One Year On

Reflections on Spirituality

Long drives back from Pioneer Road North to Upper Serangoon have always been therapeutic, one reason why I will miss NTU.

2009 is coming to an end and while I took my Buddhist refuge when I was 11 years old, my actual spiritual awakening comes when I was 14 years old, exactly ten years ago, when in an all-boys mission school, was more formally introduced to various religions.

"Buddhism has had a major effect on who I am and how I think about the world." - Uma Thurman

When I first saw the above quote, it resonates strongly with me. I am fortunate for the Buddha's teachings, for they have guided me in my daily life and my attitude towards the world and my own internal emotions. It is hard not to let this monkey mind be swayed by praise and blame, gain and loss. But I strongly believe everything originates from the mind. One you have the right mindset, half the battle is won anyway. Much as all nature is empty inherently, the false self I identify with myself is very much shaped and molded by the Buddhist philosophies that I hold closely to.

In the absence of an Almighty Creator God, "religion" will still be a convenient term for Buddhism. "The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend personal God and avoid dogma and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things natural and spiritual as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description. If there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism." - Albert Einstein

One of the very strong reasons why I eventually chose to embrace Buddhism was its relevance to modern Western science and its ability to fill in the gaps yet to be discovered. Buddhism's main emphasis on our mind and self-reliance, instead of supernatural and unseen powers was more relevant to me. Of course this is not to discount the latter, just a personal preference.

Yet at the same time, we have to be mindful of the various teachings and philosophies this world has to offer, each is unique and beautiful in its own way. Human beings are all different, we all have different tastes, different views, different needs and wants. We see the world in a different way and as such, it is impossible to enforce upon a dominant spiritual idea upon everyone. Rather, the diverse forms of religions and philosophies are in their own different way, serving mankind. As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has said, "a biased mind cannot grasp reality", likewise should we constantly open our mind and our hearts to the different views and teachings across the different faiths and that way, we can all grow to become a wiser member of this human race.

I think the Buddha has said it very well, "If you follow a teacher and you find his teaching is conducive to your peace and happiness, follow him."

And to add on,

"One should not only honour one's religion and condemn the religion of others,
but one should honour others' religion for this or that reason." - The Buddha

CEP 2009 - Dhamma Session

CEP 2009 was a new beginning for many camp initiatives. The Dhamma team decided to radically implement new ways of inspiring teens and youth from 12 to 16.

There is always puja offering and meditation (basic relaxation methods as well as breathing meditation). We had beautuful slides done up by Brother 4Bear. The pictures are always all soo inspiring.

The story of Angulimala was told so many times in camp but this time round we decided to go one step further and anaylse the story in line with the theme of friendship and relationships. If we had more time we could go more indepth discussion. However we had to bear in mind most of the campers were only 12 years old.

Lastly, Brahma Vihara or the 4 immeasurables- Metta, Karuna, Mudita and Upekkha - was introduced to developing good relationships. We had 4 stations during this session.

Do enjoy the pictures!!

Love,

Ming

RSVP FOR QING GONG YAN

HEY YOU!

YEAH YOU!

WANNA GO FOR QGY 2009?

BETTER RSVP QUICK! LIMITED SEATS ONLY! RSVP DEADLINE IS TODAY!

SEE DETAILS BELOW!

Friendship Built to Last

by Sincere Cherngsing (Our dearest Camp Mistress!)

Back from camp and had been spending time with SBM peeps. Camp is officially over. Though i wasn't excited about going for it but now somehow i am missing it. :/

Thank you everyone for the hard work. I hope everyone enjoyed cause i did. :D

I've learnt many stuff and of course not forgetting Garlic and Chilli.

Lastly, i am glad i came back to SBM. A place that they see me go through the lowest point of my life and as well as standing back up. Although so may say this place is not as dharmic as compared to outside, well, i believe we are building up. Friendship-built to last was definitely a good theme.

I love all my friends i have made through SBM/CEP. (:

Qing Gong Yan!

Committee members! IF you want to go to QGY, please register with Eugene or Evelyn. For members, go straight to your Captains. For members who don't have houses, go straight to Eugene Tan (9322 4388) or Evelyn (9380 1866).

* Date & Time: 31 Dec 2009, 6pm
* Venue: SBM Back Alley
* Food: Vegetarian Steamboat! -- Choice of Tom Yam or Original Soup Base
* Come dressed like KAMPONG CHILDREN
* $10 per person (THANKYOU!:)

Please include your name & what soup you want :D We'll be more than glad to receive more ideas for this event too!

