Mani Recitation Retreat 2013

Similar settings as prior year at Toa Payoh Sport Hall.
I think it is 1st trial in Singapore (23rd Dec 2013) by Rinpoche to give his Dharma Talk directly in English (last few minutes on the "37 Practices of Bodhisattvas") in morning and he recited the "Dedication Prayer for the Mani Mantra that brings swift realisation of Perfect Bliss" (pg11 of text)  and "The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra" in the evening.
Rejoice in his good effort in English. A good attempt and certainly recommended to be continued _/|\_

As per past practice, part-time participants are welcome to join the retreat:

One-day ticket: $35

Morning session (8.30am-12.30pm): $15

Afternoon session (1.30pm-6pm): $15

Evening session (7pm-9.30pm): $10

 

There will be Refuge taking on 24th Dec 2013 4pm & Blessings to public on 25th Dec 2013 from 7pm.
Rejoice!

  For more info on OM MANI PADME HUNG and the retreat, pls click below link:

http://maniretreat.sg/

(It's amazing that one can observe some participants report to the retreat originally with loads of  stress or aversion from daily life (from their stern or stressful facial expression or behaviour) but after a few days of immersing in the chanting, they have relaxed and with smiley face once there is eye contact. There's definitely some positive energy from the chanting :-)
May All continue to be in smiley mood beyond the retreat:-) )

老實念佛 求生淨土

印光大師開示—敦倫盡分 閑邪存誠 老實念佛 求生淨土

 

無論在家出家。必須上敬下和。忍人所不能忍。行人所不能行。
代人之勞。成人之美。靜坐常思己過。閑談不論人非。
行住坐臥。穿衣吃飯。從朝至暮。從暮至朝。一句佛號。不令間斷。
或小聲念。或默念。除念佛外。不起別念。
若或妄念一起。當下就要教他消滅。常生慚愧之心及懺悔心。
縱有修持。總覺我工夫很淺。不自矜夸。
只管自家。不管人家。只看好樣子。不看壞樣子。看一切人都是菩薩。
唯我一人實是凡夫。果能依我所說修行。決定可生西方極樂世界。
諸惡莫作 眾善奉行 自淨其意 是諸佛教
南無阿彌陀佛

extract from post from facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sila.vinaya

Cooking food with Care

Email on safe cooking:
==================== 

Xuanwu Hospital Professor Qi articles:
"When steaming your food, make sure you open the lid to boil the water first .
If water is used straight from the tap, your food will be contaminated by absorbing all the cancer causing chlorine upon heating which is a serious health hazard."

No wonder more and more people with cancer. With pot cooking something, be sure to use water, or filtered water. Because if the direct use of tap water, tap water has chlorine, then after heating, because the lid is covered, the chlorine is all over food, so be sure to use boiled water or filtered out chlorine water to steam things.
Because chlorine is carcinogenic hazard.
This is really important! Even if only steaming buns, should have this knowledge. When steaming your food, make sure you open the lid to boil the water first.
If water is used straight from the tap, your food will be contaminated by absorbing all the cancer causing chlorine upon heating which is a serious health hazard.
Please forward to create awareness:
Article by: Professor Qi from Xuanwu Hospital
转发就是善行：
宣武医院齐教授的文章：蒸食物请一定要是先开着盖子把水烧开，再放入要蒸的食物，盖上盖子！
难怪有癌症的人愈来愈多。用锅蒸煮东西时，一定要用开水,或是过滤过的水。因为如果直接用自来水，自来水有氯，再经过加热后，由于锅盖是盖着的，氯被全部包覆在食物上，所以
一定要用煮沸过的开水或用已过滤掉氯的水来蒸东西。因为氯有致癌的
危险。这真的很重要！即使只是蒸馒头，都要有此常识。

多多转发，让更多的人看到。
Please forward to create awareness:
Article by : Professor Qi from Xuanwu Hospital

Gratitude to All My Teachers

An Extract of Lam Rim text on Gratitude to Teachers

The Ten Teaching Sutra says:

"Develop the following ideas with respect to your teachers.

