Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre - fpmt-ldc.org · Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre September ... just bringing people in and let them sit to listen to the puja and ... Oral Transmission

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa CentreS e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9

© Losang Dragpa Centre No, 1 Jln 17/21F, 46400 PJ Selangor, MalaysiaE-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org

Host Master : Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup

(Abbot of Kopan Monastery)

1000 O�ering Events (9th - 11th OCT 2009)

© Losang Dragpa Centre E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa CenterS e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9S e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9

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Contents

Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choose Happiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Dakini Speaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rap Lyrics to Geshela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Team behind Discovering Buddhism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dharma For Kids - Contentment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buddha on how communities & societies should be governed . . . . . . . . .

Essence of life recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calendar September 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calendar October 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Pg 14

Pg. 16

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Pg. 18



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Choose Happiness

Apart from that, Thousand O�erings Event also gives opportunity for others to accu-mulate merits through their generosity by contributing their time, wealth, e�ort, and knowledge. We are not doing business, we are not selling holy object, and we are not selling candles to earn money. All dona-tions or the amount that we collect from the thousand o�erings are to give oppor-tunity for people to accumulate merits. This is recommended by the Buddha for human beings like us to accumulate merits and to bring puri�cation of our negative karma. Therefore, the so call “business” we are going to do during Thousand O�erings Event is not a common ordinary business. When we talk to people, we should make it clear to them to use this opportunity to accumulate merits.

LDC is a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist centre. The motivation of every action we do should be Bodhicitta motivation. Our motivation is not just to bene�t one person, or three hundred persons or one thousand persons. Our objec-tive is to bene�t in�nite sentient beings, not only human beings but all beings including insects such as ants. Due to our limited abilities, we cannot reach the numberless beings within a year or 10 years. Therefore, this Thou-sand O�erings Event is very necessary as it creates a platform for us to create the positive conditions for Malaysians whose karma to connect with the Buddhadharma, Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and Lam Rim have ripened. According to Buddha’s teachings, conducive conditions are needed in order to ripen the karmic seed of a person to meet Buddhad-harma. Even if we have good karma, if we do not have conducive conditions, the karma cannot complete. As Abbot of Kopan Monastery, Khenrinpoche is taking care of the ever grow-ing group of monks and nuns and bringing alive Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s and Lama Yeshe’s vision of Kopan. How fortunate that Khenrinpoche still can spare the time to be in LDC and in Malaysia to conduct various teaching and activities. The Thousand O�erings Event was initially inspired by our most respected guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the founder of LDC.

Whatever activities that are carried out in the Thousand O�erings Event, whatever activities, including the selling of �owers and candles, including just bringing people in and let them sit to listen to the puja and receive blessings, all should be motivated for world peace. This is only possible by having the pure heart of compassion, loving kindness and the ethic of non harming, the ethic of non violence and that has to start from some where. So we do our part by actively participating in the Thousand O�erings Event. So our motivation is to serve and to bring harmony and prosperity in Malaysia, non violence and to the whole world. This is the fact. We have to understand that our position can create so much bene�t for others. Even though each and every individual volunteer might need to go through some hardship such as heavy workload, no proper sleeping hours, no proper food, and many other di�culties, you have to remember you are doing this for a huge purpose, which is to dedicate yourself alone to bene�t numberless beings.

T he Annual Thousand O�ering Event is one of the very impor-tant and essential events organized by Losang Dragpa Buddhist Society (LDC). This event is motivated to bring immense of bene�ts and opportunity for as many people as possible, to gain excellent karmic merit and establish connec-tion with the objects of refuge, namely the Triple Gem.

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Why have the 1000 O�erings event and how we should think and act

9 t h - 1 1 t h O C T 2 0 0 9二零零九年十月十日至十一日



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Choose Happiness

We have a really amazing and highly realized Rinpoche (Khenrinpoche, Abbot of Kopan Monastery) as the Host Master for Thousand O�ering Events. Khenrinpoche is a great Geshe, a great mediator, and great scholar who has so many qualities and much blessing to give us. All the pujas and o�ering prayers led by this great master will help us purify our negative karma faster and more e�ciently.

A portion of the donations that we will collect from Thousand O�erings Event will be dedicated to the sanghas from the monastery and nunnery where Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche have to feed 800 to 900 of sanghas everyday., to train great and well-learned sanghas who study full time and will be sent to serve and bene�t the world. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has many centres around the world to bene�t various people. Hence, many learned sanghas are needed. In addition to that, Buddha has said that to preserve the Buddhadharma, you need the Sangha community. Without Sangha community, there is no Buddha Dharma. The Buddhadharma will just cease. By having this One Thousand O�erings Event, LDC is taking care of the Sangha and sons and daughters of our guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khenrinpoche. Proceeds of the event will be used for provid-ing food, medication, conducive spiritual conditions or to build more accommodation so that more new Sangha, to those who would like ot practice celibacy life, to be received, trained and cared for.

