Sri Lanka February 2012

Sri Lanka Feb 2012 Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to 4 cities Sri Lanka, Colombo, Kandy and Anuradhapura was created by TripAdvisor. See another Sri Lanka slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Sri Lanka (from the Sanskrit “Venerable Island”), officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (pronounced /ˌʃriːˈlæŋkə/, Sinhalese: ශ්‍රී ලංකාව, Tamil: இலங்கை; known as Ceylon (/sɪˈlɒn/) before 1972 and as Taprobane (/təˈprɒbəniː/) in ancient times), is an island country in South Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It is home to around twenty million people.

Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia.[citation needed] It has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times.[citation needed] The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population; Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, form the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs and the Malays.

Setenang Buddhist Society CNY Open House & Blessings on Sat 28th Jan 2012@8-10am

Wishing everyone Gng Xi Fa Cai" and Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year 2012 ! May the year of the Dragon bring you and your families members many happy returns. May the Buddha-Dhamma guide us all in all our doings as we strive to perfect ourselves in this trouble times and difficulties. May all beings, devas, sentient beings, be Well and Happy always. AYU VANNA SUKHAM BALAM
Dear Setenang Buddhist Fellow Brothers & Sisters,
On behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society, We would like to invite all to our Setenang Buddhist Society Chinese New Year Open House on:-
Date: Saturday, 28th January, 2012
Time: 8:30-10:00am
Venue: Setenang House, 47, Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, off Jalan Kinrara 6, 47180 Puchong, Selangor.
All are Welcome !

Note: * Thereafter, We will continue with our Setenang Buddhist Society, Annual CNY House to House Dana & Blessings to invited members' Residence by Setenang Chanting Group from 27-29 Jan 2012

http://dktan.multiply.com/photos

Jeff Oliver at Setenang Buddhist Society, 47 Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, 47180 Puchong on 19 Feb 2012@8pm

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dhamma,

Sukhi Hotu! Thank you all for your support and interest, as we have overwhelming requests for Bro. Jeff Oliver to conduct Dhamma sharing sessions upon his visit to Malaysia next month. Setenang Buddhist Society is happy to inform that Jeff Oliver has kindly accepted our invitation to give a Dhamma Talk "Kalyana Mitra ~ Spiritual Friends" at our Centre on 19th February 2012(Sun) at 8:00pm. Jeff Oliver has been a Burmese Monk of the Forest Tradition.
Friends and devotees are kindly invited to the talk and do bring along your family and friends. Hope that you can help to share this information to all your friends, members and others so that they can come to attend some of his sessions here. All are Welcome !

Date: 19th Feb 2012 (Sunday)
Venue: Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU2/10, Taman Damai Utama, Jalan Kinrara 6, 47180 Puchong (near Kinrara Golf Club).
Time: 8:00pm
Topic: "Kalyana Mitra ~ Spiritual Friends"
Am I The Only One Who Feels Like This?
When we wake up to our spiritual nature and become more aware of how the mind and world works, we often feel alone and sometimes even question our own sanity. What is "normal" and what is "weird"? Talking and sharing with spiritual friends reassures us of the "right way".

Contact: Bro.Jerry Khoo (012-6211098) jktp2001@yahoo.com or Bro.David Karuna Tan 012-3159527 dktan57@gmail.com (FaceBook)

Profile:
Jeff Oliver is a dynamic and creative meditation teacher from Australia. He has been practicing vipassana (Awareness and Wisdom) meditation for about 19 years, eight of which he was ordained as a Buddhist Monk in the Burmese tradition. Jeff has shared practical life skills and ‘mind management’ in many areas of the world including Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe including Turkey.

Jeff's teachings are based on both ancient and modern ways of mind training especially, such as appreciation, forgiveness, "metta" unconditional love, concentration, awareness and wisdom. Basically, Jeff is offering us a ‘toolbox’ of techniques to be used both in formal, intensive meditation and in any situation during our busy and complicated daily life. His style is open, approachable, friendly and gentle yet very effective for the modern seeker of truth.

Many thanks and kind regards,
David Karuna Tan
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com
Kindly RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126957187411215

Scores pay respects to "Uncle Chee'

♥ Scores pay respects to ‘Baba Chee’ ♥

MALACCA: Hundreds of relatives, friends and local dignitaries paid their last respects to actor Chee Hood Siong, who died on Sunday.

Among them was long-time acting partner Kenny Chan(Bibik), 61, who described Chee as a talented and irreplaceable personality.

Kenny Chan was among many people who attended Chee’s wake at a funeral parlour opposite the Seck Kia Eenh Temple in Jalan Gajah Berang on Tuesday.

Nasi Lemak 2.0 director Wee Meng Chee alias Namewee, who also attended the wake, said Chee, of the popular 1990s comedy Baba Nyonya, was a motivated and jovial artiste who was easy and fun to work with.

Chee and Chan had reprised their roles as a Baba and Nyonya couple in the film.

The others who paid their last respects were MCA stalwart Datuk Tan Cheng Swee, Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him and state Development Corporation Investment Coordinator Datuk Ng Peng Hay.

Chee’s cortege leaves at 11am today for cremation at the Melaka Memorial Park in Sungai Putat.

* Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr Chee Hood Siong for his sudden demise. His last wonderful contribution to the film 'Nasi Lemak 2.0' and to the Baba Nyonya performance at the Buddhist Societies events will never be forgotten....
> Baba Chee, where ever you may be. May you be reborn into a better plane of existences ..... Anicca vata Sankhara.
May you be Well & Happy always .....
* Baba Chee's wake is in front of Seck Kia Ennh Temple, 57 Jalan Gajah Berang, Malacca till funeral on Thursday noon.....
With Blessing Of the Triple Gem,
On behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society of Selangor & WP KL,
With Metta always,
Bro.David Karuna Tan
♥ Setenang ♥ Peace For All !
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

DKTan wishes all Malaysian, Selamat Hari Raya & Merdeka

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

DKTan on behalf of Setenang Buddhist Society wishes all our Muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & to all Malaysian Selamat Hari Merdeka and Happy Holidays. Whereever you are heading to, have a safe journey on the Road.

Please be informed that we will be closed from Aug 29 - Sep 04, 2011. And we will resume operation on Sept 05, 2011.

With Metta,
Setenang House & Community Centre
47, Jalan DU 2/10,
47180 Puchong,
Selangor, Malaysia
E-Mail : jktp2001@yahoo.com; dkarunatan@gmail.com
Web : http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com
FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/Setenang

Setenang House- 14th November 2011, Monday Weekly Prayers@8:00pm

* Join us this Monday 14th November evening at 8:00pm at the Setenang Buddhist Society - Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU 2/10, Taman Damai Utama, off Jalan Kinrara 6, opp Kinrara Golf Club, 47180 Puchong esp every Monday Meditation, Buddha Puja, chanting, Tranference of Merits to the departed and send Metta to the sick and aged ......!

BV Amara, Bali SUT Meditation Retreat 2011

Brahmavihara Amara Sut Meditation Retreats 2011 Slides Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to Bali, Indonesia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Bali slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

DKTan Visit Borobudur Temple-Left A Day Before Mount Merapi Eruption in 2011

My Borobudur Tour in 2010 & mt Merapi Eruption Slideshow: David’s trip from Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia to 3 cities Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Merapi (near Wonosobo, Java, Indonesia) was created by TripAdvisor. See another Indonesia slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

Ground Breaking Ceremony of New MPSJ Crematorium at Batu 14, Puchong

Ground Breaking Ceremony of New MPSJ Crematorium at Batu 14, Puchong

Dear Bro/Sis in the Dhamma,
Let us rejoice on the blessings and fellowship we had during the purification ceremony for the new MPSJ crematorium today at Puchong. Thank you for the time and effort in participating in the ceremony conducted by Ven Jue Cheng and members of the Sangha from Fo Guang Malaysia. Personally, I am touched by the support from all of you, especially Ven Jue Cheng and the team from Fo Guang for arranging the necessary ceremonial requirements and coming all the way from Jenjarom to conduct the ceremony.

This simple but meaningful event shows the Buddhist community are ever ready to be part of the policy making and implementation process and appreciates the good work of all levels of government. I hope all of us will continue to engage positively with the policy makers for the well being and progress of all. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu.

--
With Metta,
Loka Ng Sai Kai

The MPSJ recently awarded the contract to construct a new crematorium at Bt. 14, Puchong. This is the Buddhist religious ground breaking ceremony at the site led by Ven. Jue Cheng, the Abbess of Fo Guang Malaysia.
The ceremony was conducted from 9am - 10am on Tuesday, 27 Sept 2011 at Tanah Perkuburan Jalan Bunga Kertas, Kampung Melur, Batu 14, 47160 Puchong. From LDP - Jalan Puchong - Jalan Puchong Batu 14, after passing SJKC Han Ming on your left, turn left into Jalan Bunga Kertas which is within a housing area). The crematorium site is between a Chinese and Hindu cemeteries.

PHBS Wesak Day brings charity and blessings

NST Streets 280511 KUALA LUMPUR: The sound of chanting rose from a tent at the roadside in Putra Heights in the early morning of May 16. But this was not unusual for Wesak Day.

Putra Heights Buddhist Society (PBHS) celebrated Wesak Day with a programme that began with puja and blessings by the Sangha for the devotees, who later made offerings of flowers and lights. There was a dhamma talk entitled Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds as well as performances and the singing of hymns.

PHBS president Chua Teck Seong explained the significance of the day.

"Wesak is a thrice sacred day for Buddhists as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Shakyamuni Buddha. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999."

The Buddhist Film Festival sheds light on Buddhism and its teachings. The documentaries screened during the festival featured big names like Jet Li and Richard Gere sharing their experiences as practicing Buddhists.

The documentaries were a hit with the visitors who sat on the floor to watch the video projections on the wall

Non-Buddhists living nearby also turn up to participate in the Wesak celebration and enjoy the assortment of delicious food sold at the large tent near the PHBS centre in Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C.

Chua said the society members were in the midst of raising funds to help orphans living in Loving Home in Sungai Nibong, Klang. The money would be used to buy medical equipment and medicines for the home's clinic.

The free clinic treats between 150 to 170 poor families in Klang, he explained.

"Many poor families cannot afford treatment when they fall ill and this free clinic serves them well," he said.

Chua said that was one of PHSB's many activities to give back to the community and help the needy.

