Attending Kathina @ SBM.Sunday.10am

Bodhi Kids 5th teachers' meetup @ BL.Sunday.1pm

Meditation class @ Metta Welfare Association.Sunday.730pm~930pm

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148284465214866

Join us in this one day simple small group meditation, where we will practice mindfulness, breathing and walking meditation. Only for those who have interest, effort and time. 

Registration Fee: $50 per student (include lunch) Registration and payment to be made at PMT Admin Office during opening hours. 

Maximum 20+ students. Registration is on a first come first serve basis before closing date on Saturday, 6 Nov or when session is full. Please log on to www.pmt.org.sg or call 6466 0785 for details. 

What is the Heart Sutra?

The Heart Sutra is one of the most common sutra recited in temples and monasteries worldwide.  While being the shortest, at 260 Chinese characters, it expounds deep and profound teachings of Emptiness as taught by the Buddha.

色不异空、空不异色。

色即是空、空即是色。

What is Emptiness and how can we apply it in our life today? How do we recite this sutra and how can we change ourselves so that we can become happier? Come join us for the Heart Sutra workshop and learn more!

Workshop Programme (conducted in English)

Information & Registration

Email: budd...@singnet.com.sg Tel: (65) 6746-8435

Date & Time

September 2010 to October 2010 (6 sessions) Thursdays, 7:30pm to 9:30pm 9, 16, 23, 30 September 7, 14 October

Venue

The Buddhist Library 2, Lorong 24A, Geylang Singapore 398526

Attendance By registration ONLY.

Closing Date 31st August 2010.

Updated Registration is now open and a fee of $20 / $30 (members / non-members) will be charged. All . . . → Read More: z201009 Sep ~ Oct Heart Sutra Workshop @ the Buddhist Library]]>

What is the Heart Sutra?

The Heart Sutra is one of the most common sutra recited in temples and monasteries worldwide.  While being the shortest, at 260 Chinese characters, it expounds deep and profound teachings of Emptiness as taught by the Buddha.

色不异空、空不异色。

色即是空、空即是色。

What is Emptiness and how can we apply it in our life today?
How do we recite this sutra and how can we change ourselves so that we can become happier?
Come join us for the Heart Sutra workshop and learn more!

Updated Registration is now open and a fee of $20 / $30 (members / non-members) will be charged. All proceeds will go to the working fund of the Buddhist Library. 

Conducting Venerable

Venerable Chuan Guan was ordained in 2002 under Master MiuKing (Master MiaoJing) and received his higher ordination in 2003. From 2002, he stayed in Fa Yun Monastery (New Mexico, United States) learning the sutras and practised meditation under the Mahayana Buddhist tradition while studying the Theravadin Pali Canon.  Returning to Singapore in 2006, he continued his learning and practices, residing in Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery till 2009.

Presently, he is residing in the Buddhist Library, while giving Dharma and meditation classes at the library and various Buddhist organisations.  He received his degree in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and worked in the IT industry prior to monkhood.

Weekly Group Practice Venue: Buddhist Library, 2-4 Geylang Lor 24A Date: Every Wednesday Time: 7:30pm ~ 9:30pm

Programme:

My point to my sisters (mothers of my experiments) is that kids these days are too conditioned towards instant gratification.  My count down approach is what I think would train them to learn to wait.  Interestingly, my niece J would wait patiently, even when I sometimes delay the count down with 2.5, 2.75 etc … she (four years old now) would giggle and know that I am playing with her.  My nephew R started off being rather haughty, refusing to open his mouth when I start the countdown.  Granted, he is 1+ years younger than J, so perhaps he is slowly developing patience.  Furthermore, the mental development of boys and girls are known to start at different ages.

Today, I read an interesting article about just that.

Don’t! – The secret of self-control. . . . → Read More: One, … Two, … Three …. Yum! or learning to wait]]> For a while now, whenever I am invited for a meal at my parents’ place, I would play a little game with my niece and nephews.  I would give them a cookie or bread or something, but before I give them, I would hover infront of their mouth and count to them “One, … Two, … Three … ” before they get their treat.

