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The 4th Cohort of BCS English BA and Chinese BA graduates embarked on a study trip to China for 9 days from 22-30 June 2017 in order to strengthen dharmic friendship amongst Mahayana Buddhist colleges and visit the founding temples of Chinese Buddhism. This overseas study trip comprised a delegation of 30 people led by Rector Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng.

The delegation visited the State Administration for Religious Affairs of P.R.C. (ARAP) in Beijing on 22 June and was warmly received by ARAP’s Deputy Director-General Zhang Yantong, Deputy Director of Department Xue Shuqi, and Directors of Division Xue Hui and Wang Lei.

After visiting Ling Guang Temple and Fa Yuan Temple on 23 June, the delegation visited Long Quan Temple the following day and was warmly welcomed by Venerable Xue Cheng, President of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) and Abbot of Long Quan Temple, Deputy Secretary Venerable Pu Zheng, Director of Education Department Venerable Yuan Ci and the temple’s monastics. In the final leg of the trip from 26 to 29 June, the delegation stayed in Xi’an and visited Da Ci En Temple,

the founding temple of the Chinese Yogacara school, where Venerable Dao Hong, the Venerable-In-Charge, led the delegation on a tour of Da Yan Pagoda and Venerable Xuan Zang Memorial Hall. They also visited Cao Tang Temple (the founding temple of the Three Sastra School), Xiang Ji Temple (the founding temple of the Pure Land School), Jing Ye Temple (the founding temple of the Discipline School), Hua Yan Temple, (the founding temple of the Avatamsaka School), Great Xing Shan Temple (the founding temple of the Chinese Esoteric School), Xing Jiao Temple where a San Zang Pagoda stands, and finally the world famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the Qin Dynasty.

4th COHORT GRADUATES’ STUDY TRIP TO CHINABUDDHIST COLLEGE OF SINGAPORE

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BUDDHIST NewsTAI PEI BUDDHIST

CENTRE

Ullambana

Ullambana is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word meaning “deliverance from suffering”, and specifically refers to the salvation of anguished souls and to obtain liberation. The Ullambana Sutra is a Mahayana sutra given by the Gautama Buddha on the practice of filial piety. TPBC held an Ullambana Sutra Dharma Assembly on 27 August 2017, 10am.

Shurangama Sutra

TPBC is organisng a seminar on the Shurangama Sutra from 26-29 October 2017, 9am-5pm. For more information and registration, please visit www.da-bei.org.sg.

KWAN YIN CHAN LIN ZEN MEDITATION CENTRE

Repentance Chanting Ceremony

KYCL held a Di Zang Repentance Chanting Ceremony from 1-5 Septem-ber 2017 for the deceased. This cer-emony was led by Venerable Chi Boon where the Emperor Liang Repentance Chant took 4 entire days to complete.

LIAN SHAN SHUANG LIN MONASTERY

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

LSSLM held a Dharma Assembly to celebrate the birthday of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with the recitation of the Ksitigarbha Pranidhana Sutra on 16

September 2017, 9.30am-5pm.

Mid-Autumn Festival

There will be a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration held from 30 September to 4 October 2017 at LSSLM, 6.30-10pm. For details, visit www.shuanglin.sg.

Palelai Buddhist Temple

Devo Day

PBT will be holding a prayer session on 6 October 2017, 9am commemorat-ing the Lord Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa Heaven after preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother as a mark of gratitude. For more information, please call 6443 3324.

KARMA KAGYUDBUDDHIST CENTRE

New Building Grand Opening

The new building of Karma Kagyud will be officially opened on 8 October 2017 by His Holiness The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaya Dorje. Starting 2 October 2017, KKBC will commence a series of programmes such as the Of-fering of Mandala, Body, Speech and Mind, Mahakala Puja, Dharma Teach-ing and Public Blessing Ceremony to celebrate the new building’s opening till 10 October. For more details, please visit www.karma-kagyud.org.sg.

AMITABHA BUDDHIST CENTRE

Medicine Buddha Healing

The Medicine Buddha Healing Festival is organised by ABC and it will be held

from 7-8 October 2017. Throughout the two days, there will be puja conducted to bring one healing and peace. For de-tails, please visit www.fpmtabc.org.

BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP

Anapanasati Meditation Retreat

BF will be holding a Anapanasati Medi-tation Retreat with Ajahn Kai Zhao on 21-22 October 2017, 9am-5pm at BF East and this retreat is suitable for all levels of practitioners. For more infor-mation and registration, please visit www.buddhistfellowship.org.

FO GUANG SHANSINGAPORE

Water and Land Dharma

FGS has commenced registration for the Water and Land Dharma Service Youth Voluntary Trip @ Taiwan 2017 from 18 November – 2 December 2017. The ob-jectives are to enhance and deepen the learning of Humanistic Buddhism and also encourage self-discipline and inde-pendence. Do note that an interview is required. For more information, please contact Venerable Zhi Hai (6411 0590) or register online at www.tinyurl.com/TWtrip17.

BUDDHIST LIBRARY

Kathina Robes Offering

Robes offering is an important annual event in the Buddhist tradition where lay devotees show their appreciation and gratitude to the Sangha by offer-ing robes and books. Robes and books are available for offering now at the BL and the actual ceremony will take place on 22 October 2017, 7pm. For more in-formation and registration, please visit www.buddhlib.org.sg.

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For this year's Ullambana Festival, the People’s Buddhism Study Society

(PBSS) held a series of Dharma assemblies and prayer sessions, "Avatamska

Sutra Puja" from 5-10 September 2017. The Puja was led by the Sangha

from the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, truly reflecting

the essence of the Ullambana Festival which is also known as the Sangha

Day or the Buddha’s Joyful Day.

Historically, this is the day when the Sangha community had completed

their summer retreat and the laity would make offerings to them. Hence,

the origin and meaning of Ullambana, and the making of offerings to the

Sangha through the Ullambana Sangha Offering Ceremony is for Buddhist laity to offer a meal to the Buddha and the Sangha

as an act of reverence. And through this act of reverence by supporting the Sangha, it reflects one's virtuous deed of upholding

the Buddha’s teaching of filial piety. In addition, this is a very meaningful and meritorious act as it allows the Sangha to practise

without obstructions and to cultivate merits for the living and their ancestors.

2017 ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL SANGHA DAY / BUDDHA’S JOYFUL DAY

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According to the Ullambana Sutra, when

Maudgalyayana, the Chief Disciple of

Sakyamuni Buddha, was unable to alleviate

the suffering of his mother in the realm

of the hungry ghosts, the World-Honored

One told him that the only way to for his

mother to have deliverance from the pain

of suffering is to rely upon the strength

of the monastics of all directions in their

cultivation of meritorious virtues. The

Buddha then instructed his disciples to

dedicate an elaborate offering of food and

fruits to all Sangha members in the name(s)

of his parents from the past seven lifetimes

as well as the present lifetime.

The Buddha also told all the good men and good women to

repay their parents' kindness in the sutra: "Those disciples of

the Buddha who cultivate filial conduct should in thought after

thought, constantly recall their present fathers and mothers when

making offerings, as well as the fathers and mothers of seven

lives past. And every year, on the fifteenth day of the seventh

month, they should always, out of filial compassion, recall their

parents who bore them and those of seven lives past, and for their

sakes perform the offering of the Ullambana basin to the Buddha

and the Sangha and thus repay the loving kindness of the parents

who raised and nourished them. All Buddhas' disciples should

respectfully receive this dharma."

This practice of Sangha offering to all Sangha members in the name(s) of one's past and present parents, has the power to

transform and deliver all sentient beings. Thus, many Buddhists till today take the opportunity during the Ullambana Dharma

assemblies to join in the Sangha's chanting to dedicate blessings to the living and merits to the departed as in the sutra it says:

"If one thus makes offerings to these Provarana Sangha, one's present father and mother, parents of seven generations, as well as

the six kinds of close relatives, will escape from the three paths of sufferings. And at that time attain release. Their clothing and

food will spontaneously appear. If the parents are still alive, they will have wealth and blessings for a hundred years. Parents of

seven generations will be born in the heavens. Transformationally born, they will independently enter the celestial flower light,

and experience limitless bliss."

