SUKHO BUDDHĀNĀM UPPĀDO

New Year greetings to all!

As we usher in the New Year 2024, let us pray for peace, harmony and stability in the world. Let us remind ourselves to cultivate those values that will give rise to peace and harmony within ourselves. The age-old values of reverence, humility, contentment and gratitude; along with DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ¹ – generosity, good conduct and a holistic approach to the cultivation and purification of the mind – will equip us to face the challenges of our time.

Amidst war, violence, disasters and growing hatred in the world today, we must

remain calm and peaceful so that we will be able to care for one another and work for the welfare and happiness of the many. We need to have peace within ourselves in order to live in harmony with others.

Hatred is not overcome by hatred, but by love and love alone.² Hence the need for the cultivation of METTĀ or loving-kindness. Those who are familiar with the cultivation of METTĀ should take their practice to another level. Those who are new to this practice should learn more about METTĀ and start practising immediately.

METTĀ will protect us from the negative energies and thoughts rampant around the world today.

The world needs METTĀ to heal the divides amongst races, religions and nations.

We rejoice with the generosity of all our Dana providers as well as all those who have committed themselves to the cultivation of METTĀ and mindfulness through our

weekly sessions on Samatha Vipassana over the past year. We hope you will continue with your practice and encourage others as well. (Weekly sessions of Samatha Vipassana are conducted on Saturdays, and Metta and Mindfulness on Sundays in BMSM Samadhi Vihara. Metta and Mindfulness sessions are also conducted fortnightly on Sundays in BMSM Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia.*)

In these challenging times, we need to turn to spirituality through the cultivation of METTĀ and other Dhamma practices, and invoke the blessings, guidance and

protection of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha for all.

May the lunar Year of the Dragon – a symbol of power, honour and success – lay the foundation for peace, prosperity and stability in the world.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

May the blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you all always.

*Enquiries, please call 016- 296 6223 for Samadhi Vihara and 018-204 0328 for BMSM PBDM

¹ Please obtain a copy of our latest publication DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ from Aloka Meditation Centre or e-version at www.aloka.info .

² Dhammapada verse 5.

SUKHO BUDDHĀNAṂ UPPĀDO! 

Happy is the birth of all Buddhas!

Wesak is that time of the year when we recall the birth, enlightenment and the great passing away or MAHĀ-PARINIBBĀNA of the Buddha. These three important events are significant to our own lives, as they teach us how to live a peaceful way of life and to realise our full potential.

It is also the time for us to draw inspiration from the life of the Buddha and to aspire to gain our true freedom by walking in the footsteps of the Buddha.

In order to gain true freedom and enlightenment, we need to develop two things: merits and wisdom. The Buddha developed all kinds of merits through the perfection of virtues[1] such as generosity; morality; renunciation; wisdom; effort; patience/endurance; truthfulness; determination; loving-kindness; and equanimity.

It is through these perfections that the Buddha was able to overcome all the obstacles and challenges he encountered. When he was attacked by the wild, intoxicated elephant, Nalagiri, or challenged by demons such as Alavaka and other heretics, the Buddha simply resorted to the act of Truth (SACCA KIRIYA) based on the virtues he had perfected. He never resorted to hatred, revenge or violence.

Besides developing merits through the cultivation of the ten perfections, the Buddha also showed us how to cultivate wisdom through the development and purification of the mind. This is clearly expounded in the Noble Eightfold Path, namely: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Bodily Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

These eight path factors can be understood in terms of SīLA – precepts or good conduct, SAMāDHI – concentration, and PAÑÑā – wisdom.

The aim is to purify our body speech and mind from the unskilful tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion.

Through SīLA or the restraint of speech and body actions, the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion can be prevented from manifesting at the physical and verbal levels, but not at the mental level. Hence the need to develop SAMāDHI or concentration, to cultivate calmness and insight in order to prevent the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion from manifesting at the mental level.  However, unskilful tendencies can still manifest when one’s mind is out of concentration, or when the path factors of effort, mindfulness and concentration are not in proper focus. Hence the need to develop PAÑÑā, wisdom and insight, through the cultivation of Right Understanding and Right Thought.

The threefold training in SīLA SAMāDHI PAÑÑā, which enables us to overcome greed, hatred and delusion, can be effectively realised through the systematic cultivation of SAMATHA-VIPASSANĀ – calmness and insight meditation.

