Experience The Art of Happy Living - Kong Meng San Phor Kark ...

Emulating the Noble Bodhisattvas in words and deedsSome may think that Buddhas and bodhisattvas are beings who reside far awayfrom us in purelands. Actually bodhisattvas can be either ordinary people ornoble ones (pg 63). The four well-known bodhisattvas of Chinese MahayanaBuddhism (pg 50) are the noble ones. But there are also bodhisattvas righthere, all around us (pg 41). When you care a lot about helping others and vowto become a Buddha to relieve their suffering, you are a bodhisattva (pg 44).Taking progressive steps on the path to Buddhahood (pg 52), the bodhisattvapractises the perfections (pg 56, 58, back cover).I was utterly inspired when I read the life story of Gyalse Ngulchu Thogme (pg60). In this day and age in which the sad and tragic incident involving twoyearold Wang Yue can happen, it is hard to believe that a being so completelyselfless and all-compassionate can exist. Yet, there are many such stories ofgreat Buddhist masters, in their words and conduct, even till today (pg 59).Like beacons of light in darkness, they offer to us ordinary beings models ofvirtue and selflessness to emulate and learn from.As we live in a way that allows the baby Buddha in us to grow and shine, weemit light that will help transform others in our encounter with them, bringingease, peace and joy to all (pg 53). But if we abuse or criticise a bodhisattva, ourown bodhicitta and altruism will suffer (pg 36).Elsewhere in this issue, FM 100.3 DJ Ah Dong talks about how Buddhistteachings influence the way he works and views life (pg 48).Striving for a spiritually enriched life radiant with the glow of selflessness forthe sake of all sentient beings is not an easy task. Along the way, one may getdiscouraged (pg 40) but the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are always supportingus in our quest for full awakening.So go ahead, start 2012 on a meritorious note and fill someone’s ‘bucket’ withkindness (pg 39). I believe all bodhisattvas will smile as you do so.Have a happy, peaceful and auspicious new year.Yours in the Dharma,Sister Esther Thien34 awakenEditor's NoteEditor: The accident of Wang Yue shocked the world when the toddler was ran overby two trucks and none of the 18 passers-by stopped to help her as she lay motionlesson the road. Finally, a garbage collector came to her assistance but she died inhospital subsequently.

KMSPKS Youth ActivitiesY.talkA lifestyle sharing programme for young professionals torelax and discover Buddhism and its relevance in daily life.Date/Time : Every 2nd and 4th Thu of the month,7.30pm – 9.30pmVenueDetailsDiet & Earth (Mandarin)*Date/Time : 8 Jan, Sun, 3.00pm – 5.00pmFee : $5Instructor : Mr Wong Kew Yew, Bach. Biotech, dedicated topublic education including interviews and cooking demoson Radio FM 95.8Dances with Vegetables (English)*Date/Time : 5 Feb, Sun, 3.00pm – 5.00pmFee : $15Instructor : Mr Wong Kew YewOne Day Local Organic Educational Tour (English)*Date/Time : 10 Mar, Sat, 8.30am – 6.00pmFee : $70 (includes organic breakfast, lunch, dinner)Instructor : Mr Wong Kew YewMetta Meditation (Mandarin)*Date/Time : 19, 26 Feb & 4, 11 Mar, Sun, 3.00pm – 4.30pmFee : $30 (4 lessons)Instructor : Ven Chuan RenYoga for General*Date/Time : (1) 4 Feb – 7 Apr, Sat, 9.15am – 10.45am(2) 6 Feb – 9 Apr, Mon, 7.30pm – 9.00pmFee : $160 (10 lessons)Instructor : Ms Helen Goh, Certified Yoga InstructorGentle Yoga*Date/Time : 6 Mar – 29 May, Tue, 3.00pm – 4.30pmFee : $140 (10 sessions)Instructor : Ms Ong Ju Lee, Diploma in Teaching theScience and Art of YogaLunch-time Yoga*Date/Time : (1) 21 Feb – 15 May, Tue, 12.45pm – 1.25pm(2) 5 Apr – 7 Jun, Thu, 12.45pm – 1.25pmFee: Awareness Place Well-Being Centre: For more information, please call 6849 5345 oremail ytalk@kmspks.orgY.cultivationLearn the profound Dharma and walk the Buddha’s paththrough simple practices led by Venerable. Expect chanting,Sutra and Dharma Teaching.Date/Time : Every 1st & 4th Sun of the month,1.30pm – 3.30pmVenue : Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery,1st floor, Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall,Classroom 5Details : For more information, please call 6849 5345 oremail youth@kmspks.orgY.lifestyleProgrammes that aim to promote the confidence, personalityand well-being of the individualDate/Time : Every 2nd Sun of the month (timing andlocation may vary)Details : For more information, please call 6849 5345 oremail youth@kmspks.org: $140 (10 sessions with 1 free organic takeawayevery session)Instructor : Ms Ong Ju LeeYoga for General*Date/Time : (1) 21 Feb – 15 May, Tue, 10.30am – 12.00pm(2) 4 Apr – 6 Jun, Wed, 7.30pm – 9.00pm(3) 5 Apr – 7 Jun, Thu, 10.30am – 12.00pmFee : $160 (10 lessons)Instructor : Ms Ong Ju LeeDharma @ Cinema*Date/Time : 14 Feb – 20 Mar, Tue, 7.30pm – 9.30pmFee : $30/- (6 sessions)Instructor : Bro Shen Shi’an, MA (Buddhist Studies)Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge*Date/Time : 27 Mar – 5 Jun, Tue, 7.30pm – 9.30pmFee : $40/- (10 sessions)Instructor : Bro Shen Shi’an*Venue : Awareness Place Well-Being Centre,Bras Basah Complex #03-39Details : Please visit awarenessplace.com, emailsem@kmspks.org or call 6336 5067 to register orenquire.Basic Meditation WorkshopDate/Time : 11 Feb – 12 Feb, 8.00am – 5.00pmOffering : $40Meditation Class Module 1: RelaxationDate/Time : 14 Feb – 13 Mar, Tue, 7.30pm – 9.30pmOffering : $20Meditation Class Module 2: MettaDate/Time : 10 Apr – 22 May, Tue, 7.30pm – 9.30pmOffering : $301-Day Meditation RetreatDate/Time : 3 Mar, 8.00am – 5.00pmOffering : $20Venue : 4th floor, Ven Hong Choon Memorial HallDetails : For more information, please call 6849 5300Family Mindfulness Retreat led by Plum VillageDate/Time : 14 – 18 MarFee : $150Concession : $70 (student & senior citizen)Venue : Kong Meng San Phor Kark See MonasteryDetails : For more information, please call 6849 5300 orvisit www.kmspks.orgEnglish Buddhism CourseYear 1 Module 1awakenCalendar of EventsDate/Time : 12 Feb – 15 Apr, Sun, 2.00pm – 3.30pmVenue : 1st floor, Ven Hong Choon Memorial HallYear 2 Module 1Date/Time : 13 Feb – 16 Apr, Mon, 7.30pm – 9.00pmVenue : 1st floor, Ven Hong Choon Memorial HallSutta Discussion Module 1Date/Time : 9 Feb – 12 Apr, Thu, 7.30pm – 9.00pmVenue : 2nd floor, Pagoda of Ten Thousand BuddhasFee : $30 per ModuleDetails : For more information, please call 6849 5300Pureland Perspectives: The Zen of Pure Land, The PureLand of ZenDate/Time : 11 Feb – 17 Mar, Sat, 6.30pm – 8.30pmFee : $30Venue : 1st floor, Ven Hong Choon Memorial HallDetails : For more information, please call 6849 5300Understanding Amituofo Via the Amitabha Sutra (10th run)Date/Time : 31 Mar – 9 Jun, Sat, 6.30pm – 8.30pmFee : $30Venue : 1st floor, Ven Hong Choon Memorial HallDetails : For more information, please call 6849 530035issue 22 january - april 2012

awakenBuddhist News in Brief 37Now You Can Meditate in the Outdoors atBY | Esther ThienKMSPKS!KotisL i k ethe rest of the“dragon pond” area,the southern part is decorated withlush verdure and flora and natural stepping stonepathways. The ambience is calming and relaxing.Singapore – As the canal at Bishan park is beingtransformed by the government into a naturalmeandering river with lovely landscape, offeringmore green and blue spaces to busy urbanites,the front yards of Kong Meng San Phor KarkSee Monastery (KMSPKS) are also undergoing atransformation that will offer Singapore meditatorsanother option to meditate in the tranquil outdoorsof its lush greenery.Housing five kotis or meditation huts, the “dragonpond” area as it is fondly called, contains motifsof dragon, cloud and bodhi leaf throughout,marking its quintessentially Chinese inspiration.A modern interpretation of the Chinese landscapearchitecture, the “dragon pond” area comprisesturns and twists of picturesque surprises throughits interplay of space, foliage and Chinese elements.Loosely demarcated into three parts, the centralpart holds the landscaped pond with aquatic plants,a stone bridge, meditation huts and a public plazawith interesting stepping stones.The northern part contains a secondary meditationarea where portable meditation shades could be putup, a public plaza, a timber deck and rest areas.It is scheduled to open in March or April to thepublic. For more information on booking of themeditation huts or other enquiries, please call 68495300 or visit kmspks.org closer to the date.Buddhist Film FestivalGives BackSingapore – Organisers of the Asian BuddhistFilm Festival presented cheques of $15,000each to the Children’s Cancer Foundationand the Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund fromfunds raised from the 2nd film festival held inSingapore in May 2011. The Children’s CancerFoundation aims to improve the quality oflife of children with cancer and their familiesthrough enhancing their emotional, social andmedical well-being. The Japanese TsunamiRelief Fund helps to rebuild areas in the northcoast of Japan which were hit by a tsunamiafter a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in March2011. The fund also supports organisationsproviding relief and aid to the survivors.The cheques were received by the respectiverepresentatives of the organisations at apresentation ceremony last October.issue 22 january - april 2012

