bf newsletter may-july 2009

Newsletter of the Buddhist Fellowship • May 2009 - Jul 2009

MICA (P) 065/06/2008

HIGHLIGHTS13 May 7.45 pm Dhamma & Love: Family love,Romantic Love & Marriage by Ven Shi Chun Hui

16 May 5.00 pm Are You a ‘Drama Ma Ma?by Sister Tan Suet Lee

17 May 11 am Managing Emotionsby Sister Angie Monksfield

20 May 7.45 pm Dhamma & Terminalillness/suicide by Ven Shi Chun Hui

23-24 May Vesak Concert at Jubilee Theatre,Raffles Hotel

24 May 11am What If I Don’t Get Enlightened?by Dr Wong Yin Onn

27 May 7.45 pm Buddhism & Happinessby Ven Shi Chun Hui

29-31 May Youth Camp

31 May 11 am Habits of Circle of Existenceby Ven Rathanarasa

3 Jun 7.45 pm Ultimate reality is within you(Tilakkhana - Three universal characteristics)by Ven Rathanasara

5 Jun 7.45 pm Working on the Five Hindrancesin Meditation by Ajahn Tiradhammo

6 Jun 2.30 pm The 7 Factors of Awakening

6 Jun 5 pm Youth Service: The Principle ofKamma in Buddhism by Ajahn Tiradhammo

7 Jun 11 am The Principle of Kamma inBuddhism by Ajahn Tiradhammo

13 Jun 5 pm Discussion on the Metta Suttaby Bro Tai Wee

14 Jun 11 am The Reality of Wisdomby Ven Palzang

17 Jun 7.45 pm Are you a Prisoner of aReligion? by Ven Rathanasara

20 Jun 5 pm Falling in Love by Dr Wong Yin Onn

21 Jun 11 am Think Without a Thinkerby Dr Wong Yin Onn

27 Jun 2.30 pm Visit to Bright Vision Hospital

28 Jun 11 am What happen to living beings Ifthe World Perishes by Ven Rathanasara

Spiritual Patron:Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso

Patrons:Dr. Ang Beng ChooDr. Tan Choon Kim

Advisor Patron:Low Teck Suan

EXCO Members:P r e s i d e n t A n g i e M o n k s f i e l d • V P - A d m i n i s t r a t i o n W o n g T a i W e eV P - M e m b e r s A f f a i r s B i t a S e o w • V P - P u b l i c A f f a i r s Y a p K h e n g G u a nV P - R e s o u r c e D e v e l o p m e n t J e r r y O n g • H o n S e c r e t a r y P o h M u i H o o nHon. Treasurer Luar L ing L ing • Commit tee Members Henry Baey ,Jayson Goh Chor Hong, Lim Ai Ling, Lim Soon Huat, Poh Joo Tung, Mathew Rickard, Tikki Gee& Dr. Henry Yeo Peng Hock

Centre Manager : Ms Ho Eng Chin • Centre Administrator : Wai LingManager Humanitarian Projects: Wang Pei Chong

Address: 9 Chwee Chian Road Singapore 117488 • Tel: 6278 0900 • Email: [email protected] • www.buddhistfellowship.orgOffice Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am - 8pm, Sat-Sun: 10am - 5pm • Closed on Public Holidays FREE shuttle bus from Vivo City, check website for details.

Designed by: Creative Services www.creativeservices.com.sg

Happy Vesak to our members and friends

CONNECTION MAY - JUL 20091

NEWS

AS A Buddhist group of 3,000 members, we are concernedwhen we hear of monks and nuns who have chosen the pathof a renunciant only to accept a salary or payment for servicesrendered. Receiving a salary or payment is not in keepingwith the spiritual pursuits of a renunciant, a path theseindividuals have chosen to take of their own free will.

The Buddhist code of discipline states that monks andnuns cannot accept money for themselves, or instructsomeone else to keep it for them to spend as they like orto invest in businesses, financial instruments or properties.They are also not allowed to buy and sell things forthemselves using money.

The intent of the rules was to set renunciants apart fromthe majority of people, and thus, become a constant reminderto all that a life based on materialism is not the only wayto live.

If an organisation wishes to appreciate a monk’s or nun’scontribution, the honorarium or donation should be made tothe monastery or supporting organisation.

As some argue that times have changed and that monasticsmust adapt, we should pose the question: Is it not better tobe an exemplary Buddhist by observing the five precepts ofnot harming, lying, stealing, consuming intoxicants andcommitting adultery than to be a less than exemplary monasticwho is unable to adhere to the monastic code?

It is timely for Buddhists to take stock of how we need tosupport our monks and nuns to help them stay on the spiritualpath while they serve the community. It is also important thatmonastics must not be above being questioned or challengedwhenever they deviate from the code of discipline they havechosen to live by.

Over time, monastic groups have relaxed many Buddhistrules and like all things, left unchecked, the relaxation mayhave gone a step too far, to the point where there is littledifference between some monastics and lay-Buddhists.

Angie Monksfield (Ms)President, Buddhist Fellowship Singapore

April 7, 2009

ST.com News: Paying monks contradicts Buddhist code

VINAYA

Monks and Money Ajahn Brahmavamso(reprinted from BSWA Newsletter, January-March 1996)

This is the second article in the series about the Vinaya, thebody of monastic rules and traditions binding on every Buddhistmonk and nun. In this article I will be concerned with thecontroversial issue of a monk’s or nun’s dealings with money.