These practices along with merit-making – such as the offering of lights, offering of alms food to the Sangha and other acts of generosity (DĀNA) – are often promoted during Wesak celebrations. They also include the observance of precepts (SīLA) and the cultivation of Metta and Mindfulness and other qualities that contribute to the development and purification of the mind (BHĀVANĀ).

The true significance of Wesak lies in the universal peace message of the Buddha which shows us how to overcome the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion – the root causes of all human problems and challenges in the world today.

Since wars and other man-made and natural disasters are beyond our individual control, giving rise to uncertainties in our lives, it is important for us to turn within to control our own minds through the cultivation of SAMATHA-VIPASSANĀ[2], and sow the seed of enlightenment.

I rejoice that this Wesak, BMSM’s Samadhi Vihara together with Yayasan Belia Buddhist Malaysia’s Bodhi Park, are the joint venue for the Selangor State Wesak Celebrations. The many activities that will bring together Buddhist organisations in Selangor to showcase Hati Suci Selangor Maju is indeed laudable.

In togetherness with all devotees, let us extend goodwill to all and pray for peace, harmony and stability in the country, and in the world at large.

May all suffering beings, be free from suffering.

May all those in sorrow, be free from sorrow.

May all those in fear and danger, be free from fear and danger.

May all beings be well and happy.

Happy Wesak to all!

[1] DASA PĀRAMĪ (Ten Perfections)

[2] Those interested to participate in our ongoing Samatha Vipassana course, please contact us.

New Year greetings to all!

Once again, it is time to reflect and recall all the goodness we have done during the past year, and resolve to improve and transform ourselves in the coming year. How we fare in the coming year will ultimately be determined by our own thoughts, speech and bodily actions.

Whatever may be in store for us in the lunar Year of the Rabbit – a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity – we either need to make the best use of all the positive influences to further our wellbeing, or counter the effects of certain negative forces and change the course of things through the cultivation of spiritual values.

The celebration of Lunar New Year (as with other culturally-related new years) is well known for traditional practices such as respecting elders, being generous, seeking forgiveness, and so on. These wholesome actions are conducive to peace, harmony and prosperity within the family. In addition, we also need to cultivate certain values that will equip us to meet the challenges of our time.

Metta and Mindfulness[1] are two very important ‘tools’ that will help us to meet the challenges of our time. Both are now the subject of scientific investigation around the world, and there are a growing number of studies which demonstrate their benefits – especially in mental health and interpersonal relationships.

For more than 10 years, we have been promoting the awareness and cultivation of Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, through various activities such as 24Hr Metta, Metta Round the World, Metta Circles, Metta Conventions, and the Million Minutes of Metta and Mindfulness initiative.

We rejoice with all the individuals and groups from around the world who participated in Metta Circles and the Million Minutes of Metta and Mindfulness initiative at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and collectively clocked in over 6 million minutes by 13 July 2022.  

Between July and October 2022, the Aloka Online Dhamma Course (AODC) on Mindfulness, based on the Maha-Satipatthana Sutta as taught by the Buddha, was also successfully conducted. More than 500 participants (including BMSM members and Dhamma friends) completed the course, and many have indicated their interest to further their practice in smaller groups in different locations.

The year 2022 was also a significant year for BMSM as it marked the 60^th anniversary of its founding. Much effort was put in by the members of the Central Management Committee (CMC) to celebrate the occasion in a meaningful way through “Touching Lives with Dhamma”: connecting, communicating and engaging with both existing and new members.

We rejoice with all the participants from the various BMSM branches who joined the 3-days National Delegates Conference for a meeting of minds and to chart the way forward. We also say “Sadhu” to all who have joined us in the BMSM Volunteers engagement programme.

In the coming year, we look forward to your continued support and assistance. Your sincere and earnest effort in the cultivation of Metta and Mindfulness will enable us to render services to one another in the true spirit of Dhammadutas.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

May you and all members of your family be blessed with a long, healthy and happy life.

May the blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you all, always.

[1] Please go to www.aloka.info for further information on Metta and Mindfulness.

As we prepare to welcome the new year 2023, memories of 2022 flashed by and filled me with joy and gratitude of how the significant 60^th Anniversary year of BMSM had unfolded and touched us.

