Buddhism As Education

Many people believe they can solve all their problems by just having cash or money. Many people however failed to realise that money itself has the very problem of its own. Money can never solve all problems. Most people do not think wisely. All through their lives they are like race-track greyhounds running after a rabbit decoy. When the chase on the rabbit ends, everything disappears. This is much like the nature of sensual happiness in the wonderland of materialism. As soon as the desired object is attained, the happiness is ended and there rise a new desire. Getting the object to appear not quite satisfying is a chase itself. When we lose something, remember the following advice: “say not that is yours and that is mine, just say this came to you and that to me, so we may not regret the fading shine, of all the glorious things which cease to be”. Wealth is not something for you to accumulate for craving’s sake. It is intended for your welfare as well as of others. Try to make the...

It was this way of life which was the first to revolt against the degrading caste system. It taught humanity to accord equality in every walk of life. This way of life is also the first in providing freedom to women to study and to practice spiritual development. The Great Teacher declared that the gates to success and prosperity are open to all in every stage of life whether high or low, saintly or criminal who would care to seek and aspire for perfection. He did not make his followers slaves to himself or to his teachings but instead granted them complete freedom of thought and investigation to gain confidence for themselves. This system classifies living beings into mind and matter which are in a state of constant change, not remaining the same for two consecutive moments. Mind and matter arise and perish and the cycle of such continues on and on. Therefore, nothing will remain permanent either in this world or elsewhere in the universe. Because everything exist in the universe i...

Today, the message of peace of this Great Teacher is more important than ever before particularly at the time when human beings are intoxicated with power, greed, jealousy, pride, racism, extremism and craving for world domination. This teacher was born in this world to dispel the darkness of ignorance and to save the world from its ills. It is a common knowledge that throughout the world, many people continue to live without practising any form of noble life. However, if they would make an effort to study and understand what this Great Teacher had taught, they could clarify their doubts and be convinced of his teachings that could best contribute to find the aim of life. Whether one believes in him or otherwise, his teaching had a profound effect on everyone. His message was spread without any violence nor war. It is a significant fact that not a single drop of blood had ever been shed in his name or in the name of his teachings. This is indeed the most remarkable record in the wor...

This way of life satisfies human being’s most profound and lofty aspirations. Yet it is able to the stress and strain of everyday life, besides giving the purpose of life. It does not instil fear in people. Good begets good and bad begets bad. Every action has its reaction. These are universal laws. This way of life fully agrees with these fundamental laws and people have to abide by them and reap what they sow. People perpetrate evil deeds out of greed, anger and ignorance. Such shortcomings can only be overcome through self-realisation. The fortunes and misfortunes people experience in this world are not due to external influences but to the good and bad actions, words, deeds they themselves had previously committed. For this reasons, this teaching says, “We are the results of what we were and we will be the results of what we are”. This means, we are totally responsible for everything that we have been doing in our life. Forgiveness of sin is not acknowledged in this way of life....

The noble eight-fold path taught in this way of life is perfect understanding, perfect thought, perfect speech, perfect action, perfect livelihood, perfect effort, perfect mindfulness and perfect concentration. This unique middle path is a code of morality which paves way for people to lead a noble and peaceful life. The middle path is neither metaphysical nor ritualistic. It is neither dogmatism nor scepticism, neither self-indulgence nor self-torture, neither eternalism nor nihilism, neither a law given by some divine authority nor mere imagination of man. It is a path of Enlightenment, which means deliverance from suffering or dissatisfaction. This way of life rejects the idea of humans are suffering today because of their original sins. Every living being, including plant life experience sufferings. Every person carries his or her merits and demerits individually. All humans are solely responsible for their own pain or pleasure. One who follows the middle path should find...

