Aspirations for the New Year

As the year comes to an end, let us make ASPIRATIONS to lead a better life, to be able to continue our spiritual well-being and development in the right direction.

May we reflect on our past actions - rejoice over the good deeds but learn from the mistakes by not repeating them.

Here is a short sharing about the true meaning of Aspirations (courtesy of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/e-dhamma/message/230)

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Sujata's Aspiration vs Gotama's Aspiration

It is a tradition for a Buddhist to go to the Bodhi Tree to make their aspiration.

But what did they aspire and how they did it? Some would offer something to the Bodhi Tree before their aspiration such as milk, lights, etc. And they wish for material and worldly gains such as wealth, good health and happiness.

What is the true perspective of making aspiration?

Let us go back to the time just before the Buddha's Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. There was this lady named Sujata who has just got her wish fulfilled after making her request from the Bodhi Tree. She came back to offer the milk-rice as a repayment to the Deva of the Bodhi Tree.

At the same time our Bodhisatta Gotama also made his aspiration that he will not raise from his seat until he attained enlightenment to the quest of Truth he was searching. He then selected the Bodhi Tree as the venue for his meditation.

That is when Sujata mistakenly thought that the Bodhisatta was the deva of the Bodhi Tree and offered Gotama his last meal. He then strived on to attain enlightenment on the Vesak night.

Now what is the right method of making aspiration?

Aspiration is NOT making WISHES!A Buddhist makes aspiration to re-focus his spiritual strive towards Enlightenment.Aspiration should be carried out after (and not before) one has performed a meritorious deed such as Dana (generosity).

“By the power of Truth from these meritorious actions of mine, may I continue to have opportunity to learn the Dhamma, to practice them and to realize them until I attain Nibbana.”

One may aspire for worldly gain with the objectives to support his/her spiritual strives. “With this healthy body, may I be able to continue to help and assist those who are in needs”

As the year is coming to the end, everybody is making their new year Resolution.We as Good Buddhist shall make our Aspiration too.
Let us focus our good merits to achieve more meaningful actions that will contribute to the well being of both others and our self.

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May we be able to follow the Dhamma path diligently everyday and in every way to fulfil our aspirations.

May the Triple Gem be our guiding light

Sukhi Hotu to everyone

Together we serve the Buddha-Sasana

-MMU DSG-

MMU DSG Year End Pot Luck's back.. this wed (28/12) 8-10pm, see you at CR1025

Dear brothers and sisters of the Dhamma,

For every year christmas and new year, do you have any special celebration? I'm a buddhist but does it means this event is not related to me? This wednesday in CR1025, MMUDSG will be having our Year End Pot Luck
(a joyful and meaningful gathering through games, sharing & hymns). Tasty food will be provided. Cya there..


Date : 28th Dec, 2005 (Wed)
Time : 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue : CR1025 (Foe Building)


Take a break from your stressful daily routine, and come join us!

For more info please contact wei loong ym : twei_loong

Sukhi-Hotu
May you be well and happy

Regards,
MMU Dhamma Sharing Group (DSG)

"Dhamma in our life"

Digha jaarato ratti -----
digham santassa yojanam
Digho balanam samsaro -----
saddhammam avijanatam


Long is the night to the wakeful; long is the journey to the weary; long is samsara to the foolish who know not the Sublime Truth.

Dhammapada, Verse 60


This is what the Buddha, The Fully Enlightened One said to King Pasenadi during the Buddha's time. [Click for full story ---> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dhamma/message/1027]

This dhammapada brings us to the topic of our sharing session in DSG this week. We are having a sharing on "Dhamma in our life".

Do come and get in touch with the beautiful teachings of the Enlightened One.
We are also having hymns and games session. There will also be photo viewing on the past sessions. Do come join us.

Date : 21st Dec, 2005 (Wed)
Time : 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue : CR1025 (Foe Building)


See you there....

