Awakening the Buddha in us: September 2006

“Sariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who are about to make the vow, ‘I desire to be born in Amitabha’s country,’ these people, whether born in the past, now being born, or to be born in the future, all will irreversibly attain to anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Sariputra, all good men and good women, if they are among those who have faith, should make the vow, ‘I will be born in that country.’”

~ Amitabha Sutra

When I obtain the Buddhahood, any being of the boundless and inconceivable Buddha-worlds of the ten quarters whose body if be touched by the rays of my splendour should not make his body and mind gentle and peaceful, in such a state that he is far more sublime than the gods and men, then may I not attain the enlightenment.

~ Amitabha Buddha's Thirty-Third Vow

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Working Our Lives Away

Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be. - Eckhart Tolle

Our jobs involve a lot of problem solving, meeting datelines and objectives; it is a very future oriented thing. We're hired based on what we promise to produce in future, rewarded based on fulfillment of that.

Hence we feel as if our self's well being, happiness is in the future; when the required conditions are met - datelines are met, we receive bonuses, promotion, recognition, etc. This conditions us to believe the future is more important than NOW. Now has become a means towards the future, we don't want now, we want the desired future. This resistance of the Now and Life itself creates endless tension, stress, anxiety, and suffering.

Also look at books of Eckhart Tolle recommended by fellow practitioners.

~ UnAwakenOne

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Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Encounters with the "mini-me"

Something had happened against my liking. As it happened, the 'mini me' in me started complaining,"this is not what I want, I want this, this and this... why don't you just do what i told you? why don't you understand, its so obvious!" The voice was furious, certainly dissatisfied with what had happened. Following this, strong emotions arose, my body tensed up, and I felt a pain underneath the anger that's on the surface.

This was me, my sense of 'self' resisting the reality of Now, wanting things to happen MY way. I feel my resistance to the reality felt like this: It is as if I'm pushing against a unmovable wall - but no matter how hard i push, I'm still unable to move it. Worse still, the harder I push against the wall, the more frustration, anger and tension builds up. This resistance of reality created a deep sense of negative energy, a pain, the suffering was intense.

When i've observed this, I let go of this resistance, putting my attention on this very moment, ignoring thoughts, stories, fears, emotions related to the past or future. Regardless of how strong or real these emotions are, this moment Now is what I focus, my top priority. I reminded myself, nothing is more important than here and now. Let go... let go... let it be... let it be...

In my mind, I stopped following the storyline of what happened. Aware of the emotions within me, I totally feel it as it is without judgement. Giving it space and allowing it to be.. Just aware of it, without any interpretation of from my mind, or response to it. Just let it be. I accepted things as they are... I surrender to the reality of Now, allowing it to unfold as it is. I gradually come to my senses - realising there's actually no need to push the wall. There is no wall. =)

As I do this, the negativity in me reduces its strength, a kind of release happens and my mind gradually calms down and feels at ease.

~ UnawakenOne

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Saturday, September 23, 2006

What is Life? It is Now...

Make the Now the primary focus of your life. Whereas before you dwelt in time and paid brief visits to the Now, have your dwelling place in the Now and pay brief visits to past and future when required to deal with the practical aspects of your life situation.

expressed by Eckhart Tolle

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Thursday, September 21, 2006

Always in Paradise

No Thought for the hereafter
is cherished by the wise.
For on this earth they truly life
always in paradise.

1. How do you not think about the hereafter?
2. What is the meaning of "always in paradise"?

Commentary
When desire appears, hell and paradise appear. When desire disappears, hell and paradise disappear.

Extracted from the book 'Zen ~ the Perfect Companion'

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Treasury of Truth ~ Dhammapada ~ The Buddha Cannot Be Brought Under Sway (Verse 180)

That Buddha traceless of infinite range
in whom’s no entangling craving
and no ensnaring not anywhere lead,
then by which track will you trace him?

Explanation:
The Buddha, in whom there is no thirst (tanha) for grasping to the net that lures, whose ken is infinite, in what way can you lure him away?

Source: Buddhanet.net

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Monday, September 18, 2006

Being with Buddha

Like water, Buddha Dharma nourishes all, regardless of race, religion, no matter where us are... Whether we live in the forests, or the concrete jungle, it nourishes us all the same... Like nature, Buddha Dharma treats all the same. When Americans learn to apply Dharma, they call it American Buddhism... When Tibetans and Chinese did it, they call it Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism. Does Buddhism has an absolute identity? There is no absolute identity according to the Buddha, not even Emptiness. This nature of Buddha's teachings clearly demostrates the selflessness, compassion and equanimity nature of Buddha.

In contrary to what other great religions taught, the teaching of Compassion taught and demostrated by Buddha is not restricted to Buddhists, a particular chosen race or people, humans, or you can simply say - it is unconditional. His Compassion is non-judgmental, and there is no need for repentance for Him to love you again or accept you to His kingdom and be happy again.

To repent in Buddhism, means is to take charge of our lives, be responsible, and change for the better. Letting go of the crippling burden of guilt and sense of sin of what's past, and move on with life as a genuinely changed, stronger and better person.

