Buddhist News THE the Grand Puja to offer prayers and starting the series was the topic on BUDDHIST LODGE blessings for all sentient beings, and “Generating Bodhicitta” by Venera- to pray for the country’s peace and ble Chuan Guan on 30 August 2019. Buddhist Etiquette Class prosperity. Held from 1-22 Septem- ber 2019, this was also part of their SINGAPORE BUDDHIST fundraising efforts for their building’s FREE CLINIC reconstruction fund. Golden Jubilee Celebration cum THE PEOPLE’S BUDDHISM Guan Shi Yin Mega Show STUDY SOCIETY

Fun Fair 2019

The Singapore Buddhist Lodge held a special Buddhist Etiquette Class that was attended by close to 70 participants on 1 September 2019.

English Dharma Course 2019 As part of SBFC’s Jubilee Celebra- tion, it will be showcasing a Chi- nese Opera titled, “Guan Shi Yin” by Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Prov- ince, China. This performance will feature the moving story of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the spirit of great com- passion and divine intervention, as well as the wisdom of life. For ticket- ing and details, please visit https:// www.sbfc.org.sg. People’s Buddhism Study Society (PBSS) will be organising a Fun Fair BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP on 17 November 2019 to commem- orate its first year of moving into the Annual Youth Camp 2019 new premises. The proceeds from this Fun Fair will be directed to its Building and Reconstruction Fund so as to continue the Buddha Dhar- There will be an English Dharma ma work such as hosting monastics Course on The Four Noble Truths, and holding Dharma-related events conducted by Venerable Dr. Chuan and talks, regardless of Buddhist Sheng from 1 October to 19 No- tradition or lineage. For ticketing or vember 2019 (every Tuesday, 7.30- to make a contribution, please visit 9.30pm) at the Vimalakirti Hall. For http://dazhong.sg/. details and registration, please visit www.sbl.org.sg. THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BUDDHIST FA HUA MONASTERY SOCIETY

Fund Raising Buddhist Talks

Titled, “Pushing Boundaries 9 – Be- ginning of the End”, the Buddhist Fellowship Annual Camp will be held from 13-16 December 2019. This is aimed at providing a platform for like-minded youths aged 16-25 to meet and learn more about the Fa Hua Monastery held a series of The NUS Buddhist Society em- Dharma. For more information and Dharma assemblies, sutra recita- barked on a new series of Buddhist sign-up, please visit BIT.LY/BFY- tions and a Dharma talk as part of talks titled, “The 6 Paramitas”. Kick- OUYHPB9.

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p50 - News.indd 50 2019/9/20 15:40:09 EVENTS LITTLE DHARMA WORKS was followed by the 5 Foundation Ngondro Practice Teaching by Lama WEEKLY SPIRITUAL GROUP CULTIVATION Chimi the next evening, 7-9.30pm.

How to Mitigate Difficulties by Venerable Shi Chuan Guan Dharma Talk by H.E. Lelung Rinpoche

Difficulties are often obstructions that lie between our current state and our goals. Little Dharma Works, part of its Weekly Spiritual Group Cultivation (SGC) sessions, held a talk, “How to Mitigate Difficulties” by Venerable Shi Chuan Guan at the Buddhist Library on 1 September 2019. Venerable Chuan On 12 September 2019, His Guan shared more on how the Buddha advised us on how to overcome our Eminence 11th Lelung Jedrung difficulties and how can we handle the difficult people around us. The full Rinpoche gave an English Dharma video of this SGC session can be found at https://youtu.be/_Ds6ss20vNo. Talk titled, “Why Buddhism is Important in Modern Time and The SGC October sessions at the Buddhist Library on Sundays, 1.30-3.30pm, How to Use It” 7.30-9.30pm. He will feature the following topics: “Buddhist Titles and Their Significance” (6 used easy-to-understand examples October) and “Living an Active and Youthful Life” (13 October), while “AMA: and analogies to expound on Why Go On Retreats?” (20 October) will have venue to be advised at a later topics related to cause-and-effect, date. For more information, please visit https://alaya.littledharma.works/. individual and collective karma PEOPLE’S BUDDHISM STUDY as well as on how to practise and SOCIETY integrate the Dharma into daily EMPOWERMENT, TEACHING AND DHARMA TALK life. A transcript of this talk will be available in later issues of For You Guru Rinpoche Empowerment and Oral Transmission by H.E. Gangteng Information. Tulku Rinpoche For more information on Lelung Rinpoche’s Dharma work and programmes, please visit Lelung Dharma Trust at http://www.lelung. org/ and https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=YDfJ69x_tJ0 for an introduction by Professor Robert A.F. Thurman; and the Buddha Suburbia documentary by the His Eminence 9th Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche held a Guru Rinpoche British Broadcasting Corporation Empowerment and Oral Transmission on Pema Lingpa Ngondro at the (BBC) at https://www.youtube. People’s Buddhism Study Society on 24 August 2019, 7-9.30pm. This com/watch?v=hh34amY6Vdc.

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p51 EVENTS.indd 51 2019/9/20 15:27:17 EVENTS SINGAPORE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION BEEH LOW SEE BUDDHIST TEMPLE

2019 is a special year as it So, this year is not only a time for us to reflect on how the island country marks Singapore’s bicentennial has evolved but also a time to give thanks and gratitude to all those who year since Sir Stamford Raffles’ have contributed, as well as contemplate how we can continue to maintain discovery of Singapore Island, peace, harmony and prosperity. Inspired by this bicentennial celebration, and the subsequent listing and Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple (also known as Pilu Temple) organised declaration of Singapore as a free and hosted a Buddha Dharma Seminar, to convey the Buddhist concept of port, that played a major role in peace, harmony, loving-kindness, gratitude and to inspire more people to the making of modern Singapore. make Singapore, and the world better than it is today.

