Nirvana in Singapore

By Wakeupnow, on 30th August, 2010

About a week ago, an article appeared on StraitsTimes about Nirvana Memorial, a columbarium in Singapore that offers a final resting place in style — for those who can afford it.

The article featured two monks in its cover photo with the Buddha's image shining forth multi-colored lightings.  If the paper was a multi-media device, you would also hear the full-featured melody and announcement made through the hi-tech audio system.  The two monks is non other than Bhante Dhammaratna, founder and Chief monk of the Buddhist Library in Singapore, and myself.  Elizabeth, the reporter who penned the article invited me for comments and since I had no idea about Nirvana memorial at all, she kindly offered a tour of the premise so we can have an idea of the place.

The tour brought us to the main hall where prayers would be offered, the various niche rooms where the ash remains and tablets will be placed, and one of the building houses different types of niches.  In all, the whole tour was rather pleasant, though one of the building reminded me more of a hotel interior than anything.  Perhaps that is their whole point and such a layout and interior design . . . → Read More: Nirvana in Singapore

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One Day Meditation Retreat – Metta & Vipassana Bhavana

By Wakeupnow, on 4th August, 2010

Held on Singapore National Day, 9 August 2010 (Monday), 8 am to 6.30 pm at the Buddhist Library.

Session will be conducted by Bhante B Dhammaratana.

@The Buddhist Library - 2, Lorong 24A Geylang

Observe the Eight Precepts

Metta & Vipassana Meditation

Walking Meditation

Dhamma talk & discussion with Bhante, Ven Chuan Guan and Professor W Chandima

FREE! But registration required. Please call Buddhist Library counter staff at 6746 8435 to register. Library opening hours:

Tues to Sat: 12:00 noon – 9:00pm Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm Closed on Mondays. Open on Public Holidays

. . . → Read More: One Day Meditation Retreat – Metta & Vipassana Bhavana

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Parenthood is not a popularity contest

By Wakeupnow, on 2nd August, 2010

Kids these days are really "lucky". I see a lot of parents buzzing around their precious little ones, so too eager to please them, some even apologise to their child when their child fall and hurt themselves through their own misbehaviour. I'm not suggesting that parents should not want to bring happiness to their children. But if that is the only concern, then they are in trouble. Both the parents and the child that is.

There are two aspects I want to consider: 1) the consequence of being so preoccupied with pleasing the children and 2) the rationale behind it.  I'll start with the rationale part.

Wanting them to be Happy

I think it is a good thing that most parents want happiness for their children.  Adult life in modern Singapore (or most places) is stressful enough, we don't need parents to make our childhood worse off.  Anthropologist would perhaps say that this is the nurturing and social quality of humans that forms the basis for growth and development of the human species and communities.  Evolutionist would say that such qualities proved to be suitable for the survival of the human species.  I'm just glad it . . . → Read More: Parenthood is not a popularity contest

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