38

CONTENTS53-55 Buddhist Activities56-57 Finding Inner Peace In The Midst Of Chaos58 What Are You Practising Mindfulness For?59 Living Mindfully60-63 Khuddaka Nikya (Part 3i)64 Dialogue With Rebecca On Hope65 Dhammapada66 Selected Buddhist Poems

Being a non-profit publication without any affiliation to any organisation, For You Information continues to rely on support from contributors and benefactors for our publication needs. Thus, we hope that we can continue to receive support in propagating the Dharma. Founder: Venerable Guang Chao

Cover Photography: Courtesy of Ms Ruiwu

On the cover is the beautiful and in-tricate statue of the Samantabhadra (Pu Xian) Bodhisattva, one of the eight Zodiac Protectors in first level hall of the Buddha Tooth Relic Tem-ple and Museum (BTRTM).

BTRTM was founded by Vener-able Shi Fa Zhao in 2001 and it is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha,

which means ‘The Compassionate One’ and also known as ‘The Future Buddha’, and BTRTM’s mission is to promote and impart the Teachings of the Buddha.

The history of BTRTM goes back to the Golden Pagoda Bud-dhist Temple where Ven. Shi Fa Zhao founded the Golden Pagoda Temple at 798 Tampines Road (now 83, Tampines Link), a precursor that led to him being approached by Sin-gapore Tourism Board (STB) in early 1997 to develop a pro-posal for a temple at Sago Lane (half of the vacant site) and followed by another proposal in 1998 for the entire site that has to include a traditional Chinese temple and Opera stage. And then on 4 August 2002, Ven. Cakkapala decided to hand over the Sacred Buddha Toot Relic to Ven. Shi Fa Zhao and exhorted that the new guardian, should the opportunity arise, have the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic made accessible to Bud-dhists from everywhere to gather in Singapore to venerate. Thus, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao found himself tested and decided to go on a one-year Dharma Lotus Blossom Retreat. And it was during the retreat, thanks to the blessings from the Triple Gems, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao conceived not only the name “Bud-dha Relic Tooth Temple (Singapore)”, but also an architectur-al style based on the Buddhist mandala that is integrated with the arts and culture of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty. Then eventually, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao managed to secure the va-cant Sago Lane site and registered BTRTM on 20 February 2003 and after its completion, it was officially opened on 30 May 2007 by Singapore’s late former President S R Nathan.

ON THE COVER

The month of October continues to be filled with many sacred and meaningful Buddhist events such the Avalokitesvara Bo-dhisattva birthday celebrations as well as Dharma assemblies in many temples. We would also like to extend our hearti-est congratulations to The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum for the appointment of their 2nd Abbot and Kwan Yin Chan Lin Zen Meditation Centre Singapore on their 26th Anniversary and annual KYCL Zen Conference.

In this November issue, we continue revisit the fundamen-tal teachings of how to live mindfully, peacefully and hap-pily not according to secular concepts but according to the Buddha’s teachings for guidance in living life as a Buddhist. We feature the insightful sharing from the talks by Buddhist teachers and scholars such as Venerable Ajahn Brahm and Venerable Kanugolle Rathanasara, and Budhhist works by Thanissaro Bhikku and Benjamin F C Teng. As Buddhists, it is also important for us to ask ourselves why we practise mindfulness from Shen Shi’an’s article, ‘What Are You Prac-tising Mindfulness For?’ and how to live life with hope from Dr. Jeffrey Po’s ‘Dialogue With Rebecca On Hope’. These are good starting grounds for us to truly be more introspective and also, we hope the illustration below can help in remind-ing us to realign our understanding of living life mindfully.

Lastly, may the light of the Buddha continue to shine and be a lamp upon all sentient beings.

Editor’s Note

Mind precedes all mental states.

Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought.If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts

suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the draught ox.

