Vatican Flag and Pope Francis' Papal Coat of Arms Cupcake Toppers {Free Printables}

We are baking cupcakes to celebrate the Solemnity Feast of St. Joseph and the Installation of Pope Francis today.  I thought I would upload and share the cupcake toppers I created with you all.  Here are the links:

Vatican Flag Cupcake Toppers

Pope Francis' Papal Coat of Arms Cupcake Toppers 

Prayer to Saint Joseph for the Whole Church

O Glorious Saint Joseph, you were chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus, the most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family. You have been chosen by Christ's Vicar as the heavenly Patron and Protector of the Church founded by Christ. 

Protect the Sovereign Pontiff and all bishops and priests united with him. Be the protector of all who labor for souls amid the trials and tribulations of this life; and grant that all peoples of the world may be docile to the Church without which there is no salvation.

Dear Saint Joseph, accept the offering I make to you. Be my father, protector, and guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me purity of heart and a love for the spiritual life. After you example, let all my actions be directed to the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and your own paternal heart. Finally, pray for me that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church,
Ora Pro Nobis! 

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Italian Cream Cupcakes

The following recipe was submitted by Hi Cookery in honor of today's feast of St. Joseph and the Installation of Pope Francis. Thank you Highlander and Islander!  Update: I just created a Vatican Flag Cupcake Printable for you all. Here is the link! 

Habemus papam—we have a pope! Congratulations to Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. This is a significant event for the billions of Catholics worldwide as the church struggles to stay grounded in Christian morality in a predominantly secular society, deal with scandals and controversy, continue its rich historical traditions, grow in modern times and still keep the faith.

Succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, Francis is a Jesuit priest of Italian immigrant parents in Argentina, whose papal name was taken after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of Italy. Before first blessing those gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on the night of his election, Pope Francis asked that they pray for him. He surely needs our prayers, as being head of the church is not an easy task.

While baking Italian cream cupcakes for a pope prayer party for Islander’s brother’s students, we prayed that the Holy See is made an instrument of the Lord’s peace during his tenure as pope. We topped the cupcakes with tiny Vatican flags instead of a pecan for a festive Francis food. May God bless Pope Francis!

Recipe
(Adapted from Cupcakes: From the Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn)

For the Italian Cream Cupcakes

• 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow, white or French vanilla cake mix (we recommend Duncan Hines brand)
• 1 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons coconut flavoring
• 1 cup flaked coconut, sweetened
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Blend well until smooth.

Mix in the coconut flavoring. Fold in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.

Scoop the batter into 24 cupcake papers lining a muffin pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks. Prepare the frosting.

For the coconut and cream cheese frosting

• 1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (we used clear vanilla flavoring)
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1+ tablespoons water or milk (optional)
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• pecan half (optional)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the butter until well blended with the cream cheese. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar a cup at a time and mix until smooth. Add water or milk to the frosting, if necessary, to make a spreadable consistency.

Use a spatula to spread frosting on top of the cupcakes. Dip the frosted cupcakes into a small bowl of coconut flakes. Decorate with a pecan half or mini Vatican City flags.

Notes

• We used a yellow cake mix and a white coconut cream cheese frosting to match the colors of the Vatican flag.
• Boost the coconut flavor in the cream cheese frosting by substituting the vanilla for a teaspoon of coconut flavoring. Toast the sweetened coconut flakes to bring out the fruitiness as well as add some color to the cupcakes.
• The parish we attend, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, is proud to bear the name of new pope!
• Make Italian cream cupcakes for the installation of Pope Francis on March 19, the Feast Day of St. Joseph, or on October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis.

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Argentinian/Italian Inspired Pizza

On March 13th, the day of Pope Francis' election, I told the children that in honor of our new Pope they were going to "cook their own" dinner, just like Pope Francis!   I modified our dinner plans and decided that we would have an Argentinian/Italian inspired pizza!  I did help make the sauce and pizza dough, but they had so much fun assembling the pizza and choosing the toppings.  I also picked up some wine imported from Argentina which we ended up saving for today, the feast of St. Joseph and the Installation Mass of our new Holy Father. 

Pizza Dough:
(Adapted from our Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe)

This pizza dough is our favorite!  We have been making it frequently for both regular and deep-dish pizzas. The following measurements will make one thick-crust pizza.  Our family doubles the recipe for 2 thick crusts or 3 thin crust pizzas.


Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups Better-for-Bread flour

Directions:

Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Stir in the sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and flour. Knead the dough for 3 minutes by hand, or using a mixer with the hook attachment, like we did. Roll out the dough on a greased or well-seasoned pizza stone.


Pizza Sauce:
(Adapted from Hubpages)

"In the US we are more accustomed to a pizza sauce that is made from crushed tomatoes and has crushed red pepper flakes.  In Argentina, the sauce is thinner and less spicy."

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced (I used my garlic slicer.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• crushed red pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons italian spice mix (I used a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil) 
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 2 cans tomato sauce

Directions:

In a sauce pan, saute the garlic in olive oil over medium heat .   Add the spices and tomato sauce.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside until you are ready to assemble the pizza.

Pizza Toppings:

Spread the pizza sauce over the dough.

Sprinkle with grated Mozzarella cheese.

Add your favorite toppings. We enjoyed researching what some of the common pizza toppings are in Argentina.  On one website we read that  "The old standby is the classic mozzarella, always topped with at least one olive. Other popular pies are the Neapolitan (with tomatoes and garlic) and the Calabrese, protagonized by chorizo (course meat sausage). Typical extra toppings include red pepper, anchovies, eggs, blue cheese, artichoke hearts and pineapple. The American classic, peperoni doesn’t exist in Argentina." We also discovered that Green Olives and Hearts of Palm are common toppings (and we happened to have some in the cupboard) so we used those on one of our pizzas.

My children topped their second pizza with their own favorite toppings - pepperoni and black olives. 

Preheat oven to 425˚F and bake for 15 to 25 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.

Interestingly enough, I had the children "make their own pizza" the night I started creating our Papal Lap Book!   That night we used the same dough recipe, baking the pizza's in 9x13 stones/baking casseroles for some Italian style Deep Dish Pizza.

 Either way it is made turns out delicious! 

A Prayer for the Pope 

by Pope Leo XIII 

O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace. 

Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.

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Argentine Alfajores in honor of Pope Francis

The following recipe for traditional Argentinian Alfajores was submitted by Tricia from Dry Creek Academy, who lives here in the United States but still visits family in Argentina, in honor of Pope Francis.

Here is a recipe for traditional Argentinian Alfajores.  I'm sure these were Pope Francis's favorite cookies as a boy!  My daughter made these cookies (along with her two younger brothers & the other campers) at a Young Chef’s Academy All-Around-the-World baking camp last summer. They are delicious! If you don’t like coconut, you can omit it. This recipe is also available on line at different baking websites, all about the same.

I usually buy the Havanna brand of Alfajores, but if you can't find those, these homemade ones are very good. Alternatively, these can be dipped in chocoloate or white meringue. Feel free to use the recipe, but don't modify the proportions or they won't come out right.

Alfajores (like most words that start with "al") is of Arab origin and is believed to have been introduced into Spanish by the Moors during their seven century long control of Spain/Iberian peninsula. The word then traveled to the Spanish colonies in the Americas during the 16th century onward.

Argentine Alfajores

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice
• Dulce de leche
• grated and sweetened coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the cornstarch, flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and mix briefly.
3. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture, blending with your fingers until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and mix with your hands until the dough is homogeneous and smooth (add a tablespoon or two if too crumbly to form a ball). Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out dough to 3/8" thickness, and cut into 2 inch circles.
6. Place cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes, until they are barely golden brown.
8. To fill the cookies, spread one cookie with dulce de leche and top with second cookie. Roll the edges in the coconut.

Let cool completely and enjoy!

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Staying Healthy All The Time

Sukihotu

I've just got another book published "Turning Ideas into Innovation". This is a simple guide book for people trying their hand on creating their first invention. You can read a brief description of the book here.

In this book I wrote two articles. One of theme is this, "Staying healthy all the time". Which I think it is appropriate to re-publish here for your reading pleasure.


Staying healthy all the time

It is clear to us that the mind is the main tool for creating an invention. If we are serious about creating new innovations, then we must be serious about taking care of our mind. The human mind is still very much an unexplored human territory. Scientist today know very little about the mind. We do not know where the location of the mind is. Or how it functions or where the right button to press to get it to work to its full potential is.

