David Karuna Tan

Sri Lanka Feb 2012

2012-02-03T03:08:00.002+08:00

Sri Lanka Feb 2012 Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to 4 cities Sri Lanka, Colombo, Kandy and Anuradhapura was created by TripAdvisor. See another Sri Lanka slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Sri Lanka (from the Sanskrit “Venerable Island”), officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (pronounced /ˌʃriːˈlæŋkə/, Sinhalese: ශ්‍රී ලංකාව, Tamil: இலங்கை; known as Ceylon (/sɪˈlɒn/) before 1972 and as Taprobane (/təˈprɒbəniː/) in ancient times), is an island country in South Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It is home to around twenty million people.

Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia.[citation needed] It has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times.[citation needed] The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population; Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, form the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs and the Malays.

Setenang Buddhist Society CNY Open House & Blessings on Sat 28th Jan 2012@8-10am

2012-01-28T05:01:00.000+08:00

Wishing everyone Gng Xi Fa Cai" and Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year 2012 ! May the year of the Dragon bring you and your families members many happy returns. May the Buddha-Dhamma guide us all in all our doings as we strive to perfect ourselves in this trouble times and difficulties. May all beings, devas, sentient beings, be Well and Happy always. AYU VANNA SUKHAM BALAM
Dear Setenang Buddhist Fellow Brothers & Sisters,
On behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society, We would like to invite all to our Setenang Buddhist Society Chinese New Year Open House on:-
Date: Saturday, 28th January, 2012
Time: 8:30-10:00am
Venue: Setenang House, 47, Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, off Jalan Kinrara 6, 47180 Puchong, Selangor.
All are Welcome !

Note: * Thereafter, We will continue with our Setenang Buddhist Society, Annual CNY House to House Dana & Blessings to invited members' Residence by Setenang Chanting Group from 27-29 Jan 2012

http://dktan.multiply.com/photos

Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year 2012 !

2012-01-20T10:10:00.006+08:00

♥ Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year 2012 ! May the year of the Dragon bring you and your families members many happy returns. May the Buddha-Dhamma guide us all in all our doings as we strive to perfect ourselves in this trouble times and difficulties. May all beings, devas, sentient beings, be Well and Happy always. AYU VANNA SUKHAM BALAM ♥
南方群星 Chinese New Year
http://dktan.multiply.com/photos

♥ Like · Eat · Care+Share · Meditate · Celebrate ♥

55th Double Birthday Dana with Ven.Dr.Zawana 2012

2012-01-08T07:02:00.000+08:00

55th Double Birthday Dana 2012 With Ven.Dr.Zawana Slideshow: David’s trip to Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Puchong slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

F&N Beverages Family Day@Sunway Lagoon 20 Nov 2011

2011-11-18T19:59:00.002+08:00

F&N Beverages Family Day 20 Nov 2011@Sunway Lagoon Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to Subang Jaya was created by TripAdvisor. See another Subang Jaya slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Event F&N Annual Family Carnival 2011@Sunway Lagoon 20-11-11

Location: Sunway Lagoon, 3, Jalan PJS 11/11 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

F&N Beverages Family Day 20 Nov 2011

Come join us in the extravaganza Family event ! We have line-up fun-filled activities, entertainment and food galore for all to enjoy !
Date:Sunday, 20th November, 2011
Time: 8:30am to 6:00pm
Venue: Sunway Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, 3, Jalan PJS 11/11 Bandar Sunway. Subang Jaya.

Highlights:
* The Amusement Park
* The Water Park
* The Wildlife Park
* Aerobic Dance
* Games sessions for Children
* Lucky Draws 1
* African Tribal Dance
* Tele-Match
* Employee's Long Service Awards
* Lucky Draws Grand Finale
** Additional Entrance Ticket available for all F&N staff & their families.(check with F&N HC Dept or F&N notice board)

FacBook Links

24th Peranakan Baba Nyonya Convention 25-27th November, 2011@Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel, Penang

2011-11-18T15:42:00.004+08:00

24th Baba Nyonya Convention 25-27 Nov, 2011 Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to 2 cities Phuket and Pinang was created by TripAdvisor. See another Thailand slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

24th Peranakan Baba Nyonya Convention 2011
Date: 25-27th November, 2011
Venue: Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel, 505 Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang.
The 24th Baba Nyonya Convention 2011 will emphasise the philosophy and values of the Baba Nyonya including the delicious Nyonya cuisine.
Activities that will be held during the convention are a Baba Nyonya morning bazaar, a heritage tour as well as a gala dinner and dance at the Khoo Kongsi landmark.

Organiser and details: peranakanpenang2011@yahoo.com
http://www.yourpenang.com/events/details/1718-24th-baba-nyonya-convention-2011

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME:
25 SEPTEMBER, FRIDAY

12 noon Arrival of Delegates and Registration
Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel

7:00 pm The Penang Island Peranakan Welcome

Sunset Dinner-By-The-Sea under the Stars
A culinary delight of Penang’s Street Food

“Sang Jit”
Prelude to A Baba Nyonya Wedding

Moonlight Joget with the Band under the Stars!

Dress code: Island and Smart Beachwear. Nyonyas, don your favourite Siput Sarawak sarong bekeman, pareo, and flowers in your hair for moonlight dinner and dance.
Venue: Beach, Tanjung Bungah Hotel

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams

26 SEPTEMBER, SATURDAY

7:00 am Buffet Breakfast by the Beach

9.30 am Opening Ceremony of the Peranakan Convention Penang 2011
Welcoming Speech by the President
Official Opening Address by VIP

Exchange of Gifts and Souvenirs

The Peranakan Seminar
Topic: Peranakan Philanthropy: From Family to State
A panel of authors, research writers, academicians and historians will present this morning’s seminar

12 noon Lunch at the Tanjung Bungah Hotel

1.30 pm Millionaires Row Tour & Tea at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion
The Penang Heritage Trust will conduct a tour and visit to the homes and estates of the rich, famous and prominent families in Penang. Many of these heritage mansions along Gurney Drive and Northam Road are carefully restored and maintained.

Return to Beach Hotel to rest and then to dress in your best.
Leave for Dinner by bus.

7:00 pm Gala Dinner and Dance at the magnificent Khoo Kongsi
The Peranakan Musical!
Mari Menjoget!

Dress Code: Baba in smart Peranakan baju. Ladies dress in your loveliest sarong kebayas, baju panjangs
and finery.
Venue: Khoo Kongsi

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams

27 SEPTEMBER, SUNDAY

7:00 am Breakfast

10:00 am The Baba Nyonya Morning Bazaar at Straits Quay
Dondang Sayang & Mari Menjoget Sekali Lagi!
Peranakan Presidents Coffee Morning
at the fashionable Aseana Café

12.30 pm Peranakan Lunch

Sales of Nyonya and local delicacies, ornaments, gifts, etc.
Singing and dancing continues throughout the morning!

Dress Code: Babas in Peranakan baju. Ladies, come in your most colourful Sarong Kebayas and kasut manik.
Venue: Straits Quay

***The above is the tentative programme for the Peranakan Convention Penang 2011. All are events and venue are subject to confirmation. The hotel that have been carefully selected for all delegates and participants is the Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel. It is by the sea, and you can walk out to the beach.
http://www.facebook.com/events/131039420338615/?ref=ts

* Previous Convention Photos: http://dktan.multiply.com/photos/album/312/Phuket_Baba_Nyonya_Convention_Royal_City_Hotel

Jeff Oliver at Setenang Buddhist Society, 47 Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, 47180 Puchong on Tuesday, 15 Nov 2011

2011-11-14T15:36:00.003+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dhamma,

Sukhi Hotu! Thank you all for your support and interest, as we have overwhelming requests for Bro. Jeff Oliver to conduct Dhamma sharing sessions upon his visit to Malaysia next month. Setenang Buddhist Society is happy to inform that Jeff Oliver has kindly accepted our invitation to give a Dhamma Talk "Being here and now" at our Centre on 15th Nov (Tue) at 8:00pm. Jeff Oliver has been a Burmese Monk of the Forest Tradition.
Friends and devotees are kindly invited to the talk and do bring along your family and friends. Hope that you can help to share this information to all your friends, members and others so that they can come to attend some of his sessions here. All are Welcome !

Date: 15th Nov 2011 (Tuesday)
Venue: Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU2/10, Taman Damai Utama, Jalan Kinrara 6, 47180 Puchong (near Kinrara Golf Club).
Time: 8:00pm
Topic: "Being here and now"
Past is gone, future won't come, the present is all we can experience. Do we really understand this and how does it change our lives?
Contact: Bro.Jerry Khoo (012-6211098) or Bro.David Karuna Tan 012-3159527 dktan57@gmail.com (FaceBook)

Profile
Jeff Oliver is a dynamic and creative meditation teacher from Australia. He has been practicing vipassana (Awareness and Wisdom) meditation for about 19 years, eight of which he was ordained as a Buddhist Monk in the Burmese tradition. Jeff has shared practical life skills and â€˜mind managementâ€™ in many areas of the world including Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe including Turkey.

Jeff's teachings are based on both ancient and modern ways of mind training especially, such as appreciation, forgiveness, "metta" unconditional love, concentration, awareness and wisdom. Basically, Jeff is offering us a â€˜toolboxâ€™ of techniques to be used both in formal, intensive meditation and in any situation during our busy and complicated daily life. His style is open, approachable, friendly and gentle yet very effective for the modern seeker of truth.

Many thanks and kind regards,
David Karuna Tan
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com
Kindly RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126957187411215

8D7N Ven.Piyavano Vipassana Meditation Retreat plus Tour & Dana at Brahma Vihara Amara, Bali 3-10 June 2012

2011-11-03T13:48:00.005+08:00

* Dear Dhamma Friends, Join us to this most beautiful, spiritual part of Bali (The island of many gods) on 4-9 June 2012, with balance 20 allocated place for Malaysian yogis and 40-50 for local and foreign friends (where East meets West) joining this International Vipassana Meditation Retreat conducted by Ven.Piyavano at Brahma Vihara Arama, Banjar Tegeha, Buleleng, Singaraja, North Bali. Hope you will sign up early as the closing date for our Malaysian package is when reached 30 yogis or 15th January 2012, whichever comes earlier. Kindly contact David Karuna Tan dkarunatan@gmail.com for more details. Registration Forms available at Setenang House, SJBA, SABS etc ♥ DKTan ♥ http://www.BrahmaViharaArama.com/
Kindly RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=227197850677634

Setenang House - 14th November 2011, Monday Weekly Prayers@8:00pm

2011-10-31T13:31:00.003+08:00

Dear Friends of Setenang,
We will be leading this coming Monday 14th November 2011, for the Weekly Monday Puja dedicated specifically for :-
01. The People of Thailand, Bangkok on the flood/for Malaysia too as report of severe rain is mentioned.
02. The People of Turkey on the recent earthquake
03. Sis Valerie(Tan Keng Lan) - in coma @ UH, PJ since May 2011
04. All requests on our Setenang Monday list

Programme:

07:30pm Arrival of devotees & guest

08:00pm Starting of Buddha Puja & Metta Meditation

09:30pm End of Puja

Venue : Setenang House ,
47, Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama
[Off Jalan Kinrara 6 - Kinrara Golf Club Road],
Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong

Contact Persons :-

Bro. Jerry Khoo 012 - 6211 098,
Bro. David Tan 012 - 3159 527
Bro. Wuan Thong Lok 012-3319515

Note : Let all of us together(in synergy) pray & radiate positive thoughts to invoke the Blessings of the Triple Gem towards the people of Thailand, Turkey, Sister Valerie Wee, etc so that they may overcome their difficulties.

Do join us in this prayers and looking forward to your presence.
If you can not make it, you may join us where ever you are & locked in the time with us.

Time: 8.00pm -9.30pm Monday 14th Nov 2011

* Kindly inform all those residing in Kinrara/Puchong to join us.
Now, we pray for them, hopefully when we need it, others will send us good thoughts, too.

With Metta always,
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com
from the Setenang Buddhist Community,
Kindly RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=302022846474970

Fraser & Neave new RM42m PET production line in Shah Alam

2011-10-13T05:22:00.004+08:00

F&N to boost M’sian ops amid Thai floods
Posted on 12 October 2011 - 10:14pm

SHAH ALAM (Oct 12, 2011): Fraser and Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) will boost its operations in Malaysia to ensure an uninterrupted supply of dairy products amid Thailand's worst flooding in decades, its chief executive officer Datuk Ng Jui Sia said.

F&N's facility in Rojana Industrial Park, Ayutthaya, under its unit F&N Dairies (Thailand) Ltd, has ceased operations due to the massive floods following unusually heavy moonson rains.

"We are looking at a back-up plan including utilising Petaling Jaya's capacity to back it up and accelerate the construction of our new dairy plant in Pulau Indah," he told reporters at the inauguration of its RM42 million three-in-one monoblock production plant here today.

Some 300 of the 2,150 factories in the ancient capital Ayutthya are affected by the floods, causing many to stop work temporarily.

Earlier, Ng said the new production line at its soft drinks manufacturing facility in Shah Alam will cater to Malaysia's growing demand for beverages in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

The RM42 million investment in the line encompasses machinery, equipment and training.

He said the high-tech line will boost F&N's carbonated soft drinks (CSD) PET output by 30% from 72,000 bottles per day or 139.2 million bottles a year, making it one of the fastest production lines in the Asia-Pacific.

"We recognise the potential of the ready-to-drink beverage market which is growing at close to 8%, and CSD accounts for 28% of that market," he said.

The investment has also significantly enhanced the green capacity of the plant, which has been running at full capacity since August last year, Ng said.

He said the line uses 15% less water, with water consumption dropping by about 12,500 cu m per year, and about 8% less electricity than conventional lines, while energy consumption is lower by 5%.

"We have cut down our overall carbon footprint by over 15%. This is the right direction as we not only want to grow our market but are cognisant of the need to expand in a manner that is responsible and protective of the environment," he said. — Bernama

Obituary of the late Bro.Chee Hood Siong

2011-10-05T16:54:00.006+08:00

♥ Scores pay respects to ‘Baba Chee’ ♥

MALACCA: Scores of relatives, friends and local dignitaries paid their last respects to actor Chee Hood Siong, who died on Sunday.
Among them was long-time acting partner Kenny Chan, 61, who described Chee as a talented and irreplaceable personality.

Kenny Chan was among many people who attended Chee’s wake at a funeral parlour opposite the Seck Kia Eenh Temple in Jalan Gajah Berang on Tuesday.

Nasi Lemak 2.0 director Wee Meng Chee alias Namewee, who also attended the wake, said Chee, of the popular 1990s comedy Baba Nyonya, was a motivated and jovial artiste who was easy and fun to work with.

Chee and Kenny had reprised their roles as a Baba and Nyonya couple in the film.

The others who paid their last respects were MCA stalwart Datuk Tan Cheng Swee, Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him and state Development Corporation Investment Coordinator Datuk Ng Peng Hay.

Chee’s cortege leaves at 11am today for cremation at the Melaka Memorial Park in Sungai Putat.

* Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr Chee Hood Siong for his sudden demise. His last wonderful contribution to the film 'Nasi Lemak 2.0' and to the Baba Nyonya performance at the Buddhist Societies events will never be forgotten....
> Baba Chee, where ever you may be. May you be reborn into a better plane of existences ..... Anicca vata Sankhara.
May you be Well & Happy always .....
* Baba Chee's wake is in front of Seck Kia Ennh Temple, 57 Jalan Gajah Berang, Malacca till funeral on Thursday noon.....
With Blessing Of the Triple Gem,
On behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society of Selangor & WP KL,
With Metta always,
Bro.David Karuna Tan
♥ Setenang ♥ Peace For All !
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

Ground Breaking Ceremony of New MPSJ Crematorium at Batu 14, Puchong

2011-09-28T23:22:00.002+08:00

Dear Bro/Sis in the Dhamma,
Let us rejoice on the blessings and fellowship we had during the purification ceremony for the MPSJ crematorium today at Puchong. Thank you for the time and effort in participating in the ceremony conducted by Ven Jue Cheng and members of the Sangha from Fo Guang Malaysia. Personally, I am touched by the support from all of you, especially Ven Jue Cheng and the team from Fo Guang for arranging the necessary ceremonial requirements and coming all the way from Jenjarom to conduct the ceremony.

This simple but meaningful event shows the Buddhist community are ever ready to be part of the policy making and implementation process and appreciates the good work of all levels of government. I hope all of us will continue to engage positively with the policy makers for the well being and progress of all. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu.

--
With Metta,
Loka Ng Sai Kai

The MPSJ recently awarded the contract to construct a new crematorium at Bt. 14, Puchong. This is the Buddhist religious ground breaking ceremony at the site led by Ven. Jue Cheng, the Abbess of Fo Guang Malaysia.
The ceremony was conducted from 9am - 10am on Tuesday, 27 Sept 2011 at Tanah Perkuburan Jalan Bunga Kertas, Kampung Melur, Batu 14, 47160 Puchong. From LDP - Jalan Puchong - Jalan Puchong Batu 14, after passing SJKC Han Ming on your left, turn left into Jalan Bunga Kertas which is within a housing area). The crematorium site is between a Chinese and Hindu cemeteries.

DKTan wishes all Malaysian, Selamat Hari Raya

2011-08-27T04:12:00.001+08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

DKTan on behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society wishes all our Muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & to all Malaysian Selamat Hari Merdeka and Happy Holidays. Whereever you are heading to, have a safe journey on the Road.

Please be informed that we will be closed from Aug 29 - Sep 04, 2011. And we will resume operation on Sept 05, 2011.

With Metta,
Setenang House & Community Centre
47, Jalan DU 2/10,
47180 Puchong,
Selangor, Malaysia
E-Mail : jktp2001@yahoo.com; dkarunatan@gmail.com
Web : http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com
FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/Setenang

Setenang House- 3rd October 2011, Monday Weekly Prayers@7:30pm

2011-08-22T15:31:00.004+08:00

* Join us this Monday, 3rd October evening at 8:00pm at the Setenang Buddhist Society - Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, off Jalan Kinrara 6, opp Kinrara Golf Club, 47180 Puchong esp every Monday Meditation, Buddha Puja, chanting, Tranference of Merits to the departed, sick and aged ...... !

BV Amara, Bali SUT Meditation Retreat 2011

2011-08-06T11:12:00.000+08:00

Brahmavihara Amara Sut Meditation Retreats 2011 Slides Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to Bali, Indonesia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Bali slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Richard Gere meditates at Buddhist Temple in Borobudur, Indonesia

2011-06-29T10:08:00.003+08:00

Richard Gere took some quiet time today at Indonesia's Borobudur temple in Central Java before touring the ninth-century Buddhist monument with his wife and son.

"He meditated for 20 minutes this morning at the top platform and made a 45-minute tour to admire the details of the temple's reliefs," temple manager Purnomo Siswo Prasetyo said, according to the Straits Times.

Yesterday, Gere met President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta. The two discussed humanitarian activities, reports the Jakarta Post. On Tuesday, Gere is scheduled to visit Bali. ....

DKTan visit Borobudur Temple-Left A Day Before Mount Merapi Eruption in 2011

2011-06-01T09:26:00.002+08:00

My Borobudur Tour in 2010 & mt Merapi Eruption Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to 3 cities Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Merapi (near Wonosobo, Java, Indonesia) was created by TripAdvisor. See another Indonesia slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

PHBS Wesak Day brings charity and blessings

2011-05-29T04:43:00.000+08:00

NST Streets 280511 KUALA LUMPUR: The sound of chanting rose from a tent at the roadside in Putra Heights in the early morning of May 16. But this was not unusual for Wesak Day.

Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PBHS) celebrated Wesak Day with a programme that began with puja and blessings by the Sangha for the devotees, who later made offerings of flowers and lights. There was a dhamma talk entitled Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds as well as performances and the singing of hymns.

PHBS president Chua Teck Seong explained the significance of the day.

"Wesak is a thrice sacred day for Buddhists as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Shakyamuni Buddha. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999."

The Buddhist Film Festival sheds light on Buddhism and its teachings. The documentaries screened during the festival featured big names like Jet Li and Richard Gere sharing their experiences as practicing Buddhists.

The documentaries were a hit with the visitors who sat on the floor to watch the video projections on the wall

Non-Buddhists living nearby also turn up to participate in the Wesak celebration and enjoy the assortment of delicious food sold at the large tent near the PHBS centre in Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C.

Chua said the society members were in the midst of raising funds to help orphans living in Loving Home in Sungai Nibong, Klang. The money would be used to buy medical equipment and medicines for the home's clinic.

The free clinic treats between 150 to 170 poor families in Klang, he explained.

"Many poor families cannot afford treatment when they fall ill and this free clinic serves them well," he said.

Chua said that was one of PHSB's many activities to give back to the community and help the needy.

The stalls on the road sold candles, vegetarian food, religious books, Nyonya dumplings, homemade wholemeal pies, pumpkin pao, yam cakes, tau foo fa, muffins, jelly, soya bean milk and other good things, all of which went down well with the hungry crowd.

Some of the food was sponsored, but some hardworking housewives turned volunteers woke up as early as 3am to prepare the food fresh.

A few women at the PHBS kitchen prepared hot rice for the free vegetarian lunch for devotees.

Others were hard at work making bouquets of carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, lotus and jasmine to be sold to raise funds.

The money, Chua said, would be used for food donations to monks who could not afford to buy food, to educate Buddhist students at the Sunday school, and to buy religious books and other essential items for them.

Besides praying, Buddhists bowed at the feet of monks as a sign of reverence and to receive their blessings.

Others took turns to bathe a statue of the Buddha -- a Wesak Day cleansing ritual to purify the mind.

The society is open from 10am to 1pm on Sundays, 8.30pm to 10pm on Tuesdays (meditation) and 9am to 11am on new moon or full moon days.

PHBS also offers lessons on chanting, guided meditation, Sutta studies and Sunday dhamma school.

The Wesak International Film Festival 2011 (WIFF 2011) @MTC, KL June 11-12 & 18-19

2011-05-22T16:01:00.002+08:00

The Wesak International Film Festival 2011 (WIFF 2011)

Petaling Jaya : Continuing from its previous successes in 2006 and 2008, the third installment of the Wesak International Film Festival (WIFF) will be organized on June 11-12 and 18-19, 2011 at the Malaysia Tourism Center (MTC), Kuala Lumpur.

This event is organized by four leading Buddhist organizations in Malaysia: Bandar Utama Buddhist Society, Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Nalanda Buddhist Society, and Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia. Another 15 other Buddhist societies in Malaysia are supporting organizations of this major event.

WIFF 2011 will again present Buddhist-themed and inspired cinema of all kinds: full-length movies, documentaries, animation, and children’s films. For WIFF 2011, a total of 19 Buddhist organizations in the Klang Valley have combined their resources to organize the event with one main objective: to create greater awareness of Buddhism among the general public through the medium of films.

A total of 18 films, comprising full-length movies, documentaries, and animation, will be screened over the two weekends in June. To cater for a crowd expected to be much bigger than in 2006 or 2008, the Organizers have booked three theatres at MTC for the event.

WIFF 2011 will be screening three full-length feature films. Enlightenment Guaranteed is an acclaimed Zen comedy by award winning director Doris Dorrie about two brothers searching for meaning in their lives by going to a Zen monastery in Tokyo, Japan.

Then there is Zen, a movie about Dogen, a Japanese Zen master, born in Kyoto in the 13th century and founder of the Soto school of Zen. Dogen, well-known for his extensive writings on Zen, traveled to China as a young monk to find his true master. Making his film debut in an authentic performance of Dogen is Nakamura Kantaro, the 19th generation Kabuki actor.