The issue has been controversial for over 2,000 years. Around200 years after the Buddha’s final passing away, there arose agreat quarrel in which “both endless disputations arose and ofnot one speech was the meaning clear” [1]. This dispute arosebecause a large community of monks were accepting money indefiance of the Vinaya. The proceedings of the dispute becameknown as the Second Council and it sowed the seed of the firstgreat schism in the Buddhist world, which happened soon after.

Then, as now, there is no excuse for uncertainty on this point,for the Buddha’s own words make it plain...

On Monks and MoneyBuddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis) are notallowed to accept money for themselves. Nor are they allowedto tell a trustworthy layperson to receive it on their behalf andkeep it for them (e.g. keeping a personal bank account). Suchpractices are explicitly prohibited in the 18th rule of the sectionof Vinaya called Nissaggiya Pacittiya.

Nor may monks or nuns buy and sell things for themselvesusing money. This is prohibited by the 19th rule in theNissaggiya Pacittiya.

Some people argue that these two rules refer only to gold andsilver but such a view is indefensible. The Vinaya specificallystates that these rules cover “whatever is used in business” [2],i.e. any medium of exchange.

Other people try to get around this rule by saying that it is onlya minor rule, inapplicable to monastic life today. Indeed, theBuddha once did say that the Sangha may abolish the “lesserand minor” rules.

But is this rule a minor one?...‘Monks, there are these four stains because of which the sunand moon glow not, shine not, blaze not. What are these four?Rain clouds... snow clouds... smoke and dust... and an eclipse.Even so, monks, there are these four stains because of whichmonks and priests glow not, shine not, blaze not. What arethese four? Drinking alcohol... indulging in sexual intercourse...accepting gold or money... obtaining one’s requisites througha wrong mode of livelihood. These are the four stains, monks,because of which monks and priests glow not, shine not, blazenot.’ [3]

Obviously, the Buddha thought that the rule prohibiting theacceptance of gold or money was, indeed, a very important rule.

The non-acceptance of money has always been one of thefundamental observances of those who have left the world.Money is the measure of wealth and to most people materialwealth is the goal of life. In the renunciation of money by monksand nuns, they emphatically demonstrate their complete rejectionof worldly pursuits. At one stroke they set themselves significantlyapart from the vast majority of people and thus become aconstant reminder to all that a life based on the struggle toaccumulate money is not the only way to live. Through givingup money they give up much of their power to manipulate theworld and to satisfy their desires. Thus, as the Buddha oncesaid when asked whether money was permissible to the monksand nuns:‘Whoever agrees to gold or money, headman, also agrees tothe five strands of sensual pleasure, and whoever agrees tothe five strands of sensual pleasure, headman, you may takeit for certain that this is not the way of a recluse, that this is notthe way of a Buddhist monk.’[4]

References[1] Book of the Discipline, volume 5, page 424.[2] Book of the Discipline, volume 2, page 102.[3] Anguttara Nikaya, volume 2, page 53. (my translation)[4] Samyutta Nikaya, volume 4, page 326. (my translation)


NEWS

BF Humanitarian Projectsby Wang Pei Chong

Local ProjectsWould you like to enrich your life by befriendingthe aged who need a friend?

Buddhist Fellowship is launching two local communityprograms and would like to invite volunteers to join theseprograms. be part of them to touch someone’s life. All youneed to do is to offer your listening ears, bring along a BIGHeart and lots of smiles!

1) Bedridden patients at Bright Vision HospitalAddress: 5 Lorong Napiri Singapore 547530Every Saturday2.30pm-4.30pm (Befriending, Games/Activities)

Kindly commit 3 months to provide continuity to the patientswhose lives you would be touching. - There will be a special shuttle bus service at 1.45pm fromJurong East MRT Station to Bright Vision Hospital

2) Senior citizens at Geylang East Home for the AgedAddress: Blk 97 Aljunied Crescent #01-439 Singapore 380097Every 4th Saturday of the month3pm-5pm (Befriending, Games/Activities & Meditation)5pm-6.30pm (Pot-luck dinner for 40 people)

- We would be sponsoring a pot-luck dinner everymonth and do call us to let us know the dishes ifyou would like to contribute. If you can’t visit butwould like to co-sponsor the dinner, you may sendin a donation to “Buddhist Fellowship” (pleaseindicate behind the name, mobile number andindicate that it is for the GEHA dinner).

3) AIDS PatientsPatient Care CentreAddress: 7 Jalan Tan Tock Seng Singapore 308440Weekly, choice of Wed or Fri7.30pm-9.30pm (Befriending, Counselling, Group outingsfor patients and their families)

Other Overseas Projects - Nargis (Myanmar)

The rebuilding efforts in the adopted village of Chaung Gyi(Dedaye Township) are currently in progress. An advancetrip would be made in May 09 so as to evaluate on thefeasibility of other projects.

Mission Step 4 is scheduled for early Jul 09. Trip Budget:$600. More details would be made available soon via email.

To register your interest to volunteer or have questions,please contact Pei [email protected].

Thank you in advance for volunteering to make adifference to in someone else’s life!