This international Dharma event held from 7-8 September saw 216 Sangha members from 53 countries, converging on the little red dot to join their Singaporean counterparts to mark Singapore Bicentennial and pray for the country and the future. At the Opening Ceremony on 8 September 2019, the Guest-of-Honour, Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth sounded the bell in the presence of Venerable Master Hui Siong, Chief Vice-President cum Honorary Secretary-General of the World Buddhist Sangha Council; Venerable Master Ze Wu, Vice-President of Buddhist Association of China, Abbot of Nanputuo Temple; and Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, President of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, and other guest Venerable Masters.

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p52 53 EVENTS-SINGAPORE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.indd 52 2019/9/20 15:41:12 In the welcome dinner (held in the evening before the official opening), more about each other, encourage there were also dance and music performances, dana offerings to the more interaction and promote Sangha, prayers, distribution of red packets and mooncakes to the elderly better understanding. The more who live alone, as well as speeches by invited Sangha guests. people can understand each other better, then the world will be more Staying Committed to Safeguard Religious Harmony peaceful and harmonious. In Buddha Dharma Seminar’s Welcome Dinner Address by Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, he welcomed the 53 senior Sangha country delegates Then, in General Secretary of World and emphasised how religion is important in imparting positive values and Buddhist Sangha Council, Abbot of creating positive energy to help bring about social peace and harmony. Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple, Following which, Venerable Ze Wu also commended how Singapore is an Venerable Hui Xiong’s speech, open, inclusive, multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, inspiring many he urged all Sangha members others to emulate. to continue the Buddha Dharma legacy with the Bodhisattva’s Vow Separately, in a post-event Facebook post by SMS Sim Ann, she posted, to help all sentient beings, on top “It was an honour to meet many senior Buddhist monks from overseas who of one's spiritual practice. Thus, he joined their Singapore counterparts to mark our Singapore Bicentennial by said the first and foremost quality praying for our people and our future. I am also very glad that Beeh Low of bodhicitta would be respect for See Temple is among the more than 250 religious organisations that have others, which can be characterised pledged support for the Commitment to Safeguard Religious Harmony.”, into action of repaying The Four further reinforcing the important role religious organisations play in Debts of Gratitude. So, one must safeguarding religious harmony. not forget to repay the immense debts owed to our parents; the Learning the Dharma and Showing Gratitude Buddha, Dharma and Sangha; the Most Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche shared that the temple or monastery country; and all sentient beings, as are not the only places for one to learn the Dharma, as the Dharma can without gratitude to these, there is experienced, learnt and understood in what we do in everyday life, in our no way one can fulfill the aspiration supposedly mundane and lay world. In fact, he explained that the Dharma being a bodhisattva and achieve is not only important for the monastics but even more so for laity, to lead the enlightenment. Lastly, in his closing householder life on the right path, embodying and spreading the Dharma. speech, he also expressed gratitude to all invited Masters, Venerables, The Vice-President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, Abbot of guests and participants. Seng Guan Buddhist Temple, Philippines, Venerable Chuan Yin, also expressed how through seminars as such, people can get to learn Photo credit: Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple

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p52 53 EVENTS-SINGAPORE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.indd 53 2019/9/20 15:41:37 CVover Story Singapore Silent Heroes 2019 Public’s Favourite Category Winner Interview with Venerable Shi You Wei - Pema Rinchen -

Venerable Shi You Wei, took ordination in 2004 followed by higher ordination the following year in Chung Tai Monastery, Taiwan. He returned to Singapore upon receiving news of the passing of his tonsure master, Venerable Zhen Dao and subsequently took over the helm as Abbot of Di Zang Lin. Fast-forward to 2019, Venerable You Wei is not only the Abbot of Di Zang Lin but also sits on the Board of the Singapore Buddhist Federation (Chairman of Educations Committee). Venerable You Wei is also the Religious Advisor for Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society, a licensed marriage solemniser and was also recently named, Public’s Favourite Category Winner of the Singapore’s Silent Heroes 2019 Award.

A Dedicated and Humble Abbot In a Facebook post that caught For You Information’s attention was this post about Venerable: ‘For many of us who are not always at the temple, you wouldn't have noticed that Shifu often rolls his sleeves and does the mundane chores like mopping floors just to ensure the temple is spick and span. He believes the temple is the temple of our own cultivation and keeping the temple clean is his responsibility to devotees who visit. He wants to provide a comfortable place for devotees to find spiritual solace. Shifu also ensures offerings are done carefully and correctly. This is his respect for Buddha and his way of putting Dharma into practice.’ For You Information spoke with Venerable You Wei about balancing the role of an Abbot, and a public figure.

“To a Bodhisattva, the vow to help sentient beings is essentially the Mahayana practice. We should never feel stressed and should never give up.” - Venerable Shi You Wei

Modernising the Temple outreach activities on top of propagating the Buddha Dharma. Taking over the Abbotship is no easy feat for an experienced monk, Bridging the Community let alone a young monastic like Venerable You Wei started a weekly food distribution programme with an Venerable You Wei. Undeterred by outreach of about 80 at-risk and vulnerable seniors and a bursary award the daunting task, he helmed Di scheme benefiting some 50 students for the past 7 years. In addition, he Zang Lin into the bigger Dharma attends to the sick in the hospital and counsels those needing a listening ear, ocean with new directions and also reaches out founded the DZL Volunteer Corp, a to prisoners and team of about 100-strong now. He brings comfort and gave up his entire youth to rebuild hope to them. When a temple from one which had a interacting with the dwindling membership, to a haven youths, he serves for people to seek solace and as a role model and peace – definitely putting his NUS connects well with Business Administration degree to them, imparting excellent use in managing and also skills and instilling modernising the temple with more good values.

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p54 55 Cover Story - Interview with Venerable Shi You Wei.indd 54 2019/9/20 15:42:31 Giving Help and Hope essentially the Mahayana practice. We should never feel stressed and should never give up. Caring for all sentient beings also includes protecting the environment, without which, we can never survive physically to achieve our spiritual aspirations.”