Note: Vacancies stand at 40 currently so PLEASE RSVP ASAP or by 26 Dec 2009! :D See you there!

110% Revival

Greetings!

I have been keeping tabs on people posting up photos on facebook, as well as the blog posts many of you have expressed about Camp Ehi-Passiko, and how meaningful it has been for every one of you. I must say that, having just arrived on Sunday Night, which is your day 2 for CEP, and missing the rest of the camp due to my quiet admittance to hospital for food poisoning (too much tom yam, i guess), i somehow feel that the energy from the Lim Chu Kang crab farm that i felt when i was at my first CEP at the age of 19 ( ya kinda old but never too late) has caught on to every single one of you organizers as well as campers!

What was fantastic from an outsider's point of view is this:
- 70 campers , surpassing all targets set by everyone before the camp
- 50 organizers, manpower enough to cover for nearly every 1-1 camper-facilitator ratio
- Crab Farm full of interesting terrains and games (i believe with the addition of Cherise, anyways, kudos to games team for meeting up late during one evening at Potong Pasir Macs when i walked past and through the windows saw two NS Men in Ernest and Vicky with Cherise having their meal and talking about the games. The credit for games go to u)
- The smiling faces in all the photos. In actual fact, i felt every smile was genuine.

Apologies for not being there due to my unexpected illness, and i would have really wished to be there, even at age 25, trust me. I speak for Melon too. ha.

But the again, as the new decade beckons, and amidst all the uncertainty we have all faced, conflicts to be resolved, CEP 2009 proved to me one thing:

the new generation has arrived.

I guess the sentence means everything.

Well, its definitely a new year worth for everyone to look forward to. Here are the reasons why:

- CEP 2009's success, though modest, brings about new vigour, and most importantly, new members who might want to join the SBM fold. We welcome you, along with the new year of positives!

- Mansjuri Secondary School's Buddhist Interact Club finally garnering 1st CCA reputation, and yes we needa do a camp for them!

- Camp L.i.o.n.s steps into its second coming, and roar it will.

- The 2nd Sports Camp itienary will be out soon, and i will be looking to new leaders to lead in this program! (BTW, definitely for Ian and Madeline's Sis, Ming, where are our singlets for the first one!!!!)

- Other youth groups and friends such as Bee Low See Youth and Buddhist Fellowship Youth too had their year end camps completed successfully (Shout out to the organizers, who are LIONS as well, G-Double-O-D, J-O-B!)

I feel really glad, and yes, my generation-old brothers in Ming and Xiong, thanks for the advice rendered to them during CEP 2009, i believe your support was immense to them too! Sabbhe Satta Sukhi Hontu.

Qing Gong Yan is coming, and i hope campers would all attend it? and join in the fun, together with organizers Evelyn and Eugene!

Meanwhile, i look forward to the next time i see you guys in a gathering and hopefully, put my hands into games and come out of self-imposed retirement!

Cheers and Sadhu!

Alvin

Reflections of CEP 2009

Hi CEPians!

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ???!!!

Yet another important chapter of 2009 has passed. This year's theme was friendship built to last. While I do hope that this friendship within SBM is one that last a lifetime, I do know that the wonderful happy memories of this 4 days 3 nights camp will indeed stick with me for life.

Having been through numerous camps, I must say that this camp at the Lim Chu Kang farm stay had been uniquely memorable and joyful. Why? The location is different, GLs played their roles well with so much love and compassion, the organisers has such wonderful chemistry with one another, many new ideas were successfully implemented, skits were so entertaining I cant stop laughing, etc (I'm sure many of you can see why).

All the SBM organising committee (GLs and camp committee) had put in so much effort to make sure that the campers will enjoy this 4 days 3 nights. Can't you feel the love and care for one another (towards campers and towards organisers)? I sincerely felt it and it moved me greatly. As such, I am deeply grateful for all of you.

Camp master and Camp mistress

I would like to thank you two for all the time and effort spent in getting your committee together and work towards a common goal. While Sincere CS was always at the front stage, Kaiwen was always working behind the scenes. They worked very well to ensure a smooth and obstacle-free camp. Ofcourse, the most lasting memory of them would be the sincerity in praying for a rain free camp! To a certain extent, it was a hilarious process =)! For more information do approach them.

Group Leaders

Group leaders have always been an important part of the organising committee. In the camp, they are the ones that has to show virtues of understanding, compassion, patience and loving-kindness. Despite how difficult the situation is, you all handled it very well. Seeing the manifestation of your care and concern through your actions bring joy to my heart. I understand its a demanding and tiring role but I'm sure it is fufilling! Thank you for your dedication.

