Tzu Chi's fund for Chinese quake victims

By LOOI SUE-CHERN, The Star, May 16, 2008

PENANG, Malaysia -- The Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society has set up a fund in aid of earthquake victims in Sichuan Province in China.

To contribute to the Buddhist Tzu Chi International Relief Fund, Malaysians can send their cheques made payable to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society to the association's office at 316, Jalan Macalister, 10460 Penang.

They can also bank the cheques into Maybank account 507013126489 at 9, Union Street; or Public Bank account 3102212517 at 87, Lebuh Bishop.

Donations can be made online at www.maybank2u.com.myor www.pbebank.com.

Donors should mail their bank-in slip, name, MyKad number and address to the society for the issuance of receipts.

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Mudita Building fund launched

^ Chipping in: Liu (left) and Wong (second from right) putting their donations into the Mudita Buddhist Society's building fund donation box. Looking on are the society's spiritual adviser Ven Sri Saranankara Naya Maha There (right) and president Albert Tan (third from right).

Story and photo by CHRISTINA TAN, The Star, May 13, 2008

Klang, Selangor (Malaysia) -- The Mudita Buddhist Society (MBS) has launched a building fund to raise money for the construction of a centre in Klang to reach out to the Buddhist community in the area.

MBS president Albert Tan said the society, which was registered in July last year, hoped to have its own building in three to four years.

“We can either procure a piece of land and build from scratch or buy an existing building. In this respect, we must have enough money.

“The society needs bigger and better premises for its educational, religious, social and welfare activities, besides reaching out to a larger section of the Buddhist community in Klang,” he said before the fund was launched by Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu at the centre's rented premises in Jalan Stesen, Klang on Sunday.

Also present at the event was Kuala Kubu Baru state assemblyman Wong Koon Mun, who was representing Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

Tan said the society had carried out various activities, including talks, Sunday school for children, meditation and chanting, since it was established.

Activities galore for Wesak Day at Nalanda Buddhist Society

^ Community spirit: The volunteers preparing for the Wesak Day celebration.

By OH ING YEEN, The Star, May 13, 2008

Serdang, Selangor (Malaysia) -- From May 17 to 19, The Nalanda Buddhist Society will be observing Wesak Day with a series of activities, such as dharma talks, blood donation drive, performances by Nalanda’s students and many more.

One of the highlights will be the Wesak 2008 World Peace Procession on May 19, which aims to convey the message that Buddhists are practitioners of peace and love.

Nalanda Buddhist Society adviser Tan Ho Soon said that world peace was chosen as the theme as there are many disasters and negative events in the world today.

“I feel that people are lacking in peace of mind and there is a lack of harmony in relationships between family members, religions, races and at work or in the society.

“We want to convey the message that Wesak Day is not just a religious celebration, but to cultivate peace in one’s mind,” he said.

This year, devotees will walk 2,552 steps as it is the number of years since Buddha's passing.

“With every step, let us wish that there may be peace in every heart, every family, every community, every country and in the whole universe,” said Tan.

A unique feature in the procession is the handmade sedan, which is one of a kind in the country.

There will be three teams of four people who will take turns carrying the 30kg sedan, on which the statue of Buddha will be placed.

Tan said that the 1.6km procession route is probably the shortest in the country.

“Everything is done in a very basic manner, nothing frivolous.

“Although it is tedious as everything is hand-made, it shows our devotion,” said Tan, adding that they work with limited budget and resources.

The procession, which starts at 7pm, will showcase traditional artworks, handcrafted by 60 Nalanda members, who started preparations five weeks ago.

Volunteers painstakingly decorate the Nagas (dragons), parasols (a symbol of nobility and honour) and other artworks to be used in the procession with intricate details, using recycled materials such as old greeting cards, wrapping paper and magazines.

Tan explained that by working together as a community for the community, they aimed to bring back the community spirit.

In conjunction of the celebration, monks from Sri Lanka have been invited and more than 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event this year.

Flowers and candles will be given out as a symbol to wish someone well.

For details, call 03-8948 8055/ 012-345 4448 or email info@nalanda.org.my.

