I decided to blog again after my usual visit to The Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple on 10 Aug 08 at 32B Hong San Terrace for the Ullambane Festival. The current Abbot, Ven. Phra Phian Saccavaro usually explain to us the meaning of the festival as well as why we need to perform. In the past, due to the Abbot cannot speak English as such no explanation was made and most of the followers just do without really know the purpose. I personally feel that with the new English speaking Abbot on board, most of the followers now can understand the significance of each festival /activites. As such I decided to pen down what i have taught and learn from the Dhamma talk . Next week, Ven. Chun Qing will talk about 7th month festival...
in Mandarin. If you are free, pls come to join us at 10.00am.
I was introduced to Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple from my mother at the age of 14. Before that we were Taoism partly due to my late grandmother. I do not have much knowledges about Taoism so used to feel uneasy and scared of those deities statues. When I first entered into the main shrine, I felt peace when I see the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, I felt peace and wanted to know about Buddhism. This was how and why I become a Buddhist. My first understanding of Buddhism is that Buddhism is a way of finding peace within oneslef. It is a religion that helps us to find the happiness and contentment we week. Buddhists develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through their daily practice; and then share their experience with others bringing real benefit to this world. They try not to harm others and to live peacefully and gently, working towards the ultimate goal of pure and lasting happiness for all living beings.