How do we become wise and compassionate like the Buddha? Buddha stands for human perfection. All His perfect qualities are already within each of us. It is not like we're seeking something we don't have, we have potential of perfection already in us. All we need is to awaken the Buddha in us...

We can seek guidance and strength in Him in many ways. A simple way is to keep a habit of asking ourselves how Buddha will do in difficult situations. Recall His teachings and His compassion and wisdom and do what He will do.

Calm down, relax, breath deeply and feel His presence, feel His loving compassion healing us, relieving us. It helps to also contemplate about Buddha's virtuous qualities, and remind ourselves of them, feel joyious while doing so. (That is the real purpose of the Buddha images.. Buddhism teachings do not include worshipping of idols or images.) It really does calms our minds. And it's bringing a smile to my face now too.. : )

Do not give up just because difficulties and obstacles arise. Practise often, diligently and seriously. So that it becomes part of our habitual behaviours. The same people or situations will be difficult as usual, but our immunity and EQ improves. The whole street is covered with dust. That's why we wear the shoes. If you know what I mean...

With metta,
~buddha-inside.us~

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Buddhism Related News ~ American Buddhism on the rise

American Buddhism on the rise
By Jane Lampman, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor Thu Sep 14, 4:00AM ET
(Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20060914/ts_csm/cbuddha)

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. - That genial face has become familiar across the globe - almost as recognizable when it comes to religious leaders, perhaps, as Pope John Paul II. When in America, the Dalai Lama is a sought-after speaker, sharing his compassionate message and engaging aura well beyond the Buddhist community.

After inaugurating a new Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver, B.C., the Tibetan leader this week begins a visit to several US cities for public talks, sessions with young peacemakers, scientists, university faculty, corporate executives, and a California women's conference. But he'll also sit down for teach-ins among the burgeoning American faithful.

Buddhism is growing apace in the United States, and an identifiably American Buddhism is emerging. Teaching centers and sanghas (communities of people who practice together) are spreading here as American-born leaders reframe ancient principles in contemporary Western terms.

Though the religion born in India has been in the US since the 19th century, the number of adherents rose by 170 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to the American Religious Identity Survey. An ARIS estimate puts the total in 2004 at 1.5 million, while others have estimated twice that. "The 1.5 million is a low reasonable number," says Richard Seager, author of "Buddhism in America."

That makes Buddhism the country's fourth-largest religion, after Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Immigrants from Asia probably account for two-thirds of the total, and converts about one-third, says Dr. Seager, a professor of religious studies at Hamilton College, in Clinton, N.Y.

What is drawing people (after that fascination with Zen Buddhism in the '50s and '60s)? The Dalai Lama himself has played a role, some say, and Buddhism's nonmissionizing approach fits well with Americans' search for meaningful spiritual paths.

"People feel that Buddhist figures like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh of Vietnam are contributing something, not trying to convert people," says Lama Surya Das, a highly trained American lama in the Tibetan tradition. "They are not building big temples, but offering wisdom and ways of reconciliation and peacemaking, which are so much needed."

Even a larger factor, he suggests, is that Buddhism offers spiritual practices that Western religions haven't emphasized.

"People are looking for experiential practices, not just a new belief system or a new set of ethical rules which we already have, and are much the same in all religions," Surya Das says. "It's the transformative practices like meditation which people are really attracted to."

At a sangha "sitting" in Cambridge, Mass., last week, some 20 devotees sat cross-legged on four rows of large burgundy-colored cushions before a small candlelit altar. A practice leader led a quiet hour of meditation interspersed with the chanting of prayers and mantras. The group then gathered in a circle for a half hour of discussion.

Carol Marsh, an architect who served as practice leader for the evening, had an interest in finding a spiritual path for years, but was "resistant to anything nonrationalist," she says afterward in an interview. "Then I read 'Awakening the Buddha Within,' [Surya Das's first book on 'Tibetan wisdom for the Western world'], and it spoke to me directly.... My ultimate aim is liberation."

After eight years of practicing, "I am happier, more grateful, more able to roll with whatever punches or moments of annoyance may present themselves," Ms. Marsh says.

What's so valuable to Jane Moss, who's been practicing 15 years, is learning how "to be in the present moment." And also to accept that reality involves perfection and "to view the world as good and people as basically loving." Each month, the group holds a meditation focused on love and compassion.

The sangha has been meeting since 1991, when Surya Das opened the Dzogchen Center here after decades of training with Tibetan teachers. Before becoming a lama, he was Jeffrey Miller, raised in a middle-class Jewish family in Brooklyn. An anti-Vietnam-War activist while at the University of Buffalo (N.Y.), he was stunned when his good friend Allison Krause was shot and killed by the National Guard at Kent State in 1970.

"When I graduated in 1972, I was disillusioned with radical politics - I realized fighting for peace was a contradiction in terms, and I wanted to find inner peace," he explains. Instead of graduate school, the young Miller headed off on a search that ended up in the Himalayas, where he spent the rest of the '70s and '80s learning from Buddhist teachers while teaching some of them English.

There were plenty of struggles and moments of doubt, but also illumination, he says. Following a centuries-old path to cultivate awareness, his training included two three-year retreats of intensely focused practice.

