Four Portion

When we did good deeds such as Dana (act of giving), we had to do it with Panna (wisdom). We should not give everything or every amount of money that we had to do just Dana. This is a stupid act, said Sayadaw U Vimala in today's Dhamma Talk.

The Buddha had mentioned that we should divide our money into four portion that is

1. one portion for food
2. one portion for guests or medicine for ourselves 
3. two portion for investment

So, there is no mentioned that one had to spent all his money on giving.
Which portion should one take for the act of giving? asked Sayadaw
It is the portion of food. One can reduce his partake of food and uses this portion of money to do charity. By doing this, one not only be able to perform good deeds but also is able to sustain oneself in the society. He will be blameless.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Do Not Be Lazy

Do not be lazy! Do not be lazy! Do not be lazy!
We must knock our forehead with our fist once a while to admonish ourselves not to be lazy.
Not to be lazy to do what?

To do good deeds, said Sayadaw U Vimala in tonight's Dhamma Talk after the meditation class in BMBMC.
We are very lazy in doing good deeds. We may think that we are happy to do good deeds. We may also think that we are doing good deeds all the time because we came to the centre and offer food to the monks every day.

But we are actually not doing good deeds all the time. In fact, we are lazy to do good deeds all the time. Think of the time you spent in front of the television watching your favourite shows; think of the time you spent going to do shopping in the shopping centre.

We have to always reminded ourselves to do good deeds. Because if we do not do good deeds, the hell's doors is always open to us.

What are the good deeds? The Buddha had taught us about the good deeds in the Suttas over the period of 45 years of Buddha's life. In all the 144 Books, we can summarized the good deeds into three that are

1. Dana Kusala Kamma
2. Sila Kusala Kamma
3. Bhavana Kusala Kamma

We have to constantly practiced these three kinds of good deeds everyday in our lives. We do not have to come to the center or the monastery to practice these good deeds. We can do it in our home, our work place every time, every day. For example, we can practice Dana in the very simplest form. That is when we are washing our plate after we had our food, any leftover on the plate such as oil or bits of rice or dishes can be offered. We had just to wish that these leftovers be offered to the insects or beings as their food. This form of reflection is an act of good deeds. It does not involved any form of money and it is not even wasteful. But it is an act of charity or dana.

Having a thought like these is a act to perfect our parami and Sayadaw had shared with us a very good lesson in the Dhamma.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Dana at BMBMC with Amy's Mum

Today Amy managed to bring her mum (which is my mother-in-law) to BMBMC for lunch dana. It had been years that I had asked Amy to bring her mum for dana. A big sadhu to both of them

.

Dana at MBMC

Lunch dana at MBMC - mum doing pindapata

Today, Amy and I took mum to MBMC for lunch Dana. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to give food dana to the Bhikkhus and also the samaneras as this week is the start of MBMC Samanera programme for 2010.
All of us did some offering as the Bhikkhus and Samaneras lined up for pindapata.
I met Keat Hoe, an 'old' friend from Peace House.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

What is Dhamma?

Interesting question that is What is the Dhamma?
Tonight Dhamma Talk by Sayadaw U Vimala focuses on this issue. There is no translator for translating the talk into Hokkien/Chinese but Sayadaw took an hour to explain this issue.

Buddhist Stupa in Kesariya, Bihar, India.
Commemorating the Kalama Sutta and
the giving of Buddha's bowl to the Licchavis.
Courtesy from Wikipedia

The Buddha's Teachings (the Dhamma) must be spoken of accordingly. Here in BMBMC, Sayadaw will talk about the Dhamma based on the Theravadan's books. There are 140 Theravadan books which Sayadaw termed that as the real Dhamma books and should be what the Dhamma is all about. Read them, urged Sayadaw for the writings in these books are the REAL Dhamma.
The Kalama Sutta is very important for all Buddhists to understand, for the Sutta encourages Buddhists to freely inquires about the Teachings. This is indeed true as today people may not understand what is the true teaching even though we may have many teachers.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Saddha have you

It must be having saddha for both of us to attend Sayadaw U Vimala's Dhamma talk at BMBMC tonight. The talk is about Alavaka Sutta.
The first question which Alavaka the yakkha asked the Buddha is "What is the best wealth or treasure one can have?
Lord Buddha answered, " It is Saddha (Confidence) in the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, Kamma and Kamma-vipaka."
"Saddha," said Sayadaw,"will make you a rich man even though you have no money. Without Saddha, you are a poor person even though you have lots of money"

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Dana at Lunas Buddhist Hermitage

Lunch dana at Lunas Buddhist Hermitage

Today Amy and I go to Lunas Buddhist Hermitage for lunch dana. This is because BMBMC had no lunch dana as Sayadaw U Vimala was invited by MBMC for their Kathina Day celebration.

