<<

We Are One

World Buddhist Youth The 4th WBSY GENERAL CONFERENCE

11-17 December 2007

at Sanghathan - , Thailand

www.kalyanamitra.org WORLD BUDDHIST SANGHA YOUTH

OBJECTIVE

* To develop Buddhist youth organization and exchanges of Buddhist Sangha youth worldwide. * To assist Buddhist Sangha youth activities throughout the world. * To enhance harmony and relationship among the Sangha youth of different-Buddhist traditions. * To protect the Buddhist Sangha youth of the world from all forms of obstacles they might have to face. * To develop the Buddhist Sangha youth through education and welfare. * To develop “ Buddhayana” in the World without discriminating between , , or other denominations/traditions and to encourage unity in the world Buddhist Sangha youth. * To protect and develop the identifying features of each Buddhist monastic denomination/tradition. * To bring the world’s Buddhist Sangha youth members together annually to discuss support for the underdeveloped countries and to determine matters of priority nd to take action to support those contries.

A BRIBE HISTORY

The World Buddhst Sangha Youth was founded by Venerable Mugunuwela Thera and was incorporated on 8 Feb. 2004 at the Asoka Charumati Vihara, Katmandu, Nepal. Today, the Sangha Members registered with WBSY comprise monks/ nuns from various Buddhist traditions. They come from 26 countries including the United States of America, India Nepal Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Korea, Japan, France, France, England, Bhutan, Bahgladesh, Taiwan, Switzerland, Thailand, Laos, Mongolia, Vietnam,Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

A TIME LINE OF WBSY CONFERENCE

1st General Conference 9th to 11 Nov. 2004 at Bodhagaya, India. 2nd General Conference 9th to 11 Dec 2005 at Sieh Kah Eeha, Melaka, Maliasia. 3rd General Conference 2nd to 5th Dec 2006 at Tholangamuwa, Warakapola & Madatugama Kekirawa-Sri Lanka 4th General Conference 11th to 17th Dec Wat Sanghathan - Wat Phra Dhammaka, Thailand.

WORLD BUDDHIST SANGHA YOUTH ADMINISTRATION OFFICE Vangdoen Rd. Wat Arunraj wararam Bangkokyai Bangkok-Thailand

Website : www.wbsy.org , E-mail: [email protected]

www.kalyanamitra.org P re fa c e had been expounded for over 2550 years in various regions throughout the world. Although the practices have been altered according to the climate, tradition, and culture of each area, they share a faith in the teachings of the Lord Buddha through which they know genuine peace will be brought not only to themselves, but to whoever else becomes acquainted with it.

In December 2007,350 Buddhist monks from various Buddhist sects around the world attended the 4th General Conference of the World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY) under the title “We Are One - 2550 Years of Buddhism”. These were young and active Buddhist monks, all of whom have dedicated their lives to propagating Buddhism around the world. They expressed their opinions and wished to see their Buddhist works be discussed and supported by the Buddhist community at large. The conference was held in Bangkok by Wat Sanghathana and Wat Phra Dhammakaya during the 11 ,h-18th December, 2007. There were discussions on various issues concerning the propagation of Buddhism in the rapidly globalizing world as well as rediscovering and embracing the “common denominator” between the various Buddhist sects.

Everyone in the world fundamentally wants to be happy, many indulge in sensual pleasures to the extreme because they believe that it is the way to find genuine happiness, especially in our current era of globalization where anything across the globe can be obtained instantly. However, most can never find genuine happiness using that method and they search for spiritual that will uplift the quality and state of their mind. Every son of the Lord Buddha knows that indulging in sensual pleasures is not the solution to discovering true happiness. The way is through spiritual development, and thus they propagate ‘The Way” every chance they can, often through telecommunication technology. As a result, more people around the world realize that only when the mind is settled can it truly be happy.

Buddhism has been practiced in various ways according to each sect of Buddhism one studies. Fundamentally, Buddhism teaches the same thing. As a result, Buddhist monks have been waiting for the moment to reunify, just as it was in the time of the Lord Buddha, so as to discuss with each other the projects they have dedicated their life towards. However, rarely has there been such an opportunity or occasion. That is, until the 4th WBSY General Conference. This conference may not achieve great success in implementing any absolute solution to the social and economic problems in the world but it did inspire each and every participant to carry on in their work with renewed vigor and dedication. They realized that although the practices and ceremonies might be different, they share the same faith, belief and goal in finding genuine peace and in teaching that peace so others may find and cherish it as well. As a result they agreed on the issue that meditation is the only method that helps bring about true peace because meditation is universal and can be practiced by people of any race, religion, creed or belief.

