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2003 AD ( 2547 BE ) ACTIVITIES


 
    

  
       

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     November 2003
     
     

    DATEVENUEACTIVITIES
     


    Nov 02Vipassana  Meditation  Centre  ( Singapore )
    Kathina Robe Offering

    
VMC will he holding its Kathina Robe Offering on : 

    
Date : Sunday, 02 November 2003 
    
Venue : Vipassana Meditation Centre (S'pore)
    
No 1 Paya Lebar Walk . S'pore 535926

    
Kathina marks the end of the rains retreat (Vassa). On this occasion, lay devotees come together to offer robes to the community of monks (Sangha) who have spent the vassa at a particular monastery, meditation center or some other dwelling place. The offering of the Kathina robe started during the time of the Buddha. After observing the three months rains retreat, some monks were on their way to the monastery at Savatthi where the Buddha was staying. They were drenched and soaked to the skin by a heavy downpour when they reached the destination. Taking into consideration their condition, the Buddha prescribed that a "Kathina" ceremony to be performed by monks when they have completed their rains retreat. 

    
It is the custom of Theravada Buddhists to participate in the ceremony with the offerings of robes and/or other requisites. The distribution of the robes received by the monks from the lay devotees are entirely a matter of the Sangha members. The "Kathina" ceremony promotes the interdependency between the Sangha and the laity. The offerings, made through the devotees' natural desire to support the Sangha, is an important merit-making event for Theravada Buddhists.

    
Do bring along your friends and family. All are welcome !

    
Progeramme

    
8: 45 am : Arrival of Invited Monks
    
9:05am : Speech by VMC President
    
9:10am : Administrating of 5 Percepts 
& Paritta Chanting 
    
9:15am : Offering of Kathina Robes and
Requisites
    
9:40am : Presentation of Gift to Main 
Sponsors
    
9:50am : Dhamma Talk
    
11:00am : Lunch Dana to Monks
    
11:30am : Lunch for devotees
    


    All are welcome
    

    Nov 07
    to
    Nov 28
    7.30pm
    to
    9.30pm    		Awareness Place Meditation Centre
    Meditation Appreciation Course

    
This is a month long meditation appreciation class (4 lessons) held at APMC (Awareness Place Meditation Centre). It is continually repeated due to overwhelming response from the public. Lessons covered include:


    
Lesson 1: How to Take Care of Your Mind
     
Lesson 2: Who are You?
     
Lesson 3: Practice in Daily Life 
    
Lesson 4: Development of the Path 

    
Contents @ a Glance:
    	

  • Definitions of Evil, Good & Pure 
  •  What are the Five Aggregates? 
  •  How to Practice in Daily Life 
  • Practising the Four Sublime States 
  • Eleven Benefits of Loving Kindness  
  • Eight Worldly Conditions  
  • Meditation Instructions  
  • Meditation on Loving-Kindness  
  • Meditation on Impurities of the Body  
  • Concentration Meditation Insight Meditation	

    
Find out more details  about MAC	
The course is conducted by Brother Richard (Vajiro) Chia, who is an experienced Dharma teacher who had taught hundreds of students. He is well known for his ability to bring the Dharma across in layman terms using everyday life examples. He is also a very skillful meditation teacher, able to give detailed meditation instructions and troubleshoot intricate meditation mistakes.

     
Awareness Place Meditation Centre  
         
email: apmcbbc@singnet.com.sg
    
Block 231, #03-39 Bras Basah Complex 
    
Singapore 180231
    
(walking distance from Bugis or City Hall MRT). 
    
-

    All are welcome
    • 

    Nov 09Buddhist Cultural Centre
    Talk on Human Relations by Dr.Ang Beng Choo

    
Speaker       : Dr Ang Beng Choo 

    
Date          : 9 /11 /2003

    
Time          : 1.30p.m - 3 p.m

    
Venue
    
Level 7 @ Yen Pei Building
    
Singapore Buddhist Cultural Centre,
    
105 Punggol Road , Singapore 546636

    
Admission is free. All are welcome .