I am still overwhelmed with how this key milestone year had been meaningful celebrated. The BMSM team had put together a programme of the times. Instead of the not-so-favourable large gathering celebrations post Covid-19 pandemic, activities rolled out ended up connecting hearts and touching lives. The language of the heart was loud in the course of the year with activities focussed on celebrating members in line with, I must say, the well-conceived theme of Touching Lives with Dhamma.

The first 60^th Anniversary activity, a Gift of Blessing, was an ambitious yet historic undertaking. Truly celebrating members, it involved gifting members by making an offer of light in their name to the Triple Gem at Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia, Putrajaya to usher in the Year of the Tiger.

Each member was notified of this special gesture via an eCNY greeting card customised in their individual names and sent personally to them. Carrying this out in the spirit to Connect, Communicate & Engage with members, it left a high-touch feeling for our members.

Inspired by how this massive task was successfully carried out, the BMSM team of volunteers followed up with another round of connecting, communicating and engaging with members by sending out in May, eWesak greeting cards, again customised with individual names.

Also memorable in 2022 was the pleasantly surprise gift that BMSM received from the Registrar of Societies (ROS). BMSM had pushed boundaries by amending its Constitution and seeking ROS approval for the introduction of new membership categories of Junior Members for children below 18 and Associate Members for non-citizen individuals and organisations.

This was a ground-breaking development that came timely for BMSM to commemorate the Anniversary month of April (being incorporated on 3 April 1962) with an unprecedented Offer of Membership with membership fees waived for new Life, Junior and Associate Members.

While these boosted membership, what was heart-rendering was how it was well-received. It was beyond our imagination that some parents kind-of equated the junior membership in BMSM as a way of connecting their infants, toddlers and young offspring with the Dhamma at an early age.

Yet another event that was historic during the year was the National Delegates Conference that was held in November for serving committee members of the Central Management Committee, 9 branches and 5 Sections to come together for a meeting of minds and charting the way forward beyond BMSM’s 60^th year.

Importantly, the Vision for BMSM was re-established. The consensus of what is wanted of BMSM to become is, To Touch Lives with Dhamma. The current BMSM team of office bearers then zeroed in re-new its Mission to achieve the Vision. The popular choice was To Cultivate and Be the Dhammaduta for Service, Purity and Wisdom.

The Mission incorporates the ageless motto of Service, Purity and Wisdom, which well served in guiding BMSM so far, and reminds us to cultivate the Dhamma individually and also collectively as an organisation and in the process, lead by example as good followers of the Buddha to bring the Dhamma to the many.

Recalling and reflecting on all these, I feel a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for the BMSM team who had worked hard selflessly for such a year of unmatched, fulfilling accomplishments. I would be failing in my duty if I just rejoice but do not convey my heartfelt thanks to the able, dedicated team in these words:

Terima kasih daun keladi

Kalau boleh minta lagi

These words beautifully express the feelings of my heart and on that note, I would like to minta lagi of our enlarged BMSM family to collectively touch lives with the Dhamma and be the dhammaduta of service, purity and wisdom today and tomorrow.

Happy New Year and may all be well and happy always!

I dedicate Volume 2 in this series on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the Aloka Stupa at Peats Ridge in NSW, Australia.

– Venerable Mahinda

DHAMMA

Venerable Mahinda

Click on the cover to view/download the e-booklet

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I dedicate Volume 1 in this series to the memory of my teacher, the late Ven. Dr K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary since his passing away on 31st August 2006. May he attain to perfect enlightenment

– Venerable Mahinda

BUDDHA

Venerable Mahinda

Click on the cover to view/download the e-booklet

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SUKHO BUDDHANAM UPPĀDO!

Happy is the Birth of All Buddhas.

This is especially important during this period of crisis, caused not only by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by natural disasters such as fire, floods and storms. Prayers alone are not enough to develop the mental resilience and generosity of heart to reach out to others in times of need.
Just as we need to continue to observe physical distancing and physical hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we need to maintain mental hygiene though our daily practice, to help us overcome fear, worry, anxiety and all the other negative thoughts and destructive emotions that arise in these times of uncertainty. We need to bridge the divides created by lockdowns and social distancing on a local and global scale with wisdom and compassionate love.

