诗巫南无布达佛寺筹建计划书 SIBU NAMO BUDDHA BUDDHIST PROJECT

尊圣的第十七世大宝法王 最尊贵的第九世堪千 噶玛巴邬金钦列多杰 创古仁波切

Namo Buddha Buddhist Society Sibu Lot 1721, Block 9, Seduan Land District, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia 2 main points of the is to show us that is not something to be found outside ourselves. Rather, it is something we can achieve by looking inside. The Buddha turned the wheel of the three times, meaning that he taught in three different ways. The first turning of the wheel is called the , which consists of the teachings on the , , and developing an understanding of the emptiness of self. The second turning is called , which involves the study of

BUDDHISM &

Since the Buddha developed all the qualities of meditation to the utmost stages, he was able to reach enlightenment. He did this to demonstrate that all sentient beings also can reach enlightenment. Once of the 3 the emptiness of phenomena and practicing the path. The third turning is the , which involves the understanding that everything, while empty, is also pervaded by Buddha nature. From the Buddha to his principal disciples, to their disciples and so on, the turning of the wheel of Dharma continued from generation to generation. In the 9th century, Buddhism came to when King invited and Bodhisattva Shantatrakshita there. Since that time, many lineages developed in Tibet, the main ones belong the , Kagyu, and . The Kagyu Lineage was brought from by Marpa in the 10th century and continued through the activities of his principal student , the great yogi. Milarepa’s main student, , passed the lineage on to many student, the foremost being Düsum Khyenpa, the 1st . The lineage of , successive 4 of Düsum Khyenpa, protected of Dharma. Finally, the ultimate path taught and expanded these teachings in an unbroken in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is the line down to His Holiness, the 1st Gyalwang Vajrayana, the diamond-like vehicle, which Karmapa, . teaches the methods for attaining liberation , and particularly the in this very lifetime through directly seeing Kagyu Lineage, is built on the foundation of the nature of mind. the Hinayana, the first turning of the wheel Through the blessings and teachings of of Dharma, and the renunciation of samsara. the Kagyu forefathers, this lineage has both Based upon that, and seeing the suffering an extremely powerful monastic and lay of all sentient beings, it includes many tradition. From this point of life, whether in skillful means to alleviate that suffering, a monastery or driving to work. both for oneself and for others, which is the Mahayana, the second turning of the wheel Very Venerable the Ninth Khenchen Thrangu 5 hrangu Rinpoche was monastic refugee camp in and H.H. Tborn in in 1933. Dalai awarded him the degree of At the age of four he was Lharampa. On his return to Rumtek he was formally recognized by the appointed the Abbot of Sixteenth Karmapa and and the Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist the previous Situ Rinpoche studies at Rumtek. He has been the personal as the ninth incarnation of teacher of the four principal the great Thrangu . Entering Thrangu : Shamar Rinpoche, Situ Rinpoche, monastery, from the ages of six to sixteen he Rinpoche, and Gyaltsab studied reading, writing, grammar, poetry, Rinpoche. Because of his vast knowledge and astrology, memorized ritual texts, and of the Dharma, Rinpoche was appointed by completed two preliminary retreats. At H.H. the to be the personal tutor sixteen, under the direction of Khenpo for the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa. Lodro Rabsel, he began the study of the three Since 1976, has vehicles of Buddhism while staying in retreat. begun giving authentic Buddhist teachings At twenty-two, Rinpoche received full extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and ordination from the Karmapa. When he was . Rinpoche has now taught twenty-seven he left Tibet for India at 1959. in over 25 countries, and in 12 of them there He was called to Rumtek, where the are around 7 and 20 centers. Karmapa had his seat in exile. He is especially known for making complex At thirty-five, Rinpoche took the geshe teachings accessible to Western students. examination before 1500 monks at Buxador Thrangu Rinpoche is a recognized great master of meditation. 6 A Brief Biography of Master Ngawang (the resident master of the centre) Vajra Master along with other aspects of performing pujas Ngawang was born in and practicing. He studied , , 1966, at Dzongkha, a and traditional sciences with Khenpo Ngedon small village in the Rinpoche, with his efforts; he made it a northern Tibet, near successful completion. He received the Great the birthplace of the Empowerment of , the Bodhisattva Great Yogi Milarepa. vow, and teachings on Entering the Action of a His parents Chimé Bodhisattva (the Bodhicaryavatara) from His and Sangchok have Holiness the Dalai Lama. Likewise, from the extreme faith in Lord of , he received Buddha, Dharma and Shanga, so, they sent the empowerment and transmission of the him to a monastery and become a monk at his Treasury of the Discoveries of the Awareness- age of 7. That was the time of Civil Revolution Holders (Rigdzin Terdzö) along with 40 in , Vajra Master Ngawang found that Tulkus, and a of 500 monks. He it was very difficult to practice Dharma and received