Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth)

Psychological Gardening

2012-01-26T21:07:00.001+08:00

Yesterday my lecturer said something that struck a cord :

"Our mind is like a garden. Without psychological gardening, we will be continuously infested with weeds of negativity.

Only when we continuously take care of these weeds and clear our minds will we be able to stay positive and clear-headed."

Have you guys been doing your psychological gardening?

Gong Xi Fa Cai

2012-01-24T15:53:00.002+08:00

Hello Everybody!

How have you people been doing? Collecting enough angpows and eating enough bakwas and pineapple tarts over there?

CNY over here is equivalent to normal day around life, except for the fact that we can't pack four season's roasted duck home to eat :(

Living here is like living around a retreat center, where it gets dark before 5pm, streets get deserted, and all around is peace and quiet. (Maybe not so peaceful outside the house, since it's kinda dangerous.)

If not for Jelicia entertaining me with cereal prawns, ondeh ondeh, and Ernest tempting me with the infamous ahlian beehoon, life here would be like a retreat. (Yes, our director of welfare services is extending her services and love all the way to Hertfordshire with the assistance of whatsapp).

I'm not saying it's that bad, because there's no reason to procrastinate. It's the perfect day to walk down the path where trees are bare, where squirrels fly around and apples fill the floor. The weather is never too hot, and the radiator is never too warm. Everyday I walk down the streets looking at the scenery.

My friends commented that the blue-ness of the sky here is a lot nicer than Singapore's, and another commented that we don't even take note of the sky in singapore, which is very true. How many times have we slowed down to look at the awesomeness around us?

There's a dedicated room in school for meditation, though for now doing it in my room provides me with good conditions. AThere's literally nothing to distract me/give me reason to procrastinate. I'm looking forward to attending the Buddhist service on Thursday, although in the photo i see lots of white hair. Let's go surprise them with some youngster walking in :)

It's so peaceful down here, and I'm enjoying this slow motion pretty much :) (But there's still this part of me that's waiting for Amy to come over soon so I can hop around town with her. Sorry zeming!)

Don't worry, all is good here. And how are you guys?

Relics of CEP

2012-01-22T18:56:00.004+08:00

Post-Spring Cleaning. Relics of Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth). Will post the camp booklet from the inaugural Camp Ehi-Passiko 1997, of which yours truly was only a young and innocent 12 years old boy.

Above are documents from the planning of Camp Ehi-Passiko Dec 2004 and June 2005.

Celebrating 30 Years of Dhamma Propagation

2012-01-18T00:52:00.004+08:00

Singapore Buddhist Mission may be a small and humbleBuddhist centre but it has been influential and innovative in the spread of theBuddha’s teachings here in Singapore. It is the first Buddhist organisation inSingapore to publish Dhamma books and conduct classes and talks to the generalpublic in the English language. In recent years, the Mission is also thecreator of one of the world’s first Buddhist application on iPhone and iPad,the pocket Pali Chanting.

To celebrate the 30^th anniversary of theMission’s founding, members of the Maha Sangha, devotees and friends ofSingapore Buddhist Mission come together on 3 December 2011 for a Gala Dinner

A ten-course vegetarian dinner was accompanied with avariety of song and dance performances put up by youth members. The audienceswere treated to a candle light procession to the tune of Chattavimana Gatha, aflash-mob dance performance, Buddhist hymn singing and Buddhist rock songsperformed by our very own youth members. SBM also had the honour of having Messengersof Dhamma, a popular Buddhist choir group in Malaysia, to perform anumber of original Buddhist hymns.

The Singapore Buddhist Mission has been a family to all its membersand friends because of the hard work and effort of its spiritual advisors,members and volunteers. May we also applaud and appreciate the efforts of allwho have contributed to the Mission in one way or another. The Mission will notbe what it is today without you. As the spiritual journey of the Missioncontinues, may it continue to grow in faith, wisdom and compassion and continueto be a family to all its devotees.

30th anniversary has been such a spiritual uplifting journeyto see how SBM has grown from a simple mission to what we are today. To see howthe young and old are able to celebrate as one together with the Sangha evokesa sense of belonging not only to SBM but to the greater mission of serving theBuddhist community. It has been my pleasure to organise such a joyous event.
- Kerwin Kwek Zeming. Chief Organiser, 30^thAnniversary Gala Dinner.

Every member of the audience was also entitled to anexclusive door gift; a tote bag specially designed by youth member, Liew Yuanyifor the event. Yuanyi is inspired by the love and compassion of the Buddha andaspires to express her faith within her artworks.

Newly revamped Tri-Monthly Newsletter!

2012-01-17T23:13:00.002+08:00

The newly revamped tri-montly newsletter of SBM is the brainchild of Kassapa House of Communication! Thank you Team for the great job. Refreshing to see a new design. Cheers to Comms. Director Png Zhenyu and House Advisor Ryan Lee!

CEP Post Camp Activities

2012-01-16T23:14:00.015+08:00

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 Videos

2012-01-15T23:34:00.003+08:00

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 - Old School from zenhora on Vimeo.

A post to remind us on the benefits and goals of meditation

2012-01-10T15:47:00.000+08:00

Do Buddhists meditate to “reach God through silence”?

BY SHI CHUANGUAN, ON 10TH JANUARY, 2012
Source: buddhavacana.net

This morning started off as Tuesdays do for me since 2009 September. My Dharma brother Cheng Soon and I would meet at the Buddhist Library and we would do translation of the Buddhist teachings, from Chinese to English. Today was no different. Except when I read the sms from a friend about the Straits Times article "Quiet contemplation on common ground" by review editor Chua Mui Hoong.

Over the last weekend (7th & 8th January 2012), representatives from various faiths came together for a seminar on "The Contemplative Dimension of Faith". The theme and title was "common ground", representing the contemplative practice (meditation) that is common in many religions.

As I read the article before lunch today, a line grabbed my attention.

"… they are all engaged in a practice both unique to their tradition, and common to all faiths: reaching God through silence."

I reread the article and line a few times but did not seem to figure out how came about. I've posted the picture below on my facebook wall to highlight that it is either a misrepresentation or misinterpretation of Buddhist meditation shared during the seminar.

In my article in the handout given during the seminar, I explicitly highlighted that "Buddhists have no belief in a creator God". This almost did not survive the final edition due to … a space constraint … but made it to print after the organising team managed to resolve it. I'm glad I insisted because even with that clear assertion and my session where I pointed out the clear path, fruits and goal of Buddhist meditation, Ms Chua unfortunately went away from the seminar with the wrong understanding.

Buddhists do not meditate to reach God through silence.

Simply put, Buddhists meditate to cultivate Samadhi (Concentration) and Prajna (Wisdom). This wisdom culminates in Nirvana, i.e. complete Cessation of Suffering, attaining the fruit of Arahanthood or Buddhahood. This is not communion with god/God(s).

There are some Buddhists and moderate theistic person who may wonder why this monk need to highlight this. After all, isn't a common ground more meaningful for peace and harmony than picking on the details? As they say, the devil is in the details.

By highlighting this in the handout, talk, on fb and here, I'm clarifying what is and is not Buddhism. If this remains unmentioned, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike may start to think that Buddhists also pray to God, just using different names, when in fact we do not.

Further, by highlighting this here, and especially during Geylang Serai Inter-Racial And Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) and other dialogues in Singapore, I am trying to promote understanding and not mere 'feel good, we are the world, hands together' homogenised world religion type of understanding.

Common ground is a very noble and beautiful effort by the Christian community towards interfaith harmony and understanding. Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and its members supported this seminar precisely because of that. But common ground was not meant to and should not lead to homogenisation. Homogenisation can and I believe has lead to the exact opposite: Fundamentalism.

As I mention in numerous talks, Buddhists do not have a belief in God (boys and girls, how many times have I mentioned this? Sunk in yet?), but this does not make theistic believers our enemy nor us yours. And that is very important moving forward, both in peace and harmony, but also nurturing in-depth understanding amongst faiths.

In parting, I believe that as Sister Theresa communicated to me through sms, Ms Chua was sharing her personal experience in good faith. But I believe it would serve the readers and public better if her sharing reflect what is reality.

Manjusri Secondary Sch Sec 1 Orientation

2012-01-08T02:25:00.000+08:00

First project of 2012: helping with Manjusri Secondary School's Secondary 1 Orientation. Spearheaded by Manjusri's Buddhist Interact Club (BIC). Thank you Mrs. Cheng for always giving us the opportunity to serve!

Finding every reason to celebrate

2012-01-05T00:40:00.002+08:00

I recall on day 1 of camp, the organisers were so sad. so sad that they didn't live up to their own expectations, so sad that there were changes, so sad of this, so sad of that.

so we went around to ask for the most fulfilling thing that happened in that day. Many had trouble choosing what was most fulfilling, because many good things did happen. However, they were just preoccupied on the negative happenings.

Every single one of them had something fulfilling that occured in their day, and that alone was enough to make them see the fruits that were born out of their effort, determination, hardwork and sacrifices made.

That, was alone, enough to motivate them to continue for the rest of the camp.

That day my mom told yinghui's mom that we, as SBMY, celebrate christmas (though it's not really part of our religion) because "we find every reason to celebrate".

Remember to find reasons to celebrate in our lives, and not just reasons to be sad over. We'll then realise that life is a lot better, a lot happier and a lot more meaningful.

If the Buddha is not a god why do people worship him?

2012-01-05T00:09:00.001+08:00

QUESTION: If the Buddha is not a god why do people worship him?

ANSWER:

There are different types of worship. When someone worships a god, they praise him or her, make offerings and ask for favors, believing that the god will hear their praise, receive their offerings and answer their prayers. Buddhists do not practice this kind of worship. The other kind of worship is when we show respect to someone or something we admire. When a teacher walks into a room we stand up; when we meet a dignitary we shake hands; when the national anthem is played we salute. These are all gestures of respect and worship and indicate our admiration for a specific person or thing. This is the type of worship Buddhists practice.

A statue of the Buddha with its hands resting gently in its lap and its compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. The perfume of incense reminds us of the pervading influence of virtue, the lamp reminds us of the light of knowledge, and the flowers, which soon fade and die, reminds us of impermanence. When we bow we express our gratitude to the Buddha for what his teachings have given us. This is the meaning of Buddhist worship.

- Good Questions Good Answer, Venerable S. Dhammika.

Our World

2012-01-04T23:52:00.002+08:00

We are only 4 days into the New Year. What's your New Year resolution gonna be like?

In December 2008, we made this video as part of Kong Meng San's Spiritual Countdown celebrations to the New Year. 4 years on, how has the world changed?

Xmas Party

2012-01-04T00:16:00.001+08:00

2012

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000+08:00

My wish for 2012 is for the youth group to grow further in strength, wisdom and compassion. In addition, may the younger members be able to establish themselves in the youth group and become future leaders of the Mission.

We've come so far together. In 2012, we will celebrate the Crystal Year of the founding of our youth group. There will be more meaningful activities to be organised through which we hope the Dhamma can continue to inspire our youths.

If you have an idea, something you would like to try and do for the community, voice it out and let the seed be grown here. Try it out here, we will give you your support. It can be anything. From concerts, skits, writing Dhamma books or even forming your own boyband (-.-).

May all your endeavours be fruitful. May there be academic excellence for students and success in work for our young working adults. May the blessings of the Triple Gems be with you always. May you and your loved ones be well and happy.

