MANGALA VIHARA Newsletter

MANGALA VIHARA
Newsletter
30 Jalan Eunos Singapore 419495. Tel: 67444285 Fax: 67441912 Website: http://www.mangalavihara.org.sg MICA(P)155/06/2009
The second quarter saw the celebration of Vesak
and Cheng Beng by our devotees and members.
It is the time to give as our youths did in raising
fund for the Buddhist Clinic and the Fellowship
being active in raising awareness imparting
and sharing on the knowledge of chanting and
introducing the demand for Dhamma in the
Chinese language. It was great effort which
reminds us of - Dhammapada 16, telling us that:
Here he rejoices, hereafter he rejoices.
In both states the well-doer rejoices.
He rejoices, exceedingly rejoices.
Perceiving the purity of his own deeds.
In the same vein, Bhante Acara explains the
significance of the New Moon and Full Moon days
to Buddhists and gives insight into celebrations on
these days throughout the year. Some among us
have wondered if these days correspond with the
ease of identification with natural events involving
the appearance of the moon in the days of old.
Meanwhile Jean shares with us the wonder of
Bhutan, a nation where Buddhism thrives, exuding
the very spirit of happiness and euphoria amidst
simplicity and contentment.
We also welcome our new Dhamma Supervisor,
Mrs Juliana Kow, who assumed her role in April
2010. She stated her commitment to make
“a difference to the students’ lives so that the
Teachings of the Buddha become relevant to their
lives and, more importantly, to make the Teachings
central to their daily activities.”
We have our part to play too, so gear up and
come forward to lend a hand in any way you can.
It will mean that “What’s truly useful and good is
truly harder than hard to do.” We will support one
another, so what are you waiting for?
Han Ah Yew,
Leong Kum Seng,
Lee Mee Yin
Editorial 2/2010
Buddhist Full Moon and
New Moon Days
Full Moon days are important as major events took place
on these days in the time of the Buddha.
The Buddha-to-be was conceived in the womb of
MÈyÈ, chief queen of King Suddhodhana, the ruler of
Kapilavattha, on the Full Moon Day of SÈvana (July/
August), the fifth month of the Buddhist Calendar, in
the Great Era 67. He was born on the Full Moon Day of
VesÈkha (April/May), the second month in the Buddhist
calendar, in the Great Era 68, so the Vesak Celebration
of Buddhists is celebrated on Full Moon Day, also called
the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration. However, it is just
called Vesak Day, perhaps to respect the Buddha since
the celebration of birthdays is a secular affair. Vesak is
named after the month (Vesakha) when the Buddha was
born. On the same day (Full Moon Day of VesÈka) in the
Great Era 103 the Buddha attained enlightenment. He
also passed away on the Full Moon Day of Vesakha in
the Great Era 148.
Moreover, two months after his enlightenment, on the Full
Moon Day of the month ÒsaÐha, the fourth month of the
Buddhist Calendar (June or July), the Buddha preached
his first sermon (Dhammacakkapavattana sutta). On the
Full Moon Day of the month Assayuja, the seventh month
of the Buddhist Calendar (September or October), at the
end of his first vassa, the Buddha’s missionary ministry
was initiated with 60 disciples. On the Full Moon Day of
MÈgha, the eleventh month of the Buddhist calendar, in
the Great Era 103, Ven SÈriputta and Ven MoggalÈna
were appointed as the Buddha’s chief disciples, his lefthand
disciple and right-hand disciple respectively; and on
this Full Moon day, fifteen days after his ordination, Ven
SÈriputta attained arahantship while Ven MoggalÈna's
attainment of arahantship was achieved seven days
earlier. In the Great Era 148 on the Full Moon Day of
KattikÈ (October/November), the eighth month of the
Buddhist calendar, Ven SÈriputta passed away and
two weeks later, on the New Moon Day of KattikÈ, Ven
MoggalÈna passed away.
