FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR 2 MEDICAL STUDENTS

Bhante Kalyanawansa was born 1972 in Sri Lanka and became a monk in 1983 at Weihena temple, Galle District. Bhante has his higher ordination in 1992 Malwatta temple, Kandy and studied 08 subjects during his pirivena life (monks school). After completed his high school, he studied Buddhist philosophy at city of Kelaniya Univeristy from 1995 to 1999. After graduation, Bhante worked in the government for 2 years. In 2001, Bhante went to the United States of America to propagate Buddhism for over 09 years. It is Bhante's every wish to provide Financial Assistance to the Medical Students in their studies. Following are 2 letters from the students appealing for your kind assistance.(Note: The letters below from the students were unedited).To donate, kindly write directly to kalyanawansab@yahoo.com for details.
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From: Buddhinee Weerasinghe
To: kalyanawansab@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, 18 January, 2011 8:03:16 PM

I am, Buddhinee priyasadi Weerasinghe, a 3rd year medical student at University of Sri Jayewardanepura,Sri Lanka.My parents do not have permenant jobs and it is difficult to them to give me money for my needs.I have to expend about 140,000/= for a year for my residence,books,stationaries etc.So I am seeking a financial support for my studies as my parents can not bear such an expense & also my younger brother is willing to enter the university in this year(2011).It is a worth help if i could have any support.

I did my primary education @ Ananda college,Elpitiya and entered Visakha Vidyalaya,Colombo as I passed grade 5 scholarship exam.Since it is a great school I didn't want to go tution classes for school education.Since I was staying at school hostal without going for tution my parents were able to bear my expenses.I passed O/L wt 8A's & passed A/L's with 3A's.
As I know the dificulties with studies I wish to help students who need help after I got the job.
I kindly request your great help.
Thank you!

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Honorable Thero,

I’m M.G. Ruwani Chandrika , a student of Allied Health Science in faculty of
Medicine, Karapitiya in the university of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka. I am the 2nd in a family of five including my parents. My father is a farmer & mother is a housewife. My elder sister is an undergraduate of the university of Colombo in Sri Lanka and my brother is studying Advanced Level in 2012. I’m studying with many difficulties because all of three are studying and we have to spend lot of money for our education, but there is no enough income for my parents.

During my education, I have lot of expenses for books, uniforms, bording fees, meals and bus fees…… ets. In these situations I have to face a lot of inconvenience because of the lack of good income. I am spend about Rs. 96000/= per year for those. This is a problem to me. I have about 3 years more to study. I am very much grateful to you if you pay your attention with this matter.

After my university life I like very much to pay my service to people. My ambition is to become a good, professional health worker & offer my service to the world. I do my best for my loving people. One day there will be children with many difficulties during their educational life such as me. I think I will be able to help them. I like so much for such things.As a Buddhist student I must do and I can do that.

Thank you very much.

Yours faithfully,

M.G. Ruwani Chandrika

TIROKUDDA KANDA SUTTA OR HUNGRY SHADES OUTSIDE THE WALLS

Outside the walls they stand, & at crossroads. At door posts they stand, returning to their old homes. But when a meal with plentiful food & drink is served, no one remembers them: Such is the kamma of living beings.

Thus those who feel sympathy for their dead relatives give timely donations of proper food & drink — exquisite, clean — [thinking:] "May this be for our relatives. May our relatives be happy!"

And those who have gathered there, the assembled shades of the relatives, with appreciation give their blessing for the plentiful food & drink: "May our relatives live long because of whom we have gained [this gift]. We have been honored, and the donors are not without reward!"

For there [in their realm] there's no farming, no herding of cattle, no commerce, no trading with money. They live on what is given here, hungry shades whose time here is done.

As water raining on a hill flows down to the valley, even so does what is given here benefit the dead. As rivers full of water fill the ocean full, even so does what is given here benefit the dead.

"He gave to me, she acted on my behalf, they were my relatives, companions, friends": Offerings should be given for the dead when one reflects thus on things done in the past. For no weeping, no sorrowing no other lamentation benefits the dead whose relatives persist in that way. But when this offering is given, well-placed in the Sangha, it works for their long-term benefit and they profit immediately.

In this way the proper duty to relatives has been shown, great honor has been done to the dead, and monks have been given strength:

The merit you've acquired isn't small.

Sadhu!
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According to the Theravada traditions:
For the non-Arahant, death is a time of transitioning to a yet another rebirth; thus, the living participate in acts that transfer merit to the departed, either providing for a more auspicious rebirth or for the relief of suffering in the departed's new existence. For the living, ceremonies marking another's death is a reminder of life's impermanence, a fundamental aspect of the Buddha's teaching.

In Sri Lanka, funeral customs include:

"Offering of cloth on behalf of the dead" (mataka-vastra-puja):
Prior to a cremation, at the deceased's home or cemetery, the funeral's presiding monastics are offered a white cloth to be subsequently stitched into monastic robes. During this ceremony, the following verse is recited:

Impermanent alas are formations,
subject to rise and fall.
Having arisen, they cease;
their subsiding is bliss.
Aniccā vata saṅkhārā,
uppādavayadhammino.
Upapajjitvā nirujjhanti
tesaṃ vupasamo sukho.

In addition, as relatives pour water from a vessel to an overflowing cup, the following verses are recited:
As water raining on a hill
flows down to the valley,
even so does what is given here
benefit the dead.
Unname udakaṃ vaṭṭhaṃ yathā
ninnaṃ pavattati
evameva ito dinnaṃ
petānaṃ upakappati.

As rivers full of water
fill the ocean full,
even so does what is given here
benefit the dead.
Yathā vārivahā pūrā
paripūrenti sāgaraṃ
Evameva ito dinnaṃ
petānaṃ upakappati.

"Preaching for the benefit of the dead" (mataka-bana):
Within a week after the funeral (usually on the third day after), a monastic returns to the deceased's home to provide an appropriate hour-long sermon for surviving relatives and neighbors.
"Offering in the name of the dead" (mataka-dana):
Made three weeks after the funeral and then annually afterwards, the deceased's survivors hold an almsgiving on their behalf.

Buddhist Circuit Special Train

(Venerable Ananda - General Secretary of Mahabodhi Society)


19/12/2010: Message from Bhante: We are celebrating annual Dhammapada Festival from 12th to 20th March 2010, which also marks the 90th birthday of our teacher Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita (Venerable holding the puja tray). As a mark of respect and gratitude to Ven.Acharya Buddharakkhita who has worked very hard to revive the Buddha Sasana in India for 54 years, we have planned several programs during this nine day period. One of the main programs will be paritta chanting.

