The Study Book

Novice Summer Camp 2011 Wat Pasantidhamma, Virginia

Sadhu kho pabbajja nama Ordination is a great privilege Sadhu kho pabbajja nama Ordination is a great privilege

THE STUDY BOOKSUMMER NOVICE CAMP

WAT PASANTIDHAMMA

AUGUST 7-14, 2011

THINK BEFORE YOU TALK

Think well before you speak because your

words may plant the seed of either success or

failure in the mind of some other person.

- Napoleon Hill -

Wat Pasantidhamma14289 Chapmans LaneCarrollton, VA 23314

www.watpa.iirt.net, www.bdlus.comE-mail : [email protected]



PART ONECHANTING

BE A MAN OF VALUE Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein

PART ONE-CHANTING

Praise for the Triple Gem 3

The heart of Buddhism 7

The blessing word 10

Verses of Excellent Blessing 11

Chanting before meal 12

The ten precepts 14

PART TWO-SELF-TRAINING

Meditation 17

Buddhist Holy Day 20

Magha Puja Day 20

Visakha Puja Day 21

Asalha Puja Day 23

Buddhist Poem 25

Dhamma Study 30

PART THREE-LEARNING

The schedule of program 33

Daily Schedule 35

The first novice in Buddhism 36

Note 40-48

The duties 49-50



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Arahang sammā-sambuddho bhagawā, The Blessed One is Worthy and Rightly Self-awakened.Buddhang bhagawantang abhiwādemi, I bow down before the Awakened, Blessed One.

(BOW DOWN)

Svākkhāto Bhagawatā dhammo, The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One.Dhammang namassāmi, I pay homage to the Dhamma.

(BOW DOWN)

Supatipanno bhagawato sāwaka-sangkho, The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples has practiced well.Sanghang namāmi. I pay respect to the Sangha.

(BOW DOWN)

Handa mayang buddhassa bhagawato pubba-bhāga-namakārang karoma sē: Now let us chant the preliminary passage in homage to the Awakened One, the Blessed One:(ALL)Namo tassa bhagawato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa

(Three times) Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self awakened One.

THE TOP-OF-THE-BANNER-STAFF PROTECTION

Itipi so bhagavā arahang sammā-sambuddho,

PRAISE FOR THE TRIPLE GEM



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He is a Blessed One, a Worthy One, a Rightly Self-Awakened One,Vijjā-carana-sampanno sugato lokavidū, Consummate in knowledge and conduct, one who has gone the good way, knower of the cosmos,Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi satthā devmanussanang buddho bhagavāti. Unexcelled trainer of those who can be taught, teacher of human and divine beings; awakened; blessed.Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhāmmo, The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One.Sanditthiko akāliko ehipassiko, To be seen here and now, timeless, inviting all to come and see,Opanayiko paccattang veditabbo viññūhīti. Leading inward, to be seen by the wise for themselves.Supatipanno bhagavato savāka-sangho, The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples who have practiced well,Ūju-patipanno bhagavato sāvaka-sangho,

The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples Who have practiced straightforwardly,ñāya-patipanno bhagavato sāvaka-sangho, The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples who have practiced methodically,Sāmīci-patipanno bhagavato sāvaka-sangho, The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples who have practiced masterfully,Yadidang cattāri purisa-yugāni attha purisa-puggalā: i.e., the four pairs – the eight types – of Noble Ones:Esa bhagavato sāvaka-sangho – That is the Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples –Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhineyyo anjalī-karanīyo, Worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect,Anuttarang punnakkhettang lokassāti. The incomparable field of merit for the world.



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OVĀDA-PĀTIMOKKHA GĀTHĀ

Sabba-pāpassa akaranang, Never doing of all evil,Kusalassūpasampadā, In virtue always fulfilled. Sacitta-pariyodapanang: Purifying one’s own heartEtang buddhāna-sāsanang. These are the teaching of all Buddhas. Khanti paramang tapo titikkhā Patience is the suppreme incinerator of the highest austerity.Nibbānang paramang vadanti buddhā, All Awakened one say nibhana is surpreme Na hi pabbajito parūpaghāti Those who harm others are not yet calmSamano hoti parang vihēthayanto Those who oppress others are not yet calm.Anupavādo anupaghāto Not reviling, not injuring,

Pātimokkhē ca sangvaro restraint in line with the monastic code,Mattanyutā ca bhattasming Moderation in food,Pantañca sayanāsanang. dwelling in seclusion,Adhicittē ca āyogo: Devotion to the heightened mindĒtang buddhāna-sāsananti These are the Teacing of all Buddhas

THE SUBLIME ATTITUDES

Ahang AWēro homi . May I be free from anmity Ahang Abyāpajjo homi. May I be free from ill-treatment.Ahang Anīko homi. May I be free from trouble.Ahang Niddukkho homi. May I be free from suffering.Ahang Sukhī attānang pariharāmi. May I protect my own happiness.Ahang sukhito homi. May I be happy.



