mar/apr 2015

MCI (P) 078/02/2015

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Fulfilling Zopa ’s Vast Visions Fulfilling Lama Zopa

Amitabha Buddhist Centre is a centre for the study and practice of Rinpoche’s Vast Visions , based on the tradition of Lama Tsong Khapa, in the of Lama Thubten Yeshe and our Spiritual The Sun, the Moon, the Earth Director, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Some years ago, our most precious guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, mapped out his Vast Vision for Our cover story focuses on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT and OUR VISION what ABC has done so far to accomplish these visionary goals. On the cosmic FPMT. These Vast Visions were presented at the recent international CPMT meeting held at Learn to Be Happy level, there are several noteworthy events happening this March and April that the Great in Bendigo, Australia, in September 2014. How has ABC fared in fulfilling Courage to cherish all run parallel with a telescopic perspective. Wisdom to see the truth these vast visions? It is a pleasant surprise to find that as far as we are able, our efforts measure Faith in Buddha’s peace Eclipses up in the right direction. There will be two significant eclipses in March and April: a total solar eclipse Follow Our Four-fold Path on 20th March, visible mainly in northern Europe. We won’t be able to view the Inspire eclipse here in Singapore when it occurs around 4.40 to 6.40 pm, local time. Connect This eclipse coincides with the Equinox, which is when the hours of day and Learn “I am just expressing here a general 1. Service to His Supporting His Holiness’ Projects night are equal on Earth. It happens to fall on the Tibetan 30th. Practise plan for FPMT. There is no limit of Holiness the Lama Zopa Rinpoche stressed that On 4th April, which is Tibetan 15th, a full moon day, there will be a total lunar time when to complete. I also don’t 2. Holy Objects for World Peace he wanted “the organisation to eclipse from around 6 to 10 pm with the maximum eclipse occurring at 8 pm. mean for the centres to do this. I don’t support His Holiness, offer service SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR 3. Supporting Practice and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche This eclipse will be partially visible in Singapore. mean to be giving a burden to the to His Holiness. This is the quickest centres. We need to have an organiser Realisations and most vast way of benefiting In , eclipses are similar to -multiplying days where the RESIDENT TEACHER for each project. We should set this up sentient beings.” karmic effects become much more powerful. I recall an occasion when Khen 4. Social Services Khen Rinpoche Chonyi so it is professional.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche explained to students that it had to do with the fact that eclipses are said to impact the movement of the body’s subtle winds. The energy channels Rinpoche “We are supporting His Holiness PRESIDENT open up more during eclipses and therefore our abilities are heightened at those 1. Offering Service to by helping the monasteries, by 2 Tan Hup Cheng times. The merit-multiplying effect during solar eclipses is 100 million, and In May 2007, Lama Zopa Rinpoche His Holiness the Dalai offering food and all the service 3 seven million for lunar. was in retreat at Kachoe Dechen Lama to the monasteries, where they SPIRITUALPROGRAMME COORDINATOR Ling in Northern California. During do most extensive learning of Ven. Tenzin Gyurme The effects still kick in even if we are in a geographical location where we can’t one morning session, Rinpoche Buddhism. So this becomes service “[I would like] for FPMT to offer see the eclipse. Bearing these facts in mind, take favourable advantage of these began jotting down some of his to His Holiness and to the Tibetan CENTRE MANAGER planetary alignments to engage in virtuous practice. How about reading the service to His Holiness the Dalai Lama ideas and wishes for the future of people. The monasteries help to Koh Zi Yen Golden Light , which brings inconceivable benefits on many levels? Read as much as possible and to be able to the FPMT organisation onto a stack preserve the extensive depth of our special feature of “The Immeasurable Benefits of the Golden Light Sutra” fulfil His Holiness’ wishes. This is the of small, coloured Post-it notes. the on the Office staff on page 9. highest priority for the organisation.” Administration - Alicia Lee During the afternoon, Rinpoche path to enlightenment. This is a Operations - Ecology – Lama Zopa Rinpoche Denis Kwan nd explained these ideas to Ven. Roger very important service, anything retail - Serene Tan Zooming in on Earth, 22 April is designated as Earth Day, highlighting our responsibility as global citizens and what we can do to preserve the environment. Kunsang, Rinpoche’s assistant and At ABC, we continue to encourage you to bring your own recyclable bags when CEO of FPMT, and Ven. Holly attending our pujas. Instead of using brand new plastic bags, use your own