What lies within us that are so devastating for us as practicing Buddhists? What kind of evil that there is innate within us that it threatens the very foundation of our beliefs as a follower of a path that speaks of self-actualization?
As someone who has very little self-confidence in me and my ability to control warring principles that governs my life, I still posses the basic ability to observe one of the most devastating trait of human behavior.
In my second class, I would be talking about the three poisons that are always so strongly suggested by most religious leaders. The concept used across cultures and school of though might have certain degrees of variation. Yet, it is important for us to realize the very quintessential aspects of the "poisons" and relates to them to our daily endeavors.
Before I start, let me share with you about a true story that I witnessed with my very own eyes.
The story started off with a broken, dirty bicycle that was put beside a swing in a neighborhood playground. The bicycle was in a very bad condition with its rusty handle bars and broken paddles. It stayed motionless at its own place in the playground, surrounded with busy households and indifferent joggers. No one paid any attention to the dirty, pink bicycle, no one but a little young boy, who just moved into the neighborhood a few months ago.
Philosophers such as Locke once said that man exist on the world with only himself and nothing else to be owned as his property. However, as man progress, he utilizes the resources available to him and starts to claim the fruit of labor as his own, complete with the right to govern possessed item as long as it is not abused for evil inclinations. For the boy, Locke might just be any old geezer sitting by the roadside mamak stall, taking delight in a puff of nicely wrapped tobacco leaves. He might not know the therioes of locke, but he unknowingly serves as an example of Locke’s idea.
Like pirates attracted to stories of buried treasurers and attractive mermaids on an abandoned island, the boy saw the broken bicycle as a treasure. He cleaned it up, brush away dusts from the wheels and began to happily ride the bicycle every evening at the small park, situated right behind his apartment. Eventually, he claims the bicycle as his and his solely.
One day, his family decided to organize a outdoor birthday party for the boy who was looking forward to celebrate his first overseas birthday. As the guests and family were indulging themselves in the sweet charms of home made delicacies, the boy saw a sight that horrified him. His anxiety and surprise soon transformed to rage.
The boy clenched his small fist and ran wildly at the direction of a little girl in pink. The girl was riding a bicycle-the same bicycle that the boy claim was his.
Without warning, the boy pushed the girl off the bicycle and started riding on it. There was an unmistaken look of pride and joy projected on the way his eyes and lips correlates with one another .The girl, on the other hand, ignoring her bruised ,dirty hands and knees, chased after the bicycle.
Soon, thing turned ugly when parents of both children confronted each other and the boy’s parent apologetically return the bicycle back to the girl who claims that the bicycle was hers.
The boy threw a tantrum, like most boy do. He yelled hysterically. He was throwing his fist madly into the air. His eyes were watery with an uneasy gleam from his eyes. The mood of the party was spoiled as the embarrassed parents of the boy were forced to comfort their crying child.
“Get him a new one,” a guest suggested.
“No, no. You should discipline a child since young,” another voice was heard.
Not before long the guests were immersed in the excitement of sharing opinions on child education, nobody took notice the action of the boy. The boy sat silently on a bench, bidding his time for a mischievous plan of him. He waited and waited and finally he saw his chance. He stood up from his seat and started running towards a concealed view of the park.
While the party was still on, with the gaiety of a weekend evening enjoyed by all, nobody realized the figure of a boy who was trying to hide a pink bicycle underneath the bushes in front of his house. The pink bicycle that was his pride and joy.
Food for thought:
The Three Poisons or three basic afflictions is said to be the reason why certain practices are considered to be negative or immoral, according to the standards of Buddhism. These three basic afflictions, tridosa in Sanskrit, encompass basic human vices such as:
• Greed/avarice/attraction
• Anger/hatred/aversion
• Foolishness/ignorance/delusion
Contrary to laymen belief that greediness is only limited to personal physical satisfaction, I beg to differ by referring greed as the extreme manifestation of desire and attachment. Our motives and behavior are sometimes guided by what we expect to see after efforts are being invested. We are lost in calculating the amount of desire that we have to fulfill in a given period of time.