    
Speaker's Profile

    
Dr Ang obtained a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Singapore, MA degree from the University of Hawaii and PhD degree from the National University of Singapore. Dr Ang worked with the Ministry of Education for more than 30 years. She has been a schoolteacher, a school inspector, a curriculum developer and a teacher trainer. She was awarded the Public Administration (Bronze) and Long Service Medals by the Singapore Government in 1980 and 1997 respectively. 

    
Dr Ang is a practising Buddhist. She is the Deputy Director of Singapore Buddhist Federation Public Relations Unit, patron of Buddhist Fellowship, National University of Singapore Buddhist Society, Nanyang Technological University Buddhist Society, adviser to Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society and many other posts outside 
Buddhist circle. such as solemniser and a deputy registrar for marraige. She is also a well-known speaker and a creative writer. She was awarded the International Outstanding Buddhist Woman Award in Education and Culture by Buddha Light International Association in 1998.

    


    All are welcome
    


    Nov 08Buddhist Library
    Dropping Flowers in a Still Pool
    A One Day Meditation Workshop

    

    A One Day Meditation Workshop to be Conducted by Dharmacari Dharmadhara

    
Dharmacari Dharmadhara is an experienced Dhamma teacher based in New Zealand who has been an ordained member of the Western Buddhist Order for nearly 25 years. He is also a practising doctor working in general practice in NZ. He now visits SE Asia on a regular basis as well. He has found on previous visits to SE Asia that people struggling with the metta practice can quickly become inspired by it - simply by going back to basics in a fresh way. He will be discussing what metta is in our lives, and how important it is for Dhamma practice and world peace. He will look at how to find metta within our present experience and how to go on from there, rather than setting our sights too high - and missing. 

    
This one-day retreat will begin at 8am on November 8 (Sat) and end at 6pm. The registration fee for this retreat will be $60 inclusive of lunch.

    
More details and registration form 


    All are welcome
    

    Nov 23
    to
    Nov 30    		Vipassana Meditation Centre ( Singapore )
    Novitiate Programme

    

    
Novitiate Programme for Males (age 12-20) will be held again at our center from 23rd to 30th Nov 03. 

    
The main objective of the programme is for young Buddhists to experience Novicehood and learn Dhamma and its application in daily life. Experienced male meditators would also be invited to mentor our Novices. The programme is free for all participants but vacancy is limited to 12 males on first come first serve basis and priority will be given to those who are new to Novicehood. (Registration details and forms can be obtained at our center or website.) 


    For posters, please go to http://vmc128.8m.com/NovitiatePoster2003/ and application forms can be obtain from http://vmc128.8m.com/Novitiate2003Form or at our centre. Volunteers and Food sponsors are also needed, please share this significant merit-making event with us. You may contact Mr Tin at 97129624.


    All are welcome
    

    Nov 25Buddhist Library
    Dharma Talk by Ven. Thubten Chodron: 
    Rebirth: Is it Really Possible?

    

    
It is our honour and pleasure to welcome Venerable Thubten Chodron. Venerable Chodron was formerly resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore and at Dharma Friendship Foundation in Seattle. Currently, she is founding Sravasti Abbey, a monastery in the USA. She travels worldwide to give talks about Buddhism and to teach meditation. She is also the author of several very popular books on Buddhism. 

    
In this talk, the Venerable will deal with one of the important issues in the Buddhist belief: rebirth. Is it really possible? What are the evidence? What is the significance of this doctrine in the overall framework of Buddhist teaching? If you, like many Buddhists as well as non-Buddhists, have perplexed by this issue, come and hear the answers from a compassionate teacher. Remember to bring a friend so as to share the merit. The talk will be on Hari Raya Puasa Day, November 25 (Tuesday) starting from 3pm.