We arrived early at the hermitage and managed to listen to Dhamma talk by Sayadaw Dr U Sunanda. Sayadaw give a Dhamma talk on Mangala Sutta. In the Dhamma talk, Sayadaw explain the first 4 blessings found in the Sutta.

Pouring of water

Pouring of water when transfering of merits after a dana had been performed is a Buddhist custom which BMBMC had not put into practice, said Sayadaw U Vimala. According to the Buddhist scriptures, the act of pouring water had been mentioned, one notably when King Bimbisara had to transfer merits to his past relatives after the king had forgotten to do so when he had offered the a monastery to the Buddha.

BMBMC Kathina Day Celebration 2010

Wheel of Sun and Moon

"Why do you cry?" asked a man to a little boy. "I have a chariot but no wheels. My chariot is big and it need wheels of a Sun and a Moon, and I cannot get them for my chariot" replied the boy.
"It is very foolish of you to cry for these things as you will never be able to fulfill your wish. Oh! Foolish boy" said the man
"Is that so, old man? Then, let me asked you whether a person who cried for his son who had passed away will be more foolish than me who had cried for things that I can still see?" asked the boy
This conversation is actually between a man who had lost his son due to his stinginess with a boy who is actually his previous dead son and had been born as a deva in Tavamtimsa Heaven.
In tonight Dhamma talk by Venerable Sayadaw U Vimala, this story ends with the realisation of the man that his mourning of his son's passing away is a foolish act. However, this story also show that the son had been reborn as deva due his conviction of faith to the Buddha after seeing the rays of Buddha before his death.

Here Sayadaw emphasized that having faith or confidence in the Triple Gem is far more beneficial than having donate many meals without any act of confidence or understanding.
Buddhists should show their confidence in the Triple Gem by the act of respect. One simple act will be to switch off your mobile phone when you are listening to the Dhamma Talk.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Young to be bhikkhus

"Let's only becomes monk when we are old, for when we are young we can just do many good deeds", This is the thinking of most Chinese in Malaysia. This thinking is wrong said Sayadaw U Vimala in tonight Dhamma Talk at BMBMC.
Just like what Venerable Mahapala did in renouncing his household life to become a bhikkhus much to the opposition by his brother Subapala who thinks just like what Chinese Malaysian think.
Monastic life is better than ordinary layman life as there are less social life as a bhikkhus. Even though there are Ariyans who are laypersons but it is more difficult to achieve as a layperson compared to that of a bhikkhu.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Kusala Less Akusala Lots

"When you come to the centre, you are "forced" to do dana; "forced" to keep your precepts and "forced" to do bhavana" said Sayadaw U Vimala in today's Lunch Dana Dhamma Talk.

Most of us do a lot of Akusala Kamma in our daily activities. Example, when we are at home, we tend to spend a lot of our time watching television. We are doing Akusala Kamma, according to Sayadaw, because this type of activity is full of attachment.

We are not mindful about what we do. Be mindful is important. We have to listen to correct Dhamma Talk that had the essence that will lead us nearer to the Path and Fruition of Enlightenment and not the other way around.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

No body no self

:"Do we watch our Khandhas as self or belongs to our self?" This is the question posed to Venerable Khemaka by Venerable Dasaka as is found in the Khemaka Sutta

This sutta is very relevant to yogis especially those that participated in this 9-days Vipassana Retreat in Bukit Mertajam Buddhist Meditation Centre, said Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhivamsa.
Observing the 5 Khandhas not as self or belonging to self constitute the wrong views. Yogis always complain that their bodies, legs, hands and heads encounter pain. This is wrong observation because if you note it as the legs or hands or backs then you are observing the self.

We have to observe our Forms, Feelings, Perceptions, Consciousness and Mental formations, not as self or belong to self but as impermanent, suffering and nothingness. 

