Moggallana 09 !

Class Party 2010!!

2010-11-05T10:09:00.002+08:00

Okay guys and gals.
You can see it in the calendar.
7th Nov 2010
CLASS PARTY!
It's party time.
Bring some grubs to share.
Bring some stories to tell.
Let your hair hang down.
Sing your songs and play your games.

Foeticide aka Abortion

2010-09-17T18:02:00.004+08:00

Pro-Choice or Pro-Life. The debate on abortion seems never ending. Here's an article that has been doing the email, blog and social network rounds.

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:
“Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.” So the doctor said “Ok, and what do you want me to do?” She said “I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.”

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady “I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.” She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued “You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.”

The lady was horrified and said “No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!” “I agree,“ the doctor replied “but you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.”

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!

It's a dog's life!

2010-08-23T17:04:00.021+08:00

It's a dog's life! You've seen it. A seemingly happy dog with it's drooling tongue flapping in the breeze as the car cruises along. Maybe a couple of kids playing with a big Persian cat at the back of an MPV. Don't forget the well coiffured aunty in the Kopitiams sipping the mocha with her just as well coiffured pooch sitting docile on a chair next to her. The trend is unmistakable. More and more people are getting pets as toys, ornaments or something to adorn themselves. Perhaps it subconsciously underlines their need to feel superior and lord over the beasts.

WARNING: Contains graphic images that may be disturbing to some. Click to read more.

Would you stick your child's face out the window for the child to drool in the breeze? Would you demand that your child sit around you in a docile manner while you chat at the coffee shop? And too many kitties and bunnies have been accidentally left in a locked car on a hot sunny day.

In the United States of America, the demand for puppies have reared (pardon the pun) its ugly face in the form of mushrooming puppy mills or farms. A problem far worse than dealing with backyard breeders. Not unlike chicken farms, the dogs are often kept in appalling conditions and forced to give birth to as many puppies as possible. When the bitch is past her usefulness, she is simply put down or discarded. According to estimates, a whooping 99 percent of all puppies sold in pet stores comes from these puppy mills.

Closer to home, we are also beginning to see a proliferation of pet stores. The wanton demand for pets will obviously drive the setting up of local puppy mills. Pets are even being sold in hypermarkets and shopping malls. It is all too easy now to pacify a screaming child in the hypermarket by simply obliging to purchase the cute little hamster. Short of scanning the pet for it's price, you can conveniently purchase just about any pet. From the affordable fishes to exotic reptiles. From Kitties to bunnies. Puppies would be a hot seller if muslim shoppers didn't object.

One of the Eightfold Noble path stipulates Sammā-ājīva or Right Livelihood. Buddhists are encouraged to earn their living through honest means. Five types of trades are discouraged and they are :-
1. Business in weapons: trading in all kinds of weapons and instruments for killing.
2. Business in human beings: slave trading, prostitution, or the buying and selling of children or adults.
3. Business in flesh: Includes breeding of animals for slaughter.
4. Business in intoxicants: manufacturing or selling intoxicating drinks or addictive drugs.
5. Business in poison: producing or trading in any kind of toxic product designed to kill.

By purchasing a pet from the stores, you are encouraging a cruel trade. If you want a pet, adopt one from the animal shelter. Otherwise make it a point to know the breeder and the conditions in which the animals were bred in. Say no to pet shops.

For further reading.
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/puppy-mill-faq.html
http://www.puppy.com.my/forum/Dog_and_Puppies_Talk_C3/General_F6/Pet_shops_warning_P15
http://forums.petfinder.my/showthread.php?t=23

Sigh! Another litter. I'm tired.

An abandoned pedigree beagle mom.

Dead on the tyre.

Still pregnant or just bloated. In any case she's dead.

Another one bites the dust.

Caged all her life just to make puppies.

Near blindness. Still producing puppies.

Doomed!.

Where most pets end up.

The Rebirth of Buddha NOT

2010-04-16T15:22:00.004+08:00

On the 14th April 2010 there was a promotional advertisement for a new movie "Who is Buddha?" in the newspaper. My immediate reaction was "WOW" and "WAY TO GO!" but wait a minute. My Buddha-sense tingled (like Spiderman and his spidersense) as I read further. The title seemed a bit strange. Shouldn't it have been The Buddha? Maybe it's just a common non-native english movie grammar mistake. "Free Admission" it read. A full length movie that cost millions to produce and the special screening is promoted for free? Suspicion sets in. The organisation behind this is the BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF HUMAN HAPPINESS?

That kinda rings a bell. Could it be affiliated with the Happy Science organisation that made the Japanese animation movie with the preposterous title "The Rebirth of Buddha"?

A phone call confirmed that indeed this is the same movie. The person on the line told me that their principle belief is that all religions comes from the same source. I enquired about the Buddhist aspects and was told that their practice was more towards Mahayana Buddhism.

Why am I against this movie? It is nothing short of desecrating The Buddha. It gives Buddhism a bad image. It tends towards cultism. It gives others wrong ideas of Buddhism. The founder of Happy Science is Ryuho Okawa who claims to be able to channel the spirits of Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and the Greek god Hermes among others. He claims to be the cosmic Buddha whatever that means and to be the incarnation of God. He likes to think that he is the rebirth of Buddha and goes by the name of El Cantare.

In one of its members-only dvds he is reported to have said “Love me more than your husband or wife or children or mom or dad”. In another one of those dvds, it is suggested that your fortune comes from god, so you should give back to god (okawa). It featured a family that donated a property that’s been in the family for generations and saying how this was better than leaving it to their children or grandchildren.

Well, if you don’t like it, why don't you just stay away you might ask? What if you have some family members that you love and needs to be protected? Some people might say "But their members also do a lot of charity work and some of their teachings seems profound". Well, whatever is profound is probably lifted straight off existing legitimate religions. Furthermore, how much are they giving to charity compared to the money they collect for Mr Okawa which includes funding their failed political party in Japan.

In the Cunda Sutta, at the passing away of Ven. Sariputta, The Buddha said to Ven. Ananda "Therefore, Ananda, be ye an island unto yourself, a refuge unto yourself, seeking no external refuge; with the Teaching as your island, the Teaching your refuge, seeking no other refuge."

In the MahaParinibbana Sutta, the last words by the Tathagatha was "Behold now, bhikkhus, I exhort you: All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness!" So literally, "The rebirth of Buddha" is an utter and complete nonsense.

In closing this issue, let us remind ourselves

Imina punna kammena, Ma me bala samagamo.
Satam samagamo hotu, yava nibbana pattiya.

By the grace of the merits that I have acquired, may i never follow the foolish but only the wise until I attain the final bliss of Nibbana.

To Bro. KC and Moggallana classmates!

2010-02-03T16:36:00.012+08:00

Moggallana students from the choir group (One Voice One Melody) will be attending class slightly later, about 9am this Sunday ( 7th Feb 2010) as we will be performing during the public puja at 8.30am.
Cheers~

Attention all Monggalana-ians !

2010-02-02T21:41:00.003+08:00

As all of you know 7th of Feb is the 1st Youth Avenue, but our dear chairperson forgotten to tell you guys that it will end a lil later so please stay back until 11.30am ! Thank q.

Love,

Sharmaine

Buddha Prophesied about Jesus?

2010-01-26T08:48:00.008+08:00

I read an article in the "Voice of Buddhism" with shock and disbelief. Buddha prophesied about Jesus? To me, the crux of Buddhist ideal and that of Christianity are so diametrically opposed that this is unthinkable. The next thought that appeared in my mind was filled with sadness because people would spread such untruths to mislead others. I was glad that the matter was very well rebutted in the article by a Mr. John Johnson (Although I'm unable to ascertain who Mr Johnson is ... yet.)

Although the claim is not new but it's recurrence can continue to bring confusion to those less informed about Buddhism. Googling the net brings more than 250000 hits on similar misinformation. Here's one such link Buddha told of Jesus

Not only that, even some Muslims think that Buddha prophesied about Prophet Muhammad. This is by a Dr. Mohammed Amir. JAKIM

What can we say? Buddha is a popular guy but don't depend on others to tell you what He teaches. Ehi Passiko. Come and see. Practise it yourself.

Hook, Line & Sinker

2010-01-20T10:35:00.002+08:00

Hook, line and sinker! That's the idiom we use when one completely believes, accepts or is totally taken in by something. Usually in a negative way. "He fell for it hook, line and sinker" meant that the person totally went for it like a fish that gobbled not only the bait but swallowed the entire hook, the fishing line and its sinker. That's exactly what I thought when I saw this photo taken by Patrick Leong. Looks cute and funny isn't it? Read on ...

