Condition of Spiritual welfare


Sukihotu

All of us need to strive for a living. To bring food to the table and shelter over our roof. This is a capitalistic world and that's how things are done. Not a perfect game to play, but what choice do we have. It's an ugly world. No money no talk.

To make matter worst, there are more wolves than human being. Though they look like fellow human being, but beneath that human look, is an animal mind. That's why it is so difficult to make an honest living.

I try looking into the Buddha Dhamma to see if I can get a clue on how to live through this. I'm glad I found it here in the suttas. This is what the Buddha has advised us to do.

CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL WELFARE

in this sutta, the Blessed One instruct wealthy householders how to preserve and increase their prosperity and how to avoid loss of wealth. Wealth alone, however, does not make a complete man or a harmonious society. The unrestrained craving, however,leaves him dissatisfied and stifles his spiritual fulfillment. It creates conflict and disharmony in society through the resentment of the underprivileged who feel themselves exploited by the effect of unrestrained craving.

Therefore the Blessed One follows up on this advice on material welfare with the four essential conditions for spiritual welfare:

* Confidence (in the Master's Enlightenment),
* Virtue
* liberality
* Wisdom

These are four will instill in man a sense of higher values. He will then not only pursue his own material concern, but also be aware of his duty towards society. The observing of this conditions of material and spiritual welfare will make for an ideal citizen in any society

Thus have I heard, once the Exalted One was dwelling amongst the Koliyans, in their market town name Kakkarapatta. Then Dighajanu, a Koliyan, approached the Exalted Ones, respectfully saluted Him and sat on one side. Thus seated, he addressed the Exalted Ones as follows:-

" we, Lord, are laymen who enjoy worldly pleasure. We lead a life encumbered by wife ans children. We use sandalwood of Kasi. We deck themselves with garlands, perfume and unguents. We use gold and not silver. To those like us, O Lord, let the Exalted Ones preach the Dhamma, teach those things that lead to weal and happiness in ths life and to weal and happiness in future life"

Angutarra Nikaya VIII.54

I hope it also bring sense to you.

Mettacittena
Bugs Tan  
1st March 2013





Faith Fridays - Surah Al Asr by Nourman Ali Khan

This is an oft-recited surah mostly because it's short but the beauty about this surah is the irony in it's message. As we are late for salah we pick this surah, often not realising the wake up call it is giving us. Bro Nouman Ali Khan is a master at tafseer and is so popular he is too busy to travel outside of America and the UK (we've tried). His tafseer of Al Asr is 3 podcasts long (each podcast more than 30 minutes) but the gist of the surah is summarised in the 8 minute video, with helpful hints along the way.


St. Peter's Keys (Key Shaped Pretzels)


My family is currently studying The Primacy of Peter with a Papal Unit Study and Lap Book as we say goodbye to our dear Holy Father, Pope Benedict, and prepare to welcome our next Pope!  

Over the past few days we have been focusing on St. Peter, The First Pope.   Tomorrow we will move on to Pope Benedict and other popes from the past, before moving on to learn more about the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the Papal Elections, and more!   You can find all the details over on my other blog, Shower of Roses.  

This afternoon for a fun, but still Lenten approved (since we gave up sweets), treat we made St. Peter's Keys out of pretzel dough, inspired by Lacy's Edible Papal Flag.   My children always enjoy creating various traditional symbolic shapes out of bread dough for the feast of St. Joseph, so I knew this would be a hit!

St. Peter's Keys

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg (optional)

Directions:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water.  Add the sugar and salt.  Mix in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth.  


Let the children shape the dough into key shapes and place on baking sheet.  


Brush the dough with a beaten egg for a golden finish. 


Bake in a preheated oven at 425˚F for 15 minutes.


Let the children color pictures of our first Pope and Pope Benedict XVI while they enjoy their pretzels and listen to a few chapters about the life of St. Peter, The Man Who Never Died



NPMSS PRESENTS: MUSAFIR


***

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Muslim Students' Society (NPMSS) brings you its very own theatre production: MUSAFIR.