The main event will be on 19th March which is also a full moon day. On this day we will be inaugurating Bhagavan Buddha University of Pali and Theravada Buddhism in our campus constructed by the government of India. The programs will continue on 20th also. You may choose the days convenient to you.

The program is as follows:
12-3-2011:Inauguration of 9-day Dhammapada festival and day long Dhamma desana. Evening Paritta chanting will begin

13-3-2011:Morning Dhamma discourse and afternoon rest

14 to 18th -3-2011:There will be poor patient’s service at hospitals daily from 4-6 pm. The venerable monks will join and bless the patients.

19-3-2011:Inauguration of University building and other programs in the morning. In the evening Dhamma talks. Second night long paritta chanting on this poya day.

20-3-2011:Morning Dhamma talk, noon inter religious conference, evening conclusion of 9-day programs

21-3-2011:Visit to Mahabodhi branch in Mysore

22-3-2011:Visit to Bylakuppe Tibetan monasteries

With metta,
Ven.Ananda
General Secretary &
Ven. Vinayarakkhita
Maha Bodhi Society,
14, Kalidasa Road,
Gandhinagar,
Bangalore-560009, India
Tel: (91) 080-22250684
Fax: (91) 080-22264438
Email: info@mahabodhi.info
www.mahabodhi.info

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Visa-on-arrival for Buddhist pilgrims from 5 more countries

NEW DELHI: As a New Year gift to Buddhist pilgrims, the government has decided to extend Visa-on-arrival facility to five ASEAN countries from January 1.

"It is being decided that Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility would be extended to five more countries -- Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The scheme would be operational from the New Year 2011," a senior tourism ministry official said.

The single-entry visa, to be issued at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports, will have a validity of 30 days.

"The decision was taken after due discussion with the ministries of external affairs and home. A formal announcement in this regard will be made soon," the official said, adding, "the VoA would facilitate in attracting more Buddhist pilgrims from these countries."

India had launched the VoA in January on a pilot basis for Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Finland and Luxembourg.

"The response is so far good and 5,644 tourists availed this facility between January and November this year. Now we want to include more countries," he said.

Tourism ministry has signed an MoU with International Finance Corporation to develop the Buddhist circuit.

"Currently, there is a special train connecting Buddhist sites and steps are being taken to make this circuit a well-connected route," the official said.


Read more: Visa-on-arrival for Buddhist pilgrims from 5 more countries - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Visa-on-arrival-for-Buddhist-pilgrims-from-5-more-countries/articleshow/7086454.cms#ixzz17tsCaOXB

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Happy to inform you that you can actually travel by train on a Pilgrimage to India. Kindly follow the link below for more information.

http://www.railtourismindia.com/buddha

Special Thanks and in gratitude to Ven. Vinayarakkhita Thera (picture above) for the above link.

Some information about Bhante: He is presently Principal of the Mahabodhi Monastic Insitute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Bhante was ordained as a monk in 1998, an Indian Monk graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Bhante started to give Dharmma talks and teaching meditation since 2004.
He may be contacted via Email: vinayarakkhita@yahoo.co.in

Sadhu!

MEDITATION CENTER PROJECT IN SACRAMENTO

 

    

Picture1 the Bodhi tree area

 Picture2 Small kutis for the Buddha images surrounding the Bodhi Tree

Picture3 (Close up of Kuan Yin Image)

Picture4 taken from a different angle of the Kuan Yin Image

Picture5 taken from a short distance

29/3/2013: The Kuan Yin Image is fully completed and ready to be shipped out to Sacramento on the 8th April, 2013 together with the 34 Buddha images (below pictures 6&7) and 2 incense urns(picture8) 

(picture8).

 picture6, Buddha images for the Bodhi Tree area

picture7 

picture8 2 incense urns for Bodhi Tree and Kuan Yin

01/03/2013: We are glad to share with you that we have finally found the right 13.5ft  high Kuan Yin Image (above left). The Image will be painted all white! Sadhu!

12/1/2013:
Building a 7ft Standing Avalokitesvara Image in Sacramento, USA
Avalokiteśvara (Sanskrit: अवलोकितेश्वर) means literally “Lord who looks down.” He is the bodhisattva who looks down upon every sentient being with compassion.The name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means "Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World". She is also sometimes referred to as Guanyin Pusa (simplified Chinese: 观音菩萨; traditional Chinese: 觀音菩薩; pinyin: Guānyīn Púsà; Wade–Giles: Kuan-yin Pu-sah; literally "Bodhisattva Guanyin").^[1

The term "bodhisatta" (Pāli language) was used by the Buddha in the Pāli canon to refer to himself both in his previous lives and as a young man in his current life, prior to his enlightenment, in the period during which he was working towards his own liberation. When, during his discourses, he recounts his experiences as a young aspirant, he regularly uses the phrase "When I was an unenlightened bodhisatta..." The term therefore connotes a being who is "bound for enlightenment", in other words, a person whose aim is to become fully enlightened or the Supreme Buddha-in-waiting.

Building the Avalokitesvara/Kuan Yin Image is to encourage others to aspire, reflect and perfect the qualities of Virtues and to follow the path to enlightenment.  Anyone who is interested to be part of this noble project, may contact Sis Bee Yong @ 012-208 5856.

May All beings strive to fulfill their 10 paramis* for the benefits of all beings and the Universe. Sadhu!

