Kids Corner
What I like is: By
Marlin Wijekoon
My Class: By Kevin Wickramasekera
The Noble Eight Fold Path: By
Amanda Wijekoon
Once Upon a Time: By Pamudh
Kariyawasam
The Ten Perfections: By Iroshi
Perera
My Buddhist Point Of View:
By Albrecht Dieterle
The First Nun Prajapathi: By
A Samarawickrama
Katina ceremony in our temple : Udani
Kadurugamuwa
Ven. Rahula : Gayani Kadurugamuwa
If You Love Me
Peace
Be Happy
My Sinhala Class: Niyomi
Gunawardena
Not only kind but wise: By Michelle
Nguyen
Good behavior
What I like is my Buddhism and Sinhala Class. Because my teacher, "Sadu" Teaches me interesting stories. I learned Sinhala alphabet and some words. I enjoy being in the class with my friends Gayan, Pamudh and Kewin. I like the stories we learned in the class about queen Mahamaya and her dream. She had a dream about a white elephant went into her stomach. it is scary.
I really like the Buddhism class that I'm attending at the Buddhi Vihara. My teacher is Ven. Amarabuddhi, and he teaches me a lot of the things like Kamma, thestory of the Buddha, the five percepts, and a lot of He tells us stories of when he didgood things like save people in Sri Lanka, and other good stories. He is teaching us almost every little detail, and draws what they are like on the board forthe things that he is teaching. I really like what he me. That's why I like my Buddhism class.
1. Samma Dhitti - Right Understanding. Right understanding means to understand the Laws of Cause and Effect and the Four Noble Truths.
2. Samma Sankappa - Right Thoughts. Right Thoughts means not to harbor thoughts of greed and anger.
3. Samma Vacha - Right Speech. Right speech means to avoid lying, tale bearing, harsh speech and idle talk.
4. Samma Kammantha - Right Action. Right action means not to destroy any life, not to steal and not to commit adultery.
5. Samma Vayama - Right Livelyhood. Right livelyhood means to avoid any occupation that bring harm to oneself and others.
6. Samma Ajeeva - Right Effort. Right effort means to earnestly do do one's best in the right direction.
7. Samma Sathi - Right Mind. Right mind means to always be aware and cautious of things.
8. Samma Samadhi - Right Concentration. Right concentration means to make the mind steady and calm in order to realise the true nature.
By following the noble eight fold path, one can reach nirvana and avoid all suffering matters.
A king named Suddhodana and a queen named Maya got married. The king and queen didn’t have a baby. On Asala Poya, queen Maya had a dream. She dreamt a white elephant with a lotus entered her tummy. In 10 months, queen Maya arranged for her to travel to Dewdaha, where her mother lives. But on the journey, Queen Maya stooped at Lumbini Park. While she was there, she gave birth to little prince Sidarata. When he was born, he made 7 flowers bloom by stepping on them.
A bodhisatta is one who has renounced all worldly pleasures and is aspiring to become a Buddha. In order to gain supreme enlightenment, every bodhisatta practices ten virtues, which in Pali are called parami. They are generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity. In practicing these virtues a bodhisatta gains a superior sense of compassion and reason. The first of these virtues is generosity (dana). Generosity is freeness in giving or sharing our possessions with others. Giving freely means giving while expecting nothing in return (enhancement of reputation, status, power). The object of practicing generosity is to eliminate craving and attachment to worldly possessions (money, clothing, etc.), which is the root of all suffering. Also, in giving, we should not be concerned if the recipient is truly in need or not. It is better to focus only on the merit of the act.
Another quality which we must work on is morality (sila), meaning virtuous conduct. We should always try to refrain from evil and to do good to the best of our ability. Also we should abstain from stealing, misconduct, gossip, false speech, harsh language, and intoxicating liquors. We should also remember that all life is precious and that no one has the right to end the life of another.
The third virtue is renunciation (nekkhamma). This refers to the renouncing of worldly pleasures. By eliminating cravings, one is free to develop a stronger spiritual side. Also, we must try to realize the transitoriness of all objects and to realize the value of solitude.
Wisdom/knowledge (panna) is the fourth perfection. In Buddhism, wisdom involves being able to understand the world around us and how it relates to transiency (anicca), sorrowfulness (dukkha), and soullessness (anatta). In gaining knowledge, we should never have the intention or desire to show it off to others. Instead this wisdom should be used to guide ourselves to live a better life.
The next quality is energy (viriya). This is related not to physical strength, but instead to mental vigor and strength of character. It refers to our ability to turn failures into steps to success, and our ability to not lose hope until our goals are reached. Viriya is also sometimes defined as the persistent effort to work for the welfare of others.
