MANGALA VIHARA Newsletter

MANGALA VIHARA
Newsletter
30 Jalan Eunos Singapore 419495. Tel: 67444285 Fax: 67441912 Website: http://www.mangalavihara.org.sg MICA(P)229/05/2008
Editorial 2008/3
During the Buddha’s time a group of devotees decided to
give alms to the Sangha and to hear the Dhamma throughout
the night. The intention and effort of the devotees were
commendable. Unfortunately, they did not have the
forebearance to match their wholesome thoughts. Some
were overcome by passions and returned to the comfort
of their home; some resolutely remained where they were,
but kept nodding off. On hearing what had happened, the
Buddha explained the nature of wordlings and remarked:
“Those who follow the Dhamma go beyond.”
-Dhammapada 86
This Dhammapada verse points out that those who act rightly
according to the teaching of the Buddha, are those who will
progress beyond the realm of passions – Nibbana – a hurdle
so hard to cross over. He emphasized the need to practise
the Dhamma.
It is easier to learn the Dhamma then live in the Dhamma. In
his booklet, ‘Anyone can go to Heaven’, Bro Lee Teng Yong
simplified the practice of the Dhamma to show us how we
can start with practising the Dhamma. To go further takes
great effort, for practice requires us to take positive steps not
only towards walking the talk to reach the Beyond, but also
to be detached from the realm of passions which inevitably
is an obstacle to happiness amongst us wordlings. Buddha
repeatedly emphasised the need to persevere. Treading the
Noble Path to Enlightenment requires great perseverance.
Mangala Vihara has a tradition of providing good Dhamma
knowledge to all. The Sunday Dhamma classes have attracted
students far and wide, who learn the Dhamma according
to the well-structured YMBA syllabi. It is essential to know
practice supersedes learning. Starting from this issue, we will
start a new column featuring anecdotes to share with you
how others translate daily experiences into Dhamma lessons.
These will include stories of how others walk the Path , how
the Triple Gem affects their lives or what virtues like gratitude
means to them In short, how we can learn to practise the
Dhamma in our daily lives.
We hope this new column will inspire you to see the relevance
of the Dhamma all the time for the benefits of yourself
and others, as a well-meaning devotee did recently to help
needy students realise their dreams to pursue formal school
education by offering them bursaries.
Lastly, we have been encouraged by the support shown
by readers and their feedback that they have found our
Newsletters and Echo of Dhamma interesting, informative
and useful. We are also happy to see that more readers are
responding to our pleas for articles and contribution. Please
do continue to write to us your thoughts and reflections. We
reiterate that we can only be as good as you make us to be.
We are in the business together!
The Editorial team
Han Ah Yew, Leong Kum Seng, Lee Mee Yin
Anti-biotics For Mental Illnesses
Two acquaintances became good friends. Both were sure that
their friendship would develop into a meaningful relationship
in the years to come. Friend A had expert knowledge and
experiences in a specific field which was totally unknown to
Friend B. His skills and expertise saw him through a successful
career and solid standing in society. Although Friend B was not
as successful socially, he remained stable and continued to work
conscientiously in his own quiet way.
After many years, Friend B contributed to the well-being of
society in a meaningful and productive way. Friend A noticed
this and began to worry that his own social standing could be
compromised by his friend’s increasing success. Brewing jealousy
ignited unsavoury slander to tarnish Friend B’s reputation and
even termination of their friendship based on false and frivolous
grounds.
How did these two friends end up terminating their friendship?
Who was really involved in this turn of events? How did one’s
skills and expertise inadvertently cause unhappiness to another
person?
From a Buddhist viewpoint, there are naturally many unwholesome
thoughts that run through a human mind. These defilements are
sometimes identified as Mâra. The word ‘Mâra’ may be translated
as a demon, devil or Yakkha. A demon is a very dreadful being
with a reddish ugly face, big eyes and behaves in a very rude and
raucous manner. Similarly, a mind that is dominated by anger,
hatred, enmity or envy, behaves like a yakkha. He may not be
aware of it, but his uncouth behaviour will result in unnecessary
fear or unhappiness in others.
