🌻Soulful Sunday Series #8🌻
Sunyata-Emptiness. It seems that many conceptions of Buddhism seem to revolve around this term. You may have heard that emptiness is NOT nothingness or doing nothing. In the Heart Sutra, it was stated that all phenomena are neither created nor destroyed, neither pure nor defiled, neither coming nor going. But did you also know the ‘perfection of wisdom’ in the Heart Sutra is achieved through the realisation of emptiness? So, what is emptiness exactly?
Emptiness is a way of perceiving phenomena. Our experiences are ‘empty’ when we strip ourselves of the preconceived notions about them. Most of the time, when we meditate, a thought will arise in us. If we allow ourselves to be led by that thought, perception and mental formations may arise, and our consciousness clings on to that thought and the afflictive emotions created by it.
By adopting Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching on ‘interdependence’, we would understand all phenomena as devoid of a separate existence or ‘self’. We ‘inter-are’ and ‘inter-be’ with one another.
As we have learnt since the start of the Soulful Sunday series, everything that we experience are karmic volitions and with every phenomena we experience, a lesson must be learnt. The intended purpose of understanding emptiness is to loosen attachment, release ourselves from the defilments, and eventually liberate ourselves from suffering.
With this in mind, let us practise Sunyata mindfully. May all of us be well and happy
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
Sunyata-Emptiness. It seems that many conceptions of Buddhism seem to revolve around this term. You may have heard that emptiness is NOT nothingness or doing nothing. In the Heart Sutra, it was stated that all phenomena are neither created nor destroyed, neither pure nor defiled, neither coming nor going. But did you also know the ‘perfection of wisdom’ in the Heart Sutra is achieved through the realisation of emptiness? So, what is emptiness exactly?
Emptiness is a way of perceiving phenomena. Our experiences are ‘empty’ when we strip ourselves of the preconceived notions about them. Most of the time, when we meditate, a thought will arise in us. If we allow ourselves to be led by that thought, perception and mental formations may arise, and our consciousness clings on to that thought and the afflictive emotions created by it.
By adopting Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching on ‘interdependence’, we would understand all phenomena as devoid of a separate existence or ‘self’. We ‘inter-are’ and ‘inter-be’ with one another.
As we have learnt since the start of the Soulful Sunday series, everything that we experience are karmic volitions and with every phenomena we experience, a lesson must be learnt. The intended purpose of understanding emptiness is to loosen attachment, release ourselves from the defilments, and eventually liberate ourselves from suffering.
With this in mind, let us practise Sunyata mindfully. May all of us be well and happy
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
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Hello everyone! During this week, the National University of Singapore Buddhist Society is fortunate to have Venerable Kai Cheng to introduce participants to the Buddhist concept of being in the present through the practice of meditation and mindfulness. Interested participants will learn their benefits for their mental health and how they may be integrated into their own often busy and fast-paced lives.
The session will be held physically on Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm. Venue will be confirmed again closer to the date!
Sign up via this link here: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8525821
See you there!
The session will be held physically on Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm. Venue will be confirmed again closer to the date!
Sign up via this link here: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8525821
See you there!
Hello everyone! The National University of Singapore Buddhist Society is recruiting subcommittee members for Events and Marketing!
For those who are interested, please sign up via this link here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xu-lWwkxd06Fvc_rDTR-glLvS65_QrBIi-j-BJsq1-NUOEZNTlhZVU1NSFc1OFVBSDVUNVE3QjczSC4u
Sign ups will be from 25 to 31 Oct.
We look forward to having you be part of our team!
For those who are interested, please sign up via this link here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xu-lWwkxd06Fvc_rDTR-glLvS65_QrBIi-j-BJsq1-NUOEZNTlhZVU1NSFc1OFVBSDVUNVE3QjczSC4u
Sign ups will be from 25 to 31 Oct.
We look forward to having you be part of our team!