"
Musafir, the traveler, has journeyed a long way to be here - but from where did he come, and to where is he headed? As the story unfolds, he begins to realize that the only journey he is able to script is the one he is living now.
"

Date: Friday, 1st March 2013
Time: 1700hrs - 2200hrs
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, LT 26
Tickets: $5

This event is open to all. Mark your special 1.3.13 evening with us, and invite your friends!


***



Ummah Islamiyyah



Assalamu’alaikum my dear fellow brothers and sisters in Islam. I would like to share something regarding the health of the ummah today. The Arabic word ummah refers to the meaning of a community or a nation. The context of ummah I’m addressing here would be the Ummah Islamiyyah, or rather, the Islamic Community. 

"He who wants paradise should hold fast to the community.” –Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab(ra)

You might be wondering why out of the many things I would want to share; I picked this particular subject to pondered upon. Many modern Muslims like us, find that the health of the ummah is a trivial matter, but in fact it is a key to either the rise or the downfall of our Islamic community. Before I continue, let’s look into what Allah has written in the Quran.

“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah….” [3:110].

From this, we know that we are the best of mankind. Islam is the religion to master all in this world. Yet, people uses this verse against the Muslims that Islam is destructive and oppressive. Let us remind ourselves that Islam is perfect, Muslims aren’t. Over the millennia, our Ummah has slowly and gradually deteriorate from within. This is how we allow the disbelievers to attack Islam. They very well know that if the Ummah is strong and united, there is no way they can bring down Islam from the exterior. That is why they label Muslims as terrorists and make more vile propagandas throughout the world about Islam. 
Ever wonder why are there so many wars and violence in the Middle East? Such is when the propagandas have succeeded. Muslims are killing their own fellow Muslims. Muslims creating sects in their own religion and then condemning other Muslims for what they follow. 

Narrated by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Messenger (Sal-Allahu-alaihi-wassallam) said,
"Beware of suspicion. Suspicion is the most untrue speech. Do not spy and do not eavesdrop. Do not compete with each other and do not envy each other and do not hate each other and do not shun each other. Be slaves of Allah, brothers." - Hadith by Imam Muwatta

Look into a smaller scale. Our very own ambient community in the country for that matter. The sense of brotherhood and its virtues is slowly disappearing. Scary as it seems, it is even more upsetting when this matter is seen as trivial by Muslim youths. Did we forget about how Rasulullah S.A.W, his companions and the early Muslims strive to bring up Islam? How they are willing to be martyrs for Allah’s cause and Allah’s deen. They strived for this Ummah. This Ummah that has a privilege and status so high, even the Prophet Musa (May peace be upon him) wanted to become a part of this Ummah. 

“We Muslims are the last to come, but the foremost on the day of resurrection, and the first people to enter paradise, although the former nations were given the scriptures before us and we after them….”
- Hadith by At-Tirmidhi

Muslims youths do not treasure the ukhuwah amongst the Ummah. Often having the “every man for himself” attitude meanwhile in the Quran it states the opposite in Surah Al-Hujurat verse 10

”The believers are like brothers to one another, so promote peace and reconciliation among them, and fear Allah that you may receive Mercy.” [49:10]

It is time for us to get right back up. Let us wake up from this catastrophe. Let’s strengthen back the ukhuwah for the sake of the prosperity of Rasulullah S.A.W’s Ummah.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Messenger (Sal-Allahu-alaihi-wassallam) said,  "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honour". - Sahih Hadith by Imam Muslim

Rejoice in the love of ukhuwah and we will find not only ourselves, but our community prospering in many aspects. Respect people’s opinions even if it contradicts yours. Spent time bonding with your family and friends for this strengthens the ukhuwah. Spare a thought for the needy and the poor. Be kind to your neighbours. Have meals together like how it’s said by Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab, “Before Allah that is the best dinner which people eat together." 

Go for congregational prayers at a mosque as and when we can. All these actions and many others can be an easy and small way that is in the capability of everyone to kick start this love for the Ummah. Lest, one day, we will find ourselves somewhat like the early Islamic state days, UNITED AND ONE. This is a reminder to me foremost, and to anyone who reads this. This topic can be very broad and long so the things I’ve shared here is more generalized and is only a portion of the issues regarding the Ummah. 

