Free One month intensive meditation program in Thailand

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Udomson BK


Inner Peace Leader Training Program #1 will be held from 9th January – 5th February 2012

Application must be submitted by 30th November 2011

Have you ever searched for personal tranquility? Or wondered how you can be part of a peaceful solution to humanity’s innumerable conflicts? Then become a part of this pioneering program.
World Peace through Inner Peace

The Inner Peace Leader Training Program is a program that evolved from the vision of Most Venerable Dhammajayo Bhikkhu, who aims to share the message of “World Peace through Inner Peace” with the world. What has been discovered is that tranquility of the mind experienced through meditation can lead one to joy and happiness. The method to this discovery was simple, but the experience was profound.

The concept of world peace is not new, and the campaign for World Peace through Inner Peace is one gaining momentum. It is a concept that evolved from the discovery that inner peace and happiness can be experienced through meditation. The transformation in thinking and behavior from peace and happiness that lies within will generate a more peaceful environment.

While cultural, racial, and religious differences between people are easy to identify, even more universal and powerful is the desire for humanity to seek peace and happiness.  Meditation is the practice which encompasses all faiths and cultures, contradicting none.

The campaign for “World Peace through Inner Peace” was launched in Thailand in 2006, and as we continue to put it into motion on a more global scale, we want you to be on the forefront of this growing movement. This is an opportunity we do not want you to miss out on.  Come be a pioneer in this campaign for World Peace and make a difference today.

Be part of a World Inner Peace Congress

We are searching for energetic individuals to represent every country throughout the world to come experience the path to inner joy and tranquility. If we can attract representatives of peace – representing all nationalities, races, or faiths – to come together to experience this joy and tranquility, the cultural differences will become insignificant. What they will find is that we share the same desire for and experience of peace and happiness. When this takes place, we are sure that the rest of the world will listen.

One Month of Inner Transformation

Selected delegates will take part in a specially designed course where you will learn the methods to improving one’s mental equilibrium and receive invaluable lessons in the science of the mind. You will gain invaluable tools for facing any situation with mental clarity and composure. In the 1-month training program, you will be provided with room, accommodation, and lessons during your stay in Thailand at no cost.

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to share your experiences and educate your fellow human beings of the importance of inner peace. You can support the work of inner peace education in different ways, by your help and input. All of this is vital to making World Peace happen.

Instruction is being offered in the English. All courses will be conducted at Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani and its training facilities in Thailand.


More info visit http://www.mdwmeditation.org/page.php?content=ipl-scholarship&lang=en

or talk to our local monk Ajahn Satit 0411 453 946

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Buddhists from the border join Kathina Ceremony in Sydney

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Udomson BK

After the end of the Buddhist Lent which fell on 12th October this year, many Buddhists
anticipated the special time for the special merit making “Tod Kathin or
Kathina”, the annual ceremony that is to be held within one month after the end
of the lent.

This year a group of Buddhist followers from Wat Buddhavongsayaram in Aubury organised a bus trip to join the Kathina ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Sydney.

For many who make this trip,this is the first time that they participate in such ceremony and it is an “eye opener” for them as they join with the big congregation of three hundred
people. The temple was so colourfully decorated but yet peaceful with the natural
view. Foods from eight different stalls that offered free to all were great.


Then the ceremony itself – the magnificent Kathina procession led by beautiful
flower girls, one of them was Nong Ploy from Aubury. It followed by flag
holders and the leaders of Kathina who make the main contributions to the
temple in this occasion. The participants from Aubury were very happy to be
part of this procession as well.

“Our visit to Wat Phra Dhammakaya and specifically our participation in Kathina ceremony was an eye opener. I have learned more about the the concept of re-introducing meditation into the service rather than just having ceremonial service. I have witnessed a
spectacular ceremony of Kathina and for that all I can say is thank you! It was an absolute visual feast! It was full of colour and happiness expressed by all
participants. The whole day’s proceedings were just beautiful to watch and to
be part of. There was an overwhelming feeling of large family or a whole
village coming together and sharing nice time and, of course nice food
together. I have also observed the politeness and respect shown by all, not
only to monks but to each other as well; which was very refreshing to see. I
hope that all participants from Albury had equally nice experience.” Michael
Vares, a participant from Wodonga VIC.