Hello everyone, take note that there is a change in venue for tomorrow’s dharma circle. It will be held at Yusof Ishak House training room 1.
Happy midweek!! It was a great session with Venerable Kai Cheng today🙏🏻 Its really a joy to have so many of you learning the dharma with us :) Hope to see yall more often!
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🌻Soulful Sunday Series #9🌻
As we approach the exams, stress levels will start building up. Hence, it is crucial that we practise mindfulness (Sati). Mindfulness is the practice of pulling oneself to the present moment and living with an unbiased awareness of our experiences at the moment. Mindfulness is integral to how we live our lives, moment to moment. Life is a continuum of events that are driven by our karmic volitions. Thus, by always being mindful of our thoughts, speech, and actions, we can live by ethical and virtuous conduct.
Buddha taught that there are 4 foundations of mindfulness: body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. Training these 4 foundations brings clarity and equanimity to us. Mindfulness can be contextualised to every aspect of our life- academics, work, social interaction, eating… The list goes on infinitely. Kinda reminds us of Zen isn’t it? In fact, Zen originates from Chan Buddhism which emphasises the attainment of Buddhahood through mindfulness and looking deep into one’s mind to realise special insights.
This brings me to share a way to practise mindfulness- Chan meditation! I shall not provide a paradigmatic way of meditation as everyone has different conditions so it is best to research and find out which works best for you. However, there are a few pivotal pointers that would be good to keep in mind when you meditate.
1. The goal of Chan is mind-training- conditioning it to stay in the present.
2. Harmonise the body and mind
3. Cultivate compassion and wisdom
4. Realise non-self and eliminate vexations binding us
Hope that everyone is able to practise mindfulness from today!
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
As we approach the exams, stress levels will start building up. Hence, it is crucial that we practise mindfulness (Sati). Mindfulness is the practice of pulling oneself to the present moment and living with an unbiased awareness of our experiences at the moment. Mindfulness is integral to how we live our lives, moment to moment. Life is a continuum of events that are driven by our karmic volitions. Thus, by always being mindful of our thoughts, speech, and actions, we can live by ethical and virtuous conduct.
Buddha taught that there are 4 foundations of mindfulness: body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. Training these 4 foundations brings clarity and equanimity to us. Mindfulness can be contextualised to every aspect of our life- academics, work, social interaction, eating… The list goes on infinitely. Kinda reminds us of Zen isn’t it? In fact, Zen originates from Chan Buddhism which emphasises the attainment of Buddhahood through mindfulness and looking deep into one’s mind to realise special insights.
This brings me to share a way to practise mindfulness- Chan meditation! I shall not provide a paradigmatic way of meditation as everyone has different conditions so it is best to research and find out which works best for you. However, there are a few pivotal pointers that would be good to keep in mind when you meditate.
1. The goal of Chan is mind-training- conditioning it to stay in the present.
2. Harmonise the body and mind
3. Cultivate compassion and wisdom
4. Realise non-self and eliminate vexations binding us
Hope that everyone is able to practise mindfulness from today!
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
NUS Buddhist Society 🙏🌿
Photo
Hello! Anyone interested in Buddhism/Volunteering/Publicity can apply for subcom! Commitment level is quite chill and it's a good opportunity to network with like-minded people. Do note that sign up will be close by tomorrow :) Thank you and have a good weekend!✨
Forwarded from NUS Buddhist Society 🙏🌿
Hello everyone! The National University of Singapore Buddhist Society is recruiting subcommittee members for Events and Marketing!
For those who are interested, please sign up via this link here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xu-lWwkxd06Fvc_rDTR-glLvS65_QrBIi-j-BJsq1-NUOEZNTlhZVU1NSFc1OFVBSDVUNVE3QjczSC4u
Sign ups will be from 25 to 31 Oct.
We look forward to having you be part of our team!