The third feature film Uppalavanna is about the compassion of a Buddhist nun set during the Sri Lankan civil war in 1989. It is a moving story that tells of how the Buddha’s teachings on kindness and forgiveness can be the antidote to fear and hatred, especially during very difficult times.

Besides the three full-length movies, WIFF will also feature a score of award winning documentaries. This includes the 2008 documentary Unmistaken Child directed by Nati Baratz which follows Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s search for the reincarnation of his beloved teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog, in Nepal. Unmistaken Child was selected for and aired on the award-winning Public Broadcasting Series (USA) Independent Lens in April 2010.

WIFF 2011 will also feature Bhutan: Taking the Middle Path to Happiness by Tom Vendetti about how Bhutan’s government creates “Gross National Happiness” (and not Gross National Product) for its people by promoting the four pillars of Environmental Preservation, Cultural Development, Economic Development through hydroelectric power, and Good Governance. The film won two Emmy Awards in 2009-2010

For an intimate portrait of the nuns of Kala Rongo Nunnery in remote northeastern Tibet, there is Bari Pearlman’s production of Daughters of Wisdom which depict how 300 nuns receive religious and educational training previously unavailable to women. The film won the Audience Award and Certificate of Excellence at the 2007 Brooklyn International Film Festival.

Dalai Lama Renaissance, winner of 12 film awards, and narrated by Hollywood actor Harrison Ford, is another documentary WIFF 2011 will screen in June. This film is the official selection of over 40 international film festivals, and has thus been screened in cinemas globally. The film tells the story of 40 Western thinkers who travel to Dharamsala in India in 1999 to discuss with The Dalai Lama on how to solve many of the world’s problems. The film features two of the starring quantum physicists from the hit theatrical documentary ‘What the Bleep Do We Know,’ Fred Alan Wolf and Amit Goswami.

Another documentary long awaited by many Malaysians is The Devotion of Matthieu Ricard, the story of Matthieu Ricard who left his native France and a promising career in cellular genetics to become a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in Nepal. He is now a translator, photographer and bestselling author (The Monk and the Philosopher, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill) and an active participant in scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. He was nominated “the happiest man alive” by TIME magazine recently.

Filmed entirely in Burma, Dhamma Dana delves deep into the monastic tradition and reveals how the Burmese Buddhists find inner freedom. This film by Theodore Martland presents Buddhism with a serene rhythm, documenting a powerfully peaceful ancient tradition that few experience first hand. This film won the 2009 Queens International Film Festival in New York City, where it was selected as “Best Domestic Documentary.”

Another WIFF 2011 classic is Words of my Perfect Teacher, a poignant and hilarious tale of students who follow Khyentse Norbu - a Buddhist monk, film producer (The Cup and Travelers and Magicians) and a Dharma teacher who defies convention. Shot in the UK, Bhutan, Germany, Canada and US, the film features appearances by Benardo Bertolucci and Steven Segal and music by Sting, Joy Drop, Manu Chao, Eva Casidy, and Laur Fugere.

The life story of Dr Ambedkar is told in Dr David Blundell’s film Arising Light. A peer of Gandhi and Nehru, Ambedkar was born an untouchable who uplifted himself from his community by educating himself in the West to become India’s first Minister of Law. On October 14, 1956 Ambedkar embraced Buddhism with 500,000 followers.

Another interesting documentary is Gorkyeo Buddhist Paintings which is an exhibition of 108 Korean Buddhist Paintings from around the world held at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul in 2010. Produced by the Buddhist Television Network World, the film captures among them 61 paintings — 27 from Japanese, 10 from U.S., five from Europe, and 19 from Korean collections, including the famous “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara,” by Hyeheo, currently housed at Japan’s Senso-ji temple, and paintings of Amitabha and Kshitigarbha.

WIFF 2011 will also screen two documentaries about Buddhism in America and Buddhism in Europe, produced by the Buddhist Television Network World. Both documentaries showcase the popularity of Buddhism in the West and this is clear from the 2008 Pew Religious Landscape Survey which states that Buddhism had climbed to the 3rd most practiced religion in America. Similarly, Buddhism has become a living religion in Europe.

Followers of world famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh will be happy to watch Plum Village about the meditation center he founded in the Dordogne, southern France. The film explores the beauty of this wonderful village where families and friends, lay practitioners and monastics, children and old parents, live together in peace and harmony, guided by precepts of mindfulness in their everyday life.

WIFF 2011 will also showcase a touching short story titled Little Note with themes of encouragement and resilience, inspiring everyone impacted by life’s uncertainties, to soldier on with hope and courage. Living with little wants in the countryside, Zhiren and his mother expressed their love and support for each other in a simple way - by exchanging little notes. These words of encouragement spurred their every step forward in life, helping them cast aside fear and despair in times of uncertainty.

The story of Angulimala, a ruthless killer who was about to kill his own mother but repented and later became enlightened after being taught by the Buddha is a story that tells us that even the worst of people can undo the faults and return to the right path. This short film is produced by Gemkids, a Sunday School initiative of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship.

WIFF 2011 will also feature Oil Lamp, an animated cartoon that clinched the first prize in the International Short Film Competition at the Vesak 2009 International Buddhist Film Festival in Sri Lanka. Produced by the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School of the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur, Oil Lamp tells the tale of a devotional offering of light to Buddha by an old beggar woman. The moral of the story is that it is not how much you give but how you give it.

A special attraction of WIFF 2011 will be a live performance by world renowned Tibetan Buddhist nun and singer Venerable Choying Drolma from Nepal whose songs have won rave reviews internationally. She will sing some of her best known songs from her various CDs that she has recorded over the years and. Her CD Recording include “Cho” in 1997 for Worldwide release by an American CD company, "Time" in 2007, "Selwa" in 1998, “Dancing Dakini” in 1999, “Choying” in 2000, “Moments Of Bliss” in 2004, “Smile” in 2005, and “Inner Peace” in 2006. Her songs and original music have also appeared on various albums, including “Head Massage” by Soul Flip. Details are available from her website: http://www.choying.com

As WIFF 2011 is a non-profit educational event, there is no entrance charge to the public to attend any of our screenings.

Enquiries:

For details on the screening time, please refer to our website: http://www.wiff.org.my or contact +603-7804 9154, or email wiff.my@gmail.com

Setenang House- 23th May 2011, Monday Weekly Prayers@8pm

2011-04-30T21:05:00.018+08:00

♥ Come & Join Setenang Weekly Monday Prayers with us @ Setenang House ! Bring your family, friends and neighbours over on :-
* Weekly Monday Prayers- 23rd May 2011, Monday, 8:00pm–10:00pm

We look forward to seeing you at our activities and do bring along your family and friends too. Sukhi Hotu and may the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you and your family always.

If you need further information or details please do not hesitate to contact the followings:-
Bro. Jerry Khoo at 012-6211 098 or Email jktp2001@yahoo.com;
Bro.David Tan at 017-3450 527 or Email dkarunatan@gmail.com
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

With Metta ♥ ,
SETENANG BUDDHIST SOCIETY KL/Selangor
47 Jalan DU 2 / 10, Taman Damai Utama, [off Jalan Kinrara 6 - Kinrara Golf Club Road], 47180 Puchong, Selanor
Find us at FaceBook :-
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_100349756713959

Retirement age for private sector may be increased to 58 – Dr.Subra

2011-04-11T23:08:00.001+08:00

Private sector retirement age may be increased to 58 – Dr Subra
Posted on NST April 29, 2011, Friday

PUTRAJAYA: The retirement age of workers in the private sector may be increased to 58 years, in line with the civil service, said Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S Subramaniam.

However, the proposal is still in the discussion stage and may require some time to finalise, he said.

“We are having discussions with the stakeholders to look for a right solution…a suitable age for the private sector retirement age. The objective of increasing the retirement age from the current 55 age limit, is because those who retire at the age have much to offer in terms of productivity,” he told reporters here today.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) had earlier urged the government to extend the retirement age of the private sector to 60, as a means of retaining human capital and increasing productivity.

Subramaniam also said the government was studying the prospect of expanding the social security services to ensure the welfare of workers who are retrenched or when companies fold up their business.

“We have started talks with the stakeholders to identify a system or compensation for workers who are laid off for no fault of theirs. The scheme is aimed at easing the burden of workers who are certain to face a bleak future after losing their income,” he said.

Meanwhile Subramaniam said the Labour Day celebrations would be held on May 7, at Bukit Jalil and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. – Bernama

Setenang Buddhist Society of Selangor/Kuala Lumpur

2011-03-12T11:08:00.001+08:00

Welcome to Setenang Buddhist Society families and friends. We have been around since 2005. We are happy to note that the ROS has agreed and approved the Setenang Buddhist Society registration last year (2010). SBS-S/KL has organize their 1st AGM, with new committees taking over the Pro-temp committees duties to run its activities. SADHU ! to all those has supported and contributed in the past.

Join our Setenang Buddhist Society-SKL Monday Weekly Buddha Puja@8:30pm @ Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU 2 / 10, Taman Damai Utama, [ Off Jalan Kinrara 6 - Kinrara Golf Club ], 47180 Puchong, SDE
Call Bro.Jerry Khoo @ 012-621 1098 if need directions....

With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
+6012-3159527
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

Ohhira Nutrition Chinese New Year Dinner on 26 February 2011, Sat (7:00 -10:00pm)

2011-02-15T21:11:00.003+08:00

Join our Ohhira Nutrition Chinese New Year Dinner <3
Date : 26 February 2011, Saturday (7:00 -10:00pm) Venue : Regal House Restaurant, Lot 491, Jalan Bangau 1 Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ticket Price: RM50 (Chinese course dinner with lucky draws and product sampling ON AM-C 30capsules)
* Tickets available with Ms.Dinah Tan 017-8798755 ♥
http://dinahtan.multiply.com/photos/album/34

PHBS Sunday Dhamma Talk by Uncle Vijaya on 23 Jan'11

2011-01-22T20:39:00.002+08:00

PHBS Dhamma Talk "CONTROLLING ANGER" by Uncle Vijaya
- BUDDHA PUJA & DHAMMA TALK on 23rd JANUARY 2011
Program:10.00am Puja Service
10.30am English Dhamma Talk "CONTROLLING ANGER" by Uncle Vijaya
12.00noon Light Refreshments
Biodata of Uncle Vijaya:

Uncle Vijaya Samarawickrama is a very inspiring and respected Buddhist teacher that has inspired many through the lens of Buddhism by his noble action in expounding the Dhamma. He graduated as a specialist in the Teaching of English as a Second Language from the Malayan Teachers’ Training College in Liverpool, England and later on a B.A.(Hons) in English and Linguistics from the University of Malaya and an M.A. (Drama and Theater).

Please note that PHBS will be closed on 30th January and 6th February in conjunction with CNY celebration. Activities will resume the following week.

With Metta,

PUTRA HEIGHTS BUDDHIST SOCIETY

11-1 Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C, Putra Point

Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182683171766627&num_event_invites=0

AJAHN BRAHM'S DHAMMA TALK (18/12/2010 to 25/12/2010) @ Wat Chetawan, Petaling Jaya

2010-12-12T07:32:00.005+08:00

This video clip is the 1st part of the series of Dhamma talk "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" by Ajahn Brahm on 20 Dec, 2010, more details as below: -

Re: AJAHN BRAHM'S DHAMMA TALK (18/12/2010 to 25/12/2010)
Ajahn Brahmavamso, affectionately known as "Ajahn Brahm" delivered his Dhamma Talks at Dhamma Hall of Wat Chetawan from 18th till 25th December, 2010

All are Welcome and admission is FREE !

Time : Daily from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm

Venue : Dhamma Hall, Wat Chetawan, 24 Jalan Pantai, 46000 Petaling Jaya (near Jalan Gasing, PJ) Call 03-7957 2255 for assistance.

Dates: Topics:

18/12/2010 (Sat) Dealing with Depression

19/12/2010 (Sun) Surviving Relationship

20/12/2010 (Mon) When Bad Things Happen to Good People

21/12/2010 (Tue) Beliefs, Faith and Superstition

22/12/2010 (Wed) Saying Goodbye to Anxiety

23/12/2010 (Thu) Discovery What You Really Want

24/12/2010 (Fri) How to Forgive

25/12/2010 (Sat) Dying, Death and Beyond

Biodata

Ajahn Brahmavamso was born in London in 1951. After completing his degree at Cambridge University, UK and teaching for a year, he traveled to Thailand to become a monk. He was ordained in Bangkok at the age of 23 by the Abbot of Wat Saket. He subsequently spent nine years studying and training in the forest medition tradition of the late Venerable Ajahn Chah.

In 1983 he was asked to assist in the establishment of a forest monastery near Perth, Western Australia. Ajahn Brahmavamso is now the Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery and the Spiritual Director of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia.

Ajahn Brahmavamso is an outstanding monk, teacher and public speaker. He is able to make the Buddha's teachings practical, easy to understand, inspiring and even entertaining.

More series of various Dhamma Talks at dKaruna TV http://www.youtube.com/user/dkaruna57

The Selangor Buddhist Development Committee Press Conference on Buddhist Lands in Selangor

2010-12-08T20:44:00.004+08:00

Brothers & Sisters in the Dhamma,

The Selangor Buddhist Development Committee organised a Press Conference on the above matter on Thursday December 9, 2010@10am at Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA), 12593 Jalan Kewajipan, SS13, 47500 Subang Jaya. Tel: +603-56348181

Here are excerpts from the Press Statement that were released.

In view of such unfavourable developments which lacks of transparency and accountability, SBDC wishes to highlight the followings:-

1. With reference to religious practice, we urged the State Planning Committee and Jabatan Perancangan Bandar & Desa Selangor to be more vigourous and professional in adhering to its own guidelines in relation to the provisions for building of places of worship for non-Muslims, which is one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

We emphasized that there are needs for more free-standing Buddhist temples (Vihara Buddha) with sufficient facilities to cater for the spiritual and religious education needs of the Buddhist Community in Selangor.

2. SBDC (& more than 4000 Buddhist objectors) urged the relevant authorities to be fully accounted for and explain why MPSJ (& other local councils) have NOT seriously considered SBDC’s objections. As such, the communiqués and consultation for their decision(s) MUST be done with more transparency and accountability.

We therefore seek the State Planning Committee to take cognizance of this matter seriously and listen to the voice of the people.

3. SBDC reiterates our objections to the usage of the term “Rumah Ibadat (tokong / vihara / kuil / gereja / gudwara )” in Draft Local Plan Majlis Perbandaran Selayang 2020 & all other draft local plans in Selangor. This will further dilute the Vihara Buddha structural provisions in these local draft plans.

4. SBDC also urges the SPC, Selangor Land Office and the Jawatankuasa Hal Ehwal Selain Islam Negeri Selangor to clearly elucidate in writing the gazette mechanisms & provisions of land for non-Muslim places of worship.

We hereby stressed that the SBDC are prepared to engaged and work closely with the State and the relevant authorities for Buddhist temples to be built on land allocated by the Selangor State Government which are designated for places of worship. As stakeholders in this state, all we seek is the State government’s attention, understanding and compassion towards the needs of our community to have proper land to build and manage our Buddhist temples.

The organising committee would like to thank all those who show their support on this crucial issue.

With Metta Always,
Chua Teck Seong
http://putraHBS.multiply.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129284287130849

Local Draft Plan doesn't allocate enough space of worship

2010-11-02T16:36:00.009+08:00

Wanted — more places of worship
by CHOONG MEK ZHIN
The Star Metro, Tuesday, November 2, 2010

THE Buddhist and Christian communities in Ampang are worried over the lack of space to build temples and churches following the final hearing for the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) draft plan yesterday.

Selangor Buddhist Development Committee (SBDC) secretary Chua Teck Seong said the Selangor Planning Guidelines and Standards from the Town and Country Planning Department, released in June 2006, stated that for non-Muslims, there should be a place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

“Taking the figures from the 2000 census carried out by the National Statistics Department, there are 160,748 Buddhists in Ampang and therefore there should be 62 temples here,” he said.

He pointed out that there were only three sites in Ampang allocated in the draft plan for non-Muslims’ places of worship.

Another religion-based issue discussed at the hearing was Charis Christian Association spokesman Chok Poi Fong’s request for a Christian crematorium in Ampang.
Making his point: Ee speaking at the hearing as Lee (seated right) looks on.

“The nearest one is in Cheras and there is one in Petaling Jaya and Seremban respectively. Not only is the one in Cheras far away but it often breaks down and has a long wait-list,” Chok said during the hearing, adding that the crematorium could be shared by churches in the area.

State Housing, Building Management and Squatters Committee chairman YB Iskandar Abdul Samad, who chaired the hearing, said there was a discrepancy in the statistics provided by the religious groups who attended the hearing.

“For instance, we have been told at the hearing by SBDC that there are fewer than 10 temples in Ampang, but we know of two registered ones and another 24 which operate in homes and shoplots,” he said.

He said that according to state records, there were 10 Hindu temples, two Gurdwaras and 22 churces in Ampang.

“The state Town and Country Planning Department will have to meet with these groups and figure out these discrepancies,” he said.

Another issue heard was the proposal to allocate land for a Muslim cemetery in Taman Bukit Permai 2 that was met with both objections and support from the residents who turned up.

Pangsapuri Anggerik Joint Management Body (JMB) chairman A. Karim Mohd Esin said there was a critical need for a Muslim cemetery in Ampang.

“We support the gazetting of the land which is just next to our apartment and separated by a ditch.

“However, we would like to suggest that the community hall that will be built in the buffer zone to also have a surau and a funeral parlour,” he said.

Opposing the cemetery plan was resident Julia Long, 48, who said that it was unfair to the residents who had been living there since 2000 to have to put up with a cemetery beside their homes.

“When we bought our houses, the master plan indicated that the land next to our area was a forest reserve. I would prefer it to remain as such,” she said.

She added that bulldozers and excavators had tried to level the forest in 2008 without residents’ knowledge and it was only stopped after the latter appealed to MPAJ.

“A cemetery will mean increase in traffic in the area, she said, adding that she did not want any kind of development taking place at the site.

Another resident, Sara Chan, 44, said she would approve of the building community facilities like playgrounds at the site.

“Our property value will drop if a cemetery is built and I do not think that is right,” Chan added.

Another hot topic at the hearing was the issue of primary vernacular schools.

“We have received objections from five residents of Bukit Indah who do not want SJK (T) Ampang to be relocated to their area.

“We have also received petitions from residents who want part of a land to be used for a national school in Taman Saga to be given to the building of a Tamil vernacular school,” said Iskandar.

Taman Pandan Glades Residents’ Association chairman Terence Ee and Teratai assemblyman YB Jenice Lee voiced their support for the construction of a vernacular Chinese primary school in the open space along Jalan Perdana 6/2 in Pandan Perdana.

“I believe only a portion of the 2.45ha land is needed for such a school. The rest can still remain as an open space,” said Jenice Lee.

Iskandar said that the hearing, the last of four held for the MPAJ draft plan, was very good as residents came armed with facts and relevant arguments.

“All the information, suggestions and objections we have heard will be discussed at the State Planning Committee along with experts in December,” he said.

Support our PHBS Religious Land Application from Selangor State Government now !

2010-10-30T01:42:00.002+08:00

Dear Putra Heights Residents,

Support Putra Heights Buddhist Society Signature Campaign on Religious Land Application from Selangor State Government now !@ Venue: 11-1 Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 Subang Jaya on Sunday, 31st October, 2010 onwards:

Committee to submit applications
Story by YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my

Eighteen Buddhist organisations have charged that the draft local plans of five councils in Selangor have failed to adhere to the planning guidelines for the allocation of land for places of worship.

They have formed an action committee called the Selangor Buddhist Development Committee to ensure that their objection to the draft plans would be heard.

The committee claimed that the Selayang, Ampang Jaya and Kajang municipal councils as well as the Kuala Langat and Hulu Selangor district councils did not comply with the Selangor Planning Guidelines and Standards published by the state’s Town and Country Planning Department in June 2006.

The guidelines state that for non-Muslims, there should be one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

“Based on the census report in 2000 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Malaysian citizens of the Buddhist faith comprised 4,419,042 people or 20.2% of the total population,” action committee chairman Loka Ng Sai Kai said at a press conference at the Chempaka Buddhist Lodge in Petaling Jaya on Thursday.

“In Selangor, there are a total of 1,011,169 Buddhists, which is 25.26% of the state’s 4,002,440 citizens. Based on ethnic distribution, there are 1,230,271 ethnic Chinese in Selangor, and 999,748 (81.26%) of them are Buddhists,” he added.

Flanked by representatives of the 18 Buddhist organisations, Ng said the said draft local plans proposed limited or no allocation of land for the building of Buddhist temples even though the existing ones were seriously overcrowded.

Ng said that despite the state’s clear planning guidelines, the draft local plans for Selayang and Ampang Jaya stated that the allocation was based on request (mengikut permintaan).

“We are also surprised that the draft local plan for the Hulu Selangor district council even stated that the number of places of worship for non-Muslims had to be monitored so that they did not exceed the legal number.

“We feel that it is not in line with the spirit of Article 3 (1), 11 (1) and 11 (3) of the Federal Constitution in regard to the needs of adherents of religions other than Islam to practise their religions, and to build and manage their places of worship,” he added.

Committee member Chua Teck Seong, who is also president of the Putra Heights Buddhists Society, highlighted the meagre land allocation for non-Muslim places of worship in each of the areas, and questioned the accuracy of the figures of existing places of worship given.

The Selayang Municipal Council has projected that in the year 2020, the municipality would have a population of 1,338,956, of whom 225,108 would be Buddhists who would require an estimated 87 Buddhist temples. However, there are only 13 Buddhist temples now, and only three locations have been earmarked as places of worship for non-Muslims in the draft plan.

In Ampang Jaya, where it is estimated that 62 Buddhist temples would be needed in the year 2020. there are currently only nine temples, and only three sites for places of worship have been allocated for all non-Muslims.

In Kajang, no land was allocated at all on the basis that there are already “141 units of non-Muslim places of worship”, but the committee reiterated that the figure was not substantiated. It is also projected that Buddhists in the area would need 82 temples by 2020.

Likewise, the draft plan for Hulu Selangor stated that there were already 90 places of worship for non-Muslims but the figure seems to have been plucked from the air. Only one piece of land was allocated for the purpose.

In Kuala Langat, the number of existing Buddhist temples was not specified but it is estimated that 21 temples would be needed in 2020. Only one site was marked for all non-Muslims.

The committee also urged the authorities to reserve land and provide allocations to build crematorium and columbarium complexes, especially for the Buddhist and Hindu communities who often opt for cremation.

The Buddhist organisations’ representatives also pointed out that they needed to rent commercial or residential units to house their activity centres, but were fined by the local councils for breaching the condition of use of the building.

“There are about 200 Buddhist associations registered in Selangor, and most of them are occupying shophouses,” Chua added.

Some had also applied to use vacant land near their premises for expansion, but the applications were not approved even after 10 years.

The committee is submitting objection papers to the respective councils. “We will wait for the local councils to call us for the public hearing,” Ng added.

http://putrahbs.multiply.com

We Are the World - 25 For Haiti with Lyrics

2010-10-20T16:20:00.003+08:00

[YouTube] 'We Are the World' - 25 For Haiti with Lyrics as Subtitles, including singers: Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Nettles, Josh Groban, Tony Bennett, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Miley Cyrus, Enrique Iglesias, Jamie Foxx, Wyclef Jean, Adam Levine, P!nk, BeBe Winans, Usher, Celine Dion, Fergie, Nicole Scherzinger, Nick Jonas, Toni Braxton, Mary Mary, Isaac Slade, Lil' Wayne, Carlos Santana, Akon, T-Pain, LL Cool J, Will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Iyaz, Kanye West

Chorus:

Patti Austin, Zac Brown, Jimmy Jean-Louis,A. R. Rahman, Gladys Knight, Shakira, Musiq Soulchild, Randy Jackson, Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, TJ Jackson, Sean Garrett, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Al Jardine, India.Arie, Brian Wilson, Julianne Hough, Vince Vaughn, Ethan Bortnick, Katharine McPhee, Faith Evans, Kid Cudi, Bizzy Bone, Jeff Bridges, Raphael Saadiq, Hilary Duff, Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Keri Hilson, Tyrese Gibson, Robin Thicke, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Trey Songz, Harry Connick Jr.