bag Ansett, assistant to Ven. Roger. OFFICE HOURS to carry offerings after every puja. These visions from Rinpoche are in Open daily except Mondays Tuesdays – Saturdays: addition to what FPMT is already We also encourage everyone not to throw away your paper cups or plastic water accomplishing due to the work of 10.30 am – 6 pm bottles after you have used them at the centre, but to crush them and place FPMT’s most precious founder, Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm them in our ‘Recycle’ box at Level 1. There is also a gunny sack by the spiral Lama Yeshe. (Hours extended to 7.30 pm when staircase to collect recyclable items. evening sessions are scheduled) The Post-it notes and Rinpoche’s subsequent commentary came AMITABHA BUDDHIST CENTRE Earth Day 2015 to be collectively regarded as the 44 Lorong 25A Geylang Wednesday 22 April framework for Rinpoche’s long-term Singapore 388244 “Vast Vision” for FPMT. Tel: 6745 8547 Fax: 6741 0438 “A clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore www.fpmtabc.org part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we [email protected] pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it.” Rinpoche’s Vast Visions fall into four – His Holiness the Dalai Lama general categories: that helps to spread the Buddha’s Large Around the World every day for at least 1,000 years, and benefited the numerous visitors teachings so it can exist for a long “My wish is for the big centres in infinite sentient beings will receive who attended our annual festival from time. This is also what all the centres FPMT to have these large thangkas,” unbelievable benefit and the causes 2009 to 2013. ABC also has a life- do, by educating and practising Rinpoche explained. “This is a way for enlightenment.” sized statue that was offered Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. This to leave imprints for all these people by Peter Kedge, the former director of is promoting , [who see them], for enlightenment.” “Another special thing about the Maitreya Project. this is service to His Holiness. contributing to Maitreya, whether So anyone who is working in the Many FPMT centres have it be money or time or energy, is Also in Rinpoche’s vision: centres are actually offering service commissioned large thangkas and that it makes a connection with • Statues for to His Holiness.” are now hosting festival days where Maitreya Buddha, and the result is Peace these holy objects can be enjoyed. that one becomes a direct disciple Also in Rinpoche’s vision: of Maitreya Buddha when Maitreya 3. Supporting Practice At ABC: • Sponsoring Public Talks Our gigantic of returns to manifest enlightenment as and Realisations • Interfaith Dialogues Amitabha Buddha in His Pure Shakyamuni Buddha did.” Land resulted from following “Anybody who dedicates their life to Rinpoche’s advice. The spectacular The Maitreya Projects were 2. Holy Objects for achieving lam-rim realisations with 50-foot high tapestry was unveiled for established to build two magnificent World Peace the goal to liberate numberless beings the first time at our Celebration Maitreya statues in Bodhgaya and from the oceans of samsaric suffering 2014 and viewed by thousands. We , . The Maitreya “My wish is for FPMT to build and to bring to enlightenment, this is can look forward to its next display at Project also built two 24-foot many holy objects everywhere, as “Especially, to build in countries 1 foyer stacked with countless holy what I regard as the most important this year’s Vesak Celebration. Maitreya statues. One is now at many as possible. Making it so easy where there are no holy objects objects. These include small statues of thing in the world.” – Lama Zopa Land of Medicine Buddha in for sentient beings to purify their and in countries where people 1,000-armed Chenresig, Medicine Rinpoche California and one is on Maitreya heavy negative karma and making have no opportunity to see holy Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, many Project land in Bodhgaya. it so easy for sentient beings to create objects. Just by seeing holy objects miniature , and staggering Supporting Ordained and Lay Additionally approximately 100 life- extensive merit. Which makes it so it purifies the mind and one collects volumes of . There are also micro- Students sized Maitreya statues were created, easy to achieve the realisations of the extensive merit. Each stupa must storage copies that contain hundreds “[I would like] for the organisation of which Lama Zopa Rinpoche path and so easy to achieve liberation have, as many as possible, the four of sets of the Kangyur [the entire to support the older students sponsored and offered 26 to FPMT and enlightenment.” – Lama Zopa Dharmakaya relic , also collection of the Buddha’s teachings] who have worked so hard for the centres. Rinpoche 100,000 Stainless Pinnacle mantras and the collected works of Lama Tsong organisation, who sacrificed their as well as the Namgyälma . Khapa. How much merit one receives lives for the organisation for 25 years At ABC: Following Rinpoche’s advice, 100,000 Stupas