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The Story of Dhammakami Buddhist Society- Dr. Jeffrey Po -

HISTORY

Dharma Seeds Planted More Than A Decade AgoWhen the Dhammakami Buddhist Society (DKBS) Centre first opened its doors on 3rd February 2018, it must have been the new kid on the block. It was the latest Dhamma centre to be set up in Geylang, a district already crowded with other Dhamma centres. But, for those in the know, DKBS was not just another Dhamma centre. It was the fruition of seeds planted more than a decade ago.

With his parents’ blessings, our Founder, Venerable K. Rathanasara was ordained a novice monk in 1984. Fourteen years later, in 1998, he received his higher ordination (upasampada) at the Malwatu Maha Viharaya in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Even as a monk, he

kept up with his education, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (Special) degree in Mass Communication and Master degree in Buddhism (MA) at the University of Kelaniya.

Bearing the Lifelong AspirationBearing the lifelong aspiration to propagate the Dhamma internationally, Venerable K. Rathanasara took up the appointment of Resident Monk at the renowned Singapore Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple in 2001. An eloquent speaker, his public lectures, Sutta classes, religious functions and retreats consistently witnessed a growing interest among the attendees. The organised

CHRONICLES OF BUDDHISM IN SINGAPORE

activities that he actively led thus brought hordes of Dhamma practitioners as well as those beginning their search for knowledge of Buddhism to the temple ground.

Sprouting of the Visionary SeedThe visionary seed for a new Dhamma society sprouted when a gaping need to proactively reach out to people beyond the temple walls arise. In November 2007, the Dhammakami Buddhist Society (DKBS) was inaugurated to herald a brand-new beginning.

With the kind support of the temple management committee and the leadership of Venerable K. Rathanasara, members of DKBS continued the Dhamma work and practice with the temple while, at the same time, began their outreach with community service, educational and social programs and editorial projects and publications, and even participated in the Tapestry of Sacred Music held at the Esplanade in 2015.

After a decade of fruitful years at the temple, it was time for DKBS to fly solo. The vision now was to take the Dhamma propagation to the next level with the setting up of an independent centre.

Although DKBS left the sanctuary of Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple, DKBS continues to build on the momentum and experience acquired in its years there. Operating as a non-profit organization out of our new premises in Geylang Lorong 29, DKBS is now poised to further expand their Dhamma outreach activities and to be truly a vehicle that keeps the wheels of Dhamma propagation turning.

Facilitating the Buddha-Dharma JourneyTo facilitate this journey, DKBS offers ample opportunities for the study and practice of Dhamma. DKBS not only run regular year-long classes for adults which include devotional practices, meditations, discourse learning, and Dhamma sharing (please check out their website at http://dhammakammi.org / Facebook for the various classes’ details), there is also a weekend one which specially tailored for the teenagers.

p56-57 Jeffrey 竹林 洪 征聘 3分类.indd 56 2019/3/26 13:47:20

56 57For You Information 佛友资讯

Annually, DKBS organises a local meditation retreat on 9 August holiday, pilgrimage trip to overseas Buddhist sites, Robe Offering Ceremony as

well as a Sanghika Dana luncheon for their devotees to share the immeasurable merits with their beloved departed relatives and friends during the lunar 7th month. DKBS also run occasional social programmes, book publishing projects as well as other Dhamma resources which they gladly make available for free.

Driven with the vision to be an effective vehicle to propagate the noble teachings of the Buddha, the work of DKBS is for the purpose of supporting the path – the path of transformation that the Buddha teaches.

竹林寺通告为方便前来共修祈福，祭拜祖先的信众们，

每个月的周日，初一,十五，所有法会，以及教育中心上课期间，从早上八点至九点半，

提供巴士往返于武吉甘柏地铁站和本寺法务中心之间, 下午五点至五点半, 提供巴士往返于本寺法务中心和文礼地铁站！

在每个月的周六，下午二点至三点， 提供巴士往返于武吉甘柏地铁站和本寺法务中心之间！

竹林寺重建工作正在进行中，给您带来的不便尽请谅解，并期待您的慈悲护持！

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Venerable K. Rathanasara's Message

Dear Dhamma Friends,

I strongly believe that the Dhamma can transform human beings to become noble, wise and compassionate human beings. With the intention of sharing the noble teachings of the Buddha for the wellbeing and happiness of many, I founded Dhammakami Buddhist Society in Singapore with the help of many noble friends in 2007. From thereon, we carried out a lot of Dhamma activities and we will continue to do so in time to come as well.

2018 is a memorable year for Dhammakami Buddhist Society and its followers. We just started our Center at No 29, Lorong 29 Geylang, #06-02 and had the opening ceremony on 3 February 2018. Here are some pictures of the auspicious moment.

At this memorable juncture, I would like to take the opportunity to extend my gratitude to all my fellow Dhamma Friends who gen-erously contributed with their money, time, service and guidance to start this center for everyone to come and practice the noble teachings of the Buddha. May you all be well and happy!

Photo and Message Credits: Dhammakami Buddhist Society and Ven K Rathanasara

p56-57 Jeffrey 竹林 洪 征聘 3分类.indd 57 2019/3/26 13:47:54