The remaining amount from the event will be used to develop LDC and make it a stronger platform to bring more bene�t to others. Every single cent from the event will to the right purpose, the right direction and for the right reason. So even if there is a person who donates only one Ringgit, that donation will not be wasted and the donor will bene�t immensely because it will go towards the development of the Sangha community’s spiritual practice and on account of this, the donor will continually receive bene�ts.These are just some of the many reasons for us to work harder for Thousand O�erings Event.

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Why have the 1000 O�erings event and how we should think and act

9 t h - 1 1 t h O C T 2 0 0 9二零零九年十月十日至十一日

Times have changed. We cannot mindlessly stick to ideas according to old ways just for the sake of it. For example, how to organize the event and how to set up things, we cannot stick to things we might have done many years ago. The purpose of making the Thousand O�erings event one of great beauty, the purpose of generating enthusiasm for the event is to connect people to Buddhadharma. Who are these people? The new generation people, the people from the 21 century. Hence, whatever we organize or decorate, we have to �nd the best way to attract them. Try to make a very extensive, colourful and a fun atmosphere during the event.

Everybody including our most respected puja master, Khenrin-poche, all senior members, new members, and myself included, have to give full support to this Event, as it is the dharma event. If you have nothing good to say, at least don’t say anything. If would like to say something, say positive things like “Rejoice, I ‘m happy for you, can I do something for you?”, “Can I assist you?” or at least contribute with our small amount of donation or at least moral support by attending the event. One person’s presence makes a huge di�erence for the event. For the volunteers, when coming for meetings, you pay for your own meals, your own petrol, you have to do everything by yourself and yet, you seem to only get criticism and little appreciation. Don’t be discour-aged. You are doing this for Dharma. For those people who scold, criticize, show black faces, all this is terrible. Whoever does this has no Dharma practice in them and this kind of attitude is totally wrong and nega-tive. If you are not able to support physically, �nancially or even morally, at least keep quiet and smile and be happy that others are trying to do virtue. Of course, all the Buddha and Sangha protocols should still be observed according to the Dharma. In doing so and recognizing that people’s abilities and interests have changed, we need to work based on current times without losing Dharma.



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9 t h - 1 1 t h O C T 2 0 0 9

9/10/2009 (Friday) Nectar bath o�ering to 10 Directions Buddhas and Bodhisattvas , Arhats and Dharma Protectors Incense Puja Tara Puja & Light o�erings Teaching on "How To Eliminate Problems in Life" Opening Ceremony Oral Transmission & Recitation on Chenrezig Mantras, Light & Flower o�erings Sur 'Aroma' puja to 10 Direction Buddhas and extensive charity to 6 realms beings Dedication & Public Blessing

Extensive Nectar O�ering to the Dharma Protectors of Hayagriva, Palden Lhamo, Mahakala, Kalarupa, Namthose, Tsering Chenya, Thawo the Great Dharma King and 10 direction Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats and Dharma Protectors. Incense Puja Oral Transmission of White Dzambala mantra with extensive puja & light o�ering. Teaching on “Buddha Nature - Will All Beings Become Buddha One Day?” Oral Transmission on Seven Medicine Buddha prayers & recitation on Medicine Buddha Mantra, & Light o�ering. Sur ‘Aroma’ o�erings to 10 direction Buddhas and extensive charity to 6 realms beings Dedication & Public Blessing.

Incense Puja Powerful Dorje Namjoma Puja - 'Chabtue' Medicine Buddha Jangwa Puja for both the living and deceased Dedication & Public Blessing

10/10/2009 (Saturday)

10:00 am - 11:00 am

11:00 am - 12:00 pm02:00 pm - 03:30 pm04:00 pm - 06:00 pm07:30 pm - 08:00 pm 08:00 pm - 09:00 pm

09:00 pm - 09:30 pm

10:00 am - 11:00 am

11:00 am - 12:00 pm02:00 pm - 03:30 pm

04:00 pm - 06:00 pm07:30 pm - 09:00 pm

09:00 pm - 09:30 pm

11/10/2009 (Sunday) 10:00 am - 10:30 am10:30 am - 12:00 pm02:00 pm - 05:00 pm Contact: 1ko�[email protected]



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9 t h - 1 1 t h O C T 2 0 0 9

Sponsorship of Speci�c Altars of

The Glorious Shakyamuni Buddha Altar (RM 13,888)

The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Shakyamuni Buddha, accompa-nied by the Golden Light Sutras, a sacred Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill), a crystal jewel, together with candle & incense set.