The sixth virtue is patience (khanti). Khanti is patient endurance of the suffering we go through, and the forgiveness of the wrong doings of others. By practicing patience and tolerance, we will be able to "purify" our minds into seeing the good and beauty of all.
We must also work to be truthful (sacca). Sacca refers to the fulfillment of our promises. We must strive to be trustworthy, sincere and honest. Instead of being hypocritical we must abide by truth. We must try to gain perfect harmony between our words, thoughts and actions.
The next quality is determination (Adhitthana). Determination is what allows us to face the problems of life and to still remain positive. This virtue is sometimes thought of as the building block of all others, since it encourages us to put our minds to our goals and to achieve what we want. Determination will help us to persistently follow the high principles we set for ourselves.
The ninth virtue is loving-kindness (metta). This is defined as the wish for the happiness of all beings without exception. Metta does not mean the affection we feel towards some, instead it is the boundless goodwill of all living things. This compassion should be shown even to the worst of enemies, only then will we feel the true bliss of loving-kindness.
Equanimity (upekkha) is the last of these perfections. It means to look impartially, without attachment or aversion, on all things. We should not be excessively attached to material things, because all things are impermanent. If we feel attachment to something, then we are only setting ourselves up for grief, since it will be lost to us someday.
By practicing these ten "perfections" bodhisattas try to attain supreme enlightenment. Though these virtues are meant for bodhisattas who have devoted their entire lives to "purifying" their bodies and minds, lay people too can begin to realize the importance of these qualities. We have everything to gain by taking the time to practice these virtues in our daily lives.
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Answer for any question Which isn't asked.
Not less than four-dimensional world
The secret of the time:
One after another.
The secret of the space:
one behind another.
A timeless whole
in a colorless empty void
is the very nature of human consciousness.
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The fifth year after the enlightment while Buddha was staying in a monastery near Vashali, he got a message saying that his father was very ill. Without any delay he returned to Kapilavastu with his disciples.
When he was at his father's deathbed, Buddha preached a sermon on the impermance of all things. At the end of the sermon of Buddha said, there is nothing to fear, father. Your virtue is pure and your is without evil. Remember the teaching and calm your mind." Hearing the Buddha's assurance, the king passed away in peace, having become an Arhat.
After attending his father's funeral the Buddha stayed on the Banyan Grove. It was the time his aunt Prajapati decided to become a nun. The Buddha declined her request and returned to Vaishai. Undeterred Prajapati cut her hair, put on a yellow robe then accompanied by Yashodhara and other Shakyan women,walked to Vaisali. But the long Journey caused their feet to swell. Looking weary and with their clothes covered with dust, they finally arrived at the monastery where the Buddha was preaching.
It was Ananda who saw them in such a sorry state. Seeing their determination to join the order, he asked the Buddha whether women were capable of leading a holy life and becoming Arhat when they renounced the world and practiced the teaching. The Buddha asserted that they could. Ananda pointed out in that case, they should be allowed to join the order. Prajapthi and her companions were then ordained and so the order of the nuns was formed.
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If you love me the time is now
The world is full of sons and daughters like me. I had a marvelous mother who loved me scarified for me and helped me in every way possible in all of my growing up, through college and eventually marriage. My mother was always at my side. And when I needed with my little once, she was there for me.
Today we buried that wonderful woman. Can you imagine how I felt, when I returned from the service and found this poem in her desk drawer?
If you are ever going to love me
Love me now while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow
Love me now while I am living
Do not wait till I am gone
Then have it chiseled in marble
Sweet words on ice-cold -stones
If you have tender thoughts of me
Please tell me now
If you wait until I am sleeping
Never will be death between us
And I won't hear you then
So if you love even a little bit
Let me know while I am living
So that I can treasure it.
Now she is gone and I am sick with guilt because, I never told her what she meant to me. Worse yet, I did not treat her, as she deserved to be treated.
I found time for everyone and everything but I never made time for her. It would have been easy to drop in for a cup of tea and hug but my friends came first. Would any of them have done for me what my mother did?
I know the answer. When I called my mom on the phone, I was always in a hurry. I feel ashamed when I think of the times I cut her off. I remember too, the times I could have included her and didn't.
Our children loved the grandma from the time they were babies. They often turn to her for comfort and advice. She understood them. I realize now that I was too critical, too short tempered too stingy with praise. Grandma gave them with unconditional love.
The world is filled with sons and daughters like me. I hope they see themselves in this letter and profit from it.
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Peace in body is health.
Peace in heart is joy.
Peace in mind is trust.
Peace in brain is wisdom.
Peace in nature is balance.