BF volunteers providingbefriending services to a patient

The patients and the BFvolunteers enjoyed themselvestremendously during enjoying agame of Bingo

Variousactivities at theGeylang EastHome for theAged

BF Volunteer Bro Tan Sek Kuaninspecting the corroding steelstructure of the monastery building

10 ploughing machines weredonated to Chuang Gyi village inFeb 09


NEWS

Humanitarian trip to BiharBy Wang Pei Chong

A Buddhist Fellowship team (Bro Pei Chong, Sis Tushitaand Sis Toni) was in Bodhgaya, Bihar from 16 to 20 Mar2009. The province of Bihar was badly hit by floods lastyear that claimed lives of many people. BF membersresponded very well to the call last year to help the BiharFlood victims. During this trip we visited the Root Institutefor Wisdom Culture, our partner in Bihar for the distributionof humanitarian aid donated by BF members

Root InstituteEstablished in 1987, the Root Institute (affiliated with theFoundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition)is an established Buddhist Meditation Center based inBodhgaya. It runs a free health program (the ShakyamuniBuddha Community Health Program) since 1991 consistingof an in-house and a mobile clinic that target to serve villagersliving within a 10km radius of Bodhgaya. Buddhist Fellowshiphad previously (in 4Q 08) transported blankets (by courtesyof SIA) and other donation items to the Root Institute fordistribution to the Bihar Flood victims.

The team met up with Trisha (director of Root Institute) anddiscussed on the further distribution of blankets to the victimsof the Bihar Flood. As most of the villagers had gone backto their villages instead of living in shelters and in view ofthe approaching hot season (Apr to Jun), it was decided thatany further distribution of blankets be deferred. Other formsof humanitarian work such as providing medical andeducational needs were discussed.

We visited the clinic set up under the Shakyamuni BuddhaCommunity Health Program. Dr Sanjay, the cliniccoordinator, gave us a briefing on the clinic operations. Theclinic, occupying the ground floor of a two-storey building inRoot Institute, serves about 100 patients with 2 doctors onshift each day, 6 days a week. The illnesses attended toinclude those affecting women and children, and long termillnesses such as AIDS/HIV and TB.

According to Dr Sanjay, manyof the patients suffer fromdiabetes and anemia. The clinicruns a physiotherapy sectionwhich provides services topatients whose movement andfunctions are threatened byaging, injury or diseases.A small hospital with a women’s clinic, located on thesecond floor, has the capability of housing 10 patients thatrequire urgent medical care.

A series of health education programs, aimed at increasingthe level of awareness of good personal hygiene and disease

prevention, are conducteddaily during lunch time. Thesame ser ies o f hea l thprograms are also brought toschoo l s and t o w ide rpopulation around Bodhgayathrough a mobile clinic.

The mobile clinic, comprisingof a doctor and 3 medicalassistants , operates 5 daysa week. The team followed the mobile clinic on its trip toGhonghawa, a village about 6 kms away from Bodhgaya.When we arrived at the village, 70 patients were waiting

for the clinic to seek themedical help.

The se tup was f a i r l ystraightforward; the clinic isdivided into 3 sections, (1) awaiting area for the patients,(2) a medical consultation areaand (3) a pharmacy.

As the mobile clinic had resumed its operations after a week’sbreak (due to Holi, a major Hindu Spring Festival), the clinictreated 87 patients on that day (on the average it would treat70 patients per day). Almost all (but one patient) were follow-up cases.

Entrance to the Clinic – patientswaiting for medical attention

A clinical assistant takes theweight and blood pressure ofthe patients

Educational drawings to teachvillagers the importance ofpersonal hygiene

Clinical assistant providingmedication to the patients atthe pharmacy

The BF team posing with members of the MobileClinic. The Buddhist mobile clinic team has aMuslim doctor and Hindu assistants!

Sis Toni interacting with thepatients as they wait for theirturns to see the doctor

Dr. Khan, the doctor on duty for the day, giving a young girlbiscuits after the medical examination.


NEWS

Maitreya Project Universal Education SchoolThe team also visited the Maitreya School. Established in1991, the school in Bodhgaya helps 350 needy students(ranging from Kindergarten to Class 10) in providing free butquality education. There is also an evening school for studentswho are unable to attend school during the day and aVocational Training Center to train adults in various technicalskills. The school (a 3-storey building) consists of 16classrooms, a science laboratory and a library. It is alsoequipped with a kitchen and a canteen. From the visit, wefound that the school needs help in:

a) English Books for theLibraryThe current books in thelibrary (situated on the 3rdfloor) are old. The school islooking for English booksthat are interesting andsimple for children fromKindergarten to Class 4.Simple fiction or books withcolourful p ictures arewelcomed.

b) Sports EquipmentSports equipment such ascricket bats/balls, skippingr o p e s , b a d m i n t o nr a c k e t s / s h u t t l e c o c k ,footbal ls, table tennisbats/balls.

Recommendation & Next StepsAs a follow-up action to the mission, Buddhist Fellowshiphad provided funding to purchase 3 month’s medication forthe in-house and mobile clinics.

Buddhist Fellowship is also seeking donation for the followingitems:- A blood analyzer that is used to detect the levels of blood

sugar (for diabetes) and haemoglobin (for anemia)- Donation of simple English books (standard should be

between Kindergarten to Primary 6) for the school library- Sports equipment like skipping ropes, balls and cricket

bats for the school

Anyone wishing to donate these items could contact BFcentre (Pei Chong).