As the Sutta goes, Venerable Khemaka explain the Dhamma to the 60 Theras who had initially posed the question that is conveyed by Ven. Dasaka. As both the teacher and the listeners listen to the Dhamma they observe the words and practiced the Dhamma and eventually all of them attained Arahantship. Here, yogis should emulate the venerables when they listened to Dhamma from their teacher. We should listen and practice what we had just heard.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Amy's Retreat

Today, Amy joined yogis in the nine-days Vipassana Meditation Retreat under the guidance of Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhivamsa. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Patidana

Both Amy and I were at BMBMC today for the Patidana occasion..

Good teacher good student

"When we want to be good teacher, we must also become a good student" said Sayadaw U Vimalacara

http://productivegeek.com/forums/attachments/Argue1_1263057618.png

In the Puppha Sutta, the Buddha exclaimed that the Buddha does not argue or quarrel with world but it is the world of beings that is disputing with Him.
The Buddha will agree with the wise one (those that meditate well, the Noble Ones) because the wise one knows the truth. Thus, proclaiming what is the truth does not merit any argument or disputes.

"BMBMC members," said Sayadaw U Vimala, "should be practicing what is the true teaching of the Buddha"
In this Sutta, the Buddha said that all compound things are subjected to anicca, dukkha and anatta. The Panca Khanda namely Rupa, Vedana, Sanna, Sankhara and Vinnana are subjected to change, suffering and uncontrollable. In the practice of Vipassana Meditation, yogis should  be aware of these Aggregates and they have these 3 characteristics. Then only can the yogis attain magga phala nana.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Of She-monkey and Angels

“Which is more beautiful, the angels or your ex-bride?” asked Lord Buddha to Nanda Thera when Buddha decided to take Nanda Thera to Tavathimsa Heaven.
“The angels, my Lord, my ex-bride is like the she-monkey” replied Nanda Thera
In tonight Dhamma talk, Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhivamsa uses the Story of Nanda Thera to advise members of BMBMC not to attach to your wife, family and others when coming for meditation in the centre. This attachement will hinder your meditation progress.
As the story goes, Nanda Thera then strives to get to heaven the meet the angels. Known by the other monks, Nanda Thera was then ridiculed and blamed. Cast as an outcast, Nanda Thera decided to strive with diligent in his practice and eventually Nanda Thera attained Arahanta.
Here, Sayadaw said that different strategies are always used by meditation teachers to teach the yogis. Depending on their paramis, yogis will gain progress with their practices. However, Sayadaw pointed out that Saddha in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is very important for one to attained Enlightenment.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

In Search of the Buddha Image

Today Amy and I follow Uncle Lim, Ah Kiang and Chin to a shop selling Buddhist paraphernalia to look at Buddha images. BMBMC is searching of a new Buddha image to replace the present one.

Any one has any suggestion where to get a ‘beautiful’ Buddha image?

Channa Sutta

“I helped the Buddha to become the Buddha, therefore this Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is my Buddha, my Dhamma and my Sangha” thought Venerable Channa. This conceited thought had caused this Venerable to have no respect for the other monks during the Buddha’s time.

In tonight Dhamma talk at BMBMC, Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhivamsa explained the situation faced by Venerable Chanda as mentioned in the Channa Sutta [see link for further more detail]
After the demise of the Buddha, Venerable Channa who was isolated from the other monks began to feel bored. Venerable Channa decided to proceed to a gathering of elder monks and requested them to give him a Dhamma talk.

Fearing that Venerable Channa will blame them and every other things of suffering, the elders decided to teach him that Rupa, Vedana, Sanna, Sankhara and Vinnana are impermanent and non-self only.

Venerable Channa is a good meditator but he has wrong views in related to self as he believes in there exist a self or ego and also there is no existence after this life.

Not satisfied and with doubt, Venerable Channa decided to seek Venerable Ananda for advice. Venerable Ananda who is endured with wisdom and foresight, expounded the Paticca Samupada to Venerable Channa. Paticca Samupada which tenets is based on Cause and Effect and the cessation of the cause resulted in the cessation of effect is able to eradicate the wrong views as being held by Venerable Channa.

Realising the meaning of the Dhamma explained by Venerable Ananda, Venerable Channa is able to attain to the First stage of Sainthood.

Sayadaw U Vimala hoped that tonight Dhamma talk will encourages members of BMBMC to try to achieve the first stage of Sainthood and not to have wrong views such as Sakayaditthi and  Uccheda ditthi.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Vassa Begins Today

Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhimvasa giving a short Dhamma talk

Tonight both Amy and I attended the invitation to enter the Vassa ceremony at BMBMC. This year, Sayadaw U Vimalacarabhivamsa had accepted BMBMC invitation to enter Sayadaw’s 34th Vassa at the centre.  