Since the time of the Buddha, PÈtimokkha (monastic
rules for monks) recitation has been made by the Buddhist
SaÑgha, fortnightly, on Full Moon Days and New Moons
days. This practice is called uposatha. Buddhist devotees
took the eight precepts (uposathasÉla) on these days. Full
Moon Days are public holidays in Buddhist countries.
Now, at Mangala Vihara (MV), we celebrate Full Moon
and New Moon Days with important activities. These
Vol. 8 No. 2

activities are wholesome deeds or meritorious acts.
When flowers, candles, etc. are offered to the Buddha,
special chanting is performed, special lunch donations
are served to members and devotees, and special
blessings and evening dhamma talks are delivered by
resident monks.
Actually these good deeds can be done anywhere at
any time. So, why are these done on Full Moon and New
Moon Days only? The answer is simply that we cannot
do these good deeds every day. So Full Moon and New
Moon Days are selected for the performance of these
meritorious deeds.
Another reason or explanation is as follows: According
to the CatumahÈrÈja-sutta of AËguttara NikÈya (TikanipÈta,
The Threes), ministers of the four great kings of
gods namely RataraÍÍha, VirÊlaka, VirÊpakkha, and
Kuvera, come down to the human world on the eighth
waxing and waning days; sons of the kings of gods come
down to the human world on the fourteenth new moon
days; and the kings of gods themselves come down to
the human world on the fifteenth Full Moon and New
Moon Days.
It should then be noted that in the Buddhist calendar
there are the two types of New Moon Days: one falls on
fourteenth waning day which is the end of month, and
the other falls on the fifteenth waning day which is also
the end of month. Full Moon Days fall in the middle of a
month and always upon the 15th day of the waxing of the
moon. There are 12 calendar months and the months
have alternate 29 days and 30 days. The first month
of the calendar has 29 days, the second month has 30
days, and so on. And days are counted from 1 to 14 or
15, not from 1 to 29 nor 1 to 30 as in other calendars. For
example, days of the calendar are waxing 1 to 15 and
waning 1 to 14 or 15. Thus in the Buddhist calendar, the
New Moon Day (and the end of the month) may fall on
either the 14th or 15th waning day of the moon.
These celestial beings observe the human world. They
want to know if human beings are performing meritorious
deeds and thus may be reborn in the deva world and
populate it with merit makers. That is why at Mangala
Vihara Full Moon and New Moon Days are selected for
the performance of special meritorious deeds so that our
wholesome deeds can be recognised by celestial beings
who, as it is traditionally believed, regularly come to the
human world to observe us.
One of distinguished MV’s celebrations is Pin Kamma,
celebrated on Full Moon and New Moon Days. Pin
Kamma is a Sri Lankan word derived from PÈÐi. The
original PÈÐi word for Pin Kamma is PuÌÌa Kamma that
means wholesome (PuÌÌa) act (Kamma) or meritorious
(PuÌÌa) deed (Kamma). In Sri Lanka almost all
Buddhist religious ceremonies are called Pin Kamma
or Pin Kama (PuÌÌa Kamma). For example, there
are ceremonies of Vesak Pin Kamma (Vesak Day or
Buddha Day Celebration), Kathina Pin Kamma (Kathina
Robe Donation Ceremony), Seventh Day Pin Kamma
(Transfering Merit to a Departed One on the Seventh Day
Counted from the Day on which he or she passed away),
and Bana Pin Kamma (Ceremony of Buddhist Religious
Sermon). Actually all the Buddhist ceremonies might be
named Pin Kamma. Very often Kamma is spelled with
only one ‘m’; that is, Pin Kama.
At Mangala Vihara this name (Pin Kamma) is only
applied to the meritorious deeds that are done on Full
Moon and New Moon Days. More specifically, the lunch
donations to the resident monks, members and devotees
made on those days are called Pin Kamma. This is one
of the TheravÈda practices of Mangala Vihara, initiated
by the late founder Bhante, MM MahÈvÉra who was a Sri
Lankan monk. It is believed that the founder gave the Sri
Lankan name of the meritorious deed (Pin Kamma) to the
lunch donations at Mangala Vihara. This name is given
to this merit only and thus this has become significant.