"One of the great lessons of that monastic brotherhood was learning to love even those people I didn't like," he says, speaking by phone from a retreat in Texas where he's training others.

There are many schools of Buddhism, but "everyone agrees that the purpose is the individual and collective realization of Enlightenment," Surya Das continues. "That is defined as nirvanic peace, wisdom, and selfless love. It involves a practice path that depends on meditation, ethical behavior, and developing insight and active love."

Buddha means "awakened" in Sanskrit, a language of ancient India, where Siddhartha Gautama founded the faith and an Eightfold Path some 2,500 years ago. Buddhists believe that through that path one awakens to what already is - "the natural great perfection." They do not speak of God, but of the human or ego mind with a small "m," and the Buddha (awakened) Mind with a big "m."

"Healing energy takes place through an agency far greater than, yet immanent in each of us," Surya Das has written. "We are all Buddhas."

One doesn't have to subscribe to a catechism or creed, or be a vegetarian. Nor do people have to give up their religion. That's why some Americans speak of being Jewish Buddhists, for instance.

The Dalai Lama, in fact, often encourages people to stay with the faith of their cultural upbringing, to avoid the confusion that can sometimes result from a mixing of Eastern and Western perspectives.

Yet others are going more fully into Buddhist study, particularly as the writings and training by American-born teachers increase its accessibility.

The Dzogchen Center (Dzogchen means "the innate great completeness"), which has sanghas in several states, teaches an advanced Tibetan practice; annually, it offers numerous retreats, from one-day to two-week gatherings. Surya Das - whose Tibetan teacher gave him his name, which means "follower or disciple of the light" - is the spiritual director.

Thirty devotees are currently cloistered in a 100-day retreat for advanced students at the Dzogchen retreat center outside Austin, Texas. They are in the third of a 12-year cycle of silent retreats - which will likely produce new teachers.

Several Tibetan teachers helped introduce Buddhism in the US, and one, Chogyam Trungpa, founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colo. But the teacher succumbed to excesses that tempt clergy of various faiths - alcoholism and sexual misconduct.

The Dalai Lama has warned, too, of some teachers who seek leadership for financial rather than spiritual reasons. The issue of students and teachers is today one of the most controversial in transmission of teaching from East to West, says Surya Das.

Still, a healthy American Buddhism with its own characteristics is emerging. It is less doctrinal and ritualistic than in the East and more meditation oriented, less hierarchical and more democratic and egalitarian. It is more lay-oriented than monastic, and more socially and ecologically engaged.

Perhaps most noticeably, "the role of women as leaders and teachers is very significant here," Seager says.

The Dalai Lama speaks of Buddhism naturally taking new forms in each culture. As he travels the globe, he also emphasizes building bridges between faiths, as well as finding nonviolent means for resolving differences. This weekend, the Nobel Peace Laureate will spend time with youths in Denver engaged in conflict-resolution projects. He'll bless the Great Stupa, the largest example of Buddhist sacred architecture in the US, located at Colorado's Shambhala Mountain Center.

Next week he'll speak to 20,000 at a football stadium in Buffalo, and at the alma mater of Surya Das, who was one of his attendants for several years. The American lama will also speak.

"Buddhism made me a mensch and brought me happiness," Surya Das concludes contentedly, "and helped me find my place in life and the universe."

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Some Kind Words Shared by 'Anonymous'

Hi to all Dharma brothers and sisters
I was born into this chinese family
with all chinese folk religion beliver
only one relative belongs to the tibetan sect

I was always brought to taoist, buddhist, (and) tibetan buddhist monastery
maybe because I always get teachings from the lama.. I started getting interest to know my religion..

I realise I did not have correct faith and teaching.. I studied taoism and buddhism
and chose buddhism as my way

I felt that it was buddha and my karma that brought me out and know buddhism..
and I'm still very young teenagers my age are nt interested in knowing all this..but my knowledge of buddhism is wide then normal teenagers..

Wish to thank buddha,and e-sangha for teaching me all teachings and sect.
My story is longer

Hope amida compassion will assist me in my learning journey

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Something to Reflect On

I received this from a Dharma friend, something to reflect on.... You might have received many such emails before. Hope we're not numb to others' suffering... Tell me what you think... There are a number of pictures... make sure you see then all.. If you find these pictures meaningful, you may want to forward to your friends too. :)

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Sunday, September 17, 2006

Treasury of Truth ~ Dhammapada ~ The Buddha Cannot Be Tempted (Verse 179)

That Buddha traceless of infinite range
whose victory none may e’er undo,
whose vanquished follow to no world,
then by which track will you trace
him?

Explanation:
The Buddha’s victory has not been won incorrectly. No one can turn Buddha’s victory into defeat. Nothing that he has conquered can return, or pursue him, because his conquest is so complete: His ken infinite, In what way can you tempt or ensnare him.

Source: Buddhanet.net

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Some Kind Words Shared by 'An Eternal Now'

An Eternal Now said...

Wow I'm glad this part of the blog has been set up =) Buddhists lack places to post testimonies..

