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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A Special Treat for Past Comers

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Udomson BK

For the first time in Sydney, The Middle Way Team of Wat Phra Dhammakaya took the pleasure in distributing out a very special invite. The special offer was aimed at inviting those whom has previously attended a weekend Middle Way retreat whether it be from last month up to six years ago.

The Middle Way team directed to offer the course as a “refreshment” for each persons meditation practice, beginning in the morning and finishing later in the afternoon. Each person, as per the invitation was also able to bring or invite along another friend to experience what the course may be like as well.

Ten people took the opportunity by accepting their exclusive invitation to attend the free of charge course on Saturday, 13th August. Three of which, were new comers. Because almost all of the days attendees had previously been taught the techniques of meditation practice, people did not so much need to be taught from scratch, simply reminded. Being able to settle in again, the serene surroundings were also a benefit to those who attended.

Teaching monk Ahjarn Satit recognised many faces, soley dedicating the day as a reward for participants, they all were able to rekindle their bond with meditation and their friendships with others.

Focusing less time on the Dhamma teachings, as would more time be designated on a weekend retreat, the course was based almost purely on time for getting as much meditation practice accomplished as possible.

Being her second time returning to a Middle Way Course, Kaveri Sequiera said “Great to be able to re-inforce the inportance of meditation and benefit in daily life. I would definitely recommend the full weekend retreat for the first time and then do the repeat. Thank you, I am very grateful for this experience.”

Also, Mr. Greg Urch, being his second visit said “My first time was 18 months ago for 2 ½ days. I had always planned to come back. Your meditation to this one day course was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your team. I felt the four sessions were excellent and not too much. I really enjoyed the day and I feel more commited to continuing to develop more knowledge. Very happy, thank you.”

“This would probably be my 5th time for meditation after Kerry introduced me to it and I have found today to be very beneficial. I thank you for the opportunity to come today and further develop my skills for inner peace”, said new comer, Leah Medwell.

Over all, the course recieved excellent feedback in abundance. Every person highly recommend that one day courses should be held on a more frequent basis as it would definitely be more convinient for those who are unable to take time off work or are unable to attend because of other commitments, it would attract more people. Furthermore, giving past comers a chance to further solidify their meditation practice was certainly a highlight for the middle way team.

Reporter: Namwan

Photographer: Seefar

More info anout the retreat visit http://www.dhammakaya.org.au/retreat/

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Three Men Take Ordination For Pansa

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Udomson BK

The morning of Friday 5th of August, a busy working day for some, bacame a special turning point in life for three men. Each man turned from their layty life to persue a monastic life, where they will spend the next three months as monks for this Vassa. Some intend to make this a life long ordination, if possible.

The actual first procession into monastic life was held on the previous Thursday, in Sydney CBD and was then followed by the official ordination ceremony on Friday, in Berrilee.

All three men had travelled from Thailand especially for the ordination. Mr Boonchana Saysunee (47), Mr Werapan Chotivanich (64) and Mr Katanyou Buranakul (63).

Mr Katanyou Buranakul, former deputy principal of a technology said, “I would like to live a pure life as a monk and help in propogating this pure knowledge to others.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to live a monks life for one Vassa and I am more than willing to join again for the 1,000,000 monks ordination in the near future”, said mr Werapan Chotivanich, a doctorate in soil science.

The auspicious event was greeted by a beautiful day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Long Por Salee from Wat Lao Chaiyapumi, Sydney was invited to be Upajaya(preceptor) and number of monks joined in for the special ocassion, held in the temples serene shrine. The ceremony followed through from mid day till late afternoon all very exciting as they journied through each procedure going from lay life to monastic life, finally being dressed in robes, once again, a highly proud and joyous moment for each newly ordained monk.

The following day, the new monks took flight to Brisbane, where they will be accompanying and taught by the resident monk there. The new monks have now added to the number of monks in Australia, at least for this Vassa.

It is also very exciting to look forward to seeing the new census result of the fastest growing religion in Australia, Buddhism.

Reporter: Namwan

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Wooloowins Local Alert to Come for the First One Day Middle Way Meditation Course

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Udomson BK

Posters, Flyers and signs caught the eyes of several people in the Wooloowin Area, attracting people  to  indulge in their curiosity and find something new.

Many locals arrived at the meditation centre on the corner of Lodge and Shaw Road, Saturday 30th July.

Many people had previously passed the centre many times before but had never acted on their interest or turned up to explore what goes on at the centre.

Smiling ‘Border Monk’, Phra Ahjarn Satit who travelled from afar to run the temple Wat Buddhavongsayaram in Albury on the New South Wales and Victoria border, guided the activities of the day as the teaching monk.

The group ranged from newcomers and beginners to well experienced meditators.