Around World just by simply circumambulating the or more, or also for people who have 4 we built a 20-foot tall Maitreya 5 “Since there is unbelievable benefit, To date, 49 stupas have been stupa island or making offerings of offered 20 or 15 years. Those who statue as the centrepiece of our Vesak such as liberating sentient beings, completed, or are in progress, lights or flowers! need help for treatment or means for Celebration in 2009. Made from then I thought we should aim to at FPMT centres and by FPMT living,” Rinpoche said. lightweight material, the statue could build 100,000 stupas (minimum students toward this goal of 100,000 100,000 Prayer Wheels Around be easily dismantled and reassembled size, one storey, up to the distance stupas around the world. the World At ABC: Our CARE Group came for display during our Vesak from the earth to the moon) in “[I would like] for the whole into being on 1st September 2004, an celebrations. It contained thousands of different parts of the world and At ABC: Although ABC has yet to organisation to build 100,000 prayer initiative advised by the late Khensur the Four Dharmakaya relic mantras for the organisation to do this as a build an actual large-scale stupa, wheels in different parts of the world, Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup to look whole,” Rinpoche explained. we have a stupa island in our Level [including prayer wheels under the after the welfare of older members who ocean], a minimum height of six had supported the centre in the past. feet,” Rinpoche suggested. “Prayer Khensur Rinpoche had stressed the wheels are a great blessing for each need to care for those who were ill and country.” who lacked support from their own families. CARE stands for Community To date, approximately 12 prayer 1,000 Maitreya Statues of Assistance for Recuperative Effort. wheels have been completed in Rinpoche also wanted the FPMT The group launched a new programme accordance with Lama Zopa organisation “to build 1,000 last year to encourage more volunteers Rinpoche’s advice. Maitreya statues (the minimum size to join in supporting fellow members should be six feet).” in times of need. At ABC: Our large gilded on Level 1 is filled with 156 “Within the 1,000 statues, this Supporting Monasteries and billion mantras of Om Mani Padme includes the Maitreya statues being Nunneries Hum. It was completed in 2011 and built in Kushinagar and Bodhgaya, Lama Zopa Rinpoche commented, consecrated by the ex-abbot of Kopan India. My aim is that the large statue “[I would like the organisation to Monastery, the late Khensur Rinpoche in Kushinagar will last a minimum continue] establishing good quality Lama Lhundrup. of 1,000 years. That means that for monasteries and nunneries, with good quality in order to preserve the by (Hospice Under the Care having people practicing of Amitabha Buddha) . [I would like was chosen by Rinpoche the organisation] to in 1999. During their provide support to the visits with the patients, FPMT Sangha and our volunteers adhere to the monasteries and guidelines set by Dover nunneries.” Park Hospice where they offer care and compassion 13 of FPMT’s centres without interfering with have established monastic the religious beliefs of the communities including individuals involved. the organisation’s first, Kopan Monastery. While the HUCAB caregivers step out to serve Supporting Sangha is a the community at large, a high priority for FPMT new project has just been and for over 40 years introduced within ABC the organisation has itself to encourage our been offering support to own members to focus on monasteries in Nepal, their own wellbeing. The bring peace. Everyone should try to copies of the Golden Light Sutra for • One Hundred Thousand 100 in Tampines emphasises a secular India, Mongolia and the West. For first iCare for Wellness workshop do this, no matter how busy they free distribution. Million Mani Retreats Around education that imparts the universal example the Sera Je Food Fund, was conducted over two weekends in are, even to recite one or two pages, the World values of compassion and wisdom to its managed by FPMT Charitable January for a group of 33 participants, even a few lines. It is extremely Education Programmes and young charges. The kids also learn to Projects, offers three vegetarian • 1,000 Nyung Nä Retreats eager to improve self-care in therapeutic powerful and fulfils all one’s Scholarships appreciate a meat-free diet at an early meals every day to all 2,500 monks ways. wishes, as well as brings peace and “[I would like] the organisation to • Retreat Centres to Develop age, as the meals served at school are all studying at Sera Je Monastery in happiness for all sentient beings, up provide scholarships for students Actualisations on the Path to vegetarian. South India. Projects to Help Young People to enlightenment.” to study,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche Enlightenment “[FPMT should] help young exhorted. “Buddhist philosophy Healing Programmes At ABC: We support the Sera Je Food people through meditation and At ABC: We