The stalls on the road sold candles, vegetarian food, religious books, Nyonya dumplings, homemade wholemeal pies, pumpkin pao, yam cakes, tau foo fa, muffins, jelly, soya bean milk and other good things, all of which went down well with the hungry crowd.

Some of the food was sponsored, but some hardworking housewives turned volunteers woke up as early as 3am to prepare the food fresh.

A few women at the PHBS kitchen prepared hot rice for the free vegetarian lunch for devotees.

Others were hard at work making bouquets of carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, lotus and jasmine to be sold to raise funds.

The money, Chua said, would be used for food donations to monks who could not afford to buy food, to educate Buddhist students at the Sunday school, and to buy religious books and other essential items for them.

Besides praying, Buddhists bowed at the feet of monks as a sign of reverence and to receive their blessings.

Others took turns to bathe a statue of the Buddha -- a Wesak Day cleansing ritual to purify the mind.

The society is open from 10am to 1pm on Sundays, 8.30pm to 10pm on Tuesdays (meditation) and 9am to 11am on new moon or full moon days.

PHBS also offers lessons on chanting, guided meditation, Sutta studies and Sunday dhamma school.

Read more: Wesak Day brings charity and blessings http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/nvputra2/Article/#ixzz1NhItRbTz

The Wesak International Film Festival 2011 (WIFF 2011) @ MTC, KL June 11~12 & 18~19

The Wesak International Film Festival 2011 (WIFF 2011)

Petaling Jaya (Sat May 7, 2011): Continuing from its previous successes in 2006 and 2008, the third installment of the Wesak International Film Festival (WIFF) will be organized on June 11-12 and 18-19, 2011 at the Malaysia Tourism Center (MTC), Kuala Lumpur.

This event is organized by four leading Buddhist organizations in Malaysia: Bandar Utama Buddhist Society, Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Nalanda Buddhist Society, and Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia. Another 15 other Buddhist societies in Malaysia are supporting organizations of this major event.

WIFF 2011 will again present Buddhist-themed and inspired cinema of all kinds: full-length movies, documentaries, animation, and children’s films. For WIFF 2011, a total of 19 Buddhist organizations in the Klang Valley have combined their resources to organize the event with one main objective: to create greater awareness of Buddhism among the general public through the medium of films.

A total of 18 films, comprising full-length movies, documentaries, and animation, will be screened over the two weekends in June. To cater for a crowd expected to be much bigger than in 2006 or 2008, the Organizers have booked three theatres at MTC for the event.

WIFF 2011 will be screening three full-length feature films. Enlightenment Guaranteed is an acclaimed Zen comedy by award winning director Doris Dorrie about two brothers searching for meaning in their lives by going to a Zen monastery in Tokyo, Japan.

Then there is Zen, a movie about Dogen, a Japanese Zen master, born in Kyoto in the 13th century and founder of the Soto school of Zen. Dogen, well-known for his extensive writings on Zen, traveled to China as a young monk to find his true master. Making his film debut in an authentic performance of Dogen is Nakamura Kantaro, the 19th generation Kabuki actor.

The third feature film Uppalavanna is about the compassion of a Buddhist nun set during the Sri Lankan civil war in 1989. It is a moving story that tells of how the Buddha’s teachings on kindness and forgiveness can be the antidote to fear and hatred, especially during very difficult times.

Besides the three full-length movies, WIFF will also feature a score of award winning documentaries. This includes the 2008 documentary Unmistaken Child directed by Nati Baratz which follows Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s search for the reincarnation of his beloved teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog, in Nepal. Unmistaken Child was selected for and aired on the award-winning Public Broadcasting Series (USA) Independent Lens in April 2010.

WIFF 2011 will also feature Bhutan: Taking the Middle Path to Happiness by Tom Vendetti about how Bhutan’s government creates “Gross National Happiness” (and not Gross National Product) for its people by promoting the four pillars of Environmental Preservation, Cultural Development, Economic Development through hydroelectric power, and Good Governance. The film won two Emmy Awards in 2009-2010

For an intimate portrait of the nuns of Kala Rongo Nunnery in remote northeastern Tibet, there is Bari Pearlman’s production of Daughters of Wisdom which depict how 300 nuns receive religious and educational training previously unavailable to women. The film won the Audience Award and Certificate of Excellence at the 2007 Brooklyn International Film Festival.

Dalai Lama Renaissance, winner of 12 film awards, and narrated by Hollywood actor Harrison Ford, is another documentary WIFF 2011 will screen in June. This film is the official selection of over 40 international film festivals, and has thus been screened in cinemas globally. The film tells the story of 40 Western thinkers who travel to Dharamsala in India in 1999 to discuss with The Dalai Lama on how to solve many of the world’s problems. The film features two of the starring quantum physicists from the hit theatrical documentary ‘What the Bleep Do We Know,’ Fred Alan Wolf and Amit Goswami.

Another documentary long awaited by many Malaysians is The Devotion of Matthieu Ricard, the story of Matthieu Ricard who left his native France and a promising career in cellular genetics to become a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in Nepal. He is now a translator, photographer and bestselling author (The Monk and the Philosopher, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill) and an active participant in scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. He was nominated “the happiest man alive” by TIME magazine recently.

Filmed entirely in Burma, Dhamma Dana delves deep into the monastic tradition and reveals how the Burmese Buddhists find inner freedom. This film by Theodore Martland presents Buddhism with a serene rhythm, documenting a powerfully peaceful ancient tradition that few experience first hand. This film won the 2009 Queens International Film Festival in New York City, where it was selected as “Best Domestic Documentary.”