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Sabbē sattā awērā hontu. May all beings be free from anmity. Sabbē sattā abyapajjā hontu. May all beings be free from ill-treatment.Sabbē sattā anīgā hontu. May all living beings be free from trouble.Sabbē sattā sabba-dukkhā pamuccāntu. May all beings be free from suffering.Sabbē sattā sukhī attānang pariharantu. May all beings protect their own happiness.Sabbē sattā sukhitā hontu. May all beings be happy.

ANUMODANĀ GĀTHĀ (The blessing word)

Yathā vārivahā pūrā paripūrenti sāgarang, Just as the rivers full of water fill the ocean full,Evameva ito dinnang petānang upakap-pati. Even so does that here given benefit the dead.Icchitang patthitang tumhang khippa-meva samijjhatu, Whatever by you wisthed or wanted may it quickly be,Sabbe pūrentu sankappā cando pan-naraso yathā, May all your wisthed be fulfilled as the moon upon the fifteenth day,Manijoti raso yathā. Or as the wish-fulfilling gem.

Sabbītiyo vivajjantu sabbarogo vinas-satu,



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May all distress be averted,Mā te bhavatvantarāyo sukhī dīghāyuko bhava. May all diseases be destroyed, may no dangers be for you, May you be happy, living long.Abhivādanasīlissa niccang vuddhāpacāyino, He of respectful nature who ever the elders honouring,Cattāro dhammā vaddhanti āyu vanno sukhang balang. Four qualities for him increase: long life and beauty, happiness and strength.

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SUMANGALAGĀTHĀ(Verses of Excellent Blessing)

Bhavatu sabbamangalang rakkhantu sabbadevatā, May there be for you all blessings, may all the devines protect you well,Sabba buddhānubhāvena sadā sotthī

bhavantute, By the power of all the Buddhas, ever in safety may you be.Bhavatu sabbamangalang rakkhantu sabbadevatā, May there be for you all blessings, may all the devines protect you well,Sabba dhammānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantute, By the power of all the Dhammas, ever in safety may you be.Bhavatu sabbamangalang rakkhantu sabbadevatā, May there be for you all blessings, may all the devines protect you well,Sabba sanghānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantute, By the power of all the Sangas, ever in safety may you be.

*******REFLECION AT THE MOMENT OF US-

ING THE REQUISITES(CHANTING BEFORE MEAL)

Patisankhā yo niso pindapātang patisēwāmi,



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wisely reflecting, I use alms food,Nēwa dawāya na madāya na mandanāya na Wibhūsanāya, Not playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on weight, nor for beautification,Yāwadēwa imassa kāyassa thitiyā yāpanāya But simply for the survival and continuance of this body,Wihingsuparatiyā brahma-cariyānukkahāya, For ending its afflictions, for the support of the holy life,Iti purānañca wēdanang patihankhāmi nawañca Wēdanang na uppādēssāmi, Thinking thus, I destroy all feelings of hunger And not create new feelings from overeating.Yātrā ca mē bhawissati anawajjatā ca phāsu-wihāro cāti. So that I may continue to live Blamelessly and at ease.

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THE TEN PRECEPTS

1.Pānātipātā veramanī.2.Adinnādānā veramanī.3.Abrahmacariyā veramanī.4.Musāvādā veramanī.5.Surāmerayamajjapamādatthānā veramanī.6.Vikālabhojanā veramanī.7.Naccagītavāditavisūkadassanā veramanī.8.Mālāgandhavilepanadhā , ranamandanavibhūsa natthānā veramanī.9.Uccāsayanamahāsayanā veramanī.10.Jātarūparajatapatiggahanā veramanī. 1.Refraining from killing living creatures. 2.Refraining from taking what is not giv-en. 3.Refraining from unchaste conduct. 4.Refraining from speaking falsely. 5.Refraining from distilled and fermented intoxicants which are the occasion for careless-ness.