THE BUDDHA SPEAKS:

The Ullambana Sutra

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GREEN AND HEALTHY FESTIVAL 2017 KAMPUNG SENANG AND VEGETARIAN SOCIETY

The Green and Healthy Festival 2017 with the theme, “Towards a Harmonious One Earth Home” was organised by Kampung Senang and supported by Vegetarian So-ciety (Singapore), as well as co-working NGOs such as INLA, Tzu Chi, Universal and various volunteers. This 2-day festival was held from 19-20 August 2017 at the Singapore Expo with an estimated turn-out of 10,000 visitors. The Festival was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Edwin Tong and invited guests, sponsors, speakers, re-gional experts, leading chefs and authors who also gave insights during the educa-tional talks and activities.

The highlights included a convergence of more than 60 stalls of vegan and vegetarian food, farmers’ market as well as exhibitors that featured wellness services and products on top of the festival sharing sessions, yoga, music performances and sustainability talks. What drew a crowd, especially the attention of the younger families were the child-friendly activities and space; Kids Eco-Calligraphy and Children’s Nature Play Area.

Attendess were treated to a myraid of healthy food informa-tion, products and services to enhance eco-conscious lifestyle changes such as starting the week with “Green and Healthy Monday” pledge where on Mondays, one switches the meat, dairy and eggs in the meals to plant-based foods like tofu and soya milk to reduce environmental impact, improve well-being, and of course, be kinder to animals! To support this so-cial movement that promotes green and healthy living, there were also sustainability talks as well as sharings by invited guests such as Dr. Omalpe Sobhita who gave a talk on the reasons why embracing vegetarianism can help to reduce ani-mal killing and suffering. For more on Dr. Omalpe’s speech, please check out pages 58-59 for an extract of his speech on 19 August 2017.

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Killing to live is an adopted habit from primitive man. They behaved like the other animals in the vicinity until they further developed their complex thinking power which created new behavioural practices called civilisation and culture.

Now, human beings have advanced further; more and more people are coming forward as vegetarians and vegans to align their ethics and behaviours as wholesome human beings. We can focus on a few major ethical and environment reasons for this new trend of the people who think about wholesome, right living.

The major reason is the sacredness of life. Many ethically minded consumers are also concerned about the inhumane practices used by the industrial farms. Of late, many are also adopting a vegetarian diet for environmental reasons considering the inefficient model of converting energy from a cereal-based diet to meat, environmental pollution and global warming, all created by the meat industry.

From the health point of view, a question that many people would be wondering about is whether a vegetarian diet is healthy. The scientific consensus is that a well-planned vegetarian diet is healthy. I will not go into scientific details because the topic I selected is on animal killing, suffering and the need for compassion for all beings. However, since the focus of this event is about green and healthy food, I wish to note the importance of a plant-based diet in preventing chronic diseases.

When we talk about cruelty to animals and violating their rights, we must always keep in mind that people who eat meat i.e. carnivorous people, play a major role in contributing to the killing of trillions of innocent animals every day. This inhumane lucrative industry grows and is developed largely by meat-eating consumers. It is their lust for consumption to satisfy their taste buds with blood and flesh of other beings that causes killing. People find themselves collecting bad Karma almost daily by eating meat including consumption of dairy as animal husbandry violates all the basic rights of the animals.

Every animal, like any human being has the right to live with their loved ones peacefully in their habitats. They also have developed senses, display love and affection for their kith and kin, and have their own language(s) to communicate, just like humans.

It is a great tragedy to see the much advanced humans in the animal kingdom, destroy the lives of the less advanced animals, their land, habitat areas and their fodder, on the indefensible assumption that this world belongs only to the humans. Who eats the flesh of an animal who has generated pain and anger vibrations at the time of slaughter invariably exposes himself / herself to these vibrations or karmic effects which may have negative consequences on that individual. Unlike in the medieval days, humans today being much more socialised and disciplined and educated, should be able to understand this simple logic ‘one reaps what one sows’.

Another cause of killing and committing cruelty on animals are for their body parts, for example, skins, tusks, horns, fur, teeth, bones, skulls etc. We could see many smartly dressed people carrying body parts of innocent animals in the manner of their dress or outfits e.g. shoes, bags, valets, hats, coats, belts, jewellery etc. You also could see these in households and vehicle seating too. This is not proper lifestyle choices at all when there are so many harmless alternative products around you. Further humans are abusing and causing cruelty to animals for sheer pleasure in various inhuman ways such as hunting animals e.g. elephant, fox, bird, seal, kangaroo etc., and I heard another one called

KILLLING FOR LIVING IS YES – BUT FOR NON-HUMAN!

