NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA-SAMBUDDHASSAWhen in the forest one day, the attention of Buddha and His disciples were drawn to a seemingly restless fox. In silence they watched. The fox stood still for a second, then ran into a bush to reappear later, standing still again. Then, making a few circles, it sat down but not for long. Looking agitated, it ran into a cave, then out again, then into the hallow of a tree. Buddha addressed His disciples drawing attention to the animal “suffering” whether standing, sitting or running. The problem however is not due to any of them but its mange. Until the root cause is removed, the jackal will continue to suffer.
For humans, the predicament is the same, we focus on external to eliminate discomfort but none helps as the root cause is wrong views or wrong thinking.
Our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow, our life is the creation of our mind. In order to change the way we feel and act, we need to change our thinking. This fundamental principle preached 2500 years ago and fully endorsed by Science today simply put by Eleanor Rosewelt, “No one can make you inferior without your consent”. Hence, while the problem is in our minds, the solution is in our minds too. The method that systematically and scientifically helps us move from unhappiness to ultimate peace …..
Noble Eight fold Path …… 1) Right understanding 2) Right thinking 3) Right Speech 4) Right Action 5) Right Livelihood 6) Right Effort 7) Right Mindfulness 8)Right Concentration
Telling the story of the fox reminds us of what Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.
Please do your part to end animal abuse and end it once and all.
Let go and let Buddha unfold your life.
Trust Buddha for leading each moment of your day.
Look to Him for guidance every step of the day.
Develop the wisdom thru Buddha Doctrine(dharma) to unfold this life of yours.
If you are having problems, talk to Him, Buddha has a way of turning things around for you.
When Buddha solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities, when He does not, He has faith in your abilities.
In celebration of Kathina Festival @ Wat Puthanimittam
So on this day, wash away all selfishness and vainity, iron out all wrinkles of prejudice, bake the sweet bread of metta and cultivate the way to purchase eternal bliss.
Invite Buddha and His Doctrine into your heart.
The sarita image of Lord Buddha
Wat Puthanimittam plans to purchase a Buddha relic sculptured in the image of the Buddha himself. The physical sarita are manifestation of the realizations of the Buddha and other masters. When in contact, one automatically create happiness or virtue.
Are there benefits for the above plan? Buddha once said seeing His relics is like seeing Buddha himself. It symbolizes the qualities of Buddhahood and the turning of the Wheel of Dharma unceasingly.
A) The peal of the bell to summon the bhikkhu to their noon meal. Dates back to ancient times as the only form of communication in residence far apart.
B) Chanting and transference of merits to the donor/donors after the meal.
C) Pouring of water to signify the transference and acceptance.