Mahasadhu to the following donors:
Tan Heang Hwee & Family
Wong Poh Yoke & Family
Dato Teoh Tiaw Seang & Family
Lim Lay Chin & Family
Lee Chiew Tee & Family
Mr & Mrs Tan Kong Sing & Family
Soh Siew Hong (IMO Late Mother Tan Keow)
Julianna Tan & Family
Wong Kok Leong & Family
Yong Wai Chun & Family
Ho Seng Chay
Ho Kok Leong
Liew Chai Hoon
Kwok Way Chu
Ho Sau Fun
Syk Zi-To Chu
Lim Eng Choo
Ng Kok Tiong
Tee Ah Moi
Shaollin Qigong Neijin
Mr & Mrs Alen Lim & Family
Yee Mei Lian
Chong Meng Yee
Lee Lee Hen
Lim Chih Hung
Lim Chieh Mey
Chong Kok Chin
Low Kock Chew
Emilia Seymour
Liew Yet Lian & Family
Lim Siew Ying & Family
Tai Hock Seng & Family
Buddha Disciple
Buddha Disciple
Chin Fung Chee
Ong Tze How & Family
Ng Mei Choo & Family
Wong Kam Ying, Wong Chin Keong & Wong Chin Shai
A K Lee & Family
Tan Hui Jan & Family
Rodger Tan Jun Ying & Family
Wong Kok Mun & Family
William Chan Chin Yong, Teow Yoke Yean & Family
Ong Kok Hong, Lim Aik Peng & Family
Lisa
Ru Huan
Chin Voon Szn & Family
Lim Eng Bee & Family
Robert Tan Kim Cheng & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Goh Min Choo
Lim Mee Li
Lee Ming Tzyy & Family
Basil Chan Jun Wei
Mdm Ng Lai Chan
Neoh Kai Chun
BMV Sunday Food Stall Group
Yeoh, Ng & Tan Family
Chai Koh Wei & Family
Chan Tat Seng & Family
Chai Shi Hao
Yap Wai Hoong
Loh Tuck Kum
Rachelle Chow Yenn Thung
Dato Teoh Tiaw Seang & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Chin Voon Szn & Family
Loke Sau Chan
Goh Shu Yi & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Low Cheng Ngoh
Yong Chai Peng & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Yong Fook Chee & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Robert Tan Kim Cheng & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Goh Shu Yi & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Yong Moon Cheong & Yong Siew Peng ((IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Liew Yuet Kuan
Liew Soon Sang Moy & Family
Mr & Mrs Tan Teik Beng & Family
Ng Gaek Eng
Chan Keng Moi
Jennifer Chuah
Loke Choy Har
Ng Hock Heng & Family
Teoh guan Yen & Family
BMV Sunday Food Stall Group
Yong Wai Chun & Family
Low Kok Chai & Cheong Siew Lin & Family
Tai Geck Suan & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Elaine Low Lee Lim
Tony Tan & Family
Cheah & Family
Aunty Cheah & Family
Loke Choy Har
Loh Tuck Kum
Ng Khoon Chong
Wong Poh Yoke
Wong Teck Kong
Vivien & Lenny Laska
Leong Teck Eng
Jane Lim Ah Mee

*In the Pāli canon's Buddhavaṃsa^[3] the Ten Perfections (dasa pāramiyo) are (original terms in Pāli): Dāna pāramī : generosity, giving of oneself, Sīla pāramī : virtue, morality, proper conduct, Nekkhamma pāramī : renunciation, Paññā pāramī : transcendental wisdom, insight, Viriya (also spelled vīriya) pāramī : energy, diligence, vigour, effort, Khanti pāramī : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance,  Sacca pāramī : truthfulness, honesty, Adhiṭṭhāna (adhitthana) pāramī : determination, resolution, Mettā pāramī : loving-kindness, Upekkhā (also spelled upekhā) pāramī : equanimity, serenity
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09/06/2011:



12/11/2010: Kathina at ABS Temple please visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=abstemple&target=ALBUM&id=5538457981079230689&authkey=Gv1sRgCPf2xb6z99r8Ow&feat=email . Sadhu!
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09/11/2010: Message from Bhante Seelawimala: Miraculous Lights of Somavathie Stupa:
Mysterious and unexplainable appearance of colorful lights at the Somawathi Stupa is a common occurrence that is captured in this video. Locals regard these lights as the re- appearance of Aura of the Buddha. Such lights appear at the Stupa several time a year and thousands of people, Buddhists and non- Buddhists do witness these unexplainable phenomenon often . These vibrant lights have seen by people in the day time as well as night times.According to the historical records one of the Buddha's tooth relics has been enshrined inside the Stupa. The Stupa has been erected to pay homage to the Buddha close to 2000 years ago in the Anuradhapura period. See the youtube video:

Somawathi Stupa In Sri Lanka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLdqwItKHC8

Read More:

Somawathie Stupa reblossoming after restoring peace!
(Sunday Observer – by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera)
There was a glorious time in our history that we all could go on a pilgrimage to the ‘Solosmastana (16 Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka which became sacred by receiving the noble touch of the Buddha during His three visits to the island) across the island freely and sacredly. Especially the great sites such as Nagadeepa, Seruvila, Somawathie, Deeghawapi etc. But at a time about 30 years ago, the great nation became an unfortunate victim of the world’s deadliest and most inhuman terrorism. The peace, calmness, weal, happiness… everything went hiding in a world of darkness where there was no hope of kindness at all. The shameless international and local forces of power that bred terrorism always made sure to treat the coward leader who was behind everything, Velupillai Prabhakaran as an unstoppable fighter for liberation.
The grand oblation ceremony on May 8 from 7 p.m.

