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zweiya on May 27, 2010 09:51

Hi Enghim,

Thanks for your feedback. We have checked the speed of loading on a couple of computers with different servers, and the entire website loads up within seconds. There could be several reasons to the slow loading. It could be due to visiting the website during the peak hour or the hosting server experiencing high traffic.

We will do what we can to lighten the load. The slideshow is to make the photo gallery more visible and certainly help to make the website looks more interesting :). And the ads help to contribute a bit revenue to defray the high cost of hosting the website. Your understanding and patience is most appreciated. Thanks again

Enghim Chua on May 27, 2010 07:32

Sorry off topic. I suggest your webpage should be lighter (not so many details/side show) as it takes a long time to load. It is certainly well done & very interesting.

PS.Delete this if it is irrelevent.

shian on November 24, 2009 23:00

Thanks Dawn! Do keep coming and drop your comments :-]

Dawn on November 24, 2009 13:25

Nice blog! : )

zweiya on November 12, 2009 09:02

Hi Willa, you just did that for us and yourself.
Amituofo _/\_

Willa Miller on November 12, 2009 01:37

Hi there, Would you mind mentioning on your blog that you are not Willa Miller, the author of the book Everyday Dharma? It seems as if a number of people think this is my blog [my name is Willa Miller: I am the author of a book entitled Everyday Dharma].

With gratitude, L. Willa Miller

atomant on October 8, 2009 23:55

Hi David, i recommend this – http://www.basicbuddhism.org/index.cfm?GPID=132 It’s not for a whole year though. Am not aware of any year long course.



David on October 8, 2009 04:34

Do you have meditation programme? Could I have one for whole year meditation seesions? Thanks!

Help on October 5, 2009 15:49

Amituofo, thank you for your suggestions, I will convey to my friend.


shian on October 5, 2009 15:10

Hi, my suggestions are these… Let the ‘dying’ and the family know that chanting of Amituofo’s name can help healing too – if the person can still live. This is true, due to the blessings shared by Amituofo. You can explain the significance of Zhunian in a simple manner to both parties by saying that if one is mindful of Amituofo’s name faithfully, the sick can be better if conditions allow, and the dying can be reborn in the most wonderful place possible – Pureland. If possible, summarise (not recite; as he might not understand) the Amitabha Sutra to the deceased by speaking near his ear. You can use this ‘prayer’ before reciting Amituofo too – as at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amituofo/message/28 . The last stanza is especially important -

By the practice of single-minded mindfulness of Buddha,
by the power of Buddha’s blessings -
If I can recover, may I recover swiftly.
If I cannot recover, may I be reborn in Pureland swiftly,
so that I may be liberated swiftly, and return to liberate all swiftly.

Note that there should be no attachment to wanting recovery – because it might not be possible. Just chant Amituofo openheartedly and sincerely. You can also chant and share merits with him – but it’s crucial to chant ‘with’ him too – whether he is awake or not – for he might be awake – just unable to respond. Use words of encouragement to generate faith and aspiration to be born in Pureland. Tell him countless people had been healed or have peaceful passing due to mindfulness of Amituofo, that his promises to help are real. You can also do more good deeds in his name – e.g. contribute to fangsheng funds, make donations to print Dharma books, and do any other general charity to help others. The merits can help him recover or have a good rebirth.

Amituofo

help on October 5, 2009 13:48

If someone (a non-Buddhist) you know is dying, already in an unconscious state, and you wld like to chant “Amituofo” for him, for his better rebirth if he cld not make it or for his health recovery if it is not time for him to go yet. However, his family members are Taoists instead of Buddhist who had misconception that the chanting of Amitabha Buddha’s name is more for the dying and afraid that it will cause unease to the patient (including they themselves)refuse the request and also do not want to use the chanting device (Nian Fo Ji) as one suggest to play beside the patient’s bed. (They do not know the meaning of “Zu Nian”) What’s best approach?
Just chant silently “Amituofo” on his behalf & dedicate merits to him & other beings who also suffer similarly?
Any more cld be done?

celine on September 24, 2009 09:20

Thanks Shian

shian on September 23, 2009 23:34

Hi Celine, once someone goes to Pureland, there will be no zhongyinsheng anymore. If you wish to receive weekly mails introducing the Pureland teachings, do send a blank email to amituofo-subscribe [at] yahoogroups [dot] com

Amituofo

celine on September 23, 2009 09:57

If a person die and go Pureland, will the zhong yin shen be around during 49 days?

jilexin on September 9, 2009 11:17

I have visited the link on the recycling of dharma books as provided by shian.

I generally agree with the tips provided in that blog article.

There are many views on this subject, even among various Venerables.

