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
Editorial 2/2009
When WHO declared a pandemic of the H1N1 virus, there was
widespread fear and concern, especially in the early stage when a
high mortality rate was reported in Mexico where it all started. The
number of infected persons and deaths from the virus was reported
daily, even in Singapore.
Being fearful of infections and taking steps to conserve our basic
well-being is a natural human survival instinct. Physically we can
take preventive measures to protect ourselves by avoiding crowded
places and wearing respiratory masks in high risk areas. Mentally, it
will help to develop an open mind about it and continue to cultivate
wholesome thoughts and compassion towards those who have
contracted the flu, instead of allowing unpleasant thoughts of
anger or irritation.
A pleasant and compassionate mind leads to positive mental and
physical well-being. According to scientists in the growing field
of mind/body medicine, external organisms do not necessarily
cause diseases, if the body immune system is not breached by
negative thoughts of fear and anxiety. The study of the suppression
of the body immunity through negative thoughts is called
“Psychoneuroimmunology” pioneered by Carl Simonton, MD, as
early as the 1970s.
Apart from cultivating positive thoughts, we can also fall back on
the well-known Buddhist practice of chanting. Venerable Acara
tells us that chanting in Theravada Buddhism has its curative role
as well as its protective, calming and purifying elements in spiritual
development in “The Practice of Chanting in Theravada Buddhism”.
The greater effectiveness of chanting depends on some underlying
factors. Hence the whole night chanting of the Parittas initiated by
the Sangha and the lay devotees has its place in Buddhist practices.
This definitely can be applied to our current flu alert situation as
we take stock of doing the right thing right without going into the
panic overdrive.
Also in this issue, Venerable Cittara shares with us the “Noble
Penalty of Silence” that shows how Buddha handled difficult people.
In Living the Dhamma, our Preliminary C Junior class talked about
their experiences in putting Right Effort into practice on Vesak Day,
and how the Youth Circle responded promptly and dutifully to the
call to raise funds for the Buddhist Free Clinic.
Jenny gives us insight into the significance of offering white cloth
to the Maha Sangha.
We congratulate our Dhamma Supervisor on her re-appointment on
her fourth term of office.
We extend our gratitude to those who have contributed articles and
look forward to more in living and sharing the Dhamma.
The Editorial team
Han Ah Yew, Leong Kum Seng, Lee Mee Yin
The Chanting Practice of
Theravada Buddhists
The practice of chanting of religious scripts exists in every religion. It is
usually led by priests or religious leaders, but increasingly lay people have
learnt to chant some scripts as many believe that chanting is beneficial to
one’s well-being. However, one must be familiar with the particular script as
there are many different kinds of chants, each for a different purpose. Some
are meant to pass on merits to the deceased, while other chants are for
mental energy, victory, health, and other positive outcomes.
Origin of the Theravada Buddhist Practice
The practice of Theravada Buddhism chanting is said to be rooted in the
recitation of the dhamma by early Buddhist monks for whom recitation
was the only way to learn the dhamma. They had to learn the dhamma by
heart, because writing had not yet been well established. Hence the many
repetitions in many Buddhist suttas, making it easy for memorisation.
Content in Chanting
Today some Theravada Buddhists, monks, nuns and lay devotees, chant Pali
texts from the tipitaka. They chant words of the Lord Buddha such as suttas
and attributes of the Three Gems. Some chants are compositions made by
Buddhist scholars which usually deal with attributes of the Three Gems and
life of the Buddha, while some are summaries of suttas. Before the chanting,
Buddhists usually take refuge in the Three Gems—the Buddha, Dhamma
and Sangha - they also take refuge in the Five Precepts (pancasila) after
making offerings of light (candles and joss sticks), flowers, alms food, water,
fruit, to the Buddha image.
Purposes or Benefits of Chanting
Most of today’s Theravada Buddhists chant to acquire devotional faith in the
Three Gems as the attributes of the Three Gems are included in all of today’s
formal chants. Thus while chanting we remember the attributes, and that
is how our faith in the Three Gems is developed and established. Moreover,
recollections of the attributes are part of meditation (Buddhanussatibhavana,
Dhammanussati-bhavana and Samghanussati-bhavana). Many
people find it difficult to sit in meditation, but it is easier for them to recollect
the attributes of the Three Gems while they are chanting.