organise recitations of based on the lam-rim and lojong: “[I would like the organisation] to Fund, which is one of Rinpoche’s heart 4. Social Services consultation, and also help them the Golden Light Sutra on the four academic studies with practice develop different techniques rooted 6 projects. offer volunteer service as part of 7 merit-multiplying festival days of experience. We need teachers who in Dharma for healing, to help “[It is good for FPMT] to benefit their practice.” Rinpoche said. “This the year: on Losar 15th, Saka Dawa are not just teaching from texts, others,” Rinpoche said. “So in this Recitation of the Golden Light extensively other sentient beings by brings immediate benefit, so we 15th, Wheel Turning Day, and but teaching from some experience, way, we are making other lives much Sutra for World Peace offering various social services, such don’t have to wait for many years, Lhabab Duchen [Buddha’s Descent then there is so much more benefit. easier and happier.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised as those that bring loving kindness something immediate that you can from the Heaven of 33]. Turn to our By teaching from one’s experience that “the most beneficial thing to and peace to youth using Universal offer to others.” special feature on “The Immeasurable it brings deeper benefit. Then there At ABC: Into its 16th year, our HUCAB have peace and to stop the wars is Education methods, religious Benefits of the Golden Light Sutra” on is change and transformation of the volunteers work with Dover Park reciting the Sutra of Golden Light. interfaith activities which bring peace At ABC: Besides having a youth page 9. ABC also regularly publishes mind.” Hospice to bring cheer and comfort to This is the most beneficial thing to and happiness and extensively benefit club, ABC Youths, our biannual the terminally ill. The name HUCAB others by spreading Dharma.” – Lama food distribution project, JINPA At ABC: We introduced the FPMT Zopa Rinpoche Basic Program in August 2003, The Most Essential Practice offering our members and many new Universal Education Programmes: students the opportunity to engage Continue and Expand “The conclusion is for all the people to practice the lam-rim, which in a structured study programme on “[I would like] for the organisation to is the heart of Dharma. Especially to try to put all the effort to live Buddhist treatises with Khen Rinpoche develop Universal Education, more with motivation, in particular to have kindness to others, Geshe Chonyi as expert teacher and and similar programmes in order which is the most essential practice. Aiming to have the realisation mentor. Today, the 2nd Basic Program to develop better human beings, to bodhicitta as our main goal, of course based on guru devotion.” – is more than halfway through its five- have more beneficial lives, to bring Lama Zopa Rinpoche year run. The Basic Program as well as peace and happiness in the world, to all our Buddhist classes are taught free th not become harmful to oneself and At ABC: Following advice that Rinpoche gave to ABC on 7 March 2013, of charge so that the Dharma is easily others,” Rinpoche shared. students embarked on a meditation regime covering the lam-rim topics. available to people from all walks of Khen Rinpoche has been guiding a group of Basic Program students in the life. At ABC: on-going lam-rim meditation while participants of the Stages of the Path to Since 1997, we run a nursery cum kindergarten that Enlightenment course also have a meditation programme with Ven. Tenzin Rinpoche’s vision also includes: Gyurme. provides childcare and pre-school • Develop Retirement Support education to children aged 18 months for Long Time Students to six years. abc children’s place for Our Community, has attracted active participation from younger people, including young families with children in tow. As the JINPA project The Immeasurable is co-organised with the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), it has a broad non-sectarian Benefits of the Golden appeal for people who may not be Buddhist, but who are happy to chip in to do their part for charity, delivering Light Sutra food supplies to the needy. Find out more about our next JINPA food drive on page 13. Lama Zopa Rinpoche frequently emphasises the importance of reciting or listening to the Golden Light Sutra and has very kindly given the oral transmission on several occasions, most Parenting Programmes recently inside the Great Stupa in Australia. Here is a compilation of Rinpoche’s explanation “[I would like to have] a programme to educate the parents so they can of the sutra’s inconceivable benefits. have a good plan on how to bring up children,” Rinpoche added. “We can make a guidebook for parents and also organise and give lectures for leaders in the world,” Rinpoche is a high priority for Lama Zopa “The Golden Light Sutra is offerings to the Buddha. Reciting offerings, how much benefit for parents. Also, I think this is a means asked. “The plan is to have this as a Rinpoche and as such FPMT has a the car that will take you