Bro. Piaya Tan's Reflection

2012-01-02T11:14:00.001+08:00

Being everything to everyone

Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the 1983 mockumentary and comedy film Zeligis about Leonard Zelig, a nondescript man who has the ability to totallytransform himself chameleon-like to that of someone near him. Whilemingling with the rich at a party, Zelig sings their praises in arefined, snobbish way, but in the kitchen with the servants, he, in athick working-class class lingo, seethes indignantly at the fat cats.One moment he is a renowned actor, the next a learned doctor; then abaseball player; and after that the son of a famous jazz musician.

When Zelig is admitted to a hospital, he is treated by a womanpsychiatrist, Eudora Fletcher. She tries to heal him of his strangedisorder. Under hypnotism, she discovers that Zelig has no personalityof his own. So strongly does he yearn for security and approval fromothers that he physically changes to assume the personality of thegreatest ego near him.

Through sheer perseverance and love, Eudora cures Zelig, but not withoutcomplications. She elevates Zelig’s self-esteem so high that, for awhile, he swings to the other extreme: he is violently intolerant ofother people’s opinions, no matter how simple! In psychological terms, wecan say that Zelig is switching from the defence mechanism ofidentification to that of aggression.

Eudora, in due course, realizes she is falling in love with Zelig.Through the media, both doctor and patient become famous. Ironically,this very fame is what separates them. In fact, the same society thatmade Zelig a hero, then destroys him. Numerous women claim that hemarried them, and legal proceedings ensue. Zelig’s disorder returns ashe tries to fit in once more, and he disappears.

In due course, Eudora finds him in Germany working with Hitler and theNazis before the outbreak of World War II. On seeing Eudora, Zelig’smemory returns, and together they escape in a war-plane. When Eudorafaints in the plane, Zelig, mimicking her flying skills, flies backacross the Atlantic upside down. Back in the US, he is welcomed as ahero again.

Those familiar with the Maha,parinibbana Sutta (D 16) will see what aremarkable parallel the Zelig story has with the Buddha’s declaration onhow he fits in perfectly with the “eight assemblies,” that is, those ofthe nobles, the priests, the householders, the recluses, the Four GreatKings, the Thirty-two Gods, Mara’s host, and the host of the High Godhimself.

“Ananda, I recall having approached such anassembly of many hundreds, assembled with them before, and conversedwith them before, and engaged in discussion with them before. Whatevertheir complexion was then, so was my complexion, too. Whatever was theirvoice then, so was my voice, too. I instructed, inspired, roused andgladdened them with Dharma talk.”[1]

Is the Buddha here being a Zelig personality? Appearances, of course, candeceive, but here the Buddha’s actions and their effects are just theopposite of what Zelig does. The Buddha is clearly not a hollowattention-starved personality. Indeed, he is the awakened one,well known for his love of peace and solitude. The Buddha is a supremelycompassionate and effective teacher. Indeed, while Zelig tries to reachup and out to what he sees as the desirable qualities ofthe greatest egos near him, the Buddha skillfully reaches downand into those who will benefit from his wisdom.

The lesson here is clear. We can never be truly happy, not to say normal,by merely trying to collect and clothe ourselves with what we see assuccess or happiness in others. Simply put, we are then simply notourselves. We may have a social, professional or outward personality,but this can never be permanent. We must fill ourselves fully withhappiness and goodness: this is what we truly are, or, at least, what wereally would like to be.

Often enough, our external lives distract us so that we completelyforget to fill ourselves up internally. Instead of looking outwards, weneed to look within. We need to look deep enough and carefully study whatwholesome qualities we really have, especially qualities that are ofmutual benefit to others and to ourselves. We need to do this before thewalls of success we have built around us collapse, or the floods ofreality overwhelm us. It might just be too late then.

The best way to fill our inner true selves, to live fulfilling lives, isto feel inner peace and enjoy inner beauty. We need to get to knowourselves really better. If not, we will Zelig-like keep looking forapproval from others and patterns to mimic. The reality is that we arepainfully hollow, helplessly trying to echo and enchant others.

Ultimately, this never satisfies us because this is not our true self.We need the courage to be, to be true to ourselves. Only then we can betrue to others. In the Buddha’s teachings, we have thus become trueindividuals.

A very happy new year and many more to come.

Piya Tan ©2012

Campfire Singing

2011-12-30T02:26:00.000+08:00

Campers and organs singing to Bruno Mars.

Ajahn Brahm is coming to town

2011-12-27T10:34:00.003+08:00

Camp Day 1

2011-12-21T00:09:00.001+08:00

For more photos, visit and "Like" our Facebook page.

Organs

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000+08:00

43 organisers (and 7 missing ones)

I don't know how to use better words to describe my heartfelt appreciation for the youths of SBM. It's never easy to do Buddhist youth work in Singapore, with the lack of resources and support and the cynicism of "armchair experts'. These kids probably had "better" things to do during their free time. But they spent countless hours for months preparing for the camp. Then on camp day itself, they climbed the stairs and the hill, lugging along tables, chairs and litres of drinking water against adverse weather elements. They chose to spend as little as possible, like renting the cheapest vehicle they can find, which turn out to be a rickety old van with non-functioning breaks. Even when the weather threatened to spoil the event, their mood never dampens. Environment and conditions can challenge them but they realise that ultimately, it's their attitude towards their surroundings that matters most.

They worked at the background, away from the limelight. Perhaps that's how SBM develops our youths. Serving others in unglamorous roles and see how their sacrifices can add happiness to the lives of others. Some of these organizers are as old as the campers but they readily take on responsibilities, putting the welfare of the campers first.

See the value of serving others and the joy you have in your heart, when you realise that your small little actions could generate into something bigger. Build spiritual friendships in a safe place where you can grow. Spiritual friendship also means that you allow your friends to learn new things and give them space to make mistakes. Understand your faith and realise what an inspiring teacher the Buddha is and how His teachings can benefit yourself and other teenagers Take ownership of this the Mission. It belongs to all of us. Look after it well, make your voices heard and let it grow in wisdom and compassion. Continue to serve with passion as servant-leaders and spiritual friends who look out for one another.

"Spiritual friendship is the whole of the spiritual life." - The Buddha

Life as a camp master

2011-12-20T23:53:00.001+08:00

Mao Mao with the Plankton Kids

Camp Master Fangrui aka Mao Mao and Camp Mistress Mabel.

It was a 5 days 4 nights camp for me. A gruelling yet powerpack experience.

Assuming the role of campmaster was like a new experience for me. Having handling the programmes for CAMP LIONS, I decided to try out for CAMP EHI PASSIKO, thinking that it would be a similar experience and not a problem for me. At that time, I was thinking of working with Mabel, since I had never really work with her first hand.

As a campmaster, the job scope seemed to be easy, taking care of the campers' needs and organisers' needs, play around with them, ensuring that everything goes smoothly is the main priority. But this camp doesn't seem to go in that direction. I have to apologise to all the organisers that I overlooked the welfare of you guys, always pushing you guys to the limits. I am sorry. This camp was like a limit break for all of us. I had never worked so hard in my life just for that 5 days of camp, not even the luxury of shitting in the toilet for 15mins.

However, judging from the faces and feedbacks of the campers throughout, it brings me joy to know that all was worthwhile, and I truly experience this phrase, "When you think of giving up, think of the reason why you hold on for so long".

Mabel
I would like to express my thanks to Mabel Ong, the vice president of SBMY a.k.a my camp mistress. Working with her had made me realised how bad was I at handling the administrative side of the project, her awesomeness at talking with young people is a learning point and also how we are able to trust each other and cover for each other when one is busy. Its only when camp is over, then everything starts replaying through my brain and we worked damm well together even though both of us had different objectives for the camp itself. Thank you Mabel.

Jianyong and games team
The boy with the white hair and charming smile -- my games master. Throughout the process of planning games with him, I was superbly impressed at his organisational skills and how mature he has become. I dare say that I used to think he will forever be lazy and lousy at work, but he proved me wrong, in fact he proved many many people wrong. That's the kind of spirit and determination one should have and he will be a role model for many people. He had a team of new people to work with in the games team, together, they faced alot of challenges when thel camp start. I am glad to say that its an eye opening or rather painful experience for this games team but it was worth every sweat because its only through tough times people learn. I am thankful for their peserverance and determination to keep the games and skits going despite a number of obstacles. Even though we never carry out many of the games planned, but everyone enjoyed themselves =) Thank you.

Yuanyi with the Dylanator
Everyone know that Dylan is worth 10 people combined, but after this camp, Yuanyi s worth 11 people combined. Why? From Day 0 onwards, she only has herself for manpower in the logistics team. She made sure that every bits and pieces of props and items that are needed is there and ensure that everything is so neatly stacked. When she is free, she did not choose to rest, instead she went around offering her help. I can proudly say that she is the only person in the camp to tie the most water bombs, until her hand has blister from tying but she continued because she knows we need it. I am very touched by her commitment to serve. Yuan Yi, thank you very much. =)

ZhenYu and Zeming and Shixiong
Thank you for being the cameramen for the camp, sacrificing your play time in camp. Without you guys, there would be no videos and pictures to view and memories would soon fade. Despite the amount of work you guys have, the time you take to help throughout the camp is appreciated sincerely. I know you guys have jobs and work and it really show me that no matter how busy one can be, as long as one is willing, nothing is impossible. Not to forget amy, zeyan and pearly. But please help me retrieve my photos =(

Elysia, Melody and adeline
My messing girls. It had been a tiring work to always prepare and look after the welfare of the camp. Thanks for taking time off to help me and mabel in our camp, always doing the background work for us. Elysia, You have been a great help for us and I know you are very very tired by day 2 and yet I never hear you complained once. =)

Alvin
Thanks for agreeing to being the campfire master despite the so last minute calling. You created the record for DI YI ZI WU for CEP and also introduced and modified the campfire songs. The campfire was great even though everyone was dancing on the muddy ground and the parents messaged me that they enjoyed and they are more than happy to come to our camp again. It is a memorable campfire for the campers. =)

GLs
A JOB WELL DONE! You guys had performed and exceeded my expectations as the GLs of the campers. Especially for Justin, he teared after receiving many well wishes and heart felt letters from his group members. You guys are the heart of this camp, never once stop beating and infecting the camp with your superb high energy plus positivity. From these, I can see many different styles of leadership, the strict yet kind one, the super high all the way one, the super caring one and many more. I hope that each and every one of you discover the style that you are really comfortable with and use it in your daily life, showing people that you are the best. It a tough job but all of you handle it well and made it through with the smiles of many young kids who look up to you =)

The rest of the organisers
Thank you for taking time off to help out in the camp. I know you guys had been busy with work and it is not easy to do just take time off. Want to let you guys know that i appreciate your help even though it may only be 1 day in camp. Its the effort and thought that counts and without you guys, the camp would be even more tough to handle.

Service leadership is difficult to master, but when one choose to serve with the passion and willingness, I think he or she deserved to be a leader anywhere. I hope everyone take a step back just to do a few mins of reflection and think about what is service leadership. This is a quality I deemed as a heavenly quality.

Thank you

2011-12-19T18:47:00.000+08:00

Hello SBMY

Thank you so so so so much for making CEP 2011 such a great success. The journey definitely hasn't been an easy one, from our location problem to the monsoon season to our manpower shortage and I would proudly say that we have overcome this with the immense amount of effort, planning and determination that each and every one of you have displayed.

