Sammaditthi (Right View) Samma Ditthi Sutra Summary
Madhupindika (Honeyball) The discussion summary Buddhist Maha Vihara K.L
Kind chart work was done by Sister sowfun in Malaysia
Binara Poya (Full Moon Day)
The Binara Full Moon Poya Day Program and Dhamma class will be held on on Sunday, September 9th, 2012, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. We invite you all to join the program.
MORNING PROGRAM
7:30am – 8:30am Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.
8:30am – 9:00am Tea & coffee break
9:00am – 11:00am Vipassana Meditation.
11:00am Buddha Puja
11:20am – 12:00 Noon Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts. For more information please feel free to contact the Vihara at 770-987-8442.)
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:00Noon – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 2:30pm Discussion will be base on Abhidhamma by Dr. Jayaratne
1:30-4:00pm Dhamma Class
2:30 – 2:45pm Break.
3.00-5.00pm Sutra Discussion; Maha Hattipadopama Sutta: The Noble search (English)
5:30 pm Termination of the Sil Gilanpasa Pujava
Nikini Poya
The Nikini Full Moon Poya Day Program and Dhamma class will be held on on Sunday, August 05, 2012, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. We invite you all to join the program.
MORNING PROGRAM
7:30am – 8:30am Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.
8:30am – 9:00am Tea & coffee break
9:00am – 11:00am Vipassana Meditation.
11:00am Buddha Puja
11:20am – 12:00 Noon Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts. For more information please feel free to contact the Vihara at 770-987-8442.)
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:00Noon – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 2:30pm Discussion will be base on Abhidhamma by Dr. Jayaratne
1:30-4:00pm Dhamma Class
2:30 – 2:45pm Break.
3.00-5.00pm Sutra Discussion; Maha Hattipadopama Sutta: The Noble search (English)
5:30 pm Termination of the Sil Gilanpasa Pujava
Nirosha Perera's Journal
Nirosha Perera’s 2 Day Retreat Journal
Most teenagers wouldn't willingly commit to a retreat devoid of all technology—no laptops, television, and cell phones meant there would be no contact with the outside world and many of us teenagers just cannot face that type of reality. I have to admit, I was not ready to face that type of environment either. These conditions (that were to be imposed at the retreat), almost seemed like a punishment for something—waking up at 5 am, sitting motionless for hours at a time, and having to live without our normal daily comforts seemed like the life of a prisoner. And so, I experienced this life for two short days. I soon realized that although it seemed like a “prison” to most people, it was actually a quite liberating experience. By being taken out of conventional life and away from general society, we were able to truly explore our own minds and discover our own potential.
I was only able to attend the retreat for two days due to my school graduation ceremonies taking place during the early days of the retreat, but in those two days, I was exposed to an array of Buddhist teachings that truly impacted me during that short time. For 17 years, I had been chanting various suttras without fully understanding what I was reciting. But in those two days at the retreat, I was able to end the mindless recitations and transform them into meaningful comprehension, as I learned the meanings of many pali chantings that I hadn’t truly appreciated earlier and thus recited them with a newfound confidence.
I also embraced new approaches to Buddhism as we explored Abidhamma with the guidance of Uncle Deeptha. In the Abidhamma classes, I was able to challenge, develop, and embrace, old and new beliefs about Buddhism. We even discussed topics such as abortion and thus I appreciated the depth and gravity of topics that we discussed in the class. So, I would like to thank Uncle Deeptha for providing us with these classes.
Our visit to the Cambodian temple was also an eye opening experience. It was interesting to compare the structures of their temple to ours, and I was surprised to see that many parts of their temple were exceedingly ornate— I had always thought that as Buddhists, we sought to refrain from lavishness so I was a bit confused. But I was interested by what I saw and I’ve been stimulated to further investigate my question.
In retrospect, I have to admit that the retreat was physically and mentally challenging at times. However, it was a challenge that proved advantageous as it enabled me to explore my views of Buddhism and reawakened my pride in the Buddhist lifestyle.