EMBRACING VEGETARIANISM WILL REDUCE ANIMAL KILLING AND SUFFERING

- VENERABLE DR. OMALPE SOBHITA -

Chronic, degenerative diseases also known as Non-Communicable Diseases have become a major health problem in the world. In brief, the latest and emerg-ing scientific information demonstrate the benefits of plant based foods for prevent-ing chronic diseases such as: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pres-sure, stroke, cataracts, osteoporosis, im-mune system disorders etc. A plant based diet will also prevent hormone dependent cancers such as: breast, ovary, prostrate and colon cancer.

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trophy hunting. Also various other games like horse races, bull fight, mongoose-snake fight, cock fight, bull race, camel race, dog race and circuses are cruel and I wonder why we need zoos and aquariums nowadays, when with the latest technology you can see animals in every corner of the world indulging in their natural movements rather than seeing a frightened and frustrated animal who has been incarcerated to serve a lifetime of imprisonment in a zoo.

On the same note, the pet industry is another method of abusing animals; keeping animals in confinement for life for pure entertainment, a practice that was introduced to Sri Lanka by the western colonial powers.

Another major area of animal right violations is the practice of animal sacrifice. In this modern day, such practices still continue shames us all. The belief that Gods can be appeased by sacrificing animals was laid to rest in Nepal a few years ago with earthquakes devastating both the urban areas and the countryside, despite large scale sacrifice(s) of

cattle and other four legged animals to appease Gods and seeking their blessings. In this context it is appropriate to quote Leo Tolstoy, the celebrated Russian Writer, who said: “As long as there are slaughter houses, there will always be battlefields.”

In the time of the Buddha and Mahavira (circa 500 BC), animal sacrifice was a widespread practice. It was virtually a mandatory exercise for anyone wanting to curry favour with the ‘Gods’. The practice had the blessings of Kings but that did not prevent the Buddha from speaking out against this morally indefensible practice.

The principle of ‘Ahimsa’ developed in India in the wake of the opposition raised against animal sacrifice by both the Buddha and Mahavira (the founder of Jainism). The Buddha, whose gentle disposition was offended by the unnecessary cruelty performed on the altars of the Gods, visited the priests officiating in the temples, and made the following remarks: "Ignorance only can make these men prepare festivals and hold vast meetings for sacrifices. Far better to revere the truth than try to appease the gods by shedding blood.”

"What love can a man possess who believes that the destruction of life alone will atone for evil deeds? Can a new wrong expiate old wrongs? And can the slaughter of an innocent victim blot out the evil deeds of mankind? This is practising religion by the neglect of moral conduct. "Purify your hearts and cease to kill; that is true religion." Rituals have no efficacy; prayers are vain repetitions; and incantations have no saving power. But to abandon covetousness and lust, to become free from evil passions, and to give up all hatred and ill will, that is the right sacrifice and the true worship. See The Gospel of Buddha compiled from ancient records by Paul Carus, (Senate, London, 1997).

Buddhism is an animal rights religion par excellence. It has since its inception held that all life forms are sacred and considers kindness and compassion the highest virtues. Moreover, Buddhism explicitly includes animals in its moral universe. Buddhist rules of conduct, including the first precept, “Do not kill” apply to our treatment of animals as well as to our treatment of other human beings.

We should appeal the world to adopt a vegan diet, oppose maintenance of zoos, do not adopt pets unless you come across a helpless animal, do not buy any items that carry animal parts, do not support any religious activities that harm animals or sacrifice animals to appease Gods, and most importantly cultivate reverence for life. In other words, respect the right of all living beings to live undisturbed and free of suffering. Further, engage in re-forestation, protect nature and wildlife, and avoid any act that pollutes the water, the earth and the air. Whenever possible, think about sustainable development and spread the message to others.

While we frequently hear of various animal meat festivals in different parts of the world, the decision to promote a plant-based diet in such context is indeed praiseworthy. I highly appreciate the organisers of this event in their efforts to give a correct and important message to the society. For more information on the various projects in Sri Lanka relating to social welfare, protection of wildlife, nature and animals, please visit our at website; www.bodhirajafoundation.org

This article is an abstract of the speech given by Venerable Dr. Omalpe Sobhita at the Green and Healthy Food Festival 2017, held at the EXPO Singapore on 19 August 2017.