empowerments, transmissions, and rituals, to attain his aim of Boddhi input, he instructions from several important Lamas of moved to . At his age of 15, he entered the Sakya, Geluk, and Nyingmapa schools. , Namo Buddha and After that, Vajra Master Ngawang received his Dharma Teaching as well as the completed the traditional three-year, three- practice training. month, three-day retreat of the Karma There, he learned the liturgies and rituals Kamtsang (Kagyu) lineage at Namo Buddha, 7 Nepal, one of the most holy places where once vow, empowerments and transmissions. our Teacher the Lord Buddha in previous He continues to give spiritual training, lives offered his body to a starving tigress, discourses how to realize in everyday life the in case to save the cubs. During the retreat quintessence of Vajrayana Buddhism. he learned the practices of Mahamudra, Vajra Master Ngawang wishes to instructions, śamatha and vipaśyanā from accumulate all his merits and dedicate them Retreat Master . He studied to salvage all sentient beings from misery by and practiced the common and giving them the Joy of Dharma. He performs uncommon preliminaries thoroughly. He life-stocks release ceremonies, visits elderly received the teaching of Six of home with gifts and fruits to those seniors. and the empowerments, transmissions and He blesses those suffering difficulties instructions from his root guru, the Precious and having obstacles, releases them from Lord of Refuge V.V Thrangu Rinpoche. sorrow and helps them overcome their When the retreat ended, he remained in the pains by rituals services. He inspires people monastery as a Vajra Master, disciplinarian, around him with his great compassion and a counselor to the monastic Sangha. In order encourages them to practice , the to propagate the genuine Buddhist Dharma only way to be awakened. to various countries, in accordance with the Vajra Master Ngawang is now the Resident wish of the Lord of Refuge Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Master of Namo Buddha Buddhist he starts his propaganda in Dharma by giving Society in, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, where teaching to the student oversea. He gives he brings love and joy to the community. instructions to Dharma groups and students on kindness and compassion, the refuge 8 A Letter from Vajra Master Ngawang about the Construction of a New Monastery In 2006, a Buddhist centre was founded religions even though Malaysia is a Muslim in Sibu, Sarawak, to spread and develop country. We aim to build a Buddhist monastery Buddhism and the Karma Kagyu tradition in whereby we have engaged an architect, Mr particular. It was named Sibu Namo Buddha James Sie together with an engineer, Mr Buddhist Society by V. V Khenchen Thrangu Hwang Lee Siw who has offered for their free Rinpoche. One of my disciples sponsored services in drafting and submission of their the centre, and has also since completed the drawings to the relevant local authorities for preliminary practice for Mahamudra. approval. Hence, on behalf of our Society, I From that time onward, many people have humbly request sponsors to support and help benefitted and received the rich blessings our undertaking either in kind or effort. of the Buddha’s teachings; and I now have We would be most happy to accept any numerous disciples far and near. monetary help; small or big; or in way of Malaysians are multi-cultural good providing the cost of purchase of building people. The members of the centers treat me materials or by way of other means of respectfully and are very co-operative and contribution would be greatly appreciated. kind helping at the centre with full dedication. May we all be blessed with the presence The government of Sarawak hasof both His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang graciously granted us a piece of land to build Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and the Very a monastery in Sibu. We are all very thankful Venerable 9th Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche to the government for showing us their great to grace our opening ceremony. generosity; respecting the practice of all Warmest Wishes 9 The Main Objective and Reasons for Establishing a Monastery in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia Sibu Namo Buddha Buddhist Society was of Malaysia. In the future, young generations established in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia on and devotees will also have the fortune to November 3, 2006, with the great blessings practice and study dharma. and generosity of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa OgyenTrinley Dorje and Moreover, the interior and exterior the Very Venerable Ninth KhenchenThrangu design of the monastery to be built here will Rinpoche. Since then, our Society has been be designed authentically as described in the very active with many different dharma scriptures, not just following the whim of its activities. It organizes programs on special designers. Thus, as is said in the scriptures, days and has invited , lamas, and the faithful sponsors who contribute to it will to perform various prayers and give gain inconceivable benefits such as their life dharma talks and blessings to all Buddhists. force and increasing and so forth. This has been very beneficial. We have also started Sunday classes.