In conclusion, Full Moon Days and New Moon Days are
very important, as has been described. Extraordinary
meritorious deeds which cannot easily be performed
every day are reserved for these days.
Ven.Dr.Ashin Acara
Mangala Vihara Dhamma Fellowship
In the six months since the official launch of Mangala
Vihara Dhamma Fellowship (MVDF) on the 22 November
2009 the Committee Members spent a challenging time
with Ven Raja’s guidance to plan the following activities:
1) Maranassati Chanting practice
2) Sunday Class Puja Chanting practice
3) Dhamma Sharing Sessions
4) Evening Mandarin Dhamma classes
5) Buddhanussati Chanting on the first Sunday evening
of every month
6) Show-case Sunday Dhamma Classes to the public in
MV 50th Anniversary Celebrations
7) Vesak Day recruitment of students for the new term
8) Orientation sessions for new students on 13 June
and 4 July 2010
to participate in our activities to create a more vibrant
environment in the Mangala Vihara. We thank all those
who participated in the activities organised and we look
forward to your continued support.
We will continue to carry out our mission to
• Learn the Dhamma
• Practise compassion, gratitude and generosity
• Share our knowledge selflessly and propagate the
seeds of Buddhism
Raymond Yow
Chairman, MVDF
The Committee worked very hard to encourage members
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Vesak Day Celebrations: 27 & 28 May 2010
Devotees help – cutting vegetables, preparing holy water - before the Vesak Celebration
Feeding our members and devotees on Vesak Day
Dhamma Corner, reaching out to the interested
Dhamma Corner, reaching out to the interested
Page 3

Display of Sivali Relics for public viewing during Vesak
Vesak Night procession
Page 4

Heaven on Earth
I went to heaven, briefly, not on a neardeath-experience.
I was among the 16
Buddhist & Pali College alumni and family
members who travelled to Bhutan in May
2010.
Immediately upon arrival, I went into a
flutter. It could be the high altitude oxygenthin
air, but it was more likely I was a little
overwhelmed by the spectacular mountain
peaks and the strong scent of lush valleys
of this Himalayan kingdom.
Every day pine and sandalwood trees
lining the roads greeted us like fans
waiting for their idols. Terraced rice
fields glittering in the sun and crystal
clear water trickling down the rivers
covered the entire countryside. They
provided the lights and the sound effects
fit for a world-class performance. Majestic
fortresses, fascinating architecture and
colourful religious painting provided the
grand backdrop for the ‘stage’. Yet it was
the demeanour and the smiles of the
Bhutanese people which stole the show.
Evidently the lay people live their
lives adhering closely to the Buddha’s
teachings. They are also supported by
Buddhist monarchs who rule the country
like Emperor Asoka did his empire in India
two millennia ago.
In the 7th century, Tibetan King Songsten
Gampo ordered the building of Buddhist
monasteries in the Himalayan region to
subdue the evil spirits. This sowed the
seeds of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan.
The Bhutanese embrace a lifestyle that
is poor in material possessions but rich in
religious rituals and traditional arts. They
cleverly use modern technology but keep
mindless consumerism at bay.
In 2006, the fourth King of Bhutan, a
wise and benevolent Buddhist monarch,
announced that he would voluntarily give
up his executive powers and introduced
democracy into the country. In 2008, his
son and the fifth King of Bhutan carried
through the promise for the youngest
democracy in the world to allow the small
nation to keep pace with the fast changing
world.
Subscribing to a unique development
philosophy based on the principles of
Gross National Happiness, the elected
Bhutanese government promotes a
casteless society and equality of the
genders. Both the government and
its people are un-compromising on
environment conservation and diligent
towards protecting ecology and wildlife.
Bhutan is also well-known for the policy of
‘high value, low volume’ tourism.
I wondered, naturally, how the Bhutanese,
in their simple material existence, maintain
equanimity in the face of the influx of the
‘high value’ tourists. This material-bias
thoughts of mine was squashed early
during my stay in Bhutan.