The Monk focused on the sharing of the meditation knowledge wthat has been passed down to him and took the group through the methods and techniques (the ‘Middle-Way’ Technique) taught by Wat Phra Dhammakaya, an organisation that is very well-known  worldwide.

People were personally guided by the monk and were able to converse freely with him. Phra Ahjarn Satit was able to ask each person about their needs, wants and difficulties. Because of this, he was able to analyse each problem or query in order to help each individual in adjusting small issues, helping them long-term rather than short-term.

People complemented  Phra Ahjarn Satit on the way he shared the middle-way meditation knowledge and technique.

“Not one person did not smile throughout the whole day, he helped everyone to relax, doing so almost effortlessly”, said Jenny Binks.

Alan Tilley, an experienced meditator for over 30 years and also a long time neighbour of the meditation centre, joined in the one day course.

For a long time Alan has been sharing the same fence with the meditation centre and was well aware of its existence. Although knowing about it, it was not until now that Mr Tilley had found enough interest to go and explore.

“I know what happens over there and I felt it was time for me to experience it for myself”, said Mr Tilley.

Alan also invited his wife to join him on the course because he had already been practicing meditation for so long and felt that it was time to let his wife be a part of that aspect of his life as well.

As could easily be witnessed by all, the cheerful attitude of all the participants had an effect on their good meditation outcomes. Some people arrived with unknown or limited expectations, but in the end they admitted that the course had exceeded their expectations.

Ultimately, there is only so much anyone could learn from a one day course, considering the time limitations, but the knowledge shared was most definitely valued by all.

Reporter: Namwan Boyce

Photographer: Sudham (Gao)

Photo Gallery: https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=e9f8a777d1ae08c5&page=play&resid=E9F8A777D1AE08C5!1975

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Mr. Nantiya’s story

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Udomson BK

“Relatives and friends joyfully welcome the safe return of someone they haven’t seen for a long time. Similarly merit is waiting to greet a merit maker.”

Mr. Nantiya’s story

Once upon a time the parents of a young man of Banares city, Nantiya, wanted him to marry a young woman called Reavadee who lived opposite to their house. As Reavadee didn’t have faith in Buddhism Nantiya didn’t want to marry her.

Nantiya’s parents wanted him to marry the young girl so they asked Raevadee to take good care of the monks who came for lunch at their house by laying rugs, placing the bowls in the right places, inviting them to sit down and filtering drinking water for them. After their lunch she would wash their bowls. All this was to make believe that she had faith in the Triple Gem.

Raevadee wished to marry Nantiya, so she followed his parents’ request. Finally Nantiya agreed to marry her.

Eventually they had two children together. After Nantiya’s parents passed away Raevadee became head of the household.

Nantiya then donated even more and became a great sponsor to the monks and provided funds for orphans and travellers.

Later, after having heard the Buddha’s teaching about the fruit of merit from offering building construction, he built a hall that included four rooms. He fully furnished it and offered it to the Buddha.

Subsequently his celestial palace, including celestial retinues, arose and was waiting for him in the heaven.

One day the elder monk Phra Mogallana travelled to the heaven by means of his power and stood not far away from Nantiya’s palace.  The monk asked those celestial beings about the owner.

Those celestial beings said that the palace and retinues emerged for Nantiya who offered to the Buddha the great hall in Isipatana forest.

Female celestial retinues came down to greet the elder monk and said:” we were born here to attend to Mr Nantiya and it’s been a long wait, it’s so boring here. When you go back to the human realm, please tell him to let go of human wealth that is similar to a clay pot and to come and enjoy celestial wealth which is comparable to a golden pot.

Phra Mogallana came down to the human realm and asked the Lord Buddha about the possibilities of the arising of celestial wealth while the merit maker is still alive.

The Lord Buddha said “ Mogallana you have seen with your own eyes the celestial palace that emerged in heaven for Nantiya, so why do you still ask me?

The Buddha’s proverb was cited above.

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The Middle Way Launching its First One Day Meditation Course in Brisbane

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Udomson BK

Originally based in Thailand, the name has become popularly familiar worldwide and has many centres, one of which is based in Sydney and has been operating for over 10 years. The Middle Way has decided to hold its first ever one day meditation course. For ten years the Middle Way has been holding weekend retreats.

The Middle Way team, now with three new members, two of which are qualified Middle Way Meditation Coaches (MMC’s). They, along with 29 other participants from 15 different countries under-went an intense three month training program, held in Thailand earlier this year.

Each MMC, over the period of the three month course were trained to learn the heart of Buddhism in theory and practice, including meditation practice, learning the goal of life, Buddhist teachings and culture. Each were trained the essential skills for there duty as an MMC and therefore hold the responsibility of being able to teach meditation on and off-site pilot project centres as well as to neighbouring countries.

At present the 2nd official MMC course is under way and end October 2nd. The 2ndcourse will be followed by two more training programs held in 2012; they are still awaiting applications from those who are interested.