Thank you Games Team, for the countless meetings that you have held to make plans and brainstorm for games. Thank you for spending so so so much time at SBM even when I could not be with you guys, and thank you for your commitment and passion towards your role in camp.

Thank you the Campfire team, first from Xinyi and Jianyong and later passed on to Alvin. Thank you for so meticulously consolidating so many so many campfire songs and arranging them all together. Thank you Xinyi for your spontaneous change of role, Thank you Jianyong for taking up 2 roles at once, thank you Alvin for taking over the role so readily. Campfire wouldn't have been such a blast without every one of your effort throughout the whole process.

Thank you Messing Team, especially Ying Hui, who has patiently negotiated with the auntie regarding the food arrangements and the location and the numbers. Like Xinyi, Thank you for spontaneously taking up the role of a GL although you thought you can't do it (and you were proven wrong by yourself).

Thank you Dharma Team, Shi Xiong, Ze Ming, Amy. You guys might think that the campers were not that receptive to the sessions, but you guys have changed one camper's and his family's life. His mommy messaged his GL, Ying Hui:
Thanks for all that you have done for CEP! My son enjoyed it so much that he wanted to join in future activities in SBM and future CEP! We have also noticed visible changes in him that are delighting and surprising! My Husband described him as transformer! Thanks once again and all the organisers!

I believe that such a testament from even one parent is enough to continue to motivate us in the propagation of Dhamma to the youths. Thank you for staying up late in camp to reorganise the materials to better fit the campers' needs. Thank you for continuing to inspiring more people with the Dhamma, it's extremely extremely heartwarming.

Thank you Logistics Team- Yuanyi. Thank you for your continued patience in looking for all the logistics, preparing them, packing them, and arranging them. Thank you for taking so much time for CEP even when you were so busy with schoolwork and 30th Anniversary.

Thank you GLs. Thank you to the older GLs who are willing to take on a role that you thought you would never have again, and thank you for taking the time and initiative to guide the younger GLs. For the younger GLs, thank you for taking on this role and learning from the older ones. Thank you to ALL of you, who selflessly shouted and screamed and engaged the campers to make them enjoy CEP so much. Their smiles do mean a lot to you, don't they?

Thank you to all organisers. Each and every one of your mattered so much to us, because without any single one of you, the others would have to climb more stairs, would have less sleep and set up of anything would have taken longer. Thank you for continuing to do so much despite the aches we got from the very first day at camp. But it was all worth it.

Thank you to Mao Mao, for being such a great Camp Master to work with. Thank you for taking over the planning when i was mugging my ass away, and thank you for being patient with my horrendous temper. Thank you for teaching me how to give people chances and to see the potential in each and every individual.

We have all worked together in this camp with such cohesiveness. I saw initiative in each and every one of you. I saw passion and commitment in each and everyone of you. Remember the most fulfilling things that have occured to you, and the achievements you have made as individuals and as a team. Remember these because they are the fruits of your Right Effort, Right Perseverance and Right Thoughts.

Let us not be complacent, but take it as a reminder and motivation of how much we can achieve together as SBMY, where it means a second home to many of us. Let us continue to build this family as one, and to bring this joy to more.

Thank you CEP. I've learnt a lot from you guys.

-Mabel

The Mission

2011-12-18T21:59:00.001+08:00

Larger than life. Keep it close to your heart, let it grow.

RIP Sister Teresa Hsu

2011-12-14T00:22:00.004+08:00

Your compassion and commitment had brought joy and happiness to the people around you.

May you find peace and happiness within and walk the path towards enlightenment.

Z.Y.

BRB...

2011-12-13T22:24:00.002+08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. We've been busy preparing for Camp! Camp Ehi-Passiko will be held from 15th to 18th December! We will be moving into the Camp tomorrow on Day 0. So see you guys on Monday morning when we are back!

“Fear not, as you look upon me, I will release you, just like a person saving an elephant which has sunk in the mud.” - The Buddha.

May the blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha be with you all in Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011. Thank you organisers for the hard work!

Love Your Parents

2011-12-13T00:59:00.003+08:00

Love your parents. We are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old.

Peparations for 30th Gala Dinner

2011-12-08T00:19:00.001+08:00

SBM Youth

2011-12-06T23:43:00.002+08:00

Spotted a few grammatical errors with the subs. Pardon with it! Shall re-edit it again. MEanwhile, enjoy it on VIMEO, a video introduction of SBM Youth in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Singapore Buddhist Mission.

Aspirations of SBM General Committee 2011

2011-12-05T17:42:00.003+08:00

Quotes and more!

2011-12-05T08:34:00.004+08:00

Happy 30th anniversary SBM!

These pictures with quotes were specifically made for printing in the Gala Dinner. Enjoy while we upload the official pictures and videos of the Dinner! =)

Just to clarify, this is said by cherise and not by the Buddha. hee

Message from Bhante to all youth members

2011-12-04T20:57:00.002+08:00

A bird needs two wings to fly properly. You need to develop both your head and heart in order to become a successful noble human being.If you develop only the qualities of the heart ignoring your brain, you will be a virtuous, kind hearted, good man. But the others may take advantage on you.

On the other hand if you develop only your brain, you will be very intelligent, cleaver and cunning. Since you don't know the value of human qualities you will not hesitate to do any kind of crime. You will not care about other people. You are ready to do anything to get what you want.

Why do you need a religion? Man is a living being who has got a mind which can be developed either in positive or negative way. Buddhism guides you to develop this mental power in proper way so as to become noble, peace loving, intelligent human beings.

A plant needs sunshine, water, good soil and necessary conditions to grow into a healthy strong tree. The SBM youth group provides necessary conditions and create suitable surroundings for Singapore youths to develop spiritually with right vision and correct understanding.Just like parents are happy to see the growing of their children I am very happy to see the great success that the youth wing has achieved. It is a great pleasure to see the team, which started with eight members, has increased to ninety members at the moment.

The first step you took with noble intention and courage made you tread a long way overcoming its barriers and passing the milestones of success. Among many successful Dhamma activities the youth wing has left, I appreciated a lot the Dhamma camps and interactive programs with other youth teams in Singapore. These kinds of programs help to develop spiritual life as well as enhance friendship, right understanding, unity and brotherhood among various Buddhist youth communities.You have inherited a rich Buddhist culture which is more than two thousand five hundred years old. Enriched with that rich culture, realizing modern youth trends and needs, you can be creative and lead the youth in the twentieth century in order to become perfect noble human beings.

Eventually this Dhamma will disappear from the world. There will be a time when nobody will know the path to get out of this immense suffering. Rare is the life of a human being. Fortunate are you to have come across the teachings of the Buddha.
Dhamma is the Light of Wisdom. It is the True Knowledge of Vision. Dhamma is the Cure for all Suffering. It is the unique Path for one's freedom.Practise the Dhamma whenever and wherever possible. Refrain from evil. Cultivate good. Purify your thoughts. You will move from dark to light. You will go from light to light.

May the members of the youth group have mental and physical strength and power to work for the well-beings and happiness of multitude. May you all be well and happy!

With Metta,
Venerable K. Dhammika

Chief Resident Monk and Religious Adviser
Singapore Buddhist Mission

Compassionate listening: a skill we can use

2011-11-20T20:28:00.004+08:00

What Does Compassion Look Like?
In 20 seconds, someone can judge how trustworthy and caring you are.

Published on November 17, 2011 by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. in The Science of Willpower

Can you tell who is compassionate just by looking at them?

According to a new study, yes.

Imagine this: you walk into the laboratory, and are a shown a series of 20-second video clips. In each clip, a different person is listening to someone else speaking. You can't hear what the speaker is saying; there is no sound to the clip. But you're told that the speaker is talking about a time when he or she suffered.

The researchers ask you to rate how compassionate the listener is, just by what you can see: his or her body language and facial expressions.

This study was conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, who found that people agreed on who was a compassionate listener. The participants all seemed to rely on the same cues to assess compassion: more open body language, eye contact, head nods, and smiling.

I was excited to see this finding because I teach compassionate listening as a skill in the Stanford Compassion Training. Students in the training learn to deliberately do exactly what the participants in this study were using to assess compassion.

The first step is what I call "listening with the whole body." This means literally tuning in to the person who is speaking. "Compassionate" body language includes:

Turning toward the speaker, not just with your head, but positioning your whole body to face the speaker.
Open body language, such as arms and legs not crossed (and certainly no distractions, like a cell phone, in your hands!).
"Approach" signals, such as learning toward, not leaning back from the speaker. This counters our usual instinct to "avoid" or withdraw from suffering, even at the subtle level of body language.

In previous studies, people who felt high levels of compassion spontaneously shifted into this posture. But in my experience, just assuming this body language makes it easier to make a compassionate connection with someone.

The next step is what I call "soft eye contact." When it comes to listening, eye contact is usually better than avoiding eye contact. But the most supportive and comfortable eye contact isn't gazing deeply into a person's eyes, or staring them down without a break in eye contact. Instead, it's a soft focus on the triangle created by a person's eyes and mouth. This allows you to take in the speaker's full facial expressions. It also includes occasional breaks in eye contact to reduce what can be an uncomfortable intensity.

The last step is to offer "connecting gestures." These gestures let a person know that you are feeling connected to what they are saying. The most appropriate connecting gestures are smiles and head nods, without interrupting the speaker. Connecting gestures encourage a speaker to continue, and often feel more supportive than when the listener jumps in verbally to make comments. When appropriate, touch is an even more powerful connecting gesture. Previous research has shown that people can more easily recognize compassion through touch—such as a comforting hand on your shoulder—than through voice or facial expressions.

These three steps are simple: Listen with the whole body; make soft eye contact with the intention of really seeing the speaker; and offer connecting gestures without interrupting the speaker to share your own comments or stories. Simple—but not always easy to do when we're distracted, busy, or stressed out ourselves. This approach to compassionate listening can be a tremendous gift to the person who is talking, and to ourselves. It helps us stay grounded in the present moment, and more fully receive the gift of another person sharing his or her experience with us.

This practice is also a good reminder that we don't need to wait for compassion to spontaneously arise. When we have the intention to experience and offer compassion, we can make choices—even small ones, like how we make eye contact-that can lead to both the authentic experience of compassion.

Study Reference:

A Kogan, LR Saslow, EA Impett, C Oveis, D Keltner, S Rodrigues Saturn. Thin-slicing study of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and the evaluation and expression of the prosocial disposition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1112658108.

Kelly McGonigal is a psychologist at Stanford University, and the curriculum developer for the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Her latest book is The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It.

A thought provoking post on Youth work.

2011-11-18T22:06:00.001+08:00

Meeting Venerable Thubten Chodron: Reflections of a
Buddhist Youth

By Poh Yong Hui

Yesterday, I had the immense good karma to chat with Venerable Thubten Chodron and my fellow Dharma friends, Perry, Ching Wi, and Niki about our practice and innermost thoughts toward Dharma work. I went without any expectations; and I didn’t even have a single question in my head for the Venerable.