I would like to deeply thank Venerable Wajirabuddhi and Venerable Wajirabodhi for giving us the opportunity to experience this enlightening retreat. I would also like to thank our parents and friends, and Mr.Steven, as they supported the retreat, brought Dane, and helped in any way they could. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my Dhamma brothers and sisters for participating in the retreat—I learned many things from all of you and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.
Esala Poya
The Esala Full Moon Poya Day Program and Dhamma class will be held on on Sunday, July 08, 2012, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. We invite you all to join the program.
MORNING PROGRAM
7:30am – 8:30am Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.
8:30am – 9:00am Tea & coffee break
9:00am – 11:00am Vipassana Meditation.
11:00am Buddha Puja
11:20am – 12:00 Noon Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts. For more information please feel free to contact the Vihara at 770-987-8442.)
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:00Noon – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 2:30pm Discussion will be base on Abhidhamma by Dr. Jayaratne
1:30-4:00pm Dhamma Class
2:30 – 2:45pm Break.
3.00-5.00pm Sutra Discussion; Chula Hattipadopama Sutta: The Noble search (English)
5:30 pm Termination of the Sil Gilanpasa Pujava
Rain retreat, unrivalled Buddhist event
Rain retreat, unrivalled Buddhist event
The Nikini Poya is connected with “Vas” - Rains Retreat or Monsoon season Retreat. It is the period of three months, in the monsoon season, during which monks (Bhikkus) and Nuns (Bhikkunis) are expected to reside one place in Indoors and devote themselves with their practice.
The Mahayana Buddhist believe it as the end Rains Retreat coincides with Ullambana/Obon Festival (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts). Vas is observed by the Theravada Buddhist and the monks and nuns concentrate on religious activities.
Vassa in Pali, or Vas in Sinhala is an auspicious day for monks and nuns. It was on this day those who attended the Vas or Rains Retreat, become one year older in the order (Salerdotal Age), the Monsoon season retreat period. A Bhikkhus or Bhikkunis seniority is determined by the number by rains he/she has spent in the order.
During the rainy seasons, Buddhist monks/nuns are not expected to live or reside outdoors, under the trees or in open air. This is a cardinal principle, the Buddhist monks/nuns should follow, during the Rainy season or Vassana Samaya.
This year’s Nikini Poya falls on Tuesday 20 August 2013. According to the principles laid down by the Buddhists, there are two days for observing Vas. They are known as “Peravas” and “Pasuvas”, namely Pre-Retreat and Post-Retreat.
Buddha observed first Vas at Migadaya Deer Park - Isipatanaramaya.
After delivering the great discourse or the wheel of Dhamma - “Dhammachakapavattana Sutta,” to the five disciples - Vappa, Bhaddhiya, Mahanama, Assaji and Kondanna, the blessed one, observed the first recorded Vas-Rain-Retreat and stayed at Migadaya, Deer Park, Isipatanaramaya.
It was at Isipatana, Migadaya, Buddha delivered the first sermon Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta, on Full Moon Day of Esala (July) two months after his awakening. Saranath mean sanctuary for Deer (In Pali Migadaya). Even today one can see some deer in this premises. This wonderful site is located 12km from the city of Varanasi or Baranasa.
Isipatana was a place for holy men. The holy men, practising in the snow clod beautiful Himalayan Range, ascended and descended to Migadaya regularly during rainy seasons. The decaying ruins of the Mulagandhakuti Vihara mark the place where Buddha spent his first rainy season, in seclusion.
The practise was there in Pre-Buddhist Era
The practise of staying indoors during the rainy season was followed even during the Pre-Buddhist Era. There were number of religious sectors - ascetics, who lived a peaceful lives in meditating and various other religious acts.
Buddha appreciated constructive criticism.
The Thiratakas - and those who followed Jainism, Nigantanathaputras followers - the naked ascetics, who were extremists protested against Buddhists monks, stating that the Rainy seasons, they roam about and they damage and kill the lives of insects by tampering them. The Buddha appreciated the constructive criticism, level against the order, and advised them to be indoors and follow Pera Vas and Pasu Vas. This clearly shows Buddhism is a Democratic Religion and that its a thinking religion.
