Kathina 2014 @ Johor

12 October 2014

During the rainy season lasting 3 months from July to October, monks often stay at a single place to spend their vassa. Hence, Vassa is also known as the Rains Retreat. During this period, monks will practice intensive meditation and will not travel unless absolutely necessary. 

The end of the vassa is often celebrated with the Kathina ceremony. Durig the Kathina ceremony, the lay devotees will make a formal offering of robe cloth and other requisites to the Shangha. 

According to the Vinaya Pitaka, a group of thirty monks were journeying together with the intention of spending the Vassa with the Buddha. However, the vassa began before they reached their destination and they had to stop travelling. Immediately after the vassa, the monks continued with their journey to Savathi. But it was still raining and  the the monks arrived late at their destination, they were not only exhausted but their robes were also wet and worn down. 

It was from this occasion that the Buddha consented to a Kathina cloth be given by the lay devotees to replace one of the three robes that is old or tattered for monks who have completed their vassa. 

Kathina in Pali refers to the wooden frame which monks in ancient India used to sew their clothes on. The robe thus prepared came to be known as Kathina robe. From that time until now, lay supporters have made a point of offering Kathina cloth to the Sangha at the end of the Vassa period.

On this once a year occasion, Kathina Celebration, whatever is offered to the Bhikkus-Sangha is considered, in point of merit, productive of the highest good.

May we all rejoice in supporting the monks and celebrating the Kathina!
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
References Pali Chanting Book of Santi Forest Monastery

The possession of Kathina Celebration
07:30am  Pindapata route. It means lay supporters can offer packaged food to the Shangha group. The monks will accept offering from the lay supporters.

09:00am     Breakfast time at the food street. The food are usually sponsored by lay supporters. Tzu Chi volunteers will be there to promote recycle concept.

09:30am     Kathina prayer session.
10:30am     Lay supporters can offer items to the Shangha (monks group). The items usually are robes, tooth paste, tooth brush, soap, broom, medication ointment and medicine (Panadol).

10:45am    Offering of Food
10:55am    Merits transfer to the departed relatives and all beings or blessing prayer.
11:10am    Lunch time for monks, nuns or 8- precepts devotees.
01:00pm    Dhamma sharing by monk
01:05pm    Volunteers will help to categorised the packaged food from lay supporters. The packaged food will be donated to non-profit groups or charity groups.

Post by Ler Travel Diary.

Santi Forest Monastery 宁心禪修林

Lot 1413, Jalan Ponorogo

81800 Ulu Tiram,

Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZbqiZ

GPS: 1.564916,103.874496

Dhamma Light Meditation Center 法光禪修林

Lot no.3106, Parit Haji Omar, 

Parit 3, Api-Api, 

82000 Pontian,

 Johor.

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Ut0qr

GPS: 1.5652814,103.3895764

To upload photos: https://dbinbox.com/santifmjb

To view all the photos: http://bit.ly/santifm2014

by LerLer Chan
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Tzuchi Medical herbs Instant Noodle 药膳香积面

#Pray forMH370

On 8 March 2014, the most shocking news in Malaysia. MH370 went missing. Tzu Chi is the first organisation to help Malaysia airlines.

Who is Tzu Chi?

For me, Tzuchi is a humanitarian oragnisation based on the Buddha teaching. It focus on compassion toward all being. I am very grateful to have Master Cheng Yen in this era.

Back to the topic. Tzu Chi Instant Noodle is researched and developed by a monk in Tzu Chi abode. The purpose it to let the unfortunate one can have something hot to eat during catastrophic time. Instant noodle is developed based on its nature of easy to carry around. Just using hot water, meal can be cooked instantly.

UPDATED: Now only I realized is this post is on Assorted Vegetarian Noodles. Not Medical herbs instant noodles. >.< Sorry. Didn't realize until now. 

 Tzu Chi Medical Herbs Assorted Vegetable Instant Noodle

The noodle is made out of spinach vegetable

Seasoning packages

Boiled the noodle with vegetable ans seasoning. I found the seasoning is too salty. Usually I only used half package.