Messing Team

My words can hardly express how impressed and touched I am by the efforts of the messing team led by Ying Hui. Through the years, for those who always wondered why the messing team cannot help other organisers or interact with campers, that is because the have no time to rest! After breakfast, its preparations for lunch, after lunch its cleanup and preparation for dinner, after dinner its supper! When will it end?

However, this year's messing team was fortunate enough to have many volunteers to share the burden and load. Thank you Ying Hui, Andrinna, Madeline, Mabel, Zekui, Pearly, Zeyan, Jowell Bearpaw, Yuanyi, Wanling, my parents, granny and all who helped.

So any volunteers for next year's messing team? I know Muah Chee has a volunteer haha.

Games and Skit team



This team has always taken the limelight due to their expressive and creative nature. The inclusion of Cherise into the team has led to vast improvements in administration which was direly lacking in years! Cherise dedication to serve the campers has led to her falling pretty ill right after campfire. Shixiong had to drive her home to have a good rest. Thank you Cherise. Ofcourse, you have the rest of the team: Ernest, Vicky, Ian, Kevin, Mao Mao (FANG RUI), Pearson, Victor, Sherman, Jian Yong, Yeow Cheong, Keith and Wah Long.

You all never fail to entertain the rest. This year, your jokes have upgraded, games have upgraded and implemented many new and important ideas which worked well inline with the theme of the camp! It was really well done!

Dhamma sessions





This year, Dhamma sessions had a revamp! Every year we are continually finding ways to improve it, constantly changing to suit to the needs of the campers. Finally there seem to be a break through. For that I'll like to thank Mabel for her suggestions and late nights with us to brainstorm for ideas. Also would like to thank Amy for her help despite not being able to attend the camp (Sorry that you cant be here girl).

Ofcourse there's brother 4 Bear who through the years brainstormed with me on ways to inspire others to learn the Dhamma. His puja powerpoint slides never fail to impress me. Did you all like the pictures?

Next year, we intent to expand the team and improve on the current model which seemed to work better. Who wants to be in the team to inspire? =).

Logistic Team


This team was led by Jian Yong and for the first time, I was not activated to buy logistic items during the planning phase!!! YAY! hahah. Thanks bro for taking the initiative to help out and contacting all the transport companies.

Administrative team

I did not personally oversee the administration of this camp but for once, they managed to collect camp fees from organisers before the camp!!! haha. Thank you Evelyn for your help despite your super ultra busy JC schedule!

Campfire ICs

Nananana nanananana! Thankfully for them, we finally have a mass dance this year! We now have a wonderfully "irritating" song that will linger around my head for a very long time! haha.

All of them had multiple roles in camp, from games to Dhamma to messing to song singing. Really impressive to see how they can switch from one role to the other and yet be high enough to lead the cheers and song singing. Thank you girls - Mabel, Andrina, Sincere CS and Madeline!

Video/Photog/AV guy

This is none other than Zhen Yu! In the past, comprise of at least 2 to 3 people, but Zhen Yu single handedly handled AV while taking photographs and videos for the camp! Three cheers for Mr Capable.

To all volunteers who I've not named, really thank you for being part of this team. These volunteers include SLY, Grace, Bro Lim from Metta Lodge and those who came on either days to help out in the respective teams! If I've not name you please forgive me and remind me! Thank you all for making it possible.

In summary, Camps are a great activity for us not only to enjoy but for us to See for Ourselves (Ehi-passiko spirit) Dhamma in action. We can see how can our efforts bear fruits of joy and happiness, we can cultivate virtues of compassion, patience and tolerances towards others, we start to understand one another and learn how to work with one another. These are the important practical lessons that CEP can give us where money can't buy.

Despite the great success of the camp, we should not be complacent and strive to improve our chracter and organising capabilities. Ultimately, in SBM we all aspire to grow and learn from one another. I believe we have successfully lined up our activity with our mission - To bring happiness to other through the Triple Gems!

Love,
Zeming

庆功宴 2009! SBM Youth Year-End Celebration!

Hello friends!

Are you trying to relive days in camp? Do you want a gathering with your best buddies once again?
If your answer is YES, do not hesitate because Qing Gong yan (庆功宴) 2009 is here !

Our theme this time round is 当我们同在一起 and all of us, young & not-so-young, will crowd at the same tables over pots of steaming hot steamboat! How heartwarming isn't it! What's more attractive is that Qing Gong Yan 2009 is OPEN TO ALL OF YOU! Be it whether you've came for one camp or ten camps! It's the time of the year where all of us get together!