It was revealed that on a Nikini Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day, King Bimbisara, King of Magadha at the time of Buddha, built the city of Rajagraha (Bihar) India. He presented the Bamboo grove to Buddha for the use of the sangha. He was murdered by his son - Ajatasatra - Ajasath.
End of Vas Katinacheevara offering
Till the end of November, the Vas Period, Buddhist monks and nuns live in their Aramayas or Temples. During the end of Vas - the laymen offer Vassika Satakaya called Katina Cheevaraya. The offering of a Katina Cheevara is supposed to be one of the greatest meritorious acts.
During Vassana Retreat, certain rules were laid down to the Buddhist monks and nuns. If they are invited, only seven monks, as a group is allowed to leave their abode. They must return within a week to the place of the residence, where they observed “Vas”. This is known as “Sattakaraniya”. They are free and allowed to visit a Bhikkhu, a Buddhist nun, student monk (Sikshamanya) novice monk, novice bhikku8uni, father and mother.
When a monk falls sick, he needs help and guidance, and if the parents and relations fall sick, the Bhikkhus and Bhikkuni who have observed “Vas” are allowed to visit them. But, they have to report back to their place of indoor residence with in seven days.
Mihintalawa or Missaka Pabbata was the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The great Arahat Mahinda and Arahat Aritta observed “Vas” on Nikini Poya Day and they resided in the rock caves of Mihintale during the three months of Vas.
This practise observance of Vas, continues upto date. Sri Lankan Buddhist lay-devotees, kindly look after their residential monks during the Nikini season by providing them with alms and other necessary facilities. The Buddhist monks and nuns are involved in Indoor Religious activities such as reciting pirith and deliver sermons to their kind devotees.
First convocation
Another very notable feature that happened on the Nikini Poya Day was first ever Dhammasangayanawa - The first Buddhist council of the monks or convention under the patronage of Mahakassapa Thera where Ananda Thero too was present and participated.
Immediately within three months of the passing away of the blessed one Gautama Buddha, there was dissension among the sangha or Buddhist monks.
To arrest this situation certain disciplinary codes were laid down in this convention. It was held at Sattapanni Rock Cave in Rajagaha.
Iedisha Jayaratne's Journal
I felt like a whole new person
By Iedisha Jayaratne
When Ammi first told me about the retreat I was excited and told her to immediately sign me up. After finding out about the schedule I was a little put off, but the excitement was still there. And when we finally went to the temple around 7:30, I got really nervous, but after saying the ten precepts and observing sil, my emotions calmed down. On the first day after starting with the meditation I finally just decided not to think hard about the what ifs to calm my body and mind. At first meditating was hard because my mind was filled with unwholesome thoughts and sitting there for thirty minutes felt like an eternity. And as the day went on it became much easier for me. The visit to the Vietnamese temple helped me to learn more about the different ways that Buddhism is viewed in other countries and the traditions associated with it. The second day started with the normal schedule; waking up at five, being at the shrine room by five-thirty and so on. But because none of us were really used to the time management we were all over the place and some of us were late in getting to the shrine room on time. But Venerable Wajirabuddhi patiently waited for us and started meditation after all we all got there. At first since I was still not fully awake it was a little hard to concentrate but after putting more effort my concentration became better. As the day went on my body and mind seemed to be calmer and much more relaxed than it was the first day and unwholesome thoughts slowly faded away from my mind. And then thaththi taught us Abhidhamma lessons which taught me more about the psychological aspects in Buddhism. On the last day, we did better on the time management and I am proud to say that I finally actually sat in a lotus position without movement and good concentration for more than thirty minutes. I was able to stay that way because Venerable Wajirabuddhi taught us how to concentrate on the pain of our sitting position, thus removing the pain. I was somewhat sad that it was ending quite quickly, but I learned a lot through this experience and I like how we did everything according to a schedule while being away from technology and family. It helped me feel more responsible and in charge. I felt like a whole new person. Going on this retreat, no matter how short it is, made me realize more about life and how to relate it to Buddhism. I would like to thank Venerable Wajirabuddhi, Venerable Wajirabodhi, Shrima aunty, Mr. Stevens, my family, the other parents and my friends for making this retreat possible and for the help and guidance they provided during the retreat.