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ESTABLISHING THE RIGHT CONCEPT OF TIMETIME CONNECTS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (PART 1)

- VENERABLE MASTER JEN CHUN -

When talking about the Buddha Dharma, we first need to establish a concept of time. This is because most people neglect the concept of time. The Buddha, on the other hand, having known that the principle of cause-and-effect is based on time, was fully aware of its importance.

Time connects past, present and futureThe Buddha taught that time has the attribute of continuity. The past, the present and the future are one and connected. This is even past beyond past, and the past can go so far back that you will not find a beginning. So, from a long, long time ago, sentient beings have been transmigrating in the cycle of life and death, all of which is very complex.

In contrast to the past, there is the future, and even future beyond future. The future can go so far ahead that there is no end to be found. Thus, if we compare the past and the future, we can say that the past is without a beginning, and the future without an end. It is the present that links the past and the future. This life of ours, to put it simply, is the present.

Ordinary people do not understand the nature of cause-and-effect and its relevance to the present. Why? Because they do not understand that the present is the result of past causes. Likewise, all our actions in this life in turn create new causes, which will produce future effects. Most people choose to ignore this fact. They prefer to avoid studying and discussing what happened in the past, and they are oblivious of the future – it is meaningless to them. They care only about the present.

Under these circumstances, most people only want to indulge in the pleasures of life, always looking for comfort and enjoyment. Such material indulgence only leads to entrapment, which brings extreme affliction. When you perceive life through distorted values, improvement will not be possible, because you are trapped by your false views. The Buddha illustrated cause-and-effect with three periodsThe reason that the Buddha Dharma emphasises the interrelatedness of the past, present and future is to demonstrate that there is time of the past, and the time of the future, so that you will not perceive your lives as being isolated, independent of everything else. Thus, your views will gradually open up, and you will not be pes-simistic, trapped in the current reality.

You will be able to look backward and forward into time. Whenever things are going well, you will not be overjoyed since you understand that your fortune is due to the good causes of the past. On the contrary, whenever things are not going well, you will not be regretful since you understand that it is because you did not plant good seeds in the past that you are facing problems now.

We must understand the principle of cause-and-effect. You may say to yourselves: “Now that I have learned the Buddha Dharma, I am responsible for taking what I have learnt, and building on the concept of cause-and-effect, teaching it to others – teaching others not to over-indulge.

Time connects past, present and future.The Buddha illustrated cause-and-effect

with three periods. Resolve to remove, build, create,

and develop in daily life. Utilise time well, make progress,

and completely open anew.

Venerable Master Jen Chun has written exten-sively on the Buddha Dharma, and lectured throughout the United States and in many other countries. Born in 1919, he entered mo-nastic life at the age of seven and became a disciple of Master Yin Shun in 1949.

Photo credit: Amitabhabuddha.files.wordpress.com

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Special significance of this pair of Vajra and Bell

"In 1982, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche returned to Tibet from India for the first time to the main monastery Payul Namgyal

Jangchub Choling. Some of the monasteries there offered this pair of Vajra and Bell to H.H. Penor Rinpoche. His Holiness kept

them with him for several months and later bestowed them to me. I respectfully kept them with me for more than thirty years as

an object of faith.

The People’s Buddhism Study Society (PBSS) in Singapore is an important local centre propagating the main Buddhist teachings

including the Vajrayana Teachings through hearing, meditation and practices. I had the fortunate opportunity to teach the

Vajrayana teachings at this centre for eighteen years. To express my gratitude, I offered this Vajra and Bell that is more than five

hundred years old, and which has great power of blessings to this Buddhist Study Centre (PBSS). This Vajra and and Bell is a

field of merits for whichever donor of the centre who receives them. Whoever comes into contact with this pair of Vajra and

Bell through seeing, recollection or touching would be able to pacify all negative harmfulness and fulfill whatever they wish for.

Ultimtely, they would be reborn into the Buddha pure realms according to their aspiration."

