Download August - FPMT Losang Dragpa Centre

Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
Shabda
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Monthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center
August 2006
In celebration of Kuan Yin Enlightenment day in July
Geshe Deyang explains the Practice of the Six-syllable mantra
OM MANI PADME HUM
The vast benefits of practicing
together
If we know the meaning of the
mantra then when we recite it
will become even more powerful
and helpful. Actually the Kuan Yin
Enlightenment day is on 14th July,
and on that day at 7:30pm we make
offerings and recite the Kuan Yin
Sadhana, which is composed by
the current manifestation of Kuan
Yin, also known as the Buddha of
Compassion in human form, His
Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
On this special day it is important for
us to do practice together because
it is more effective and beneficial.
Generally we practice individually
at home, but if we can practice
together, there is group energy,
and atmosphere. Even if we are to
recite just one mantra, there is a
group reciting it, so it accumulates
and counts as much more merit
then reciting on our own. It’s similar
to cleaning a room with a broom:
we can clean up the place more
effectively compared to cleaning
it with just a single straw. You can
clean with a single straw but it’s not
as effective. If we pray together,
especially on special days like on
Kuan Yin’s enlightenment day, our
practice becomes more effective.
The power of the holy places
Also, if you recite the mantra at
home seven times, and compare this
with the same number of mantras
recited in a holy place such as
in Bodhgaya, where Shakyamuni
Buddha gained enlightenment,
there is no comparison in terms of
the power of the place. Reciting the
mantra once in Bodhgaya has the
same power as reciting it seven times
at home or anywhere else in the
world!
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Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
The power of holy places makes a
lot of difference. That is why people
undertake pilgrimages to where the
Buddha was born (Lumbini), where
Buddha gained enlightenment
(Bodhgaya), where Buddha first
gave teachings i.e the first turning
of the wheel (Varanasi) and where
Buddha attained parinirvana i.e.
passed away (Kushanagar).
Since there is great blessing in these
holy places and one gets great
imprints when visiting and seeing
these places, many of us should try
to go to these holy places to get
blessings and to see the holy images.
During the winter time especially in
Bodhgaya, there are many Tibetans
and Chinese and people from other
Buddhist countries such as Korea, Sri
Lanka and Japan who spend time
doing practices such as prostrations
and circumambulations around the
holy Enlightenment Mahaboudhi
Stupa. Not too far from Bodhgaya
is a place called Vultures peak
Mountain where Shakyamuni Buddha
gave teachings on the Perfection of
Wisdom Sutra. These holy places are
located in very remote areas so you
find many bandits there. When we
visit these places we have to go in a
large group, definitely not alone or
with just one or two people.
Those who had been to Bodhgaya
will know the shape of the
Enlightenment Stupa. Those who
haven’t been there can see a
picture of the stupa placed just in
front of the Lama Yeshe statue on
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
our altar. Around the stupa there is a
wide walkway for circumambulation.
Though the stupa site is such a big
place, during prayer festivals it
became so crowded with lots of
people doing prostrations, butter
lamp offerings and other practices.
A skillful act of guiding others
toward virtues
Did you see the picture in which
Shakyamuni Buddha is wearing
a yellow robe (the picture which
Lama Zopa Rinpoche distributed to
students)? It was taken inside the
Enlightenment Stupa in Bodhgaya.
On Jan 25 or 26, 2006, many Tibetan
high lamas of various sects and
traditions made offerings together
with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to
the Buddha statue inside this stupa;
they offered the ushnisha, a new
offering bowl and a yellow robe. If
you have seen the statue before,
it didn’t have the ushnisha, it was
offered later.
At that time everyone in Bodhgaya
was given the chance to make a
donation: each person was allowed
to donate 1 rupee 25 cents and
at most 25 Indian rupees. At that
time through this group effort,
everyone was able to participate
in sponsoring the golden ushnisha
and robe to the Buddha; everyone
got the chance to make an offering
and create merit.
After the offering ceremony, it
was dedicated for the Buddha’s
teachings to spread far and wide,
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around the world and to last
forever. His Holiness at that time also
composed this prayer “Praise to
Lord Buddha” for world peace and
for all war and conflicts, troubles
to cease in this world. It was also
dedicated for harmony among all
religious groups as well as among
the various Buddhist sects.
You might have also noticed
that the Buddha inside the
Enlightenment Stupa wears robe
– the symbol of an ordained
monk, whereas the Buddha in
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet is
adorned with plenty of ornaments.
The reason was during Lama
Tsongkhapa’s time, in order to
sustain the teachings of Buddha,
these ornaments were offered to
the Buddha statue in the Jokhang
Temple.
This is one of the reasons why
Buddha’s teaching has been
preserved for so long: because
during Lama Tsongkhapa’s time
he made great prayers and
contributed these ornaments to
create extensive merit. In a similar
way, on this special day of Kuan Yin,
we should engage in virtue with our
physical, verbal and mental actions.