Sukhi-Hotu
May you be well and happy


-MMU DSG-

MOVIE SCREENING Tonight @ CR1025 8pm, Free Sitting

Dear brothers and sisters of the Dhamma,

A: “Why do I spend so much money each month? How do I able to plan my financial in efficient way?”
B: “I have to spend so much money on my girlfriend… but I love her… how do I need to plan my financial?”
C: “Petrol again… I need to spend so much money in maintaining my car.. but I can’t live without my car too.. How do I need to plan for my financial?”
D: “I’m still a student, and I have no income. How could I plan in spending money?”

Some of u sure think as the same as the situation above. Don’t worry, there will be a movie screening about Financial/ Buddhism and money to let u think for the Buddhism aspect in planning your financial.

Date : 14th Dec, 2005 (Wed)
Time : 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue : CR1025 (Foe Building)


See ya there!!

Sukhi-Hotu
May you be well and happy
Regards,MMU Dhamma Sharing Group (DSG)

Gratitude

5 Quotes on the Rationale of Gratitude

1.How deeply you feel gratitude is how deeply you treasure and enjoy your blessings.

2. If we should be grateful even to our greatest "enemies" for perfecting one's patience, how can we ever be ungrateful to anyone?

3. Just as contentment for what one has is the greatest wealth, gratitude for what one receives is the greatest satisfaction.

4. Ingratitude is the beginnning of the end of one's blessings, just as gratitude is the beginning of their perpetuation.

5. To take even the smallest thing in life for granted is to not be grateful enough.

source: TDE-intl


-MMU DSG-

How Buddhist manage finance

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In this materialistic world, the $$$ sign seems to be the main issue in most conversations. The word MONEY is never left out of the mind no matter when or where. How do we manage $$ wisely? How to maintain a balanced life without too indulging in this materialistic mindset? How can we be generous yet have a comfortable financial account in our life? In Buddhism, performing Dana is greatly stressed...but what if we are financially poor?? Is there also a "financial" account or better known as merit account in our life??

In this coming Wednesday DSG Session, we will be having a dhamma sharing on this issue. Do come find out and also get your questions answered.

The details are as below:

Date: 7/12/2005
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Venue: CR1025 (FOE Building)
Title: Buddhism and Finance
Speaker: Bro. Aggavamsa Wong

Conducted in ENGLISH


For the sasana,

MMU DSG
http://mmudsg.blogspot.com/

DSG Session: movie screening based on love and friendship

Dear Everyone...In this coming Wednesday DSG Session, we will behaving a movie screening based on love and friendship.The details are as below:

Date: 30/11/2005
Time: 8 p.m
Venue: CR1025

Hope to see everyone there.

P/S: Refreshment will be provided....

Regards,
MMU DSG

Forum - "Education, Development, Propagation - The Buddhist Approach"

"Education, Development, Propagation - The Buddhist Approach"

An Intellectual Discussion With Ven. Dr. H. Gunaratana

Date : 3rd December 2005, Saturday

Time : 2.30 pm - 6.00 pm

Venue : Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul

Objectives : - To clarify doubts on certain doctrinal aspects of Buddhism

- To discuss trends in the development of Dhamma teaching

- To discuss and exchange ideas on Dhamma propagation

The target group for this forum is existing and aspiring Dhamma speakers, Sunday School teachers, facilitators, educationists, intermediate to advanced level students of Buddhism, students of higher institutes of learning, and Buddhist community leaders.

Admission to the forum is FREE but subject to prior registration. If interested, please contact Bee Hui (YM! bhcheah23) at bhcheah23@yahoo.com

Sukhihotu

-MMU DSG-

Offering of Robes by MMU DSG and CyBH

Kathina Day in Nalanda Buddhist Society (20th Nov 2005)

before offering of robes

during offering

A Sangha member giving a short sermon

Lunch Dana to the Sangha members

*please click on image for enlarge version

May we all rejoice in this meritorious deed.
May the merits accrued through this Sanghika Dana be shared/dedicated to all.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu!