Within 5 minutes, a meal can be served

The instant noodle is 100% vegetarian.

Ler's Reviews:

Halal?: Vegetarian Suitable

Delicious: 7/10
Price: RM18.00 for 5 packs

For more information, please refer to the information below.

References：

• http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=915%3Anutritional-instant-rice-promoted-at-food-a-beverage-expo-2011-&catid=3%3Aasia&Itemid=204&lang=en
• http://www.tzuchi.org.tw/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=295:just-add-boiling-water&catid=59:internationalrelief&Itemid=183
• http://www.tzuchi.org.cn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1191:2010-09-19-09-35-47&catid=131:2010-08-13-09-26-07&Itemid=438
• http://www.tzuchi.org.cn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1156:2010-09-07-09-15-41&catid=27:2009-07-23-05-36-42

by LerLer Chan

Dhamma: Questions Answer with Youth by Ajahn Brahm

1 May 2013

I attend Dhamma sharing  on youth with Ajahn Brahm at Metta Lodge, Johor Bahru. Below are some summary from the talk.

Q: What is the Buddhism view on sex before marriage
A:
both party need to know the consequences. When lust come, we some time can not control it. Thus we need to understand the consequences of our action

Q: If a girl was raped, is abortion allowed.
A:
The girl will need the decision based on 4 conditions
1) the decision was not made based on personal reason
2) the decision was not made out of fear
3) the decision was not made  due to illness
4) the decision was not made due to delusion

Once the girl made the decision, we only can support her to the maximum. No judgement or comments should be made. We are not the girl who been through the suffering. We are not in her shoes. Thus the best solution from her family members or other is to support her to maximum.

Q: I read a article before. " the one who plan for future is a realistic". This statement is seem to be conflict from Buddhism view which is "live at the present moment"
A:
Ajahn Brahm quoted with a story

One upon a time, a king went for hunting and hurt his finger. the doctor cured the king's finger.
King: Will I get well?
Doctor: Good. Bad. Who know?

The wound get worse. The king went to the doctor again for treatment.
King: Will I get well this time?
Doctor: Good. Bad. Who know?

The king was not unhappy. After some time, the wound get worse and the fingers need to be amputated.
King: How was it this time?
Doctor: Good. Bad. Who know?

The king was very angry this time. He closed the doctor in jail. He asked the doctor again
King: Are you happy in the jail now?
Doctor: Good Bad Who know?

The King left the doctor in the jail. After some time, the king left for hunting again. This time he was captured by some aborigine. It was the prayer day for the aborigine. They need a perfect persons as god sacrifice. The king was tied to a tree. After some prayer, the priest took a knife and prepared to kill the king. Another priest stopped the priest. He noticed the king only have 9 fingers. The king was not fitted as a sacrifice. Thus, the priest left the king back to his castle.

The king immediately release the doctor from jail. He thanked the doctor that one lost finger save his life.
King: What do you think know?
Doctor: I am luckly. I do not go hunting with you. If I was captured too, I will be murdered be cause I have 10 fingers. so Good Bad Who knows

The moral of the story: We can't predict the future and we are not sure weather the future is good or bad. We need to be flexible and able to change to each situation. We still plan for future but always be flexible. Not stubbornly stick to the plan.

Q: If I am in relationship, how can i balance my life between study, work, love and religion?
A:
It is best to have a partner same religion belief as you. So both of you can attend religion activities together. It is a great relationship if your relationship was blessed by religion teacher too.

Q: How to focus in study?
A; Make the study interesting. Why you can watch drama without any difficulty? Try to apply the same tactic in your study too.

《清净。大爱。无量义》音乐手语剧 - 感想

My first encounter with innumerable sutra performance is on 18 December 2010 in Johor Bahru. Without any knowledge, I reach my hometown to help out in “Lu Xiang Zhang” Event. Then only I realise it was a big event that preach the innumerable of sutra. What amazed me the most is the effort and cooperation between Tzuchi organisation.