“Despite the large number of attendee’s at Kathina, the event still maintained a very warm
feeling of family, and unity amongst all people. It was a great opportunity to
meet new friends from all over NSW, that share the same values. The event was
very well planned, and the hard work (behind the scenes) was very appreciated
by all.” Joanna Barnett, a participant from Albury

Photo Gallery

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Fundraising for flood victims in Thailand

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Udomson BK

Ajahn Satit of Wat Buddhavongsayaram Inc. the only Buddhist temple in Albury has joined fundraising with the Oceania Thailand flood relief centre patronised by Somdej Phra Puttajarn, the chairperson of the Supreme of Patriarch’s Representative Committee.

“When many areas in Thailand have water flooding, I understand that it will not just flood only few days or a week it will be like that for months till the water level will be back to normal. Therefore people including monks will have to live in the area in that difficult situations. We here in Australia, would like to offer help where we can.”
Said Ajahn Satit.

On 20th October 2011 there was a grand opening of The Buddha Shop – Dean Street Albury . The shop supported the fundraising by donating 10% of the sale on the opening day.  They had a donation box at the counter of their shop so people in Albury could show their generosity by making a donation.

Ajahn Satit on behalf of Thai monks would like to also thank WINTV to have the news up on that evening that could help let people in Albury aware of the fundraising.

Saturday 5th November 2011. Ajahn Satit walk for alms round and leaded fundraising volunteers for flood victims in Thailand. The walk was aim to show the Spirit of Kindness and Generosity of people in Albuty to our friends the other part of the world who are in need.

The fundraising walk was start from 10.00 am on Dean St & Townsend St corner follow the arrow on the map. Fundraising volunteers handed out the flyer and donation box was available for generous donors. The Buddha Shop again made the 2nd donation for Thailand flood relief.

Bangkok Underwater – Alan Taylor – In Focus – The Atlantic

These VDO shows how your donation via Dhammakaya Foundation had assisted flood victims in Thailand

We proudly announce that two businesses in Albury has received the certificate of merit from the Flood Relief Centre.

Tฺhe Buddha Shop Albury

Da’s Thai Massage, Albury

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What experiences at Wat Buddhavongsayaram, Albury are like?

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Udomson BK

I was asked by Ajahn Satit to share my experiences at the temple in Albury.
My family and myself had been occasional visitor to the temple, and we had noticed an article in the Border Mail newspaper around the last week of December that a new monk was looking after the temple and alms would be collected in Dean Street, on the first Sunday of each month. We decided to visit the temple on the Saturday after we had read the newspaper article and we were pleasantly surprised to find the temple had undergone a complete transformation and revitalisation. The other revelation was to meet Ajarn Satit and the fluency he had in the English language, this gave me a better access to Buddhism than I previously had, and allowed me to find answers to most of the unanswered questions I previously had.

First participation for alms offering on Dean Street.
Following the publicity from the newspaper article many people turned out to give alms on the first Sunday of the month in January, both young and old, and people from many nationalities. Following alms, we returned to the temple and had a blessing and meal and everyone felt that the temple had been transformed for the butter.

We then began to attend the temple every Sunday, at the beginning the temple did not receive the attendance that followed the initial alms offering. Once the word was spread from new participants to the temple that number began to grow, but the Albury location can offer some sever weather conditions and during June with the temperature near zero, we found that Mam (my wife), Ploy (my daughter) & myself and Ajarn Satit were the only people present at the temple. As the cold weather passed the people started to return once again.

The community
As the word spread, so did the people attending the temple with some driving from between 60 to 150 kilometres on a Sunday to attend service. On our yearly trip to Thailand and also this time a visit to Wat Dhanmakaya we missed the highest attendance to date with over 40 people present. But recently the new comers have bean to grow again also the regulars are returning with the warms weather.

Activities at the temple
We start each Sunday with an introduction and welcome to the newcomers and others we have not seen for a while. We then follow this with a short traditional Pali chanting.

Meditation
The chanting is then followed by a 20 minute meditation session if newcomers are present so that they are comfortable for the first time meditation, if there are regulars only at the service this may go a bit longer.

Dhamma talks
Meditation is followed by a Dhamma talk, and this is always well received by both the regulars and newcomers, and only serves to increase one’s own knowledge towards a life of improvement and well being.