Another achievement of this event is that all participants realized how a gathering as great as this can be organized and conducted. Also, they now know that they are not alone in propagating the Dhamma throughout the world. This is brotherhood who shares the same Father. As the first-ever monk from Uganda to attend a WBSY conference said, “I thought I was alone in Africa but I have no fear now because I know have brothers around the world. Now I am ready to work.” The most important key to success is to know that we are not working alone and there will always be someone ready to reach out for us whenever we need. This conference reassured such feelings and now everyone is ready to work for the greater good of Buddhism.

This one small step is a great leap forward in propagating Buddhism which is deemed the most peaceful religion in the world due to the fact that its practitioners have no feelings or discrimination against race, color or religion. It is the religion that teaches everyone how to find genuine peace and be able to rely on one’s own. It is not only a religion but it is also the most peaceful way of life. Now there are at least 350 Ambassadors of Peace, from the 4th WBSY General Conference, who are ready to be the shining light for the world and to look after their other brothers. Now, more steps are ready to be taken since propagation of Buddhism began 2550 years ago. But now there is the assurance that the way to find genuine peace will be available to everyone who wants it and that they will never stop, especially when there are brothers walking along beside them. This is the power of the sons of the Lord Buddha when they unite as one, just as there is only one single sun in the sky.

Editorial Board

www.kalyanamitra.org Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha From Sri Lanka Secretary General of WBSY and Founder Welcome speech on 11 DEC 2550(B.E.)

Most venerable PraAthikarn Sanong Khatapunyo, Mahathero, Abbot Wat Sanghathan, most venerable Maduluwawe Sobhitha Nayaka Maha Thero the President of National Sangha Council of Sri Lanka most venerable Nakajima from Japan, most venerable Kalsang from Nepal, most venerablesirs.

Today I am very happy to all of you to welcome here. This is the 4lh general conference of World Buddhist Sangha Youth. Behalf of the WBSY, I would like to warmly welcome the abbot of this WatSanghathan temple Pra Athikarn Sanong Khatapunyo, Mahathero. Next I would like to warmlywelcome most venerable Maduluwawe Sobhitha Nayaka Maha Thero the President of National Sangha Council of Sri Lanka. Next I would like to warmly welcome president of Huayen Buddist Association from Taiwan. Next I would like to warmly welcome the Dambajav Choijiljan Lama from Monkolia. Kalsang Lama from Nepal Nakajima Ubo san from Japan. Venerable Hui Guang from Agentina, Venerable Sonum Dorji Lama from Bhutan, Venerable Buddharakkita from Ukanda, Venerable Thich Hanh Tan from Germany, and venerable most venerable Indarabana mahathero from the Sanghanayika of southern provinces of Sri Lanka, most venerable Malagane Atthadassi mahathero of the Sanghanayika of northwestern provinces of Sri Lanka and all the Buddhist Sangha member and nun member and all the member of Sangha and brother and sister in Dhama. I behalf of WBSY warmly welcome today here. Thank you very much.

Most Venerable Luang Por Pra Athikarn Sanong Katapunyo The Chief Abbot of Wat Sanghathan Opening Ceremony and Welcome Speech

Good evening, venerable monks & nuns. Welcome to Wat Sanghatan. Today is a very good occasion that Sangha youth from 30 countries around the world meet together at Wat Sanghatan. Welcome Agentina. Welcome Australia. Welcome Austria. Welcome Bangladesh Welcome Bhutan. Welcome Cambodia. Welcome China. Welcome Finland Welcome France. Welcome Germany. Welcome India. Welcome Ireland Welcome Japan. Welcome Lao. Welcome Malaysia. Welcome Mongkolia. Welcome Myanmar. Welcome Nepal. Welcome Netherlands. Welcome New Zealand Welcome Russia. Welcome Singapore. Welcome South Africa. Welcome Sri Lanka Welcome Taiwan. Welcome United States of America, and Welcome Vietnam. Please feel free and comfortable that Wat Sanghathan is your place and we are relatives. If you need any help please feel free to ask from our volunteers and staffs. Now I would like to open this meeting with the blessing “May good bless this meeting and the Dhamma of Lord Buddha bring us together in peaceful harmony and understanding.” Thank you very much.

www.kalyanamitra.org Most Ven. Zhi-ji Ahdharma Buddha The Patriarch of Bhagawan Gu Fan Mi Chiness Han Transmission Thatrayana Buddhism

“The World Buddhist Sangha Youth is like the sun rising at the early dawn in the east. It is in fact the most powerful and most vibrant and holy power within Buddhism across the world. The existence of the world Buddhist Sangha Youth as well as the existence of all the Sangha Youth across the world push and verify that a holy teaching a holy religion will forever stay in this world.