I have wandered for a long time through cyclic existence, and they search for me;

I have been asleep, having been obscured by delusion for a long time, and they wake me; they pull me out of the depths of the ocean of existence; I have entered a bad path, and they reveal the good path to me; they release me from being bound in the prison of existence; I have been worn out by illness for a long time, and they are my doctors; they are the rain clouds that put out my blazing fire of attachment and the like."

Although I have not met my samsara Guru yet, I have met many good teachers along the path. I am grateful for their teachings.

The paragraphs are indeed very meaningful!

May All be able to meet good teachers and their guru soon...

Amituofo!

Venerable Hai Tao In Spore-December 2013!

Venerable Thubten Chodron in Singapore 2013

REJOICE!

Venerable will be in Singapore for a series of Dharma activities from 2 Dec to 11 Dec!

_/|\_  _/|\_ _/|\_

some snapshots... 

Ven. Chodron at Poh Ming Tse on "Good Teacher, Good Student"~ 6 Dec 2013

Ven. Chodron at BF East on "The Power of Forgiveness"~ 5 Dec 2013

Ven. Chodron at Buddhist Library on "Living Up To Our Own Expectations"~ 4 Dec 2013.

Pumpkin to clean the blood.......

A health improvement email received
----------------------------------------------------
A secret revealed ...

Some years ago, a former professor of mine showed me a blood test.
The five key blood parameters, ie urea, cholesterol, blood glucose, lipids and triglycerides had values which far exceeded permitted levels. I commented that the person with those indices should already be dead, or in very bad health and near death. The teacher then showed the name of the patient which until then had been hidden by his hand. The patient was himself!

I was dumbfounded! "But how? And what did you do?"

With a smile he introduced me to another sheet analysis, saying: "Now, look at this, compare the values of the parameters and see the dates."

That's what I did. The parameter values were clearly within the recommended range, the blood was perfect, flawless, but the surprise increased when I looked at the dates, the difference was only a month (between the two analyses of the same person)!

I asked: "How could it? This is literally a miracle!"

He replied that the miracle was due to her doctor, who suggested treatment obtained from another doctor friend. This treatment has since been used by myself, several times, with impressive results.

Here's the SECRET: once a year, daily for 4 weeks, buy at the fair or supermarket, pumpkin pieces. Daily, peel 100 grams of pumpkin, place the pieces in a blender (raw), along with water (WATER ONLY!), And mix well.

Take this vitamin fasting, 15-20 minutes before breakfast. Do this for a month, every time your blood needs to be corrected. According to the doctor, there is no contradication, because it is just a natural vegetable and water (do not use sugar!).

The teacher, excellent chemical engineer, studied the pumpkin to know which of the active ingredients it contains and concluded, at least partially, that it is present in a solvent of low molecular weight cholesterol: cholesterol more harmful and dangerous - LDL. During the first week, urine has a large amount of LDL (low molecular weight), which results in cleaning of arteries, including the brain, thereby increasing the person's memory ..

PUMPKIN ... Do not make it a secret ... SPREAD!

Simply This Moment

Simply This Moment ~ A Wonderful book that one will initially be put off by its extra fine print.
But for some affinity, I bought it at Awareness Place.
It is a collection of Talks on Buddhist Practice by Ajahn Brahm, printed by Singapore's Brahm Education centre.
Reading the 1st few chapters on meditation topics, one is like being led by Ajahn Brahm on his meditation instructions while reading and may have a good experience he touched on.
And motivated by his words, one may develop a spur of detachment to current life. What is one doing? Wasting the precious human life now and feel like joining his organisation...
A great book, Strongly recommend to get...

Life Liberation

Rejoice! Another life liberation event by Venerable Hai Tao & his centre

 Hugh "Long Dan Yu" (龍膽魚) eager to be back to freedom

 Rainbow appeared as auspicious sign but look carefully at the shapes of clouds for your imagination...

Dedication of Merits to All Beings. Rejoice _/|\_

Opening the Heart

四无量心

愿一切有情具乐及乐因
愿一切有情离苦及苦因
愿一切有情具喜及喜因
愿一切有情远离怨亲爱憎
常住大平等舍

The 4 Immeasurables

May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes,
May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes,
May all sentient beings never be separated from bliss and its causes,

  May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger. 