The reason for establishing a monastery in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, is to eliminate all obstacles and adversities, such as illness, despair, agitation, dispute, and natural disasters, and to increase the peace and prosperity of Sibu in particular as well as all 10 11 Benefit of Building and Making Contributions to the Establishment of Monasteries A monastery or temple means a place for Buddhists as well as places for making that houses representations of the Three offerings and paying reverence and homage. Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) They are a great field for accumulating and a place where the sangha ( monks) vast amounts of merit before the Three can study the Tripitaka ( pitaka ie Jewels. They are also like gateways into the discipline and moral teachings, pitaka Dharma and places for dharma gatherings. ie concentration teachings and Not only this, monasteries are the basis and practice ie acquiring discriminating wellspring of the dharma, places where it is knowledge and wisdom) which are the three disseminated, and proof of its long existence. trainings of the path. In the secluded setting They are places that encourage both oneself of a monastery, one spends all one’s time and others to the dharma and the primary listening, contemplating, and meditating foundation for leading oneself and others to for one’s own sake and teaching, debating, liberation and enlightenment. and writing for others’. It is also a place where one becomes learned, venerable, and wise for the sake of both oneself and others, bringing great benefits for sentient beings and the teachings. Monasteries and the representations are gathering places 12 About the Statues

Inside the monastery’s main shrine hall, there will be a six-foot tall statue of the Lord Buddha in the middle surrounded by one thousand eight-inch buddha statues. The statues will be hand made in Nepal and of the highest quality. Many , including the sutras and treatises, say that the benefit and virtues of making or sponsoring such statues of the Buddha are immense. 13 About the About the Being able to build a , representing The ceiling of the main shrine will be the mind of the buddhas of past, present, painted with various , or palaces and future, would benefit the area of Sibu of the deities, from different tantras. This and the entire country incalculably. It would will have the benefit as it would actually subdue all misfortunes of plague, famine, reflect the pure lands and palaces of all the and conflict and bring the good fortunes of buddhas of the past, present, and future. Not long life, happiness, and prosperity. only that, when anyone who has faith just Also, anyone who prostrates to or sees these palaces they make the connection circumambulates the stupa with great faith and implant good imprints to be reborn in and devotion will accumulate great merit and those realms. Such inconceivable benefits purify all the obstructions in the near term are described in the tantras and and ultimately achieve the state of Buddhahood with ease. Thus it would serve as the foundation for bringing great treatises. prosperity and benefit in the short and long term. 14 About the Library

The library will contain hundreds of meter statues of the Buddha and statues of Buddhist texts books, such as more than Marpa, Mila and Gampopa. one hundred volumes of sutras and more It is also said that the merits of supporting than two hundred volumes of treatise and the editing, production, and printing of commentaries by great scholars. Translations such profound and sacred texts are beyond of these sutras and treatises will also be measure. Merely seeing or hearing these available in English as well as Mandarin. profound teachings and sacred texts also We are also planning to include books of brings you great merit and accumulates all traditions as well. There will also be one great virtue. 15 The Reasons and Benefits of publishing Buddha Dharma As it is said in the great Vasubandu’s treatises. To summarize them according to Treasury of Abhidharma: the great scholar Situ Chokyi Jungne, the 8th The teacher’s True Dharma is two folds, Situpa: In essence, scripture and realization. • The precious teachings of the Buddha will remain extent in the world in general and They are upheld only by those Malaysia in particular for a long time. Who teach and accomplish them. • The masters of all who uphold Thus, the teachings of scripture are the teachings of the Buddha will have long upheld by listening and contemplating, and lives. the teaching of realization by practicing and • This area and everywhere in the accomplishing them. These are the two ways world will have good rains in the right season of upholding Dharma. so that there will be excellent crops, and the If the teachings are not published in books, people will be rich in Dharma, influential, we will not have the favorable conditions well-known, and fortunate. for listening and contemplation. Without • s Just a in an Age of Perfection, not those, we cannot practice and accomplish even the words disease, war, starvation, realization. Therefore, these two aspects thieves, robbers, misfortune, or inauspicious are necessary in upholding the teachings of will be heard. Buddha dharma. • Ultimately everyone will complete The Buddha himself taught the reasons the path to enlightenment and swiftly reach for and benefits of publishing dharma texts, the state of buddhahood. and great masters also taught the benefits in 16 Namo Buddha Buddhist Society Namo Buddha is a holy place where others knowledge. They join hands helping V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche resides in Nepal; it Malaysia to develop a country of harmony, a means prostrate the enlightened one. This community of joy and a better environment being the mission of doctrine from our V.V. to live. The establishment of Namo Buddha Thrangu Rinpoche, is what Buddhist should Buddhist Society will answer the purpose of performance from the depth of one’s minds. all the above. In general, Malaysia is a peaceful Ven.Vajra Master Ngwang was multicultural country; most citizens are appointed as our resident master, and emigrated from countries around. They the Society came into existence with the bring in Malaysia with all kinds of tradition, support of Mdm. Loo, our chairperson, who religious and life-styles. They wish to sponsored almost everything share their experience and willing to learn the Society needed. As a lay Buddhist, she had finished practicing all the preliminaries Mahamudra, her daily practices are Medicine Buddha, Avalokiteshvara 17 and Green . She is a nice and easy going Vajrayana Four Foundation practice, please type of person and gets along well with all feel free to contact us at any time. the members, as the members back her up Monthly Practice: with contribute to the Society regularly. All members are delighted to share the fortune According to the lunar calendar of having a Buddhist Society to run the Dharma practice and activities. 1st day: and Amitabha Buddha Here is a schedule listed to look after Practice your interest. All are welcome to participate. 10th day: Milarepa Puja 15th day: Mahakala and Amitabha Buddha WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Practice

