Craving (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 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 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 moreMental defilements afflict the vast majority of beings. They fester in our minds when we leave them unchecked, letting mental habits control us. As a consequence of unskillful thoughts, speech or actions, we end up in despair or regret, and having to bear the resultant kamma.
Read moreDāna – the practice of giving – is a fundamental cultivation for Buddhists. We are often encouraged to offer alms to Sangha members, perform service at temples, monasteries and Dhamma centres, as well as provide advice and encouragement to our friends. Giving enables us to experience deeper joy because it is not reliant on material gain, instead it opens up our hearts to connect with others.
Read moreHave you been putting aside meditation or reading a Dhamma book because it was easier to binge-watch TV? We may even have held on to feelings of anger, frustration and jealousy because it feels more ‘righteous’ than forgiving and letting go. Our old habits and tendencies form the path of least resistance, but we must remember that this route blurs our minds and weaken our resolve. Instead, we should cultivate “Aditthana” – determination to persevere for a noble goal despite the difficulties.
Read moreToday, the MCO has been reinstated in several states in Malaysia. Yet, in comparison to our first experience of lockdown in March 2020, I can see that my fellow Malaysians are calmer and slightly less anxious compared to the first MCO. Why? Because we now know how uncertain things are, and our hearts are more accepting of these turbulent changes.
Read moreThe majestic Buddhas of Bamiyans made a monumental return today in 3D with laser light technology projected over where it used to stand. The event called “A Night with Buddha” was organised to mark 20 years since the cultural heritage was lost forever when the Taliban destroyed them in March 2001.
Read moreTo navigate through the vicissitudes of life, gratitude and hope are necessary values to develop. Gratitude is a positive mental quality that comes from reflecting on the support that we have received, often through the kindness of our parents, teachers, friends and many other people. It opens up our hearts to those around us and enables us to enjoy the full blessings of life in this very moment.
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