Thousands of invaluable human lives were lost at the bloody hands of terrorists. Sacred sites were deserted for many decades. Somawathie was among them and one of the greatest sites we lost in the thick jungle off Polonnaruwa, east of Sri Lanka. Stepping beyond Polonnaruwa towards the East was considered a ferocious deal with the terrorists. The places where we heard the chanting of the Dhamma, were totally filled up with terror and horror. Nobody wants to recall those horrific memories for sure. But the innocent bhikkhus, disciples, villagers, farmers, students and everybody became unfortunate victims of terror. Bodies were piled up in villages.
The terrorists have no principles. They do anything they wish against their enemies. As a result, they started destroying Buddhist temples and historical sites across the island. The turret of the great stupa Somawathie was also separated from its original location but the terrorists could not take it away as it had been protected miraculously. They had tried their best to damage the stupa. But the shining stupa with glamorous rays of the Buddha could not be harmed even with their most dangerous weapons.
Pathetic experience
The horrible memories of thirty years of terrorism are still disturbing us from time to time. My memories go back to a day in the year 1985. It was April 17. I was on my way to Kantale from Seruvila. The bus was suddenly attacked at a place close to the river Mahaweli in the middle of the jungle by a group of terrorists who were in hiding. We immediately lay down in the bus but the attack continued. Fortunately, the bus was driven by a Sergeant of Sri Lanka Army. Due to his courage, the bus did not roll down. After a few minutes we heard the reprisal by the troops of Sri Lanka Army who saved us and chased away the terrorists back to the jungle. It was a narrow escape for us.
Somehow, I managed to reach Kantale by late evening and spent the night at Ratanamangalarama Temple in Venrasanpura. Everyone was horrified. It was utter darkness. There was a temporary hut on top of a massive tree behind the temple for us to spend the night. That was the usual way of life of those villagers. I hardly slept in that long fearful night. Everybody was impatient to witness the sun on the following morning day. The darkness was so scary and uncertain. The journey to Colombo continued on the following morning with no clues of a war after passing Habarana. It was totally a different world.
Massive calamity averted
However, that was not the only experience I had with terrorism. In the year 2008, we at Mahamevna organised a grand oblation ceremony at the compound of the Swarnamalie Stupa in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The devotees who came from all over Sri Lanka were over 1.1 million. Terrorism neither has boundaries nor feelings. This time their target was the innocent devotees gathered at this most sacred venue. A high-powered bomb which was neatly packed in a beautiful bag of flowers was on its way to the venue. For some reason the bomb exploded in the bus at Dambulla killing about 20 innocent civilians on the spot. But if their mission became successful as planned, the destruction would have been massive with many hundreds of human lives perished. Terrorism is so horrendous.
There is no room for happiness, prosperity or development of arts when there is no peace and harmony around. The blessed island was attacked by heretic terrorists from time to time but great leaders emerged from society and chased those devils away. The 30 year long bloody terrorism in the country also ended recently due to the emergence of an excellent leader from the historic ‘Ruhuna’ where the great King Dutugemunu came from. His immense determination and dedication powered by Buddhism and patriotism freed the entire land from terrorism. The feeling of the moment was beyond words.
We had first hand experience of the reality of terrorism for many years. It is a miraculous relief for us to witness the end of brutal terrorism in this little island. Experiencing the true nature of ‘peace’ is an absolutely wonderful feeling. Many local and international ‘Peace Jokers’ who were here during the past 30 years, only bred terrorism to separate and destroy the country hiding behind the word ‘peace’. They did nor want any peace here. They were just ‘peace traders’ but nothing beyond. Peace for Sri Lanka became a realistic dream because of the great, leadership that led the nation to victory.

Now it is time for us to dig out the lost glory. Again we have got the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to Solosmastana with no fear or hesitation. The great Stupa Somawathie has begun to shine again in the thick forest. Devotees have started to go on pilgrimage to the shining Stupa with great devotion. Not only a refreshing spring, there in the North and the East. Highlighting the jubilant moments in a peaceful country, we are celebrating the first anniversary of a terror-free land on May 8 with a grand oblation ceremony at the great Stupe Somawathie.
We should have some idea about the historical background of this great Stupa shining with brilliant rays of the Buddha in the deep jungle off Polonnaruwa.
King Kawantissa, father of the great King Dutugemunu built the beautiful Stupa called ‘Mangala Maha Seya’ in Seruwila depositing in it ‘Frontal Bone’ of the Most Fortunate One. Those days the plains around the river Mahaweli were a well populated. During this time there were provincial Kings ruling certain parts of the country mostly Indian immigrants from the ‘Shiva’ cult. The majority of them had a close relationship with native rulers. ‘Abhaya’ also known as ‘Giri Aba’ was such a King who ruled Kelaniya. He got married to the sister called ‘Somawathie’ of King Kawantissa. As the Prince Dutugemunu was becoming a powerful native ruler in the Southern region, the new couple Abhaya and Somawathie peace and tranquillity went to another Shiva King who was ruling the Seru Nuwara area in the Eastern region. They were gifted with a fertile land by the provincial King. The land located in the plains of the river Mahaweli was finely developed by the Prince Abhaya and was named ‘Soma Nuwara’ as it was originally gifted to the Princess Somawathie.
The Princess Somawathie was a devoted Buddhist. She was determined to build a complete Buddhist site in the area with a wonderful Stupa for the benefit of everybody. Prince Giri Aba was extremely pleased with this great idea and they invited 60 Arahants and offered dana. They were blessed by the Arahants and proceeded with the construction of the stupa.
The generation of Sangha was still feckless. The Arahant Mahadeva was from the student generation of Great Arahant Arittha. An Arahant called Mahinda, a student of Arahant Mahadeva was protecting the Tooth Relic (Right) of The Blessed One. As the royal couple came across this news, they requested Arahant Mahinda for relics to be deposited in the Stupa they were planning to build.
The Sangha along with Arahant Mahinda were so glad about the idea and handed over the well-protected Tooth Relic to the prince. The couple continued the veneration for the Relics and started building the Stupa. The tooth Relic was deposited in the bowels of the completed Stupa and it was named ‘Somawathie Stupa’ as everything was initiated and supervised by the princess Somawathie.
According to contemporary inscriptions, the site was also known as ‘Maniagiya’ - the Priceless Gem. This has been a complete temple construction where every little need was met for the bhikkhus as well as for devotees.
Due to the insane attacks and the destruction of Buddhist sites by South Indian rulers the areas were abandoned. Those days we had to cross the river mahaweli to reach Somawathie. The only route to the great Stupa Somawathie has been built via the banks of the old river Mahaweli.
Miraculous powers
Though this great Stupa was hidden in the jungle for years, the fame and the glory could not be hidden due to its miraculous powers, especially the emanating of golden rays of the Buddha and the divine sounds and aromas.
In the year 1947, a group accompanied by Ven. Sirimalwatte Sri Piyaratane Thera entered the thick jungle off Polonnaruwa which was full of elephants, bears, tigers etc. in search of this miraculous site and they were lost in the jungle! The horrified group was helpless. But in reality they were not helpless.
A few hundred metres away, they saw a powerful stream of light flashing in the air and they followed it. Just before the midnight the group was able to find the great Stupa which appeared as a hillock flashing the golden rays of the Buddha. After paying homage to the Noble Triple Gem, the happy group chanted Pirith and they were determined to rebuild the Stupa. A divine sound of Hevisi ( A kind of drum used mainly in religious events) emanated from the inner Stupa but nobody could be seen around.
The re-construction began under the guidance of Ven, Sirimalwatte Sri Piyaratane Thera. The task was completed. The ceremony for adorning the turret of the Stupa was held on July 4, 1991 and thousands of devotees who gathered were fortunate enough to witness the 45 minute long glamorous and miraculous flashing of the rays of the Buddha.
Again after the 1983 racial riots. Reaching the site became extremely difficult and risk. Ven. Sirimalwatte Sri Piyaratane Thera dedicated his whole life to the great Stupa Somawathie and passed away assigning the responsibilities to Ven. Pahamune Sri Gunananda Thera who did a great job by protecting and developing the sacred site during his lifetime. Now, Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thera who took over from his teacher Ven. Pahamune Sri Gunananda Thera, is doing a marvellous job for the great Stupa being an ideal example for the rest of the Bhikkhus.
I got an opportunity to go on pilgrimage to the Stupa in 2008. It was an idea which came in to my mind to conduct an oblation ceremony at this site similar to the massive event we organised in Anuradhapura at the great Stupa Swarnamalee in the same year.
We offered flowers, paid homage to the Noble Triple Gem and shared the merits with deities after reciting the ‘Dhamma Chakkappawattana Sutta’ making a wish to see an ending of the 30 year long terrorism. Finally I determined to conduct an oblation ceremony at this site in a terror-free atmosphere in the island. Now the time has come for the nation to prosper with no more fear of terrorism.
Lack of facilities
Recently we visited there to discuss the program with Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thera. After the discussion we paid homage to the great Stupa, recited Pirith invoking the blessings for the event scheduled for May 8. And again the brilliant rays of the Buddha were shining above the Stupa. It was astonishing!
Recalling the glory days, a 9 foot tall statue of the Buddha placed on a rocky seat will be available for making offerings.
Fifty plants of jasmine are being prepared to offer to the Stupa on the day of the ceremony. The scheduled Pooja, all-night Pirith chanting and reciting of infinite qualities of Lord Buddha will be a great experience for the Buddhists in this blessed island.
At present Somawathie is not an area with facilities for devotees. Water, sanitary, food and lodging facilities are extremely limited.
Therefore, we request those capable of providing these requirements to come forward. We also remind the devotees who expect to participate at this great event to bring a plate, a cup and a mat/sheet for seating purposes. Since we have planned to recite Pirith throughout the night, we expect you to bring the ‘Pirith Book’ and the ‘Pali Sathipattana Sutta Book’ along with you.
May everybody blissfully participate in the grand event at great Stupa Somawathie where the Tooth Relic (right) of The Most Fortunate One is deposited! May everybody realise the rarity of the opportunity…!
May your lucky eyes be fortunate enough to witness every single moment of this special day….! May everybody come forward with devoted hearts…! May you all get a chance to offer at least a wildflower to this great Stupa…! May the land that protected the ‘Gauthama Buddha Sasana’ be protected forever from terrorism with utmost kindness in everybody’s heart and shine with prosperity with the blessings of this oblation ceremony…! May everybody feel the freedom and joy in the land that is full of great Relics with miraculous powers of the Most Compassionate One, with the great merits of this grand event…! With the blessings of the merits, may this miraculous Island become a great wonderful state in the world!!!