 
Beautiful hymns of it sang at a recent retreat.
I always like the beautiful prayers used in Tibetan Buddhist retreats, always inspiring...

It is amazing Mingyur Rinpoche's English seems much improved during a short period.
More good Teachings on Love and Compassion, Joy and Equanimity, and Bodhicitta used to guide us to Open our Hearts in JOLII after foundation of Calming our minds in JOLI.
So much to absorb & reflect...

When tired, glancing at the serene Buddha & Bodhisattva images much revitalises one...

I like his phrase: Resting is not Returning Back...

(per analogy of climbing a cliff, while you rest, it is to take a break so that you can continue the journey later, it is not returning to cliff/camp base.)

Yes, it is resting for better future...

May we be able to practice the techniques taught in Daily life...
Amituofo  _/|\_

Mantra that Purifies Misdeeds

A treasure notified by a Dharma friend at the free distribution booth of Ami Dewa Retreat.
In the Forceful Waterfall Sutra, it is said that to see this mantra once purifies the misdeeds of three hundred million eons!!!
Congratulations!!!

Amituofo _/|\_

Hymns of the Pureland

Got this CD at the Ami Dewa Retreat Dharma Gift Sales booth.

A collaboration of the China Lushan Donglinshi and Malaysia's I.M.M. Musicworks.
Sang by Huang Huiying & Cai Yu.
Very Soothing...

Compassionate Meditation

The title caught my attention and it was actually a DVD compiling Ven Hai Tao's Dharma Talks in Myanmar on topics on Right attitude to adopt in Dharma practice and in Daily life. Very Dharma Rejoice talks!

Do get a copy of this at his Spore centre at 19-B Lorong Bachok (Off Geylang Lor 19) Singapore 387788 or during his visit to Spore Zulinshi on 26-27 Sep 2013 7pm.
Have a glance of his busy schedule at http://www.lifetv.org.tw/calender.htm

3rd 100 Million Ami Dewa Recitation Retreat 2013

Rejoice! Garchen Rinpoche is here again to lead us for the 3rd year for the Ami Dewa Retreat.
This year the venue changed to Marina Bay Sands' Poeny Ballroom at level 4 (nearest MRT: Bayfront exit D)
And I am pleasantly surprised by the serenity and energy there despite not being held at a Temple premise.

Facing the stage, near the entrance, do remember to turn the wheels, offer flowers and lights (centre),  write prayers for the living and deceased (left) and bring back some Dharma gifts (right)...

And breaking tradition, instead of public going on stage to receive empowerment, Compassionate Rinpoche came down the stage to empower and bless everyone in the hall. 

I am so touched!!! _/|\_

Again, another relaxed retreat which Compassionate Rinpoche delivers Teachings at each session, emphasising on ensuring we know what, why, how we are practising and the right attitude with explanation on texts such as "Wishing Prayers of Dewachen" .

Do join in the retreat as part-timers at $10 per session even if you could not make it full-time. (29 Aug - 1 Sep 9am-9.30pm)
Come join Blessings for public that starts from 1 Sep (Sun) 3pm (Free admission) _/|\_

For more info: http://www.drigar-dargyeling.com/web/forms/amidewa-retreat-2013.pdf;
https://www.facebook.com/pages/100-Million-Ami-Dewa-Recitation-Retreat/213035348735204

ps. The hall is cold, so do bring a warm jacket along...
and in view of pure vegetarian requirement, to aid part-timers in their diet, MBS had arranged for vegetarian sandwiches and wraps for sale @ $4 at their lvl3 cafe, do ask around if you need assistance.

Zzzzz

Zzzzzzz

2013 Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Puja

 

 

Perhaps it was eve of Holidays, the hall was packed with enthusiastic "chanters".

Really like their chant sessions, everyone is chanting loudly with devotion, so rejoicing again this year.

Rejoice!

 

May more be received into Amitabha Buddha's Pureland...

Amituofo..._/|\_

 

----

Even on less "packed" days, the 'Choir' sang loudly with enthusiasm as per "packed" days, Rejoice!

 

 

Please note that sessions on 25th & 30th will start at 7pm as Chapter 1 & 2 will be chanted on these 2 days instead of 1 Chapter.