Paying respect to the Triple Gem

In the shoirt Dhamma talk, Sayadaw advises us to constantly practise what was taught to us by the Buddha, namely to practise Dana, Sila and Bhavana. If we do not practise these three things, said Sayadaw, then we will not perform them.

Consequently, it will then lead us further down into suffering. However, if we had keep up with the practises, then eventually we will succeed in our quest to achieve our goal in eradication of the kilesa and realised Nibbana.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

The arrival of Sayadaw U Vimala

Amy and I were at BMBMC to receive Sayadaw U Vimala who had accepted the invitation to reside at BMBMC for this year Vassa. It was raining heavily and Sayadaw arrived at BMBMC at about 8 pm.

I am glad to see Sayadaw in good health.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Visit to Dhamma Rain Santuary, Bagan Serai

Both Amy and I followed BMBMC members to Bagan Serai to witness the handling of keys to kuti of Dhamma Rain Santuary at Bagan Serai. 
Led by Uncle Lim, we travelled by two cars, one driven by Peter and the other by me. Amy, Bro Chai Keang and Bro Teoh are my passengers.
We arrived at the Santuary at 10 am after a fulfilling breakfast stop at Sg Bakap Chai Kuay restaurant.
Bhante Kusala was about to be invited to begin the occasion, what a timing it is. After the key-handling over ceremony, we take a peep at the kuti.
Then there is a Dhamma talk by Bhante Kusala about the benefit of dana and tranference of merit with Bhante using the example of Venerable Anuruddha.
A Dana was performed and we of course stayed for the lunch.

Respecting to the Buddha

"Buddhists respect the Buddha and we bow to the Buddha image," said Bro. Foong in tonight Dhamma talk at BMBMC, "But to what degree do we respect the Buddha?"

During the Buddha's time in Rajagaha, a group of brahmins were discussing the respect gained by teachers of 7 different sects including Buddha's. All of them agreed that 6 of the teachers of the sects do not command any respect from their followers because they had observed that their disciples questioned the authorities of their teachers or found that the teaching of their teachers is inadequate. They declared that the Buddha's disciples did not did dishonoured the Buddha. On contrary, they had respected the Buddha and listened with earnest the Teaching of the Buddha.

When asked by the Buddha on what are the reason His disciples respected him, one of the brahmins replied that it could be due to the fact that the Buddha only partake very little food, not fussy with his robes, stayed in any types of shelter, always go for alms and prefered a secluded solitary life.
These reasons were refuted by the Buddha.

Then the Buddha explained that the reasons why He commanded the utmost respect from His disciples.
They are

1.  The Buddha holds the Highest Sila in the speech, action and thought at all time
2. The Buddha command the Highest Knowledge and Vision
3. The Buddha has Supreme Wisdom
4. The Buddha had explained the Four Noble Truth clearly and comprehensively
5. The Buddha is able to teach and guide His disciples in the 37 Factors of Enlightenment.

These are the reasons why Buddhists should realised when we respect the Buddha even though at this present time is only the Buddha's image.

It had been a very interesting one and a half hour talk (in Hokkien/Mandarin/English) Dhamma talk shared with us by Bro Foong.

Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu

Train to catch

Out thought moments are like the train moving in high speed and we have a race to catch this train, said Bhante Jinnadatta in tonight Dhamma talk at BM Buddhist Meditation Centre. 

"Can we catch this train?" asked Bhante, "The answer is Yes but only with Mindfulness or Sati. Only with Sati, can we then catch up with this train of thoughts. But we must catch it and we have to be strong to hold on this train because if we are weak, then we will be swerved by it. Here, samadhi come in as samadhi gives us the stability to hold on to our thought.

Interesting simile and very informative. That is always the case when Bhante Jinnadatta share with us his interpretation of the Buddha Dhamma - only that Bhante speaks in Hokkien/Mandarin which I had a problem understanding some of what he said.

Our mind is conditioned, our thoughts are linked with one another - hence we have a train of thoughts. When a object touches the sense-door and contact arises. But due to ignorance, this contact will lead to the arisen of vedana or feeling and so forth. Worry, lamentation, complaint and bias developed in our mind.