As a last reminder, here is a Sahih hadith I would love to share. 

“None of you is a believer until he loves for his brother (his fellow Muslims) what he loves for himself.” 

- Sahih Hadith by Muslim

Wallahua’lam.


Walaikumsalam wr.br.
-YZ

Faith Fridays - How to Wake Up for Fajr by Dr Jeffrey Lang

This video reminded me of this quote that Imam Suhaib Webb posted a few months ago:
"Don't tell me you're ready to do anything for Islam when you can't even bench press the blanket for Fajr (the prayer at pre-dawn)."
Coincidentally I watched this video after I got back from the gym and it reminded me of where I stood with my prayers and where I really want to be.

In any case, it is 5 minutes of your time and I guarantee you will enjoy. Whether you pray or don't pray, miss some or make them all, concentrate or can't wait to get them over with. This video will make you smile and laugh and realise that yes, it's tough and everyone has trouble.


HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Sis Tasneem [Story Time]


Everyone loves a good love story. But there's no better than the relationships of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Let us fall in love all over again with the beautiful stories of romance, companionship, trust, and love told by Sister Tasneem.

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." [Qur'an 30:21]

Boys and girls, single and married, happy and unhappy, and everyone else, lets fall in love again with the Prophet SAW.

++++
As usual, lets all chip in and bring a plate or two to share on this wonderful gathering. Those who eat together, grows together. We look forward to meeting our old friends and making new ones.

We'll all be sure to be mindful so not to bring anything unhealthy ya, and lets try not to waste anything either :)

++++

Date: 24 February 2013
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: 34 Jalan 11/10, Petaling Jaya
GoogleMap it http://goo.gl/maps/AZk6R

Why Buddhism is not Merry



Sukihotu,

Kindly allow me to share with you a short message that was given to me by a good friend of mine, a wise monk

He said;-

True Buddhism naturally cannot be a mass movement culture as it only suit people who enjoy solitude.  Imagine tomato Vs ketchup

Mettacittena
Bug Tan
18th Feb 2013

Faith Fridays - Patience & Gratitude by Sumayyah Nasar [Video]

A very insightful short reminder on patience & gratitude by our very own Sumayyah :) She was with YMP right from the beginning, currently residing in Scotland. She has masters in Islamic Studies (also housewifery :)

Good news girls, she is also an aspiring designer, she will be launching her modest dresses line in June under the label 'lovetodress'. She writes at
http://www.love-to-dress.com/


Happy Valentine’s Day



I want to talk about love. I want to talk about the cliché love, the boy and girl love. I know there are other kinds of love out there, such as the love for our Creator and Master, love to our prophet Muhammad (saw), our parents, sisters etc. But today I want to talk about boy meets girl.

For some of you who think that romance cease to exist for people who are married, oh boy oh boy have I got a bubble to burst for you. I’ve met so many uncle and aunties telling me that once you get married, life gets really tough and all your fantasies and bubbles are burst. And although I never experienced that, because I thought they are older and maybe wiser, I thought they might be right. Hmmm… It’s been nearly 6 years since I’ve been married and for now, I cannot disagree more.

And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.”
(30:21)

For those of you who think that it’s fine to be in love with a guy before marriage and have a boyfriend girlfriend thingy going on… oh honey, you sure ain’t getting the best deal in life. I can safely say that girlfriend and boyfriend is anything but ‘finding rest’. One time you’re so into the guy/ girl, the next you’re fighting. The platform of girlfriend and boyfriend is so uncertain. You love each other but you don’t really commit to ‘trying’ to be with each other forever. It is anything but rest. Even when you decide to do the haram and give each other hugs, kisses or hang on the phone just the two of you, you’ve barely touched the surface of ‘finding rest’. All you got is excitement in the spur of the moment and an intense feeling of being into somebody. I’m not saying you can’t love somebody unless you’re married to them. It might be possible to love someone without marriage, but definitely the combination of ‘rest, love and compassion’ is hard to attain unless you are married. You get my drift?