US researchers have reported that regular consumption of ginger root or its supplements couldreduce the risk of colon cancer, a top killer in Singapore. The findings of this new study werepublished last October in the Cancer Prevention Research journal.Scientists have linked chronic inflammation in the gut to colon cancer. This research shows thatregular intake of ginger decreases colon inflammation by 28 percent; suggesting that easing gutinflammation could reduce the risk of the disease.In this issue, we feature some mouth-watering festive dishes that contain the goodness of ginger.Teppanyaki Vegetarian Pork Ribs 铁 板 素 排Deep Fried Vegetarian Prawns 炸 素 虾Ingredients 1:Homemade vegetarian pork ribs – 12 pcs fresh beancurdskin, 4 water chestnuts (cut into 24 pcs). Wrap 2 pcs ofwater chestnut with 1 pc of fresh beancurd skin and panfrytill done. Transfer to a heated hot plate.Ingredients 2:5 mushrooms, 100g straw mushrooms, 10 young corn, 10snow peas, 4 slices of ginger, 6 slices of carrotsSeasoning:1 cup water, ½ tsp mushroom essence, ½ tsp salt, ½ tspsugar, a dash of pepper, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp oystersauce. Thickening: add 1 tbsp of water into ½ tbsp of cornflour. Mix well.Method:1. Use 1 tbsp of oil to fry ingredients (2).2. Add seasoning and bring to boil. Add in thickening.Pour onto the vegetarian pork ribs. Ready to serve.用 料 :自 制 素 排 - 生 腐 竹 12 片 、 马 蹄 4 粒 ( 切 24 条 ), 以 一 片 腐 竹 包 2 条 马 蹄 ,包 好 煎 熟 盛 在 烧 热 的 铁 板 上配 料 :冬 菇 5 朵 、 草 菇 100 克 、 粟 米 芯 10 条 、 荷 兰 豆 10 条 、 生 姜 4 片 、 红 萝 卜 6 片调 味 料 :清 水 1 杯 、 香 菇 粉 1 /2 茶 匙 、 盐 1 /2 茶 匙 、 糖 1 /2 茶 匙 、 胡 椒 粉 少 许 、 麻 油 1 茶匙 、 素 蚝 油 1 汤 匙 、 另 粟 米 粉 1 /2 汤 匙 加 清 水 拌 匀 , 埋 献 用做 法 :1. 用 1 汤 匙 油 炒 香 以 上 配 料 。2. 下 调 味 料 , 煮 滚 、 再 埋 献 , 倒 在 素 排 上 , 就 可 以 享 用 了 。38 awakenRecipes du jourIngredients:3 round beancurd skins, ½ carrot (diced), 100g dicedbamboo shoots or water chestnuts, ½ can buttonmushrooms, 20g mushroom (diced)Seasoning:½ tsp sesame oil, a dash of pepper, ½ tsp sugar, ½ tsp salt,1 tsp ginger juice, a dash of mushroom essenceBatter:1½ cups self-raising flour, ¾ cup water, a dash of salt, 2tbsp oilMethod:1. Cut the beancurd skins into 3”x3” pieces.2. Fry the carrot, mushrooms, button mushrooms andwater chestnuts with some oil. Add seasoning. Fillingis ready.3. Wrap filling in each beancurd skin to form a ‘prawn’shape. Dip it into the batter and deep fry till goldenbrown and crispy. Drain oil. Ready to serve.用 料 :圆 形 腐 皮 3 张 、 红 萝 卜 1 /2 条 ( 切 粒 )、 马 蹄 ( 或 竹 笋 )100 克 、 蘑 菇 1 /2 罐 、冬 菇 20 克 ( 切 粒 )调 味 料 :麻 油 1 /2 茶 匙 、 胡 椒 粉 少 许 、 糖 1 /2 茶 匙 、 盐 1 /2 茶 匙 、 姜 汁 1 茶 匙 、 香 菇 粉少 许脆 浆 :自 发 粉 1 1 /2 杯 、 清 水 3 /4 杯 、 盐 少 许 、 油 2 汤 匙做 法 :1. 腐 皮 剪 或 3 寸 x 3 寸 。2. 少 许 油 炒 红 萝 卜 、 冬 菇 、 蘑 菇 及 马 蹄 , 再 倒 入 调 味 料 , 即 成 馅 料 。3. 用 腐 皮 包 馅 料 , 包 成 虾 形 。 沾 脆 浆 炸 至 金 黄 色 , 沥 油 上 碟 。

By Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child, andFounder of the Inner Kids Foundation which developed the InnerKids mindful awareness programme for children, teens and families.awakenMindfulness Parenting Tip of the Day(www.susankaisergreenland.com)There is a book about kindness called “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” The authors areCarol McCloud and David Messing who wrote that one way of thinking about kindness isto imagine that everyone in the world has an invisible bucket. The young, the old and people ofevery size, shape and colour each has a bucket that is all their own. You have your own bucketand other people have their buckets too.39When you are kind to people, it’s as if you’re filling up their buckets with kindness. As people’sbuckets fill up, they become happier. The more kindness you put in others’ buckets, the happierit makes them.But when you or someone else is mean to another person, it’s as if kindness is being taken outof that person’s bucket. The more that’s taken out of a person’s bucket, the less happy he or shebecomes. If too much is taken out of someone’s bucket, he or she might become very, very sad.Tell your kids about this imaginary bucket, and ask them how they could add some kindness intoanother person’s bucket or their own buckets.Here are some bucket-filling ideas to kick-start the conversation with your children:1. Smile at people, friends or strangers2. Give others a compliment3. Do them a favour4. Tell mum and dad you love them5. Say “hi” to the bus driver.6. Invite a new student at school over to play.7. Write a thank-you note to your teacher, a friend, a relative oreven a stranger who has helped you, such as Mr Postman or theadmin staff at school8. Spend time with your grandpa.9. Give up your place in the queue.10. Take a friend’s dog for a walk.11. Be nice to someone else12. Stop and feel your in-breath and out-breathHave You Filleda Bucket withKindness Today?issue 22 january - april 2012

How the Bodhisattvas InspireBY | Toh Sze GeeDignaga was a great Buddhist logician who lived around the sixth century. He wasborn in Simhavakta in Southern India to a Brahmin family. Demonstratingexceptional brilliance from a young age, he later received Buddhist ordination and becamevery proficient in the various branches of Buddhist scriptures. After his studies, he spentyears in intensive practice in a jungle cave in the region of Odivisha. At one time, manynon-Buddhist opponents gathered at Nalanda University to challenge the Buddhists indebate, prompting the monks at Nalanda to invite Dignaga to come forward and help avert animpending defeat. Living up to his reputation, he won the debates.A prolific author, Dignaga was said to have composed a hundred scriptures on logic. Afterreturning to the same cave in Odivisha, he realised that the treatises he had written weretoo scattered and decided to write a text that would summarise all their salient points. Ona slate in front of his cave he began to write, and upon completing the introductory verse ofhomage, the earth quaked, thunder roared, and light shone from the sky, which he took asauspicious signs.A non-Buddhist sage Krishnamuni divined the source of these signs and became jealous ofDignaga. When Dignaga went in search of alms, Krishnamuni sought out his cave and erasedthe verse from the slate and disappeared into the jungle. When the Buddhist master returned,he discovered the blank slate. Undeterred, the next day he again wrote the first verse of hiscomposition, but when he returned from his alms round, the same thing had occurred. Whenthe incident repeated itself on the third day, Dignaga wrote on the bottom of the slate: “If youare erasing this as a joke, please desist, for it has great meaning; if it is because you wish todebate with me, then show yourself, and debate we shall.”The next day when Dignaga returned from his alms round, Krishnamuni was seated beforehis cave. They engaged in debate, and Dignaga emerged victorious. Feeling sore, Krishnamunireleased a burst of flames from his mouth, burning up all of Dignaga’s possessions, includinghis robes, and then vanished.Dignaga felt extremely discouraged, and gave rise to the thought that he would no longer beable to work for the welfare of living beings. Tossing the slate into the air, he told himselfthat when it hit the ground, he would give up his aspiration for Buddhahood and insteadseek his own liberation. He waited, but nothing happened. Looking up to see what hadhappened to the slate, he beheld Manjushri holding it. Manjushri said to him, “Your textcannot be harmed by any of the myriads of non-believers. Do not be despondent. Until youhave actualised Buddhahood, I shall care for you. In future years, this text of yours will bethe sole eye for all beings.”With newfound courage, Dignaga went on to complete his treatise titled Compilation ofPrime Cognition, (Sanskrit title: Pramanasamuccaya). Till this day the entire text is availablein Tibetan and Chinese, and serves as the foundation for many studies in Buddhist logic.Treading the Mahayana path for the sake of all sentient beings is by no means an easy task,but as this account illustrates, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are always behind us in ourquest for full awakening!40 awakenReal-life Quotes