 

Related posts: http://sunnyslove.blogspot.sg/search/label/Ksitigarbha%20Puja

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

Offerings to Sangha on 18th Aug, Sun, 10am with Dharma Talk by Abbess followed by simple, serene ceremony.

Attended 1st time last year with M and the speech by Abbess was real good and relevant to M that comforted her and settled her unrest.

It is simple ceremony with representatives already chosen to present offerings to the Venerables on behalf of devotees, after which one may then make individual offerings if one chooses to do so.

May more benefit from attending the ceremony this year too. _/|\_

 

(PKFT/BGFT is located at 21 Shunfu Road, beside Shunfu market, behind Thomson CC, near Marymount MRT.)

A Slice of Life

Another nice meaningful email
----------------------------------------------------

The Pear Tree

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season,
and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring,
the beauty of your summer, the fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches
and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Mantra to compensate for errors in recitation 補闕真言/補缺真言

If one is concerned about reciting incorrect pronunciation or missing words of sutra, one may recite this mantra 補缺真言 (3times) to "remedy" any errors.   
An extraction to share from
http://www.buddha.twmail.cc/2-2/read_compensation.htm

真言原文：
南謨喝囉怛那，哆囉夜耶。
佉囉佉囉。俱住俱住。
摩囉摩囉。虎囉，吽。賀賀，
蘇怛拏，吽。潑抹拏，娑婆訶。

補闕真言發音：
nā mó hē là dá nà，duō là yè yē。
qié là qié là。jù zhù jù zhù。
mó là mó là。hǔ là，hōng。hè hè，
sū dá ná，hōng。pō mò ná，suō pó hē。

發音注解：
南謨：也有的書寫作「囊謨」。可讀作「南無（nā mó）」，今人多讀成南（ná拿）無（mó摩）。
囉：各地多讀成（là辣），此字與喇通假，喇，古讀（là辣）。也有的地區讀本音(luō）。
怛：讀音為（dá答）。
那：讀為（nà納）。此字讀音（nā、ná、nà、nuó…），是常用的多音字，讀法較為復雜。
佉：讀（qié茄）為古音。另發音為（qiè切）。
吽：讀音為（hōng轟）。
拏：讀作（ná拿），「潑抹拏」中「拏」有的書中寫做「挐」，其實「拏」和「挐」兩字都是漢字「拿」的異體字，發音都為（ná拿），有的經書中甚至直接寫成了「拿」字。也有的書裡注音為（nú奴）。

Amituofo _/|\_

Mantra on Good Memory & Wisdom and how to Dedicate Merits

In answering one of the Q&As in the Monday session, Venerable Hai Tao recommended reciting two powerful Mantra which after researching on internet, summarised below to share with more:

A) To aid one improve memory:
Mantra of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva 虚空藏菩萨咒 :

虚空藏菩萨咒语原文：

南无虚空藏菩萨摩诃萨(三称)

阿袮，逻阇鞞钤.浮娑阇鞞耶。
婆奈阇鞞。博厕，娑迷波吒。
逻阇鞞他奈婆逻鞞。
萨多逻伽逻泥。休磨休磨。
摩诃伽楼尼迦娑婆诃

虚空藏菩萨咒语注音：
ā mǐ，luó shé pí。qián fú suō shé pí。
yē pó nài shé pí。bó cè，suō mí。
bō zhà luó shé pí。tā nài pó luó pí。
sà duō luó jiā luó ní。xiū mó xiū mó。
mó hē，qié lóu ní jiā。suō pó hē。
(pronunciation in blue amended from extraction with advice confirmation by a Ven. to follow a printed copy)

念诵虚空藏菩萨咒可增加记忆力、有增长学习力。常念诵虚空藏菩萨咒毁禁恶名皆悉除灭，得以清净；能使方诸佛及诸菩萨之所护念及诸声闻皆来咨受。念诵虚空藏菩萨咒后临命终时净除业障，十方诸佛放金色光，皆来迎接为说妙法，随意往生清净佛国。
~extract from http://wapbaike.baidu.com/view/1704265.htm?uid=AD9F208240D420CDD40FC04A354DB248&bd_page_type=1&st=3&step=1&net=3&ldr=2