28/10/2010: Message from Bhante Seelawimala: Dear All,
Happy to inform you that Buddhist Pansiya Panas Jataka Katha (Stories) are available on the web in Sinhala and English languages. Please pass this message to everybody you know that may be interested. Following is the URL. Thank you!!
http://www.jpriyaathakakatha.org

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Mentioning its importance in the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the Buddha called it ekāyano maggo - the only way for the purification of beings, for overcoming sorrow, for extinguishing suffering, for walking on the path of truth and for realising nibbāna (liberation).

American Buddhist Seminary( ABS), Temple and Meditation Center in Sacramento, California is committed to study and practice this Path of Purification of all beings. ABS is headed by Ven. Madawala Seelawimala (picture above), a senior Mahathera of the Theravada Buddhist Tradition, who spent his last 34 years in teaching the Dharma and meditation in North America.

Venerable Madawala Seelawimala Mahathera (Bhante Seelawimala), was ordained as a novice monk in Sri Lanka when he was ten years old. He was ordained by the Most Venerable Dhamma Master Hendiyagala Sri Seelaratanabhidhana Nayaka Maha Thera of Ancient Cave Temple in Kurunegala District Sri Lanka, who was one of the most revered Dharma teachers in Sri Lanka at the time. At age eleven he entered Maliyadeva Boy’s College became the only young monk who went through secular education in Sri Lanka. During this period he grew up under the supervision of Venerable Dr. Dickwela Piyananda who started the Washington Buddhist Vihara, the first Theravada Vihara in North America, with the collaboration of Sasana Sevaka Society of Sri Lanka. He received his higher ordination at age twenty in 1968. He received his bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy 1971 from University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya. In 1974 he received his Masters Degree at the same university.
By the invitation of late Reverend Tsuji, the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America, the largest Buddhist organization in America, Bhante came to the United States to teach Theravada Buddhism at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) in Berkeley, California in 1976. Since then Bhante has been teaching at IBS and the Graduate Theological Union affiliated with the University of California Berkeley.

With his master, Venerable Dickwela Piyananda, he helped establish the Toronto Buddhist Vihara in Canada in 1982; he was instrumental in managing that Temple for first five years since the beginning. Subsequently he established Buddhist Vihara in British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He assisted in establishing the Buddhist Vihara in San Jose, California. In 1996 he established the ABS Temple at Sacramento (www.middleway.net). Currently he is assisting Buddhist groups in Arizona and Edmonton, Canada towards setting up centers. Bhante travels widely throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia to give lectures, Dhamma talks, and meditation retreats.

This Meditation Center is to meet the demand for meditation retreats in Sacramento, where fellow meditators can practice meditation anytime throughout the year and to provide proper accommodation for the Sangha too. Promoting meditation is one way of propagating Buddha Sasana and is a Noble project to offer our gratitude to the Triple Gem.

All donations will be issued with receipts and donors will also be listed in ABS's Building Website. For further details, please call Sis Bee Yong @ 012-208 5856.

"Go Ye Forth, O Bhikkhus, for the benefit of many, for the
happiness of many, out of compassion for the world, for the
welfare, the benefit, the happiness of gods and men!
Go not any two together, O Bhikkhus, proclaim ye the Doctrine,
that is Excellent in the Beginning, Excellent in the Middle and Excellent in the End." - Buddha

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu!