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PART TWOSELF-TRAINING

LEARN HOW TO SMILE If you can smile at life, life will always smile at you. Will Durant

6.Refraining from eating at the wrong time. 7.Refraining from dancing, singing, music and going to see entertaiments. 8.Refraining from wearing garlands, adorning with perfumes and beautifying with cosmetics. 9.Refraining from lying on a high or large sleeping-place. 10.Refraining from accepting gold and silver (money).

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How to do it ?

The meditations for children include five steps: 1. Relaxing the body 2. Deep breathing 3. Concentration of the mind 4. Expansion of the mind 5. Productive activity

1. Relaxing the Body Some stretching or yoga exercises will be recommended. After the yoga exercises, have the children tense and relax each body part, starting with the toes and ending with the top of the head. Or you can dothe waterfall relaxation meditation with the children.

2. Deep Breathing i. Gather the children to sit cross legged on the cushions, left palm over the right palm ii. Keep the back straight and also relaxed as that will allow a natural flow of energy up and down the spine

iii. Have the children close their eyes iv. Practise deep breathing for a few moments a. Breathe in to a count of three, hold the breath and breathe out to a count of three; b. As you breathe, you breathe in fresh energy, love, joy and peace. They are entering and spreading throughout your body; c. As you breathe out, imagine any negative feelings — sadness, boredom, anger or tiredness — coming out through your nose and leaving your body and disappearing3. Concentration of the MindThis step is focusing the mind at one point. i. Visualise a point on your upper lip and concentrate at that point. Draw all the energy and attention into that point while staying very relaxed. Let any stray thoughts or memories pass through, always gently drawing the attention back to the point.

4. Expansion of the Mind Once the children’s bodies, emotions and minds are quiet, they are ready for the fourth step: true meditation – turning inside for their own answers and wisdom. Guide the children to expand their imagi-nation and awareness through guided imagery. By using guided imag-ery, the children will learn to see themselves on a movie screen in their minds as a caring, loving, patient etc. person. This will aid them to perform better as a human being as their thoughts are slowly being transformed into wholesome and positive ones.

5. Productive activity

Meditation



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i. Slowly bring your attention back to your body. Feel all your body parts. Slowly wriggle your fingers and toes. Ro-tate your head.When you are ready, slowly open your eyes. It is now time for the fifth step: grounding the newfound energy, wisdom, insights and heightened awareness into some useful and productive activity. Direct the children to channel this newly focused energy and creativity into dance, art, story writing, music, sharing, class discussions, creative communication, awareness games or academic work.

The children learn to relax before meditation. A beautiful waterfall of white light is flowing down on you. It flows down on your head, helping your head to relax. You feel your head relaxing. It moves down over your neck and shoulders. Your neck and shoulders are relaxing.Now it flows down over your arms. You feel your arms relaxing. It flows down your back. Your back is letting go and relaxing. It flows over your chest and stomach, helping your chest and stomach relax. You feel your chest and stomach relax. It moves down over your legs and feet. You feel your legs and feet letting go and relax-ing. The beautiful waterfall of white light is flowing over your whole body. You are very peaceful and relaxed.

Magha Puja DayFourfold Assembly

There are many im-

portant Buddhist Holy Days.

These days fall on the full

moon day and 8th day of the

waxing and waning moon.

They are Visakha Puja Day,

Asalha Puja Day, and Magha

Puja Day. In this lesson, we

are studying about one of

these days. It is Magha Puja

Day.

Magha Puja Day takes

place on the full moon day of the third lunar month(full moon day of

March). This Holy Day is observed to commemorate two important

events in the life of the Buddha. The first important event occurred early

in the Buddha's missionary life.

After the first Rains Retreat at Deer Park(near the city of Benares

in India), the Buddha went to Rajagaha city, 1250 Arahants(Enlightened

Saints), the Buddha's Disciples, without prior appointment, returned

from their mission to pay respect to the Buddha. They assembled in

Buddhist Holy Day



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the Veruvana Monastery(Temple). Two chief disciples of the Buddha,

Sariputta and Moggallana, were also there. This assembly is called the

Fourfold Assembly because it consisted of four factors, namely;

1. All 1250 monks were Arahants.

2. All of them had been ordained by the Buddha himself.

3. They assembled by themselves without any prior call.

4. It was the full moon day of Magha month.

Fundamental Principles of Buddhism

The Buddha took this opportunity to proclaim the fundamental

principles of the Buddhist teachings, as follows:

Sabbapapassa Akaranam : Not to do any bad action.

kusalassupasampada : To do good deeds.