Reminds me of how people use to catch small monkeys in the olden days. Villagers used to cut a tiny hole in a coconut, drain the water and put some fruit or nuts inside. They would place such coconuts in places where the monkeys were menacing. The curious monkeys would find the treat in the coconuts and put their little hands in to grab the reward but with clenched fists, they were unable to take their hands out. Like convicts tied to iron balls and chains they were trapped. The villagers and often kids would rush out with sticks and beat the monkeys to death. It never occured to the monkeys that if they'd release and let go of the fruits in the coconuts, they'd be able to retract their hands and flee.

That's what I saw in the photo. The little monkey is so taken in that he's dunked his entire head into the coconut oblivious to any impending danger. Laugh if you may but there's something important we should learn from this. Today, "coconuts" have transformed into intense gadgets of distractions that panders to our senses of pleasures. Guess who is the monkey now? Watch out for if we do not know how to let go, we may suffer the fate of the helpless monkeys of days gone by.

90 Students Barrier Broken!

2010-01-19T09:27:00.007+08:00

We've hit 95 students in enrolment. As some of you said "WA-LAO-EH!". Although only 60 students turned up, the class was packed. Welcome back Bryan and Kevin.

Some general information.
You already know the class blog if you are reading this. Take note of the calendar on the right and prepare yourself to meet the BISDS challenge. :) This blog will be a portal of information and Dhamma "watering hole" for you to share your thoughts.

Teachers in charge are
Bro. Gary Loo (Head Teacher)
Bro. Lid Sine ( T-i-c Buddha's greatness etc)
Bro. K.C. (T-i-c Maha Mangala Sutta)

Class monitors elected were
Allen and Sharmaine. Sadhu to both of them for taking up the posts.

click more ....>

Last Sunday (17th Jan), due to the overwhelming attendance, we had a short meditation exercise to quieten and calm our mind. We could talk and discuss quietly for more than 30 minutes. Wow! ;) Proof that the class can be quiet. Proof that there's "heaven". Then when you were allowed to take a 10 mins break, the entire class was like a market place. Proof that class can be extremely noisy. Proof that there's "hell". So we can say that "heaven" and "hell" can be in the same location. ;) In any case, it can be a strain for the teacher's vocal cords to be heard from one end of the class to the other. So please, have sympathy for teacher.

We've maintained the class 'tradition' of taking turn to be Puja MC. This time we are starting from the end of the class register. Sadhu to Hopkins and Kee Zet? for being the MC last week. We've also suggested that Prime come out with a standard script for the MC so that the task won't be so daunting and new students will not be caught tongue tied. The other students can improve and improvise to make the MC presentation a better one. When we are up there as the MC, we should take the opportunity to liven up, inspire and motivate the Puja audience with our presentation.

We also talked about the events that have been scheduled for the year in BISDS and how we can participate in these events as a class to make a difference. Some of the major events include Fund Raising Dinner for the rooftop classes (while we sit in the aircond, our little friends in the rooftop classes put up with the possibility of their class room collapsing, electrical faults and water leaks.), School Trip, Class Trip, Wesak day Exhibition, Dhamma Quiz, IBYFG, Dhamma Pet Week etc etc.

We need to get ourselves organised and work more effectively as a class. You guys are young adults already. It's time to put your Dhamma to work and be of service to your community. We also talked about the possibility of releasing animals from captivity as a project recognizing that BISDS will hold its first Dhamma Pet event. I leave it to you guys/gals to weigh the pros and cons of this practice. It was once a popular practice during Wesak to release animals like birds but due to unscrupulous people, it has become a horrible trade to catch the poor animals for sale to be "released". Furthermore, the efficiency of intercontinental freight these days have seen the importation of a flurry of exotic animals sold as pets. It is not unusual to find rare exotic and even dangerous animals which may pose as a threat to our natural habitat. So how do we help animals? Is it wrong to free an animal? THINK. By NOT setting animals free, did we stop or have we caused a drop in demand for animal poachers? Is it better to buy a pet or adopt a pet?

I remember a story of a boy who threw a starfish back into the ocean. A man noticing a boy throwing a starfish back into the ocean ridiculed him saying that there are miles and miles of the beach and many other starfish will still perish as the sun comes up and the tide goes down. The boy couldn't possibly make a difference. The boy smiled confidently, picked up another starfish and gently threw it back into the surf and said "I made a difference to that one."

with Metta
LidSine

Class Party videos

2009-12-10T12:28:00.004+08:00

Finally, the videos are up in youtube. Sorry I couldn't get this out in time b4 SPM examinations. Too much work.

Class Party 2009

2009-11-15T23:11:00.003+08:00

End

2009-11-15T22:07:00.001+08:00

After eleven months, finally we have come to an end of Sunday School for the year 2009. It was great to have been able to join the class this year for the first time and the last time.

Getting to know everyone in the class was seriously great and definitely a great fun time being class with everyone. Lameness and loudness spreading in the class every week is definitely all the time.

To all the Form 5’s having SPM starting this Wednesday, good luck and all the best. Do your best and don’t give up! To all the others, have great school holiday and enjoy it to the max before next year comes.

Again thank you to Bro KC & Bro Lid Sine for the knowledge that I’ve gained this year in class.

I will still be around Sunday School next in Sariputta class for those who may want to know. Find me if you need me.

Smiles from my heart,
Love from my heart,
&
You all shall always be my Kalyana Mitra!

See you all again next year!

By Bryan ^.^V

Speech

2009-11-09T12:22:00.000+08:00

Good evening to my dearest family and friends, brothers and sisters in the Dhamma.

It is difficult to express my gratitude and it is indeed surprising to me that I would be standing here tonight receiving this award – Best Student of the Year. I want to say so much, but I can hardly find the words. Being able to learn the Dhamma is the greatest blessings in my life. Definitely I wouldn’t be able to have it if I hadn’t join BISDS. It is where I discover that there is a part in me that want to explore more into the teachings of the Buddha. Of course, it is only this year that I join BISDS after hearing about it a few years ago but was reluctant of joining it then as I had a perception that I won’t benefit from it. But now, I have a different perception of BISDS. It has brought me a lot of new things this year namely friends, knowledge, experience & passion. I’m very glad that I have joined BISDS.

It wasn’t easy being the eldest student in class yet with the least Dhamma knowledge as well. Even with the teachings that I have learnt in class, I have even took the effort to study more myself by taking the class exam and also the MBE. It is also that without the encouragement that I get from friends, I wouldn’t have the initiative to study deeper into it

I gained experience through events such as BISDS Carnival as well as Class Trip to the Home of the Disabled which was organized by our class. In all these, I was able to put my Dhamma knowledge into action. That is by helping anyone whether or not they are in need to be helped, be patient when issue arise and more.

Joining the BISDS Youth Group, dancing and choir was a bonus that helped me to explore even more. It is where I discover that I can sing and together we reflect the name of our choir group – One Voice, One Melody. It is too where I found my greatest passion that I am so hyped up whenever I talk about it, which is dancing. Speaking of it makes me just want to dance right now.

Lastly, I’m very glad that I was able to meet everyone that I know here. Some of us going through the ups & downs together, celebrating happy moments together and I even feel that they are a second family to me. With all being said, I definitely want to thank my class teachers, Bro Kan Cheng & Bro Lid Sine and of course all my family & friends. Sunday has been one of my favourite days.

Thank you and good night.

Above is the speech that I gave on Appreciation Nite 09.

By Bryan ^.^V

Moggallana Class Party 2009

2009-11-04T16:14:00.004+08:00

Event: Class Party
Time: 8.30am-10.30am
Date: 15 Nov 2009
Venue: in class

Those who were assigned to bring stuff/food/drinks are:-

Yee Wan- Sushi
Sze Mei- Soft Drinks
Ai Ling-Cakes(chocolate)
Amy-Konnyaku Jelly
Pei Wen- Balloons
Shuen-Pasta
Allison- Tissues
Sing Keat- ice, twisters(drink)x2
Kai Cong- plastic forks and spoons
Kee Zet & Ren- garbage bags
Fuh Lin- soft drinks x2
Hop Kins- paper cups and paper plates
Michelle- Junk Food
Rebecca- ice & Ice Box
Bryan- Cloths
T1- Bananas
T2- Apples & Oranges
Games are:-
T1's ice breaking game
T2's ice breaking game
Dog & Bone(Kai Cong's game)
Shiso Shiso??(Kai Cong's game....

