The Hall of Great Compassion, symbolising the great compassion of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was constructed in 1980.
In the centre of the hall is the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva of a Thousand Arms and Eyes crafted in the traditional Indian style by Italian craftsmen. The thousand arms and eyes symbolise his immeasurable vow to reach out in all directions to save all beings who faithfully recite his name or call out to him for help. In each hand is an eye of Wisdom, which guides his Compassion in action. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is known for his skilful means of appearing in whatever form in the different realms of existence that one who is suffering is inclined towards to provide relief.
Standing to the left and right of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are Sangharama Bodhisattva (Qie Lan Pu Sa) and Skanda Bodhisattva (Wei Tuo Pu Sa) respectively, Dharma protectors who vowed to safeguard and protect the Buddha’s teachings and his followers.
On the far left of the hall is Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Pu Xian Pu Sa), whose name means “Universal Virtue” as he embodies the diligent practice of a Bodhisattva. He is accompanied by an elephant, which symbolises the Bodhisattva’s steadfastness and strength in the practice of the six perfections of generosity, morality, patience, joyful endeavour, meditation and wisdom.
Finally, Manjusri Bodhisattva (Wen Shu Shi Li Pu Sa), whose name translates to “Gentle Glory” on the far right of the hall, is the personification of the perfection of transcendent knowledge. He is known for his great wisdom in instructing Dharma practitioners and teachers. The lion he sits on symbolises his wisdom that is as far-reaching and authoritative as a lion’s roar.
Jul 05
Full Moon in the Chinese Sixth Lunar Month
Asalha Puja or Dhamma Day.
This commemorates the Buddha's first discourse, the Dhamma-Cakka-Pavattana Sutta (the Discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Truth) in Sarnath (Isipatana, Benares) - the Deer Park , which he gave to the group of five monks with whom he had practised in the forest for many years. Upon hearing this discourse, one of the monks -- Ven. Kondanno -- gained his first glimpse of Nibbana, thus giving birth to the Noble Sangha. The annual rains retreat (vassa) commences the following day.
Note: At the end of this first sermon, the Venerable Kondanno became a Sotapanna (a person at the first stage of enlightenment) and then, according to the Commentaries, for example, the Commentary on Vinaya, the other four disciples became Sotapannas, one on each of the four following days. On the first day after the full-moon day in July, the monk Vappa became a Sotapanna; on the second day, Bhaddiya; on the third day, Mahanama; and on the fourth day, Assaji. After they became Sotapannas, they all asked Buddha for ordination. Buddha ordained each of them by calling to them, "Come monks." On the fifth day after the full-moon day, the Buddha assembled them and preached to them this discourse Anatta-lakkhana Sutta. -The Discourse on the Not-self Characteristic (no-soul or anatta)
( Note: Try this site which is my favourite explanation for :- NO INNER CORE - ANATTA . By Sayadaw U Silananda )
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ALL THAT ARISES, PASSES AWAY
On the full moon day of July, we commemorate the occasion on which the Buddha delivered his first discourse, the Dhammacakkhapavatthana Sutta, so called because it set into motion the wheel of Dhamma. It was the day the teachings first appeared in the world, and the day that Venerable Kondanno became the first person to penetrate their deep meaning.
This Dhamma wheel has now been revolving through the world for over 2,500 years. During that time, those who have taken refuge in the teachings recorded in the Pali canon have waged no wars, inflicted no violence in their name. In whatever country of the world men and women have adopted the Buddha's training of action, speech and mind with a sincere heart, they have seen qualities of peace, wisdom and compassion grow within them. How fortunate we are that thanks to the Buddha and his disciples even now, in this day and age, the gates to the Deathless are still open.
The Knowledge that leads to the opening of these gates is profound but not complex. Venerable Kondanno's exclamation as understanding manifested in his heart on that full-moon day was unexpectedly simple: all that arises, passes away. Deceptively straightforward, but contemplating this short phrase is of incalculable benefit to all practising Buddhists.