Five powers
Amma was my external energy constantly motivating me.
Day 1
Considering this is my second time doing the Dhasa-sil, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. There were flaws from my last Dhasa-sil, I now had a chance to fix. I was especially looking forward to this. I was looking forward to a stronger discipline of myself. To be honest, I was hoping to become more mindful and sustain mindfulness throughout this spiritual experience.
Nothing out of the ordinary occurred during the beginning of the day, until Vipassana meditation. Bhante advised I try using three pillows, while I meditate. This unbelievably took out the stress from my joints, and I was able to maintain the posture for a while. I’m not sure if this was a placebo effect or the pillows did actually help me. Meditation is quite remarkable indeed. To truly meditate is an extremely difficult task in my opinion. It helped me raise my awareness of simply how unmindful I was. I struggled to concentrate on breathing for even a minute. Different thoughts constantly barraged me. This showed me how thoughts were not mine. Nonetheless, this was a step forward in the right direction.
During Sutta discussion today we learned about the powers, “The five powers of one in higher training” as quoted by the Buddha. These powers are faith, shame, energy, wisdom, and moral dread. While I was unaware if I lacked the others, I knew I lacked energy. I have faith in Buddhism, but I don’t think I would being doing this retreat if my mom didn’t push me to overcome my torpor. In a way, Amma was my external energy constantly motivating me.
We visited the Vietnamese temple today. What a unique experience it was. I already visited it once, but today I got the chance to see a charity in honor of Dr. Ambedkar. He was an Indian spiritual leader who helped many Indians in the lower caste. Overcoming numerous social and financial obstacles, Ambedkar became one of the first outcastes to obtain a college education inIndia. He helped over throw the caste system by telling many outcaste “untouchables” they aren’t judged by their heredity and skin color but through their actions. This was a revolution for many and I can quite understand why they looked up to him. It was honestly a different experience. The afternoon puja went on smoothly, but honestly I missed the days we used to do puja in the downstairs, it brought back old memories of times I did Katina puja with my family. I do realize the fact that I won’t achieve any sleep tonight, but regardless I am certainly going to make an effort. Good night.
Day 2
I woke up at around 4… I tried to fall asleep but my mind simply refused to comply. Morning meditation. Bhante was right; the mind is simply serene in the morning. I can’t explain the sense of calmness in the shrine room, while we meditated. Words couldn’t describe it. Don’t get me wrong, this is not sleepiness. I was fully awake the whole time. During the morning it was just easier to meditate since my body was fully refreshed. It was even easier to concentrate on Vipassana meditation during this period, since the mind was I guess you could say “clean”, since it was the morning. Regardless of this fact, I still struggled to maintain concentration. Still it was a step forward in the right direction, and that was realizing the impermanent and spontaneous nature of my thoughts. It was learning to control them. Two things I noted, Bhante has changed from the last Dhasa-sil; he removed lying meditation in the morning since most would have the tendency to fall into a deep slumber in that position, and the meditation periods itself were shorter and far more instructive.
I usually write my journals based on highlights, epiphanies, and things worth remarking. So during our work period today, I had an event worth remarking on. Steven, Nisala, and I were given the task of cleaning out the downstairs bookshelf and organizing it with new Dhamma books. The books had various sorts of languages from Cambodian to Thai to Hindu. These books were in cardboard boxes lying outside. I noticed small peculiar holes in some of these boxes but I disregarded that and carried them with the help of Mr.Steven and Nisala. While I was cleaning the windows, I came downstairs to see the progress of the shelves. What I saw was revolting. Mr.Steven and Nisala unearthed a roach nest in one of the boxes under the books. The irony of the situation was as quoted by Steven “The roaches were trying to gain enlightenment”. It is certainly interesting that these roaches were born under the scriptures of the Dhamma. It reflects the fact how close many can be to Dhamma and not know it.