Sacitta Pariyodapanam : To purify the mind.

This is known as Ovada Patimokkha, the fundamental principles of Bud-

dhism. If people the world over follow these principles of Buddhism,

human beings will have peaceful and happy lives indeed. This is the first

event that happened in the first part of the Buddha's mission.

********

Visakha Puja Day Today is Sunday. Thapa-

nee did not go to her regular

school. She came to the Bud-

dhist Sunday School to study

Thai and Buddhism. In this pe-

riod her instructor will teach her

and her friends about the meaning of Visakha Puja Day.

The following is a conversation between Thapanee and her

teacher.

Thapanee : What is the meaning of Visakha Puja, Sir?

Teacher : It means paying homage to the Buddha on the full moon day

of Visakha month, the sixth lunar moonth.

Thapanee ; Why do we do this Puja, sir?

Teacher ; We do this puja to commemorate the birth of the Buddha, his

enlightenment, and his passing away on the full moon day of this month.

This is why we call this day "Visakha Puja Day."

Thapanee : Please give some details, sir.

Teacher : It commemorates the three events of the Buddha's own

life:

1. The Buddha was born on the full moon day of the sixth lunar

month in the beautiful garden of Lumbini, on the border of Kapilavastu

city and Devadaha city, near the present Indo-Nepalese border.

2. The Buddha realized Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree on

the full moon day of the sixth lunar month thirty-five years after his

birth.

3. The Buddha passed away on the full moon day of the sixth

lunar month under the Sala trees in the forest near Kusinara city, forty-

five years after realizing enlightenment, at the age of eighty. These three

events happened on the same day. This day is known as the day of coin-

cidence of Birth, Enlightenment, and Death of the Buddha.

********



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Asalha Puja Day In this lesson we will study about

Asalha Puja Day, which is an im-

portant day for Buddhist people.

And what happened on this day last

2575 years ago during the lifetime

of Lord Buddha. We will study a

conversation between Paulene and

her teacher in Wat Dhammaram

Sunday School, the Thai Buddhist

Temple of Chicago.

Paulene : What does Asalha Puja mean Sir ?

Teacher : Asalha Puja means to pay homage to the Buddha on

the full moon day of the 8th lunar month(approximately July). It is one

fo the Buddhist Holy Days.

Paulene : Where and when is Asalha Puja Day observed Sir?

Teacher : Asalha Puja Day is observed in many Buddhist

countries in the world since it was first observed in Thailand in 2501

B.E.(1958).

Paulene : What event concerning Buddhism occurred on the full

moon day of the 8th lunar month Sir?

Teacher : Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five as-

cetics, namely: Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji

2575 years ago at Deer Park(Sarnath) near Benares city, in India.

Paulene : Can you tell me sir? What happened after the first ser-

mon of the Buddha?

Teacher ; Yes, Kondanna, the senior ascetic, attained insight into

the truth of life(the Sotapanna level of mind purity), entering the stream

of assured enlightenment.

Paulene : What is the name of the first sermon of the Buddha sir

?

Teacher : The first sermon of the Buddha is known as Dhmma-

cakkappavattana Sutta or turning the wheel of the Dhamma Discourse.

Paulene : Thank you sir. And what are the principles of the first

sermon ?

Teacher : The principles of the first sermon are as follows :

1. Dissatisfaction,

2. Cause of Disssatisfaction,

3. Extinction of Dissatisfaction,

4. The way which leads to an extinction of Dissatisfac-

tion.

In simple terms, the first sermon concerns itself with the prob-

lem of life, the causes of the problem, problem solving, and the problem

solving method.



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1.Evil begets evil Mind is the forerunner of (all evil) states. Mind is chief; mind-made are they. If one speaks or acts with wicked mind, because of that, suffering follows one, even as the wheel follows the hoof of the draught-ox.

