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BUDDHIST NewsBUDDHIST UNION

Guanyin RetreatFrom 16 to 19 July, the Buddhist Union organised a full-day Guanyin retreat in Ballroom I of Mandarin Hotel on Orchard Road, conducted by Venerable Heng Sure from the USA and attended by more than 500 participants. The opening cer-emony was held on July 16 morning with Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social & Family Development as the Guest-of-Honour and Venerable Kwang Phing, president of Singapore Buddhist Federation as the presiding monk of the ceremony. Also present on the same occasion were many members of the Sangha, representatives from various Buddhist organisa-tions and MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang.

After the singing of the national anthem and the song of the Triple Gem, Venerable Sek Bao Shi, president of the Bud-dhist Union, delivered her welcoming speech. She said: the retreat was aimed at calming our mind, maintaining self-con-trol, being vigilant of our actions, and thus stopping all evils, as taught by the Buddha. Soon after, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin in his speech stressed that success in life is not just about economic success, but for an individual and a collective society, it is about fundamental values that will lead all of us to the future.

Venerable Kwang Phing officially commenced the retreat by leading in the mass recitation of the Great Compassion Mantra and saying words of blessing for all participants. Fol-lowing that, Venerable Heng Sure delivered a short introduc-tion about the retreat. He singled out repentance and bowing, the two main retreat practices for explanation and gave them

new definitions. According to him, ‘repentance’ is ‘renewal of oneself with wisdom and compassion’, while ‘bowing’ is ‘levelling the mind and heart while one is fully awake’. By looking at the two terms in this new light, one would then add new spiritual dimension to their meanings.

On that morning, the retreat proper did not begin until after Nick Shen had sung his songs and pereformed some amazing magic shows.

The 4-day retreat was a proactive spiritual practice centred on Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara) with emphasis on the recitation of Great Compassion Repentance, Great Com-passion Mantra and the name of Guanyin. During the retreat, participants learnt about the teachings related to Guanyin and at the same time immersed themselves in the devotional and contemplative practice of recitation. Through this dis-ciplined practice, they were able to cleanse their minds and calm their thoughts and achieve single-pointed mindfulness.

Kalyana Mitra Youth ConcertOn July 19 afternoon, soon after the retreat was over, the BU held a youth concert for a 400-strong audience at the Imperi-al Ballroom of the same hotel. Performers from youth groups of Buddhist Fellowship, Singapore Buddhist Mission, Wat Ananda and singing group “SMZDPY” came together to put on an exciting programme of dances, songs and magic shows. Venerable Heng Sure climaxed the concert with his songs on the guitar and sharing of the Dharma.

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BUDDHIST News

20 Anniversary CelebrationsFounded in 1995, BMWS has lined up a schedule of activities to celebrate its 20th year of existence, with the theme, “Cleans-ing the Mind, Harmonising the Society”. In the months of April and May, it had organised a number of talks on Chi-nese culture by prominent local and overseas speakers and on July 10-12, it held a series of Buddhist lectures by Venerable Sheng Kai, who is an associate professor of philosophy at the prestigious Tsinghua University in China. It will also be or-ganising a concert on Oct 17 at the Shine Auditorium in Shaw Tower as well as a walkathon in December.

Family CarnivalOn June 14, BMWS celebrated Vesak belatedly with a family carnival at an open field in Aljunied Avenue 2, on the same scale and with the same mood as in previous years though the venue was different. There were food, fruits, souvenirs, ac-cessories and games and other stalls that drew in thousands of devotees and well-wishers. On the same occasion, bursaries were given out by Venerable Sik Nung Toh, the founder of the society to 31 needy students from different races. It was learnt that half of the proceeds raised would be donated to Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic.

BUDDHA OF MEDICINE WELFARE SOCIETY

Some 150 people turned up on 11 July to enthusiastically at-tend the symposium on Chinese Mahayana Buddhism held at Poh Ming Tse Temple.

Professor Teng Wei Jen from Dharma Drum Institute of Lib-eral Arts in Taiwan kicked off the symposium with his lecture on a broad spectrum of topics related to Chinese Buddhism. They included the history of Chinese Buddhism, the Chi-nese Tripitaka, its translation and indigenous commentaries, the Buddhist impacts on Chinese culture as well as Tiantai and Huayan schools of Chinese Buddhism. Prof. Teng first gave a rough timeline of the spread of Buddhism across Asia. He pointed out that Buddhism reached Central Asia in the 1st century AD, and travelled along the Silk Route to China, then Korea and finally Japan in 538 AD. He remarked that it is difficult to present Chinese Mahayana Buddhism’s roots and history in a completely linear and progressive manner because essentially, this form of Buddhism does not come in a modular package and that some Indian texts themselves