to this sutra directs one’s life towards the country, enjoyment, so much for world peace: as His Holiness recurring event. So this is the big way. number of animal projects including enlightenment.” enlightenment. There is so much peace. Everybody loves each other the Dalai Lama says, the future Then to do this in a small way, for the Animal Liberation Fund, Animal – Lama Zopa Rinpoche merit: one’s life becomes so easy, and also enemies will not attack the world depends on young children the centres to do this with religious Liberation Sanctuary and MAITRI whatever one wishes for one receives. country. The enemy, by your not now – so if you have children with leaders in their local community. Charitable Trust. Many centres host “This teaching of the Golden Light There is unbelievable purification. harming them, what it does is that good qualities, with basic education The more that other religious people regular animal blessings in parks and Sutra is the secret teaching of all One liberates numberless sentient they destroy themselves without the in being a good human being, if come to know about His Holiness public places. the buddhas. Those who listen to beings from the oceans of samsaric need to harm them back. Talking parents bring up children with these and understand more and more, it this teaching, who make others hear suffering and brings them to about the benefits, inconceivable is so effective and in this way it can At ABC: As an offering to Rinpoche qualities, then the future world this teaching, who rejoice in this enlightenment.” happiness, becomes so powerful, would have more peace.” help for world peace. In this way during his visit last November for teaching, who make offering to this so glorified, then protection for the 8 the organisation becomes a tool for our 25th anniversary celebration, we 9 teaching, all those [holy] beings, “Must dedicate for the world, whole country by the Four Guardian At ABC: Rinpoche has given extensive world peace.” completed the liberation of 200 million they protect and make offerings to listening to the Golden Light Sutra. Kings, then no enemy. advice on parenting and helping lives! Our Animal Liberation efforts children on many occasions. Our Free At ABC: In multi-cultural Singapore, have chugged along steadily for 15 you. Sentient beings who have no In particular dedicate for the world Publications team is in the midst of where religious harmony is greatly years, with Ven. Tenzin Drachom at merit, when they hear this teaching, to pacify war, hatred and anger— compiling Rinpoche’s parenting advice valued we have welcomed the the helm. Millions of sea creatures rejoice in this teaching, they collect all this selfish mind. The anger, into a book. Look out for its release in opportunity to include other religious have been returned safely to the ocean heaps of merits.” attachment, ignorance, you can’t see the coming months. communities in our major events. and countless dedications made, with the eyes, no shape, nothing, “Those who hear this sutra, We invited representatives of the nine particularly for the long and healthy “Anyone can read this text, Buddhists but they can destroy the world. Provide Social Service for the religious traditions in Singapore to the lives of our gurus. and even non-Buddhists who desire It can harm yourself, it can harm Those who cause others to Elderly grand opening of our Jade Buddha world peace. This also protects the world, dangers of fire, water, “Then, [I would like FPMT to offer] exhibition in 2012. Each representative In addition: individuals and the country from air, earth, tsunamis, all the global hear it, social services to help the elderly.” was also invited to say prayers for - Substance Abuse Treatment what are labelled natural disasters of problems. All that can be pacified and Those who rejoice upon world peace according to their religion. Programme the wind element, fire element, earth everybody can enjoy perfect peace At ABC: Five years ago, Khen Rinpoche In May last year, ABC took part in an element, and water element, such and happiness, as well as ultimate hearing it introduced a class catering specially to inter-religious seminar organised by as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, good heart, love and compassion, Geylang Serai Community Centre to Excerpts drawn from “Lama Zopa senior citizens, so that the elderly and fires, tornadoes, et cetera. They and bodhicitta. Everybody becomes And make offerings to it, retired would also receive the benefit of promote interfaith understanding in Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT” at are not natural because they come fortunate to actualise the lam-rim, listening to the teachings and have the our neighbourhood. Besides setting www.fpmt.org For tens of millions of eons from causes and conditions that bodhicitta.” opportunity to learn basic Buddhist up an information booth at the Shall be venerated by gods public exhibition, we also contributed make dangers happen. They come practices. Khen Rinpoche continues For the Country and to teach our monthly Dharma