Anyway, I am truly grateful for Buddha's wisdom and his compassion that he bestows upon us. His compassion is truly far-reaching and had made impact on so many lives. The reason why I am a Buddhist is because of Buddha's profound Teachings, not just because it is logical and insightful but also because it is based upon our every moment experiences, and offers us to awaken the Buddha within us. Through Buddha's teachings and how it affects our lives, we begin to develope confidence and faith in his teachings.

The Eight-Fold path has been taught so clearly for those who are able to appreciate and receive his teachings, so that we may develop a fully wholesome way of life and also find deep calm and joy wherever we are, even in the midst of living and handling any difficult situations we may encounter. We become unentangled with our life situation and when our mind is clear, wisdom arises that allows us to see what leads to what and know the right course of action. Therefore we can say that the Buddha's teachings is a guide in our lives.
Through the practise of Dharma, I have also learnt to become aware of my behavior and speech at all moments, whether my behaviors and speech are condusive towards awakening. Even if I were to become angry and agitated, the 8 fold path will serve as a reminder that prevents any wreckless behavior, and this awareness of the 8 fold path will quickly get rid of any dark clouds in my mind, and a sense of inner peace remains. It is this awareness that also allows myself to remove any impurities and awaken the Buddha in us - my own ignorance, illusions and self-serving habits that I must break.

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Saturday, September 16, 2006

Some Kind Words Shared by 'Hue Am I'

'Hue Am I' said:

~ The Touch ~

Today, Friday. Squeezing into the crowded lift up my apartment. Managed to get inside. There's this pretty little girl in a ponytail standing behind me on my right, at most 6 years old.

I was standing soooo close to the door. (but i knew the door will not hit me when it closes) But just as the door was about to close, i felt a warm tug on my right arm from behind...

Turning around.. I saw this pretty 6 year old smiling face... with her tiny palm barely wide enough to grab the whole of my forearm... trying to pull me in.. afraid the door will hit me..

It was a total meltdown.. a surge of warmth welling fast inside me.. i smiled back at her.. it really hit me right in the heart after a really taxing day of work.... and she replied with a shy cheeky smile with her arm still clinging to mine..

I haven's felt such an innocent.. unconditional display of... (whatever you call it) in a long while... i call it The Touch.And here is the rest of it.

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Some Kind Words From ~ Jean

Jean said:

I think this blog is a great idea (but would you consider Livejournal, which has a more flexible interface?). May you receive much merit from the good work you have done.

I am very grateful for Lord Buddha's teachings. My life changed ever since I started learning the Dharma 2 years ago. Tenzing Palmo once said that life is meaningless without the Dharma - I think that is so true. May everyone be well and happy.

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Share the Light! Be the Light!

Dear friends,

I've been told by some Buddhist friends that the path of Dharma cultivation is a path of solitude. However, support is vital in this long journey, some words of encouragement can mean a whole world of difference to someone who's feeling down, fatigue, and despair from life's many challenges. Never underestimate the power of words. It can change a person's life! Let us know we're know alone!

Please... Be generous! Drop some words of encouragement! Let us know that this world isn't cold as the mass media's telling us it is! Some of your contributions will be posted here for all to see. Be the light of the world!

By submitting the following to us, you agree to publish your words to help others, unless **explicitly stated in the form below. Only selected submissions will be published. Only your 'display name' will be disclosed, your name and email address will be safely kept confidential and will not be sold.

Please provide real accurate information and double check your email address so I can contact you to clarify any matters related to your content.
Your Name:

Your Display Name:

Your Email:

**Agree to publish your submission?YesNo

Below are some pointers to guide you in your writing, feel free to write down your feelings as you wish.

How have you benefited from Buddha's teachings?
Did it changed my life in any way? If yes, how?
Are you grateful to Buddha's compassion for teaching the precious Dharma? How would you express it in words? What would you say to Him?
Is there any mentor or someone that helped you greatly to tide over great difficulties or inspired you and helped strengthen your faith and practice? How would you like to express your gratefulness here?
What words of encouragement or well-wishes would you give to others in the path of cultivation and facing life's challenges?

* Please take care to avoid Buddhist terms that beginners may not understand, abusive words; and words that may be deemed as disrespect to other races and religions. Also, please keep your content non-sectarian and positive in order to benefit people from other Buddhist traditions, non-Buddhists and free thinkers as well. Thank you!

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Friday, September 15, 2006

Three Wishes of Alexander The Great

I received this story about Alexander the Great in an email from a friend, I thought it may be interesting and thought provoking. I don't know if this story is real, but I guess it's not important. To many, this Greek king is a hero.. to some, he is an invader.. a mass killer, bringing destructions everywhere he went. So what is he really? There are so many roles we play, so many faces we have relative to different people and perspectives... who am I? Is there really an absolute 'I'?

And what do we possess? what does it mean to have possession over things or people when we can't stop it from being taken away from us? Well, we can learn so many things from history can't we...

If you too have nice stories to share, do feel free to email them to me, so I may share them with others here... : )

And the story goes like this..

Three Wishes of Alexander The Great

There is very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the great Greek king. Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit Him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears flowing down Their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes.

"My first desire is that," said Alexander, "My physicians alone must carry my coffin." After a pause, he continued, "Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury."
The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and continued.

"My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin."