awaken41Features 41Who is theBuddha?Thich Nhat Hanh explains in asimple, child-friendly mannerwho exactly the Buddha isSome years ago, I visited a village in Indiacalled Uruvela. Two thousand six hundredyears ago, a man named Siddhartha lived near thevillage. Siddhartha is the man who later becameknown as the Buddha.The village of Uruvela remains very much the sameas it was back then. There are no big buildings, nosupermarkets, no freeways. It is very pleasant. Thechildren have not changed either. When Siddharthalived there, children from that village became hisfriends and brought him food and simple gifts.There is a river that runs near the village. It is whereSiddhartha used to bathe. A grass called “kusagrass” still grows on the banks of the river. It is thesame kind of grass that one of the children gaveSiddhartha to use as a cushion to sit on. I walkedacross the river and I cut some of the kusa grass andbrought it home with me.On the other side of the river, there is a forest. Thatis where Siddhartha sat in meditation under a treecalled the “Bodhi tree”. It is under that tree that hebecame the “Buddha”.A Buddha is anyone who is awake – who is awareof everything that happens inside and around himor her, and who understands and loves deeply.Siddhartha became a fully awakened being – aBuddha. He is the Buddha that we have accepted asour teacher.He has said that each one of us hasa seed of awakening within us andthat all of us are future Buddhas.When he was very young, a student of mine struggledwith the question of “Who is the Buddha?” Thestudent’s name was Hu, and this is his story.When Hu was six or seven years old, he asked hisfather and mother if he could become a monk. Huloved going to the Buddhist temple. He used to gothere with his parents on new moon and full moondays to offer flowers, bananas, mangos, and all kindsof exotic fruit to the Buddha.In the temple, Hu was always treated with kindness.When people came to the temple, they seemed morerelaxed and friendly. Hu was also aware that thehead monk liked him. He would give Hu a bananaor a mango every time he came. So that’s why Huloved going to the temple.One day he said, “Mommy, I want to become a monkand live in the temple.” I think he wanted to becomeissue 22 january - april 2012

a monk because he liked to eat bananas. I don’tblame him. In Vietnam, there are several kinds ofbananas that are so good.Even though he was young, his father and motherdecided to let him go to the temple as a novice. Thehead monk gave Hu a tiny, brown robe to wear. Inhis nice new robe, he must have looked like a babymonk.When he first became a monk, Hu believed thatthe Buddha loved bananas, mangos and tangerinesbecause every time people came to the temple, theybrought bananas, mangos, tangerines and otherHu imagined that Buddha sat very still all day long,and when the hall was empty, he reached out for abanana. Hu waited and watched, hoping to see theBuddha take one of the bananas piled in front ofhim. He waited for a long time, but he did not see theBuddha pick up a banana. He was baffled. He couldnot understand why the Buddha did not eat any ofthe bananas that people brought to him.Hu did not dare ask the head monk, because hewas afraid that the monk would think he was silly.Actually, we often feel like that. We do not dare askquestions because we are afraid we might be calledsilly. The same was true for Hu. And because hedidn’t dare ask, he wasconfused. I think I wouldhave gone to someone andasked. But Hu did not askanyone.As he grew older, one dayit occurred to him thatthe Buddha statue wasnot the Buddha. Whatan achievement! Thisrealization made him sohappy. But then a newquestion arose. “If theBuddha is not here, thenwhere is he? If the Buddhais not in the temple, whereis the Buddha?” Everydayhe saw people come tothe temple and bow to thestatue of the Buddha. Butwhere was the Buddha?fruit, and placed them in front of the Buddha. InHu’s little head that could only mean that Buddhaloved fruit very much.One evening, he waited in the temple until all thevisitors had gone home. He stood very quietly outsidethe entrance of the Buddha Hall. He checked tomake sure no one else was around. Then he peeredinto the Buddha Hall. The Buddha statue was as bigas a real person. In Hu’s very young mind, the statuewas the Buddha.42 awakenFeaturesIn Vietnam, peoplewho practice Pure LandBuddhism believe thatthe Buddha stays in the Pure Land, in the directionof the West. One day, Hu overheard someone sayingthat the Pure Land was the home of the Buddhas.This made Hu believe that the Buddha was in thePure Land, which made him very unhappy. Why,he wondered, did the Buddha choose to live so faraway from people? So this created another questionin his mind.I met Hu when he was fourteen, and he was stillwondering about this. I explained to him that the

Buddha is not far away from us. I told him that theBuddha is inside each one of us. Being a Buddhais being aware of what is inside of us and aroundus at every moment. Buddha is the love andunderstanding that we each carry in our hearts.This made Hu very happy.awakenFeaturessame is true for your dad. Look more deeply at yourmother and father and you will see that they havemore than two arms.43Anywhere you see love and understanding, thereis the Buddha. Anyone can be a Buddha. Do notimagine that the Buddha is a statue or someone whohas a fancy halo around his or her head or wears ayellow robe. A Buddha is a person who is aware ofwhat is going on inside and around him or her andhas a lot of understanding and compassion.Whether a Buddha is a man or awoman, young or not so young, aBuddha is always very pleasant andfresh. In my experience, there areBuddhas and bodhisattvas presenthere, in our midst.A bodhisattva (pronounced “bo-dee-sat-va”) is acompassionate person, someone who cares a lotabout helping other beings – someone who vows tobecome a Buddha.Statues or pictures of bodhisattvas sometimes showa being with many arms. They are shown this waybecause a bodhisattva is someone who can do athousand things at one time. Also, the arms of abodhisattva can be extremely long and reach veryfar, helping people in faraway lands. With only twoarms, we can only do one or two things at a time.But when you are a bodhisattva, you have manyarms, and you can do many things simultaneously.Most of the time, we do not see all the arms of abodhisattva. One has to be very attentive in order tosee the many arms of a bodhisattva.You may already know someone who is a bodhisattva.It is possible! Your mom, for example, could be abodhisattva. She needs an arm for cooking. Isn’tthat true? But at the same time she takes care ofyou and your brothers and sisters – so she needs asecond arm. And then at the same time, she has torun errands. So she needs a third arm. And she hasmany other things she does that require more arms– she may have a job or she may volunteer at yourschool. So your mom could be a bodhisattva. TheDo not think that Buddhas and bodhisattvas arebeings who exist in heaven! They are right here, allaround us. You too can be a bodhisattva if you thinkof others and do things to bring happiness to them.If you are awake, if you are present in the moment,here and now, you too are a Buddha. The onlydifference between you and the Buddha is thathe is a full-time Buddha. You are only a part-timeBuddha. So you have to live in a way that gives thebaby Buddha inside you a chance to grow. Then thebaby Buddha will radiate light in all the cells ofyour body, and you will begin to shine this light.Excerpts from A Pebble for your Pocket by Thich NhatHanh. Available for purchase from Awareness Placebookstore.issue 22 january - april 2012

Susan M. Griffith-Jonespens a brief article on themeaning and influenceof the bodhisattvasthroughout historyGetting to Know theBodhisattvasEveryday in the news, we hear stories ofsuffering from around the world. The Buddhatold us that all living beings have a mind, whosemode of existence is characterised by suffering dueto the fact that it is deeply rooted in the fundamentalignorance of believing this world and its phenomena,to be real. As one who is ignorant limitlessly pursuesworldly projects and pleasures, he or she onlyaccumulates either positive or negative karma thatwill inevitably return to the doer in time, keepingone inside the realms of Samsara.The BodhisattvaIn Mahayana Buddhism, a being who is determinedto free all sentient beings from Samsara and itscycle of death, rebirth and suffering is known asa bodhisattva. The bodhisattvic path includesmeditation on emptiness, contemplation of thefour boundless states of mind and arousal of thebodhicitta of compassion (mind of awakening),which marks the distinction of a bodhisattva. Outof compassion or rather, sensibility to respondspontaneously to the demands of the outer worldwith an immense variety of skilful means, the44 awakenFeaturesbodhisattva forgoes Nirvana in order to save othersby alleviating their suffering.Prior to the enlightenment of Buddha Gautama, hetoo was a bodhisattva, along with other individualsdestined to become Buddhas. The number ofbodhisattvas is theoretically limitless, and the titlehas been applied to many great scholars, teachersand Buddhist kings. Celestial Bodhisattvas likeAvalokiteshvara and the Taras are consideredmanifestations of the eternal Buddha.The Three Categories of BodhisattvaKing-like bodhisattva: one who aspires tobecome a Buddha as soon as possible and thenuntiringly help sentient beings.Boatman-like bodhisattva: one who aspires toachieve Buddhahood along with other sentientbeingsShepherd-like bodhisattva: one who aspires todelay Buddhahood until all other sentient beingsachieve Buddhahood.

