcoming retreats now and then, on Sis. Gin’s blog.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Continuity of the practice in a conducive environment is given topmost priority so rules and regulations have been laid down keeping this in mind. They are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years in both Eastern and Western countries and are rational by any standard. Abiding by the rules creates a very supportive atmosphere for meditation practice while breaking them disrupts it.
All participants are required to stay for the entire period of the retreat and not leave the retreat premises at anytime. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Please understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the retreat for whatever reason apart from a medical or emergency situation.
People with Special Needs: Our capacity as a non-professional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with a history of mental disorders. Medication can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from this retreat although Vipassana meditation can be beneficial for them if practised under close personal supervision of the teacher/instructor.
Clothing – should be simple, modest and comfortable. Tight, transparent and revealing clothing (such as shorts, miniskirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) are not appropriate and should not be worn. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others. Loose white blouses or T-shirts, sarongs and track bottoms are strongly recommended. White is the best colour to wear as it symbolizes purity so it is recommended for those who are observing the 8 precepts. It also helps the management and devotees/visitors to identify those who are 8 Precept yogis as priority, right of way and respect is automatically accorded to them.
Refinement of Conduct
During a retreat it is only appropriate and useful to refine our speech and actions so as to be supportive for developing concentration and insight. This is purification of virtue (sila) which is the very foundation for purifying the mind. Sila is also our refuge in the sense that it protects us from unwholesome conduct. Meditators may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the coordinator/staff with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. but even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. In a retreat, adornments, cosmetics, and time-consuming practices to beautify the body are deemed inappropriate. Moderation with regards to food is necessary to prevent drowsiness. The Buddha recommended fasting from noon until the next morning (break of dawn) which full-time yogis in all meditation centres will observe as it constitutes the 6th precept*.
The 8 Precepts
Having understood the need for refinement of conduct, all meditators, are encouraged to conscientiously undertake the eight precepts for the duration of the retreat. These precepts comprise the usual five precepts (which is the basic code of discipline undertaken by Buddhists) with a slight change for the 3rd Precept (abstinence from sexual misconduct to celibacy) and an additional three precepts. They are listed below:
1. To abstain from killing any being
2. To abstain from stealing
3. To abstain from all sexual activity
4. To abstain from telling lies
5. To abstain from all intoxicants
The three additional precepts below are expected to be observed especially during a retreat or on auspicious days (Uposatha):
6. To abstain from eating after noon (about 12:30pm in Malaysia)*
7. To abstain from sensual entertainment (shows, music, dancing) and bodily adornments
8. To abstain from using high or luxurious beds/seats.
Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone and take no notice of distractions caused by others.
May the above information help you to prepare for the retreat and ensure that you have a pleasant experience at the retreat. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and spiritual happiness from your experience of Vipassana.
*Eating refers to the consumption of solid food whether hard or soft. Only water or clear drinks like honey, some fruit juices like orange and apple juice, ribena, glucose, tamarind juice, sugarcane juice and all herbal tea like ginger tea, green tea, roibos tea are allowable throughout the day. Take care not to consume beverages like coffee, English tea, Ceylon tea, milo, horlicks, cereals like nestum, nestvita, barley water, soya bean milk, or milk from noon until sunrise (about 6.30 am in Malaysia (the next day) as this are not allowable after noon. Out of compassion, the Buddha made it allowable for those who have gastric problems to take Catumadu (a combination of four ingredients cooked together..ie. honey, molasses, ghee, butter) after noon. Medicine can be taken, as presribed throughout the day.
实达亚南三菩提佛学会
2-3-2 & 2-3-3, Jln. Setia Prima (B) U13/B, Setia Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603-33582701 / +6016-2868261 Email: sasbas@hotmail.my
WEEKEND VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT (13th to 15th July 2012)
“Get the most from your body and life before you are too sick and too old to strive for the Dhamma.”
The process of self-purification by introspection as taught in the vipassana course is certainly not easy. By your own effort you attain realization of insight knowledge gradually; no one else can do this for you. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. Therefore, the meditation retreat would suit only those prepared to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is for the benefit and protection of all fellow participants with the same objective in mind.
In a retreat meditators should consider it a privilege that they are provided with special conditions that are not found in daily lives at home, which are conducive for them to practise intensively for an extended period of time. Their basic needs are catered for, and distractions are kept to a minimum so time gained is spent solely on the practice throughout the day. Reading, writing, chanting and talking are not allowed and noble silence should be observed except during the interviews.