for a chapter about our history to a from past inner negative thoughts and nagas, Seniors class, giving the Dharma to a commemorative book for the event, and actions of people, and from the World group of regular participants. “Heritage in Harmony”. external conditions. The benefits of Humans and kinnaras, reading this sutra are immeasurable. “The country, king, whoever is the Centres Hosting Interfaith Events Benefiting Animals Reciting just a few lines of the leader of the country, those who Asuras and yakshas.” “[I would like] for the organisation Taking care of all sentient beings, Golden Light Sutra creates more run the country, when they listen to to arrange talks with many religious including insects and animals, merit than making immeasurable the Golden Light Sutra and make Just by reading [the Golden Light energy, and power. All material and serve this text, and always Sutra], helps so much for the area needs will be satisfied. One will be protect the people who memorise or to develop, become extremely listened to and respected by others. even just read it. The Four Guardians glorified or shining, much colour, Whenever a question arises, the acknowledged they would protect Lectures by much complexion, the essence is Guru will answer. One will purify those who read it and would help developed, all the enjoyments are eons of negative karma, meet perfect and fulfil all their wishes. extremely developed. Then the teachers, develop realisations, and YANGSI RINPOCHE sentient beings have more and more definitely benefit others.” Memorising or making offerings to happiness, wealth, great enjoyment. this text is like making inconceivable At Amitabha Buddhist Centre Sentient beings become more willing “Even one verse from the stanzas, or offerings to Buddha. Enlightenment to make charity and have so much even one word, or one ’s will never be reversed within anyone Past and Future Lives How Does Purification of Negativities Work? faith in the Triple Gem.” name from the Golden Light Sutra, in whose ear these holy words 25 March 2015, Wednesday, 7.30 pm 27 March 2015, Friday, 7.30 pm maybe if somebody can hear, I heard, are spoken; the life will always be “The protectors, the guardians, if you think of the name Golden directed toward enlightenment and will definitely provide protection. Light Sutra, just the name, Golden one will never fall back.” Yangsi Rinpoche is the director and resident teacher of the FPMT Maitripa Whenever they are needed, they Light Sutra, the sickness goes away.” College in Portland, Oregon, USA. A Geshe Lharampa of Sera Je Monastery will arrive. Acts of terrorism will Compiled from articles at www.fpmt. in south India, Yangsi Rinpoche was recognised as the reincarnation of Geshe be averted. Acts of violence will People who cannot find a job for org with additional transcribing by Ngawang Gendun, a renowned scholar and practitioner from Western Tibet, stop. Natural catastrophes will be months and years, they should read Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim during Lama at the age of six. avoided. Crops will be successful. the Golden Light Sutra, they should Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings at the Great The environment will be clean. read Arya Sanghata Sutra, they Stupa in Bendigo, Australia, October Besides heading the Master of Arts in People will be safe. If there is war, should read Diamond Cutter Sutra. 2014. it will end and there will be peace.” They need merit.” programme at Maitripa College, Yangsi Rinpoche was previously the resident teacher of several To Fulfil Your Own “Anyone who keeps, memorises or FPMT centres in North America. He teaches in Wishes contributes to this text exceeds the English and is visiting Asia on a teaching tour. eight worldly beings and all their “If you recite the Golden Light wishes get fulfilled. Buddha told the Sutra, you will have good health, Four Guardians to make offerings 10 ABC 101 – An Introduction to 11 Amitabha Buddhist Centre Golden Light Sutra Sunday 19 April 2015, 10.30 am Recitation on Losar 15th Are you new to ABC? Want to find out more about who we are and how we can benefit your Buddhist practice? If your answer is ‘Yes’, then come Join in our group to this presentation on the origins, objectives and activities of Amitabha recitation of the Golden Buddhist Centre. Light Sutra from 1.30 pm What to expect in this half-day orientation: on 5th March, the 15th day • Introduction to the history of Amitabha Buddhist Centre, our goals of both the Chinese and and programme Tibetan New Year. It is a • Overview of basic practices in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition mega merit-multiplying • Tour of our prayer halls and public areas day that concludes the Light refreshments will be served. celebration of the Buddha’s Facilitator: Display of Miracles. All Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim, a Sangha member of Amitabha Buddhist Centre who is the writer/editor of ABC’s are welcome. newsletter and publicity media, chant leader for Sunday pujas and a student of the Basic Program.