The many discourses of the Buddha were taught on different occasions to a diverse array of individuals. When we consider the current global situation, with the increased levels of fear, anxiety and other mental and physical sufferings, we need to recognise how, amongst all the Buddha’s teachings, the teachings on Metta and Mindfulness are so relevant at this time.
Metta, being the antidote for anger or aversion, will enable us to remain calm in times of trouble and not react to adverse situations. As the basis of altruism, the genuine wish for the wellbeing of others, Metta has an important role to play in developing caring and sharing communities that will be able to meet the challenges of our time in constructive and beneficial ways.

Through the cultivation of Metta, one develops the wish for all sentient beings to be well and happy. Many wholesome qualities, including compassion (KARUNA), sympathetic or appreciative joy (MUDITA) and equanimity (UPEKKHA), as well as certain outwardly-expressed qualities which form the basis of rendering service to others¹, will also begin to develop.
At some point, when the urge to reach out to others becomes very strong, the realisation of one’s own limitations will trigger the thought of gaining Enlightenment in order to acquire the knowledge and skills to help beings out of suffering. That is how the process of awakening will start to unfold.

Mindfulness will effectively check our excessive craving and grasping tendencies, which are the root cause of all the stress and tension we experience. It will also generate the wisdom and insights to overcome our self-cherishing habit, arising from our false notion of the self as “I, my, me and mine”, which is the root cause of all human problems.
Together, these two practices will provide us with calmness and insight as well as the presence of mind to deal with any difficult situations that may arise in these challenging times.

Through compassion, the Buddha perfected his virtues² and developed all the necessary knowledge and skills to help others. Through wisdom, he purified his mind from the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion. That is how he became the All-Awakened One, under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, more than 2,500 years ago.

We are indeed fortunate to be able to receive the teachings of the Buddha and have proper guidance amidst the turmoil and confusion of modern living. We should make good use of this opportunity to sow the seeds of enlightenment in our own hearts and in the hearts of the many. Let us walk in the footsteps of the Buddha with Metta and Mindfulness.

On this occasion of Vesak, we extend our Metta and goodwill to all, through our meditation and prayers.
May all suffering beings be free from suffering.
May all those in sorrow be free from sorrow.
May all those in fear and danger, be free from fear and danger.
May all beings be well and happy!

May the Blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you always.
Happy Vesak to all!

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1. The SANGAHA VATTHU: generosity – DĀNA, pleasant speech – PIYAVACCA, helpful actions – ATTHACARIYA, and unbiased participation – SAMANATTATA.

2. The Ten Perfections (DASA PARAMI): Generosity – DĀNA, Morality – SĪLA, Renunciation – NEKKHAMMA, Wisdom – PAÑÑĀ, Effort – VIRIYA, Patience – KHANTI, Truthfulness – SACCA, Determination – ADHITTHĀNA, Loving-kindness – METTĀ, Equanimity – UPEKKHĀ.

SUKHO BUDDHANAM UPPĀDO!

Happy is the Birth of All Buddhas.

The Buddha is an embodiment of great wisdom and compassion. And wisdom and compassion is what we all need to cultivate, especially during this time of crises. Through wisdom, we will know how to take good care of ourselves, and with compassion, we will be able to reach out to others.

This year, due to the Movement Control Order,  you will not be able to visit temples as usual to make offerings and prayers… Never mind! Take this opportunity to visit your inner temple. The real temple is within your own hearts. 

Remember that there are two kinds of offerings or PUJĀ. There is ĀMISA PUJĀ and PATIPATTI PUJĀ.

ĀMISA PUJĀ is the offering of lights, incense, flowers and so on. It includes all the material offerings. You can still do this during the e-Vesak celebrations with offerings of lights and also make various offerings in your own home.

The second type of offering is called PATIPATTI PUJĀ. It refers to the offering of practice. So, for this year’s Vesak, as we celebrate the Birth, Enlightenment and the Great Passing Away (of MAHAPARINIBBANA) of the Buddha, you should all spend the whole day immersed in the Dhamma. You can do this by practising Metta, loving-kindness, meditation at least twice a day, morning and evening (best would be just before sunrise and sunset), and in between, during the day, you should cultivate mindfulness as much as you can. Watch your thoughts, speech and body actions. Please make an effort to overcome any wrong thoughts, speech and body action with Right Thought, Right Speech and Right Body Actions.