Staying True to the Buddha Dharma Venerable You Wei’s plans for Di Zang Lin is one that combines both the Buddha Dharma as well as modern approaches to achieve spiritual aspirations. The Buddha Dharma doesn’t change but how Venerable beamed delightfully when For You Information congratulated we approach it has to evolve to him on being named Singapore’s Silent Hero, Public’s Favourite Category make it relevant, meaningful and Winner, and expressed gratitude to Di Zang Lin’s devotees who nominated beneficial in the modern context, him, “I didn't expect to be nominated, and even more taken aback being addressing the ever-changing voted as Public’s Favourite.” This is indeed a pleasant surprise as Venerable societal needs and environmental said that he is in fact rather solemn and strict other than being described situations. On top of ensuring that as a compassionate and authentic teacher who is able to engage people Dharma teachings, prayers, pujas from all walks of life. He insists that he is a monastic and must adhere to and practice remain at the core of Di the strictest discipline in order to be a good Dharma Teacher. Keeping to Zang Lin’s mission, other outreach Buddhist traditions and doctrines are very important to Venerable You Wei. efforts have expanded from helping Other than that, Venerable is actually a very fun person to be with. the needy, befriending the elderly to protecting the environment as it is The people in the community, including his followers, have commended that the surest and best way to protect Venerable has the innate ability to connect with anyone, rich or poor, young all living sentient beings and the or old, educated or illiterate. Venerable explained that this seemingly innate best way to life liberation and life ability is a trait he has learnt and picked up along the way as an Abbot. He is preservation. by nature an introvert – quiet and shy. But because of his Bodhisattva vow, he has learnt to overcome his personal character traits and preference, While Venerable You Wei highlights putting the Buddha’s teachings into action and ensuring what needs to be the importance of invigorating done, is done. One of the motivations for him is seeing and empathising the way we approach the Buddha with the needs of people who go to him. "People usually come to us as a Dharma, he also emphasised the last resort. For people to approach the temple (an unfamiliar place) or me need for the Buddhist community (an unfamiliar figure), is usually after they have exhausted all means of to strengthen orthodox Dharma support, be it medical, financial, emotional or psychological. When they knowledge, with discernment come to us (or me) to share their problem, we got to help. And if we can't and wisdom. It is imperative help, we give hope. I’m not exactly good at public relations, but I try my for Buddhists to seek Dharma best. We must always do our best.” knowledge and practice from authentic teachers and engage Living the Bodhisattva Vow in contemplation. The same Responding to For You Information’s question on what the challenges applies when following traditions Venerable face as an Abbot are, he cited 3 main areas: building a new and practices, where one mustn’t temple, preparing for leadership renewal and instituting new charitable and follow blindly and succumb to the Dharma initiatives. Venerable added that these challenges are coupled ritualistic act of “simply doing”. with the need to ensure that the activities continue to be aligned to the Buddha’s teachings, and be relevant, in order to inspire Dharma practice and sustain the commitment of devotees in their volunteering endeavours. Sailing into unchartered waters such as being the first temple to adopt an environmentally-friendly standard to go fully green in their charitable and temple work – leading in initiatives that are beneficial both spiritually and physically for the environment – is not easy and can be very challenging. But Venerable emphasises the need always to outdo oneself.

Aside from his Abbot duties and new endeavours, Venerable need to balance his personal cultivation and practice amidst all the commitments. Though there is hardly enough time for rest, but Venerable You Wei takes it all in his stride, “To a Bodhisattva, the vow to help all sentient beings is

For You Information would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Sister Tan Wang Cher in facilitating the interview. Photo Credit: Venerable Shi You Wei

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p54 55 Cover Story - Interview with Venerable Shi You Wei.indd 55 2019/9/20 15:46:09 REFLECTIONS BUDDHISTYOUTH NETWORK REFLECTIONS FROM SINGAPORE BUDDHIST YOUTH DAY 2019 - SOH YAN DA & PHRA GOH CHUN KIANG -

From the Heart of an Organising Committee Member those insights. I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to write about my reflection on organising Singapore Buddhist Youth Day 2019. SBYD is an 1) What does it mean to be a annual event where Buddhist youths from all over Singapore come together Buddhist? to show their gratitude towards our country and the Triple Gems. This year's SBYD journey was fruitful and extremely unique for me. I have gained quite 2) What does it mean to be a youth? a lot of insights through this experience. 3) What does it mean to help? I would like to share a few questions which have helped me to gain some of As a Buddhist youth who wishes to provide help to others, I am grateful to have a wonderful organising team which comprised Buddhist youth leaders who are understanding, capable, humble, selfless and most importantly, dedicated to a cause which is to see how we can further benefit and/or value-add to the Buddhist youth community.

Together as a team, we explored new ideas, revamped how events could be done; these included looking into training content for the facilitators, collecting information regarding the interests of the Buddhist youths and looking into what makes a Buddhist youth a Buddhist youth. I am also extremely thankful for the support from the BuddhistYouth feel that there are so much more we can do as a Buddhist community to help Network (BYN) spiritual advisors each other to learn and grow. Seeing how the youth facilitators come from and directors for their unconditional different places, put aside their differences, and then come together as one support and guidance. I would and to put in their efforts to benefit the lives of others, proved to me that there also like to thank Dr. Maliki, for is a lot of potential for the Buddhist community in Singapore to develop more. sharing his perspectives during the As long as we, as a Buddhist community, continue to grow, innovate, support facilitator training, and helping us to each other and know what it means to be a Buddhist, then we need not worry understand what it really means to about declining Buddhism which many speaks of. help. May the Buddha Dharma continue to flourish, and may all sentient beings Through SBYD 2019, I personally attain enlightenment swiftly!

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p56 57 REFLECTIONS.indd 56 2019/9/20 15:47:04 Through the Lens of a Religious Advisor

Phra Goh Chun Kiang gave a Dharma talk and guided meditation at Palelai Buddhist Temple in the morning. This was followed by the Sutra Resounding activity and Light Offering at the Buddhist Fellowship East for the closing segment of SBYD2019. Phra Goh, (representing Buddhism) is one of the 3 spiritual advisors alongside Venerable Shi Chuan Yu (Mahayana) and Tulku Migmar Tsering ().