Attention everyone, there will be no puja next week. However we shall have puja session in respective classes.

If anyone wants to bring something else, please inform me or Kee Zet & Kee Ren or you can tell us in our chatbox.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

-Pei Wen-

Appreciation Nite

2009-10-21T18:11:00.001+08:00

Attention to those who are coming for BISDS Appreciation Nite.

Those who are not sitting for SPM/STPM this year and those who are not involved in dancing and choir, please volunteer yourself to help out for the night.

That’s all.

By BKB ^.^V

Lantern Night

2009-09-15T00:09:00.001+08:00

To all students,

Next week, there will be no class on this Sunday which is 20th Sep 2009 as its the Hari Raya Holiday.
Well of course, class will resume on the following week on the 27th of Sep 2009.

Other than that,Well, what more can I say? Picture speaks more than what I can say. Of course one most important thing on this day, bring your family members along! The rest of the details are all on the flyer which you can enlarge it.

By BKB ^.^V

Pictures from Class Trip

2009-09-13T22:55:00.027+08:00

There are actually many pictures, and I am afraid that I am unable to post them all at one go, so I'll post bits by bits. Please be patient with me. Thank you very much. =)

All photo taken by Shuen.

-Alison.

The Story of Moggallana

2009-08-27T17:52:00.007+08:00

Sariputta and Moggallana were themselves enlightened. They were arahants and being so powerful as they were how was it that such tragedy could befall Moggallana? Arahants do not "suffer" anymore but the physically mortal being is subject to the ripening of whatever remaining karma and in Moggallana's case, the karmic product of killing his blind parents in his past life was more powerful than his supernatural skills. Did he try to use his supernatural powers to avert death? How did he die?

Moggalana and Sariputta were the most excellent disciples of the Buddha. They were both older than the Buddha and both passed away half a year before the Buddha's Parinibbana. They were 84 years old. While Sariputta passed away peacefully on the full moon of October, Moggallana's death, on the following new moon of November was tragic.

Moggallana was the master of supernatural skills. Many monks had developed certain supernatural skills but Moggallana accomplished the most.
He was capable of :-
Penetrating and reading the minds of others (Telepathy)
Hearing voices and receiving messages from other beings eg gods, devas, spirits, etc. divine ear (Clair-audience)
Vision over long distance, seeing other beings and seeing the workings of Karma in others. This is the power of the divine eye (Clairvoyance) He often communicated and received instructions from the Buddha even though they were far apart.
Astral travel. Being able to leave his form and appear in other realms, he often travelled to the heavenly realms and interacted with gods.
Telekinesis. Being able to move things without having to touch it or with unusual ease. He even shook the heavenly palace of Sakka to teach him a lesson.

Both Sariputta and Moggallana were themselves enlightened. They were arahants and being so powerful as they were, how was it that such tragedy could befall Moggallana? Arahants do not "suffer" anymore but the physically mortal being is subject to the ripening of whatever remaining karma.In Moggallana's case, the karmic product of killing his blind parents in his past life was more powerful than his supernatural skills. Did he try to use his supernatural powers to avert death? How did he die?

Apparently, an ascetic order of the Jains faith were angry when they heard that Moggallana, using his clairvoyance discerned that virtuous practitioners of the Dhamma gained favourable rebirths, while the followers of other faiths were not so fortunate. Evil members of these faiths hired killers to get rid of Moggallana who was then living alone in a forest hut. Mara himself tried to claim Moggallana's mortal frame by entering through the latter's lower bowels. Moggallana calmly ordered Mara out of his body. Mara was taken aback at the speed at which Moggallana could detect his presence and exited from Moggallana's mouth. Standing in front of him, Mara asked Moggallana how he knew. Moggallana related that he knew much more than that. In a distant past life, Moggallana revealed that he was in fact Mara himself. Even Maras are subjected to the realms of Samsara. Subjected to birth and death. During the time of the first of five Buddhas that were to appear, Moggallana was the chief of demons, lord of the underworld by the name of Mara Dusi who had a sister by the name of Kali. The Mara who stood before him was in effect, the son of Kali which made him Moggallana's "nephew".

After the encounter with Mara, Moggallana felt that the time was near for his parinibbana. After attaining sainthood, he felt his mortal body as a burden and obstruction and allowed impermanence to take its course. But when hired killers went for him in his hut, he made himself invisible. For six days, hired killers went to his hut and could not find him on every occasion. Moggalana knew that the action of the killers would result in very bad karma for each and every one of them. So although he knew of the impending karmic force, he nevertheless used his powers to make himself invisible , because of his compassion for the would-be-killers.On the seventh day, the killers' persistence paid off as Moggallana was stricken by the ripening of the bad karma just as one would suddenly be stricken with illness. Moggallana's powers failed him and the killers smashed his every limb and left him dying in a pool of blood. Killing an arahant of such power is never easy. Moggallana, with great physical and mental strength did not succumb to the injuries but instead, managed to drag himself a great distance to breathe his last serene breath in front of the Buddha. When the monks inquired as to why such an excellent arahant could die in such a brutal way, the Buddha explained that even Moggallana could not stop the workings of karma. In one of his previous existence, he had killed both his parents who were blind. Following bad advice, he put them in a cart and took them into the forest and beat them to death pretending that they were attacked by robbers. Killing one's parents is considered one of the top five worst action ever.

Blessing

2009-08-24T21:58:00.001+08:00

To all PMR & SPM candidates!

There will be an examination blessing service to be held in BMV on the 31st August 2009.

It will start at 7.30pm

For more information about his event please call the BMV office at 03-22741141.

Another reminder to all those who wants the copy of the class trip DVD. It includes the video of the trip and also interviews of Principal, Teacher, Parents & Students. Those who still wants it please do contact me or email me.

Be mindful of your speech

2009-08-20T08:22:00.007+08:00

I'm so like going crazy over the way people, like, want to, like, talk like like like .... Are we like so unoriginal, like, we, like, annoy people, like, every time we open our mouth? As Buddhists, aren't we, like, suppose to be, like, more mindful of our speech. But hey, isn't it, like, better than using the f****ing word all over? NO! Two wrongs don't make a right. It's not 'kewl' even to Americans. To me it's an indication that people like to talk so fast that when they are at a lost for words, these fillers help them to continue. Nevertheless, be mindful of your utterances.

Actually, the billboards are the work of a satirical group calling themselves the Acad(e)my of Linguistic Awar(e)ness. Note the spelling mistakes and bad sentence construction in the poster. It's some sort of practical joke literally.

Update!

2009-08-16T18:13:00.001+08:00

Next week there will be no Sunday School Class which is on 23rd August 2009.

Of course class will be resumed on the 30th August 2009. So there will be a one week holiday.

Next, is about the class trip. DVD’s are out for this trip. Those who want a copy of the DVD please do let me know by email-ing me at bfjy_22@hotmail.com or via MSN if you want. Just let me know who you are and how many do you need.

That’s all~

By BKB ^.^V

BISDS Newsletter

2009-08-07T22:52:00.001+08:00

Calling all students! Its the time of the year where the
latest newsletter is to be published!

The Publication team kindly invites all to contribute an article to be published in the upcoming newsletter that is to be released on
13th September!

So far we have story of the pali chanting workshop, pending articles of Moggallana 1 & Meghiya 2 class trips, Bro. Ronnie article...

Well what can you write about you may ask…

Here’s what you can do:-

The past events. ie. carnival, wesak…
you can share a story about dealing with interesting pupils, ie. hyperactive kid, orphan..

Lastly, everybody could write a short message about
BISDS 80 years old!

It could be a one-liner but why not make it longer to express more but only limit it to less than 100 words.
You may say thank you / send wishes / share your hopes for the school / give constructive feedback / share your fond memories etc..

Make it as interesting as possible!

Of course there’s a deadline!
23rd August 2009

Any submissions are to be emailed to bisdspublication@yahoo.com

Enjoy~!

By BKB ^.^V

PAY IT FORWARD

2009-08-04T07:37:00.003+08:00

Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded.

Quote
Jerry: You ever been on the street?
Arley: My mom took us pretty close.
Jerry: Well, you can't know. Not until you look at a dumpster. But when you climb into that thing for the first time and you pull those newspapers over you, that's when you know you've messed your life up. Somebody comes along like your son, and gives me a leg up, I'll take it. Even from a kid, I'll take it.

Pay It Forward - WIKI
If the person thanks you and wants to "repay" you (that is, pay it "back"), let them know that what you'd really like is for them to pay it "forward" ...