Air tickets, accommodation and food were borne by the teammembers themselves.

Bringing MCU’s DegreeProgramme to SingaporeBy Fanny Foo

The MCU - MAHACHULALONGKORNRAJAVIDYALAYA

UNIVERSITY in full - is Thailand’s top university for the

Thai Sangha. It was established in the 19th Century by

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of the Chakri Dynasty for

the higher education of Buddhist monks, novices and lay

people, emphasising in Buddhist studies.

The Brahm Education Centre (BEC) is honoured to be one

o f f i v e e d u c a t i o n a l

institutions to be affiliated

to MCU. The other four are

Dongguk Chonbob College

in Korea, Ching Chueh

Buddhist Sangha University

in Taiwan, Mahapanya

Vidyalai in the Songkhla Province (Thailand) and the

Buddhist Institute for Advanced Studies in Sri Lanka.

BEC is currently working with MCU on a Bachelor of Arts

Programme in Buddhism and Management to be conducted

in Singapore.

To finalise plans for the degree programme, I was in MCU

from the 16TH to the 18TH April 2009 to meet with Ven.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso of the

university. I had a fruitful discussion with the Ven professor

during my visit.

I also had the opportunity to tour the impressive campus

at Wang Noi, just outside Ayutthaya. The campus comprises

of classroom facilities for 10,000 students, a Tipitaka

Museum, IT facilities, hostels , an auditorium, and a temple

that seats 4,000. MCU will be one of the venues for the

UN Vesak Celebrations when it is held in Thailand from

the 4th to 6th May 09.

On the last day of my visit, a volunteer brought me to the

ancient temples of Wat Chai Mongkul and Wat Mahathat

in nearby Ayutthaya.

The vis i t to this

reputable centre of

h i ghe r Buddh i s t

studies has left a deep

impression in me.

Students (from Kindergarten to Class 4) enjoying free morning meals

Students showing off their artpieces while having their artlessons in the canteen

Front View of the school.Students playing cricket


Before your birth, did you read the fine print in your life’scontract? If you have been going around lamenting aboutbeing in a crisis because of the current economic downturn,then perhaps you have not.

In a the talk on “Making Sense of What is Happening to theWorld” held at the Buddhist Lodge on March 4, he proceededto relate the following story....

Ajahn Chah, a well known monk and teacher to Ajahn Brahm,had a Thai disciple. The novice monk got drafted into thearmy soon after. He returned home wounded after sometime. Puzzled as to why he was not invincible, he went tolook for Ajahn Chah. He asked the reverand “Why was Ihurt”. Ajahn Chah looked at him and replied cryptly “Becauseyou joined the army”.

This being the case, tsunamis, bushfires, loss of jobs andearthquakes are really part of the cycle of life. There is nopoint spending too much time asking ourselves why disastershappen. The difficulties in life often give us the opportunityto become stronger. If life has been smooth sailing, therereally is nothing much to transform or learn from.

As you walk to go home, you step onto a pile of dog shit.Don’t scrape it off, just yet. Consider wearing your shoeshome and then scrape it off under the mango tree. A yearlater, you notice juicy ripe mangoes on your tree. You pluckand start to eat them, relishing every bite. But really, what

do you think you are eating? A pile of dog shit!

It is dog shit transformed. In the same manner, difficultiesare “fertilizers” for gaining wisdom, peace and compassion.

Is The World Coming to An End?

Some religious teachers predict that the world is comingto an end, in the light of recent natural worldwide disastersor the current economic crisis for that matter. But herewas what Ajahn Brahm said: The World is Not Coming ToAn End!

History has shown us time and time again that we go throughcycles. Economic downturns signifies the beginnings of anew period. Recessions and tragedies may result in adeterioration of our bank balances but they do not rob us ofour light – kindness, peace and wisdom. Financial wealthis not equal to spiritual abundance. In fact, in times such asthese, we have every opportunity to gather as a community,in assistance for one another.

Opportunity To Do What We Love

Hard times are really opportunities for us to move into doingwhat we will enjoy doing.

Here was a real story shared during the talk....

AJAHN BRAHM’s VISIT

“Making Sense Of What IsHappening In The World”A Talk by Ajahn Brahm on the 4th March, organised by theBuddhist Fellowship.By Evelyn Lim


A businessman in Sydney picked up his telephone. It wasa call from his doctor.

The doctor said, “I have bad news for you. Your medicalresults are out. You have cancer of the blood. Your conditionis basically untreatable. I am so sorry but you are in thefinal stages.”

There was a pause.

The businessman asked in a cracking voice “How longmore, sir?”

The doctor replied, “Max 3 months.”

Upon hanging up, the businessman decided that he wantedto spend his remaining days with his loved ones. He hadbeen stressed out for so many years while building hiscompany. Upon learning that he had not much time left,the businessman sold his company at a price that hethought reasonable (not the highest though). He thenbought first class tickets so that his family could travel toEurope, an idea that he often talked about but never hadthe time for.

Then, while he was on holiday, his phone rang.

It was the doctor on the other line again.

The doctor cleared his throat and then said, “I am not surehow to tell you this. But there has been a mistake. Thereis one other person with the same name as you. He is theone with cancer and not you.”

The doctor waited for three seconds before there wasa reply.