Mahayana Buddhism, which is principally basedupon the bodhisattvic vow, encourages everyoneto take the vow to formalise the commitmentto progress on the spiritual path towardsBuddhahood, as it is the fertile ground from whichBuddhahood will eventually spring. With this vow,one makes the promise to work for the completeenlightenment of all sentient beings by practisingthe six perfections (paramitas) of generosity, ethics,patience, enthusiastic effort, meditation and nondiscriminatingwisdom.The Bodhisattva VowIn general, there are two aspects to the bodhisattvavow. The first is the intention where mind is set uponthe goal. The second is activating the vow, firstlyby reducing negative actions that cause suffering;secondly by accumulating positive actions thatgenerate positive results for ourselves and for othersand thirdly, by behaving and acting to benefit others.Indelibly entwined with the bodhisattva vow is thededication of one’s merit to all beings.One begins by working on oneself to be liberatedfrom one’s own suffering and confusion. By beingconcerned with the conditions of existence of allbeings and their suffering, one develops authenticcompassion. Putting the wish into action byhonestly developing the aspiration for all beingsto be completely and permanently liberated fromsuffering, one thus develops the state of mind knownas bodhicitta and thereafter, complete and perfectawakening - the state of Buddhahood - wherebyone may help liberate others in a spontaneous way.The development of bodhicitta, or the enlightenedaspiration, is the cause of full awakening.According to many traditions within MahayanaBuddhism, a bodhisattva, on the way to becominga Buddha, proceeds through ten bhumis or tengrounds, those of Great joy, Stainless, Luminous,Radiant, Very difficult to train, Obviouslytranscendent, Gone afar, Immovable, Gooddiscriminating wisdom and Cloud of Dharma. Afterthe ten bhumis, one attains complete enlightenmentand becomes a Buddha. A bodhisattva above theseventh ground is called a mahasattva.The MahasiddhasBetween roughly 750 CE - 1150 CE, there existed aclass of yogis throughout the Indian and HimalayanawakenFeaturesregion known as Mahasiddhas. The Sanskrit term,Mahasiddha means ‘a great adept’, where ‘maha’means ‘great’ and ‘siddha’ means ‘accomplished’.Openly codifying their realisation in songs thatexposed wonderful mystical poems written inthe vernacular tongues, they thus maintained theDharmic tradition. By carrying and accomplishingteachings of countless lineages to Tibet from India,they thus preserved the teachings from destructionby negative forces that desecrated North India in thethirteenth century.The Mahasiddhas were often referred to as ‘saints’or ‘magicians’, whereas in truth they were ordinarypeople, inconspicuously rooted in mainstreamsociety as workers, royalty, monastics, streetcleaners, smiths, weavers, shoemakers, tailors, andeven beggars and servants. They were remarkablefor the diversity of their family backgrounds, varietyof lifestyles and dissimilarity of their social roles.King Indrabhuti was one such Mahasiddha. Havingreceived instruction from his teacher, he practisedwhilst still a rich and busy king and tirelesslyhelped his subjects by being an honest, wise andmeritorious being. Another was Nagarjuna, whowas a great and brilliant scholar. He composed alarge number of commentaries on the Buddha’steachings whilst taking care of an enormous numberof students.Yet the thing they all had in common was thatthey were all bodhisattvas, meaning that they hadthe spiritual abilities to enter Nirvana wheneverthey pleased, but were so compassionate that theyresolved to remain in Samsara to help others.Having gained sufficientunderstanding of the meaning ofDharma through cultivating thoseteachings that lead to becoming awhole or perfect being, they wereable to act upon their experiential,existential knowledge and helpothers towards the spiritual goalof enlightenment with selfless loveand constant awareness of what isnecessary to override.45Profilesawakenissue 22 january - april 201245

With the Bodhisattva Vow permeating his being, thesiddha was driven to action, yet was uninhibited byany social or moral norm. The siddha’s behaviouris often characterised as ‘spontaneous’ as he wouldoperate in total selfless response to the ultimateneeds of the situation, thus acting to liberate thosehe encountered from the confines of their emotionaland mental prisons. Totally absorbed in awarenessof the moment, the siddha, free of thought or effortand in such harmony with the natural flow that hemay appear as an authority with the elements at hiscommand, his action is said to be ‘no-action’.The Celestial BodhisattvasSome siddhas were initiated bythe Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara,Tara or Manjusri. These celestialBodhisattvas would appear to theyogis in divine form either in thesphere of visionary enjoyment(sambhogakaya) or as incarnateemanations (nirmanakaya) and givethem instruction.Among these, it is Avalokitesvarawho has the largest number of formsand is perhaps the most venerated andpopular Bodhisattva. Avalokitesvarais known from very early on inthe development of the Mahayanadoctrines and until Buddhism disappeared fromIndia, enjoyed great favour there. Avalokitesvarapractice passed from India to South-East Asia andJava, Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan.Statue available at Awareness Place storesHelping Dedicated PractitionersBodhisattvas often appear to help dedicatedpractitioners along the path. One time whenNagarjuna was offering flowers to a statue dedicatedto the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the latterappeared in person, accepted the offering andplaced a flower upon Nagarjuna’s head. Thus seeingthis, a man named Pankajapa complained that henever received such a favour from the statue eventhough he had been offering flowers every day fortwelve years.Nagarjuna told him thathis mind was impure andthus Pankajapa becameone of Nagarjuna’s studentsand eventually one of the84 Mahasiddhas. Thisoccurrence, however, wasinspired by this action ofAvalokiteshvara.Prior to his enlightenment,the Mahasiddha Aryadevawas the abbot of Nalandamonastery, but not havingrealised his full potentialeven through his vast study,he set out to try and meetthe great Nagarjuna. On theway, he met the Bodhisattva Manjushri in the formof a fisherman, who told him exactly where to findthe teacher. Thus he was able to reach his master,receive instruction and gain liberation.Many legends have sprung up around the goddessTara. Some mention that she was born in a beamof blue light emanating from one of the eyes ofAvalokitesvara, whilst another says she was bornfrom a lotus flower floating in a tear on his face.It was however generally believed that Tara isreincarnated in every virtuous and pious woman.Manjusri represents wisdom, intelligence andwillpower. He is worshipped for his divine wisdom,mastery of the Dharma, an infallible memory,mental perfection and eloquence. Manjusri, as boththe father and the mother of the bodhisattvas aswell as their spiritual friend was the initiator andmaster of the Buddhas of past ages and will be thatof the future Buddha, Maitreya.46 awakenFeaturesAs we practise diligently andsupplicate to the Triple Gem withgenuine aspiration and hold thebodhisattva vow in our hearts, wetoo may encounter Bodhisattvas ona daily basis as humans who giveus short messages of inspirationand encouragement along the path.They may appear as our teachers oras ordinary beings on the street.You never know who may be a Bodhisattva indisguise!

awakenProfiles47The Merits of Producing BuddhistTeachings and Buddha Images1. One’s light karmic misgivingswill dissolve, while heavy oneslighten.2. One will be protected by devas,and be unharmed by natural andman-made disasters.3. One will always be free fromthe suffering of hatred andvengeance.4. One will be unharmed by yaksas,evil spirits and wild beasts.5. One’s mind will be at peace, freefrom harm and nightmares.6. One’s complexion will be radiant.7. One will be full of auspiciousenergy.8. One who practises the Dharmawholeheartedly will haveadequate living necessities.9. One’s family will be harmoniousand be blessed with fortune andwisdom.10. One who practises what onepreaches will be respected andloved by all.11. One who is dull-minded will gainwisdom.12. One who is ill will gain health.13. One who is poor will gain wealth.14. One will be free of being rebornin the negative realms.15. One will be able to help othersgrow in wisdom and gain greatmerits in doing so.16. One will always be able to learnthe Dharma, till one’s wisdomand spiritual penetrations arefully grown and one becomes aBuddha.Dear Reader,“The Gift of the Dharma Excels All Other Gifts.”Do you wish to offer this greatest gift to others, so that more can be touched by the beauty of theDharma, and be inspired to lead happy and meaningful lives? If so, you can share in the productioncosts of AWAKEN Magazine for free distribution. Simply photocopy this page, fill in the sponsorshipform and mail it back to us together with your cheque or money order. All cheques and money ordersshould be made payable to “Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery” and sent to:Kong Meng San Phor Kark See MonasteryAWAKEN Magazine88 Bright Hill Road Singapore 574117For overseas readers, please send bankdrafts in Singapore currency. Please include S$10 forbank charges. Please note that the monastery is NOT able to accept cheques in foreign currency.You can also donate online via eNets or Giro at http://kmspks.org/about/donateIf you have any enquiries, please call 6849 5300 or e-mail: awaken@kmspks.orgName:E-mail:Highest educational level:Occupation:Address:Tel: (O) (H) (Hp)Amount: (Cash*/ Cheque No: )Do you require an official receipt? (Yes* / No) *Please delete where appropriateWould you like to receive emails on upcoming talks, retreats or other events ofthe monastery? (Yes* / No) *Please delete where appropriateWhere did you obtain this magazine?Issue 22We value your commentsand welcome your suggestionsfor improvementsto AWAKEN. Tell us how wecan improve our magazineto better cater to yourspiritual and holistic needs.What new column would youlike to see; which articleswould you like to read? Sendus your praises and flames.E-mail your feedback toawaken@kmspks.org or sendthem to:AWAKEN, The Executive EditorKong Meng San Phor Kark SeeMonasteryDharma Propagation DivisionAwaken Publishing & Design88 Bright Hill RoadSingapore 574117* Pleaseinclude yourfull name andpersonal particularsYOUR Feedback Mattersissue 22 january - april 2012