This way we can easily create
extensive merit.
So it is so good that many members
came to the Center on 14th July,
the enlightenment day of Kuan Yin.
By practicing virtue together, this
world will become a more peaceful
and harmonious place; there will be
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less disease and conflict. This world
will become a much better place to
live in.
Who is Kuan Yin?
When we talk about Kuan Yin,
in the Tibetan language he is
Chenrezig and in Sanskrit he is
Avalokiteshvara. Kuan Yin has
numerous manifestations and stories
relating to them, for example there
are the thousand-arm and thousandeye Kuan Yin and the Kuan Yin with
just four arms.
Who is Kuan Yin and what is
his background?
Before Kuan Yin became a great
Bodhisattva, he was exactly like us
– ignorant and full of delusions. But then
he started practicing Dharma. During
the time of training, he mainly relied on
Amitabha Buddha as his Guru.
At that time when Kuan Yin was training
in the Bodhisattva path and practicing
bodhicitta, he saw so many suffering
beings in the three realms and felt
great compassion. He made a request
to all the Buddhas of the ten directions
and his Guru Amitabha Buddha and
sought advice on what he can do to
help all sentient beings. At that time
all the Buddhas in the ten directions in
one voice, told him, “In order to benefit
sentient beings, you need to generate
great compassion and bodhicitta.”
Upon hearing that instruction, Kuan
Yin took the Bodhisattva vows in
front of all the Buddhas as well as
his Guru Amitabha Buddha, “From
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now on I will work unceasingly for
the benefit of all sentient beings. If
I ever generate one single thought
of seeking my own happiness or a
selfish motive, my body shall shatter
into one thousand pieces. Until all
sentient beings gain enlightenment,
especially those who are unsubdued and possess very stubborn
and negative mind, I shall not
achieve enlightenment.”
After taking such vows, Kuan
Yin worked for the welfare of all
sentient beings for many eons.
One day he contemplated on how
many beings he had benefited for
these many eons. When he found
out that there are still so many
sentient beings who were not yet
liberated and enlightened, he
became very discouraged and
thought to himself, “Since I took the
Bodhisattva vows I had vowed that I
will not attain enlightenment until all
sentient beings were liberated from
suffering. For so long I had worked
for their benefits yet countless
beings are still not liberated.
Perhaps I should stop working for
them and instead work for my own
enlightenment and happiness…”
As soon as he gave rise to this
thought, the Bodhisattva vow,
which he took, was instantly
destroyed. Because of having
generated a tiny selfish thought,
he broke the vow and his promise
to all the Buddhas, and in that split
second his body cracked into one
thousand pieces.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
When this happened, Kuan Yin’s
Guru Amitabha Buddha came to
him, collected all the fractures and
with his power, transformed Kuan
Yin into the Bodhisattva having
1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes. This is
how Kuan Yin gained his many arms
and eyes.
Having 1,000 arms has great
meaning. If one has only one arm
one can only work for some beings.
If one has two arms one can work
for more beings, but if one has 1,000
arms one has the ability to work for
limitless sentient beings.
Eleven heads 1000 arms Avalokiteshvara
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Also Kuan Yin has eleven heads,
the one on the very top is Amitabha
Buddha. This signifies Kuan Yin and
Amitabha Buddha – the disciple and
the Guru – are inseparable. This also
signifies that the disciple remembers
his/her Guru all the time. In this
way Kuan Yin shows us in practice
how we should rely on our Gurus,
and how we and our Gurus are
inseparable.
Under Amitabha Buddha’s head
is Vajrapani, the deity who is the
manifestation of all Buddhas’ power.
Some people said it’s Mahakala
but it actually is Vajrapani. Of the
eleven heads of Kuan Yin, ten are in
the peaceful aspect and one in the
wrathful aspect, which is Vajrapani.
The reason why Vajrapani is there is
to benefit and work for the welfare
of sentient beings. Kuan Yin himself
is in the peaceful aspect but if Kuan
Yin manifests only in the peaceful
aspect then he can only benefit
sentient beings in that manner,
but for certain sentient beings this
doesn’t work; they need to be
tamed in a wrathful manner and
therefore Vajrapani is there exactly
for this reason.
Those of us who haven’t gained
realization we cannot see the
deities directly, but those who have
achieved realization can see the
deities and communicate with them
directly.
There was a Kuan Yin statue in
Namgyal Monastery (His Holiness’
main temple) in Dharamsala. Two
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years ago there was nectar coming
down from the crown of one of the
heads on the second-tier of Kuan
Yin’s eleven heads. The gompakeeper wondered how it happened
because there was no leakage from
the roof on top of this statue, but
how did the water come in? The first
time he wiped away the nectar, but
then later the nectar came back
again. He reported this incident
to His Holiness and His Holiness
responded by saying it is a very good
sign. He called everyone into the
gompa and together made offerings
and did some Kuan Yin prayers and
mantra recitations.