Usually Dharma was preach as Dharma talk or listen to CD. While this musical performance is really unique and interesting. All the performers need to keep their 10 precepts and be vegetarian for 108 days. Weeks after weeks of learning and practices among the performers to understand the sutra and apply in life. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu for all the efforts and compassion.

During Johor Bahru tour, my parent got the chance to watch and see the show. I was great to hear my dad appreciate the show. My dad been a good dad that fetch us back and forth to Sunday Dharma school. However, his fate with Buddhism was not yet ready. Thus, I felt gratitude when he able to listen and watched the show from beginning to the end.

While I was able to watch the complete performance of innumerable sutra is in Ipoh tour. We, tzuqing got the chance to watch our senior from Perak to perform. In the end, I was so touched and cried a few time. Reason is the story shared by Huang ShiGu is so touching. A mother love was boundless. Nothing can compare to a mother love. Yet she need to accept and learn to let go of her son death. The journey to recover was tough. However, with the love and help from Tzuchi members, she was able to stand up again. In return, She use her experience to help others too.

My purpose to join in sign language group is to continue to spread this love and compassion to others. A mother lost her son and  my best friend lost her dad let me understand one lesson. Life is full of uncertainty but death is certain. Therefore, I do not regret to join sign language group.

So my happy “suffering” journey start here. There were a few lessons i learned as listed below:-

●     Less complain.  transportation was provided, food was provided, our teacher was giving her 200% efforts to teach us. Ask yourself do you dare to waste this effort? Do you feel the hard work of others?

●     Coordination between 5 senses. First listen to the songs, second learn the sign language, third learn the foot steps, forth learn each layout pattern, fifth entry and exit. All this was learn in 4 months duration. The key for the success is focus and concentration. Understand the meaning of the sutra thus a beautiful performance will be presented

●     Time management. Everyone of us come with different background. After work, we do not rest. We use that time for learning sign language. Weekend was spent to improve the coordination between members. Thus I learn to manage my time well.

●     Apply dharma in life. Everyone do this voluntary. We did it happily. I learn to be more considerate and tolerance. “Format” the big “I” in oneself and put yourself in other people shoes. Step back you can see the whole picture. Thus, temper can be calm down as soon as possible

●     Flexible Nothing more interesting when come to uncertainly. One thing i found out in Tzuchi was we are very flexible, accept the changes and quickly find solution. During our first performance (Saturday 10 September 2011), “Da De” (audiences) were in the hall out of schedule. candles was lighted by audiences themselves, van almost been stolen. Shi Gu looked at all this matters with a great heart and optimism. Solution just came up instantly.

Ganen. I have this chance to be involve in this performance. Sadhu sadhu sadhu May all beings be well and happy

Wesak day celebration at Kuala Lumpur

17 May 2011

My first time celebrate Wesak day in Kuala Lumpur. Maha Vihara Buddhist temple was a temple I wish to visit again. After D2YC camp in year 2004, I do not visit the temple again. This time I am lucky to pray in this temple again

On Wesak Eve, heavy rain was poured.  Lucky on Wesak day, a clear blue sky was seen to welcome this auspicious day.

Budhhism flags was hang around the temple to indicate the auspicious day.

Outside the temple, It a whole row of stalls selling different things to raise fund for charity or buddhism society. I met Tzuchi senior there too. May all be well and happy.

lotus symbolizes purity. May the flower we offer indicate that we will stay pure in the muddy condition. Treasure life as the the time span of flower is short but beautiful.

Before going home, we stop by Dang Wangi Lrt station to visit Yut Kee restaurant. It was famous among floggers and magazine too.

we ordered three drinks. Lime juice, Lime Asam Juice and Teh Ais.

I love the way the half boil egg was. the timing was important to get the effect as above.

I was a vegetaarian for wesak month. So Roti bakar with kaya and butter is nice.