The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Tara, accompanied by the Golden Light Sutra, a holy Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill) together with a candle & incense set.

The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Medicine Buddha accompanied by the Golden Light Sutra, a precious Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill) together with a Candle + incense set.

The donor of this altar will invite home a blessed 16" Yellow Dzambala, accompanied by the Golden Light Sutra, sacred Stupa (with Red Chenrezig Nectar Pill), crystal jewel, a box of sa�ron together with a candle & incense set.

The Potent Medicine Buddha Altar (RM 8,888)

The Dzambala Altar of Abundance (RM 16,888)

The Sublime Tara Altar (RM 8,888)

Should you have any query please do not hesitate to contact Karen ( + 6 012 661 1974 )or email (1ko�[email protected]).



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Integrating Lam Riminto Daily Lifeb y V e n K h a d r o l a

@ L o s a n g D r a g p a C e n t r e , K u a l a L u m p u r, M a l a y s i a 1 6 J u l y 2 0 0 9

V e n e r a b l e K h a d r o l a g i v i n g t e a c h i n g i n L D C o n 1 6 t h J u l y 2 0 0 9

wanting happiness and not wanting su�ering. The bene�ts received from a Guru is no di�erent from that received from the Buddha. Therefore, Guru should be regarded as Buddha because there is no kinder person than the person who introduced Dharma to our life. Geshe Tenzin Zopa who is here giving lojong and Lam Rim teachings is covering the entire Buddhadharma, therefore you should put e�ort to study well. Practising Dharma is not merely collecting intellectual knowledge but to be practiced from the heart.

I would like to say that from my observations, in this country, there are all sorts of Lamas without proper study and lineage, claiming to be Lamas. If you follow such persons, you will end up wasting your precious human rebirth. Therefore, think how fortunate you are to be in a Centre guided by true Lamas and where proper teachings are being given, so please don’t waste such a precious opportunity.

Many Buddhist practitioners give up Dharma when facing great di�culties. This is solely because of the person himself/herself. The main purpose of Dharma is not about

As Buddhists, you should be proud of yourself as you have chosen a path of non-violence and caring for all beings. The intrinsic nature of all beings is



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power. It is not about running after initiations and hunt for high titled Lamas because if you do that, you could end up being overwhelmed by your own superstitious thoughts and when great problems arise, you give up Dharma altogether. Instead, you need to study, you need to understand well, the teachings of Lam Rim and lojong (mind-training). Even if you take a 100 initiations and have 100 ritual implements, as long as you don’t fully comprehend mind-training (lojong) and Lam Rim, you will deceive yourself and you will become disap-pointed. Therefore, it is very necessary to engage in the study of mind training and Lam Rim.

Why is it necessary to practice mind-training? Because the purpose of learning Dharma is to �nd solutions in life, to overcome the samsaric aggregates which keep us in su�ering.

In ordinary life, gaining wealth, food and shelter brings some pleasure at a physical level but not at a mental level. The worst su�ering is mental su�ering. Therefore, we have no choice but to learn how to transform such su�ering. To do this, one needs to transform the mind. Wealth, rank, position can never handle or deal with mental su�ering. Even having a large number of friends or guardians does not help because when faced with mental su�ering, nothing can help except for mind-training.

All the su�erings, fears, problems arise due to our hallucina-tions, wrong concepts, wrong perceptions and therefore, we must subdue our minds through applying Dharma. The root cause of su�ering is self-grasping (and the belief in inherent existence). This gives rise to all sorts of su�ering and supersti-tions. In order to purify the grasping to self and the grasping to phenomena, one must learn and understand about the true nature of existence. Otherwise, there is no way to eliminate su�ering.

Since we seek happiness and wish to avoid su�ering, it is necessary to investigate where happiness comes from. Every experience is dependent on causes and conditions. Positive experience comes from positive causes and negative experi-ences come from negative causes. There is nothing existing that is not in the nature of dependent arising. By being able to understand this, one will gain conviction that nirvana is de�nitely possible.

Integrat ing Lam R im into Dai ly L i fe - by Venerable K hadro

la

lar, on Bodhicitta. To achieve bodhicitta, one needs to �rst realize all sentient beings as mother. In these times, this idea of sentient beings as mother, might appear strange or contra-dictory. Practices such as exchanging of self for others also seem to be di�cult practices. It is di�cult only because we don’t realize that our happiness is dependent on other sentient beings. Again the realization of dependent arising is important. Without engaging in the 6 Perfections, it will be impossible for us to gain liberation. Yet, there is no way of gaining realisations in the 6 Perfections without sentient beings.