    


    All are welcome
    

    Nov 29
    to
    Dec 09    		Buddhist Fellowship 
    Pilgrimage: On the Buddha's Trail

    



    All are welcome
    






    


     


       

 
     
     December 2003
     
     

    DATEVENUEACTIVITIES
     

    Dec 13
    &
    Dec 29    		Buddhist Fellowship
    Year End Celebration 2003

    
It is time to stock on what we have accomplished in the year. Reflect on what has really held meaning in our lives.

    
Living a life with a purpose brings happiness

    
Ensuring that 2004 brings greater meaning to our lives involves commitment to our spiritual path and practice. Lets get together and re-affirm our refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha

    
Meditation for the better living

    
Venue: Krete Ayer Theatre
    
30A Kreta Ayer St
    
13 December 2003, Saturday
    
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
    
( 5 miniutes walk from Outram MRT )
    
Open to Public - Free

    
Special Evening with Ajahn Brahmavamso
    
Date: 29 December 2003 Monday
    
Venue: Raffles City Convention Centre
    
From: 7.00pm - 10.00pm

    
Programme:

    
7.00pm
  •  Registration and Light Dinner
    
              
  • Musical salute

    
8.00pm 
  • Talk by Ajahn Brahmavamso
    
             
  • " Living with a greater purpose"
    
              
  • Refuge taking ceremony
    
              
  • Special blessings to greet 2004

    
Venue: 

    Raffles City Convention Centre
    
Light Vegetarian dinner

    
Donation tivket : $40.00 per person
    
Child 12 years and below $35.00

    
Please book your tivket early

    
Available at BF Centre
    
Tel: 6 842 6422
    
bfellow@singnet.com.sg



    All are welcome
    • 

    Dec 14
    to
    24    		Cakkavala Meditation Centre 
    Samatha & Vipassana Meditation Retreat by Sayalay Dipankara

    



    
Duration of Retreat : 14 December to 24 December 2003 

    
Venue of Retreat : To be confirmed 

    
Check-In time : 14 December 2002, Sunday, 9am Check-Out time : 24 December 2002, Wednesday, 5pm 

    
Closing of Application: Applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis up to 85 full-time yogis or by 3 November 2003,whichever comes first. 

    
More details on registration and other aspects are available in the attached document. 

    
Only fully completed application forms will be accepted. 

    
1. Introduction

    
Cakkavala Meditation Centre was established in August 2000 by a group of Buddhists who appreciate deeply the teachings of the Buddha. As a group, they aspire to support each other in the learning and practice of the Buddha’s teachings, especially in the area of meditation.

    
The society has been highly blessed with the strong support and close guidance from Sayalay Dipankara, an outstanding disciple of a great and highly respected meditation master, Ven. Pha-Auk Sayadaw of Myanmar. 

    
From the linage of Sakyamuni Buddha, Sayalay teaches both Samatha (Concentration) and Vipassana (Insight) Meditation in a step-by-step manner. The objects of meditation commonly given to beginners are Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) or the Four Elements. The yogis will then be guided through the stages of purification and insight-knowledges. It is indeed a very precious and profound practice. We hope that those who are interested in the Meditation practice would take this golden opportunity to participate in this retreat. 

    
2. The Meditation Teacher

    
Sayalay Dipankara was born in 1964 in Myanmar. At a very young age, she started the meditation practice without external instruction. As she matured, she continued her practice but with guidance from various great meditation masters. In her university days, she was introduced by one of her professors, also a well known Abhidhamma teacher in Myanmar, to Ven. Pha-Auk Sayadaw for close guidance in Samatha and Vipassana practice. She accomplished the practice within a very short period, under the guidance of her skilful teacher. In 1990, she was ordained as a Buddhist nun at Pha-Auk Tawya Monastery. Since then, she was trained to be a meditation teacher. 

