Buddhism As Education

Single-mindedly chanting a sutra without wandering thoughts, distractions or doubt, this is called cultivating meditative concentration. From the beginning till the end, enunciating clearly every word without error or omission - this is cultivating wisdom, we call it fundamental wisdom. Thus, chanting a sutra is cultivating simultaneously the precepts, meditative concentration and wisdom. If one thinks about the meaning of the sutra while chanting it will ruin the cultivation of precept observation, meditative concentration and wisdom. This is treating the sutra as a worldly book. A Living Buddha Zhangjia once said: Buddhism does not emphasize on forms or rituals but rather true substance. If we pay attention only to the formality and fail profoundly comprehend the essence of the sutra's teaching, we will not progress any further than just being zealous about our faith and thus be easily manipulated by those with bad intentions. Chanting the sutras is cultivating the prece...

The Taiping Bodhi Langka Ram Buddhist Temple today held its Kathina Day at its temple premises. The ceremony was presided by the temple's resident monk Venerable Anandajoti. About more than 100 devotees and friends attended today's meritorious event. Asides, a Dhamma session with all devotees and friends at the temple's shrine was also held by Venerable Kumara of the Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS), Taiping. The event was later followed by Pindacara, Offering of Pindapata, Buddha Puja, Offering of Potential Requisites and Sanghikadana. A dedication of merits was later recited by the Sanghas and devotees to ensure all beings benefited from today's meritorious event. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!