Method recommended from http://wk.baidu.com/view/c7635a2e453610661ed9f447#page/1/1372693619657
【持咒方法】早晨醒來吃早餐前，最好九點以前，拿一杯溫開水置於桌上： (雙手合十)
1.先念「南無虛空藏菩薩摩訶薩」三遍。
2.持誦「虛空藏菩薩神咒」七遍、四十九遍、或一百零八遍。
3.而後把將水飲用即完成。

-------------------------------------------------

B) To aid one enhance Wisdom:
Mantra of Manjusri Bodhisattva 文殊菩萨心咒

梵文：Om Ara Pa Ca Na Dhih
藏文：Om Ara Pa Za Na Di

嗡啊惹 巴扎纳德。
嗡阿喇 巴札那谛。

文殊智慧咒是由《金刚顶瑜伽文殊师利菩萨经》提取。文殊智慧咒是增长智慧的咒语。又称文殊菩萨心咒。持诵文殊智慧咒能开启我们的智慧。平时常念诵文殊智慧咒此神咒能使您于空灵中将慢慢开启智慧大门，事事如意。
持诵“文殊智慧咒”的主要功德为：罪障消灭，获无尽辩才，所求世间、出世间事悉得成就，离诸苦恼，五无间等一切罪障永尽无余，证悟一切诸三昧门，获大闻持，成阿耨多罗三藐三菩提等等。
~extracted from http://wapbaike.baidu.com/view/2561092.htm?adapt=1&

-------------------------------------

In addition, he recommended before dedication of merits,
we first rejoice in the merits of all Buddhas & Bodhisattvas 随喜诸佛菩萨功德, then their great merits together with our small merits we dedicate to all sentient beings, our 祖先 ancestors, our 冤亲债主 karmic-debtors，and all those beings who suffer similar misfortune as who we are specifically dedicating for or what we are suffering from.
In this way, with the great merits of the Buddhas & Bodhisattvas, then we do not have to worry that our small merits have not much dedication effect.

Venerable greatly  advocates on Generosity on charity and life liberation, Filial Piety, Rejoicing on merits of others and generating Bodhicitta.
His compassion on all beings, especially on the lower 3 realms is touching and his repeated emphasis for all devotees to join him in the practice of Compassion and Buddhism somehow revoked my fading compassion and enthusiasm.

Rejoice on All and his merits...

---------------------------------------------------
Pardon is sought for any incorrect interpretation of above if any...
Amituofo   _/|\_

Compassionate Ven. Hai Tao Dharma talk & Life Liberation event in Singapore

Wow so close and good shot on Venerable!

Compassionate Venerable Hai Tao in Singapore.
Look at his schedule! http://www.lifetv.org.tw/calender.htm
Giving Dharma Talks or holding retreats or travelling on the road, in the air or sea almost everyday. His schedule is so packed for all sentient beings.
It is so good to see him, we rejoice on his deeds but we pain to see him tiring himself.

With palms together, we earnestly request , may he remain in good health to stay and teach us for eons, for the happiness and well-being of all wanderers in samsara.
Amituofo    _/|\_

Om Retreat 2013 by Om Centre

Directly back from China Chengdu in early morning, I am glad that I decided to go ahead to attend the Om retreat held at Tai Pei Buddhist Centre led by H.E. Nubpa Rinpoche, Ven. Rabsang Rinpoche, Lama Dawa and Lamas from Drikung Kagyu Rinchen Ling in the afternoon after a short rest in the morning to replenish my energy despite the haze.
However, I was told I had missed a good initiation teaching in the morning :-(
Nevertheless, I was contented with the subsequent sessions and oh. how long we had not enjoyed Lama Dawa's rhythm of chant.  Really missed it! and it's like back to good old days...:-)
Oh, the starting long chant before the actual chant is really nice too that prepares our mind for the chanting...

Personally, I like the ambience, with the backing of Buddha's shining image radiating blessing to all of us in the hall. I would like to think that our chanting had helped to reduce the haze problem in Singapore and hopefully it will be cleared in neighbouring countries too. 