Afraid that you'll feel bored? Fret not! We have exciting programmes & games planned by Zhi Xiong & Xin Yi, awesome sound tracks you can move and groove to, gifts to be taken home, and of course photos (that you take) that will freeze these moments of laughter not only in your memory but also on facebook, scrapbook, blogs & everywhere :)

* Date & Time: 31 Dec 2009, 6pm
* Venue: SBM Back Alley
* Food: Vegetarian Steamboat! -- Choice of Tom Yam or Original Soup Base
* Come dressed like KAMPONG CHILDREN
* $10 per person (THANKYOU!:)

Itching to come down? There is one last step to take before coming: PLEASE RSVP!
Existing members please take the initiative to notify your house captains / vice captains.
For Moggallana, Wanling & Raymond. For Ananda, Pearson & Kevin.
If you cannot reach them or do not know which house you are in or are new or any other reason there's always
Eugene Tan (9322 4388) or Evelyn (9380 1866)

Please include your name & what soup you want :D We'll be more than glad to receive more ideas for this event too!

Note: EVERYONE coming is to be dressed like Kampong Children (Be creative! :D)
Note: Vacancies stand at 40 currently so PLEASE RSVP ASAP or by 26 Dec 2009! :D See you there!

With metta,
Evelyn, On behalf of Eugene

PM Lee on Chili and Onions

Smiles work miracles

by Tessa

CEP'09 ended with blast. Surprising to realize that it was my first ever time attending a full camp, without leaving the campsite at all due to trainings or other commitments. Must say that the feeling of attending full camp and partial camp sure is different! So arriving at the site on Day 1, we just bumped into a group, which we later recognized to be ours. Fisherman's Friends started of from strangers in Day 1 to acquaintances in Day 2 to friends in Day 3. Staying throughout the whole camp really allowed me to see how the group has progressed and performed gradually, and especially how their attitude towards camp had transformed from nothing to something.

Being GL wasn't something new, but just as always, when I was assigned to a whole new group, I always have the jitters and uncertainty of what might lie ahead. The objective was always the same, I wanted them to have fun, to open up and ultimately be inspired by the dharma, but just as always, it's easier said than done. Honestly, when I first met with my group, I didn't have the confidence that I would be able to lead them properly. But things got better as the days progressed as the campers gradually began to open up and get high and enthusiastic. But the most amazing part was still the campfire. Quickly through the song singing, everyone got scattered everywhere, and were separated from their groups. But occasionally, glancing at the initially refused-to-move-an-inch campers, which where now shaking and waving and dancing crazily along with the music, it got really heart-warming and satisfying. Afterall, it's the satisfaction of the campers towards the camp that denotes the success rate, and I'm pretty sure that the campers had great fun in these few days. I really liked to see you all smiling and laughing and singing crazily away. Seeing that made every sweat, blood and effort we put into camp very very worthwhile, just for you. Ahhh, I don't know how to express all my thoughts and feeling properly but ahhhh, love manymanyyyyyy! <3

And I really owe Yi Xiang and Elysia a very very extremely big thank you for leading the group in any and every possible way. Thank you for being so ever ready since the moment camp began and continuously looking towards camp in a positive attitude. Thank you for your encouraging words and lively spirits. Thank you for being there. Couldn't have done it without you all. (:

And thank you Fisherman's Friend for making CEP'09 a memorable and enjoyable time for me. You guys are awesome (:

And Brilliant job to the other GLs and Organisers as well. Excellent-Well Done! Zi high moment was fun while it lasted. haha (:

And for all those who are sick and lost their voices, get well soon!

The 6 Groups of Camp Ehi-Passiko

71 Campers + 50 Organisers = 120 People!!!

SBM Youth

I used to call them "kids" especially since I see them all as my own little brothers and sisters.

It may seems odd now but I saw most of them through their journey from secondary to tertiary. Back then, I was still serving in the army and the age gap seems huge. But this camp round, I realise not so anymore. They are now no more kids, but my peers. I see them taking over the major responsibilities, introduce new ideas and concept, rising to the tide and most importantly, see the value in their work, even when most of the time the work goes unnoticed behind the scenes at the expense of their social life.

But I know they are going to do an even better job than their seniors did. I know. You guys got the creativity, the energy and most importantly, the unity.