Together we serve the Buddha-Sasana

-MMU DSG-

MMU DSG Mandarin Dhamma Class "Junior Level"

When we hear what is your religion, so naturally for Chinese, we will answer them "WE ARE BUDDHIST" if we are not a Christian. We will do the same thing when we fill in any kind of form on the field of Religion. We will insert "Buddhist" again if you are not a Christian for Chinese.

However, when there are people asking us what is Buddhism or what a Buddhist do, what should we tell them? Buddhist are just praying? Light the Jolt Stick and do Chanting? How much do we know about Buddhism?

Now, we are so fortunate that MMUDSG is going to held a "Junior Level Mandarin Dhamma Class". This will help all our fellow Buddhist and fellow friends that are interested in learning the essence of Dhamma to come forward and join. The class will start on this Thursday 24/11/05 8.00pm - 10.00pm

Date: 24th Nov, 2005 (Thursday)
Time: 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue: CR1028

For more details please contact:
(I) Tan Yaw Han 012-6868 038 Y! cless85
(II) Siew Jun Han 012-2673 660 Y! jaesiew
(III) Chan Wai Chin 016-5941 754 Y! waichinc826

Hope to hear from you soon, See you there!

Regards,

MMU DSG

多媒体大学佛学分享小组第一届"初级华文佛学班" MMU DSG Mandarin Dhamma Class "Junior Level"

当别人问我们是来自什么宗教信仰,
我们都会答:＂我是佛教徒＂．
当我们填写表格时，
我们都会好自然的写：＂Religion: Buddhist（佛教徒）”.
当其他人问到：＂什么是佛教徒？＂
我们又会如何回答他们呢？
佛教徒只是拜拜？烧烧香而已吗？
到低我们对佛教有多认识呢？

所谓机会难逢，这一次，ＭＭＵＤＳＧ（多媒体大学佛学分享小组）举办第一界"初级华文佛学班"，以让各位佛友们都能达到更深一层对佛法的认识与了解．这就在每个星期四，8.00pm -10.00pm，从 24/11/05（星期四）起．

Date : 24th Nov, 2005 （星期四）
Time : 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue : CR1028

详情可联络：
(I) Tan Yaw Han 012-6868 038 Y! cless85
(II) Siew Jun Han 012-2673 660 Y! jaesiew
(III) Chan Wai Chin 016-5941 754 Y! waichinc826

希望能见到你的到来，约定你！
　

A talk on "All About Love - Friendship & Relationship" 23/11 8pm CR1025

Dear brothers and sisters of the Dhamma,

你了解"爱"吗?
"爱",有人可随手可得,有人却追寻了一辈子也找不到.

或许你曾否想过:
"为什么他/她永远不会了解我,体谅我?"
"为什么我每次诚心诚意的付出,却换来一次又一次的伤心欲绝?"
"为什么每年2月14日，元宵节时；我总是得一个人过？"

而”友情”, 在你心中又是扮演着什么样的角色?
朋友的选择, 曾是否让你感到苦恼?

"爱" 与 “友情”, 可让人幸福与开心,也让人烦恼. 你觉得是吗?
这个星期三晚上8点,让我们一起听听有关”爱”与 “友情” 这个课题的讲座。 ;)

Do u understand "love"?
"love", there's someone who could own it easily but there's someone who could spend their whole life to seek for their life partner.

What about friendship?
How do make the right choices in our friendship?
The Maha-mangala Sutta (The Great Discourse of Blessing) states the highest blessing comes from avoiding fools and associating with the wise. [asevana ca balanam, panditanan ca sevana]

How does selection of friends and companion affect our spiritual progress??

"love" and "friendship", can bring people happiness and unhappiness, do u agree?
This coming Wednesday at 8pm, let us listen to a talk entitled "All about love - Friendship & Relationship"

Date : 23rd Nov, 2005 (Wed)
Time : 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue : CR1025 (Foe Building)

* Conduct in mandarin.

See ya there!!