The businessman said, “I am not sure how to thank you,sir. I am having the most amazing time here with my family.You are a great teacher! You have taught me animportant lesson!”

When the businessman returned from his vacation, he startedanother business with the remaining money. It was onewhich was far less stressful but one that gave him more timewith his family. He was a much happier person!!

A Blessing In Disguise

Another real life account that is probably better known is theSteve Jobs story. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was amillionaire by the age of 25. However, he got expelled fromthe very company that he built from scratch. After beingfired, he was said to be in depression for one week.

In the following week, however, Steve bounced back to life!He started another two companies; NeXT and Pixar. Heeventually sold NeXT to Apple and got himself restored tothe board and also sold Pixar to Disney. Steve becamewealthier than before!

Happiness Before Success

Studies have shown that it is happiness before successrather than success before happiness. (I just read in anonline newsletter that there are already more than 255 studiesshowing that money does not buy happiness. Happy peopletend to be more fulfilled, peaceful and relaxed. They areBeing Happy First rather than Having the Success. In oneparticular study, people who are happy generally earn$750,000+ more in their lifetime than others.) Hence, youhave to be happy first before you can become successful.When you do what you love, you are happy. A positiveattitude is an ingredient for success!

There have also been a number of tests by psychologistswho wanted to find out what level of income would generatethe most happiness. Apparently, it is not too much nor toolittle. Too little money is just as stressful as too much money.The best is still “the middle way”!

What Are You Remembered By

Last but not least, some perspective into what is true wealthcan help. In a funeral, when you are being remembered,others will speak of your kindness, love, and generosityin spirit.

Your eulogy is really “the bottom line of a human life”. Yourlife is not measured by the money you have made, but howyou have lived and the lives we have impacted. If anything,building social capital is the best use of your time.

Choose To Respond Wisely

The highlight of Ajahn Brahm’s talk can reallybe summarized in one line: “Rather light acandle than complain about darkness!”

In short, the secret to weathering difficult times(such as an economic crisis) are to keep apositive mind, remember the dharma, do socialwork and always be happy!!

Read also Winston Lim’s account of the talkthat is posted on BF’s website.

AJAHN BRAHM’s VISIT


NEWS

Ven. Chodron delivered a mostinspiring and practical lesson on howto be compassionate to a full house

in BF on Sunday 5 April 2009. Using humour and simpleanalogies, the Venerable brings home the message that wehave to be personally responsible for developing our mindand the Dharma practice. Below is a summary of the mainpoints the Venerable shared.• We need to remind ourselves of our purpose of learning

the Dharma.• The purpose is to develop compassion and wisdom so

that we can help ourselves and others to free ourselvesfrom suffering and the problems of life associated withcyclical samsara.

• The Dharma is NOT meant to be passively listened tobut to be personally practised and experienced.

• We must not depend on others to purify our mind, to bringus happiness, salvation or Enlightenment.

• We must know the purpose of rituals and not be fixatedor dependent upon rituals. If bowing, for example, isperformed without the right motivation, it may be betteroff (from the point of view of physical fitness) for thepractitioner to spend the same amount of time in a gym.

• Holding a bowl upside down will result in the inside of thebowl not receiving any sunlight. Similarly, if we wish tolearn the Dharma, we must be receptive like a bowl thatis correctly positioned, right side up, so that it can receivethe sunlight that is all around.

• When we perform dana or make donations or offeringsto the Buddha, we must do so with the right motivationand a purified mind, otherwise the act has no merit.

• Performing rituals and going to temples on Vesak day donot make one a Buddhist. More importantly, one shouldpractise the Dharma to transform one’s heart and mind.

• Working and developing our mind is not easy. There isno “Enlightenment Pill” for instant Nirvana. We needpatience, energy, effort, persistence and wisdom.

• Working with the mind is not easy because it is easilydistracted. The mind can be stubborn and resistant tochange. It is not receptive to reason and change whenit is angry.

• Because of this negative state of the mind that may ariseduring meditation, there is a need for us to get guidancefrom a wise and experienced meditation teacher.

• When thoughts arise during meditation, we should observeand note them without judgement and without chasingthem.

• The mind can be pained by thoughts of jealousy. Wecannot change the situation of others who have materialpossessions, fame or power, so we might as well rejoicein their well-being, happiness and good fortune.

• The Metta Sutta reminds us “May all beings be well andhappy.” So, if someone is well and happy without ourinfluence or effort, we must not feel upset.

• The Venerable suggested we ask ourselves howdestroying somebody’s happiness is going to make us

feel better. She pointed out that it only creates sufferingfor us and is not in keeping with Right Thought and RightSpeech.

• We are reminded that “You do not have to be the onlyhappy person in the world; being with happy people makesyou happy and a world with unhappy people makes youunhappy.”

• The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have been trying (sincetime immemorial) to help us and all sentient beings bypointing the way for us.

• The Dharma transforms our mind and heart and makesour life meaningful and purposeful.Thus when we depend on external circumstances forsuccess and happiness, we will be disillusioned.

• We should aspire immediately to be kind andcompassionate to our family, fellow workers, colleaguesand those who come into contact with us.

• When we learn the Dharma, we get to learn more waysto benefit others. By using Right Speech with our children,communication will be more effective and our relationshipwill improve. We should be mindful “not to talk down toour children like a sergeant major”.