Enjoy the video :) (720p HD)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhm0kYFoGnss

34th Buddhist Novitiate Programme 27 Nov - 5 Dec 2010

2010-10-20T16:19:00.008+08:00

34th Buddhist Novitiate Programme 27 Nov - 5 Dec 2010

Dear Friends of the Vihara,

We are pleased to announce that the application forms are now available for the Annual Novitiate Programme that will be held at the Buddhist Maha Vihara this year from 26 November 2010 to 5 December 2010.

Please take note that the application forms are attached herewith along with the guidelines and information needed.

* Junior participants - 10 years to 15 years

* Senior participants - above 15 years

We also welcome you to sponsor the daily breakfast and lunch for the participants of the Programme .Breakfast can be sponsored at : RM 35/- per day & lunch at RM 65/- per day

Thank You .

Commencement of PHBS Sunday Dhamma School 03-10-10

2010-09-09T15:22:00.006+08:00

PUTRA HEIGHTS BUDDHIST SOCIETY (0185-10-SEL)
Venue: 11-1, Jalan Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Dear Dhamma Friends,

Sukhi Hotu!

Putra Heights Buddhist Society is pleased to inform that the Children Sunday Dhamma School (SDS) is now open for registration. We are now doing the necessary preparations as well as finalizing the syllabus and materials. The main objective of the SDS is to inculcate Buddhist values such as generosity, morality and compassion to children at young age and hopefully last through their lifetime.

The classes will include the use of fundamentals of the Dhamma, exemplary stories and adages extracted from Buddhist literature, in order to impart knowledge of Dhamma while setting the foundation for the growing years. Implant virtuous qualities such as nonviolence, mutual cooperation, gratitude, environmental conservation, respect of elders and will to attend to the ailing.

As such we would like to invite parents to register their children for the classes, if you have not already done so. The classes will be held at PHBS centre @11-1, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C, Putra Point, Putra Heights starting 10.30am to 12.00noon.

If you need further information or details please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Bro Chua Teck Seong at 016-2233537 or Email teckseong@gmail.com

Sis Cerlina Ho at 019-3384913 or Email cerlinaho@gmail.com

Thank you for your attention.

With Metta,
PHBS
http://putrahbs.multiply.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159264680753704&ref=mf

PHBS Dhamma Talk by Uncle Vijaya on 19 Sept 2010

2010-08-29T08:54:00.013+08:00

On behalf of PHBS, I like to take this opportunity to welcome Uncle Vijaya to our new centre.

All are welcome to listen to his Dhamma Talk at Putra Heights Buddhist Society on :-

Date: Sunday, 19th September 2010 Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Venue: 11-1 Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor

At noon is our pot-luck fellowship.

Join us as new members of Putra Heights Buddhist Society and be part of our 'Kalyana Mitras'. Please call us early to book a seat or RSVP soonest to avoid disappointment !

For further details contact:- PHBS President, Bro. Chua Teck Seong
016-2233537 Email: teckseong@gmail.com
or Secretary, Sis. Cerlina Ho 019-3384913

With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
012-3159527
Email: dkarunatan@gmail.com
http://putrahbs.multiply.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159264680753704&ref=mf

Opening Ceremony of Putra Heights Buddhist Society @ Putra Point, Putra Heights on 6-3-2011@10:30am

2010-07-27T10:29:00.029+08:00

Buddhist Society comes to Putra Heights, Subang Jaya

Dear All Dhamma Friends of Putra Heights Buddhist Society,

You and family are cordially invited to our Opening Ceremony of Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PHBS) on:-

Date: Sunday, 6th March, 2010 (6-3-11)
Time: 10:30am
Venue: PHBS, 11-1, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor.
(next to E&E Furniture Gallery - 'Slumberland' and near Giant Hypermarket)

PHBS OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY CUM CNY CELEBRATION - 6th March 2011 @10.30am

Putra Heights Buddhist Society is pleased to announce the Official Opening Ceremony cum CNY Celebration at our Centre on 6th March 2011. The ceremony will start at 10.30am and expected to finish at around 1pm. Lunch will be served. We would like to invite you, your families and friends to join us in the function and also for fellowship with the Buddhist Community in Putra Heights and invited guest & friends.

2) LIBRARY - CHILDREN SECTION

We are currently in the midst of setting up a Library at PHBS which will include a Children Section. Hence we are appealing for donations to purchase Jataka Tales pictorial books, each costing between RM5 to RM20. These books are generally very popular with children as they are very entertaining and filled valuable moral lessons for the kids. Offering of Dhamma Books is a very meritorious deed and we welcome parents and/or SDS students to come forward and sponsors some of these books.

We look forward to seeing you at our activities and do bring along your family and friends too. Sukhi Hotu and may the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you and your family always.

If you need further information or details please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Bro Chua Teck Seong at 016-2233537 or Email teckseong@gmail.com
Sis Cerlina Ho at 019-3384913 or Email cerlinaho@gmail.com

With Metta,
PUTRA HEIGHTS BUDDHIST SOCIETY
11-1 Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C, Putra Point
Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor
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http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103140349727504&%3Bref=ts ................................................................................................................................

Propelling Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PHBS) to Greater Heights

The Putra Heights township welcomes the formation of its bonafide Buddhist Society in January 2010. The “kick-off event” was the inaugural Wesak Day Celebrations held at Putra Point recently. Buoyed by the warm & enthusiastic reception by the Putra Heights residents, where the membership tripled overnight, PHBS has been inspired to look for a shoplot premise in Putra Point to better live up to the tagline “Your Neighbourhood Buddhist Fellowship”. The PHBS Sunday Dhamma School will be the focal point. PHBS are getting dedicated volunteers can contribute their expertise & experience to craft the appropriate curriculum & teaching methodology so that we can inculcate holistic Buddhist values to our next generation. We also hope their parents will make PHBS a spiritual beacon for their personal development as well. PHBS needs DANA from good Samaritans to facilitate the renovation of the new PHBS centre at 11-1, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C (Attachment 1). Hence, this is a great opportunity to be part of the force to turn the wheel of Dhamma in Putra Heights. Contirbutions in kind or cash (cheque issued to “Putra Heights Buddhist Society” bank-in to Public Bank Acc No. 3161987208) will be most welcomed.

* For further information please contact Bro Chua Teck Seong (HP 016-223 3537/ teckseong@gmail.com) or Sis Cerlina Ho Siew Yoong (HP 019-3384913/ cerlinaho@gmail.com )

将布特拉高原佛教会推进至更高峰 2010 年正月，布特拉高原城欢迎一个佛教会真实地在该区成立了。不过真正揭开序幕的，却是不久前在布特拉中心首次举办的卫塞节庆典。布特拉高原居民温馨、热心的接受，会籍隔夜间激升三倍，皆促使布特拉佛教会决定，在布特拉中心找间店屋为道场，才不负“ 您邻里间的佛教团体”这句标语。布特拉高原佛教会周日佛学班(meditation)将是我们的焦点。我们正在寻找有奉献精神的志工，以贡献他们的专长及经验，来策划适合的课程大纲及教学法，好让我们能够将整体的佛教价值灌输给下一代。我们希望家长们可以将布特拉高原佛教会，视为他们个人提升心灵的指路明灯。布特拉高原佛教会需要仁心善翁的布施，以促成置在11-1，Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C 路的布特拉高原佛教会新会所的装修。因此，这是成为先锋，推动布特拉高原法轮的好机会。任何形式捐献，（支票抬头请写明 “ Putra Heights Buddhist Society ” , 并存进大众银行户口，号码：3161987208）无任欢迎。详情请联络 Bro Chua Teck Seong ( HP 016-2233537 / teckseong@gmail.com ) or Sis Cerlina Ho Siew Yoong ( HP 019-3384913/ cerlinaho@gmail.com

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Propelling Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PHBS) to Greater Heights

2010-06-27T00:33:00.004+08:00

Glad to announce of our new PHBS Centre, 11 Level 1, Jalan Mahkota 7/8C, Putra Point Town Centre, Putra Heights, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor (next to ' The Slumberland ' E&E Furniture Sdn Bhd) ! All our Dhamma activities will still be at 6-1, Jalan USJ 21/6 until all preparations, renovations and congregation day are completed while donations are most welcome with all cheques payable to "Putra Heights Buddhist Society" or you could TT to A/c No: 3161987208, Public Bank Berhad, USJ Taipan Branch and fax us the confirmation print out or bank slip of the donation. We will send you an official receipt as acknowledgement.

May you all be blessed with good health, peace and happiness on this special announcement.

With Metta,
On behalf of PHBS Exco,
Tel/Fax : 03-8023 5377
Email : putrahbs@gmail.com
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Propelling Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PHBS) to Greater Heights
The Putra Heights township welcomes the formation of its bonafide Buddhist Society in January 2010. The “kick-off event” was the inaugural Wesak Day Celebrations held at Putra Point recently. Buoyed by the warm & enthusiastic reception by the Putra Heights residents, where the membership tripled overnight, PHBS has been inspired to look for a shoplot premise in Putra Point to better live up to the tagline “Your Neighbourhood Buddhist Fellowship”.
The PHBS Sunday Dhamma School will be the focal point. PHBS are getting dedicated volunteers can contribute their expertise & experience to craft the appropriate curriculum & teaching methodology so that we can inculcate holistic Buddhist values to our next generation. We also hope their parents will make PHBS a spiritual beacon for their personal development as well.
PHBS needs DANA from good Samaritans to facilitate the renovation of the new PHBS centre at 11-1, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C (Attachment 1). Hence, this is a great opportunity to be part of the force to turn the wheel of Dhamma in Putra Heights. Contirbutions in kind or cash (cheque issued to “Putra Heights Buddhist Society” bank-in to Public Bank Acc No. 3161987208) will be most welcomed. For further information please contact Bro Chua Teck Seong (HP 016-223 3537/teckseong@gmail.com) or Sis Cerlina Ho Siew Yoong (HP 019-3384913/cerlinaho@gmail.com )

将布特拉高原佛教会推进至更高峰
2010 年正月，布特拉高原城欢迎一个佛教会真实地在该区成立了。不过真正揭开序幕的，却是不久前在布特拉中心首次举办的卫塞节庆典。布特拉高原居民温馨、热心的接受，会籍隔夜间激升三倍，皆促使布特拉佛教会决定，在布特拉中心找间店屋为道场，才不负“ 您邻里间的佛教团体”这句标语。
布特拉高原佛教会周日佛学班(meditation)将是我们的焦点。我们正在寻找有奉献精神的志工，以贡献他们的专长及经验，来策划适合的课程大纲及教学法，好让我们能够将整体的佛教价值灌输给下一代。我们希望家长们可以将布特拉高原佛教会，视为他们个人提升心灵的指路明灯。
布特拉高原佛教会需要仁心善翁的布施，以促成置在11-1，Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C 路的布特拉高原佛教会新会所的装修。因此，这是成为先锋，推动布特拉高原法轮的好机会。任何形式捐献，（支票抬头请写明 “ Putra Heights Buddhist Society ” , 并存进大众银行户口，号码：3161987208）无任欢迎。详情请联络 Bro Chua Teck Seong ( HP 016-2233537 / teckseong@gmail.com ) or Sis Cerlina Ho Siew Yoong ( HP 019-3384913/cerlinaho@gmail.com )

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Devotees thronged PHBS Wesak 2010 mobile temple in Putra Heights

2010-06-08T10:07:00.005+08:00

Mobile temple attracts huge crowd of devotees on PHBS Wesak Day 2010 Celebration
NST 07/06/2010

A monk blessing the devotees. — Picture by Rizuwan Zaini
SUBANG JAYA: Buddhists thronged the Wesak mobile temple set up in Putra Heights for Wesak Day celebrations.

The celebration was a collaboration effort by Putra Heights Buddhist Society and Upakara Kalyana Mitta Buddhist Association (UKMBA) to allow residents to celebrate the festival in their neighbourhood.

The celebration started with flower and candle light offerings from the residents.

These items were sold at RM10 each to help pay for the celebration.

Then there was a puja and blessings by monks, followed by a Buddha-bathing ceremony. The devotees were treated to free lunch afterwards.

Sis.Sumangala of Aloka Foundation gave talks on the meaning of Wesak Day.

The Tzu Chi Foundation also distributed religious books in exchange for donations.

Jonathan Kan, a devotee, said the mobile temple was a great idea as it made it convenient for his family to pay respects to the Buddha.

Visitors were given free glucose and cholesterol tests.

There were several booths selling drinks, food and other items.

A musical performance by Messenger of Dhamma (MOD) was presented towards the end of the celebration.

The celebrations ended with blessings from the monks.

President of the Joint Organisation for Putra Heights Inaugural Wesak Day Celebration Chua Teck Seong was delighted with the overwhelming response from the residents.

He expressed the hope that the Buddhist society's membership would increase in years to come.

Putra Heights residents can become members by submitting an annual application form of RM20 or a lifetime subscription fee of RM100. For more details kindly contact, PHBS President, Chua Teck Seong 013-2073537 or Deputy President Bro. David Tan 012-3159527 or email to putrahbs@gmail.com or fax to 603-80235377

-- By Rizuwan Zaini

F&N Chairman's Award 2010

2010-03-03T21:34:00.010+08:00

Date: Tuesday, 15 June, 2010
Venue: Kota Permai Golf & Country Club

....................................................................................
RM1.25 Million Boost for F&N Chairman’s Award
High-Achieving Children of the F&N Family Recognised for Excellence

Subang Jaya, August 13, 2008 – Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd has injected an additional RM1.25 million into the coffers of its F&N Chairman’s Award to commemorate the Group’s 125th anniversary.

Inaugurated in 2003 in conjunction with its 120th anniversary with an initial funding of RM1.2 million, the Award recognises high achieving children of the F&N Group’s employees.

Another 206 children of F&N employees celebrated the receipt of the 2008 F&N Chairman’s Award valued at RM257,200 recently for their achievements in academic and extra curricular activities. To-date, RM1,067,700 has been disbursed to 898 students.

This year’s event was made all the more special with the presence of YB Dato’ Shahrir bin Abdul Samad, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs who presented a Special Award to Dhanaraj a/l Thuraisamy, 17, for his 14 As achieved in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2007 examination. Winner of the Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang SPM Terbaik 2007 from his school and the MIC 8th President's Merit Award,Dhanaraj has been offered a Federal Scholarship by Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (JPA) to pursue Medicine in India under the Overseas Degree Programme for Year 2008.

Also present were F&N Holdings chairman, YAM Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail and chief executive officer Tan Ang Meng who later presented the other recipients with their awards.

YB Dato’ Shahrir Abdul Samad had earlier launched the inaugural F&N Out-Do-Yourself Award (OYA) aimed to recognize individuals who rise above the call of duty to perform standout deeds ranging from bravery, chivalry, promoting nation building to outstanding sports, academic or business performance.

“The OYA Award and the Chairman’s Award are the kinds of endeavours that put a face and a heart on a company,” said Dato’ Shahrir. “Ask anyone in Britain if they know who Fraser & Neave are and they will have no idea. But ask any Malaysian and they will tell you exactly what kind of products F&N markets. It has become a true Malaysian brand.”

Dato’ Shahrir went on to say how this form of corporate social responsibility keeps the consumers and more importantly, the employees, close at heart. “There are some people working at F&N who represent the third generation of employees in their families. That kind of dedication only occurs when an individual feels as if he has a stake in the company. These people are valued as part of the F&N family.

And that much was true for Thuraisamy a/l Nadeson who proudly watched his son, Dhanaraj a/l Thuraisamy walk up on stage to shake the hand of the Minister and the leaders of his company and receive the Special Award for academic excellence.

“When my son is recognised for his achievements, I feel that F&N is also acknowledging me as well,” said Thuraisamy, a Plant Supervisor of the Engineering Department at Premier Milk (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. “He is my offspring and his successes reflects on me and my work.”

Said Dhanaraj “This award is different from all the other awards I have received because this one is for my father. The trophy may have gone to me but it also celebrates him as the person who made me who I am.”

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, F&N Holdings chief executive officer, Tan Ah Meng said that the F&N Chairman’s Award was the Group’s way of acknowledging employees’ children for their hard work and also to motivate them to seek excellence in education and extracurricular activities.

“We share the joy of these parents when we see their kids collect this award. I am very proud of the award winners and commend our employees for encouraging their children to become high achievers,” said Tan.

13-year-old Wei Yin was surprised that she did so well. “I only thought I would get 4 or 5 As for my UPSR. Getting 6As makes receiving this award so much sweeter,” she said happily.

His father Ben Yeong, a Financial Controller at F&N Dairies said, “I am so proud of my daughter and am absolutely overwhelmed to see her receive this award. This type of initiatives by the company really motivates our kids to excel in school, become better citizens and contribute to society.”

That sentiment was echoed by the advisor to the Pusat Bandar Puchong Residents Association, David Tan. The former Union Chairman also added, “This award doesn’t just celebrate my daughter’s achievements but also rewards my services at F&N. I have worked at F&N for 33 years and I am very happy that my employers have chosen to reward us in this way.”

His daughter Amelia Tan, has just completed her Form 4 and will be pursuing her dream as a professional after finishing her Form 5. “This is the second time I’m receiving this award,” she said. “I’m happy. Getting this has given me a renewed optimism to try harder for the future.”

16-year-old Amelia was surprised that she did so well. “I only thought I would get 4 or 5 As for my PMR. Getting 7 straight As makes receiving this award so much sweeter,” she said happily.

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd is a Malaysian company listed on Bursa Securities with four core businesses: F&N soft drinks division, F&N dairies division, F&N glass packaging division and F&N properties division.

Bhante Mahinda 2010 CNY Message

2010-02-20T09:32:00.003+08:00

Putra Heights Buddhist Society (Reg 0185-10-SEL)

2010-02-19T15:11:00.006+08:00

Please double-click, for better view (zooming).
Come to PHBS Wesak Day on 28th May 2010 at Putra Point Town Centre, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/4, Putra Heights, 47650 UEP Subang Jaya from 8:30am to 4:00pm

Bring your friends and relatives for this meaningful endeavour. A series of activities like "bathing" a small Buddha, offerings oil lamps, special blessings ceremony, free medical check-up for the 1st 100 visitors, free drinks sponsored by F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd, free vegetarian lunch, Charity Sales, Tzu Chi recycling and books stalls, hymns and performances by Messengers of Dhamma (MOD) etc.

Registered yourself as new members of Putra Heights Buddhist Society and be part of our 'Kalyana Mitras'. Please call early to volunteer or RSVP soonest.

Sadhu to all of you !

For further details contact:-PHBS President, Bro. Chua Teck Seong
016-2233537 Email: teckseong@gmail.com or Deputy President, David Karuna Tan 012-3159527 Email: dkarunatan@gmail.com

Setenang Damai Utama, Puchong Wesak Day 2010 Celebrations

2009-12-04T18:42:00.009+08:00

Setenang Damai Utama Wesak Day 2010 Celebrations

Dear friends,

We the protem committee of SDU is happy
to informed that Ven Buddha Ratna & Ven Samanera Suman Pikya from Bombay India will be with us on Wesak Morning :-

Date: 28th May, Friday
Time: 10.30 am for chanting, blessing and followed by Sanghika Dana.
Venue: 47 Jalan DU 2/10, Damai Utama, 47100 Puchong

All are welcome to joint us on this holy day.

Looking forward to your presence with your family & friends at SDU.

Kindly e forward & inform your relatives & friends.

Happy Wesak 2010 with blessings of the Triple Gem.

For those traveling outstation, drive safely.

Setenang Peace To All,

Jerry Khoo on behalf of the Protem Committee
012-6211098

Axwelll and Bob Sinclar feat. Ron Carroll - What A Wonderful World

2009-03-09T10:50:00.003+08:00

Axwelll and Bob Sinclar feat. Ron Carroll - What A Wonderful World

http://www.mediafire.com/?igjuwmvzdib

Dhammapada

2009-03-01T18:35:00.001+08:00

"Happiness and suffering come from your own mind, not from outside. Your own mind is the cause of happiness; your own mind is the cause of suffering. To obtain happiness and pacify suffering, you have to work within your own mind."

- Lama Zopa Rinpoche

"Go forth, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the welfare, the good and the happiness of both gods and men. Let no two of you go in the same direction. Teach the Dhamma which is beautiful in the beginning, the middle and the end. Explain both the letter and the spirit of the holy life completely fulfilled and perfectly pure.(Anattalakkhana Sutta SN 22.59)"

Prayers & Concert for the people of Haiti

2009-01-13T13:20:00.192+08:00

Injured child in Haiti's quake, which have claimed more than 150,000 victims, one of modern time's most calamitous natural disaster.

Malaysian Buddhist organizations are coming together in one united act of compassion to raise funds and alleviate the sufferings of Haitian earthquake victims.

More than 40 Buddhist organizations responded with spontaneously to call by The Most Venerable B Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Monk of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple and Chief Monk (Judiciary) of Malaysia, to come together and help out in the catastrophe that hit Haiti .

A mass oil lamp offering -- symbolic of lighting up the darkness and transmuting the negativity of untold sufferings into the positive
energy of peace, love and harmony – will be a key initiative to raise funds among the Buddhist community.

An all-Buddhist simultaneous chanting of Paritta and meditation session in the various temples / viharas are also being planned on the full moon night of 30 March 2010 for the well being and happiness of the people of Haiti.

These collective efforts will culminate with a concert The Sound of Compassion which will bring together famed Buddhist singing groups like i-gemz, Messengers of Dhamma (MOD), D2Y Choir Group, Choir of Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Bodhi and many others at the HGH Convention Centre, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, on 18 April 2010 at 7.00pm in this major fund-raising event.

Venerable Saranankara said he initiated this “LIGHT A LAMP OF HOPE & RELIEF” as he felt that together, much can be achieved speedily and
effectively especially in raising the much needed funds to help bring relief to the devastated & traumatized Haitians.

Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Americas, is already home to 380,000 orphans and this number has increased exponentially with the January 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people, severely injuring another 300,000 and left more than one million homeless.

“The suffering is unfathomable. I have heard in the news that a bottle of water and some snacks are just all it takes to make the people happy there,” he added.

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation is at the forefront providing aid and helping to bring relief to the victims. Venerable Saranankara said all the funds raised from the oil lamp offering and the
concert will be channeled to Tzu Chi so that it can speedily reach the
suffering Haitians.

The Launch of the Malaysian Buddhist “Haiti Relief Fund” will be at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Jalan Tujuh, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur on the full moon night of ‘Chap Goh Mei’ on Sunday, 28 February 2010 at 8.00pm
with the Lighting of Lamps.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 at 7.30pm at the same venue and other participating organizing temples a simultaneous chanting of Paritta wil be held.

Other venues organizing the Chanting and Meditation sessions and Lighting of Oil Lamps are as follows:-

·Wednesday,10 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Sakyamuni Dharma Center,
Taman Kanagapuram, Jalan Kelang Lama, Kuala Lumpur.

·Tuesday,16 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

·Tuesday,16 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Shah Alam Buddhist Society, Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam

·Saturday,27 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Fo Guang Shan 2, Jalan SS3/33, Taman University, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 6(03) 7877 6533, 7877 6482

·Saturday,27 March 2010 – 7.00pm: Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia(BMSM)ShahAlam Branch, Kota Kemuning

·Sunday,11 April 2010 – 8.00am: Subang Jaya Buddhist Association, Subang Jaya

Members of the public are invited to partake in these meaningful programs.