The self cherishing mind and self grasping are reasons why we cannot see others as mother sentient beings. Buddha’s teach-ing on Refuge itself is already emphasizing to us the need to relate our Dharma practice to other sentient beings.

We have reached the 21st century and we are engaging in preliminary practices which is very good, though we should not expect ourselves to achieve the bene�ts tomorrow. When you analyse on the nature of cause and e�ect, as well as the nature of dependent arising, you �nd so much excitement and interest in wanting to study Dharma.

There is no miracle to enable one to change one’s life but there is a solution, which is to know the right cause, to gain the right result. After all, even in the case of machines, without the right causes and conditions, the machines cannot function. Therefore, similarly with happiness, even though we

If we honestly investigate how Buddha revealed his teachings in the various schools of philosophy, in sutra teachings, in tantra teachings, we see that Buddha was teaching according to the mental capabilities of the sentient beings he was teaching to. This in itself shows how Buddha’s teachings themselves are based on interdependence.For people nowadays, it is recommended to follow Lam Rim teachings and in particu-



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do understand Lam Rim and chant prayers, without tying our lives to carrying out what is taught in the Lam Rim (and create the right causes), we will continue to trigger all our problems.

There are various way of accumulating merit and virtue but one of the greatest ways of doing this is to learn about and understand the true nature of existence. As long as one cannot eliminate self-grasping, thinking of “I, I, I” all the time, it will be di�cult to gain lasting happiness. The stronger the self-grasping, the greater the su�ering.

Going after physical comforts, serving the self-grasping mind brings only insecurity. Why not �ght with this trouble-making self-grasping mind instead. Be more contented. Be more renounced.

Through my visit to various countries, I noticed that there are many self-appointed Lamas providing initiations. They do this because they don’t know how to teach and just confer initia-tions by ringing bells and say goodbye, without even giving a proper teaching on refuge. There is even the danger of their giving commitments to people to recite powerful mantras, where a person receiving such a commitment (without proper understanding and motivation) can end up having enhanced anger, attachments and other delusions which cause them to end up in the lower realms. To really learn Dharma, one has no choice but to learn Lam Rim and Lojong. Thus in daily life, the transformation of delusions can only happen by applying lojong/mind-training. If one meditates without understand-ing Dharma, one might gain the bene�t of some relaxation but otherwise, the meditation is wasted.

The actual power of Dharma is its ability to help us subdue our minds and therefore, enables us to handle samsaric life better and equip us to cope with the pressures of daily life. Since delusions are not always active in our mental continuum, it means that we have the opportunity to meditate on antidotes and we should do so. In any situation, including in family situa-tions, there will be more harmony, less �ghts, less problems if we understand dependent-raising, by understanding that care and respect must be mutual.

Integrat ing Lam R im into Dai ly L i fe - by Venerable K hadro

la

In short, try your best to gain the understanding of emptiness through the knowledge of dependent arising. Actualize bodh-icitta through practicing non-harmful thoughts. Reduce anxiety, fear and insecurity in your daily life because these bring out problems and su�ering in your daily life. As long as one has proper refuge, the blessings of the guru and one puts e�ort in understanding and applying Dharma, (happiness can be gained).

I am just an ordinary woman lacking in knowledge and thus it may be impolite of me to give you advice. But whatever I have advised you here is based on my own life in building a sense of security, fearlessness, contentment and unshakeable faith in the Dharma, my Gurus, karma, dependent arising. My life changed due to my little understanding of dependent arising, due to the inspiration that came from learning about depen-dent arising.

Question: Seeing how di�cult Khadrola’s life was before and now, how does Khadrola feel about life now?

Answer: I don’t cling to past experiences because life in this contaminated body will naturally have all forms of di�cult experiences and changes. So I don’t dwell on the past.

Question: Women seem to have more di�culties in practicing Dharma – temperament, jealousy, tendency to idle-talk. What advice does Khadrola have?

Answer: In Dharma (potential), there is no di�erence between men and women. The nature of delusions, the nature of clear light, the antidotes to be applied are the same for men and women. In physical aspects, there are di�erences but in Dharma practice, both have the same capabilities. I would say that women are more suited to being leaders of countries because they have an innate sense of care and would more willingly embrace other countries. For the practice of bodh-icitta, women have a quicker potential to actualize that because of this deep sense of caring and sacri�cing for others. Whether the men support women or not, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas support us! (laughter) And when the Buddha taught, he taught referred to mother sentient beings and not father sentient beings! (more laughter). But yes, some women do have narrow thinking and cling to small issues. Better to be broad-minded and think at a higher level.



