Remember even though the outside world might be raining,
if you keep on smiling the sun will soon show its face
and smile back at you. ~Anna Lee
The lotus rises through the murky waters of ponds and lakes yet, when it blooms, it floats upon the surface, its petals shining and untainted by the mud from which it emerged.
Love is a mind that brings peace, joy, and happiness to another person. Compassion is a mind that removes the suffering that is present in the other. We all have the seeds of love and compassion in our minds, and we can develop these fine and wonderful sources of energy. We can nurture the unconditional love that does not expect anything in return and therefore does not lead to anxiety and sorrow. The essence of love and compassion is understanding, the ability to recognize the physical, material, and psychological suffering of others, to put ourselves “inside the skin” of the other. We go “inside” their body, feelings, and mental formations, and witness for ourselves their suffering. Shallow observation as an outsider is not enough to see their suffering. We must become one with the object of our observation. When we are in contact with another’s suffering, a feeling of compassion is born in us. Compassion means, literally, “to suffer with.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Jendhamuni and Buddhist nuns
Mrs. Kong Heang, age 95, passed a way on Monday October 22, 2012, in Rhode Island.
Written by Mr. Kuy Sothon; Read by Jendhamuni Sos
As a bee gathering nectar does not harm or disturb the color & fragrance of the flower;
so do the wise move through the world. ~Buddha, The Dhammapada
Flower in Bristol, Connecticut
Poem title in Khmer: Srohnoh Srok Preah
Written by Upasaka Kuy Sothon
Read by Jendhamuni Sos
இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ¬~♥
WISDOM NOT SUPERSTITION
Similar to other religions, Buddhism has incorporated various types of traditions, custom, miracles, mysticism, fortune-telling, fung-shui, charms, talismans, mantras, prayers and many rites and rituals that may not be found in the original teaching. As a result, people give more attention to self-protection from evil spirits and to seeking good luck and prosperity, etc. They are only interested in discovering ways to get rid of misfortunes, difficulties and bad influence of stars, black magic, etc. by external powers. Thus, religious practices and beliefs are degenerated, and confined to worldly pursuits. People become superstitious because of their blind faith in the name of that religion.
The Buddha rejects superstitions but urges us to pursue wisdom. The Buddha teaches us to develop the most important practices: self-discipline, self-restraint, cultivation of morality and spiritual development. The Buddha also teaches us to cultivate the strength of will-power, wisdom, understanding of Mind and self-nature.
IDEAL WORSHIP, NOT IDOL WORSHIP
Regarding as a way of cultivation, some people place the Buddhist images to worship. However, if they pray the images requesting for guidance and protection for health and wealth for good luck and fame, for power and love, etc, or if they ask favours from the images and figures to forgive their evil deeds, then they are not in the right path of cultivation.
The worship of the Buddhist images is to pay respects to the Buddha, the greatest, wisest, most benevolent, compassionate man who has ever lived in this world. The images help people to recall the Buddha in their mind. They may be used as a symbol or an object of concentration to gain a piece of mind. The serenity of the Buddhist images influences and inspires them to observe the right path of conduct and thought. Continue reading
History of Magha Puja
Compiled by Ven. Munindathero Maha Nhor Tepmony
Read by Jendhamuni Sos
இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ¬~♥
Magha Puja Day: The Day of Four Marvelous Events
Magha Puja Day is one of the most important Buddhist holy day. It is also called as “The Day of Four Marvelous Events.” Why is it so important?
Magha Puja Day has been announced to be one of the most important holy days in Buddhism because there were four marvelous events happening over 2,500 years ago. This day is an important Buddhist holy day because of Dhamma. The Lord Buddha taught the Dhamma Principles and his teachings for the assembled arahants in that day to disseminate and save the beings from sin.
Magha Puja Day is the special holy day which usually falls on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, sometimes the Buddhists call “the day which the moon is occupying the Magha auspicious time”. The Buddhists usually do the activities and ceremonies on Magha Puja Day in the middle of the 3rd lunar month, but if there is 2 times of the 8th lunar month, the activities will delay to do in the middle of the 4th lunar month. The Magha Day is important because it is the meeting anniversary of the arahants who assembled without any schedule. This day is also called to be “The Day of Four Marvelous Events” which occurred at the Veluvana Maha Vihara after the Lord Buddha had enlightened for 9 months.
Give respect to people whether they deserve it or not.
Not as a reflection of their character;
But as a reflection of your own personality.
~santabanta sms
May your cup overflow with peace, love and pure awesomeness today.
May your heart be happy and your days be bright;
May your roads be smooth and your burdens light;
May you find dreams soar and touch a special star;
And may you never forget – how special you are!
~santabanta sms