Some Buddhists chant to concentrate on the essence of suttas. They
establish concentration by chanting. Chanting is a very powerful way to
keep the mind focused, so that the words chanted, as well as the meaning
of their recitation, purifies their mind. Chanting is also a reminder to practise
the dhamma in accordance with the suttas chanted. When they chant a
certain sutta, they remember the advice imbibed in it.
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Vol. 6 No. 2

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Some Buddhists chant for the people’s welfare, like health and protection.
With a purpose of living a healthy life they usually chant one or all of the three
Gilana-suttas (Pathamagilana-sutta, Dutiyagilana-sutta and Tatiyagilanasutta)
of Samyutta-nikaya also known as Bojjhanga-suttas. In these suttas
seven factors of wisdom (satta-bojjhangas) included are mindfulness (sati),
investigation of dhamma (dhammavicaya), effort (viriya), joy (piti), calmness
(passaddhi), concentration (samadhi), and equanimity (upekkha).
In the Pathamagilana-sutta and Dutiyagilana-sutta, the venerables Maha
Kassapa and Maha Moggalana were ill respectively. Having found great
delight in the sutta expounded by the Buddha, they recovered from their
illnesses. While in the Tatiyagilana-sutta the Buddha himself was ill. After
Cunda Thera had recited the sutta for the Buddha’s benefit, He recovered
from his illness too. According to Buddhaghosa Thera, commentator of the
suttas, it should be understood that the seven factors had already been fully
established in the Buddha and his two disciples when they contemplated on
the seven factors. As a result, their blood was cleansed and their materiality
(rupa), purified. Thus, they regained health. Evidently one’s health cannot be
improved significantly by the mere chanting of the suttas or by just listening
to them. Actually one’s faith in the suttas, concentration and other kinds of
merit gained by chanting the suttas or by listening to the suttas can provide
a support to one’s health.
Next, our chant can protect us from problems and dangers. Indeed we
are protected by our own merits, like faith and concentration acquired by
chanting the suttas or by listening to them. Moreover, chanters may be
protected by Buddhist gods listening to our chants. According to Sajjhayasutta
of Sagathavagga-samyutta, in the Buddha’s time, a monk was dwelling
in a forest in the Kosala Division and was in a habit of chanting the suttas
daily. However, after attaining arahantship, he neglected his daily chanting
and enjoyed the bliss of meditation instead. A guardian god of the forest
came to him and complained, “Venerable Sir, why don’t you chant now?
When you chant suttas we can listen to the dhamma. Chanting is being
faithful and praiseworthy.”
From this it is understood that devoted gods come to listen to the recitation
of the dhamma. Thus, today we usually invite gods to our chanting venues
so they may listen to our chants. Chanting a certain sutta or listening to a
certain chant is simply a meritorious deed. This merit, like any other kind of
merit, should be shared with or transferred to other beings including the
gods. Hence those gods gained merits by listening to the chanting of the
suttas and rejoicing thereby. The chanters also gained merits . In return, the
gods will protect the chanters.
Understanding the meaning of the words chanted is essential for a chant
to be effective. However, it is not fruitless for devoted sutta chanters and
sutta listeners even if they cannot understand the meaning of chanted
words fully or partially. At least their devotional faith will be established by
chanting, and some merits will result, depending on the level of their faith
and concentration.
While chanting, chanters usually pay homage to the Three Gems. They also
pay respect to elderly chanters who are worthy of respect. Benefits of paying
homage and respect to the worthy ones, influence of chanting and power of
the Three Gems are found in Dhammapada and its commentary:
“If a man has the habit of reverence, if he always respects the aged,
Four things increase for him: age, beauty, happiness, power.”
Buddhaghosa Thera in his Dhammapada-atthakatha explained this verse:
At the time of the Buddha there was a boy named Lad-whose-years-increased
(Ayuvaddhana). His father, a Brahman and an old member of a heretical
order, had performed religious austerities for forty-eight years. One day, the
parents brought the son to a monk, a former companion of the father. On
meeting, they saluted him.He said to the parents, “Live long!” but remained
silent when the son saluted him. On being questioned, the monk explained,
“Some disaster awaits this boy, Brahman.” Though he foresaw the disaster,
he could not prevent it. However, he advised his friend to go to the Buddha
to ask for protection.