The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange wishes. But no one dare bring the question to their lips. Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. "O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?"

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: "I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world." With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last.

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Thursday, September 14, 2006

Why I created this Blog

I created this blog with the intention of gathering and share Buddhist accounts of their Buddhist practice. Being non-sectarian, I hope to provide an avenue for all Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike to share ~ let our accounts of how we overcome our difficulties and daily practice can be a guiding light to countless others. Let them become living testimonies of the Buddha's teachings.

I find that writing our experiences (testimonies) is also an important practice. Needless to say, there are so many benefits of writing testimonies. While writing, we reflect upon ourselves, face our conscience and personal devils, recheck our motivations, come to terms with what happened and learn to let go - it is a practice of self-discovery and realisation.

Writing it on regular basis makes us check our practice consistently, audit our daily Dharma application processes, and improve ourselves progressively. Most importantly for me, I find that through writing it and share with others, my life, my sufferings, my struggles all bear a greater meaning, a significance.

When I was much younger, when I created a little geocities webpage with links to Buddhist websites. I received kind messages on my guestbook. One of which caught my attention. The guy said that although he read the Buddha's teachings, but he didn't know how to apply it... What's the next step? He didn't know.

This question also occurred to me, I've read a long list of Buddhism books, know alot of theories.. but what do I really know about applying the teachings? I observed that I really learnt most from my fellow Buddhists, those good practitioners taught me how to apply, and the when they are unaware, and make mistakes, they taught me what to avoid. We learn from each others' experiences and examples.

Despite the importance of sharing our practice experiences to help oneself and others, I find a lack of such contents. Buddhists may find these experiences personal, and only share with their close friends or members of their own Sangha community. However, I hope such good sharing of life changing experiences can be made available to touch more people through the mass media.

Please contribute writings of your practice experiences and share with everyone here in this blog. Your anonymity IS guaranteed.

With Metta
~UnawakenOne~

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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Contact Buddha-inside!

I created this email form so visitors can send me something... Feedback, comments, improvement suggestions, article URLs, Dharma verses, stories, anything! Drop us a word!

Monday, September 11, 2006

bodhisattva with thousand hands

I'm not actually someone with artistic taste, but I find this dance really beautiful...

My Dream...
Show Profile:

Be part of the amazing "My Dream" Musical Dance Performance at The MAX Pavilion on 15th September.

This is a performance by 60 disabled members of the Chinese Disabled Performing Art Troupe with "Qian Shou Kwan In", Butterfly Lovers Dance, Fan Dance, Green Seedling, Blind Singer Yang Haitao, a visually impaired 8-piece orchestra and more.

Also featuring first ever disabled Ms China winner, Zhang Xin Tian.

An event not to be missed for it's cultural and entertainment value. A performance of realising the dreams of these disabled performers. Watched by over One Million Worldwide - including President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

Performed in over 50 countries - Japan, Australia, US, Canada... and still touring the world.

Highly acclaimed performance for all ages.

Its showing at The MAX Pavilion @ Singapore Expo on the 15 Sept 2006... Details are at the Singapore Expo website.

Let's take a peep at what to expect at the performance...

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The Book of Zen

I found something cute on Buddhanet, a flash comic movie on Zen. Enjoy!

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Sunday, September 10, 2006

Mindful Calmness - Our Inner Shelters

"You should at all times collect the mind, because this is quite useful...vexations will have fewer opportunities to manifest. Your personality becomes stable and calm."

-Chan Master Sheng Yen

Change is the only constant...
When was the last time you hear an inaccurate weather 'prediction' report from the weatherman? When was the last time you are swepted off by overwhelming negative emotions like anger, or sadness from a sudden event? We all know that life is full ups and downs, who knows for 100% sure what the next moment brings? But what can we do to make some sense out of this mess of circumstances we call 'life'? How can we have our own inner refuge to shelter you in these endless storms and rains?

We almost certainly can't change the stormy external world, but we certainly have control over our inner worlds. The boss can be screaming, the phones are ringing... how can we have inner peace inside us? From the above quote of Chan Master Sheng Yen, we can see that by consistently training our mind, we can protect our inner environment from the external pollutants.

I know, this is easier said than done. We hear so often, 'how can I not get angry?! after what he has done to me?! No Way! I won't forgive him!'

Buddhism is not a "feel good" religion. It teaches methods to train and calm our minds, so we can see reality in its true light, unhindered from negative emotions and elements that stems from Ignorance, Greed & Hatred. To see the situation in proper perspective, we have to face the issues on hand, be honest with ourselves, resolve the issues instead of running away from them.

Facing our inner emotions like fear, anxiety can be extremely tough. It takes plenty of courage, and determination and compassion to accept ourselves and others, to accept the fact of the situation instead of rejecting them, dwelling in denial, depression or (self-) hatred.

Practising meditation, chanting, etc will not drive the unhappy things that come to us, they won't make the boss happy, won't increase sales, definitely it won't bring world peace. However, with a strong, calm mind well trained with daily mindfulness, we will be like standing on solid ground with a strong pair of legs and great sense of balance. Our moods won't go rollercoastering so easily by daily irritants, and with that, life experiences gradually improves as a result.