Sukhi-Hotu
May you be well and happy

Regards,
MMU Dhamma Sharing Group (DSG)

Priceless Dhamma

Treasuring the Free but Priceless Dharma

Nobody has patented rights to the Dharma in the sense that even the Buddha is still sharing the Dharma with countless beings for free elsewhere. The Dharma is priceless, yet it is given away free nowadays. (Unless of course, there is a nominal charge to cover costs.) Like many free things we get these days, they are usually taken for granted and thus undervalued.

If one is observant, one would notice that in our material consumer driven society, one finds fewer people enjoying a carefree Saturday afternoon in a free public park or meditating in an open temple, as compared with the majority crowding in the town centre's shopping malls. However, this situation is not unique to modern times. Throughout human history, the proportion of people practising their faith tends to dwindle in materially better times and booms in harder times - when the call for spirituality suddenly becomes urgent.

In the history of the Mahayana tradition, many Chinese monks braved the long journey to India to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures. Many Indian monks also did the same, travelling the opposite direction to China, so as to share the Buddha's teachings. It was recorded in Chinese history that only 1 in 10 who travelled to the west (to India) returned, the rest pressumed having perished along the difficult journey. Despite each expedition being life-endangering, what motivated the monks was the quest for the ultimate Dharma.

Cited in the sutras and widely believed, this might be the period of the decline of the Dharma. This means we should buck up, not give up in learning and practising the Dharma. Let's hold back the Dharma-ending age as long as we can. Ironically, when information and communication is more instananeously free-flowing than ever in recorded history, the fervour and thirst for Dharma understanding seems to pale - in comparison to the days of the journey to the west?

People tend to overpay to own pricey and relatively useless material things, as they take useful free gifts for granted. Until one had realised the absurdity of this, one will not see the importance of spiritual cultivation and living according to the Eightfold Path, Five Precepts and other aspects of the Buddha's teachings.

When asked if they had studied the sutras in depth, many lay-Buddhists often say they have "no time". Busy people tend to defer realising the truth, or seeking answers to their life's problems - until it is too late. If this situation prevails, we will indeed see the real "ending" of the Dharma. It would not mainly be due to demonic interference, but due to the general lack of diligence and faith of the majority in practising the Dharma. Thus, individual Buddhists should work steadfastly to understand the sutras, which would enable them to actualise the Dharma in their daily lives. However, note that experienced teachers might be needed to guide us to understanding the scriptures, lest we misinterpret them or do not understand.

As one comfortably reads the sutras surrounded by material comforts, one should never forget the hardship of those who had journeyed to the west. Practising and realising the Dharma in the sutras would be the best way to honour them. Now is always the best time to get motivated and practise the Dharma - this most priceless free gift to us all, from noneother than the Buddha Himself!

- Alan Cheong (Edited by Shen Shi'an)
http://www.thedailyenlightenment.com/

Public Seminar :"Finding Anchorage in a Volatile Sea: Developing Peace and Purpose in Life"

For your information, Nalanda Buddhist Society is organizing a Public Seminar this December. The details are as follows:

Date of activity: 4th December 2005
Time: 9am - 4.30pm
Address: Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya
Contact: 03-8948-8055
Seminar Title:"Finding Anchorage in a Volatile Sea: Developing Peace and Purpose in Life"
Honarable Speaker: Ven. Dr. H. Gunaratana
Fees: RM60 (Inclusive lunch, tea break, seminar material)

Visit http://www.nalanda.org.my/ for more information on the seminar and register online today!

Closing date is 27th November 2005 (subject to earlier closing as seats are limited).
Registration form is also available at Nalanda Dharma Center (3356, 1st Floor, Jalan 18/31, Taman Sri Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan.), BGF and SJBA.

Contact Bro. Tan (012-3089212), Sis. Veronica (012-2683891), Chee Onn (013-3445545), Nalanda Dharma Center (03-89488055) for more enquiries.

Sukhihotu!

About the speaker:

Venerable Henepola Gunaratana was ordained as a novice monk at the age of twelve in Malandeniya Village, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Upon reaching twenty in 1947, he was given the higher ordination in Kandy. He received education from various institutions including the Vidyasekhara Pirivena in Gampaha, Vidyalankara College in Kelaniya, and the Buddhist Missionary College in Colombo.