When they met the Buddha, the parents saluted Him and the Buddha said
“Live long!” When the boy saluted the Buddha, He was silent because He
also saw the disaster that awaited this boy, so the Buddha instructed the
father on how to avert it.
As instructed, the father erected a pavilion before the door of his house, and
prepared seats for the Buddha and his disciples who recited the protective
texts (parittas) to secure protection. For seven days and seven nights
continuously, the monks recited parittas, and on the seventh day the Buddha
came. The powerful deities gathered themselves together near the Buddha,
and the weak deities were forced to draw back, stepping back to make room
for them. Then an ogre named Avaruddhaka stepped back too. Prior to this,
Avaruddaka, having served Vassavana for twelve years had been given a
boon by Vassavanna saying, “Seven days hence you shall receive this boy.”
He approached the boy and stood waiting. However, the Buddha recited
parittas all night long. The seven days lapsed and Avaruddhaka failed to
get the boy.
At dawn the eighth day, they brought the boy and made him pay obeisance to
the Buddha who said: “Live long!” Then the father asked, “Sir Gotama, how
long will the boy live?” The Buddha replied, “For one hundred and twenty
years, Brahman.” So they gave him the name of Lad-whose-years-increased
(Ayuvaddhana). When the youth grew up, he went about surrounded by five
hundred lay disciples.
In this story, the life span of the boy was extended from seven day to one
hundred and twenty years by the grace of the Three Gems and by the power
of protective chants by the Buddha and His disciples and as a merit to his
paying reverence to the Buddha.
Several regular chanters of specific texts, short texts like Namo tassa . . .,
Buddham saranam gacchami . . ., Itipi so bhagava araham . . ., and longer texts
like Parittas and Patthana tell us about their practices and benefits. Some
believe they escape, by the power of their chants, dangers like accidents.
I met a habitual chanter, Myanmese monk named U Kumarabhivamsa in
Yangon in 2003.. Now he is a pro-rector of the International Theravada
Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon, Myanmar, and he is nearly eighty
years old. According to him he has been chanting Patthana (Paccayaniddesa
Pali) for more than fifty years. His regular chanting starts at 8 pm Myanmar
standard time daily. When he was seriously ill and could not chant, he asked
other monks to chant the Patthana for him while he listened. The benefits of
his recitation are innumerable, he said. Once he saw a celestial being (deva,
god) listening to his chant, showed itself to the venerable. When I asked
about the appearance of the deva, the venerable just said that the deva was
very handsome, bright, significantly bigger than human beings with his head
touching the upper lintel of the door to his room.
Factors for Effective Chants
Factors required to make effective chants included the following:
- Monks chanting should understand the meaning of the words in the
chant.
- Texts should be correct and chanted properly.
- Monks chanting should bear loving kindness (metta) towards the
listeners.
- Listeners should not have committed the five grave evil deeds
(pancanantariya-kammas), namely killing their mother, killing their father,
killing an arahant, causing hurt to the Buddha, or causing schism in the
Sangha.
- Listeners should not hold serious wrong views such as eternalism
(sassataditthi) and annihilation (ucchedaditthi).
- Listeners should believe in what is chanted.
When we chant suttas or parittas ourselves for any purpose we should try
to fulfill these factors. When we chant or listen to a chant, we should try to
establish devotional faith in ourselves. If possible, we should contemplate on
the meaning of the chant or at least we should concentrate on the voice in
chanting. Then our chant will be powerful and beneficial.
Ven. Dr. Ashin Acara
Page 2

7 th Death Anniversary Late Bhante M M Mahaweera
Maha Nayaka Thera – Saturday, 6 June 2009
The 7th memorial service in remembrance of our late founder, Ven MM Mahaweera Maha Nayaka Thera, started with a Sanghika dana and an all-night recitation
of parittas in gratitude to our late founder for his contributions to the propagation of Buddha-dhamma in Singapore and Malaysia.
The Maha Sangha commenced the recitation of parittas at 8.15 pm, the Upasaka-Upasikas continued at 9 pm with chanting of “Maha Mangala Suttam” and
ended with chanting of “Atanatiya Suttam” the next morning. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of “Verses of Blessings”.
