Being a non-profit publication without any affiliation to any organisation, For You Information continues to rely Editor’s Note on support from contributors and benefactors for our publication needs. Thus, we hope that we can continue The month of October continues to be filled with many sacred to receive support in propagating the . Founder: Venerable Guang Chao and meaningful Buddhist events such the Avalokitesvara Bo- dhisattva birthday celebrations as well as Dharma assemblies CONTENTS in many temples. We would also like to extend our hearti- 53-55 Buddhist Activities est congratulations to The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and 56-57 Finding Inner Peace In The Midst Of Chaos Museum for the appointment of their 2nd Abbot and Kwan 58 What Are You Practising For? Yin Chan Lin Meditation Centre Singapore on their 26th 59 Living Mindfully Anniversary and annual KYCL Zen Conference. 60-63 Khuddaka Nikya (Part 3i) 64 Dialogue With Rebecca On Hope In this November issue, we continue revisit the fundamen- 65 tal teachings of how to live mindfully, peacefully and hap- 66 Selected Buddhist Poems pily not according to secular concepts but according to the Buddha’s teachings for guidance in living life as a Buddhist. ON THE COVER We feature the insightful sharing from the talks by Buddhist Cover Photography: Courtesy of Ms Ruiwu teachers and scholars such as Venerable Brahm and Venerable Kanugolle Rathanasara, and Budhhist works by On the cover is the beautiful and in- Thanissaro Bhikku and Benjamin F C Teng. As Buddhists, tricate statue of the (Pu Xian) , one of the it is also important for us to ask ourselves why we practise eight Zodiac Protectors in first level mindfulness from Shen Shi’an’s article, ‘What Are You Prac- hall of the Buddha Tooth Relic Tem- tising Mindfulness For?’ and how to live life with hope from ple and Museum (BTRTM). Dr. Jeffrey Po’s ‘Dialogue With Rebecca On Hope’. These are good starting grounds for us to truly be more introspective BTRTM was founded by Vener- and also, we hope the illustration below can help in remind- able Shi Fa Zhao in 2001 and it is dedicated to the Buddha, ing us to realign our understanding of living life mindfully. which means ‘The Compassionate One’ and also known as ‘The Future Buddha’, and BTRTM’s mission is to promote Lastly, may the light of the Buddha continue to shine and be and impart the Teachings of the Buddha. a lamp upon all sentient beings.

The history of BTRTM goes back to the Golden Bud- dhist Temple where Ven. Shi Fa Zhao founded the Golden Pagoda Temple at 798 Tampines Road (now 83, Tampines Link), a precursor that led to him being approached by Sin- gapore Tourism Board (STB) in early 1997 to develop a pro- posal for a temple at Sago Lane (half of the vacant site) and followed by another proposal in 1998 for the entire site that has to include a traditional Chinese temple and Opera stage. And then on 4 August 2002, Ven. Cakkapala decided to hand over the Sacred Buddha Toot Relic to Ven. Shi Fa Zhao and exhorted that the new guardian, should the opportunity arise, have the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic made accessible to Bud- dhists from everywhere to gather in Singapore to venerate. Thus, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao found himself tested and decided to go on a one-year Dharma Lotus Blossom Retreat. And it Mind precedes all mental states. was during the retreat, thanks to the blessings from the Triple Gems, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao conceived not only the name “Bud- Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. dha Relic Tooth Temple (Singapore)”, but also an architectur- If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts al style based on the Buddhist that is integrated with suffering follows him like the wheel that the arts and culture of during the Tang Dynasty. follows the foot of the draught ox. Then eventually, Ven. Shi Fa Zhao managed to secure the va- cant Sago Lane site and registered BTRTM on 20 February Dhammapada 2003 and after its completion, it was officially opened on 30 Yammakavagga: “The Pairs” (Verse 1) May 2007 by Singapore’s late former President S R Nathan.

38 BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM SINGAPORE APPOINTMENT OF 2nd ABBOT INVESTITURE CEREMONY

Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, 1st Abbot of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum at the commencement of the 2nd Abbot Investiture Ceremony after careful succession planning and preparation for this transfer of abbotship to ensure smooth operation of BTRTM. He will be embarking on a three-year retreat from 13 March 2017 before returning to serve the and community.