Our holy religion is a harmonized and united religion. Our holy religion has southern transmission and has northern transmission. It has Theravada Buddhism, it has Mahayana Buddhism, it also has Tantrayana Buddhism. All the different good harmonically and united gather together to convince in this excellence gathering conference. It bring to all sensual being in the world a harmonist, a unite and a join signal. Because in fact this the enterprise which bring peace to all man kind.”

Digested from speech of Ven. Dhammadhara (Su Giac Hanh) How could we propagate the Teachings of the Buddha to Humankind?

“The world will be peaceful, happy, calm, non-violate situation or beautiful paradise is dependent on human beings especially it is dependent on us, because we are a cell, a member in this society. We are able to make this world to be paradise if we have wisdom (pahha), loving-kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna). On the other hand, if we treat the others with idea of the same red color blood and the salt taste tear, I am sure that this world will become very beautiful paradise forever. By doing so we are great disciples, sons and relatives of the Buddha forever and we also follow the old way which the Buddha has done to society and this is great gratitude we are going to offer to the Enlightened One.”

www.kalyanamitra.org Digested from speech of Ven. Chuon Bunsim Head Office of Pedagogy of the General Inspection for National Buddhist Education of the Kingdom of Cambodia

The and the Revival of Cambodian Buddhism after Pol Pot Regime

has become weaker and weaker in the last few centuries due to the upheavals in its history. In Pol Pot’s regime (from 1974-1979) Cambodian Buddhism had almost completely vanished. Thousand of monks were forced to marry and return to the countryside. Most religious buildings were destroyed. As a result of this wholesale destruction, Buddhism had to start from scratch in the 1980’s. Many of the old traditions have been lost

During the disastrous period, nothing was done for the construction and development of the nation, but everything was done for the destruction of the nation. Therefore the new government, with empty hands, had to start the Therefore the new government, with empty hands, had to start the rebuilding of the nation from scratch. At that time, there had been much works to be done for the rehabilitation and re-establishment of the country but the rulers never neglected Buddhism.

Some temples and places of worship that were destroyed were restored and given back to the monks who, at that time were newly ordained, to look after, maintain the tradition and preserve the Dhamma, which is the root of the Cambodia civilization. If the teachings of the Buddha could be spread all over the world, there would be peace everywhere. Like the Buddha said Natthi santiparam sukkham (there is no another happiness than a peaceful- heart).

Digested from speech of the Most Ven. Hai-Yun Jimeng (Taiwan) President of Huayen Monastery

The Future of Humanity and of the World The core values on whichWestern industrial power is based are democracy, social welfare and economic growth. Democracy demands social welfare, for which economic growth is necessary, so if social welfare is the ultimate goal, democracy provides the guidance and economic growth the means for its realization. But the economic sector can only increase the amount of social welfare available through waste and despoliation of the earth’s resources. The depletion of global resources is also generating an enormous amount of garbage and contributing to the acceleration of global warming. If this vicious cycle is allowed to continue, it will soon bring our planet to the brink of collapse.

Buddhism has had very little to say about this sudden emergence of a sixth civilization, and has played little part in the cultural and social developments that followed it. Now, however the mainstream values of society have become seriously distorted. Not only have they done grave injury to mother Earth, they have also disrupted the harmony of society and damaged the human spirit. In these critical times it is therefore incumbent on all our educated young Buddhists to proclaim to the world: “We have now arrived and henceforth will continue to play a part in the social and cultural progress of humanity. It is our intention to help the human race- establish the core values on which a healthier society can be based.”

www.kalyanamitra.org Digested from speech of Most Ven. Daijyo Nakajima Abbot of Honryuji Temple / -Sye Order

“Buddhism is from internal. Buddhism is going to help, to protect, to prevent our world from the conflicts if we understand the Buddhism.