According to the late Master Yin Guang (Qing Dynasty), any irrepairable Buddhist images or dharma books should be properly disposed in either one of following ways:

佛经，佛像毁坏不能读不能供者，应妥善处理。即置净器焚化之。焚化时，严防经像焚灰飞溅。焚毕，将灰装入布袋，同时加以净沙或净石，使其入水即沉，不至于漂浮于岸。最后将其投入江，河，湖，海深处即可。瓷像亦同。
–印光法师开示

Use incinerators or containers designated for the burning of irreparable dharma materials or Buddha statutues. Strictly ensure that the ashes are not scattered around. After burning, put the ashes into a cloth bag, add clean soil or stone together with it, so that this will help the bag to sink all the way down into any deep body of water, like rivers, lakes and seas.

We should compile important questions such as these into a book and/or downloadable material, so as to provide good guidelines from both trusted ancient and modern sources – the questions should be answered in a way that is relevant and practical for all Buddhists, especially beginners.

shian on September 7, 2009 23:55

Hi Michi, there’s no need to dispose the Dharma mags. You can pass them to friends to read, thereafter passing them on. That’s the larger meaning of Dharma for far and wide ‘free distribution’. Another way is to return them to where you found them. More tips can be seen at http://moonpointer.com/new/2008/12/recycling-dharma-books



zweiya on September 7, 2009 22:57

Hi A1, yes you have to fill in your email to have the avatar appear. But if you want a personal gravatar (universal avatar), you need to register with http://en.gravatar.com

A1 on September 7, 2009 22:47

Is that an “An” you had written/designed yourself?
May I know How to get the picture icons to appear for commentor? Only for those with email address?
Thanks

Michi on September 7, 2009 10:58

Can I ask about the proper way of disposing the Awaken magazine after reading it since it contains the Dharma? Can I put it together with other stuff to be recycled?

celine on September 3, 2009 23:07

Hi , I finally got a reply from CTTB regarding my queries of the earth store sutra. Here’s their replies. Amituofo! Let’s go to your question directly.

The worlds we live in are multi-dimensional with many kinds of beings coexisting together.

Yamas, gods, spirits, ghost, hell beings, as well as Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, exist where people are, and may exist where people are not.

There are beings on the moon, there are great beings beings who can go to the moon or affect the moon as they wish. For example, some Arhats or Bodhisattvas who can use their two hands to rub the moon. There are moon-ruling gods (may not be just one).

With the moon-ruling gods, there will be moon-subjects under their rule. But you may say, “This is outrageous. Our science exploration so far never indicated any sign of life on the moon. How can this be?” This is similar to that in the human world we don’t see ghosts or gods. So far science has not been able to determine whether there is reincarnation or there are ghosts or not. (What we humans cannot see does not mean they don’t exist.)

The Arhats or Bodhisattvas mentioned are just examples of great beings who can go to the moon or affect the moon in their own ways. We humans, with latest science and technology, have been able to travel to the moon, the Venus, and the Mars…etc. We have been able to land successfully on the moon. These are the great breakthroughs in our human exploration.

In this sense, we can say that we humans are also exerting our own influence on the moon.

But in terms of which way of exploration is superior, I have to say that our humans of traveling and exploring were quite clumsy and time-consuming.
Want to find and obtain a much superior way, then learn from those Arhats and Bodhisattvas. They can quake the earth, or stop earthquakes…

Side Perspective 1:
At the beginning of the Earth Store Sutra, there was a vast array of gods, spirits. This itself may be already hard for you to accept.

Side Perspective 2:
There were some stories or records about those people who stayed in the human realm for half day, and then went to the ghosts’ realm to execute some office duties there; thus going back and forth…

shian on August 30, 2009 00:54

Hi Pray, actually during chanting, ‘Amituofo’ (Chinese) never becomes ‘Amitabha’ (Sanskrit) – though it can seem so due to fast chanting! For some extra info on the name of Amituofo, please see http://moonpointer.com/new/2009/05/wondering-about-buddha Amituofo!



Pray on August 29, 2009 14:00

Hi, in a chanting session, I noticed that when we chant Chinese version of “Amituofo” fast, it becomes the English version of “Amitabha”. The Chinese version has “fo” which means Buddha, however, for English version, if we just chant “Amitabha”, is it acceptable or we have to chant ” Amitabha Buddha” to be respectful?
Pls advise. Thank you.

atomant on August 29, 2009 00:34

Maybe it’s best to ask the monastic what happens to the red packet. Why not? I don’t think they are dealt with in the same way by all. You can also donate directly to registered organisations instead, which do proper accounting.