All right. I know, this is an old movie but allow me to blog on it for a bit. I don't know how I could have put off watching this movie for so long. Maybe it was because I was waiting for the family to sit together for it and when that didn't happen it got shelved. Nevertheless, this is a heart warming and thought provoking movie that everyone, especially teens, should watch. It's like everyone thinks that the world (read life) sucks but what did you ever do to try to make it better. I thought bits of the movie were a tad unrealistic and the ending was a bit upsetting but overall, it was an excellent movie. A sentimental gem amidst the Hollywood staple of crash, boom bang movies.

Actually, the idea of paying "forward" isn't new. It goes way back to Benjamin Franklin (you know the scientist who purportedly flew a kite in the thunderstorm? Check your Science book) when he wrote in a letter to his friend who borrowed from him.

"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."

The Beach

2009-07-30T11:00:00.007+08:00

Now watch your breathing/waves. With every inhale, allow the feelings of Metta (Loving kindness), Mudita (Appreciative Joy) ride the waves into the shore and as the waves splashes onto the beach, feel these Brahma Viharas nourish every grain of sand, showering the entire beach with Metta and Mudita thus nourishing every thing, every being connected equally.

It's exam time again. If you find yourself more edgy, irritable and nervous you need to relax. Meditation can help you relax. There's no need for long deep meditation practices to attain jhanas but instead keep it simple. I'd like to share a simple exercise that you can do to relax your mind. You can do this seated down anywhere you like. Not necessary in lotus position on the yoga mat. Even seated on the chair at your study desk is fine. Just sit upright with your palms rested on your thighs. Switch off your cellphone, music and remove those headphones. Close your eyes and breathe normally.

Step 1:
Imagine every cell of your body as a grain of sand on a beach. Every cell that makes up the strands of hair, every cell in your eyes, internal organs etc. is transformed into a grain of sand on a 1 to 1 basis of this imaginary beach. Don't take too long to imagine this. It can be an instantaneous transformation. No need to go hair by hair, limb by limb, organ by organ.

Imagine every thing, people, animals and every conceivable beings around you also as part of the beach. Their cells, molecules, atoms also transformed into tiny grains of sand on the beach. The chair you are on, the table, the lizard on the wall, the mosquitoes, the plants outside etc etc. Again, this is an instantaneous transformation. Quick as a flash. Don't go item by item. Don't go searching for things to transform. Just recall the mental picture/perception of your surroundings just before you closed your eyes and imagine every thing in it as grains of sand on the beach.

You just quickly realize/visualize that you are like grains of sand on a huge beach together with everything else. You are a part of that beach looking out into the great vast ocean. Not placed in a special part of the beach but just connected together as one with everything else. You, or rather the heap of sand that makes up your form or matter are are just there together with those of the mosquitoes, plants and other beings laid down together as the beach. Together as one.

Step 2:
Then imagine the waves that comes in curling and lapping onto the shores and then reeling back into the ocean. Connect this to your breathing. As you exhale, see the waves reeling back into the ocean. As you inhale see the waves curl in and splashes onto the shore. Make it a serene rhythmic motion that unfolds in your mind. Keep it a simple scene. Just sand, water and blue sky. Don't make it too scenic and populate the picture with other things. No gulls, no palm trees, no tsunamis, no lightning flashes, no ships. Definitely no favourite movie stars frolicking in the waters. You get the picture.

Step 3:
Now watch your breathing/waves. With every inhale, allow the feelings of Metta (Loving kindness), Mudita (Appreciative Joy) ride the waves into the shore and as the waves splashes onto the beach, feel these Brahma Viharas nourish every grain of sand, showering the entire beach with Metta and Mudita thus nourishing every thing, every being connected equally. With no biasness, no ego but with Uppekha (Equanimity). The waves nourishes the mosquitoes and lizards as much as it does you. With every exhale, allow the feeling of Karuna (Compassion) take away the sadness, sufferring, illness, stress away as the waves reels away from the beach taking with it the bad into the ocean.

Keep this going for as long as you like. Just let your mind be the witness of this rhythmic motion of Brahma Viharas and just watch it without expecting anything.

Step 4:
Slowly fade the picture away by letting go of the waves and let your breathing be just air in and out of your nostrils. This will anchor your breathing to your body in its current form and slowly open your eyes if you have not fallen asleep. :)

Moggallana 1 Lesson T2 - 26th July 2009

2009-07-28T09:40:00.016+08:00

Prelude to Mahaparinibbana Sutta.

During the last decade before the Buddha's Parinibbana, a series of tragic events unfolded centered around the Buddha's cousin Devadatta. Buddha was 72 years after 37 yrs of preaching. The most powerful kingdom was that of King Bimbisara of Magadha and he had a son, Prince Ajatasattu.

Japanese Mandala:Devadatta performing miracles.

Some background information about Devadatta.
Devadatta, Ananda and Yasodhara are siblings. Children of Suppabuddha who is the maternal uncle of Prince Siddhartha.
His encounters with Siddartha:
As a child, he fought over a swan that he shot with his arrow.
As a teenager, he competed for Yasodhara's hand in marriage.
He killed a white elephant that was to be a gift for Siddhartha.
He joined the order of monks when Buddha returned to Kapilavatthu.

Achievements:
Devadatta was an accomplished and respected monk.
He attained 5 types of supernatural powers from meditation. The supernatural control of his body, a divine ear, a divine eye, capable of mind reading and recalling his past lives. But his envy towards Prince Siddhartha, his jealousy and his arrogance prevented him from any real insight and liberation.

During a self retreat, he decided to go to Rajagaha in Magadha and use his powers to gain patronage of prince Ajatasattu. The prince was impressed and eventually showered Devadatta with respect and friendship which resulted in much gain, honor and good reputation for the latter. Obsessed with that, Devadatta turn to the ambition to rule over the Sangha.

The Buddha had already discouraged the use of supernatural powers in his reply to a lay person Kevaddha who suggested that the Buddha should gain the favour of the rich and influential Nalanda.

“Lord, this Nalanda is rich, prosperous, populous, and full of people who have faith in the Lord. It would be well if the Lord were to cause some monk to perform superhuman feats and miracles. In this way Nalanda would come to have even more faith in the Lord.”

The Buddha replied: “Kevaddha, this is not the way I teach Dhamma to the monks, by saying: ‘Go, monks, and perform superhuman feats and miracles for the white-clothed laypeople!”

On one occasion, a monk named Sunakkhatta threatened to leave the Sangha because the Buddha had not performed any miracles. The Buddha responded:

“What do you think, Sunnakkhatta? Whether miracles are performed or not – is it the purpose of my teaching Dhamma to lead whoever practices it to the total destruction of suffering?” “It is, Lord.” “So, Sunakkhatta, whether miracles are performed or not, the purpose of my teaching Dhamma is to lead whoever practices it to the total destruction of suffering. Then what purpose would the performance of miracles serve? Consider, you foolish man, how far the fault is yours.”

As for Devadatta, crazed by fame and fortune, he became complacent and this led to the diminishing of the supernatural abilities. Nevertheless, his obsession with taking over the Sangha caught the attention of the Devas who reported it to the Buddha's chief disciple Moggallana.

When the Buddha arrived at Rajagaha, many of the monks came and reported to the Buddha how prestigious Devadatta was and how Prince Ajatasattu would wait upon the latter with 500 carriages and 500 offerings of milk rice every morning. Many monks were impressed. Some were jealous and some were resentful. The Buddha said

“Monks, do not begrudge Devadatta his gain, honor and renown. Just as, if one were to break a gall bladder under a fierce dog’s nose, the dog would get much fiercer, so too, as long as Prince Ajatasattu keeps waiting on Devadatta as he is doing, so long may wholesome states be expected to diminish and not increase in Devadatta. Just as a plantain* bears its fruit for its own destruction and its own undoing, so too, Devadatta’s gain, honor and renown have arisen for his self-destruction and his own undoing.”

*Plantain – genus of plants that bears fruit once and dies. Eg Banana

Then during a large gathering in the presence of King Bimbisara, Devadatta stood up and offered to govern the Sangha and suggested that the Buddha should retire as he is getting old. The Buddha told him

“Enough Devadatta, do not aspire to govern the Sangha”.

Twice Devadatta asks and twice the Buddha gave him the same reply. When it was suggested the third time, the Buddha scolded him

“I would not hand over the Sangha of monks even to Sariputta and Moggallana. How should I do so to such a vile person to be vomitted like a clot of spittle, as you?”