We refused to note the sense objects as it is but we "calculated and compare" the object with our background ideas. Hence here lies the conditioned mind.

Only by mindfully watching the mind can we then see the real nature of things.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Wat Pin Ban Onn visit

Today both Amy and I visited Wat Pin Ban Onn at Jalan Masjid Negeri. It is the first time Amy had been to this wat.

Then we proceed to MBMC for lunch dana

Taking refuge part 2

In continuing with last week Dhamma Talk, Sayadaw U Sumana added that taking refuge by means of paying homage should be done with faith and understanding.

Sayadaw pointed out that there are four type of paying homage, namely

1. Paying homage to a person because he is your relative or someone related to you or elders
2. Paying homage due to fear or order by the law or regulation
3. Paying homage to a teacher or someone that hold that position 
• [these three type of paying homage will not be the form of taking refuge as it is not done with understanding]
4. Paying homage due to the understanding of the attribute of that person

The  forth type is what taking refuge should be. Sayadaw said that by paying homage one had to remember the 9 attributes of the Buddha. Similarly, the attributes of the Dhamma and the Sangha

Therefore, Sayadaw advises members of BMBMC to take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha systematically so that this action will be beneficial to us such as protection and safety to us.

Incidentally, tonight Dhamma talk will the last one for the year 2010 for Sayadaw U Sumana  at BMBMC.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu

Taking refuge systematically

Buddhists take refuge to the Triple Gems but do you do it systematically? asked Sayadaw U Sumana in tonight Dhamma Talk at BM Buddhist Meditation Centre.

According to the late Sayadaw U Silananda, there are many ways one takes refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Sayadaw U Sumana will share with us the ways one takes refuge in the Triple Gem from the writings of the late Sayadaw U Silananda

There are two types of way on taking refuge, namely

1. the supramundane way in which when one had attained the Enlightenment, the refuge of a Noble person in the Triple Gem is unshakeable, and 
2. the mundane way

Accordingly, there are four mundane ways which will be dealt with in tonight talk. They are

1. By surrendering oneself to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha - this can be shown in how Angulimala surrendered himself to the Buddha and follow the Buddha 
2. By considering the Triple Gem as supreme resort - this can be shown by Pattacari who had lost all her kin but after listening to the Buddha's word, she had taken refuge in the Triple Gem
3. By assuming one as the pupil of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and hence shows great respect to the Triple Gem
4. By paying homage to the Triple Gem

Khlong Ngae Visit

Trip to Khlong Ngae with BMBMC members led by Uncle Lim

Yesterday both Amy and I followed Uncle Lim and 15 BM Buddhist Meditation Centre's members to Ajahn Sati's temple in Khlong Ngae, Southern Thailand.

We went in two vans, both Amy and I in the first with Mr Chuah and his family, Mr & Mrs Khor, and another couple in one van whereas, Uncle Lim, Mr Lee and the rest in another. We left BM at 1.30 pm and reaches Haadyai at 4 pm.

We stopped at Haadyai for a two hours shopping spree. Then we had our dinner in one of the Haadyai restaurant before proceeding to Khlong Ngae at 7 pm (Thai time)

Ajahn Sati's temple is in Khlong Ngae a small town situated between Danuk and Haadyai. But we had to go into the outskirt of Khlong Ngae and then turn into a rubber tree plantation.

We arrived at the temple at around 8 pm. Some devotees there welcome us and we proceed to pay respect to Ajahn Sati.

Then all of us decided to take our bath but since there are only 4 bathrooms near the shrine hall, Uncle Lim took three of us to another bathroom area about 10 minute walk up the hill. Whew! The water was cold but refreshing.

After taking our bath, Uncle Lim took us to the hanging cliff cave about 200 m uphill. We saw three bhikkhus there meditating. Both Mr Lee and I decided not to sleep there tonight although Uncle Lim will bring some of us there to sleep.

Coming back to the shrine hall, the ladies already lying down to sleep. I too find a place and luckily I brought my sleeping bag for there are mosquitoes all over the place. It was not that cool but rather humid in the hall.

Special and Perpetual Mindfulness

Tonight marks the end of the 10-days Vipassana Retreat for the year 2010 conducted by Sayadaw U Ukkamhsa at BMBMC.

In this final night, Sayadaw U Ukkamhsa encouraged yogis and members of BMBMC to continue their practice of Vipassana meditation even after the retreat.