Those interested and for further information on the events can log in to: http://www.bovis.tv/helphaiti

or contact any of the following persons:

Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple: 03 – 4041 9459 (Contact hours: 9.00 am to 5.00pm)

Bro.Roland Lee: 012 - 225 4722

Sis. Julie Tan: 016 - 270 2120

Issued by Secretariat of Malaysian Buddhist ‘ Haiti Relief Fund’ Organizing Committee

27 February2010

Julie Tan HP:
+6 016-270 2120
http://www.bovis.tv/helphaiti/

BMSM president conferred Datukship

2009-01-13T09:33:00.034+08:00

Subject: BMSM president conferred Datukship

The Buddhist contributions to the country's well-being and spiritual development has been recognised through the conferment of a state award to one of the community's respectable and well-known lay Dhamma worker.

The president of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, Bro. Ang Choo Hong was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) which carries the title Dato' by the Yang Di Pertua Negeri of Penang in conjunction with his 71st birthday last Saturday.
Image Preview
Dato' Ir. Ang, who earns his Bachelor and Masters engineering degree from UTM and UM in 1977 and 1995 respectively, is currently the director of the Mechanical Engineering Branch, Public Works Department, Ministry of Works. He has been a Dhamma speaker and serving the community for a long time. Dato' Ang also writes many articles on Buddhism for the newspapers and magazines and was one of the article contributors for the The Encyclopaedia of Malaysia project.

He was also former president of the UTM Buddhist Society, former chairman of the BMS Youth section and former deputy president of the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia.

Congratulations Dato' Ir. Ang Choo Hong. It is indeed a proud moment for you, your family and your community.

--
With Metta,

David Tan
President
KINRARA METTA BUDDHIST SOCIETY
HP: +6012-3159 527
HP: +6017-3450 527

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WESAK BY BHANTE MAHINDA

2009-01-01T19:21:00.005+08:00

The significance of Wesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.

As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.

During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and
purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his
previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples
of them .. . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on....
As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another. Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of unsatisfactoriness paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realisation dawned in him together with all psychic powers.

This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2550 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness.

The heart of the Teachings of the Buddha is contained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, namely,

1. The Noble Truth of Dukkha or suffering

2. The Origin or Cause of suffering

3. The End or Cessation of suffering

4. The Path which leads to the cessation of all sufferings

The First Noble Truth is the Truth of Dukkha which has been generally
translated as 'suffering'. But the term Dukkha, which represents rhe
Buddha's view of life and the world, has a deeper philosophical meaning.
Birth, old age, sickness and death are universal. All beings are subject
to this unsatisfactoriness. Separation from beloved ones and pleasant
conditions, association with unpleasant persons and conditions, and not getting what one desires - these are also sources of suffering and
unsatisfactoriness. The Buddha summarises Dukkha in what is known as the Five Grasping Aggregates.

Herein, lies the deeper philosophical meaning of Dukkha for it encompasses the whole state of being or existence.

Our life or the whole process of living is seen as a flux of energy
comprising of the Five aggregates, namely the Aggregatc of Form or the Physical process, Feeling, Perception, Mental Formation, and
Consciousness. These are usually classified as mental and physical
processes, which are constantly in a state of flux or change.

When we train our minds to observe the functioning of mental and physical processes we will realise the true nature of our lives. we will see how it is subject to change and unsatisfactoriness. And as such, there is no real substance or entity or Self which we can cling to as 'I', 'my' or 'mine'.

When we become aware of the unsatisfactory nature of life, we would
naturally want to get out from such a state. It is at this point that we
begin to seriously question ourselves about the meaning and purpose of life. This will lead us to seek the Truth with regards to the true nature of existence and the knowledge to overcome unsatisfactoriness.

From the Buddhist point of view, therefore, the purpose of life is to put an end to suffering and all other forms of unsatisfactoriness - to realise peace and real happiness. Such is the significance of the understanding and the realisation of the First Noble Truth.

The Second Noble Truth explains the Origin or Cause of suffering. Tanha or craving is the universal cause of suffering. It includes not only desire for sensual pleasures, wealth and power, but also attachment to ideas', views, opinions, concepts, and beliefs. It is the lust for flesh, the lust for continued existence (or eternalism) in the sensual realms of existence, as well as the realms of form and the formless realms. And there is also the lust and craving for non-existence (or nihilism). These are all different Forms of selfishness, desiring things for oneself, even at the expense of others.

Not realizing the true nature of one's Self, one clings to things which
are impermanent, changeable and perishable. The failure to satisfy one's desires through these things; causes disappointment and suffering.

Craving is a powerful mental force present in all of us. It is the root
cause of our sufferings. It is this craving which binds us in Samsara -
the repeated cycle of birth and` death.

The Third Noble Truth points to the cessation of suffering. Where there is no craving, there is no becoming, no rebirth. Where there is no rebirth, there is no decay. no old age, no death, hence no suffering. That is how suffering is ended, once and for all.

The Fourth Noble Truth explains the Path or the Way which leads to the cessation of suffering. It is called the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold path avoids the extremes of self-indulgence on one hand and self-torture on the other. It consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

These path factors may be summarised into 3 stages of training, involving morality, mental culture and wisdom.

Morality or good conduct is the avoidance of evil or unwholesome actions -- actions which are tainted by greed, hatred and delusion; and the performance of the good or wholesome actions, - actions which are free from greed, hatred and delusion, but motivated by liberality, loving-kindness and wisdom.

The function of good conduct or moral restraint is to free one's mind from remorse (or guilty conscience). The mind that is free from remorse (or guilt) is naturally calm and tranquil, and ready for concentration with awareness.

The concentrated and cultured mind is a contemplative and analytical mind. It is capable of seeing cause and effect, and the true nature of
existence, thus paving the way for wisdom and insight.

Wisdom in the Buddhist context, is the realisation of the fundamental
truths of life, basically the Four Noble Truths. The understanding of the Four Noble Truths provide us with a proper sense of purpose and direction in life. They form the basis of problem-solving.

The message of the Buddha stands today as unaffected by time and the expansion of knowledge as when they were first enunciated.

No matter to what lengths increased scientific knowledge can extend man's mental horizon, there is room for the acceptance and assimilation for further discovery within -the framework of the teachings of the Buddha.

The teaching of the Buddha is open to all to see and judge for themselves. The universality of the teachings of the Buddha has led one of the world's greatest scientists, Albert Einstein to declare that 'if there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism'

The teaching of the Buddha became a great civilising force wherever it went. It appeals to reason and freedom of thought, recognising the
dignity and potentiality of the human mind. It calls for equality,
fraternity and understanding, exhorting its followers to avoid evil, to
do good and to purify their minds.

Realising the transient nature of life and all worldly phenomena, the
Buddha has advised us to work out our deliverance with heedfulness, as 'heedfulness is the path to the deathless'.

His clear and profound teachings on the cultivation of heedfulness
otherwise known as Satipatthana or the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, is the path for the purification of beings - for the overcoming of sorrows and lamentation, for the destruction of all mental and physical sufferings, for the attainment of insight and knowledge and for the realisation of Nibbana. This has been verified by his disciples. It is therefore a path, a technique which may be verified by all irrespective of caste, colour or creed.

Bhikkhu Mahinda
Sydney, Australia,
May 1997

(Source: Buddhist Council of New South Wales,
http://www.zip. com.au/~lyallg/ index.html )
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Dear Friends of Aloka,

Going beyond 108 nights of Metta Bhavana, the chanting and Metta meditation continues nightly @ Aloka House in Dana 1 from 8p.m. to 9p.m.

In conjunction with Wesak, the Metta Bhavana team is organizing a night chanting to usher the Wesak Eve from 8pm~12mid-nigh on 8th May (Fri).

Date: 8th May (Friday)
Venue: Aloka House @ Dana1

Do come and be part of this wonderful evening on the Eve of the Thrice Blessed Day.
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NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BHANTE MAHINDA

As we approach the new calendar Year of 2009, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about the New Year resolutions.

You must have heard people talking about it. But what are the resolutions to make and how to make them?

Before you make your resolution for the New Year, please recall to mind of the good things you've done throughout the year 2008.

When you recall an action or an event which is good or wholesome you'll feel some joy & happiness in your hearts. That's how you'll recognise a good or wholesome action.

Try to recall of at least 3 of such actions or events which you participated. The practice of contemplation of virtues or merits is called SILÄ€NUSSATI. This will help to establish in you a sense of confidence in cultivating good or wholesome qualities. When you develop this skill you will find it very useful, especially when you are feeling somewhat low and depressed. The contemplation of virtues or merits will help to uplift your spirits and get out of your negative state of mind.

For example, those of you who have been to Bodhgaya for the Novitiate Programme, just recall to mind of this event and the time you spent under the Bodhi tree or in the sacred shrine or the meditation garden, observe the joy/happiness that arise in your heart. Similarly when you recall of how you saved the life of a cat or dog, or performed some other charitable act, you can feel the joy of doing good. That's how you'll be motivated to do more good things.

That's when you're ready to think of a few good things that you'll do for this coming year. Then you make a firm resolution to carry them out.

The thought of avoiding or overcoming certain bad habits (in body, speech or mind) is a good thought.

Basically we should all try to resolve to avoid all evil, to do the good and to purify one's own mind. But merely repeating the words is not good enough. You need to identify at least one bad habit that you'll try to quit and get rid off and at least one good thing you'll do again and again (such as cultivating metta or loving kindness throughout one full day a week. Then increasing to everyday and in every direction whether standing, walking or moving around, sitting or lying down. The thought of purifying your own mind is a good one. Resolve to go for longer retreats next year.

Once you've made these resolutions and you're happy, and quite comfortable with them, then go to the Buddha â€“ to a shrine or a quiet and sacred spot â€“ and make the resolution again & again until you've sure that's what you really want to do. Seek the blessings, guidance and protection from the Triple Gem so that you'll be able to fulfil your aspirations and overcome whatever obstacles that may arise. The good things that you wish to do are the aspirations. The resolutions you make is your determination, the effort and perseverance to fulfil your aspirations.

If your aspirations is to attend a month long retreat to purify your mind and if you so resolve to do it, then that resolutions will give you the strength and courage to do so thus fulfilling your aspiration.

ADITTHANÄ€ or resolutions/determination is one of the 10 Paramita or Perfections.

If you wish to do something and do not have the resolutions or determination, your mind tend to waver. You get into the situation where you're undecided yes, no, yes, no. If you are really resolved and determined to do something then the wavering disappears.

Remember how the Buddha made his resolutions under the Bodhi tree. He declared to himself:

"Let my body wither away, let my blood dry up.

I will not get up from this seat until I realise the Truth."

Such was the strength of his determination. This gave him the power to confront and overcome whatever challenges and threats that Mara had plotted and carried out against the Buddha.

The next thing to consider is that when making your resolution/determination you need to weigh and consider the pros and cons of the situation that you are in. You need to be fairly confident that what you wish to carry out is feasible.

If you go to that Bodhi tree now and make the resolution which the Buddha made, then you are in for big trouble. So take time to weigh and consider things.

That's why you need a few days to prepare your resolutions. You may list out all the things that you wish to do for the year. Then prioritise them. Which one more urgent, which one needs greater attention.

When you've decided then go to your favourite shrine or a quiet and sacred spot and declare your resolutions for the New Year. It is good if you can do it on the New Year day itself. Because somehow Jan 1 tends to make some people feel new, i.e. time for a change, a change for the better (however for those with wisdom everyday can be a New Year).

Once you are clear with your resolutions, repeat iT again and again. During that time you may make some adjustments and even drop off some things that you're not so confident with or even add on something that has arisen in your mind.

If your faith and confidence in the Triple Gem is established then seek blessings, guidance and protection so that you'll be able to fulfil all your aspirations for the year. After you've made your aspiration you don't have to cling on to them, reciting them day in day out. What you need to do is to learn to connect with your heart. Day by day practice the Dhamma with right effort, create the necessary conditions for your aspirations to be fulfilled. That's how your resolution will be accomplished.

Wishing you and all other members of your family and friends, a peaceful and happy New Year.

P/S: Bhante wishes to thank all those who have done Bodhi puja and other prayer dedicated for his good health during the past few months. His health is now almost back to normal, but will be spending most of next year in self-retreat.

GLITZ & GLAMOUR Sat 16 Oct 2010

2008-12-31T10:10:00.020+08:00

Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2010
Time: 8:20 pm
Venue: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac)
Jalan Strachan, Sentul Park, KL

Dama is back with another spectacle! "Glitz & Glamour" will be a colourful song and dance musical spanning the era from Old Shanghai to the Silver Screen of Shaw Brothers and Cathay. Cabaret act upon cabaret act, it promises to be a night of music, dance and showmanship with all the classic songs that have gone into musical history as Golden Chinese Oldies. For a superb nostalgic evening of docu-tainment, don't miss "Glitz & Glamour!'

Tickets are available at RM88, RM128, RM198, RM298 and RM500. All proceeds will be channeled to KMBS Building Fund. You can purchase the musical ticket(s) to enjoy the show, and at the same time support the Buddhist educational works of KMBS.

Please feel free to contact Mr. KC Tan 012-390 7227 if you need more information about tickets and sponsorship.

KINRARA METTA BUDDHIST SOCIETY - 37-C, JALAN TK 1/11A, TAMAN KINRARA, 47180 PUCHONG, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA.[A shoplot near Bintang Supermarket and a floor above Smart Reader Kids, Taman Kinrara, Puchong]

The Religion of the Future will be a Cosmic Religion

2008-12-30T11:39:00.009+08:00

" The religion of future will be a cosmic religion".

It should transcend a personal 'god' or conscience and avoid dogmas and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual as a meaningful unity.
Buddhism answers this description...

"If there is any religion that would cope with
modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism."

Albert Einstein[1]

http://ytpom.multiply.com
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The 34th BMV NOVITIATE PROGRAMME 2009

2008-12-24T23:51:00.014+08:00

Dear Friends of the Vihara,

The 34th BMV NOVITIATE PROGRAMME 2009

This year the programme dates for the 34th Novitiate Programme is from 5 Dec to 20 Dec. We encourage Buddhists who are 15 years old and above to join this programme. The aim of the programme is to introduce proper religious discipline and a Buddhist way of life among the Buddhists for their spiritual upliftment.

We are very fortunate this year to have experienced and learned Dhamma speakers to cover various aspects of Buddhism.

The Dhamma speakers for this year's Programme will be Ven Chief Dhammaratana, Ven Punnaji, Bhikkuni Kusuma,Ven Dhammasiri, Sis Barbara Yen, Bro Poh Joo Meng, Bro Charlie Chia, Bro Tan Siang Chye, Bro Lau Kai Kong, Dr Chan Kah Yein, Uncle Vijaya, Datuk Victor Wee & Dr Phang Cheng Kar.

Registration closes on 29 Nov 2009. Registration forms are available at the BMV administration office.

SADHU. MAY YOU ALL BE WELL AND HAPPY.

For Further information please call the BMV office.

BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA

123, Jalan Berhala

Brickfields, 50470

Kuala Lumpur

Tel No : 03 22741141

MPSJ Draft Local Plan public hearing

2008-12-11T17:15:00.038+08:00

Tuesday June 23, 2009
YB Ronnie Liu: Small part of Subang Ria Park can be developed

The Star reports by THO XIN YI and JADE CHAN at the Subang Jaya Draft Local Plan public hearing

THE Selangor state government will take steps to protect the interests of the landowner and the public with regards to the Subang Ria Park, said state local government, studies and research committee chairman Ronnie Liu.

“If we can convince the private company that owns the park land to keep most of it as a public amenity, we won’t say no to having a small part of it developed,” he said.

“It will be crazy for the state government to acquire it as the land cost for the 29.14ha park is estimated to be more than RM100mil.”

He said this at the second public hearing for the Subang Jaya Draft Local Plan yesterday which was chaired by state housing, building management and squatters committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad.

According to Iskandar, other issues raised during the hearing included the need for a crematorium and places of worship for non-Muslims, requests for a hospital, health clinics and activity centre for senior citizens, a link road between Taman Saujana Putra and Taman Lestari Putra as well as traffic congestion.

“Subang Jaya is a matured township but was planned without adequate amenities to cater to its large population,” said Liu.

“Most of the areas under the Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) jurisdiction are already saturated with development, so the shortfalls have to be addressed and located in areas like Putra Heights.”

The Buddhist Committee for the MPSJ Draft Local Plan, an umbrella group representing several Buddhist associations under the MPSJ’s jurisdiction, had highlighted the need for an additional provision of 38 Buddhist temples to cater to the community, as only one piece of land in Puchong Utama had been allocated in the draft local plan for this purpose.

“We urge the MPSJ to adhere to the Selangor Town and Country Planning Department’s guidelines in relation to the provisions for building places of worship for non-Muslims, which is one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

“This is to cater to the spiritual and religious needs of the estimated 239,533 Buddhist devotees out of the 561,918 residents in the MPSJ area,” said committee chairman Loka Ng.

The projection is based on the 2008 demographic figures derived from the Selangor Economic Planning Unit and Department of Statistics.

On the next step, Iskandar said all the feedback and objections would be compiled over the next three months by the State Planning Department, which is the hearing’s secretariat or the hearing committee.

“The secretariat will look into the comments to decide if these are relevant or not, then discuss and include them in the draft local plan.

“If the objection cannot be accepted, the secretariat will call the complainant to discuss the issue again on a case-by-case basis.

“The local plan will then be gazetted sometime early next year,” said Iskandar.

.....................................................................................................................................
Star Metro, Tuesday June 23, 2009
Decision on cemetery project in three months

THE Selangor state government has promised to make a decision on the cemetery project at the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in less than three months.

“This issue is beyond the state planning committee and will be discussed by the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES).

“A special session will be held in July by the state executive councillors before we make a decision,” state housing, building management and squatters committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad said at the Subang Jaya Draft Local Plan hearing held at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) complex yesterday.
It is here: Signature Campaign Teamwork members pointing out the land earmarked for the cemetery project. On the right is Ng.

A group of 20 residents, on behalf of the Signature Campaign Teamwork (SCT, which comprises representatives from Bandar Bukit Puchong, Taman Saujana Puchong, Gateway Puchong, Lestari Puchong and Mutiara Indah), submitted a memorandum to state tourism, consumer affairs and environment chairman Elizabeth Wong and MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan to reinstate their strong objection against the cemetery project.

“This cemetery, if built, will be located right next to our homes. We have been fighting for the abortion of this project since April 2004. We have asked the government to move the project to a place far away from residential areas.

“This is also to ensure that the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve remains as it is to preserve the environment,” SCT member Ng Chee Kwong said.

He added that the court case pertaining to this issue had been put on hold indefinitely for the Selangor government to make a decision.

Meanwhile, former Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok, who represented the Lagoon Perdana Residents Association at the hearing, expressed his dissatisfaction towards the committee for starting the session late.

“It was supposed to start at 9am but was postponed for one hour and 15 minutes. We were told that the exco members had to attend a meeting at the State Secretariat Building. This shouldn’t be the case. They should arrange their schedule and should not keep us waiting,” he said.

One of the issues he raised at the hearing was the absence of a clinic in USJ for which the Federal Government had allocated RM8mil under the Ninth Malaysian Plan. “I don’t see this project indicated in this draft local plan,” he said.

State local government, studies and research committee chairman Ronnie Liu agreed that a public clinic was needed as an alternative to the private medical centres but said it was not easy to find land to build it.

“It might be built in Putra Heights, for example and I hope the people will understand,” he said.

Liu added that negotiations were now under way for an interchange to be built to link Seri Kembangan to the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Dedicated Highway to ease traffic congestion.
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Decision on cemetery in Puchong to be known in 3 months

NST 2009/06/23 by Sheila Sri Priya

Iskandar Abdul Samad says cemetery issue needs to be discussed at the state level

SUBANG JAYA: Residents living around the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, in Puchong, will know in three months whether they will have a cemetery in their backyard.

State executive councillor Iskandar Abdul Samad told the residents at a public hearing on the Subang Jaya Local Draft Plan that a decision would be made by then on whether to gazette 22.2ha of the land in the forest reserve as a cemetery.

Residents living in Bandar Bukit Puchong, Gateway Puchong, Lestari Puchong, Mutiara Indah and Saujana Puchong objected to the plans to have a cemetery in the vicinity of their housing areas.

About 1,500 residents had submitted their objections against the plan to have the cemetery. The issue was first raised in 2004.

"We will inform the residents once the decision has been made. I think the cemetery issue needs to be discussed further at the state level," said Iskandar.

Another state executive councillor Ronnie Liu said the state was also aware that there was no crematorium in the Subang Jaya municipality.

Liu said Subang Jaya was a matured township which did not have many amenities such as places of worship for non-Muslims, a crematorium and also government hospitals or clinics.

"Since most areas are already developed, we need to find the space in the less developed areas to build these amenities. Finding a suitable site is the biggest challenge.

"But the public also need to welcome the idea of having a crematorium in their township," said Liu.

Four Buddhist associations -- the Subang Jaya Buddhist association; Fo Guang Buddhist Association of Malaysia USJ branch, Serdang; Seri Kembangan Buddhist Association; and Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society of Puchong had called for the provision of places for worship for non-Muslims here.

The representatives said based on the population projection in Selangor by the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit in 2006, there were more than 254,000 Chinese living in the Subang Jaya district.

"Subang Jaya has more then 240,000 Buddhist devotees. With reference to the guideline by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, in relation to the provisions for building of places of worship for non-Muslims, there should be one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

"We should have about 38 Buddhist temples within the Subang Jaya district but we only have about six Buddhist temples," said Loka Ng, a spokesman for the Buddhist Committee on MPSJ Draft Local Plan which represents all the Buddhist associations.

On another issue, Liu said several senior citizens had also asked for a senior citizens' centre.

....................................................................................

Dear Dhamma Friends,

The Draft Plan Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor (MDHS) 2020 covering Bkt Beruntung, Serendah, Hulu Yam, KKBharu, Batang Kali, Kerling, Lembah Beringin etc areas has been open for comments sometime ago. According to official data, these areas are estimated to have a total of 37,361 Buddhist residents or ~12.2% of the 2020 total population in MDHS.

The Jabatan Perancangan Bandar & Desa Selangor D.E. (or JBDS; a department of the Ministry of Housing & Local Government) stipulates that the planning standard for one place of worship (other than Islam) should be to 2600 adherents of that religion or 5000 of the total local population.

In the MDHS Draft Plan 2020, MDHS will allocate not allocate any additional "rizab keagamaan" plot (other than Islam denomination) as MDHS claims that there are existing 90 tokong/vihara Buddha (not listed down though). MDHS adopts a restrictive approach with this statement "Penyediaan tempat ibadat bukan Islam seperti kuil, tokong (vihara Buddha) dan gereja perlu tertakluk kepada kelulusan dan pemantauan oleh pihak MDHS bagi mengawal pertumbuhannya dari segi bilangan agar ia tidak disediakan melebihi daripada tahap keperluananya" Jilid I MS 3-149

PLEASE STUDY THE ATTACHED BANTAHAN (Bantahan_MDHS.xls)
We need MDHS to identify more land (& funds from tax-payers) allocated for the building of Buddhist viharas/temples in the above areas proportionate to its population in MDHS. If you support this, please provide the following information

Public Opinion Form Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor Draft Plan 2020
Participant's Information
Name :
Postal Address :

No. HP/Tel :

Email Address :
Organisation (if applicable) :
Please email to: teckseong@gmail.com

We need as many names as possible by 10.00AM, 31st January 2010
ALTERNATIVELY
1. You may check the MDHS Draft Plan 2020 and obtain the "e-opinion" form from the MDHS website
2. Please download the attached bantahan details & bantahan form, fill them up with your particulars & send personally or by post to MPHS before 31st January 2010.
3. If you are not residing in MDHS areas you can also participate by the sending the requested particulars as above & returning the email to us (as we are compiling a polled objection).