Benefit of making offerings to
Kuan Yin
Ordinary beings like us cannot see
the Buddhas directly, but even to
see images of the Buddhas and
deities we do need great amount
of merit and good karma. If we can
make offerings with faith we will
create great benefit. Kuan Yin is the
symbol of love and compassion of
all the Buddhas of the ten directions.
So making offerings to Kuan Yin is the
same as making offerings to all the
Buddhas in the ten directions, the
benefit is inconceivable.
Manifestations of Kuan Yin
Kuan Yin has numerous other
emanations, and he can come in the
form of a protector, a yidam, a deity
and also as a lama.
In order to remove hindrances
caused by the nagas and spirits,
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Kuan Yin manifests himself as
Hayagriva. In order to overcome the
obstacles coming from the nagas,
Kuan Yin comes into the form of the
lion faced dakini (Senge-pa). In order
to assist practitioners and protect the
spread of Dharma, Kuan Yin comes
in the form of the Six and Four-arm
Mahakala. Kuan Yin also appears
in various other forms such as 4-arm
Chenrezig as well as the thousand arm
Chenrezig, to benefit sentient beings.
There are so many Kuan Yin
manifestations but we have to
understand they are all the same;
they are all Chenrezig in essence and
appear differently in forms because
of sentient beings’ prayers and varied
mental dispositions.
Whatever form he takes, it is only for the
benefit of sentient beings. It’s like seeing
someone playing in a drama – he is the
same person behind the screen but
while on stage, he appears in different
forms.
The meaning of the Kuan Yin
mantra OM MANI PADME HUM
One of the main Kuan Yin practices
is the recitation of the 6-syllable
mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum.
Hum . There
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are different ways to explain it and
one of them is as follow:
OM: this syllable itself consists of three
letters: ah, o, ma. These three are
the symbols of the purified body,
speech and mind of KuanYin. Thus
the syllable OM indicates one has
to transform one’s unpurified body,
speech and mind into the purified
body, speech and mind of a Buddha,
or Kuan Yin. How does one do the
transformation? This follows with the
further explanation on the rest of the
syllables: Mani Padme Hung.
MANI: In the Sanskrit language it
means the “precious jewel”. If one
has the precious jewel, it can help
to overcome the obstacles to all
temporal happiness and fulfill one’s
wishes. However the real meaning
of Mani indicates the bodhicitta
mind, the mind of loving compassion.
If one has loving compassion and
bodhicitta, one can free all other
sentient beings from sufferings.
Someone with such good heart can
benefit the entire human community.
It is also by having this good heart
and loving compassion that one
can transform one’s unpurified body,
speech and mind into the purified
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body, speech and mind of Kuan Yin.
Even with loving compassion alone
is not enough, one needs wisdom
as well. For example: one has a kind
heart to help a very sick person, but
at the same time one needs the
wisdom to know how to help i.e.
whether the sick person needs to be
taken to the hospital etc. Just having
loving compassion and a good heart
is not enough; one may be sitting
right next to that sick person but one
doesn’t know what to do to help.
Therefore wisdom is equally important
in a kind action.
Talking about wisdom, there are many
types of wisdom: the wisdom realizing
impermanence, the wisdom realizing
emptiness and so forth. Among all, the
most important is the wisdom realizing
emptiness. This wisdom realizing
emptiness when combined with
method – the loving compassionate
attitude, the bodhicitta mind – can
really benefit sentient beings and
has the power to transform one’s
unpurified body, speech and mind
into the purified body, speech
and mind of the deity. Wisdom is
symbolized by lotus, in the Tibetan
language “PADME”, which is the next
syllable in this mantra – the wisdom
realizing emptiness.
The last syllable HUM – it is by
practicing wisdom and method
together (Mani – the wish-fulfilling
jewel/bodhicitta mind, and Padme –
lotus/the wisdom realizing emptiness)
that one is able to transform one’s
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unpurified body, speech and mind
into Kuan Yin’s purified body, speech
and mind.
This very short six-syllable mantra
contains all the teachings, which
show us how to practice in our daily
life. These teachings are also found
in Lam Rim. When we recite this
mantra, we should understand its
meaning and generate great loving
compassionate attitude toward other
sentient beings. And then with our
body, speech and mind in reverence,
we chant the mantra.
This is a very short explanation of
the Kuan Yin mantra. The Tibetans
have the habit of always reciting
the Kuan Yin mantra. Some people
achieved billion times of this mantra
recitation. There were many cases
where very elderly Tibetan men
or women found new teeth were
growing in their mouth! We used to
call these the “billion mantra teeth”.
W or ds of W isd om
fo r Au gu st
“There is no harm that
comes to oneself that
doesn’t come from one’s
own mind, one’s past
negative karma.”