~ Ajahn Jayasaro
Jul 08
Dharamsala, HP, India
HHDL In Conversation with the Metropolitan Police
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a short talk and then answer questions from officers and staff of the Metropolitan Police in London by video link from his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on July 8, 2020. People are requested to please follow their local social distancing rules while viewing the live webcast.
Note:
HHDL teaching is simple and yet very profound Dharma. Everyday we are receiving from our sensors that is clouding our mind which is also impermanence, As far we are concern if we just be mindful of them it is fine. Suffering arise is when we attached to them. If HHDL stops at that level then Buddhism is just another religion that speaks beautiful words of advice. Not forgetting that we also have kindness, compassion, wisdom etc inside us that are not affected by our senses. If we develop these virtues, it can be positive .and permanence source of energy to us. It will also flows out from us to all beings and calming them as well. Now that is true Buddhism .
Seven Point Mind Training by Ven Sangye Khadro (12 parts)
All are welcome
Jul 14
Dharamsala, HP, India
HHDL In Conversation with Gaur Gopal Das
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will engage in a conversation with Gaur Gopal Das, a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), by video link from his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on July 14, 2020. People are requested to please follow their local social distancing rules while viewing the live webcast.
I hope this message finds you healthy and peaceful in these times filled with challenges and turmoil. As you know, I have lived through many difficult moments, especially during the Vietnam War. Thay (our teacher Thich Nhat Hanh) and his teachings gave me the strength to face the challenges head-on and to always bring my mind back to the present moment. It is my deepest wish that you may touch this peace too. Please know that I am breathing with you and for you every day.
This spring, our world has changed dramatically. Billions of people spent months in the confinement of their own homes, and many have lost loved ones, their livelihood or their serenity and stability. I have learned that in the most difficult moments, it is essential to still find time to come back to our breathing and to take refuge in the wonders of life. When we remember that we are breathing, and we allow ourselves to breathe very deeply our in-breath, and very deeply our out-breath, we get in touch with our body and with the miracle of being alive. To be fully aware of one in-breath and one out-breath is always possible. We get in touch with every cell of our body, with our ancestors alive in every cell, our genetic ancestors and spiritual ancestors, and we feel their strength and energy flowing through us. Taking refuge in our ancestors, and in our mindful breathing, we can find a source of energy, love and trust to carry us through the most difficult moments.
Today I am writing to you because our community is facing an unprecedented challenge. As the virus spread rapidly through Europe, the Plum Village practice centers could not keep their doors open to the public. Our living conditions, in close proximity, made it impossible to guarantee the well-being and safety of our retreatants.
Entirely dependent on retreat fees, we are now struggling to meet our most basic needs. We have to feed, house and provide health care for almost 600 monastics living in 10 practice centers worldwide. We will not be able to make it through this crisis alone. We place our trust in the generosity of our sangha and we humbly ask for your help.
Some of you might have heard or read my story about a handful of rice. When I was a young student living in Vietnam, during the war, there were so many people suffering, so many families and children in the slums who were hungry. I needed to do something, so I went from house to house, asking for just one small handful of rice to help feed the children. Most people could spare one handful of rice, and together we filled big bags of rice which we brought to our friends who had nothing to eat. This is the incredible strength of sangha, of solidarity, of taking care of each other.
It is in the same spirit that I write to you today. I will not ask for much, as I and my monastic siblings know that you might be struggling yourself. My request is that if you have a little bit to spare, you might consider offering one “handful of rice” to your spiritual family each month. The Plum Village monastics live simply, our daily food budget is 4 € per person. A gift of 28 € provides food for a monastic for an entire week. Small numbers can make a big difference. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter, and join the circle of friends who carry Plum Village and its monastics in their loving hands and hearts.
Your monthly gift—no matter how small or large—will help provide food and healthcare for the Plum Village monastics worldwide and pay for our basic utilities while we spread the Dharma online and do our best to help ease the suffering in the world. Please consider offering a donation if you can.
NUS Medical Dhamma Circle will be having a talk today evening! This is the link to their Telegram page for future updates:
https://t.me/mdcsessions
Here are the details for the talk:
Our next talk will be a Q&A led by You Guang Shifu, who will answer questions our members previously submitted that have yet to be addressed!