So now, do you want to start building your own inner shelter?

With metta,
~buddha-inside.us~

This is a nice contribution, I want to share my reflections and experiences too!

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Saturday, September 09, 2006

Rahula Leads the Way!

I'll like to share this link of nice little story about Rahula, a fictional character. It's meant to be a kids story, but I believe everyone can learn from it. Rahula in this story is not the same Rahula of Buddha's son.

The historical Rahula joined the Sangha Order when he was a kid. Being a kid and perhaps unable to attend the long lectures of Buddha, how did he manage to cultivate so well like the rest of the adults and even attained Arahatship when he grew up?

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Friday, September 08, 2006

Keep Things Simple

I find this a great of Dharma talk session so I thought maybe I'll share it here. When we listen to Dharma talks or classes, we tend to analyse what was being meant - trying to rationalize the teachings.

It is so habitual that it's deemed the only way to receive teachings by many. Like pure water that is contaminated by impurities that is in the container, so does Dharma that enters our ears but is contaminated by thoughts of the deluded mind. So how do we listen and receive teachings? How is it possible to learn anything without us thinking it through or rationalizing it?

In this lecture, the Venerable clearly mentions how... and watch out for some meditation tips too...

Keep Things Simple

By

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

September 2001

When you meditate while listening to a Dhamma talk, don’t listen to the talk. Focus on the meditation as much as you can. Give it ninety-nine percent of your attention. Leave only a sliver of attention for the talk.

The whole purpose of the talk here is not to distract you from the meditation but to act as a fence so that when the mind leaves the breath it runs into the talk and turns back to the breath. If anything in the talk is relevant to what you’re doing in your meditation, it will come right in, echoing through your mind, without your having to try to pay attention to it. And if it’s not relevant to what you're doing, you don’t want it, anyhow. It may be relevant for somebody else. If it’s not relevant for anybody in the room, it’s probably for the speaker.

So leave the talk alone and focus as much as you can on the breath going in and going out. And put out of your mind all thoughts about how the last meditation went or yesterday’s meditation went or how it was last week. Just focus on what you’ve got right here, right now. This is an important element in the practice: that you drop any concerns about how good or bad things have been in the past. Those concerns get in the way of the present moment. The same holds true for any anticipation about how you hope today’s meditation will be. It gets in the way of what you’re doing right now.

Meditation is a doing, you know. All too often we’re looking for an experience. We want to experience this sense of ease, that sense of pleasure. But the Buddha’s focus in the practice is on being skillful in doing - keeping mindful, keeping alert, being ardent in the practice, finding a sense of "just right." When they talk about the Middle Way, the middle-ness lies in the amount of effort that’s just right for where you are right now, which sometimes may require a lot of effort, sometimes just a little bit. You supply whatever kind of effort is required: That’s the kind of mental attitude you want to have. You’re up for whatever is needed.

And you need to have a sense of what can be done right now. Sometimes you realize, okay, just a bare amount of concentration, a bare amount of mindfulness is all you can manage, so you stick with that. Don’t throw it away simply because it’s not up to your standards. As Ajaan Lee says, "Big things come from little things," and sometimes very tiny victories can add up. You stay with this breath and then with the next breath and then the next. And even though you may not feel all that settled or secure, it’s better than getting upset and saying, "Well, gee, this isn’t amounting to anything; this is horrible," and then spinning out of control.

Take things one step at a time, whatever the step that’s required. If it requires you to step up high, okay, you step up high. If it’s simply a step along smooth ground, okay, you can step along smooth ground. But you take whatever step is needed, and whether it matches your idea of where you’d like to be right now, that’s not the issue. The issue is that you’re here, you’re doing what’s required, you’re doing the best that can be done in this situation.

And as you stay with these little, tiny steps, they begin to take on more depth, more strength, more solidity. If you measure them against your idea of how you’d like things to be, you tend to throw them away. If you keep throwing things away, what do you have left? Nothing at all. Concentration starts out in little, tiny bits and pieces, which may not seem like much, but they’re better than nothing at all. A lot of the skill lies in learning how to stay with those bits and pieces. That’s all you have to do, just stay with them. They may not be impressive, they may not have lots of flashing lights or whatever you’ve experienced in the past, but they’re the beginning, they’re the seeds. If you stay with them, if you nourish them, they grow.

That’s the sign of a discerning person: You make the most of what you’ve got. It may be a lot or it may be a little, but it’s what you’ve got. It may change from day to day, so be alert to that, be sensitive to that. Accept whatever difficulties there may be in the situation and do the best you can.

So take whatever concentration you have. If it seems like a little, don’t berate it for being a little. Just work with it. Whatever sense of ease you can get out of the breathing, just stick with that. Even if it doesn’t seem to be the most wonderful breath you’ve ever had, well, okay, work with what you’ve got because these things do develop. If you give them time, they develop. If you’ve got a fruit on the tree—even if it’s just a little, tiny, hard, green fruit—you keep watering the roots, fertilizing the soil, looking after the causes, and the results will take care of themselves.

Try to keep your efforts right here. In other words, don’t think about the past, don’t anticipate the future. What you’ve got will then have a chance to grow. It’s a very simple principle but we tend to forget it. But it’s by keeping things simple that the meditation works.