The mind and the brain are two different entities altogether. The brain is like the computer hardware while the mind is like the software. Just like electricity, we can feel it, use it, get electrocuted by it. But electricity cannot be seen by our naked eyes. The Mind is much the same, we can feel it and use it but we can’t see it.

Due to its invisibility to our naked eyes, most people are ignorant of its presence. Man often abuse it and do not know how to take care of it.

In my case, I do a few things to keep my mind healthy.

 I sleep early and let my mind have a good rest every night. I sleep at about 10.30pm daily. I get an average sleep of 8 hours a day. I know most people out there are late sleepers. I hope you change that habit and try sleeping early. It will do you a whole world of good. Having much sleep also keeps your physical body healthy.

 I try to keep a calm mind at all times. It is very difficult for us to avoid conflicts in our daily life. Whether at home or at work, as long as there are two human beings, opinions and preferences will differ, thus disagreement and conflicts may occur sometimes.

I do my best to live a harmonious life. When the going gets tough, I slow down my pace and take things easy. I will not allow an argument to ruin my day.

 Sometimes, I do have many new ideas at one time. When such situation happens, I will not embark on too many projects in one go. I will prioritize my projects and try to do only those that are within my capability. I’ve also developed a system called “traffic lights” to manage the various on-going projects which are all running concurrently at the same time. This system allows me to manage it without difficulty and without having to sacrifice any of them

When ideas come to me, I treasured them. New idea comes to me at various times of the day without warning and prior notice. And whenever an idea pops-up, I will jot it down on my note book. Then later transfer it into a folder in my computer called Incubation box.

 Being an inventor is a lonely job. Therefore, I create a circle of friends to support me. Whenever I can, I’ll discuss my ideas with them. Seeking advice, comments and opinions from them. More importantly, we support each other emotionally when things are not going right.

There is a timeless wise saying about our human mind by a great teacher who lived some 2,500 years ago in India. This has inspired me to do good whenever I’m creating a new invention. It goes like this:

Mind is the forerunner of all good states.

Mind is chief,

Mind-made are they.

If one speaks or acts with pure mind,

Because of that, happiness follows on,

Even as one’s shadow that never leaves.

Wishing you all the best in your projects

Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
18th March 2013

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St. Patrick's Day Pudding

Last year my boys had their final Hockey game of the season followed by a potluck for the families, on St. Patrick's Day! In an effort to tie in the feast day in addition to a few morning treats along with Cinnamon Shamrocks I decided to take a Green Pudding dessert!  This delicious dessert only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and it was one of the first things gone at the potluck.  My kids have already asked if we can make it again this year.

St. Patrick's Day Pudding

adapted from McCormick

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes (4-serving size each) vanilla instant pudding (or you can use pistachio pudding and eliminate the green food coloring} 
• 3 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon green food coloring
• 1-8oz. tub of Whipped Topping 
• 1-18oz pkg. Oreos, coarsely crushed
• Shamrock candies, cookies, etc. for garnish

Directions:

Pour milk into large bowl. Stir in food coloring. Add pudding mixes and beat with a wire whisk 2 minutes or till well blended. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently stir in Cool Whip.

In a trifle bowl layer the crushed cookies and pudding mixture, beginning and ending with the crushed cookies.

Garnish as desired. (I used Shamrock Candies to represent the Trinity!) Refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to serve.

Additional recipes for the feast of St. Patrick can be found in the archives! 

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Shamrock Soup

The following recipe was submitted by Joanna Cichy in honor of the upcoming feast of St. Patrick! Thank you Joanna! 

In our house an ordinary pot of cream of broccoli soup becomes "Shamrock Soup" on St. Patrick's day.  It's great as a main meatless meal during Lent or as a first course for a celebratory meal.

Shamrock Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 TBS butter
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 TBS flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8-1/4 black pepper
• shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:

In a large pot melt butter on medium heat. Sautee onions and celery until tender. Add the flour, whisking until combined. Add the 2 cups of milk and turn the heat to high. Whisk constantly until mixture becomes thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and add the remaining 4 cups of milk. Add the broccoli, salt, and pepper. Turn up the heat to medium high/high and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking on occasion so as to not scald the bottom of the pan and to prevent over boiling. Turn to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.

Serve with a pot of gold (bowl of shredded cheese) and some potato rolls!