An Arahant who had lost his eyesight(Cakkhupala) One day, Venerable Cakkhupala who was blind came to pay homage to the Buddha at the Jetavana monastery. While he was pacing up and down in meditation, he accidentally stepped on some insects. In the morning, some bhikkhus visiting him found the dead insects. They thought ill of him and reported the matter to the Buddha. When ques-tioned by the Buddha whether they had seen Cakkhupala killing the insects, they answered in the negative. The Buddha then admonished them, 'Just as you had not seen him killing, so also he had not seen those living insects. Besides, being an Arahant he had no intention of killing, and was not guilty of committing an unwholesome act.' On being asked why Cakkhupala was blind, the Buddha revealed the following story to explain the nature of kammic effects. Cakkhupala had been a physician in one of his past existences. Once, he had deliberately made a woman patient blind. That woman had promised to become his servant together with her children if her eyes were completely cured. Fearing that she and her children would have to become servants, she lied to the physician. She told him that her eyes were getting worse when, in fact, they were perfectly cured. The physi-cian knew she was deceiving him, so in revenge, he gave her another ointment which made her totally blind. As a result of this evil deed the physician lost his eyesight many times in his later existences.The Buddha then commented that an evil deed committed will follow the evildoer just like a wheel follows the hoof of the ox that bears the yoke.

Buddhist Poem2. Anger is conquered by love Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through love alone they cease. This is an eternal law.

The bitter feud through various existences (Kala Yakkhini) Once there lived a householder, whose wife was barren. Being unable to bear a child and afraid that she would be mistreated by her husband and her mother-in-law, she herself selected and arraged for her husband to marry another woman. But on two occasions, as soon as she knew the second wife was pregnant, the barren wife gave her food mixed with drugs causing her to have miscarriages. On her third pregnancy, the fruitful wife kept it to herself without informing the barren wife. But when the latter came to know about it, she again caused an abortion. Eventually the second wife died in childbirth. Before her death, the un-fortunate woman was filled with hatred and vowed vengeance on the barren wife and her future offspring. Thus he feud started. Among their later existences the two were reborn as a hen and a cat; a doe and a leopardess; and finally as the daughter of a nobleman in Savatthi and an ogress. One day the demon(Kala Yakkhini) was in hot pursuit of the nobleman's daughter and her baby. When the lady heard that the Buddha was giving a religious discourse at the Jetavan monastery, she fled to him and placed her son at his feet for protection. The demon was thus prevented from entering the monastery. She was later called in and both the lady and the ogress were admonished by the Buddha. The Buddha told them about their past feud as rival wives and how they had been harbouring hatred towards each other and killing each oher's offspring through their various lives. They were made to see that hatred could only cause more hatred, and that it could only cease through friendship, understanding and goodwill. Both realised their mis-takes, and on the admonition of the Buddha, made their peace with each other. The Buddha then requested the woman to hand over her son to the ogress. Fearing for the safety of her son, she hesitated, but because of her devotion and confidence in the Enlightened One she handed over her son as directed. The child was warmly received by the ogress. After kissing and caressing the child tenderly like her very own son, the ogress handed



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over the child back to his mother. As a result of this episode, there was much good will on both sides.

3. Cultivate good friendship Associate not with evil friends, associate not with mean men; associate with good friends, associate with noble men.

The stubbornness of Venerable Channa Channa was the attendant who had accompanied Prince Sid-dhattha when he renounced the world. When the prince attained Bud-dhahood, Channa also became a bhikkhu. Although he was a bhikkhu, he was very stubborn and arrogant because he was proud of his close connection with the Buddha. Channa used to say, 'I accompanied my Master when he left the palace for the forest. At that time, I was the only companion of my Master and there was no one else. But now, Sariputta and Moggallana (brahmins by birth) say they are the chief Disciples and they hold the authority to control us.' When the Buddha admonished him for his behaviour, he kept silent but continued to abuse and taunt the two Chief Disciples. The Buddha admonished him several times to change his attitude: 'Channa, these two noble bhikkhus are good friends to you; you should associate with them and be on good terms with them.' In spite of repeated advice given by the Buddha, Channa did as he pleased and continued to scold and abuse the two Chief Disciples. The Buddha said that Channa would not improve his ways immediately but would surely change after the parinibbana of the Mater. On the eve of his passing away, the Buddha called Ananda to his bedside and in-structed him to discipline Channa by imposing the 'Brahmadanda' on Channa, i.e. for the bhikkhus to simply ignore him and not to invite him for anything. After the Parinibbana of the Buddha, Channa, learning about the restrictions imposed on him, felt a deep and bitter remorse for having done wrong. He admitted his mistake and apologised to the Sangha. From that moment, he changed his ways and also obeyed all their in-structions in his meditation practice and soon attained Arahanthood.

4. The wise control themselves Irrigators lead the waters, fletchers bend the shafts; carpenters bend the wood; the wise control themselves.