    
Sayalay Dipankara is experienced in teaching any of the 40 Kamatthana as mentioned in the Visuddhi Magga e.g. Anapanasati, Four Elements Meditation, Metta, Buddhanussati, Asubha, Marananussati and 8 Samapatti (1st Jhana to 8th Jhana), Kasina, etc and the Vipassana Meditation.

    
In 1996, she was invited to Sri Lanka by the highly respected Mahathera, Venerable U Ariya Dhamma to assist her teacher, Ven. Pha-Auk Sayadaw in guiding the yogis. Since then, she has also been invited by various reputable Buddhist Centres in different countries to conduct courses and intensive meditation retreats for as long as 2 months. These countries include the United State (Insight Meditation Centre), Canada, Taiwan (Hong Shih Foundation), England (Amaravati & Citta Vevekha), Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, among others.

    
While she was in England, the Oxford University and the Manchester University invited her for discussion on mind training. She was also invited for the Western Conference on Jhana at Jubilados Foundation/ Leigh Brasington, Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2001. 

    
3. The Retreat

    



Duration of Retreat : 14 December to 24 December 2003 

    
Venue of Retreat : To be confirmed 

    
Check-In time : 14 December 2002, Sunday, 9am

    
Check-Out time : 24 December 2002, Wednesday, 5pm 

    
4. The Application

    
a) Any interested individuals, who are healthy in body and mind and aspire to cultivate their minds, are welcome to register for the retreat regardless of race, religion and nationality.

    
b)  The application form should be completed and sent to us in any of the following ways:

    
- Send it together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope for our notification on your application status, to: 

    
111 Tampines Road
    
#02-03 Singapore 535133
    
Attn: Ng Pei Fuen
    
- Fax it to 62534330, Attn: Joey Chang 
    
- Email it to cmcretreat@yahoo.com.sg

    
c) For further enquiry, please contact any of the following:

    
Sis. Peifen 9852 8046 (HP)
    
Sis. Gim 94386583 (HP)
    
d) Closing of Application: Applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve 
basis up to 85 full-time yogis or by 3 November 2003, 
whichever comes first. 

    
e) All successful applicants for the retreat will be notified either by email or postage mail before 10 November 2003. 

    
The Organiser reserves the right to reject any application if the information provided in the application form is incomplete or found to be untrue. 

    
You are kindly requested to inform us ASAP should you need to withdraw your participation due to any unforeseen circumstance. This will enable others on the waiting list another chance.

    
5. Remarks

    
a) The retreat is a precious gift of Dhamma for whoever interested in learning and practising the Noble Eight-Fold Path and hence will be offered free of charge to all.

    
b) Due to limited capacity (max. 85 Yogis), priority will be given to applicants whose application is complete and who will join the retreat for the full period. Therefore, we would like to seek your understanding in case your application is not successful. For those who are given a place for the retreat, please treasure the opportunity.

    
c) No criticism or sarcasm is allowed, especially towards other religions. Those who do so will be disqualified from taking part in the retreat.

    
d) For the purification of sila (precepts taking) so as to reap maximum benefits in the meditation practice, all full-time yogis are required to abide by the 8 precepts (see attached for the list of precepts). Applicants who are unable to observe the 8 precepts are required to declare their reasons on the application form.

    
e) Please bring along your own sleeping bag, personal toiletries and towel for covering the feet during meditation sittings (this towel could also serve as pillow cover or blanket). 

    
f) To help in more conducive and comfortable sitting, the following attires are recommended:

    
- simple, plain or non-distracting attire
    
- loose-fitting long trousers or sarong

    

Note: Kindly avoid clothing that rustles as you walk. E.g. sports attire of nylon material.

    
g) We would deeply appreciate & rejoice in your dana (meritorious deeds of giving) if you would like to help defray part of the cost of running the retreat or help support our retreats in future.



    APPENDIX 

    

    The Eight Precepts


    
1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.

    
2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that, which is not given

    
3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual indulgence.

    
4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.

    
5. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking anything, which causes intoxication and 
heedlessness, e.g. alcohol and drugs.