Peace in humanity is satisfaction.
Peace in country is unity.
Peace in world is development.
It is a privilege to go to Sinhala classes at the temple. I learn the Sinhala alphabet, words, and sentences. There, I also learn " gatha." We travel a lot of miles to go to the temple but that does not bother me, for I look forward to attending each class and to meet all my Sri Lankan friends. I am excited to learn Sinhala and receive new homework…………….. In my opinion Sinhala is quite useful, as I would not feel like a stranger when I am in Sri Lanka. I feel closely connected to my relations back in Sri Lanka, being able to speak to them and understand their responses in Sinhala. Aren't we quite fortunate to have a Sri Lankan temple in U.S.A that teaches us Buddhism and Sinhala!!
If you have food in the refrigerator,clothes on your back,a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace.... you are among the top 8% of the world wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness.... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation....you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a religious meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death.... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you hold up your head with smile on your face and are truly thankful.... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand hug them or even touch them on the shoulder.... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this massage, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
On November 24, 2002 we had a Katina Celebration in our temple. In India this was the time where Buddha advised the priests to stay indoors during the rainy seasons. The priests did not go around that much and only served the local people. Once this rainy season was over, the people of the temple got together and stitched a robe for the priests. On November 24th we had a ceremony much like that in Santa Clara, California.
At 6am the people came in with the Katina cloth. The priests were then offered the Heel Dana. The Katina cloth was then cut and made ready to sew. The Buddha Puja took place at 11:00 (the offering of flowers and incense to the Buddha). After the Monks were served their lunch, the offering of the finished robe took place. The robe was then offered to Ven. Shanta. Ven Shanta is now free to do as he likes for 3 months, and does not have to tell Ven. Amarabuddhi where he is going all the time! Then at the closing of the ceremony Ven. Madawala Seelawimala gave a very interesting sermon. Then we had tea and cakes and wrapped up the events for the day.
Have you ever heard the name Rahula, and wondered who he is and what he did? Well, here is your chance learn about … Rahula!
Rahula was the son of Prince Siththartha. Also known as the Buddha. Prince Siththartha was Buddha’s name before he learned the eight precepts and became enlightened. Rahula was born the day his father left the palace to meditate in the forest and learn the eight precepts. So, Rahula never knew his father.
After a long period of meditation the Buddha became enlightened. By then, Rahula was a young boy. One day when the Buddha was walking by the palace collecting alms, Rahula’s mother told him that the Buddha was his father. Rahula was very impressed by his father and how knowledgeable and wise he was. He admired the Buddha and wanted to be just like him. It’s just like how you want to do what your mom or dad does for a living, and be like them. Rahula felt the same way, and wanted to be like his wise father.
So he followed Buddha asking him questions. The Buddha made him a monk, and Rahula soon learned to meditate and became a very good monk. However, Buddha’s father (Rahula’s grandfather) was sad that there was no prince left at the palace and asked Buddha to create a rule in Buddhism that little boys cannot be made priests without asking their parents first. Buddha accepted the request.
I think Rahula was a very learned and determined person just like his father, and he is a good example to all children.
By Michelle Nguyen
Some "live and let live". Other don't care. Other think, "Well, why should I care if an animal gets killed? Why shouldn't we just kill any animal in our sight? What could happen to me?"
The answer is, a lot of things could happen to you,in fact. People who sell meat, or kill for food, like fishing, or just step on bugs and insects in every day life, will be punished with bad karma. They might not know that they're being punished, but unlucky happenings will occur. The person would definitely not live long.
Suppose there was a creature larger than us. I'm not talking about an elephant or a dinosaur. I'm talking about a creature so large that it could step on millions of people at a time with one foot. You can't kill it, can't fight it,can't even beg it to not step on you. Ask your self, "How would I feel?" and don't kill.
Now, for people who save animals from being killed: exactly the opposite. They get rewarded for good karma. People like this live long. Some of my friends say,"What good is it to save animals? I'm just wasting my time! What do I get?" You get a lot of luck and a good memory, that's what. Unfortunately, people who save lives for luck don't get as much goodness as people who actually care.
Therefore, people who don't kill but save animals are not only kind, but wise.This is because if you kill, you become unlucky. So be kind and wise, not to mention lucky, and don't kill.
1. Do good to everybody.
2. Don’t speak bad of others.
3. Listen carefully before taking a decision.
4. Think carefully before speaking.
5. Avoid speaking in times of anger.
6. Be compassionate to those with less means.
7. Seek forgiveness at the time of wrongdoing.
8. Show fairness to all.
9. Don’t listen to taletellers.
10. Don’t believe all accusations. Investigate for your self.