In addition, the influence of other factors such as Delusion
(Moha) and Greed or Desire (Lobha) can create an even more
negative behaviour in a person with a careless attitude towards
one’s family, teachers and community. Unhappy events such
as treating one’s family and friends as enemies or fighting over
family fortune happen so frequently, even today. This causes
unnecessary unrest, disharmony, hostility, conflicts and battles
throughout the year.
Buddha recognized such mental weaknesses or illnesses in
mankind and had on hand prescriptions to remedy.
According to the Abhidhamma, there are fourteen causes of
mental illnesses which lead to prolonged mankind existence in
the cycle of samsara. These fourteen causes are:
1. Delusion 6. Misbelief 11. Scruples
2. Shamelessness 7. Conceit 12. Sloth
3. Fearlessness 8. Hatred 13. Torpor
4. Restlessness 9. Envy 14. Doubt
5. Desire 10. Avarice
Buddha said “Dhammosadha samaæ natthi – etaæ pivatha
...continues on page 2
Vol. 5 No. 3

...continues from page 1
bhikkhavo” or “There is no other antidote like Dhamma.
O monks, by taking this, may you be healthy.” Accordingly,
Buddha preached the Dhamma and showed the ways to remedy
human mental illnesses.
The Four Sublime Abode (brahmavihara) is essentially the
antidotes for grave ailments:
• Loving kindness (Metta) cures hatred, treating all beings on
an equal basis, will rid of any enemy amongst us.
• Compassion (Karuna) reduces egotism.
• Altruistic joy (Mudita) subdues jealousy. At times it ensures
a calm mind regardless of changes in our surroundings.
• Upekkha (equanimity) is the antidote for the “eight worldly
phenomena” (lokadhammas) namely, gain and loss, fame
and lack of fame, praise and blame, pleasure and pain. With
Upekkha, one learns to accept these with detachment, equally,
for oneself and for others, resulting in a clear-minded tranquil
state of mind - not being overpowered by delusions, mental
dullness or agitation.
We reduce greed by conscientiously practising generosity. For
example, misers who live meagrely and hoard wealth will not
benefit themselves, the family or any others eventually. Such
miserliness would result in their extended existence in samsara
Therefore, Buddha said that Dana or Generosity is an antidote
for greed.
Hiri (fear to do wrong) and Ottappa (shame to do wrong) are
referred to in Buddhism as “loka-palaka dhamma” or “Guardians
of the World”. Anyone without these two qualities is a bane
to society. A shameless and fearless person will not hesitate to
commit wrong and there is no crime that he will not do. The
majority of people who are law-abiding and do not harm others
are very likely so because of their deference to be on the right
side because of hiri and ottappa. Therefore we are encouraged by
Buddha to practise and develop Hiri and Ottappa.
According to Buddhism, there are five factors which hinder
the development of positivity of the mind. They do not allow
the thinking and practising of good Dhamma, to lead them to
liberation.
These hindrance factors are:
1. Sensual pleasure 4. Restlessness and Scruples
2. Ill-will 5. Skeptical doubts
3. Sloth and Torpor
To suppress these hindrances, we have to develop onepointedness,
zest or joy, sense of reflection, happiness and
investigation respectively. Buddha’s prescription of the Dhamma
as the antidote to human mental disorders shows the way to
emancipation the Buddhist way.
Mangala Vihara Calendar 2009
After the successful launching of the first-ever MV Calendar in
2008 based on Dhammapada verses, our youth team came up
with an equally exciting theme for the 2009 Calendar. It will
feature important events in the Life of Buddha, from Queen Maha
Maya’s Dream, Prince Siddhartha’s birth till His Enlightenment.
The Youths were not the only ones hard at work on the project.
Children from the Lower Preliminary and Kindergarten classes,
under the guidance of their teachers, Miss Cecilia Wee and Mdm
Leong Lye Cheu also submitted good art pieces to be considered
for the Calendar. The Calendar for 2009 would be ready for
distribution by December 2008.
Mid-Autumn Festival - 14 September 2008
Children getting ready for their
lantern procession
Our youths together with
their mentors, sisters Chaw
Hui, Vivien and Rita organised
the Mid-autumn Festival
programme for our members
and devotees. Chipping in
were parent volunteers, Sisters
Florence Ng and Jenny Tan.