- From an extract of a special dedication by Khenpo Namdrol Rinpoche

THE VAJRA AND BELLTHEIR SYMBOLIC MEANING - KHENPO NAMDROL RINPOCHE -

The symbolic meaning of Vajra and Bell

According to Patrul Jigmed Chokyi Wangpo, “Vajra represents the wisdom mind of all the Buddhas. The bell has one face, which

according to the lower Tantra symbolises the Buddha Vairochana, and according to the higher Tantra, it is the Wisdom Mother of the

Vajra-Dharmadhatu; both explanations refer to the body of the Buddhas. The eight Buddha seed syllables symbolise the Truth of the

Words representing the melodious speech of the Buddha Dharma. Thus, they completely represent the body, speech and mind of the

essence in Vajrayana and they are uncommon samaya objects. Even a slight damage to them will result in a heavy karma; therefore one

should always make offerings to them and honour them with respect.”

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In the history of Chinese literature and Zen, the poet Han Shan (“Cold Mountain”) is an exceptionally talented poet and one of the most revered poets in China, also regarded as an immortal figure in the history of Chinese literature and Zen. His poems, though

written twelve hundred years ago on the rocks, trees, and temple walls of China’s Tientai Mountains continue to educate and inspire many, even right up till today in this modern world.

This translated, revised and expanded edition of The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain also includes poems by Han

Shan’s colleagues, Pickup (Shih Te) and Big Stick (Feng Kan). In addition, the accompanying annotations offer insights with succinct and sophisticated clarity – just like the following annotation to Verse 237 (see above); ‘In a previous existence, Shakyamuni scattered lotuses and laid his own hair before Dipamkara Buddha so that the latter’s feet would not touch the mud. Following this action, Dipamkara prophesised Shakyamuni’s future Buddhahood (Juiying Penchi Sutra) and proceeded to list previous and intervening buddhas. The Avatamsaka Sutra says, “All tathagatas share the same dharma body, the same mind, the same wisdom.” (Quoted in Chihkuan: 3.2). Tathagata is another name for a buddha and refers to someone who exists independent of time and place.

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma and The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain, translated by Red Pine can be purchased at www.amazon.com. Red Pine (pen-name of Bill Porter) is one of the world’s leading translators of Chinese literary and religious texts, including poetry and sutras.

The bilingual edition of The Zen Teaching Teaching of Bodhidharma (菩提达摩大师略辨大乘入道四行观), presents Bodhidharma's four great teachings of the entire volume in English. Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th century and is regarded as the great transmitter and influencer of Chan Buddhism to China.

As mentioned in the "Outline of Practice", ‘Many roads lead up to the Path, but basically, there are only two: reason and practice which describes the four all-inclusive habits that lead to enlightenment. In the remaining chapters, the "Bloodstream Sermon" exhorts students to seek the Buddha by seeing their own nature, the "Wake-up Sermon" defends his premise that the most essential method for reaching enlightenment is beholding the

mind. The original Chinese text, presented on facing pages, is taken from a Ch'ing dynasty woodblock edition.

THE ZEN TEACHING OF BODHIDHARMAA BILINGUAL EDITION

They say when Shakyamunifirst heard Dipamkara’s prophecyDipamkara and Shakyamunispoke only of past and future sagespast and future bodies didn’t matterhow they differed didn’t differfor each and every Buddha the mind is a tathagata’s realm

Verse 237

THE COLLECTED SONGS OF COLD MOUNTAINPOEMS TRANSLATED, REVISED AND EXPANDED

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The Institute of Chinese Buddhism (ICBuddhism) organised a Symposium on Disruptions from 12-13 August 2017 at the Suntec Convention Centre with the theme, "Unleashing Intrinsic Qualities to Succeed in This Era of Disruptions".

From the first keynote address by Venerable Professor Hui Min on "Taking Charge of Your Own Destiny"; to Associate Professor Her Rey Shang on "Managing Uncertainties from the Perspective of Non-Profit Organisation - Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation" and panel discussions "Dealing with Life Disruptions and Crisis" and "How Much is Enough? Consumerism and Environmentalism", this 2-day event touched on topics that concern the day-to-day struggles that many have in today's consumerism world. What stood out in this symposium were the pragmatic advice, approaches and down-to-earth sharings by the invited guests that included Professor Choo Chiau Beng, Former CEO Keppel Corporation Limited; Mr Charles Wong, Founder and CEO, Charles and Keith Group of Companies; Mr George Quek, Group Chairman, BreadTalk Group Limited; and Mr Arthur Chua, CEO, Goldbell Group of Companies. Check out For You Information Issue 343 for insights.