Perhaps it is their realisation of
contentment, perhaps it is their perfection
in mudita, and the Bhutanese I met on my
journey appeared to be already in a state
of mind far more enriched and happier than
mine and most people I know.
If one’s state of mind defines one’s realm
of existence, the Bhutanese, I can say, are
in heaven.
As I was packing up for my flight back to
Singapore, I panicked for a moment. I had
no souvenir to give to friends and colleagues
back home; I had hardly a memento for my
travel scrapbook. I realised I had seen
heaven and this memory I will share with
all. Heaven … on earth is where the good
is embraced, where nature is cherished
and where those in power are virtuous and
caring. Heaven… is a state of mind where
the brahma-viharas dwell and where
contentment is prized as the greatest
wealth.
By Jean Lau
Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore
Teacher
Page 5

Youth Circle Report
VESAK FUND-RAISING (28 and 30 May 2010)
The youths were on their feet again in Vesak celebrations,
spending some weeks creating beautiful handphone and
other accessories for sale to raise funds. In addition,
some youths also picked up skills on using Henna under
the guidance of teacher Leong Lye Cheu to set up another
stall for Henna. They raised a total sum of $939.10.
ANNUAL FUND-RAISING IN AID OF BUDDHIST
FREE CLINIC (6 June 2010)
This was the sixth year of participation in fund-raising
for the Buddhist Free Clinic organised by the Buddha
of Medicine Welfare Society in conjunction with Vesak
celebrations, in the open field next to the Eunos MRT
station. The youths, mentor and parent volunteer spent
half a day on the eve of the event to cut and pack 30
boxes of Kueh Lapis sponsored by Jason Chua, a regular
sponsor to this yearly event. They raised $976.00.
Rita Lee
Youth Mentor
Dhamma Supervisor’s Report
And what is good, Phaedrus,
And what is not good –
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?
The epitaph from Robert M. Pirsig’s seminal work, Zen
and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, cleverly sums up
my motivation to assume the role of Dhamma Supervisor
at Mangala Vihara (Buddhist Temple).
I was overwhelmed with mixed feelings when I was told
of my appointment as the new Dhamma Supervisor. I
was honoured for the trust that has been placed on me
but at the same time, panic set in. Though I am always
easily excited when it comes to education, especially
Dhamma education, my immediate concern was “where
on earth am I going to find the time?” I am fully aware of
the time, emotional and physical commitment required of
me as a Dhamma Supervisor.
I could not dwell in a self doubt simply because if
everyone were to think that way, what would become of
the Dhamma, and the good work the Temple has done
for the past 50 years to benefit my generation, and those
of my children? I turned to managing my time better. No
sooner than the 2nd monthly Teachers’ Meeting I started
to champion the formulation of a structured curriculum
for the children at the school. I have placed this as my
first priority because the children are our future.
Jessy Phua (my predecessor) for all the efforts that she
has put in to run the school. I am tremendously grateful
for her guidance and to all the volunteers (teachers, F&B
and Maintenance teams) who have put in hours just
so that we could continue with the legacy of Dhamma
education in MV.
I can promise no big changes but I can promise one thing
– my commitment in making a difference to the students’
lives so that the Teachings of the Buddha become
relevant to their lives and, more importantly, to make the
Teachings central to their daily activities.
Juliana Kow
Dhamma Supervisor 2010/2011
Mrs Juliana Kow is currently the Head of Department
(English Language) in a local school. Her current
appointment as Dhamma supervisor of the Sunday
Dhamma School extends her wealth of supervisory
experiences to MV. We are sure that with her commitment
to her appointment she will undoubtedly bring MV through
a new milestone in the education of all in the Theravada
Buddhist community.
The work of Dhamma Supervisor – like that of a mother
to a child – is never done. No week ever passes without
me fretting over what to say at the ‘mount’, to motivate
my Dhamma teachers to continue propagating the Truth,
promote the students’ interests in their Buddhist studies,
and the list goes on. My personal philosophy, in times of
uncertainties is to press on and give my best.