Registration is required for this event. Online registration at www.fpmtabc.org will be open from 24 March – 13 April 2015. Say “Yes!” JINPA for Our Community Be a part of the ABC family as we continue to – Let’s reach out to those in need fulfil the Guru’s Vast Visions Joy in Practising Altruism for Our Community [Jinpa: Tibetan for ‘generosity’] “What the centre has been able to provide, what your life dedicated for the centre, what benefit you got… There is so much to rejoice in due to Amitabha Buddhist Centre existing.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Receive special gifts* when you renew / upgrade your • Priority booking and discounted rates for overseas membership OR sign up as a NEW member in 2015! trips and retreats organised by ABC • Discounts at participating restaurants and shops Enjoy Unique Membership Privileges For the 3rd year Support our 5th JINPA for Our … and much more! • Be included in on-going dedications in our regular running, join Community: prayers and pujas at ABC throughout the year, Whether you’re new or renewing, visit our office to including monthly pujas and 16 us as we head pick up a Membership Application Form or to request • Contribute to the food fund: pujas performed at Kopan Monastery, Nepal out once more more information. Each household will receive $80 • 10% discount for purchases at our Tashi Delek on a generous worth of food donations. Any cash Retail Store *While stocks last food give-away contributions are welcome and will go towards our pooled funds for the to families in 12 purchase of essential groceries. 13 Membership Category Complimentary Gifts Fee ($) need all over Singapore. • Drive and deliver: Calling out for Life Silver 1,000-armed Chenresig medallion 1,000 volunteer drivers and despatch crews to on lotus stand with Mani mantra (blessed bring our door-to-door deliveries to over 200 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche) Saturday, 4 April 2015, “FPMT Essential Buddhist Prayers” homes. Invite your family and friends to come Vols. 1 & 2 from 9.30 am on board. With your help, we look forward to making our FIFTH round of generous giving Amitabha Buddhist Centre partners up again with another great success! 5 years Maitreya statue (6-inch height) 250 the Chinese Development Assistance Council • Sign up: Be a part of JINPA for Our “FPMT Essential Buddhist Prayers” (CDAC) to distribute groceries to over 200 low- Vols. 1 & 2 income households in the heartlands, island-wide. Community, our gift of generosity to the less fortunate. To make a donation Thanks to the great kindness and generosity of or register as a volunteer, visit our members, friends and sponsors, JINPA our office or our website – for Our Community has been a great www.fpmtabc.org 3 years Vacuum flask with “rejoice in virtue” 150 success since it was first launched in April custom print 2013. Volunteer registration: “FPMT Essential Buddhist Prayers” open till Sunday, 22 Vols. 1 & 2 250 households benefited from the March 2015 generous donations received in the Annual Silver umbrella with custom-designed 50 most recent JINPA food drive held on 1 Cash donations: open till floral motif November 2014. Let’s continue to provide for 9.30 am on 4 April 2015 their basic welfare. 14 15 Take part in a ritual of compassionate giving to the 12 types of guests and dedicate the merits accumulated to your ancestors and deceased family members. Your prayers and dedications for those who are connected by blood ties will sweep away their negative karma and lead them towards favourable rebirths.

The 100 Torma Offering Ritual Generating the vast compassionate qualities of Chenresig [Guan Yin], two kinds of offerings are made to the transcendental and worldly deities: first, water is blessed and offered to the wealth deities White and Yellow Dzambhala. The blessed water is also offered to the hungry ghosts, intermediate state beings and the nagas.

With a bodhicitta motivation, specially prepared dough balls are then offered to the 12 types of guests, transformed into oceans of nectar that satisfies them: • Transcendental guests—lineage , meditational deities, the Three Jewels, Dharma protectors, sages and wealth deities • Worldly beings—local deities, landlords, yakshas, interferers and spirits • Sentient beings of the six realms • Hungry ghosts • Spirits to whom we owe karmic debts from our past acts of killing, beating and stealing • Intermediate state beings • Remaining guests, the most pitifully weak among the Qing Ming hungry ghosts

Offering to the transcendental guests invokes their blessings. Offering to the worldly beings dispels harms and clears with 100 karmic debts. Through this 100 Torma Offering Ritual [Tibetan: torma gyatsa] we accumulate the merit of having pleased the respective guests by our generosity.

Confession Practice to the 35 Buddhas You can personally take part in the purification practice of Torma Confession to the 35 Buddhas during the puja on behalf of your ancestors to purify their karmic obscurations. • Dedications can be made for the benefit of all persons, Offerings living or deceased Sunday 5 April, 2 – 4:30 pm • Donations are voluntary – any amount is welcome • Dedications / donations can be made at our office from Honour your ancestors and departed early March* up to 5 April loved ones with a ritual to clear their • All who are present get to sip the water blessed by the karmic debts Dzambhala wealth deities Performed by Khen Rinpoche Geshe All are welcome! Chonyi and ABC Sangha *Exact dates to be announced via our e-mail update