Buddhism has traditionally been monastic-centred for the most part in the refusing to join the party organ- doctrinal sense. For lay Buddhists to build a Buddhist community at a ho- ised for them despite visiting them listic level from cradle to grave, a lot of mundane skill sets have to be incor- for weeks), they had to reflect on porated from other systems. BuddhistYouth Network aims at targeting the how to practise wisdom of non-at- aspect of youth leadership development and one such activity to nurture tachment and maintain their cool. and bring Buddhist youths together is the Singapore Buddhist Youth Day There were also some sharing by (SBYD). experienced professionals on how they dealt with rejections from the Quite a number of youths live in single-unit families and live in the life of needy whom they have served. It comfort where they have not faced any serious existential crisis due to the brought some relief to the youths high standard of living in Singapore. They may not have much opportunity by bringing down their high expec- to meet the needy or elderly on a regular basis, aside from the school’s tations. community service or personal voluntary work. Eventually, there was a Sutra Re- SBYD is a platform to provide opportunities for like-minded Buddhist youth sounding activity where the youths leaders to go research on aspects of the society that require assistance get to recite sutras and realign and get their hands on the ground to help the needy at various capacities. their aspirations before SBYD This way they can practise generosity with wisdom and develop camara- came to a close. The friendships derie alongside with spiritual friends. made (and maintained) after such wholesome event can go a long I started off with Dhamma talk on how the Buddha displayed gratitude way to sustain the Buddhist com- (which was the theme of SBYD) to the Bodhi tree after Enlightenment, munity in later years of their life. liberated the five ascetics who attended to Him, returned to His kingdom and helped more of His kinsmen. There was a short segment on medita- May the Buddhist community con- tion to develop loving-kindness and compassion. This cultivation become tinue to prosper and grow! May all holistic when coupled with the real application to the day-to-day problems beings be well and happy! and helping the needy later on. With metta, When things did not turn out as planned (such as some elderly residents Phra Goh

Photo Credit: BuddhistYouth Network

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p56 57 REFLECTIONS.indd 57 2019/9/20 15:47:23 ESS AYS A SINGLE GREETING MAKES SOMEONE’S DAY BODHIRAJA BUDDHIST SOCIETY – REV. EMBILIPITIYE GUNASIRI THERO, RESIDENT MONK –

Extending greetings to each other people on a daily basis from the time we wake up till we head out for work, and the strong impulse to do so, is and also wide range of people too – from family members, to colleagues, innate in the human person and it close friends and acquaintances whom we meet occasionally. takes a variety of cultural forms and modes of speech. Today, greeting has become a mere customary act or habitual tendency. We may sound like parrot mechanically and repeatedly saying things. Those nice “Good morning!”, “How are you?”, phrases slip through our lips, most of the time, without our conscious feeling. Have a good day.”, these are few From a Buddhist perspective, these greetings are valuable opportunities examples of greetings that we for us to practise loving-kindness (Metta), a quality the Buddha repeatedly exchange daily with people we extolled. If we can really wish well-being to be upon everyone we meet each meet. There are many pleasantries day, how much more positively do we need to develop our spirituality within or greetings in different languages ourselves first? from different cultures. “Ni Hao” (Chinese), “Buenos Dias” (Spanish), We would start our day with a pleasant wish of loving-kindness for all the “Bonjour” (French), “Ohayo beings as the very first thing we do when we get up. Early in the morning when Gozaimaz” (Japanese) are some our mind is still delicate, we should calm down and with heartfelt sincerity of them, and these are really polite say, “May this day be a good day for me and for all other beings.” We should and nice phrases. If we examine leave home for work with these positive thoughts. Following which then, the them closely, they convey similar instances of greeting other people later will then become verbal expressions and mutually understood meanings. of the wishes we have made at the beginning of the day. All greetings of They certainly carry well-wishes for the day will be the part of our Dhamma practice, and not simply or mere the well-being of others. However, mechanical, superficial formal expressions. the question is whether we really and truly mean what we say when The Buddha says, “If someone were to give away a hundred of food dishes we greet someone. We greet many as charity in the morning, a hundred at noon, and hundred in the evening

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p58 59 ESSAYS.indd 58 2019/9/20 15:48:09 and if someone else were to develop a mind of loving-kindness (honest and wholehearted) even for time it takes to pull cow’s udder, either in the “This was said by the Lord... morning, at noon or in the evening, this would be more fruitful than the former.” (Dukkha Sutta, SN) For one who mindfully develops Boundless loving-kindness And "Bhikkhus, whatever grounds there are for making merit productive of a future birth, all these do not equal a sixteenth part of the mind-release of Seeing the destruction of clinging, loving-kindness. The mind-release of loving-kindness surpasses them and The fetters are worn away. shines forth, bright and brilliant. Just as the radiance of all the stars does not equal a sixteenth part of the moon's radiance, but the moon's radiance If with an uncorrupted mind surpasses them and shines forth, bright and brilliant, even so, whatever He pervades just one being grounds there are for making merit productive of a future birth, all these do With loving kindly thoughts, not equal a sixteenth part of the mind-release of loving-kindness...” He makes some merit thereby.

“Just as in the last month of the rainy season, in the autumn, when the sky is clear and free of clouds, the sun, on ascending, dispels the darkness of But a noble one produces space and shines forth, bright and brilliant, even so, whatever grounds there An abundance of merit are for making merit productive of a future birth, all these do not equal a By having a compassionate mind sixteenth part of the mind-release of loving-kindness.” Towards all living beings.