    
6. I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times (after noon).

    
7. I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to shows, wearing garlands and beautifying myself with perfumes and cosmetics i.e. things that tend to beautify and adorn (the person).

    
8. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

    
*The 8 precepts are usually observed for 24 hours each time, and can be renewed daily.

    


    All are welcome
    

    Dec 14
    to
    Dec 25    		Vipassana Meditation Centre ( Singapore )
    Vipassana Meditation Retreat

    
10- Day Vipassana Meditation Retreat ( 14th - 25th Dec 03 ) by Sayadaw U Kundalabhivamsa to be conducted in English and Mandarin translation.

    
Venue : Kew Hua Shan Poh Ern Shih (Temple of Thanksgiving) 
    17D Chwee Chian Road (off Pasir Panjang Rd), 
    nearest MRT: Harbourfront Station. 
    Vacancy: 50; 
    Fee:     Free of charge; 
    Closing Date: 05 Dec 03 
    Meals: STRICTLY VEGETARIAN (with no onion, leek, garlic and egg) allowed in the temple 

    
All participants are welcome. Please fill up retreat application form and mail to us or email to 
vmckm@singnet.com.sg. 

    
Dharma Workers and sponsors are very much appreciated. 

    With due respect to the traditional practice of Kew Hua Shan Poh Ern Shih Temple, we would like to inform all food donors that STRICTLY ONLY VEGETARIAN FOOD (with no onion, leek, garlic and egg) IS ALLOWED in the temple, please contact Ching Fern@ HP 93684551 or email vmckm@singnet.com.sg for inquiry. 


    For more details click here

     

    Biography of Sayadaw U Kundalabhivamsa

    
Sayadaw was born in Waw Township, Bago District, Myanmar in 1921. He became a monk at the age of 9 at the Waw Monastery. He studied at various learning monasteries, amongst which are the two well known Shwehintha Forest Monastery and the Maydhini Forest Monastery.

    
He receives many titles of Dharma Leadership and Meditation Teacher. He taught Buddhist Scriptures to 200 monks daily at Maydhini Forest Monastery for 20 years. After having meditated under Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw for a year, he dicided to teach Vipassana Meditation. He founded Saddhamaransi Meditation Centre in 1978 that caters for an average 200 yogis daily

    
Sayadaw is also a prolific writer and has published several Dhamma books. In the recent years Sayadaw has been travelling widely to upon invitation of devotees to conduct meditation retreats and to give dhamma talks.
    


    All are welcome
    

    Dec 23
    to
    Jan 01    		Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
    The 100 million Mani Recitation Retreat

    

    Led by His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche 

    

23 Dec 2003 to 1 Jan 2004

    

Delicated Towards Well-being of World peace, 
World Economy & World Health 

    

“The Six-Syllabled Mantra ‘ OM MANI PADME HUNG ’ is the heart mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattvas (Guanyin) and the essence of the Buddhas. The mantra embodies perfect compassion, and is the core of the 84,000 Teachings of all the Buddhas.”
    

    ~ His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche ~ 
    
See details here


    




    
About His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche

    


  • Complted studies of 13 major texts in the Tibetan Traditions, e.g. The Bodhisattva Way of Life by Shantideva.

  • Exponent of the Mind Only school and the Madhyamika school philosophies.

  • More than 30 years of meditation retreat experiences at times taking only 1 petal of flower and a drop of honey water per day during his retreat.

  • Personally completed 12 X 100 million times of Six-Syllabled Mantra.

  • An accomplished practitioner with high realization & a retreat master of Mahamudra

  • Led the completion of tens 100 Million Mani recitation retreats in Nepal and India.

  • Led the completion of 100 Million Mani recitation in Singapore at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in 2001.


    
"A very powerful and accomplished practitioner" as praised by HH 14th Dalai Lama, he was specially appointed by him to propagate the Guanyin Practice to the whole world to benefit all beings.


    All are welcome
    • 






    



     


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