A young samanera's achievement(Pandita) Pandita was a son of a well-known man of Savatthi. He became a samanera when he was very young. On the eighth day after becoming a samanera as he was following Venerable Sariputta on an almsround, he saw some farmers channelling water into their fields and asked Sariputta, 'Venerable Sir, can water which has no mind be guided to wherever one wishes?' 'Yes, it can be guided to wherever one wishes,' replied Sariputta as they continued on their way. The samanera next saw those who make arrows heating their arrows with fire and straightening them. Further on, he came across some carpenters cutting, sawing and plaining tim-ber to make things like cart-wheels. Then he pondered, 'If water which is without mind can be guided to wherever one desires, if a crooked bamboo which is without mind can be straightened, and if timber which is without mind can be made into useful things, why should I, having consciousness, be unable to tame my mind and practise Tranquillity and Insight Meditation?' There and then he asked permission from Sariputta and returned to his own room in the monastery. There he ardently and diligently prac-tised meditation, contemplating on the body. The devas also helped him in his meditation by keeping the monastery and its surroundings very quiet and still. Soon after Pandita attianed Anagami(the third stage of Sainthood). At that time Sariputta was going towards the place where the sa-manera was. The Buddha saw with his supernormal power that Pandita had attained Anagami and also that if he continued to practise medita-tion he would soon attain Arahanthood. So the Buddha decided to pre-vent Sariputta from entering the samanera's room. The Buddha went to the door and kept Sariputta engaged by putting some questions to him. While the conversation was taking place, Pandita attined Arahanthood on the eighth day after becoming a novice. In this connection, the Buddha said, 'When one is earnestly prac-tising the Dhamma, even devas give protection and keep guard; I myself have kept Sariputta engaged at the door so that Pandita could attain Ara-



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Dhamma Study

1. Rare persons

1.1. Pubbakari : one who is first to do a favour; previous

benefactor

1.2. Katannukatavedi : one who is grateful and repays the

done favour ; grateful person

2.The three Admonitions or Exhortations of the Buddha

2.1.Not to do any evil

2.2. To do good ; to cultivate good

2.3. To purify the mind

3. Path of accomplishment, basis for success

3.1. Will; aspiration

3.2. Energy; effort; exertion

3.3. Thoughtfulness; active thought

3.4. Investigation; examination; reasoing; testing

hanthood.'

5.Be rather a victor of yourself Self-conquesst is, indeed, far greater than the conquest of all oth-er folk; neither a god nor a gandhabba, nor Mara, nor Brahma, can win back the victory of such a person who is self-subdued and ever lives in restraint.

Gain and loss in gambling On one occasion, a brahmin told the Budha, 'Venerable Sir, I think you know only the practices that are beneficial and not the prac-tices that are unbeneficial.' The Buddha replied that he also knew the practices which were unbeneficial and harmful. Then the Buddha enu-merated six practices which cause dissipation of wealth. They are(1)Sleeping until the sun has arisen, (2)habitual idleness, (3) cruelty, (4)indulgence in intoxicants which cause drunkenness and negligence, (5) wandering alone in streets at suspicious hours, and (6) sexual miscon-duct. Further, the Buddha asked the brahmin how he earned his living, and the brahmin replied that he earned his living by playing dice, i.e. by gambling. Next, the Buddha asked him whether he had won or lost. When the brahmin answered that he sometimes lost and sometimes won, the Buddha said to him, 'To win in a game of dice is nothing compared to a victory over moral defilements.'



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PART THREELEARNING

NAME NEVER DIES Man's body turns to dust, buthisnameorinfluencepersists. Buddha

4. In five ways a child should minister to his parents

4.1. Having been supported by them I will support them in

my turn.

4.2. I will do their work for them.

4.3. I will keep up the honour and the traditions of my

family.

4.4. I will make myself worthy of my heritage.

4.5. I will make offerings, dedicating merit to them after

their death.

5. Cause of ruin; sources for the destruction of the amassed

wealth

5.1. Addiction to intoxicants

5.2. Roaming the streets at unseemly hours

5.3. Frequenting shows

5.4. Indulgence in gambling

5.5. Association with bad companions

5.6. Habit of idleness



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Day

Time/Subject

8.30-10.00 a.m. 1.30-2.30 p.m. 2.40-3.40 p.m. 4.00-5.00 p.m. 6.00-7.00 p.m. 7.30-9.00 p.m.