Perry started by sharing a framework for Dharma education, that he and Wen Jie, another Buddhist youth leader, came up with. In just a few words, Ven. Chodron summed up the key characteristics that such a framework should have:

People like to know there’s a structure to the path, so it’s good to provide this for them.
How the discussions happen is key. The session has to draw people out so they can share about what’s going on in their lives. (And isn’t this what the Dharma is all about?) When people come to Buddhist centres, they’re not just seeking information. They’re seeking virtuous friends and internal transformation. So we need to create an environment conducive for this type of sharing.

Perry mentioned the word “frustrated” quite a few times. Having been (actively and not-so-actively) involved in Dharma propagation since 2007, I, too, have been through periods of intense frustration and disappointment with the conditions and people that I had to work with. So I could understand Perry when he told us how frustrated he was, with the Dharma being so perfect, and yet he still hears people telling him they “are lost even after five years of being in a Buddhist group”.

I have come to realize that for me the best way to propagate the Dharma is to embody it. However, I do not practice very hard. The only sutra that I can memorise is the “Heart Sutra,” as my mother taught me to chant it when I was young. I attend meditation retreats, but I often doze off. I am seldom able to solve kong-ans (Zen riddles). I often have thoughts of aversion towards people I dislike. But I tell myself that it’s okay, as I am trying. Like all my spiritual friends, who are trying so hard to make time for self-cultivation and helping others at the same time, I do what I am able to do. This thought alone comforts and moves me deeply. I do not feel guilty, and I know I do not need to.

In my hiatus of sorts, I came to realize that being kind to myself is the only way I can be kind to others. I have to make time for my own practice. I am not there yet, but I am trying. Ven Chodron told me before I left that this was a good attitude to have.

Ven Chodron pointed out that people often do not see their own good qualities and that part of our Dharma practice is to point out people’s good qualities to them. We do this not to flatter them, but with a sincere mind that admires others’ virtues and good qualities. Hearing that others see goodness in them, people are encouraged to practice. I am fortunate enough to have friends and family who are extremely affirming of my talents and abilities, while wisely guiding me along the way. Perhaps we should go about surrounding ourselves with such friends.

Ven Chodron also reminded us that right motivation is the most important thing. Sometimes we can be so goal-oriented (having grown up in Singapore), that we forget about the process. But the Dharma is all about the process, she said. “All this doubt and frustration is part of the process. It is what you have to work with, to transform into the path. What you’re doing and the difficulties you experience are not wasted energy. Learning how to work constructively with these circumstances is the bodhisattva path.”

Thank you, Venerable, for this teaching. It was so gratifying to hear this, as I still feel helpless from time to time, wondering why things are this way and that, why I just cannot work with some people. “There are so many conditions that must come together, and everyone has different karma. You cannot control others’ present actions or the karma they bring with them from the past. All you can “control” is your own mind, your own motivation. In addition, when you work on a project that can benefit many people, its success depends not on your actions alone, but on the karma of all the people who have the potential to benefit from this project.”

With practice, I think I can learn to accept this fact of life, and my “trying” can be done with so much more joy. Ven. Chodron also advised that as Dharma workers, we have to ask ourselves, “What is it that moves me, and what do I aspire for?” When we know this clearly, we’ll be much more patient with ourselves.

Measuring the “success” of our Dharma propagation work could be an issue in results-oriented Singapore. Ven. Chodron shared that the way she measures success is not by numbers—the number of people attending an event or the amount of money raised for a beneficial project. Rather, success is when the friends and family of the people she works with say, “You’re a lot nicer person now. You don’t get as angry as you used to; you’re kinder and more peaceful now”. Isn’t this the Dharma’s function, and isn’t this what the work we’ve been doing is all about?

That day, I went home remembering all the affirmation, unconditional help, and scathingly honest advice that I have received from likeminded spiritual friends and teachers all these years, and I felt deeply grateful that our paths have crossed. That was the first time I could fully identify with what the Buddha said about spiritual friends, “Spiritual friendship is the whole of the holy life”; and my wish to practice hard so I can benefit myself and others, became stronger than before.

Sincere thanks to Ven Chodron, for her encouragement and Sis Seow Hong, for helping to set up this meeting.

Before sleep thoughts

2011-11-18T00:49:00.003+08:00

I'm really thankful for the friends at Sbm and the things we are able to learn and do together. There're so many other places everyone can go to, so many other things everyone can do. But we chose to be in Sbm. I used to think the motive is so important, why you wanna come to Sbm. But over the years I realise it doesn't really matter, what matters most is that ultimately, we know what we are here for, we know why we are here, ultimately we find something that links us all so closely together.

Having worked with people from the adult world, I think we're so lucky to have each other. I think I'm so lucky to have all of you! We do loads of stupid things, we behave super childishly, we make loads of mistakes and we piss each other off. But ultimately, we learn from all these mistakes and we move on without bearing a grudge towards each other. And ultimately, we always know we have each other to fall back on. We might have taken each other for granted sometimes, but all we need is small little reminders to remind us how each and everyone of us are so important in our own ways.

The next two months is going to be yet another journey before the next year arrives, and let's work together and make it a success, be it CEP, or just sbm as a whole! We can do it! :)

Good luck for those who're still having exams btw! And jiayou for everyone else who're working your bum off.

Thank you for all of you ♥ Love y'all :D

xoxo,
Xinyi

P.S. Pardon me for the English, I'm half asleep right now.

Jaya Mangala Sutta

2011-11-12T00:59:00.002+08:00

During Kathina we chanted the Mangla Sutta--the discourse of blessing-- twice.

Ever wondered what it means? We should know what it means, for it shows how blessed many of us are, and what we can do to receive even more blessings =]

Maha-Mangala Sutta

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling at Anathapindika's monastery, in Jeta's Grove,[2] near Savatthi.[3] Now when the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Exalted One and, drawing near, respectfully saluted him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Exalted One in verse:

"Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on
blessings.[4] Pray, tell me the greatest blessing!"

"Not to associate with the foolish,[5] but to associate with the
wise; and to honour those who are worthy of honour — this is the
greatest blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality,[6] to have done meritorious
actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course [7] — this
is the greatest blessing.

To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft,[8]
well-trained in discipline, [9] and to be of good speech [10] — this
is the greatest blessing.

To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to
be engaged in peaceful occupation — this is the greatest blessing.

To be generous in giving, to be righteous in conduct,[11] to help
one's relatives, and to be blameless in action — this is the greatest
blessing.

To loathe more evil and abstain from it, to refrain from
intoxicants,[12] and to be steadfast in virtue — this is the greatest
blessing.

To be respectful,[13] humble, contented and grateful; and to
listen to the Dhamma on due occasions [14] — this is the greatest
blessing.

To be patient and obedient, to associate with monks and to have
religious discussions on due occasions — this is the greatest
blessing.

Self-restraint,[15] a holy and chaste life, the perception of the
Noble Truths and the realisation of Nibbana — this is the greatest
blessing.

A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune,[16] from sorrow
freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated [17] — this is
the greatest blessing.

Those who thus abide, ever remain invincible, in happiness
established. These are the greatest blessings."[18]

Buddha's Teachings

2011-11-12T00:11:00.002+08:00

On Anger:
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

On Truth:
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

On Anger:
You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.

On Work:
To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

On Friends:
An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

On Love:
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

On Envy:
Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

On Good Deeds:
Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds.

On Thought:
The mind is everything. What you think you become.

On Gratitude:
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.

On Hatred:
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

Camp Recce

2011-11-10T19:45:00.002+08:00

Some of the camp committee went for a recce trip to for places where we can play our games. Spotted a skinny-looking dog in a monsoon drain. it must have been hungry. Sherman went down to look at it. The team fed it some food which they had brought along.

May it be well and happy.

more from Kathina Celebrations

2011-11-10T19:41:00.001+08:00

Thanks to Shannen for the photos.

Kathina Celebrations

2011-11-07T21:43:00.002+08:00

They are the Blessed One's disciples who have practised well,

Who have practised directly,
Who have practised insightfully,
Those who are accomplished in the practice;
That is the four pairs, the eight kinds of noble beings,
These are the Blessed One's disciples.
Such ones are worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect;
They give occasion for incomparable goodness to arise in the world.
I chant my praise to this Sangha, I bow my head to this Sangha.
bow.

Filmmaking

2011-11-07T21:28:00.002+08:00

BOTIF (Bodhi Motif) Filmmaking Workshop was a 8-weeks basic filmmaking programme organised by the youth group. To celebrate the Mission's 30th Anniversary, we are making a Buddhist-theme short film. Some pictures behind the scenes.

The Democratization of Filmmaking

Mao Mao

This is how we do it.

The Camera Department

High Tide

Sea Bass go home.

We released 2 sea bass back into the sea as part of the film's plot. Please go back home safely.

Tote Bag!

2011-10-26T00:55:00.000+08:00

Designed by Yuanyi in time for the Mission's 30th Anniversary Celebrations Gala Dinner! The Buddha so cute. Sadhu for a job well done.

May you be well and happy

2011-10-11T23:18:00.002+08:00

Within the week itself, I've heard the statement "it was too sudden" twice.
Once from my dad, when his friend of his age passed on.
The second from nest, when his granny passed on.

Indeed, life is impermanent, isn't it?
But what hit me more abruptly was the uncertainty of life.

We know that death is inevitable, we know that one day, our time will be up. When? We don't really know. Might be soon, might be not so soon.

I wondered: what if one day, my death dawns upon me suddenly. What do I do? I have so many dreams unfulfilled, I have so many things undone. What can I do? The emotion that has then arisen in me surprised me. It wasn't fear, but motivation.

I wanted to do more, do what I can with my time. We can't control when our time is up (well, unless we indulge in ignorant acts like dashing across roads and driving recklessly). However, we can ensure that while we are still well and happy, we do what we can.

I wondered: people who have fought for nothing, done no service to others and lived a self-centered life, how would they feel when they realise that the time left is little, yet they have not done anything for the benefit of others? Then I told myself that I'm not gonna live a life that will allow for such regrets.

I wanna live a meaningful life. One that is guided by the triple gems, in service of others, in cultivation of my mind and in propagation of the dhamma. Of course, I have a long way to go, but I'm gonna try and I'm inspired to make this aspiration.

May Uncle Goh and Mak Mak be well and happy =D

2011-10-05T21:00:00.002+08:00

For the unfortunate ones who have yet to view the greatest trailer ever made, this trailer is the fruit of a lot of people's efforts:

Zhenyu, Shixiong and Zeming for the shooting and Editting
Jianyong for the coordinating and planning.
Dylan, Xinyi, Ying Hui, Ernest, Wei Liang, Vicky, Fuzhong, Yuanyi, Kevin, Glen, Ryan for the fantastic acting.

I'm sure along the way we've had loads of fun with the crazy antics, and I wanna thank you guys for putting in so much effort into this!

This camp is gonna be different, because it's a camp that's back to basics. Not only will it involve our classic games of the past 18 CEPs, it's gonna be back to basics for us, as SBMY. SBMY will not be functioning if not for the spiritual friendships that we aim to forge, so that we can learn the dharma together. Let's build our own circle of strong, kalyana mitras through this camp.

I hope that this camp is one in which we learn to spend quality time with one another, so don't be surprised if I start calling you guys up for htht sessions =]

I also hope that this camp will be one in which the older can guide the younger ones, and everyone will be willing to step out of their comfort zones, as you guys have during the run, albeit being in slippers, for some of you.

I have a belief that only when we step out of our comfort zones will we be able to learn more about ourselves as well as skills. Don't worry, when you're doing it, we are here for you, all of you.