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To Geshe

Not many will hear what you’ll sayBut whether you can hustle or at least portray

Life is like a battle its one of the same,They don’t see the face,

They just see the chains.

But you’re there when I hustleYou’re there every time

When I’m in the o�ceOr when I am in the front line.

Your words of wisdom I will surely follow,Taking me back and guiding my tomorrow.

In this crazy world with so much rage,Im a burnt bookBut you give me a new front page.

When I am down in submission,You are there to listenAs though its your missionWith trust and compassion.

So when I go out thumping the streets,I know I won’t feel samsaric defeat.

In my darkest hour you always come to me.With your words of wisdom you set me free.The fog is gone my eyes are no clear to see.

So even when you are close or far away,I know you are with me everyday.

Life takes me down and makes my palms sweatyAnd yet this burden called karma is not that heavy

You give me strength and unlimited power,Teaching me to care and trust one another

A guide to the trust you are my lightThat shines away through the darkest night,And like that light that shines so bright.You never go away without a �ght

And what I say is de�nitely true,There is no one on Earth just like you.

Lyrics by Clarence Chua Min Shieh



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Discovering Buddhism

Discovering Buddhism (DB) is a 6-month program at LDC that was born out of the steely resolve of Geshe Tenzin Zopa to have senior students lead Dharma sessions and the hesitant but well-meaning e�orts of "oldies" in Selina Foong, Quah, Eric Tan and huei. Scheduled on Mondays (English version) and Wednesdays (Chinese version), DB is designed for beginners to the dharma wishing to explore the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhist teachings in a systematic manner . Based on FPMT’s study program , it includes topics on “Mind and its Potential” and those of the Gradu-ated Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim) which encompasses the Buddha’s teachings arranged into a beautifully logical order. The DB session leaders aim is to introduce key Buddhist concepts to new-comers, as well as old-timers who need to refresh their Dharma knowledge, with a view to "hand-ing them over" to a REAL teacher, i.e. our Geshela, for in-depth classes. The DB program will be run on a repeat basis, approximately twice in a year at LDC. For the DB schedule, log onto www.fpmt-ldc.org

DB session leaders were asked by Shabda to share their favourite one-liners which they use in class and also to say a little about what aspect of Dharma a�ected them the most at a personal level:

Favourite One-liner “Wherever we are now in our spiritual progress , is where we have to start from – there is no choice. So instead of feeling shame or pride, the important thing is to keep improving by studying and apply-ing the teachings” .

What aspect of Dharma has a�ected my personal life the mostThis is a very hard question, because I feel that Dharma has a�ected my life in so many ways.

For a start, the Dharma has softened my grip on trivial matters. I realize that even as I write this, seconds of my life are ticking away, never to return. Thus, I see the need to not be overly obsessed with the a�airs of this life alone...so these days, I am a lot more conscious of how I spend my time.

The Dharma has also softened the barrier between myself and others. I understand that we are essentially the same – we all want happiness; no one wants su�ering. Taking this to heart, I readily feel warmth and respect towards others, whereas in the past, the labels of ‘friend’, ‘enemy’ and ‘stranger’ would have really stuck.

And in quiet moments, I marvel at my good fortune in meeting my Gurus and the holy Dharma – the door to my enlightenment. It strengthens my resolve to not waste this wonderful life.

1. Favourite one-liner Stay focused now because we only have one-and-a-half hours to listen to dharma . So put aside the worries from work, family issues and the resonance of heavy tra�c. Be glad for these hours in having a chance to listen to dharma. 2. What aspect of Dharma has a�ected my personal life the mostI love Dharma. Buddhism empowers me in my decision-making, creativity at work, self-debate. Dharma covers every aspect of life. Often, people only label things as "good and pure" in relation to religion; as for matters outside this scope, we don't spend much time thinking or talking about it. In my view buddhism gives us a wider spectrum of viewpoints to ease this line of 'discrimination'. I think this is important in the context of what is called a correct view. From gross to subtle level. From individuals to families and even countries, carry out acts without correct view and so we see suicides and wars.

From Selina

From Eric



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Discovering Buddhism

From Wong 1. Favourite one-liner: It is di�cult to have an optimum human rebirth, and it is even more di�cult to come to know Dharma. We must congratulate ourselves for having created the good karma to overcome both di�culties. 2. W hat aspect of Dharma has a�ected my personal life the most: I am born a hard-core pessimist, and was often immersed in depression. Surely, being pessimistic speaks volumes of my "self-graspingness" and "self-centredness". Very fortunately, though, I have a good karma to come to know Dharma. Dharma helps me see things di�erently and, more importantly, makes me realize the purpose of this precious human life, that is, not simply to achieve happiness for myself, but to help others eliminate their su�ering and achieve happi-ness too. I am sure my involvement in hospice services and the DB classes are movements in the right direction, and I am most grateful for the opportunities that come my way for me to be so involved. Still learning to shed o� my pessimism, but I am de�nitely a much happier person than I would otherwise be if not for the Dharma.