molly on August 26, 2009 00:43

Hi Da, interesting question, doesn’t that apply to theravada monks as well? Even if they do not touch money, those that help them handle the money should be as transparent and accountable as possible? Just a thought, hopefully someone can help answer that as well

Da on August 26, 2009 00:25

At some events, we will see devotees dana red packet money to Venerables. May I know if the Venerable who received the dana will have to report to their respective monastery & share as monastic pool or will be considered as their own money in the Chinese & Tibetan Buddhist tradition?

zweiya on August 23, 2009 22:12

Hi everyone, just a note that i had reversed the Wall comments’ order for easy reading, so we don’t have to do too much scrolling…

shian on August 22, 2009 13:18

Actually, i toyed with the idea for years already, but from past participation and observation, running a forum takes a lot of time and effort. We want to focus on creative expression more here. But no worries. This Wall will be our forum of sorts!

Ed on August 21, 2009 22:53

A suggestion … Probably moonpointer can start a forum for people to discuss further any issue/concern.

jilexin on August 21, 2009 18:24

I wish to thank shi’an for those words in the post ‘senseless jealousy’.

I also apologise to the moderators and readers for any inconvenience and discomfort caused.

I’m glad to have met Shi’an in person. Although we don’t know each other well enough yet, I’m really glad to read that Shi’an somehow doesn’t think I was trying to act like a blog or forum troll in that particular post. That is of great relief and assurance to me.

Seriously I wouldn’t know what else to do other than meeting some online members in person on my own to clear up misunderstandings.

So the message is this: This incident clearly shows the limitations of online interactions and human perceptions. So this is not to tell or command anyone to avoid online interactions altogther. Rather online interactions complement real life ones.

Again to be careful, the above is more like sharing, expressing a wish that if we truly understood such limitations, we would know what to do when such misunderstanding occur online: make every effort to understand the other party on a deeper level. Even if it’s as clumsy and messy like mine.

zweiya on August 20, 2009 23:15

Hi Celine, can i suggest you to read Be A Lamp Upon Yourself?? It’s a concise approach to the basic teachings of the Buddha.

celine on August 20, 2009 22:20

Thanks so much to all for clearing this! It is indeed good to know what is right what is wrong.

jilexin on August 19, 2009 08:24

It was only later that I came across books which touch on the authenticity of San Shi Ying Guo Jing as a proper Buddhist sutra.

As it started with what seems like a dialogue between the Buddha and Venerable Ananda, I had thought that San Shi Ying Guo Jing was part of the Buddhist canon.

I think more can be done to educate Buddhists on the origins of San Shi Shu and San Shi Ying Guo Jing and how they should be viewed in comparison with the Buddhist sutra canon.

shian on August 19, 2009 01:02

It’s worth noting that San Shi Shu is not San Shi Ying Guo Jing. The first is a fortune-telling book while the second often mistaken as a proper sutra. Amituofo

Bodhati on August 18, 2009 12:11

Yes Ven Mogallana had to pay for the negative karma that he created in his previous life or lives… but he DID NOT suffer at all. The physical suffering do not affect mind of enlightened beings.

jilexin on August 18, 2009 11:49

It’s true that San Shi Shu is not part of the Buddhist canon.

Although many lay Buddhists and Venerables quote the Buddha’s words about understanding our past, present and future lives, those words should not be taken too literally.

Why? Because the Buddhas also said something like this: The law of karma and rebirth is very complex and profound. Only Buddhas can fully understand it.

In other words, our present lives are not necessarily a direct and complete reflection of what we had done in the past. It could be due to what we have done during our present lifetimes.

Even one of Buddha’s chief disciples, Venerable Mogallana, an Arahant had to endure residue heavy karma from his previous lifetimes. So to me being virtuous and even attaining enlightenment like that of an Arahant does not guarantee you from suffering painful deaths at any time.

celine on August 17, 2009 09:20

Thanks Garbha!

Garbha on August 15, 2009 03:15

San Shi Shu is not Buddhist and there is no guarantee it’s accurate. The Buddha once said (paraphrasing), to know your past life, look at your present life now. You are the result of what you did. To know your future life, look at what you are doing now. You will be the result of what you are doing. Live now

celine on August 14, 2009 10:14

Hi does anyone know where can i get the book San Shi Shu

Garbha on August 14, 2009 00:42

Hi Celine, lets just wait for their reply.

celine on August 13, 2009 19:22

Thanks alot Atomant! I am sorry that I put up alot of posts because I just want to clarify my questions.

atomant on August 13, 2009 14:54

Qing Hai Wu Shang Shi’s stuff is NOT Buddhism. Stay clear lest u get confused by warped teachings!

celine on August 13, 2009 13:24

Hi Garbha & Shian, I have found the “question” i asked at this website. Take a look. Can you explain to me if i am right. I have emailed them so pending their reply. http://cttbusa.org/esscommentary/earthstore8.htm

celine on August 13, 2009 08:39

Never heard of that! Have anyone heard of Qing Hai w Shang Shi? Is she recognised under Budhhism?

celine on August 13, 2009 08:36

Hi Garbha, sorry to misspell your name. Thanks so much for your reply! Amituofo!