After work period we had sutta discussion and then finally an Abidhamma session. Abidhamma in my opinion turned my world upside down. A lot that I used to believe was really not valid in Abidhamma. For an instance you gained more bad kamma for committing a heinous action without the awareness that it’s wrong rather than knowing it is. This session definitely triggered my interest in the Abidhamma. We followed with Atavisi Puja and then sleep.
Day 3
I woke up at around 5 a.m in the morning. I actually had a somewhat sort of decent sleep, thanks to the sleep deprivation I experienced last night. The sleep did not bother me since this was my last day. I felt a personal satisfaction within me because I did not waste this opportunity. The priests, my parents, and family friends have constantly told me how lucky I am. I understand why now. This is a very rare experience that lets me truly get closer to Dhamma and understand the significance of it. Plus the fact that I am doing it at a youthful age makes me extremely lucky.
We went smoothly through the meditation session, morning and evening puja. We had no work day today but instead we visited the Cambodian temple. The Cambodian temple was very luxuriously designed. They were very reminiscent of East Asian Mahayana Buddhism but I wasn’t exactly sure whether they were Mahayana or not. This temple certainly changed since the last time I came here.
After the temple visit we did an Abhidamma session with Uncle Deeptha. I want to thank Uncle Deeptha for this session since Abhidhamma really helps prove the validity of Buddhism. I really recommend all of you to learn it. Uncle Deeptha using the science of Abhidhamma delved into the phenomena of rupa and nama, the form and mind. He slightly explained how our mind was constantly changing. What was a huge shock to many of us I believe was that the mind dwells in the cavity of the heart. It was a heart attack for us.
Finally we concluded with the last Atvasi Puja I will do for a while. Sadly. Nonetheless I accomplished a lot these past two years in Buddhism and look forward to furthering my knowledge. Thank you all for making this happen.
With Metta,
Ranuka Manamendra
Shanali Manamendra
It opened my eyes a bit on seeing the true reality
By Shanali Manamendra
Day 1
My experience while taking Sil was very interesting. On the first day, I didn't want to do Sil, because I thought it would be boring. Soon as I took the ten precepts, it changed. During Bhavana, it was really hard to concentrate on breathing. Also I had difficulties on sitting in one position. I kept moving posture which was very uncomfortable. After Bhavana, Venerable Wajirabuddi asked two people to prepare the Puja, which was Iedisha and I. We took the tray of food, put a cloth over it, went to the shrine room and started chanting. Then during breakfast the sil members and I had to focus on eating and tasting the food, which means eating mindfully.
We also did loving friendliness meditation. I thought about all the people, creatures, problems, and troubles they are going through. I felt deep sympathy and compassion about everybody. During walking meditation, I had to walk slowly and focus on the walking mechanism. Sometimes it was hard to balance since the movement was so slow.
Around 6:00 P.M we went to a Vietnamese temple. I really enjoyed the trip to the Vietnamese temple. There were beautiful stones and structures inside the Vietnamese temple. Later on the Sil members and I had to prepare for Puja. It was nice preparing for the Puja. I felt peaceful . I liked working hard instead of being lazy. Then we started paying respect and chanting for the 28 Buddhas. Our bedtime was at 9:00 P.M. We had to sleep early because we have to wake up at 5:00 in the morning.
Day 2
At 5:30 A.M, we did Bhavana. Again I had difficulties focusing on one object, and my whole body was in pain. We did walking meditation. It helped me focus on walking slowly. Then Ven. Vajirabuddi Thero taught us Dhamma. He even taught us a Suttra that has five powers and one of them that I remember is shame. If you have shame that means you care about your actions. If you don't have shame it means you don't care or fear the consequences.
