Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"The Universal Door Of The Bodhisattva Who Listens To The Sounds Of All The World"

The Universal Door Chapter (Pu Men Pin 普門品)is a very popular sutra explaining why Guanyin is known as
Guanyin (The Bodhisattva Who Listens To The Sounds Of All The World).

Glad to read the blog by Rev. Heng Sure where the English version was introduced:

http://paramita.typepad.com/dharma_forest/2009/04/recite-the-universal-door-chapter-of-the-lotus-sutra.html

Happy Reading!!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

S.M.Z.D.P.Y 生命中的朋友

LOOK OUT FOR THIS NEW ALBLUM:

生命中的朋友 S.M.Z.D.P.Y

"SMZDPY" 是"生命中的朋友", 汉语拼音的缩写 :-)

Passedby Awareness Place's stall during Vesak day, attracted by this album that they were playing, you could listen a demo here :-)
http://smzdpy.pigeonhouseproduction.com/videoClip/MV/36.html

Was told this is a new

Album by a group of Buddhist music lovers....

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Gratitude to Earth & Earthlings

Visited the exhibition on "Gratitude to Earth & Earthlings" at kmspks on Vesak Day as well. The posters were really quite loud & attractive to relay the messages.

Yes, it is really revolting, imaging carnivorous Giants treating humans just like what we thought of animals as food. :PPPP


Oh, I like this cartoon illustration of Gift & concept of Recycling since Buddha's time. A complete story could be viewed via this link... :-)
What we could do in modern days, playing our small role, contributing to the hugh concept of Saving the Earth...

A summary of the Buddhist Perspective of Vegetarianism exhibited section can be found here: http://www.moonpointer.com/vege/index.htm
May We All Be Well & Happy....not at the expense of other beings....

3 Steps 1 Bow Ceremony

Buddhist friends had always complimented the ceremony as very inspiring and they experience "Great Rejoice" after completing the event. The ceremony has been popular with devotees at Bright Hill Temple (kmspks), though the route could prove to be challenging.


According to what is explained at the poster found at kmspks, which is adapted from the book of "Be A Lamp Upon Yourself": "In this ceremony, the devotees usually line up before sunrise to meditatively circumambulate the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every 3 steps, while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha in praise of Him.
Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised to stand before one's palms, which open to receive His teachings.
The open palms also symbolises lotuses (our minds) blossoming into purity. (Though lotus flowers' roots are in the "mud of defilements", they blossom untainted.)

Every prostration is thus the paying of respects to the Buddha (or the countless buddhas & Bodhisattvas).

This practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego, and lessen obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds and aspires towards spiritual improvement.

With mindfulness of one's body, speech, and mind during the practice, concentration and calmness can be attained.

As the ceremony is long, it reminds one of the long and difficult journey towards Enlightenment. But it also serves to remind us that as long as we are determined, all difficulties can be overcomed. Perseverance in completing the practice despite its difficulties also helps to strengthen our faith in the Buddha and His teachings to lead us towards Enlightenment.

The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances on the journey towards Enlightenment."

For past years, I had always attended the Light Transference Ceremony at Spore Buddhist Lodge , however, this year, I attended kmspks' which was held on a weekend, if that is similar route for 3 Steps 1 Bow Ceremony, it is really indeed challenging.
For the simplier ceremony of Light Transference, the feeling is already "great", I can now better appreciate if the right mindset could be adopted as per explained for the ceremony, the X-factor that attract people attend the ceremony year after year...Amituofo...

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Vesak @ Aljunied by ABC

Yes, Vesak @ Aljunied, same venue, one can easily see the hugh tent at field just beside Aljunied MRT, held from 8-10 May 2009 (Fri-Sun).

This year 's theme is "Maitreya", the Buddha of universal
loving-kindness.
20-feet high Maitreya Buddha statue

Every year's highlight: offerings to 21 Tara.

This year, I finally managed to know what's the practice from the volunteer brother on duty who explained that by making offerings to the 21 Tara, one's wish could be swiftly fulfilled: make a wish, chant "Om Ah Hum" which has purification effect and blow a breathe to the gold coin to be offered to the Tara. For those who knows how to pronounce or familiar with the green Tara mantra: "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha", they are advised to chant too.
Over at the event, You could find & perform various kinds of offerings such as light & flower offerings, etc. and they have nice food fair too. Try their nice sushi which is wrapped in thin slices of chee cheong fun (rice flour skin). :-)

Singa, Our old friend back in action !

It's certainly rejoicing to see our lost touch friend, Singa, back to publicity.
Let's hope there will be more publication on him & his considerate thoughts in action....