We make enemies while we are busy focusing on competitions with others. We are bitter and angry when we lose. Rage and jealousy are like poison running through our veins when comparisons are being made.
We are oblivious of the law of nature that determines the way we should continue life. Our judgment s is often influenced by desires and the urgency to release tension stored inside our bosom. We believe what we wanted to hear without any examining or studying the possibilities in life. Like the boy, we seek to strike our enemies during their moments of weakness .We adamantly defend our beliefs as long as it doesn’t challenge our access to pleasure and hedonistic sensation. We started to stray way from what is really important in life, in exchange for abused freedom and self-oriented decision makings.
Should we really continue life this? Like the boy mentioned above? Selfish, arrogant and aggressive? Go figure.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Buddhism a passive onlooker?
In the light of rising social ill, the authority of religion as a binding force behind the establishment of a better society for us to live in and to unite in perfect harmony.In regards to issues such as cloning , sex before marriage, homosexuality, vegetarianism, politics and other social-related conditions, Buddhism has always given people the impression that we have little say in the matters of others and religious leaders are not trying their best to provide any solutions or recommendations to the public about what the people should respond and react when uneasiness creeps upon them.
Is this true? That our faith and beliefs have binds us to the realm of listless attitude and indifference behaviors? Or does it shows that the core philosophies of Buddhism has yet to be fully understood by the people around us? Or could it be that Buddhism has been misunderstood by many and there are no efforts in defending it? Or perhaps, there are too branch of Buddhism and Buddhist beliefs that even religious leaders themselves cannot achieve a consensus in matter that dwells on sensitive domains?
Still, as the younger generation of today and tomorrow, we feel that there's a way for us to change it:
a) We must be more assertive and attentive towards the issues arising around us and to evaluate it objectively without any forms of discrimination and biasness.
b) We must understand more about the teachings of the Buddha and to understand that debate is not the best way to solve a problem.but instead, we should try to convince others through rationality and politeness.
c) We should be more inquisitive in respect towards the matter of religion and freedom of religion.
d) We should try to accept the differences in faith and beliefs of others while trying to understand them and strive to cement good relationships with people different from us.
e) We must not try to mix religion in politics and a clear distinction must be set to prevent the abuse of religion as tools of demagogues.
d) We should try and share our opinions and experiences on Buddhism freely to develop a better social network with people everywhere.
These are the ideals of new Buddhist in this modern age. We should never be bold in questioning about the teachings of Buddhism.Even the Buddha himself encourage his entourage to ask questions regardless of triviality and he strives to answer them with the wisdom that he attained through self-practice and careful observation of the truth in life.
This should be the way of life for Buddhists:
To see.
To hear.
To learn.
To question.
To share.
Is this true? That our faith and beliefs have binds us to the realm of listless attitude and indifference behaviors? Or does it shows that the core philosophies of Buddhism has yet to be fully understood by the people around us? Or could it be that Buddhism has been misunderstood by many and there are no efforts in defending it? Or perhaps, there are too branch of Buddhism and Buddhist beliefs that even religious leaders themselves cannot achieve a consensus in matter that dwells on sensitive domains?
Still, as the younger generation of today and tomorrow, we feel that there's a way for us to change it:
a) We must be more assertive and attentive towards the issues arising around us and to evaluate it objectively without any forms of discrimination and biasness.
b) We must understand more about the teachings of the Buddha and to understand that debate is not the best way to solve a problem.but instead, we should try to convince others through rationality and politeness.
c) We should be more inquisitive in respect towards the matter of religion and freedom of religion.
d) We should try to accept the differences in faith and beliefs of others while trying to understand them and strive to cement good relationships with people different from us.
e) We must not try to mix religion in politics and a clear distinction must be set to prevent the abuse of religion as tools of demagogues.
d) We should try and share our opinions and experiences on Buddhism freely to develop a better social network with people everywhere.
These are the ideals of new Buddhist in this modern age. We should never be bold in questioning about the teachings of Buddhism.Even the Buddha himself encourage his entourage to ask questions regardless of triviality and he strives to answer them with the wisdom that he attained through self-practice and careful observation of the truth in life.