Let's make this camp a blasting one-- for the campers, and for us. Let's go SBMY!

AWESOME

2011-10-05T19:58:00.002+08:00

The Reason Why

2011-10-02T23:06:00.001+08:00

Afterthoughts from a packed weekend: Old Friends' Gathering on Friday evening. LIONS Refresher on Saturday Morning and Camp Ehi-Passiko Organisers Run on Saturday evening.

There are many reasons that make this Buddhist youth group work, the tick. How after 15 years (SBM Youth was re-formed in 1996, after more than 5 years break from the previous generation), the youth group is still going strong:

Our visionary Founder the Late Ven. Dr. K. Sri. Dhammanada, a wise Chief Advisor in Ven. Dr. Anuruddha, a compassionate Youth Religious Advisor in Ven. Dr. Bodhi, a supportive Adults Committee, the passionate "4 Kings" who founded the group back in 96, a servant-leader in our former youth President Kwek Zeming, a dedicated youth committee at the helm now, and most importantly, as Mrs. Cheng remarked on Saturday, Venerable K. Dhammika.

"... that is why SBM is so successful. You have a Bhante who is so patient... so compassionate..."

A simple, humble and patient monk. Always there, quietly, holding the fort, giving Mission's laity the spiritual guidance.

Of parents and of gratitude

2011-09-27T23:35:00.004+08:00

I've heard how my peers have been complaining about how naggy/naggy/naggy our parents have been. I've been in that position myself.

For the past few days, I've been trying to get our youths' parents to gather together at our 30th anniversary so that our parents will know what we've been so so so occupied with. Tickets are at 50 dollars each, parents = 100 bucks!

and I don't know how to describe this feeling, but i felt very 欣慰, because as much as we've been complaining, a lot of the youths are planning to save up and treat their parents to the dinner.

I thought that one reason we want to bring our parents to this dinner -- for free -- because we really really want them to see what we've been doing. We're not too good at telling them things like how much we appreciate them, want their support and love them because we find these too cheesy.

So we do it in our own way, to let them see how we've been growing up fine and how we've been contributing to the community.

Really happy, 长大了。

=]
Mabel

Camp Ehi-Passiko Recce

2011-09-25T23:48:00.002+08:00

Preparations for Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 have begun. After a series of meetings, some of the organisers went for a Games Recce at a "secret location".

Public Talk

2011-09-25T23:17:00.004+08:00

A small turn-out on a Sunday evening. Nonetheless, hope everyone who have attended gained some inspiration to lead a happy Buddhist life.

2011-09-25T10:53:00.000+08:00

The disciple of the Buddha known for his incomparable generosity was Anathapindika. He was a man with both material and spiritual wealth. Not only did he buy a whole park for the Buddha to stay in Savatthi, he also was the reason why laypeople could listen to the Dharma. Most of the discourse were aimed for understanding by laypeople thanks to Anathapindika.

Many people have the wrong perception that Buddhism denounces the acquisition of material comforts and pleasure. And is only concerned with the spiritual development. However, the Buddha was very much alive to the fact that economic stabilty is essential for man's welfare and happiness.

Below is 4 ways the Buddha had said about how to acquire wealth in a way that will conduce to prosperity and happiness.

1) Alertness

2) Carefulness

3) Having companionship of good friends

4) Maintaining a balanced livelihood

iPhonegraphy

2011-09-20T01:18:00.002+08:00

ID tags for SBM Youth events.

Promoting Camp Ehi-Passiko at Phor Kark See Sunday School.

The Buddhist Library

Dhamma Talk by Venerable Chuan Guan

Goodnight and goodluck.

Mid-Autumn Festival

2011-09-20T01:12:00.000+08:00

(Future) Girls Generation

The Fire Eater

It reads: SBMY Heart-Shape

Life Without a Lantern

By the River South.

2011-09-18T01:32:00.000+08:00

For those who have attended today's sharing by Brother Vicky on the story or King Bimbisara and Prince Ajasatu, this is a cartoon version of what we have been shared. Sorry it is only available in chinese, but it is a really inspiring short film. Enjoy!

Part I : The reason why Prince Ajasatu had his name: unborn enemy. And how Devadatta incited wrong views into him that his parents hated him and encouraged him to usurp the throne.

Part II: He successfully ascended the throne and rewarded Devadatta for his effort. The queen was heart-broken to see his king suffer in the prison and decided to sneak in food for him. In addition, the cell window faced the vulture peak; where the Buddha preaches. It serves as a motivation as the king was a devout Buddhist.

Part III: The queen is vexed and prays for the Buddha to relief her sorrow. The Buddha then preaches on Amitabha Buddha and the pureland.

Part IV: Skip to 6.40 mins. The queen watches Ajasatu sucks the pus from his own son and was reminded of how king Bimbisara had done the same for him. Instead of spitting out the pus, he swallowed them down because he was afraid if Ajasatu saw the blood and pus he would be afraid.

Part V: Prince Ajasatu is reminded of his time with his father and he had the urge of repent and guilt. He ordered the release of his father. But it was too late as he had past away. Following that, he banned Devadatta from his kingdom and also fell very ill.

Part VI: The Buddha radiates loving kindness on Ajasatu and heals him of his illness. He later visited the Buddha and he preached a sermon to him. However, because he commit the crime of murdering his father, he failed to attain sotapana.

2011-09-12T22:20:00.000+08:00

FEAR in the changing world

What is fear?

It is an ability to recognize danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it but in extreme cases of fear (terror) a freeze or paralysis response is possible.

When do we fear?

Both certainty and uncertainty creates fear. How? When you are uncertain, for example; whether your job application will ever be approved, creates fear. On the other hand, even when you are certain, for example; that you are going to get scolded by your parents when you go home cause you lost your belonging, also creates fear. It really is a fearful world!

That is when we are conscious. We do feel fear too when we are unconscious. How? Sometimes when we sleep, we dream of bad things happening to us; getting chased by monsters or running around in the maze.

In relation to the changing world...

When we were young, being fearful was not an option because we can always run behind our parents and hide. Now that we have grown up, facing the world is not an easy task. We have to step up on our own and deal with it our-self.

To tackle fear is very easy. A pinch of right understanding and right action would solve the problem. Often fear is created due to lack of knowing what it can do or knowing fully what it can do. Ultimately, one must have the courage to engage the fear, with the intention to expel fear.

Unravel what constitutes YOU

2011-09-05T12:10:00.000+08:00

As Buddha describes; YOU are made up of 5 different parts.

FORM - Eyes

FEELING - Happy or Angry

PERCEPTION - Relation to understanding

MENTAL FORMATION - Reaction to perception

CONSCIOUSNESS - Awareness to surrounding

This 5 aspects cover your physical and mental entity. Cannot understand and hard to digest? No worries i will break it up into simpler terms for you.

Example: you are at a shopping mall waiting for your friend.

Firstly, CONSCIOUSNESS allows you to know that the shopping mall is crowded. Then, you use your FORM (eye) to scan for your friend.

Then at the entrance, you see your friend. FEELING arises as you feel happy to see your friend. This is when PERCEPTION comes in. You know him for a long time and knows he will shake your hand to greet you. MENTAL FORMATION gives you the chance to react to what you are anticipating and you reach out your hand to shake his.

This 5 aspects allows us to interact with our environment. Different people have different stream of how they handle situations and this may lead to the 3 evils (greed, anger, ignorance). To counter this foul emotion, as Buddhists we must practice and lead life under the guideline of the 8 fold path.

Sharing and Laughing Yoga

2011-09-02T00:26:00.002+08:00

Laughing Yoga takes some stress away. Thank you Brother Yam!

2011-08-29T12:39:00.000+08:00

Peace (Y)

@Wu Feng's sharing.. A group of monks were debating if it is the sense objects that fetter the mind or the sense organs that cause the problems. Citta arrived at the monastery, and asked what they were discussing, and they told him.

Citta said, "Sirs! sense objects and sense organs are different."

He then used a simile: a black ox and a white ox were tied together with a rope.

Now would the black ox be the fetter of the white ox

that the white ox the fetter of the black ox?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Certainly not," answered the monks.

The black ox ≠ fetter of the white ox

The white ox ≠ fetter of the black ox

The fetter = rope

Citta agreed and further explained:

the eye ≠ fetter of visual objects

visual objects ≠ fetter of the eye

But rather, the desire that arises from the meeting of the two, that is the fetter. And it is the same with the other sense organs and their objects.

DON'T UNDERSTAND RIGHT?

Let me set an example. Items you should take note - the eye, the flower, the heart <3

One day you go to a garden and you sit down on the bench to enjoy the scenery. At the corner of your eye you saw this really beautiful flower growing.

THIS IS WHEN the eye ( sense organ ) meets the flower ( sense object ). Initially you say what a nice flower and you left the park and went home.

While at home, you suddenly thought of the flower and you began to want to have it because of its beauty. The heart ( desire ) comes into play and makes you think of it every now and then.

CONCLUSION:

So, neither the eye nor the flower becomes the factor of why your clinging on to. But rather the heart ( desire ) that wants you to acquire it. Thus the heart ( rope in the ox example ) becomes the fetter ( attachment ) to the flower.

If seriously you do not understand still, please call me up or facebook me. I will explain to you until you understand.

Sharing and Laughing Meditation

2011-08-26T00:26:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone!

This week will be wufeng's first sharing on Citta!

And Brother Yam (a certified instructor) will be coming down to teach us some laughing meditation!

Do join us at 2pm for some fun and laughter!

Cheers
Mabel

Public Talk: Facing the Fears of the Changing World

2011-08-21T01:30:00.003+08:00

Life is full of uncertainties. This is especially so in today's life where new media and technology allows for global communication within seconds.

We have invited Venerable Chuan Guan to share with us how we can Face and Cope with the fears we experience while being in such a fast-changing world.

Venerable Chuan Guan was ordained under Master MiuKing (Master MiaoJing) in 2002 (higher ordination in 2003) and began his monastic training in Fa Yun Monastery (New Mexico, United States), learning the sutras and practised meditation under the Mahayana Buddhist tradition while studying the Theravadin Pali Canon. Returning to Singapore in 2006, he continued his training under Ven. Kwang Sheng in Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.

Since 2009, he is resident in the Buddhist Library while giving Dharma and meditation classes at the library and various Buddhist organisations. Online, he reaches out to the Buddhist community via his blog at www.buddhavacana.net, facebook & twitter. He received his degree in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and worked in the IT industry prior to monkhood.

To get to Poh Ming Tse:

By Driving:
1A.From West, exit PIE into Eng Neo Avenue, then turn LEFT into Dunearn Road.
1B.From East, exit PIE into Adam Road, then turn RIGHT into Bukit Timah Road. After
Duchess Road, keep RIGHT. When near Hwa Chong Junior College, U-turn into Dunearn Road.
2.Along Dunearn Road, keep LEFT. After Watten Estate Road, turn LEFT into
Shelford Rd. Slow down before entering the basement car park on your LEFT.

By Bus:
1.From West, alight at the bus stop right after Watten Estate Road and Shelford Road.
2.From East, alight at the bus stop in front of Coronation Plaza and use the overhead bridge to cross the road. Then walk against the traffic flow until you reach Shelford Road.