My point to my sisters (mothers of my experiments) is that kids these days are too conditioned towards instant gratification.  My count down approach is what I think would train them to learn to wait.  Interestingly, my niece J would wait patiently, even when I sometimes delay the count down with 2.5, 2.75 etc … she (four years old now) would giggle and know that I am playing with her.  My nephew R started off being rather haughty, refusing to open his mouth when I start the countdown.  Granted, he is 1+ years younger than J, so perhaps he is slowly developing patience.  Furthermore, the mental development of boys and girls are known to start at different ages.

Today, I read an interesting article about just that.

Don’t! – The secret of self-control. by Jonah Lehrer

In the article, there is mention of a marshmallow experiment conducted to study how kids delay gratification.  An interesting concept highlighted is “metacognition” in which one is knows one’s knowing or thinking.  The ability to be aware of one’s thinking or way of thinking, its implications and to think of ways to deal with it.

“Their desire (for marshmallow) wasn’t defeated—it was merely forgotten. “If you’re thinking about the marshmallow and how delicious it is, then you’re going to eat it,” Mischel says. “The key is to avoid thinking about it in the first place.”

Mental Redirection

The above example is what in Buddhism is commonly known as “轉依所緣境”, or “to change one’s mental focus”.  In meditation, we do that all the time.  When the mind wanders away, or it becomes distracted, we direct it away from the distraction and back to the object of meditation.  In the Mahasi tradition, one do not redirect, but instead channels one’s mindfulness onto the process of distraction, and not the distraction itself.  So, instead of thinking of something, we become mindful of the thinking; instead of pondering about a sound or cough, as to who is the one coughing, why is he coughing, we direct mindfulness to hearing itself.  So this is in a way, still a change in focus, from the subject to the process, from the content to the mechanism.

In 念佛法門, Buddha-nama recitation school, when one’s mind wanders away, we basically redirect the mind back to the Buddha-nama recitation.  Again, it is a redirection.  In the Contemplation of Fouliness, the mind is directed away from sensual visible datum towards the foul aspects of the body, as a direct counter for sense desire.  This is not just redirection, but redirection towards the opposite of the original object.  Such redirection makes use of another characteristic of the mind: that the mind cannot be in opposite states simultaneously.  If the mind is filled with love, it cannot hate; if filled with foul contemplation, lust cannot arise; filled with generosity, one cannot stinge; filled with wholesome, unwholesome thoughts naturally cease.  Hence, the various Buddhist practice of metta-bhavana, foul contemplation, practice of dana and wholesome aspirations.

Mental Transformation & Direct Seeing

Another technique mentioned in the article that resounds with standard practices in Buddhism is to modify the perception or conditioning the kids have of the marshmallow or candy.

But Mischel has found a shortcut. When he and his colleagues taught children a simple set of mental tricks—such as pretending that the candy is only a picture, surrounded by an imaginary frame—he dramatically improved their self-control. The kids who hadn’t been able to wait sixty seconds could now wait fifteen minutes. “All I’ve done is given them some tips from their mental user manual,” Mischel says. “Once you realize that will power is just a matter of learning how to control your attention and thoughts, you can really begin to increase it.”

In the Diamond Sutra, chapter 32, the Buddha said “一切有為法，如夢幻泡影，如露亦如電，應作如是觀” “All conditioned phenomena, is like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, an image (or shadow); like a dew and like a flash of lightning, thus should one reflect and observe”.  The Buddhist technique is broader in ways of application and differs at the later stage.  At the earlier stage, one may not have seen how that is possible, but may adopt the teachings as a new way (Mental Transformation) to look at things, thereby reducing attachment, whereas at the later more developed stage, one truly see (Direct Seeing) that all conditioned phenomena is indeed like a dream, an illusion etc, at which point attachment and craving naturally falls away.

Awareness of Mental Drift

The above list out various techniques that one can develop and use should one’s mind stray away.  Prior to that, it is also important to develop mindfulness so that when the mind should stray or drift, we can know that it has, and not simply be swept along for the ride.