Holy Day Buddhist Poem The Dhamma Cleaning/Rest Chanting Movies

August 7, 11 Ordination Ceremony Rest Chanting 7 years in Tibet

August 8, 11 How to behave Mind is chief Rare persons Cleaning Chanting The Buddha Cartoon

August 9, 11 10 precepts Anger is conquered Buddhd-ovada Cleaning Chanting A little Buddha

August 10, 11 Maghapuja Good Friend Basis for success Cleaning Chanting The Buddha PBS

August 11, 11 Visakhapuja The wise control Duty of children Cleaning Chanting Yoga, Great work

August 12, 11 Asalhapuja Be rather a victor Cause of ruin Cleaning Chanting Follow the foot step

August 13, 11 Test Test Test Cleaning Chanting Kundun

August 14, 11 Mother's Day Activities Activities Disrobe Ceremony Back to Home

The Schedule of Novice Summer Camp August 7-14, 2011, Wat Pasantidhamma

INSTRUCTORS Phramaha Udom Pabhangkaro Phra Montree Kuttadhammo Phramaha Suntorn Suntaravadhi Phramaha Piya Uttamapanyo Phra Winyoo SirayanoRemark.....The schedule may change, depend on the situations.



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5.30 a.m. Wake up call6.00 a.m. Morning chanting and sitting meditation7.30 a.m. Breakfast8.30 a.m. Meditation, chanting, learning10.30 a.m. Group-Chanting11.00 a.m. Luch time12.00 a.m. Break time1.30 p.m. Dhamma studies4.00-5.00 p.m Cleaning, raking, watering, exercise5.00-6.00 p.m. Relax, take a shower6.00-7.00 p.m. Evening chanting, meditation7.00 p.m. Break time7.15-9.00 p.m. Dhamma movies9.00 p.m. Repeat homework9.45 p.m. Bed time

Daily ScheduleRahula -— The Son of the Enlightened One Just before Prince Siddhartha re-nounced the world, his wife Yasodhara gave birth to a son. According to legend, when the birth was announced to the prince, he said, "A fetter (rahula) has been born, a bondage has been born," and this is how the boy got his name. It is more like-ly that he was named after a lunar eclipse (rahu) that might have occurred around the time of his birth. Either way, the birth of this child only served to make Prince Siddhartha's desire to escape from what had become for him a golden cage, even more diffi-cult. On the evening he had finally decided to leave, the Buddha peered into the royal bedchamber to take one last look at his sleeping wife and child, but the mother's arm obscured the child's face. Seven years after he left, the Buddha returned to Kapilavatthu. Yasodhara took the little Rahula to listen to the Buddha's preaching. When they arrived, she said to him: "This is your father, Rahula. Go and ask him for your inheritance." The child walked through the assembly and stood before the Buddha, saying, "How pleasant is your shadow, O Monk." When the talk had finished and the Buddha left, Rahula followed him, and as they walked along Rahula said: "Give me my inheritance, O Monk." Of course the Buddha no longer had gold or property but he had something far more precious - the Dharma, so he turned to Sariputta and said: "Sariputta, ordain him."[ N1 ] Later, the Buddha's father, Sud-dhodana, and Yasodhara complained that the boy had been taken away

THE FIRST NOVICE IN BUDDHISM



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without their permission, as a result of which the Buddha made it a rule that parental consent was necessary before someone could be ordained.[ N2 ] As if to make up for the seven years he was without a father, the Buddha took great interest in Rahula's moral and spiritual education, teaching him many times himself, and making Sariputta his preceptor and Moggallana his teacher. Rahula responded to this excellent tutelage by being an eager and attentive student and it is said that each morning as he awoke, he would take a handful of sand and say: "May I have to-day, as many words of counsel from my teacher as there are here grains of sand." As a result of this enthusiasm, the Buddha said of his son that of all his disciples, he was the most anxious for training. When Rahula was still a boy, the Buddha discussed with him aspects of Dharma that were suitable for the young and in such a way as he could understand and remember. Once, he got a pot of water and calling Rahula to his side said to him: "Rahula, do you see the small amount of water in this pot?" "Yes, sir." "Even so, little is the training of those who have no shame at intentional lying." The Buddha then threw the water away and said: "Do you see this small amount of water that I have thrown away?" "Yes, sir." "Even so, Rahula, thrown away is the training of those who have no shame at intentional lying." The Buddha then turned the pot over and said: "Do you see this pot that has been turned over?" "Yes, sir." "Even so, turned over is the training of those who have no shame at intentional lying." The Buddha then turned the pot upright again and said: "Do you