“And just as in the night, at the moment of dawn, the morning star shines Those royal seers who conquered forth, bright and brilliant, even so, whatever grounds there are for making The earth crowded with beings merit productive of a future birth, all these do not equal a sixteenth part of the mind-release of loving-kindness. The mind-release of loving-kindness Went about performing sacrifices: surpasses them and shines forth, bright and brilliant.” (Vagga Sutta, Itivuttaka) The horse sacrifice, the man sacrifice, Thus, there is a real qualitative difference between a parrot-like greeting The water rites, the soma sacrifice, (or mechanical habitual utterance) and actual greeting emanating from the And that called “the Unobstructed”. depths of our true beings. When we greet with our heart, we sound differently. Our facial expression, voice and rhythm will express our actual greeting, But these do not share such greeting reach people’s hearts. Sometimes, a single greeting can make even a sixteenth part someone’s day. Of a well cultivated mind of love, I recall how when I was once travelling in a public bus in Singapore, where Just as the entire starry host the driver made everyone in the bus happy. He happily and sincerely wished Is dimmed by the moon’s radiance. everyone who were getting onto the bus, “Good Morning!”. We all could feel that his greetings were real. When the passengers heard his greetings One who does not kill that came from the heart, they reciprocated with a warm smile. I thought to Nor cause others to kill, myself, how nice if I could be this bus driver who has the opportunity to truly Who does not conquer wish everyone he meets a good day every day. It is amazing how I saw him make someone’s day through a seemingly small greeting. Nor cause others to conquer, Kindly towards all beings — I will always remember this simple yet profound kindness – an example of He has enmity for none. authentic loving-kindness. As we will also meet many people in a day in This too is the meaning of different places, we should turn such opportunities to greet others to practise what was said by the Lord, loving-kindness. When you greet someone next time, mean what you say. so I heard.” You will make your day as well as the day of many others into one that is Vagga Sutta, Itivuttaka filled with kindness. You never know how your greeting may perhaps even The Development of make a terrible day more bearable. The Buddha also said that it is with our thoughts that we make the world, so let’s start by making our greetings and Loving Kindness interaction with others be filled with authentic loving-kindness.

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p58 59 ESSAYS.indd 59 2019/9/20 15:48:30 HISTORY CHRONICLES OF BUDDHISM IN SINGAPORE History of Di Zang Lin - DR. JEFFREY PO & PEMA RINCHEN –

Currently sited at 469 Macpherson Road, Di Zang Lin, The Founding Story of Di Zang Lin was officially registered on 15 October 2002. Di Zang Lin Born in 1958 in Singapore, and of Fujian descent from Nan was founded by Venerable Master Shi Zhen Dao, with a small pool of volunteers, it has now grown strength to An, China, Venerable Shi Zhen Dao’s name was Zhang strength, under the abbotship of Venerable Shi You Wei He Fa before ordination. He was a young and promising who took over being the Abbot after the paranirvana of intellect, well-versed in Buddhist philosophy, scriptures and Venerable Zhen Dao in October 2005. adept in various practices. He was exceptionally inspired The Present Abbot and touched by the Buddha’s teaching and decided to Venerable Shi You Wei, the current Abbot of Di Zang Lin take tonsure at the age of 32. In 1991, he obtained higher was born into a humble Lee family and his grandfather ordination under Venerable Master Da Neng at Kek Lok gave him the name 秀 烽 (Xiu Feng), and like his name, Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia, and was given his Dharma the young boy was shy and reserved. Being the eldest in the family and the first baby to a large extended family, name Shi Zhen Dao. the young boy was very much the centre of attention and expectations. A bright and clever child, he excelled Venerable Zhen Dao had his main practice based on the in his academic studies since young and was well-liked Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, and he founded Di Zang Lin by his peers and teachers. The start of his affinity with the Buddha Dharma started when he took “Religious (connoting the Ksitigarbha community) in 1997. This was Knowledge” as an elective, with an emphasis in Buddhist with the aspiration and mission to help all sentient beings, Studies. It was during this period as well as those years much like the Great Vow of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, while serving the National Service that he attended “If I do not descend to Hell to liberate the suffering beings many Buddhist classes, prayer congregations and also helped out with many temple duties. there, who else will? Only when all sentient beings have been liberated, will I attain Buddhahood.” Even till his fi- Venerable You Wei took refuge under Venerable Zhen nal moments, Venerable Zhen Dao was still practising the Dao and had kept in contact with his Refuge Master Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Practice, his faith and dedication even when he was on an overseas Student Exchange Programme at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. was indestructible. Through the seven years as the Abbot This was the tipping point when Venerable You Wei of Di Zang Lin, the late Venerable Zhen Dao gave Di Zang seriously considered renunciation, as he had much quiet Lin a very strong foundation to pursue its aspirations later. and contemplative time away from distractions and was able to do extensive readings.

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p60 61 HISTORY.indd 60 2019/9/20 15:32:01 When Venerable You Wei returned, he continued to learn extensively from Venerable Zhen Dao and became actively involved in the temple, which all in all was close to seven years as a lay disciple. After his undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Venerable You Wei had his tonsure ceremony on 10 October 2004. His Dharma name is Fa Cheng alias You Wei, and he was later sent by Venerable Zhen Dao to Fu Yan Institute in Taiwan to further his Buddhist Studies. He topped his level in his first year, but with the passing Ksitigarbha Ullambana Congregation, first DZL Volunteer of Venerable Zhen Dao, he had to take over running Corp and first DZL Bursary Award etc. While there are Di Zang Lin. At that time, Di Zang Lin had a dwindling many new initiatives and using new approaches such as congregation and desperately needed a monastic to delivering teachings in a more lively and modern manner anchor its Dharma activities. This marked the beginning in order to connect with the youths today, Di Zang Lin’s of Venerable You Wei’s leadership of Di Zang Lin. core values remain strictly aligned to the teachings of Buddha Dharma. To cater to the needs and pace of Di Zang Lin aims to be the Mahayana Dharma the elderly and the more traditional, there is the much Centre with a difference. As its name implies, 地 藏 sought-after Eight Precept Retreats and pujas. Di Zang 林 should become a place where everyone becomes Lin has their weekly congregation every Wednesday the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Within this Kstigarbha evenings. community, followers uphold the vows of the Bodhisattva and put these into action in their daily living. Di Zang Leading with Sustainability Lin hopes to engage her congregation in meaningful Though a small temple, Dharma lessons, life-changing charitable initiatives, and despite being and a more refreshing take on pilgrimage trips. This is financially challenged, the reason why Venerable You Wei is well-liked by his Di Zang Lin is big on congregation. He explains the rationale for many of Di leading with initiatives Zang Lin activities. Venerable would spend time running that are beneficial for the through complicated rituals with his congregation to community. Di Zang Lin ensure everyone is able to follow. “Only when people engages her congregation understand prayers can prayers be truly beneficial and with a myriad of activities. spiritually satisfying,” Venerable added. In September this year, Di Zang Lin is proud to Embarking on many “Firsts” launch their new initiative to be fully green in all their charitable projects.