The names may differ, but the act of labelling or mental noting found in the Mahasi tradition, anapanasati (meditation) tradition, Zen meditation tradition or 念佛 Buddha-namanusati method all trains the mind to be aware of the present state.  The object of focus and precise technique may differ, but they all lead to mindfulness of the present state of the mind.  Through these techniques, when the mind wanders away, one is then able to more effectively ‘detect’ the wandering and then apply the appropriate mental counter-measures.  Initially, one’s mind simply get sweep away by the torrents of mental proliferation, but slowly, the mental noting or awareness of this wandering becomes stronger and one’s attention and awareness builds up.  It takes time and practice, but it does get better as one proceed.

Application to daily affairs

We often think about our family at work and about work when we are with our family.  We know that it is not helpful in both cases, but we cannot help it.  Well, we can.  Using the two techniques mentioned above, 1. Awareness of Mental Drift 2. Mental Redirection, we should train ourselves to be mindful of whatever we are doing at the present moment, the conversation we are having, the person we are talking to etc.  When there is Mental Drift, we should be aware of it.  We may note it quickly and redirect our mind towards our present activity.  Do this often enough, and it becomes a mental habit to refocus, to redirect.  Over time, we can become more attentive and “in the moment”, instead of “worrying about the future, or clinging onto the past.”

With this mindfulness, one can in time, observe and see directly, the common characteristics, anicca (Impermanence), dukkha (Suffering), anatta (No-self).

Learning to Wait

Instead of succumbing to our thoughts and emotions, we can live a more wholesome and meaningful life through the practice of Buddhism.  We can slowly learn to master and manage our emotions instead of letting it run and ruin our life.

“We should say, ‘You see this marshmallow? You don’t have to eat it. You can wait. Here’s how.’ ”

Next time we desire something like the kid for the marshmallow, maybe we should say that to ourselves:

“You see this INSERT_YOUR_CRAVING? You don’t have to have it immediately.  You can wait.  Here’s how.”

Tried it before?  Tell us how it work or not work for you.

References:

Hope the new year is treating you well.  I just came back from a three month retreat and thought I’ll share something here.  (Strictly speaking, because of immigration requirements and some talk engagements I committed to, it was not a full three months! )

Below is an email excerpt I sent to fellow buddhist on meditation.  Thought I’ll share it here as it may be useful for some of us trying out meditation. 1.  Feeling frustrated the day after meditation Hmmm …. that’s an interesting one.  Before I jump to any conclusion, maybe some clarifications:

+ How long do you meditate per session? + How many times per day? + Do you do walking meditation with the sitting? + How many times do you meditate per week?

While it is true that improper postures can cause some discomfort, it usually occur under some specific conditions.  Shed some light as above and we go from there. 2.  Becoming more sensitive to our surroundings and people Becoming more aware and sensitive is always better.  So good start there! What we do with this new awareness and sensitivity is a different . . . → Read More: Applying meditation skills to daily encounters]]> Hi all,

Hope the new year is treating you well.  I just came back from a three month retreat and thought I’ll share something here.  (Strictly speaking, because of immigration requirements and some talk engagements I committed to, it was not a full three months! )

Below is an email excerpt I sent to fellow buddhist on meditation.  Thought I’ll share it here as it may be useful for some of us trying out meditation.
1.  Feeling frustrated the day after meditation
Hmmm …. that’s an interesting one.  Before I jump to any conclusion, maybe some clarifications:

+ How long do you meditate per session?
+ How many times per day?
+ Do you do walking meditation with the sitting?
+ How many times do you meditate per week?

While it is true that improper postures can cause some discomfort, it usually occur under some specific conditions.  Shed some light as above and we go from there.

2.  Becoming more sensitive to our surroundings and people
Becoming more aware and sensitive is always better.  So good start there! What we do with this new awareness and sensitivity is a different thing altogether.

While it would be good if after learning the Dharma and meditating, we are able to simply face all situations head-on and come out ok.  Unfortunately reality differs, as you have noticed.   Fortunately, the Buddha is kind and realistic enough to suggest that we take it gradually.

The Buddha is Realistic!

Not specific to your situation, but in the AnguttaraNikaya 5.161 Grudge, the Buddha do not advise the monks to go head on and reflect on emptiness or anatta.  Instead he suggested five ways to deal with it.  “If a grudge arises towards any person, then one should cultivate loving-kindness, or compassion or equanimity to wards him. Or one should pay no attention to him and give no thought to him. Or one may apply the thought: his only property is his actions; whatever he does, good or bad, he will be heir to that. In these ways, all grudges that have arisen can be removed. ” Search for “grudge” in http://www.triplegem.plus.com/tipintr3.htm

I feel that the Buddha’s very realistic approach may also apply in your case where you feel “something” towards people who seem to be doing things wrong.