The event was a resounding
success. True to tradition, all
those present savoured mouthwatering
mooncakes and sipped
Chinese tea, as well as engaged
in lantern-making and poem-writing competitions. Sisters Linda
Sim, Doris Sim and Ellen Song led the singing of songs.
Despite being in the midst of preparing for their end-of-year
examinations, 5 energetic youths, Qi Mei, Nicola, Benjamin, Wen
Da and Wen Jia decorated the Hall with lanterns and lights to set
the ambience for the event.
The youth organisers’ initial disappointment with the heavy
downpour turned to jubilation when the large turnout of
participants availed themselves to all the programmes and the
jovial mood lifted their spirits.
Rita Lee (Mentor)
Youth News
Members making their own
lanterns !
Dr I Indasara
Resident Monk
Bhante Indasara is appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Buddhist
& Pali University of Sri Lanka. Although he was to take up the
appointment on 21.9.08, he delayed it till 27 October 2008 so that
he could spend the Vasana period at Mangala Vihara.
The Management Committee organised a farewell function for
Bhante on Sunday, 26 October 2008 together with the Sunday
Dhamma Classes Teachers’ Day celebration.
We wish him every success.
A winning team in
the Lantern-making
competition.
Page 2

Our Readers Write ...
Dev’s leading the puja service on
Sunday morning.
A mother’s gratitude
The fifteen-year-old stands
behind the podium and leads
the chanting every Sunday
morning since January 2008.
Just like clockwork and
foremost on Dev’s mind each
Sunday, is to reach the temple
before 9.30 am and be on time
to lead the chanting.
Seeing his unrelentless
dedication and devotion
towards the Buddha-Dhamma,
dedicated involvement in the
temple service and selfless
contribution in charitable
projects to the community is indeed a wonderful gift any mother
could ask for in her son. And Dev is doing all these things at his
tender age. I am very grateful to Sister Rita Lee who has been a
very good Dhamma teacher and Wen Da, who is my son’s best
friend. I must add that Sister Rita has a special way with the youths
and is able to motivate them in the many meaningful activities.
Dev started Sunday Dhamma classes from the age of 12 years
with his cousins who had since dropped out. Dev persevered and
made many friends, attending the classes with so much passion.
Of course, getting up on Sunday mornings is no easy task for him
but his good teachers and friends at the temple are the magnets
that attracted him to the temple. He knows that he has duties to
fulfil and missions that must be attended to.
It has been a wonderful experience attending the Dhamma
classes myself. I have made friends with many good people and
found inner peace in this temple just by looking at the Buddha. I
am learning the Dhamma and adopting it as a way of life.
Thank you everyone for touching our lives. Thank you, Dev, my
son for being close to the Buddha and accumulating your merits,
as well as understanding the right way of life and the sciences
that you are learning today which the Lord Buddha had taught
over 2500 years ago.
There is still so much to learn every day: Teaching, sharing and
touching other lives through the Dhamma is indeed wonderful.
May all be well and happy.
With metta,
Usha Rani, Dev’s mother
The Dhamma - From Singapore to Thailand
A monk from the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University in
Chiang Mai was absolutely engrossed with the book “A Life of
Blessings”. Nothing unusual, except that the book came from
Engrossed with “A Life of
Blessings”
throughout Thailand.
Singapore and was written by Bro
Lee Teng Yong, who is a senior
student in our Sunday Dhamma
Class.
Rev. Pri Yananda Marma, a
first year M.A. student at
the University, says that the
book is well-regarded by the
teachers there and in demand by
the students too. In fact, he has
asked for more copies to be sent
to them. Mahachulalongkorn
Buddhist University conducts
programmes for Thai and
international Sangha and lay
Buddhists and has campuses
On the popularity of his book, Teng Yong added: “I am grateful for
all the help, encouragement and support which have made this
possible. Those who have contributed to the book include Bhante
Indasara, Mr. Leong Kum Seng, Mdm. Han Ah Yew and Sis Sylvia
Bay, so it is very much a product of our temple and its academic
programmes!”
