Sis. Ruby explaining the purposes and benefits of visiting a Buddhist centre or temple.

On Thursday 21 April, Sis. Ruby Tan gave a sharing on the purpose and benefits of visiting a Buddhist centre in conjunction with the Full-moon Uposatha Service at Nalanda Centre.  She explained that although people go to temples for various purposes, a knowledgeable devotee may visit a centre or temple for the following reasons:

1. To learn the Dhamma as it is an ideal place to meet wise teachers and good practitioners;
2. To build one’s moral understanding and foundation by observing Sīla;
3. To calm the senses – many devoted Buddhists spend Uposatha days in temples because the environment is conducive for meditation and contemplating on the Dhamma;
4. To offer services and perform wholesome deeds as selfless service enriches the spirit, accumulates merits, and gives sustenance to spiritual practice and growth; and
5. To enhance our social graces and cultural refinement through appropriate etiquette, politeness, and practising good behaviour to bring about harmony in the community.

The meditation session helps devotees to maintain the right frame of mind during the Uposatha service.

In a nutshell, one goes to a Buddhist centre or temple for education and cultivation, which in turn will result in wiser and happier individuals.  We thank Sis. Ruby for her sharing.  Anumodana.