This should be the way of life for Buddhists:
To see.
To hear.
To learn.
To question.
To share.
Friday, February 15, 2008
My first class of the day!
After a rather short but enjoyable CNY, students, employees, sons and daughters have finally returned back to their respective posts and started to embrace the coming of a new week and a challenging day.
Since the first is intended for readers to share and to ask questions about Buddhism and the teaching of the Buddha that can be traced ages ago, I feel that it is my duty as a contributor to get the ball rolling and encourage more people to share and discuss their problem in practising and understanding the philosophies of Buddhism.
So, sit down ladies and gentleman.Here it goes a rather brief piece on the different branch of Buddhism that I know of:
Basically, Buddhism has spread to different parts of the world, be it Asia,Africa, America, Australia and the list just go on and on.The philosophy itself is originated from India with several similarities with the concepts of Hinduism.To explain more about Buddhism in rather easily understood manner.I've decide to make it like and FAQ format.Hope that you would appreciate it.
1)Is there the existence of a creator in Buddhism and how about the presence of gods and deities as professed in most "Asiatic" beliefs?
Buddhists do believe in gods, but not a sublime, omnipotent God.
According to Buddhism, there was never a single creator of the universe and mankind as pointed out in other religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and etc. No doubt that you might question, since there's no creator in this world, how does human beings and other beings residing in this realm came into existence eons ago?
Well, there's the concept of karma and something that I always refer to as Fate(or in chinese yuan). From what I understand, there are 4 major elements that characterizes the universe from the largest of the planets to the smallest of the viruses studied in clean sterilized laboratories.These elements are: Fire, Earth, Wind and Water.The creation of the universe is a result of the interaction of the elements(that are refer to as shi da in Chinese) and fate guilds it towards the building of a realm that evolve from that point onwards.
According to the Six Realms of Samsaric Existence in Buddhism cosmological view,there are 6 different realms that are prevalent through time and space that are Devas(gods), Asuras(demi-gods that are influenced by wrath and lust), Human, Creatures(or as we normally call it as animals), Pretas(hungry ghosts), and Hell-beings.Different from these realms, those who have attained Enlightenments such as the Buddhas and Bodhisattva have transcended these six realms and are not subjected to any form of rebirths any more.Unlike beings that are Enlightened, the inhabitants of the six realms mentioned earlier are victims of an endless cycle of rebirths and reincarnation according to the law of Karma.Everyone's fate is sealed with the deeds resulted from the actions we took in the past lives that we had and the present that we are now enjoying.
Residents of the realms of gods (heavens) enjoy great powers and pleasures as a result of the good karmas. However, all things in this world are impermanent and would ceased to exist.The same rule applies to the pleasures are considered ephemeral and gods are not liberated from the wheel of samsara(of karma). There is no doubt of this statement when sutras mentioned the appearances of these gods or preferably called as deities attended the talks given by the Budhha and some even vowed to assist those who are willing to follow and learn the teachings of the Enlightened One.
As for whether to worship gods or not, it's your own freedom. Afterall, the main emphasis of Buddhism is on the dharma, the truth of the universe, and the path to liberation and enlightenment. As for the idolizing of the Buddha and worshiping rituals are a product of culture according to regions.
For me, the act of worshiping as we normally see on televisions or from our own encounter with offerings placed abundantly on the alter with people muttering incantations that are imbued with our desire for personal benefits is not a healthy of showing your respect and admiration for the Buddha. The Buddha never request its(I'm using it because there is no more distinction between male or female for an enlightened being)disciples to present offerings and tribute to him.Learn from his humility, engage in intellectual discussions with him, show the equal compassion towards all beings in the world, abstain from wrongful deeds that harm not only yourself but other and the list goes on.That's what the Buddha teaches us and not fussing over whether you should be presenting roasted pigs or imported fruits! It's how you really understand about Buddhism that matters.
However, do bear in mind that years of propagation and assimilation of the teaching has led to the emergence of different schools of thought with different emphasis on the ways to attained the same blissful state as the Budhha.Buddha taught us that craving is the origin of suffering and cessation of such craving opens up an avenue to inner peace and harmony. Like other religions, buddhists do pray for inner peace.All of the different streams of Buddhism differs not only in their concept and interpretation of the Buddha's words but also their methods of developing spiritual calmness.