And it is Good news that Om Centre had announced they will be holding their Jun Om retreat annually!

For Ref: http://www.dkomcentre.org.sg/om-retreat

3 Steps 1 Bow Ceremony

 

With the encouragement of a friend to experience the average 2.5 hrs journey annual event held at kmspks and after gaining guidance from Venerables and friends from recent Taiwan trip, I finally gained enough confidence to trial the event.
We arrived and started queuing as Public members with no tickets at the Hall of No Form from around 9.30pm but it is until around 3.15am! (interim postponement of 1 hr due to heavy rain) that is our turn to start.
Fortunately, I had tea late afternoon and the supper of delicious soup noodles provided by the temple to be able to endure the long nite event.
And with tips recently gained from the trip & organiser, the long journey was completed quite smoothly by 4.45am. :-)
We were exhausted physically but mentally still ok at end of session.
Should we to attend again next year, we would definitely want to get the tickets...

Gratitude to friends who encouraged & accompanied me, Venerables and friend who taught me the right prostration attitude and methods...
Amituofo...

-----------------------

The Significance of 3 Steps 1 Bow 三步一拜

Every prostration is the paying of respects to the Buddha (also include 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 development. With mindfulness of one’s body, speech and mind during the journey, spiritual qualities are cultivated.

每一拜皆是对佛陀的礼敬（或无数佛及菩萨的礼敬）。这样的修持能够帮助我们净化心灵，培养谦卑，减少灵性修持上的障碍，通过礼拜的过程，我们忏悔以往的恶业并激励自己在灵性上要努力提升。以清净的身、语、意来进行礼拜，可以让我们达到专注与平静。由于仪式冗长，它提醒我们成佛之道的漫长与艰难。然而，它也提醒我们只要有决心，所有的困难皆可一一克服。仪式的尾声接近黎明时分，划破黑暗的晨光象征着智慧之光驱走无明与黑暗。

(source: https://vesak.kmspks.org/about_vesak/3-step-1-bow/)

Amitabha Buddha Chanting Practice at Singapore Expo

Whole Day Chanting from 8.30am
Light Transference on 24 May 6.30pm followed by
7.30pm Dharma Talk on "The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra" by Ven Da An

In Memorial of Late Ven Guang Xuan

In memorial of late Ven Guang Xuan, Pu Zhao Chan Shi temple had published an excellent collection of the late abbot's past wise words.
Really meaningful & reflective...
Sigh missed another good teacher...

逆境上游

逆境上游

Although I am faced with difficult situation now,

I will over-come it and emerge stronger after...

Gratitude to the Triple Gem
Gratitude to supporting friends
Gratitude to those who tested me...

Amituofo

May All Be Well

May All Be Happy

Liang Huang Repentence Liturgy

It's time of my favourite No1 Puja for the year: at Qing Ming Festive period ~ 1st of Lunar March, PKFT holds their 4 days annual Liang Huang Repentance Liturgy 《梁皇宝忏》.
As usual, posters on origin and meaning of puja event put up at the temple premises to let the devotees have a better idea of why & what they are participating. And this year, even in English for their increasing English-speaking devotees. :-)

Their altar setup and offerings are simple, non elaborative (yet Serene).
But the Sangha is committed with powerful voices and devotion.
Their chanting is fantastic! I really like their Authentic yet Lively rhythm adopted that aids one to enjoy the chanting of the meaningful Dharma text.

We are chanting in an non- air-conditioned place and the weather is hot in the afternoon, which we had to do numerous bows to the Buddha and Bodhisattva (I would reference it to doing "hot yoga exercise") but the lead chanters could do it quite effortlessly (while lack exercise/stamina me is always catching my breath and could only bow but not chant out loud simultaneously by the 2nd session). I really salute them...