Tuesday: 8:00pm, Green Tara Practice Green Tara Retreat once every month. Friday: 8:00pm, Medicine Buddha and Free the livestock once every month. Four-Arm Kwunyinsadhan III. Long life prayer will be chanted, Sunday: 8:00pm, Tibetan class for Every New Year day, Lunar New Year day beginners and Tibetan New Year day; Wesak Festival, H.H. Karmapa and V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche’s Once a month 8:30am to 7:00pm Birthday. Green Tara Retreat, and release of lives (Come and share a piece of cake to celebrate these special days of rejoice.) activity. IV. It is our honor to have V.V. Thrangu If you are interested in our activities and 18 Rinpoche come and visit us possibly twice a - the most important rewards of another year with teachings and empowerments. He wonderful pace towards Buddhahood. shows us always the virtue of great compassion After this, Namo Buddha Buddhist towards all sentient beings, and manifests us Society will consider to develop a school the way to develop Bodhicitta as well as to and a clinic or a hospital as a “phase II and guide and help us to purify our minds. III” project. Ven. Vajra Master Ngawang The Future project of our society is to emphasized that phase II and III are the build a Shrine Hall. Building a Shrine Hall for response of the lay people, which will bring practice is by means for living beings to plant warmth, kindness and compassion to the city blessings, an opportunity to worship Buddha, and add an array of light and a prospect of study Buddhism and respect Shanga as well hope to the community. This shows the bright as to cultivate precepts. Those who take part side of human nature is indeed the greatest in building the Shrine Hall share the merits accomplishment of the teaching of Buddha.

Sibu Namo Buddha Buddhist Society Committee Members 19

Fundraising for our new monastery is a great project to benefit all beings. Your contribution make you in bliss, longevity and everlasting health and serenity. Please feel free to contact us to support our new monastery. Thank you! 建寺功德普利十方，请参加这殊胜的佛行事业。 愿建寺功德主福寿永康宁，欢迎赞助，请与我们联络。谢谢！

1. President ABK Mr. Liew Kwan Hua 019 887 6301 6. Treasurer Mdm. Leong Chew ling 012 888 5527 2. Organizer President Mr. Sia Kie Lik 012 876 1999 7. "Kuala Lumpur" Ms Chong 012 209 3248 3. Advicer Mr. Ling Hang Hing 017 222 3422 8. "China" Lopon Sonam Rinchen 86 155 0976 5388 4. Secretory Mr. Wong Ping Sik 012 880 9223 9. "Canada" Catherine Sze 1 604 782 2619 5. "Singapore Mr. Ling Eedee +65 9086 4068 10. “Hong Kong” Khenpo K. Dawa 852 93003234 20

NAMO BUDDHA BUDDHIST SOCIETY SIBU No. 14, 1st Floor Lorong Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 8A1, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 084 220080 Email: [email protected] Website: www.namobuddhamy.com

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