The famous hainan pork chop.

My first time see Roti Babi. Both of my friends said it taste good.

On this wesak day (2600 in buddhist calender) may all be well and happy.

清净。大爱。无量经 - 柔佛之行

wow long long time no write but i have a lot of story to write down hmm may be can work it out on weekend

18/12/2010 (Saturday) - 19/12/2010 (Sunday)

这次的义工 让我学到很多很多事情。
感恩
清净。大爱。无量经 - 柔佛之行， 为了两场于柔佛的无量经， 动用了一千名以上的义工。Other than touching, gratefulness, I not sure what i can said to all the volunteer. My part was just take the "lu xiang: and walk a round the hall. But the transportation, food was great

some time touching memory is so hard to convert to word and sentences. I can only pary for the health of all beings. That was a great event. Although tired but it was a calming process for my mind and body. I found my way back to buddhism after I start working.

May all beings be well and happy

让美丽的记忆， 长留在记忆里。。。。。。

小故事分享

在这次的义工中，我买了一双环保筷子。对于刚出社会工作的我，买一双环保筷子的价格等于我三天的午餐费用。为此我耿耿于怀那双环保筷子的价格。。。母亲知道了这件事，她的话解开我心中的结。。。

”慈济鼓励环保， 所以鼓励大家用环保餐具。而且每一次的义工活动， 慈济人都会带着自己的环保餐具来盛食物。这真真做到了， 不浪费食物与餐具的目的。。。以长远来看，你为自己省了不少钱啊。。“

母亲的开导让我明白了， 我应该想着一双环保筷子的意义。 为什么要执着于它的价钱？？钱能再赚回来。有了这双筷子，我更勤劳地带便当而省了一笔午餐费。母亲说这句话时， 还未参与慈济活动。 而我参加慈青活动三年了， 且不明白环保的意义。。。。

因这次清净。大爱。无量经 - 柔佛之行， 感动我的父母， 让他们有机会接触慈济， 参加慈济。。

感恩

放宽心胸， 不要执着， 会觉得自己的世界变得很广阔， 很美丽。。。。

Nothing endures but change

Nothing endures but change
When change occurs, one have to endures

During a dhamma sharing, i find this quote interesting. Nothing is impermanence in this world. You attend school, meet new friends, enjoy your time with them,, fight with them, then you graduate and leave. This process repeat itself a few time. this is the nature of the world.

The experience shared by speaker was a great story that inspire me. she lost her entire collection. Yet, she endure and accept the fact so well. I really admire her spirit.



Thus we need to understand and accept it. Let go is the key word. we bring nothing in this world, we will leave with nothing. But good deeds will always stay in our and other minds.

Another quote that interest me during the sharing was
你有爱人吗？
This was seldom heard during dhamma sharing.
How do you interpret？
爱人 = 名词
Do you have a lover?
爱人=动词+名词
Do you love the others?

However, most of us immediately judge it as do you have a lover? once we hear it. Do not judge a book by its cover. Listen carefully , think carefully, only answer it back. Then, you will not misinterpret things....
so
你有爱人吗？
是的， 我有爱，人。。。。。。^0^

感恩

感恩。父母
谢谢你们的支持， 养育之恩

感恩。妹妹与弟弟
谢谢你们的爱

感恩。Ms Desilva
谢谢你让我快乐的跳舞

感恩。大学的姐妹
在我最困难时， 帮助我

感恩。中学的朋友
有福同享， 有难同当

感恩。小学朋友·

感恩。老师们的教导

感恩， 朋友的体谅

感恩 遇见过的贵人

Kathina 2009

Kathins 2009 in Pontian

11 October 2009

we attend that Kathina cerempny in Api-Api, Pontian. It is a great celebration for Buddhists. During the 3 months raining season, more that 5 monks will stay together in monastery for mediation. Kathina Ceremony is a celebration for devotees to share merits and joy. Thus, it is the second largest event after Wessak day.