And is ‘rest, love and compassion’ a guarantee to those who do get to marry? I’m going to be honest and declare a big NO. Capital N and capital O. But hang on a minute, isn't making a relationship halal with Allah enough. Errr… no dude! Why is this so?

Have you seen couples that lie to each other? Have you seen people who are in denial of what honesty means? Have you seen people who are so into prayers, hijab, fiqh issues and are completely clueless when it comes to ethics and character? I’m not saying these things (prayers, hijab, fiqh issues) are not important, yes they are. But a guarantee to rest, love and compassion lies in your relationship with Allah swt. And this relationship is built with sincerity of trying to improve oneself though Qur’an and Sunnah. Quran and Sunnah are not to be used cheaply as a means to be in an argument or to prove that you know better. If you are within this group please just get over it and know that people can see right through you. Allah’s guidance (Qur’an and Sunnah) is a means to get closer to Allah, which is a guarantee of success in this life and the Akhirah.

This book is without a doubt, a guide to those who guard themselves
(2:2)

And what about those who marry someone who does have good character? I fall under this group. I married someone who is way not perfect, but he does have good character, all praises is due to Allah. If a guy works and provide for his family, is romantic to his wife, is generous to his family and in-laws, has humor and all, what better deal would there be right? So is this a guarantee for ‘rest, love and compassion’ in marriage? Nearly there, but still a NO and why? Because baby this is dunia. Get ready to face challenges, one after another.

“And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient.”
(2:155)

In a marriage, apart from the in-laws, you’ve got pregnancy, labor and the baby blues. Then you have the challenges of bringing children up. You think after labor you get to rest, errr no! You’ve just begun. And men don’t get any sleep either. Parents of infants are what I call walking zombies. Hahhaha… Then you have financial difficulties especially in the beginning of the marriage where the guy is just starting to build his career. Or the guy might expect you to work or you yourselves choose to work. And then comes the question of housework. I mean what’s up with the toilet seat not being able to be put down?! On top of that you have to adapt to each other’s preferences, perspectives on things and boy I can go on and on and on. But I am sure you know what I mean.

So even with the best of character, you've got so many factors that are going to pull you from so many corners[1] that its so easy to just put your hands up and say, “I give up.”

Loving a man or woman, has to first and foremost come from knowing that marriage is yet another form of getting closer to Allah. If we use the formula given by Allah swt, i.e. to use marriage as a way to please Allah, then yes, you will find ‘rest, love and compassion’ as the by product of that intention and actions. And yes I learnt this the hard way. I thought having a spouse with good character is enough, but I slowly learnt that I have to let go of my ignorant days of thinking good character is enough. Although I personally think it is easier than having a spouse who is ‘religious’ but is completely clueless on how to treat other people, it still is certainly NOT enough.

Slowly but surely Allah continue to guide us to ‘rest, love and compassion’. And yes romance is way better when a man is willing to take the decision to say, “I do”. Should you compromise if he or she is not willing to say, “I do”? Personally I say no. And because I hold on to this sunnah.

While I was walking with 'Abdullah he said, "We were in the company of the Prophet and he said, 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power."[2]

If you cannot afford marriage, or you the guy or girl won’t commit to ‘trying’ to be there for each other forever, I say dish it and start fasting J. As Imam Al-Ghazali says in his book Revival of the Religious Sciences, chapter 32 on patience and gratitude: If you don’t have something be patient. And if you already have what you want, be grateful for ungrateful can fall into disbelieve. 

Allah tests us in different ways and in no way should we think that just because we have something, it is because we are better, or we know better. Everything comes from Allah and only He gives and knows what is good for u. I’m just another sister looking to share her experience. So with much love, I bid you peace for yet another one of my attempts to reach out to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.



[1] This does not even include those that suffer from psychological and physical abuse, cheating on a spouse in relationships.
[2] Narrated by 'Alqama in Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 129.

_______________________________

Sumayyah is currently exploring faith and fashion in Scotland, while awaiting to launch her own life of fashion wear in 2013. She writes on www.love-to-dress.com/

Happy CNY 2013




“WISH YOU AND YOUR FAmILY

A HEALTHY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2013!”

OPEN A NEW BOOK TODAY.