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR BUDDHIST FRIENDS
a. Ask your friends to endorse this Bantahan via emails (different names staying in same address is ok)
b. To ask all your Buddhist/Chinese relatives, neighbours and friends in MDHS area to submit the Bantahan.

Thank you for your support.

With Metta,
Bro Chua Teck Seong
Selangor Buddhist Development Committee

Ohhira Nutrition NBG 1, 2, 3 Steps Honey NBG Shake in just 3 Easy Steps !

2008-12-08T18:57:00.011+08:00

Ohhira Nutrition presents

NBG 1, 2, 3 Steps
-------------------------------------------------
Honey NBG Shake in just 3 Easy Steps.

Vipassana Meditation

2008-11-15T19:30:00.024+08:00

Vipassana Meditation - The Technique

Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art Of Living.

This non-sectarian technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation. Healing, not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering, is its purpose.

Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.

The scientific laws that operate one's thoughts, feelings, judgements and sensations become clear. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.
The Tradition

Since the time of Buddha, Vipassana has been handed down, to the present day, by an unbroken chain of teachers. Although Indian by descent, the current teacher in this chain, Mr. S.N. Goenka, was born and raised in Burma (Myanmar). While living there he had the good fortune to learn Vipassana from his teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin who was at the time a high Government official. After receiving training from his teacher for fourteen years, Mr. Goenka settled in India and began teaching Vipassana in 1969. Since then he has taught tens of thousands of people of all races and all religions in both the East and West. In 1982 he began to appoint assistant teachers to help him meet the growing demand for Vipassana courses.
The Courses

The technique is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants follow a prescribed Code of Discipline, learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results.

The course requires hard, serious work. There are three steps to the training. The first step is, for the period of the course, to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual activity, speaking falsely, and intoxicants. This simple code of moral conduct serves to calm the mind, which otherwise would be too agitated to perform the task of self-observation.

The next step is to develop some mastery over the mind by learning to fix one's attention on the natural reality of the ever changing flow of breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils.

By the fourth day the mind is calmer and more focused, better able to undertake the practice of Vipassana itself: observing sensations throughout the body, understanding their nature, and developing equanimity by learning not to react to them.

Finally, on the last full day participants learn the meditation of loving kindness or goodwill towards all, in which the purity developed during the course is shared with all beings.

A short video (5.7 MB) about the observation of breath and bodily sensations in this technique can be viewed with the free QuickTime movie player.

The entire practice is actually a mental training. Just as we use physical exercises to improve our bodily health, Vipassana can be used to develop a healthy mind.

Because it has been found to be genuinely helpful, great emphasis is put on preserving the technique in its original, authentic form. It is not taught commercially, but instead is offered freely. No person involved in its teaching receives any material remuneration.

There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to benefit from it also.

Of course, the results come gradually through continued practice. It is unrealistic to expect all problems to be solved in ten days. Within that time, however, the essentials of Vipassana can be learned so that it can be applied in daily life. The more the technique is practiced, the greater the freedom from misery, and the closer the approach to the ultimate goal of full liberation. Even ten days can provide results which are vivid and obviously beneficial in everyday life.

All sincere people are welcome to join a Vipassana course to see for themselves how the technique works and to measure the benefits. All those who try it will find Vipassana to be an invaluable tool with which to achieve and share real happiness with others.

You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.
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The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation

Everyone seeks peace and harmony, because this is what we lack in our lives. From time to time we all experience agitation, irritation, disharmony. And when we suffer from these miseries, we don't keep them to ourselves; we often distribute them to others as well. Unhappiness permeates the atmosphere around someone who is miserable, and those who come in contact with such a person also become affected. Certainly this is not a skillful way to live.

We ought to live at peace with ourselves, and at peace with others. After all, human beings are social beings, having to live in society and deal with each other. But how are we to live peacefully? How are we to remain harmonious within, and maintain peace and harmony around us, so that others can also live peacefully and harmoniously?

In order to be relieved of our misery, we have to know the basic reason for it, the cause of the suffering. If we investigate the problem, it becomes clear that whenever we start generating any negativity or impurity in the mind, we are bound to become unhappy. A negativity in the mind, a mental defilement or impurity, cannot coexist with peace and harmony.

How do we start generating negativity? Again, by investigation, it becomes clear. We become unhappy when we find someone behaving in a way that we don't like, or when we find something happening which we don't like. Unwanted things happen and we create tension within. Wanted things do not happen, some obstacle comes in the way, and again we create tension within; we start tying knots within. And throughout life, unwanted things keep on happening, wanted things may or may not happen, and this process of reaction, of tying knots—Gordian knots—makes the entire mental and physical structure so tense, so full of negativity, that life becomes miserable.

Now, one way to solve this problem is to arrange that nothing unwanted happens in life, that everything keeps on happening exactly as we desire. Either we must develop the power, or somebody else who will come to our aid must have the power, to see that unwanted things do not happen and that everything we want happens. But this is impossible. There is no one in the world whose desires are always fulfilled, in whose life everything happens according to his or her wishes, without anything unwanted happening. Things constantly occur that are contrary to our desires and wishes. So the question arises: how can we stop reacting blindly when confronted with things that we don't like? How can we stop creating tension and remain peaceful and harmonious?

In India, as well as in other countries, wise saintly persons of the past studied this problem—the problem of human suffering—and found a solution: if something unwanted happens and you start to react by generating anger, fear or any negativity, then, as soon as possible, you should divert your attention to something else. For example, get up, take a glass of water, start drinking—your anger won't multiply; on the other hand, it'll begin to subside. Or start counting: one, two, three, four. Or start repeating a word, or a phrase, or some mantra, perhaps the name of a god or saintly person towards whom you have devotion; the mind is diverted, and to some extent you'll be free of the negativity, free of the anger.

This solution was helpful; it worked. It still works. Responding like this, the mind feels free from agitation. However, the solution works only at the conscious level. In fact, by diverting the attention you push the negativity deep into the unconscious, and there you continue to generate and multiply the same defilement. On the surface there is a layer of peace and harmony, but in the depths of the mind there is a sleeping volcano of suppressed negativity which sooner or later may erupt in a violent explosion.

Other explorers of inner truth went still further in their search and, by experiencing the reality of mind and matter within themselves, recognized that diverting the attention is only running away from the problem. Escape is no solution; you have to face the problem. Whenever negativity arises in the mind, just observe it, face it. As soon as you start to observe a mental impurity, it begins to lose its strength and slowly withers away.

A good solution; it avoids both extremes—suppression and expression. Burying the negativity in the unconscious will not eradicate it, and allowing it to manifest as unwholesome physical or vocal actions will only create more problems. But if you just observe, then the defilement passes away and you are free of it.

This sounds wonderful, but is it really practical? It's not easy to face one's own impurities. When anger arises, it so quickly overwhelms us that we don't even notice. Then, overpowered by anger, we perform physical or vocal actions which harm ourselves and others. Later, when the anger has passed, we start crying and repenting, begging pardon from this or that person or from God: “Oh, I made a mistake, please excuse me!” But the next time we are in a similar situation, we again react in the same way. This continual repenting doesn't help at all.

The difficulty is that we are not aware when negativity starts. It begins deep in the unconscious mind, and by the time it reaches the conscious level it has gained so much strength that it overwhelms us, and we cannot observe it.

Suppose that I employ a private secretary, so that whenever anger arises he says to me, “Look, anger is starting!” Since I cannot know when this anger will start, I'll need to hire three private secretaries for three shifts, around the clock! Let's say I can afford it, and anger begins to arise. At once my secretary tells me, “Oh look—anger has started!” The first thing I'll do is rebuke him: “You fool! You think you're paid to teach me?” I'm so overpowered by anger that good advice won't help.

Suppose wisdom does prevail and I don't scold him. Instead, I say, “Thank you very much. Now I must sit down and observe my anger.” Yet, is it possible? As soon as I close my eyes and try to observe anger, the object of the anger immediately comes into my mind—the person or incident which initiated the anger. Then I'm not observing the anger itself; I'm merely observing the external stimulus of that emotion. This will only serve to multiply the anger, and is therefore no solution. It is very difficult to observe any abstract negativity, abstract emotion, divorced from the external object which originally caused it to arise.

However, someone who reached the ultimate truth found a real solution. He discovered that whenever any impurity arises in the mind, physically two things start happening simultaneously. One is that the breath loses its normal rhythm. We start breathing harder whenever negativity comes into the mind. This is easy to observe. At a subtler level, a biochemical reaction starts in the body, resulting in some sensation. Every impurity will generate some sensation or the other within the body.

This presents a practical solution. An ordinary person cannot observe abstract defilements of the mind—abstract fear, anger or passion. But with proper training and practice it is very easy to observe respiration and body sensations, both of which are directly related to mental defilements.

Respiration and sensations will help in two ways. First, they will be like private secretaries. As soon as a negativity arises in the mind, the breath will lose its normality; it will start shouting, “Look, something has gone wrong!” And we cannot scold the breath; we have to accept the warning. Similarly, the sensations will tell us that something has gone wrong. Then, having been warned, we can start observing the respiration, start observing the sensations, and very quickly we find that the negativity passes away.

This mental-physical phenomenon is like a coin with two sides. On one side are the thoughts and emotions arising in the mind, on the other side are the respiration and sensations in the body. Any thoughts or emotions, any mental impurities that arise manifest themselves in the breath and the sensations of that moment. Thus, by observing the respiration or the sensations, we are in fact observing mental impurities. Instead of running away from the problem, we are facing reality as it is. As a result, we discover that these impurities lose their strength; they no longer overpower us as they did in the past. If we persist, they eventually disappear altogether and we begin to live a peaceful and happy life, a life increasingly free of negativities.

In this way the technique of self-observation shows us reality in its two aspects, inner and outer. Previously we only looked outward, missing the inner truth. We always looked outside for the cause of our unhappiness; we always blamed and tried to change the reality outside. Being ignorant of the inner reality, we never understood that the cause of suffering lies within, in our own blind reactions toward pleasant and unpleasant sensations.

Now, with training, we can see the other side of the coin. We can be aware of our breathing and also of what is happening inside. Whatever it is, breath or sensation, we learn just to observe it without losing our mental balance. We stop reacting and multiplying our misery. Instead, we allow the defilements to manifest and pass away.

The more one practices this technique, the more quickly negativities will dissolve. Gradually the mind becomes free of defilements, becomes pure. A pure mind is always full of love—selfless love for all others, full of compassion for the failings and sufferings of others, full of joy at their success and happiness, full of equanimity in the face of any situation.

When one reaches this stage, the entire pattern of one's life changes. It is no longer possible to do anything vocally or physically which will disturb the peace and happiness of others. Instead, a balanced mind not only becomes peaceful, but the surrounding atmosphere also becomes permeated with peace and harmony, and this will start affecting others, helping others too.

By learning to remain balanced in the face of everything experienced inside, one develops detachment towards all that one encounters in external situations as well. However, this detachment is not escapism or indifference to the problems of the world. Those who regularly practice Vipassana become more sensitive to the sufferings of others, and do their utmost to relieve suffering in whatever way they can—not with any agitation, but with a mind full of love, compassion and equanimity. They learn holy indifference—how to be fully committed, fully involved in helping others, while at the same time maintaining balance of mind. In this way they remain peaceful and happy, while working for the peace and happiness of others.

This is what the Buddha taught: an art of living. He never established or taught any religion, any “ism”. He never instructed those who came to him to practice any rites or rituals, any empty formalities. Instead, he taught them just to observe nature as it is, by observing the reality inside. Out of ignorance we keep reacting in ways which harm ourselves and others. But when wisdom arises—the wisdom of observing reality as it is—this habit of reacting falls away. When we cease to react blindly, then we are capable of real action—action proceeding from a balanced mind, a mind which sees and understands the truth. Such action can only be positive, creative, helpful to ourselves and to others.

What is necessary, then, is to “know thyself”—advice which every wise person has given. We must know ourselves, not just intellectually in the realm of ideas and theories, and not just emotionally or devotionally, simply accepting blindly what we have heard or read. Such knowledge is not enough. Rather, we must know reality experientially. We must experience directly the reality of this mental-physical phenomenon. This alone is what will help us be free of our suffering.

This direct experience of our own inner reality, this technique of self-observation, is what is called Vipassana meditation. In the language of India in the time of the Buddha, passana meant seeing in the ordinary way, with one's eyes open; but vipassana is observing things as they actually are, not just as they appear to be. Apparent truth has to be penetrated, until we reach the ultimate truth of the entire psycho-physical structure. When we experience this truth, then we learn to stop reacting blindly, to stop creating negativities—and naturally the old ones are gradually eradicated. We become liberated from misery and experience true happiness.

There are three steps to the training given in a meditation course. First, one must abstain from any action, physical or vocal, which disturbs the peace and harmony of others. One cannot work to liberate oneself from impurities of the mind while at the same time continuing to perform deeds of body and speech which only multiply them. Therefore, a code of morality is the essential first step of the practice. One undertakes not to kill, not to steal, not to commit sexual misconduct, not to tell lies, and not to use intoxicants. By abstaining from such actions, one allows the mind to quiet down sufficiently in order to proceed further.

The next step is to develop some mastery over this wild mind by training it to remain fixed on a single object, the breath. One tries to keep one's attention on the respiration for as long as possible. This is not a breathing exercise; one does not regulate the breath. Instead, one observes natural respiration as it is, as it comes in, as it goes out. In this way one further calms the mind so that it is no longer overpowered by intense negativities. At the same time, one is concentrating the mind, making it sharp and penetrating, capable of the work of insight.

These first two steps, living a moral life, and controlling the mind, are very necessary and beneficial in themselves, but they will lead to suppression of negativities unless one takes the third step: purifying the mind of defilements by developing insight into one's own nature. This is Vipassana: experiencing one's own reality by the systematic and dispassionate observation within oneself of the ever-changing mind-matter phenomenon manifesting itself as sensations. This is the culmination of the teaching of the Buddha: self-purification by self-observation.

It can be practiced by one and all. Everyone faces the problem of suffering. It is a universal malady which requires a universal remedy, not a sectarian one. When one suffers from anger, it's not Buddhist anger, Hindu anger, or Christian anger. Anger is anger. When one becomes agitated as a result of this anger, this agitation is not Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim. The malady is universal. The remedy must also be universal.

Vipassana is such a remedy. No one will object to a code of living which respects the peace and harmony of others. No one will object to developing control over the mind. No one will object to developing insight into one's own nature, by which it is possible to free the mind of negativities. Vipassana is a universal path.

Observing reality as it is by observing the truth inside—this is knowing oneself directly and experientially. As one practices, one keeps freeing oneself from the misery of mental impurities. From the gross, external, apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that, and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, beyond the conditioned field of relativity: the truth of total liberation from all defilements, all impurities, all suffering. Whatever name one gives this ultimate truth is irrelevant; it is the final goal of everyone.

May you all experience this ultimate truth. May all people be free from misery. May they enjoy real peace, real harmony, real happiness.

MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY

The above text is based upon a talk given by Mr. S.N. Goenka in Berne, Switzerland.
.................................................................................................................
Introduction to the Technique

Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self- purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With a sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realization by direct experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarianism. For this reason, it can be freely practiced by everyone, at any time, in any place, without conflict due to race, community or religion, and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.
What Vipassana is not:

* It is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
* It is neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment.
* It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
* It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

What Vipassana is:

* It is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
* It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life's tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
* It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society.

Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of total liberation and full enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical disease. However, as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases are eradicated. In fact, Vipassana eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness: craving, aversion and ignorance. With continued practice, the meditation releases the tensions developed in everyday life, opening the knots tied by the old habit of reacting in an unbalanced way to pleasant and unpleasant situations.

Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is absolutely no question of conversion. The technique works on the simple basis that all human beings share the same problems and a technique which can eradicate these problems will have a universal application. People from many religious denominations have experienced the benefits of Vipassana meditation, and have found no conflict with their profession of faith.
Meditation and Self-discipline

The process of self-purification by introspection is certainly never easy--students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts students arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators and is an integral part of the meditation practice.

Ten days is certainly a very short time in which to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the complexes lying there. Continuity of the practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique's success. Rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind. They are not primarily for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organized religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are both scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.

A student will have to stay for the entire period of the course. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. A prospective student should also understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the course upon finding the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.
Persons With Serious Mental Disorders

People with serious mental disorders have occasionally come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental problems. Unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from, or even complete, a ten-day course. Our capacity as a nonprofessional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with these backgrounds. Although Vipassana meditation is beneficial for most people, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious psychiatric disorders.
The Code of Discipline

The foundation of the practice is sīla — moral conduct. Sīla provides a basis for the development of samādhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through paññā — the wisdom of insight.
The Precepts

All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:

1. to abstain from killing any being;
2. to abstain from stealing;
3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
4. to abstain from telling lies;
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.

There are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course:

6. to abstain from eating after midday;
7. to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
8. to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.

Old students will observe the sixth precept by having tea without milk or fruit juice at the 5 p.m. break, whereas new student may have tea with milk and some fruit. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons. The seventh and eighth precept will be observed by all.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique

Students must declare themselves willing to comply fully and for the duration of the course with the teacher's guidance and instructions; that is, to observe the discipline and to meditate exactly as the teacher asks, without ignoring any part of the instructions, nor adding anything to them. This acceptance should be one of discrimination and understanding, not blind submission. Only with an attitude of trust can a student work diligently and thoroughly. Such confidence in the teacher and the technique is essential for success in meditation.
Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship

During the course it is absolutely essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony — fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, etc. — be discontinued. All other meditation techniques and healing or spiritual practices should also be suspended. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Vipassana in its purity.

Students are strongly advised that deliberately mixing other techniques of meditation with Vipassana will impede and even reverse their progress. Despite repeated warnings by the teacher, there have been cases in the past where students have intentionally mixed this technique with a ritual or another practice, and have done themselves a great disservice. Any doubts or confusion which may arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher.
Interviews With the Teacher

The teacher is available to meet students privately between 12 Noon and 1:00 p.m. Questions may also be asked in public between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. in the meditation hall. The interview and question times are for clarifying the technique and for questions arising from the evening discourses.
Noble Silence

All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow student, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited.

Students may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Students should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.
Separation of Men and Women

Complete segregation of men and women is to be maintained. Couples, married or otherwise, should not contact each other in any way during the course. The same applies to friends, members of the same family, etc.
Physical Contact

It is important that throughout the course there be no physical contact whatsoever between persons of the same or opposite sex.
Yoga and Physical Exercise

Although physical yoga and other exercises are compatible with Vipassana, they should be suspended during the course because proper secluded facilities are not available at the course site. Jogging is also not permitted. Students may exercise during rest periods by walking in the designated areas.
Religious Objects, Rosaries, Crystals, Talismans, etc.

No such items should be brought to the course site. If brought inadvertently they should be deposited with the management for the duration of the course.
Intoxicants and Drugs

No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants should be brought to the site; this also applies to tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor's prescription should notify the teacher.
Tobacco

For the health and comfort of all students, smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking snuff are not permitted at the course.
Food

It is not possible to satisfy the special food preferences and requirements of all the meditators. Students are therefore kindly requested to make do with the simple vegetarian meals provided. The course management endeavors to prepare a balanced, wholesome menu suitable for meditation. If any students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the management at the time of application. Fasting is not permitted.
Clothing

Dress should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as shorts, short skirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) should not be worn. Sunbathing and partial nudity are not permitted. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others.
Laundry and Bathing

No washing machines or dryers are available, so students should bring sufficient clothing. Small items can be hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done only in the break periods and not during meditation hours.
Outside Contacts

Students must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. They may leave only with the specific consent of the teacher. No outside communications is allowed before the course ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the course ends. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management.
Music, Reading and Writing

The playing of musical instruments, radios, etc. is not permitted. No reading or writing materials should be brought to the course. Students should not distract themselves by taking notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasize the strictly practical nature of this meditation.
Tape Recorders and Cameras

These may not be used except with the express permission of the teacher.
Course Finances

According to the tradition of pure Vipassana, courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assisting teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.

In this way course are supported by those who have realized for themselves the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits with others, one gives a donation according to one's means and volition. Such donations are the only source of funding for course in this tradition around the world. There is no wealthy foundation or individual sponsoring them. Neither the teachers nor the organizers receive any kind of payment for their service. Thus, the spread of Vipassana is carried out with purity of purpose, free from any commercialism.

Whether a donation is large or small, it should be given with the wish to help others: 'The course I have taken has been paid for through the generosity of past students; now let me give something towards the cost of a future course, so that others may also benefit by this technique.'
Summary

To clarify the spirit behind the discipline and rules, they may be summarized as follows:

Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone. Take no notice of distractions caused by others.

It may be that a student cannot understand the practical reasons for one or several of the above rules. Rather than allow negativity and doubt to develop, immediate clarification should be sought from the teacher.

It is only by taking a disciplined approach and by making maximum effort that a student can fully grasp the practice and benefit from it. The emphasis during the course is on work. A golden rule is to meditate as if one were alone, with one's mind turned inward, ignoring any inconveniences and distractions that one may encounter.

Finally, students should note that their progress in Vipassana depends solely on their own good qualities and personal development and on five factors: earnest efforts, confidence, sincerity, health and wisdom.

May the above information help you to obtain maximum benefit from your meditation course. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and harmony from your experience of Vipassana.
THE COURSE TIMETABLE

The following timetable for the course has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results students are advised to follow it as closely as possible.
4:00 am Morning wake-up bell
4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room
6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break
8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall
9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions
11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break
12noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher
1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room
2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall
3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions
5:00-6:00 pm Tea break
6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall
8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall
9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline in Adobe Acrobat format here for careful reading and review before you register for a course.

You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.
.................................................................................................................

http://www.dhamma.org/en/vipassana.shtml

Just be good for goodness sake, says ad - AP Nov 11, '08

2008-11-14T08:36:00.003+08:00

God, humbug: Humanist holiday ads say just be good
By ERIC GORSKI – 11 November 2008

DENVER — Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December, sponsored by The American Humanist Association.
In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group, said Tuesday. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a website that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose of the $40,000 campaign isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."

You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."

The group defines humanism as "a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity."

Last month, the British Humanist Association caused a ruckus announcing a similar campaign on London buses with the message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

In Washington, the humanists' campaign comes as conservative Christian groups gear up their efforts to keep Christ in Christmas. In the past five years, groups such as the American Family Association and the Catholic League have criticized or threatened boycotts of retailers who use generic "holiday" greetings.

In mid-October, the American Family Association started selling buttons that say "It's OK to say Merry Christmas." The humanists' entry into the marketplace of ideas did not impress AFA president Tim Wildmon.

"It's a stupid ad," he said. "How do we define 'good' if we don't believe in God? God in his word, the Bible, tells us what's good and bad and right and wrong. If we are each ourselves defining what's good, it's going to be a crazy world."

Also on Tuesday, the Orlando, Fla.-based Liberty Counsel, a conservative Christian legal group, launched its sixth annual "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign." Liberty Counsel has intervened in disputes over nativity scenes and government bans on Christmas decorations, among other things.

"It's the ultimate grinch to say there is no God at a time when millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Christ," said Mathew Staver, the group's chairman and dean of the Liberty University School of Law. "Certainly, they have the right to believe what they want but this is insulting."

Best-selling books by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have fueled interest in "the new atheism" — a more in-your-face argument against God's existence.