Mahasadhu to the following donors:
Robert Tan & Family
S K Teh & Family
Dato Teoh Tiaw Seang, Datin Tan Lay Sian & Family
Goh Shu Chau (IMO of Departed Relatives)
Goh Shu Yee (IMO of Departed Relatives)
Goh Shu Ming (IMO of Departed Relatives)
Maggie Chan & Family (IMO Leong Poh Khum)
Yong Chai Peng & Family (IMO Yong Wee Ooi & Yee Yuk Kheng)
Poh Joo Ming & Family
Chan Keng Moi & Family (IMO Chan Mee Joo)
Wong Poh Yoke (IMO Departed Relatives)
Foong Ah Chee & Family
Jane Lim Ah Mee
Sam Ngan Yoke
Chan Hon Wa
Lim Lay Chin & Family
Lim Poh Chuan & Family
Loke Swee Bee & Family
Yip Yoke Hwa & Family
Wong Tum Keong (All Sentient Beings in All Realm of Existence)
Ching Ming Kam
Liew Yuet Kuan (IMO Liew Tham Sang)
Soon Sang Moy (IMO Liew Tham Sang)
Poh Heng Group
Veron Mah
Judy Wang Ah Moi (IMO Cheong Swee Eng & Wang Ken Loon)
Angeline Tan Kwee Lan & Family (IMO Tan Kow Ngee)
Paul Chong Chuo Lunk (IMO Wong Cheek Lung)
Wong Swee Kee & Family
Mei Mee Ling
Chong Lee Yuen & Family (IMO Departed Relatives & Friends)
Dr Elaine Lim & Family (IMO Lim Seng Hin)
Yong Fook Chee & Yong Moon Cheong (IMO Yong Wee Ooi & Yee Yuk Kheng)
Yong Wai Chun & Family
Yong Moey Phin & Family
Loke Swee Bee & Family
Lim Yang Imm and Group
Merit Maker
Loke Bee Leng & Family
A K Lee & Family (IMO Lee Sew Boon)
Mei Mee Ling (IMO Mei Khai Fong & IMO Wong Cheek Lung)
Mei Yew Wey (IMO Mei Khai Fong & IMO Wong Cheek Lung)
Mei Chian Hwa (IMO Mei Khai Fong & IMO Wong Cheek Lung)
Wong Swee Kee & Family (IMO Mei Khai Fong & IMO Wong Cheek Lung)
Lau Kai Kong & Family (IMO All Departed Ones)
Ooi Soon Kok & Family (IMO All Departed Ones)
Fong Mei Lin & Family (IMO Fong Yeow Seng, Departed Relatives & Friends)

SPONSOR A DICTIONARY PROJECT IN SRI LANKA

Bhante K Dhamasiri

02/02/2011: Photos of the Awarding Ceremony.

26/12/2010: Due to heavy flooding in Sri Lanka, the Scholarship Awarding Ceremony will be postponed to January, 2011. Photos of the Ceremony will be posted as soon as we receive it from Venerable. Sadhu!

02/12/2010: Message from Bhante: Scholarship Awarding Ceremony 2010 will be held at the following selected remote areas in Sri Lanka on December 18(Full moon day),2010:

Selected 5th graders, and other students in their areas in Sri Lanka:
01 Kekanadura H. M. Karunasena Matara District 87* 267
02 Katuwewa, Baudharamaya Hambantota District 05* 180
03 Debokkawa, Sri Wardhanarama Hambantota District 05* 175
04 Ambalantota, Theraputthabaya Vihara Hambantota District 25 170
05 Ms.R. A. Nilanti Renuka, Anamaduwa Puttalam District 10 145
06 Ministry of Education, Gunatilaka, Director of Arts and Esthetics Colombo District 25 135
07 T. Sumangala thera, Ja-Ela Gampaha District 10 110
08 Hatton, Indika Kulasekara Nuwara-Eliya District 25 100
09 Bandarawela, Tiron Perera Budulla District 10 75
10 Horana- Dikhengoda,
Ms. Dhammika Kannangara Kalutara District 25 65
11 Norana, Roshan Kalutara District 05 40
12 Thushara Liyanage Piliyanda Colombo District 05 35
13 Udawalawa, Gnananda thero Ratnapura District 02 30
14 Yatawara- Wattegama, Ananda thero Kandy District 25 28
15 Rev. Assaji, Paduama, Jinananda Mapalagama Galle District 03 03

These books have already received by Mr. Karunasena of Kekanadura Matara.
Contact: 0094-112737154, K. Dhammasiri, 001-509-484 4331 Kekanadura@yahoo.com,USA.

16/11/2010: Today we have sent out the 15 dictionaries via tracking number CP116710116MY. Sadhu!

11/11/2010: The balance of 15 dictionaries will be sent out within a couple of days to Ven. P. Piyatissa Thera,
Vidyawardhana Piriven Vihara, No. 27 Waidya Road, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka.
Phone: 0094-112737154.Sadhu!

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20th October, 2010: Today we have sent out the balance 160 dictionaries to Sri Lanka. The tracking numbers are:CP116710439MY AND CP116710399MY via Pos Malaysia International Parcel.Sadhu!

14th October, 2010: Message with Blessing from Venerable, Paris: Please be informed that the 1st batch of 100 dictionaries arrived in Matara, Sri Lanka today, Venerable will pay special attention to the students who successfully passed year 5th exam. This exam result has been issued last month. It is easy to find students who could use your gifts in a meaningful manner. Sadhu!

12th October, 2010: Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu! We have successfully raised 250 dictionaries today, and the balance of 150 dictionaries will be sent out within these few days. With this joyful feeling, may the following verse from the Dhammapada Verse 2 be dedicated to all the kind donors:

Matthakundali Vatthu

Manopubbangama dhamma
manosettha manomaya
manasa ce pasannena
bhasati va karoti va
tato nam sukha manveti
chayava anapayini.
Verse 2: All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness (sukha) follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.
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The Story of Matthakundali

While residing at the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi, the Buddha uttered Verse (2) of this book, with reference to Matthakundali, a young Brahmin. Matthakundali was a young brahmin, whose father, Adinnapubbaka, was very stingy and never gave anything in charity. Even the gold ornaments for his only son were made by himself to save payment for workmanship. When his son fell ill, no physician was consulted, until it was too late. When he realized that his son was dying, he had the youth carried outside on to the verandah, so that people coming to his house would not see his possessions.

On that morning, the Buddha arising early from his deep meditation of compassion saw, in his Net of Knowledge, Matthakundali lying on the verandah. So when entering Savatthi for alms-food with his disciples, the Buddha stood near the door of the brahmin Adinnapubbaka. The Buddha sent forth a ray of light to attract the attention of the youth, who was facing the interior of the house. The youth saw the Buddha; and as he was very weak he could only profess his faith mentally. But that was enough. When he passed away with his heart in devotion to the Buddha he was reborn in the Tavatimsa celestial world.