Another WIFF 2011 classic is Words of my Perfect Teacher, a poignant and hilarious tale of students who follow Khyentse Norbu - a Buddhist monk, film producer (The Cup and Travelers and Magicians) and a Dharma teacher who defies convention. Shot in the UK, Bhutan, Germany, Canada and US, the film features appearances by Benardo Bertolucci and Steven Segal and music by Sting, Joy Drop, Manu Chao, Eva Casidy, and Laur Fugere.

The life story of Dr Ambedkar is told in Dr David Blundell’s film Arising Light. A peer of Gandhi and Nehru, Ambedkar was born an untouchable who uplifted himself from his community by educating himself in the West to become India’s first Minister of Law. On October 14, 1956 Ambedkar embraced Buddhism with 500,000 followers.

Another interesting documentary is Gorkyeo Buddhist Paintings which is an exhibition of 108 Korean Buddhist Paintings from around the world held at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul in 2010. Produced by the Buddhist Television Network World, the film captures among them 61 paintings — 27 from Japanese, 10 from U.S., five from Europe, and 19 from Korean collections, including the famous “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara,” by Hyeheo, currently housed at Japan’s Senso-ji temple, and paintings of Amitabha and Kshitigarbha.

WIFF 2011 will also screen two documentaries about Buddhism in America and Buddhism in Europe, produced by the Buddhist Television Network World. Both documentaries showcase the popularity of Buddhism in the West and this is clear from the 2008 Pew Religious Landscape Survey which states that Buddhism had climbed to the 3rd most practiced religion in America. Similarly, Buddhism has become a living religion in Europe.

Followers of world famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh will be happy to watch Plum Village about the meditation center he founded in the Dordogne, southern France. The film explores the beauty of this wonderful village where families and friends, lay practitioners and monastics, children and old parents, live together in peace and harmony, guided by precepts of mindfulness in their everyday life.

WIFF 2011 will also showcase a touching short story titled Little Note with themes of encouragement and resilience, inspiring everyone impacted by life’s uncertainties, to soldier on with hope and courage. Living with little wants in the countryside, Zhiren and his mother expressed their love and support for each other in a simple way - by exchanging little notes. These words of encouragement spurred their every step forward in life, helping them cast aside fear and despair in times of uncertainty.

The story of Angulimala, a ruthless killer who was about to kill his own mother but repented and later became enlightened after being taught by the Buddha is a story that tells us that even the worst of people can undo the faults and return to the right path. This short film is produced by Gemkids, a Sunday School initiative of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship.

WIFF 2011 will also feature Oil Lamp, an animated cartoon that clinched the first prize in the International Short Film Competition at the Vesak 2009 International Buddhist Film Festival in Sri Lanka. Produced by the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School of the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur, Oil Lamp tells the tale of a devotional offering of light to Buddha by an old beggar woman. The moral of the story is that it is not how much you give but how you give it.

A special attraction of WIFF 2011 will be a live performance by world renowned Tibetan Buddhist nun and singer Venerable Choying Drolma from Nepal whose songs have won rave reviews internationally. She will sing some of her best known songs from her various CDs that she has recorded over the years and. Her CD Recording include “Cho” in 1997 for Worldwide release by an American CD company, "Time" in 2007, "Selwa" in 1998, “Dancing Dakini” in 1999, “Choying” in 2000, “Moments Of Bliss” in 2004, “Smile” in 2005, and “Inner Peace” in 2006. Her songs and original music have also appeared on various albums, including “Head Massage” by Soul Flip. Details are available from her website: http://www.choying.com

As WIFF 2011 is a non-profit educational event, there is no entrance charge to the public to attend any of our screenings.

Enquiries:

For details on the screening time, please refer to our website: http://www.wiff.org.my or contact +603-7804 9154, or email wiff.my@gmail.com

Wesak @ Nalanda Buddhist Society

CELEBRATING 2,600 YEARS OF BUDDHISM
Wesak 2011 marks the 2,600th year of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the preaching of His Dharma.

Every year, on the full-moon day in May, Buddhists the world over celebrate Wesak to commemorate three significant events in the life of Lord Buddha – birth, enlightenment and passing away. This year’s Wesak Day falls on the 17th of May. The Buddha gained enlightenment in 588 BCE. Thus, this year marks the 2,600 years of his enlightenment and propagation of Dharma teachings.
Buddhism is the second largest religion in Malaysia after Islam. There are approximately 5.4 million Buddhists in the country. Throughout the world, there are 500 million followers. Despite Buddhism’s long history of destruction and revival due to persecution and calamities, it is gaining wide spread adoption across the world. This proves that the Dharma taught by the Buddha is as relevant and practicable then and now.
Hence, NALANDA Buddhist Society, a leading Malaysian Buddhist establishment, plans to observe this sacred occasion with keen appreciation of the Dharma. More emphasis is placed on learning and understanding the Dharma through various programmes including courses, seminars, exhibition, drama, and movie screenings.
Wesak, therefore, is no longer a one-day affair but a month long devotional programme spanning from May through to June for Nalanda devotees.
The Wesak observance at Nalanda will begin on 15 May with an introductory course to the “Significance of Wesak”. This short course will prepare one for a more meaningful Wesak observance and is vastly suitable for the general public.
Buddhist friends and devotees are also encouraged to participate in the devotional activities such as alms-giving, blood donation, chanting, meditation, and Dharma talks, which will be held from 15 – 17 May.
“The Journey of Dharmaraja” exhibition, which relates the spread of Buddhism from its root place in India to Sri Lanka, South East Asia, Central and East Asia, will be held for three days from 15 – 17 May. The exhibition will also feature major events and teachings of the Buddha during his 45 years of Dharma preaching.