Ten days is usually the duration recommended for a retreat to enable one to penetrate into the true nature of reality and get the exquisite taste of Special Dhamma. However ten days away from work/business is too big a sacrifice for most people who are not prepared and who are yet unconvinced of the benefits it brings; so this weekend retreat is primarily meant to acquaint them to a retreat setting with the hope that they would get a good feel of what a retreat entails and gain much in terms of acquiring the necessary skills involved in maintaining mindfulness in daily life. There is a chance they may even experience deep concentration and insight knowledge. It is hoped that after completing this retreat they will follow up on other 10 day retreats at their own time and on their own initiative at any of the existing vipassana centres which are open for admission throughout the year. A list of these centres can be obtained on request otherwise look out for new postings about upcoming retreats now and then, on Sis. Gin’s blog.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Continuity of the practice in a conducive environment is given topmost priority so rules and regulations have been laid down keeping this in mind. They are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years in both Eastern and Western countries and are rational by any standard. Abiding by the rules creates a very supportive atmosphere for meditation practice while breaking them disrupts it.
All participants are required to stay for the entire period of the retreat and not leave the retreat premises at anytime. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Please understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the retreat for whatever reason apart from a medical or emergency situation.
People with Special Needs: Our capacity as a non-professional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with a history of mental disorders. Medication can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from this retreat although Vipassana meditation can be beneficial for them if practised under close personal supervision of the teacher/instructor.
Clothing – should be simple, modest and comfortable. Tight, transparent and revealing clothing (such as shorts, miniskirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) are not appropriate and should not be worn. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others. Loose white blouses or T-shirts, sarongs and track bottoms are strongly recommended. White is the best colour to wear as it symbolizes purity so it is recommended for those who are observing the 8 precepts. It also helps the management and devotees/visitors to identify those who are 8 Precept yogis as priority, right of way and respect is automatically accorded to them.
Refinement of Conduct
During a retreat it is only appropriate and useful to refine our speech and actions so as to be supportive for developing concentration and insight. This is purification of virtue (sila) which is the very foundation for purifying the mind. Sila is also our refuge in the sense that it protects us from unwholesome conduct. Meditators may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the coordinator/staff with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. but even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. In a retreat, adornments, cosmetics, and time-consuming practices to beautify the body are deemed inappropriate. Moderation with regards to food is necessary to prevent drowsiness. The Buddha recommended fasting from noon until the next morning (break of dawn) which full-time yogis in all meditation centres will observe as it constitutes the 6th precept*.
The 8 Precepts
Having understood the need for refinement of conduct, all meditators, are encouraged to conscientiously undertake the eight precepts for the duration of the retreat. These precepts comprise the usual five precepts (which is the basic code of discipline undertaken by Buddhists) with a slight change for the 3rd Precept (abstinence from sexual misconduct to celibacy) and an additional three precepts. They are listed below:
1. To abstain from killing any being
2. To abstain from stealing
3. To abstain from all sexual activity
4. To abstain from telling lies
5. To abstain from all intoxicants
The three additional precepts below are expected to be observed especially during a retreat or on auspicious days (Uposatha):
6. To abstain from eating after noon (about 12:30pm in Malaysia)*
7. To abstain from sensual entertainment (shows, music, dancing) and bodily adornments
8. To abstain from using high or luxurious beds/seats.
Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone and take no notice of distractions caused by others.
May the above information help you to prepare for the retreat and ensure that you have a pleasant experience at the retreat. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and spiritual happiness from your experience of Vipassana.
*Eating refers to the consumption of solid food whether hard or soft. Only water or clear drinks like honey, some fruit juices like orange and apple juice, ribena, glucose, tamarind juice, sugarcane juice and all herbal tea like ginger tea, green tea, roibos tea are allowable throughout the day. Take care not to consume beverages like coffee, English tea, Ceylon tea, milo, horlicks, cereals like nestum, nestvita, barley water, soya bean milk, or milk from noon until sunrise (about 6.30 am in Malaysia (the next day) as this are not allowable after noon. Out of compassion, the Buddha made it allowable for those who have gastric problems to take Catumadu (a combination of four ingredients cooked together..ie. honey, molasses, ghee, butter) after noon. Medicine can be taken, as presribed throughout the day.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
OPEN INVITATION TO OUR SPECIAL WESAK PROGRAMME
This is an open invitation to all my fellow Buddhists, to come together to practise and reflect on the significance of this most sacred day.
To pay homage to The Buddha, in the right way is none other than practising in conformity with the Dhamma, in seeing things as they really are. This, the Buddha had Himself declared on such an auspicious day, just before passing into Maha Parinibbana. Let us go back in time to that very occasion in Kusinara and try to imagine the scenario.....