(more info see http://www.themiddlewaymeditation.org)

Brisbane Meditation Centre requested that the course be held there. The Centre provides audio guided session to all people. Unfortunately Local Australians who are interested are unable to ask questions and receive an in depth answer as there are no coaches based there. It is only until now that there will be experienced meditation coaches to cater to their needs.

The meditation course will be lead by experienced Thai Buddhist Monks who speak fluent English. They teach in a way that is universal, modern and practical. The meditation method they use is the Middle Way meditation technique, one of the most ancient techniques of meditation in the world. Its simplicity, originality and effectiveness have made the Middle way method among the most popular meditation techniques in many countries i.e. Thailand, its international popularity is growing fast.

Middle way meditation is all about self-discovery, relaxation and purification of the mind. This meditation will have no conflict with any religion or creed, a way of meditating so that you can use it in your everyday activities that will create peace in your life. And also bring peace to the world.

Photo : https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=e9f8a777d1ae08c5&page=play&resid=E9F8A777D1AE08C5!1975

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A thousand Buddhists in the Heart of Sydney

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Udomson BK

Pansa or Vassa, the time of Buddhist lent was filled with a warming atmosphere and the sound of graceful traditional Thai music. With its open and welcoming invitation for all to join, the Buddhist community of Sydney gathered in numbers at Belmore Park, Sydney on the morning of Sunday 17th July for the auspicious occasion. This event was organised by the Thai Buddhist Student Association of Australia.

Despite being over-shadowed by a mild overcast, people remained passionate about enduring throughout, hoping that the rain would not fall.

Nine monks from Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Sydney took part in the ceremony. The ceremony was led by the most Venerable Suddhammo (Phrakrupaladnayokvorawat), and was opened with Buddhist Chanting.

Belmore Park was appealing, decorated by flowers, orange supersized candles, and also other objects symbolic to this ceremony. Young ladies dressed in white created a pleasant feel as they walked the red path with beautifully arranged flowers and also the Large Candle (Pansa Candle) which was marched down by a group of young men, paying homage to the Lord Buddha during this time of lent.

As the sounds of the park surroundings faded into the voice of most Venerable Suddhammo, people sat in a harmonious and united manner while resting their minds at ease in meditation, aware that peace was present.

The ceremony continued accordingly with the offering of candles and Sangha Dana to the monastic community. It was easily witnessed by all that people were offering from their hearts; their faces shone. From that instant they were quiet until the procession of their gifts and they received a special blessing from a monk.

Once more, people united in meditation, while the flow of people arriving was continuous. The celebration had captured the attention of passers-by, as some may not have seen anything like it before, drawing them into this symbolic Buddhist ceremony.

Then the ceremony was followed by the second part, where lines of people waited enthusiastically for the monks as they slowly passed each person to receive their alms offerings (Takbat). To start with, some people were so eager in excitement to offer alms that they were unable to hold themselves back, fearful that the monks would miss them.

Passers by who were unaware of the event until passing, although both the candle offering and alms offering had already finished, were all eager to participate in the proceedings and in making offerings if they wished to do so.

As the event was coming to an end, the most Venerable Suddhammo and members of the Sangha concluded in giving a blessing to everyone present. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who united for Buddhist Lent. Even before the event had ended people were already sharing their happiness in creating merit along with their friends and with the new friends around them.

Reporter: Namwan Boyce

Video link http://youtu.be/K4tMPlcrpvU

Photo link https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=3a5c9e8a1078d95f&page=play&resid=3A5C9E8A1078D95F!138

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Two men took a vow in Buddhist ordination

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Udomson BK

On the full moon of Asalha Puja Day, two men took a vow in Buddhist ordination, one day before the Buddhist lent in Theravada Buddhist tradition started.

Retired Postdoctoral supervisor of Louisiana State University, Dr. Aroon (72), after joining in the MMC meditation program in Thailand for three months and also joining in Buddhist activities with the Dhammakaya centres, Texas (USA), Pathum Thani (Thailand) and Sydney (Australia), decided to adopt the practices and to request monastic life for the second time, 32 years after his first ordination, in search of a new experience. 

Vanchai (68), who had since been in Auckland, New Zealand less than a month after returning to a non-monastic life, from his three months ordination in Thailand, had readily decided to fulfil the wishes of the community in Auckland without hesitation and a positive assurance. The community wished to have five monks to stay over the period of Buddhist Lent in order to hold the Katina ceremony, which comes at the end of Vassa, the three month rains retreat. He joined the ordination in Sydney and flew back to accompany the other four monks in the Auckland centre.

The ordination took place at Wat Prayortkeo Dhammayanaram, Sydney, July 15th, is the largest Lao Buddhist temple in Sydney or even perhaps in Australia. After the ordination the training of the newly ordained monks will be at Thai Temples, Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Sydney and Auckland. There is an appreciable harmonious relationship between the Thai and Lao Buddhist communities.