“Spiritual Wisdom isEven More Importantthan My Life!”Awaken: You started learning about Buddhismfrom your mother at the age of seven. What isthe most important Buddhist teaching to you?Ah Dong: My master, Ven. Sheng Kai taughtthat we must cultivate and apply the Buddhistteachings in our daily lives. This is actuallyquite difficult. Everyone has an ego-graspingmind and is ruled by ignorance. Our attachment,aversion and delusion often cause us to lose our way.Many people allow their arising thoughts to bringabout all kinds of negative emotions and actions. Wehave to understand the nature of thoughts, their arisingand their cessation, so that we will not perform foolishactions, but lead a life of wisdom.Awaken: How do you apply the Dharma in your line of workin the entertainment industry?Sunny FM 100.3 DJ AhDong speaks to Awakenabout the influenceBuddhist teachings haveon his life.48 awakenProfileAh Dong: Many people demand high pay at their workplace, andare very concerned about their personal gain and loss. They areconsumed by jealousy when they see that others are successful.They feel disappointed and frustrated if things do not go theirway and they fail to achieve what they want. You will not find suchfrustration or unhappiness in me. Recently, my colleagues and I wereassigned to do a ‘live’ outdoor radio programme. But something croppedup and the radio station was unable to receive our signal. Everyonestarted panicking. At that time, I focused all my thoughts on solvingthe problem. Whatever we could have done, we did it. Such unforeseencircumstances are beyond our control. Therefore it is pointless to worryand feel frustrated. The Dharma teaches us how to face difficulties inlife, resolve them and let go of them.

The Four Well-known Bodhisattvasof Chinese Mahayana BuddhismThe word bodhisattva is a Sanskrit term. Bodhimeans ‘wisdom’ or ‘enlightenment’ andsattva means ‘essence’ or ‘being’. Thus, a bodhisattvais a wisdom-being who wishes to attain Buddhahoodfor the benefit of all sentient beings.Manjusri BodhisattvaManjusri Bodhisattva is theembodiment of transcendentwisdom. The oldest and mostsignificant bodhisattva in theMahayana literature, theSanskrit name Manjusri can betranslated as “Gentle Glory”. Heappears to those who meditate onhim, instructing them in the Dharmaand encouraging them to develop wisdom.His right hand holds a flaming sword, representingthe sharpness of wisdom which cuts throughignorance and the net of wrong views such asduality. The flame dispels darkness, just as the lightof wisdom dispels the darkness of ignorance. His lefthand holds a magnificent lotus flower in full bloom,on which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra (GreatWisdom Sutra). This sutra contains the essence ofthe great wisdom teachings of the Buddhas. Thelotus is the promise of the future for all beings whofollow the teachings.Manjusri Bodhisattva is often shown seated ona golden or blue lion. This represents the use ofwisdom to tame the mind, which is compared toriding or subduing a ferocious lion.Prayer Mantra of Manjusri Bodhisattva:Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na DhiAvalokiteshvara BodhisattvaThe Sanskrit name “Avalokiteshvara” means “thelord who looks upon the world with compassion”.In Chinese, the name “Guan Shi Yin” means “Onewho regards the sounds (of suffering) in the world”,be they verbal or mental pleas for help. In the Lotus50 awakenDo You Know...Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha taught that if anyone insuffering, such as when one is caught in a fire orfacing an attack, hears the name of this Bodhisattvaand earnestly calls out to her, she will hear the calland relieve that person from suffering.The embodiment of great compassion, thisBodhisattva is seen holding a willow branch in herright hand and a vase of blessed water inher left. The willow branch is used forsprinkling the water to heal illnesses orbring fulfilment to devotees’ requests.The dew of compassion has theability to eradicate suffering,purify defilements of body, speechand mind and lengthen lifespan.According to the Avatamsaka Sutra,Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva can manifest incountless forms to suit the nature of those in need ofhelp. With great powers to help all sentient beings,her skilful means are limitless and she can appearanywhere in the six realms of existence. When weare practising compassion in our own ways to helpothers, and sincerely helping to bring peace andtranquility to others, we are like her in the moment.Prayer mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva foruniversal protection:Om Mani Padme HungRecited with a sincere heart and pure motivation,one establishes a closer connection withAvalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This practice alsopurifies the body, speech and mind, helping one togradually uncover the qualities of compassion andwisdom within oneself. Praying wholeheartedly,one will constantly experience joyfulness and aclear mind. This aids us to handle challengingsituations that manifest in life with a more positiveand compassionate mindset. People around uswill also feel a sense of gentleness and calmness.The blessings and protection of AvalokiteshvaraBodhisattva will always be there.

In The Dasabhumika Sutra, or Sutra of the Ten Stagesof Bodhisattva, the Buddha taught the ten stagesof the bodhisattva path leading to Buddhahood.With the perfection of six (generosity, virtue,patience, diligence, concentration and wisdom) orten paramitas (the former six plus skilful means,vows, strength and knowledge), the bodhisattvaattains these spiritual levels one by one and finallycompletes the journey with the attainment ofSupreme Enlightenment (Samyaksambodhi).the giver and the receiver. He gradually attains thenon-conceptual awareness of emptiness. He realisesthat there is no inherent qualities among these three.As a result of the development of good qualities,wisdom and compassion, he attains the JoyousStage, the first bhumi or level of a bodhisattva pathon this spiritual journey.The ten stages are:1. Pramudita - Joyous2. Vimala - Pure3. Prabhakari - Luminous4. Arcismati -Radiant5. Sudurjaya - Difficult to Conquer6. Abhimukhi - Approaching7. Durangama - Gone Afar8. Acala- Immovable9. Sadhumati - Good Intelligence10. Dharmamegha- Cloud ofDoctrineHe cultivates hisbodhisattva path with thepractice of giving followedby the other paramitas. Atthis level the bodhisattva isin a higher state of knowingthe importance of giving andother Dharma properly. Forinstance, now he knowsthe true nature of giving,the distinction betweenThe second bodhisattva stage, the Pure or Stainlessstage, is the result of his great morality. He becomesperfectly pure and even in his dream he remainspure. At the Luminous Stage, he is very patient nowdue to his practice of patience. The Bodhisattva isfree from quarrel and his mind is pacified at thisstage. The fourth bhumi, Radiant Stage, is theresult of diligent effort by the bodhisattva. Diligenteffort is the antidote for laziness or sleepiness.With the practice of meditative concentration,the bodhisattva attains the stage of Difficult toConquer. At the sixth stage of Approaching, thebodhisattva has perfected the paramita of wisdomand understands dependent origination. Thebodhisattva continues practising Skilful Meansat the seventh stage, Gone Afar. On this level thebodhisattva completely destroys the moral taints orremoves the veil of conflicting emotions, and therewill be no more rebirth for him. The next threehighest stages are called pure stages connectedwith Buddhahood. On these stages the bodhisattvais free from obstruction to omniscience. At theeighth stage, Immovable, the bodhisattva achievesomniscient status. Even during moments out ofmeditation, he looks at the world (phenomena)in a different way from others. He is now like aperson awakened from a dream. All his activitiesare instinctive. There is no more striving. This isbecause of his perfection of great vow. Completingthe great perfection of strength, the bodhisattvaattains the ninth stage, Good Intelligence. At thefinal stage, Cloud of Doctrine, he sits on a jewellotus seat surrounded by other bodhisattvas. Lightemits from his body illuminating the universe andmany sufferings are eradicated. All the Buddhasfrom the ten directions appear and consecrate himas a Supreme Buddha. This is the attainment ofSamyaksambodhi.52 awakenDo You Know...- Ven Dr Rangama Chandawimala Thera

awakenSomething to Ponder53Miraclesa r ecommon whenwe live in thepresence of theGreat Self. Ab u s i n e s s m a nlent a large sumof money totwo friends whopersistently didnot repay theloan. For twoyears, he couldnot find themeven though hehired a privatei n v e s t i g a t o r .When he was athis wits’ end, hedecided to uselight to blessthem. Everymorning andnight, he wouldspend seven minutes to think about them and uselight to dissolve all negative emotions and habitualtendencies. He then visualised that they were filledwith and protected by light, and that only positiveenergy can permeate their circle of light. He alsovisualised that they were filled with gratitude foreverything. Within five days, these friends appearedin his office to repay their loan. This businessmanoriginally firmly held onto a three-dimensionalmaterialistic view of the world. Once he was willingto let go of his restrictive views, miracles appeared.An AIDS patient in Singapore followed his teacher’sinstructions and spent a few minutes every daypraying to take on the sufferings of all AIDS patients.Every time he prayed, he was moved to tears. Withina week, a hospital checkup indicated that he hadInfinite Blessings OnThe Great Path OfLight BY | Dr Lai Chiu Nanfully recovered. When we shift our attention fromourselves to praying for the well-being of others andthe whole earth, our own health would invariablyimprove.A patient sincerely prayed for the well-being ofanother seriously ill friend. When he did that, bothof them recovered from their illnesses. The doctorwas very surprised. In contrast, another lady had,for many years, prayed for her own recovery and hadsent light to herself, but without much improvement.However, when she sent her blessings and light to thewhole world, she fully recovered from her illness.I have a good friend who, many years ago, followedher teacher and a group of fellow students to prayand send blessings to different parts of the world thatissue 22 january - april 2012