Serves 6-8

Additional recipes for the feast of St. Patrick can be found in the archives!

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25 ways to get closer to Allah s.w.t

Bismillah Ar- Rahman Ar-Rahim

Assalamualaikum my dear brothers and sisters in islam. 

May you be constantly in great health and iman and may Allah be please with you, insyaAllah.

Today, with the permission of Allah, I would like to share something that I came across a week ago. May this benefit you as much as it benefits me, insyaAllah. 

Let me begin with a question.

All of us are constantly in search. In search of the truth, the reality.  

Have you ever asked yourself, how? 

How am I supposed to get closer to Allah? 


Why is it so difficult for me to be khusyuk in my prayers? 


How do I attain a closer and healthier relationship with my lord?

May this answers your burning doubts. To start it off, let me be clear that I am in no state to teach you how to be khusyuk or how to get closer to Allah when I myself is not at a level of an ulama’. 

I am just sharing a few good tips that I have read across in Hadiths and the sayings of Sheykhs. Okay, bismillah!

25 tips to get closer to Allah s.w.t

*they are placed in random order. Let’s pray to Allah to give us guidance and the strength to istiqamah (to be steadfastness)*

Allah says:

فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا ۚ إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

So stand you (O Muhammad) firm and straight as you are commanded and those who turn in repentance with you, and transgress not. Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do. 

[Surat Hud, 12:112]

1.    Start off each day with 'adhkaar al-istiyqaadh' (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2.    Place Allah first in your heart.

 3.  Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day,take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

 4.  Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

 5.  If someone says something mean  ;to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

 6.  When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

 7.  Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

 8.  When you're happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

 9.  When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience,and thank Allah that it's not worse than it is.

 10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.

 11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work For it. Then you can win the love of Allah's slaves.

 12. Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.

 13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him(those who are enemies of Him).

 14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!!).

 15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you.

 16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

 17. Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah's orders.

 18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

19 . forgive, forget and smile!

 20. Tears are not for women only... tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don't restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

 21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or no. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAAW) and the Sahaba were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

 22. Read the Qur'an daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Qur'an daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

 23. Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

 24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

 25. Send this to all brothers with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray.

InsyaAllah may Allah sees us where he likes us to be seen. At the end of the day, it is about god. It is god whom we worship. 

We might get caught and lost in the details but insyaAllah he will guide us through. Forgive me if I made any mistakes in this entry. 

May you have a blessed day ahead my lovely brothers and sisters!

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Faith Fridays - Is this love from Allah or Satan? by Ustadh Usama Canon [VIDEO]

Always a hot topic among youth these days - anything to do with love and relationships!

On a recent trip to Singapore there was simply no time for Usama Canon from the Ta'leef Collective in California USA to answer all the questions posed to him. Aren't we lucky he decided to record an answer this this one!

Listen to his very nuanced answer and see how it can apply in all of your life's dimensions.

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Should Monks be Involved in Politics

Sukihotu,

Opinion of a friend on this issue, "should monk be involved in politic". This is what he says;

Should monks be involved in politics? This question has been asked often, but I think it cannot be answered with clarity until one defines what politics is. Merriam Webster defines it as :

a : the art or science of government

b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy

c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

 If one takes the very broad definition in (b) above, then a monk who drafts a letter or puts his name in a petition calling for a change in policy, say regarding allocation of land for temples, would be involved in politics.  So politics may range from participation in partisan politics (such as joining or supporting a political party) to just political activism.  I think we generally view the participation of monks in the former negatively but we are accepting or even encouraging of the latter. But in the middle part of this spectrum there is a great area of overlap.

We generally have a poor opinion of politicians considering how dirty partisan politics can be. Participation in this business taints its participants as almost every politician, regardless of their party, practises poor speech and action at some time and another. So the idea of monks involving themselves in partisan politics is highly disagreeable to many.  However, I think participation of monks in political activism may often be beneficial.

If we look at the history of Buddhism, Buddhist monks who have played pivotal roles in establishing Buddhism in Asia involved themselves with kings and governments. This is true not only of China, Japan, Tibet, etc but is equally true in Theravada countries. No doubt, politics is not the role of monks as envisaged by the Buddha.  However, throughout history, monks have become highly influential persons in their community and in fulfillment of their responsibility to protect the religion and the community of Buddhists, they have invariably been drawn into political activity. 