Date: 27 July, Mon 7pm
Venue: Zoom - http://bit.ly/mdcweekly
About Venerable YouGuang
Venerable YouGuang is currently Abbot/President of Samantabhadra Vihara and Chairman(General Affairs) of Singapore Buddhist Federation.
He is also 1st Vice President of Metta Welfare Association, serving the community's special education, welfare and social needs.
He was ordinated at Fa Hua Monastery and received Higher Ordination at TzuYun Temple Taiwan. Venerable received both Dharma transmission of Hua-Yen Lineage and CaoDong-Zen Lineage.
He guides Buddhists & like-minded ones on the path to the harmonious way of life through sharing, classes and consultations and meets people from different walks of life.
He actively participates and supports inter-faith events and dialogues organized under MCCY/IRO & organisation of other faith, establishing deeper understanding, trust and respect among the community.
Our Progress in The Rainy Retreat (Vassāvāsa) by Bhante Anoma
Date: Fri 31-Jul-2020
Time: 7.30pm SG Time (GMT+8)
Speaker: Bhante K Anoma
"Nidhinamva pavattaram
yam passe vajjadassinam
niggayhavadim medhavim
tadisam panditam bhaje
tadisam bhajamanassa
seyyo hoti na papiyo."
"One should follow a man of wisdom who rebukes one for one's faults, as one would follow a guide to some buried treasure. To one who follows such a wise man, it will be an advantage and not a disadvantage."
The Hall of Great Strength is dedicated to the memory of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Above the Buddha statue is a sign that reads: The Treasure Hall of Great Strength (Alternative translations include: The Treasure Hall of Great Magnificence or The Treasure Hall of Great Hero.) The Buddha is considered the greatest of all heroes because he had conquered himself. There is a second sign that reads: Teacher of Men and Gods which is one of the ten main epithets of the Buddha has. A glass stupa in front of the Buddha statue houses a portion of the Buddha’s relics, which was presented to KMSPKS by a renowned Sri Lankan temple in 1998.
This statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha has the mudra (hand gesture) of calling upon the Earth to witness his complete Enlightenment and his victory over Mara, a demon who delights in sensual pleasure and seeks to have others indulge in them as well. The Unisha or protuberance atop the Buddha’s head is symbolic of the Buddha’s perfect Wisdom.
Buddha Dhamma Mandala Society is inviting you to an afternoon of Dhamma sharing
Speaker: Bhante Dhammika
Topic: Dhamma Lessons from Lockdown
Time: Aug 2, 2020 02:00 PM Singapore
Join Ven Mahinda and Ven Dhammika as SBM presents a rain retreat program open to all who are interested to learn about meditation, the teachings on blessings 🤩 and cultivating a resilient and positive mind in these times.
On 9 August 2020, tune in to our “live” streaming of the National Day Compassionate Water Repentance Puja. Let us pray for continued peace and prosperity for the people and nation as we celebrate Singapore’s 55th birthday!
At the same time, offer a light to Buddha and aspire for the health and well-being of our nation, family and your loved ones.
VMC Vassa Entry Ceremony and Special Vassa Robe Offering Dhamma Talk
VMC Sayadaw U Kumarra has accepted invitation of our Management Committee and lay supporters to reside at Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore) through out 3 months rain retreat. You may offer Vassa robe (and requisites) during this period by informing Sayadaw which date and time so that we can schedule the time for safe distance management.
We like to invite you all to the Special Vassa Robe offering Dhamma Talk via Zoom meeting by VMC Sayadaw this Sunday 9 Aug 2020 at 7:30pm. Registration to join Zoom is required by Participants.
Thank you for your continued support of Buddha Sasana in General and in Singapore in particular.
THREE reasons to join!
1. Do good while practising - meditate & a meal will be donated by our sponsors
2. One-of-its-own mass charades revolving Buddhism
3. Relieve the magical moments of candle light offering in our past SBYD
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