The text is actually very meaningful, also extracted below a summary from http://www.baike.com/wiki/梁皇宝忏

"此忏能够灾消吉至，罪灭福生。蒙弥勒菩萨梦中赐名为慈 梁皇宝忏悲道场。此忏法因始于梁武帝，故称为《梁皇宝忏》。拜忏时，由法师带领大众按照皈依，断疑，忏悔，解冤，礼佛，报恩，回向等忏仪形式，藉由共修，以提起大众虔诚忏悔的正念，并时时返观自照，让身心在忏悔中破除心碍，获得清凉。后世高僧去繁取要，改集为十卷。
　　《梁皇宝忏》这部由梁武帝发起的忏悔文，因为超度郗氏皇后效果明显，历代拜忏的感应更是层出不穷，度化了无量众生而流传至今，所以被称为宝忏。《宝忏》突出的是忏字，因为若没有真正的忏悔就不是慈悲道场，不能称其为宝。
　　《梁皇宝忏》恩惠大千，德被千秋，忏悔功德，赞不能尽。
　　梁皇宝忏不但可以在念经中知道自己的过错
　　还可以和非常多佛菩萨结缘
　　加上身体力行的大礼拜
　　有空一起去梁皇宝忏消灾增福慧吧
　　冥冥中皆有鬼神
　　愿你道心坚固 逢凶化吉 一起勇猛精进
　　愿一切所求皆得圆满 愿一切灾难退散"

Well, the benefit for the living, it's improved well-beings,
for the deceased, it's direction to better rebirth, and/or to Pureland of Amituofo! :-)

Amituofo CD

This is another good free distribution CD on the chant of "Amituofo" gotten from ABS.
Nice Rhythm too that calms me down and I am able to work better, listening to it in times of stress and anger.

The Green Tara Mantra, Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum

The latest addition to my series of Soothing Mantra CDs.

Passed by the stall (where the Laughing Buddha is standing) beside the famous Waterloo street Guanyin Temple, the Green Tara Mantra:
" Om Ta Re   Tu Ta Re   Tu Re So Ha" 
with similar sentimental tune like the Maha Cundi Dharani CD, caught my attention.
It's stated that
Listening to the mantra can bring peace and purification to our body and mind;
Chanting the mantra can help get rid of all diseases, sufferings and evil thoughts.

It's a great Healing therapy mantra song. :-)

The 2nd piece on "Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum" is also nice.:-)

Distributed by Celebrity Music Pte Ltd, Sang by Wang Ju.

Awareness ~ Inner Peace

Some pointers from a recent excellent meditation retreat: 

Why practising Awareness can help us find Inner Peace/Joy?

Awareness
helps remind ourselves to relax;
not to be dragged away by situation;
rest there;

Awareness of us living in samsaric cycle
allows us to get on top of the problem to watch it and decide how to get out of it.

Awareness allows us not to accept issues as enemies but instead change of attitude to handle them as friends.

If one has no awareness, one is totally lost.
With knowledge, one sees things more clearly. 
Instead of pushing away sufferings, learn to accept it.

Awareness is removing the dust/mud (emotions/afflictions) that covered the diamond.

Awareness brings one back to the child-like mind (A child visiting Museum without attaching values to the items, just seeing more).

An unpractised mind is like confused state of monkey mind
Practise develops calmness & peace.
With a clear mind, one sees arisen of good & not good thoughts without being affected and will be happier.
If no awareness, one will be unhappy and drag along.
Realisation that craving, desire are causes of confused minds, one can switch off/cut off the causes.
Not be affected by Daily bad happenings.

Rinpoche: We are not happy bec of Monkey mind.
Awareness helps train and gives direction to monkey mind to do something and it can be a tamed elephant with power.

Why need to do practice?
Understand & will do it.

Make friend with Monkey mind!

-----------------------------
The retreat is excellent but once the retreat ended, and back home,
I felt like I am back to my old-self, just like from Pureland environment back to the suffering Samsaric world.
Sigh... need to practice more...

Constant contact with good pure environment is good,
at least it teaches & reminds me on how to handle tomorrow better...
Amituofo...

& this further aspires me next rebirth to be in Amitabha Buddha's Pureland,
to be in Good Pure environment, Good company to practise well enough
before coming back to Samsara with Compassion & Wisdom for "Industrial attachment". :P
Amituofo...
May I gain entry to your University and graduate with flying colours...
Amituofo...

