January 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS (3rd February, Sunday)

image0014NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASA

1) The Traditional Chinese Medicine Service in SJBA will be off 2 Saturdays, 9th February and 16th February 2013 and will resume on 23rd February. It is another community service for our members and devotees with SJBA arranging with 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA.

2) Our Sunday Dhamma School children, Youth Section and Teen Quest members will be making house calls to bring auspicious New Year greetings and songs, Buddhist hymns and good wishes to the hosts and family. Those who wish to invite them to your homes on 24th February 2013, may book through Sis. Lily at Tel. 03-56348181.

3) SJBA will be organizing the Introduction to Buddhism course from 1 March to 19 April 2013. The course will run for 8 consecutive Fridays from 8.30pm to 10.00pm and will be conducted by Uncle Vijaya, Bro Charlie Chia and Dr Chan Kah Yein. All are welcome. No pre-registration is required. Please contact Sis Lily at 03-56348181 for further details.

2) This morning, Sayadaw U Rewata will lead us in chanting and meditation. Sayadaw U Rewata was born in 1955 in Thonse, Myanmar. He graduated in 1980 with Bachelor of Science at the Rangoon University. He was ordained in 1983. He followed Pariyatti and Patipatti under the guidance of Most Venerable Chanmyay Sayadaw U Janaka Bhivamsa. He has travelled widely to many countries like Japan, USA, Canada, India, etc for missionary work, teaching Metta Bhavana, Vipassana Bhavana, Suttanta Recitations, etc. He served as the Abbot in Hmawbi, Yangon in 2004 to 2006, and also has been the Abbot of the Satipatthana Vipassana Association, Springfield, USA. Sayadaw U Rewata is currently in Subang Jaya Buddhist Association to support its Dhamma missionary work.

May You Be Well & Happy, Always!

Happily we serve,

SJBA Exco
31st January 2013

“SJBA – Your Friendly and Caring Dhamma Centre”

Newsletter 31-Jan-2013

 MESSAGE FROM THE EXCO

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dhamma,

 

SJBA got off to a good start for the year 2013 with a big bang literally, with a colourful display of fireworks right after midnight on the eve of the New Year. The mood was joyful and cheerful. Just hours earlier, our members and devotees have received the blessings from the Sangha, sang Buddhist hymns and joined in a happy fellowship supper with a number of volunteers on stage in a charity karaoke that raised more than RM3,000 for the Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Kurang Upaya.

 

In response to an appeal from Ven. Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Monk of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul to provide humanitarian aid to the thousands of flood victims (265,00 people affected and 42 people died), SJBA promptly responded on 3rd January. 2013 by donating biscuits, sardine, dry beans, maggi mee, milo, milk and school items worth RM8,000. It is hope that our contributions can help bring some relief to those suffering ones.

 

On 10th January 2013, 10am, many SJBA members turned up to welcome the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, to officiate the opening ceremony of the RM1.3 million overhead pedestrian bridge in front of SJBA. The bridge will help relieve the traffic and parking problems that SJBA has been experiencing for so many years. Hopefully, no one will be knocked down again while trying to cross the busy Persiaran Kewajipan to our Vihara. We thank the Menteri Besar as well as our State Assemblyman, YB Hannah Yeoh whose selfless and tireless effort to push for the building of this bridge finally made it a reality.

 

On 13th January 2013, Sayadaw U Rewata helped launch the new SJBA website which is a total face lift of the old website. The new SJBA website has many current features including social media, and has the latest SJBA news, announcements, notices, forthcoming activities, Dhamma sharing, etc. Do visit our website at http//www.sjba.org to get the latest updates.

 

On 26th January 2013, the Traditional Chinese Treatment (TCM) Service was officially opened by YB Hannah Yeoh.  TCM is another SJBA’s community service for its members and devotees. SJBA has arranged 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA since October 2012.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration are just days away. This year, Chinese New Year falls on 10th February. We look forward to celebrate this joyous occasion with you at SJBA’s “Gong Xi, Gong Xi” Potluck dinner on 23rd February 2013. Please come with your family, relatives and friends to enjoy the various program planned for the night, together with some visitors from the Old Folks Homes. You may do some dana by giving angpows to the old folks from the Old Folks Homes who will be invited by SJBA to watch the various performances. On the next day, 24th February 2013, our Sunday Dhamma School children, Youth Section and Teen Quest members will be making house calls to bring auspicious New Year greetings and songs, Buddhist hymns and good wishes to the hosts and family. Those who wish to invite them to your homes on may book through Sis. Lily at Tel. 03-56348181.