encountered disaster or hardship. They primarilyused light to send blessings, and took turns to doso 24 hours a day. She went to many countries inAfrica and South America. Once, she continuouslysent light and love for eight hours to the area she wasin and the entire earth. She felt that she herself hadturned into light and energy. In fact, when she wasin Ethiopia, she saw light coming from the earth.Iasked this friend to share in detail the method ofsending light blessings. She explained as follows.Fill ourselves with light, and then let light emanatefrom our solar plexus to the surroundings andthe entire earth. Continue to send this light to theuniverse before letting the light return to ourselves.Repeatedly remind ourselves that we are light, andthen send light to every life form. Light is love.Shakyamuni Buddha pointed outthat every life has a clear luminousnature or Buddha nature. Everylife possesses light. Our thoughtsand emotions can influence thecolour of our light. Similarly, lightcan influence our thoughts andemotions, and light visualisationcan influence our body.Dr. Mitchell May is a living example of this. He usedlight visualisation to repair his legs that had beenbroken in forty fragments.Another American lady fortuitously found out thatbreathing light can have rejuvenation effects. Inher forties, she was beginning to look aged withwrinkles on her face, and also put on weight. Onenight around midnight, she saw a very prettypinkish-purplish circle of light outside her window,but didn’t know its significance. Two weeks later,she understood that she needed to breath in thatlight. After praying continuously, a method dawnedupon her. Every morning, she first spent ten minutesbreathing in that pink light. After that, during herout-breath, she visualised the light radiating to thepart of her face where there were wrinkles, andimagined that there were no longer wrinkles on thatpart of her skin. She focused on a small part of herface each time, three rounds each time. Her friendsstarted to notice the improvement in her features,and asked her what kind of special nutrients she54 awakenSomething to Ponderwas taking. After nine months, her body and facehad reverted back to what she looked like whenshe was younger. When she was in her fifties, shelooked no more than thirty years old. Her modellingschool students requested that she teach them thismethod. Those who practised the method had thesame effect. Whenever she completed her lightbreathing exercise, she would always express hergratitude, and reflect that her purpose in asking forrejuvenation is to help others. A co-author of this lady also tried this method withvery good results. She elaborated that she visualisedgolden light being emitted from her solar plexusto her scalp, where new hair would grow. Withintwo weeks, new hair actually grew on her scalp.Whenever one is uncertain about the colour touse for other parts of the body, it is safe to use thegolden colour. Sometimes while visualising goldenlight, the colour that our body needs will appearbefore us. For instance, light green is good for theeyes. Once we experienced the miracles with lightvisualisation on our body, we will then have theconfidence to extend healing to the entire earth.The following are exercises that use our mentalthoughts and light to protect ourselves, our livingenvironment and the earth (our larger body). Theseare only suggestions and serve as a starting point.Everyone can make adaptations based on theguidance they receive from their inner light.Sky-blue light - letting go, forgiveness andunconditional loveVisualise blue light, representing the universe’sperfect unconditional love, entering throughyour head into the chest, abdomen and all theway to your toes. Your head, bone marrow, blood,lymphatic fluid, nervous system, organs, hormonalsecretions and skin are filled with blue light.Accept the nourishment of the blue light, lettingit heal all deficiencies, regret, guilt, hatred andworries. Let the sky-blue light purify the ethericbody, astral body, and mental body. From the solarplexus area, send the sky-blue light to the physicaland mental memories needed most. Then spreadthe light to our workplace and home. Let the lightshine on our home, workplace, city and all beingsliving in this environment. Let them receive love,dissolving disharmonious energy. Send the lightto the province, state and country we live in, and

extend it to the continent and entire earth, from themountains to the bottom of the sea, and further tothe core of the earth. The earth becomes the skybluesun, and every life receives love. From theearth, send the light to the entire universe, blessingevery life with love and good fortune. Then, returnthe sky-blue light to ourselves, bring back theentire universe’s love. Quietly experience the light,thanking every living being, every life experience,everything.Golden light - elevating, transforming andwisdomVisualise that golden light, representing theuniverse’s perfect wisdom and energy, enteringthrough your head, letting your entire body be filledwith golden light. Then from the solar plexus, sendlight into the etheric body, astral body and mentalbody, enabling fulfilment of all that needs to beelevated and transformed. The golden light allowsour speech, emotions and thoughts to be guided bywisdom. Send the golden light to the people aroundus and the environment, and visualise everyoneshimmering in the golden light. Then send thegolden light to the earth and the entire universe. Thegolden light brings the universe’s perfect wisdom toearth, our city, our home, and to ourselves. We areone with the golden light, and we quietly bask in thegolden light.Now, I wish to use Bodhisattva Shantideva’sprayers to bless the earth. Shantideva was a greatcompassionate enlightened monk from NalandaMonastery, who lived in India during the 8thcentury. His fellow monks thought that he onlyknew how to eat, sleep and defecate. His classmateshad lost patience with him, and wanted him toleave. They figured that if they asked Shantidevato teach the Dharma, he would be so embarrassedthat he would leave. Shantideva asked them if theywanted to hear familiar sutras or something new.His classmates replied that they wanted the latter.To make fun of him, they made a very high thronefor him to deliver his discourse. When the timecame for the discourse, they found that he wasalready seated on that high throne. His discoursewas later known as “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’sWay of Life”. When Shantideva came to the end ofhis discourse, he rose higher and higher, and hisvoice became more distant. It has been said that hewas the manifestation of Bodhisattva Manjushri.Something to PonderThe following are excerpts from his dedication ofmerits:May all beings everywhere, plagued by sufferings of bodyand mind,Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy, by virtues of mymerits.May no creature suffer, commit evil or ever fall ill.May no one be afraid or belittled, And may their minds be free from worries and stress.May the blind see form, the deaf hear sound.May those whose bodies are worn with toil be restored onfinding repose.May the naked find clothing, the hungry find food, And the thirsty find water and delicious drinks.May the poor find wealth, those weak with sorrow findjoy; May the forlorn find hope, constant happiness andprosperity.May there be timely rains, and bountiful harvests.May all medicines be effective, may all wholesomeprayers bear fruit.May all who are sick and ill quickly be freed from theirailments,Whatever diseases there are in the world, may they neveroccur again.May the frightened cease to be afraid,May those who are bound be freed.May the powerless find power.And may people think of benefiting one another.LOOKING DEEPLYThe more we practise looking deeply,the more light is present,the more flowers there are,the more oceans, space, parasols,jewels, and clouds there are.It depends on us.When you emit light,you help people see becauseyour light wakes them up.- Thich Nhat HanhawakenExcerpts from the full article published in Lapis News.Reprinted with permission from Lapis Lazuli Light(Singapore) www.lapislazulilight.com55issue 22 january - april 2012

Prince Mahasattvaand theStarving TigressRETOLD BY | Esther ThienOnce upon a time, there lived adevout and powerful king. Hehad three good and obedient sons, MahaPrashada, Maha Deva and Mahasattva.One bright sunny day, the princesaccompanied their father and hisretinue on an excursion to a forestpark. As the young princes admiredthe enchanting beauty of the floraand fauna, they wandered deep intothe thick forest until they weresoon separated from the king andhis men. Noticing the princes’absence, the attendants reportedthe matter to the king. He orderedhis ministers to go in search ofthem and returned to his palace.Meanwhile, the three princescame to a mountain top, andsaw a starving tigress almoston the brink of death withfive malnourished cubs.“Look there,” said the first brother. “That famishedtigress is about to eat her own cubs. How miserableis that!”“What is their staple food, brother?” askedMahasattva, the youngest brother.“Flesh and blood is the staple food of lions andtigers, dear brother,” answered the eldest.“The tigress seems very weak due to childbirth. Shemust have starved for days. How noble if one couldsacrifice one’s body for their sake. But who wouldmake such a sacrifice?” asked Maha Deva.56 awakenBuddhist Tales“Surely no one would be able to do that,” repliedMaha Prashada.“Ignorant people like us may be unable to sacrificetheir bodies for the sake of another. But there maybe selfless men of boundless compassion who wouldwillingly do so,” replied Prince Mahasattva in abenevolent tone.