~By Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche~
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Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
LDC NEWS
1. WATER BOWLS OFFERING
Many of you have been to LDC
there will be great force behind our
gompa recently and many have
accumulation of merit. Let me share
voiced their amazement and
this simple poem …
happiness by the extensive water
bowls offering we set up on our
Water is Cool, delicious, light, and
beautiful altars! We have in total 80
soft, Clear, odourless, easy on the
large water bowls offered on the altar
throat, Kind to the stomach is the
24 hours every day. This is a practice
water With the eight properties.
which our most kind and precious
guru has taught us as an easy way to
By making water bowls offering we
purify all our negative karma …
receive the benefit that our ethics
will be pure because the water we
Why do we offer water bowls?
offer is cool. It is also delicious, we will
come to enjoy most delicious food.
Water has eight properties. We
The lightness of the water means
just need to offer water bowls and
our mind and body will become
fit. The water’s softness results in a
gentle mind-stream. A clear mind
results from the water’s clearness; its
odourless-ness will purify our karmic
obscurations. And because the water
does not hurt the stomach, our body
will be free of illness. Its being easy
on the throat means we will come to
have pleasant speech.
Whenever a grey day befalls you or
whenever things don’t seem to go
right, come and do this practice in the
Center. We have records that show
that when a members family comes
by and do the water bowls offering
Water bowl offerings to Buddha
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
practice, their children obtained
good grades from school. By offering
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water bowls everyday, the husband’s
restaurant business started to improve
much more than before.
We would like to offer this opportunity
to our members, members’ family &
friends to come forward to our gompa
and do the water bowls offering
practice everyday. We suggest that
whenever you want to do this practice,
please bring along 1 or 2 companions.
It takes an average 1 1/2 - 2 hours for
2-3 persons to complete changing
all the water bowls. Please contact
William at 03-7968 3278 to arrange the
date and time. If you are not familiar
with this practice, we have the Sangha
available at the Center to help and
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where all your family members and
friends are able to come and join us.
In appreciation of the continued
support of our member toward the
Center, we are able to offer various
“specials” to our members. For LDC
members, you will have chance
to participate in sub-committees
serving the Center; you will be given a
discounted rate for our outing programs
such as pilgrimages to Nepal and India;
or when special workshops and retreats
are organized. Usually we will try to
keep fees down to a nominal amount,
only for members .
The programs we have planned
advise you.
include How to Make a Wealth Vase,
2. IMPROVEMENT ON LDC
MEMBERSHIP
Offering through Gold Leafing on
From the first day Losang Dragpa
Arrangement Class, The Mandala
Center started with a small group of
Dancing, Yoga Class as well as Chi
people. Until today, we are able to
Kung Class. As we finalize plans for
continue growing, carrying out the
these programs they will be put up on
wishes of our precious Guru Kyabje
the notice boards and on our websites,
Lama Zopa Rinpoche all due to the
so please do check for schedules and
kind hearted support of members
announcements,
How to make Tsa Tsas & do Gold
Buddha Statues, Cooking Class, Flower
and benefactors of LDC. However
over the years many of our members
Other MEMBERS’ benefits include
haven’t been coming to the Center
celebrating birthdays with your dharma
as, many of you are tied up with family
friends, enjoying a social movie
commitments, your own business,
night with Dharma screenings, library
attending office etc etc. Now with the
borrowing right, Young People Program
further improvement and development
and deity retreat. LDC members will
of LDC, we are planning more
be given priority to attend all these
interesting activities at the Center,
programs.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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~ August 2006 ~
Becoming an LDC member is not
agreed to be our hosting master of the
merely to study Dharma, to sit in prayer
Million Lights Offering Event. Program
and to meditate, it is also to learn many
such as Thousand Arms Chenrezig
living skills to help & benefit others and
Initiation, Maitreya Buddha Puja,
to enjoy our life. To live a life surrounded
Medicine Buddha Puja, Tara Puja,
by dharma friends who all share the
Dzambhala Puja, Animal Liberation
same Guru, same teaching, same view
and Jangwa Puja will be arranged.
and goal in our practices, what else
Extensive activities such as Thousand
could be better?
Offering Arrangement, Long Life &
Deceased Sponsorship, Million Lights
If you have friends who are interested
Offering Stupa & Wish Fullfilling Tree are
to become an LDC member, get an
well under planning.
application form from LDC office,
fill up the form and submit it to our
Our renowned dancer of Mother Tara
Office Administrator William. When the
- Juanita Lee is our event coordinator.
membership has been approved, you
Many interesting ideas for fundraising
will then receive a membership card
for yourself, and a supplementary card
Million Lights offerings to Stupa
for the spouse and children, as well a
membership kit for you to know more
about us.
3. ANNUAL YEAR END
FUNDRAISING EVENT
On the third week of October mark
a special weekend to celebrate the
Festival of a Million Lights Offering.
Light Offerings eliminate the darkness
of ignorance, help us to receive the
illumination of wisdom, subsequently
helping us to receive great enjoyment
of wealth, get reborn in the deva
realms, become liberated and
ultimately achieve enlightenment.