"As the Buddha laid on his right side, between the pair of Sala trees in Kusinara, fragrant flowers blossomed out of season. Celestial flowers and sandalwood powder dropped from above, scattering and spreading themselves all over His body, as if in reverence to Him. Celestial singing and music filled the air while Devas and Brahmas from the ten thousand world systems assembled to pay their last homage to Him. The Buddha acknowledged their homage but said, .."Ananda, mere acts of reverence of this kind cannot be deemed to honour, esteem, revere and worship the Tathagata rightly..only the bhikkhu or bhikkhuni or lay disciple who practises according to the Teaching, in perfect conformity with the Truth can be deemed to honour and venerate the Tathagatha rightly and this homage is of the highest degree."
So let us make a firm determination to give up sensual pleasures and instead practise to purify our mind throughout the night to usher in the HOLY DAY of WESAK in the most meaningful way.
DATE: 4TH MAY 2012
TIME: 11.00 PM
VENUE: SETIA ALAM SAMBODHI CENTRE (SASBAS)
ADDRESS: 231, Jln Setia Prima BU13/8, Setia Alam, S.Alam Seksyen U13 40170 Selangor.
PROGRAMME: 1100 PAYING HOMAGE, TAKING OF PRECEPTS, (Option to observe 8 Precepts)
RECITATION OF THE PARITTAS.
0000 DHAMMA TALK,REFLECTION & DISCUSSION ON -
THE RARE APPEARANCE OF THE BUDDHA,
THE SPECIAL MARKS & ATTRIBUTES OF THE BUDDHA
HIS GREAT COMPASSION FOR US.
0130 MEDITATION PRACTICE (Walking & Sitting Meditation)*
0530 RECITATION OF PAEN OF JOY, PATTHANA, METTA RADIATION, ASPIRATION &
SHARING OF MERITS
0600 SHOWER/FRESHEN UP
0630 BREAKFAST/ADJOURN
*If you feel too tired to continue with the proposed programme above, you may leave the premises quietly. Others are also welcome to join us starting at 5 am in the morning.
To pay homage to The Buddha, in the right way is none other than practising in conformity with the Dhamma, in seeing things as they really are. This, the Buddha had Himself declared on such an auspicious day, just before passing into Maha Parinibbana. Let us go back in time to that very occasion in Kusinara and try to imagine the scenario.....
"As the Buddha laid on his right side, between the pair of Sala trees in Kusinara, fragrant flowers blossomed out of season. Celestial flowers and sandalwood powder dropped from above, scattering and spreading themselves all over His body, as if in reverence to Him. Celestial singing and music filled the air while Devas and Brahmas from the ten thousand world systems assembled to pay their last homage to Him. The Buddha acknowledged their homage but said, .."Ananda, mere acts of reverence of this kind cannot be deemed to honour, esteem, revere and worship the Tathagata rightly..only the bhikkhu or bhikkhuni or lay disciple who practises according to the Teaching, in perfect conformity with the Truth can be deemed to honour and venerate the Tathagatha rightly and this homage is of the highest degree."
So let us make a firm determination to give up sensual pleasures and instead practise to purify our mind throughout the night to usher in the HOLY DAY of WESAK in the most meaningful way.
DATE: 4TH MAY 2012
TIME: 11.00 PM
VENUE: SETIA ALAM SAMBODHI CENTRE (SASBAS)
ADDRESS: 231, Jln Setia Prima BU13/8, Setia Alam, S.Alam Seksyen U13 40170 Selangor.
PROGRAMME: 1100 PAYING HOMAGE, TAKING OF PRECEPTS, (Option to observe 8 Precepts)
RECITATION OF THE PARITTAS.
0000 DHAMMA TALK,REFLECTION & DISCUSSION ON -
THE RARE APPEARANCE OF THE BUDDHA,
THE SPECIAL MARKS & ATTRIBUTES OF THE BUDDHA
HIS GREAT COMPASSION FOR US.
0130 MEDITATION PRACTICE (Walking & Sitting Meditation)*
0530 RECITATION OF PAEN OF JOY, PATTHANA, METTA RADIATION, ASPIRATION &
SHARING OF MERITS
0600 SHOWER/FRESHEN UP
0630 BREAKFAST/ADJOURN
*If you feel too tired to continue with the proposed programme above, you may leave the premises quietly. Others are also welcome to join us starting at 5 am in the morning.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Copy this link and watch a touching scene. It may be a suitable aid for teaching Sigalovada Sutta not so much to young children but to some adults taking care of their aged parents.. .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDVawKB1FwY&feature=related
Saturday, March 24, 2012
VIPASSANA RETREAT IN SINGAPORE (LED BY SAYADAW U PANDITABHIVAMSA)
Begins 1st April 2012
At Aloha Changi Fairy Point Chalet 5. If you would like to attend this retreat, please request for an application form from me or Sis. Padumini Koe (koels3@singnet.com.sg)and send it to Vipassana Meditation Centre, Singapore as soon as possible.