There are two types of mindfulness, said Sayadaw, "They are (1) Special Mindfulness, and (2) Perpetual or Continual Mindfulness.

Special Mindfulness is the mindfulness that one cultivates during the retreat on their 4 postures and general daily activities.

Perpetual Mindfulness is mindfulness that one cultivates during their normal daily activities like preparing to cook, or doing the laundry.

One must try to practice the Perpetual Mindfulness so as to enable one to speed up their Vipassana Meditation practice.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Samadhi and Upekkha Sambojjhanga

Tonight Sayadaw U Ukkamhsa expounded 2 of the last 7 Bojjhangas that are samadhi and uppekha sambojjhanga.

What is Samadhi sambojjhanga?

Calmness

Last night Dhamma talk by Sayadaw U Ukkamhsa is about passaddhi sambojjhanga or the factor of calmness.

In order to understand this factor of Enlightenment of calmness, we have to know its meaning, characteristics, function and manifestation, said Sayadaw U Ukkhamhsa.

What is the meaning of passaddhi?
It is the cessation of kilesa or defilements. With this cessation of defilements, peace will be attained.

What then is the characteristic of passadhi?
Passadhi had the characters of quieting the disturbances of our physical and mental factors. By quieting or reducing the disturbances, yogi will experience tranquility or calmness. This calmness will helps the yogis to overcome the suffering experieced in the process of meditation.

How does this factor of Enlightenment functions?
Passadhi eliminates disturbances of our physical and mental factors.

And its manifestation? A yogi can know the manifestation or appearing of passadhi by the inactivity of consciousness. One will feel like a statue, as there is stillness just like one take shelter under a shady tree after climbing a big mountain.

Yogi will experience pain both mentally and physically during meditation. When passadhi arises, one will will calm without any unpleasant feeling or sensation. One will feel as if one had lose his consciousness. Sometime, a less experienced yogi may mistaken this calmness as Nibbana.

The Second Bojjhangga - Investigative of Dhamma

(from http://www.shiftedreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/darkness_to_light_2560x1600.jpg)

Tonight talk by Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa at BMBMC is the continuance of yesterday talk about the 7 Bojjhanggas.
In yesterday talk, Sayadaw expounded about Sati-sambojjhanga. So, tonight the talk is about dhamma-vicaya-sambojjhanga or Investigative of Dhamma

To know that there is the arises or not arises of this bojjhanga, yogis should know the three aspects of this bojjhanga namely

1. its characteristic
2. its function
3. its manifestation

What is the characteristic of this bojjhanga?
It is the investigating or the penetrating of Rupa and Nama dhammas in their individual essence. Investigation means the discerning and perceiving the true nature of Rupa and Nama, its arising and passing away and the association with impermanence, suffering and uncontrollable.

What then is its function?
The function of this bojjhanga is like a lamp that illuminate as it allows one to clearly see the rupa and nama.

What is the manifestation of dhamma-vicaya-bojjhanga?
This bojjhanga manifests in yogis as a form of non-bewilderment or clear comprehension. Just like in a dark forest, a person does not know the directions but as soon as there is light he knows the direction. The arising of this bojjhanga enable yogis to discern clearly the nature of Rupa and Nama dhammas

Therefore, Sayadaw said, that if a person mention that I feel pain when pain arises he still has wrong you as I feel is a form of clinging. This is sakkaya ditthi and one can still fall into Apaya

Investigative of Dhamma will give rise to knowledge. At this point, yogis should know that there are 3 type of knowledge or nanna.

1. Sutta-nana - knowledge gained from learning or listening to Dhamma
2. Citta-nana - knowledge gained from thinking
3. Bhavana-nana - knowledge from observing or discerning Rupa and Nama right at the present moment

Out of these three nana, it is the bhavana-nana will help a yogi abandon sakkaya ditthi. It is from the arises of this nana will the dhammavicaya bojjhanga arises.

What is the cause that this dhammavicaya bojjhanga that has yet arises will arises?
Sayadaw said it is Yoniso-manasikara - observing and noting of all phenomena in all time.