I would like to take this opportunity of my maiden entry in
the MV Newsletter to register my heartfelt thanks to Mrs
Dhamma Supervisor, Juliana (right) receiving certificate of
appointment from Management Secretary, Jenny (left)
Page 6

MANGALA VIHARA DIARY
CHENG BENG – Sunday, 4 APRIL 2010
A mass transferring of merits was conducted after the
evening religious service by pouring water from a teapot
into a glass whilst the congregation of members and
devotees chanted, “idam me natinam hotu”. Bhante
Cittara led the recitation of the Tirokuddha sutta with
the verses displayed on the LCD screens. The Hon.
Secretary and her assistants read out the names of
the donors and their late relatives and friends. Light
refreshment followed.
40TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Sunday, 18
APRIL 2010
Our 40th AGM commenced half an hour later at 1.30 pm
from lack of quorum. Our Resident Monk, Ven Cittara,
administered the Five Precepts and addressed the
members. Chairman also addressed themthanked them
for their attendance at the AGM and taking an active
interest in the temple’s affairs. He also thanked all for
helping to make the 50th Anniversary a success. After
several queries on the accounts, the election of office
bearers concluded the meeting.
VISIT BY DHARMA STUDENTS FROM
SAGARAMUDRA BUDDHIST SOCIETY – 9 MAY 2010
Sixty Dharma students from Sagaramudra Buddhist
Society visited MV to better understand Theravada
Buddhism. Dhamma Supervisor, Mdm Juliana Kwang,
warmly welcomed them and explained the Theravada
tradition of paying respects to the Triple Gems, the murals
in the Shrine hall, the significance of the Bodhi tree, a
short history of our founder and a tour of the temple.
VESAK EVE – Thursday, 27 MAY 2010
More helpers, helped prepare the ingredients for cooking
and decorate the buildings for Vesak,, The recitation of
the Maha Samaya Sutta at the evening puja was led by
Bhantes Dr Ashin Acara and Seelananda, to bless 6,000
holy water bottles and 5 colored-threads for distribution
on Vesak Day. Everything was ready by 10 am.
VESAK DAY – Friday, 28 MAY 2010
Many devotees came from 5.30 am. After the 6.30 am
puja breakfast was served to our four resident monks .
Many visitors were blessed by Bhantes Cittara, Dr Ashin
Acara, Seelananda and Raja. By 9.00 am the temple
was a hive of activities with the exhibition of the relics of
Buddha and Arhat Sivali, offerings of light at the Buddha
image in the Shrine Hall and Bodhi Tree, lotus candles,
stall of flowers, drink stall, bookstall displayof the 50th
Anniversary souvenir books & Sivali Yantra, Sunday
school recruitment, Buddhist & Pali College recruitment .
After the 10.45 am Puja, it was to collect Holy water or
have lunch. Three and a half rounds (55 tables each) of
lunch were served to devotees from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm.
Excess food was given as take-aways to late comers.
After the evening service five ladies and five gentlemen
recited stanzas in Pali on the First Utterance of the
Buddha after his Enlightenment and the Dependent
Origination. Narrators of the story in English were trained
by Bhantes Cittara and Seelananda. Members then
prepared for the procession – two palanquins for Buddha
and Arhat Sivali’s relics were carried in the traditional
candlelight procession with three groups of men-in-white
carrying them.