The noble way of life that is being introduced here is a practical educational system of mental culture known to the world some twenty-five centuries ago. The founder of this way of life was the most enlightened and compassionate teacher. This method is also known as the Middle Path, a righteous way of life, an ethico-philosophical system, a DIY method and also can be introduced as a path of freedom and reason. It teaches us to do three things namely, to refrain from doing bad deeds, to be of some service to others and to maintain a healthy pure mind. This message is very meaningful and practical. Yet people still experience difficulties when they try to put them into practice. The reason for such problem is due to their own inherent human weaknesses. The moral conduct of humans plays the most essential part in this way of life. Its great teacher once said, “my teaching is not to come and believe but to practise”. It encouraged people to study themselves, whether they should accept ...

When those who believe in a god experience fear, sorrow or any disturbance in their life, they pray for help and protection. Many Buddhists as whom they can turn to when they are confronted with such situation. In such situation, Buddhists can recall the Buddha to their mind to seek solace. There is no doubt that the Buddhist concept of god differs from that of other religions but when they contemplate the supreme qualities of the Buddha, his great achievements and his calm and noble characteristics, their minds will be calmed and they will gain confidence. Even many religions also say god is not a person, but a force which is personalised in the mind. When their minds are calmed and strengthened by focusing on this power, they will be in the position to face the disturbances to evaluate the problems and find the means to resolve them. Buddhists can resolve their problems in a same manner by recalling the image of the Buddha. Naturally many of our problems are caused by the mind and...

Namo Buddhaya Dear Dhamma friends, For the ninth (9) successive year, 24hr Metta – the non-stop round-the-clock chanting of Karaniya Metta Sutta and other mantras for world peace, harmony and stability – will be held on Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 Dec. 2019. Aloka Foundation and the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM) are again co-organizing this annual Metta event which will be held at Samadhi Vihara - 1B, Jalan Pegaga U12/14, Section U12, Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor. Throughout the 24hr Event, Light which symbolizes wisdom, will be offered to the Triple Gem, reminding Buddhists that the goal of Enlightenment can be attained when wisdom dispels the darkness of ignorance. The thought and intention to offer lights is meritorious, contributing towards more meritorious activities that will carried out by Aloka Foundation and BMSM. Rejoice and make aspiration to direct the merits accrued for your spiritual well-being.

Why should we have faith in the Buddha as our refuge? To get the answers, you should first need to know about the Buddha’s life only then we can understand why the Buddha was an exceptionally noble individual who has unrivalled as the most supreme being in the three worlds. Why should we have faith in him as the teacher of human beings, deities and celestial beings? Stated simply, he is worthy of faith because he discovered and showed all these beings the way leading to cessation of suffering. To understand why the Buddha is worthy of such faith, we should understand the intrinsic meaning of the word Buddha. In other words, Buddha means “the one who knows”. If we look at the actual meaning in Pali word, it says “bujjhatiti buddho”, whereby when it is transalated in English, it says, “because he knows, he is called Buddha”. What does he know? He knows the true nature of phenomena. Therefore, Buddha means “one who knows true nature”. In this world, what are all beings looking for? The...

With regard to the devotional aspect, the question arises, “what should one be devoted to?” or, “what is the object of faith and devotion?” The Pali word saddha is translated as faith. In some context, it is rendered as confidence (pasada) or trust (pasanna). All these words signify faith. So, by having faith what does one have faith in? to put it simply, one has faith in the Buddha, one has faith in the Dhamma, ie the teachings of the Buddha and one has faith in the Sangha, the disciples of the Buddha who follow and practice the teachings of the Buddha. The basic principle of the Buddha’s teaching is the law of cause and effect. In other words, there’s nothing in the universe that is causeless. Every result arises due to pre-existing causes. For example, a seed cannot produce a tree without the suitable conditions of fertile soil, water and sunshine. All the Buddha’s teachings are based on natural law of cause and effect. There’s no teaching whatsoever that is not based on...

