May 11, 2025 | Latest, News & Message
SUKHO BUDDHĀNĀM UPPĀDO – Happy is the birth of all Buddhas!
Vesak commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Mahāparinibbāna (or Great Passing Away) of the Buddha. As we celebrate Vesak, we should reflect on how these three events relate to our own lives.
The Birth of the Buddha was the culmination of all the great virtues he had perfected from life to life. He was born as Prince Siddhartha, in a ruling class and in the lap of luxury. Yet, he had the wisdom to realise the fleeting nature of all material comforts and sensual pleasures, and the courage to renounce them in search of the truth – the knowledge to put an end to all the suffering that accompanies birth, old age, sickness and death.
In the same manner, our birth in this present lifetime is the result of our own actions in the past. As a result of the wholesome and meritorious actions of the past, we are born into a good family and peaceful environment, with all the favourable conditions for material and spiritual accomplishment. Some are not so fortunate, owing to their past actions. We need to contemplate on the law of karma: that our present life is the result of all the past good and bad actions we have done, and our future will be the result of all the good and bad actions performed in this lifetime. If we follow the teachings of the Buddha – to avoid all evil, to do good, and to purify our own minds – we will continue to be born in favourable conditions conducive to our final liberation, enabling us to transcend this saṃsāric cycle of birth, old age, sickness and death.
In order to understand how the Enlightenment of the Buddha is relevant to our own lives, we need to understand two things: firstly, we need to understand how the thought of enlightenment arose in the mind of the young Prince Siddhartha and secondly, what enlightenment is really about.
The sights of an old man, a sick man, and a dead person, led Prince Siddhartha to contemplate on how he and his loved ones will also grow old, fall sick and die. Out of compassion, he asked himself if there is a way out, a way to end old age, sickness and death? As he kept on thinking how he could help all his loved ones and his countrymen, he became more and more determined to find the answer. On his way back to the palace, he saw a calm and serene ascetic (or holy man) meditating under a tree. He thought: ‘This could be the way out. I must try it out for myself.’ Thus he made the decision to give up his life of luxury to search for the truth. After six years of strict and austere practice in the forest, he eventually gained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya.
On the night of his enlightenment (which fell on the full moon day of the month of Vesākha), in the stillness of his mind, he began to recall his past lives, one after another. Next, he saw how beings die and are reborn according to their actions, or karma. Seeing his own past lives as well as the past lives of others, he understood the sufferings that accompany birth, old age, sickness and death. Finally, he saw very clearly how suffering arises and how suffering ceases dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to realise the true nature of existence and awakened in him the knowledge of how to put an end to suffering, once and for all. This is what the Enlightenment of the Buddha is about. It shows us the true purpose of our life: to put an end to all suffering.
All of us wish to be free from suffering, and we pray for peace and happiness. But, out of ignorance, we keep on generating the causes of suffering, creating more and more suffering and unhappiness for ourselves and for others.
In order to really overcome suffering, we need to know that:
There is suffering,
There is the cause of suffering,
There is an end to suffering, and
There is the way to end suffering.
These Four Noble Truths encapsulate the universal peace message of the Buddha.
The cause of suffering lies in craving, which manifests both as greed (wanting) and hatred (not wanting). Behind this is delusion, or ignorance – in particular, ignorance with regard to the true nature of our self and phenomena. The Buddha showed the way to overcome greed, hatred and delusion through the Noble Eightfold Path.
At some stage in our lives, we need to wake up to the realities of life, and be prepared to give up the lesser happiness – temporary pleasures of a sensual nature – for the greater happiness of freedom from greed, hatred and delusion.
We may not be able to meditate and become enlightened like the Buddha right away, but we can always apply his teachings to live a more peaceful and harmonious way of life, sowing the seeds of our final liberation and enlightenment. On the occasion of Vesak, we should reaffirm our faith and commitment to the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha and make the strong wish and aspiration to grow in the Dhamma’s path by avoiding evil, doing good and purifying our own minds.
The Mahāparinibbāna or Great Passing Away of the Buddha shows us how to die peacefully. We use the term Mahāparinibbāna because the Buddha did not die like ordinary human beings. Ordinary humans fear death. Their minds are often confused and scattered.
The Buddha passed away with perfect mindfulness and awareness. In his last moments of life, the Buddha lay on one side in the ‘lion’s posture’. He then pitched his mind to the different mental absorptions – ascending from the first jhāṇa up to the eighth jhāṇa, then descending from the eighth to the first jhāṇa, and again ascending from the first to the fourth jhāṇa – before attaining Mahāparinibbāna and experiencing the bliss of Nibbāna.
Reflecting on the Mahāparinibbāna of the Buddha, we must realise that even the Buddha – the all-enlightened one – has passed on. What more ourselves? All beings that are born are subject to death.
Such reflection will prepare our minds to face the eventuality of death and recognise the need to reduce and overcome greed, hatred and delusion. It will teach us to let go of the past and the future, and to remain in the here and now with great clarity and emptiness.
The Buddha’s parting words were:
Transient are all component things;
Work out your deliverance with mindfulness.
Through his Birth, Enlightenment and Great Passing Away, the Buddha teaches us the greatest lesson of life: how we can transcend old age, sickness and death by reducing and overcoming the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion; and finally, put an end to all suffering.
May the blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you always.
Happy Vesak!
Dec 30, 2024 | News & Message
Wishing you all a truly happy and prosperous New Year!
There are many things in life that give us happiness: delicious food, money, health, relationships, success in exams and in our working life, and all the pleasures we derive through our five senses. But all these sources of happiness are fleeting in nature; they come and go.