In the evening of Wesak Day, Nalanda will hold a “Dharma Appreciation Night” incorporating Dharma verse recitation, heritage procession, drama, and meditation on loving kindness. Highlight of the evening is a sketch on “The Story of Patacara” staged by the students of the Nalanda Dharma School. It was said that during the time of the Buddha, there was a fine lady by the name of Patacara who lost her mind after all her family members perished in a single day. The tragic story came to a joyful end with Patacara attaining sainthood after listening to a discourse by the Buddha.
More notable programmes come post Wesak Day, namely the “The Path to Liberation Seminar”, “Dhammacakkappavattana and Anattalakkhana Sutta Camps”, “The Sigalovada Sutta Seminar”, and “2011 Wesak International Film Festival”.
Liberation from suffering is the ultimate goal for all Buddhists, regardless of schools and traditions. The “Path to Liberation” seminar will clarify the similarities and differences in teachings and practices seen from three main Buddhist traditions - the Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana.
The “Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta” and “Anattalakkhana Sutta” weekend sutta camps will shed light on the first two sermons preached by the Lord Buddha immediately following his enlightenment. Participants will be taken on a thorough tour of the two discourses also known as the discourse on ‘Turning the Wheel of Dharma’ and the discourse on ‘The Characteristic of Non-Self’, respectively.
The “Sigalovada Sutta” seminar has high relevance to the general public as it focuses on the code of ethics and happiness for lay people. The discourse was given to Sigala, a middle-class young man, who dutifully paid homage to the six directions out of obeisance for his late father. The Buddha expounded the meaning of the six directions as respect and support for parents, teachers, wife, friends, employees, and religious figures, which gives rise to a blissful householder’s life.
The much-anticipated “2011 Wesak International Film Festival” featuring popular big-screen Buddhist movies, documentaries and animations will be held on 11 - 12 and 18 - 19 June. This free movie screening is a collaborative effort by several Buddhist organizations with the main objective of increasing public awareness on Buddhist arts and culture.
Majority of the activities will be held at the Nalanda Centre, a centre of educational excellence, located in Sri Serdang, Selangor. Whilst, out-campus programmes in collaboration with other Buddhist associations will be held at various places within the Klang Valley.
For more information on Nalanda’s Wesak programme and how you may participate or contribute, please contact Ms Nandini Tan at 03-8938 1500 or 8939 1501. You may also e-mail your enquiries to info@nalanda.org.my. For detailed programme of Wesak Observance at Nalanda, kindly log on to www.nalanda.org.my/wesak.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WESAK 2011
DATE & TIME
ACTIVITY
TYPE
LOCATION
15 May 2011, Sunday
3pm - 6pm
The Significance of Wesak
Short Course
Nalanda Centre,
Sri Serdang
10am – 6pm
The Journey of Dharmaraja
Exhibition

16 May 2011, Monday
10am – 6pm
The Journey of Dharmaraja
Exhibition
Nalanda Centre,
Sri Serdang
17 May 2011, Tuesday
10am – 6pm
The Journey of Dharmaraja
Exhibition
Nalanda Centre,Sri Serdang
7pm – 10pm
Dharma Appreciation Night
Performance

22 May 2011, Sunday
9am – 1pm
The Path to Liberation Seminar
(A dialogue of Three Buddhist Traditions)
Seminar
Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang
28 May 2011, Saturday
9am – 4pm
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
(Discourse on the Turning of the Dharma Wheel)
Sutta Camp
Nalanda Centre,
Sri Serdang
29 May 2011, Sunday
9am – 4pm
Anattalakkhana Sutta
(Discourse on the Characteristic of Non-Self)
Sutta Camp
Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang
5 June 2011, Sunday
8am – 6pm
The Sigalovada Sutta Seminar
(Discourse for the Householders)
Seminar
Sun Tau Jing Sheh, Petaling Jaya
11, 12, 18, 19 June 2011, Saturdays & Sundays
10am – 10pm
2011 Wesak International Film Festival
Free Movie Screening
Malaysia Tourism Centre, Jalan Ampang

In line with its non-profit objectives, all programmes are provided free to the public. Enquire within for more information on the programmes or visit www.nalanda.org.my/wesak.


- End -


ABOUT NALANDA BUDDHIST SOCIETY & ITS AFFILIATES

Nalanda Buddhist Society is a leading Buddhist establishment in Malaysia. Established in early 2003, Nalanda aims to be a centre of excellence for Buddhist education, development and propagation. A non-profit, service-oriented organization, Nalanda focuses on promoting holistic Buddhist education for integral human development.

As part of its effort to reach out to the wider public with varied social and spiritual needs, the Society subsequently extended its operations to include Nalanda Vidyalaya – Dhamma school for teenagers and youths, Nalanda Institute – Buddhist educational centre for adults, and Nalanda Book Café – a community service centre and café.