1.  External
+  Avoid if possible.
2.  Internal
+  Do not give attention to what had been done
+  On that which we have seen, heard or suspected, hold your judgement *or* direct your mind to the positive qualities of these people
+  If you find that you cannot find anything positive about them, reflect on how others are not disturbed by the so called perceived negative or wrong actions.
+  Direct your mind towards the Triple Gem
+  Direct your mind inwards towards your own practice

To be honest, I went through a stretch where I had much -ve towards ppl around in much the same way as you did.  I came to a point where I reflected and concluded that a) how wrong they really are may be subjective and b) even if they are truly wrong, getting upset with them does not help them … *nor* me!  and c) “getting upset” is itself a defilement, never mind whether they are really right or wrong.  Hence I should resolve my own defilement of being upset before I go poking into ppl’s backyard.

!Applying our meditative practices to use!

When we meditate (止 samatha), we are really doing two things:
1.  Bring the mind away from its favorite past-times (aka distractions) and
2.  Anchoring it on the meditation object.

Easy said than done.

But we’ve done it before as well.  Although the mind may still wander off, we have succeeded in doing it before, both bringing it away from distractions to our meditation object.  We learn to maneuver the mind.

We also succeed in anchoring the mind, albeit maybe just for a few moments or seconds for some, in the meditation object.  This is commonly the breath, and we did do just that.

When frustration or -ve thoughts arise, it is like the mind wandering away from our meditation object.  We should extend our meditation skills to everyday life and catch ourselves when that happens.  After catching it, we should steer our mind away from those mental objects (thoughts or memories!) towards good or +ve (happy?) thoughts or objects.  Then we should anchor it there.

Try it and see what happens.  After some exercise, one should be able to do it easily.  That should allow the -ve thoughts to die down by itself.  This is the samatha method and it does only one thing.  Mitigation.  It does not solve the problem, but it gives us a breather *and* it breaks the momentum of the angry mind.  It weakens habitual anger if it is present and prevents its formation if not.

Our task is not complete yet

Meanwhile, our task is not complete yet.  Having this calmness is sometimes mistaken as the end goal for Buddhists.  That is plain incorrect.  This is like a pit-stop or a transit.  A shelter to wait out the storm.  While you slowly weaken the defilements, one should strengthen calmness and develop observation and insight into nama-rupa (mind-body).  Seeing truly how nama-rupa is, ie impermanent, subject to change, subject to suffering, is empty and non-self, one then cuts off the root of the problem, craving and attachment stemming from the distorted views of the world.

This requires 观 or insight meditation.  Bear in mind, this is not one particular meditation technique found only in one school or tradition.  As far as I am concerned, the different schools in the different traditions have different techniques for both samatha and vipassana that should lead to concentration and wisdom.  Use the one that works for you.

Footnote:

I didn’t go into specifics of insight meditation for the timebeing as I wanted the person to clear her present difficulties before moving onto the later exercises.

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http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=376894098

Let’s extend our prayers and meditation to them.

Here I am back in the monastery, after a meditation class/session with NUSBS in FuHai Monastery, reflecting about the day, thinking about how my parents accompanied me to run an errand to Funan at a short notice. Color me silly, but I found myself teary just reflecting over it.

I just sent them an sms and thought I would share with you all here:

Thanks Mom and Dad! For accompanying me to Funan today at such a short notice. For giving me your time, incessant care and love since my birth! For giving me this precious human life! For bringing me into Buddhism and giving me away to the Buddha! Thank you! THANK YOU! Thank you!

Before this day ends and we rest for the day, do take the time to reflect over the day. Ponder on the kindness, love and care that our parents had . . . → Read More: To my Mom and Dad! … :)]]> Today is not Mother’s day, nor is it Father’s day. It is also not my parent’s birthday. Least of all, it’s also not my birthday. Today, they accompanied me to run an errand to Funan. (Yes, sometimes monks also need stuffs … *grin*)

Here I am back in the monastery, after a meditation class/session with NUSBS in FuHai Monastery, reflecting about the day, thinking about how my parents accompanied me to run an errand to Funan at a short notice. Color me silly, but I found myself teary just reflecting over it.