Coined "山河大地是如來", this is a phase by the renowned Master Hsu Yun as he realised the fact that enlightenment is everywhere when he broke his teacup. Drawing on the same realisation, Di Zang Lin commissioned new fully- compostable bags with the help of Telobag Singapore so that these environmentally-friendly bags can be used in place of plastic bags. It was launched at their weekly Food Distribution Project at Marine Parade. Di Zang Lin is taking concrete action to lead by example and has stopped using disposable cutleries within the temple for all their pujas and events since 2016. This initiative will also be rolled out to their monthly nursing home befriending service and to the bursary awards programme.

Di Zang Lin’s effort to care for the environment is much similar to their efforts to preserve Buddhist traditions and culture amidst these modern times. For Buddha Dharma Di Zang Lin embarked on a new transformative journey to resist the test of times and to engage new followers, Di with many new initiatives under Venerable You Wei’s Zang Lin gives Dharma a refreshing new rendition, a new leadership. There were many “firsts” over the recent twist – a truly Mahayana centre with a difference. decade – first Dharma lessons, first month-long

For more information on Di Zang Lin Dharma programmes and activities, please visit https://www.facebook.com/dizanglin/. Photo Credit: Di Zang Lin

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p60 61 HISTORY.indd 61 2019/9/20 15:32:23 Art BUDDHIST ART AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICE STUPAS, STATUES, MANDALAS AND THANGKAS (PART 1) – PEMA RINCHEN –

Before immersing into the sacred and wondrous world of Buddhist mandalas pair of footprints, the empty space and thangkas, it is perhaps worthwhile to see how Buddhists’ veneration beneath a parasol, the Bodhi Tree and commemoration of the Buddha from his parinirvana, has evolved over and some of the most commonly the centuries. From the aniconic phases of stupas and relief sculptures, to found symbols and gestures in the iconic phase of Buddha sculptures and paintings, these various forms Buddhist sculptures include: of Buddhist art has even become an integral part of the Buddhist practice. • Lotus flower: a symbol of good and pure things The Origin of Stupas • Conch shell: an emblem of power The Buddha’s body was cremated (customary in India) and the relics of the and authority Buddha were divided into relic caskets that were subsequently consecrated • The Wheel of Dharma: signifies within hemispherical mounds (stupas). These stupas often form the the Eightfold path set forth by the central site of Buddhist monastic monuments with an area reserved for Buddha, as well as the cycle of circumambulation around it, accessible via gateway entrances typically at birth, death and rebirth. It also st the four cardinal points. Following the building of stupas and in 1 century signifies the wheel of law BC, comes the need to reinforce the perishable materials of bamboo, brick, • Parasol: The parasol, or thatch and wood and this created the inclusion of stone, where stone relief umbrella, casts a shadow of sculptures (scenes from the Buddha’s life represented through symbolism) protection and is also a symbol adorned walls, railings and the stupas' facade. of royalty • The endless knot: the interaction of opposing forces • Golden fish: the two sacred rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna • Victory banner: an emblem of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance

The Emergence of Iconic Statues Then, in the 1st century AD in India’s North-eastern frontiers, One of the first relic sairika( ) stupas at Vaishali in Bihar The Licchavis took their share of the Buddha’s ashes and bones and buried it here and built a mud stupa known as Gandhara, emerged the on it in 6th century BC Ashoka in the 3rd century BC opened the stupa to take out a little of the relics and human image of one Buddha form thereafter closed the monument while keeping back the original casket and coated the stupa with bricks. that has artistic elements from Today, both the earlier mud stupas and the latter-built bricked stupa built are in ruins.2 the Hellenistic world and Indian Buddhism’s symbolism. Buddha This preservation of the Buddha’s sacred relics is akin to preserving or statues with youthful appearances experiencing the presence of the Buddha, and they can be divided into wore hair in wavy curls and had three categories: Saririka – the physical relics of the Buddha; Uddesika monastic robes with classical – the religious symbols (that later include the image of the Buddha), stupas, Dharmacakra (Wheel of the Dharma); Paribhogika – the articles curls that bore much resemblance 3 used by the Buddha. Unsurprisingly, the relics of the Buddha and other to the roman statues of Apollo . awakened beings were the first known examples of Buddhist art holding Also, there were also the images important places in ritual practice in Buddhism. The numerous written and of the Buddha as the bejewelled oral narratives by authors illustrate the significance1 and sacredness, and young Prince Siddhartha before especially on how they were created, obtained and made special. his renunciation. With this, there was also the evolved concept of The Significance of Symbolic Imageries a Buddha of the Future, Maitreya, In the earliest form of Buddhist art in India, the Buddha image did not exist symbolised in art as a Buddha in till later. The statues and paintings of the Buddha that we see today, was monastic robe or the prince He was not depicted in this aniconic phase. The common imageries or signs used (before enlightenment), all part of to represent Him or His presence were objects or scenes related to him – a this iconic emergence.