So Devadatta was publicly humiliated in front of the King Bimbisara and begrudged the Buddha. The scolding was so harsh that a proponent of another faith, the Jains took advantage of and tried to belittle the Buddha asking him a simple question. Should the Tatagatha use such harsh words? If the Buddha said yes, then he is subject to anger just like an ordinary person. If the Buddha says no, then he is not the Tatagatha since he did use the words on Devadatta. So it was a two horned question. Prince Abhaya was sent to challenge the Buddha with that question. He invited the Buddha to have a meal at his home. When the Buddha went to his home, he saw through the scheme and he told the Prince that there is no one-sided answer to the question and that it was meant as a trap. Prince Abhaya admitted defeat. As the Prince had a child with him, the Buddha posed a question to the Prince.

“If a child accidently pushed a stick or pebble into his own mouth, what would you do?”

“Venerable sir, I would take it out. If I could not take it out at once, I would take his head in my left hand, and crooking a finger of my right hand, I would take it out even if it meant drawing blood.”

“Why is that? "

"Because I have compassion for the child.”

“So too, prince, such speech as the Tathagata knows to be untrue, incorrect, and unbeneficial, and which is also unwelcome and disagreeable to others: such speech the Tathagata does not utter. Such speech as the Tathagata knows to be true and correct but unbeneficial, and which is also unwelcome and disagreeable to others: such speech the Tathagata does not utter. Such speech as the Tathagata knows to be true, correct, and beneficial, but which is unwelcome and disagreeable to others: the Tathagata knows the time to use such speech. Such speech as the Tathagata knows to be untrue, incorrect, and unbeneficial, but which is welcome and agreeable to others: such speech the Tathagata does not utter. Such speech as the Tathagata knows to be true and correct but unbeneficial, and which is welcome and agreeable to others: such speech the Tathagata does not utter. Such speech as the Tathagata knows to be true, correct, and beneficial, and which is welcome and agreeable to others: the Tathagata knows the time to use such speech. Why is that? Because the Tathagata has compassion for beings.”

Knowing that the behaviour of Devadatta was a disgrace and unbecoming of a true disciple, the Buddha made an anouncement to denounce Devadatta. He addressed the monk:

“Now, monks, let the Sangha carry out an act of pubic denunciation in Rajagaha against Devadatta. Formerly Devadatta had one nature; now he has another. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or speech neither the Blessed One nor the Dhamma nor the Sangha should be held as having a part in it: only Devadatta himself is to be held responsible for it.”

Then Sariputta was sent to Rajagaha to publicly make the anouncement. Nevertheless, some people thought the Buddha was jealous but the wise ones realised that denouncement by the Buddha is no ordinary matter which was apparent later in the events that unfolded.

Buddhism won "The Best Religion In The World Award"

2009-07-25T12:41:00.002+08:00

15 Jul 2009, Tribune de Geneva

The Geneva-based International Coalition for the Advancement of Religious and Spirituality (ICARUS) has bestowed "The Best Religion In the World" award this year on the Buddhist Community.

This special award was voted on by an international round table of more than 200 religious leaders from every part of the spiritual spectrum. It was fascinating to note that many religious leaders voted for Buddhism rather than their own religion although Buddhists
actually make up a tiny minority of ICARUS membership. Here are the comments by four voting members:

Jonna Hult, Director of Research for ICARUS said "It wasn't a surprise to me that Buddhism won Best Religion in the World, because we could find literally not one single instance of a war fought in the name of Buddhism, in contrast to every other religion that seems to keep a gun in the closet just in case God makes a mistake. We were hard pressed to even find a Buddhist that had ever been in an army. These people practice what they preach to an extent we simply could not document with any other spiritual tradition."

A Catholic Priest, Father Ted O'Shaughnessy said from Belfast , "As much as I love the Catholic Church, it has always bothered me to no end that we preach love in our scripture yet then claim to know God's will when it comes to killing other humans. For that reason, I did have to cast my vote for the Buddhists."

A Muslim Cleric Tal Bin Wassad agreed from Pakistan via his translator. "While I am a devout Muslim, I can see how much anger and bloodshed is channeled into religious expression rather than dealt with on a personal level. The Buddhists have that figured out." Bin Wassad, the ICARUS voting member for Pakistan's Muslim community continued, "In fact, some of my best friends are Buddhist."

And Rabbi Shmuel Wasserstein said from Jerusalem, "Of course, I love Judaism, and I think it's the greatest religion in the world. But to be honest, I've been practicing Vipassana meditation every day before minyan (daily Jewish prayer) since 1993. So I get it."

However, there was one snag - ICARUS couldn't find anyone to give the award to. All the Buddhists they called kept saying they didn't want the award.

When asked why the Burmese Buddhist community refused the award, Buddhist monk Bhante Ghurata Hanta said from Burma , "We are grateful for the acknowledgement, but we give this award to all humanity, for Buddha nature lies within each of us." Groehlichen went on to say "We're going to keep calling around until we find a Buddhist who will accept it. We'll let you know when we do."

From T1,
W Metta Always

Carnival

2009-07-16T23:40:00.001+08:00

Everyone get ready for the

BISDS CARNIVAL!!!

It’s on this Sunday!!!

Please come and bring your whole family along.

Enjoy lots of fun games & food!!!

Hope to see you all there!!!

By BKB ^.^V

Interview

2009-07-10T23:29:00.002+08:00

Lights, Camera, Action!

Well, well, well.
Class trip is over and I bet that mostly everyone’s forgotten about something. Yup! It’s the
Interview!

A DVD will be publish on the trip that we went to serve as an inspiration to other classes. Giving them the hunger to want to try it out like what we did.

Students will be asked of few question regarding the trips and here are some of it that will be asked:-

What do you think about the class trip and how did you benefit from it?
Will this experience change the way you think about the handicapped and disabled?
What were the feelings that arises most in you during your interaction with the children of the home?
How should you help them in the future? What suggestions do you have to improve their lives.

Be very well prepared!
Oh ya, not to forget this interview will be carried out on this Sunday which is the

12th Jul 2009 after the photoshoot.

Put up a big smile and prepare for the interview!

By BKB ^.^V

BISDS 80th Anniversary Magazine Photo Shoot

2009-07-05T23:13:00.001+08:00

As said in the above title,
BISDS 80th Anniversary Magazine
will be out soon!

The class photo shoot will take place on
this coming Sunday
which is on the
12/7.

Everyone please
wear BISDS T-shirt & your name tag.

Please, please, please do as told to not have any problems occurring!
Do co-operate and things will go smooth and swiftly!

Cheers!
With Metta

By BKB ^.^V

Taman Megah Home trip.

2009-06-29T22:13:00.002+08:00

Bro. Kai-Cong here.

This is some things you have to know about the trip.

1) please wear your BISDS T-Shirt. emphasis on the BISDS, as we are representing the sunday school outside of school compound, and it's a better impression if we are uniformed.!
2) please wear Long pants. if u dun have long pants, please dun wear shorts, atleast 3 quarter. not the board shorts type.
3) Please do not wear socks. this is a special request form the manager of the home. so please do follow the request.
4) please be in sunday school at 8.30 sharp for a special breifing about the trip. So make your transport arrangements ASAP. thanks.

and for those who are giving Transportaion, thank you for the dana, but for those who wants to do dana in material form here is the list that the manager sent to yee wan that the home is needing. you can refer to this list to get the materials. and Remember to bring it this sunday. thanks.

Milk Powder
01.Fernleaf / Everyday /Nespray – Fullcream

02.Dumex – Dulac

03.Dutch lady – 456

04.Gainkid Eye-Q Advance (Step 4)

05.Pediasure – Vanilla Flavour

06.Ensure

07.Boh Teh / Nescafe

08.Sugar

09.Coconut Milk – Ayam brand

10.Adabi Bunjut

Toiletries
11.Hard Brush

12.Broom Stick

13.Penyapu Lidi

14.Dustbin

For the photographers.
as like what Bro. KC says. the home requested about the photos taken. they hope that the photos take shows that they are in a good mood, or in a happy mood, take pictures of them having fun, beacuse the kids might not react when you take pictures of them that feels like they are in need to help, or in a bad situation, but they will feel unhappy. So the trip is to make them feel happy so please be more carefull when you angle the pictures. Thank you.

If you have any questions you can ask the comitee the list of phone numbers are posted in the blog. Scroll down to find

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!