Japan is very civilized country because of Buddhism, which came to Japan more than 1,500 years. So, it encouraged Japan to build the country.

Actually Japanese people they believe in equality improvement and developments, Fine nature and habit of Japanese: So, they are creative people. Most of the inspiration derives from Buddhism.

Japan we practice Mahayana, but that is not the problem. We still can all work together to solve the problems of the country.

It’s not up to being Mahayana or not. In the 4th WBSY Annual Conference , I can see so many monks from Theravada tradition. I think it is very special. Although Buddhism exists 2,500 years. Still you can see monks and nuns who wear the robes and still take care of the (code of conduct) or keep themselves to the vinaya road. “

Buddhism it still continuing in its original practice and there is a lot of holding together .We can all go together to help the world to solve problem. Although we are different traditions in Buddhism but we can all help together to have a unity. We are one in the way we can help solving problems.”

Digested from speech of Most Ven. Trish Han Tan Abbot of Hannover Vietnam Germany

“We are all students of our master Sakhayamunee Buddha. I think in all traditions Mahayana and Theravada whatever which we have very much in common: Those are the energy like Metta and Karuna.

With the helps of all the Sangha members has present during this conference, one may have some ideas more about Metta and Karuna (loving kindness) because this is the point in which all the traditions have to gether .

Respect from the laypersons, I realize that this respect from the people do not give to myself but give to the robe the presentation I do for sangha so then I was calmed. And this encourages me to work more for my spiritual life to be able to receive just kind of respect.

And somehow I understand of those do to merit of lord Buddha who place us as monks and nuns who give his merit for us to study, to practice and , to realize what he told. With this kind of faith, we can go further into our practice until one day we all become enlightened.”

www.kalyanamitra.org Digested from speech of Phramaha Boonthavy Vilaichakr

Buddhism and Society

“Buddhism occurred 2500 years ago in India. Since then it has contributed a lot to the human civilization of both materiality and spirituality. Besides this, Buddhist teachings help guide people to avoid doing bad, to purify the mind, to cultivate good deeds, lead the way of living to peaceful coexistence in the society. In this way, Buddhism is contributed to world peace, and the civilization to the world.

The word “civilization” here is defined as the advancement of tradition and culture. Buddhist teaching supports the spiritual development towards the highest goal, the Nibbana and a broader propagation of Buddhism originating from India to the world. Buddhism is emphasized on intellectual creativity contributing to the world civilization in various fields namely:

Buddhism helps develop the society. It teaches people to be self-mastery, self-refuge, living righteously and diligently, saving the gains earned, associating with good friends and moderately and sufficient living.

Buddhism brings happiness to the world, supports the practice of non-violence which is conducive to world peace.”

Digested from speech of Ven. Nicholas Thanissaro Dhammakaya Foundation

We are One: The Great Dhamma Discovery

“ The word “We are one” which is being used for this conference heading put me in mind of the lord Buddha’s teaching in the Bali language which is “ Sangha Samakki” which means “unity bring in happiness”.

And I would like to add that even in the modern day that this same ancient teaching has been brought up to date especially in the context of the Buddhist channel which is broadcast on satellite which is known as DMC in which is one of the major programmers and the most venerable Prarachchapawanavisuth, the abbot of the Dhammakaya temple is re-literated that the son of the Buddha should be unified just as there is only one sun in the sky.

And given that in the difference Buddhist denominations, sometimes we have different ways of practicing. Perhaps we should look to the parts of practice which we do have in common. One thing which is common to all - 3 of the Buddhist schools is the suttantapitaka or the suta of the lord Buddha and if we are able to go back to studying these teaching then we will perhaps be able to move in the same direction in our practice so that perhaps through our practice we can bring back the same prosperity of Buddhism as was known during the time that the lord Buddha himself was alive.

But I think more important than that is to discuss with your fellow monks and your fellow Buddhists how best we can work together in order that our Buddhist community can become one, can become unified and how we can go back to rediscovering the great discovery which the lord Buddha meet on the day of his enlightenment. Really the treasure of Buddhism are already there in the original teaching but sometimes we seem to have lost this somewhere along the path so in order to get back to those original teaching we do need to help one another.”

www.kalyanamitra.org Digested from speech of Most Ven. Dhammapriya Mahathero Abbot, Mahananda Sangharaj Vihara Vice President of the Supreme Sangha Council of Bangladesh Founder of Dhamapriya Buddhist Welfare Mission, Kolkata, India

We are in a family

“All the universal Buddhas, including three generations of Buddhas, share the common Kaya. Though we have not let the Six Directions of Reincarnation and Ten Realms to reach the One-Truth and Equal Realm. Sakyamuni told the truth that all beings are in a family. The universe and all lands, including sentient beings and non-sentient beings, are from the same family. All are made from various affinities. It’s oneself and also one family. All beings become to exist according to their own karmic category. The phenomenon comes from the entity. It’s unlimitedly incredible.