For those who are interested, please sign up via this link here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xu-lWwkxd06Fvc_rDTR-glLvS65_QrBIi-j-BJsq1-NUOEZNTlhZVU1NSFc1OFVBSDVUNVE3QjczSC4u
Sign ups will be from 25 to 31 Oct.
We look forward to having you be part of our team!
🌻Soulful Sunday Series #10🌻
Finally, we have reached week 13. Time flies, isn’t it? Well, not if you stay in the present at all times! Throughout the past 9 weeks of Soulful Sunday Series, I have shared ways to cultivate your inner Buddha. It is certainly not surprising why I say this because at some points in our lifetimes in the samsara, we will realise Buddhahood.
Life is not always about studying, hustling, or socialising… It is good to train our monkey-minds to stay in the present moment by having some solitary time. Only in this way can we see the beauty in the simplest things. There are many ways to practise Buddhism but there is never a shortcut. We have to figure our lives as everyone’s suffering is different. Gurus (teachers) can impart their wisdom to us but we ourselves have to realise the path. I believe that we can change our fates by doing good and creating good karma. Good karma can materialise in many forms but i think the best form of good karma is being able to learn Dharma and practise Buddhism!
There are also inevitably times where we are faced with situations that elicit negative emotions in us. However, we should practise Dharma with due diligence, and question and investigate the root cause of these afflictions. Robin Williams once said “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." Thus, never let yourself be misled by these afflictive emotions. Only you can be in charge of how you want your life to be. That starts with changing your perception towards things, and treating sentient beings with compassion and good-will. Only then, will you be happy☺️
If you ever find yourself in a conundrum, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What would the Buddha have done if he was in this position?”. I have realised that one good way to make hard decisions in life is to emulate the qualities of the Buddha. I would highly recommend viewing the world through the lens of Buddhism in all that we do, even as we breathe.
It has been a great 10 weeks sharing Dharma with you and I sincerely hope that these valuable teachings of the Buddha have managed to alleviate your suffering. Hopefully, you were able to appreciate the beauty of Dharma as much as I did, and spread Buddha’s wisdom to more people. Alas, as with the nature of impermanence, it is time for me to bid goodbye. Here, I wish that everyone can be well and happy, and ultimately be free from our sufferings. Sadhu sadhu sadhu🙏🙏🙏
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
Finally, we have reached week 13. Time flies, isn’t it? Well, not if you stay in the present at all times! Throughout the past 9 weeks of Soulful Sunday Series, I have shared ways to cultivate your inner Buddha. It is certainly not surprising why I say this because at some points in our lifetimes in the samsara, we will realise Buddhahood.
Life is not always about studying, hustling, or socialising… It is good to train our monkey-minds to stay in the present moment by having some solitary time. Only in this way can we see the beauty in the simplest things. There are many ways to practise Buddhism but there is never a shortcut. We have to figure our lives as everyone’s suffering is different. Gurus (teachers) can impart their wisdom to us but we ourselves have to realise the path. I believe that we can change our fates by doing good and creating good karma. Good karma can materialise in many forms but i think the best form of good karma is being able to learn Dharma and practise Buddhism!
There are also inevitably times where we are faced with situations that elicit negative emotions in us. However, we should practise Dharma with due diligence, and question and investigate the root cause of these afflictions. Robin Williams once said “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." Thus, never let yourself be misled by these afflictive emotions. Only you can be in charge of how you want your life to be. That starts with changing your perception towards things, and treating sentient beings with compassion and good-will. Only then, will you be happy☺️
If you ever find yourself in a conundrum, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What would the Buddha have done if he was in this position?”. I have realised that one good way to make hard decisions in life is to emulate the qualities of the Buddha. I would highly recommend viewing the world through the lens of Buddhism in all that we do, even as we breathe.
