WACANA 2011 Livecast

Registration of participants

Participants awaiting the conference to begin

Uncle Vijaya welcoming everyone to the conference

The Buddha’s enlightenment took place on the full moon of Vesakha – the sixth month. He was reluctant to teach but finally decided to rejoin the five friends he had previously spent several years traveling the Ganges Plain with. He attained enlightenment in Gaya and his friends were at that time in Baranasi – a distance of some 150 miles. This would have been quite a journey, allowing that there were few roads and a very sparce population. By simple mathematics we can see that the trip from Gaya to Baranasi took about two months.

The first discourse is of great significance. Not only was it the first structured teaching given by the Buddha after his enlightenment but it is generally agreed as containing the essence of all subsequent teachings. This occasion was effectively the establishment of Buddhism as a religion. A thorough study of this discourse is a must as it puts many of the later teachings into perspective.

At the end of the discourse one of his five friends, Kondañña, exclaimed his understanding of the Truths just taught and requested the Buddha to receive him as a disciple. This was done in what is seen as the most basic ordination procedure and so the order of monks was also established on this day.

The importance of this teaching can not be understated – without it there would likely have been no more – so the full moon of Asalha is celebrated as Dhamma Day. There are a variety of activities that may take place on this day but one common event would be a chanting of the discourse – now known as the Dhamma Cakkapavattana Sutta (the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Truth). This would usually be in the original Pali language and form part of the evening’s full-moon vigil.

In the early days of the Buddha’s dispensation monks and nuns tended to wander the countryside quite freely. As the order grew and became more established, monasteries were built and the Buddha laid down a rule that monastics should take up a determined residence for the three months of the rainy season. So, Asalha also marks the beginning of this retreat period in a monastery.

As if all this wasn’t enough Asalha is also the month in which the Buddha’s son, Rahula, was born. This is a story in itself but suffice here to note that this is the time of the Buddha’s great renunciation – giving up all of his royal privileges and taking up the holy life. The period of the rains is generally seen as a time of restraint and is sometimes thought of as a Buddhist Lent when various things are given up.

This year’s Asalha Full Moon day falls on 15/7/11 (this Friday). This is an auspicious day for the Buddhists, second only to Wesak Day.

When I say ‘I am a Buddhist’ I don’t speak of this with a ‘Holier than Thou’ attitude, Never with a ‘I am going to Heaven while you are on a one way ticket to Hell’ mindset. Instead I’m confessing that I am ignorant of much Truth and need the Buddha Dhamma to be my guide. If I am bad I have an equal chance as any of going to Hell, and if I am keeping my precepts well, I too have a well deserved holiday in Heaven.

When I say ‘I am a Buddhist’ I’m not trying to show one-upmanship or arrogance but I’m professing that I’m weak and need the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as my Refuge to carry on.

When I say ‘I am a Buddhist’, I’m not bragging of success. Instead I’m admitting I have failed time and again to let go of my Greed, Hatred and Ignorance, and need the Buddha Dhamma to help me develop qualities of Generosity, Loving Kindness and Wisdom.

When I say ‘I am a Buddhist’ I’m not claiming to be perfect. In reality my flaws are far too visible, but the Buddha has taught that everyone of us is capable of purifying himself and attaining perfect wisdom of the Truths of life. He has given me the confidence that I too can evolve to be Enlightened.

When I say ‘I am a Buddhist’ I still feel the sting of pain, the aging of my body, illness and I have my share of heartaches and failures in this ceaselessly changing world, But the Dhamma has taught me to see the realities of life, to accept change and to handle it with wisdom. My physical body will inevitably suffer but my Mental pain is optional.

Dr Phang Cheng Kar will be cinducting a workshop on Mindful-Gym: Be Present, Be Calm & Be Happy

Below are the details :

Date : 15 August 2010

Time : 9am – 12.30pm (Note there will be no SDS on that day) Suitable participants :

a. SDS facilitators

b. SDS Youth group

c. UTAR students

d. Public

Max No. of participants : 30 pax.

Meals : One tea break and one lunch will be provided by SLBS Registration : end of July 2010.

From SLBS Committee