FORGET ALL YOUR WORRIES AND LETS US

WELCOmE A GREAT 2013!

MORNING BRINGS HOPE,

AfTERNOON BRINGS FAITH,

EVENING BRINGS LOVE,

NIGHT BRINGS REST,

HOPE YOU WILL HAVE ALL Of THEm EVERYDAY THIS NEW YEAR 2013.

“WRITE IT ON YOUR HEART THAT EVERY DAY WOULD THE

BEST DAY IN THE 2013 YEAR fOR YOU. ”

MY HEART fELT WISH fOR YOU.MAY THE TINGE Of CHEERS ‘N’ JOY.

BLOSSOmS LOVE ‘N’ ECSTASY IN YOUR LIfE,

ON THIS JUBILANT NEW YEAR 2013

Bugs and family


The Buddha's Saying in Brief



Sukihotu

Here are some of the saying by the Buddha which has been simplified. This is written by the late Chief Monk Ven Dr Sri Dhammananda


The Highest Gift

The gift of Truth excels all other gifts.

Accept Truth

If you find truth in any religion, accept that truth!

See The Buddha

One who sees my teachings sees me.

Serve The Buddha

One who serves the sick serves me.

The External Law

In this world hatred can never be appeased by hatred. Hatred can only be appeased by love.
This is the eternal law.

World Within You

In this very one fathom long body along with perception and thoughts, I proclaim the world, the origin of the world, the cessation of the world, and the path leading to the end of the world.

Mind Is The Forerunner

By mind the world is led, by the mind the world is drawn. And all men own the sovereignity of mind.

Two Different Paths

One is the road that leads to worldly gain, one leads to deathlessness – Eternal Bliss.

Everything Is Impermanent

All conditioned things are impermanent. When one see this in Wisdom, then one becomes dispassionate towards the painful.

Ignorance

It is because you and I do not understand and comprehend the four noble truths that we have to run this long and weary round of existence-Samsara.

Lucky Day

Fools wait for a lucky day, but everyday is a lucky day for an industrious man.

Worldly Ties

The secret of happiness lies in mind’s release from worldly ties.

Insufficient Knowledge

The man of little learning grows old like the ox.
His body grows but wisdom grows not.

Life Is Dear To All

All tremble at the rod. All fear death. Feeling for others as for oneself, one should neither kill nor cause to kill.

A Religion To Practise

This is a religion for one to come and practise but not just to come and believe.

Evil-Doer Grieves

The evil-doer grieves here, he grieves hereafter. He grieves in both worlds. He grieves, he perishes with his own impure deed.

Vigilance and Negligence

Vigilance is the path to deathlessness. Negligence is the path to death. The vigilant do not die. The negligent are as if dead already.

Real fool

The fool who is aware of his foolishness is wise at least to that extent. But the fool who thinks himself wise is a fool indeed.

Highest Virtues

Tolerance, patience and understanding are the highest virtues every man should develop.

Righteous Living

The Middle Path of righteous living brings
knowledge and understanding. It brings insight,
leads to calm and wisdom, to awakening – Nirvana

Fortunate People

Blessed are they who earn their living without hurting others.

Equip Yourself

Vast learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline, and pleasant speech – this is a blessing.

Your Duties

Support thy mother and father, Cherish loved ones and children. This is a blessing.

Act Wisely

Do not associate with fools,
Associate with the wise,
Honour those who are worthy of honour –
This is a blessing.

Behave Gently

Let not one deceive another, nor despise any person whatsoever in any place. In anger or ill will, let him not wish any harm to another.

The Innocent

He who harms the innocent must bear the fruit of his act, like dust flung against the wind.

Bad Habits

The man who is a debauchee, a drunkard, a gambler, and who squanders whatsoever he possess- is the cause of his own downfall.

Give Up Evil

Give up evil; it can be done. If it were not possible to give up evil, I would not say so. Since it can be done, I advise you to give up evil.

Caste Differences

Just as the great rivers such as the Ganga, the Yamuna, Aciravati, Sarabhu and Mahi, when they fall into the ocean lose their former names and are known as the ocean, even so do the people of different castes, when they have gone forth in the Doctrine and Discipline taught by the Buddha, from a home to a homeless life, lose their former names and clans and are known as ascetics.