Keep up the good work, Teng Yong. May the blessings of the
Triple Gem and your Dhammaduta work bring you great merits
and happiness.
Leong Kum Seng
$ Money $
“If only I have money, there will be so much I can do!” so many
have lamented.
I have heard this declaration so often, and I am sure, many among
us too. Let us reflect: Is money really that important? Why do we
have to work so hard, from morn till night, sometimes even at the
expense of our health, all for the sake of money. Yes, money is
important to a “putthujana” or the householder who has to eke
out a living. From the Dhamma point of view. In the Sigalovada
Sutra, the Buddha states:
“To him who amasses wealth in the way a bee collects honey,
riches accumulate as an anthill that gradually grows.
Accumulating wealth thus, the layman who is fit to lead a
household life should divide his wealth into four parts.
With one portion, let him enjoy; two portions, let him set apart
for business; the fourth portion let him deposit (so that) it may be
of use in times of adversity.”
The Buddha explained the importance of money to a layman: that
it must be used wisely in the context of a family, and it does not
mean we must keep on hoarding it.
The Buddha explained the five advantages of wealth. Wealth
makes one happy, one’s parents happy, one’s wife happy, one’s
Page 3

children, servants and workers happy and one’s friends and
companions happy. One can make offerings to the recluse and
Brahmins and be rewarded with a happy future, heading towards
the heavenly realm.
On the other hand, when there is wealth, one is faced with 5
disadvantages. Wealth can be destroyed by fire, flood, robbers,
kings and irresponsible heirs.
We must also understand that money cannot be taken with
us to our next life. Whatever we have is only useful for us this
life. However rich we are, we will leave this world of earthlings
without our wealth. Money is only a transient possession, and
like anything else, is impermanent. No matter how rich or poor a
person is, it does not matter to him if he has an expensive coffin
or his funeral is initiated with lavish and ostentatious displays or
otherwise. Everyone becomes equal at death. Only memories
of the persons remain, and depending on their actions in their
lifetime, these memories could be pleasant or unpleasant.
While money is essential for our wellbeing and sustenance, we
must not grasp wealth to the extent of loosing our sanity and
rationality. As Buddhists, we should practise sharing or giving
some of our money to those who really are in need of it. The
wholesome results of such merits will go with us to our next life,
when we practise dana or charity while we are still alive.
I remember vividly the words of our late Resident monk Venerable
M.M. Mahaweera during the sermon at my youngest sister, Swee
Chye’s funeral nine years ago:
“Eat well, live well, and give well,
The rest, leave behind”.
In this life if we are blessed with money, we should be generous,
especially to the needy who are suffering because of his past
kamma. A rich person is like a tree bearing lots of fruits, and
people come and pluck the fruits to enjoy them. In the same way
if we are blessed with money we must try to use the money not
only for ourselves but also to help those less fortunate. This is the
gist of ‘to give well’.
A person who gives well has a cheerful and radiant look. By giving,
a person practises the sublime states of metta (loving kindness),
karuna (compassion) and mudita (appreciative joy) thus exhibiting
the cheerful countenance. By giving, the generous will be blessed
in this existence and the next.
On reflecting late Bhante’s admonition to “eat well, live well”, this
means that we eat what is necessary to maintain our health and
enjoy life according to our means. Do not deprive ourselves, do
whatever is wholesome.
To sum up on the importance of handling our wealth and money
wisely, I quote the following words from the Buddha:
“Of little importance is the loss of such things as wealth, but
a terrible thing it is to lose wisdom. Of little importance is the
gaining of such things as wealth. Great is the importance of
gaining wisdom.”
Living in the Dhamma
We attend Dhamma classes, read Dhamma books and immerse
ourselves in Dhamma discussions to become practising Buddhists.
Many of us realise that putting knowledge into practice is not easy.
How do we practise the Dhamma when we are pre-occupied
with our jobs, attend to families’ needs and fulfilling our own
aspirations? Is it possible for us to tread the Buddha’s Path as we
go about our busy daily lives?
In truth, the Dhamma is everywhere. If only we care to reflect each
experience we encounter in the course of our waking moments,
we will find that there is something to learn. Our experiences
become our teachers.