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p62-63 ART.indd 62 2019/9/20 15:49:25 Standing Buddha with Abhaya Mudra It is also a representation of the An aesthetically superb example of Gupta art, the standing Bud- Universe, a consecrated area that dha holds with his left hand one end of the robe which fits the body closely. The right hand is in Abhaya Mudra (suggests the serves as a receptacle for the divine quelling of fear and the assurance of protection. The transparent as a collection point of universal drapery, the drooping eyes, the trivali marks of mahapurusha on forces. ‘Man (the microcosm), by the neck and, above all, the arrangement of the hair in small curls mentally “entering” the mandala are features common to all the figures of the Sarnath School of the Gupta art. The delicately carved nimbus of lotus creeper mo- and “proceeding” toward its centre, tif behind the head, however, has largely broken off. The crease- is by analogy guided through the less robe of the Sarnath School differentiates it from the Mathura cosmic processes of disintegration type, where the folds are prominent. A feature that is restricted to and reintegration. The “divine the Gupta period is the webbed fingers of the Buddha.2 temple” (the square enclosed by a circle) is to also help with the focus Buddhist art continued to develop in India for of attention during meditation. a few more centuries then, flourishing in the Gupta period, that lasted from the 4th to the 6th Over the following centuries, came century. Also known as the Golden Age, the a new form of Buddhism that sculptures included both the Buddha figure involved an expanding pantheon and Jain Tirthankara figures, and this period and more elaborate rituals. This saw the artisans striving to attain not only later Buddhism introduced the artistic perfection in skill but also the aesthetic ideal of the Buddha (with concept of heavenly bodhisattvas reference to the Mahapurusalaksana, “Marks of a Great Man” according as well as goddesses, of whom to the 2nd century Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra, Chapter VII), achieved the most popular was Tara. In through the combination of his traits from the region of Gandhara and the Nepal and Tibet, exquisite metal sensual form of Mathuran artists. These "Gupta Buddhas" later became the images and paintings were made, model for the generations of artists to follow, in post-Gupta and Pala India, new divinities were created and in Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia. portrayed in both sculptures and painted scrolls. Wrathful-looking Cultural, social and other influences, on top of aesthetic pursuits led to deities were introduced as the Dharma Protectors or teachers, differing views on religion and art as Buddhism crossed country boundaries as well as illustrating how negative outside India, establishing two main routes of Buddhist art: the “Northern emotions can be transformed into Route” and the “Southern Route” in the 1st century AD. The Southern positive and purified energy. Route refers to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where Theravada Buddhism was dominant. And the Northern Route typically refers to Central Asia, Tibet, Bhutan, Korea, Japan, and China where Mahayana Buddhism was prominent and Buddhist art was characterised by influences from the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (Hellenistic civilisation), Serindian art and Ghandharan style.

The Creation of the Mandala The mandala symbol (and concept) that was created in Tibet, can be considered one of the most significant creations in Buddhist Art. Seemingly a geometric design by nature, this diagram is more than it meets the eye. ‘The mandala of a Tibetan thangka (cloth scroll painting) characteristically consists of an outer enclosure around one or more concentric circles, which in turn surround a square transversed by lines from the centre to the four corners. In the centre and the middle of each triangle, are five circles containing symbols or images of divinities, most commonly the five “self-born” Buddhas. Of the borders surrounding the mandala, the first is a ring of fire, which both bars entry to Enlightenment Upon Sight Thangka Exhibition the uninitiated and symbolises the burning of ignorance. This is followed There will be a Buddhist Art Exhibition on by a girdle of diamonds, which stands for illumination; then a circle of eight thangkas held at the China Cultural Centre graveyards, symbolising the eight aspects of individuating cognition; next (Singapore) from 6-31 October 2019. a girdle of lotus leaves, signifying spiritual rebirth. And then finally, at the Part 2 of this article will include a special feature on the exhibition. centre, the mandala itself, where the images are set.

1 From Origin of the Buddhist Stupas by Subhashis Das. 2 From Narrative of Buddhist Relic and Images by Stephen C. Berkwitz, Oxford Research Encyclopaedias, Oxford University Press. 3 From Buddhism and Buddhist Art by Vidya Dehejia, Department of Art History and Archaeology, Columbia University. 4 Photo taken by Biswarup Ganguly, during the Indian Buddhist Art exhibition by the Indian Museum, Kolkata with 91 rare Buddhist artefacts comprising sculptures and manuscripts at its two different halls to celebrate 202nd Anniversary of the museum. This exhibition was held in China, Japan, Singapore and New Delhi (September 2014-December 2015)

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p62-63 ART.indd 63 2019/9/20 15:49:42 Travel PILGRIMAGE THE SPIRITUALITY OF TRAVEL

“Wherever you travel in this world, in Cambodia, Polonnaruwa in Sri Above, across, or below; Lanka, Ayutthaya in Thailand, Carefully examine at all times Boudhanath in Nepal, Borobudur The arising and passing of all compounded things.” in Indonesia, the Four Scared Mountains in China, the Shikoku - Gautama Buddha Pilgrimage in Japan, and the list goes on. On top of the numerous Buddhism, like almost every religion in the world recognises the spirituality pilgrimage sites to choose from, a of travel. In scriptures, various places are given great significance for pilgrim’s motivations and reasons the roles they play in different belief systems. Some of these places are also differ vastly – it can range from where different religions attach spiritual importance to, where it can be the having spiritual aspirations (e.g. birthplace or resting ground of founders or saints, or a sacred place where to pray, meditate and experience they discovered or attained their spiritual awakening. Also these places karmic purification) to making it can also be the site of their connection (visual or verbal) with the divine, or a knowledge-seeking endeavour locations where miraculous deeds were performed or witnessed. In some (e.g. Buddhist history, cultural or art cases, these can also be locations where a deity is said to live or endowed with sacred spiritual energy. Thus, these sites are commonly commemorated research and exploration) or even with shrines or temples that devotees find awe-inspiring, turning them into serving as an “ego-trip” (e.g. self- pilgrims traveling to these sites from all corners of the world each year. aggrandising with selfie taken in- front of monuments). Regardless of There are many Buddhist pilgrimage sites and some of the most important the different motivations, one thing sites of Buddhist pilgrimage include Lumbini, Nepal (the Buddha’s is for sure, modern conveniences birthplace), Bodh Gaya, India (where the Buddha attained Enlightenment, have made these pilgrimage sites also the current Mahabodhi Temple), Sarnath, India (where Buddha first more accessible as travel is more delivered his first teaching) and Kusinara, India (where Buddha attained affordable and comfortable. mahaparinirvana). In addition, the areas in Gangetic plains of Northern India and Southern Nepal, especially in the lands between New Delhi and Rajgir, Today, many Buddhists choose where the Buddha lived and taught, are considered main sites connected to to also combine their pilgrimage His life have now become important places of pilgrimage for both Buddhists with a retreat, as well as carrying and Hindus. However, Buddhist pilgrimage sites are no longer confined to out charitable deeds and traveling these places as various Buddhist shrines, temples, monasteries and even with their spiritual teachers, and/or caves across different countries have evolved to also become places for visit their spiritual teacher who is Buddhist pilgrimage. residing overseas. Also, there are some guidelines that a Buddhist A quick scan across the globe will bring us to Lhasa in Tibet, Angkor Wat pilgrim is advised to follow, such as understanding that a pilgrimage is not a vacation, but a serious spiritual endeavour that is important right from the beginning, till the end – requiring constant practice of awareness, equanimity and perseverance to both the external environment and internal experience.