With the increasing demand for its effective educational programmes and valuable services offered to the community nationwide, the Society has expanded its building facilities with the opening of the new Nalanda Centre in December 2009. For more info, visit http://www.nalanda.org.my

Setenang House- 23th May 2011, Monday Weekly Prayers@8pm

♥ Come to our Setenang Weekly Monday Prayers with us @ Setenang House ! Bring your family, friends and neighbours over on :-


♥ Weekly Monday Prayers - 23rd May 2011, Monday, 8:00pm–10:00pm


8.00pm – 8.15pm Self Meditation
8.30pm – 9.00pm Puja with members of the Sangha
9.00pm – 10.00pm Our Prayer this week is SPECIALLY Dedicated For :
01. Specially for Our Departed Friends

02. For the - IMO [In Memory Of ] of ADR [ All Departed Relatives ]
teachers, friends....

03. For ASB [ All Sentient Beings ]

04. Besides our regular list

* Do bring your family members & friends along.

Let's create a BETTER world through prayers & fellowship

Looking forward to your presence.

With Metta always

SBS Family

For details kindly contact :
Tel: Jerry @ 012-6211 098 / David @ 012-3159 527
Email: jktp2001@yahoo.com

♥ Find us at Facebook !
♥ Kindly RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/

We look forward to seeing you at our activities and do bring along your family and friends too. Sukhi Hotu and may the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you and your family always. Peace to All !

If you need further information or details please do not hesitate to contact the followings:-
Bro. Jerry Khoo at 012-6211 098 or Email jktp2001@yahoo.com;
Bro.David Tan at 017-3450 527 or Email dkarunatan@gmail.com
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

With Metta ♥ ,
SETENANG BUDDHIST SOCIETY KL/Selangor
47 Jalan DU 2 / 10, Taman Damai Utama, [off Jalan Kinrara 6 - Kinrara Golf Club Road], 47180 Puchong, Selanor
Find us at FaceBook :-
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Setenang Buddhist Society of Selangor/Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to Setenang Buddhist Society families and friends. We have been around since 2005. We are happy to note that the ROS has agreed and approved the Setenang Buddhist Society registration last year (2010). SBS-S/KL has organize their 1st AGM, with new committees taking over the Pro-temp committees duties to run its activities. SADHU ! to all those has supported and contributed in the past.

Our Mission: To propagate the Teachings of the Buddha;
To encourage the development of the qualities of
Sila (morality), Samadhi (concentration) and Prajna (wisdom)
in accordance with the virtues of the Buddha;
To educate our young Buddhists into mature leaders of tomorrow
To foster friendship and understanding among members of the different traditions of Buddhism;
To promote harmony and understanding among racial and religious groups.


Venue: Setenang Damai Utama,
47 Jalan DU2/10,
Taman Damai Utama,
Off Jalan Bandar Kinrara 6,
47170 Puchong,
Selangor, Malaysia.
(opposite Kinrara Golf Club)
http://SetenangBuddhistSociety.blogspot.com

* Your support and membership is the source of the expansion of the Buddha Sasana in the Klang Valley viz. in the MPSJ Municipality Zones and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Join our Setenang Buddhist Society-SKL Monday Weekly Buddha Puja@8:30pm @ Setenang House, 47 Jalan DU 2 / 10, Taman Damai Utama, [ Off Jalan Kinrara 6 - Kinrara Golf Club ], 47180 Puchong, SDE
Call Bro.Jerry Khoo @ 012-621 1098 if need directions....

With Metta,
David Karuna Tan
+6012-3159527
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We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video

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The Selangor Buddhist Development Committee Press Conference on Buddhist Lands in Selangor

Brothers & Sisters in the Dhamma,

The Selangor Buddhist Development Committee organised a Press Conference on the above matter on Thursday December 9, 2010@10am at Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA), 12593 Jalan Kewajipan, SS13, 47500 Subang Jaya. Tel: +603-56348181

Here are excerpts from the Press Statement that were released.

In view of such unfavourable developments which lacks of transparency and accountability, SBDC wishes to highlight the followings:-

1. With reference to religious practice, we urged the State Planning Committee and Jabatan Perancangan Bandar & Desa Selangor to be more vigourous and professional in adhering to its own guidelines in relation to the provisions for building of places of worship for non-Muslims, which is one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

We emphasized that there are needs for more free-standing Buddhist temples (Vihara Buddha) with sufficient facilities to cater for the spiritual and religious education needs of the Buddhist Community in Selangor.

2. SBDC (& more than 4000 Buddhist objectors) urged the relevant authorities to be fully accounted for and explain why MPSJ (& other local councils) have NOT seriously considered SBDC’s objections. As such, the communiqués and consultation for their decision(s) MUST be done with more transparency and accountability.

We therefore seek the State Planning Committee to take cognizance of this matter seriously and listen to the voice of the people.

3. SBDC reiterates our objections to the usage of the term “Rumah Ibadat (tokong / vihara / kuil / gereja / gudwara )” in Draft Local Plan Majlis Perbandaran Selayang 2020 & all other draft local plans in Selangor. This will further dilute the Vihara Buddha structural provisions in these local draft plans.