• When talking to our spouse/children, the Venerableencouraged us to look for what interests them;acknowledge their strengths; appreciate their goodqualities; give praise etc. This is Right Thought, RightSpeech, Right Action.

• In closing, the Venerable reiterated that our task is not tochange somebody else but to change ourselves.

Venerable Thubten Chodron has been a Buddhist for morethan 30 years. She has been teaching Buddhism in manycountries. Like Angie Monksfield, I have also been fortunateto have the Venerable as my first Dharma teacher. VenerableChodron has written numerous books, and many of herbooklets are for free distribution. The must read ones includeTransforming Our Daily Activities and Working with Anger.When one wants to be compassionate, one must do so withwisdom. Venerable Chodron’s book ‘Open Heart, Clear Mind’deals with this concept in great detail. Some of her worksare in CDs and VCDs. Do visit her website for moreinformation: www.thubtenchodron.org

The Sunday talk on

Cultivating a Compassionate Heartby Venerable Thubten Chodron By Dr Punnavo Yeo


FEATURE

President Angie Monksfield was invited by BFmembers inIndonesia to give 2 talks on Dharma in Business in Jakartaon Sat 25th April.

The first talk, in the morning, attracted some 50 youngexecutives. It was a lively session with interesting Q&As.The morning’s session lasted over 2 hours and allowed usto interact with our Indonesian friends. Members whoaccompanied Angie are Bro Jerry, Sis Linda, Bro Henry, BroLawrence and myself.

The second talk was attended by 100 professionals andhigh-level executives. The session also saw a lively exchangeof questions and answers. The audience walked away at

the end of the talk withgood insights on howone can apply theDharma in business.A n g i e s h o w e dtremendous energy to conduct 2 talks and discussions allin a day.

The next day, we met with our Indonesian members toexchange notes and discuss future co-operations in a2-hour session.

The trip included a visit to a temple and a meeting with theabbot of the temple.

At the Vihara Jakarta Dhamma Cakkha Jaya Temple in Jakarta

Fellowship beyond our shoresby Albert Lee K H

BF members with host Sister Liliane Halim

A section of the attentive audience

The AnnualGeneralMeetingof the Buddhist Fellowship was held on the29th March 2009.

Two changes were made to the compositionof the Ex-Co. Ms Luar Ling Ling, Jesilynncame on board as the treasurer, succeedingMs Tan Suet Lee. Mr Tikki Gee joined theex-co in place of Mr Albert Lee who has sincejoined Buddhist Fellowship as a full time staff.

President Angie Monksfield, on behalf of theFellowship thanked both out-going membersfor their contributions while in office during thepreceding year.

MONTHLY ANNOUCEMENTSMonthly: Meditation Courses by Bro Piya Tan

Yoga & Tai Chi Classes

Marriage Solemnisation, Free Counseling andLegal Advisory Services available by appointment

Single Again Club is a pioneering support group inthe Buddhist community - through the wisdom ofDharma, we sought to support anyone who isexperiencing or who has experienced the pain anduncertainty of facing the future alone once more.

CORE WEEKLY PROGRAMSun: Morning Service, 11am - 12.30pmTues: Sutta Discovery Classes, 7.30pmWed: Evening Dhamma Talk, 7.45pmSat: Youth Service, 5pm - 7pm

Join BF meditation session at Fort Canning Parkat 6.45am every 1st Sunday of the month.Meet at Car Park B

Executives Lunch Talk in Jakarta


NEWS

Role playing with Brother Peter

Rahula CollegeThe Rahula College provides young children Dhamma lessons in a fun and interactive way.We are fortunate to have several speakers who had spent their Sunday mornings with the kidstelling them stories or engaging them in activities that teach valuable lessons. Many thanks toBrother Boon, Sister Rosalind, Brother Matthew, Brother Peter , Brother James Khoo and SisterTeng Lan who in their own ways inspired the students with their stories and activities. Also, toparents and PROs who helped made the outings, such as the one to the Marina Barrage for kiteflying, so successful.

22nd Feb 09, Sunday.Rahula College was honoured to have 2 special guestspeakers. They are none other than Brother Boon,Chairman of Poh Ern Shih Temple and Sister Rosalind(aka Madame Butterfly).

The students learnt a valuable lesson on impermanenceas Sister Rosalind explained the life cycle of a butterfly asit goes through life from its beginning as an egg to adulthoodas a winged beauty. After the talk, the students were takenaround the temple. They were shown the plants that willmake the temple a haven for butterflies. Indeed during thetour, the students caught sight of several butterflies andeven a couple of pupa.

Meanwhile Brother Boon showed the students around thetemple, pointing out several green features within the temple. Brother Boon’s eco tour included a look at the solar panels,wind turbines and a rainwater collection system. Thestudents were captivated by Brother Boon’s explanation onhow the sun’s rays are tapped to provide electricity for thetemple and the rain water collected for the watering ofplants. In addition, Brother Boon brought the kids to thegardens dotted around the temple and explained the useof the plants grown in the gardens.

The lessons by both Brother Boon and Sister Rosalind werenot lost on the kids. They shared their thoughts on theouting through their drawings which are currently on displayat the Dhamma Hall.