The responsibility that we have as a Buddhist is to pick and select the methods of training that is suitable for you and develop your appreciation for the Dharma from that point onwards.
That's all for today.Please feel free to leave your comment regarding the question.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu (to be continued)
Since the first is intended for readers to share and to ask questions about Buddhism and the teaching of the Buddha that can be traced ages ago, I feel that it is my duty as a contributor to get the ball rolling and encourage more people to share and discuss their problem in practising and understanding the philosophies of Buddhism.
So, sit down ladies and gentleman.Here it goes a rather brief piece on the different branch of Buddhism that I know of:
Basically, Buddhism has spread to different parts of the world, be it Asia,Africa, America, Australia and the list just go on and on.The philosophy itself is originated from India with several similarities with the concepts of Hinduism.To explain more about Buddhism in rather easily understood manner.I've decide to make it like and FAQ format.Hope that you would appreciate it.
1)Is there the existence of a creator in Buddhism and how about the presence of gods and deities as professed in most "Asiatic" beliefs?
Buddhists do believe in gods, but not a sublime, omnipotent God.
According to Buddhism, there was never a single creator of the universe and mankind as pointed out in other religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and etc. No doubt that you might question, since there's no creator in this world, how does human beings and other beings residing in this realm came into existence eons ago?
Well, there's the concept of karma and something that I always refer to as Fate(or in chinese yuan). From what I understand, there are 4 major elements that characterizes the universe from the largest of the planets to the smallest of the viruses studied in clean sterilized laboratories.These elements are: Fire, Earth, Wind and Water.The creation of the universe is a result of the interaction of the elements(that are refer to as shi da in Chinese) and fate guilds it towards the building of a realm that evolve from that point onwards.
According to the Six Realms of Samsaric Existence in Buddhism cosmological view,there are 6 different realms that are prevalent through time and space that are Devas(gods), Asuras(demi-gods that are influenced by wrath and lust), Human, Creatures(or as we normally call it as animals), Pretas(hungry ghosts), and Hell-beings.Different from these realms, those who have attained Enlightenments such as the Buddhas and Bodhisattva have transcended these six realms and are not subjected to any form of rebirths any more.Unlike beings that are Enlightened, the inhabitants of the six realms mentioned earlier are victims of an endless cycle of rebirths and reincarnation according to the law of Karma.Everyone's fate is sealed with the deeds resulted from the actions we took in the past lives that we had and the present that we are now enjoying.
Residents of the realms of gods (heavens) enjoy great powers and pleasures as a result of the good karmas. However, all things in this world are impermanent and would ceased to exist.The same rule applies to the pleasures are considered ephemeral and gods are not liberated from the wheel of samsara(of karma). There is no doubt of this statement when sutras mentioned the appearances of these gods or preferably called as deities attended the talks given by the Budhha and some even vowed to assist those who are willing to follow and learn the teachings of the Enlightened One.
As for whether to worship gods or not, it's your own freedom. Afterall, the main emphasis of Buddhism is on the dharma, the truth of the universe, and the path to liberation and enlightenment. As for the idolizing of the Buddha and worshiping rituals are a product of culture according to regions.
For me, the act of worshiping as we normally see on televisions or from our own encounter with offerings placed abundantly on the alter with people muttering incantations that are imbued with our desire for personal benefits is not a healthy of showing your respect and admiration for the Buddha. The Buddha never request its(I'm using it because there is no more distinction between male or female for an enlightened being)disciples to present offerings and tribute to him.Learn from his humility, engage in intellectual discussions with him, show the equal compassion towards all beings in the world, abstain from wrongful deeds that harm not only yourself but other and the list goes on.That's what the Buddha teaches us and not fussing over whether you should be presenting roasted pigs or imported fruits! It's how you really understand about Buddhism that matters.