This is a special time to ordain as it is now the time of Buddhist lent. Men who ordain are able to learn about monastic life, experiencing new practices, the knowledge of life, inner peace. Perhaps this opportunity has helped them to realise they are able to live without materialistic goods in which they confide in, in search for short term happiness. If the ordinand intended to make it temporary he would be adept to applying spiritual knowledge into living life happily as a lay person. Granted that he has desideratum to maintain what has been learnt throughout the rest of laity life.

Reporter: Namwan Boyce

Video link: http://youtu.be/C9za0MucX-E

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Albury Buddhist Temple’s Big Boom!

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Udomson BK

An unexpected 40 people turn out at Wat Buddhavongsayaram, Albury. A big boom for the only Buddhist Temple in the region, 6 months after reopening.

Meditation Practice

People travelled enthusiastically to offer food to the resident Monk, Ajahn Satit, on Sunday, July 3rd. They came from busy city-lifestyle places as far as Sydney and Melbourne to participate in the peace and quiet of smaller and serene Albury.

What is making this Buddhist Temple so impressive is that the companiable monks are now able to warmly accommodate the people’s needs by offering ceremonies and teachings in English.

The Buddhist Temple has been doing exceedingly well in keeping in mind the significance of equality. They are always deeply welcoming to those of all cultures and backgrounds, as is proved by all the diverse faces witnessed on the weekend, European-Australian, Sri-Lankan, Cambodian, Chinese Malaysian and Thai.

It is evident that the more people who are able to come and experience by participating in such events, the more they are able to share abundantly in it. Sharing and inviting by word of mouth has surely been the way forward to helping entice people’s interests.

Despite living in Melbourne and having several accessible Temples within his region, Dr. Tek Quinn Lim (of Chinese-Malaysian decent) willingly makes the trip to Albury to participate, followed by Mat Reid (a European-Australian who also speaks Thai). He is the owner of G.V Martial Arts Gym, and also an active member of the Temple who travels 2 hours by motorbike from Shepperton, VIC.

A resident of Albury appreciates attending the services; “I have been to the temple with my wife many times in the past. I used to enjoy the tradition but with little understanding about it. But today is different, the Monk speaks in English. It makes much more sense to me and I am able to understand the teaching” he said.

“The previous Sunday ceremonies were a bit more intimate in terms of having fewer people. The Monk (Ajahn Satit) is an excellent teacher. Whether there are just a few people or many, the meditation and Dharma talks are always insightful. Ajahn Satit is focused and friendly. I want to thank him for coming to Albury to teach. It was lovely this last Sunday to meet more people and to see how a traditional first Sunday of the month looks like. I felt very happy to be able to come.” said third time comer, Ebony Chapman from Albury who had moved from Sydney late last year.

Reporter: Namwan Boyce

Video link http://youtu.be/Wyce4uGF9Bw

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V-STAR has flashed it’s first initial program in Albury

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Udomson BK

The V-STAR program which has attracted a million young students in Thailand has now flashed it’s first initial program in Albury Australia. V-STAR is a program which aims to teach children the benefit of having good responsibility and about the results which sprout from doing good deeds. It is also an organisation which aims to award children for doing so, to show them that doing something good should be rewarded. It is the concept of giving children an insentive to remain motivated and enthusiastic about doing such things.

Jacob Cottier(10) of Lavington and Aewen Gilbert(8) of Albury

Jacob Cottier(10) of Lavington and Aewen Gilbert(8) of Albury achieved the awards. They proudly received their certificates and prizes on Sunday 3rd July afternoon at Albury Library Museum.

The V-Star photo competition, Albury, asking kids to post up photo’s of them doing good deeds in order to show the responsibility that they have for themselves, family and the society. Their photos were posted on, V-Star Albury – Facebook group. The photos posted were to be viewed by parents, friends and mentors. While they posted their own photo’s they were also able to learn from others.

Mrs Cottier (Mother of Jacob Cottier – 1st Prize Winner) said that since her son joined the program which ran for the duration of 30 days, Jacob continued keeping up with his progress on a daily basis, with enthusiasm and was always looking for more things to do or help out with. Even though the program has finished, he still continues with doing good work. “I have seen a huge change in him, a much more confident, helpful young man.”

“We live in a society that is so based on greed and the concept of, me first. One of the big things that we try to teach our children is to think of others. And the V-STAR program has really brought this value to the front.”

Said Mrs Gilbert, mother of lovely girl, Aewen Gilbert (2nd Prize Winner).

Ajahn Satit, the administrative monk at our local Buddhist temple on Abercorn St, South Albury who co-ordinated the program gave the statement, “It is a little spark of a good program for our young generation. We are looking forward to doing more in the very near future.”

Reporter: Udomson

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