Beginning with this issue, we will bring to you anecdotes on
their experiences, encounters and reflections on the Dhamma in
“Living in the Dhamma” from those amidst us. The Editorial team
welcomes your thoughts - even if these comprise a few lines. Your
thoughts may strike a chord in someone’s lives.
Just email your contribution to: editors.mvbt@gmail.com
Every Encounter is Beautiful
A friend spoke of her visit to the beautiful Himalayan Kingdom
of Bhutan. Famous for its breathtaking landscape, Bhutan is one
of the last remaining bastions in the world that is unscathed by
modern technology. Largely a farming nation, its citizens are by
no means wealthy.
Despite that, Bhutan ranked high in Gross National Happiness
Index, making its people one of the happiest on earth. This shows
that having less does not equate to reduced happiness. On the
other hand, we are certainly aware that having more material
things does not necessarily lead to greater joy or happiness.
My friend confirmed the high level of contentment observed
in Bhutan during her visit. She found the people friendly and
happy, despite having little of modern trappings. One particular
observation that struck her was that even the children always
offered warm and unprompted smiles to visitors everywhere.
Out of curiosity, she asked one of the children why they were
always so friendly and happy, even when they saw strangers. The
spontaneous reply came: “We learned from the Buddha that it
could be Kamma that we chance to meet one another, and it is
good for us to continue this link. That is why, we are so happy to
see you”.
These beautiful words from a pretty young mind is a lesson in
practical Metta, in our daily encounters with all.
Lian Chin Chye
Leong Kum Seng
Page 4

Being One With Nature
Often we find faults with things and people around us, a common
maladaptive behaviour amongst us.
Such behaviour is developed over time into automatic
unwholesome thoughts when we experience things or events
that disagree with our sense of “perfection” or acceptance. In
other words, we repel those things that come into contact with
our senses when we experienced dosa or anger, hatred, ill will.
We should always be mindful that we can choose how we view
things.
When a person becomes annoyed by perceptively negative things,
he can become cynical. He sees imperfection and negativity in
everything he encounters. He speaks negatively about everything
that other people do. He views every situation and natural
phenomena with a skewed mind. When it rains, it is wet and
it spoils his plan for the outdoors. When it is bright and sunny,
the heat takes a toll of the outdoor fun. He sees defects where
others see beauty. He is a pessimist, full of complaints. He piles
on unwholesome thoughts continuously throughout his waking
hours, day after day.
This person will sow seeds of disharmony within himself. He will
bring discord to his own mental health with deleterious effects
to his body. He, who allows his mind to fall prey to such negative
mental states, generates negative effects affecting his bodily
system, poisoning and strangulating every living cell in him. In
the same way as he isolates himself from his surroundings, there
will be a chasm between his mind and his body.
What the mind thinks, the body feels. There is scientific evidence
that a person can become ill just by thinking of it. On the other
hand, terminally ill persons recover to full health by rejecting their
illness and thinking positively. Our health and well-being are
dependent on our mental states.
What can we do to change such negative behaviour and
thoughts? We can change the way we view and interact with our
surroundings. We have to learn to live as one with everything
around us in order to live in harmony.
In his book, The Wise Heart, A Guide to the Universal
Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, Jack Kornfield talked about
the “interconnection” of all things around us which lead to
“interconnectedness”. A child in the womb is interdependent
with its mother’s body. When one is sick, those around us will
be affected. In the same way, the elements of the earth, the
minerals in the ground, the air and particles in the clouds, all
will become a part of our food chain. All have a part to play in
our life. It is the realisation of how others and things around us
contribute towards our very existence, and continued well-being,
that makes us develop understanding and compassion in our
hearts. He adds that “Just as we are interdependent with the
earth and one another, we are also connected in consciousness.”
When we are at peace with the environment, we are at peace
with ourselves. This wisdom has been exhorted since time
immemorial by teachers, philosophers and yogis, not just the
Buddha. Today, environmentalists, psychologists, scientists and
health practitioners elucidate the same message.
