Sunday, May 29, 2011

Vesak @ SBM

Birthday Boys

"Old Folks"


Jealous.

With Chief Monk, Ven. Dr. Anuruddha and Chief Resident Monk, Ven. Dhammika.


Happy Vesak! May the Blessings of the Triple Gems be with one and all! Every success with all your endeavours.

Vesak @ Orchard


Singing and rapping.

Jailbreak Girls strikes again.

Resident crooner.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Under the sea.. Under the sea...



Snorkeling in a place like this is paradise; isn't it?

I felt at ease in the water because I could block out the talking of others.

The beautiful fishes swam past in schools. If I swam after them, I would probably end up somewhere too far from the boat. I could only look at them, appreciate while they go.

If I fixate my vision on one pretty fish, I would miss out the other pretty fishes that are swimming around.

If I daydream about other things while being in the water, I would not be able to appreciate the fishes.

Isn't this all about life? About living in the moment; about non-attachment?

Understand thus, it's true paradise I felt myself in.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Lord's Compassion

Putting aside the bonds offspring have for their parents, and giving up the love he felt for his wife and child, the Lord renounced the world and dedicated himself to the quest of truth. He did this for the good of the many for the welfare of the many, for the good, the welfare and the happiness of gods and humans, out of compassion of the world.

Turning his back on great wealth and royal glory, and all the security they provide, the Lord renounced his palace to live in the lonely forest. He exchanged a golden palace for the roots of the trees. He did this for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

Assailed by Mara and his army, attacked by fearful shapes and sounds, enduring menace and doubt, the Lord remained calm and resolute, never being diverted from his noble quest. He overcame Mara for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

When the Lord attained enlightenment and achieved his high purpose, he decided to teach what he had realized to others, rather than enjoy the happiness of liberation alone. The Lord did this for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

When he heard that Angulimala was waylaying travelers and murdering them, the Lord disregarded the dangers of the lonely roads and went to teach him the Dhamma of peace. He did this for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

When the Lord could have partaken in royal banquets, he was content to eat scraps and simple fare. He could have worn cloth of gold gowns but he was satisfied with a robe of rags. The Lord did this for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

Disregarding the heat and dust of Summer and the icy winds of the Winter, the Lord traversed long roads and paths, byways and jungle tracks, to teach the Dhamma to one and all. He undertook such journeys for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

Although abused by Asurinda, denied alms by the people of Pancasala, and mocked by the ascetic Nigrodha, the Lord never turned his back on the hostile, but remained open and friendly. He acted thus for the good of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion of the world.

By: Venerable S. Dhammika, http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Awakening



Hollywood's take.

Little Buddha

Little Buddha (1993) directed by Bernado Bertolucci.

An ingenuity by Bernado Bertolucci, seeing how he managed to interweave the ancient tale of the Buddha and the modern lives of an American suburban kid and his exploration of this strange Eastern philosophy.

Many Buddhists I know are bored death by the film, having seen it umpteenth time and refused to have it screen again. Personally I find it the most entertaining and enriching Buddhist film ever produced, even if it's Hollywood. There was a time when I was searching desperately for this piece of DVD rarity and there was a time there was a sudden explosion on the shelves. It's back to the former again. Timely reminder this Vesak.

You are pure illusion, you do not exist. The earth is my witness.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Cameras, Rolling...ACTION!!!


Every wanted to shoot your own film? learn the techniques of photography and videography? Or even do a simple video edit for you school project or a friend?

Sign up to our Film Making Class where you'll learn new film and photography skills that will enhance your creative potential! Its FREE!

Sign up now, Call Zeming @ 94888903 or Shi Xiong @ 97599802

This is a FREE course for SBM members, BF members and friends of SBM.

We have about 4 vacancies left

Our first lesson starts this weekend @ 11.30am Saturday for Introduction to Film making where we'll be watching some movie clips!

Come on down and join us for the introduction class!




BOTIF is the latest project by Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth). It comprises of an 8-week Basic Filmmaking Course conducted free by volunteers for all youths from SBM and the Buddhist community in Singapore and it culminates with the participants making their own Buddhist-themed short films.



BOTIF is a play on the words Bodhi and Motif and encapsulates the spirit and aspiration of its volunteers and participants to create moving images inspired by the Triple Gems.


COURSE SCHEDULE:



Lesson 1: Introduction to Filmmaking 14 May
Lesson 2: Buddhist Films 21 May
Lesson 3: Directing 28 May
Lesson 4: Editing 4 June
Lesson 5: Cinematography 11 June
Lesson 6: Producing 25 June
Lesson 7: Script Writing 2 July
Lesson 8: Basic Acting 9 July

Time: 11am to 1pm

Location: Singapore Buddhist Mission

Nostalgia

While cleaning my room, I found this piece of document. It was old and yellow. I can't remember when it was issued but it brought back memories. Lots of them. How long has it been since my first camp? How long has it been when I joined SBM? It did bring a few good laughs at first, then I realized how much things have changed.

Over the years, we have members joining and leaving us. SBM went through some renovations too! We used to have 2 cats, but now we are left with one. Things change - impermanence. I remember looking through some of the old photo albums in SBM with Hangqi, back when we were suppose to make a small photo montage for an SBM dinner event. The photos were of SBM events, some of which took place before we were born! Many of the photos were full of smiles and people laughing, there were even photos of Zeming as a kid!

I did have a lot of fun and great memories from when I just joined SBM, from my first camp, my first time being GL, the first vesak @ Orchard until now!

Throughout these years, we still stand by "Bringing joy to others and oneself through the Triple Gems" that's something that hasn't change and I am glad it hasn't. And that's something that we should never forget! Some people find joy in the teachings, some find joy in the spiritual friendship. So how about you? :D




Oh yeah, here's the document I was talking about!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

V-V-V-V-V-V-VESAK Day!


Helloooooooo everyone! V-V-V-V-V-V-V-Veask Day is here! Well, not really but it will be on 17 May 2011! There's gonna be fun games, yummy food, a jumble sale and RAINBOW SNOW ! So come on down and check it out because not only will there be many fun filled-activities and good (vegetarian) food for you to try, it would be a good chance to rekindle your connection with the triple gems as Vesak Day is one of the few significant days in the Buddhist Calendar!

So don't be shy, take this opportunity to bring some family and friends along! Come on down to SBM on the 17th May 2011, Tuesday!

DRESS CODE: WHITE TOP AND LONG WHITE BOTTOMS (at least 3/4 pants)

Of course, we will be needing help in setting up and other preparations. If you are free and interested in lending a hand, do pop by SBM on 14th May (Saturday) and 16th May (Tuesday)!

Thank you for time!

V-V-V-V-V-V-V-Vicky, signing off! :D

Monday, May 2, 2011

BOTIF


BOTIF is the latest project by Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth). It comprises of an 8-week Basic Filmmaking Course conducted free by volunteers for all youths from SBM and the Buddhist community in Singapore and it culminates with the participants making their own Buddhist-themed short films.

BOTIF is a play on the words Bodhi and Motif and encapsulates the spirit and aspiration of its volunteers and participants to create moving images inspired by the Triple Gems.


COURSE SCHEDULE:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Filmmaking 14 May

Lesson 2: Buddhist Films 21 May

Lesson 3: Directing 28 May

Lesson 4: Editing 4 June

Lesson 5: Cinematography 11 June

Lesson 6: Producing 25 June

Lesson 7: Script Writing 2 July

Lesson 8: Basic Acting 9 July

Time: 11am to 1pm

Location: Singapore Buddhist Mission