True happiness is something more lasting. You can only gain true happiness through wisdom and insight into the true nature of your own mind and the true nature of life. With insight and wisdom you will be able to meet the ups and downs of life – profit, loss, praise, blame, fame, ill-fame, happiness and sorrow – with a sense of harmonious equanimity.
In a similar manner, prosperity is not just about wealth, fame and material success. These are also fleeting in nature. True prosperity is the accumulation of a wealth of virtues and merits through leading a righteous way of life, by practising DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ. Good luck does not simply fall from heaven. It is the ripening of all your meritorious deeds.
That is why it is so important to visit the temple and to make meaningful connections on the occasion of the New Year – not only to pray for peace and prosperity, but also to cultivate merits and virtue, and make the aspiration to develop wisdom and insight into the true nature of life.
Wisdom is the knowledge that enables us to overcome suffering. The knowledge we acquire through education and the information learnt through social media and AI may provide us with a means of livelihood or a source of entertainment, but such knowledge alone does not produce wisdom and insight. Without practise and realisation, intellectual knowledge tends to make us feel proud and arrogant, as if we know everything. It actually distracts us from the true purpose of our life: to put an end to suffering.
While we are still strong and healthy, we must take the opportunity to convert our intellectual understanding into experiential knowledge and realisation. All the mundane knowledge we have gained in the world will eventually be forgotten as we age. But the wisdom and compassion that we gain through the cultivation of Metta and mindfulness is something that will effectively transform our lives and truly benefit ourselves and others – now and in the future.
As such, we truly rejoice with all those who have made sincere effort in the cultivation of Samatha Vipassana and attended retreats over the past year. Please keep it up in the coming year, so that you will be better equipped to face the challenges of our time.
Living in these troubled times – amidst wars, natural disasters and climate change – we need to strengthen our minds with wisdom and compassion to meet the challenges of life and remain calm and resilient in times of crises.
We also need to support one other to make positive transformation in our lives. As we connect with our loved ones, relatives and friends over the new year season and beyond, we should find ways and means to encourage and support one another to cultivate moral and spiritual values (rather than just coming together to have a good time). In particular, we should pave the way for all our elder members and Dhamma friends to age with wisdom and with joy.
May the lunar year of the wood snake bring you all greater opportunities for growth and transformation. Wishing you a truly happy and prosperous New Year.
May the blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you all always.
May 17, 2024 | News & Message
Happy is the birth of all Buddhas!
SUKHO BUDDHĀNAM UPPĀDO
As we celebrate Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Mahāparinibbāna (the great passing away) of the Buddha, we should recall to mind the great qualities of the Buddha and reaffirm our faith and confidence in the Buddha Dhamma Sangha, by committing ourselves to the practice of Dāna Sīla Bhāvanā – generosity, morality, and the development and purification of our minds.
The uncertainties caused by the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other natural and man-made disasters – such as wars, environmental pollution, climate change and so on – are continuing to impact the wellbeing and happiness of many around the world.
Living in these challenging times, we need to seek refuge in the Buddha Dhamma Sangha so as to receive their blessings, guidance and protection. Those who have faith and devotion to the Buddha will naturally find solace in times of need. Those who have developed insights into the Dhamma will have greater awareness and acceptance of the ups and downs of life. Those who connect with the Sangha will receive the necessary guidance and inspiration along the path.
Prayers alone are not enough. We need to commit ourselves to the Dhamma to bring about real transformation in our lives. It is through positive transformation that the seeds of enlightenment will be sown in our hearts.
YO DHAMMAṂ PASSATI SO MAṂ PASSATI
He who sees the Dhamma sees me.
The Buddha’s teachings on Mettā and Mindfulness are powerful means of self-transformation, bringing about peace, harmony and stability within the individual, family, nation and the world. They also promote wisdom and compassion for the welfare and happiness of all.
On the occasion of Vesak, let us radiate Mettā – thoughts of loving-kindness – and extend goodwill to all.
May all suffering beings be free from suffering,
May all those in sorrow be free from sorrow,
May all those in fear and dangers be free from fear and dangers,
May all beings be well and happy.
Happy Vesak to all!
Dec 27, 2023 | Latest, News & Message
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 BHĀVANĀ* – 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.[1] 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 VIPASSANĀ over the past year. We hope you will continue with your practice and encourage others as well. (Weekly sessions will recommence on Sunday, 18 February 2024.)
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.
*Click here to read DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ by Bhante Mahinda.
[1] Dhammapada verse 5.
May 3, 2023 | Latest, News & Message
SUKHO BUDDHĀNAṂ UPPĀDO! Happy is the birth of all Buddhas!
Vesak 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, Nālāgiri, or challenged by demons such as Ālavaka and other heretics, the Buddha simply resorted to the act of Truth (SACCA KIRIYĀ) 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 Vesak 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 Vesak 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.
On this occasion of Vesak, 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 Vesak to all!
[1] DASA PĀRAMĪ (Ten Perfections)
[2] Those interested to participate in our ongoing Samatha Vipassana course, please contact Aloka.
Dec 30, 2022 | Latest, News & Message
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 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 completed the course, and many have indicated their interest to further their practice in smaller groups at different locations. (Sadhu to all the coordinators and volunteers who have made this online course possible.)
In the coming year, we look forward to having your continued support and assistance to reach out and share the practice of Metta and Mindfulness with members, devotees and Dhamma friends. For those who have completed the online course on Mindfulness, we hope you will make greater commitment to take your practice to another level.
We also rejoice with all our Dana providers who have generously supported us throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
We look forward to having your continued support and participation in the coming year.
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.
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