For example, the Chinese reflected this principle in their landscape
paintings (san shui hua) where man is always depicted at peace
with nature. In such paintings, one cannot miss the effort and
detail accorded to painting the landscape, while humans are not
given the same attention. Once I saw a 3-metre tall scroll painting
with the caption “Li Bai visiting his friends in the Mountains”. All I
could see was a disproportionate figure in white followed closely
behind by his pageboy each less than a few centimeters tall in the
painting. The message was clear: Man is insignificant compared
to Nature, reflective of the Confucianist or Taoist concept that
man must live as one with nature and not bend nature to meet
Man’s needs.
From a Buddhist point of view, once we understand this principle
of interconnectedness with others and things around us, good
thoughts will come and we will see people and the environment
that we interact with from a different perspective. Compassion
will come from our hearts towards these people and things.
When we see and appreciate beauty, we will have peace within
ourselves as Anger, Ill-will, Hatred and Cynicism will be replaced
by Appreciation, Goodwill, and Happiness.
Leong Kum Seng
Announcements
Mangala Vihara’s Bursary
Through the generous donation of a member, Mangala Vihara
will offer bursaries to needy school-going children with at least
one parent who is a member or devotee of the temple; or are
students of the MV (BT) Sunday Dhamma classes. There will be
10 bursaries worth up to S$1,000 each every year.
In the Samyutta Nikaya, the Buddha said:
“Danam khalu sabhavena saga, manusa bhogadam”
“Giving, by nature, yields human and divine prosperity.”
Followers of the Buddha urged Him on a number of occasions
to perform miracles to increase the number of believers, but the
Buddha said education was the only worthy miracle. Thus this
financial assistance to legible recipients is to encourage them to
continue their education and to strive for greater achievements to
benefit themselves and the community.
We are very thankful to the donor who wishes to remain
anonymous.
An Appeal - Social graces:
Practise Blameless Actions
Pleasantries in life come with effort and we want to make MV a
delightful place. Together we take small steps towards it.
Please take note of the following :
• Do not place glass or porcelain vases at the Bodhi tree and
Bhante’s monument. The winds often blow the vases over,
breaking them. One member suffered painful cuts on her foot
from glass splinters at the Bodhi tree area.
• Do not leave bowls of rice with sugar-coated biscuits on the
altar table in the Shrine Hall table and Bodhi Tree area. They
attract ants and temple helpers have to clean up the place.
• Do not pour oil into any of the donation boxes. Someone did
that and you can imagine the massive clean-up to salvage the
cash inside the boxes!
We hope you will help us make the temple and its surroundings
a safe and better place for all. Your wholesome acts brings
happiness to yourself and others. Practise “blameless actions” to
reap benefits for all...
Page 5

Dhamma Supervisor’s Report:
July – September 2008
On 5 July 2008, our Sunday Dhamma volunteers, including
teachers, secretaries, F & B Maintenance personnel, Management
Committees and their families joined in a Get-Together Buffet
Dinner by the poolside at the Seletar Country Club. On arrival,
everyone immersed themselves in activities at the available
facilities. Some took to physical activities at the pool, gym,
bowling alley, and snooker tables, while others simply relaxed in
the massage chairs or found the Jackpot games irresistible.
At 6.45 pm the sumptuous spread of food was ready for famished
participants. It was a wonderful sight with everyone mingling and
chatting cheerfully while enjoying their meal. After dinner, many
adjourned to have a swinging good time at the Karaoke Room
crooning their favourite songs.
Members of Management committee with their secretaries and Dhamma
Supervisor
On 13 July 2008 the Sunday School reopened. Though the
number of new student enrolment were lower on the first day of
the academic year, compared to the previous year’s, this quickly
took a turn for the better with more new students registering
within weeks.
On 10 August 2008, students of the Sunday Classes
commemorated Singapore’s 43rd National Day by singing
the National Anthem and were treated to an unusually huge
vegetarian cake.
Jessy Phua
Dhamma Supervisor 2008/2009
Management with F+B and secretaries relaxing by the Pool
The beautifully decorated
cake commemorating
Singapore’s 43rd
National Day.
Wen Da enjoying the bowling while Bro Steven
showed off his muscles.
Bro Richard Ong with the children in
the pool.
Children from the Sunday Classes
singing the National Anthem
with Chairman, Lim Ah Swan,
and Dhamma Supervisor, Jessy
Phua.