 

Through these and other activities, we hope to foster better fellowship and closer friendship amongst our devotees in line with our Vision of “SJBA – A Friendly and Caring Dhamma Centre”. Let us bring to fruition this Vision together. May all the good deeds of yours bring you good health, happiness and success in our life as you continue to walk the Noble Eight Path until you achieve your highest spiritual goal. May 2013 be a better year for all of us.

Happily we serve,

SJBA Exco

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Regular Updates

 

Do you want to receive regular e-mails and sms on the latest SJBA’s activities and news?

 

If you do, please forward your request, giving us your email address and handphone number to sjba@streamyx.com

 

2) Reminder of Membership Renewal for Ordinary Members

 

Have your Ordinary Membership been renewed? Please check your membership status at SJBA office.  To assist SJBA to reduce administrative work, we appeal to all Ordinary Members to convert their Ordinary Membership to Life Membership (RM100).

 

 

 

3) Mandarin Puja Session

 

SJBA is planning a Puja Session conducted in Mandarin (and occasionally  in common Chinese dialects) beginning 10th March 2013, 11.30am to 12.30pm at SJBA Shrine Hall. Please inform and invite your Chinese speaking relatives and friends. The gift of the Dhamma is the highest gift so give this gift of Dhamma to your relatives and friends. If you have old people who need transport to and back from SJBA, please call Sis Lily or Sis Cindy at 03-56348181.

 

 

4) Traditional Chinese Medicine Service

 

As another community service for its members and devotees, Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) has arranged 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA. For more information, please call Bro Chong Yuen Fong at h/p: 012-2677473.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gong Xi, Gong Xi Potluck Dinner               We wish to invite all members and devotees and your relatives and friends to join us at our “Gong Xi, Gong Xi” Potluck dinner to celebrate the Chinese New Year together and promote fellowship as we enjoy the various program planned for the night together from some guests from the Old Folks Homes.

Date:

Day:

Time: Venue:

23rd Feb 2013

Saturday

7.30pm to 10pm

SJBA Vihara

 

 

Chinese New Year Choir     Our Sunday Dhamma School children, Youth Section and Teen Quest members will be making house calls to bring auspicious New Year greetings and songs, Buddhist hymns and good wishes to the hosts and family. Those who wish to invite them to your homes on 24th February 2013, may book through Sis. Lily at Tel. 03-56348181.

Date:

Day:            Time: Starting Point:

24th Feb 2013

Sunday

From 9.30am

SJBA Vihara

 

 

Introduction To Buddhism Course               SJBA will be organizing the Introduction to Buddhism  course from 1 March to 19 April 2013. The course will run for 8 consecutive Fridays from 8.30pm to 10.00pm and will be conducted by Uncle Vijaya, Bro Charlie Chia and Dr Chan Kah Yein. All are welcome. No pre-registration is required. Please contact Sis Lily at 03-56348181 for further details.

Please give this gift of the Dhamma to your relatives and friends by inviting them to attend this course. The gift of the Dhamma is the highest gift.

Date:

Day

Time:

1st Mar  to

19th April 2013

Friday

8.30pm to 10pm

 

 

Qing Ming Pattidana            In conjunction with Qing Ming, SJBA is organising a Pattidana to dedicate merits to the departed ones. Pattidana is for the benefit of those departed relatives and friends who may have been reborn in certain unfortunate state of existence. When they are aware that their relatives or friends have performed some meritorious deeds dedicated to them, they can be relieved of their suffering. When they rejoice repeatedly, their unhappy birth will be transformed to a happy one. It is the duty of relatives to perform these acts of merits for the departed ones. The Pattidana will start with the offering of flowers and lights at 8am, Metta Recitation, Buddha Puja, Dhamma Talk by Bhante Nyanaramsi, Dedication of Merits to Departed Ones.

Date:

Day:            Time:

7th April 2013

Sunday

8.00am to 11am

 

 

Will The Real Buddha’s Dhamma Please Stand Up!

by Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera

It is more than two thousand five hundred years since the Buddha’s parinibbana (passing on) and there is a proliferation of teachings claiming to be the Buddha’s teaching (Dhamma). That being so, many people are confused and led astray. All this was foreseen by the Buddha.

 

In the Vinaya (Monastic Discipline) books and Anguttara Nikaya Sutta 8.51, the Buddha said the True Dhamma will last five hundred years. This means it will be pure and unadulterated during this period only.

 

In Samyutta Nikaya Sutta 16.13 the Buddha warned that counterfeit Dhamma will arise in the world, just like counterfeit gold, causing the True Dhamma to disappear. Thus it is imperative that we distinguish clearly the true from the counterfeit, in order to preserve the True Dhamma.