From his celestial abode the young Matthakundali, seeing his father mourning over him at the cemetery, appeared to the old man in the likeness of his old self. He told his father about his rebirth in the Tavatimsa world and also urged him to approach and invite the Buddha to a meal. At the house of Adinnapubbaka the question of whether one could or could not be reborn in a celestial world simply by mentally professing profound faith in the Buddha, without giving in charity or observing the moral precepts, was brought up. So the Buddha willed that Matthakundali should appear in person; Matthakundali soon appeared fully decked with celestial ornaments and told them about his rebirth in the Tavatimsa world. Then only, the audience became convinced that the son of the brahmin Adinnapubbaka by simply devoting his mind to the Buddha had attained much glory.

Then the Buddha spoke the above Verse 2.

At the end of the discourse Matthakundali and his father Adinnapubbaka attained Sotapatti Magga and Sotapatti Phala (Stream Enterer). Adinnapubbaka also donated almost all his wealth to the cause of the Buddha's Teaching.
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5th Oct, 2010: The First batch of 100 dictionaries sent out today to Matara, Sri Lanka via International Parcel, the tracking number is: CP116710178MY, under http://www.pos.com.my/V1/main2.asp?c=/v1/TrackTrace/MainTrack.htm. Sadhu!
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"Sabba Danam Dhamma Danam Jinati"
All gifts the gift of Dhamma does excel

Ven. Dhammasiri Kekanadura, a Theravadan monk and native of Sri Lanka who has lived in the Northwest, USA for many years, traveled to Sri Lanka May 27 to undertake relief efforts on behalf of refugees from the most recent eruption of conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and Tamil Tigers in the north of that country.

Ven Dhammasiri, known to many as “Siri”, serves as resident monk and teacher for the Vietnamese Buddhist Community (Tinh Xa Minh Dang Quang) in Spokane, Washington. The temple is supporting him in his mission.

Ven Dhammasiri plans to concentrate his efforts on helping school-age children whose education has been interrupted by the civil war’s fighting, displacement and destruction of villages. As he did in the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004, he will use donations to establish scholarship funds for up to 100 students between the ages of five and seventeen. In addition, he plans to supply them with necessary school items, including pens, pencils, work books, bags, a small umbrella, and cloth for school uniforms. While aware that the immediate needs for food and shelter for refugees are colossal, Ven Dhammasiri’s concern is for nourishing the minds of young people who have suffered greatly.

One mini Oxford dictionary costs around RM20.00 (ringgit) and Venerable is keen to reach 250 dictionaries to the following places:

100 dictionaries to:
H M Karunasena,
Karunawasa Vijayaba Mawatha,
Kenanadura, Matara, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 0094 041 226 4871

150 dictionaries to:
Ven P Piyatissa Thera
Vidyawardhana Piriven Viharaya
Waidya Road,
Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094 112 737 154

The dictionaries will be sent to the most poorest and remote areas and only bright students will be given the dictionary.

Each dictionary will be stamped with words "This is a gift for your future"

To donate dictionary only please call Sis Bee Yong @ 012-208 5856.

It is still possible to contribute by wiring money to the scholarship account at “Peoples Bank” in Sri Lanka. For more information, contact Ven Dhammasiri by email at: kekanadura@yahoo.com.

Venerable said by "Offering the knowledge in your next life, you will be born with more mind or cognitive power, generally speaking an intellectual one"

"Dhammo Haverakkhathi Dhammacharo" ~The Buddha ~
Those who follows the Dhamma, they will be protected by the Dhamma

Sadhu!

Maha Sadhu to the following donors: (Todate we have collected 275 dictionaries)
Robert Tan - 11
Loke Bee Leng & Family - 2
Angeline Tan - 2
Teo Kin Phew & Lim Mee Li - 1
Teo Eu Jin - 1
Teo Ju Nis & Tan Yoke Waie - 1
Teoh Chee Seng & Looi Lay Har - 1
Mervin Teoh Kye Win - 1
Jolene Teoh Bilien - 1
Lim Paw Huat & Looi Lay Suan - 1
Dillion Lim Yushen & Sanice Lim Yumay - 1
Moey Kong Liang & Neoh Ai Ling - 1
Moey Hsu Yin & Moey Hsu Qi - 1
Quah E Xin & Quah E Jia - 1
Ow Yeang Seok Wan & family - 1
Yap Beng Hoe - 1
Ng Kim May - 1
BL Boon Lye Auto Parts S/B - 1
Ooi Jun Ye - 1
Yong Chai Peng & Family (IMO Yong Wee Ooi & Yee Yuk Kheng) - 35
Anonymous - 50
A K Lee & Family - 10
Cynthia Cheong Siew Lin & Family - 2
Liew Yuet Kuan & Family - 2
IMO Liew Tham Sang - 1
Ong Soo Fen & Family - 1
Lee Loy Fatt & Family - 10
Lee Yok Kwai - 1
Lee Kok Leng - 1
Casey Cheong - 1
Fenni Mah - 1
Lim Peck Lian - 1
Lee Kam Chee - 1
Chow Liew - 1
Sam Mooi & Family - 2
Woon Thoo Jian - 5
Wong Zhern Ru - 1
Lim Hing Sian - 1
Shereen Ngoi and Family - 2
Jane Lim - 1
Wong Poh Yoke - 1
Poh Heng's group - 1
Judy Wang - 1
IMO Quah Lee Hin - 5
Chu Ah Leng - 1
Lim Chin Seng - 1
Lee Chiew Tee - 2
Lim Chin Aun - 2
Richard Lim Chin Loong - 2
Lim Lay Chin - 3
Evelyn Fong Mei Lin & Family - 10
Loke Swee Bee & Family - 5
Tan Ai Huat & Family (IMO Lau Gaik Sim, Lau Thean Soo, Ooi Chit Mooi & Lau Gaik Choo) - 50
Sophia Ooi Jiun Li - 2
Chua Guat Heong 0 2
Ng Chock - 1
Janifer Koh Chin Guat & Family- 10
Chris Yap - 15

Maggie Chan (IMO Mr Chong Peng Woon & Mdm Leong Poh Khum)

ANGUTTARA NIKAYA SUTTA

We are pleased to inform you that this Sutta in audio format by Venerable Dhammavuddho Thera is available either in DVD format or CD in a set of 5. The DVD or Cd's can now be collected from Bro S K Ooi @ 016-2830203 or email to: osk24my@yahoo.com.

Sadhu!