In the Commentaries, it is stated that there are 7 ways for the arising of dhammavicaya bojjhanga, namely

1. Inquiring and questioning of the Dhamma
2. Purification of the bases (internal and external) for example cleanliness of body (internal), clothes or bed (external)
3. Balancing of the 5 Faculties namely Faith, Energy, Mindfulness, Concentration and Understanding
4. Avoiding ignorance people that are ignorant of Rupa and Nama
5. Associate with wise people who are knowledgeable about arising and passing away
6. Reflects on profound Dhamma (Teaching of Lord Buddha)
7. Inclination toward investigation of gaining knowledge

Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu

Sati-sambojjhanga

Once a bhikkhu asked Lord Buddha, "What are the bojjhangas that are talked about?" The Buddha answered, "The Bojjhangas are the factors leading to the Four Noble Truths."
Buddha added "There are 7 Bojjhanggas, namely

1. Sati
2. Dhamma vicaya
3. Viriya
4. Piti
5. Passadhi
6. Samadhi
7. Upekkha

Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa giving the Dhamma talk

Tonight talk given by Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa is about the first of the 7 Bojjhangga that is Sati samojhangga at BMBMC in conjuction with the 10-days Vipassana Meditation Retreat from 5th to 14th of June.

How is Sati a bhojjhanga? How can Sati be the factor leading to Enlightenment? Sati (or Mindfulness) is like the guard, that checks the entrance and the exit of the people from a place. As seeing consciousness arises, sati is aware of it.

Sati is based on the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness that are kayanupassana, vedananupassana, cittanupassana, or dhammanupassana .

Therefore, if yogis is to always keep on noting mindfully during the retreat, then the yogis is cultivating one of the bhojhangga that will lead to Enlightenment.

The arrival of Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa

Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa (right)

Tonight both Amy and I were at BMBMC to welcome Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa and his kapiya.

The arrival of Sayadaw marks the beginning of a 10-days retreat starting from 5 to 14 of June.
Sayadaw will be giving Dhamma talks during the 10-days retreat at 8 pm everyday.

The titles of talk is

1. Vipassana meditation on distraction
2. The 7 Bhojangas

If any of the my readers of this blog is interested to join in this retreat, you are most welcome to join us at BMBMC

Both Amy and I had signed up for 3 days starting from 5 to 7 June.

Vivekavana Sanctuary Grove Visit

This afternoon, six of us (myself, Amy, Uncle Lim, Peter, Mr Lee and Ah Chin) went up the Berapit Hill to Vivekavana Sanctuary Grove (VSG) to meet the Sayadaw of VSG.

This trip is organised by Uncle Lim to discuss matter regarding next week BMBMC 2nd Vipassana Meditation Retreat that will be conducted by Sayadaw U Ukkhamsa.

As this is the first time, Amy and I will be doing a retreat at Vivekavana, we decided to follow Uncle Lim there.
We parked our car at No 33 which is a house at the foot of the hill.
Both Amy and I decided to climb up the hill while the others took pillion on motorbikes.
We took 30 minutes to reach the Sanctuary.
This the second time we had climb up the hill. The first time it rained before we reach the place.
Today it was drizzling and it rained as soon as we reached the Sanctuary.

After paying our respects to the Sayadaws, we went round the Sanctuary to know the place.

Finally at about 4.00 pm, we left the VSG. This time all six of us walked down the hill.

We then proceed to Berapit Hawker Center for a quick and refreshing cendol and ice kacang for tea.

Saddha

Saddha or faith is important to Buddhists especially if one is practising vipassana meditation, Sayadaw U Sumana pointed it out in tonight's Dhamma Talk at BMBMC.

It had been raining heavily just before the talk in Bukit Mertajam, and just a handful of us turned up in the centre.

There are 7 wholesome mental states that one should cultivate at all time. These wholesome mental states will suppress the unwholesome mental states from arises in our mind.

The 7 wholesome mental states are

1. Saddha
2. Sila
3. Sutta
4. Caga
5. Panna
6. Hiri
7. Otapa

Like quality ruby that shines in the dark and dispel dust in the water, so is Saddha that will give us clarity in our believe of the Triple Gem and the Law of Kamma and Vipaka,

There are 3 kinds of Saddha, namely

1. Ordinary Saddha
2. Strong Saddha
3. Blind Saddha

A yogi will be able to build up the strong Saddha when he/she experiences the joy or rapture in his meditation. Strong Saddha will act as our friend that will lead one to better realm like heaven or better to the Path of Enlightenment.

Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu

Chanting

Chanting, an act that is not really important in the practice of Buddhism, said Sayadaw U Sumana in tonight Wesak talk.

