Today, Malaysians celebrate the 64th anniversary of our nation’s independence, marking another year of unrelenting patience and perseverance. We have not only put on hold our desires and fancies as a means of safeguarding our communities, we have also made sacrifices due to our care, respect and compassion for our fellow countrymen.
Read moreAt times, we may be in a state of doubt, either in ourselves, or in the Dhamma principles. “I meditate everyday but still can’t calm the mind”, or “I have learnt so much over the years, yet I don’t have the deep level of faith”; thoughts like these are common. We may even think that we are too deep down the ‘rabbit hole’ in this life to realise our mind’s full potential. If left unchecked, the sceptical mind will ebb our determination to reach our spiritual goals.
Read moreThe XVI Paralympics in Tokyo starts today and for the next 12 days, the world will be able to witness outstanding athletes compete in goodwill and amity with their peers. Reflecting on this year’s Olympic Torch relay dubbed “Share your light”, so too do these differently-abled athletes illuminate the world with their courage and hope having overcome all odds to be among the best in their chosen sport.
Read moreAnger and aversion arise when someone does or says something we don’t like, or things are not done our way. It is the result of unwise attention to the un-ending desires in our mind. The Buddha taught that anger inflames the mind and only brings about loss, pain, loneliness and misery; an angry person does not see the true nature of things (Kodhana Sutta, AN 7.60).
Read moreIn the next few weeks, we will reflect on Dhamma talks held during the this year's Gimhāna Retreat on ‘Steps to Happiness’. These talks discuss the manifestations of the mind which obstruct our spiritual progress, and how we can take steps towards removing them. We hope that this series are useful reminders and contemplations for you.
Read moreToday is the Republic of Singapore’s 56th National Day. The theme for this National Day, “Together, our Singapore Spirit” celebrates the unity and solidarity of all Singaporeans in persevering and rising through today's challenges, just as their founding fathers had in turning the city-state from a third-world back water into a first-world economic powerhouse.
Read moreOn 1 August, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi defied the competition by sharing a historic Olympic gold medal for the men’s high jump. We laud Barshim and Tamberi for their impressive display of sportsmanship and amity. They have shown us that the power of friendship can transcend barriers and allow us to push ourselves towards achieving our true potential as humans.
Read moreOn 30 July, we reached a milestone of administering more than 20 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine. As part of the national immunisation programme, vaccination centres are now cumulatively giving more than 500,000 doses a day. This could not be achieved without the dedication and commitment of our front-liners who do not shy away from their critical roles even as the number of new infections climb.
Read moreIn conjunction with Dhamma Day B.E. 2565, a Dhamma Forum was held LIVE on 25 July. Watch the recording of this live event featuring presentations by Venerable Ayya Sumangalā, Datuk Charlie Chia and Bro. Oh Kim Leng, followed by a ‘Question & Answer’ session.
Read moreFor seven weeks after the Buddha’s Enlightenment, He contemplated on the Dhamma with His perfectly clear faculty of comprehension. Then, He travelled for seven days from Bodhgaya to Sarnath, where He preached the First Sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the Five Ascetics in Isipitana two full-moons after His Enlightenment.
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