This is a rare opportunity as Sayadaw U Pandita, a renown meditation master is very much sought after and he usually has a full schedule throughout the year teaching in Asia and the West.
At Aloha Changi Fairy Point Chalet 5. If you would like to attend this retreat, please request for an application form from me or Sis. Padumini Koe (koels3@singnet.com.sg)and send it to Vipassana Meditation Centre, Singapore as soon as possible.
This is a rare opportunity as Sayadaw U Pandita, a renown meditation master is very much sought after and he usually has a full schedule throughout the year teaching in Asia and the West.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Invitation to Pg Hill Retreat
Open only to those who have attended my courses and retreats..from past to present..in Pg, Auckland and Klang Valley as I will not give instuctions when on self retreat. A brief interview is possible but only on request.
If your friends who have practised at other places, are interested but have not attended the above pls get them to call me first.
If you decide to join me later just sms me..or call my handphone 0123482703 at 8am, 11.30am or 8pm...hope line is okay up there, try your luck. At other times I prefer not to be disturbed.
A good time to come for visiting will be this Sat. 14th Jan. as my penang yogis are coming up.
If your friends who have practised at other places, are interested but have not attended the above pls get them to call me first.
If you decide to join me later just sms me..or call my handphone 0123482703 at 8am, 11.30am or 8pm...hope line is okay up there, try your luck. At other times I prefer not to be disturbed.
A good time to come for visiting will be this Sat. 14th Jan. as my penang yogis are coming up.
Anyone for retreat at Penang Hill?
Please understand that there were no postings up on this blog for a long time, as I was very busy and away on Pilgrimage to India and Nepal. On returning I had to rest to recover from the dreadful Indian flu. I have yet to get back my voice and my throat is still sore. It could be an "unknown virus" that I caught but for now..I am not going to consult anymore doctors. I have a lot more faith in healing myself through vipassana by developing the Bojjhangas, so I have been looking for a suitable place to do my self retreat. Visited Nandaka Forest Centre yesterday, beautiful place and ideal environment in Cerok Tokun, BM but women not welcome! what a letdown..seems they are not ready to accept female yogis. Despite the fact that in all Buddhist countries, females always outnumber males in terms of service and meditation practice, anytime at any centre, some centres still choose to ignore this glaring statistics in their "grand master plan".
Finally I managed to call my friend and will be off to his Pg Hill Forest Centre starting from tomorrow 12th Jan2012, for an indefinite period depending on the situation as I am not allowed to stay alone for personal security reasons....it is in the middle of nowhere up the hill. I will stay on probably until after CNY. If you are really serious about coming to join me during CNY or any other time, you will need to call me asap or by tomorrow 1 pm to let me know yr plans. My friend the owner of this centre comes up daily and can offer you a ride up in his jeep if you let me know when you are coming. You can also do a day visit and return with him. You can also hike up and down..if you prefer to exercise. It is about 15 mins walk from Brothers Bungalow. If you plan to stay overnight you need to be prepared as it is quite cold at night so a sleeping bag would be a good idea. There are many individual kutis with attached bathroom and netting like in Air Tawar and Panditarama and there is also a meditation hall. One meal a day is ideal but if you cant then breakfast should be simple like cereal BYO and DIY and I will cater for one meal(lunch)only at 11am. Of course all have to observe 8 precepts.
Finally I managed to call my friend and will be off to his Pg Hill Forest Centre starting from tomorrow 12th Jan2012, for an indefinite period depending on the situation as I am not allowed to stay alone for personal security reasons....it is in the middle of nowhere up the hill. I will stay on probably until after CNY. If you are really serious about coming to join me during CNY or any other time, you will need to call me asap or by tomorrow 1 pm to let me know yr plans. My friend the owner of this centre comes up daily and can offer you a ride up in his jeep if you let me know when you are coming. You can also do a day visit and return with him. You can also hike up and down..if you prefer to exercise. It is about 15 mins walk from Brothers Bungalow. If you plan to stay overnight you need to be prepared as it is quite cold at night so a sleeping bag would be a good idea. There are many individual kutis with attached bathroom and netting like in Air Tawar and Panditarama and there is also a meditation hall. One meal a day is ideal but if you cant then breakfast should be simple like cereal BYO and DIY and I will cater for one meal(lunch)only at 11am. Of course all have to observe 8 precepts.
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