The abbot of Kopan Monastery
Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundup has
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~ August 2006 ~
have been generated, but all these
ideas will only be actualized with the
help from everyone of you. If you are
interested to participate as a volunteer
for the event, please call LDC Office to
leave your name and contact number
with William.
Million Lights Offering Event will take
place at the Chinese Assembly Hall
from 20th – 22nd October 2006. During
Khenrinpoche’s visit in Malaysia, there
will be a teaching program conducted
at LDC by Khenrinpoche, and a Long
Life Puja will be offered to Khenrinpoche
on 29th October 2006. Anyone who
wish to make an appointment with
Khenrinpoche, please contact
Ven.Osel at 019-3022 369 to arrange the
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mountain. He’ll be back with us at LDC
in mid-Oct.
During Ven. Losang’s absence, Ven.
Tenzin Sherab from Kopan Monastery
has very kindly agreed to come to LDC
to act as the interim translator for all of
Geshela’s classes from Aug-Oct.
Born in 1974, Ven. Tenzin Sherab
entered Kopan Monastery at the age
of twelve. He attended the school
in the Monastery for the next twelve
years and is now a senior student of
the Philosophical Study Program at
Kopan.
Ven. Tenzin Sherab is one of the
best translators who graduated from
date and time.
Kopan Monastery’s Translator Training
4. INTERIM TRANSLATORVEN.TENZIN SHERAB FOR
AUG-OCT, 2006
has travelled to as far as America and
LDC’s translator Ven. Ang Losang is
taking two-month’s leave from LDC
from August to early October during
which he’ll be going back to Kopan
Monastery, Katnmandu. and spend
some time with his family in Lukla,
Solo Kumbu region of the Himalayan
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
Program in year 2000. Since then, he
was resident translator to a number of
FPMT Centers there.
After coming back to Kopan, Ven.
Tenzin Sherab taught English to
the younger monks and assisted in
administrative work in the monastery’s
office. He is also Kopan’s Abbot,
Khenrinpoche’s favorite translator.
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Life-sized snakes and ladders game which is
known as “Karma game”
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Two girls decorated the mantra with
beautiful design.
YPP secretary Chyen
Tng is helping a
youngest participant of
YPP to play the “match
& win” game..
Children was enjoying themselves in the
karma game”.
Lillian too gave special feng shui tips to the children
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Report on the YPP program
Week 1 – 15th of July 2006
Lillion Too’s hour on Fengshui
guest speaker, Colonel Mohan Singh,
The first session began with Lillian Too giving
building to the children. He prepared
the youngsters tips on how to study better
several games for the youths to play.
and how to get good grades in school. She
The young people were divided into 4
also taught and encouraged the children
teams. They were to come up with their
to chant the Manjushri mantra – mantra of
own team dance and a team name. The
wisdom.
team names were Compassion, Tigers,
Week 2 – 23rd of July 2006
Match & Win game
a qualified educator, spoke of team-
Spiders and Love.
The Colonel spoke to them about how
The second session saw Venerable Dechen
important teamwork is, and taught them
telling the story of Buddha Shakyamuni. After
to be a team player both in and outside
that, we proceeded with the “Match and
their homes. The youths were then led
Win” game, where Venerable Dechen took
outside where the Colonel prepared
the youths on a tour around the gompa to
a compounded area in the middle of
introduce to them about 40 holy objects
the garden. In the middle of the square,
in the room. The 29 students were then
there were 4 tubes filled with sweets and
separated into two groups (red and yellow
chocolates. The youths were required to
teams). Each player was then given a card
use only a piece of string to fish out their
with the name of a holy object. When it was
tube of goodies. They were not allowed
the player’s turn, he/she would match the
to step into the compounded area. The
card to the holy object accordingly.
solution of this game was, instead of each
team fishing out their own tubes, the four
Both teams did very well with the red team
teams had to tie their strings together to
scoring 100% and the yellow, 96%. Both
bring out the 4 tubes.
teams were awarded for their participation.
After the prize-giving, the youths had a
This taught the youths how to work
fellowship in the dining area enjoying snacks
together even outside their groups to
brought by the parents.
overcome difficult problems. After the
Week 3 – 30th of July 2006
Team Building
games, the groups were then given
pieces of paper to write what they have
learnt from the lesson and then present
The Sunday started with Venerable Dechen
it. After that, everyone enjoyed light
telling the story of Chenrezig. After that, a
refreshments.
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Week 4 – 6th of August 2006
Karma Game
Shabda
15
The winning team was then awarded with
illuminating pens. Fellowship followed, as
The Sunday began with Venerable Dechen
usual, with light snacks contributed by the
telling the story of Tara. This week she also
parents.
taught the Chenrezig mantra and the Tara
mantra to the youths and refreshed their
The youngsters seem to be progressing
memories on the Manjushri mantra. The
every week, with more interaction and
children were then split into teams of two
their level of participation increasing.
where they could pick a mantra and write
and decorate it on pieces of art paper.