Requests five precepts and food offering
The Dhamma talk for the day is followed by the requesting of the five precepts and a food offering to the attending monk or monks. The matter of ceremonies for this section of the day is conducted by Ploy & Ploy (Ploy Lek) and (Ploy Yai) both young children which serves to assist them in the betterment of the English language and participation in the temple.

Lunch time a great time to share experience
Following the requests food is offered and also explained to newcomers and welcoming them to participate. A shared meal is then held amongst all the attendees with the majority staying for the meal after the service is finished. *Jo the sweets are always great!!!*. There is also some people who stay on in the after to watch the service telecast on DMC.

I know experience and change on my life and my family life had been beyond words, since the arrival of Ajahn Satit, it was what we were all looking for but had been unable to find until that point in time. I had followed Buddhism for 11 years but never found the path I was looking for, an English speaking monk (Ajahn Satit) and the knowledge he was able to share, and the transformation of the Albury temple completely changed my life. This also occurred at a time in my life when I was extremely sick and having extensive treatment to cure my suffering, the stress was significant in our family and the timing of the Albury temple transformation was a blessing we now believe was meant to be, it has changed our lives forever. This is also a factor for many other regulars who have spoken with that believe through the communication of our English speaking monks (Ajahn Satit) we have been able to butter learn and also learn much quicker than we would have been able to.

I can only recommend to others the warmth, friendliness and knowledge the Albury temple has to offer, so if you happen to be passing that way, please call in and see us sometime.

Geoff
Chiltern VIC

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Plans Are Underway to Establish Melbourne’s First Multicultural Buddhist Primary School

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Udomson BK

Conference marks the beginning stages to new Multicultural Buddhist Primary School

Pictured Above: Andrea Furness, Joel Hines, Venerable PhraWorathep, Venerable PhraRonrawee, Venerable PhraSudhammo, Venerable Thich Pua than, Venerable PhraSatit, Venerable PhraSiriphato and Venerable Sadrinya.

A conference held on Thursday Sept 1st at Quang Minh temple in Braybrook, officially marked the beginning stages of establishing a new Multicultural Buddhist Primary School in Melbourne’s western suburbs, which is planned to open in 2013. The conference served as an introduction of plans to the wider Buddhist community.

The conference was led by Venerable PhraRonrawee, from the 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation and Venerable PhraSudhammo, President of Buddhist Federation of Australia. “The school aims to bring the heart of Buddhist philosophy into the Western academic setting, creating a dynamic and powerful synthesis of learning and understanding,” said Venerable PhraRonrawee. “There will be a strong emphasis on developing within the students wisdom and compassion required to be part of a harmonious and peaceful community,” said Venerable PhraSudhammo.

Special guests included Venerable Thich Pua than, the abbot of Quang Minh temple, representative of the Vietnamese Buddhist community in the western suburbs, Venerable Sadrinya, the abbot of Samadhi Meditation Centre, and representative of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community, Venerable PhraSiriphato, the abbot of Wat Thepmongkol, representative of the Lao Buddhist community in the western suburbs, Venerable PhraSatit and Venerable PhraWorathep from the 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation.

“There is a strong need for a school that not only develops children academically but also develops them socially and spiritually guided by Buddhist values,” said Venerable Thich Pua Than. “There is strong community support for this development from culturally diverse families in the local community,” added Venerable Thich Pua Than.

Special guest presenters included Andrea Furness, Director of Daylesford Dharma School and Joel Hines, board of governance member from the Daylesford Dharma School. “It is very exciting to be involved in the first conference towards the flourishing of Buddhist Education in Australia. Buddhism has been called the science of the mind, as quality of reasoning is highly regarded by its practioners. A Buddhist school in Melbourne will be a positive step towards promoting non-harm and the development of universal responsibility in our society,” said Andrea Furness.

Unconditional support was expressed from all the Venerable monks representing the Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Sri Lankan communities. The representative Venerable monks voiced high levels of enthusiasm and joy knowing that “our children of the future will have the opportunity to an education with a strong commitment to creating a peaceful community.”

Reporter: Kongngen Dethphrakhun

Photographer: Nung

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What would you do to the fish so that you can eat it for a long time?

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Udomson BK

Once upon a time a governor discussed with his wife about arranging a marriage for their son. He was a good behaved young man.

“We should find a suitable wife for our son so that his future will flourish.”
When the time was proper they discussed the matter with their beloved son.
“My son, now that you have grown up and it is proper that you marry someone suitable to your caliber, have you found anyone yet?”