Favourite one-liner

"If one learns nothing from these Dharma sessions, one needs at least, to

understand karma".

What aspect of Dharma has a�ected my life the most:

My Guru, in showing me how to be; and

the Dharma in showing me what I can be and how to get there.

From Huei



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Patience means….

Appreciating all we have instead of looking to next thing we want.

Dharma for Kids

3. Contentment

Comel Contentment

I have what I need, if I don’t feed my greed.

Living with a quiet joy.Moderation; Balance & Not Over Doing it.Appreciates how much we have already, so we do not need to grab for more.

Instant Replay Questions on ContentmentAnswers by Ong Kye Li (9 years old)

Have you ever seen anyone �ghting over a rock or stick?Yes, my brothers Ong Hsien Min & Ong Hsien Jun.

What questions do you have about contentment?

Does contentment have any other

meaning?

Is there any way to raise

your happiness

level?No.

Would it be possible to get everything you want? If you did, would you be happy? Yes, but it won’t make me happy because it

could cause bad things.

How can you enjoy your food more?By eating it slowly and peacefully.

How is Contentment related to moderation, balance and not overdoing?It is like when we eat food, we don’t just keep eating and eating, we stop when we are full.

I wonder if you think the photo of the boy refusing sweets was a good choice to represent Contentment?Well, if he refuses to eat sweets, then that is good.

Does your favourite food have built-in

goodness?Sometimes but not

all the time.

Where in you life is moderation

needed?When we have

money and food.

16 Guidelines Part 1: How we Think


Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center

S e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9S e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9

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Contentment ‘Diary‛ Write or draw all the wonderful things

that you are happy for.

Food is life. Without food or water.. No one in the world will survive.

Parents.. I am still young.. My parents help me with everything. I love them with all my heart. Without them, I won‛t be here.

My own room. I always fight with my brother. I am so happy and grateful to have my own room, so that we do not need to share a tiny room.

I also appreciate knowledge I get from school and tuition. Without them I would be dumb and not smart and creative as I am now.

I also appreciate accessories I have. Without accessories I cannot tie my hair. Without ear rings and bangles, I am lost without fashion.

I also appreciate clothes I wear.. without them.., I would be ....

I am also contented with shoes that protect my feet from harm. Amanda Loo

Comel Contentment

Dharma for Kids 16 Guidelines Part 1: How we ThinK Contentment

by Ong Kye Li



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Buddha on howcommunities & societies

should be governed

F i r s t l y , the Buddha spoke about the equality

of all human beings long before Abraham Lincoln, and that classes and castes are arti�cial barriers erected by

society. The only classi�cation of human beings, according to the Buddha, is based on the quality of their moral conduct.

…..Secondly, the Buddha encouraged the spirit of social co-operation and active partici-pation in society.

…..Thirdly, since no one was appointed as the Buddha's successor, the members of the Order were to be guided by the Vinaya, or in short, the Rule of Law. Until today very member of the Sangha is to abide by the

Rule of Law which governs and guides their conduct.

…..Fourthly, the Buddha encouraged the spirit of consultation and the democratic process. This is shown within the community of the Order in which all members have the right to decide on matters of general concern. When a

serious question arose demanding attention, the issues were put before the monks and discussed in a manner similar to the democratic parliamentary system used today. This self-governing procedure may come as a surprise to many to learn

that in the assemblies of Buddhists in India 2,500 years and more ago are to be found the rudiments of the parliamentary practice of the present day. A special o�cer similar to 'Mr. Speaker' was appointed to preserve the dignity of the Parliamentary Chief Whip, was also appointed to see if the quorum was secured. Matters were put forward in the form of a motion which was open to discussion. In some cases it was done once, in others three times, thus anticipating the practice of Parliament in requir-ing that a bill be read a third time before it becomes law. If the discussion showed a di�erence of opinion, it was to be settled by the vote of the majority through balloting.

The Buddha came from a warrior caste and was naturally brought into association with kings, princes and ministers. Despite His origin and association, He never resorted to the in�uence of political power to introduce His teaching, nor allowed His Teaching to be misused for gaining political power.

The thrust of the Buddha Dhamma seeks to approach the problems of society by reforming the individuals constituting that society and by suggesting some general principles through which the society can be guided towards greater humanism, improved welfare of its members, and more equitable sharing of resources.