 

When the Buddha was about to enter parinibbana he instructed the monks “…. What I have taught and explained to you as Dhamma Vinaya, that will be your Teacher after I am gone. “ (Digha Nikaya Sutta 16).

 

The Vinaya is for monastics only (bhikkhus and bhikkhunis) and all schools of Buddhism have similar Vinaya.

 

So what is the Dhamma of the Buddha? In Anguttara Nikaya Sutta 4.180 the Buddha said that if any monk claims that “This is Dhamma, this is Vinaya, this is the Master’s teaching”, his words should neither be accepted nor rejected. Instead, they should be compared to the Suttas (discourses) and Vinaya of the Buddha. Only when they agree with Suttas and Vinaya can they be said to be the teaching of the Buddha. If not, they should be rejected.

 

From the above we see clearly that the Dhamma refers only to the discourses (Suttas) of the Buddha, not of any other Teacher. Hence it is that we take refuge only with the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha. The Buddha foresaw this danger when he proclaimed in Anguttara Nikaya Sutta 5.88 that a monk who has long gone forth, well known, famous, with a large following of laypersons and monastics, learned in the scriptures, even such a monk can have wrong views. Thus in Digha Nikaya Sutta 16, the Buddha said “Be a lamp unto yourselves, be a refuge unto yourselves, with no other refuge; take the Dhamma as your lamp, take the Dhamma as your refuge, with no other refuge”. Hence the Buddha advises us to depend on our own efforts and on the teaching of the Buddha only.

 

In Samyutta Nikaya Sutta 20.7, the Buddha also predicted that in the future the monks will not listen to, study, or master, the discourses of the Buddha. Instead they prefer to listen to, study, and master the discourses of disciples (i.e. later monks), thus causing the disappearance of the Buddha’s Dhamma. This is a clear advice from the Buddha that we should only listen to, study, and master the Suttas, not any other books/teachings.

 

To know the real discourses of the Buddha, we have to know what were the discourses of the Buddha during the five hundred years period after the Buddha’s parinibbana. Archeological excavations, new discoveries, research, etc. now confirm that during the time of Emperor Asoka, i.e. about two hundred and fifty years after the Buddha’s parinibbana, the Dhamma consisted only of five collections (Nikaya) of the Buddha’s discourses. These are:-

(i)                 Digha Nikaya – long discourses.

(ii)               Majjhima Nikaya – middle length discourses.

(iii)             Samyutta Nikaya – short discourses grouped according to subject/topic.

(iv)              Anguttara Nikaya – short discourses arranged according to numerical content.

(v)                Khuddaka Nikaya – minor miscellaneous collection of discourses.

The complete Pali Nikayas have been preserved until the present-see Prof. Akira Hirakawa’s book “A History of Indian Buddhism” page 73. However the Khuddaka Nikaya has grown over the years to become a major rather than minor collection. Only about six books now are consistent with the earlier four Nikayas (see the author’s booklet “Liberation”).

 

These then are the most authentic collections of the Buddha’s teaching we have available now.

The Buddha said in Majjhima Nikaya Sutta 117 (Mahacattarisaka Sutta) that in practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, one must attain Right View first. Right View is the first factor, which will lead one to the second, then third, etc. In other words, without Right View one has not entered on the Path. Hence attaining Right View is extremely important. Attaining Right View is synonymous with attaining Stream Entry (First Path/Magga) as it means one has attained the vision of the Dhamma (dhammacakkhu).

 

According to Majjhima Nikaya Sutta 43 there are two conditions for the arising of Right View: the voice of another (teaching us the Dhamma), and thorough attention. Thus listening to the Dhamma is always stressed by the Buddha, and he called his followers Savaka (listeners). This same sutta says that Right View must be assisted by five factors in order to attain liberation or Arahanthood: moral conduct, listening to Dhamma, discussion of Dhamma, calming the mind, contemplation. This shows the importance of listening to Dhamma from the first step in practicing the Noble Eightfold Path until the very last step when liberation is attained.

 

It is so sad that many so called Buddhists (“listeners”), don’t listen to (or study) the Buddha’s discourses. They do not realize how difficult it is to meet the Dhamma of a Samma Sambuddha. In Digha Nikaya Sutta 14 the Buddha mentioned only six Samma Sambuddha in ninety-one world cycles (kappa) past, so rare is it to find a Buddha willing to teach! It is due to the proliferation of writings after five hundred years from the Buddha’s parinibbana, all professing to be the Buddha’s teaching, that people are confused.

 

In Digha Nikaya Sutta 29, the Buddha said he has taught the holy life which is perfect, complete, and utterly pure. If someone were to deduct or add anything to it, then he does not see it. This means that we should listen to or study only the original Dhamma of the Buddha embodied in the five Nikayas as it is complete. It also means that those who wrote the many counterfeit Dhamma do not see the Buddha’s Dhamma, i.e. they do not possess Right View.

 

This can be seen very clearly, for example in the interpretation of the Bodhisatta (or Bodhisattva) Path, i.e. the path to Buddhahood. Later teachings say that one needs to cultivate the six, or later ten, paramis (perfections of character). The actual Bodhisatta Path is stated very clearly by the Buddha in Majjhima Nikaya Sutta 27 (Culahatthipadopama Sutta). This the Buddha calls “the footprints of the Tathagata (Buddha)”, and consists of seven steps (1) First Jhana  (2) Second Jhana  (3) Third Jhana  (4) Fourth Jhana (5) Recollection of Past Lives  (6) Seeing the passing away and rebirth of beings with the Divine Eye  (7) Destruction of the asavas (uncontrolled mental outflows) by contemplation of the Four Noble (Ariyan) Truths. So deceptive are the later teachings!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

各位佛友,

 

在元旦除夕夜灿烂烟花的引爆下,首邦再也佛教会可说是有个好的开始迈向2013年。当晚的气氛充满欢乐及喜悦, 会员及信徒们在岁末先接受僧团的加持, 然后吟唱佛曲、参与快乐的交流、夜宵,并与一群义工在台上高歌行善, 为残障儿童福利协会筹获超过三千令吉。

为响应冼都斯里兰卡佛寺住持 – 沙拉难卡拉大法师的人道救济(拯救上千水灾灾民~ 二万六千五百人受影响,四十二人丧生)的呼吁,首邦再也佛教会即刻于2013年1月3日捐出了值八千令吉的食品及学校用具。希望我们的一些捐献能够疏解灾民承受的苦难。

2013年1 月 10 日早上十时,雪州州务大臣丹斯里卡立莅临为佛寺前行人天桥主持开幕典礼, 许多会员出席观礼。这座经费一百三十万令吉建造的行人天桥, 舒缓了大道交通,解决了本佛寺已经面对多年的泊车问题,希望此后再没有发生行人因越过繁忙马路到本佛寺而被汽车撞倒的事件。我们感谢雪州州务大臣丹斯里卡立, 以及首邦再也杨巧双州议员无私无畏、毫不言倦地催促,使这座天桥的建设终于实现。

2013年1 月13 日,乌立瓦塔禅师为首邦再也佛教会新网页主持启用仪式, 这全新的网页包含了社会媒体、最新消息、通告、活动预告、佛法分享等等,请浏览首邦再也佛教会新网页http//www.sjba.org   以获得最新资讯。

2013年1 月26 日,杨巧双州议员又为我们的‘传统中医医疗服务’主持开幕式。传统中医医疗服务’是我们为会员及信众设立的另一项社群福利服务。从去年十月开始,首邦再也佛教会安排了两位合格中医师,于每个星期六上午九时至中午十二时在本佛寺, 提供治疗各种疾病与身体疼痛的医疗服务。

春节庆典即将来临。 今年农历新年落在二月十日。我们期盼着在2013年2月23日的“恭喜恭喜聚餐”,与您同欢共庆佳节。请携带您的家人、亲戚朋友一起来参与当晚的节目, 并与本佛寺邀请的安老院来宾们分享喜庆的欢乐。隔天, 即2013年2月24日早上, 我们的佛学院儿童、青少年组员又将受邀到主人家府上团拜, 将佛曲、贺年曲及祝福带到府上。 如果您有意邀请他们到您府上,请向Sis Lily 预约( 电话:56348181)。

通过这些活动, 我们希望能够本着我们的宏愿:“首邦再也佛教会- 富有爱心关怀的佛法中心”,增进信众间的交流与联谊。让我们一起实现这个宏愿。愿您的一切善举, 在您继续走上八正道之际,为您带来健康、快乐及成功, 直到您达到精神上最高目标。愿2013 年是大家更美好的一年。

 

 

愿三宝加持于您, 愿您安康快乐。

 

善哉 !善哉 !善哉 !

首邦再也佛教会执委会

慈悲合十

 

 

 

首邦再也佛教会您的友善、有爱心关怀的佛法中心
活动预告

 

 

“恭喜恭喜聚餐”

日期 : 2013年2月23 日(星期六)

地点 : 本佛寺

时间 :晚上七时半至十时

 

至诚邀请所有会员及信众, 及您的亲戚朋友前来同欢共庆农历新年佳节, 促进联谊,并与安老院来宾分享庆祝春节之喜悦。

 

 

癸巳年春节团拜

日期 : 2013年2月24 日(星期日)

出发地点 : 本佛寺

时间 :上午九时半

 

 

我们的佛学院儿童、青少年组员将受邀到主人家府上团拜, 将佛曲、贺年曲及祝福带到府上。 如果您有意邀请他们到您府上,请向Sis Lily 预约( 电话:56348181)。

 

 

 

佛学入门课程

日期 : 2013年3月1 日至4月19日

每逢星期五

地点 : 本佛寺

时间 :晚上八时半至十时

 

 

这项课程将连续进行八个星期,由Uncle Vijaya, Bro Charlie Chia 及 Dr Chan Kah Yein 主讲,无需预先报名, 欢迎出席。 详情可联络Sis Lily ( 电话:56348181)。

“佛法是至上赠礼”, 请邀请您的亲戚朋友一齐前来共享法乐。

 

 

 

清明节分享功德法会

 

日期 : 2013年4月7 日(星期日)

地点 : 本佛寺

时间 :上午八时至十一时

 

 

配合清明节举办分享功德法会, 回向功德于可能投生恶业道的亲友, 让他们意识到亲友做了善业及回向功德给他们, 他们回升起欢喜心。不断升起欢喜心能帮助他们转生善界,因此为已故亲人造善业是我们的责任。仪式将在上午八时开始, 包括诵念慈经、礼佛、托钵化缘、法师开示佛法,法师加持、回向功德 及午餐布施 。欢迎参与。

 

 

通告

1 )定期更新消息

您希望透过电邮及手机短讯定期收到首邦再也佛教会的最新活动消息吗?请将您的电子邮址及手机号码, 一起交至sjba@streamyx.com.

 

2) 更新会员资格

请到本佛寺办事处查询您的会员资格。我们请求普通会员将会员资格转换成永久会员

(一百令吉), 以协助本佛寺减轻行政工作。

 

3)敬佛礼(华语)

首邦再也佛教会正在计划于三月十日开始,在周日上午十一时半至中午十二时半以华语(或偶尔以方言)进行敬佛礼,请通知并邀请您那些只讲华语的亲戚朋友前来,“佛法是至上赠礼”。如果您有需要安排交通来回本佛寺的老人家,请联络Sis Lily 或 Sis Cindy ( 电话:56348181)。

 

) 传统中医医疗服务’

我们为会员及信众设立的另一项社群福利服务,首邦再也佛教会安排了两位合格中医师,于每个星期六上午九时至中午十二时在本佛寺, 提供治疗各种疾病与身体疼痛的医疗服务。详情可联络Bro Chong Yuen Fong  ( 电话:012-2677473 )。

 

让佛陀真正的教法展现吧!

达摩悟陀大长老

离佛陀入般涅盘(入灭)己经2500多年的今天,有许多不同的教导自称为佛陀的教法。正因如此,很多人对佛法感到困惑及无所适从,而这一切早被佛陀所预见。

伪冒的佛法

在律藏及《增支部》第8.51经里,佛陀表示真正的佛法将会维持五百年。佛陀的意思是指唯有在这段时期的佛法,才是纯正而无杂染的。

于《相应部》第16.13经里,佛陀告诫弟子们,伪法将会出现於这个世间,就如伪金的出现致使真金失去价值一般,伪法亦会导致正法的消失。所以,为了维护正法,当务之急是把佛陀的正法从种种伪法中分辨开来。

佛陀的正法

当佛陀即将进入般涅盘的时候,他这样教导比丘们:“在我入灭后,我所教导的法(Dhamma)与律(Vinaya)将成为你们的老师。”(《长部》第16经)

律藏里的戒律只适用於出家众(比丘及比丘尼),而所有佛教的传承都有着相似的戒律。

 

什么才是佛陀的教法呢?于《增支部》第4.180经里,佛陀说倘若一位出家人声称“这是法、这是律;这是佛陀的教导。”我们不应立即接受或拒绝他所说的话,而应该以佛陀的经与律对照。唯有当那些话语符合经与律时,我们才可以认同它们为佛陀的教导。然则,我们应当拒绝。

从以上的经文,我们可以清楚知道佛法仅指佛陀的话语(即原始的佛经,Suttas),而并非其它老师的话。这亦是为何我们只以佛、法、僧为皈依处。佛陀对此早有先见之明,于《增支部》第5.88经里,佛陀说即使一位出家人出家已久、广为人们所熟悉、著名、拥有众多在家及出家信徒、熟悉於经典,也可能拥有邪见。所以,在《长部》第16经里,佛陀告诉我们:“以自己为明灯,以自己为皈依处,不以他人为皈依处;以法为明灯,以法为皈依处,不以其它为皈依处。”换言之,佛陀劝告我们要依靠他的教法及我们自己的努力,而不要依靠其它事物。

于《相应部》第20.7经里,佛陀亦预言在未来,出家人将不会聆听、研究或精通佛陀的话语。反之,他们却愿意聆听、研究及精通弟子们的话语(即後来的出家人),而这将导致佛法的消失。佛陀于此明确地指出我们只应聆听、研究及精通原始佛经(Suttas),而并非其它的书籍或教导。

 

原始佛经

要知道哪一些是佛陀真正的话语,我们就必须知道在佛陀入般涅盘后的五百年期间的佛法内容。根据考古学的挖掘、新的发现及研究等,我们目前能确认于阿育王(King Asoka)时期(约佛陀入般涅盘后250年),佛陀的教法就只记载于五部尼柯耶(Nikayas)中。这五部尼柯耶为:

(一)《长部》,载有长篇的经文。

(二)《中部》,载有中等长度的经文。

(三)《相应部》,按主题分类的短篇经文。

(四)《增支部》,按内容数目顺序排列的短篇经文。

(五)《小部》,汇集杂项的小部经文。

巴利(Pali)语系的尼柯耶被完整地保存至今(参照平川彰博士Prof. Akira Hirakawa著作《A History of Indian Buddhism》第73页)。但其中的《小部》则持续扩展而最终成为最大的一部。目前只有六本《小部》书籍与早期的四部尼柯耶内容是不相抵触的(请参阅作者另一本作品《解脱-经与律的关联》)。

这些经文就是现今我们所拥有最为可靠的佛陀言教。

 

正见

佛陀在《中部》第117经(Mahacattarisaka Sutta,大四十经)里指出,若一个人要修习八正道必须先具有正见。正见为首要原素,它将致使八正道的其它原素如正思维、正语……的生起。换言之,未具有正见的人尚未进入八正道。所以,获得正见是极其重要的。获得正见同义于证得“入流”(即已成就初道或初果),亦意味着他已获得“法眼”(Dhammacakkhu)。

依据《中部》第43经,获得正见需要两个条件:另一个人的话语(即他人教导我们佛法)及彻底的思量(Yoniso manasikara)。所以,佛陀常强调听闻佛法的重要性,并称呼他的弟子们为‘声闻弟子’(Savaka)。该篇经文进一步指出,要达至解脱或证得阿罗汉,除了需拥有正见以外,还需要辅以五个条件:持戒、听闻佛法、讨论佛法、修止及修观。这说明了于八正道修习的始端,以至获得解脱之前的最後阶段,听闻佛法都是重要的。

 

 

 

结语

可悲的是,很多所谓的‘佛教徒’(‘声闻弟子’)并不聆听(或不研究)佛陀的话语。他们没有意识到能听闻一位正等正觉宣说教法是多么的困难。于《长部》第14经里,佛陀提及在过去的91劫中,只有六尊正等正觉出现於世。这意味着一位愿意宣扬佛法的佛陀是多么的罕见啊 !而在佛入般涅盘五百年後,大量自称为佛陀言教的书籍涌现,导致人们分不清何为正法,何为非法。

于《长部》第29经里,佛陀表示他所教导的圣贤生活是圆满、完整及完全净洁的。倘若有任何人欲增添或删减他的话语,那么他仍未看见佛法。这意识说我们只应聆听及研究哪完整记载着佛陀原始教法的五部尼柯耶。这也意味那些编写许多伪法的人,还未看见佛法,即他们根本未拥有正见。

这一点从对菩萨道(即成佛之道)的理解就可见一斑。后期发展的教导中声称一个要成佛的人,必须培育六波罗密或后来的十波罗密(即圆满的人格)。然而,佛陀在《中部》第27经〈象迹喻小经,Culahatthipadopama Sutta〉里,非常清楚地说明了何谓真正的菩萨道。佛陀称菩萨道为‘如来的足迹’,并阐了包含在内的七个步骤:

(一)初禅

(二)二禅

(三)三禅

(四)四禅

(五)回忆起过去的多生多世(宿命通)

(六)看见众生如何于身坏命终后依据业力再生(天眼通)

(七)透过思维四圣谛而停止诸漏(漏尽通)

你们看,後期的教导是多么的误导人啊!

 

Dhamma Talk “FROM PERCEPTION TO STRESS”

Fellow Mitras,

Attendees130127This morning (27-Jan-2012), despite the long weekend holidays and also with the Sunday Dhamma School off, many devotees still turned up at SJBA to attend our Morning Puja Service. The Dhamma Talk this morning was on “FROM PERCEPTION TO STRESS” which was on the Buddha’s Teaching on the Process of Perception (“pañca-khandha”, the 5-aggregates) leading to emotional reaction and craving (“tanhā”) that gave rise to stress and suffering (“dukkha”).

BroBillyTanThe Speaker, Bro. Billy Tan, is a Professional Trainer and Business Development Consultant and also a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as well as being certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, USA, in Clinical Hypnotherapy.

This morning, Bro. Billy co-related modern Neuroscience and Psychology with the Buddha Dhamma and shared the various techniques one can apply to reduce the harmful effects of stress. It was certainly a meaningful session for all those present, understanding better the source and management techniques of stress. We hope that more members and devotees will take advantage of future Talks SJBA arrange for Bro Billy Tan.

Happily we serve.
SJBA Exco
27/1/13

FROM PERCEPTION TO STRESS

SJBA-27Jan2013-BTAN-talkFellow Mitras,

This Sunday’s Dhamma Talk (27/1/13, 10.00am) is on “FROM PERCEPTION TO STRESS” which is on the Buddha’s Teaching on the Process of Perception (“pañca-khandha”, the 5-aggregates) arise and dissolve, leading to emotional reaction and craving (“tanhā”) that give rise to stress and suffering (“dukkha”), and how we can reduce the harmful effects of stress. The Speaker, Bro. Billy Tan is a Professional Trainer and Business Development Consultant who has trained countless corporate executives and business professionals in more than 20 countries over the past three decades. Bro. Billy is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as well as being certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, USA, in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
In recent years Bro. Billy has conducted several professional training programs for resident and visiting Monks at the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, in the areas of Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Professional Presentation, Public Relations, Community Services, Leadership, and Management. In sharing the Dhamma, Bro. Billy researches discoveries from the fields of Neuroscience and Psychology to present teachings of the Buddha from a scientific perspective.
Currently, Bro. Billy offers talks, seminars, workshops and professional training programs to Buddhist community centers and charity organizations.

May you be well and healthy, peaceful and happy.

Happily we serve,
SJBA Exco
24th Jan 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS (27th January, Sunday)

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASA

ANNOUNCEMENTS (27th January, Sunday)

1) As another community service for our members and devotees, SJBA has arranged with 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA. Fees are chargeable at RM30 per treatment plus acupuncture and medicine. For further information, please call Bro. Chong Yuan Foong at 012-2677473.

2) Our Sunday Dhamma School children, Youth Section and Teen Quest members will be making house calls to bring auspicious New Year greetings and songs, Buddhist hymns and good wishes to the hosts and family. Those who wish to invite them to your homes on 24th February 2013, may book through Sis. Lily at Tel. 03-56348181.

3) SJBA will be organizing the Introduction to Buddhism course from 1 March to 19 April 2013. The course will run for 8 consecutive Fridays from 8.30pm to 10.00pm and will be conducted by Uncle Vijaya, Bro Charlie Chia and Dr Chan Kah Yein. All are welcome. No pre-registration is required. Please contact Sis Lily at 03-56348181 for further details.

2) This morning’s Dhamma Talk is on “FROM PERCEPTION TO STRESS” which is on the Buddha’s Teaching on the Process of Perception (“pañca-khandha”, the 5-aggregates) arise and dissolve, leading to emotional reaction and craving (“tanhā”) that give rise to stress and suffering (“dukkha”), and how we can reduce the harmful effects of stress. The Speaker, Bro. Billy Tan is a Professional Trainer and Business Development Consultant who has trained countless corporate executives and business professionals in more than 20 countries over the past three decades. Bro. Billy is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as well as being certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, USA, in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
In recent years Bro. Billy has conducted several professional training programs for resident and visiting Monks at the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, in the areas of Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Professional Presentation, Public Relations, Community Services, Leadership, and Management. In sharing the Dhamma, Bro. Billy researches discoveries from the fields of Neuroscience and Psychology to present teachings of the Buddha from a scientific perspective.
Currently, Bro. Billy offers talks, seminars, workshops and professional training programs to Buddhist community centers and charity organizations.

May You Be Well & Happy, Always!

Happily we serve,

SJBA Exco
24th January 2013

“SJBA – Your Friendly and Caring Dhamma Centre”

ANNOUNCEMENTS (20th January, Sunday)

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASA

ANNOUNCEMENTS (20th January, Sunday)

1) As another community service for our members and devotees, SJBA has arranged with 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA. Fees are chargeable at RM30 per treatment plus acupuncture and medicine. For further information, please call Bro. Chong Yuan Foong at 012-2677473.

2) Our Sunday Dhamma School children, Youth Section and Teen Quest members will be making house calls to bring auspicious New Year greetings and songs, Buddhist hymns and good wishes to the hosts and family. Those who wish to invite them to your homes on 24th February 2013, may book through Sis. Lily at Tel. 03-56348181.

2) This morning’s Dhamma Talk will be given by Sayadaw U Rewata. Sayadaw U Rewata graduated in 1980 with Bachelor of Science at the Rangoon University. He was ordained in 1983. He followed Pariyatti and Patipatti under the guidance of Most Venerable Chanmyay Sayadaw U Janaka Bhivamsa. He has travelled widely to many countries like Japan, USA, Canada, India, etc for missionary work, teaching Metta Bhavana, Vipassana Bhavana, Suttanta Recitations, etc. He has been the Abbot in Hmawbi, Yangon and the Satipatthana Vipassana Association, Springfield, USA. Sayadaw U Rewata is currently in Subang Jaya Buddhist Association to support its Dhamma missionary work.

May You Be Well & Happy, Always!

Happily we serve,

SJBA Exco
18th January 2013

“SJBA – Your Friendly and Caring Dhamma Centre”

New Pedestrian Bridge Over Busy Persiaran Kewajipan

 

Finally, SS14 gets pedestrian bridge
bridge1x (2)
Khalid (left) walking on the newly-opened pedestrian bridge along
Persiaran Kewajipan SS14 together with temple representatives.

Writer: Brenda Ch’ng
Published: Fri, 11 Jan 2013

SUBANG JAYA: A four-year-long wait for the construction of a pedestrian bridge along Persiaran Kewajipan SS14 is finally over and residents can now cross over the busy road safely.
“People can now cross over safely especially the little children from SS15 low-cost flats,  they can now use the bridge to get to their school on the other side of the road,” said Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh.
She explained that this bridge will help deter residents running across the busy Persiaran Kewajipan, at the Summit interchange.
Yeoh also pointed out that the bridge will fully benefit members of the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association, Sri Varatharajah Perumal Hindu Temple and the Persatuan Sikh Subang during festivals and other occasions.
“There is limited parking space here and it’s always jammed up. So now the members and other people can park their cars across the road and use the bridge,” she said.
Also present was Public Works Department (PWD) Selangor head Abdullah Abdul Rahman and Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who launched the bridge and said only RM1.3 million was spent for this project through the open tender process.
“This will not be possible without the open tender as in the past some pedestrian bridges cost RM3 million… we can build two already with that money,” he said.
Khalid hopes this value-for-money project will be a model that other future projects can follow and urged PWD to ensure the bridge is well maintained.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASA

ANNOUNCEMENTS (13th January, Sunday)

1) As another community service for our members and devotees, SJBA has arranged with 2 experienced Chinese Physicians qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment to give treatment to those with certain sicknesses and bodily ache/pain, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm, at SJBA. Fees are chargeable at RM30 per treatment plus acupuncture and medicine. For further information, please call Bro. Chong Yuan Foong at 012-2677473.

2) Before the Dhamma Talk this morning, let us chant the Mangala Sutta led by SJBA Chantingfarers. Thereafter, we shall invite Sayadaw U Rewata to launch SJBA’s new website.

3) This morning’s (13th January) Dhamma Talk is on “Service to Others” by Bro Tan Siang Chye. Bro. Siang Chye graduated from Kent Institute, UK and with a Master degree from Massey University, New Zealand. He was a former Chairman of the Buddhist Missionary Youth Section and also the parent body, BMSM for one session. He is a striving meditator and has practised under several prominent meditation teachers locally and in New Zealand. Bro. Siang Chye is currently the Chairman of the Dhamma Committee of SJBA.

May You Be Well & Happy, Always!

Happily we serve,

SJBA Exco
10th January 2013

Humanitarian Aid to flood victims in Sri Lanka

Fellow Mitras,

Due to the recent heavy floods in central, north central and eastern Sri Lanka, at least 42 people have been killed and 265,000 have been affected by the floods. The floods have inundated a number of large towns and rural areas, forcing hospitals to evacuate patients and roads to close after landslides. Hundreds of thousands of acres of agricultural land have also been affected.

In response to the appeal from the Ven Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Monk of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul, SJBA promptly responded by donating biscuits, sardine, dry beans, mee hoon, maggi mee, milo, milk and school items like shoes, stationeries, etc. worth about RM8,000.00. We wish our contributions can help to bring relief to those suffering flood victims. May they be well & happy!

image007 image011

 

May suffering ones be suffering-free
May the fear-struck fearless be
May the grief shed all grief
May all beings find relief
 
 
With metta,
SJBA, Your Friendly & Caring Dhamma Centre

 

 

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