Some quotes from the students:Michael – “Switch off all main switches of electrical

appliances when not in use”Gregory – “Spend less hours in the shower so as not to

waste precious water”Su Hui – “Recycle water after washing rice during my daily

meals”Kimberly – “Spend less time watching television or playing

computer games, read books or newpapers/magazines more often to improve oneself”

Madame Butterfly

Brother Boon showingkids the solar heater

Madame Butterfly showing thekids around

Power from the sun

Guest speaker Bro James KhooSister Teng Lan

Our guest speakers BrothersMatthew and Peter

Offerings at startof service

Matthew inThailand


NEWS

As a parent, I enjoy telling my kids to pursue their dreams.So long if they can conceive a dream and feel passionateabout it, they can believe that it will come true. After all, thathas been the experience of my husband. As a three yearold, he already had a dream of becoming a fighter pilot. Heachieved his dream in the end, despite having to undergosome challenges.

So it is with great enthusiasm that my kids attended the KiteFlying outing organized by Rahula College on April 5. It washeld at the Marina Barrage, with the city skyline and theSingapore Flyer in the background. They had together withtheir classmates made their own kites over the previousweekend. On each kite, each child had written their dreamor hope.

It was exciting trying to get a kite take off. Squeals were allthat much louder with each successful launch, because manyof the kids faced difficulty in getting theirs up. The wind wasnot particularly strong that day. It might also be that thematerial that the kites were made of. They were not quite aseasy to fly, as I was later told. Grey clouds also threatenedto ruin the day. Still, for a good while, it was lovely seeingcolorful kites dancing in the wind across the sky.

For a while I stopped to watch, enraptured by the flight ofdreams. I recalled what I read about - a time back in the19th century. Two brothers had an idea which eventuallybecame their passionate and consuming dream. On FridayDecember 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM, the Wright brothers(Wilbur and Orville) had their success. They flew “theworld’s first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine inwhich man made free, controlled, and sustained flight.”

Their memorable feat took place at Kitty Hawk, NorthCarolina on a cold windy morning.

The Wright brothers are an inspiration, for it is more likelythat most of us have given up our dreams by the time wereach adulthood. As children, we have had many dreams.We aspired to be artists, ballerinas, actresses or even thePresident. Not many of us pursued them as we got older.Perhaps it was that our dreams change. Perhaps we havebeen told that they were not realistic to begin with. Or thatour dreams would not make us a decent living.

Millions of lives have changed, if not for the likes of the Wrightbrothers, Thomas Edison or Walt Disney, who all single-mindedly pursued what appeared to be the impossible atone time. More recently, a new singing talent found in 47-year old Susan Boyle in “Britain’s Got Talent, 2009” lets usknow that it is never too late to go for our dreams!

Here is a quote that I really like....

“Dreams are like the paints of a great artist. Your dreamsare your paints, the world is your canvas. Believing, isthe brush that converts your dreams into a masterpieceof reality.”

My younger daughter had written that “I want to be an artistwhen I grow up” on her kite. My nephew wrote about beinga pilot, and my elder girl and niece just wanted to share lovewith the world, with their drawings of hearts. If these are thedreams they truly desire, I hope that they all come true.

A message of love

Gettingready to fly

First Aid for the Kites

In soaring spirit


NEWS

Valentine’s day means different things to different people.For the happily attached couples, it could mean a ‘special’day to celebrate that ‘special’ bond between the both ofthem. For those involved in the commercial line of roses,hotel suites, high-end luxury food and chocolates, it couldmean an opportunist period to make a quick buck out of theromantic frenzy. As they say, love is “recession proof”. Forthe singles, it could mean a dreaded period where they arereminded of how they are missing that significant other, nothanks to constant bombardment from advertisements aboutthe love festival. In fact, some of whom shun themselvesaway from the world cannot wait for that awkward day topass. Of course the activities are endless when you take allinto account. So, how did I spend my Valentine’s day? Well,I organized ‘justsupper’ at PES Temple.

Valentine’s day carries special significance to me. After all,my FIRST BF youth session was on Valentine’s Day 2007.I still remember vividly RESH (Dr Teoh Ren Shang) takingon the role of ‘love doctor’ as he hosted participants whoshared their myriad of love experiences. The faces, thevenue and the stories have changed since then.

Fast forward to 2009, almost 40 participants turned up on14 February. The crowd included some guests from the NUSBuddhist Society as well as ‘old’ members who areworking/studying overseas and dropping by Singapore fora vacation. We had a round of folding origami paper cranesand following that, we had a music performance by our very

own band members, namely Ronghan, Thow, August, Jiashunand Heng Hao, who crooned decent love songs like ‘ThatThing You Do’. The video group, led by Eugenia, produceda video which covered different aspects of love such asfriendship love, family love and romantic love. The writinggroup also put up a board which consisted of a list of shockingpick-up lines (some coming from themselves!), a love poem,and a story about friendship. A discussion led by Dr HenryYeo and his wife ensued after this where they answeredquestions about love by bewildered participants. BrotherHenry Baey also contributed words of wisdom from his vastlife experience.

When the session at the Dhamma Hall ended, the participants,each with a rose as a gift, headed to the rooftop for supper.Some of the youths put their baking skills to use. Xinhui andWeekee contributed cookies while Carene brought trufflesand brownies. Topping all these goodies up with vanilla icecream made a scrumptious combination.