"Stark" Dharma from "Iron Man"?

by Shen Shi'an, The Buddhist Channel, May 12, 2008

Singapore -- Near the opening of the film, weapons inventor Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) comments that "Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy." Nope - he is not anti-peace; though that train of thought wasn't very pro-peace either! This is obvious as he made big bucks from selling some of these "big sticks" - of missiles and such - innovative but lethal "peace-keeping" weapons... of mass destruction!

However, as the story advances, his arrogance fades away - when he is attacked and kidnapped by terrorists, who use the very same but black-marketed weapons he made. A karmic case in point - of reaping results of carelessly sown seeds of violence. Weapons, like knives, cut both ways - depending on whose hands they fall upon. But the hateful would always seek underhand means to procure weapons for furthering their ill intentions.

Probably as such, the Buddha considered trade in weaponry as an unskilful livelihood. What about for defense instead of offense? Well, it gets vague when a "good" offense is argued to be the "best" defense. It is thus kinder and wiser for the world to persuade nations to disarm themselves, than to create needless tension by making increasingly powerful weapons that point at one another. Are the best weapons those never fired? I prefer no weapons at all.

Stark was saved by a man who asked him not to waste his life. He extends this wish by saving others' lives. From his nationalistic and capitalistic ideal of "ensuring freedom and protecting American interests" in the movie, Stark's conscience in the comics awakened to the greater need of protecting the entire planet's common interests when he takes on the persona of Iron Man. This was inevitable, perhaps due to the interconnected international chaos that arose from weapon trade - be it his or others'!

Stark's creation of Iron Man, which is essentially a super-mobile armour armed to the teeth with cutting age technology, was made for inspiring both fear and respect. As he earlier quipped, "Is it better to be feared or respected? And I'd say, 'Is it too much to ask for both?'" Even fear is useful at times, as a skilful means to deter the intensely evil from doing more evil. Think the wrathful manifestation of Bodhisattvas!

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Iron Man is how he is portrayed to use swift violence - to fight fire with fire, which "terrorises" terrorists in return. Can they learn or repent by being killed? Unlikely. Another problem with weapon technology is not just the race to advance it, but that it can be replicated - by enemies - as in the case of the Iron Monger, who became his prime enemy. Reason again - for the world to renounce weaponry, difficult as it might be!

Badly injured, Stark became physically weak without his original armour - which helped to sustain his life. It was his personal protection, his shield from external and internal harm. But this protection was so strong, so powerful, that he further developed it to protect others from harm too. Without his altruism, his armour would merely be something that kept others out, instead of being an instrument for connecting positively with them.

Iron Man's armour reminds us of this teaching by Shantideva - "One can never remove all thorns from the world, nor cover the entire world with leather to make it seem less thorny. However, by covering one's own foot with a leather sandal, it is as though all the world has been covered with soft leather, and all thorns removed." (That's just an analogy - it's kinder to use faux leather to reduce animal exploitation!) The ultimate protective "leather" or armour of the mind is of course compassion and wisdom - not just for oneself, but for all.

Sleek and shiny, menacing yet elegant, the solemn unchanging "expression" on the mask of Iron Man is surprisingly "versatile". With the appropriate bodily gestures, it can speak volumes - ranging from cool calmness to fiery rage. Just as it is the mind that operates the suit which determines what it truly expresses, the mind of the audience decides what it implies too. What do you see in Iron Man? Part of yourself perhaps?

Malaysian Buddhist chief urges Myanmar for foreign aid

AFP, May 10 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The leader of Malaysia's Buddhists on Friday urged Myanmar to allow foreign aid workers to enter the reclusive nation after a cyclone left tens of thousands dead and more than a million homeless.

Tropical cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar over the weekend, leaving at least 63,000 dead or missing, although aid workers and embassy officials say the death toll could top 100,000.

But the mainly Buddhist country's reclusive military rulers have said they were not ready to allow in foreign relief workers.

“We are really appealing to the Myanmar government to let foreign aid workers to help them because it has nothing to do with politics,” Buddhist high priest of Malaysia reverend K Sri Dhammaratana told AFP.

“This is purely on humanitarian grounds and it is an urgent need. The longer they wait and stall, things are going to get worse and unmanageable,” he said.

Dhammaratana's plea comes amid international pressure to allow experts into the isolated nation where cyclone survivors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the spread of disease and starvation.

Myanmar's junta has said the country needed outside aid but would deliver it itself.

