The full-moon of the eighth lunar month shines brightly above us tonight, as Chinese communities around the world celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节). It is traditionally a time for families to gather for reunion dinners in the spirit of harmony and togetherness. Where travel is restricted in this period due to the pandemic, we can still endeavour to have a meaningful reconnect on-line with our loved ones by showing our genuine care and concern for their well-being.
Read moreToday is the 58th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious, Malaysians have grown to be more resilient and progressive as we face the challenges of economic turmoil, political uncertainties and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreTwo decades have passed since the deadly blow of coordinated terror attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in New York on the morning of September 11, 2001. The world reeled with shock at the emergence of such brutality which caused 2,977 fatalities and left thousands injured.
Read moreCraving (tañha) occupies the mind when wisdom is not applied to pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Without the wisdom of seeing their impermanent and transient nature, we react in unwise ways that lead to our affliction. We are unable to see straight because we are blinded by craving, and even allow emotions to control us. The Buddha explains the unwise reaction to tañha in Sallatha Sutta (SN 36.6).
Read moreThe Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 concludes today after two weeks of competition. The Malaysian contingent had its best performance ever this year by winning three gold medals and two silver medals. We rejoice in the sportsmanship of all the Paralympics athletes who have upheld the Olympic spirit of friendship and harmony throughout the games.
Read more31 August 2021 marks 15 years since the passing away of Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Thero. Venerable Dhammananda spent most of his life building and nourishing the growth of the Theravāda Buddhist community in Malaysia. Under his spiritual leadership, many Buddhist societies were established since the 1960s and continue to benefit Dhamma learners and practitioners today.
Read moreToday, 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).
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