Chairman Lim Ah Swan announced that the memorial service for Late Bhante ceremony in 2010 onwards will include the Sanghika dana only. With all members
and devotees offering a candle of light at late Bhante Bronze statue.
Late Bhante portrait on his 7th death
anniversary
Chairman Lim Ah Swan and members
entering the Shrine Hall
Bhantes at the Shrine Hall
Bhante Raja offering candle of light
at Late Bhante bronze statue
Chairman Lim Ah Swan and devotees
paying their respect
Members paying their final respect
Devotee paying her respect
From left, Gina Tan, Sharon Tan,
Catherine Wu & Kuah Lay Hong chanting
Cakkappavattana Suttam @ 1.00am
From left Chiang Yuh Fang, Rita Lee, Jenny
Tan, Susan Ang, Cara Lee & Ang Lian Eng
chanting the Atanatiya Suttam Sec two @
5.15am
From left, Chang Jew Teck, Richard Ong,
Nah Ah Joo, Willie Tay & Lee Yam Peng
chanting Isigili Suttam @ 12.30am
What is the significance of offering the white cloth to the Maha Sangha?
King Bimbisara made the first offering of white cloth to the Maha Sangha.
The Sangha, headed by the Buddha, partook the noon meal first offered by
King Bimbisara. That night the King saw ghostly figures in his chamber and
fear prevented him from sleeping a wink.
The next day, an exhausted King reported his frightful encounter to the
Council of Ministers. The Ministers advised the King to consult the Hindu
priests as they felt the omen portended bad times for the Kingdom. Huge
sacrifices of animals would be required to avert it, but the Queen asked the
King to consult the Buddha instead.
The Buddha told the King that those ghostly figures were his past relatives
and they were there to partake in his merits. As he had not made-over
the merits gained from the Sanghika-dana, they made their sorrow felt. To
make amends, the King offered another Sanghika-dana, and made-over the
merits to his past relatives.
That night, the King saw
beautiful but naked figures in
his chamber. The Buddha told
him that it was because he did
not offer cloth to the Maha
Sangha and make-over the
merits to his past relatives.
The King accordingly ordered
white cloth and offered it to
the Maha Sangha in order
to make the robe since there
was no ready-made robe at
that time.
That night, the Devas bid farewell to the King in their glorious outfits.
Jenny Tan, Secretary MV
Chairman Lim Ah Swan offering the white
cloth to the Maha Sangha during the
annual Chinese tradition of Cheng Beng
Page 3

Vesak Day Celebrations 9 May 2009
Dhamma corner
At the Bodhi tree
Devotees packed the Shrine Hall
Blessings by Bhante Acara and Bhante Raja
Young devotees took charge of joss
sticks
Devotees paying homage to the Triple Gem
A young devotees pouring oil
Page 4

Vesak Day Celebrations 9 May 2009
Bhante Raja, Bhante Cittara and Bhante
Acara by the relics
An ardent devotee examing the relic
with member Siri Lim’s explanation
Sister Maureen at the puja service
Lunch ready to be served
Mrs Doreen and Mdm Lucy Lye
helping in the kitchen
Volunteers having lunch
Candle Light Procession
The BUDDHA RELIC and SIVALIC RELIC were carried in this procession with flower girls and their baskets of flowers. Sunday Dhamma Class students carrying
Buddha flags, members, devotees and worshippers carrying yellow candles and joss-sticks walked round the temple premises three times, culminating at the
Shrine Hall. During the procession, Youth Circle members and devotees chanted the Chatta Vimana Gatha, and at the end all placed the candles and joss-sticks
into receptacles set up at the Maha Bodhi compound.
The flower children
The flower ladies
Youth Group chanting the
Chatta Vimana Gatha
The candle procession
Jenny Tan leading the transference
of merits
Chairman Lim Ah Swan leading the
transference of merits
Chairman Lim Ah Swan and Patrick
Sng leading the procession
Devotees and bhantes prepare for the
night procession
Page 5

Dhamma Supervisor’s Reflections
on Her Reappointment
I recalled my first appointment as the Dhamma Supervisor. I was nervous as
I gave my maiden speech.
Being appointed the Dhamma Supervisor for the fourth consecutive year
came as a surprise. I reflected on what I had done correctly in the previous
three years and rationalised that I had to continue doing what I think would
be right.