Look at the questions the Buddha has us ask. They’re very simple questions. "Where’s the stress right now?" And before you get to the stress, ask "Where can the mind settle down?" If the mind hasn’t settled down, if it has no sense of ease, you can’t see anything clearly. So sometimes the only place it can settle down is with an ordinary feeling of okay-ness someplace in the body. Stick with that and then as things begin to grow, as they begin to get more solid and still, stick with the simple questions: "Where is the stress here?"

It’s a question a seven-year-old can answer. At least, a seven-year-old can get his or her mind around it. So work with that. There are stories of arahants at the time of the Buddha who were seven years old. They weren’t dealing with any abstruse philosophical issues; they were just dealing very clearly with what was going on in their minds. The questions were simple enough for them to comprehend, and they were happy to stick with those simple questions. "Where is there stress? What are you doing that’s unnecessary and contributing to that stress?" When you can see, just drop it. That way your powers of perception get more and more precise, more and more subtle. But the essential question stays the same on each level of subtlety.

So if we keep things simple, the meditation becomes a lot more manageable. And it’s this simple sort of questioning that helps see through the mind’s subterfuges. The mind sometimes has a tendency to get more and more abstract and to want to deal with really fancy-sounding thoughts. It’s like the emperor’s new clothes. The person who’s willing to say, "I don’t understand this; this doesn’t make any sense," can usually rip right through a lot of subterfuge, a lot of denial.

The things we think we understand, the things we think we know or at least we want to give the impression that we know: We have to learn to look behind them. Ask those simple questions. "Is that really so? Do you really know that for sure? What does that really mean? Is that a really helpful way to think?"

Just keep asking these really simple, direct questions, and they’ll help clear up a lot of confusion in the mind.

Source: www.mettaforest.org

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Monday, September 04, 2006

Good Question, Good Answer - An Introduction to Buddhism

'Good Question, Good Answer' by Ven S. Dhammika.

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Good Question, Good Answer - Becoming a Buddhist

Question:
What you said so far is very interesting to me. How do I become a Buddhist?

Answer:
Once there was a man called Upali. He was the follower of another religion and he went to the Buddha in order to argue with him and try to convert him. But after talking to the Buddha, he was so impressed that he decided to become a follower of the Buddha. But the Buddha said:

"Make a proper investigation first. Proper investigation is good for a well-known person like yourself."
"Now I am even more pleased and satisfied when the Lord says to me: 'Make a proper investigation first.' For if members of another religion had secured me as a disciple they would have paraded a banner all around the town saying: 'Upali has joined our religion.' But the Lord says to me: 'Make a proper investigation first. Proper investigation is good for a well known person like yourself."
MII 379

In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and understanding takes time. So do not impulsively rush into Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, and then make your decision. The Buddha was not interested in having large numbers of disciples. He was concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of a careful investigation and consideration of facts.

Question:
If I have done this and I find the Buddha's teaching acceptable, what would I do then if I wanted to become a Buddhist?

Answer:
It would be best to join a good temple or Buddhist group, support them, be supported by them and continue to learn more about the Buddha's teachings. Then, when you are ready, you would formally become a Buddhist by taking the Three Refuges.

Question:
What are the Three Refuges?

Answer:
A refuge is a place where people go when they are distressed or when they need safety and security. There are many types of refuge. When people are unhappy, they take refuge with their friends, when they are worried and frightened, they might take refuge in false hopes and beliefs. As they approach death, they might take refuge in the belief in an eternal heaven. But, as the Buddha says, none of these are true refuges because they do not give comfort and security based on reality.

Truly these are not safe refuges, not the refuge supreme. Not the refuge whereby one is freed from all sorrow But to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha and to see with real understanding the Four Noble Truths, Suffering, the cause of suffering, the transcending of suffering and the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to the transcending of suffering, This indeed is a safe refuge, it is the refuge supreme. It is the refuge whereby one is freed from all suffering.
Dp. 189-192

Taking Refuge in the Buddha is a confident acceptance of the fact that one can become fully enlightened and perfected just as the Buddha was. Taking Refuge in the Dhamma means understanding the Four Noble Truths and basing one's life on the Noble Eightfold Path. Taking Refuge in the Sangha means looking for support, inspiration and guidance from all who walk the Noble Eightfold Path. Doing this one becomes a Buddhist and thus takes the first step on the path towards Nirvana.

Question:
What changes have taken place in your life since you first took the three refuges?

Answer:
Like countless millions of others over the last 2500 years, I have found that the Buddha's teachings have made sense out of a difficult world, they have given meaning to what was a meaningless life, they have given me a humane and compassionate ethics with which to lead my life and they have shown me how I can attain a state of purity and perfection in the next life. A poet in ancient India once wrote of the Buddha:

To go to him for refuge, to sing his praise, to do him honor and to abide in his Dhamma is to act with understanding. I agree with these words completely.

Question:
I have a friend who is always trying to convert me to his religion. I am not really interested in his religion and I have told him so but he won't leave me alone. What can I do?