Class Outing / Charity Project - Contacts

2009-06-22T21:15:00.003+08:00

Hi there, you guys....
Alright, with less than 2 weeks for our outing, here are the contact number of the committees and people you can contact... =)

Bro. KC : 03 - 79565680
Yee Wan : 016 - 645 8333
Kai-Cong : 017 - 366 1848
Sui Lun : 016 - 906 7963
Shuen : 012 - 638 2196
Alison : 016 - 334 4178
Fuh Lin : 03 - 79820475
Sze Mei : 017 - 387 2577
John : 017 - 609 3020
Hayden : 016 - 570 0780
Hop Kins : 012 - 339 1590

With metta,
Alison...

Class Outing / Charity Project

2009-06-10T16:57:00.022+08:00

Hey you guys! So, I am sure you guys are aware about our class trip to The Taman Megah Home's For Handicapped And Disabled Children. Here are some updates =)

Date: 5 July 2009 (Sunday)
Time : 10.00 am to around 11.30am - 12.00 pm
New Transport Manager: Fuh Lin

Information on the home
The home currently supports 138 children aged from 7 months to 55 years old.
Their monthly expenses comes up to about RM 60,000 +++.
That's a lot of zero, right? So don't you think that we should lend them a helping hand?
And not to mention, the home is currently raising fund for a new location that requires 5 Bil.
Currently, they only managed to raise 1 Bil.
Website : www.ppkkctm.org

*Click on the picture for clearer view

Fundraising
Anyone and everyone are welcomed to join in.
Items required:

Cash donation
Old clothing
Books
Anything practical

We will start collecting the above items this Sunday, 14 June 2009.
Do encourage your parents, teachers, friends, family members, anyone you know to donate the items ^^
It's for a good cause ;)

Cash Donation
The money collected will be used to buy items from the list below. The money not used will be donated to the home in the form of cash to support their building project and other expenses.
Please pass the money to Hayden, as she is our Treasurer =)

*Click on the image to enlarge

Old Clothing/Books/Anything Practical
The home accepts any form of donation. If you have an old radio, don't let it rot. Donate to them. But make sure the items are in good conditions. Especially the clothing =)
Please bring them to BISDS during lesson time.

Transportation
okay, so, as you guys know, Fuh Lin is our transport manager. Please start confirming with him if you are going or not.
Contact: 03 - 79820475
E-mail: lumfuhlin_93@hotmail.com

Did someone mention car pooling? Yeap! As you know that our source of transportation is our parents. So, do encourage your parents to join in! And if they are not hesitant, request them to offer to drive us to the home. That would be a great help. Please inform Fuh Lin if your parents/relatives/etc. are willing to offer transportation. Thx a lot =)

Program
Here is a brief list of what we will be doing there on that day:

Dana
Entertainment (dance, song, etc.)
Bonding Time
Chanting verses of blessings from the puja book.

Games is taken out of the list because it will disturb the neighbours =(

Pictures
Taken by Shuen when we visited the home to enquire for more information...
*Please click to enlarge for better view =)

Feel free to contact us for any details or if you have any suggestions/ideas =)
With ♥,
..::aLiSoN::..

Class Trip!

2009-05-24T22:15:00.003+08:00

Hey Guys!
There would be a class trip to The Taman Megah Home's For Handicapped And Disabled Children.

The reason we choosed this place is:
a)to bring joy and love to the occupants of the home
b)to help them in every way that is possible.

The committees are as follows:
Chairperson: Lim Yee Wan
Assistant Chairperson: Fam Kai-Cong
Treasurer: Hayden Cheang
Transport Manager: Bryan Fong/Tay Kee Ren/Tay Kee Zet
Reporter: Tan Hop Kins/Alison Tan
Entertainment Manager: John Wong
Photographer: Shuen

The programs are as follows:
1.Dana
2.Singing and dancing activities
3.Games
4.Bonding Time
5.Chant a few verses from the chanting book

The mode of transport there is by going there with our parents.If possible, try to get your parents to come along,so that the transportation problem can be solved.
The reason we would like to have our parents to come along is because we would like them to come and experience with us as there are not many class trips that we could go with them.

We would be having our class trip either on the 5th or 12th of July. If anyone have any problems or any suggestions, please feel free to come and contact any of us.

Hope everyone can make it!
Sadhu. YeeWan.

Class Outing

2009-05-17T00:53:00.001+08:00

Dear Students

We're going to have a class outing sometime after the mid-term June hols. It will b on a Sun morning in place of the usual Sun cls.

Objectives of outing - provide :

An alternative form of experiential learning.
Students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills via organizing the outing.
An opportunity to put Dhamma into practice e.g. rendering service by helping the needy.

Students are to suggest the venue for the outing. When wishing to suggest the venue consider the objectives of visiting the proposed venue. Be guided by what the Buddha taught i.e. Right Intention/Thought - how is it going to benefit others & ourselves. You may start proposing the venue with immediate effect on the blog under the comments section for easy reference.

Organizing committee - preferably made up of Form 4 studs so that the SPM & STPM studs probably only need to join in the outing. Form 4 studs may volunteer to be the organizing chair person & we'll go from there.

We will discuss further this Sun.

From T1,
W Metta Always

P.S – For T1 for the late posting as I forgot to do it and was quite busy.

Lessons from Master Oogway

2009-05-11T08:31:00.004+08:00

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present."

2 Wolves in Us all

2009-05-04T23:31:00.001+08:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, 'My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all.
'One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.'

'The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

From T1,
W Metta Always

BISDS CHOIR RECORDINGS

2009-04-09T13:17:00.002+08:00

The recording of the BISDS choir is scheduled to be done after Wesak.
TQ

rgds
T2

Mogallanna 1 Lesson T2-4 5th Mar 09

2009-04-06T15:46:00.003+08:00

Thanks to teacher Catherine for her assistance with this session. I had a sore throat and bad cough. Nevertheless, we had an interesting session watching and discussing the video "The Root Of All Evil? The God Delusion" by the Oxford scientist Richard Dawkins.

We have sorted most of you into the various groups for the Wesak project. (Please note the updated post of the previous lesson.)

Thanks to KaiCong and Bryan for assisting with the Puja as the M.C.

Reminders:
Come on time for class, be attired in the BISDS T-Shirt and always wear your name tags.
All students are reminded to submit their parents email. The school is in the midst of updating its online presence to better serve you. Also check the school blog.
Bring empty 1.5L drinks bottles to BISDS. We are reusing them as candle holders for our Wesak procession.

rgds wMetta
LidSine

Mogallanna 1 Lesson T2-3 22 Mar 09

2009-04-01T08:52:00.005+08:00

The 4 Brahma Viharas
(This will be part of Wesak Day project/exhibition/display)
As discussed, we will need students to be in charge of the displays. Students to explain to the public what the display is all about. For this, we have selected Aaron Tay to be incharged.

There will be eight groups* of students headed by
1) Prime working on Metta
2) SeeToh on Karuna (Kee Zet, Hop Kins, Wee Hann)
3) YeeWan on Mudita (Sze Mei, Sue Yii, Sue Ann, Ai Ling, Amy Lim, Shi Shuen)
4) Sherin on Upekkha (Lynn, Jia Qun, Wei Ting, Shu Xian, Shu Mei)
5) Bryan on Hatred (Yu Ming, Kevin, Yan Leng, Sue Lyn, Sue San, Zhen Whei)
6) John on Cruelty (Justin, Xin Yi, Wei Gin, Mellisa)
7) KahYenn on Jealousy
8) KaiYuan on delusion, dullness, agitation

* (Team members in brackets)
Please, the rest of you, join into a group and let me or Bryan know so we can keep everyone updated. Sorry, Sui Lun and Elaine, I'm not sure which group you belong to. TQ

Each group will present a design to illustrate the respective topic on an A4 size ARTBLOCK paper. You may choose to use any colour medium you like. Coloured pencils, crayons, etc.

Some of the points we discussed pertaining to the 4 Brahma Viharas are as follows :-

Metta - Loving Kindness as an antidote to Hatred
Karuna - Compassion as an antidote to Cruelty
Mudita - Appreciative Joy as an antidote to Jealousy
Upekkha - Equanimity as an antidote to delusion, agitation.

We learned the meaning of the words
Brahma - Divine or godlike
Viharas - Place, abode, dwelling
It's where we should park our mind in constantly. According to the Metta sutta, a person who practise the 4BV will be reborn in the Divine abodes ie heavens.
We also learnt that these 4BV are also term illimitables or unlimited. We can cultivate it continuosly.

We talked about how to practise it. Mindfully at first. From the Digha Nikaya 13

Here, monks, a disciple dwells pervading one direction with his heart filled with loving-kindness, likewise the second, the third, and the fourth direction; so above, below and around; he dwells pervading the entire world everywhere and equally with his heart filled with loving-kindness, abundant, grown great, measureless, free from enmity and free from distress.