Karma Norbuling Buddhist Centre (KNBC) situated at No. 15 & 17 Lorong Rozhan 3, Kawasan Perniagaan Jalan Rozhan, Alma, 14000 Bukit Mertajam will be organizing the Mahakala and Five Zambala Puja followed by liberation of life in conjunction of the Lunar New Year. The Pujas will be conducted by KNBC Resident Master Ven. Khedup Rinpoche. 27 January 2017 @ 10.30pm to 12.00am Mahakala Puja - followed by Auspicious Lamp Lighting 28 January 2017 @ 10.30am to 12.00pm Liberation of Life - followed by 35 Buddhas and Chenrezig Saddhana 5 February 2017 @ 10.00am to 10.00pm Five Zambala Puja Benefits of Puja: Achieve peace and harmony, remove obstacles and bad karmas. Benefits of Zambala Puja: Good luck, achieve happiness and prosperity. 4 kinds of puja blessed candles - XL, L, M, S. Devotees should register earlier with the centre. Zambala statue and Treasure Vase Blessing - RM10.00 each, to be labelled with your names. 3 days Puja Sponsorship required Perfection Sponsor...

What a blessing is was thought about by gods and men for twelve years but they did not attain true safety, the thirty eight blessings which were preached by the gods of gods make all that is bad perish. For the entire world’s benefit and welfare, we will recite that safeguard. The Safeguard Thus I have heard: at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Savathi at Ananthapindika’s grounds in Jeta’s Wood. Then a certain god towards the end of the night, having lit up the whole of Jeta’s Wood with his surpassing beauty, approached the Gracious One and upon approaching and worshiping the Gracious One, he stood on one side. While standing on one side that god addressed the Gracious One with a verse: “Many are the gods and the men who have thought about the blessings hoping for safety, now please say what is the supreme blessing”. “Not associating with fools but associating with the wise; honouring those worthy of honour: this is the supreme blessing. Living in a suitable place, former...

This is what the Great Sage preached about the qualities of the sanghas, after hearing it and while practicing, he is freed from all suffering. For the entire world’s benefit and welfare, we will recite that safeguard. The Safeguard Thus I have heard: at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Savathi at Ananthapindika’s grounds in Jeta’s Wood. There it was that the Gracious One addressed the sanghas, saying, “Monks, Reverend Sirs”, those sanghas responded to the Gracious One, and the Gracious One said this, “there are these ten things, that one who has gone forth should frequently reflect on. What are the ten? “I have become one who has no class”, one who has gone forth should frequently reflect on this. “I am bound to others for my livelihood”, one who has gone forth should frequently reflect this. “I should comport myself differently”, one who has gone forth frequently reflect on this. “Can I myself find no fault with my virtue?” one who has gone forth should frequently refle...

Goodness springing from our hearts arises from true sincerity and is true goodness. What is true goodness and false goodness? We must look into our hearts to see if we are genuinely practicing goodness. False goodness is simply following others, to act without sincerity while wishing for a return. True goodness is to wish for nothing in return. Learning and practicing Buddhism is nothing other than letting go of wandering thoughts, discrimination and attachments. When one does so, the true mind will manifest. It is true that. “in Buddhism, every wish can be fulfilled”. We often read in the sutras of the fire burning our forest of merits. What is the fire? It is anger and hatred. When we lose our tempers, we lose our merits as well. If you want to know how much merit you have, think of the last time you became angry. With one angry thought, the fire burns our forest of merits. Why do all our merits get destroyed with just a little anger? Because we lose our purity of mind. Therefore,...

Matter is accumulated from units of consciousness [the rapid arising and ceasing of thoughts]. There is no matter that exists without consciousness. Both physical and mental phenomena are derived from our thoughts. Once our thoughts arises, various phenomena in the universe appear. Once our thought ceases, the universe disappears and at the same time our true nature instantly emerges. All phenomena in the universe are one entity and are the manifestation of the true nature. When one thought arises, all objects instantly appear. When there is one existence, all exist. When one existence ceases, all existence ceases. There is no order or before and after. It is much like the television screen that changes images all the time, but all the changes come from one screen. Different images are the result of different frequencies of transmissions. The frequency change can be compared to the change of thoughts. When on thought arises, all objects follows. That’s why the Buddha said, “All phen...