Bus Number: 66, 67, 74, 151, 156, 157, 170, 171, 174, 540, 852, 961

By MRT:
1.Alight at Newton MRT Station.
2.Take 'Exit A' to Scotts Road.
3.Take TIBS Bus No. 171 heading towards Bt Timah Road.
4.Alight at the 8th bus stop, in front of Coronation Plaza and use the overhead bridge to cross the road.
5.Then walk against the traffic flow until you reach Shelford Road.

If you have further enquiries, please contact Mabel at 81396303.

May you be well and happy!

Sharing Session

2011-08-15T18:23:00.002+08:00

Sharing Session by Brother Jianyong "Mohawk" on Devadatta.

Tathagata, thus gone.

Obviously someone wasn't doing his meditation to take this.

On Devadatta.

So who's falling asleep?

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 Recce Trip

2011-08-15T17:58:00.007+08:00

Our annual youth camp, Camp Ehi-Passiko is coming again this December! Time to spread the words and get your friends to join the camp.

Meanwhile, preparations have begun, with the games team meeting every Friday while on Sunday, Camp Master Mao Mao and Camp Mistress Mabel had assembled a small 'crack' team to do a mini-recce trip to the North-East of Singapore.

Front seat.

These two old folks were really sitting under the shade of a pipala tree.

Serangoon River.

Lotus

Halus Wetlands

Halus Wetlands

Cicak Man

The Team (is missing the driver).

Cicak Man 2: The Rise of the Hairy

The Wetlands.

Camp Mistress

Camp Master

Happy Birthday Singapore!

2011-08-11T20:37:00.003+08:00

at Marina Barrage.

2011-08-11T16:12:00.000+08:00

Hello! This saturday Jianyong will be sharing with us about Buddha's cousin-- Devadatta!

we WILL start sharing at 2.15pm!

Cheers
Mabel

And fireworks go pew pew pew!

2011-08-11T13:15:00.001+08:00

I hope everyone had a great time at the Marina Barrage, I know I did! :) Compared to the rest of the people who went on down to the barrage to chill, we were by far the most well-prepared. We had everything! Food, drinks, ice, a big space, kites - everything except tissue paper.

Thank you to our crew of chefs who went down to Mabel's house to prepare yummy pasta and finger food for us!

Thank you to Zeming, for fetching our food and logistics to the barrage. And thank you Pearson, for fetching the remaining logistics back.

And of course, thank you everyone for coming down to ulu Marina Barrage! What's the point of the event, without the attendees ? :)

National day comes by only once a year, but I am sure we can always find an excuse to just gather and chill with everyone! :P

A day to relax, fly kites, have a small picnic while watching fireworks with good friends is really a great way to sum up pretty much what we did a the Marina Barrage.

Let's go back there together again next year!

Especially to the gallery! :P

Happy Birthday Singapore!

2011-08-09T12:55:00.000+08:00

Sprinkles of Joy from Sharing

2011-08-05T12:50:00.006+08:00

It has been close to a week now since our sharing on “When Things Just Don’t Go The Way You Want”. Yes Yes…I hear you…I should have posted the link (as promised) a long time ago. And, glad that I finally found the time to peacefully pen down a few words in my first blog post!!!

You guys have been inspiring...

I enjoyed the session very much and found it really inspiring. Not because things have turned out the way I want it to be, but because it turned out to be so much better than I ever imagined it to be. And guess what, the joy that I felt was not whether I have done a great job or not. The joy was purely inspired by you guys (and girls, of course!) for making the sharing filled with laughters and interactive discussion.

My top favourite was the debate…it was really interesting to see how Fu Zhong stepped up to the challenge to share his inner most thoughts about “We should not have any expectations, so that we would not fall into the emo trap” and how Vivian rebutted with “Why should we be afraid about feeling down”. Then, we had our future psychologist, Kevin re-iterating (so much that we all start bursting into laughters when his leg cramp kicked in!) on how important it is to have expectations to drive us forward, with Mabel then putting a spin to the definition of expectations and said “We can have goals, not expectations and we can choose to not fall into the usual emo trap when things don’t meet our expectations”.

And, I love how the team spirit played out during the discussion, with Wu Feng searching for the meaning of expectations from dictionary.com, Jian Yong jumping to another group and when Kai Wen exclaimed out loud “Aspirations, I knew it!" (only after the answer was revealed!!!).

Sharing is caring…don’t be afraid of opening up, many might have the same thoughts as you

Now, this post is not any “Fame of Glory” that is meant to highlight any individual achievements but more of sharing with you guys what I observed to be encouraging to see how you guys opened up and shared your thoughts. Many times, we come to sharing viewing the sharer (I’m not sure if this word exists – pardon my Engrish!) as a subject matter expert and unless we have pre-requisite knowledge to the subject…most of the time we will just listen and accept, even when it makes no sense. What you guys have done this time, was impressive that it makes me think of certain perspectives that I might not have considered during the preparation.

So, yes…sharing is not a one-way street and we are all learning together as a family. And, it matters a lot, to have you guys (each and everyone of you!) to be in the sharing session. You will be surprised, how much joy and encouragement you bring just by being there – just a smile warms people up, what’s more sharing and learning at the same time…You guys do make a difference and I want to applaud and thank you for that beautiful effort that you have put in.

Without further ado, enjoy the lovely dhamma talk by Venerable Thubten Chodron and wishing everyone a sweet smile on your face, filled with abundance of happiness, and joyous Bodhicitta in your heart.

Sadhu sadhu sadhu :)

Love,
Amy

Link to dhamma talk: http://www.thubtenchodron.org/DealingWithEmotions/when_things_just_dont_go_the_way_you_want.html

2011-07-27T17:19:00.004+08:00

Good day everyone,

While I was browsing through the internet, I happened to stumble upon two articles about the cruelty man has inflicted on black bears. One of story is about 'A Teary Mother Bear Killed Her baby and Committed Suicide'

You must be wondering why?

This incident was witness by the author whose friend needed his assistance to manage a bear farm for a few days. The mother bear strangled its own cub in order to save the cub from suffering for the next 10 years of bile extracting (a bear can produce 2000g of bile annually for 10 years, they will do bile extracting one or twice a day and The bear has to go through such deadly torture twice a day.)

Extracted from the article:'' It was an act of helpless motherly love. At that moment and place, she did not have the ability to help her child to escape from the twenty years of hellish torture. Under such helpless and desperate situation, she can only destroy the beloved child she has created. "
"She let out another cry, as if she has gone hysterical, and went towards the wall. “Bang!”. The wall collapsed."

You can read the full article here: http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Teary-Mother-Bear-Killed-Her-Baby-and-Committed-Suicide-A-Heart-Breaking-True-Story

Currently, 12,000 bears are being held captive in Asia. They are captive for their bile to use for traditional Chinese medicine. The most ironic thing about bile extraction is that he bile juice is not even precious or deemed for important uses. It is only used for high fever, flu or sore throat.

Workers extract bear bile from the gall bladder of a bear in Myanmar.

They are held captive in tiny cages and shocking conditions. The practice involves taking bile from a live bear. The wound from the bile extraction was never closed. So, the wound never recovered which causes disease, tumor, infection and cancer growth to them.

Bear bile is not a rare and precious traditional Chinese medicine. It can be completely replaced by herbal or synthetic medicine. If you want to do your part in helping to end bear farming, go to this website: http://www.endbearfarming.org/en/ and sign the appeal and join the campaign. It takes only less than a minute to sign up. Your signature can make a difference. I already did my part in signing up.

We must all be kind to all beings, whether it’s big, small, significant or insignificant. Everyone is born equal. Compassion should not be chosen to be provided, but compassion must be for all. Let’s all strive to help all beings in any way we can. Sign up now and be counted!

The Dhamma In Decline?

2011-07-25T22:41:00.000+08:00

by Venerable S. Dhammika

Recently the statistics for Singapore’s 2010 censes were released. For local Buddhists they make sad but perhaps not surprising reading. In the 10 years between 2000 and 2010 the number of Buddhists dropped from 42.5% to 33.3%. A further breakdown of the figures also showed that the older a person was and the lower their education standard the more likely they are to be Buddhist. During the same period Christianity in the republic grew from 14.6% to 18.3% and the younger a person is and the better educated, the more likely they are to be Christian. The same was true for those who described themselves as having no religion. They grew from 14.8% to 17%. The trend is clear. Even having no religion is a better option that Buddhism. Sorry to say statistics from Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan show a similar trend. Buddhism is failing to speak to young, well-educated, modern people. A visit to a good number of temples and Buddhist societies will show the reasons for this trend; commercialized spirituality, absence of Dhamma education, lack of social engagement, poor leadership, etc. The almost complete absence of networking between Buddhists also doesn’t help either. ‘You do your thing. I’ll do mine’ is the norm for Buddhist groups, temples and organizations. In contrast to this Christian churches in Singapore (and everywhere else in Asia) are dynamic, socially engages, highly motivated and well-organized. Their outreach strategies are also highly effective, although some would describe them as intrusive and aggressive as well. Nonetheless, they bring in the converts. Trying to find out about Dhamma from the average Buddhist rarely works because they rarely know any. Temples and societies emphasise ritual activities rather than solid Dhamma education. During the 1980s the decline of Buddhism slowed somewhat probably because of the introduction of religious knowledge in schools. This meant that a generation of nominally Buddhist kids got from school what they never got from the temple – some basic knowledge of the Dhamma.

Of course the recent statistics could be read from another perspective. It is actually likely that there are more ‘real’ Buddhists (‘real’ in the sense that they are more than just nominal Buddhists) today than there were in 2000. It may be that nominal Buddhists are simply defining themselves differently, as non-religious or as Taoists. Whatever the case, there is no room for complacency, although I suspect that the complacency will persist.

Sharing Session: Arahant Anuruddha

2011-07-25T00:44:00.004+08:00

This is what we do every week at our youth sharing session. Photo summary from Bro. Zeming's sharing on Arahant Anuruddha.

Behind-the-Scenes!

2011-07-25T00:34:00.004+08:00

Camp Committee 2011 is currently producing their video drama. Sneak peak of what goes behind-the-scenes!

Master of Ceremony

The camera crew.

Latest Korean boy/girlband.

Paparazzzzzi!

BOTIF

2011-07-25T00:31:00.001+08:00

Buddhist Youth Filmmaking Workshop

Shot by Mao Mao

Runaway Train

2011-07-22T00:00:00.003+08:00

After our first Camp Ehi-Passiko committee meeting last Sunday, some of us decided to head down to the train tracks to see it for the last time. Enjoy the pictures!

Group Photo

Emo.

I'll stand by you.

Crikey!

Who is the Buddha?

2011-07-21T23:55:00.001+08:00

Buddha in Sri Lanka, from Zeming & Shi Xiong's trip.

- by Venerable Chuan Guan

The Buddha is seen by some people as a philosopher. And in some ways he is. But in many ways he is not.

He is not just a philosopher for he lives out his teaching, achieves the goal pointed out by the teaching and further teaches the path to others.

The Buddha was asked by someone who he was, whether he is God, a God, a messenger of God or some other divine being, or going to become one. He replied that he is "Buddha" ... ie Awakened.

The Buddha is known as the Buddha, because he is awakened to how things truly are. Knowing thus, he has put an end to Suffering. He was once like us, but has fulfilled the highest potential of sentient beings, and reached Perfection, a Buddha.