4. SBDC also urges the SPC, Selangor Land Office and the Jawatankuasa Hal Ehwal Selain Islam Negeri Selangor to clearly elucidate in writing the gazette mechanisms & provisions of land for non-Muslim places of worship.

We hereby stressed that the SBDC are prepared to engaged and work closely with the State and the relevant authorities for Buddhist temples to be built on land allocated by the Selangor State Government which are designated for places of worship. As stakeholders in this state, all we seek is the State government’s attention, understanding and compassion towards the needs of our community to have proper land to build and manage our Buddhist temples.

The organising committee would like to thank all those who show their support on this crucial issue.

With Metta Always,
Chua Teck Seong
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Local Draft Plan doesn't allocate enough space of worship

Wanted — more places of worship
By CHOONG MEK ZHIN
The Star Metro, Tuesday, November 2, 2010

THE Buddhist and Christian communities in Ampang are worried over the lack of space to build temples and churches following the final hearing for the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) draft plan yesterday.

Selangor Buddhist Development Committee (SBDC) secretary Bro.Chua Teck Seong said the Selangor Planning Guidelines and Standards from the Town and Country Planning Department, released in June 2006, stated that for non-Muslims, there should be a place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

“Taking the figures from the 2000 census carried out by the National Statistics Department, there are 160,748 Buddhists in Ampang and therefore there should be 62 temples here,” he said.

He pointed out that there were only three sites in Ampang allocated in the draft plan for non-Muslims’ places of worship.

Another religion-based issue discussed at the hearing was Charis Christian Association spokesman Chok Poi Fong’s request for a Christian crematorium in Ampang.
Making his point: Ee speaking at the hearing as Lee (seated right) looks on.

“The nearest one is in Cheras and there is one in Petaling Jaya and Seremban respectively. Not only is the one in Cheras far away but it often breaks down and has a long wait-list,” Chok said during the hearing, adding that the crematorium could be shared by churches in the area.

State Housing, Building Management and Squatters Committee chairman YB Iskandar Abdul Samad, who chaired the hearing, said there was a discrepancy in the statistics provided by the religious groups who attended the hearing.

“For instance, we have been told at the hearing by SBDC that there are fewer than 10 temples in Ampang, but we know of two registered ones and another 24 which operate in homes and shoplots,” he said.

He said that according to state records, there were 10 Hindu temples, two Gurdwaras and 22 churces in Ampang.

“The state Town and Country Planning Department will have to meet with these groups and figure out these discrepancies,” he said.

Another issue heard was the proposal to allocate land for a Muslim cemetery in Taman Bukit Permai 2 that was met with both objections and support from the residents who turned up.

Pangsapuri Anggerik Joint Management Body (JMB) chairman A. Karim Mohd Esin said there was a critical need for a Muslim cemetery in Ampang.

“We support the gazetting of the land which is just next to our apartment and separated by a ditch.

“However, we would like to suggest that the community hall that will be built in the buffer zone to also have a surau and a funeral parlour,” he said.

Opposing the cemetery plan was resident Julia Long, 48, who said that it was unfair to the residents who had been living there since 2000 to have to put up with a cemetery beside their homes.

“When we bought our houses, the master plan indicated that the land next to our area was a forest reserve. I would prefer it to remain as such,” she said.

She added that bulldozers and excavators had tried to level the forest in 2008 without residents’ knowledge and it was only stopped after the latter appealed to MPAJ.

“A cemetery will mean increase in traffic in the area, she said, adding that she did not want any kind of development taking place at the site.

Another resident, Sara Chan, 44, said she would approve of the building community facilities like playgrounds at the site.

“Our property value will drop if a cemetery is built and I do not think that is right,” Chan added.

Another hot topic at the hearing was the issue of primary vernacular schools.

“We have received objections from five residents of Bukit Indah who do not want SJK (T) Ampang to be relocated to their area.

“We have also received petitions from residents who want part of a land to be used for a national school in Taman Saga to be given to the building of a Tamil vernacular school,” said Iskandar.

Taman Pandan Glades Residents’ Association chairman Terence Ee and Teratai assemblyman YB Jenice Lee voiced their support for the construction of a vernacular Chinese primary school in the open space along Jalan Perdana 6/2 in Pandan Perdana.

“I believe only a portion of the 2.45ha land is needed for such a school. The rest can still remain as an open space,” said Jenice Lee.

Iskandar said that the hearing, the last of four held for the MPAJ draft plan, was very good as residents came armed with facts and relevant arguments.

“All the information, suggestions and objections we have heard will be discussed at the State Planning Committee along with experts in December,” he said.

Support our PHBS Religious Land Application from Selangor State Government now !

Dear Putra Heights Residents,

Support Putra Heights Buddhist Society Signature Campaign on Religious Land Application from Selangor State Government now !@ Venue: 11-1 Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 Subang Jaya on Sunday, 31st October, 2010 onwards:

Committee to submit applications
Story by YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my

Eighteen Buddhist organisations have charged that the draft local plans of five councils in Selangor have failed to adhere to the planning guidelines for the allocation of land for places of worship.

They have formed an action committee called the Selangor Buddhist Development Committee to ensure that their objection to the draft plans would be heard.

The committee claimed that the Selayang, Ampang Jaya and Kajang municipal councils as well as the Kuala Langat and Hulu Selangor district councils did not comply with the Selangor Planning Guidelines and Standards published by the state’s Town and Country Planning Department in June 2006.