The young man looked down and kept quiet, the governor then said:

“You need to be very selective, I will give you 7 days to go around and when you find girls that you like, you should ask them the same question i.e. if you had a big fish, what would you do to the fish so that you can eat it for a long time?”

While his son was thinking about the question the governor said,

“It is now time. Look around for suitable girls. I will give you only 7 days. You don’t have to do anything much, just ask them the same question that I asked you.”

The governess also reiterated these instructions.
Since the young man was good looking, polite and was the governor’s only son this task seemed easy for him to do. Whenever he met a girl they usually made advances to him and their parents were happy to have him as a son in law.
He asked the same question that his father instructed him to all the girls that he met. Most of them said:

 “It’s not difficult, just pickle it and it can be kept for eating for a long time”.

Some said:

“For the picked fish, the longer it takes the more delicious it is, some said you just sun dry it, this way you can have it for a long time”.

These girls gave him similar clues of how to prepare the fish and preserve it. The young man nodded his head and continued his search.
Finally he came to an ordinary house but it looked clean and well maintained with a herb garden out the back. He also noticed many healthy fruit trees with abundant fruits around the block.
He saw a pretty girl picking up flowers. He then asked her the same question. He was stunned seeing that she was smiling at him courteously and answered his question clearly and with a harmonized voice.


Her answer was:

“I will make fish soup and will divide it up into 3 portions, 1 portion for my family, I will offer a bowl containing the best part to monks and the rest I will give to my neighbors”.

He asked

“If you do this you only have one meal and how can you keep it for the following meals?”
“Well my family is important, I need to feed them. Once we finish the fish, we can get some more the next day”.

The young man then asked further question.

“Why do you give it to the monks”

The young woman replied:

“It makes me feel happy and hopefully I will have something to eat next life”.

The young man asked more question.

“And why do you give to your neighbors?

The young woman answered:

“That the way we will be able to eat fish for a long time. If you are generous and kind to the neighbors they will reciprocate that generosity and will be kind to us and therefore we can eat this fish for a long time.”

The young man appreciated her answer and happily chatted with her for a long time unlike with other girls. When it got dark, she then invited him in for dinner. But the young man refused and reluctantly said good-bye to her because he needed to go back to his parents. He had been gone for 7 days and didn’t want them to worry about him.
When he got home he told his parents about his encounters and hearing about the last girl, they immediately consented to arrange the marriage to her.
The wedding was arranged; both lived happily ever after through their kindness and their faith and were beloved by their neighbors.

From: a Thai tale

Translated by Chan

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The Relics of Buddha and relics of his disciples will be on display in Woolowin, QLD

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Udomson BK

Brisbane Meditation Center offer a great oppotunity to view and pay homage to The Relics of Buddha And relics of his disciples “ Exhibition”

More than 80 display

You can explore

  • The history of the arising of Buddha’s relics
  • Meaning of the word about The Buddha’s relics
  • The kind of The Buddha’s relics
  • The properties of the Buddha’s relics
  • The type of the Buddha’s relics

Brisbane Meditation Center, 73 Lodge Woolowin QLD4030

 During :September 19-30, 2011 Grand opening :Sep19, 2011

for  VIP :09.00-11.00 a.m. visitors  :04.00-06.00 p.m.

September 20-30, 2011

09.00-11.00 a.m. And 04.00-06.00 p.m.

Please  call for Booking:  07-38573431 ;07-31037037

 e-mail :chotivanich@yahoo.com

“The Excellent gems of Buddhism

Are the triple gems

And one of them is our Lord Buddha

All thing are created for his remembrance

Only  Buddha’s Relics

Are the most importance

Coming from his body for mankind”

The Exhibition will be in Sydney for the New Year 2012 

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Outdoor Alms Offering Ceremony in Auckland

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Udomson BK

This event was specially organized to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment. The Buddha relic brought from Sri Lanka was on public display. Many hundreds of Buddhists and interested residents of Auckland made their way to MT Albert War Memorial. The ground in front of the War Memorial on this Sunday was changed to an outdoor Buddhist temple. The Buddha image drew much attention and could be seen by road users on New North Road. Some of them actually found a spot to park their car and came to see the event.

Sri Lankan Honorary Consul, Mr Viduranga Aruna Abeygoonesekera was present to mark this special event. Ten monks from Australia and New Zealand were also invited, great merit making and a blessing for all who participated. It is such a rare opportunity to have ten monks present for alms offering.