They then presented their masterpieces to
THE LAUNCHING OF THE SENIOR
WELLNESS PROGRAM
Venerables Dechen and Osel.
This program is specially designed for
After that, the children were then split into
good afternoon with good company.
3 teams to play the “Karma Game”. It was
almost like a life-sized “snakes and ladders
game”. Each of the teams had their team
mantra, and they were taught to recite them
every time before rolling the dice. The youths
realized that the louder and more spirited
they said their mantras, the more paces they
get to advance. However, there were also
booby traps – as the players step on a place
with a toy stuck on it, they were then given
a card with a statement or a question. For
example, “You saw a spider and killed it.” It
was then discussed whether it was right or
wrong to kill. Following that was another card
that would say, “Killing is a non-virtue. You
grandmas and grandpas to enjoy a
If you are above 65, foot loose and
fancy free, you are hereby invited to
spend a few hours at the center every
Tuesday, from the 5th of September,
to learn about Dharma and to be
entertained with special treats. There
will be many interesting activities and
good food for your pleasure. The fun
begins at 2.30pm until 5pm.
So, please register or register on your
parents’ behalf as soon as possible
so they won’t miss this golden
opportunity to enrich their golden
years with good fun, great company
should never kill a life. Go down 5 steps.”
and yummy treats.
With plenty of ups and downs, laughter and
If our young members would like to
despair, the youths, no matter their age,
enjoyed themselves tremendously. Finally,
the Manjushri team won, being the first to
reach the 100th place although the teams
were neck-to-neck near the end.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
help in whatever way in enriching
the lives our senior citizens, please
volunteer your services at the office.
Your spending time with them would
make good Dharma practice.
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16
Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
Mantra for August
The Dharani of the
Glorious Vajra Claws
NAMAH SAMANTA BUDDHA NAM/ KAYA VAK CHITTA
VAJRA NAM/ OM GHA GHA GHA TAYA GHA TAYA/
SARVA DUSHTAM MARAYA/ all those who harm me/
MARAYA PHAT PHAT/ KILI KILA YA/ SARVA PAPAM HUM
HUM HUM/ VAJRA KILI KILA YA/ VAJRA DHAROD AJNAYA
PAYATI/ KAYA VAK CHITTA VAJRA KILA YA HUM PHAT/
OM AH KRODHE KA MUDGARA HUM PHAT/ OM VAJRA
KRODHA MAHA BALA HANA DAHA/ PACHA BIDHAM
SAYA/ JATI LAMBO DHARI UCHUSHMA KRODHA HUM PHAT
Bad dreams, unfavorable signs, and
evil omens; the maras flitting above,
the evil spirits rising below, and the
wrathful demons in-between; those
who endanger my life, those who
ambush my wealth, those who rob
me of my dignity, those who injure
my retinue, those who damage my
enjoyments and merit, and those
who cause me mental suffering:
The qualities of this dharani are
inconceivable:
On blowing on the ground, the
ground cracks; on blowing on
a rock, the rock crumbles; on
blowing on a tree, the tree dries
up; on blowing on water, the
water stops; on blowing on fire,
the fire dies; and on blowing on
wind, the wind ceases.
The knowledge mantra stops all of
them! The dagger stabs them! The
hammer beats them! The mudra
overcomes them!
Please note that the Center will
be conducting a session on 30th
August, 7:30-8:30pm to recite the
Glorious Vajra Claws Sutra.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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~ August 2006 ~
Shabda
17
August Highlights
1. Lam Rim teaching, every Sunday 4-7pm@LDC
For those of us who are still unsure about
teaching, it’s like putting the puzzles back
coming to the Center to attend the
in place - I can see the whole picture
Sunday Lam Rim class, or thinking that we
of Buddhism now. What I’ve learned in
do not have to attend any more Lam Rim
the class I apply them in my family. I’m
teachings because we had taken them
a housewife and I have to look after my
before, Geshela and some of the regular
kids. Before, I didn’t know how to control
Lam Rim students would like to share their
my temper, but after studying Lam Rim
thoughts on the subject with us:
I learn not to see others’ faults, instead, I
learn to observe myself and my actions. I
“Even His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama
can see some changes within me, but of
Zopa Rinpoche and Choden Rinpoche
course it didn’t come immediately. What
etc.- they are such great enlightened
I’ve learned in the classroom I bring back
beings and yet they have taken the Lam
to share with my husband. He wasn’t
Rim teaching numerous times; even they,
interested in Buddhist teaching before,
reviewed the Lam Rim teaching again and
but his thinking has changed now. If you
again. His Holiness even once commented
haven’t attended LDC’s Lam Rim class
that it is ok to take the initiation only once,
before, I suggest you to give it a try. At least
but for the Lam Rim teaching, we must take
try it for three months, and you’ll see the
it again and again, and again.”
difference.”