The guidelines state that for non-Muslims, there should be one place of worship for every 2,600 devotees or 5,000 residents.

“Based on the census report in 2000 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Malaysian citizens of the Buddhist faith comprised 4,419,042 people or 20.2% of the total population,” action committee chairman Loka Ng Sai Kai said at a press conference at the Chempaka Buddhist Lodge in Petaling Jaya on Thursday.

“In Selangor, there are a total of 1,011,169 Buddhists, which is 25.26% of the state’s 4,002,440 citizens. Based on ethnic distribution, there are 1,230,271 ethnic Chinese in Selangor, and 999,748 (81.26%) of them are Buddhists,” he added.

Flanked by representatives of the 18 Buddhist organisations, Ng said the said draft local plans proposed limited or no allocation of land for the building of Buddhist temples even though the existing ones were seriously overcrowded.

Ng said that despite the state’s clear planning guidelines, the draft local plans for Selayang and Ampang Jaya stated that the allocation was based on request (mengikut permintaan).

“We are also surprised that the draft local plan for the Hulu Selangor district council even stated that the number of places of worship for non-Muslims had to be monitored so that they did not exceed the legal number.

“We feel that it is not in line with the spirit of Article 3 (1), 11 (1) and 11 (3) of the Federal Constitution in regard to the needs of adherents of religions other than Islam to practise their religions, and to build and manage their places of worship,” he added.

Committee member Chua Teck Seong, who is also president of the Putra Heights Buddhists Society, highlighted the meagre land allocation for non-Muslim places of worship in each of the areas, and questioned the accuracy of the figures of existing places of worship given.

The Selayang Municipal Council has projected that in the year 2020, the municipality would have a population of 1,338,956, of whom 225,108 would be Buddhists who would require an estimated 87 Buddhist temples. However, there are only 13 Buddhist temples now, and only three locations have been earmarked as places of worship for non-Muslims in the draft plan.

In Ampang Jaya, where it is estimated that 62 Buddhist temples would be needed in the year 2020. there are currently only nine temples, and only three sites for places of worship have been allocated for all non-Muslims.

In Kajang, no land was allocated at all on the basis that there are already “141 units of non-Muslim places of worship”, but the committee reiterated that the figure was not substantiated. It is also projected that Buddhists in the area would need 82 temples by 2020.

Likewise, the draft plan for Hulu Selangor stated that there were already 90 places of worship for non-Muslims but the figure seems to have been plucked from the air. Only one piece of land was allocated for the purpose.

In Kuala Langat, the number of existing Buddhist temples was not specified but it is estimated that 21 temples would be needed in 2020. Only one site was marked for all non-Muslims.

The committee also urged the authorities to reserve land and provide allocations to build crematorium and columbarium complexes, especially for the Buddhist and Hindu communities who often opt for cremation.

The Buddhist organisations’ representatives also pointed out that they needed to rent commercial or residential units to house their activity centres, but were fined by the local councils for breaching the condition of use of the building.

“There are about 200 Buddhist associations registered in Selangor, and most of them are occupying shophouses,” Chua added.

Some had also applied to use vacant land near their premises for expansion, but the applications were not approved even after 10 years.

The committee is submitting objection papers to the respective councils. “We will wait for the local councils to call us for the public hearing,” Ng added.

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Commencement of PHBS Sunday Dhamma School 03-10-10

PUTRA HEIGHTS BUDDHIST SOCIETY (0185-10-SEL)
Venue: 11-1, Jalan Mahkota 7/8c, Pusat Bandar Putra Point, Putra Heights Seksyen 7, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.






























Dear Dhamma Friends,

Sukhi Hotu!

Putra Heights Buddhist Society is pleased to inform that the Children Sunday Dhamma School (SDS) is now open for registration. We are now doing the necessary preparations as well as finalizing the syllabus and materials. The main objective of the SDS is to inculcate Buddhist values such as generosity, morality and compassion to children at young age and hopefully last through their lifetime.

The classes will include the use of fundamentals of the Dhamma, exemplary stories and adages extracted from Buddhist literature, in order to impart knowledge of Dhamma while setting the foundation for the growing years. Implant virtuous qualities such as nonviolence, mutual cooperation, gratitude, environmental conservation, respect of elders and will to attend to the ailing.

As such we would like to invite parents to register their children for the classes, if you have not already done so. The classes will be held at PHBS centre @11-1, Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/8C, Putra Point, Putra Heights starting 10.30am to 12.00noon.

If you need further information or details please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Bro Chua Teck Seong at 016-2233537 or Email teckseong@gmail.com

Sis Cerlina Ho at 019-3384913 or Email cerlinaho@gmail.com

Thank you for your attention.

With Metta,
PHBS
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Buddhism and Science by B. Alan Wallace

Good Read - eBook - Buddhism and Science by B.Alan Wallace

This is an interesting and informative collection of essays illustrating some of the many facets of the relationship of Buddhism and modern science.

Not only does it capture the harmony and complementarity of Buddhist & scientific understanding of the self and nature, it also argues decisively against the pseudo-scientific and relativist ideas found in the New-Age and "post-modernist" fads.

In the end, one is impressed with the degree to which this ancient methodology of self knowledge is compatible with the scientific method. It really offers a spirituality that does not fly in the face of the evidence around us.