We have to propagate Buddhism to make people feel like living in a same family and happy at any time and place. We are in a family. Prosperity is derived from family harmony. The source of every phenomenon comes from the mind. The environment and affinity becomes pure as long as the heart is pure.”

Ven. Rinchin Lonjid Dashichoiling Monastery, Mongolia

I come from Mongolia and I am Rinchin. I come with the most Ven. Damyajav who is a Vice President of World Buddhist Association and the Abbot of Daisholing Monastery in Mongolia. Actually this is not a proposal, this is a speech. I would like to spread and deliver the situation today in Mongolia. As you all know Mongolia has very special tradition in Buddhism for thousands of years. We all chant and do very special ritual. Everything is almost same as Tibetan and we all look like same race and faith but actually we do have different manners. What I want to say today is, first of all, I would like to congratulate World Buddhist Sangha Youth, the 4th General Conference. Personally, I felt very strong. It is going very wide and everything is in order. And it’s my first time in Thailand. I’d like to say congratulate to all the supporters of World Buddhist Sangha Youth, organizing committee and all staffs. Second, I want to emphasize, this is the unification of all Buddhist monks, especially the young monks all over the world; so to make a contribution and bring more development to Buddhism, we have to understand each other first perfectly. The situation in Mongolia today is not alright. We got everything back in 1990 since democracy won in Mongolia. Mongolia has lost hundreds of temples and thousands of monks because of communist regime. Today Buddhism is reviving and coming back to Mongolia and we, young monks, do everything we can to make Buddhism better. We are very happy today that Buddhists all over the world come to unite our voice today. We are all Buddhist so we can contribute and bring development to Buddhism. Mongolia is welcoming the next conference. The situation is very nice. (Ven. Anuruddha) Mongolia proposed to host general conference in Mongolia which is possibly hosted in 2009 since the 5th conference of 2008 will be hosted by Australia. Mongolia can host the general conference after Australia. We are more than happy that you received the honor.

www.kalyanamitra.org .r

*

m •v-.-

* www.kalyanamitra.org WBSY SANGHA UNITY DECLARATION

We, the young monastic delegates from more than thirty countries assembled here for the fourth conference of the World Buddhist Sangha Youth at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi on this 14th dayof December 2007 declare that we dedicate our whole life to be True monks to have the utmost patience to purify ourselves to an end of all defilements and to follow the Lord Buddha’s guidelines in spreading the Dhamma:

- By Not insulting - Neither harming - In Patimokkha well-restrained - Knowing moderation in our food - To keep to seclusion in our sleeping-sitting place - Striving in the heart sublime

And through the incalculable merit arising from our determined commitment to establish unity in the Sangha on the occasion of the 2550th Buddha Jayanti dedicated for the benefit and health of Thailand’s righteous monarch His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej on the auspicious occasion of the eightieth anniversary of His Majesty’s birth

We remain mindful of the Lord Buddha’s words “Sukha sanghassa samaggi” that a harmonious Sangha is a happy Sangha thus we commit ourselves to the principle that Buddhist monks must be one just as there is only one sun in the sky

Sadhu sadhu sadhu

www.kalyanamitra.org A Dhamma Lecture ‘The Protection of Buddhism in an Age of High Technology”

By Phrabhavanaviriyakhun

Room SPD 7, the Hall

Saturday, December 15, 2007 9 :00 to 10 :45

at the 4th WBSY General Conference We are One - 2550 Years of Buddhism

www.kalyanamitra.org Part 1

The Concepts

The Root Causes of Life’s Problems

All of the problems in life come from three main areas :

1. Economic problems : Problems which have to do with the means of supporting oneself

2. Social problems : Problems which arise from conflicts

3. Defilements problems: Problems which come with birth, aging, illnesses, and death

1. Leave the government to solve economic and social problems because they are its direct responsibility and it has the resources to do it.