On the auspicious morning of 18 October, Venerable Shi Pu En, received the abbotship of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Singapore (BTRTM) from Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, its 1st Abbot and Founder. Ven. Shi Fa Zhao has led BTRTM from its initial concep- tion in 2003 to its building completion and opening in 2007, and now an established temple known not only for its systematic and authentic Dharma propagation but also its preserva- tion of Buddhist and Chinese culture. BTRTM is not only a temple popular with the locals but also one known internationally where its earnest grandeur has attracted many Buddhists and people from all walks of life from different countries. This is indeed a testatment of Ven. Shi Fa Zhao’s decade-long efforts to fulfill his aspiration of creating a Buddhist space for all to converge and learn more about Buddhism and venerate the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.

Thus, present at the investiture ceremony were also dignitaries from the Embassies and High Commissions: Royal Embassy of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Cheth Naren; High Commission, H.E. Mr. Nimal Weeraratne; Vietnamese Embassy, H.E. Mr Nguyen Tien Venerable Shi Pu En, the newly-invested 2nd Abbot of Minh and Royal Thai Embassy, Mr. Chairat Sirivat, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission. 1 BTRTM waving the fly-whisk, one of the sacred items pre- Honourable Venerables from both overseas and local monasteries were also present to ex- sented to him as part of the ceremonial ritual to represent tend their congratulatory messages and gift sacred Dharma articles. the handover of the temple’s abbotship.

Venerable Shi Pu En studied Buddhism in Yuan Kuang Buddhist College of Taiwan (台湾圆光佛学院) for 10 years and received his Diploma and Bachelor of Arts in . He later completed his Masters studies in Yuan Kuang Institute for Buddhist Studies (台湾圆光佛 学研究) and fulfilled all prescribed conditions within three years by ordinance, regulations and resolution of the community. Upon his gradu- ation, Ven. Shi Pu En returned to Singapore to serve the less privileged in the local communities. He was appointed Executive Director of Metta Welfare Association (Metta) on January 2009. After serving eight years in Metta, Ven. Shi Pu En relinquished his role as the Executive Director and took on more responsibilities as the 1st Vice President on the Executive Management Committee of Metta on 25 September 2016.

1. Honourable Venerables: From overseas, they are: Venerable Phrapromsithi, Abbot of Saket Temple (Bangkok); Venerable Galboda Gnanissara , Chief Incumbent of Sri Lanka Gangaramaya Temple; Venerable Hui Xiong, Secretary-General of the World Buddhist Sangha Council and Abbot of Vihara Ma- havira Grahat Pusat (Indonesia Jakarta); Venerable Shi Cheng, Vice President of The Buddhist Association of Xiamen; Venerable Xing Shang, Abbot of Taoyuan Yuan Kwang Ch’an Monastery (Taiwan); Venerable Chuan Li, Abbot of Taichung Tianbao Jiangtang (Taiwan); Venerable Xian Ming, Abbot of Taiwan-Yilan Jiaoxi Pilu Monastery and many others.

From Singapore, they are: President of Singapore Buddhist Federation, Venerable Kwang Phing, Venerable Chao Khun Phratep Siddhivides, Chief Monk of Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai ; Venerable Weragoda Sarada Maha Thera, Chief Prelate of Singapore, of the Malwatta Chapter of the Sri Lanka Siamese Sect; Venerable Huat Tat, President of Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Centre; Venerable Kai Xiang, Abbot of Singapore Zu-Lin Temple Association; Vener- able Wai Yim, Abbot of Singapore Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery and many others. Photo courtesy of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

39 如来足迹

普陀山位于中国浙江省舟山市，是观 普陀山——“第一人间清净地” 世音菩萨教化众生的道场，素有“海 天佛国” 、“ 南海圣境”之称。山中寺院 无论大小，都供奉着观世音菩萨。