II.

Here, monks, a disciple dwells pervading one direction with his heart filled with compassion, likewise the second, the third and the fourth direction; so above, below and around; he dwells pervading the entire world everywhere and equally with his heart filled with compassion, abundant, grown great, measureless, free from enmity and free from distress.

III.

Here, monks, a disciple dwells pervading one direction with his heart filled with sympathetic joy, likewise the second, the third and the fourth direction; so above, below and around; he dwells pervading the entire world everywhere and equally with his heart filled with sympathetic joy, abundant, grown great, measureless, free from enmity and free from distress.

IV.

Here, monks, a disciple dwells pervading one direction with his heart filled with equanimity, likewise the second, the third and the fourth direction; so above, below and around; he dwells pervading the entire world everywhere and equally with his heart filled with equanimity, abundant, grown great, measureless, free from enmity and free from distress.

We talked about contemplation of Metta as we have practise during Puja. May I be well and Happy, applying it to oneself, wishing oneself well, and then to others nearby, and so on to all beings in the world, and to all beings in all universes. Similarly we practice radiation of the other three. eg May I be compassionate, applying it to oneself, wishing oneself well, and then to others nearby, and so on to all beings in the world, and to all beings in all universes.

With the exception of Mudita (Symphatetic Joy) where it is not sensible to radiate towards oneself.

Wanna do something cool?

2009-03-20T21:12:00.001+08:00

Well, I guess I don’t have to say much at all
since the picture says it all.

So see y’all this Sunday!
Enjoy~~~

By BKB ^.^V

WESAK PROJECTS

2009-03-10T14:46:00.003+08:00

Dear students,
Wesak may seem to be many weeks ahead, but there aren't many Sundays left to work on especially if we want to put up good exhibition. You will be working on the Wesak projects with me and we will only have four sessions together. So we need to get cracking. Make use of the holidays to come up with suggestions on how best to make a worthwhile presentation.

The topics assigned to us are The Four Brahma Viharas and the Ten Meritorious Deeds. Do some research into these topics and we can discuss them when we next meet on the 22nd of March.

Apart from the two manila cardboards that we need to complete, we are asked to think out of the box. So guys and gals, come up with interesting new ways to present the topic above okay?

Please pass the word on to others to check this blog for more details later.

Ta and CU

T2

Another Holiday

2009-03-09T00:43:00.002+08:00

Attention...
Attention...
Attention...

To all Moggallana-ians...

Next week or should I say this week on the 15th March, there will be no Sunday School classes going on.
A pretty sad case to be but classes will resume back to normal on the following week which is on the 22nd March.

Enjoy the rest of your days~~~

By BKB ^.^V

The Abbot and the Orphan - Behind the scenes

2009-03-06T17:04:00.003+08:00

Hi all,
This is the "behind the scenes" clip of the animation made for the BISDS 80th anniversary celebration.

http://www.cartoonworkshop.com.my/bisds/TAOthemaking.SWF

T2

HappyBuddha music

2009-03-05T23:32:00.003+08:00

Here's a quick music arrangment of the song in MIDI format.

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/10/21/2152433/Happy%20Buddha.mid

Metta

T2

Moggallana 1 Lesson T2-2 22 Feb 09

2009-03-05T22:17:00.003+08:00

The Buddha's greatness.
Yep. The Buddha is great. Differing schools of Buddhism may have differing emphasis on the Buddha's greatness. Hence we may find certain Buddhas being "prayed" for certain "purposes" eg Medicine Buddha for healing "powers". I was at an art shop one day and saw a Manjusri Buddha image. In Mahayana tradition, Manjusri is sometimes refered to as a Bodhisattva. He wields a flaming sword which represents the realization of wisdom that cuts through ignorance and wrong views. It also reminds me of the image of prince Siddharta wielding a sword at the banks of the Anoma river to cut off his hair. To me it also represents cutting off bad traits and habits to embark on further cultivating goodness. I bought it. As soon as I set eyes on it, the sales lady said "Ah sir, this Buddha is very good. It is the Manjusri Buddha and it represents wisdom." Then pointing to my children who were with me she said "Pray to this Buddha and your children will be very clever and smart." I just smiled and said "Thank you".

Nope, Buddha didn't asked to be "Prayed". Buddha gave us the Dhamma for us to practise and liberate ourselves. A Buddha is a Buddha and all Buddhas being Buddhas have the same "powers". It's just that certain schools may emphasize certain aspects. While Buddhas have "powers" to perform super normal feats, we don't pray for them to be performed for our selfish gains. We work and practise the Dhamma to attain Buddhahood ourselves. In the Theravada Buddhist tradition, one of the formulation for the veneration of the Buddha's greatness is the 9 virtues of the Buddha.

So there you are. The Buddha's Greatness in a nutshell. The 9 virtues of the Buddha which you guys/gals have been chanting every Sunday Puja. (What? Who hasn't been attending puja? You naughty boy/girl!) Furthermore, if you find it a bit hard to remember how to chant the formulation, then go back to the Salutation to the Buddha. It's a summary of the 9 virtues in one verse. So it's the Buddha's Greatness in a nutshell in a nutshell if you like. The Salutation to the Buddha is easier to remember.

Iti pi so Bhagava Araham
Samma sambuddho Vijja-carana-sampanno
Sugato Lokavidu
Anuttaro Purisa-damma-sarathi
Satta Deva-manussanam
Buddho Bhagava ti

Do you see the 9 virtues in there?
1) Araham
2) Samma sambuddho
3) Vijja-carana-sampanno
4) Sugato
5) Lokavidu
6) Anuttaro Purisa-damma-sarathi
7) Sattha Deva-manussanam
8) Buddho
9) Bhagava

1) Araham
Means He has
Cut off all defilement, suppressed temptations, destroyed rebirth and is worthy of homage.

2) Samma-sambuddho
He is self-enlightened. He discovers the 4 Noble Truths and sees the working of karma. He is capable of expounding the knowledge that He gains on his own.

3) Vijja-carana-sampanno
He has superior vision and knowledge and his conduct is perfect. Faultless conduct.

Superior vision can be categorize into the three fold knowledge :-
a) recalling his past lives and that of others
b) beyond the space-time dimensions.
He can see the universe at any space-time event. ie see past and future.
c) visualize Arahanthood. "Visualize" does not just mean vison per se because
Arahanthood is beyond space-time dimension.

Superior vision can also be categorize as the eightfold wisdom :-
1) gift of insight. He intuitively comprehends the universe.
2) recollect past births
3) Supernormal feat. eg being in more than one place at the same time.
4) divine ear
5) divine eye
6) mind reading
7) physical powers
8) presence of serene holiness

Faultless conduct exemplified by
1) restraint in words and deed. ie no idle prattle
2) restraint in sense perceptions. Not indulging in sense pleasures
3) restraint in food intake.
4) does not sleep excessively
5) upholds clear vision and faith
6) understands the evil of wrong doing
7) Inability to do evil even in secret.
8) inexhaustable quest for knowledge
9) full of energy ie not lazy.

4) Sugato
The beauty of the way to Nibbana. The path (Eightfold Noble Path) is good,
the destination (Nibbana) is excellent, the Dhamma (Teachings) are faultless, blameless.

5) Lokavidu
Complete knowledge of existence and of the universe.
Buddha was first to observe that there are thousands of galaxies in the universe, first to declare that the world is conceptual ie is a concept of the mind and it is useless to speculate about the origin and end of the universe.

6) Anuttaro Purisa-damma-sarathi
Unparallelled leader who can lead all beings to Nibbana. He led Angulimala, a fierce killer to Nibanna. He subdued the drunken elephant, Nalagiri.

7) Sattha-Deva Manussanam
Able to teach all men and gods. It was sid Buddha went to heaven to preach to his mother.
8) Buddho
The ability to discover and declare the Truths and teach it to all beings.

9) Bhagava
Exalted ie of high moral and intellectual. He is the embodiment of the perfections that He has cultivated over countless past lives and his purity is awesome and worthy of veneration. 2500+ years of veneration to Buddha is proof of this.

So there you are guys/gals. The Buddha's greatness. (Get ready for test!)
After learning more about the Buddha's greatness we rejoice in the Buddha's birth. We made a song to share the joy. To those interested, here it is

Chorus 2X
D_________________G
Happy is the birth of the Buddha's
D_________________G
Happy is the birth of the Buddha's
D_________________G
Happy is the birth of the Buddha's
G____A
In the world ...