VESAK FAMILY FUN FAIR – Sunday, 6 JUNE 2010
MV Youth Group once again helped raise funds for the
Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic. With their teacher, Mdm
Rita Leeand Mdm Florence Chua, they sold kueh lapis
of many favours : fruit, chocolate and original. . The
Management Committee was grateful to all involved
8th MEMORIAL SERVICE - LATE FOUNDER –
Saturday, 12 JUNE 2010
A Sanghika Dana was offered on to 24 monks from the
various Sri Lankan, Thai and Burmese temples including
our four resident monks. The merits accrued were shared
with our late founder, Ven M M Mahaweera. Vegetarian
lunch was also served. The monks were chauffeured to
and from temples as arranged by Mrs. Maureen Aw. The
Management Committee thanks the following devotees
for their time and effort to chauffeur the monks:
1) Mr. Philip Chan
2) Mr. Wee Lian Teck
3) Mr. Alex Wee
4) Ms Anne Lee
5) Mr. John Lee
6) Ms Wong Lu Chin
7) Mdm. Helen Tan
8) Mr. Leong Kum Kei
9) Mr. Yuen Hong Kiat
10) Mr. Leonard Frida
Bhante Cittara delivered a sermon on “Gratitude”,
with our Chairman, Mr. Lim Ah Swan, representing
all members and devotees, offering a bouquet at late
Bhante’s statue. Then all proceeded to the Bodhi tree
to recite the Bojjhanga suttas and transferring of merits
at the Shrine Hall. It ended with the chanting of Chatta
Manava Gatha and light refreshment.
Page 7

MANGALA VIHARA DIARY
WEEKLY DHAMMA SUTTAS’ DISCUSSION at Chew Quee Neo Hall
Monks Date Time / Day Title
Bhante Acara 11 Apr 12.45 to 1.45 pm Anguttara Nikaya – The Book of Gradual Sayings by the Buddha
(Sundays)
16 May What’s the name of the mind and the forces driving the mind?
14 June The Nature of the mind and the forces driving it and Practising Metta
meditation and its benefits
20 June Good and bad friendship, its influence and role in your life – from the
Book of Gradual Sayings Anguttara Nikaya
Bhante Cittara 2 May 12.45 to 1.45 pm A Buddhist Perspective of Natural disasters
(Sundays)
30 May Truth to be told or Not to be told
6 June Pattanikujjana Sutta from Anguttaranikaya, the Book of Gradual Sayings
These sessions were open to teachers, students, members and devotees.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members to our temple, whose memberships were approved during April to Jun 2010
period.
1) Mr. Tham Saik Hoong 2) Mdm. Tan Lay Kheng
3) Mdm. Lim Chee Tsing 4) Mr. Lee Teng Yong
5) Mdm. Tang Chuay Har 6) Mdm. Christine Eng Sai Hwa
7) Mr. Tan Yew Beng 8) Mdm. Usha Rani
9) Mdm. Doris Yip Lai Yin 10) Mr. Chan Tiong Gim
11) Mdm. Diong Meei Lan 12) Mr. Chang Kwai Sang
13) Ms Linda Sim Hwee Ai 14 Mdm. Cynthia Tan Chui Peng
15) Ms. Lim Soo Huang 16) Mr. Lau Ng Siong
17) Mr. Baldwin Foo 18) Mdm. Foo Woon Chun
19) Mr. Adrian Yong Wei Sun 20) Mr. Robert Tan Chiu Teng
21) Mdm. Mabel Chua Khar Gek 22) Mr. Alex Lim Soon Ser
23) Mdm. Hoepfner-Chen Kwai Cheng 24) Ms Ang Lee Im
25) Mr. Quek Hong Toh 26) Mr. Lim Lee Hock
27) Ms Winnie Tsin 28) Ms Doris Sim Hwee Kheng
29) Ms Lilian Song Gek Choo
OBITUARY
We regret the passing away of our member, Mr. Richard
Ong Seok Hee on 29 Jun 2010. Uncle Richard, once
served as Assistant Treasurer in the Management
Committee. He had selflessly took upon himself to
prepare drinks for all occasions (lunches on Sundays,
Vesak and other celebrations), and help in the kitchen,
repair electrical appliances and chokes. He will always
be remembered as our active member. The temple
has suffered a great loss with his passing away. “Uncle
Richard, we will always remember you”. May you be
reborn in a happy realm and attain the bliss of Nibbana.
Jenny Tan (Ms)
Hon. Secretary, Management Committee 2010 / 2011
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