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p64-66 Travel.indd 64 2019/9/20 15:17:39 VISIT TO SOUTH INDIA NAMDROLING MONASTERY 3-YEAR, 3-MONTH RETREAT COMPLETION CEREMONY GRAND OFFERING & THOUSAND SANGHA GRAND DANA

The Namdroling Monastery (Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling), of Padma Wodling Dharma Cen- Kushalnagar is the largest Nyingma Monastery in s the largest teaching cen- tre, Singapore. Thus, a group of 8 ter of the Nyingma lineage of in the world. Sited in Bylak- Singaporean pilgrims, embarked on uppe, part of the Mysuru district of the state of Karnataka, the Monastery is a pilgrimage organised by Padma home to 6000 membes of the sangha (both monks and nuns), a junior high Wodling Dharma Centre, to Nam- school named Yeshe Wodsal Sherab Raldri Ling, a religious college (or she- droling Monastery from 11-26 Au- dra for both monks and nuns) and a hospital. Within its premises is also the gust 2019. famous Golden Temple.

In 1985, with the impetus to put the spiritual studies into real practice, His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche opened the Samten Odsal Ling Retreat Centre in Namdroling Monastery, India. Those who the Drubdra1 have to un- dergo strict practices and should accumulate the certain number of mantra recitation of Nyingthig Tsa Sum, Ratling Sedrub, Kaling ZhiThro, and the like, as per the rules of retreat centre imposed by the 2nd Drubwang Pema Norbu. Upon completion of the three years strict practice, a post of Vajra teacher (tantric master who is adept in the rituals and teachings of Vajrayana) is of- Wangchen Rinpoche fered along with the hat. 1Drubdra A drubdra, in Tibetan Buddhism refers to Completion of 3-Year, 3-Year Retreat a religious centre dedicated to carrying out On 21 August 2019, 45 monks of the 10th batch of retreatants from the Sam- drubpa, or meditation practice. This is usu- ally located in solitude and typically protect- ten Odsal Ling Retreat Centre, the retreat centre of Namdroling Monastery ed from worldly distractions and intrusions completed the three-year, three-month practice successfully. Amongst them where spiritual practitioners or retreatants was Wangchen Lama, now addressed as Wangchen Rinpoche, Founder go into long-term retreats.

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p64-66 Travel.indd 65 2019/9/20 15:18:12 Grand Dana Offering This trip was to also celebrate, commemorate and make offerings whilst wit- The centre statue is Buddha Shaky- nessing and participating in the 3-year, 3-month Retreat Completion Cer- amuni, the Founder of Buddhism, emony Grand Offering and Thousand Sangha Grand Dana. The Grand Dana who was born to King Shudodhana Offering included 1 full-day dana offerings to 6,000 Sangha members (with and Queen Mayadevi at Lumbini, 50 rupees red packet each), 45 sets of robes for retreatants who completed 2561 years ago. Of the 1002 Bud- the retreat, robe offerings to Abbots and Tulkus of the Monastery, 100 bags dhas who will come to this world of rice (25kg each), 100 bags of Maida flour (50kg each), 100 bags of Dal during this Fortunate Aeon, he is (50kg each), 100 tins of cooking oil (25l each), lamp and kata offerings. considered the fourth. On the right of Buddha Shakyamuni is Guru The Buddhist Vihara (Golden Temple), The Three Padmasambhava, also known as Great Statues and Relic Stupa Guru Rinpoche. The statue on the In 1995, His left of Buddha Shakyamuni is Bud- Holiness Penor dha Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Rinpoche be- Life. Buddha Amitayus achieved gan construc- Buddhahood countless aeons ago, tion of the Pad- but his activity still remains con- masambhava nected with extending the lifespan Buddhist Vihara of beings. and it was com- pleted in 1999. Made out of copper gilded with The temple was gold, the Lord Buddha stands at constructed fol- a towering height of 60ft (from the lowing the Ti- base), with Guru Padmasambhava betan Buddhist and Buddha Amitayus at 58ft. Then, tradition and consecrated within these statues architectural are scriptures, relics of great beings, designs, and small clay mould stupas and small is embellished statues, which symbolise the Body, with many ex- Speech and Mind of the Buddhas. quisite paintings Seeing these statues, venerating, and sculptures, circumambulating and making offer- and is consid- ings to them generates faith, peace, ered one of the wisdom, loving-kindness and com- most extraordi- passion in one’s mind and cleanses nary temples. and purifies unwholesome thoughts It has come to and actions. be called “The Buddha Shakyamuni (centre), with Gura Padmasambhava (left) and Golden Temple” Buddha Amitayus (right) due to the popu- lar media reference and social media tagging. The magnificent landscape surrounding the temple was also created not only as an offering to the Three Jewels, but also to inspire and bring peace to the minds of both visitors and residents alike. This is a place for everyone to practise his or her own faith without distraction, as it is hoped that anyone who visits, can also achieve peace there.

Relic Stupa of His Holiness the 3rd Drubwang Rinpoche

Photo Credit: Sister Lirong Information Credits: Namdroling Monastery and Wangcheng Rinpoche

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