After graduating, his reverence spent five years in India , engaging in missionary work with the Mahabodhi Society. He served the religious needs of the “Harijana” (untouchable) communities in Sanchi, Delhi and Bombay. The venerable also spent ten years in Malaysia (1958-1968), serving as Religious Advisor to the Sasana Abhivurdhiwardhana Society and the Buddhist Missionary Society (BMS).

At the invitation of Sasana Sevaka Society, Ven. Gunaratana traveled to the United States in 1968, where he has remained since. His reverence served as the Secretary, and later President, of the Buddhist Vihara of Washington. He is currently the Founder-President of Bhavana Society in West Virginia.

The venerable earned a B.A., an M.A., and Ph.D. in Philosophy from The American University. He taught courses at Maryland, Bucknell, American and Georgetown universities. His books and articles have been widely published in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and the USA. Ven. Gunaratana conducts meditation retreats and lectures widely throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

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Together we serve the Buddha-Sasana
-MMU DSG-

Dhammapada verse 182

DHAMMAPADA VERSE 182

[PALI]

Kiccho mantissa patilabho - kiccham maccana jivitam Kiccham saddhamma savanam - kiccho buddhanam uppado.

Explanation:
Rare is birth as a human being. Hard is the life of mortals. Hard is the hearing of the Sublime Truth. Rare is the appearance of the Buddhas.

May everyone be appreciative & contented at all times!!!

together we serve the Buddha-Sasana

-MMU DSG-

5 Precepts & 5 Ennoblers

The 5 Precepts & 5 Ennoblers

As Buddhists, we need to establish our practice on moral principles so that we feel a sense of self-respect and stability. The Five Precepts provide the foundation for moral behaviour and for lay practice of the Dharma.

To refrain from killing.
To refrain from stealing.
To refrain from adulterous or promiscuous sexual activities.
To refrain from false speech.
To refrain from drugs and alcohol.

Besides observing the Five precepts daily, Buddhists also practice the positive aspects of the precepts or the Five Ennoblers which are Loving-kindness, Generosity, Contentment, Truthful Speech and Mindfulness. The positive precepts helps to purify our body, speech and mind.

With deeds of Loving-kindness, I purify my body.
With open-handed Generosity, I purify my body.
With Stillness, Simplicity and Contenment, I purify my body.
With Truthful Communication, I purify my speech.
With Mindfulness clear and radiant, I purify my mind.


- Buddha Puja - A Book of Devotions

Everyday Dhamma - The Middle Path

Sensitivity : Balance It

Sometimes people are insensitive.
Forgive them anyway.

Sometimes people are oversensitive.
Forgive them anyway.

What alternative is there? Bear a grudge for the rest of your life such that it makes you mad whenever you think of an unhappy encounter?

No point at all! Just have a balanced sensitivity to others (the Middle Way) -
don't be insensitive or oversensitive,and let go of others' insensitivity and oversensitivity.
Balanced sensitivity is balanced Compassion and Wisdom to oneself and others.

Is the cup filled 50% half full or empty?
It is just a cup filled 50% - that's all. I hope you get the idea.
To live a happier life, look at the "fuller" side of people. Count your blessings and be grateful for what you have instead of keeping tabs on the "injustice" done to you. Whether life is full of blessings or injustice is determined by how you see it and what you do. It was terrific that you considered the feelings of others. No need to hanker that others were less terrific in considering your feelings. Just focus on how terrific you were and be even more so! It will pay in time, karmically.

[www.moonpointer.com]

: : pot luck menu : :

the list of whos bringing what. try not to bring the same thing. so please tell me what you are bringing so i can update the list.

