Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dharma
Namo Buddhaya.
We hope you are all well as the Water Snake steadily slithers to the end of its year.
While some of you are still in the holiday mood, I wish to do some reflections on our previous programs as well as to take a peek on some activities for the year of 2014.
2013 started with a talk fro Ven Punnaji, Sri Lanka. As far as Sangha members are concerned, we were later happy to welcome 6 forest monks from the Ajahn Chah tradition where we partake in a pindapat (May); and in October, Ven Sanghasena from Ladakh was kind to gave us the first talk of his Malaysian and Singapore tour.
We started the "Introduction to Buddhism" series of talks which was very well received by the devotees. With encouragement from everybody concerned we later continued with a "Intermediate Course to Buddhism" series. This year we introduced a monthly "Guided Meditation" class which will culminate in a 1-day retreat at the end of this month.
Highlights of 2013 were 2 trips to Bujang Valley in September which was so memorable and a Kathina trip at SBS Taiping in November respectively.
All in all, it was a fulfilling year.
In 2014, there will be less Dharma talks as our Sunday talks are linked to Sunday Dharma school (classes will be twice a month). We have not finalised the programs but this shortfall may be replaced by other activities that are deemed beneficial to build our Dharma community.
Emphasis of the talks, at least for first half of the year, is for us English speaking devotees, to have a better understanding and appreciation of Mahayanese practices. Talks will also be geared towards a deeper understanding of the Dharma. There will be further development towards meditation activities.
A little peek to some other activities/talks are Ven FaXun from Singapore on talks on Introduction to Mahayanism (Jan/Feb); Metta clinic workshop conducted by Bhante Mahinda (TBC); Karma understanding based on 2 suttas by Bro Benny Liow (March); talk on Dependent Origination by Bro Tan Ho Soon (April); Ullambana Sutra appreciation by Ven Sing Kan (June); conducting Mahasanghika Dana ceremony (August); once every 2 months 1-day retreat and a 3days/2nights retreat (30 Aug-1 Sep).
The Buddha gave us 84,000 teachings so we hope we have the blessings to follow this fine tradition to impart some of the sublime Dharma with the programs that we have planned.
Last but not least on 1st Jan 2014, SABS will be conducting a 3 Steps, 1 Bow ceremony. I have registered to participate for the first time and looking forward to welcoming 2014. To have a better understanding of this ceremony, please refer to www.dharmacompanions.blogspot.
May you and your family
Happy New Year!
SABS English Dharmadutta.
Namo Buddhaya.
We hope you are all well as the Water Snake steadily slithers to the end of its year.
While some of you are still in the holiday mood, I wish to do some reflections on our previous programs as well as to take a peek on some activities for the year of 2014.
2013 started with a talk fro Ven Punnaji, Sri Lanka. As far as Sangha members are concerned, we were later happy to welcome 6 forest monks from the Ajahn Chah tradition where we partake in a pindapat (May); and in October, Ven Sanghasena from Ladakh was kind to gave us the first talk of his Malaysian and Singapore tour.
We started the "Introduction to Buddhism" series of talks which was very well received by the devotees. With encouragement from everybody concerned we later continued with a "Intermediate Course to Buddhism" series. This year we introduced a monthly "Guided Meditation" class which will culminate in a 1-day retreat at the end of this month.
Highlights of 2013 were 2 trips to Bujang Valley in September which was so memorable and a Kathina trip at SBS Taiping in November respectively.
Both the Pali chanting and the Wednesday meditation classes are slowly
growing in numbers and further being consolidated.
All in all, it was a fulfilling year.
In 2014, there will be less Dharma talks as our Sunday talks are linked to Sunday Dharma school (classes will be twice a month). We have not finalised the programs but this shortfall may be replaced by other activities that are deemed beneficial to build our Dharma community.
Emphasis of the talks, at least for first half of the year, is for us English speaking devotees, to have a better understanding and appreciation of Mahayanese practices. Talks will also be geared towards a deeper understanding of the Dharma. There will be further development towards meditation activities.
A little peek to some other activities/talks are Ven FaXun from Singapore on talks on Introduction to Mahayanism (Jan/Feb); Metta clinic workshop conducted by Bhante Mahinda (TBC); Karma understanding based on 2 suttas by Bro Benny Liow (March); talk on Dependent Origination by Bro Tan Ho Soon (April); Ullambana Sutra appreciation by Ven Sing Kan (June); conducting Mahasanghika Dana ceremony (August); once every 2 months 1-day retreat and a 3days/2nights retreat (30 Aug-1 Sep).
The Buddha gave us 84,000 teachings so we hope we have the blessings to follow this fine tradition to impart some of the sublime Dharma with the programs that we have planned.
Last but not least on 1st Jan 2014, SABS will be conducting a 3 Steps, 1 Bow ceremony. I have registered to participate for the first time and looking forward to welcoming 2014. To have a better understanding of this ceremony, please refer to www.dharmacompanions.blogspot.
May you and your family
have good health throughout the year
be safe where ever you are
overcome all obstacles that come your way
be able to pursue a balance lifestyle
always have the Dharma as your companion
have improvement in both your career and business
be at present constantly,
May you be Well, Happy and Peaceful always.
Happy New Year!
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