Yet few Americans describe themselves as atheist or agnostic; a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll from earlier this year found 92 percent of Americans believe in God.

There was no debate at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority over whether to take the ad. Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the agency accepts ads that aren't obscene or pornographic.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/nov/08111307.html
http://www.justbegood.net

Lastest Buddhist Free Publications @ KMBS Puchong Centre

2008-11-13T16:24:00.008+08:00

BEYOND THE HORIZON OF TIME BY VEN. DR.M. PUNNAJI

1. Sixteen Wonderful Dreams of King Kosala by Bhikkhu Dr Beligalle Dhammajoti

This Book was published by KMBS with permission granted from the writer in memory of the late Mr Fong Chee Seng & Mdm Wong Ah Lin

2. BUDDHISM & MODERN WORLD by Bhikkhu Dr Beligalle Dhammajoti

This Book is dedicated to our Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society Spiritual Advisor, Ven. B.Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera on his Birthday in 2008.

May Bhante be well, happy, healthy and live long to propagate the sublime Dhamma teachings for the happiness of all sentient beings!

3. BEYOND THE HORIZON OF TIME by Ven.Dr M.Punnaji Thera

With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
KMBS President

Condolences to Yow Lop Siau & family

2008-11-12T10:57:00.032+08:00

CONDOLENCES MESSAGE

We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to our fellow Macsian' 73, Yow Lop Siau for the demise of his beloved wife who passed away last night (received sms from Michael Tan in Malacca).

Ex-classmates of ACS malacca'71-'75 and friends can pay their last respects to the late Madam Ng Siew Ten, whose body will be at rest in residence, No. 50, Jalan SS22/29, Damansara Jaya, PJ until Sunday, 14th February 2010.

For enquiries or condolence messages, please contact Yow Lop Siau at tel. 012-2077646.

With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
http//dktan.blogspot.com
13th February 2010

Can Peranakan Culture survive ? NST 15Nov'09

2008-10-25T10:10:00.036+08:00

Yes, Peranakan Baba Nyonya culture can survive

NST Pg.28 on 15/11/2009

CHAI MEI LING

EARLY globalisation was what gave the Peranakan its birth, but are these very same forces threatening the survival of the sarong kebaya, dondang sayang and Baba Malay? Members of the community tell CHAI MEI LING adaptability is essential for the revival of their unique legacy.

THE Babas and Nyonyas who came to the Straits Settlements centuries ago are no strangers to blowing storms.

But with the winds of change blowing fast, there are fears their unique culture may be gone with the wind.

Scholars, authors, bloggers and anthropologists have since characterised the Babas and Nyonyas as an endangered species.

Academician Associate Professor Dr Lee Su Kim, quoting author Felix Chia, said: "The Baba, a product of an accident of history, is a time traveller. He has come and he must go."

So, would this unique culture fade into oblivion?
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"The prediction of many people is that it's just a matter of time," said Su Kim, who, however, was quick to add that she "would like to think that we can still survive". Su Kim is a Peranakan herself.

Their story, said Su Kim, "started a long, long time ago, way before America was founded, with the winds".

The Southwest and Northeast monsoon meant that there was a host of movements borne by trading and commerce. Malacca was a halfway house for Persian, Arab, Javanese, Sumatran, Burmese, Chinese and Indian traders since the 15th century.

"Because they wanted to wait for the winds to change, many had a sojourn of six months in Malacca," said Su Kim.

"They didn't bring their womenfolk along, so they married the locals, which eventually led to this endogamous group called the Babas and Nyonyas."

This unique culture was a mix of many cultured elements. Some experts contend that the term "Baba" for the male folk, has its roots in India, while "Nyonya" for the female, is a Portuguese word for "young lady".

"It's a cultural hybrid of the Chinese and Malay, Javanese, Balinese, Sumatran, Sundanese and Thai women in the region. Western conquest also meant that there were Portuguese, Dutch and British elements.

"It's a truly unique citizen of Southeast Asia."

Evidence of the amalgamation of cultures could be seen in the Peranakan dress, language, food, architecture, arts and crafts, customs, celebrations and festivals, which were all shaped by different elements.

Datuk Phua Jin Hock, president of the Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka, in stressing the hybridity of the Chinese Peranakan, said: "We speak Malay from the day we were born.
The inaugural international Peranakan conference at Muzium Negara drew hundreds of Peranakan and non-Peranakan participants, including artists, scholars, documentary makers, designers, lawyers and publishers.
The inaugural international Peranakan conference at Muzium Negara drew hundreds of Peranakan and non-Peranakan participants, including artists, scholars, documentary makers, designers, lawyers and publishers.

"Our food -- sambal belacan, cincalok, asam pedas -- is all Malay in origin.

"Our games -- congkak, gasing, layang-layang -- are Malay originated. Our songs, stories, pantuns and syairs are all in Malay."

For many years, the Peranakan culture commanded a strong presence and following among the Straits Chinese.

It reached its pinnacle during the late 19th and early 20th century, flourishing under an affluent and privileged background which many Baba and Nyonya families belonged to.

World War 2 marked the culture's decline as families lost their properties, money and in some cases, relatives, to the war. The decline continued after the war.

"People wanted to look forward to the future, rather than in the past, so Peranakan material culture became deeply unfashionable," said Dr Kenson Kwok, director of the Peranakan Museum in Singapore.

"In the 60s and 70s, there were dispersals of material from the Peranakan families."

In more recent eras, dominance of the culture gave way to modernisation, westernisation and nationalism.

Even though Peranakan associations, some established during British colonial rule, remained active, the worry is that they are generational.

The median age of the Penang association members is 60 and above, and Malacca, 50 and above, said Su Kim, founding president of the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor chapter.

It was this concern over their identity and future that hundreds of Peranakans packed the historical bastion, Muzium Negara, last Saturday for the inaugural international Peranakan conference.

Sponsored by the Institute of Ethnic Studies of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the Museums Department, the conference attempted to trace the community's roots, spell out current challenges and come up with a way forward.

The museum came alive with living heritage -- Nyonyas, immaculately coifed, made-up and dressed in the finest of sarong kebayas, and Babas, handsome in batik, transformed the antiquarian ground into a cultural showcase with the finesse of a fashion runway.

A deafening chatter of English and Baba Malay rising over a bazaar of all things Peranakan inexplicably lifted the veil of gloom on that rainy morning.

Beaded shoes, ceramic wares, exotic cuisine, and pantun recitals were stars in their own right in the cultural festivity.

The one-day event also saw the official launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor.

The basis for the discussion was that globalisation -- the thing which made the culture -- could today be the very thing that breaks it.

And the uniqueness in the culture, increasingly watered down by the homogeneity of the internationalising world, could be lost on the younger generation.

For some, like art consultant and curator Peter Lee from Singapore, there isn't a better time for a revival than now.

The Peranakan emerged from early globalisation, and its material culture, like the kebaya, had continuously been shaped by globalisation, he said.

"Paradoxically, today we say that globalisation threatens minority cultures. Why should the Peranakan community fear this when its very birth was caused by it?

"It's actually a very dynamic time to express a new kind of Peranakan. We shouldn't pigeonhole ourselves, locking in to Peranakan as an identity of the day in the 20th century.

"We should continue to reinvent ourselves as our forefathers did," said Peter, whose presentation at the conference examined the "multi-culturalism" of Peranakan through the tracing of the sarong kebaya's history.

The fear that some Peranakans have regarding the dilution of their culture comes partly from a fear of change, and from having a concept of community or culture as something static, said Peter.

"World War 2 created in a certain generation a fear of losing so much when change happens so fast, like a rug pulled from under the feet.

"A lot of families went through huge changes economically and socially during the war.

"There was this panicked sense of siege, that it was under threat, so there's this desire, like among my father's generation, to cling on to their culture, or it will be forever lost."

By the same token that the Peranakan culture became unique through evolvement and adaptations, Kwok did not think any changes to the culture would make the Peranakans "lose their identity".

"If you take a fixed position on the past, naturally everything will be watered down. But if you take a more dynamic view of the ways societies and cultures develop, it's fine - you're developing all the time.

"I think it has to adapt. No culture can remain frozen and survive."

The community's strength lies in its adaptability and resilience, said Su Kim.

"We're adaptable, we're able to work with diverse culture groups, we took from everybody and assimilated into the culture, we're open minded and resourceful.

"Despite all the predictions of doom, we are still around."

Indeed, the future isn't as bleak as that which has been painted by some quarters.

In ways unthought-of in earlier years, the Peranakan culture has actually seen a resurgence in the region. The turning point came in the 1980s, said Kwok, coinciding with increasing researches and publications on Peranakan material culture like the furniture, kebaya, and ceramics.

Peter Wee, vice-president of the Peranakan Association of Singapore, said in being "80 per cent custodians of Chinese customs and traditions", the Peranakan Chinese holds a link to a lost heritage.

These diasporic Chinese in Nanyang, having left and abandoned everything in their homeland to settle in another country, brought along traditions, rituals and practices which they somehow were unwilling to let go of.

Many Chinese from China, previously unaware of the Peranakans, have since visited temples in Malacca, Penang and Singapore to learn about their own culture, much of which was cleared during the Cultural Revolution.

In Indonesia, the richness of the Peranakan text is apparent. Peranakan literature -- some novels of over 1,000 pages -- have been republished.

There were also courses in Indonesian universities offering the study of Peranakan literature, said Professor Leo Suryadinata, director of the Chinese Heritage Centre in Singapore.

In Singapore, two world-class museums have been established -- the Peranakan Museum and the Baba House in 2008.

It was also last year when George Town and Malacca, home to the Straits Chinese, were made world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Popular adaptations of the culture, like television series Little Nyonya and Sayang Sayang, turned all things Peranakan -- food, jewellery, kebaya, beaded shoes -- into overnight sensations.

Next year, the Peranakan Museum will be exhibiting 500 cultural pieces in Paris, at the Musée du quai Branly.

The 12 days of wedding rituals

IT had all the elements of a true-blue Baba Nyonya wedding -- an unsmiling couple, traditional costumes, decorated bridal bed, tea ceremony, dondang sayang and a joget session.

The ceremony, so beautifully staged at the launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor in Muzium Negara, was a demonstration of how the 12th, also the last, day of the celebration would look like.

A classic Baba Nyonya wedding, steeped in custom and tradition, stretches across 12 days with different rituals for each day, signalling the richness of the Peranakan culture.

"Back then, there weren't many holidays, so an occasion like a wedding was always celebrated extensively. It also involved a lot of manpower and preparation," said Cedric Tan, the association's assistant secretary.

"The long period was also to accommodate people travelling from afar."

Many Peranakan families were very rich and were proud to flaunt their wealth, said association president Dr Lee Su Kim.

"It was full of colours, rich traditions and largely Chinese in character and yet with quaint rituals such as the cheow tau ceremony," she said.

The cheow tau, or hair-combing ceremony for the bridal couple, takes place on the first day. This rite of passage signifies the couple's coming of age.

On the third day, the couple would pay respects to their ancestors.

Another significant event falls on the fifth night, when the groom would introduce his friends to the bride.

The friends would then try their hardest to tease and make the bride laugh through pantuns and jokes. A successful attempt would entitle them to a treat of dinner.

"In those days, the bride was not supposed to smile, because smiling shows that she's eager to get married," said Tan, who has more than 20 years of experience in the culture.

"She would be warned not to laugh and to always stay solemn and cool."

The final day of the wedding is also one of the most important. It involves the determination of the virginity of the bride, whereby the bride's family would present a pair of the bride's stained trousers to the groom's family as proof of her virginity.

A pair of rooster and hen would also be released under the bridal bed. If the rooster emerged first, the family could expect a male first-born, and a baby girl if the hen took the lead.

Golden Horses Health Sanctuary - TCM Wellness

2008-09-13T09:09:00.008+08:00

Saturday October 11, 2008

A good needling by JOLEEN LUNJEW of The Star

Being kneaded, manipulated, prodded and poked by acupuncture needles doesn’t so bad once the benefits kick in.

How does enduring a bit of pain sound to you as you allow your body to be stretched and straightened back into shape? Or, having dozens of needles stuck all over you with electrical pulses sent through them?

As crazy as it may sound, I volunteered to go through all this and more for the sake of better health.

They were just minor discomforts, really. The horrors one imagines as long needles penetrate one’s body are baseless. In fact, I didn’t even know the needles had already been inserted until the Chinese physician said so.

All I felt was a cold dampness as the doctor sanitised my skin, then the touch of his fingers and a slight prick. Once a needle was in, I couldn’t even feel it, so counting the number of needles in my body without looking was out of the question. I had to ask the doctor.
Acupuncture improves blood circulation and chi

He said 14 €” to improve blood circulation and unblock the natural flow of chi in my body.

The acupuncture therapy was recommended by a Chinese physician at Golden Horses Health Sanctuary €” TCM Wellness, a preventive healthcare centre offering a comprehensive range of services based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The centre, in Mines Resort City, concentrates on the prevention and detection of disease rather than cures. TCM Wellness’ founder and president of the Malaysian Health Qigong Association, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, said he had always been a true believer in preventive care.

“Over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese discovered a subtle chi in the body, which cannot be seen or felt. This chi travels through invisible channels or meridians, each connecting to a particular organ in the body with specific functions. Any imbalances to these chi levels are considered illnesses,” said Lee.

“The Chinese used various practises to restore balance, some of which are acupuncture, body tuina massage and reflexology. The trend now is moving towards prevention but we must be careful of the practitioners we seek therapy from. TCM Wellness offers a reputable place where you are assured of professional services by certified doctors,” added Lee.

Executive director Candy Yap said the centre gets a fair number of non-Chinese guests.

“As our centre is located in the Palace Beach & Spa Resort, we’ve been getting many international hotel guests. Middle Eastern guests are quite common, and more than 20% of our guests are non-Chinese. We have a lot of Muslim guests as well.
Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, founder of Golden Horses Health Sanctuar y-TCM Wellness.

“There is a process we follow when we receive guests for the first time. It is best that they go for pulse reading with a Chinese physician so that the doctor can determine their health condition and detect problem areas,” explained Yap.

But what if the person doesn’t have any problems?

“That is where prevention comes in. Most of us do not have a disease, but we do not feel entirely healthy. This is because our chi is not balanced, and we need to put it back in harmony again.

“I have been using TCM in my daily life. Take, for example, the common flu. When I feel one coming, I will undergo a specific treatment and immediately I feel better,” said Yap.

According to Yap, the youngest guest they have had was a five-year-old and the oldest, a 72-year-old. Most, though, are between 40 and 60, but TCM Wellness is encouraging the younger crowds because prevention and detection are especially effective with them.

“Our tuina, a form of Chinese body massage to unblock the flow of the body’s chi, is very popular. It involves brushing, stretching, rolling, pressing and rubbing points along the meridian to unblock chi and get it in balance again,” said Yap.

Tuina is not really a recreational or relaxing massage, as the techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue massage that may be considered too vigorous or painful.

Although it hurt a bit at times, I was comforted by the thought of my chi being finetuned for a healthier me.

Lee believes the time is right for Malaysia to be involved in the TCM and complementary therapy industry, and he has been working with the Health Ministry to promote it internationally.

“Malaysia has lots of potential for medical tourism. If done correctly, it can create billions of value-added services for the country. I want overseas guests with obesity problems to come to Malaysia to lose weight in a holistic way. I want foreign guests to come to Malaysia to seek better health and, at the same time, enjoy themselves on a holiday here.

“TCM is also good for people recovering from drug addiction. The reason why so many people return to drugs after their rehabilitation programme is because they do not approach it in a holistic way. They concentrate on the physical aspects and neglect their mind and soul. I want to expand the TCM industry in order to benefit society as well,” said Lee.

Lee’s centre has a Herbs and Medicine Preparation Station which prepares and packs herbs and medication recommended by the doctor after therapy.

“We have certain Chinese herbs that have been proven to cure asthma since ancient times but we don’t have documented scientific proof. What we are trying to do is conduct research together with the Federation of Chinese Physicians & Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia to document the effectiveness of these herbs in curing asthma.

“We are inviting a maximum of 10 individuals with asthma to participate in our research, with no payment required. Just contact our centre to see if you are a suitable candidate,” said Lee.

Whatever therapy you decide on, prevention is definitely better than cure and you’ll feel so much better and healthier. I know I do.

Golden Horses Health Sanctuary — TCM Wellness

Level 3 & 4, Palace Beach & Spa Jalan Dulang, Mines Resort City Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

For enquiries or on member-get-member program, kindly contact David Tan 012-3159527 or visit http://dktan.multiply.com

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What’s it all about?

Acupuncture, a holistic practice originating in China 5,000 years ago, is based on the idea of releasing blocked energy or “chi” in living beings. These energy lines traverse the 12 meridians of the body and work in harmony with the body’s circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, urinary and other systems of the body.

According to the Chinese physicians at TCM Wellness, people suffer from diseases when their energy gets blocked in the meridians. Needles are inserted into the specific points along the meridian lines so that a balanced flow of energy is restored.

Diagnosis begins with the acupuncturist questioning the patient about symptoms and current situation. Family history, lifestyle and past medical history are also queried. Once a diagnosis has been arrived at, the physician will insert very thin, stainless steel needles into various parts of the body.

In order to produce better stimulation, he will apply low frequency electric currents to the needles.

“Acupuncture works effectively because the needles stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins into the body, influencing the release of neuro-transmitters and enhancing the working of autonomic nervous systems. By influencing the electrical currents in the body, acupuncture also improves blood circulation,” the physician I consulted told me.

“Acupuncture is known to help with head and neck pains, migraines, cervical spondylitis, azoospermia, urinary systems like bed-wetting in children, laryngitis, earache, depression, arthritis, deafness, schizophrenia and skin disorders like acne, psoriasis and hair loss. Acupuncture can also help in curing a cigarette addiction, alcoholism and drugs,” he added.

The number of sessions required depends on the nature of the illness, its duration and how the person responds to acupuncture. They are generally held weekly at first, with the sessions gradually reducing as the condition improves.

A Match Made in Malaysia

2008-07-28T10:02:00.013+08:00

The traditional wedding attire of the many ethnic groups in Malaysia. - Pictures by Ghazali Bujang

KUAlA LUMPUR: Malaysians are encouraged to use Malaysian crafts for their wedding gear, decorations and props.

To introduce the idea, the Ministry of Information, Communications Arts and Culture and Kraftangan Malaysia have launched the Wedding Works Promotion.

In line with the 1Malaysia concept to bond all races and cultures together, Wedding Works Promotion is aimed at getting all communities to use Malaysian-made products and services for their weddings.

The programme features discussions on Malaysian weddings, competitions, cultural wedding performances, the sale of Malaysian crafts, and display of traditional Malaysian wedding items.

Wedding planning services, photography services and items like textiles, costume jewellery, dais, decorations, sweets and candy are available on the lower ground floor of Kraftangan Malaysia.

Visitors can witness the making of traditional wedding head gear like the "lipatan tengkolok", which is made of songket. There are also demonstrations on Nyonya shoe beading, Indian pottery making and Indian wedding garland making.

They can also participate in contests like kolam designing, Chinese wedding car decorating, napkin folding and centrepiece food carving, and discussions on topics like wedding cultures and spending trends.

The fair is on at Kraftangan Malaysia daily until Monday, from 10am till 8pm.

The Malaysian wedding head gear display will run until Oct 31.

For details, call 03-2162 7459 or visit http://www.kraftangan.gov.my

Wedding decorative items made of copper.

One of the wedding dais on display at the Wedding Works Promotion at Kraftangan Malaysia.

A Malay wedding dais incorporating modern and traditional elements in its design.

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Dear members and friends,

Please be informed that in conjunction with Malaysian Wedding Works Promotion 2009, The Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia is organising a multi community wedding exhibition and performances from Monday 6th July 2009 to Sunday 12th July, 2009 in the Malaysia Craft Complex, Section 63, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
Website : http://www.kraftangan.gov.my

The Peranakan community has been given a booth to showcase various wedding materials and also a slot for the mock wedding. Exhibition is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.

The Peranakan mock wedding show will be held on Friday, 10th July, 2009 starting from 3 pm to 6 pm featuring merisek, lapchai, cheo thau, sohjah tiga hari and tea ceremony. There will be songs and joget session as well.

Please inform your family members and friends and come and join us to 'lau jiat' this event. Do dress to the occasion by donning your sarong kebayas and bateks too.

The Peranakan wedding is helmed by Baba Nyonya Culture Promotions.

Yours sincerely,
Cedric Tan
Asst. Hon. Secretary
..................................................................................................................

Wedding Works Promotion 2009
Date : July 6 - Jul 12, 2009
Time : 10.00 am 8.00 pm
Venue : Craft Complex Kuala Lumpur
Seksyen 63, Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur
Organiser : Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia
Phone : +603 2162 7459
Fax : +603 2161 2622
Website : http://www.kraftangan.gov.my
Admission Fee : Free Entrance
Category : Arts, Culture and Entertainment

This year's Wedding Works Promotion is presented in conjunction with the first Ministry of Integration, Culture, Arts and Heritage endorsed National Artiste Day. Themed "Crafts of Weddings", Wedding Works Promotion 2009 provides a spacious floor showcasing products and services from 156 entrepreneurs (145 Malay, 6 Chinese and 5 Indian).

It varies from make-up services, video and photography, wedding gifts, decorated throne (pelamin), wedding dress, wedding furniture, invitation cards, decorated flowers, catering and more. Pos Malaysia is also offering special 'wedding stamps' and JAKIM opens counter for consultation to the bride and groom to be.

Wedding Craft Product Exhibition showcases modern and contemporary crafts varying from batik, songket and weaves. Exhibitors are coming from all over the Peninsular as well as Sabah and Sarawak. Another segment, Wedding Art Showcase highlights ten different weddings of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabahan Ethnic, Orang Asli, Baba Nyonya, Sikh Punjabi, Siam and Portuguese.

Besides that, a lot of other activities await visitors such as craft demo, cooking demo, wedding competition and a chance to get your hands dirty while creating your own crafts.

This is a special event for the industry players as well as the enthusiasts. For the bride and groom to be, this event should not be missed. You can have thousands of choices for wedding preparation, all depending on your budget. Wedding Works Promotion 2009 showcases choices from highly scaled weddings to the affordable one, crafted to the finest.
Schedule of Wedding Art Showcase

4 July 2009 Wedding Works Exhibition, Craft/Food & Competition 2009
5 July 2009 Wedding Works Exhibition, Craft/Food & Competition 2009
6 July 2009 10am-1pm Malay & 3-6pm Indian Wedding
7 July 2009 1 Malaysia Wedding
Launching of Wedding Works Promotion 2009
8 July 2009 10am-1pm Iban & 3-6pm Chinese Wedding
9 July 2009 10am-1pm Punjabi & 3-6pm Kadazan Wedding
10 July 2009 10am-1pm Orang Asli & 3-6pm Baba Nyonya Wedding
11 July 2009 2-5 pm Kadazan (Sabah) Wedding
12 July 2009 2-5 pm Orang Asli Wedding

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya KL/Selangor

2008-07-27T14:52:00.012+08:00

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008)

Next Event: Peranakan Baba Nyonya Convention in Singapore
Date: Friday-Sunday, November 27-29, 2009
Host: Singapore Peranakan Association

Dear PPBNKLS members and friends of PPBNKLS

Every year the Peranakan community gather and celebrate in a grand bash at an Annual Baba Nyonya Convention which traditionally is hosted by the Peranakan associations of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. Phuket hosted the Convention in 2006.

It is a wonderful and enjoyable event, where there is much merriment, feasting, singing, dancing and stimulating academic discussions. Trips are also planned to heritage sites. In the evenings, there are usually dinners where the babas and nyonyas come out in all their finery and joget and dondang sayang.the night away.