The new ideas introduced to the teaching system attracted more students
to our Sunday Dhamma Classes. We were able to increase the number of
teachers for every class so that teachers were able to teach on alternate
Sundays.
Changes always come with resistance and this has been eased with a
supportive team of secretaries.
I admired how our late Bhante Mahaveera managed the temple and
Sunday Classes, with firmness and unwavering focus to overcome all odds,
especially in the early days; how he built a splendid Shrine of Blessing
from a humble hut that became so well-known far and wide. Without his
determination, we would not have such a beautiful Mangala Vihara today to
expound the Dhamma as taught by Lord Buddha.
I humbly hope to emulate our Late Bhante’s example by being firm but fair
to everyone. It is most important that all of us understand one another and,
at the same time, work earnestly towards our common goal. Whenever we
encounter challenges, or have different opinions, we should bear in mind the
benefit to our Temple and the Dhamma.
Dhamma Supervisor’s Report
Our friends from the Buddhist Institute
of Buddha Maha Vihara, Kuala
Lumpur, led by their Principal, Ven K
Sri Dhamma Thera during their visit at
Mangala Vihara
On 30 May 2009, about 20
visitors from Brickfield Buddhist
Temple, Kuala Lumpur, met
over tea with with some of our
own teachers to exchange tips
on how to improve teaching
methods and Sunday Class
activities.
Our visitors were appreciative
that we agreed to help them
raise funds for their coming
anniversary celebrations. Those interested in donating to the fund can
do so by buying the 3-CD set of the Buddha’s Teachings available at the
Treasurer’s office. Each set is priced at SGD15.
Jessy Phua
Dhamma Supervisor
Mindfulness Meditation At MV
The NUS and NTU
Buddhist Society organized
a meaningful joint
Meditation retreat on
Mindfulness at Mangala
Vihara Temple lasting
seven days from 11 to l7
May with 25 participants
and Ven Cittara as our
meditation teacher.
Participants worked diligently and practised continuously to cultivate sila
(morality), samadhi (concentration) and panna (wisdom). All kept either the
Five or Eight Precepts, observed noble silence and was mindful of every little
action. Participants followed a routine regimen of a one-hour sitting and
walking meditation each from morning till evening. At night, a Dhamma talk
on meditation practice was delivered by the venerable. Personal interviews
were also conducted for individuals to ask the venerable personal questions
and clarify doubts encountered during their practice.
The serene environment was very conducive for meditation and the
participants appreciated the underlying peace and simplicity. On the last
day, all gathered to share whatever pleasant experiences and lessons they
learnt during the seven days.
Some comments from our participants were:
“The environment is ideal for meditation practice. So far everything ran
smoothly. Thank you for organising the event”. - Frank
“Thank you for organising this retreat as I definitely benefitted from it. Here’s
wishing all good health, peace and contentment.”- Katrine
“The personal interview with the venerable is very useful. I clear doubts and
get advice and reassurance on the benefits. The meals were sufficient, so
were the time for food and rest. Thank you very much.” - Anonymous
“ I was filled with gratitude and happiness every day. Although the ageing
physical body posed a problem in the sitting posture, Venerable Bhante
Cittara’s encouragement and guidance and the group’s presence enabled
me to remain in the sitting posture for an hour – the power of group effort.
- Venerable Amaravati
Many gained pleasant experiences bringing home with them meaningful
lessons from the Dhamma talks. We thank Mangala Vihara Temple for the
conducive environment in developing concentration, and Bhante Ven Cittara
for his patience and guidance, Bhante Raja for inspiring us with his Dhamma
talk. May we share these merits with all sentient beings.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
NUS & NTU Buddhist Society
Mangala Vihara Youth Circle
Annual Fund-Raising
Project in aid of
Buddhist Free Clinic -
17 May 2009
This year, the youths and their
mentors again rose to the
occasion and participated in
the annual fund-raising event
organised by the Buddha of
Youth Circle at their Fund Raising activity Medicine Welfare Society in
conjunction with Vesak Day
celebrations. Despite the Ministry Of Health’s restrictions to contain the
spread of the H1N1 virus and the short notice given by the organisers to
proceed with the project, a total of 11 youths and the mentors were high
in spirits and got on their feet to set up a stall to sell kueh lapis. Thanks to
Sister Florence for the arrangements for the kueh lapis for the day. About
$900.00 were raised for the Buddhist Free Clinic.