However, do bear in mind that years of propagation and assimilation of the teaching has led to the emergence of different schools of thought with different emphasis on the ways to attained the same blissful state as the Budhha.Buddha taught us that craving is the origin of suffering and cessation of such craving opens up an avenue to inner peace and harmony. Like other religions, buddhists do pray for inner peace.All of the different streams of Buddhism differs not only in their concept and interpretation of the Buddha's words but also their methods of developing spiritual calmness.
The responsibility that we have as a Buddhist is to pick and select the methods of training that is suitable for you and develop your appreciation for the Dharma from that point onwards.
That's all for today.Please feel free to leave your comment regarding the question.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu (to be continued)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Hi. everybody!
How is everyone doing in INTEC? Hope everyone is doing fine. I am very glad to hear that the group is actively running. I mean, people, cherish the good times you have in Dharma on Campus. Most of my sweet memories in INTEC came from DOC and most of the friends I made also came from DOC.
Just like here in Michigan, most of my "friends" came from Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Ann Arbor Buddhist Society and Actuary Association. You will be surprised that they are closer to me than the Michigan group from Malaysia. Just like in INTEC, IE and DOC people are closer to me than ACTP people. People in IE and DOC will know that I am not a serious person and can talk a lot, maybe because they know me well, but ACTP people thought that I am quiet and reserved. See the difference????
Anyway, I would like to wish DOC all the best and may DOC continue to grow in INTEC. Maybe, next time, I should talk more about the DOC here in Umich. But things are different here. You would have to build your contacts from scratch, invite Dharma speakers, etc and there are not many Buddhists here. You wouldn't have a strong community like INTEC. So, appreciate the friendship and experience you have in DOC.
And while temple people might get overzealous on religion at times (the seniors know what I mean, right), do maintain a calm mind and don't get too overzealous. Being excited and dedicated is good, but don't be too much of a religious zealot. I am writing this down because I am quite concerned about the rising religious tension in Malaysia. I found out that there are 2 more cases of body snatching in Malaysia. I have also been reading an exclusive interview by Farish Noor in BBC on the religious conflict in Malaysia, whereby Muslim felt that the position of Islam as the official religion is threatened and non-Muslim felt that Muslims are infringing their rights. Although Buddhists are not involved in any of these conflicts, it is always good to keep a rational mind all the time. Head over religion, people!!!
Yeah, why don't send an invitation to the juniors to enable them to blog as well?
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! and see you next time.
P.S. How is Yi Zhi doing in Taekwando?? TOday, I was talking to Matthias about Taekwando and then we brought up the topic. It seems that all Taekwando seniors like Jien and both of us have left INTEC, so she is the only one left.....
Just like here in Michigan, most of my "friends" came from Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Ann Arbor Buddhist Society and Actuary Association. You will be surprised that they are closer to me than the Michigan group from Malaysia. Just like in INTEC, IE and DOC people are closer to me than ACTP people. People in IE and DOC will know that I am not a serious person and can talk a lot, maybe because they know me well, but ACTP people thought that I am quiet and reserved. See the difference????
Anyway, I would like to wish DOC all the best and may DOC continue to grow in INTEC. Maybe, next time, I should talk more about the DOC here in Umich. But things are different here. You would have to build your contacts from scratch, invite Dharma speakers, etc and there are not many Buddhists here. You wouldn't have a strong community like INTEC. So, appreciate the friendship and experience you have in DOC.
And while temple people might get overzealous on religion at times (the seniors know what I mean, right), do maintain a calm mind and don't get too overzealous. Being excited and dedicated is good, but don't be too much of a religious zealot. I am writing this down because I am quite concerned about the rising religious tension in Malaysia. I found out that there are 2 more cases of body snatching in Malaysia. I have also been reading an exclusive interview by Farish Noor in BBC on the religious conflict in Malaysia, whereby Muslim felt that the position of Islam as the official religion is threatened and non-Muslim felt that Muslims are infringing their rights. Although Buddhists are not involved in any of these conflicts, it is always good to keep a rational mind all the time. Head over religion, people!!!
Yeah, why don't send an invitation to the juniors to enable them to blog as well?
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! and see you next time.