The Buddha is known as the Teacher of Gods and man, for Gods came to him for advice and learnt from him. He is known as the peerless Teacher for in this time period, there is no one who teaches the unique path leading to a complete cessation of suffering as taught by him so comprehensively for 45 years.

The Buddha is also known as the Compassionate One for he knows truly the pain and agony we go through and has taught us a way to go beyond worldly happiness and sorrow to achieve the supreme form of happiness, that is Nirvana.

The Buddha is known as the Perfectly Enlightened One, SammasamBuddha, for he is completely free of craving and attachment, free of greed, anger and delusion. Like the Buddha, we wish to love and care for our family and loved ones. But often, we are bogged down by our emotions, our fears, frustrations and stress etc. The Buddha is perfectly free of these -ve emotions and is thus able to truly love and care for us completely without strings attached.

In Buddhism, we try to 學佛 learn to be like the Buddha, to one day become Buddha. Wouldn't it be good to grow and develop ourselves towards such Perfection, and become like Buddha? ^_^

8 ctivities of Happy people!!! - by Dr Tan Eng Kong

2011-07-18T22:55:00.003+08:00

Out of the 8 happy activities, how many are you constantly involved in?

1. Devote time for relationships - family, friends
2. Enjoys expressing gratitude
3. First to offer a helping hand
4. Practice optimism when imagining future
5. Regular physical exercise
6. Savour life's pleasures and happy moments
7. Live in the present moment
8. Passionate about an ideal as a life goal

Dr Tan Eng Kong (MBBS, MPM, FRANZCP), a Sydney-based psychotherapist who currently chairs Metta Clinic, a group psychological practice in Pymble, Sydney came over to Singapore to give a talk, and during his engaging, charismatic 90-minute talk he got to mention to the audience the list of activities that happy people seem to be doing in their lives every day.

Try reading, pausing and appreciating all the points mentioned, line by line, and see if you can relate to them. May this simple note help those in search of happiness!

More on Dr Tan here http://www.bodhikusuma.com/metta/dr_eng_kong_tan.html

Happy Birthday Bante

2011-07-18T16:01:00.005+08:00

This belated video is to celebrate SBM's resident Religious Advisor Venerable K. Dhammikha. Bante has been a source of motivation for many youths and throughout my years as a member in SBM, Bante has shown great compassion and metta towards everyone and all animals. His kind and gentle nature has brought alot of peace to many individuals!

Thank you Bante for all your kind guidance and support.

Happy 60th Birthday and 45 years of Monkhood.

Metta,
Ming

Busy like a bee

2011-07-14T00:03:00.003+08:00

Been busy like a bee. What happened to my relaxing holidays!

As much as I have been getting less rest that I think I should be getting,
as much as I have been being home less than I thought I would be,

I feel like I'm finally back to the simplest reason that I started. Being grounded to it once again, not only do I feel immense joy, I feel immense peace with myself and with the world around me.

The reason I started to serve in SBM.
The reason I started to serve in the Y.

I might be very very busy, but I actually find my spiritual life more fulfilling-- because I am cherishing a lot of moments to cultivate myself and to practise the Dhamma.

Recently I've been thinking: how can I use the Dhamma to work with the volunteers?
How can I use to Dhamma to make an organisation grow?

And finding answers (not perfect, but still applicable) to these uestions further affirms my faith in the Triple Gems. It affirms me of our vision-- Bringing Joy to Oneself and Others through the Triple Gems.

The sense of joy actually stemmed from the realisation that the application of the Dhamma has made myself or someone else's life better, even if it is just a tiny bit.

I might be very very busy, but I find myself more aligned to my personal goals--
of wanting to cultivate myself spiritually,
of wanting to continuously learn with a humble heart,
of wanting to swim+run regularly,
of wanting to serve the Buddhist Community
of wanting to serve people with special needs.

I found a lot a lot of motivation in doing my research job-- it's seeing what I learn in Psychology being put into practice.

It is the exact same feeling when I see how the Dhamma can be applied into my daily life.

It is the exact same feeling when I see how the leaders from Lions could apply the workshop materials to their activities and reflections.

It's truly amazing, to see how the teachings of the Buddha-Dhamma impacts my life.

It's truly amazing, to see how the psychological theories can be applied to help an organisation grow.

It's truly amazing, to see how words don't stick as it is-- they are being put into actions. Being put into action, with commitment, results are REAL.

When we commit what we learn from the Buddha's teachings into actions, results are more than amazing.

community service

2011-07-11T00:10:00.000+08:00

Helping out at a community service held around Aljunied area, my task was simple, to bring dry food and rice bag up to the senior's house. Being involved previously to tidy up old folk's houses, I was prepared for the worse. Broken furniture, untidy bed and dirty toilets. The worse part was the feeling the moment you enter; solitude.

However, what surprised me was that they were very humble and optimistic about what they have, or should i say contentment. Some of them even worried about us and it deeply moved me. Their wish is pretty simple, just someone who can spend a little time to chat with them or even hear their life stories.

In Buddhism, as much as you know how to literally expound the meaning of the 4 brahma vihara, it is still fruitless in comparison to practising them. Once a month is not too much time to ask for, getting connected to them is actually very rewarding.

Lastly, community service is not about how much time you give, but actually how much HEART you put in. It is a great way to practice compassion and appreciative joy. To give and not expect anything in return, to realize how fortunate your life has been.

Other then being tired and hungry, the reward, a big smile on their face and the praises they sing of us. What more can you wish for? There is some things in this world that money cannot buy, and one of it is love.

Can you see what I see?

2011-07-07T10:58:00.000+08:00

Sneak peak....

This week's sharing will be conducted by our brother Zeming!

He will be doing on one of the disciples of the Buddha, Anuruddha. He is a skilled arahant and has the divine eyes that can see into the future, or thousand world systems away! Want to take a look into the wonders of this eye? Come on down now to SBM this saturday and sharing will start promptly at 2.15pm! Don't be late boys, the divine eye awaits!

Mohawk Jagabee

Ginger Breadman

2011-07-06T22:37:00.001+08:00

SBM (Youth)'s Main Committee have all agreed that whatever is written within the Gingerbread Man are what we are/ want to achieve/ want to maintain as a committee.

Whatever that has been written outside the Gingerbread man is the opposite of us (as a committee), what aren't/ do not want to be.

And before we start every monthly meeting we will take it out and review it :)

- Vicky.

2011-07-05T00:32:00.000+08:00

Happy Youth Day to all the teenagers out there! Youth is a treasure and you should cherish it while you have it. Time will slowly sip away this treasure and in no time you will be like me - old!

How to spend your youth? Study hard, play hard, and also be filial to parents and honor the teachings of the Buddha!

For the bunch of us, we went to the Asian Civilization Museum to pay a visit to the Terra cottas! But along the way, we bumped into many Buddhist monuments and artifacts. There were truly breath-taking and inspiring.

Above is the statues of Buddha along with the first 4 disciple he accepted when he began turning the wheel of the dhamma. I have heard misconceptions from people saying Buddhists are idol prayers. The thing is that they fail to see the significance and beauty behind the statues which we pay reverence to. Each statue amplifies the serenity and characteristics of learning the dhama; mainly the 4 brahma viharas. ( You should know what are they :P )

Paying respects to this idol is a reminder to be humble, because you are before someone who had been capable of deciphering and living the dhamma. And also, the virtues that one should acquire to walk a calm and happy life as a lay person.

And because Buddha was a Buddha. LOL! He was loved by all living beings. Above is a depiction of the Naga King sheltering him when Mara threw a huge downpour of rain on him while he is in meditation. In the karaniya metta sutta, some of the benefits of practising loving kindness are that one will be dear to humans and non-humans and devas will protect you.

Other then practising good virtues, one should also arm himself with knowledge of Buddhism, so when people who are interested to know more can be satisfied. Being a Dhamma protector is hard at such times, but as young aspiring Buddhists i am sure everyone of us can do it! - Mohawk Jagabee

Grow Old With You

2011-07-04T23:36:00.002+08:00

The Mission on Sunday...

Buddha Vacana

2011-07-01T01:14:00.001+08:00

182. Just as the radiance of all stars in not worth one sixteenth part of the moon's radiance; just as in the last month of the rainy season, in autumn, when the sky is clear and free from clouds, the sun rises into the sky and drives away all darkness and shines, flashes and radiates; just as in the pre-dawn light, the healing star shines, flashes and radiates; so too, whatever good deeds one might do for the purpose of a good rebirth, none of them are worth one sixteenth part of that love which frees the mind. It is the love that frees the mind which shines, flashes and radiates forth out-surpassing all those good deeds.

Whoever makes love grow boundless,
And sets his mind for seeing the end of birth,
His fetters are worn thin.
If with a pure mind one feels love

Towards even a single being,
That alone makes him a good man.
Having a mind filled with compassion,
The Noble One does great good.

Itivuttaka 20

Link.

What have you been missing out in life?

2011-06-30T23:08:00.000+08:00

Hello Friends!

This week, I'll be giving you guys a sharing about what you have been missing out in life. Let me tell you that it's A LOT. And you still have a chance to experience it for yourself!

See you this Saturday, 2pm at SBM!

Cheers
Mabel

BOTIF Schedule

2011-06-29T22:28:00.001+08:00

Time: 11:30am to 1pm

Lesson 4: Editing 9 July

Lesson 5: Directing 23 June

Lesson 6: Producing 30 June

Lesson 7: Script Writing 6 August

Lesson 8: Basic Acting 13 August

Kungfu Panda Movie Sharing

2011-06-26T20:39:00.001+08:00

Oogway: Look at this tree, Shifu: I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time.
Shifu: But there are things we *can* control: I can control when the fruit will fall, I can control where to plant the seed: that is no illusion, Master!
Oogway: Ah, yes. But no matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.

The Picture Shows It All

2011-06-22T12:07:00.000+08:00

Hello Friends!

After a break from sharing, we're back with Movie Sharing!

Jianyong Mohawk will be hosting this sharing session together with the almighty Kungfu Panda!

2PM at SBM, don't be late!

xoxo,
Mabel

Words aren't enough, but too much would make me long-winded.

2011-06-21T01:21:00.002+08:00

so said the Camp Master on his Facebook note:

Vicky doing the plank during Beta-Test.

Thank you, everyone, who made Camp Lions 2011 a huge success. As I have said before, everyone played a part in making Camp Lions 2011 a success, no matter what role you might have held.

To start,

Ernest, thank you for covering me and holding the fort at the frontlines. Your jokes and antics were probably one of the most memorable moments for all the leaders, your presence alone was good enough to break the ice and also hype up the leaders to fully enjoy the programs and workshops of the camp. Once again, thank you for being the battery that provides unlimited energy to all.

Mabel, although I did not manage to sit in the actual workshops, I have learnt so much from the presentation you gave at the meeting with the facilitators. Even that short talk about your idea on the social experiment, your opinions and observations made about certain leaders did teach me a thing or two and more. You have great insight and I thank you for not only passing on knowledge to me but to the leaders, the organizers and the facilitators.

Mao, thank you for your words of encouragement and criticism. You often play the role of the bad-guy, which is to critcise and to question. The truth always sounds harsh, but no improvements can be made without it. Such words would not be easy to swallow but one would realise the importance as well as the intent only after one has learnt his lessons. Thank you, for motivating me and pushing me into the right direction.