Of course, not forgetting the romantic ambience under thestarlit moonlight. We were grateful to be given permissionfrom the temple to play music from speakers and light upthe perimeters with small candles to create a dazzling twilightfeeling. With the airy and spacious rooftop, it was extremelyconducive for the participants to socialize across acres whileenjoying the breeze. After having our fill of supper, we leftthe temple with satisfied bellies and wonderful memories.

Valentine’s Dayat BFBy Teo Heng Bin , BF Youth Leader

From the Eyes of aMatripal VolunteerBy James Khoo

It takes a lot to be a volunteer at a HIV-AIDS hospice.

The idea of volunteering at the place of dying will putmany off; let alone a HIV-AIDS hospice. But this is theplace where volunteers are most needed.

Many patients at the hospice are disowned by theirbeloved ones. Some do not have the courage to revealtheir conditions. Even when a patient is well enough tobe discharged, some do not have a home to go back to.Some are not able to afford the cost of medication.For them the hospice is home till their final days.

As volunteers are anonymous, the patients share theirthoughts with us very freely. Many spoke about theirpast and their worries for the future. They long for

attention and miss their beloved ones. It must bedepressing for them to be confined to the four walls ofa hospice room to bear the pain and suffering alone.A pair of listening ears or a gentle touch on the arm goesa long way to soothe the pain and suffering.

I am happy to be with fellow Matripal volunteers who aregifted in dealing with the hospice residents. They goabout doing their work with the right etiquette as well asstrict hygiene procedures. They contribute unconditionally,giving warmth and friendship.

The patients may not know our names but they are awarethat there are kind hearted people out there who areready to be around, just to be with them, just to listen totheir regrets and worries, just to give a little attention anda little comfort.

Through loving kindness, we hope to brighten up the fewremaining days of someone else’s life

Join us.


FEATURE

Vesak Day is when my family and I would visit some obscureand uncrowded Buddhist temple (usually one we have notbeen to before), where we could enjoy the peace as weremind ourselves of this most sacred day.

In 1950, the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) declaredVesak Day to fall on the first full moon day of May. In otherwords, it is an uposatha or precept day. It is a day when weput more effort to keep at least the five precepts, by spendingquiet time with the family, or keeping in touch with theDharma, or alone meditating.

It is a day to keep in touch with our own self, away from themadding crowd. Those who share the same ideal can gathertogether to do this, too, and have Sutta Study and otherretreat-like activities. In this way we will taste the true spiritof Vesak.

Vesak celebrates the Buddha’s birthday. He was born ahuman being like any of us. This means that any of us canbecome Buddha if we want to, which is effectively becomingthe most evolved of beings within a certain world-cycle. Or,it is like being the captain of a huge ship. If we cannot bethe captain, it is good enough to be a good crew all journeyingtowards true liberation.

Vesak Day secondly marks “Buddha Day,” that is theawakening of Gotama to true reality and becoming theBuddha. What does awakening (bodhi) mean? Biologicalevolution brings us to the highest level of growth as a speciesor group. Then we have to develop as individuals, that is,go through the spiritual evolution. While biological evolutionbrings us beyond the animal and subhuman levels, spiritualevolution brings us beyond the human and the divine so thatwe are truly liberated from all suffering, human or divine.

On the Buddha’s parinirvana (final passing away), which isthe third significance of Vesak, he reminds us to be “an islandunto yourself; make the Dharma as an island” (D 16). Thismeans that we have the potential to be truly happy, and tobe liberated from suffering. The answer to life’s problemslies within our minds. The answer is not “out there,” but inhere (in our minds).

The Buddha’s message is very simple: if we do not helpourselves, who can? Religion is mostly based on stories and

our idea of imaginary things in which we are told to havefaith. But the stillness of mind is something we can allexperience, if we spend some quiet moments alonemeditating, say, watching the breath.

When our mind is calm, it becomes clear. In that clarity, wewill notice there are destructive as well as wholesome patternsof behaviour. Often getting angry is a destructive pattern ofbehaviour; so is being constantly sad or depressive. Weshould spend some quiet time, and question such mentalpatterns. Ask WHY, then some answer will appear in yourmind; ask WHY again, and so on, until we come to understandwhat is really going on. This final part, we have to find outfor ourselves.

Then there is the wholesome pattern that we should noticein ourselves. It makes us feel really peaceful and happy.And it is not dependent on anything outside of ourselves;for, such a state would be dependent on something else.We should seek for the non-dependent peaceful happinesswithin ourselves. Where does it come from? Seek and youwill find it — in your heart.

Be at peace with your breath. It has always been there, tryingto keep up with you. Just let your breathing be this time;joyfully observe it like you would watch a sleeping baby ora happy kitten or a colourful sunset.

The secret of Vesak is this: We can be truly happy by beingemotionally independent: our happiness is not dependenton others or outside things or other people’s ideas.

Buddhism, above all else, is about spiritual evolution. It isthe transmission of stillness from the Buddha to us. Life’sstorm may rage around us, but there is always this eye ofstillness where we are. This is the true meaning of Vesak.

May the spirit of Vesak always be with you in the calm andclarity of your heart.

(As this is a reflection, you are invited to read it again so thatyou can relate to it. You might like to highlight sentencesthat you like, and reflect further on them.)

What Vesak Means To Me By Piya Tan

A D V E R T I S M E N T

bf newsletter may-july 2009

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