P.S. How is Yi Zhi doing in Taekwando?? TOday, I was talking to Matthias about Taekwando and then we brought up the topic. It seems that all Taekwando seniors like Jien and both of us have left INTEC, so she is the only one left.....
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A very lousy poem
As someone who can be considered rather loquacious when I felt the urge to do so,nothing entertains me more than a very good poems that is up to the creative imagination of my own barren mind.
As a beginner in understanding and adopting the way of the spiritual enlightment as professed by the wise, I believe that the dharma can be traced from every walks of life from the small leaves dropping from the aging branch to the talk about viruses and trojans in a casual conversation in the mamak stall around our place.
In support of the our blog, I've decided to enclose a rather lame poem of mine.A poem that is generated from my own nsincere thoughts, open for the criticism of those who have chosen to dismiss it.so here t goes....
Shrouded in darkness,
Hidden behind a deafening silence,
the eerie touch lingers.
Boisterious as can be,
Sinister as desired,
tongues waggled,
Cold wind jeered
at the sight of the helpless.
Candles shimmer in the dark,
Blinding the blind with their collective voices
whispering:
Open your eyes!
Can't you see?
See us with your heart!
Sadly though,
The mute can't speak
of the warm feeling nested in him.
Pity though,
The blind can't describe
the attractive beam showering her.
The crippled who can't move,
looked hopeless at his friends
how bestial fate can be
robbing him of the ability-
to be by their side,
sharing the joy that each and everyone of them felt.
distinctive feelings they are.
all meant to be shared
but not for long...
Can we help them in sharing the light?
The light the candles have to offer?
Before the candles fade?
As a beginner in understanding and adopting the way of the spiritual enlightment as professed by the wise, I believe that the dharma can be traced from every walks of life from the small leaves dropping from the aging branch to the talk about viruses and trojans in a casual conversation in the mamak stall around our place.
In support of the our blog, I've decided to enclose a rather lame poem of mine.A poem that is generated from my own nsincere thoughts, open for the criticism of those who have chosen to dismiss it.so here t goes....
Shrouded in darkness,
Hidden behind a deafening silence,
the eerie touch lingers.
Boisterious as can be,
Sinister as desired,
tongues waggled,
Cold wind jeered
at the sight of the helpless.
Candles shimmer in the dark,
Blinding the blind with their collective voices
whispering:
Open your eyes!
Can't you see?
See us with your heart!
Sadly though,
The mute can't speak
of the warm feeling nested in him.
Pity though,
The blind can't describe
the attractive beam showering her.
The crippled who can't move,
looked hopeless at his friends
how bestial fate can be
robbing him of the ability-
to be by their side,
sharing the joy that each and everyone of them felt.
distinctive feelings they are.
all meant to be shared
but not for long...
Can we help them in sharing the light?
The light the candles have to offer?
Before the candles fade?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Happy New Year and Happy Chinese New Year
It's been a year since this blog was created as a platform for fellow brothers and sisters of Bodhidharma to share their opinions and experiences about learning Buddhism.As a majority of Buddhist youth nowadays are slipping away from the teachings of the Enlightened one, we feel that it is time for us to propagate dharma via blogging- a practice that has gained widespread endorsement from youth like you and me! Apart from that we would like to use this blog as means to keep you young dharma lovers out there about the latest happenings in Selangor.
Happy belated New Year and a very auspicious Chinese New Year for all our friends out there.
Please be reminded that there will be a CNY carolling organized by Subang Jaya Buddhist Association in sharing the joyous spirit of CNY.The event will be held on the 17th of February.As the name just suggested, we might be going around houses in Subang Jaya to spread the message of CNY across. Interested in becoming a part of this meaningful event?
Feel free to contact us by leaving your comments.
Hope to see you again.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu....
Happy belated New Year and a very auspicious Chinese New Year for all our friends out there.
Please be reminded that there will be a CNY carolling organized by Subang Jaya Buddhist Association in sharing the joyous spirit of CNY.The event will be held on the 17th of February.As the name just suggested, we might be going around houses in Subang Jaya to spread the message of CNY across. Interested in becoming a part of this meaningful event?
Feel free to contact us by leaving your comments.
Hope to see you again.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)