Wufeng, you are the rock that holds down the organizers. Your level-headed thinking and calm reactions have prevented panic and confusion from breaking out. There are times whereby people might have misread your poker face, but surely they would know more about you after having spent 5 days and 4 nights working along side with you! Thank you for ensuring that everything is A-okay at all times.

Next up!

Yong Hui, thank you for your awesome admin support, thank you for reminding us all on important dates and minor details that needs to be done. Thank you for your patience and kind understanding. There are times we would overlook on checking the emails that have been sent to the official email, but thanks to you, we are reminded of what has been done and what needs to be done.

Yuan yi, Ying hui and Fu-sai4, thank you for being the timely and relentless logistics/ messing and PKL support. For the times you have slogged it out packing and preparing the logistics, for the times you adapted to what seemed to be never-ending last minute changes and for the times you all had to sacrifice sleep before and during camp in the name of preperations. You all have re-defined the meaning of what it takes to be part of the PKL team.

Derek, Kaiwen, Pearson and Zhenglin, thank you for being our charioteers! Having to double-up as organizers and drivers is no easy feat, since driving already requires alot of concentration and can be very tiring. Without your support, transporting logistics and manpower would have been at a stand-still. Thank you, for enduring the long hours and endless roads.

To the rest of the ORGANS! I am really amazed by your ability and vigour! Being able to improvise on the spot to enhance the gameplay without making significant changes to the rules of the game and also having to adjust the difficulty of the game so as to make each and every game a fun and exciting experience! Thank you for lending your voice and energy to the campfire, you all are truely the vital organs, so to speak, of Camp Lions!

And on to...Team Facilitators! Thank you all of you! You are the ones who set the difference between Camp Lions and other camps. I am sorry I couldn't thank you all personally :( Your words of wisdom have helped the leaders to better understand the rationale behind every game station and provided a good link to the workshops. I believe that your experience has not only helped the leaders to learn more about being a Buddhist Leader but has also inspired many to strive and follow in your footsteps to become a role-model to future leaders. Thank you, for taking time-off from work and personal time to run together with the leaders and share woe and weal with them throughout Camp Lions.

Last but not least,To the leaders who have participated in Camp Lions 2011, thank you for making Camp Lions possible! Without you all, Camp Lions would serve no purpose. You are the ones who give meaning to the organizers of Camp Lions, your smile and laughter is what that empowers and energizes us all! It doesn't matter which Buddhist Group you come from, nor does it matter what your nationality is. What matters is that we are all Buddhists.

Camp Lions has always been and will always be BY the Buddhist Community FOR the Buddhist Community. I hope there will be more projects, platforms and opportunities (besides Camp Lions) for the Buddhist Community to come together and grow together.

All of your efforts have been recognised, the smile of the leaders and those who attended Camp Lions 2011 are more than sufficient to prove my point :D I am sorry if I have by any chance left anyone out, I am really really really really really sorry D: I didn't mean to forget you!Let us make the Buddhist Community into a Buddhist Circle, whereby one would not find an end to it and it would appear to be vitually continuous!

Zomg, so many people to tag but I don't think I have added everyone :( Please tag them if you have added them as a friend etc. Thank you so much!

CAMP LIONS 2011: It's a wrap!

2011-06-20T23:05:00.003+08:00

Mabel says: "Thank you people"

I've so many to thank and I've no idea how to start.Camp LIONS 2011 gave me a chance to work with change, to work with myself and to work with people around me. It wasn't too easy a journey, it wasn't as smooth as I thought it would be. But it was all worthwhile, to see more friendships forge, to see individuals grow and to see so many so many things within myself.

It was heartening to hear that the Leaders from camp enjoyed themselves and take away learning points. It was even more heartening to see that the Leaders have pushed their limits, as the rest of the organising committee have done.

Thank you Ernest, for always being there for me to vent my frustrations when the frustration button is pushed. Thank you for making me learn from my every lesson of anger outburst.

Thank you Vicky, for filling this camp with laughter.

Thank you Wufeng and Maomao, who have always reminded me of my goal and to stop focusing on the negative.

Thank you Shixiong, for filling me with the belief that I could do it; and I did it.

Thank you Zeming, Amy, Perry, Eric, Xinyi, Jun Keat, Wenjie, Billy, Ci Hui, Tricia for sitting through the sessions to discuss the workshop materials with me. From there i've learnt a lot a lot about the Dhamma.

Thank you Forester, for giving me the opportunity to talk to you and learn more about you.

Thank you Jianyong, Zeyan, for stepping in to support during Campfire, allowing LIONS to end with an awesome blast.

Thank you Ying Hui, Yuanyi, for being there hear me bitch about the world when I needed a listening ear. Thank you for being so adaptable and tolerant of the so many changes that we had throughout the 5 months.

Thank you Xinyi, for being willing to step up as a facilitator this camp. I'm very very happy to see that you managed to push your own boundaries and do beyond your doubts. I know that camp wasn't easy for you, but I've definitely seen you grow. Doubt yourself less, and do it when you want to do it, for the benefit of more people, Lions, sbm, or ycamp.

Thank you to everyone, who have contributed to this entire process of Lions. The planning of workshops, execution of LIONS and the continuation of spiritual friendship has indeed strengthened my belief in the Triple Gems. Sadhu to all of you.

2011-06-18T02:40:00.001+08:00

Not startled at sounds like lions - The Buddha

Camp Lions, the short for leading and inspiring young Buddhists in Singapore, and now Malaysia! It hasn't end and i have a mixed feeling of wanting it to end and go on for another day. It is what they call tiring but fufilling.

Although there is no photo, I hope to update on those who cannot make it to the camp and still feel our energy. These days we have walked half of Singapore's gardens and parks to carry out fun and exciting games. An example would be the well loved nerf wars. And not forgetting instilling leadership skills and personal qualities into this games.

I have met existing and new members from other youth groups, and am very proud to be a Buddhist youth and am able to contribute to it. Why Camp Lions? It is not another leisure camps that SBM have organised. It is a platform for many youths to get together, know each other and learn from each other.

No words can describe what we experience during the camp, so as the younger generations get older they can have a chance to run and meet other companions in the pursuit of Dhamma.

Good morning! From Mohawk @ Aloha Changi

2011-06-14T11:35:00.000+08:00

And to contrary beliefs, we cycled to jetty! The combined house outing was a success, a pity to those who could not make it due to school works and commitments. But nonetheless it had been some time since we bonded and spent the whole day doing something together.

The Story

We stormed eagerly into East Coast Park and walked towards the bike shop. The sky was dark and the sea was churning. When all hopes were lost and it looked like it was going to rain, we stubbornly rented the bikes and ride on. And the weather was merciful and let out a smile upon seeing our determination.

The road to the jetty was long, but we managed to find strength to cycle to our destination.

The sounds of waves of sea crashing on the shore and the strong wind was refreshing to us. We have made it! From where we stand we could see the entire beach, stretching out to the distant MBS. Magnificant sight in celebration of our achievement. And admist the peace, we took out the cameras and...

The true fact is, we had too much time on our bikes and didn't know what to do! So we cycled a few rounds and headed back. Weary, we stepped into the Western Tavern, Mcdonals and grabbed a bite. Meantime we played some monopoly.

Being a Buddhist youth group, we are bonded not by spirituality, but also by friendship and sibling love. Such a relationship is hard to find in the 10,000 world systems. I am not exaggerating but the Buddha mentioned the difficulty of being even a Buddhist in the Human realm. Every one within SBM must have attained great karmic energy to be able to be together in such a small cosy temple. There is impermanence, people come and go and we cannot stop it. But what we can do is to cherish one another while everyone is still around.

This is something to share, the house of moggallana. I am in the picture and will always be proud to have been in this house. We are the special group of people that weathered hardship and joy everyday. We studied, cooked, played, cried, sang, and talked. There are the brothers and sisters that is unique. And i hope the new batch of youths can be as lucky as me and find home within the temple.

Scouting & Beta-Test

2011-06-02T01:13:00.004+08:00

CAMP LIONS

Vesak @ SBM

2011-05-29T23:55:00.003+08:00

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

2011-05-29T23:53:00.001+08:00

Singing and rapping.

Jailbreak Girls strikes again.

Resident crooner.

Under the sea.. Under the sea...

2011-05-24T22:10:00.004+08:00

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.

The Lord's Compassion

2011-05-18T23:36:00.001+08:00

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/

The Awakening

2011-05-16T18:59:00.000+08:00

Hollywood's take.

Little Buddha

2011-05-16T18:54:00.001+08:00

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.

Cameras, Rolling...ACTION!!!

2011-05-12T15:34:00.000+08:00

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

2011-05-12T13:51:00.001+08:00

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!

Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth)

Psychological Gardening

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Relics of CEP

Celebrating 30 Years of Dhamma Propagation

Newly revamped Tri-Monthly Newsletter!

CEP Post Camp Activities

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 Videos

A post to remind us on the benefits and goals of meditation

Do Buddhists meditate to “reach God through silence”?

Manjusri Secondary Sch Sec 1 Orientation

Finding every reason to celebrate

If the Buddha is not a god why do people worship him?

Our World

Xmas Party

2012

Bro. Piaya Tan's Reflection

Campfire Singing

Ajahn Brahm is coming to town

Camp Day 1

Organs

Life as a camp master

Thank you

The Mission

RIP Sister Teresa Hsu

BRB...

Love Your Parents

Peparations for 30th Gala Dinner

SBM Youth

Aspirations of SBM General Committee 2011

Quotes and more!

Message from Bhante to all youth members

Compassionate listening: a skill we can use

What Does Compassion Look Like?In 20 seconds, someone can judge how trustworthy and caring you are.

A thought provoking post on Youth work.

Meeting Venerable Thubten Chodron: Reflections of aBuddhist Youth

Before sleep thoughts

Jaya Mangala Sutta

Buddha's Teachings

Camp Recce

more from Kathina Celebrations

Kathina Celebrations

Filmmaking

Tote Bag!

May you be well and happy

AWESOME

The Reason Why

Of parents and of gratitude

Camp Ehi-Passiko Recce

Public Talk

iPhonegraphy

Mid-Autumn Festival

Unravel what constitutes YOU

Sharing and Laughing Yoga

Sharing and Laughing Meditation

Public Talk: Facing the Fears of the Changing World

Sharing Session

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011 Recce Trip

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Hello! This saturday Jianyong will be sharing with us about Buddha's cousin-- Devadatta! we WILL start sharing at 2.15pm! Cheers Mabel

And fireworks go pew pew pew!

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Sprinkles of Joy from Sharing

The Dhamma In Decline?

Sharing Session: Arahant Anuruddha

Behind-the-Scenes!

BOTIF

Runaway Train

Who is the Buddha?

8 ctivities of Happy people!!! - by Dr Tan Eng Kong

Happy Birthday Bante

Busy like a bee

community service

Can you see what I see?

Ginger Breadman

Grow Old With You

Buddha Vacana

What have you been missing out in life?

BOTIF Schedule

Kungfu Panda Movie Sharing

What Does Compassion Look Like?
In 20 seconds, someone can judge how trustworthy and caring you are.

Meeting Venerable Thubten Chodron: Reflections of a
Buddhist Youth

Hello! This saturday Jianyong will be sharing with us about Buddha's cousin-- Devadatta!

we WILL start sharing at 2.15pm!

Cheers
Mabel