This year's Convention is on 27-29 November. I have just received an invitation from the Singapore Peranakan Association to the PPBNKLS. So those of you interested, do pencil the dates into your diaries.

The cost for each participant is being finalised as the organisers are trying to come out with the most competitive package for overseas participants. More details and the full programme will be provided later by the Singapore association.

I do hope many of you will be able to attend, and that the KL association will have a strong presence in Singapore this year. See you there!

Best wishes,

Dr LEE SU KIM
President, PPBNKLS

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (Established in 2008)
City: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Description: In conjunction with the official launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008), all are invited to join as members or associates. For those who have not registered with and would like to join in our future events, kindly fill the form with your particular details and append your payment to PPBNKLS Secretariat as soonest possible. Please revert to us, if you have any questions.

Thanks.
Cedric Tan
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Past Events:-

Host: Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008)
Type: Meetings - Conference
Network: Global
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Location: Auditorium Muzium Negara
City/Town: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Description: In conjunction with the official launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008), the Organising Committee will be holding a day long conference featuring 6 invited speakers and then followed by the official launch of the Association. There will be a Peranakan exhibition and bazaar as part of the launch and climaxed with a cultural performance featuring the traditional Peranakan 12th Day Wedding Ceremony, songs and dances. Event is jointly organised by PPBNKLS, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM and Malaysian Museum Department, Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.
................................................................
Hi friends, for those who are coming for the conference, can you please fill the flyer with your particular details and append your payment to KITA Secretariat (address listed in the flyer) soonest possible. Do revert if you have any questions.

For those who have sent their forms, appreciate your prompt response.
Thanks.

Cedric Tan
Asst Secretary, PPBNKLS
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Peranakan Wedding | Adrian + Linda from Doodle Studio on Vimeo.

Imparting The Dhamma - The Abbot & the Orphan

2008-07-24T14:02:00.042+08:00

Imparting the Dhamma By MAJORIE CHIEW of THE STAR

The Abbot & The Orphan is a new cartoon series with a mission.
IN this age of the Internet, printed literature may not be as effective as multimedia in reaching out to the young.
That is why Ng Lid Sine, 47, has come up with a cartoon series, The Abbot & The Orphan, to capture the interest of children and teach them moral lessons along the way.
Ng has come up with a cartoon series, The Abbot & The Orphan, to capture the interest of the young and teach them moral lessons along the way.
“Children today are so privileged. They have everything, so they may find it difficult to grasp the dhamma (Buddhist teachings). I want to share with them the story of a child who has nothing, not even parents,” says Ng, who wrote the script for the series, inspired by his observations around the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

The Abbot & The Orphan revolves around an orphan named Butterfly (featuring the voice of Ng Zen Ian) who has nothing. He is cared for by a blind and old abbot (voiced by Vijaya Samaravickrama).
“The characters of the abbot and the orphan are a reflection of the unsatisfactory nature of life. The whole drama becomes a stage to display and unfold Buddha’s teachings,” explains Ng, who is animation director of Cartoon Workshop, a Selangor-based local production house for animated and educational series.
The Abbot & The Orphan – The Shrine, Episode 1 in English and Mandarin was recently released on DVD in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS) housed in the Buddhist Maha Vihara.
The school was set up in 1929 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society. The oldest Buddhist Sunday School in the country, it has over 1,300 students (aged six to 20) and 200 volunteer teachers and staff.
Vandana, a collection of Buddhist recitals in Pali during the puja (offering) ceremony, was also launched. This DVD includes Karaniya Metta Sutta, the discourse on loving-kindness recited by Buddhist monks to bless devotees. Both DVDs are produced by Cartoon Workshop and BISDS.
Cartoon Workshop executive producer Catherine Heng says: “The Abbot & The Orphan series consists of eight episodes. A team of animators took four months to produce the first 20-minute episode of the 3D animated series. Voice talents come from students and staff members of BISDS.”
Heng, a volunteer teacher at BISDS, says: “Some 4,000 copies of Vandana and The Abbot & The Orphan have been produced with donations from sponsors. The second DVD, The Abbot & The Orphan – Belief, Episode 2, is in the post-production stage and scheduled for release by middle of the year.

Butterfly is tricked by a fortune teller who gives him two ‘magic’ stones in exchange for the boy’s goats in The Abbot & The Orphan – Belief, Episode 2

“In this episode, Butterfly is tricked by a fortune-teller who gave him two magic stones in exchange for goats. The storyline is aimed at instilling awareness that one should not believe blindly but investigate the truth.”
heng adds that there are plans to host the animation series on the BISDS website (www.bisds.org) to make it easily available to the Buddhist community.
The animation project also nurtures the creative talents of the Sunday school attendees, especially the children.
Vineeta Serisena, deputy principal of BISDS and animation series consultant, says: “The animation series is appealing, yet simple enough for children to understand. It has a deeper meaning within.”
To coincide with the BISDS anniversary and to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of the late Ven K. Sri Dhammananda on March 18, CDs containing dhamma talks by Dhammanand were launched.
Dhammananda had given 5,600 dhamma talks locally and abroad. Those interested in sponsoring The Abbot & The Orphan series can contact 03-2274 1141.

100PLUS campaign shows the spirit to outperform

2008-07-15T09:23:00.004+08:00

Saturday July 12, 2008

By M. HAFIDZ MAHPAR

CHRIS Ng talks about the human spirit and the inspiring story of Eric Weihenmayer, the first blind man to conquer Mount Everest.

No, Ng is not a motivational speaker but the country marketing head of Fraser & Neave (Singapore) Pte Ltd regional office. And the interview with BizWeek is actually to talk on the latest 100PLUS campaign, which Ng somehow manages to link to Weihenmayer!

“Weihenmayer’s blindness didn’t deter him,” Ng says.
Ng: We welcome competition because a product category cannot grow without it.

“He mapped out for himself a plan to climb seven summits in seven continents in seven years. By 2001, he was already climbing Mount Everest. By 2002 he conquered the last summit on his list.

“In spite of the odds, he laid for himself a plan and believed that his spirit was stronger than his circumstances. And he has achieved it.

“It speaks a lot about the human spirit.”

Ng says 100PLUS, with its tagline Outdo Yourself, summarises all this.

“After an exercise or a sports game, a person is dehydrated. When he drinks 100PLUS, immediately he is rehydrated and his energy comes back.

“He can then go back to the field for another game. Isn’t it what the human spirit is all about? We have finished one (feat); let’s re-energise and go for the next one.”

100PLUS was introduced 25 years ago when Fraser & Neave (F&N) was celebrating its 100th anniversary (hence the name), and the Outdo Yourself

slogan was launched in 2001-2002.

“What we had done with 100PLUS in the past was very much in the field of sports, whether it was futsal, soccer, badminton, marathon, triathlon, or Tour de Langkawi.

“Malaysians in general are more spectators than participants. So if we really want Malaysians to be healthy, active, and outdo themselves, we have to bring it to the public,” he says.

According to Ng, having an active and fit body helps one to live up to the human spirit of outdoing oneself.

Hence F&N is currently running the 100PLUS Live Active campaign, which includes a roadshow covering 20 shopping centres nationwide (from May 23 to July 27).

“We have little set-ups at the malls where you can dribble a basketball or run around obstacles. We give tips in pamphlets on how to stay active anytime, anywhere, such as stretching our arms, legs or backs. We have 30-minute workshops four times a day,” Ng says.

“We also go to selected bus stops. While you stand and wait, you can stretch. We’d encourage people to do it.

“We have also selected LRT stations in the Klang Valley. Don’t be surprised if you are stopped by someone with a signboard who says, ‘Why don’t you take the stairs instead of the escalators?’ We will reward you with a free 100PLUS.”

He says that instead of just advertising on TV or in print, F&N wants to become an “enabler”, which explains why it conducts on-ground activities.

After July 27, F&N will continue with the next phase of its campaign called “Unite for Glory.” “Again, the topic is ‘Don’t just be a spectator, be a participant’,” Ng explains.

100PLUS cans have five designs featuring Malaysian badminton players in conjunction with the team’s participation in the Beijing Olympics and the Super Series tournaments.

Among the messages on the can is, “To relieve the badminton fever, go down to the courts yourself.”

Ng says that 100PLUS, which already has a 90% share of the isotonic drink market in Malaysia, is expected to grow by double digits in sales volume this year.

It has quite a few competitors, including international brands like Gatorade and Lucozade.

“We welcome competition because a product category cannot grow without competition,” Ng says. “I think that is true in any category in any country. As more competition comes in, more Malaysians will learn about isotonic drinks and it will expand the consumption.”

He says that there’s always a danger of a market leader being complacent.

“But our (F&N) culture from day one was never to be complacent.

“Outdo yourself’ is actually built into our own spirit, because complacency will only lead to failure. I welcome competition. It will only make me outdo myself more!”

KMBS Building Fund Dinner on 12 July 2008 in the news

2008-07-09T17:20:00.007+08:00

Reaching out: David Tan explaining details of the Dinner: Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, 12 Jalan Muhibbah, Taman Muhibbah, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
The Star Metro, Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Buddhist Group organises dinner to raise funds

The Puchong, Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS) is raising funds to build its own centre as the temporary premises is inadequate to cater to the overwhelming demand for its Sunday Dhamma School and other youth and community-based activities.

The KMBS, a young and dynamic Buddhist organisation provides Dhamma teaching to the Buddhist community in Puchong, Kinrara and surrounding areas.

KMBS president David Tan said since its formation, the demand had been increasing and the centre could no longer cope.

Tan said they had now turned towards raising funds for a centre of their own as KMBS’ principle was to accept all those who were interested in attending its Sunday Dhamma School.

David Tan said there were also many occasions where activities were organised with a limited number of participants due to space constraints.

“It is our intention to dedicate this new premises as a place of spiritual nourishment and peace for future generations,” David Tan said.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, who was the special guest at the dinner, said the KMBS was moving in the right direction in wanting their own premises as Buddhism, like any other religion, was geared towards the strengthening of moral values in individuals and instil awareness in parents and children.

“We should take advantage and participate in this unique opportunity to serve by helping the KMBS on its way towards achieving its dreams,” said Gobind.

He said a new centre would become a long-term platform for bringing Dhamma closer to the Puchong community through well-organised outreach activities and fellowship.

The fund-raising dinner, serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, will be held at the Hee Lai Ton restaurant in Seri Kembangan on July 12 at 6pm.

For details call 013-399 7725 (Tom Hen), 012-287 8105 (Paru), 012-315 9527 (David Tan), 016-270 2120 ( Julie Tan).

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society [KMBS] Building Fund Dinner 2008

2008-07-04T19:25:00.001+08:00

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society [KMBS] Building Fund Dinner 2008

Spiritual Advisor: Ven. B. Saranankara Maha Thera

Building the future
Fund a noble cause

KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008
Date & Place: 6pm of 12th July 2008 in Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, Sri Kembangan, Selangor.

Dear Sir or Madam,

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS) is a young and dynamic Buddhist organization that brings the dhamma to the Buddhist community of Puchong, Kinrara and its surrounding areas. KMBS has laid the foundation for creating a community of wholesome individuals and family institution that promotes good noble values in accordance with the Teachings of our Master, the Lord BUDDHA.

We organise both spiritual and communal activities. The spiritual activities include weekly sermons/dhamma talks, meditation, chanting and annual retreats. Communal based spiritual activities include Sunday Dhamma School, Youth Development activities, Fellowships, Children and Youth Camps and Parenting Courses to name a few. All activities are geared toward the strengthening of moral values in individual and to instill awareness in parents and children of their responsibilities to family, country and the world at large.

As our current premises, which is on temporary loan basis is critically inadequate to cater for the overwhelming demand for Sunday Dhamma School, Youth activities and other community based activities, the Building Fund Committee is working to raise funds for the purchase of a new building. To realize this dream of “a home of our own”, Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS), Building Fund Committee is organizing a Building Fund Dinner, at Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, in Sri Kembangan. The Dinner is scheduled to be held on Saturday 12th July, 2008 at 6pm sharp, serving both vegetarian and non vegetarian food.

KMBS humbly appeals to your generous heart to support this noble and worthy cause. We invite you/your company to take advantage and participate in this unique opportunity in the following ways:-

1 Corporate Table Sponsorship
2 Advertisement in our Souvenir Program
3 Building/Room Sponsorship

For further information and submission of your completed forms together with your payment (cheque should be crossed and made payable to “Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society – Puchong, Selangor”), please contact any of the following committee members:
Bro Tom Hen @013-3997725, Bro Gan @ 012-2871800, Sis Paru @ 012-2878105.

You can also contribute by direct payment (bank-in) to KMBS account at Public Bank,
Acc No 3133842320. Completed forms can be faxed to 03-20931160.

With folded palms and loving heart we thank you for your kind support and generosity.

With Warm Regards,
Sis Rasika Paru
Organizing Chairperson
KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008
Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society Building Fund Dinner 2008

KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008

SPONSORSHIP / ADVERTISEMENT FORM

Thank you for your generous support. Please complete the relevant sections of the form.

1. Sponsorship of Dinner Tables/Donation
We would like to sponsor ______table(s) at RM 5,000/table (1 complimentary table)
We would like to sponsor ______table(s) at RM 3,000/table (1 complimentary table)
We would like to make a donation of RM __________

Company Name:____________________________________________________________
Contact Person:______________________________Tel Contact: ____________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is a ____________ cheque no. __________________ for RM _______________
being sponsorship of dinner tables/donation.

Company Stamp:

____________________________
Authorized Signature
Date:

THE GIFT OF TRUTH
The gift of food is useful only till hunger returns.
The gift of clothes is useful only till they are worn.
The gift of a house is useful only till it is dilapidated.
The gift of medicine only delays sickness and death.
But the gift of the DHAMMA protects a person throughout his rebirths-----
It even helps him break free from rebirth altogether.

http://www.kmbs-building-fund-dinner.blogspot.com

The Reality

2008-06-28T09:28:00.001+08:00

Wesak Celebration in Klang Valley by The Star

2008-05-20T14:06:00.002+08:00

Wesak celebration in the Klang Valley
Story and photos by CHRISTINA LOW

Even as Buddhists in the Klang Valley gathered to observe Wesak Day yesterday, they made donations to help the victims of the recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China

BUDDHIST devotees were treated to a four-hour performance by artistes from various Asian countries during the Wesak Day Cultural Night on Saturday.
Wowing the crowd: The Punjabi group stole the limelight with their Bhangra dance to the driving beat of their drums.

The annual show, held at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, was a highlight on the temple’s Wesak Day celebrations that the Chief High Priest of Malaysia, the Most Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Nayaka Thera, felt was much needed.

“Nowadays, people rarely know their own culture and traditions, unlike in the old times when our parents will constantly instil it in us to make sure we practised it.

“Hence, as a religious leader, I feel it is my duty to help the community bring back our traditions and cultures, especially for the younger generation,” said Dhammaratana.

The event featured performances by troupes from Sri Lanka, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea, as well as by the little ones from the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society.
Charming: The Thais came colourfully dressed and performed their traditional dance.

When the Sri Lankan and Punjabi troupes made their way to the main stage, the crowd cheered and clapped to the fast beat of the drums.

And, as the Chinese group thrilled the audience with their flawless acrobatic moves that had many children in awe.

Dhammaratana said this year’s show was scaled down because the temple wanted to keep in view the sufferings of the victims of the recent disasters in Myammar and China.
From China: The Chinese girls' team performing the Chinese Lantern Dance.

Before the show kicked off, Dhammaratana, together with the heads of the diplomatic missions of Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, launched the China Earthquake Relief Fund to aid survivors of the recent disaster which had left many homeless and in need to daily necessities.

Earlier, the temple had launched its Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund, which has raised more than RM55,000 so far and delivered three tonnes of food and mineral water to the United Sikhs collection centre in Kampung Pandan to be sent to Myanmar.

Also present at the show was Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay.

Last night, thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered for the annual Wesak Day procession that began at about 7pm outside the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields and wound its way through the city.

http://buddhistsinklangvalley.blogspot.com

...................................................................................

Thousands pay homage to Buddha
By LIM CHIA YING

PAYING homage to Lord Buddha at the temple and making offerings of lights and flowers were the order of the day as Buddhist devotees observed Wesak Day yesterday.

Thousands of people made a beeline to the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) in Jalan Kewajipan, to celebrate what is regarded as the most auspicious day in the Buddhist calendar.

Yesterday's celebrations started at 7am, although the observance of Wesak had begun on Sunday, when devotees and volunteers had gathered at the temple to light oil lamps and attend the Wesak Eve's Puja and Dhamma talk, before going in a procession around the temple and participating in all-night chanting and meditation.

Devotees also joined in prayers at the temple's main shrine hall. A special puja service also conducted at about 9am while awaiting the official launch of the celebrations by guest-of-honour Datuk Tang See Hang, who has been SJBA's patron since 1990.

Also present were special guests Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne and Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh.
Seeking blessings: Devotees kneeling down as monks tie yellow strings around their wrists.

SJBA president Chim Siew Choon said Tang had been instrumental in helping the committee secure the land to build the temple in 1992.

“Our temple was registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in 1988, so we are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year,” said Chim.

Chim hoped the new state government would look favourably into the association's application to buy another piece of land.

“We are considering maintaining the new land as a green lung and for the use of the Sunday Dhamma school children,” he said, adding that they would seek members' views at their upcoming annual general meeting before submitting their application.

It is learnt that a bridge costing about RM1mil would soon be built near the temple to enable pedestrians to cross the busy Jalan Kewajipan.

Yeoh, in her speech, said the state government acknowledged the lack of places of worship was an issue, and that a new committee had been formed under state health, plantation workers, poverty and caring government committee chairman Dr Xavier Jayakumar to look into applications by religious organisations.

“The state cannot guarantee that all land applications will be approved but we assure you that we will consider everyone's request,” said Yeoh.

Loh urged devotees to spare a thought for the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China even as they said their prayers.

Tang said he was happy to see the temple had grown. He also commended SJBA for donating generously to the various charities.

This year's Wesak Day organising chairman, Steven Quah, said the association had also organised a blood and organ donation campaign as part of its effort to promote a caring and sharing community.

Chim also thanked devotees Leong Wai Keong and Vincent Chew, who had donated a two-room apartment in Port Dickson to the association to house members whenever there were activities there.

Wesak Day is a time when Buddhists try to recall and aspire to emulate the great virtues of the Buddha – compassion, loving-kindness and wisdom.

Devotees also renew their resolve to carry out more good deeds like charitable activities, observing morality, and practising mental cultivation to purify their minds.

As monks later went around blessing devotees in the temple, a vegetarian lunch was served.

....................................................................................

Low-key Wesak celebration
Story and photos by CHRISTINA LOW

Even as Buddhists in the Klang Valley gathered to observe Wesak Day yesterday, they made donations to help the victims of the recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China

BUDDHIST devotees were treated to a four-hour performance by artistes from various Asian countries during the Wesak Day Cultural Night on Saturday.
Wowing the crowd: The Punjabi group stole the limelight with their Bhangra dance to the driving beat of their drums.

The annual show, held at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, was a highlight on the temple’s Wesak Day celebrations that the Chief High Priest of Malaysia, the Most Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Nayaka Thera, felt was much needed.

“Nowadays, people rarely know their own culture and traditions, unlike in the old times when our parents will constantly instil it in us to make sure we practised it.

“Hence, as a religious leader, I feel it is my duty to help the community bring back our traditions and cultures, especially for the younger generation,” said Dhammaratana.

The event featured performances by troupes from Sri Lanka, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea, as well as by the little ones from the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society.
Charming: The Thais came colourfully dressed and performed their traditional dance.

When the Sri Lankan and Punjabi troupes made their way to the main stage, the crowd cheered and clapped to the fast beat of the drums.

And, as the Chinese group thrilled the audience with their flawless acrobatic moves that had many children in awe.

Dhammaratana said this year’s show was scaled down because the temple wanted to keep in view the sufferings of the victims of the recent disasters in Myammar and China.
From China: The Chinese girls' team performing the Chinese Lantern Dance.

Before the show kicked off, Dhammaratana, together with the heads of the diplomatic missions of Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, launched the China Earthquake Relief Fund to aid survivors of the recent disaster which had left many homeless and in need to daily necessities.

Earlier, the temple had launched its Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund, which has raised more than RM55,000 so far and delivered three tonnes of food and mineral water to the United Sikhs collection centre in Kampung Pandan to be sent to Myanmar.

Also present at the show was Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay.

Last night, thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered for the annual Wesak Day procession that began at about 7pm outside the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields and wound its way through the city.

http://BuddhistsInKlangValley.blogspot.com

Wesak Celebration in Klang Valley by The Star

2008-05-20T14:06:00.001+08:00

HAPPY WESAK TO ALL !

2008-05-16T14:41:00.006+08:00

Dear All,

Subject: HAPPY WESAK 2009

“HAPPY WESAK 2009 & MAY YOU ALL BE BLESSED WITH THE TRIPLE GEM AND BE GUIDED BY THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ALWAYS, TILL NIBBANIC BLISS”

Greetings & Metta from : David Karuna Tan http://dharmaduta.multiply.com

Kindly forwarded this messages or eCards to all and keep on the Buddhist Flag flying in your home and cars.
from: President of KMBS

__________________________________________________________

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WESAK
by Venerable Mahinda

The significance of Wesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.

As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.

During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples of them .. . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on....
As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another. Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of unsatisfactoriness paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realisation dawned in him together with all psychic powers.

This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2500 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness.
The heart of the Teachings of the Buddha is contained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, namely, The Noble Truth of Dukkha or suffering The Origin or Cause of suffering The End or Cessation of suffering The Path which leads to the cessation of all sufferings
The First Noble Truth is the Truth of Dukkha which has been generally translated as 'suffering'. But the term Dukkha, which represents the Buddha's view of life and the world, has a deeper philosophical meaning.
Birth, old age, sickness and death are universal. All beings are subject to this unsatisfactoriness. Separation from beloved ones and pleasant conditions, association with unpleasant persons and conditions, and not getting what one desires - these are also sources of suffering and unsatisfactoriness. The Buddha summarises Dukkha in what is known as the Five Grasping Aggregates.

Herein, lies the deeper philosophical meaning of Dukkha for it encompasses the whole state of being or existence.

Our life or the whole process of living is seen as a flux of energy comprising of the Five aggregates, namely the Aggregate of Form or the Physical process, Feeling, Perception, Mental Formation, and Consciousness. These are usually classified as mental and physical processes, which are constantly in a state of flux or change.

When we train our minds to observe the functioning of mental and physical processes we will realise the true nature of our lives. we will see how it is subject to change and unsatisfactoriness. And as such, there is no real substance or entity or Self which we can cling to as 'I', 'my' or 'mine'.

When we become aware of the unsatisfactory nature of life, we would naturally want to get out from such a state. It is at this point that we begin to seriously question ourselves about the meaning and purpose of life. This will lead us to seek the Truth with regards to the true nature of existence and the knowledge to overcome unsatisfactoriness.

From the Buddhist point of view, therefore, the purpose of life is to put an end to suffering and all other forms of unsatisfactoriness - to realise peace and real happiness. Such is the significance of the understanding and the realisation of the First Noble Truth.

The Second Noble Truth explains the Origin or Cause of suffering. Tanha or craving is the universal cause of suffering. It includes not only desire for sensual pleasures, wealth and power, but also attachment to ideas', views, opinions, concepts, and beliefs. It is the lust for flesh, the lust for continued existence (or eternalism) in the sensual realms of existence, as well as the realms of form and the formless realms. And there is also the lust and craving for non-existence (or nihilism). These are all different Forms of selfishness, desiring things for oneself, even at the expense of others.