Health and Contentment

Health is the greatest wealth; contentment is the greatest happiness.

Vicious Mouth

In each man’s mouth at birth is born an axe, wherewith the fool who speaks ill cuts himself.

Practise Before You Preach

Let a Man apply himself to what is proper before he preaches others.

Art Of Talking

Speak the truth not untruth,
Say what is pleasant, not unpleasant;
Speak what is true, not false.
Speak only words that do not bring remorse
Nor hurt another. That is good speech indeed.

Conquer Yourself

Though one should conquer a million men in battlefield, yet indeed, he is the noblest victor who has

Strengthen Your Mind

Even as a solid rock is unshaken by the wind, so are the wise unshaken by praise or blame.

Develop Your Mind

As rain penetrates an ill-thatched house, so lust penetrates an undeveloped mind.

Self-confidence

Do not depend on others; develop your self-confidence.

Serve Others Wisely

Do not forget your spiritual development while serving others.

Use Your Own Effort

It is through unshaken perseverance that I have reached the light, through unceasing effort that I have reached the peace supreme. If you also will strive unceasingly, you too will within a short time reach the highest goal of bliss by understanding and realising it yourselves.

Be Mindful

A young and strong person who does not strive when he should strive, who is given to idleness, who is loose in his purpose and thoughts, and who is lazy – that idle never finds the way to wisdom.

Fear

Wheresoever fear arises, it arises in the mind of the fool, not in that of the wise man.

Real Peace

Real peace comes from within. Seek not from outside.

Accept Wisely

One should not accept anything with mere faith; but one should use one’s common sense and intelligence before accepting anything.

Don’t Be Idle

A useful single day’s life of intense effort is better than a hundred years of idleness and inactivity.

The Middle Path

Practise the Middle Path without going to extremes; practise it in every aspect of your life.

Keep The Mind Fresh

When your physical body is sick, do not allow your mind also to be sick.

Loving-Kindness

Radiate your loving-kindness to every living being without any discrimination.

Righteous Way Of Life

He who leads a righteous way of life, will find that noble virtue itself to protect and guide him.

Avoid Evil

Neither for the sake of oneself nor for the sake of another should one do wrong, not even for the sake of acquiring wealth, kingdom or children, should one do wrong. Such a one is indeed virtuous, wise and righteous.

Be Detached

He who never thinks of anything as ‘mine’, who does not feel the lack of anything, he is never worried by as sense of loss.

The Origin

It is inconceivable to find the beginning of Samsara (cycle of birth and death). A first beginning of beings who wander on in Samsara, bounded by ignorance and fettered by craving, cannot be seen.

Reap What You Sow

According to the seed that’s sown
So is the fruit you reap there from,
The doer of good will gather good,
The doer of evil, evil reaps

Cause and Effect

We are the results of what we were and we will be the results of what we are.

You Are Responsible

Your misdeeds were not committed by your parents, nor by your brothers and sisters, nor by your friends nor kinsfolk, nor by recluses and priests, it is you who are responsible.

No Place To Hide

Not in the sky, nor in the mid-ocean, not in mountain cave, is found that place on earth where abiding one may escape from the consequences of one’s own evil deed.

Evil deed

So long as an evil deed does not affect the fool, he thinks that it is honey; but when it affects him, then he comes to grief.

Highest Achievements

Acquire wisdom, practise devotion, morality, and charity.

Happiness Here

The accomplishment of persistent effort, the accomplishment of watchfulness, good friendship and balanced livelihood leads to happiness.

Happiness of Renunciation

The happiness of the senses and the happiness of renunciation, but the greater of the two is the happiness of renunciation.

Wrong Beliefs

Belief that everything is due to previous kamma,
Belief that everything is due to supernatural causes,
Belief that everything appears without any cause.

Four Groups of People (I) 

Those who go from darkness to darkness,
Those who go from light to darkness,
Those who go from darkness to light,
Those who go from light to light.

Four Groups of People (II)

Those who look after themselves and ignore others, Those who look after others and ignore themselves, Those who neglect themselves as well as others, Those who look after themselves as well
as other.