Casting a last glance at the helplesstigress, they left.awakenBuddhist Talesnature, pitied the bodhisattva and would not eventouch his body.57“I must sacrifice this impermanentbody for the sake of this starvingtigress and her cubs. Foul is thisbody; it is subject to decay anddeath. One may adorn and perfumeit, but soon it will stink and perish,”thought Prince Mahasattva.Reflecting thus, he said, “Brothers,please go ahead. I feel a little tiredand would like to rest for a while. Iwill catch up with you soon.”"Obviously the poor animal is too weak to devourme!" thought the bodhisattva. He searched and sawa bamboo splinter. Going up to the tigress, he slit hisneck and fell dead in a pool of blood.The hungry tigress quickly lapped up the warm,flowing blood and ate the flesh. It is said that themoment the bodhisattva sacrificed his body,the earth quaked, the waters of the ocean weredisturbed, the sun's ray dimmed, eyesight wastemporarily blurred, heavenly beings gave cries of“holy one”, and celestial flowers rained down.He went back to the mountain top,and as he hung his clothes andjewellery on a tree, he thought,“We must be compassionatetowards all beings. To offerassistance and service to thosewho are in need of help is ourparamount duty. I will sacrificethis impermanent body ofmine and save the tigress andher five cubs. By this virtuousact, may I gain supremeBuddhahood and save allbeings from the ocean ofsuffering and cyclicalexistence. May all beings bewell and happy.”Moved by stirringcompassion and selflessness,he jumped off thecliff towards the tigress.The fall did not result in aninstantaneous death. The tigress,though ruthless byAffected by the earthquake and guessing thattheir brother had sacrificed himself, the two elderbrothers turned and hurried back to the mountaintop. They were horrified to see not their youngestbrother but human bones stained with fresh bloodand his clothes hanging on a tree.They wept and fainted. On regaining consciousness,they proceeded to return home with a heavy heart.Some ministers who had gone earlier to search forthem returned to the palace with the heartbreakingnews. Hearing it, nobody was able to stop sobbing.The king, however, comforted the queen and,mounting an elephant, sped to the forest withhis attendants and brought back the other twoinconsolable sons.So great was the princes’ grief that initially theywere speechless. Slowly, they recounted the heroicdeed of their noble brother to their bereaved mother.The king, queen and their entourage went to the spotwhere the youngest prince had sacrificed himself.Seeing the blood-tainted bones of their beloved son,the king and queen fainted. When they regainedconsciousness, the king ordered his ministers togather all the hair, bones and garments of PrinceMahasattva and heaping them together, worshippedthem. With a grief-stricken heart, he then orderedthem to build a memorial to enshrine the relics andreturned to his palace.T o d a y in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal,stupas and shrines stand atthe ancient holy site where thislegendary story took place.issue 22 january - april 2012

TheSelflessHareRETOLD BY | Esther ThienILLUSTRATIONS | Bee Li1. Long, long ago, in a particular forest lived fourvery good friends: a hare, a monkey, a jackal andan otter. Of the four, the hare was the wisest.2. Once every 10 days,they would meet to talkabout doing good.Help others,do good, give alms,be kind and virtuous,observe the newmoon and fullmoon days.3. One day, the hare saidDear friends,it’s full moon daytomorrow, let’s be morevirtuous and observe theethical training guidelines ofconduct. If anyone should askanything from us, let’s becharitable and give whatwe have. Generositypractised with moralityis surely verymeritorious.5. The next day, they allobserved the ethical trainingguidelines of conduct. Thehare thought with all sincerityIt is impossiblefor me to offer grass.If anyone comes to meseeking food, I willgladly offer myflesh.4. The others agreed and got ready for the followingday. The hare obtained some grass, the otter foundsome fishes lying on the river bank; the monkeyprepared some sweet mangoes and the jackalfound some dried fishes and a gourd.6. It is said the power of thehare’s sincerity and virtue heatedup the white marble throne of LordSakka, the king of the gods. With hisdivine eye, he understood whathad happened and so decided totest the hare.7. In the guise of a holy man,he took turns to appear beforethe hare’s friends, and declinedtheir kind offer of food.Finally he came to the pureheartedhare and begged forsomething. The hare wasoverjoyed.Oh holy one,it is very kind ofyou to come to mefor food. I will giveyou something Ihave never givenbefore.58 awakenBuddhist TalesPlease kindlea fire. Then let meknow. I will gladlyjump in and offer mybody. Please feast asyou like and thenobserve the ethicaltraining guidelinesof conduct.8. Lord Sakka magically conjuredup a fire. The selfless hare shook hisbody thrice to prevent killing anyinsect that may be on his body, andjoyfully jumped into the scorchingfire.It is not justfor you. Even if allthe beings of the worldhave come to test me,they will not find inme any unwillingnessto give9. But lo andbehold! The harewas not burnt, oreven hurt in anyway.Wise hare,I’m Lord Sakka.I have come toput your virtueto the test.This was how the Buddhapractised the Perfection of Givingwhile he was still a bodhisattva.

awakenSeen, Read & HeardBY | Kendall Magnussen59SEENEmulating the Noble Bodhisattvas>For The Benefit Of All Beings:The Extraordinary Life of His Eminence GarchenTriptrul RinpocheDirected by: Christina LundbergFor The Benefit Of All Beings is an experiential immersion into the TibetanBuddhist view of the world, as lived by His Eminence Garchen TriptrulRinpoche. Rinpoche was recognised at an early age as a reincarnate lama.His early years were spent in monastic training, and in particular, beingtaught the stark reality of suffering through the wrathful means of hisfather. External forces invaded Tibet when Rinpoche was 20 years old, inthe midst of a three-year retreat.Aware of the suffering of his people and the danger of extinction for the Buddha-Dharmain Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Kham Resistance Fighters and took up arms against hisinvaders. He was subsequently captured and imprisoned for 20 years. He endured theunthinkable yet never lost his compassion. While in prison, Rinpoche met his rootguru, who gave him pith instructions on the path to enlightenment, which he practisedin secret. When released he emerged as an awakened master and took up the mission ofre-establishing the Buddha-Dharma in Tibet, at risk of further imprisonment, tortureand execution.After becoming deathly ill, Rinpoche was brought to Nepal by a close student whothen arranged for Rinpoche to begin teaching in the West. Many years later, Rinpochereturned to his beloved country, fully victorious in what he has become, an embodimentand messenger of Love to the world.This very moving and brilliant film documents this extraordinary life story in a uniqueway, relying upon the engaging storytelling of Garchen Rinpoche himself, interviewswith high lamas and peers from Tibet and other countries, and through unprecedentedaccess to this revered lama’s private life and public persona as he travels to over 15countries. Rather than “teaching” Buddhism to its audience, this documentarybeautifully and powerfully portrays how this particular world view affects one man’slife directly in the face of unthinkable adversity and the results that emerge when onehuman being unequivocally commits to living “For the Benefit of All Beings.”Highly revered in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of practice, Garchen Rinpoche inspires andinstructs us, in a uniquely universal way, to embody pure love, the highest potential ofthe human mind. Totally heart-opening and life-changing! Visit forthebenefitofallbeings.com for more info.issue 22 january - april 2012

BY | Esther ThienREADThe way of the bodhisattva is through the heart of compassion>The Way of The BodhisattvaBy ShantidevaThis version, translated from Tibetan, is a thorough introduction to the muchtreasured and important text Bodhicharyavatara that has been studied, practisedand expounded upon in an unbroken tradition for centuries in India and Tibet. It isan essential guide, outlining the path of the Bodhisattvas in verse form, to anyonewho would like to cultivate the mind of enlightenment and generate the qualities oflove, compassion, generosity and patience. Priced at S$25.00 from Awareness Place.>>HEARDExperience profound healing and ease with the mantras and sutra of thebodhisattvasTibetan MantraBy Wang Jun (Celebrity Music)In an ethereal voice, singer Wang Jun conveys the serenity and blessings of theGreen Tara mantra, the six-syllable great compassion mantra, Prajna ParamitaHeart mantra, Shakyamuni mantra and Vajrasattva mantra in a melodiousand beautiful manner. Feel the descending calm as peace pervades your heartand mind when listening. Retails at S$18.00 from Awareness Place.Heart SutraBy Imee Ooi>The Heart of Compassion:The Thirty-Seven Verses on the Practice of a BodhisattvaBy Dilgo KhyentseBe inspired by the life story and the deeds of Gyalse Ngulchu Thogme, the composerof a much precious text, The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. In this commentary, DilgoKhyentse Rinpoche explained in great detail the ways presented in this classic texton how we can work with our own hearts and minds, unravelling our small-mindedpreoccupations to discover our own potential for compassion, loving-kindness andwisdom. Get it from Awareness Place for S$27.95.If you feel a connection to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Guanyin,deepen the connection by listening to this CD. Sung in Mandarin, this CDcontains two melodic tracks of the Heart Sutra, one of the Mahayana sutrascommonly associated with Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Said to be thepure distillation of wisdom, it is the shortest and perhaps best-known textof Mahayana Buddhism. Listen to the profound and subtle teachings in thislyrical rendition of the Heart Sutra and create further imprints of this sutrain your mind-stream to strengthen your connection with this Bodhisattva.Available at Awareness Place for S$15.00.60 awakenSeen, Heard & Read

awakenWhat's NewBY | Esther Thien61WHAT‘S NEWAppreciate the beauty of fine liuli art in the formof bodhisattva sculpturesIf you are a lover of the rich beauty of fine liuli sculpture, check out theprecious noble bodhisattva sculpture range at Awareness Place. Rangingfrom one kilo to about six kilos in various sizes, these sculptures werespecially brought in to Singapore, and are seen for the very first timehere in very limited quantity each!Be mesmerised by the intricate details and facets, and thenatural flow of vibrant colours that emerge from thesculptures under the play of light and shadow. To findout more, call 6337 7582 or visit awarenessplace.com.Bodhisattva AvalokiteshvaraOn a single leafBodhisattva KsitigarbhaBodhisattva ManjusriBodhisattva Green TaraBodhisattva White Taraissue 22 january - april 2012