2. Leave the Buddhist monks to solve defilements problems both for themselves and for others in the world because it is their direct responsibility and they have the know-how to do it.

www.kalyanamitra.org Analysis of the Root Causes of Life’s Problems

1. The root causes of life’s problems include economic problems, conflicts, and defilements.

2. According to Buddhism, the cause of life’s problems come from individual human beings.

3. A deeper analysis into life’s problems reveals that individual habits and defilements are the true root causes of life’s problems.

4. Therefore, to solve life’s problems, individual habits must be corrected and individual defilements must be quelled.

www.kalyanamitra.org The Lord Buddha’s Teachings

Solve the Root Causes of Life’s Problems

Habits 1 Mind l Body - Word

1. The Lord Buddha’s Teachings aim to completely remove defilements from the mind, therefore, they can solve all of life’s problems

2. Defilements can be quelled by correcting one’s habits because one’s habits control one’s mind which is where defilements reside. Once the mind can be controlled then the body and word can be automatically controlled.

3. Therefore, Buddhism resides in the Human Mind. Part 2 The Theory

What does it mean to disseminate Buddhism ?

To disseminate Buddhism means to put the Lord Buddha’s Teachings into the mind of every individual on earth so that every individual can practice the Teachings until they turn into habits.

The Theoretical Text used in Disseminating Buddhism

The

Since Buddhism resides in the mind of every individual and every individual must practice the Lord Buddha’s Teachings until habits are formed, dissemination of Buddhism must be based on the Noble Eightfold Path

www.kalyanamitra.org The Reason for Using the Noble Eightfold Path

Humanity is dominated by defilements

Right Livelihood

www.kalyanamitra.org Our Daily Conduct

Each person conducts himself in these rooms from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed as a matter of habits. Therefore, these rooms can be considered the places of growth or degeneration for each person.

www.kalyanamitra.org The True Purposes of the Five Rooms in Life

Room Purpose(s)

Bedroom To build up courage by 1) doing good deeds 2) practicing Right

Bathroom To build up vitality

Kitchen To build up life energy

Dressing Room To build up intelligence

Workroom To build up great wealth - Material wealth - Ariya wealth

1. Each room in life has a different function.

2. Therefore, each room must be used according to its purpose(s) and each room must be well taken care of. When good habits are formed, happiness and growth in both the worldly and Dhamma areas will result.

Forming Habits through the Five Rooms

4. 4. Defilements are quelled Defilements grow i 4, Life’s problems end Increase in life’s problems

Tools used in Forming Habits

• The four necessities • Things which make up the four necessities

www.kalyanamitra.org Formation of Habits

• The work which is done in each of the five rooms • Attitude toward the consumption of the four necessities in these rooms • The way to consume the four necessities in these rooms • Manners employed when living and working together • Attitude toward one’s means of livelihood

Good Habits Result from Proper Training

• A penchant for truth, honesty • A penchant for self-command, a penchant for self-discipline • A penchant for patience, being fearlessly resolute • A penchant for being charitable and selfless • Other good habits

www.kalyanamitra.org The True Purposes of the Five Rooms in Life

Room Purpose(s)

Bedroom To build up courage by 1) doing good deeds 2) practicing Right View

Bathroom To build up vitality

Kitchen To build up life energy

Dressing Room To build up intelligence

Workroom To build up great wealth - Material wealth - Ariya wealth

1. Each room in life has a different function.

2. Therefore, each room must be used according to its purpose(s) and each room must be well taken care of. When good habits are formed, happiness and growth in both the worldly and Dhamma areas will result.

Forming Habits through the Five Rooms

I i Defilements are quelled Defilements grow i 4 Life’s problems end Increase in life’s, problems

Tools used in Forming Habits

• The four necessities • Things which make up the four necessities

www.kalyanamitra.org Formation of Habits

• The work which is done in each of the five rooms • Attitude toward the consumption of the four necessities in these rooms • The way to consume the four necessities in these rooms • Manners employed when living and working together • Attitude toward one’s means of livelihood

Good Habits Result from Proper Training

• A penchant for truth, honesty • A penchant for self-command, a penchant for self-discipline • A penchant for patience, being fearlessly resolute • A penchant for being charitable and selfless • Other good habits

www.kalyanamitra.org The Lasting Way to Disseminate and Protect Buddhism

To build up life energy

The lasting way to disseminate and protect Buddhism involves the training of the masses to have the ability to build up motivation, vitality, life energy, insight, and material wealth from the five rooms of life.