see this pot now empty and void?" "Yes, sir." "Even so, Rahula, empty and void is the training of those who have no shame at intentional lying." The Buddha then impressed upon his son the importance of speaking the truth. "Rahula, for anyone who has no shame at intentional lying, there is no evil that that person cannot do. Therefore, you should train yourself like this: 'I will not tell a lie, not even in jest.'" Having explained what has to be done, the Buddha went on to explain to Rahula how it could be done. "What do you think about this, Rahula? What is the purpose of a mirror?" "The purpose of a mirror is to look at yourself." "Even so, Rahula, one should act with body, speech or mind

only after first looking at oneself. Before acting with body, speech or mind, one should think: 'What I am about to do, will it harm me or others?' If you can answer: 'Yes, it will,' then you should not act. But if you can answer: 'No, it will not,' then you should act. You should reflect in the same way while acting and after having acted. Therefore, Rahula, you should train yourself thinking: 'We will act only after repeatedly looking at ourselves, only after reflecting on ourselves.'"[ N3 ] Rahula was trained in the Ten Precepts

and monastic discipline and when he was eighteen, the Buddha decided that he was ready for meditation and then gave him advice on how to practise. "Rahula, develop a mind that is like the four great elements



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(earth, water, fire and air) because if you do this, pleasant or unpleasant sensory impressions that have arisen and taken hold of the mind will not persist. Just as when people throw faeces, urine, spittle, pus or blood on the earth or in the water, in a fire or the air, the earth, the water, the fire or the air is not troubled, worried or disturbed. So too, develop a mind that is like the four great elements. Develop love, Rahula, for by doing so ill-will will be got rid of. Develop compassion, for by doing so the desire to harm will be got rid of. Develop sympathetic joy, for by doing so, dislike will be got rid of. Develop equanimity, for by doing so sensory reaction will be got rid of. Develop the perception of the foul for by doing so, at-tachment will be got rid of. Develop the perception of impermanence for by doing so, the conceit, 'I am', will be got rid of. Develop mindfulness of breathing for it is of great benefit and advantage."[ N4 ] Following his father's advice and guidance on meditation, Rahu-la finally attained enlightenment. He was eighteen at the time. After that his friends always referred to him as Rahula the Lucky (Rahulabhadda) and he tells why he was given this name.

They call me Rahula the Lucky for two reasons: One is that I am the Buddha's son. And the other is that I have seen the truth.[ N5 ] Other than this, we know very little about Rahula. He does not seem to have been prominent at being either a Dharma teacher or a train-er of other monks. It is likely that Rahula kept himself in the background so that he could not be accused of taking advantage of being the son of the Enlightened One.

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THE DUTY OF A CHILDIn five ways a child should minister to his parents as the eastern quar-ter (saying to himself) : a) Having been supported by them I will support them in my turn. b) I will bo their work for them. c) I will keep up the honor and the traditions of my family. d) I will make myself worthy of my heritage. c) I will make offerings, dedicating merit to them after their death.

THE DUTY OF THE PARENTSIn five ways his parents, thus served as the eastern quarter, show their love for him: a) They keep him back form evil. b) they train him in virtue. c) They have him taught arts and sciences. d) They arrange for his marriage to a suitable wife. c) They hand over his inheritance to him in due time.

THE DUTY OF A STUDENTIn five ways a pupil should minister to gis teachers as the southern quarter; a) by rising to receive them. b) by waiting upon them. c) by eagerness to learn. d) by personal service. c) by attentively learning the and sciences.

THE DUTY OF A TEACHERIn five ways his teachers, thus served as the southern quarter, show their love for him: a) They train him so that he is well-trained. b) They teach him in such a way that he understands and re-members well what he has been taught. c) They thoroughly instruct him in the lore of every art. d) They introduce him to his friends and companions. e) They provide for his safety and security in every quarter

THE DUTY OF A MANIn five ways a clansman should serve his friends and associates as the northern quarter: a) by generosity b) by kind words. c) by gelping them and acting for their welfare. d) by putting them on equal terms. c) by being sincere to them.

THE DUTY OF A FRIENDIn five ways his friends and associates, thus served as the northern quarter, show their love for him: a) They protect him when he is careless. b) They guard his property when he is careless. c) They are a refuge for him when he is in danger. d) They do not leave him in his troubles. e) They show due respect to other members of his family.

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The Study Book

Education

Transcript of The Study Book