SYMPOSIUM ON DISRUPTIONSINSTITUTE OF CHINESE BUDDHISM

In Venerable Professor Hui Min's speech delivered on the second day of the symposium titled, "Procrastination, Personal Effectiveness, Mindfulness", he shared scientific, psychological and personal reasons that contribute to one's inclination to procrastinate and leave things to be done at the last minute.

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DIALOGUE WITH JOB ON ATTENTIONDEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER (ADHD)

- DR. JEFFREY PO -

Jeffrey: Hi, Job. How have you been? You look troubled.

Job: Well, I have a problem and I need someone to help me.

Jeffrey: Ok – please tell me more.

Job: My son who is seven years of age seems always full of

energy. He can never sit still and lack focus. He does not look

at me when I am talking to him, and I think he may have some

problems. So, I consulted a psychologist and he diagnosed

my son as suffering from ADHD. What is this condition? And

is this condition or disorder serious? Would he be able to lead

a normal life like others?

Jeffrey: Hey Job, don’t panic. Allow me to explain — ADHD

is the acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

However, don’t be threatened by the term “disorder”. It is just

a behavioural issue and he will not die from it. This peculiar

behaviour is characterised by:

• Havingtroublepayingattention(inattentiveness).

People with ADHD are usually easily distracted and

they have difficulties with focusing on any one task.

• Havingtroublesittingstillforevenashortperiod

of time (hyperactivity).Children with ADHD may

squirm, fidget, and/or run around at the wrong times.

Teens and adults often feel restless and even fidgety.

and reading can be tough for them as well.

• Actingbeforethinking(impulsivity). People with

ADHD may talk too loud, laugh too loud, or become

angrier than the situation calls for. Children may not

be able to wait for their turn or to share. This makes

it hard for them to play with other children.

Job: Can medication help to reduce the problem?

Jeffrey: Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall are often

prescribed, but they might not be the best option for your

child — there are however treatment protocols.

Medications for ADHD may help your child concentrate

better or sit still, at least in the short term. But to date, there

is little evidence that they can improve school achievements,

relationships, or behavioural issues over the long run.

And even in the short term, medication will not be able to

solve all problems or eliminate the symptoms of ADHD.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the effects that these

powerful drugs may have on a child’s developing brain. And

the side effects — such as irritability, loss of appetite, and

insomnia — can also be problematic too.

Again, everyone responds differently to ADHD

medication. Some children experience dramatic improvements

while others experience little or even no relief at all. The side

effects also differ from child to child.

Job: Oh, then what can be done then?

Jeffrey: Well Job, one can introduce “green time” — exercise

and time spent in nature or the outdoors. Studies have shown

that spending time in nature can reduce the symptoms of

ADHD in children. Encourage your child to play outside for

at least 30 minutes each day, if possible.

Exercising is one of the easiest and most effective ways to

reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity immediately

boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

levels — all of which affect focus and attention. In this way,

exercise and medications for ADHD such as Ritalin and

Adderall work similarly. But unlike ADHD medications,

exercise does not require a prescription, and not only is it free

of side effects, it can also bring about better health.

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65

Activities that require one to pay close attention to one's body

movements, such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and

skateboarding, are particularly good for kids with ADHD.

Team sports too is also a good choice as the social element

keeps the activities interesting.

Job: Wow, these sound good. Is there anything else I can do?

Jeffrey: Another thing to consider for your son is the

importance of having adequate quality sleep in his ADHD

treatment. Having regular and quality sleep can lead to

vast improvement in reducing the symptoms of ADHD.

However, many kids with ADHD have problems getting to

sleep at night. Sometimes, these sleep difficulties are due to

stimulant medications, and decreasing the dose or stopping

the medication entirely may solve the problem. However, a

large percentage of children with ADHD who are not taking

stimulant medications can also experience sleep difficulties.

If your son is one of them, the following tips can help.

• Setaregularbedtime, and enforce it positively.

• Tryasoundmachineorafan, if the background

noise keeps your child up.

• Turnoffallelectronics such as TV, computer, video

games, and iPhone at least an hour before bed.

• Limitphysicalactivity in the evening.

Job: Thanks for the tips. But what about food and diets?

Jeffrey: Well, these are very important! Good nutrition and

diet ary plan can also help to reduce the ADHD symptoms

and improve your son's attention and focus. In addition, many

studies show that what, and when you eat, makes a significant

difference when it comes to managing ADHD.