A Treasure for Health

Received an useful email tip on Losing Weight :-)
Let's Try It!!! ;-)
--------------------------------------------------------------

A Treasure for Health
A Fast and Safe Way to Lose Weight

Many factors can cause a person to become overweight. Over-eating, constipation, inactivity and a multitude of other bodily stressors can contribute to the problem. Many people want to lose weight; however, shedding pounds is really difficult. Because of the substantial number of these people, desirous of shedding excess pounds, many kinds of weight-loss products have appeared on the market and they are nearly as profitable for the manufacturers as cosmetics. However, many weight-loss formulas contain chemicals and produce unpleasant side effects, as many women well know. Some middle-aged men have “beer bellies” and some women have accumulated fat in the abdominal area after having children. They want to get rid of the fat, but for many, exercising at a gym is not always convenient. Now I’ll tell you a secret: Do prostrations every morning for half an hour and your abdominal fat will vanish. For faster, superior results, prostrate for half an hour in the morning and another half-hour in the evening. You’ll be surprised at how rapidly you achieve the desired effect. Maintaining healthful dietary habits and a moderate level of activity are also important factors and including prostration in your daily routine assists in improving overall lifestyle choices by increasing willpower. Prostrating frequently encourages people to assume natural control over their appetite with ease. Clearing Energy Channels and Promoting Blood Circulation Multiplesystems of circulation exist within the body. They include the digestive, vascular and energetic systems. An obstruction to the flow of any circulatory system will result in disease and an acceleration of the aging process. A regular prostration practice promotes smooth circulation, clearing energetic blockages and facilitating physical and emotional balance. There are two major energy channels in the body: the “Ren” and the “Du.” The Ren channel promotes blood circulation and serves as the primary reservoir of yin energy in the body, while Du nourishes life energy and serves as the main keeper of yang energy. When both channels are clear, blood and energy circulate freely in the body. Prostration is also a gentle aerobic exercise that increases oxygen intake and – like any fitness activity – stimulates the production of endorphins, boosting mood and immunity. Optimizing Heart and Brain Function By the time they reach midlife, many people experience a decline in mental acuity. Heart problems, too, become more common in middle age. The proliferation of sedentary jobs in modern life contributes to the fact that a significant segment of the population fails to exercise regularly, resulting in reduced oxygen levels in the heart and brain. Working in an office setting for more than three hours often causes tiredness, as sitting for extended periods of time, even if the brain is active, restricts oxygen flow. A modicum of physical exercise and fresh air breaks are necessary to maintain mental sharpness. Prostration engages the heart and brain, in part by repeatedly altering the body’s position from a typical upright stance to a downward-facing one. This whole body up-and-down motion encourages increased oxygen intake, providing a simple way to keep the cardiovascular and cerebral systems in optimum condition. -- except from "Prostration for Better Living: An Introduction to Practicing Prostration" A good reference on how to do full prostration: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NY6CyyfOUzc  It is recommended to do on yoga mat to protect your knee cap . Enjoy the exercise.   拜佛對健康的好處  http://www.buddha.twmail.cc/2-2/exercise01.htm

Buddha Light

I am certainly not a good living example of a good Buddhist.
Making all the mistakes that could had been avoided if I had been practicing well.
I have non Dharma friends who have more Compassion and Wisdom to handle life better than I do. I salute them.
But if not for the Dharma, I could be worse so I am still grateful to be in touch with it.
Mindfulness, Compassion, Wisdom and Bodhicitta, may you grow in me and all.
Buddha Light, please embrace me and all.


May All Be Well
May All Be Happy...
Amituofo _/|\_

Never Take Things For Granted

Am always in gratitude that there are so many bustling Buddhist activities for us to choose to attend in Spore that we are spoilt for choices.
However, even so, one needs to earn enough merits to be able to attend.
For past month, had been missing the activities that had originally planned to attend for various reasons...
Makes one realise one really must treasure all the opportunities,
We must not take for granted the existing conditions and
must continue to earn more merits and cleanse to reduce obstacles that prevents us to get in touch with Dharma...
So much so too to treasure our current rebirth of human life to be able to live in a country that allows easy access to Dharma...

Amituofo, may there be no obstacles for those who wish to get in touch with Dharma to be able to "enjoy" Dharma... Amituofo