普陀山四面环海，风光旖旎，幽幻独 特。山石林木、寺塔崖刻、梵音涛声， 皆充满着佛国神秘色彩。

照片提供：LG WORLD-TRAVEL PLANNERS（乐期世界）

PEOPLE’S BUDDHISM STUDY SOCIETY DHAMMA TALK BY VEN. KANUGOLLE RATHANASARA

On 7 October, People’s Buddhism Study Society (PBSS) held a Dhamma talk by Venerable Kanugolle Rathanasara titled “Why Do You Need Merits?”. Born in the south eastern Sri Lanka village of Bibile, he became a novice monk at an early age of 12 in 1984 and received higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1998 at the Malwatu Viharaya in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He later graduated from University of Kelaniya with a Bachelor of Arts (Special) degree (Mass Communications) and then with the Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) and continued to prorogate the Dhamma. His noble aspirations to share his knowledge of Dhamma interna- tionally was fulfilled when he was subsequently selected in 2001 by the Sinhala Buddhist Association in Singapore, the adminis- tration of the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple to be the Resident Monk where he continues to serve and lead right up till today.

The Dhamma talk started with Metta Meditation before Ven. K. Rathanasara explained why people need merits. Merits are in fact meritorious deeds that actually form the basis for one’s condition(s) to enjoy the bliss of existence. In other words, merits are needed for one’s life to go smoothly, be surrounded by good and noble people where they can be guided and led to happiness, joyfulness and goodness and ultimately, Nibanna. He also clarified misconceptions concerning how to make merits and what to be mindful of. He explained that for meritorious acts in order not to be defiled by unwholesome thoughts (that will in contradic- tion create “demerit”), one should use the skillful method of ensuring that the three faculties; physical (body), verbal (speech) and mental (mind) must be filled with wholesome intention, motivation and action. Thus, one must be sincere, happy, joyful and mindful before, during and after the meritorious act(s). The talk ended with an insightful question-and-answer session with at- tendees citing common daily challenges and Ven. K. Rathanasara providing practical suggestions and advice to all.

53 BUDDHIST News

KWAN YIN CHAN LIN DOT CONNECTIONS BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC GROWTH CENTRE TEMPLE & MUSEUM 26th Anniversary & International Zen Conference Workshops on Managing Death One-Day Mindfulness Retreat and Dying – the Beyond BTRTM is organinsing a Mindfulness Dr. Jeffrey Po, a counselling psycholo- Retreat on 20 Nov for participants to gist and psychotherapist in private learn how to benefit from the infinite joy practice also organises workshops, lec- and advantages of meditation; thereby tures and training to connect them to reducing anxiety and stress to enhance Buddhist spiritual practices, held three health, relationships and wisdom. For two-hour workshops on 13, 20 and 27 details and registration, call 6854 7022. Oct from 7.30-9.30pm at DCGC which condensed much of his experiences and BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP knowledge to help attendees under- stand death and dying better. Teaching Tour This year’s KYCL Zen Conference will be held on 29 Oct, from 8am-5pm at the MAHAKARUNA BUDDHIST Suntec Convention Centre Room 324- SOCIETY 325 with , Zen Master Dae Bong, Ven. Chi Boon and Pindapata Ceremony 2016 Ven. Myong An as guests speakers. MBS is holding the Almsround – Pin- dapata (any alms) on 6 Nov, Sunday at TAI BEI BUDDHIST 10am at MAX Atria, Garnet and Topaz BF is organising a series of teachings; CENTRE Hall with the of 10,000 robes Sutta Study, Meditation (Mindfulness to the Sangha across Sri Lanka, India, and Vipassana) and Dhamma Talks Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and other by Buddharakkhita during his A Dharma talk by Ven. Dr. K. Dhamma- countries. For alms contribution and teaching tour with classes from 22 Nov- sami will be on 28 Oct from 7-9pm. Ti- more information, call 6745 1803. 2 Dec and a retreat from 29 Nov-3 Dec. tled “Mindfulness and Emotional Man- agement in Daily Life”, this is a joint KADAMPA MEDITATION 1-Day Retreat collaboration between Buddhist Fellow- CENTRE S’PORE BF will be holding a 1-day Metta and ship and Dhammadownload.com. Karuna Meditation Retreat The Power of Prayer with Ven. Kai Zhao on 11 Nov, Friday FO GUANG SHAN Prayer is a method where we can fulfill 8.30am-5pm at the BF East Centre @ our pure wishes and protect other living Mitra. This retreat will be conducted in The Birth of Medicine Buddha beings from suffering. Understand more Chinese with English translation. For The 29th day of the ninth lunar month about prayers and how to make pow- more information on all activities, visit: is the birthday of the Medicine Buddha erful prayers on 6 Nov, Sunday from www.buddhistfellowship.org. – the Buddha of the of La- Gen Kelsang Drolkyi. For registration, pis Lazuli – Light in the East. And FGS visit: www.nkt-kmc-singapore.org. organised a Medicine Buddha Dharma THE BUDDHIST LIBRARY Service from 23-30 Oct. KONG MENG SAN PHOR Family Day KARK SEE MONASTERY BUDDHADHAMMA FOUNDATION Guide to Practising Buddhism