We should understand that the peace and harmony that we pray for – especially at this present time – can only arise when there is peace and wellbeing in our own minds and hearts.  That is why it is so important for us to train our own body, speech and mind to become peaceful. The peace we generate within us will naturally influence those around us, extending to the whole world.

Start the day by paying homage to the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha in your own home. If you do not have a proper shrine, you can improvise one. It would be good if you could also get your parents, spouse and other family members to join in. Otherwise, you can do it yourself and think of them as you do.

Make offerings of light, flowers, incense etc. Then bow down three times, paying homage to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Go for refuge, by reciting ‘Buddham saranam gacchami…’. Renew your five precepts, or take the eight precepts especially for Vesak Day – it’s up to you.

If your parents are around, pay respects to your parents. Thank them for all the good things they have done for you. Truly express your gratitude to them. If tears well up in your eyes – very good!  Seek forgiveness for anything which you have done that may have hurt or offended them. Then sincerely wish them to have long, health and happy lives. And also tell them not to worry, that you will walk the Dhamma’s path and take care of them in their old age.

If your parents are no more, just think of them and later dedicate merits for their spiritual wellbeing.

You should also rejoice in and appreciate all the attention and care you have received from your teachers and all other family members.

Then, celebrate. Celebrate your own virtues of reverence, humility and gratitude. Rejoice in the goodness of others around you.

After that, sit somewhere quietly and start your meditation.

At the end of the day, after immersing yourself in Metta and mindfulness throughout the day, offer whatever merits you have acquired to the Buddha; to all the past, present and future Buddhas. Make the firm determination that you will continue to grow in the Dhamma’s path, to develop wisdom, compassion and all other wholesome qualities until your final liberation.

Then, pray for blessings, guidance and protection, so that you will have the strength, the courage and the wisdom to overcome whatever problems that may arise by bringing them into your path of practice.

That’s how you should celebrate e-Wesak 2020. Do join us in the following:

1.      6 May 2020 (Wesak Eve) 5.00 pm: Puja and guided meditation by Bhante Mahinda

2.      6 May 2020 (Wesak Eve) 7.00 pm Bodhi Puja led by Sayadaw U Aggana  

3.      7 May 2020 (Wesak Day) 8.00 pm: One-Time One-Heart e-Wesak and Metta Meditation from home follows by Wesak Message from Bhante

May the Blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha be with you all always.

May the pandemic outbreak of the Covid-19 virus be ended swiftly. May all the frontline healthcare workers be blessed and protected. May all those who are directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic be free from harm and danger.

May all suffering beings be free from suffering. May those in sorrow be free from sorrow, and those in fear and danger, may they be free from fear and danger.

May all beings be well, happy and healthy.

Happy Wesak to all!

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu.

 Just as the light of a candle dispels the darkness inside a room, offerings of light to the Buddhas dispels the darkness of our ignorance, propelling us further towards our ultimate goal, Enlightenment.

Light represents Wisdom

Light Up an E-Candle

PADIPA PUJA
Offering of Light
Ghana sàrappa dittena – Dīpena tama-dhansinà
With lights shining brightly, abolishing this gloom,
Tiloka dīpam sambuddham – Pūjayàmi tamo-nudam
I adore the Enlightened One, who dispels the darkness (of ignorance)

Click on the candle to symbolically light an e-candle

Wish to Make a Donation ?

Donations can be made via online banking solutions or Touch n Go E-wallet. For a receipt, please email to info@bmsm.org.my with your transaction reference.

Wish to Offer a Light at the Temple ?

To offer a light at the temple, please fill up the Offering of Lights form and submit by 5 May 2020. Please include your name and the dedication name for your offering. We will make offerings on your behalf and light a candle at a centralized location in BMSM Kajang Branch*. The dedication list will be displayed at the shrine hall.

*With the uncertainty following the Covid-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order, all BMSM centres (BMSM Samadhi Vihara @ Shah Alam, BMSM-Pa Auk Dhammavijaya Meditation Centre @ Dengkil & BMSM Kajang Branch) will be closed to devotees and public for 2020 Wesak Day.