may not conform with original Buddhist teachings, and vice-versa. The doctrines of some indigenous texts may be closer to the original ones. It is also important to note that origi-nal sutras were selected, memorized, translated and adapted according to the needs of the people across geographical boundaries, ethnicity and political alliances. As Chinese then already had Confucianism and Taosim embedded as their philosophy and belief systems, Buddhism was at first not very popular when it was first introduced during the Han Dy-nasty (206 BC-220AD). It only gained increasing acceptance during the Six Dynasties period (220-589AD) and flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), when the most com-prehensive and complete Buddhist catalogue of canons in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism was initiated by the imperial courts. The Tang capital of Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) had since become an important centre for Buddhism. And Buddhists started building the four sprawling scared sites on the mountains of Wu Tai, Er Mei, Jiu Hua and Pu Tou. Prof. Teng cautioned that as Chinese Buddhism absorbed various indigenous thoughts, it is important to exercise discernment in accepting a particular Buddhist teaching, regardless of the movement, emphasis, popularity, love for a particular sutra and even place of worship related to that teaching,

Later at the symposium, Bro. Shen Shi’an introduced the doctrines and practices of one of the most popular Chinese Buddhist traditions - the Pureland School, while Bro. Siew Chong Mun elaborated on the development of the Sanlun (Three Treatises) School which based its doctrines on three texts of Indian origin, namely, “Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way”, “Treatise on the Twelve Gates” and “Hundred-Verse Treatise”.

POH MING TSE TEMPLESYMPOSIUM ON CHINESE MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

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BUDDHIST News

nomena, which obstruct the path to en-lightenment. The practice was extracted from the essence of prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom) which Machig Labdron received through Padampa Sangye. It was through this practice that the former realized the nature of emp-tiness and became free from samsara. Chod Puja is a very popular practice amongst all Tibetan Buddhist tradi-tions. It eliminates illnesses and purifies disturbances by evil spirits and practi-tioners are able obtain the necessary conditions for a good spiritual practice, such as long life, good health and pros-perity.

Shernying Dudog PujaThis puja is one of the skilful methods of Vajrayana practices that is extremely effective in purifying one’s negative karma and harms caused by humans and non-humans. It involves the recita-tion of the essence of Prajnaparamita Hrdaya Sutra (The Heart Sutra) which emphasizes on emptiness and non-dual wisdom that enable one to overcome the grasping of ego and self-attachment.

Fire Puja During the fire puja, the mandala and deities are developed within the fire which is able to dissolve every exis-tence and non-existence into emptiness. The benefits of this puja are accumulat-ing merits and purifying negative life forces that obstruct one’s liberation.

Ullambana Grand Pujas The grand pujas include 100 Deities Jangchog Puja, Chod Puja, Shernying Dudog Puja and Peaceful Deities Fire Puja which will be conducted by the abbot of KKBC, Shangpa Rinpoche. Admission is free, all are welcome. For more information, call 67491103 . Jangchog PujaThis puja has its origin in the story of Padmasambhava using 100 Dei-ties mandala with Jangchog to liber-ate a minister who suffered intensely in hell because of his past cruel acts. Doctrinally speaking, the 100 Deities are the manifestations from the pure nature of our mind. By relying on this practice or even by just hearing the mantra and seeing the mandala of the 100 Deities, one may realise that the nature of our mind is inseparable from their wisdom. And through prayers and rituals, the consciousness of the deceased is merged with their wis-dom. The merits thus accumulated are then dedicated to the deceased for his purification and liberation. This puja will also assist those in the intermedi-ate (bardo) state for their liberation.

Chod PujaThe word “chod” means to ‘cut through’. This puja is performed to cut through the grasping of the self and ego by recognizing the defilements of ego-clinging, attachment to oneself and phe-

KARMA KAGYUD BUDDHIST CENTRE

Shangpa Rinpoche

Shangpa Rinpoche was born in 1960 at the border between Tibet and Nepal. When still very young, he followed his mother to Pokhara in Nepal. At age 9, he was ordained by H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and thereafter stud-ied and practised under the guidance of the late Dupsing Rinpoche and other learned teachers. When he was 16, the Rinpoche joined the Tibetan Higher In-stitute of Buddhist Studies and received teachings and empowerments from many great teachers. When Dupsing Rinpoche passed away, he became the abbot of the Jangchub Choeling Monas-tery in Pokhara, In 1982, the Rinpoche came to Singapore to be the spiritual teacher at KKBC. In 1991, he initiated the search for and finally purchased the centre’s current premises. Besides, the Rinpoche is also the abbot of Vikra-mashila Buddhist Institute in Nepal, Tharpa Choeling Nunnery in Mustang and Drubgyud Choeling Monastery and Institute in Lumbini. And to fund and manage all his works in those areas, the Rinpoche established the Shangpa Foundation in 1996.