After the alms offering finished, faithful Buddhists come to pay respect to the Buddha’s relic by bowing with their whole heart to the Lord Buddha. Wishing for themselves (and others) to have good health, wealth and a successful life by the power of the triple gem and the merit that they have made.

.

Reporter: Udomson

Photo Gallery https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=e9f8a777d1ae08c5&page=play&resid=E9F8A777D1AE08C5!2052

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it’s proper to conquer angry people with non-aggression

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Udomson BK

It’s right Utara it’s proper to conquer angry people with non-aggression

It is normal to defeat irritable people with calmness

To conquer abusive speech with pleasant speech

To overcome plaintiff with non-grievance

To conquer wicked people with compassion

To conquer stingy people with generosity

We win over liars by telling the truth

The reason for this story

Once upon a time Utara a rigorous Buddhist and a daughter of a Phahouthon, a wealthy man of Rajkru, Reluctantly married a young man whose father is the millionaire Soumon because her husband’s family didn’t have faith in Buddhism.

Her father knew that for the past two and a half months following the wedding, she was not happy because she didn’t have a chance to go to the temple and pay respect to monks. Thus he gave her $15,000 to pay an escort called Sirima to keep her husband amused for 14 days before the end of the Buddhist lent so that Utara would have the time to do good deeds. Her husband agreed to the arrangement.

Utara was extremely happy to have an opportunity to make merit for the full 14 days. One morning while being entertained by Sirima. Her husband saw that Utara was very busy cooking food for the temple; he took pity of her and ironically laughed at her and thought how foolish she was. But Sirima took it wrongly and became mad with jealousy. Sirima rushed to the kitchen and scooped a ladle of hot boiling butter with the intention to disfigure Utara.

Seeing Sirima’s action, Utara didn’t feel any anger but spread love and kindness to Sirima and wished that herself be unharmed by the hot butter that Sirima splashed onto her. Through the power of her pure love, she felt as if it was just cold water on her face. Servants rushed to beat Sirima but Utara stopped them for doing so. She felt sorry for Sirima who reacted out of jealousy. Sirima became repentant and wanted to make an apology but Utara said to her that she should ask for forgiveness from her father, the millionaire Phahouthon and the Lord Buddha who was her father in the Dhamma.

The following morning Sirima followed Utara to the temple to offer food to the Lord Buddha and the congregation of monks. Sirima bowed to the Buddha’s feet and confessed about her wrong doing and asked for forgiveness.

The Lord Buddha then expounded the above verses and gave Dhamma teaching out of compassion for Sirima who later attained the stream of Dhamma fruition ( Sodapana) with her retinues.

This was extracted from the teaching of the Lord Buddha. 

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The Kathin presentation (Thot Kathin)

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Udomson BK

The kathin presentation, which is made annually at the close of phansa, constitutes one of the major contributions received by any monastic community. The practice of offering kathin in Theravada Buddhist countries at the present time consists in essence of giving new robes to the bhikkhus who are coming out of retreat at the end of the rainy season However, the three sets of robes customarily presented are usually accompanied by gifts of durable goods, furniture, crockery, altar tables and so on, and by a sum of money which varies in size according to the capacity of the contributors. Both the money and the goods presented at the ceremony known as Thot Kathin become the property of the monastic community as a whole but the monastic community allots it to individual monks by the procedure of Kran Kathin.

Householders wishing to Thot Kathin must do so during the next lunar month after the end of the Buddhist Lent (phansa), that is to say, between the full moons of October and November. Kathin robes can only be taken to a monastery where there are at least five monks, all of whom have ‘observed lent’ (cham phansa) by spending the entire season at that mat. Every monastery receives a kathin presentation each year provided that there is a sufficient number of eligible monks in residence, but each monastic community may only receive one such offering in any one year.

The layman who intends to mobilize a group of householders to offer kathin visits the abbot of the monastery of his choice at some time towards the end of phansa. An appointment is then made for the presentation of kathin at some future date during the stipulated month, provided that the privilege has not already been granted to another group.

Photo:  Kathin ceremony 2010, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Sydney

Texts taken from Page 113-114

Bunnag, J. (1973). Buddhist monk, Buddhist layman : a study of urban monastic organization in central Thailand. Cambridge [Eng.] :, University Press.

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