Rita - Youth Mentor
Page 6

Vesak Day was a memorable experience for many very young students from
Sunday School engaged in raising funds for the upcoming 50th anniversary
in March 2010. The following are snippets of their experiences as related by
students from Lower Preliminary C:
“I was given bookmarks, notebooks and other miscellaneous things to sell.
Levin and Chelsia got their first customer almost immediately, but Jermayne
and I were too timid to approach them. We finally did what we had to do
and we had a lot of fun! I learned that we must not hesitate to do the right
thing right from the start” -Alex Kong,
“I was the first at the booth at 7.30am.. I sold many notepads and key
chains, as well as gave out many bookmarks and posters before lunch. I did
not forget to give my own donations to round up my day. ”. – Levin Lim
“I helped my teacher Ms Cecilia to sell memo pads with post-it notes. I was
unsuccessful many times. In contrast, Bao Yun would jump out in front of
people saying, “Hello, do you want to buy this? Please, please, please …”
She collected the most money, and that was a valuable lesson on how to
succeed for me.
“I sold the first memo pad around lunch time, and then another, and
another. By the end of the day, I made $55. I took comfort that I gave of my
best and that it was sincere effort. That made it the best Vesak Day I ever
had.” – Siew Qi Rui
“I approached many people to buy 3-D Buddha images. I sold over 60
copies. I was very happy to raise funds for the 50th anniversary. I was
touched that some of the people who bought them last year, still supported
us. Their good thoughts and actions spoke much of the sincerity to help
us. My brother helped me sell over 20 copies. We earned over $700. Their
kindness made my day.” – Diong Baoyun
“I was selling notebooks. After a long time, I sold my first notebook. Then
I managed a few more. After lunch, I sold some more. Later, I helped to
dispose of the empty boxes into the recycling bins, making it a perfect green
Vesak Day for me.” – Tissa Tay
Our star salesperson was Diong Baoyun. She sold an impressive 60 plus
pieces. She just jumped out to passers-by to plead with them to buy
her wares. I was too shy to do likewise. Our first customer addressed
us as “Girls” and asked where we got our wares from. Alex and I were
amused. We were delighted to see the different natures of the people.
– Jermayne Ang
Lower Preliminary C
Living The Dhamma
Snippets on Right Effort on Vesak Day
Left to right: Diong Baoyun,
Siew Qi Rui, Jermayne
Ang, Levin Lin, Alex Kong,
Chelsia Chan
Noble Penalty of Silence
One day, Kesi, the horse trainer, visited the Buddha. The Buddha asked him,
“Kesi, you are well-known in training horses. How do you train them?”
“Sir, sometimes I use the soft method, sometimes, the hard one. Sometimes
I have to use both.” Kesi answered.
“What would you do if a horse could not trained by all these methods?”
“I kill the horse, Sir, because the horse could ruin my name and fame. Ven.
Sir, how do you train men?”
“Like you, Kesi, sometimes I use soft power, sometimes I use the hard one
and sometimes I use both.”
Kesi could not figure out what the Buddha meant about soft and hard
powers as the Buddha had never used a cane or any other weapon. The
Lord explained, “Kesi, sometimes I teach what are right action, right speech,
right thought and the consequences of those actions by showing lives of as
fortunate men and devas. Sometimes I preach about wrong action, wrong
speech, wrong thought and the consequences by showing hell, animal,
petas and demons. Sometimes I need to use both.”
“What did you do if none of those methods worked?”
“I kill that man, Kesi.” came the quick reply.
“You are not supposed to kill any beings, Sir?”
Kesi was puzzled. “He can do or say whatever he wants. All my disciples and
I did not say anything to him. That’s what I mean by ‘kill’”. Kesi, the horse
trainer really appreciated the way the Buddha trained man and requested
to become a trainee.
************************************************************
“Ònanda, after I am gone, let the Brahma penalty be imposed upon
Channa.”
“But, Sir, what is the Brahma penalty?”
“Ònanda, let Channa say what he likes. No monk should make any remark
on what he says, nor should they admonish him, nor check him.”