~ Geshe Tenzin Deyang
~ Mrs. Gan
“For a samsaric being like me who is
“Despite having to travel up and down
struggling on the spiritual path, I am inspired
between KL and Penang due to work
by those great enlightened beings, as what
commitment, I always make sure that I
Geshela mentioned in the class. If even
attend the Lam Rim class whenever I’m in KL
they are receiving the Lam Rim teachings
as Geshe Deyang’s class is so enlightening,
again and again, I must even more so
not to mention His great sense of humour!
make every effort to attend the Lam Rim
There are lots of interaction in the class such
teaching at the Center.”
as group discussion and debates, and there
~ Dr. Goh Pik Pin
are always new discoveries in this class, even
though we thought we might have previously
“Before I attended any Lam Rim class
read the Lam Rim books and attended such
I learned the Dharma through reading
teachings.”
books. After I came across the Lam Rim
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
~ Christopher Kok
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Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
“I like the Lam Rim class! I feel in this class
qualities. Buddha has an ushnisha crown,
we are not only listening and talking but
long earlobe, imprinted wheel on His feet,
we are also getting our hands on what
forty teeth and deep blue eyes etc. What
we have just learned. For example I was
is the significance of the marks? How did
very happy to be able to participate in the
the Buddha obtained it? Let us learn more
construction of the mandala offering last
about the Buddha’s marks and qualities on
week. If you don’t know Tibetan Buddhism
5th August, Saturday 5 – 6:30pm at LDC.
and its rituals, it’s difficult to understand
even though you are reading about them
from the texts or transcripts. You don’t know
where to start and how to do it. I do not
want to miss this class even once.”
~ Shooi Leng
“What is so extraordinary about attending
the Lam Rim classes is, one never feels
out of place irrespective of which level of
practice one is currently in. One only gains
the right understanding, right view and
proficiency in the practice as one strives
to achieve the various goals leading to
Buddhahood. On Sunday night before I
lay my head on the pillow, I rejoice in my
great fortune in attending the Lam Rim
classes. To every Dharma brother and sister
who aspire towards Buddhahood, I strongly
recommend the Lam Rim class.”
~ Cheryl Tan
2. MEETING THE BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI,
Aug 5th (Sat), 5-6:30pm
Buddha, the Enlightened One, was first
a normal human being just like us, after
practicing dharma for many life times, He
has finally abandoned all delusion and
3. TSA-TSA MAKING WORKSHOP,
Aug 19 (Sat), 2-4pm
- to be led by Emillie Lee.
Benefits of making tsa-tsa:
• Perfect human rebirth
• Perfect surroundings
• Actualize pure morality
• Generate devotion towards one’s guru
and Buddhas
• Pacify obstacles, bad conditions (i.e.:
accidents, sudden diseases)
• Long life and good reputation
• Pacify enemies, interferers and harms
• Generate perseverance to benefit
others
• Reborn in the human or deva realm to
benefit others.
• Achieve the bodhisattva’s path of
accumulation, seeing, meditation and
of no more learning.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Date : 19 August 2006, Saturday
Time : 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Venue :
LDC (No.1, Jln. 17/21F, 46400 P.J.)
COST :
achieved the perfect ultimate happiness
RM 20.00 Members,
– the enlightenment. Buddha is adorned
RM 30.00 Non-members
with 32 marks and possessed an ocean of
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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~ August 2006 ~
Shabda
19
Each student will receive:
1st lesson - Basics and the 6-inch
•
Tsa-tsa practice booklet (Prayer)
arrangement.
•
Tsa-tsa making instruction booklet
2nd lesson - Candle and flower decorations
•
Laminated quick reference card
inspired by the big event on the 20th of Oct.
•
Blessed beads & mantras for tsa-tsa
3rd lesson - Large arrangement.
•
Tsa-tsa made in the workshop
For our finale, we will hold a competition
Note: Please call to register at our office (03)
for who can decorate the gompa with the
7968-3278 as space are limited. The workshop
most creative and exciting flower design.
will be small with a maximum of 20 students. So
everyone will have a mould to work with.
5. BIRTHDAY PUJA REMINDER Aug 9 (Wed), 7:30pm@LDC!
4. FLOWER POWER!
Commence once a month from
20th Aug (Sun), 10.30am-12pm
- to be led by Emillie Lee & Juanita Lee
LDC organized it’s first-time ever
Flowers are one of the most beautiful things in
expect such a BIG turn-out!! The gompa
life. In Buddhism, flowers are one of the many
offerings we give to the Buddha, symbolizing
beauty. Therefore, we have formed a group
here in LDC called the “Flower Circle”. This
Flower Circle will deal with everything to do
with flowers - flower arrangements, giftwrapping with flowers, decorative flowrers,
gardening, flower embroidery, making
corsages, making hand bouquets, making
paper flowers, flower offerings and etc.