I just sent them an sms and thought I would share with you all here:

Thanks Mom and Dad! For accompanying me to Funan today at such a short notice. For giving me your time, incessant care and love since my birth! For giving me this precious human life! For bringing me into Buddhism and giving me away to the Buddha! Thank you! THANK YOU! Thank you!

Before this day ends and we rest for the day, do take the time to reflect over the day. Ponder on the kindness, love and care that our parents had showered us. Give thanks. Ponder on the kindness that our friends had given us. Give thanks. Ponder on the assistance that sentient beings have in one way or another assisted us through our day, our life. Give thanks.

Whether you are a Buddhist, a Christian, Hindu, Muslim or Taoist (or believe in any other wonderful faith that I’ve missed out), take the time to give thanks. It does not have to be a special day to give thanks. And yet, on the other hand, everyday is special enough to give thanks!

Give thanks to our parents and fellow sentient beings by

1. Saying thank you to them
2. Being considerate to them
3. Helping them when they need help
4. Giving way to them
5. Refrain from harming them (like hunting, killing animals, insects etc)
6. Respecting their right to their belongings
7. Respecting their relationships
8. Being truthful to them
9. Maintaining clarity of mind by avoiding intoxicants such as drugs & alcohols
10. And if you are really up to it, be mindful of your body, speech and mind. That way you can truly be helpful to them and not harm them!

Have a nice day … unless you have other plans!

9th July – Arrived in Yangon, Myanmar. Travelled to Chanmyay Yeiktha Hmawbhi and registered for meditation retreat.

12th July - Started Formal Meditation Retreat.

30th July – Started Rains Retreat.

August - Happily Meditating and observing the rains.

September - Still Happily Meditating and observing the rains. Sometimes it rains for three whole days … geez.

27th September - 10am: Received call from my family and told that there was protest in Yangon and it’s unsafe to stay in Myanmar. Sayadaw in centre assures that it is not serious and is safe.

28th September - 12pm: Received 2nd call and told that there were casualties and should evacuate. Called the Singapore Embassy in Yangon and was advised by Mr. Sim Siong Chye, the Embassy’s 1st Secretary, to evacuate the same day to the embassy if possible - 2pm: Took leave from the Chanmyay Sayadaw and left via the centre’s transport. - Late afternoon 5pm: Arrived at the Singapore Embassy and was received by Mr. Sim. - 9+pm: Internet access had been severed. Contacted sister in Singapore to reschedule the return flight to 30th September 10:35am flight.

29th . . . → Read More: Escape from Myanmar]]> A brief on the chain of events leading to my ‘escape’ from Myanmar.

9th July – Arrived in Yangon, Myanmar. Travelled to Chanmyay Yeiktha Hmawbhi and registered for meditation retreat.

12th July - Started Formal Meditation Retreat.

30th July – Started Rains Retreat.

August - Happily Meditating and observing the rains.

September - Still Happily Meditating and observing the rains. Sometimes it rains for three whole days … geez.

27th September - 10am: Received call from my family and told that there was protest in Yangon and it’s unsafe to stay in Myanmar. Sayadaw in centre assures that it is not serious and is safe.

28th September - 12pm: Received 2nd call and told that there were casualties and should evacuate. Called the Singapore Embassy in Yangon and was advised by Mr. Sim Siong Chye, the Embassy’s 1st Secretary, to evacuate the same day to the embassy if possible
- 2pm: Took leave from the Chanmyay Sayadaw and left via the centre’s transport.
- Late afternoon 5pm: Arrived at the Singapore Embassy and was received by Mr. Sim.
- 9+pm: Internet access had been severed. Contacted sister in Singapore to reschedule the return flight to 30th September 10:35am flight.

29th September - 8:40am: Left for the airport under escort by Mr. Sim in an Embassy vehicle.
- 9:30am: Arrived at the airport and began check-in procedures at the JetStar counter. Waited for awhile as their internet access is also down and they could not confirm our new schedule. They only had a piece of name list at the counter. Finally at 10:10am, the counter staffs somehow confirmed our seats.
- 10:40+am: Jetstar flight took off for Singapore.
- 3:00pm (SIN): Arrived safely in Singapore.