It was very difficult to communicate with Ven Channa the monk as he would
listen to no one, not even Ven SÈriputta and Ven MoggalÈna.
He was arrogant as he thought he was the closest and dearest to the Lord.
He should be. He was born on the same day as the Buddha, served Prince
Siddhattha, and he was the one who risked his life to help his master achieve
his dream when the master renounced his palatial life to be an ascetic. Once
he said to the two chief disciples who corrected the disrespectful words he
used to the monks “You, SÈriputta, MoggalÈna? Who are you and what
do you think of me? You two have become the chiefs recently. I have been
giving my service to my master since he was a young prince. I am the nearest
to the Buddha.”
The Buddha knew that no one could say anything to him so long as He
was alive. The Lord delegated this duty to Ven Ònanda. When the Buddha
passed away, Ven Ònanda had to discharge his duty.
The announcement of the Buddha’s demise was a wake-up call for Ven
Channa. He had no more master. It was the noble punishment of silence. So
he said, “Ven Ònanda, it sounds like you all want to kill me? Did my master
really say it?”
“Yes, He did, Ven Channa.” Anyway, Ven Channa attained arahatship after
his Master had gone. BrahmadaÏÎa worked!
************************************************************
“Ònanda, the Buddha had cultivated, practised, used as a vehicle, taken
as His basis, kept up, mastered, and fully developed the Four Basis Psychic
Powers. Therefore, Ònanda, the TathÈgata could, if He so wishes, live the
maximum lifespan.”
Ven Ònanda failed to request: “May the BhagavÈ, for the welfare of mankind
. . ., live the maximum lifespan.” Whether or not Ven Ònanda was disturbed
by MÈra, the realty was the Buddha was no longer around us. If He could
live the maximum lifespan, He would be amidst us. Has the Buddha left
the Noble Penalty of Silence for us who are so arrogant? No remark on our
actions and speeches? I hope “not.” The Buddha had simply entered into
the ParinibbÈna the natural way. This thought is a relief to me, at the very
least!
Ven U Cittara
Page 7

Mangala Vihara Diary
CHENG BENG – Sunday, 5 APRIL 2009
We observed the annual Chinese tradition of Cheng Beng on
the first Sunday of April. As taught by our Lord Buddha, we
participated in a mass transferring of merits to our departed
ones. Many members and devotees were in the Shrine Hall
to do their duties to their ancestors. Bhante Cittara led the
recitation of the Tirokuddha Sutta displayed on the LCD
screens. This year, the Hon. Secretary and her assistants
read out the names of the donors and their late relatives and
friends, Later light refreshment was served.
39th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
– Sunday, 19 APRIL 2009
The AGM commenced half an hour later at 1.30pm from a
lack of quorum. The Resident Monk, Ven Cittara, administered
the Five Precepts and addressed the members. Chairman also
addressed them, thanking them for their attendance at the
AGM and taking an active interest in the temple’s affairs as
well as participating in activities organized by the Management
Committee. After the queries on the accounts, the election of
office bearers concluded the meeting.
VESAK EVE – Friday, 8 MAY 2009
Extra hands were on-board to help prepare the ingredients
for cooking and decorate the buildings and surroundings to
celebrate Vesak, a thrice-blessed day which fell on a Saturday.
Following the evening puja, the Maha Samaya Sutta was
recited to bless 6,000 holy water bottles, car decals, 3-D
Buddha Images and stick-pads for distribution on Vesak Day.
By 10.00 pm, everything was ready.
VESAK DAY – Saturday, 9 MAY 2009
Devotees came early at 5.00 am to worship. The morning puja
was held at 6.00 am after which breakfast was served to the
three monks residing in the temple. By 9.00 am the temple was
a hive of activities with an exhibition of the relics of Buddha
and Arhat Sivali, offering of lights at the Buddha image in the
Shrine Hall and Bodhi Tree, setting up art and crafts, lotus
candles, a stall of flowers, bookstalls and the kitchen.
At 10.45 am, the Shrine Hall was packed with devotees
attending the Buddha Puja. Then they proceeded to the tent
to queue for Holy water. Three rounds of 50 tables of lunch
were served to devotees from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. Packed
food was given as take-aways to late comers.