Chanting cannot let a Buddhist attains Nibbana, only by bhavana can one achieved the highest goal in the Buddha

However, if one chants and practiced what is being chanted, then there are some benefits from this action of chanting.

Chanting at the right time and place is important. Doing the chanting correctly can become a form of Samatha meditation. This can lead to higher goal.

In certain cases, chanting in proper manner can enable one to gain the protection of the Deva. This is shown in the story of Nandamata who had practised chanting and gain the protection from a Deva from Catumaharajika Heaven. The Deva is impressed with the chanting of this disciple of the Buddha that praise the virtues of the Buddha

Lastly, Sayadaw advises the members to practice chanting with understanding for the benefits of chanting.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu

Wesak at BMBMC 2010

Today is Wesak Day. Both of us arrived at BMBMC at 9 am, an hour earlier than last year. Not many people yet.

At 930 the pindapada begins. Not many devotees turn up for the pindapatta, maybe they do not know aboat it as there was none. There are six bhikkhus in this occassion and it lasted in less than half an hour. Everybody proceeds to the dining cum lecture hall to listen to a Dhamma talk given by Sayadaw U Sumana.

Amy and I are busy at the counter with request from the devotees wanting to make the offering of the robes and bowls. By 10.30, many devotees begins to turn up and the hall were full of people.


Tonight there will be a Dhamma talk and Metta chanting. If we go early, we may have the chance to do some meditation.

Sadhu to all, Happy Wesak.

Hope that Ah Hooi will be able to join us in full health in the next year Wesak Day, his absence this time is truly felt.

Wesak Eve

Happy Wesak to all Buddhists.

In conjunction to this auspicious day of the year, tonight Dhamma talk by Sayadaw U Sumana is about the messges of the Buddha.

What are the messages of the Buddha to us as the Buddha's devotees? asked Sayadaw U Sumana.

Not by just looking at the Buddha and admiring His appearance, but by practicing the Dhamma.

Seeing the Dhamma through personal knowledge

Practice with mindfulness

These are the messages of the Buddha to us.

Noble 8 fold Path

Tonight at BMBMC, a Dhamma talk about the Noble Eightfold Path is given by Sayalay. The Noble Eightfold Path is essence of what a person practicing Vipassana Meditation should have.

The Noble Eightfold Path comprises of

1. Samma Ditthi
2. Samma Sankappa
3. Samma Vaca
4. Samma Kammanta
5. Samma Ajiva
6. Samma Vayama
7. Samma Sati
8. Samma Samadhi
   

Let it go

After many weeks not attending the Meditation class cum Dhamma talk at BMBMC, it is delight to be able to hear this Dhamma talk given by Sayadaw U Sumana on Kamatanha.

It not uncommon for us to cling to sensual pleasure, said Sayadaw U Sumana. "This clinging is like a glue that sticked one object to another. Sometimes, the objects are stuck to one another that it is difficult for us to separate them."

As meditators, we must try to practice how to minimize our clinging to sensual pleasure. Coming to night for a two-hour meditation class helps to minimize our clinging to sensual pleasure. Otherwise, we will be at home enjoying ourselves by watching the television's programs.

May he be well and happy again

Ah Hooi and I at Wat Sam Naht Song, Kpg Song

Today Amy and I follow a group of BMBMC members to Gleneagle Hospital to visit Ah Hooi, BMBMC secretary who met with a serious road accident ten days ago. Ah Hooi is still in coma but had been put in the High Dependency Unit.

Seeing him in his present condition allow me to reflect on how fragile is our life, one second I see him healthy and well, and now he is unconscious and weak. Life is suffering as we are subjected to death, old age and illness as long as we are still in the cycle of Samsara.

But I believe that Ah Hooi as a good Upasaka with many good deeds done, will be able to overcome this suffering and will be well and healthy again.

If readers of this blog know Ah Hooi (a.k.a Ah Chai) and want to help be it in kind or deeds please contact Uncle Lim at BMBMC.

Let us radiate the our metta to Ah Hooi, may he be well and happy again.

Pati Dana

Today in BMBMC, a Pati Dana is held in conjunction with the Qing Ming week. A Sanghikadana is organised for this event with 7 Bhikkhus. A short Dhamma talk was given by Bhante Kusara.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu

Today marked the last day of the First Vipassana Meditation Retreat in BMBMC.
Sadhu to all members who had attended the Retreat.