Gautama BuddhaDhammapada

Yammakavagga: “The Pairs” (Verse 1)

39

Venerable Shi Pu En studied Buddhism in Yuan Kuang Buddhist College of Taiwan (台湾圆光佛学院) for 10 years and received his Diploma and Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies. He later completed his Masters studies in Yuan Kuang Institute for Buddhist Studies (台湾圆光佛学研究) and fulfilled all prescribed conditions within three years by ordinance, regulations and resolution of the community. Upon his gradu-ation, Ven. Shi Pu En returned to Singapore to serve the less privileged in the local communities. He was appointed Executive Director of Metta Welfare Association (Metta) on January 2009. After serving eight years in Metta, Ven. Shi Pu En relinquished his role as the Executive Director and took on more responsibilities as the 1st Vice President on the Executive Management Committee of Metta on 25 September 2016.

1. Honourable Venerables: From overseas, they are: Venerable Phrapromsithi, Abbot of Wat Saket Temple (Bangkok); Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sri Lanka Gangaramaya Temple; Venerable Hui Xiong, Secretary-General of the World Buddhist Sangha Council and Abbot of Vihara Ma-havira Grahat Pusat (Indonesia Jakarta); Venerable Shi Cheng, Vice President of The Buddhist Association of Xiamen; Venerable Xing Shang, Abbot of Taoyuan Yuan Kwang Ch’an Monastery (Taiwan); Venerable Chuan Li, Abbot of Taichung Tianbao Jiangtang (Taiwan); Venerable Xian Ming, Abbot of Taiwan-Yilan Jiaoxi Pilu Monastery and many others.

From Singapore, they are: President of Singapore Buddhist Federation, Venerable Kwang Phing, Venerable Chao Khun Phratep Siddhivides, Chief Monk of Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple; Venerable Weragoda Sarada Maha Thera, Chief Prelate of Singapore, of the Malwatta Chapter of the Sri Lanka Siamese Sect; Venerable Huat Tat, President of Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Centre; Venerable Kai Xiang, Abbot of Singapore Zu-Lin Temple Association; Vener-able Wai Yim, Abbot of Singapore Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery and many others. Photo courtesy of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM SINGAPOREAPPOINTMENT OF 2nd ABBOT INVESTITURE CEREMONY

On the auspicious morning of 18 October, Venerable Shi Pu En, received the abbotship of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Singapore (BTRTM) from Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, its 1st Abbot and Founder. Ven. Shi Fa Zhao has led BTRTM from its initial concep-tion in 2003 to its building completion and opening in 2007, and now an established temple known not only for its systematic and authentic Dharma propagation but also its preserva-tion of Buddhist and Chinese culture. BTRTM is not only a temple popular with the locals but also one known internationally where its earnest grandeur has attracted many Buddhists and people from all walks of life from different countries. This is indeed a testatment of Ven. Shi Fa Zhao’s decade-long efforts to fulfill his aspiration of creating a Buddhist space for all to converge and learn more about Buddhism and venerate the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.

Thus, present at the investiture ceremony were also dignitaries from the Embassies and High Commissions: Royal Embassy of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Cheth Naren; Sri Lanka High Commission, H.E. Mr. Nimal Weeraratne; Vietnamese Embassy, H.E. Mr Nguyen Tien Minh and Royal Thai Embassy, Mr. Chairat Sirivat, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission. Honourable Venerables1 from both overseas and local monasteries were also present to ex-tend their congratulatory messages and gift sacred Dharma articles.

Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, 1st Abbot of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum at the commencement of the 2nd Abbot Investiture Ceremony after careful succession planning and preparation for this transfer of abbotship to ensure smooth operation of BTRTM. He will be embarking on a three-year retreat from 13 March 2017 before returning to serve the Sangha and community.

Venerable Shi Pu En, the newly-invested 2nd Abbot of BTRTM waving the fly-whisk, one of the sacred items pre-sented to him as part of the ceremonial ritual to represent the handover of the temple’s abbotship.