PRINTING OF DHAMMAPADA IN KHMER LANGUAGE

Dear Dharma Brothers and Sisters, you may want to download Free Dhamma Books in pdf format. So feel free to download them for your friends, workers, etc. Please follow this link for free Dhammapada in Khmer.

http://www.parami.org/dhammaaidcambodia/Khmerbooks.html

Sadhu!

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19/11/2010: Message from Ven Sovann Pannavaro:
Dear dhamma friends,
On 17 December, 2010, I went to distribute 120 copies of the Dhammapada to Buddhist student-monks studying at Sathaparami Buddhist High School, Stoeng Sen City, Kampong Thom Province, Kingdom of Cambodia. With the great merits, I would like to share with you all. May you gain the merit as much as I did.
With Metta.
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16th September, 2010: Distributed Books to the monks. Pictures were taken at Battambang - Phra Sihanouk Raja University.
*****************************

12th September, 2010: 1st batch of pictures on the Dhammapada Books. Sadhu!



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15th August, 2010: Sadhu! This project draws to a successful close today!

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12th August, 2010: Kindly be informed that this project will be closed on 15th August, 2010. The printing of the Dhammapada will commence by next week.

All donations can be directed to the following:

http://www.parami.org/dhammaaidcambodia/

Cash donations can be made at the following Sukhi Hotu branches:

Ara Damansara Branch
D9-6-1, Jln PJU 1A/46,
Dana 1 Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya

Bandar Utama Branch
Utama Bodhi Vihara,
Lower Ground Floor,
3 Jalan BU 3/1, Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya

Penang Branch
1-T, Jln Gottlieb,
10350 Penang

Sadhu!

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According to the Theravadian tradition, the Dhammapada's verses were spoken by the Buddha on various occasions.Most verses deal with ethics.The text is part of the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, although over half of the verses exist in other parts of the Pali Canon.A 4th or 5th century CE commentary attributed to Buddhaghosa includes 305 stories which give context to the verses. The Dhammapada is considered the most representative example of the Buddha's teachings.

In order to support the Buddha's teachings and the noble good work of Bro Lee Yu Ban ( please visit http://www.parami.org/dhammaaidcambodia/ ), we hope you are able to support the printing of 4,000 copies of Dhammapada to be distributed in Cambodia.The estimated cost of the printing is RM6,500.00.

Below is the cover of the Dhammapada:



Please contact Sis Bee Yong @ 012-208 5856 for more details.

Dhammapada Verse 354
Sakkapanha Vatthu

Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati
sabbarasam dhammaraso jinati
sabbaratim dhammarati jinati
tanhakkhayo sabbadukkham jinati.

Verse 354: The gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts; the taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes; delight in the Dhamma excels all delights. The eradication of Craving (i.e., attainment of arahatship) overcomes all ills (samsara dukkha).
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The Story of the Questions Raised by Sakka on the above verse 354(Sakkapanha Vatthu)

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (354) of this book, with reference to four questions raised by Sakka, king of the devas.

On one occasion, at a meeting of the devas in the Tavatimsa realm, four questions were raised, but the devas failed to get the correct answers. Eventually, Sakka took these devas to the Buddha at the Jetavana monastery. After explaining their difficulty, Sakka presented the following four questions:

(a) Among gifts, which is the best?

(b) Among tastes, which is the best?

(c) Among delights, which is the best?

(d) Why is the eradication of craving said to be the most excellent?

To these questions, the Buddha replied, "Oh Sakka, the Dhamma is the noblest of all gifts, the best of all tastes and the best of all delights. Eradication of Craving leads to the attainment of arahatship and is, therefore, the greatest of all conquests."

Then the Buddha spoke the verse 354.

At the end of the discourse, Sakka said to the Buddha, "Venerable Sir, if the gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts why are we not invited to share the merit whenever gifts of the Dhamma are made? Venerable Sir! I pray that, from now on, we may be given a share in the merit of good deeds". Then the Buddha asked all the bhikkhus to assemble and exhorted them to share the merit of all their good deeds with all beings.

Since then, it has become a custom to invite all beings from the thirty-one realms (bhumis) to come and share merit whenever a good deed is done.Sadhu!

Note: List of donors will also be listed at the DAC's website.

Mahasadhu to the following donors:
Yong Chai Peng & Family (IMO Yong Wee Ooi & Yee Yuk Kheng)
Dato Teoh Tiaw Seang, Datin Tan Lay Sian & Family
Loke Bee Leng & Family
Lim Lay Chin (IMO Albert Lim Chean Hwa)
Lee Chiew Tee (IMO Lim Kang Wai)
Mei Young Chan & Family (IMO Mei Khai Fong, Wong Cheek Lung)
Paul Chong Chuo Lunk & Family
Ong Soo Fen
Mrs Thean & Family
Wong Tum Keong (Dedicated to All Sentient Beings)
Wuan Thong Lok (IMO Lim Mooi Lee)
Chong Pek Lin (IMO Wuan Hin)
Lee Loy Fatt & Family
Mr & Mrs Chong Voon Siong & Family (IMO Mr Chong Yin Siew & Mdm Chin Meow Ying)
Barbara Yen & Family
Thomas Lim Thong Seng & Family
Liew Yuet Kuan (IMO Liew Tham Sang)
Jane Lim & Family
Tan Soh Peng
Heng Kak Hong
Tan Siew Lee
Tan Boon Hwa
Koh Siew Eng
Chia Meong Joo
Yap Ah Chai
IMO Tan Teck Hee
IMO Yong Kim Lan
IMO Tan Heng Moh
IMO Koh Siew Ching

DANA IN IPOH

Scenery on the way to Gunung Lang.



Entrance to the Piti Meditation Monastery.



Back of the Monastery.



A Kuti.



The Abbot of the monastery.




Listening to the Dharma. Our new friends (below) also listening.









Group photo (not all are in the photo though)

Note: Thanks to Bro Robert Tan for the photos.

Our group visited Piti Meditation Monastery in Gunung Lang, Ipoh on 1st August, 2010. Our Dana offering was a successful one with many variety of food to the monks at 9am. We were impressed that the monks only take one meal a day and after that they proceed to self meditation at their respective Kutis.

Behind the cave which is next to the forest are the kutis for the monks to do their self-practice.

Kindly be informed that their Kartina offering (Robes offering) is on 21st August, 2010. Those who wish to offer food and requisites must reach there before 9am.

Address:
Dhamma Piti Meditation Monastery
2A Lang Indah 6,
Desa Lang, 30010, Ipoh