There is a limit to the extent to which a societal system can safeguard the happiness and prosperity of its people as long as the people in the system are dominated by a�ictions like greed and hatred. ……To be free, people will have to look within their own minds and work towards freeing themselves from the chains of igno-rance and craving. Freedom in the truest sense is only possible when a person uses Dhamma to develop his character through good speech and action and to train his mind so as to expand his mental potential and achieve his ultimate aim of enlightenment.

“ The Buddha had gone beyond all worldly a�airs, but still gave advice on good governance”



15

Buddha on how communities & societie should be governed

The Buddhist approach to governing societies is the moralization and the responsible use of public power. The Buddha preached non-violence and peace as a universal message. He did not approve of violence or the destruction of life, and declared that there is no such thing as a 'just' war. He taught: 'The victor breeds hatred; the defeated lives in misery. He who renounces both victory and defeat is happy and peaceful.' Not only did the Buddha teach non-violence and peace, He was perhaps the �rst and only religious teacher who went to the battle�eld personally to prevent the outbreak of a war. He di�used tension between the Sakyas and the Koliyas who were about to wage war over the waters of Rohini. He also dissuaded King Ajatasattu from attacking the Kingdom of the Vajjis.

In the Cakkavatti Sihananda Sutta, the Buddha said that unethical conduct and crime, such as theft, falsehood, violence, hatred, cruelty, could arise from poverty. ..Thus it is futile to eradicate crimes through force but rather, …in the Kutadanta Sutta, the Buddha suggested economic development instead of force to reduce crime. Those who rule societies should use its resources to improve the economic conditions of the country. It could embark on agricultural and rural development, provide �nancial support to businesses and provide adequate wages for workers to maintain a decent life with human dignity.

In the Jataka, the Buddha had given to rules for Good Governance, known as 'Dasa Raja Dharma'. These ten rules can be applied even today by any group which wishes to rule any community or country peacefully. The rules are as follows:

1) be liberal and avoid sel�shness,2) maintain a high moral character,3) be prepared to sacri�ce one's own pleasure for the well-being of the subjects,4) be honest and maintain absolute integrity,5) be kind and gentle,6) lead a simple life for the subjects to emulate,7) be free from hatred of any kind,8) exercise non-violence,9) practise patience, and10) respect public opinion to promote peace and harmony.

Regarding the behavior of persons who govern communities, He further advised:

- One should act impartially and should not be biased and discriminate between one particular group of subjects against another.

- One should not harbor any form of hatred against any of his subjects.

- One must possess a clear understanding of the law to be enforced. It should not be enforced just because one has the authority to enforce the law. It must be done in a reasonable manner and with common sense. -- (Cakkavatti Sihananda Sutta)

Sometimes the Buddha is said to be a social reformer. Among other things, He condemned the caste system, recognized the equality of people, spoke on the need to improve socio-economic conditions, recognized the importance of a more equitable distribution of wealth among the rich and the poor, raised the status of women, recommended the incorporation of humanism in all forms of governance and administration, and taught that a society should not be run by greed but with consideration and compassion for the people. Despite all these, His contribution to mankind is much greater because He took o� at a point which no other social reformer before or ever since had done, that is, by going to the deepest roots of human ills, which are found in the human mind. It is only in the human mind that true reform can be e�ected. Reforms imposed by force upon the external world have a very short life because they have no roots. But those reforms which spring as a result of the transformation of man's inner consciousness remain rooted.

- Extracted from an article by the late Ven K. Shri Dhammananda Maha Thera



1

Essence of life recipe

Ingredients:1 Heartfelt Essence of Bodhichitta, squeezed from arising fresh and positive altruistic Motivation1 Human Optimum Re-birth, sautéed with Renunciation 1 Bottled Up of Understanding of the Great Bliss of Emptiness1 Firm Understanding of Karma and Lifetime Devotion to the Guru3 Fearful Bites of Lower Realms3 Handfuls of Mixed Delusions – Red Hot Anger, Sparkling Attachment and Blissful Ignorance Many lifetimes of self arising ‘I’, grated roughly7 Limbs of Prayers, distilled into daily practiceGenerous amount of faith in Triple Gem with unshakeable Refuge to taste

Directions:1. First squeeze fresh and positive altruistic Motivation from the core of one’s being and sieve it with compas-sion. Once compassion arises, take the essence of bodhichitta and infused it into one’s heart practice, so that everyday actions of body, speech and mind becomes the Dharma essence of life.