Buddhist House Residents - Herbal Tea Egg, fruits, kuk fa sui, & jelly
Zi Qian - Ice-Cream
YeeFun n SiewTeng -'dai choi kou' & Junk Food
Nicky - Softdrinks
Choi n Tine - Secret Recipe Cake
Jess - Fried Mee Hoon
Ah Siow - Fried Rice
LidFong - French Fries
KahKeat - Sausages
CheeOnn - Mooncakes
JunHan, YawHan, WaiChin, SiewHui, FangKai - Sandwiches
Ren Bin & Hock Guan - KFC
ChongLeong & Shan Shan - nuggets

pot luck is back~!~!

MMUDSG pot luck is back~!~! so its time to makan makan~!~! and main main~!~! load of fun awaits~!~!

Time : 8.00pm - 10.00pm
Date : 14th September, 2005 (Wednesday)
Venue : MMU FOE building CR1026.

take a break from your stressful daily routine, and come join us!

for more info please contact wei loong ym : twei_loong

sukhi hotu

DSG Session "My Experience As a Novice Monk"

To Brothers and Sisters of the Dhamma,

This week we are lucky to be able to have invited a friend all the way from KELANTAN who have just finished joining as a Novice Monk in one of the temple in kelantan. He is Brother Yeap Heng Kian, who is a graduate from Kolej Yayasan Melaka. He will bring together a video clip which is the process of his experience on before, during and after joining as a Novice Monk. How does it feel to be able to be of service to the Sangha community? What was the decision involved to go fourth in experiencing this spiritual development?

So do come join us to clear your doubts about the life of a novice monk!! As usual, refreshment will be prepared after the session

Remark: all of you who would like to know how the novice monk live, please grab this chance to come as not always we can get a friend that was a novice monk before to share with us on his experience with a full video clip.


Time : 8.00pm - 10.00pm
Date : 7th September, 2005 (Wednesday)
Venue : MMU FOE building CR1026


See you there!!

Sukhi-Hotu
May you be well and happy


*Together we serve the Buddha-Sasana*

Wisdom Audio Visual Exchange

Wisdom Audio Visual Exchange or more commonly known as WAVE is a non-profit organization that prints and distributes Dhamma books out for free. They are constantly in need of people's support to continue the good effort.

Currently a few of us in MMUDSG is planing to help them reprint a book entitled : BODHIYANA by Ven. Ajahn Chah (pic below). It cost RM1.80 a copy to reprint, but the printer need at least 1000 copies to print. This means we need to collect RM1800 to reprint this book.



To know more about WAVE, please go to http://www.geocities.com/wave_books/index.htm.

For more infomation kindly contact Bro. CheeOnn (ym! : mmucasper) or Sis. BeeHui (ym! : bhcheah23 )

" the gift of dhamma excel other gifts "

The Meanings of Dhamma

The Meanings of Dhamma

The Dhamma (Dharma) of life has four meanings:

1. Nature itself,
2. The law of nature,
3. The duty that must be performed according to that law of nature,
4. The fruits or benefits that arise from the performance of that duty.

Always keep these four interrelated meanings in mind. Please investigate that Truth within yourselves, in this body and mind that you imagine to be yourselves. Within each of us are various natures compounded into a body, into a being. Then there is the law of nature that controls those natures. And there is the duty (Noble Eightfold Path) that must be performed correctly by and for all things regarding the law of nature. Lastly, there are the results of the performance of that duty. If the duty is performed correctly, the result will be well-being, tranquility and ease...

... life is made up of just these four meanings of nature. Now, however, we have yet to understand them correctly and completely. We have not truly penetrated into the secret of what we call life. We have not grasped the secret of Dhamma, so we are unable to practise in a way that gets the fullest benefit from life. Let us take the time to study the Dhamma and "secret of life" enough that we may take advantage of them.

-Mindfulness with Breathing (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu)

A New Begining

Welcome to the MMUDSG blog.

This blog will be updated by MMUDSG committee members. The blog will feature some upcoming events, reports or anouncements. There will also be dhamma articles posted here.

I am Wei Loong, and I am the administrator of this blog. If you have any questions or requests, do drop me a line in the comment box. I will try my very best to check it often!

together we serve the Buddha-Sasana.