Emily Lee, our resident florist, will provide lessons
on the basics. Juanita Lee will also step in to
organize lessons on her forte - gift-wrapping
and flower decorations. We will also have
a few guest teachers to help with the other
interesting programs.
Lessons will commence once a month from the
20th of August (Sunday) every 10:30am to 12pm.
Here is a rough sketch of what we will be learning.
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
Birthday Puja with members on July 6
(also the 71st birthday of His Holiness
the Dalai Lama) and we didn’t quite
was packed with people and offerings
were abundant. Four birthday “stars”
attended the puja together with their
family members. The puja went very
well and the ambiance wonderful. Here
is what one of the Birthday stars has to
say about coming to pray at the Center
that night:
“I enjoyed it so much! It’s an unusual
birthday gathering. Normally I and my
family don’t celebrate birthdays but
that night I decided to bring them all
over to the Center and pray together.
It feels so empowering when you see
so many people praying together for
your well-being. I want to thank LDC
very much for arranging this wonderful
event, and I hope other people will
enjoy and find this event meaningful for
them.” ~ Anonymous member of LDC
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20
Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
LDC Dharma Program for August 2006
P - Precepts
Monday
BP - Special Days of Lord Buddha
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2P
Full Moon
New Moon
Thursday
3
Friday
44
Guru Puja 7:30pm
TSOG OFFERINGS
Tara Puja 7:30pm
7
8
9P
10
11
17
18
18
Members’ Birthday Puja
Lord Buddha’s
conception (or birth)
Shakyamuni
Buddha Puja
7.30 pm
14
15
16
Guru Puja 7:30pm
Vajrasattva
Group Practice
7:30 – 8:30pm
21
22
Protector Puja
7:30pm
28
29
23 P
TSOG OFFERINGS
24
25
Medicine Buddha Puja
7.30 pm
30
31
Vajra Claws Sutra
Group Practice
7:30 – 8:30pm
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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~ August 2006 ~
Saturday
21
Sunday
5
Introduction to Deity:
Shakyamuni Buddha
(Buddha’s qualities)
5:30pm -7pm
Shabda
6
Young People Program
10am-12pm
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
12
Shakyamuni
Buddha
13
Young People Program
10am-12pm
19
Tsa tsa making class
2-4pm
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
26
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
Young People
Program
10am-12pm
20
Flower Power
10.30am--12pm
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
27
Young People Program
10am-12pm
Animal Liberation
12pm - 1pm
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
Tayata Om Mune, Mune,
Maha Muneye Soha
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22
Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
LDC Dharma Program for September 2006
P - Precepts
Monday
BP - Special Days of Lord Buddha
Tuesday
Wednesday
Full Moon
New Moon
Thursday
Friday
1P
Tara Puja 7:30pm
4
5
6
7P
8
Members’
Birthday
Puja
Senior Wellness
Program
2:30pm - 5pm
11
12
Senior Wellness
Program
2:30pm - 5pm
18
19
Introduction to Deity:
Dzambhala Wealth
Buddha
7:30 – 8:30pm
13
Medicine Buddha Puja
7.30 pm
Check In Nyung Nay
7:30pm
14
15
21
22 P
Long Life Sutra
Group Practice
7:30 – 8:30pm
20
solar eclipse
new moon
Senior Wellness
Program
2:30pm - 5pm
25
26
Senior Wellness
Program
2:30pm - 5pm
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
Dorje Khadro
Fire Puja
7:30 – 8:30pm
27
Protector Puja
7:30pm
28
Chanting Praises to
21 Taras
7:30pm
29
Vajra Claws Sutra
Group Practice
7:30 – 8:30pm
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~ August 2006 ~
Saturday
2
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
Young People
Program
10am-12pm
3
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
White Jambhala
Guru Puja 7:30pm
TSOG OFFERINGS
10
Nyung Nay Retreat
Nyung Nay Retreat
16
17
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
Guru Puja 7:30pm
TSOG OFFERINGS
23
24
Animal Liberation
11am - 12noon
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
23
Sunday
9
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
Shabda
Basic Buddhist
Teaching:
Stages of the Path
4-7pm
Om Padma Kroda Arya
Jambala Hri Daya Hum Phet
30 P
Intermediate
Buddhist Teaching:
The Ground & Path
5-6:30pm
Tara Puja 7:30pm
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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24
Shabda
~ August 2006 ~
CENTER OPERATING HOURS :
Monday-Friday :
10:00am - 6:00pm
For donations, please make
all crossed cheques payable to
Losang Dragpa Buddhist Society.
Your donation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER’S :
Address: No.1, Jalan 17/21F,
46400, Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Eshan, Malaysia.
Telephone Number: 603 - 7968 3278
Fax Number: 603 - 7956 7280
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fpmt-ldc.org
LDC’S GURU & SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR :
Kyabje Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
Website dedicated to Rinpoche:
www.fpmt.org (look for Spiritual Director)
& www.lamazopa.com
© LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER
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