Metta & Karuna Meditation Ven. Kai Zhao will be leading a 2-day meditation retreat from 29-30 Oct at KMSPKS where retreatants will learn how to have a firm foundation for Vipas- sana through the cultivation of “Metta” TBL will hold its Family Day 2016 (bringing about benefits and merits to Learn from Ven. Chao Khun Keng on Funfair on 20 Nov, Sunday 9am-5pm all and removing obstructions in one’s practising and applying the Dharma in at the open ground alongside Aljunied practice) and “Karuna” (removing suf- daily life on 10 Nov at Awareness Place. MRT. For more details, please visit: ferings to benefit oneself and others). Register at http://goo.gl/UroZmm. www.buddhlib.org.sg.

54 KONG MENG SAN PHOR KARK SEE MONASTARY SECK HONG CHOON – NKF DIALYSIS CENTRE

On 2 October, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the People’s Association (PA), Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastary (KMSPKS) and National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for their first ever collaboration – a co-location of a Dialysis Centre set-up by the three organisations within a community club. Present to witness this MOU signing were Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Health, and Communications and Information, and Grassroots Advisor to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs), PA’s Chief Executive Director, Mr Ang Hak Seng, BBM and Chairman of the NKF, Mr Koh Poh Tiong. This new centre will be located at the newly upgraded Toa Payoh West Community Club (TPWCC) with completion expected to be in 2020.

At the ceremony, Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng, Abbot of KMSPKS also presented NKF with SGD 1,400, 000 as donation for the set-up of the Dialysis Centre and this donation will be matched by a government grant to cover both the costs of renova- tion and equipment for operational needs of the dialysis centre. There will be at least 20 dialysis machines housed in the centre catering to the needs of kidney patients residing in Toa Payoh West-Balestier. Currently, NKF is supporting over 4,000 kid- ney patients with its existing 31 dialysis centres island-wide which are operating almost at full capacity. This new centre will be able to reach out to even more kidney patients come 2020 and also aims to achieve greater outreach to raise awareness and to educate the public on renal, hypertension, diabetic, kidney-related diseases and preventive measures for a healthier lifestyle.

WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY

World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on 1 October to raise awareness about health, environmental and ethical benefits of following a vegetarian lifestyle which was first founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society. As part of the month-long World Vegetarian Awareness Month campaign, KMSPKS held a half-day programme on 2 Oct which was supported by Dharma Voices for Animals and Happy Cow to help attendees better understand our relationship with animals and the impacts of a non-veg- etarian diet on health. After the talk by Bob Isaacson (USA) from Dharma Voices for Animals, attendees were treated to a vegetarian lunch at the dining hall followed by a sharing session on the benefits of a plant-based diet by body-builder, Luke Tan. In the later part of the programme, Vinitha Ang, a nurse-turned-dietician and chef shared in- sights on the importance of not just a balanced plant-based diet but one of good nutrition that meets the different dietary needs of individuals. There was also food-tasting where many learnt how to prepare healthy and delicious snacks. Ending off the programme was a movie-screening of PlantPure Nation, a documentary on the journey of three people’s quest to document and spread the message of the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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