Verse 1 (The Buddha)
Am_______F
As the lotus blooms,
G_________C
in the muddy pool,
Am________________F
From beneath the water, undefiled
G_________A
Fragrant and cool ...

repeat chorus 2X

Verse 2 (The Dhamma)
(Put in your lyrics about the qualities of the Dhamma)

D_____________________G
Happy is the Teachings of the Dhamma
D_____________________G
Happy is the Teachings of the Dhamma
D_____________________G
Happy is the Teachings of the Dhamma
G_____A
In the world ...

repeat

Verse 3 (The Sangha)
(Put in your lyrics about the qualities of the Sangha)

D_________________G
Happy is the Unity of the Sangha
D_________________G
Happy is the Unity of the Sangha
D_________________G
Happy is the Unity of the Sangha
G____A
In the world ...

repeat with an endtro

BISDS 80th Anniversary Launch

2009-03-02T23:06:00.005+08:00

The Anniversary will be on
THIS SUNDAY!!!

Matters regarding on this day will be:

Original plan by Bro KC to have a 1 hr lesson fr 8.30 - 9.30 am tak jadi.
Class given the honour to serve VIPs during lunch. Non choir members are requested to meet at the vihara monks' dining area (adjacent to the vihara office) at 8.30 am to help set up for the VIP lunch. Further briefing will b given there. Bro KC will b there too.
All are required to wear the official BISDS T-shirt & long pants.
Parents are invited for the event & they may come at 9.30 am.
Among highlights of event is the launching of Buddhist Animation DVD produced by Bro Lid Sine & co. There will also b performance/s by the choir group.
For those who are able to stay back after the event, please do help to clean up the place. Estimated time of completion would be 1-1.30pm and packed lunch will be available.

Well that's all about it...
Cheers~~~
With Metta~~~

By BKB ^.^V

Joint celebration review.

2009-02-15T12:42:00.007+08:00

Dear all, d joint celebration went smoothly. Thanks to all who help out! And teachers from Moggallana and Revata for their support. Really appreciate all d efforts that has put in d joint celebration. :) Sadhu and may you be well and happy.

Yan Leng.

Will be posting up pictures from d joint celebration. Stay tuned!

-eDited-

Highlights from the event :

Playing the guessing game. They are supposed to be blindfolded. Then they have to use the face to feel the object and guess what is it.

Kai Yuan.

Poison box. They have to pass a box around. When the music stops, the last person to hold the box along with the ones sitting right and left side of the person has to do some punishments.

This group had to dance.

Had a mini surprise bday celebration for our dearest classmate, Xin Yi.

Group picture.

The rest of the pictures are uploaded to here. Enjoy! :)

With Metta,
Yan Leng.

Class on 15 Feb 2009

2009-02-10T00:09:00.003+08:00

15th February 2009 Schedule

Those who are NOT, (I repeat, who are NOT) involve in the joint celebration will be having Dhamma class and Puja as usual. Bro. Lid Sine will be teaching on that day.

For those who are INVOLVE in the joint celebration,
please meet up in front of ASOKA HALL by 8.30am SHARP.
(If possible, please come earlier to help arranging the venue.)
we are going to have Puja WITH the revata class students (9.30am) only, meaning we're NOT attending our usual one, and our joint celebration will be held in room 6 & 7 (opposite moggallana class).

Yan Leng.

Sunday School back to normal

2009-02-04T18:01:00.002+08:00

All right people!!!
Even though Chinese New Year is still on going until next Monday,
this coming Sunday we will still have class as usual.

After two long weeks of no Sunday School,
I bet some of us have missed each other during the holidays for those who didn't meet each other.

Spirits up!
Sunday School is back!
School is on-going (which is not a good thing XP)
but still not too late to say

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

again...

A good year ahead of us,
let's enjoy it with everyone!

Have fun~~~
With Metta~~~

By BKB ^.^V

joint celebration (committees)

2009-01-30T16:32:00.010+08:00

URGENT!

Programmes : Tan Yu Ming
Food : Koh Mun Wai
Souvenirs / Door Gifts : Lim Wei Gin / You Xin Yi

Dear all, please leave your name at the comment below as I want to make sure who agreed to help out in this joint activity. (Only limited amount of people needed.. So first come first serve basis? Thank you. :D)

Please take note that the joint celebration has postponed to the following week. (15th of February)

Metta,
Yan Leng.

joint celebration (update : 27/01/2009)

2009-01-27T23:30:00.003+08:00

Dear all, thanks for those who has responded so far and I hope more response will come in soon as we only have 1 and a half week more to go!

Current updates :
10 people volunteered to help out in this activity. And then person-in-charge of :-

Programmes : Yu Ming
F&B : Mun Wai
Door gifts / souvenirs : Wei Gin and Xinyi

(For those who wanna help out, please do inform any of them.)

Food
There'll be roughly around 30 students from Revata class.
Please inform Mun Wai if you are bringing food on that day. Thank you.
Do not spend so much okay? Bring whatever you can. (;
(Note : It is going to be a very simple celebration.)

Programmes
If you have any suggestions for games, please inform Yu Ming.

Door gifts / souvenirs
Has to prepare for roughly 30 students.

With Metta,
Yan Leng

joint celebration.

2009-01-22T00:04:00.013+08:00

I'm sorry that I have to steal some moments here to make some announcements. (Sorry for not asking permission. Hope you guys don't mind :/)

Okay so guys and girls, a teacher from class Revata (12 years old) have suggested to have a joint CNY celebration party with our class, Moggallana. The purpose to have this party is to ~~teach them about Dana as Dana is not only about offering to the monks but is also about caring & sharing that can be apply in our daily life.~~ (EDITED : SRY GUYS! I GOT THE CONCEPT WRONGLY, THE MAIN PURPOSE IS TO PRACTICE SHARING AND CARING. :D)

So, we encourage you to bring some food (party pack preferably. eg : mammee monsters etc.) and organize some activities for the kids. (:

It is going to be a short one as it is gonna last around 1 hour - 1 1/2 hour only. It is going to be held during the next class which is on the 8th of February.

To make things easier, I hope some of you will volunteer yourself to be incharge of food or programmes and preferably a leader for this activity to make sure everything goes well. Feel free to drop any suggestions that can make things more interesting. (eg : making CNY cards for them etc.)

PLEASE LEAVE THE COMMENT(S) BELOW THIS POST ANYTHING REGARDING ABOUT THIS ACTIVITY FOR CONVENIENCES (DO IDENTIFY YOURSELF. tq.). by the way, KEEP THIS A SURPRISE FROM THE REVATA CLASS STUDENTS AND SPREAD THE WORD AMONG OUR CLASSMATES. Thanks. ;)

p.s : I hope you guys agree about this activity as both sides can gain experiences and do dana at the same time. I put up a poll at the sidebar (>>>>) to see whether you guys agree with this activity or not. (: If you do not agree, also leave a comment below and state your point of view of why you don't agree. Thanks. :D

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
&
HAPPY HOLIDAYS. :D

With Metta,
Yan Leng.

Sunday School Holiday

2009-01-20T23:54:00.002+08:00

Bryan here,

I'm sad to announce that this coming Sunday & the next Sunday
will not be having any Sunday School classes.
Which is on the Jan 25th & Feb 1st.

Even though there is no Sunday School for just 2 weeks,
we still have the whole year to come and of course,
MORE FUN!!!

GONG XI FA CHAI!!!
GONG HEI FATT CHOI!!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

Get your hands on loads of red packets but don't forget,
come back on the week after the next.
Have Fun~
Cherrio~

By BKB ^.^V

Justin's here =)

2009-01-20T18:52:00.002+08:00

Since everyone is busy
I shall help to update this blog ;D

Attention !

Please kindly do this at the cbox =)
Write your...

Full name
Date Of Birth
Email address

Please do it so that we can know each other more and contact each other
Every end of the month we will do a small birthday celebration ;)
Please leave comment if u have any question or problems =D

Love Justin <3

2009-01-11T21:13:00.001+08:00

Hello to all Moggallana students! This is going to be our very first official blog for all Moggallana students 2009. The purpose of setting up the blog is to share informations and also announcements in an easier way. (:

Teachers of class Moggallana 2009 : Bro. KC (Teacher #1) & Bro. Lid Sine (Teacher #2)
Class monitor : Bro. Bryan Fong
Assistant class monitors : Bro. Tan Yu Ming & Bro. Lim Sui Lun

Signing off.