Jason Seah on August 13, 2009 00:54

Ever heard of Mr.Xiao Ping Shi of Taiwan?Ever read his works(in Chinese)?If you have,what do you think of him?It is said that he could help one get closer to enlightenment through his
“Buddha-remembrance Without Appearance”Pure Land cum Zen method.But this awkward translated title fails to capture the original title in Chinese…
One reference here:http://www.a202.idv.tw/a202-big5/Book0-9/book999-1-1.htm
By the way,The Daily Enlightenment 3 is thought-provoking.Will read it one more time.

Garbha on August 12, 2009 23:52

Hi Celine, the best person to explain that sentence that you have doubt on would be Master Hsuan Hua himself, since he was the one who commented on the moon part. (It is not part of the sutra.) But since he is no longer around, the best option would probably be to write to City Of Ten Thousand Buddhas at http://www.cttbusa.org/cttb/contact.asp to ask what he meant. Amituofo!

celine on August 12, 2009 11:19

Hi Garbja, it is from the sutra of the past vows of earth store bodhisattva – the collected lectures of tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua, translated by american bhiksu heng ching, revised by amercian bhiksu heng chih, polished by american bhiksu heng kua, certified by gold mountain sramana, dhyana master hsuan hua. i got the sutra from a temple in singapore can;t remember which temple

celine on August 12, 2009 11:12

Thanks alot Shian! Just curious:) If I have any questions i will post my qns here.

shian on August 11, 2009 21:40

Hi, you can ask any Dharma question here. We’ll do our best to find an answer. i can’t find any information linking yamas to moons and people in the sutra. It is good that you quote exactly what you read with the source (author and/or link). It would help to ensure that there was no misreading too. If u ask a monk, he is likely to ask the same – for what you read. Amituofo



celine on August 11, 2009 20:30

Hi Garbha or anyone, is there anyone i can turn to like a monk in the temple if i like to clarify or do not understand the sutras i am reading? I really hope there is a session whereby we can speak to monks and understand and clear any questions we have in mind. Thanks so much!

celine on August 11, 2009 20:26

Hi Garbha, it is mentioned that yamas exist where there r people, the commentary says yamas come from moon, other planets????? This sutra i read is in english and is explained for every sutra discoursed so that lay person like us is understood. So maybe you can enlighten me on that?

Garbha on August 11, 2009 15:21

Hi Celine… there’s no mentioned of yamas exist on moon and other planets in the sutra itself. The sentence that you highlighted above was from the commentary section, so I guess its probably just the commentator’s own interpretation. May I know who’s the commentator of the Sutra you are reading?

celine on August 11, 2009 11:33

Hi atomant! Appreciate someon can enlighten me on this. It’s from Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Chapter 8 The Praises of the Multitudes of King Yama. Commentary: pg 176-177- In this text, however, we are discussing not merely the ten Yamas of Jambudvipa, but all the inumberable Yamas who came from all the worlds,from the moon, the planets, the stars, and other iron ring mountains. In general wherever there are people there are Yamas…….

atomant on August 7, 2009 18:13

Can u quote the part of the sutra that says that? Buddhism is definitely open to the existence of extra-terrestrials!

celine on August 7, 2009 10:47

Hi, I was reading the di zang sutra and there is one chapter that mentions that yamas exist when there are people. they exist on moon and other planets. So does that mean there are people staying on the moon? Very curious about it.

shian on August 2, 2009 22:50

Hi Yy, actually stonepeace never signs off articles, though stonepeace quotes are often used. More about stonepeace: http://bit.ly/xnvU7 You can get almost daily quotes at http://twitter.com/stonepeace

shian on August 2, 2009 22:47

i think i saw the Doubt dvd selling, but i’ll need to think about screening it cos the film’s setting is Catholic. It might confuse some viewers who come to learn Buddhism?

Yy on August 2, 2009 22:05

i ALWAYS SEE THE ARTICLE SIGNED OFF BY sTONEPEACE. wHO IS sTONE PEACE?

sleekysky on August 1, 2009 17:32

hi, is it possible to screen “Doubt” for one of the moviescreening sessions organised at Awareness Place? Just a suggestion, not sure if the movie is out yet in singapore

zweiya on July 26, 2009 22:32

I’d added this plugin for easy interaction. Feel free do ask any Dharma questions or comments.

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