Page 6

Mangala Vihara Diary
17 JULY 2008 – VASSANA INVITATION
This full moon day, Ms Jenny Tan and Mdm Cara Lee invited our
Resident Monk, Ven Dr I Indasara and Asst Monk Ven U Cittara to
observe Vassana for three months in the temple. This traditional
ceremony, held after the evening Puja, was well attended by many
members and devotees.
21 JULY 2008 – COMMENCEMENT OF CHANTING CLASSES
The Annual Pali Chanting classes commenced on 21 July 2008.
These classes were conducted from Monday to Friday evenings
and on Sunday afternoons. Students not only learned to chant
Parittas and Suttas, but also received explanation of the text by
experienced teachers.
The Monday Chanting Class (Path of Emancipation for beginners)
received good response with 30 students. We hope more students
would come forward every year and learn the sacred teachings
of the Buddha.
9 AUGUST 2008 – NATIONAL DAY BLESSING
As Singapore celebrated her 43rd National Day, a service at
Mangala Vihara was conducted to invoke the Blessings of the Triple
Gem for the nation and its people. Happy Birthday Singapore!
16 AUGUST 2008 – ONE-DAY TRIP
Ms Maureen Teo led a 1-day trip with 43 members to three
places - Hot Spring in Sembawang, Little Guilin and the Organic
Mushroom Farm. Everyone enjoyed the trip and went home with
bags of mushrooms and vegetables.
14 SEPTEMBER 2008 – MOON CAKE CELEBRATION
A mooncake celebration was held for the Sunday Dhamma
teachers, students and devotees. The Mangala Hall was beautifully
decorated with lanterns and lights by the Youth group. All were
served moon cakes, tea and pomelo after lunch. In the evening,
immediately after the evening service, 50 members had a fun
time at games, poems, singing and lucky draw prizes. They were
also served the traditional fare.
20 SEPTEMBER 2008 – MEETING WITH SHAWE NYA VLA
SAYADAW
Sixty Burmese Buddhists attended a meeting conducted by
Shawe Nya Vla Sayadaw to sponsor scholarships for 537 primary
students in the Nagris-hit area of Myanmar from 4.00 pm till 6.00
pm on 20 September 2008. Students who ranged from 5 to 13
years of age were each given sponsorship of S$15.00 a month.
27 SEPTEMBER 2008 – CERTIFICATE AWARD CEREMONY
The Buddhist & Pali College held a Certificate Award ceremony for
about 100 graduates in the Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Master
of Arts degrees. The ceremony began with the observance of the
Five Precepts administered by the Principal of the College, Ven Dr P
Gnanarama, followed by his opening address. Next the Chairman
of the Management Committee of Mangala Vihara congratulated
the graduates, and Ms Sylvia Bay, a lecturer, urged them to go
forth and seek the truth.
Ven Dr P Gnanarama, assisted by the secretary, Mdm Cara Lee,
presented the certificates to all the graduates. The ceremony
ended at 9.15 pm and some graduates were busy taking photos
with their lecturers while others took the time to catch up with
one another. Later all present proceeded to Mangala Hall for light
refreshments.
Ven Dr Pategama Gnanarama, Ven Dr I Indasara and
academic members of the Pali University College.
Ven Dr Pategama Gnanarama, presented certificate
award to Rev Ridimaliyadde Khemananda Thero.
Ven Dr Pategama Gnanarama, handed the certificate
award to graduate, Tan Khwang Kiat.
A happy graduate, Susan Poh, receiving her certificate.Ven Suddhammajadivo receives his certification.
A graduate receiving his Diploma.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members to our Temple during
the period from July to September:
Mr Teh Hong Pin
Mdm Chong Mak Choo
OBITUARIES
We regret the passing away of our members, Mr Lee Cheng Kuay
on 23 July 2008 and Mr Peter Lee Teow Guan on 17 Aug 2008.
May they reborn in a happy realm and attain the Bliss of Nibbana.
Jenny Tan (Ms)
Hon Secretary
Management Committee 2008 / 2009
Page 7

A Stalwart of Mangala Vihara
Steven Lee with his wife, Lye Guat,
his son, Sarath Lee Chiang Li and
daughter, Lalita Lee Min Li
You would bump into Steven
at every turn in the Temple,
at almost every function.