After almost a year of uninterrupted construction, externally the structure of the new building is clearly visible and internally, piping is nearly done, with surface cementing remaining to be completed. Construction is now focused on roof formworks. However, $3.5 million is still needed for the successful completion of the whole rebuilding project. As part of its fundraising campaign, KKBC will be holding Ullambana Grand Pujas for three full days on Aug 15-17, led by its abbot Shangpa Rinpoche and his lamas, at the open field next to Aljunied MRT station, as well as a mini fair on Aug 15-16. Meanwhile, for making direct donation to the centre’s building fund, please call 67491103.

Another $3.5 Million Needed To Complete The Rebuilding Project

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BUDDHIST NewsSHAN YOU COUNSELLING

CENTRE

Founded in 1995, Shan You Counsel-ling Centre is a non-profit, voluntary and charitable organisation, funded by Community Chest, private enterprises, individuals as well as organisations. Over the years, it has provided counsel-ling and support services to the needy regardless of race, religion or social class.

Brief History SYCC started out as the first Bud-dhist counselling centre, named Tai Pei Counselling Centre, then only provid-ing Buddhists and Chinese-speaking members of the public with psychother-apy and counseling services, food ration distribution and befriender programme. In 1993, it moved to Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery and was renamed Ren Ci Counselling Centre. And in 1995, it was registered as an independent charitable organization. SYCC TodayWith close synergy between the man-agement committee, staff and volun-teers, SYCC has diversified its social and clinical services and has recently introduced mindfulness courses con-ducted by qualified instructors to bal-ance the mind and body of participants to uplift the quality of their lives. The centre also runs Wellness Community, where programmes are carried out to promote holistic well-being of target populations.

20th Anniversary CelebrationsSYCC has begun a series of activities to celebrate its 20th anniversary. last June, it had successfully run a mindfulness therapy workshop. Come Aug 7, it will be holding a musical concert at the Es-planade and on Oct 3, it will be organis-ing a moon-cake get-together. Besides, “A Kind Act A Day” campaign and a charity dinner are also being planned for January next year.

PHOR KARK SEE MONASTERY

Meditation RetreatDr B. Alan Wallace will be running a

7-day meditation retreat, “The Way of Shamatha”, from 26 Sep to 2 Oct. Les-sons and practices will be conducted from 9.30 am - 5.00 pm daily.

During the retreat, participants will explore in theory and practice three methods for developing shamatha: mindfulness of the breath as taught by the Buddha, which is an effective ap-proach to soothing the body and calm-ing the discursive mind; “settling the mind in its natural state” - an approach pertinent to Dzogchen practice; and “shamatha without signs” as taught by Padmasambhava, who commented that this practice may result in a realisation of pristine awareness. In Buddhism, the achievement of shamatha is widely re-garded as an indispensable foundation for the cultivation of contemplative in-sight (vipassana).

Dr B. Alan Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhism and meditation worldwide since 1976. Having devoted fourteen years to training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford University. From 1997-2001, Alan Wallace taught in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he held classes on Tibetan Bud-dhist studies and the interface between science and religion. He now lives in Santa Barbara, where he is the president and founder of the Santa Barbara Insti-tute for Consciousness Studies

AWARENESS PLACE WELL-BEING CENTRE

Emotional Freedom WorkshopThis 6-session workshop will be con-ducted by Ms Ng Geok Lan every Fri-day at 7-10pm from 4 Sep to 9 Oct. It will help you recognize your emotions and raise your emotional intelligence (EQ). Your emotional awareness and ability to handle feelings can determine your success and overall happiness in all aspects of your life. And with your newfound experience and skills from

this workshop, you can assist and sup-port others emotionally, touching lives and transforming people towards qual-ity living. For more information and registration, call 6336 5067.

Ms Ng Geok Lan has earlier obtained a diploma in hypnotherapy and is now a certified therapist from the National Guild of Hypnotists, USA. She has a certificate for higher studies in Bud-dhism and a certificate in palliative care from Nectar Care Services as well.

PALELAI BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Mass Ordination The temple will be holding a mass no-vitiate programme from 1 to 10 Aug for 50 people in conjunction with SG 50. This is the first time such a big-scale event in the Thai Theravada tradition is held in Singapore. And on 7 Aug, all the novices will be invited to Buddhist Fellowship West Centre for alms-round offerings.

DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY SINGAPORE

Teaching RetreatChogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, an authority in Dzogchen teachings, will be in town to conduct a teaching retreat from Sep 11-13 at Ngee Ann Cultural Centre. During the retreat, he will give Dzogchen teachings and transmit the heart essence of Odser Chema that will bring to participants the benefit of wealth and protection as well as that of total realisation. For participation, call 83993398.

The Dzogchen teachings were first trans-mitted by Garab Dorje who summarised them into three definitive statements about the Primodial State. The teach-ings were later classified by his foremost student Manjusrimitra into three series: the mind, the space and the secret in-struction, based on the three statements. These series are pitched according to the varying capacities of practitioners and one who has gone through the secret in-struction series will have full confidence in the Primodial State and be fearless in facing the daily activities.

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