BY | Esther ThienDharma AppsOne good thing about having a smartphone or tablet is that if usedin a good way, it can bring you closer to the Dharma, as a tool thatconnects you to the wisdom of the Dharma 24/7.> iDharmabookBy AstragroLooking for words of wisdom to perk up that draggy bus or MRT ride? Check out theiDharmabook, a collection of 21 easy-to-read ebooks on Buddhist teachings for layBuddhists and non-Buddhists.Mostly penned by eminent Buddhist teachers, including the late Ven Dr K SriDhammanada, this free download, which is a collaborative effort between KongMeng San Phor Kark See Monastery and Astragro, contains practicaladvice for daily living, interesting character-building pictorial booksfor children and more in-depth teachings for the practising Buddhists.Only available on the iPhone and iPad.>>Buddha VacanaBy Shi Chuan GuanLiterally, Buddha Vacana means the Words of the Buddha. BuddhaVacana is a free app that automatically brings you a verse of theBuddha’s teachings daily on your android smartphone or iPhoneand iPad. Receive daily verses and wake up to a new day on a noteof mindfulness with the chime of a bell! Also available as a freedownload for PC, Facebook, other handheld or supported devices and platformsfrom buddhavacana.net.37 Practices of a BodhisattvaBy Clayton CraftFeaturing verses translated by Ken McLeod, this convenient apppacks all the verses of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Handy onthe go when you just want to refresh these important practices inyour day-to-day life. Only available on the Android Market.Use your smartphone’s barcode scanner to scan these QR codes for the apps.If your phone doesn’t have one, download a barcode scanning app from iTunes or AndroidMarket.62 awakenDharma Apps

63awakenVerses & Proses 63Bodhisattvas are enlightened sentient beingswho are aware of all sentient beings’ sufferings,feel sympathy for others’ plight,and act to give help to them.Bodhisattvas are thosewho have faith in the Buddha’s teachingsand seek to practise them,who then vow to liberate themselves and others,and who can even disregard themselvesin order to save others.Bodhisattvas can be either ordinary people ornoble ones.The bodhisattva path consists of 52 stages.Bodhisattvas on any of the first 40 stagesbefore the 10 grounds are ordinary beings,whereas those on any of the last 12 stages arenoble ones.– Chan Master Sheng YenIn his relations with beings, the bodhisattvashould not allow himself to forsake them.As befits the abilities determined by his powers,he should always strive to draw them in.From the very beginning, the bodhisattvashould accord with the power of his abilitiesand use skilful means to instruct beings,causing them to enter the Great Vehicle.In that which is done for the benefit of beings,do not succumb to either weariness or negligence.Bring forth vows for the sake of realising bodhi.Benefiting the world is just benefiting self.So long as he has not yet gained irreversibility,in the bodhisattva’s striving for bodhi,he should be as intensely diligent in practiceas someone whose turban has caught on fire.– Nagarjuna(Nagarjuna’s Guide to the Bodhisattva Path)One who is a bodhisattva is defined bybeing one who is universal in his giving.Being one who is universal in his givingdoes not refer to a circumstance involving anabundance of material wealthbut rather refers instead topossessing a mind inclined towards giving.– Vasubandhu(Vasubandhu’s Treatise on Bodhisattva Vow)Editor: Read stories on page 56 & 58issue 22 january - april 2012

Amitabha (Amida, Amita, Amitayus): Amitabha is themost commonly used name for the Buddha of Infinite Lightand Infinite Life. A transhistorical Buddha venerated by allMahayana schools particularly, Pure Land. Presides overthe Western Pure Land (Land of Ultimate Bliss), whereanyone can be reborn through utterly sincere recitationof His name, particularly at the time of death AmitabhaSutra is one of the three cardinal Pure Land Sutras.Attachment: Attachments are what keep us turning on thewheel of rebirth. In the Four Noble truths, Buddha Shakyamunitaught that attachment to self is the root cause of suffering: Fromcraving [attachment] springs grief, from craving springs fear; Forhim who is wholly free from craving, there is no grief, muchless fear. (Dhammapada) Becoming enlightened is nothingother than severing all our attachments. What is meant by“attachment”? It is the investing of mental or emotional energyin an “object”. We can become attached to people, things,experiential states, and our own thoughts and preconceptions.In Buddhist teachings attachments are usually divided intotwo general categories: attachments to self and attachments todharmas. For the seasoned practitioner, even the Dharma mustnot become an attachment.Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: Guanyin; the Bodhisattva whopersonifies the perfect Compassion of all Buddhas, who hearsand heeds the cries of the world.Bodhicitta: The enlightenment-mind. The mind dedicated toattaining Buddhahood in order to help all sentient beings.Bodhisattva: One who aspires to save all beings from suffering,while saving oneself.Buddha: An aspect of the Triple Gem - The Awakened orEnlightened One. A Buddha is one who has attained liberationfrom all suffering, attaining True Happiness, Perfect Wisdomand Perfect Compassion, among all other virtues for the sakeof helping all sentient beings. “The Buddha” refers to thehistorical Shakyamuni or Gautama Buddha, who is the founderof Buddhism in our world.Buddha-Dharma: Buddhists do not call the teachings ofthe Buddha, which they follow, Buddhism; they call themBuddha-Dharma, the Dharma of the Buddhas.Compassion: The quality that makes us aspire to help otherswith no selfish intention; the ending of selfishness.Cyclical existence: The cycle of death and rebirth, takinguncontrolled rebirth under the influence of defilement andkarmic imprints. The process arises out of ignorance and ismarked by suffering.Dharma: An aspect of the Triple Gem - the teachings of theBuddha or the general teachings of Buddhism.Emptiness: The truth that all mind and matter are constantlychanging, thus being empty of any fixed self.Enlightenment: same as Buddhahood, full enlightenment/awakening. Highest level of development, having forevereliminated all defilements and karmic imprints, and havingdeveloped all good qualities and wisdom to their fullestextent.Five Dhyani Buddhas: The five Buddha-families of Vairocana,Akshobya, Amogasiddhi, Ratnasambhva and AmitabhaBuddhas.Ignorance: The quality of lacking Wisdom, not knowing thereality of all things. Same as ‘delusion’.Impermanence: All compounded things are constantlychanging, as a result or effect of changing causes and conditions.All living and non-living elements are thus subject to decay andrenewal.Karma: The moral law of cause and effect which states thatwhat we experience is the result of what we had done, that whatwe do will result in what we will experience.Lama: Spiritual teacher. An honorary title in Tibetan Buddhismgiven to one who has completed particular scholastic and yogictraining. It is possible to renounce one’s monkhood withoutrenouncing one’s lama status, for the purposes of marriage.Liberation: The state in which defilements and karma have beeneliminated and no longer subjected to uncontrolled rebirth incyclic existence.Loving-kindness: The quality which makes us wish for thehappiness and well-being of others. ‘Metta’ in Pali language.Mahayana: The dominant Buddhist tradition of East Asia thatemphasises on the Bodhisattva ideal.Mantra: Prescribed syllables (in Sanskrit) to protect the mindfrom defilements. They express the essence of specific energies.Recitation of mantras is always done with specific visualisations.Meditation: A practice to habituate ourselves to positive andrealistic states of mind.Mindfulness: An aspect of the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ - thequality that enables us to remember, and keep our awarenessand attention on what is beneficial to one and all in terms ofthoughts, speech and actions. ‘Satipatthana’ in Pali language.Merits: Blessings, positive potential. Imprints on the mindstreamof positive actions, leading to future happiness.Nagarjuna: Great Indian Buddhist Master who revivedthe Mahayana in the 1st. century AD, after its' virtualdisappearance, by bringing to light the Perfection of Wisdom.Nirvana: Nirvana is a Sanskrit term that is interpreted in variousways: 1)cessation, or extinction, referring to the elimination ofthe afflictions at the time of enlightenment, 2) freedom fromdesire; and 3) no longer either coming into being or ceasing tobe. ‘Nibbana’ in Pali language.Perfection: Refers to the six practices, the perfection of whichferries one beyond the sea of suffering and mortality to Nirvana.Pureland: A world without defilements created by a Buddha outof Compassion, for sentient beings to seek birth in, to perfectthe practice of the Dharma. The best known being SukhavatiPureland created by Amitabha Buddha.Refuge: In the Buddhist context to take refuge means to acceptthe Buddha and the Buddhist teachings as the path one wantsto takes.Rinpoche: An honorific used in Tibetan Buddhism to mean“precious one”.Samsara: This world of rebirth and suffering. Also known asSaha world.Samyaksambodhi: Buddhahood, state of perfect enlightenment.Sentient Beings: Living beings with feelings in the six Samsararealms of hells, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, demi-gods andgods.Shantideva: 8th-century Indian Buddhist scholar at NalandaUniversity and an adherent of the Madhyamaka philosophy ofNagarjuna. Renowned as the author of the Bodhicaryavatara orA Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way Of Life, which is a long poemdescribing the process of enlightenment from the first thoughtto full buddhahood.Six Realms of Existence: Also called the Six Paths of Rebirth,it refers to the six categories of living beings who are notenlightened. They are 1) Gods, 2) Humans, 3) Asuras, 4)Animals, 5) Ghosts, 6) Hell-dwellers. The particular categorythat one finds oneself reborn in depends upon one’s karma atthe time of rebirth.Suffering: The physical and mental feeling of dissatisfaction.Sutra(s): The recorded teachings of the Buddha. Spelt as ‘Sutta’in Pali language.Triple Gem: The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.Venerable: An honorific addressing of a member of the Sangha.Wisdom: The understanding or discernment based on thedirect realisation of the Four Noble Truths, Impermanence,Interdependent Origination, Non-self and Emptiness. TheBuddha taught that all things are impermanent, arising andpassing away, subject to change, and that knowing this — not ina rational, but empirical manner — is wisdom.Zen: A school of Buddhism. Also known as Chan.64 awakenGlossary