The ever energetic Steven
takes on many important
service roles in the Temple
and undoubtedly we
have benefitted from his
contributions without even
realising it. Steven wears
many hats: takes charge
of the food and beverage,
makes night visits at funeral
wakes and conducts
chanting classes.
Steven was introduced
to Mangala Vihara by his father-in-law, See Boon Chin, an old
member, in 1974. Steven’s effective leadership style was promptly
recognised by the Late Bhante Mahaweera, who actively involved
him in projects in the various “departments” of the Temple,
such as the Management Committee, Building Development of
the Temple, the kitchen for all events, trusteeship to the temple,
assisting late Ven. Bhadanta in house blessings, office blessings,
hospital visits, night visits and New Year visits to members’
homes.
The efficiency he displayed prompted the late Ven. Bhadanta
to put in charge of the kitchen, a role he had undertaken with
complete dedication to date. Every batch, and indeed generations,
of Sunday Classes students will remember fondly the endless flow
of sumptuous Sunday meals made possible by Steven and his
team of equally dedicated kitchen helpers.
Although Steven now performs these duties without a hitch like
clockwork, he started picking the ropes the hard way, through
sheer dedication and humility by learning from the others before
him. For instance, when he joined the Dhammaduta group, the
Late Bhadanta instructed him to learn from Mr Edward Lim who
was the leader of the Maranasati Chanting group at that time.
Today, Steven continues to lead night visits and conduct chanting
classes on the Big Suttas during the Vas period.
Steven is blissfully contented knowing that by doing so; he and his
family have the guidance and blessings of the Triple Gem all these
years. He felt strongly that as long as he is able and his service
is needed, he will continue to serve the Temple selflessly toward
the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. He sees this as one way he
could repay the gratitude to Late Bhadanta for his guidance and
opportunity to learn so much from him.
In spite of his busy schedules, Steven treads the path of the
basic Buddhist practices. He meditates on loving kindness every
morning upon waking up, and does his chanting before going
to work.
His words of advice to all who wish to get involved in temple
activities are to do their best, be patient and be tolerant. The
Temple is a fertile ground to learn the Dhamma and to ask
questions if you are in doubt. It is at the Temple that we can
understand more about Buddhism and Buddhist practices.
Indeed learning and practising the Dhamma in the Temple is
facilitated by selfless helpers and volunteers, like Steven, who
work to fill our stomachs, so that we can strive to feed our minds
with the Dhamma.
Some thoughts from Steven
On catering food:
“My greatest challenge when catering food for devotees and
visitors is that the food must be enough for all. For all the helpers
and volunteers, I ensure that they are happy and enjoy what they
are doing.
Contrary to expectation, I have not encountered any unhappy
situations or dissatisfaction, partly because members have always
appreciated our efforts and also because I always prepare for the
unexpected”.
Service at funeral wakes:
“I remember the first wake service was a harrowing experience
for me. I stood right in front of the open coffin. I was so frightened
to see the corpse. It is a natural reaction by everybody. As I
continued to attend wake services, I progressively managed to
overcome my fear, when I understand the transience of life. If you
constantly reflect on the subject, you will acquire some wisdom.
For members who attend funeral wakes, they will eventually realise
that they are given the opportunity to perform a meritorious
deed”.
Chanting Classes:
“I have been asked repeatedly how I managed to train myself to
chant effortlessly and have a strong and powerful voice. From
the perspective of Kamma, I could have offered the gift of the
bell or ringing the gong in the temple in my past life.
My advice to all who want to chant well is to practise regularly.
Attend chanting service such as daily chanting in the temple, take
part during chanting at Vasana period and night visits.
I believe that regular chanting has helped me in my life. I am
blessed and my life runs smoothly by chanting daily”.
Bro Steven Lee Hong Keng works as a Project Officer in
Defence Science and Technology Agency. Steven and his
wife, Lye Guat, have two grown-up children. Their son is
currently in the United Kingdom pursuing a post-graduate
degree course, and their daughter is currently working in
Hong Kong upon graduation.
Leong Kum Seng
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