We didn't get a chance to go visit a temple. Instead Uncle Deeptha came and taught us Abhidhamma. I got to learn what happens in the past, present, and the next life. I even learned that the mind is in the heart and not in the brain. In Abhidhamma, I learned some things I didn't know about Buddhism. After Abhidhamma, we did puja and went to bed. We were happy and exhausted. Even though it was hard sleeping on the floor, we fell a sleep fast. My experience on this day was quite successful because I learned many things I didn't know.
Day 3
This was our last day. This time I've gotten my mind to concentrate on breathing and sitting in one position. When pain came, I concentrated on pain. I thought it was quite successful.
During our last day we got a chance to go to aCambodianTemplewith Ven. Vajiraboddi Thero. In the Cambodian temple there were beautiful sculptures and it felt spiritual. It fascinated me. After visiting theCambodianTemple, we came to theTempleand did Abhidhamma with Uncle Deeptha. He told us about Buddhism and the philosophy of it which was interesting. Then we prepared the Puja. I finally finished Dhasasil by taking the five precepts.
Taking Sil for three days was actually beneficial. It helped me quite a lot. It opened my eyes a bit on seeing the true reality. Learning dhamma helped me fix some of my mistakes. I wish I can take Dhasasil again next year. I want to thank Ven. Wajirabuddi , Ven. Wajiraboddi and Uncle Deeptha for giving us this wonderful opportunity to learn Buddhism.
Sharry Jayaratne's Journel
I had resigned myself to the inevitable and was ready to face the retreat.
When Ammi told me that I had to attend the Retreat last year, I was not very happy and was unsure of what to expect. Given my restless nature during regular sil, I could not fathom how I would survive three days of non-stop sil. As the day for the retreat came closer, I had resigned myself to the inevitable and was ready to face the retreat.
The first morning started out as usual with us observing the precepts (10 this time instead of the 8). Then we started the meditation, where we were told to keep a clear mind filled with wholesome thoughts. This was the trial I was afraid of; given my multitasking nature my mind tends to run 100 different directions. Thus to focus on one thing was most difficult for me, but during the day this became more and more easy as we started learning a sutta from the Anguttara nikaya. We learned about the five powers which immensely helped me to concentrate and put an effort to acquire more wholesome thoughts. I was also relieved by the lack of attachments (technology, parents and household responsibilities), which aided in my concentration. By the end of the first day, my mind was relaxed and uncluttered, allowing me to sleep on the floor without being uncomfortable.
Photo Gallery
The second day, waking up and washing was not as rushed as I thought it would be. But then I ran in to trouble with the meditation because of my inability to maintain one posture for long. That hour was distracting and disappointing, making me fear the rest of the oncoming meditation sessions. During the second session, the Venarable taught us how to focus on the pain thus allowing us to remain in one posture during meditation. This helped immensely with the pain and my focus during meditation. During work time and journal writing time, I enjoyed the Buddhist discussions I had with my peers as this allowed me to keep my mind on wholesome thoughts. The last lesson of the day was the main highlight. Abhidhamma teachings helped me to view Buddhism in a different way, after learning Buddhism for 18 years; I finally got a basic understanding of the major philosophies engrained in this doctrine.
The third day followed the same schedule, but I felt as most of my skills improved. I could concentrate better during meditation and understood the basic Abhidamma concepts. At the end of the day, I felt conflicted about going back to my regular lifestyle, where there were so many temptations. I vowed to myself that I would be more involved and try to observe sil as often as I can, to control my mind thus allowing me to control my actions and become a more wholesome person closer to achieving nibbhana.
I would like to thank Venerable Vajirabuddhi and Venerable Vajirabodhi for organizing and giving us the opportunity to participate in this retreat. I would also like to thank thaththi for the Abhidhamma lessons and Steven for being there and providing guidance to us as necessary. I want to thank the parents for encouraging us to attend this retreat, for providing the dana and staying there for our safety during the nights. Finally I would like to thank my peers for participating in this retreat with me while encouraging me to participate in intellectual discussions.