After the evening service, Bhante Cittara gave a short sermon
on meaning of Vesak. Then members prepared for the
procession – two palanquins for the Buddha and Arhat Sivali’s
relics were carried in the traditional candlelight procession
with three groups of men taking turns to carry them.
7-DAY MEDITATION RETREAT BY NUS / NTU
– 11 ~ 17 MAY 2009
A group of students spent a seven-day meditation retreat at
MV. Bhante Cittara taught them the purpose and benefits of
meditation. (See page 6)
80th BIRTHDAY OF VEN CHAOKHUN – 14 MAY 2009
Wat Ananda Temple celebrated the 80th birthday of their chief abbot, Ven Chaokhun on
14 May 2009. Many monks from Singapore and overseas were invited for the occasion.
Our Resident Monk, Ven. Cittara, was also present at the Sanghika dana.The Wat Ananda’s
Management Committee hosted a dinner at Pioneer Restaurant at Mount Faber for the
occasion. MV’s Management Committee members were there to join them.
FAMILY FOOD FAIR – Sunday, 17 MAY 2009
Once again, MV Youth Group helped raise funds for the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic in the
open field next to the Eunos MRT station. (See page 6)
VISIT BY TEACHERS OF BUDDHA MAHA VIHARA – 30 MAY 2009
A group of 30 teachers from the Buddhist Institute of Buddha Maha Vihara, Kuala Lumpur,
led by their Principal, Ven K Sri Dhamma Thera visited MV on 30 May 2009 to share their
Dhamma teaching programme with the Dhamma Supervisor and teachers of our Sunday
Dhamma School on a two-day trip to Singapore. They visited Dhamma schools and introduced
a DVD on “THE ABBOT” & “THE ORPHAN” to teach Buddhism to the children.
7th MEMORIAL SERVICE - LATE FOUNDER – Saturday, 6 JUNE 2009
A Sanghika Dana was offered on 6 June 2009 to 23 monks. The merits accrued were shared
with our late founder, Ven M M Mahaweera Maha Nayaka Thera. A vegetarian lunch was
served to members and devotees.
In the evening, the Maha Sangha started the whole-night recitation of parittas in memory of
our late founder after our Chairman, Mr. Lim Ah Swan and Hon Treasurer, Mdm Helen Tan
offered lotus candles while the Hon Secretary, Ms Jenny Tan offered a bouquet of flowers at
late Bhante’s statue. The Chairman offered another bouquet of flowers at the late Bhante’s
portrait.
Then selected groups of lay-persons took turns to chant the various discourses until 6.30 am
the next morning. All those present offered a candle each at our late Bhante’s statue. The
event concluded with the morning puja and a transferring of merits to our late master.
WEEKLY DHAMMA SUTTAS DISCUSSION
Monks Date Time / Day Venue Title
Bhante Cittara 4 May to 1
Jul 09
Bhante Raja
22 Apr to
end Oct 09
7.45 pm to 9.00 pm
(Every Monday)
7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
(Every Wednesday)
Bhante Acara 5 Apr 09 12.45 pm to 1.45 pm
(Sunday)
Mr Philip Chan 12 Apr 09 12.45 pm to 1.45 pm
(Sunday)
Bhante Acara
26 Apr 09 &
17 May 09
24 & 31
May 09
14 and 21
Jun 09
12.45 pm to 1.45 pm
(Sunday)
Chew Quee
Neo Hall
Level 3
Chew Quee
Neo Hall
Chew Quee
Neo Hall
Chew Quee
Neo Hall
These sessions are open to teachers, students and devotees.
Petas & Kamma from
Buddhist Perspective
Abhidhamma in Mandarin
Buddhist View to the World
Dialogue Session on
Christianity, Taoism &
Buddhism
Making Merits for Others?
Chanting Practice of the
Sutta
Applying Abhidhamma
concepts to our daily life
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members to our temple, whose memberships were
approved during the April- June 2009 period.
1) Ms Suriaty Sim
2) Mr Jason Sim
3) Mdm Hoi Woon Yow
OBITUARY
We regret the passing away of our member, Mr William Tan Wee Liam on 27 May 2009.
May he be reborn in a happy realm and attain in the bliss of Nibbana.
Jenny Tan (Ms), Hon. Secretary
Management Committee 2009 / 2010
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