In recent history we have many examples of monks who have sought to benefit the population through political activity. This has been the case in the independence movement of Myanmar ( U Wisara).  Ven Walpola Rahula, one of the most respected scholar monks of Sri Lanka was also involved in politics and was a leading voice in the Nationalist movement.  More recently, it was the Burmese monks (notably U Gambhira) and the saffron revolution that nudged the wheel of democracy rolling in Myanmar again resulting in Aung San Su Kyi being returned into government. Similarly, monks have influenced kings and governments in Thailand and Cambodia.  Ven MahaGhosananda, the most respected Cambodian monk in recent history also served as a representative of the Cambodian nation-in-exile to the United Nations during the Khmer Rouge years and was also an influential figure during the peace talks during the 1980s.  And in Malaysia, any monk who is associated with the Malaysian Consultative Council (MCCBCHST) can be said to be involved in political activity.

Some monks have proven to be terrible politicians (probably the worst example is when a monk assassinated the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka). But I think that generally, the position of Buddhism in S E Asia would be a lot less secure if these monks had not involved themselves in politics in one way or another.during the course of history.  Buddhism is protected by the governments of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka and this could have come about only through the political involvement of monks.

I think we cannot paint with a broad brush to say monks should not involve themselves in politics. What is more important is the nature of their engagement, their motivations and objectives, and whether their political activism is a betrayal or an inspiration of their monastic ideals.

rgds

Name with-held

Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
7th March 2013

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Ven Thiradhammo was in Town

Bhikkhu Tiradhammo was born in Canada. He studied engineering, geology and geography at the University of British Columbia.

He was ordained in 1974 at Wat Meung Man, Chiangmai with Venerable Tong. In 1975, he moved, in order to be with Ajahn Chah at

Wat Pah Pong and Wat Pah Nanachat in North East Thailand. In 1982 he assisted in the historic transfer of the Thai Forest Tradition to the UK.

After three years in charge of the Harnham Vihara in Northumberland, in 1998 he helped establish the Dhammapala monastery in Switzerland.

Bhikkhu was former abbot of Bodhinyanarama Monastery, Wellington,  New Zealand. 

He has recently dropped by Kuala Lumpur and made a round of Dhamma talks at Citterama, BUBS and Nalanda. I also had the opportunity to tag along when my friend had an interview with Venerable Sir. It is for a Buddhist magazine Eastern Horizon which I think will be quite an interesting article to read.

One thing that Ven strike me was when he told us that he is "retired". I leave it for you to read the article to find out what does that mean to a former Abbott.

Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
5th March 2013

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New "Catholic Cuisine" Apron!

Catholic Embroidery has recently created a new apron for us embroidered with a gold Fleur-de-lis and the "Catholic Cuisine" blog title! I'd love to hear which color you like best, the burgundy or the brown. I wasn't able to decide so we went with both! Either one can be ordered right here in our Catholic Cuisine Apron Shop or directly from Catholic Embroidery.

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Cease its Operation

After in operation for more than 10 years, there are better ways now for Buddhists around the world to get to know new Buddhist friends. There are several reasons the blog is ending its operation.

Thank you for your support all these years.

You may still find Buddhist Pen Pals in Facebook.

Moderator,

Anandabhadda

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[Open Circle] Knowing Him, Knowing Me

Salam, peace and blessings to all of you.

Every creation on this earth bows down to Mighty Lord. But how connected are we to Him? Do we really know Who He is? Is He just a 'concept' that we are trained to have Faith? A far away Being so distant from us?

Some say to know us, we have to know our Creator... well, come and join us once again on another engaging open conversation with Bro Din Othman, as he shares his journey in finding these answers, finding Allah, finding himself, amazingly - through his fantastic artwork.

*Bro Din is a professional graphic designer. In fact, he's the maestro that has been designing most of the great posters for YMP in the past. MashaAllah.

+++++

As with most of our previous circles, our usual Potluck Party is on! Bring some food to be shared, and share your thoughts with us as we get to know each other better :)

Date: 10th March 2013
Time: 2pm to 4pm

Address:
40 Jalan 16/6c,
Seksyen 16,
Petaling Jaya

Log onto our Facebook event page :)

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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

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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.

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