Think Before You Act

Whatever action you intend to perform by body, speech or mind, first think: “Will this action be harmful to myself or to others or to both? Will this action produce suffering?” If it is harmful,
avoid doing it.

Think While You Act

Whatever action you are performing by body, speech or mind, first think: “Will this action be harmful to myself or to others or to both? Will this action produce suffering?” If it is harmful, avoid doing it.

Think After You Act

Whatever action you have performed by body, speech or mind, think: “Was this action harmful to myself or to others or both? Did this action produce suffering?” If it was harmful, avoid doing it.

Meditation

Develop the meditation on loving-kindness and discard ill-will. Develop the meditation on compassion and discard cruelty. Develop the meditation on sympathetic joy and discard jealousy. Develop the mediation on equanimity and discard restlessness. Develop the meditation on impermanence and discard pride.

Selfmastered One Is The Real Conqueror

Better is it truly to conquer oneself than to conquer others. Neither a god, nor an ‘angel’, nor Mara, nor Brahma could turn into defeat the victory of a person such as this who is selfmastered and ever retrained in conduct.

Take Your Own Refuge

Oneself is one’s own protector (refuge); what other protector (refuge) can there be? With oneself fully controlled, one obtains a protection (refuge) which is hard to gain.

You Are Responsible For Your Purity And Impurity

By oneself indeed is evil done and by oneself is one defiled. By oneself is evil left undone and by oneself indeed is one purified. Purity and impurity depend on oneself. No one can purify another.

Act Deligently To End Your Suffering

Do not commit wrongful actions. Do not dwell in negligence. Do not embrace false views. So the world (i.e. Samsara, the cycle of existence and continuity) is not prolonged.

The Teaching Of The Buddha

To speak no ill, to do no harm, to practise restraint according to the fundamental precepts, to be moderate in eating, to live in seclusion to devote oneself to higher consciousness, this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.

Give Up Victory And Defeat

The conqueror begets enmity; the defeated lie down in distress. The peaceful rest in happiness, giving up both victory and defeat.

Lust Creates Miseries

From lust arises grief; from lust arises fear. For him who is free from lust there is no grief, much less fear.

Transgressor Ruins Himself 

As rust, arisen out of iron, eats itself away, even so his own deeds lead the transgressor to the states of woe.

Easy To See The Fault Of Others

The fault of others is easily seen; but one’s own is hard to see. Like chaff one winnows other’s faults; but one’s own one conceals as a crafty fowler disguises himself.

You Have To Work For Your Salvation

You yourselves should make the effort; the Awakened Ones are only teachers. Those who enter this Path and who are meditative are delivered from the bonds of Evil.

Awakened One Shines Day And Night

The sun glows by day; the moon shines by night; in his armour the warrior glows. In meditation shines the holy man. But all day and night shines with radiance the Awakened One.

Live Happily

Happy indeed we live without hate among the hateful. We live free from hatred amidst hateful men.

Be on Guard

Be on guard against physical agitation; be controlled in body. Forsaking bodily misconduct, follow right conduct in body.

Be on guard against verbal agitation; be controlled in words. Forsaking wrong speech, follow right ways in words.

Be on guard against mental agitation; be controlled in thoughts. Forsaking evil thoughts, follow right ways in thoughts.

Fully Controlled Men

The wise are controlled in deed, controlled in words, controlled in thoughts, verily, they are fully controlled.

Impurities Can Be Removed

By degrees little by little, from moment to moment a wise man removes his own impurities, as a goldsmith removes the dross of gold.

Who is the real sage?

Not by silence does one become a sage (muni) if one be foolish and untaught. But the wise man who as if holding a pair of scales, takes what is good and leaves out what is evil, is indeed a sage. For that reason he is a sage. He who understands both sides in this world is called a sage.

The best method to end suffering

Of paths the Eightfold Path is the best;
of truths the Four Words (Noble Truths);
Detachments is the best of states and of bipeds
the Seeing One (the Man of Vision).

This is the only Way. There is no other for the purification of Vision. Follow this Way: this is the bewilderment of Mara (Evil).

