SELF HELP IN DHARMA
Welcome to Dharma through e-mail from Metta Forest Hermitage
Issue No.1, 2007
On behalf of Metta Forest Hermitage I wish to thank the following persons and wish them well in all their undertakings:
1. Bro. Wei Chuan Beng: for the new computer CPU
2. Bro. Chong Su Lim: for purchasing the unit and installing the software
3. Bro. Ir. C.S.Chai: for installing the web cam, broadband modem, checking of the CPU and giving us the final certificate of approval
4. Dr. Tammy Lingam: for the broadband ADSL modem and web cam
5. Mdm. Shanti Lingam: for giving us the broadband Streamyx and donating the monthly rental of RM20
To improve our service, please feel free to email us your comments and advice. Let us do our bit for the propagation of Buddha Dharma, reduce suffering and promote peace and harmony; first in our own lives, in our family, in our neighbourhood and finally the world at large.
With Metta,
Guru.
Editor: Bro. Chong Su Lim
Advisor: Ir. Bro.C.S.Chai
METTA HERMITAGE MEDITATION SOCIETY
Only for our members:
Transcript of our Tuesday Meditation Session Dharma Talk by Guru:
Dear friends in Dharma,
I welcome you once again to the meditation session at our hermitage.
Thank you for your kind support for coming together for our group meditation. Though the group is not big, but the members who turn up show a sincere interest to know the Dharma. I assure you your effort will not be in vain.
It is not easy to sustain an interest in Dharma in modern times where there are many distractions. The world today has many attractions – cinemas, colour television, CD, DVD, radio, computer, Internet, handphones with digital cameras, etc. There are also palatial shopping malls with restaurants fit a king, fast food restaurants, 24-hour outlets, fast cars, motorcycles, up to date health clubs, golf clubs and grand pubs.
We must realize that these are all external things. That is why Prince Siddhartha, the future Buddha, abandoned a kingdom and never returned to a glamorous life even after His Enlightenment but continued His simple and unassuming life in villages. He spent His time teaching the Dharma.
External things are useful but have very little to do with the development of the spirit. The spiritual side is often left out and forgotten, one being easily carried away by worldly distractions. Despite all these temptations you have set aside some time for the study and practice of Dharma and develop your spiritual qualities. The more we become aware of the importance of these spiritual qualities, the more we will be eager to study, develop and use them in our daily life to remain strong inwardly, unshaken in the midst of our worldly activities.
Be positive at all times. Remember that the Teachings of the Noble One are truly a Blessing. Every book of wisdom including those written by Master Hsuan Hua, the Dharma Master of the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery in
Not only must we remember the Teachings, but also rise above the petty ways of the ordinary ones and walk the path of Dharma. True, it is not easy, but we can make an effort and do our bit for our own spiritual welfare. Any great achievement requires superhuman effort. Let us be wise - our spiritual development is in our own hands just like any other worldly gain.
WE ARE HEIRS TO OUR OWN DEEDS. – says the Dhammapada.
To succeed in life we have to be bold, courageous, adventurous, well disciplined and be willing to sacrifice fleeting pleasures for more lasting gain.
Let us support each other to walk this Path.
May all beings be well and happy.
Guru
Metta Forest Hermitage.