Answer:
The first thing you must understand is that this person is not really your friend. A true friend accepts you as you are and respects your wishes. I suspect that this person is merely pretending to be your friend so he can convert you. When people try to impose their will on you they are certainly not friends.

Question:
But he says he wants to share his religion with me.

Answer:
Sharing your religion with others is a good thing. But I suggest that your friend doesn't know the difference between sharing and imposing. If I have an apple, I offer you half and you accept my offer, then I have shared with you. But if you say to me "Thank you, but I have already eaten" and I keep insisting that you take half the apple until you finally give in to my pressure, this can hardly be called sharing. People like your 'friend' try to disguise their bad behavior by calling it 'sharing', 'love' or 'generosity' but by what- ever name they call it, their behavior is still just rude, bad manners and selfish.

Question:
So how can I stop him?

Answer:
It is simple. Firstly, be clear in your mind what you want. Secondly, clearly and briefly tell him so. Thirdly, when he asks you questions like "What is your belief on this matter" or "Why don't you wish to come to the meeting with me", clearly, politely and persistently repeat your first statement. "Thank you for the invitation but I would rather not come". "Why not?" "That is really my business. I would rather not come." "But there will be many interesting people there." "I am sure there will be but I would rather not come." "I am inviting you because I care about you." "I am glad you care about me but I would rather not come." If you clearly, patiently and persistently repeat yourself and refuse to allow him to get you involved in a discussion he will eventually give up. It is a shame that you have to do this, but it is very important for people to learn that they cannot impose their beliefs or wishes upon others.

Question:
Should Buddhists try to share the Dhamma with others?

Answer:
Yes, they should. And I think most Buddhists understand the difference between sharing and imposing. If people ask you about Buddhism, tell them. You can even tell them about the Buddha's teachings without their asking. But if, by either their words or their actions, they let you know that they are not interested, accept that and respect their wishes. It is also important to remember that you let people know about the Dhamma far more effectively through your actions than through preaching to them. Show people the Dhamma by always being considerate, kind, tolerant, upright and honest. Let the Dhamma shine forth through your speech and actions. If each of us, you and I, know the Dhamma thoroughly, practice it fully and share it generously with others, we can be of great benefit to ourselves and others also.

'Becoming a Buddhist Chapter' from the book 'Good Question, Good Answer' by Ven S. Dhammika.

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Good Question, Good Answer - Good Luck and Fate

Question:
What did the Buddha teach about magic and fortune telling?

Answer:
The Buddha considered such practices as fortune telling, wearing magic charms for protection, fixing lucky sites for building, prophesizing and fixing lucky days to be useless superstitions and he expressly forbids his disciples to practice such things. He calls all these things 'low arts.'

"Whereas some religious men, while living of food provided by the faithful make their living by such low arts, such wrong means of livelihood as palmistry, divining by signs, interpreting dreams... bringing good or bad luck... invoking the goodness of luck... picking the lucky site for a building, the monk Gotama refrains from such low arts, such wrong means of livelihood."

D.I, 9-12

Question:
Then why do people sometimes practice such things and believe in them?

Answer:
Because of greed, fear and ignorance. As soon as people understand the Buddha's teachings, they realize that a pure heart can protect them much better than bits of paper, bits of metal and a few chanted words and they no longer rely on such things. In the teachings of the Buddha, it is honesty, kindness, understanding, patience, forgiveness, generosity, loyalty and other good qualities that truly protect you and give you true prosperity.

Question:
But some lucky charms do work, don't they?

Answer:
I know a person who makes a living selling lucky charms. He claims that his charms can give good luck, prosperity and he guarantees that you will be able to pick three numbers. But if what he says is true then why isn't he himself a multi-millionaire? If his lucky charms really work, then why doesn't he win the lottery week after week? The only luck he has is that there are people silly enough to buy his magic charms.

Question:
Then is there such a thing as luck?

Answer:
The dictionary defines luck as 'believing that whatever happens, either good or bad, to a person in the course of events is due to chance, fate or fortune.' The Buddha denied this belief completely. Everything that happens has a specific cause or causes and there must be some relationships between the cause and the effect.

Becoming sick, for example, has specific causes. One must come into contact with germs and one's body must be weak enough for the germs to establish themselves. There is a definite relationship between the cause (germs and a weakened body) and the effect (sickness) because we know that germs attack the organisms and give rise to sickness. But no relationship can be found wearing a piece of paper with words written on it and being rich or passing examinations.

Buddhism teaches that whatever happens does so because of a cause or causes and not due to luck, chance or fate. People who are interested in luck are always trying to get something - usually more money and wealth. The Buddha teaches us that it is far more important to develop our hearts and minds. He says:

Being deeply learned and skilled. Being well-trained and using well-spoken words; this is the best good luck. To support mother and father, to cherish wife and child and to have a simple livelihood; this is the best good luck. Being generous, just, helping one's relatives and being blameless in one's actions; this is the best good luck. To refrain from evil and from strong drink, and to be always steadfast in virtue; this is the best good luck. Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude and hearing the good Dhamma; this is the best good luck.
Sn. 261-265

'Good Luck and Fate Chapter' from the book 'Good Question, Good Answer' by Ven S. Dhammika.

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