Sunday, August 22, 2010

Patidana

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

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Saturday, August 14, 2010

Good teacher good student

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

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Of She-monkey and Angels

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“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!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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?

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