“Without thinking about politics, the junta should allow whoever who comes to offer help to support the victims,” Dhammaratana said, after launching a fund raising drive for cyclone victims.

“We may face restraints in getting assistance across the borders but this will not hamper our efforts to jointly channel our donations to Myanmar,” he added.

Offering of alms to 300 monks at PISA on June 22

The Star, May 12, 2008

Penang, Malaysia -- Some 300 monks and thousands of Buddhist devotees are expected to throng the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) to celebrate the 2008 National Maha Sanghika Dana on June 22.

The event, organised by the Yayasan Belia Buddhist Malaysia (YBBM), will start at 7.30am with pindapatta (offering of alms by devotees) to the Sangha members (monks).

YBBM vice-chairman Datuk Tan Gin Soon said the annual event was aimed at creating awareness on the merits of this act.

“According to Buddhist scriptures, devotees participating in the Maha Sanghika Dana would also accrue merits such as long life, beauty, happiness, strength and wisdom,” he said on Saturday.

Tan added that devotees would not be allowed to offer money or angpows during the pindapatta.

“The organising committee will prepare food and other suitable items for the offering of alms.

“What devotees need to do is just buy a RM10 coupon and they will be provided with enough food to make offerings for 10 people,” he said.

Tan said YBBM would also take the opportunity to transfer merits to the people killed by the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.

“We appeal to the whole Buddhist fraternity to join us at the event,” he said.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Malaysian Sangha Fund to help provide Sangha members with their daily needs. The proceeds will also be used to finance Sangha projects.

There will be a charity fair selling vegetarian food at the same venue from 8am to 2pm, aimed at raising RM100,000.

The five beneficiaries are Pure Lotus Hospice, Fo Yi Renal Medi- fund, Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya Pulau Pinang, Shan's Children Home and Yi-ran Handi-capped Children House.

For details, call YBBM office at 129, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang, (04-2291845/ 2287146).

Malaysian Buddhists rally to help Myanmar

The Buddhist Channel, May 8, 2008

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia -- Myanmar, more than any country in the world had popularised Buddhist meditation, hosting practitioners at its monasteries and sending teachers all over the world.

Now it is in time of need.

Reacting with utter disbelief at the scale of the disaster wrought by Cyclone Nargis where an estimated 100,000 people lost their lives, key Malaysian Buddhist organizations have mobilized their resources to bring aid to the devastated country.

The following organisations are collecting funds and some also accepting foodstuff and medicinal products to help the cyclone victims in Myanmar.

Readers are encouraged to circulate the information to support these relief efforts.

1. Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
Donation may be sent by post to Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, 123, Jalan Berhala, 50470, Kuala Lumpur. Donors are advised to make all contribution by cheque only made payable to "Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia." Please write "Myanmar" behind the cheque.

2. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
All cheques are to be payable to "Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia". Please indicate "Myanmar Relief Fund" at back of the cheques. Donors may bank in the cheques to YBAM Public Bank account: 3063802219 and send the bank in slip for our record at YBAM Secretariat, 9, Jalan SS25/24, Taman Mayang 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

3. Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (collecting funds & material)
Lot PT 12593, Jalan Kewajipan, SS 13, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E.
Please donate dry foodstuff (noodles, biscuits, etc), canned food, mineral water, medicine etc. at SJBA for us to send to Myanmar. Cash donation is also welcome. (Tel: 03-56315299, e-mail: sjba@streamyx.com)

4. Siri Jayanti Association , Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, (collecting funds & material)
Ven. Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero says that if sufficient amount of items can be collected to fill a container, then it will be personally sent to Myanmar. Otherwise, the collection will be consolidated with items from SJBA to be forwarded to Myanmar.

Meanwhile Tzu Chi Malaysia said that nine of their relief workers are planning to leave for Myanmar this Saturday for ground assessment. If successful, this will be the first batch of Tzu Chi team to make it into Myanmar.

Members of the public who wish to make donations to Tzu Chi are advised to bank in directly into their account:

International Disaster Relief Fund
MBB A/C: 004067500119

Other relief / aid organizations

Those unable to reach the temples can donate online to the following trusted organisations with ppl already in Myanmar.