www.kalyanamitra.org Our Daily Conduct

Morning to Evening

Each Person

Each person conducts himself in these rooms from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed as a matter of habits. Therefore, these rooms can be considered the places of growth or degeneration for each person.

www.kalyanamitra.org The True Purposes of the Five Rooms in Life

Room Purpose(s)

Bedroom To build up courage by 1) doing good deeds 2) practicing Right View

Bathroom To build up vitality

Kitchen To build up life energy

Dressing Room To build up intelligence

Workroom To build up great wealth - Material wealth - Ariya wealth

1. Each room in life has a different function.

2. Therefore, each room must be used according to its purpose(s) and each room must be well taken care of. When good habits are formed, happiness and growth in both the worldly and Dhamma areas will result.

Forming Habits through the Five Rooms

j, i Defilements are quelled Defilements grow 4, I Life’s problems end Increase in life’s problems

Tools used in Forming Habits

• The four necessities • Things which make up the four necessities

www.kalyanamitra.org Formation of Habits

• The work which is done in each of the five rooms • Attitude toward the consumption of the four necessities in these rooms • The way to consume the four necessities in these rooms • Manners employed when living and working together • Attitude toward one’s means of livelihood

Good Habits Result from Proper Training

• A penchant for truth, honesty • A penchant for self-command, a penchant for self-discipline • A penchant for patience, being fearlessly resolute • A penchant for being charitable and selfless • Other good habits

www.kalyanamitra.org The Lasting Way to Disseminate and Protect Buddhism

To build up life energy

The lasting way to disseminate and protect Buddhism involves the training of the masses to have the ability to build up motivation, vitality, life energy, insight, and material wealth from the five rooms of life.

www.kalyanamitra.org Summary

Concepts - The root causes of life’s problems include economic problems, conflicts, and defilements - The Lord Buddha’s Teachings aim to correct the root causes of life’s problems - Buddhism can completely solve life’s problems

Theory- Disseminate the Lord Buddha’s Teachings to the world. Encourage people to practice them until good habits are formed and life’s problems are solved - Practice according to the Eightfold Noble Path

Principles - Habits are the mind’s boss, the mind is the body’s boss. Therefore, habits control the body, the word, and the mind - Habits are more important than worldly and Dhamma knowledge - Habits are formed from the five rooms of life Procedure - Practice the Noble Eightfold Path rigourously by putting one’s life on the line through the use of the five rooms of life in accordance with their purposes

Success Factors in Disseminating Buddhism

1. The presence of role models who have put their lives on the line in training themselves. They serve

• As role models • As teachers of Right View • As problem solvers • As motivators

2. The trainees must • possess analytical reflection • rigorously practice meditation by putting their lives on the line the way the Arahats did in the past

3. Employ all of the available technology in doing the work of disseminating Buddhism

www.kalyanamitra.org Closing Speech by Most Ven. Phrabhavanaviriyakhun Vice Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple

This conference has helped every participant to have the same view that the dissemination of Buddhism in this age of high technology requires that we put our life on the line as we live our life according to the Noble Eightfold Path. We can do this by improving our self and correcting our habits as we conduct our self accordingly in the five rooms of life. Only in such ways that we can become a role model and be able to encourage people to have and to study the Lord Buddha’s Teachings. In disseminating Buddhism, it is necessary that we use every media available to us in this age of high technology.

However, the dissemination of Buddhism which begins by improving and correcting our habits takes a lot of courage and motivation. And there is no better source of motivation than the practice of meditation. There are many methods to choose from to suit your individual preference. However, if you are interested in learning the way to teach meditation in a group situation, Wat Phra Dhammakaya would like to invite you to remain with us and further your study in this area. Or if it is not convenient for you at this point and time, then find an opportunity to return at a later date.

After you return to your country, please keep the WBSY posted on your work in disseminating Buddhism and on any obstacles you may encounter so that we can find ways to help each other quickly. Please bear in mind that the dissemination of Buddhism, which is based on the practice of the Eightfold Noble Path, will instantly unite the Sangha and the world will automatically change for the better.

Finally, I encourage all of us to put our life on the line in doing the work of disseminating Buddhism. I ask the Virtues of the Triple Gem to keep you and to bless you with health, strength, a robust body, longevity, and a safe return trip.

www.kalyanamitra.org SadM iidt

www.kalyanamitra.org