2. With this precious human optimum rebirth, recall its preciousness by folding in 3 fearful bites of the pits of the lower realms and 1 �rm understanding of karma and recall how this endless cycle traps one in samsara. Grind the self arising ‘I’ and gradually add in the 3 hand-fuls of mixed delusions in this order, grind till very �ne – remember that blissful ignorance gives rise to red hot anger which will then cause attachment to sparkle – and this is how the cycle of samsara ferments and grows, causing great su�ering. Sieve and remove all seeds of delusions and simmer this with deep medita-tive contemplation. Beat and stir these Dharma truths until it settles into the deep recesses of the mind. Once fear arises again, apply generous amounts of faith in the Triple Gem. Add Refuge to taste and fold in guru devotion at every stage.

3. Realizing how this endless cycle grows and wanting to put an end to this su�er-ing, recall the Great Tsongkapa’s principles by generously infusing renunciation, bodhichitta and binding them with the great bliss of emptiness, apply the 7 limbs into one’s daily practice with great guru devotion and mix in the nectar essence of tantra and sutra generously. Subdue the mind and remove all traces of delusions. Then meditate for a lifetime until golden light or the enlightened mind comes to being! - by Kieren Lim

( Feel free to try it at home... :) )

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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DiscoveryBuddhism(Man) @8:00pm

DiscoveryBuddhism(Man) @8:00pmEmptinesspt 1


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DiscoveryBuddhism(Man) @8:00pmEmptinesspt 2

Members Dharma

Movie Night@ 8 pm@ LDC

Pilgrimageto Tibet

© Losang Dragpa Centre E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org 17

Meditation Session @ 10 :30am - 11:30am

DFK @ 10am - 12pm


DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Meditation Session 10 :30am

Medicine Buddha Puja at KHC @7.30 pm

Meditation Session @ 10 :30am - 11:30am

DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Public Holiday

- Hari Raya

Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm

Classwith GTZ@ 3-5pm

AnimalLiberation@ 12 noon

GTZ @ CGC -Death n Dying Course for weekend

DiscoveryBuddhism(ENG) @8:00pm

Public Holiday

- Hari RayaCi�amani Tara & Protector Puja @ 7.30pm

Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Solar/Lunar Eclipse

PreceptDay

Calendar Sept2009

Calendar Sept2009

Special Buddha Day


short break in Eng DB till Tues 6 Oct

Class with GTZ

@ 8pm

Calendar may be subject to changes.

Please regularly log on to www.fpmt-ldc.org

for updates .

Class with GTZ

@ 8pm

Class with GTZ

@ 8pm

Class with GTZ@ 8pmClass

with GTZ

@ 8pm

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Discovery BuddhismEng @ 8pmEmptiness Pt 1

DiscoveryBuddhism Man @ 8pmtranformingProblems(Final)

Disc Buddhism (Eng) EmptinessPt2

DiscBuddhism Tantra(Final)

Khenrinpoche’s(KR) arrival

(till 4th NOV)


DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Medicine Buddha Puja at KHC @7.30 pm

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Ci�amani Tara & Protector Puja @ 7.30pm

“Living Well underPressure; Dying Well Without Fear”- Joint LDC-KHCprogram 2 - 6:30pm

1000 Offerings

Event @ ChineseAssembly

Hall

no DFKLama Choepa

Puja w KR @ 7.30 pm

+ Light Offering

Class with GTZ

@ 8pm

LL Puja tune @ 10am-noonClass with GTZ

@ 3-5pmMoon Cake Fest@ LDC 7:30pm

Khenrinpoche’s(KR) Rest Day

KR @ KHC @8pm

“5 Powers & Howto share Dharma wpeople who are non-receptive

Lama Choepa Puja w KR

@ 7.30 pm+ Light Offering

Solar/Lunar Eclipse

PreceptDay

Calendar Oct 2009

Calendar Oct 2009

Special Buddha Day


1000 Offerings


Hall

ConsultationDay w KR

Calendar may be subject to changes.Please regularly log on to

www.fpmt-ldc.org for updates .

1000 Offerings


Hall

Preparationfor 1k event

KR to Penang

KR to CGC

KR to CGC

KR to CGC

KR to CGC

KR returnto KL

KR’srest day

KR departto RJL@ 1pm

KR @RJL

DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Meditation Session 10 :30am

AnimalLiberation@ 12 noon

Calm Abiding

meditationby KR8pm

Calm Abiding

meditationby KR8pm

Hayagriva Controlling Fire

Puja lead by KR

@ LDC @ 7:30pm

LL Puja practice

Tunes + D. Dance

Documents

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre - fpmt-ldc.org · Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre September ... just bringing people in and let them sit to listen to the puja and ... Oral Transmission