1st October - Back in KMSPKS.

FOOTNOTE:

In all, I didn’t really witness any action or violence, though there was visible tension when we neared Yangon. The usual busy streets were reduced to a trickle of cars while the tea houses that commonly line the background were mostly closed.

Except for some stares, the time at the airport was mostly normal, though somewhat confusing as there weren’t visible attempts by the Jetstar staffs to help verify our e-tickets. With the internet access severed, we understand that it would be back to manual confirmation, but given the tense situation, a bit more of an effort would have been appreciated.
Special Thanks to Mr. Sim and Mr. Kenneth Kwah for their assistance in arranging for our admission and lodging at their apartments in the Embassy, and arranging for the flight back to Singapore. Thank you!

Last but not least, kudos to the two Sayadaws who escorted us to the Embassy, at possible risk to themselves. I am still puzzled why they didn’t seem to be concerned at all that they would be mistaken for protesters and duly dealt with. Oh well. I am always indebted to them anyway. Thank you!

Details after the jump … Talk: “The significance of Vesak Day” Date: 25 May 2007, Friday Time: 8.00am Venue: Maris Stella High School Participation: This is a private session with the school only. Organiser: Maris Stella High

Event: Harmony In Action (Vesak Celebration) Date: 25 ~ 26 May 2007 Time: Whole day Venue: Ngee Ann City

Participation: Public.http://www.vesakcelebrations.sg/ Organiser: Singapore Buddhist Federation

Event: NTU Buddhist Society Alumni Vesak Celebration Date: 27 May 2007 Time: 9:30am ~ 12:00pm (duration is about 2.5 hrs) Venue: Little Bodhi Student Care Centre Blk 159, Woodlands St. 13 #01-665 (Behind Marsiling MRT)

A short talk on Vesak will be given.

Participation: NTU Alumnus & friends. General public are also welcome. Organiser: NTU Buddhist Society

Talk: Little India Vesak Celebrations Date: 29 . . . → Read More: News: Upcoming talks and events]]> In-Brief

1. The significance of Vesak Day @ 25 May 2007 (Private talk, Maris Stella High School)
2. Million Lotus Celebrations @25 ~ 26 May 2007 (Public, Ngee Ann City)
3. NTU Buddhist Society Alumni Vesak Celebration @ 27 May 2007 (Alumnus & friends, Venue TBC)
4. Dharma talk for Little India Vesak Celebration @ 29 May 2007 (Public, See below for venue)
5. Meditation Practice @ 31 May 2007 (Public, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery)

Details after the jump …
Talk: “The significance of Vesak Day”
Date: 25 May 2007, Friday
Time: 8.00am
Venue: Maris Stella High School

Participation: This is a private session with the school only.
Organiser: Maris Stella High

Event: Harmony In Action (Vesak Celebration)
Date: 25 ~ 26 May 2007
Time: Whole day
Venue: Ngee Ann City

Participation: Public.http://www.vesakcelebrations.sg/
Organiser: Singapore Buddhist Federation

Event: NTU Buddhist Society Alumni Vesak Celebration
Date: 27 May 2007
Time: 9:30am ~ 12:00pm (duration is about 2.5 hrs)
Venue: Little Bodhi Student Care Centre
Blk 159, Woodlands St. 13
#01-665
(Behind Marsiling MRT)

A short talk on Vesak will be given.

Participation: NTU Alumnus & friends. General public are also welcome.
Organiser: NTU Buddhist Society

Talk: Little India Vesak Celebrations
Date: 29 May 2007
Time: 8.00pm (duration about 1 to 1.5 hrs)
Venue: Event premise is bounded by Serangoon Road, Burmah Road and Birch Road

Participation: Public.
Organiser: Little India Vesak Celebrations

Dharma Practice: Meditation
Date: 31 May 2007, Thursday (Vesak day)
Time: Session 1 – 10.00am ~ 10.45am
Session 2 – 03.00pm ~ 03.45pm
Venue: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, Dharma Hall.

Participation: Public.
Organiser: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery