June 2016

Recycling Project by SDS

Recycling Project by Sunday Dhamma School Students

Please support this worthy cause and save the environment by helping to send your recyclables to SJBA on Sunday, 19 June 2016

Our SDS students will be there to experience the sweat and joy of protecting the environment and to save our Mother Earth!!

The collection of recyclable items starts from 8.45 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. at the corridor, next to the Shrine Hall (near the exit gate).  Please come and support !! 

RECYCLABLES
Papers:
Aluminium:
Metal/Iron:
Clothes:
Glass:
Plastics
All sorts of papers/newspapers/carton and boxes Magazines, etc

Soft drink cans/ beers cans, etc

Food cans/tins/all metal products

Men/Ladies/Children garments. [Only useable conditions]     

All glass bottles (Jam/ sauce, etc)         

All plastic bottles (Shampoo/detergents/mineral water/ plastic ware etc.                  

NOT WANTED

NO STYROFOAMS

NO KITCHEN UTENSILS

NO FURNITURE/SOFA SET

NO SHOES/BAGS/BELTS/TOYS

NO CERAMICS/LIGHT BULBS

NO UNDERGARMENTS

 

Newsletter May 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE EXCO

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dhamma,

NAMO BUDDHAYA

We are happy to see the construction of our extension block
moving full steam again after some initial hiccups. The construction is now at
about 35% complete and it is expected to be completed by end 2016. The total
construction cost is estimated to be about RM5 million (not including GST and
interior design works which will be an additional of more than one RM1 million,
hence the total costs will be about RM6.5 million). Since SJBA launched its
Temple Building Extension Fund on Wesak Day in 2013, it has raised about RM3.6
million. To help raise as much funds as possible to help built the said
building extension successfully by end 2016, SJBA decided to organize a
“Nurturing Wisdom and Compassion” Charity Dinner. The response has been
fascinating. 2 months before the event, all the tickets for the dinner were
already fully sold. In conjunction with this charity dinner, we made an appeal
for sponsors for the 13 Dhamma Classrooms and 2 Senior Citizens Rooms, at
RM100,000 each and 2 Halls RM1,280,000 each. The response was also very
encouraging. All the 13 Dhamma Classrooms and the 2 Senior Citizens Rooms have
been sponsored. We are grateful and thankful to all who donated generously to
our Building Extension Fund.

Over the years, many people have found meaning in life and
the Way to Liberation from suffering, living a happier life after learning and
practising the Dhamma in SJBA. Many have also found fulfilment and joy giving
their services to the Association and to the Community.

Upon
completion by end of this year of this proposed 4 storey block, we are going to
have a more conducive premise to conduct a more holistic and inspiring Dhamma
education for our younger generation as well as for the adults. SJBA will also
become a more conducive place for spiritual development as well as a conducive
place to conduct regular Meditation Retreats and other mindfulness cultivation
programs as well as to enhance social welfare and community services to bring
relief, joy and happiness to those who are needy, etc.

Hopefully,
by Wesak Day this year, we would have raise enough funds to successfully
complete SJBA’s new extension block. We look forward to your continued support on
this Wesak Day. Helping to build Vihara for the Triple Gem is very meritorious.

This
year’s Wesak Day falls on 21 May 2016. Wesak Day is a thrice sacred day for the
millions of Buddhists all over the world because on this Full Moon Day of May
in 623BC, the Sakyamuni Buddha was born in his last rebirth as Prince
Siddhartha Gotama. 35 years later, He attained Full Enlightenment and became
the Buddha also on Full Moon Day of May. Finally the Buddha attained
Parinibbana also on the Full Moon Day, ie. Wesak Day.

Wesak
Day is an auspicious day for reflections on the Dhamma, to do good, abstain
from evil and purify our mind. Our Wesak Celebration will commence Wesak Eve (20
May 2016), with the lighting of Blessings Oil Lamps at 7.30pm followed by Wesak
Eve Buddha Puja, Dhamma Talk by SJBA Abbot, Ven. Nyanaramsi, Procession round
the Vihara, followed by Chanting and Meditation. On Wesak Day itself, Puja
Service will commence at 8.00am, followed by the official launching of the
Wesak Day Celebration and chanting of Parittas by the Sangha. Blessings will be
carried out by the Venerable Members of the Sangha. From 11.00am to 2.30pm, vegetarian
food will be provided. There will be a Blood Donation & Organ Pledge
Campaign and a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment for
devotees who need such services. We need about 200 volunteer helpers to help
organize our Wesak Celebration. If you can help, please call Sis. Lily at Tel.
03-56315299.

This
year, the proceeds of the Wesak Day’s donations will go to the Temple Building
Extension Fund. Amongst various ways to raise funds for the construction of the
new block is the on-going “Donate a Brick” campaign. Each brick is RM100. The
donors can write their name and sign on the bricks which will be used for the
construction of the new block. As in previous years, offering of lights will be
one of the highlight of Wesak to symbolize dispelling the darkness of ignorance
by the light of wisdom. This year as you offer lights and reflect on its significance,
you can also contribute to making SJBA Vihara more conducive to propagate the
Dhamma and promotion of the Buddhist Way of Life.

We
look forward to welcome you to celebrate Wesak Day together. May the Blessings
of the Triple Gem be with you! May you be well and happy!

With
Metta,

SJBA
Exco

SJBA
– Your Friendly & Caring Dhamma Centre

 

 

Forthcoming Events

 

 

Wesak
Day Celebration

This year’s Wesak day falls on 21 May 2016. Our
Wesak Celebration will start on Wesak Eve, 20 May with lighting of Blessings
Oil Lamps at 7.30pm followed by Wesak Eve Buddha Puja, Dhamma Talk by Ven.
Nyanaramsi, Procession Round the Vihara and Bodhi Tree, Chanting and
Meditation. On Wesak Day, Puja Service will commence at 8.00am followed by
the official launching of the Wesak Day Celebration at 9.45am. Blessings
Service will be carried by the Maha Sangha.

From 11.00am to 2.30pm, vegetarian food will be
provided. There will be a Blood Donation & Organ Pledge Campaign, Traditional
Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment for devotees needing such services.
We
need around 200 volunteer helpers to help organize all these activities. Please
register yourselves by writing your name at our Notice Board or call Sis.
Lily at Tel. 03-56315299.

Date:

Day:

Venue

21
May 2016

Saturday

SJBA
Vihara

Introduction to Satipatthana
Meditation Course followed by Meditation Retreat

SJBA is organising an intensive
6-lesson Introduction to Satipatthana Meditation Course with meditation
practice, conducted by our Abbot, Ven. Nyanaramsi from end May to early June
2016.
This is a practical course which
introduces the principles and basic teachings of Insight Meditation as taught
by the Buddha.

At the end of the course, you are expected to attend a 4
days 3 nights weekend meditation retreat in SJBA. The course program is as
follows:

 

 

 

 

26
May, (Sat)

8.30pm-9.30pm

Course
Orientation

Bro
Siang Chye

27
May (Fri)

8.30pm-10.30pm

Lesson
1

Ven.
Nyanaramsi

28
May (Sat)

2.00pm-9.00pm

Lesson
2 & 3

Ven.
Nyanaramsi

29
May (Sun)

2.00pm-9.00pm

Lesson
4 & 5

Ven.
Nyanaramsi

3
Jun (Fri)

8.30pm-10.30pm

Lesson
6

Ven.
Nyanaramsi

2–5
Jun (4D/3N)

TBA

Meditation
Retreat

Ven.
Nyanaramsi

Please
email or call us now to confirm your participation!

Email
office@sjba.org 

Phone :
03- 5631 5299 / 5634 8181 (Sis. Lily or Sis. Cindy)

Date:

Venue:

End May to early Jun 2016

Shrine Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual
General Meeting

SJBA
will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 5 June 2016 at 9.30am.
The Agenda include receiving and adopting the Executive Committee’s Annual
Report, Audited Statement of Accounts, and deliberation of other matters as
deemed fit by the Assembly and election of the Exco for the term 2016/18.
You are cordially invited to join us.

Date:

Day:

Time

Venue:

5
June 2016

Sunday

9.30am

Shrine Hall

Sutta
Study Workshop

SJBA is hosting a 1-day Sutta Study
with Meditation Workshop on “HOW TO DIMINISH THE EFFECTS OF BAD PAST
KAMMA”, facilitated by Ven. Aggacitta.

Many Buddhists believe in performing
various rituals to cleanse themselves of their bad past kamma (or at least
diminish its effects) which is influenced by the folk beliefs and rituals. On
the other hand, more knowledgeable Buddhists may think that performing more
good kamma is more efficacious.

The purpose of this workshop to go
back to the roots by investigating what the Pāḷi suttas actually
say about this matter. However, even more important than mere textual
analysis is the practicality of our efforts, discoveries and conclusions: how
will they help us interpret the suttas meaningfully so that we can practise
effectively to reduce and eventually end suffering. To emphasise this pragmatic
approach towards the study of the suttas, periods of mindfulness practice
will be incorporated in the workshop.

Date:

Day:

Time

Venue:

17
Jul 2016

Sunday

Shrine Hall

7th
Lunar Month Pattidana

In conjunction with the 7th Lunar Month,
SJBA is organising a Pattidana (Dedication of Merits) Ceremony for the
departed ones. When those departed relatives and friends, who may been reborn
in certain unfortunate state of existence, become aware that their departed
relatives performing meritorious deeds dedicated to them, they can feel
relief. If they rejoice repeatedly, their unhappy birth can be transformed
into a happy one. It is the duty of relatives to perform acts of merits for
the departed ones. The program will start at 8.00am with the offering of
flowers, candles and pure water, followed by Pindacara, chanting, Dhamma
Talk, offering of requisites, dedication of merits to the departed ones and
followed by Blessings by the Sangha and lunch dana. All are welcome.

Date:

Day:

Venue

Time:

14Aug 2016

Sunday

Shrine
Hall

8.00am

Merdeka
Celebration, Academic Excellence Award and Blessings Service for students
sitting for major examinations in 2016

 

SJBA is celebrating our country’s 59th
Merdeka Day on 31st August 2016 (Wednesday). The Celebration will
start with a Merdeka Breakfast at 7.45am, followed by Flag Raising Ceremony,
Blessings by the Venerable Monks, cutting of Merdeka cake and fellowship. Members and devotees are invited to
join us for the Celebration. To encourage our members’ children to strive for
excellence in their academic performance, SJBA will present Academic
Excellence Awards to students who excelled in their examinations in 2014. The
Awards will be given out on Merdeka Day, 31st August 2015. For more
information, please call Sis. Lily at tel. 03-56315299;

On the same day, SJBA is also organizing a Blessings
Service for students sitting for UPSR, PT3, SPM, STPM, etc. examinations this
year, conducted by the Members of the Sangha. .

Date:

Venue

Time:

31Aug 2016

SJBA

7.45am

 

 

You Have to Save Yourself

 

Oneself, indeed, is one’s
savior, for what other savior would there be? With oneself well controlled the
problem of looking for an external saviour is solved.
(Dhammapada 166)

As
the Buddha was about to pass away, His disciples came from everywhere to be
near Him.While the other disciples were constantly at His side and in deep
sorrow over the impending loss of their Master, a monk named Attadatta went
into his cell and practiced meditation. The other monks, thinking that he was
unconcerned about the welfare of the Buddha, were upset and reported the matter
to Him. The monk, however, addressed the Buddha thus, ‘Lord as the Blessed One
would be passing away soon, I thought the best way to honour the Blessed One
would be by attaining Arahantship during the lifetime of the Blessed One
itself’. The Buddha praised his attitude and his conduct and said that one’s
spiritual welfare should not be abandoned for the sake of others.

In
this story is illustrated one of the most important aspects of Buddhism. A
person must constantly be on the alert to seek his or her own deliverance from
Samsara, and ‘salvation’ must be brought about by the individual alone. One
cannot look to any external force or agency for help to attain Nirvana.

People
who do not understand Buddhism criticize this concept and say that Buddhism is
a selfish religion which only talks about the concern for one’s own freedom
from pain and sorrow. This is not true at all. The Buddha states clearly that
one should work ceaselessly for the spiritual and material welfare of all
beings, while at the same time diligently pursuing one’s own goal of attaining
Nirvana. Selfless service is highly commended by the Buddha.

Again,
people who do not understand Buddhism may ask, ‘It may be alright for the
fortunate human beings, in full command of their mental powers, to seek Nirvana
by their own efforts. But what about those who are mentally and physically or
even materially handicapped? How can they be self-reliant? Do they not need the
help of some external force, some god or deva to assist them?’

The
answer to this is that Buddhists do not believe that the final release must
necessarily take place in one lifetime. The process can take a long time, over
the period of many births. One

has
to apply oneself, to the best of one’s ability, and slowly develop the powers
of self-reliance. Therefore, even those who are handicapped mentally and
spiritually must make an effort, however small, to begin the process of
deliverance and the duty of those more able is to help them do this; e.g. monks
and nuns help lay people to understand and practise the Dharma.

Once
the wheels are set in motion, the individual slowly trains himself or herself
to improve the power of self-reliance. The tiny acorn will one day grow into a
mighty oak, but not overnight. Patience is an essential ingredient in this
difficult process. For example, we know from experience how many parents do
everything in their power to bring up their children according to the parents’
hopes and aspirations. And yet when these children grow up, they develop in
their own way, not necessarily the way the parents wanted them to be. In
Buddhism, we believe that while others can exert influence on someone’s life,
the individual will in the end create his or her own karma and be responsible
for their own actions. No human being or deva can, in the final analysis,
direct or control an individual’s attainment of the ultimate salvation. This is
the meaning of self-reliance. This does not mean that Buddhism teaches one to
be selfish. In Buddhism, when people seek, by their own effort, to attain
Nirvana, they are determined not to kill, steal, tell lies, lust after others,
or lose the control of their senses through intoxication. When they control
themselves thus they automatically contribute to the happiness of others. So is
not this so-called ‘selfishness’ a good thing for the general welfare of
others?

We
all know human beings are born with many varying levels of intelligence and
powers of reasoning. Some are born as geniuses while at the other end of the
spectrum, some are born with very low intelligence. Yet every being has some
ability to distinguish between choices or options, especially when they concern
survival. If we extend this fact of survival even to the animal world we can
distinguish between higher and lower animals, with this same ability (in
varying degrees of course) to make choices for the sake of survival.

Hence,
even a lower form of life has the potential to create a good karma, however
limited its scope. With the diligent application of this and the gradual
increase of good karma a being can raise itself to higher levels of existence
and understanding.

To
look at this problem from another angle, we can consider one of the earliest
stories that have been told to show how the Buddha-to-be first made the initial
decision to strive for Enlightenment. A great many rebirths before the Buddha
was born as Siddharta, he was born as an ordinary man.

One
day while travelling in a boat with his mother, a great storm arose and boat
capsized, throwing the occupants into the angry sea. With no thought for his
personal safety, this brave young man carried his mother on his back and struggled
to swim to dry land. But so great was the expanse of water ahead of him that he
did not know the best route to safety. When he was in this dilemma, not knowing
which way to turn, his bravery was noticed by one of the devas. This deva could
not physically come to his aid, but he was able to make him to know the best
route to take. The young man listened to the deva and both he and his mother
were saved. After his mother had been saved, he reflected on how much happiness
he had gained from saving a single being. How much greater would that happiness
be, if he perfected himself and then saved all sentient beings? There and then
he made a firm determination and life after life he went on cultivating his
life for gaining Enlightenment.

This
story illustrates the fact that Buddhists can and do seek the help of devas in
their daily lives. A deva is a being who by virtue of having acquired great
merit is born with the power to help other beings. But this power is limited to
material and physical things. In our daily existence, we can seek help of the
devas (when misfortune strikes, when we need to be comforted, when we are sick
or afraid, and so on).

The
fact that we seek the aid of these devas means that we are still tied to the
material world. We must accept the fact that by being born we are subject to
physical desires and needs. And it is not wrong to satisfy these needs on a
limited scale. When the Buddha advocated the Middle Path, He said that we
should neither indulge ourselves in luxury nor completely deny ourselves the
basic necessities of life.

However,
we should not stop at that. While we accept the conditions of our birth, we
must also make every effort, by following the Noble Eightfold Path, to reach a
level of development where we realize that attachment to the material world
creates only pain and sorrow.

As
we develop our understanding over countless births, we crave less and less for
the pleasures of the senses. It is at this stage that we become truly
self-reliant. At this stage, the devas cannot help us anymore, because we are
not seeking to satisfy our material needs.

Therefore
in Buddhism, a person can seek the help of external agencies (like devas) in
the pursuit of temporal happiness, but in the later stages of development when
attachment to the worldly conditions ceases, there begins the path towards
renunciation and enlightenment at which point one must stand alone. When one
seeks to gain liberation, to break away from the endless cycle of birth and
death, to gain realization and enlightenment, one can only do this by one’s own
effort and own concentrated will power. “No one saves us but ourselves”.

Buddhism
gives great credit to human beings. It is the only religion which states that
human beings have the power to help and free themselves. In the later stages of
their development, they are not at the mercy of any external force or agency
which they must constantly please by worshipping or offering sacrifices.”

 

Extracted from “What
Buddhists Believe – Expanded 4th Edition” by K Sri Dhammananda

 

 

MERDEKA DAY CELEBRATION
& EXAMINATION BLESSING

PROGRAM (31st August 2016)

 

 

7.45am Arrival of devotees and
guests

8.00am Merdeka
Breakfast at SJBA Dana Hall

8.30am Raising
of Malaysian Flag, Selangor Flag, Buddhist Flag and Singing of National Anthem,
Lagu Selangor, & Anthem of Unity, Keranu Mu Malaysia and Tanggal 31.

9.00am Merdeka Message by
President, SJBA

9.10am Cutting of Merdeka Cake

9.15am Blessings by Venerable
Monks

9.20am Fellowship

 

9.30am Puja at Shrine Hall

9.50am Congratulatory Message by
Principal, SJBA SDS

9.55am Blessings by Venerable
monks for examination students

10.30am Presenting
Excellence Award to students

11.00am Lunch Dana to Sangha by
participating students

11.30am Refreshment

 

 

 

 

SJBA Academic
Excellence Award 2016

 

Aim : To
encourage the children of our members to strive for excellent


academic performances.

 

Terms &
Conditions
:

(a)
This award is open to
all children of SJBA life members (registered on or before 31 Dec 2015) .

(b)
Application is now
open to students who sat for the following


Examinations in the year 2015 .



(i) UPSR SK : 5 As

SJK: 6 As & above


(ii) PT3 7 As & above (excluding
lisan & oral)


(iii) SPM 8 As & above


(iv) STPM (or equivalent) 3 As & above


(c)
Application forms can
be obtained from the SJBA office.

 

(d)
Eligible applicants
are required to submit the form together with

 

(i)
a copy of the
examination result certified by the respective school principals.

(ii)
a copy of the Birth
Certificate

 

(e)
Closing date of
application : 31-7-2016
(Applications after this date will not be considered )

(f)
The award will be
given out on 31-8- 2016 during the Blessings Ceremony for this year’s
examination candidates.

(g)
Successful
applicants must attend the ceremony personally to receive the award .

(h)
The SJBA Exco’s
decision is final.

 

 

 

 

来自执委会的讯息 :

 

×#21508;位佛友,Namo Buddhaya

 

在经历一些小波折后,我们非常高兴看到本佛寺的扩建工程再次循序冲刺,目前已完成35%工程,期待着年底竣工。建筑经费预计马币五百万令吉(未包括消费税及估计超过马币一百万令吉的室内设置等其他费用,因此预计总经费需要大约马币六百五十万令吉)。自2013年卫塞节我们正式推展本佛寺扩建基金后,至今已筹获马币三百六十万令吉,为了能够筹募更多基金费,以使新建筑物成功在2016年底如期竣工,首邦再也佛教会因此决定主办一场“培育智慧与慈悲”慈善晚宴,并获得热烈的响应。晚宴餐券在宴会前两个月已全数售出!我们也同时对需马币十万令吉资金的13间课室及2间乐龄活动室,与需马币一百二十八万令吉资金的2座礼堂提出征求赞助人的请求,结果反应那么地令人鼓舞。13间课室及2间乐龄活动室都获得全资赞助了!我们非常感激对本寺扩建基金慷慨解囊的善心人士。

 

这些年来,许多人在首邦再也佛教会学习及实践佛法后,藉由体会生命的意义及解脱之道而过着更快乐的生活。许多人也在他们对本佛教会及社群贡献服务时感受到满足与喜悦。

这座楼高四层的新建筑物在今年底建竣后,我们将拥有更合适的场所来为年青一代甚至成人,提供更整体的佛学教育。首邦再也佛教会将成为更合适培育心的场所、一个更适合如期举办禅修营及其他培育正念的场所,同时也增强社会福利及社群服务以对有需要者带来援助与快乐。

希望到今年的卫塞节时,我们已经成功为扩建筹获足够基金。这个卫塞节我们期待您们的持续支持。协助三宝建设佛寺,功德无量。

今年的卫塞节落在五月二十一日。卫塞节是全世界上万佛教徒欢庆的三喜日, 因为公元前623 年的月圆日,释迦牟尼佛最后降世为悉达多乔达摩太子, 三十五年后他证得正等正觉在这五月的月圆日成佛,而最后佛陀也在这月圆日即卫塞日进入涅槃。

卫塞节是个省思佛法、行善去恶及培育心的特殊日子。我们的卫塞庆典将在卫塞前夕,即五月二十日晚上七时半以点燃油灯开始。接下来将有敬佛礼、住持智光法师开示佛法、绕寺游行、诵经及静坐。 而卫塞当天, 敬佛礼将在上午八时开始,然后便是卫塞庆典正式开幕仪式,及僧侣诵念经文。僧团将为信众加持, 而上午十一时至下午二时将有素食招待。当天也将有捐血运动、允诺捐献器官运动及中医体检服务。我们需要大约两百名义工协助操作卫塞节活动。 如果您有意协助, 请联络Sis Lily , 03- 56315299

今年卫塞节乐捐将全数归入扩建佛寺基金,各种筹款活动中也包括“一人一砖”活动,每块红砖值马币一百令吉,捐款人可把自己的姓名写在将用以建筑新佛寺的砖块上。和往年一样,点燃油灯是卫塞节最重要的环节,象征着智慧的光明驱除无明的黑暗。今年当您点燃这象征式的油灯时,您也为协助首邦再也佛教会成为一个更适合弘扬佛法及推广佛化生活的中心。

我们期盼着与您同欢共庆卫塞节。愿三宝的加持与您同在, 愿您安康快乐。

 

首邦再也佛教会执委会 慈悲合十

首邦再也佛教会您友善、有爱心关怀的佛法中心

 

 

活动预告

卫塞庆典

 

日期: 2016521
(星期六)

地点 本佛寺

 

卫塞前夕(五月二十日)晚上七时半以点燃油灯开始,然后将有敬佛礼、佛法开示、绕寺游行、诵经及静坐。 而卫塞当天, 敬佛礼将在上午八时开始,然后便是卫塞庆典正式开幕仪式,僧团将九时三刻后诵经为信众加持, 而上午十一时至下午二时将有素食招待。当天也将有捐血运动、允诺捐献器官运动及免费健康体检。我们需要大约二百名义工。 如果您有意协助, 请联络Sis Lily , 03- 56315299

 

 

内观禅修入门课程及禅修营

 

日期: 20165月底 6月初

地点: 本佛寺大殿

 

 

一项由本佛教会住持智光法师主持, 六堂课的密集禅修课程,将在五月底至六月初进行。这是一项依据佛陀教导的内观禅原理与指导的实践课程。

课程完成后,期待您在本佛寺参与为期四天三夜的禅修营。课程详情如下

526日星期四

8.30
– 9.30pm

课程引导

祥才师兄

527日星期五

8.30
– 10.30pm

课程 1

智光法师

528日星期六

2.00
– 9.00pm

课程 2 & 3

智光法师

529日星期日

2.00
– 9.00pm

课程 4 & 5

智光法师

62 5 四天三夜

时间表稍后公布

禅修营

63

课程 6

智光法师

 

请电邮或联络我们报名参加

电邮: office@sjba.org

电话:03-56315299 /03- 56348181

常年会员大会

日期: 201665
(星期日)

地点: 本佛寺大殿

时间: 上午九时半

 

当天议程包括商讨并接纳执委会会务报告、财务汇报及临时动议,并改选下届执委会 2016/18

挚诚邀请您出席常年会员大会。

佛经研习工作坊

 

日期: 2016717

 

地点: 本佛寺大殿

 

本佛教会将主持一场由奥智达比丘促成,题为“如何减轻恶业障”的经文研习一日工作坊。

许多佛教徒相信进行各种法事可消除他们过去的恶业障(或至少减轻其效应),其实那是受了民间信仰习俗影响。另一方面,比较有学识的佛教徒,可能认为履行更多善业会更加有效。

此工作坊的目的是往巴利文经藏寻根究底,探讨经文里其实如何诠释这一事项;而且比起对分析经文更重要的,是我们的努力、察觉及下定论的实践性: 到底如何辅助我们有意义地诠释经文,让我们得以更有效地减少,乃至最终断绝痛苦。为了强调研习经文的这种实用方法,这次工作坊将融入修习正念的时间。

 

 

农历七月中元分享功德法会

 

日期 2016814
日(星期日)

地点 本佛寺

时间 :上午八时至十一时

 

 

配合中元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、法师开示佛法、法师加持、回向功德 及午餐布施 。欢迎参与。

 

国庆庆典、学业优异奖励及应届政府考试考生祈福加持仪式

日期 2016831

地点 本佛寺

时间 :上午七时四十五分

 

 

挚诚邀请会员及信众参与欢庆我国独立五十九周年纪念, 上午七时四十五分国庆早餐招待, 然后升旗礼, 法师诵经祈福及联谊。

本佛教会也将于当天颁发学生优异成绩奖励金, 以鼓励2015年参与政府考试获得优异成绩的会员子女。 详情请接洽Sis Lily , 03- 56315299

当天本佛教会也将安排僧侣为今年各项政府考试的应届考生祈福加持。

 

 

佛法分享

 

自我拯救

没有人能拯救你,只有自己才是自己的拯救者。只有自我拯救才能解决问题;寻求外在的拯救者解决不了问题。

当佛陀即将入灭时,弟子们从四面八方涌来,围绕在佛陀身边,为即将失去伟大的导师而感到悲伤。唯有阿塔达尊者毅然离开愁云密布的僧众,独自去修行禅定。僧众对他那种不关怀佛陀的行为表示不满。当佛陀知道这件事后,召见了阿塔达尊者。阿塔达尊者说:“世尊,您即将入灭,我认为回报您最好的方法是在您入灭前,证得阿罗汉果。”佛陀听了很高兴,并说利益他人的事虽然重大,可是不要忘了自己的进展。


这个故事表明了一个重要的问题: 一个人要不断的警惕自己,使自己从生死轮回中解脱。“解脱”需要的是个人的努力,而不是祈求外在的力量,或某个“代理”的帮忙。


有些人不了解佛教,认为这种观念是一种自私自利的行为。他们的批评一点也不对。佛陀清楚的说过:“一个人应该在无休止的为众生精神或物质上的幸福而工作的同时,精进地追求个人达到涅槃的目的。”无私无我的奉献和服务,是佛陀所赞许的。


有些人不禁要问: “对身心健全的人来说,他们有足够的因缘去驾驭他们的心识,从而证悟涅槃。这也许是正确的。但是,那些心智残障、生理残障、或物质匮乏的人,怎么办?他们又如何自我拯救 他们难道不需要依靠那些外来的力量、‘神’或其他的援助吗


这问题的答案是: 佛教徒不相信最后的解脱必须在这一世完成。一个人必须以自己的能力,发挥自己的长处,靠自己的力量自我解脱。因此,那些身、心有障碍或物质匮乏的人,也一样要靠自己的努力,不管他的力量多小,去踏上解脱之道。而那些健全的人的任务便是协助他们;如僧众协助在家人明白并实践佛法。


当修行的轮子在转动时,一个人慢慢的自我训练,靠自己的力量改善一切,一颗微小的种子,有一天也会茁壮成长,成为一棵大树。但是,这不是一朝一夕就可以完成的。在这种困难的过程中,耐心是必要的因素。


举个例子说,我们都知道,做父母的经常按照自己的希望和抱负来教导孩子。然而,孩子长大后,却拒绝了父母为他们安排的一切,他们要发展他们自己的一套。在佛教里,相信一个人能影响另一个人的一生。但是,到最后,个人的意识创造了他自己的业力,并为他个人的行为负责。无论是人或天人,都不能协助或控制他人的解脱;解脱要靠自己。 这不是意味着佛教是自私的。佛教徒以自己的努力去证悟涅槃,他持守戒律不杀生、不偷盗、不邪淫、不妄语、不喝那些能导致感官失控的酒。当一个人能有效的控制自己,他就能自动的卫他人提供幸福。这种所谓的“自私”何尝对人没有好处呢


我们知道,人类的才智水平和理性力量都不相同。有些人天生就是天才,而有些人智障。但是,人类还是拥有某种程度上的能力去分辨、选择和取舍。如果,我们把这种生存的现象,延伸到动物界中,我们就能分辨高等与低等动物。并知道动物一样有分辨、选择和取舍的能力,只是程度上有所不同而已。


即使低等动物也同样具备开创善业的能力,虽然在范围上受了一定的限制。分辨、选择和取舍,精进和努力,慢慢地积累善业,所有低等的动物都能提升他们再生的境界和智力。


从另一角度来看这个问题,佛陀在他多生多世的本生故事里告诉我们,在佛陀证悟前的许多过往生世中,在他降世为悉达多太子前,他仅是个普通人呢。


在佛陀的某一个前世,他与母亲一同乘船出海,遇到风浪船翻了,所有的人都掉进大海中。他不顾自己的安全,背负起自己的母亲,在大海中浮游。他不知道怎样才能获救,哪一个方向才是正确的。就在这时候,他的勇敢和诚意,感动了天神,天神为他指引了正确的方向,并暗中保护他,他和母亲因此而获救。后来他觉悟到如果用同样的方法来拯救众生,那该多好啊!于是,他下定决心,永不停息,一直到获得最后的证悟为止。


这个故事也说明了一件事,佛教徒可以在日常生活中获得天神的庇佑。天神因为累积了很大的功德,他们有能力帮助众生。不过,这种帮助仅限于物质或生理上,而不是精神的发展。我们在日常生活中,如不幸的事发生、受到打击、生病、害怕和需要安慰时,都可以祈求‘神’的庇佑。


当我们祈求‘神’庇佑时,我们仍然与物质世界牢牢的系缚在一起。我们要接受一个事实,有‘生’就有生理的欲望,也就受到物质条件的局限。在某些范围内,满足这些欲望是无可厚非的。佛陀提倡中道的生活,他教导我们不应该沉迷于奢侈的物质生活,也不应该排斥基本生活的需要。


但是,我们不应该停留在这一阶段。我们应该接受‘生’的因缘条件,努力追随“八正道”开发我们的精神领域,并了解执着于物质的世界,只有产生痛苦和烦恼。


当我们经历无数生死而开发我们的智慧后,我们对感官、物质的欲望越来越少。在这个阶段,我们要靠的是自己,就连天神也帮不了我们了。因为,我们不再需要物质上的满足了。

因此,佛教不排除可以藉外在力量(天神)的帮助而获得短暂的快乐。但是,到了放弃世间一切因缘和执着,突破生死轮回,寻求自我解脱时,唯有靠自己的努力精进、专注和坚韧不拔的意志力。

佛教给人很大的尊严,它是唯一主张人类有潜在的力量来获得自我拯救的宗教。在人类开展精神领域的最后阶段,不必通过各种牺牲祭祀、祷告、祈求外在的力量或‘代理’来获得它们的恩惠或施舍。

 

摘要录自达摩难陀博士法师著《佛教徒的信仰》

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements (Wednesday, 8 June 2016)

image00141) As part of its Community Services, SJBA is hosting a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training on 26 June 2016 (Sunday) at 11.30am by a Staff Nurse from New Hope Learning Centre. The training will train participants what to do in case the heart of someone stop pumping, etc. For further information, please call Bro James Khoo at 03-56348181, 56315299.

2) Registration for the 1-day Sutta Study with Meditation Workshop (17 July 2016) on “HOW TO DIMINISH THE EFFECTS OF BAD PAST KAMMA”, facilitated by Ven. Aggacitta is already closed due to good response. Any new applicant will be put on waiting list.

The purpose of this workshop is to go back to the roots by investigating what the Pāḷi suttas actually say about the belief of performing various rituals to cleanse themselves of bad past kamma (or at least diminish its effects) which has been influenced by folk beliefs and rituals. On the other hand, more knowledgeable Buddhists may think that performing more good kamma is more efficacious. More important than mere textual analysis is the practicality of our efforts, discoveries and conclusions: how will they help us interpret the suttas meaningfully so that we can practise effectively to reduce and eventually end suffering. To emphasise this pragmatic approach towards the study of the suttas, periods of mindfulness practice will be incorporated in the workshop.

3) The Sunday’s Puja Service in Mandarin will be off for 4 Sundays and will resume on 19 June 2016.

4) The Dhamma Talk in English this Sunday (12 June 2016, 10..00am) will be given 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.

Announcements (Wednesday, 1 June 2016)

image00141) SJBA will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Sunday, 5 June 2016 at 9.30am. The Agenda include receiving and adopting the Executive Committee’s Annual Report, Audited Statement of Accounts, and deliberation of other matters as deemed fit by the Assembly and election of the Exco for the term 2016/18. You are cordially invited to join us.

2) As part of its Community Services, SJBA is hosting a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training on 26 June 2016 (Sunday) at 11.30am by a Staff Nurse from New Hope Learning Centre. The training will train participants what to do in case the heart of someone stop pumping, etc. For further information, please call Bro James Khoo at 03-56348181, 56315299.

3) On 17 July 2016, SJBA is hosting a 1-day Sutta Study with Meditation Workshop on “HOW TO DIMINISH THE EFFECTS OF BAD PAST KAMMA”, facilitated by Ven. Aggacitta.
Many Buddhists believe in performing various rituals to cleanse themselves of their bad past kamma (or at least diminish its effects) which is influenced by the folk beliefs and rituals. On the other hand, more knowledgeable Buddhists may think that performing more good kamma is more efficacious.

The purpose of this workshop to go back to the roots by investigating what the Pāḷi suttas actually say about this matter. However, even more important than mere textual analysis is the practicality of our efforts, discoveries and conclusions: how will they help us interpret the suttas meaningfully so that we can practise effectively to reduce and eventually end suffering. To emphasise this pragmatic approach towards the study of the suttas, periods of mindfulness practice will be incorporated in the workshop.

Venerable Aggacitta Mahāthera is a Malaysian Buddhist monk ordained at Mahasi Meditation Centre, Rangoon, Burma, in 1979. He trained under various teachers, notably Sayadaws U Paṇḍita (Paṇḍitārāma), U Tissara (Yankin), U Āciṇṇa (Pa Auk) and U Tejaniya (Shwe Oo Min). Besides practising meditation, he studied advanced Pāli and translation in Thai and Burmese under Sayadaw U Dhammananda at Wat Tamaoh, Lampang, Thailand, 1983-84. He continued to study the Pāli Tipiṭaka in Myanmar and researched on its interpretation and practice until his return to Malaysia at the end of 1994.

In 2000 he founded Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, a Theravāda monk training centre nestled among secluded valleys and brooks near Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Venerable Aggacitta is a Monastic Adviser of the Theravāda Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).

4) The Sunday’s Puja Service in Mandarin will be off for 4 Sundays and will resume on 19 June 2016.

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