• Buddhist Relief Organisation (http://www.brelief.org/cyclone/cyclone_relief.html)
• Journeys Within Our community (http://www.journeyswithinourcommunity.org/)

Buddhism - "So, Who is Your God?"

Found a very interesting article in Buddhist Channel. Check out the original article here.

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by Florence Baingana, The Monitor (Uganda), April 27, 2008

Kampala, Uganda -- I get asked this question so often, every time I mention that I am a Buddhist..."So, who is your God, who controls all aspects of your life?" Coming from a Christian background, I do understand where the question is coming from, but having practiced Buddhism for 14 years now, I no longer find it strange to say, "I am responsible for all that happens in my life, I am God, if you will". This is almost like blasphemy to some, but not to me.

So I decided to write an occasional piece that answers some of the frequently asked questions. I hope it will also stimulate a discussion; dialogue is a big thing in the Buddhism that I practice. So, I do not have a God who is external to me; the God-nature, or 'Buddhahood', is within me, and within all living beings.

For those of us who practice it, we know we are Buddhas, but for most other people in Uganda, those who have not met Buddhism or who choose not to practice, they are inherently Buddhas.

That is, every single person has this potential within them, and so every single person must be treated with the utmost respect.

One aspect about the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin that can be taken as an overarching guiding principle, that can be equated to who has oversight in what we do on a minute to minute basis, is the law of cause and effect.

A synopsis of this law is that for anything that you think, say, or do, its 'cause', will have an 'effect'. So, if I think, say, or do a positive thing, it will have a positive effect and if I think, say or do something negative, then it will have a negative effect. Once one internalises this, it makes it so much easier to determine what is right and what is wrong, how I should act in this or that situation. If I do something that is likely to harm another human being, then I know for sure that it will have negative repercussions in my own life.

In whatever situation, when I may feel I have been wronged and the urge is for revenge, the important thing to remember is that the other person is responsible for the things they think, say or do and so the law will take care of things. This Law is universal, just like gravity, so it works, whether you are Buddhist or not. Let me give an example; let us say I am in a que at the bank and someone cuts in. My first reaction is to push in ahead of them, begin a physical struggle/fight, but after 14 years of practice, and on a good day, I will quietly chant/pray for their happiness. If they are happier, they do not push in, do not cause others pain, so other people will eventually not have to deal with this behaviour.

However, for today, they will inevitably have to deal with the negative cause they will have created, that will inevitably have negative effects. I do not have to create a negative cause in my life by doing something hurtful to them. This is what makes me the overall controller of my life, I have the will to determine the quality of my life, whether good or bad, happy or sad, fulfilled or bitter; I am God in this sense. We say that one has to look at the causes one is making today, to know what sort of future you will have.

I will wait for questions and hope that this will grow into a discussion where we will all come to appreciate how to live lives that contribute to peace and happiness for all, through whatever spiritual path we choose to follow. Regular Buddhist meetings are held in Entebbe at 11.00am every Saturday morning, and in Kampala and Jinja most weekends.

Charity Buddhist Bazaar

There would be charity bazaar in The Summit Subang USJ from 17 to 19 May in conjunction with the Wesak Day Celebration. The bazaar is jointly organized by The Summit, Summit Dharma Vihara and Nanyang Siang Pau. The money collected from the charity bazaar would be used for the benefit of the building of Dharma Buddhist University which would be located in Bentong, Pahang.

Unofficially, the organizers are hoping to be able to raise RM100,000 during the three days and they would be giving away 1000 lotus candles to the public for them to participate in thee lighting up ceremony on the opening night at 7pm.

Over 60 booths would be selling home-cooked food by volunteers who are also devotees at the Summit Dharma Vihara apart from assortment of items like household stuff, books and clothes.

The entrance for the event is free and a host of activities has been lined up throughout the three days which include a dharma talk by Ven. Master Hui Hai from Taiwan, a Chinese calligraphy exhibition, a children's drawing contest and a dance and singing performances.

The dharma talk will take place on May 17 at 8pmm at the Summit auditorium on the fourth floor of the mall.

The highlight will be the Bathing the Buddha ceremony which serves as a reminder to purify the mind from evil.

For event details, please contact Pang Yoon Choi at 012 - 204 3329. For those who wish to know more about the university, please visit www.dharma.edu.my.