Following this Way you shall make an end of suffering. This verily is the Way declared by me when I had learnt to remove the arrow (of suffering).

Craving must be removed

As a tree cut down sprouts forth again if its roots remain uninjured and strong, even so when the propensity to craving is not destroyed, this suffering arises again and again.

Try to be Restraint

Good is restraint of the eye. Good is restraint of the ear. Good is restraint of the nose. Good is restraint of the tongue.

Good is restraint of the body. Good is restraint of the mind. Restraint everywhere is good. The bhikkhu restrained in every way is freed from all suffering.

Who is the real Bhikkhu

He who is controlled in hand, controlled in foot, controlled in speech, and possessing the highest control (of mind), delighted within, composed, solitary and contented, him they call a bhikkhu.

The danger of telling lies

There is no evil that cannot be done by the liar, who has transgressed the one law (of truthfulness) and who is indifferent to a world beyond.

Act Accordingly

Though much he recites the Sacred Texts but acts not accordingly, that heedless man is like a cowherd who courts others’ kine; he has no share in the blessings of a recluse.

Though little he recites the Sacred Texts but acts in accordance with the Teachings, and forsaking lust, hatred, and ignorance, truly knowing, with mind totally freed, clinging for naught here and hereafter, he shares the blessings of a recluse.

Make yourself an Island

By effort, earnestness, discipline, and self-control let the wise man make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.

Guard Earnestness

The ignorant, foolish folk indulge in heedlessness; but the wise man guards earnestness as the greatest treasure.

Mind Your Own Business

He should not regard the faults of others, things done and left undone by others, but his own deeds done and undone.

Practice Is More Important

As a flower that is lovely and beautiful, but is scentless, even so fruitless is the well-spoken word of one who practises it not.

Many words are not Necessary

Better than a thousand useless words, is a single useful sentence, hearing which one is pacified.

Respect the elders

For one who ever honours and respects the elders, four blessings increase – age, beauty, bliss, and power.

Single day of Virtuous Life

Though he should live a hundred years, immoral and uncontrolled; yet better, indeed, is it to live a single day, virtuous and meditative.


No Man is Free From Blame and Praise

There never was, there never will be, nor is there now, A person who is wholly blamed or wholly praised.

Parting word of the Buddha

Transient are conditioned things. Try to accomplish your aim with diligence. 


Mettacittena
3rd feb 2013

Ven Khemanando







Sukihotu

In recent time over the last decade, we have experienced a surge of interest in Buddhism in Indonesia. There is an increase of interest among ordinary especially in the Theravada tradition. If you do a search on Google and You tube, you will notice that there is a lot of activities going on. New Buddhists center are sprouting like mushroom. There is so many talks by Monks, meditation and retreats, pindapacara and other activities.

A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of having Ven Khemanando the chief Monk of Indonesia Theravada Buddhist Center (ITBC) to deliver a talk at our center. In this sharing Bhante spoke about compassion (karuna). It was good to know that he has done so much in Indonesia. Ven Sir is such a skillful monk that he even managed to get the people on the street from all walks of lives to participate in the alms round.

Here is a video of one of his event


Pls click here to go to You tube

Here is a brief of  Ven. Bhikkhu Khemanando

Bhikkhu Khemanando was born in 1978 and lives in Jepara, West Java, Indonesia. Bhikkhu Khemanando was ordained as a monk on 21st October 2002 in Wat Thungho-Buriram, Thailand by Chief Y.M. Bhante Avuddhapanno Mahathera (Choukan Phraprasatsarakhun) for 5.5 years in Thailand. He obtained his  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and Dhamma (Nakdham III (EK) / Dhamma-Vibhangga III) in Mahamakut Buddhist University Thailand. He was an assistant Dosen in Mahamakut Buddhist University for about two years.

In 2009 he returned to Indonesia and was appointed  the chief monk of Indonesia Theravada Buddhist Temple. He has given many Dhamma talks in Medan and most of the Buddhist Temple in Sumatra. 

Thank you Bhante for dropping by at BUBS. We hope you come back again. May you be well and happy. May you continue to guide us.

Mettacittena
3rd Feb 2013