• Schedule regularmealsor snacksnomore than

threehoursapart. This will help keep your child’s

blood sugar level consistent, minimising irritability

and thus supporting better concentration and focus.

• Try to include a little protein and complex

carbohydrates at each meal or snack — these

foods will help your child feel more alert and at

the same time decrease hyperactivity.

• Check your child’s zinc, iron, and magnesium

levels. Many children with ADHD have low levels

of these important minerals in their body. Boosting

their levels may help control ADHD symptoms, and

increasing iron may be particularly helpful.

• Addmoreomega-3fattyacidstoyourchild’sdiet.

Studies show that omega-3s can reduce hyperactivity

and impulsivity, and at the same time able to enhance

concentration in kids (and adults) with ADHD.

Omega-3s are found in salmon, tuna, sardines, and

some fortified eggs and milk products. However,

one of the easiest ways to boost your child’s level of

omega-3 is through taking fish oil supplements.

Job: Has Buddhism any advice on this condition?

Jeffrey: I don’t think there is anything in the suttas that refers

explicitly to ADHD. However, for an adult, meditation can

help with the focusing and concentration aspect. Focusing on

the breath is excellent as meditation stills the mind. You can

try to get your son to chew something slowly — perhaps a

fruit gum that allows him to savour the taste slowly. Teach

him to feel the movement of his mouth, tongue, saliva and

movements of the gum in his mouth. Another thing to try

is walking meditation as it is a bit more active than sitting

meditation. With this, excess energy can also be used rather

than suppressed, and he should focus on his steps too. Does he

follow you to any Buddhist temples and participate in some

of the rituals? If he does, then get him to concentrate on the

chanting and rituals. In that way, he will not get distracted.

Job: Thanks for your advice, Jeff. I really appreciate the tips

you have shared with me.

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66

420. Whose destination is unknown to humans, spirits or to gods, pollutions stayed, an Arahant, that one I call a Brahmin True.

Explanation: Their path, neither gods, nor spirits, nor humans can fathom. Their taints are totally eradicated. They have attained the higher spiritual state. This person I declare a brahmana.

421. That one who’s free of everything that’s past, that’s pres-ent, yet to be,who nothing owns, who’s unattached, that one I call a Brahmin True.

Explanation: Their path, neither gods, nor spirits, nor humans can fathom. Their taints are totally eradicated. They have attained the higher spiritual state. This person I declare a brahmana.

422. One noble, most excellent, heroic too, great sage and one who conquers all, who’s faultless, washed, one Awake, that one I call a Brahmin True.

Explanation: He is a great sage as he has realized the essentials. He has conquered death. He is devoid of blemishes. He has washed away all evil. He has awakener to the essentials. That person, I de-scribe as a brahmana.

423. Who so does know of former lives and sees the states of bliss and woe and then who’s reached the end of births, a sage supreme with wisdom keen, complete in all accomplishments, that one I call a Brahmin True.

Explanation: He knows his former existences. He has the capacity to see heaven and hell - states of ecstasy and states of woe. He has ended the cycle of existences. He has his higher awareness. He has reached the state of a sage. He has achieved the final perfection. Him I describe as a brahmana.

[End of The Dhammapada, Chapter 26]

THE DHAMMAPADA- THE TREASURY OF TRUTH

The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse

form and one of the best-known and best-loved works of Bud-

dhist literature. The Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviv-

ing body of Buddhist writings, and is traditionally regarded as the

authentic teachings of the Buddha himself, spoken by him in his

lifetime, and memorised and then handed down by his followers

after his death.

A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as ‘aware-

ness’, ‘fools’ and ‘old age’, The Dhammapada is accessible, in-

structional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give

ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life.

Also, in the last few chapters, it tackles cravings, expected behav-

iours of a cultivator, monk and the brahmana. The Dhammapada,

possibly the most popular and best-known of all Buddhist texts,

sums up ‘in the simplest language the core teachings of the Bud-

dha’, as Jack Kornfield writes in the foreword of The Dhamma-

pada, A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations.

The Dhammapada(Below)

A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations

Authored and translated by Gil Fronsda

Foreword by Jack Kornfield

(available at www. www.amazon.com)

(Above)

Penguin Classics

Translated by Valerie J. Roebuck

(available at www.booksdepository.com)

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