It has been a great 10 weeks sharing Dharma with you and I sincerely hope that these valuable teachings of the Buddha have managed to alleviate your suffering. Hopefully, you were able to appreciate the beauty of Dharma as much as I did, and spread Buddha’s wisdom to more people. Alas, as with the nature of impermanence, it is time for me to bid goodbye. Here, I wish that everyone can be well and happy, and ultimately be free from our sufferings. Sadhu sadhu sadhu🙏🙏🙏
With Metta,
Your friendly neighbourhood Sunya☁️
❤4
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KVSGBemW1fu6QL0K6jyYdJK7qI8ttXBqcxy3If3k9YQ/edit?usp=sharing
We have consolidated the Soulful Sunday series into this g docs for your viewing. Feel free to spread the beauty of this “pocket Dharma” to your peers too🙏 Have a beautiful day ahead, and if you need this, you are doing great☺️
We have consolidated the Soulful Sunday series into this g docs for your viewing. Feel free to spread the beauty of this “pocket Dharma” to your peers too🙏 Have a beautiful day ahead, and if you need this, you are doing great☺️
Google Docs
Soulful Sunday
Theme Explanation Suffering, 4 noble truths Dukkha- the first noble truth taught by the Buddha. This word is often translated as ‘suffering’ and interpreted as such. However, there are subtler meanings that underlie this word. Buddha taught that there are…
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NUS Buddhist Society 🙏🌿 pinned «https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KVSGBemW1fu6QL0K6jyYdJK7qI8ttXBqcxy3If3k9YQ/edit?usp=sharing We have consolidated the Soulful Sunday series into this g docs for your viewing. Feel free to spread the beauty of this “pocket Dharma” to your peers too🙏 Have…»
NUS Buddhist Society 🙏🌿
Hello everyone! The National University of Singapore Buddhist Society is recruiting subcommittee members for Events and Marketing! For those who are interested, please sign up via this link here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xu-lWwkxd06Fvc_rDTR…
Happy Sunday!🥰 Do note that sign up for subcommittees closes today :) Thank you and have a good weekend!
In week 11, the National University of Singapore Buddhist Society had Venerable Kai Cheng introduce the concepts of meditation and mindfulness.
In this week, participants will be guided through a meditation session by Sister Pair Shen, who is the Vice President of Wisdom Light Meditation Society which mainly promotes Chan meditation. Participants interested in meditation may join this session to learn about effective meditation techniques to aid them in their practices.
The session will be held on Wednesday, 9 November 2022 from 7PM to 9 PM.
Do take note that the venue has been changed and will be at Yusof Ishak House, Training room 1.
Sign up via the rsvp link here: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8525822
See you there!
In this week, participants will be guided through a meditation session by Sister Pair Shen, who is the Vice President of Wisdom Light Meditation Society which mainly promotes Chan meditation. Participants interested in meditation may join this session to learn about effective meditation techniques to aid them in their practices.
The session will be held on Wednesday, 9 November 2022 from 7PM to 9 PM.
Do take note that the venue has been changed and will be at Yusof Ishak House, Training room 1.
Sign up via the rsvp link here: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8525822
See you there!
Welcome back to a new semester! NUS Buddhist Society hopes that everyone is doing well :) There is a welcome tea tonight for participants to get to know one another and understand the basics of Buddhism.
Venue will be at Science, s16 05 98. The session will be from 7.15 to 9pm. Do RSVP before coming for the session.
Here is the rsvp link: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8697679
We hope to see you there!
Venue will be at Science, s16 05 98. The session will be from 7.15 to 9pm. Do RSVP before coming for the session.
Here is the rsvp link: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8697679
We hope to see you there!
This week, the National University Buddhist Society is very grateful to be featuring Dr Chia, a historian specialising in Buddhist studies, to help participants explore the topic of Buddhism in the academic context.
The venue is confirmed to be at Science, S16 Level 4 Room 27 (S16-0437)
Here is the rsvp link: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8734271
We hope to see you there today!
The venue is confirmed to be at Science, S16 Level 4 Room 27 (S16-0437)
Here is the rsvp link: https://nus.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8734271
We hope to see you there today!