Whether attaining something outside of ourselves such as material objects or inside ourselves such as virtues, we still need to seek from within, from the mind. Seeking from outside would be futile. Why? The outside factor is a constant as it cannot change whereas the mind is variable, it can be changed. How do man made calamities, war for example come about? They are from the confrontational and conflicting thoughts in our minds. For example, when there is profit, who do you think of benefiting first? If we think of ourselves first, then it will be difficult to avoid conflicts of interest with others. If everyone thinks of him or herself, how can this world be safe and secure? On the other hand, if everyone can put others before themselves, how can this world be in disorder? Many scientist now believe that everything in this world is composed of elementary particles such as electrons and quarks and that they are all actually tiny particles vibrating at different frequencies. Th...

All phenomena are manifested by the mind. Our environment changes according to our mind. "Environment" here means mountains, rivers, earth, trees, flowers and grass. They all can be changed by our minds and we have to remember this sentence.. If we can be persons with pure, virtuous, sincere, compassionate mind, then the mountains, rivers, earth, trees, flowers and grass will become strong and wonderful. If our mind are full of greed, anger, ignorance and arrogance and our thoughts are constantly taking advantage over others to benefit ourselves, then the outer world will turn fragile. The true nature is of the utmost purity and virtuousness, it is perfect and radiant. Habits are the bad thoughts and views that one acquired after birth. Simply put, the conflict between the true nature and acquired habits are the conflict between altruism and self benefit. Compassion, loving kindness and all virtues are innate in the true nature of all beings, while selfishness and all ...

In Buddhism, we are taught not only to love, but that our love also needs to arise from a mind of sincerity, purity and equality. We call this kind of love compassion. Compassion is a rational love. We also need to use true wisdom. Wisdom is the true mind and emotion is the illusory mind. Love that arises from emotions will change while love that arises from wisdom will change while arises from wisdom will never change. Therefore, the Buddhas do not use love but instead compassion is used. On appearance, love and compassion seem to be the same but their intentions are different. Love may change to hatred but with wisdom, love will never change. All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will love us no matter what happen; whether we love or hate them, becoming jealous or slandering, harming or destroying them. Their compassion for us will never change. This is true love. Most of us will find that our six sense become polluted when they encounter external surroundings. When they are pleasing...

Today, many people are seriously ill. Why do people become ill? Where do illness come from? The root cause is our anger. If we can calm ourselves down and stop being angry, there will be no more illness and when we learn that we will be healthy all the time. Although there are still many people and reasons out there that can make us angry, we Buddhist call them, our karmic creditors, we do not have to be so obedient and get angry when they irritate us. If we become angry once they irritate us, then we are being fooled. We have to know the truth. They are here to make me angry. I know that and I will not follow their will. On the contrary, I will smile at them. In this way, no one can harm me. Who can actually harm us? Actually, we can only be harmed by ourselves, due to our own actions. If we can learn these, no matter how hard others try to irritate us, we will be impervious. If we can impervious, we will truly see through to the truth and let go of everything. When bad cau...

What is merit? It is purity of mind, concentration and wisdom. Think about it, if we lose our tempers, how can we maintain our concentration and wisdom? It is impossible. As for good fortune, it is our wealth and intelligence. When our mind attains Constant Mindfulness of Buddha Amitabha or One Mind Undisturbed, we can accumulate merits and virtues. But with just one outburst of temper, all is lost i.e. no more Constant Mindfulness of Buddha Amitabha or One Mind Undisturbed. Therefore, we need to remain vigilant so as not to lose our merits. The Buddha once said, if we practice the Ten Virtuous Karmas, we will not fall into the Three Bad Realms. Instead, we would likely be born in the heavenly realms if we practice these good conducts diligently. If we achieve the deep concentration along with the Four Immeasurable Minds of loving kindness [providing happiness to others], compassion [taking away bitterness of others], joy [liberating others from suffering and feeling happy for t...