53

如来足迹

普陀山位于中国浙江省舟山市，是观世音菩萨教化众生的道场，素有“海天佛国”、“南海圣境”之称。山中寺院无论大小，都供奉着观世音菩萨。

普陀山四面环海，风光旖旎，幽幻独特。山石林木、寺塔崖刻、梵音涛声，皆充满着佛国神秘色彩。 照片提供：LG WORLD-TRAVEL PLANNERS（乐期世界）

普陀山——“第一人间清净地”

On 7 October, People’s Buddhism Study Society (PBSS) held a Dhamma talk by Venerable Kanugolle Rathanasara titled “Why Do You Need Merits?”. Born in the south eastern Sri Lanka village of Bibile, he became a novice monk at an early age of 12 in 1984 and received higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1998 at the Malwatu Viharaya in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He later graduated from University of Kelaniya with a Bachelor of Arts (Special) degree (Mass Communications) and then with the Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) and continued to prorogate the Dhamma. His noble aspirations to share his knowledge of Dhamma interna-tionally was fulfilled when he was subsequently selected in 2001 by the Sinhala Buddhist Association in Singapore, the adminis-tration of the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple to be the Resident Monk where he continues to serve and lead right up till today.

The Dhamma talk started with Metta Meditation before Ven. K. Rathanasara explained why people need merits. Merits are in fact meritorious deeds that actually form the basis for one’s condition(s) to enjoy the bliss of existence. In other words, merits are needed for one’s life to go smoothly, be surrounded by good and noble people where they can be guided and led to happiness, joyfulness and goodness and ultimately, Nibanna. He also clarified misconceptions concerning how to make merits and what to be mindful of. He explained that for meritorious acts in order not to be defiled by unwholesome thoughts (that will in contradic-tion create “demerit”), one should use the skillful method of ensuring that the three faculties; physical (body), verbal (speech) and mental (mind) must be filled with wholesome intention, motivation and action. Thus, one must be sincere, happy, joyful and mindful before, during and after the meritorious act(s). The talk ended with an insightful question-and-answer session with at-tendees citing common daily challenges and Ven. K. Rathanasara providing practical suggestions and advice to all.

PEOPLE’S BUDDHISM STUDY SOCIETYDHAMMA TALK BY VEN. KANUGOLLE RATHANASARA

54

BUDDHIST News

KWAN YIN CHAN LIN

26th Anniversary &International Zen Conference

This year’s KYCL Zen Conference will be held on 29 Oct, from 8am-5pm at the Suntec Convention Centre Room 324-325 with Zen Master Dae Kwang, Zen Master Dae Bong, Ven. Chi Boon and Ven. Myong An as guests speakers.

TAI BEI BUDDHISTCENTRE

Dharma Talk A Dharma talk by Ven. Dr. K. Dhamma-sami will be on 28 Oct from 7-9pm. Ti-tled “Mindfulness and Emotional Man-agement in Daily Life”, this is a joint collaboration between Buddhist Fellow-ship and Dhammadownload.com.

FO GUANG SHAN

The Birth of Medicine Buddha The 29th day of the ninth lunar month is the birthday of the Medicine Buddha – the Buddha of the Pure Land of La-pis Lazuli – Light in the East. And FGS organised a Medicine Buddha Dharma Service from 23-30 Oct.

BUDDHADHAMMAFOUNDATION

Metta & Karuna MeditationVen. Kai Zhao will be leading a 2-day meditation retreat from 29-30 Oct at KMSPKS where retreatants will learn how to have a firm foundation for Vipas-sana through the cultivation of “Metta” (bringing about benefits and merits to all and removing obstructions in one’s practice) and “Karuna” (removing suf-ferings to benefit oneself and others).

DOT CONNECTIONS GROWTH CENTRE

Workshops on Managing Death and Dying – the BeyondDr. Jeffrey Po, a counselling psycholo-gist and psychotherapist in private practice also organises workshops, lec-tures and training to connect them to Buddhist spiritual practices, held three two-hour workshops on 13, 20 and 27 Oct from 7.30-9.30pm at DCGC which condensed much of his experiences and knowledge to help attendees under-stand death and dying better.

MAHAKARUNA BUDDHIST SOCIETY

Pindapata Ceremony 2016MBS is holding the Almsround – Pin-dapata (any alms) on 6 Nov, Sunday at 10am at MAX Atria, Garnet and Topaz Hall with the offering of 10,000 robes to the Sangha across Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and other countries. For alms contribution and more information, call 6745 1803.