Not realizing the true nature of one's Self, one clings to things which are impermanent, changeable and perishable. The failure to satisfy one's desires through these things; causes disappointment and suffering.

Craving is a powerful mental force present in all of us. It is the root cause of our sufferings. It is this craving which binds us in Samsara - the repeated cycle of birth and` death.
The Third Noble Truth points to the cessation of suffering. Where there is no craving, there is no becoming, no rebirth. Where there is no rebirth, there is no decay. no old age, no death, hence no suffering. That is how suffering is ended, once and for all.

The Fourth Noble Truth explains the Path or the Way which leads to the cessation of suffering. It is called the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold path avoids the extremes of self-indulgence on one hand and self-torture on the other. It consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

These path factors may be summarised into 3 stages of training, involving morality, mental culture and wisdom.

Morality or good conduct is the avoidance of evil or unwholesome actions -- actions which are tainted by greed, hatred and delusion; and the performance of the good or wholesome actions, - actions which are free from greed, hatred and delusion, but motivated by liberality, loving-kindness and wisdom.

The function of good conduct or moral restraint is to free one's mind from remorse (or guilty conscience). The mind that is free from remorse (or guilt) is naturally calm and tranquil, and ready for concentration with awareness.

The concentrated and cultured mind is a contemplative and analytical mind.
It is capable of seeing cause and effect, and the true nature of existence, thus paving the way for wisdom and insight.

Wisdom in the Buddhist context, is the realisation of the fundamental truths of life, basically the Four Noble Truths. The understanding of the Four Noble Truths provide us with a proper sense of purpose and direction in life. They form the basis of problem-solving.

The message of the Buddha stands today as unaffected by time and the expansion of knowledge as when they were first enunciated.

No matter to what lengths increased scientific knowledge can extend man's mental horizon, there is room for the acceptance and assimilation for further discovery within -the framework of the teachings of the Buddha.

The teaching of the Buddha is open to all to see and judge for themselves.
The universality of the teachings of the Buddha has led one of the world's greatest scientists, Albert Einstein to declare that 'if there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism'

The teaching of the Buddha became a great civilising force wherever it went. It appeals to reason and freedom of thought, recognising the dignity and potentiality of the human mind. It calls for equality, fraternity and understanding, exhorting its followers to avoid evil, to do good and to purify their minds.

Realising the transient nature of life and all worldly phenomena, the Buddha has advised us to work out our deliverance with heedfulness, as 'heedfulness is the path to the deathless'.

His clear and profound teachings on the cultivation of heedfulness otherwise known as Satipatthana or the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, is the path for the purification of beings - for the overcoming of sorrows and lamentation, for the destruction of all mental and physical sufferings, for the attainment of insight and knowledge and for the realisation of Nibbana. This has been verified by his disciples. It is therefore a path, a technique which may be verified by all irrespective of caste, colour or creed.

Bhikkhu Mahinda
Sydney, Australia,
May 1997

(Source: Buddhist Council of New South Wales)

BMV PROGRAMME 2008

2008-05-16T14:04:00.001+08:00

Subject: BMV PROGRAMME 2008

Dear Friends of the Vihara,

THE ACTIVITIES FOR THIS WEEK & THE FOLLOWING WEEK ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

Dear Friends of the Vihara,

Subject: WEEKLY TALKS @ BMV
To: info@buddhistmahavihara.com
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 2:59 AM

The Buddhist Maha Vihara would like to invite you to witness the 1st Junior Novitiate Programme that will be at the Vihara from the 15 November to 22 November 2008.

We would also like to invite you to witness the Shaving Ceremony on 15 November at 3.00pm & the Ordination Ceremony on 16 November at 9.00am.

You can also participate in the Pindapata on 22 November 2008 at 9.30am & the Evening talks from 17 November to 21 November at 7.00pm DAILY.

For Further information please call the BMV office.

BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA

123, Jalan Berhala

Brickfields, 50470 KL

Tel No: 03-22741141

December 12 ( Friday ) - Sanghamitta Day

Malaysian Buddhists rally to help Myanmar

2008-05-13T15:05:00.003+08:00

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia -- Myanmar, more than any country in the world had popularised Buddhist meditation, hosting practitioners at its monasteries and sending teachers all over the world.

Now it is in time of need.

Reacting with utter disbelief at the scale of the disaster wrought by Cyclone Nargis where an estimated 100,000 people lost their lives, key Malaysian Buddhist organizations have mobilized their resources to bring aid to the devastated country.

The following organisations are collecting funds and some also accepting foodstuff and medicinal products to help the cyclone victims in Myanmar.

Readers are encouraged to circulate the information to support these relief efforts.

1. Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
Donation may be sent by post to Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, 123, Jalan Berhala, 50470, Kuala Lumpur. Donors are advised to make all contribution by cheque only made payable to "Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia." Please write "Myanmar" behind the cheque.

2. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
All cheques are to be payable to "Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia". Please indicate "Myanmar Relief Fund" at back of the cheques. Donors may bank in the cheques to YBAM Public Bank account: 3063802219 and send the bank in slip for our record at YBAM Secretariat, 9, Jalan SS25/24, Taman Mayang 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

3. Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (collecting funds & material)
Lot PT 12593, Jalan Kewajipan, SS 13, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E.
Please donate dry foodstuff (noodles, biscuits, etc), canned food, mineral water, medicine etc. at SJBA for us to send to Myanmar. Cash donation is also welcome.(Tel: 03-56315299, e-mail: sjba@streamyx.com)

4. Siri Jayanti Association , Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, (collecting funds & material)
Ven. Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero says that if sufficient amount of items can be collected to fill a container, then it will be personally sent to Myanmar. Otherwise, the collection will be consolidated with items from SJBA to be forwarded to Myanmar.

Meanwhile Tzu Chi Malaysia said that nine of their relief workers are planning to leave for Myanmar this Saturday for ground assessment. If successful, this will be the first batch of Tzu Chi team to make it into Myanmar.

Members of the public who wish to make donations to Tzu Chi are advised to bank in directly into their account:

International Disaster Relief Fund
MBB A/C: 004067500119

Other relief / aid organizations

Those unable to reach the temples can donate online to the following trusted organisations with ppl already in Myanmar.

Buddhist Relief Organisation ( http://www.brelief.org/cyclone/cyclone_relief.html)
Journeys Within Our community ( http://www.journeyswithinourcommunity.org/ )

Vegetarians rock the party for Buddhist Vesak

2008-05-13T14:59:00.001+08:00

Vegetarians rock the party for Buddhist Vesak
VNA, May 10, 2008
Hanoi, Vietnam -- More than 1,000 people are expected to attend a vegetarian feast, held this evening at the Ha Noi’s Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) in advance celebration of the United Nations Buddhist Festival of Vesak 2008, which begins on Tuesday and will be hosted by Viet Nam for the first time.

<< Friendlier feasting? The vegetarian feast will be decorated by two artists at the Temple of Literature. — VNS Photo

The vegetarian ensemble will be prepared by 40 chefs from Ha Noi’s Adida vegetarian restaurant. The team of chefs finalised their menu one month ago, the result of a long process of experimentation during which every attention was given to realising quality preparation and seamless service.

"At first, we envisioned a big party at which we would serve a record 10,000 people. Ultimately, however, we decided on a comparatively intimate vegetarian dinner, at which 1,000 guests would learn about Vietnamese culture and Buddhism," said Most Venerable Thich Giac Toan.

All of the 70-odd dishes served at the event will be prepared on hand using only fresh vegetarian ingredients, including vegetables, roots, fruits and tofu. The meal will unfold over three course-starters, main courses and desserts-with dozens of dishes presented for each course.

"Each dish will be available in seven versions. The soups, for example, include vegetable soup, pumpkin soup, tomato soup and mushroom soup. There will be seven kinds of nem (spring rolls), including a fruit nem and a special nem rolled with maize, fresh mushrooms and tofu. I’m sure all the dishes will be very special and excellent," said Bui Thanh Huyen, the owner of Adida restaurant.

The party’s setting was designed by two artists who created a one-of-a-kind "culinary space" for the experience. "We were so lucky to have been able to hold the party at the Temple of Literature. It provides the perfect backdrop for our event," Huyen said.

The party will be free for everyone on the guest list, both Buddhists and others who want to know more about Buddhism in Viet Nam.

An auction will be held at the party for unique Buddhist artefacts. These rare items were sent to the organising board for the auction. A sapphire Buddha from HCM City will have a starting price of US$5,000. Sent to Ha Noi from the central city of Da Nang comes the largest work of calligraphy in Viet Nam, made in 2007. The calligraphy is valued at VND250 million.

The event will be co-hosted by the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

WESAK PROGRAMME 2008 @ Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, KL

2008-05-13T14:21:00.001+08:00

WESAK PROGRAMME 2008 @ BMV, Brickfields, KL.

Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 02:55:04 -0700
Subject: WESAK PROGRAMME 2008 @ BMV

Sunday 11 May 2008:
9.30am – 2.00pm - Caring and Sharing BLOOD DONATION Programme at P.H Hendry Hall, Buddhist Maha Vihara

9.00am – 2.00pm - Blood Donation Campaign at P.H Hendry Hall

Saturday 17 May 2008:
5.00pm – 7.00pm - Wesak Open House – Hi-Tea sponsored by Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Committee

7.00pm - WESAK Cultural Night, Cultural Dances and Songs from various Buddhist countries

WESAK EVE 2008
Sunday 18th May 2008

7.00am - 8 Precept Programme

6.00pm – 12.00am - BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN at Dewan Asoka, Wisma Dharma Cakra, Buddhist Maha Vihara

6.30pm - Illumination of Buddhist Maha Vihara premises

7.00pm - Children’s Evening of Devotion

7.30pm – 12.00am - Outdoor GILAMPASA BUDDHA PUJA (Evening Service) followed by chanting of PARITTAS

WESAK DAY 2008
Monday 19th May 2008

6.30am - Observance of ATA SIL (Eight Precepts)

7.00am - Hoisting of the Buddhist Flag

8.30am - HIL DANA (Breakfast) to the Maha Sangha

9.00am – 10.30pm - BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN at Dewan Asoka, Wisma Dharma Cakra, Buddhist Maha Vihara

10.00am - METTA MEDITATION SESSION ( 5 minutes )

10.45am - BUDDHA PUJA ( mid - day offering )

11.00am - Sanghika Dana ( Lunch for monks )

11.00am - Vegetarian Dana for Devotees

3.00pm - METTA MEDITATION SESSION ( 5 minutes )

6.00pm - Illumination of Buddhist Maha Vihara premises

7.00pm - Candle Light Procession from Buddhist Maha Vihara to the City Centre and back followed by Open-air Special Blessing Service

Tuesday 20th May 2008:

6.30pm - Illumination of Buddhist Maha Vihara premises
7.30pm - GILAMPASA BUDDHA PUJA (Evening Service) followed by chanting of PARITTAS

Vesak 2008 in Philippines

2008-05-11T06:37:00.002+08:00

The Buddha Bathing Ceremony (Vesak Day Celebration) organized by Miao De Chan Temple and the Miao De Bodhisattva Society Foundation is held every year at Robinsons Place in Malate, Manila. This year, the whole day event runs from May 9 to 11 at the open area in front of Chaa Tea Shop.

Chaa Tea Shop is a cozy little place that has a good selection of teas at affordable prices. All dishes served are vegetarian with no MSG, garlic and onion. Food there is also affordable and quite good.

I had fetuccini funghi, Mom had spaghetti puttanesca and Dad had Chaa clubhouse together with a pot of ti kuan yin tea. Too bad Robinsons Place Malate is not my usual haunt or I'd be a frequent customer. It's difficult to find a place that serves traditional teas, and not the type that's full of sugar and flowers that taste like potpourri.

I highly recommend Chaa Tea Shop for those who would like to enjoy traditional teas that won't burn a hole in your wallet. It is also on my short list of good vegetarian restaurants.

Miao De Chan Temple is located in Tagaytay City. They organize retreats, seminars and scholarships for Filipinos. Their success is due to the fact that all their lectures and dharma services are conducted in English. Actually, it's bilingual, Mandarin Chinese and English. Ms. Sweet Go does an excellent job interpreting Venerable Master Jing Ping's lectures.

I first visited Miao De Chan Temple on May 3, 2008 when I was in Tagaytay for this year's Toastmasters International District 75 Convention at the Taal Vista Hotel. My cousin Ida Sih knows Ms. Sweet Go and the way to the temple. We were given a tour of the place and took some photos. I'm still waiting to get the photos from cousin Ida.

It was my first time to attend their Vesak Day celebration. The opening ceremony was a sutra chanting and prayer service conducted in English. It was kind of unusual to hear Buddhist chants in English accompanied by traditional Buddhist instruments. However, I believe they are on the right tract in finally bridging the language gap. KUDOS!!!

On April 18 and 19, IBPS Manila and BLIA Philippines jointly organized this year's Vesak Day celebration at the largest mall in Asia, the SM Mall of Asia in Manila. Held at the open-air Music Hall, the event was open to the public.

I spent 2 days as a volunteer taking photos and video... mostly video of the event. I just finished editing raw footages into a 1 minute news clip today at Auntie Grace's house.

More information and photos are available at
the official site.

This news clip was sent to BLTV.

http://abty888.multiply.com/tag/buddhism

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya KL/Selangor Gathering&Dance, Tenji Restaurant,Solaris Mont Kiara,KL@18th April, 2009

2008-04-28T13:31:00.011+08:00

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya KL/Selangor Gathering&Dance, Tenji Restaurant,Solaris Mont Kiara@18th April, 2009
Lastest PPBNKLS activity is Gathering and Dance in Tenji Japanese Buffet Restaurant in Solaris Soho KL, Mont Kiara on Sat 18th April 2009 evening. Great food and place to meet fellow Peranakans and friends. Ticket is RM75/head which is lower than the published price and it included live music.

Date: 18th April, 2009
Time: 7:00pm onwards
Venue: Tenji Restaurant, Jalan Solaris 2, Soho KL, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

Please let me know if you are interested to go. RSVP me early to avoid disappointment. Thank you.

Best Regards,
Bro.Cedric Tan
Asst Hon Secretary
Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association Kuala Lumpur/Selangor
(peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my)
PPBNKLS (2008)

KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008 6pm of 12th July 2008 in Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, Sri Kembangan, Selangor.

2008-04-25T09:51:00.005+08:00

In Memory of the Late Ven. Abhinyana

2008-04-24T13:16:00.000+08:00

Venerable Abhinyana was born in 1946, in England to a Protestant family. In 1970, during summer holidays in India, he made his first contact with Buddhism and found out this religion was what he needed to follow and practice. Finally, in 1972, he left his home and became Buddhist monk in the Thai Theravada Tradition in Malaysia. From 1979 he started his teaching career here and there, to provide the teachings of Buddha for everyone with the purpose of helping them get rid of their suffering and achieve happiness. He is constantly travelling to offer the Dharma talk for those wishing to learn and practice Buddhism. For more details on the Late Ven.Abhinyana's Books log on:- http://members.tripod.com/anatta0/

.....................................................................................

Ven. Abhinyana passed away on 14th April, 2008 in the home of his nearest family at Parklands on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Australia at 4.30am [Brisbane Time].

KL Memorial Service & Sanghika Dana of the Late Ven. Abhinyana

Date: Sunday, 27th April, 2008
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Lot 85, Jalan Tujuh, Sentul Pasar. 51000 Kuala Lumpur.

All are Welcome to pay their last respect to the Late Ven. Abhinyana !

To be conducted and administered by one of the Venerables in the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul Pasar, Kuala Lumpur.

..............................................................................

On behalf of KMBS, I would like to convey our Condolences to our Brother Goh Hock Guan, who have been a great mentee, sponsor of Bhante Abhinyana's books and a strong financial supporter for Bhante's missionary work in Malaysia & abroad and most of all to the Late Bhante's Abhinyana's family and relatives in Parklands, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Australia. Let us have a short reflection on Bhante Abhinyana's good Dhammadutta work towards mankind and where ever Bhante may be, May He be reborn into a better plane of existences. Sadhu ! Sadhu ! Sadhu !

Sukhi Hotu and With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
President KMBS
http://www.kinrarametta.org

Don't disrupt Olympic Torch Run, says Chief Venerable

2008-04-16T19:58:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Politics should be kept out of the coming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K.Sri Dhammaratana also urged Malaysians to refrain from interfering in the Olympic torch relay which is scheduled to take place here on Monday, 21st April, 2008.

"My request to Malaysians of all races and religions is to remain calm and to have a positive attitude. Let's make the Olympic Games successful in the name of international peace. We should let compassion be our guiding light and non-violence be our way of life," he said.

Taking a cue from the Dalai Lama, Ven.Dhammaratana reiterated that there were different platforms for different issues.

"Some people are trying to turn the Olympics into a political game but as far as I know it is an international sports meet. We must try to understand and be aware of what the Olympic Games is all about. It's an occasion celebrated together in the true spirit of sports.
"While the torch is being carried in Malaysia, we should get together and radiate positive energy for the success of the games," he said at the Maha Vihara temple in Brickfields yesterday.

Ven.Dhammaratana said a Special prayer would be held on Sunday at 9am to pray for peace in Tibet and the success of the Olympic Games.

"As a religious leader, I'm trying my best to influence the people to spread peace and pray with a sincere heart. I have invited Buddhist monks and other religious leaders in the country to join us in the simultaneous prayer.

"It's also part of our duty to influence the monks in Tibet, whether Chinese, Tibetan, Thai or Japanese, to carry the message of peace."

He also said that those who had disrupted the relay in London, Paris and San Francisco had created an unhealthy environment.

"This can be due to a lack of understanding and their emotions. Being human beings we are all different and our emotions sometimes rule our actions."

The Malaysian leg of the relay will begin on Monday at the Dataran Merdeka. It will pass by Wisma OCM, the City Hall building, Parliament House, the National Museum, National Mosque, Old Central Railway Station, Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and KL Tower before arriving at Merdeka Stadium.

The torchbearers from Malaysia include badminton players Razif, Jalani and Rashid Sidek, Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock; women world squash champion Nicol David; bowler Shalin Zulkifli; swimmers Lim Keng Liat and Nurul Huda Abdullah; former national football team skipper Datuk Soh Chin Aun; runner Marina Chin and diver Bryan Nickson Lomas.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia will also be organising a Fun Run for the public at 7.30am on the eve of the relay at Dataran Merdeka.

MORE PLACES OF WORSHIP FOR BUDDHIST PLEASE, AUTHORITIES URGED by SJ ECHO

2008-04-14T17:39:00.006+08:00

SJ ECHO 30 January 2008

Buddhist Community hands over objections to the Draft Local Plan with 4,000 signatures attached
Excerpts from the objection letter submitted to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council:
We urge the MPSJ to adhere to the Federal Government guidelines in relation to the provisions for building of places of worship for non-Muslims, which is one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.
Based on the MPSJ Draft Local Plan, there is no land allocation for the building of Buddhist temples (Vihara)/ tokong in all the areas under planning except Blok Perancangan Kecil 3.4 Puchong which was allocated only ONE tokong/Vihara.
We need to have more Buddhist temples to cater to the spiritual and religious education needs of the large number of devotees.
With regards to public amenities, we would like to propose to the MPSJ to reserve a piece of land and provide allocation to build a crematorium especially for the benefit of the Buddhist and Hindu communities who opt for cremation for their last rites. Considering the size of Buddhist residents in MPSJ areas, the building of a crematorium will directly helps the MPSJ in reducing land use for burial grounds.
We hope the Federal, State and local authorities; elected representatives and local councillors will seriously consider our objections and proposals as a duty and commitment to take care the welfare and interest of the Buddhist community which comprises 42.6% of all residents within the Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya which includes areas in Subang Jaya/USJ, Kinrara, Puchong, Seri Kembangan, Putra Heights, Bandar Putra Permai and Subang Hi-Tech.
We are prepared to attend the Committee Public Hearing on the MPSJ Draft Local Plan and we hope the local authority will invite us to attend the public hearing to provide details on our submissions.
Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Subang Jaya
Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Fo Guang Malaysia, Cawangan USJ
Persatuan Penganut Buddha Serdang, Seri Kembangan
Malaysia Mahayana Buddhist Association, Subang Jaya
Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society, Puchong

Wat Rajaphohong, Penang to host Songkran Festival

2008-04-12T10:56:00.000+08:00

Friday April 11, 2008

Bukit Mertajam temple to host Songkran festival

MALAYSIANS from all walks of life are invi-ted to join in the festivities at this year’s Songkran festival at Wat Rajaphohong Buddhist Temple in Ara Kuda, Bukit Mertajam on Sunday, 13th April, 2008.

Jointly organised by the Malaysian Siamese Association Penang Branch, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang and Wat Rajaphohong, this year’s festival will feature a Miss Songkran competition, sand pagoda contest, a traditional Thai game of Soi Dow and cultural shows.

Also known as the water festival, Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year which starts on April 13 annually.

According to tradition, it is a time of merit-making, offering food to Buddhist monks, paying respect to the elders by pouring water on their palms, asking their forgiveness and wishing them good luck, good health and happiness.

“This year, we’ve decided to hold the festival in Bukit Mertajam, as there is a sizeable Siamese community around the area. The temple that’s hosting the event is over a hundred years old,” said Manopchai Vongphakdi, the Thai Consul-General of Penang.

“There will be many Buddhist ceremonies and Thai cultural events and performances,” he added.

Elaborating on the sand pagoda contest, Vongphakdi said:

“The Siamese believe that over time, as many people come and go from the temple, the sand on the ground would eventually thin out. Hence, at the end of the day, the sand pagodas will be demolished and this will replenish the sand.”

Vilai Phromsuwan, president of the Siamese Association’s Penang branch, said she hoped people from the northern states would join in the fun as it was a multi-racial event.

“In previous years, the Songkran festival was held on the island, but this year we’ve moved it to the mainland. There are seven Siamese temples in the state, and we plan to shift the venue each year to cover all the temples,” she added.

Vongphakdi added that the consulate was planning big celebrations in the next couple of years to mark the 150th anniversary of its presence in Penang.

“We hope this will promote goodwill and foster better relations between Thailand and Malaysia,” Vongphakdi said.

This Sunday’s Songkran festivities will start at 9am.

Festival for all: Vongphakdi (in coat) watching the children dressed in colourful Thai attire having fun playing together.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and many dignitaries are scheduled to attend.

10 Principles for Your Total Peace of Mind [ytpom]

2007-09-06T14:20:00.004+08:00

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs.
We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction.
This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of 'x' ie.god....
We were born, each one of us in a unique way.

No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way.
All men or women act the way they do because their conscience within them prompts them that way.
Mind your own business and you will keep your total peace of mind (ytpom).

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind.
We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us.
We nurture grievances.
This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure.
This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it.
Get over this bad habit.
Life is too short to waste in such trifles.
Forgive & Forget, and march on.
Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people.
They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives.
They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you.
Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition?
Their recognition is not worth the aggravation.
Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind.
You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not.
You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only one year old.
There are several examples like these in everyday life.
Should you be jealous?
No.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail.
Instead, change yourself to suit your environment.
As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.
Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control.
If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things.
We must learn to endure them cheerfully.
Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly.
We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out.
Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries?
You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities.
Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and
meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless.
Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts.
This is the highest state of peace of mind.
Try and experience it yourself.
If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours.
Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before.

You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation.
You may think that this will interfere with your daily work.
On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop.
All evil actions start in the vacant mind.
Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile.
Actively follow a hobby.
Do something that holds your interest.
You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind.
Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement.
Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?"
Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating.
You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings.
Value your time and do the things that need to be done.

It does not matter if you fail the first time.
You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time.
Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing.
Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past.
DO NOT REGRET.
Why cry over spilt milk?.

More at: http://ytpom.multiply.com