I think Ernest's Facebook message tells it all the motivation behind their team's hardwork:

"it's good to see all the smiles and happy faces of everyone, CEP FTW"

Indeed it is. Think about the tough work you have done, the countless blood, sweat and tears just to make this camp a success. Just so the campers can have a good and relaxing time, making new friends, playing interesting group games, learning about the Dhamma and most importantly, taking a break, a pause in their often stressful and hectic life. You guys have just given everyone joy and soul in their hearts. Even for just four days, a seed has been planted.

So keep it going guys, and most importantly, keep the faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha strong. Keep on going, building a conducive and friendly environment where young people can grow together, under the guidance of the Buddha and his teachings, and the companionship of good brothers and sisters. And lastly, always always be ready to stand by one another.

My spirit is rarely down but whenever I am, SBM Youth are one of my main source of inspiration and hope in this world. And as I have said before, some of the greatest people that ever happened in my 24 years of living on this planet.

A story from the sutta to end if off. One day Ananda, his closest disciple, came up to the Buddha and said: 'Lord, I think that half of the of the Holy Life is spiritual friendship, association with the Lovely.' And the Buddha replied: 'That's not so; say not so, Ananda. It is not half of the Holy Life, it is the whole of the Holy Life.

G-Double-O-D-J-O-B

The 18th Camp Ehi-Passiko is a success, thanks to all the organizers and members of SBM Youth, for their undying support, hard work and effort that are most of the time, behind the scenes away from the limelight. But you guys know who you are.

Of course the loudest applause goes out to Camp Master Kaiwen and Camp Mistress Sincere (the Myna).

It is not an overstatement when I said you guys from SBM are really some of the best things that ever happened in my life.

- Brother Bear

HELLO EVERYONE.
IT'S OFFICIALLY DAY MINUS ONE TODAY!

Gentle reminder to all, day zero is for ALL Org and GLs.
Please report 8.30AM at SBM. Be puntual! (:

Also, it is compulsory for everyone to bring shoes and sleeping bags.

Those who cannot make it for Day zero please tell Kaiwen or Chenxin ASAP.
Alternatively, you can meet on Day One at Lavender MRT with the campers at 8.30AM as well.
But, let us know first!

Please rest well everyone, the weather is terrible!

To get everyone eggcited, here are the group names:

Chingu
Barney
Muah chee
Fisherman's friend
Oompah loompah
Aibo

They are all inspired from the theme friendship. Want to know why they choose those names? Find out from the GLs!

With Metta,
CS

Ello people!

This is a call to ALL GLs that attendance on DAY ZERO of CEP is COMPULSORY. We need manpower people and you're our free labour! To confirm the date with all of you, it's the coming FRIDAY 18th DEC 2009. The time to be at SBM is still unconfirmed though it'll be early in the morning. So please free up your schedules for the day.

List of things to do at Crab farm:

- Cut and clear grass

- Clear walking path

- Cleaning up attic/ main hall lvl 2

That is quite alot. So thank you for your help and see you there!

Cherise

HELLO ALL, CEP IS IN TWO WEEK'S TIME. ARE YOU EGGGGGGGGGGCITED?

BECAUSE I AM.(:

Here are the confirm list of GLs:

Xinyi

Xinde

Zhi Xiong

Adeline

Yong Ting

Li Jia

Melody

Wei Jie

Yin Hong

Eunice

Tessa

Wen Jing

Hazel

Forestor

Yi Xiang

Sara

Elysia

Those who are not in the list, don't worry. Not that you are not up to the quality but we feel that there's much chance for you in the future! (I am trying to say you are still young!)

GLs please remember that SKC IS THIS COMING SAT, those who haven report strength, please do so ASAP! Thanks! (:


On a random note, we are on Facebook too! Spread it to all your friends!
(Facebook link here)

With Metta,
CS

Modern day retelling

of Prince Siddhartha coming face to face with Mara (the personification of the illusion of our ego self) and eventually realizing enlightenment to become the Buddha.

From the film, Little Buddha, by Bernando Bertolucci



The 3 daughters of Mara signifies the dark side that exist within every individual; Greed, Hatred and Ignorance.

A skinny Keanu Reeves apparently underwent a strict eating and exercise regime, portrays the Buddha.

Hello All,

CEP is in about three weeks' time! I hope everyone is EGGGGGGGCITED.
As you all know we will be having SKC on 12, 13 december, we will be having CAMP PREPARATIONS on 5th December @ SBM, 1PM.

Please come down and help!

We will be doing:

1. Shopping for Logistic
2. Packing of Logistics into boxes
   
3. Choppppp Campfire Wood
4. Campfire Song Singing
5. COLLECT CAMP FORMS, PLEASE BRING YOUR FORMS.
   

We really appreciate your help.

With love,
CS