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTRE S’PORE

The Power of PrayerPrayer is a method where we can fulfill our pure wishes and protect other living beings from suffering. Understand more about prayers and how to make pow-erful prayers on 6 Nov, Sunday from Gen Kelsang Drolkyi. For registration, visit: www.nkt-kmc-singapore.org.

KONG MENG SAN PHOR KARK SEE MONASTERY

Guide to Practising Buddhism

Learn from Ven. Chao Khun Keng on practising and applying the Dharma in daily life on 10 Nov at Awareness Place. Register at http://goo.gl/UroZmm.

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE & MUSEUM

One-Day Mindfulness RetreatBTRTM is organinsing a Mindfulness Retreat on 20 Nov for participants to learn how to benefit from the infinite joy and advantages of meditation; thereby reducing anxiety and stress to enhance health, relationships and wisdom. For details and registration, call 6854 7022.

BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP

Teaching Tour

BF is organising a series of teachings; Sutta Study, Meditation (Mindfulness and Vipassana) and Dhamma Talks by Bhante Buddharakkhita during his teaching tour with classes from 22 Nov-2 Dec and a retreat from 29 Nov-3 Dec.

1-Day RetreatBF will be holding a 1-day Metta and Karuna Bhavana Meditation Retreat with Ven. Kai Zhao on 11 Nov, Friday 8.30am-5pm at the BF East Centre @ Mitra. This retreat will be conducted in Chinese with English translation. For more information on all activities, visit: www.buddhistfellowship.org.

THE BUDDHIST LIBRARY

Family Day

TBL will hold its Family Day 2016 Funfair on 20 Nov, Sunday 9am-5pm at the open ground alongside Aljunied MRT. For more details, please visit: www.buddhlib.org.sg.

55

World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on 1 October to raise awareness about health, environmental and ethical benefits of following a vegetarian lifestyle which was first founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society. As part of the month-long World Vegetarian Awareness Month campaign, KMSPKS held a half-day programme on 2 Oct which was supported by Dharma Voices for Animals and Happy Cow to help attendees better understand our relationship with animals and the impacts of a non-veg-etarian diet on health. After the talk by Bob Isaacson (USA) from Dharma Voices for Animals, attendees were treated to a vegetarian lunch at the dining hall followed by a sharing session on the benefits of a plant-based diet by body-builder, Luke Tan. In the later part of the programme, Vinitha Ang, a nurse-turned-dietician and chef shared in-sights on the importance of not just a balanced plant-based diet but one of good nutrition that meets the different dietary needs of individuals. There was also food-tasting where many learnt how to prepare healthy and delicious snacks. Ending off the programme was a movie-screening of PlantPure Nation, a documentary on the journey of three people’s quest to document and spread the message of the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY

On 2 October, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the People’s Association (PA), Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastary (KMSPKS) and National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for their first ever collaboration – a co-location of a Dialysis Centre set-up by the three organisations within a community club. Present to witness this MOU signing were Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Health, and Communications and Information, and Grassroots Advisor to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs), PA’s Chief Executive Director, Mr Ang Hak Seng, BBM and Chairman of the NKF, Mr Koh Poh Tiong. This new centre will be located at the newly upgraded Toa Payoh West Community Club (TPWCC) with completion expected to be in 2020.

At the ceremony, Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng, Abbot of KMSPKS also presented NKF with SGD 1,400, 000 as donation for the set-up of the Dialysis Centre and this donation will be matched by a government grant to cover both the costs of renova-tion and equipment for operational needs of the dialysis centre. There will be at least 20 dialysis machines housed in the centre catering to the needs of kidney patients residing in Toa Payoh West-Balestier. Currently, NKF is supporting over 4,000 kid-ney patients with its existing 31 dialysis centres island-wide which are operating almost at full capacity. This new centre will be able to reach out to even more kidney patients come 2020 and also aims to achieve greater outreach to raise awareness and

to educate the public on renal, hypertension, diabetic, kidney-related diseases and preventive measures for a healthier lifestyle.

KONG MENG SAN PHOR KARK SEE MONASTARYSECK HONG CHOON – NKF DIALYSIS CENTRE