24hr Metta is born

24hr Metta is born, marked by the conceptualisation of the logo which encapsulates the significance and importance of this event that will take place in the 24 hours that straddle between 2011 and 2012.

Initiated by Aloka Foundation, 24hr Metta is dedicated to illuminate the world with loving kindness and foster peace and harmony. It will bring Buddhists together in the practice of metta round the clock for world peace, stability and harmony.

In the 24hr Metta logo above, the opening of the petals depicts the single effort of individuals, as in the single petals, opening up the lotus heart. Together, the petals, as in individuals collectively, radiate as a blooming lotus.

The 12 petals start small, gather strength and grow larger with metta as it go clockwise to depict the round-the-clock effect, thus enhancing the 24hr Metta theme. The colour and shades of the petals transform to represent the inclusivity of the three Buddhist traditions.

Watch this space for more on 24hr Metta as it unfolds!

Metta Bhavana

by Loh Lee Lee

Metta Bhavana. Does it sound familiar to you? What does it mean to you? Do you know we have Metta Bhavana session every night at Aloka House?

What is Metta Bhavana? Metta Bhavana(MB) is a daily chanting and meditation session at Aloka House. For most people MB is just another chanting session held in a temple or any Buddhist Center. For me, it is more than that.

I have been leading the 3^rd Wednesday MB session for some time until one day I was requested to chant solo! Normally, we will chant following Bhante Mahinda's chanting CD when leading the session. I panicked! Chanting without the CD as guide is new for me! What if I could not remember the full sequence? What if I chanted wrongly? What if I forget the words! What if this happen? What if that happen? Lots of things played in my mind! With the encouragement given by the senior MB coordinator, I braved myself to lead the session. To my surprise... I enjoyed the whole experience... the feeling of being a follower in chanting and a person who actually lead was very different. It was as though I was talking to the Buddha directly during the chant. I could feel the connection with the Triple Gem! My whole body was energised and happy at the end of the session. It was an amazing experience!

I also discovered the correct pronunciation to some of the chant (as advised later by the senior MB coordinator); which means that all these years I chanted the Pali words wrong while I thought I chanted right :P

Now, I look forward to the MB session! After a stressful day at work, my mind will become peaceful, energised and happy after the MB session. So, for all of you who have not attended any MB session I strongly encouraged you to attend. And try to lead some of the sessions. I can guarantee that you will not regret it! Do not worry! I will be most happy to guide you through the whole session. And those who have been away for some time in participating in the MB session, do come back and connect yourself to the Triple Gem again!

See you all during the Metta Bhavana session every 3^rd Wednesday evening!

NOTE:

Metta Bhavana is conducted daily at Aloka House. 3C team leads lead the sessions as follows:

1^st Wednesday. Lim Chung Lu, PJ Group Lead

2^nd Monday...... Ang Cheng Tuan, Sakyan Group Lead

3^rd Wednesday Loh Lee Lee, Sati Group Lead

All other evenings are led by one of the committee members of Metta Bhavana.

Weekdays: 8pm ~ 9pm
Weekends: 6pm ~ 7pm

Masala Tea (2)

Please click on picture to enlarge.
Recipe provided by Ivan Ho.

Masala Tea (1)

Please click picture to enlarge.
Recipe provided by Ivan Ho.

Reflection

by Lee Soo Lim, Singapore

I would like to share what I learnt from the 2010 Novitiate Programme in Kushinara, India.

(1) Four basic values: Self Discipline, Gratitude, Respect and Equanimity from the Pindapata.

(2) Living a simple life is a happy life.

(3) Away from craving. Free from worldly distractions and pollution.

(4) In short, understand the Four Noble Truth, follow the Noble Eightfold Path and Middle Path to be free from the conceited world. This would in turn lead us to realise our intrinsic nature which are: Loving Kindness, Compassion and Purity.

Bodhi Tree - The past lives parents' tree, the tree of ‘LOVE’'. Crowned by the countless heart-shape leaves, signifying countless past lives parents' love.

Parents' love is endless and boundless even at their deathbed, they are still concerned about their children...

Alas... been loved by countless parents... in the past... unknowingly...

In this mighty Samsara, governed by the law of Rebirth and Karma, no self and impermanence. This is indeed Suffering. Realised have been separated from so many parents' love. Unable to help them by preaching to them the Dhamma to release them from Samsara...

During the 2010 Novitiate, Bhante Mahinda asked the assembled before we departed from the Korean Temple:

“Anybody not happy?”

Dhammasiri raised his hand...

Words from Dhammasiri: Refuge in the Buddha is refuge in our nature. Mind arises due to delusion. Mind ceases due to enlightenment. No one is enlightened but the Mind itself.

Special Thank You to Bhante, Sister Sumitra, Dhamma followers, all the temple monks and nuns, helpers and 'all the past lives parents' who were present and around me.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!