Glass coffin with body of revered Buddhist monk stolen from Myanmar monastery

Ven. Tharmanya Sayadaw - U Vinaya (1910- 2003 )

A group of armed men on Wednesday stole the body of one of Myanmar's most revered Buddhist monks, whose corpse has been preserved in a glass coffin since he died more than four years ago. Officials said the coffin containing the body of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vinaya, better known as Thamanya Sayadaw, was stolen from the monastery in eastern Myanmar where he had preached.

The officials, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to release information, said at least nine armed men wearing camouflage clothing carried out the theft. They said they had no idea who they were or why they took the body.
Thamanya Sayadaw ― the abbot of Thamanya mountain ― was a highly revered monk who attracted thousands of followers to his temple daily before he died in November 2003 at the age of 93.
Among those who journeyed to pay homage to him at his mountain retreat 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of Yangon was pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She, like most people in Myanmar, is Buddhist.

Emerald Buddha - Wat Phra Keow, Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram  วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม

 

This is Chiang Rai's Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which claims to be the original Thai home of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kae is attributed as being the first royal temple of Chiang Rai.

Although no one can confirm the date of its construction, it is believed that the temple has existed ever since the city was founded. It was initially known as "Wat Pa Yia" which means the yellow bamboo forest in Thai as there was a lot of bamboo growing in this area.

The Emerald Buddha is believed to have been hidden in the chedi of Wat Pa Yia by King Mahabhrom in 1392 A.D. Legend tells that In the year 1434 A.D.the Emerald Buddha was discovered by chance when lightning struck the chedi. After this, the name of the temple was changed to Wat Phra Kaew. The Emerald Buddha remained in Chiang Rai for 45 years before being taken to Chiang Mai. However, the elephant carrying it refused to go all the way and the image was housed in a temple in Lampang for 32 years. Then in 1468, it finally moved to Chiang Mai where it stayed for 85 years at Wat Chedi Luang. In 1553, it was captured and taken to Laos where it stayed for 225 years. The Thais, under King Taksin, retrieved the sacred image and took it to Thonburi and then finally to its present location in Bangkok in 1778. A replica of the Emerald Buddha was created and can be seen in it's original home in the Chiang Rai Wat Phra Kaeo.

The temple contains many interesting design and style features and is definitely worth a visit.

 
Note: Thank you Mr SCY for contributing the photos.

Mummified monk at Wat Khunaram

The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Por daeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

Phra Khru Samathakittikhun (Dang Piyasilo) or Loung Por Daeng, was born in 1894, was a well respected family man within the local community on Koh Samui and first become ordained as a monk when he was in his early twenties. He spent two years in Wat Samret before exiting and marrying a local lady from Lamai with whom he had six children, a few still alive on the island today.

Upon reaching fifty years of age, once his children were all grown up, Loung Por Daeng, decided to dedicate the latter part of his life to Buddhism and returned to the temples where he felt so at peace. He was ordained as a monk in 1944.

He then travelled to Bangkok where he spent some time studying and learning more about Buddhist texts and meditation, one of the great passions of his life.

It is believed that upon returning to Koh Samui he went to meditate in a cave, Tham Yai in Lamai, which is located within present day Tamarind Springs.

Later he moved to Chaweng and was one of the first monks to stay in the location that nowadays is known as Wat Pang Bua. He was one of the first Jao Wat's, which is the Thai term for Abbot, who led the temple into its present existence.

Following this, he decided to return to his family home, which was located just behind the current Wat Kunaram where the temple school is located. Most famously, two months before his death, at the age of 79 years and 8 months, he requested the company of his students to inform them that he felt his death was imminent and wanted to instruct them as to his last wishes. He requested that should his body decompose that he be cremated and his ashes scattered at the famous 'Saam Jaeg' in Hua Thanon, meaning the three forked road intersection, in Thai.

He went on to request that should his body not decompose, he would like to stay at the temple and be placed in an upright coffin on display as a symbol to inspire future generations to follow Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.

In his final seven days of mortal life, he no longer spoke to anyone or ate or drank anything, concentrating solely on his mediation and the path to enlightenment. He died a week later in the same position that we can see him sitting in nowadays.

He's in impeccable condition considering he died 30 years ago and on his head one can still see some hairs.

When his eyes fell into his head, the monks at the temple fitted him with some sunglasses.

He is still sitting in the original position of his meditation.

Luang Phoo Budda Thawaro

Monk Luang Phoo Budda Thawaro, hundred and one years old, has been dead for more than thirteen years stands before his congregation.

Blogging will be temporary impossible!

Sigh.. I don't know what's wrong with the PC at home. It just can't stop "hanging"! I can't access to my Internet, the stup** message " Internet explorer not responding" keep coming out and the page just don't seem to be open at all. Not only did it happen to blogger but hotmail and many more. I'm not an expert in this, I don't know how long will this last, I have no idea what's wrong, I have scan for virus, nothing happen!

I can't blog in the office and now I can't do it at home! Arrggg.. It's so frustrating! I have some article on hand, but since I'm outside now, I can't post all up.. It's really really frustrating!

Well, I almost throw the PC down from 18 floor yesterday, I guess i'll just let it rot till some kind soul come and visit my PC, as for when?? I DON'T KNOW! What to do, It's not the latest model nor the best PC so I can't expect much from it! Guess "she is just too tired and needs a rest. Meanwhile Let see what will happen, I'll find my ways to put up the article somehow!

Tmrw will be better! :)

Dead Monk Walking

Supported by his fellow monks, Luang Phoo, 101 years old, stands before his congregation.

He has been dead for 13 years.

Wat Krang Chu Si Charoensuk is located near Singburi, a provincial town in central Thailand, a couple of hours north of Bangkok. Born in 1894 in Lopburi and ordained in 1922, the revered monk acted as abbot for several monasteries, surviving wars, civil conflict, dictatorships and military coups. His charisma brought people to the temple. Under the guidance of Luang Phoo, life at Wat Krang Chu Si Charoensuk blossomed.

Nowadays, Luang Phoo rests in a glass coffin within the wat's prayer hall. On his birthday, he is lifted from his slumber, cleansed and paraded in front of the ever-shrinking congregation.

Once Luang Phoo has been extracted from the glass coffin Everyone pushes to the front to pay their respects. Camera flashes illuminate the scene while the monks undress the dead abbot and put a new orange robe on him. A woolly hat is pulled over Luang Phoo's bald skull. A second hat is pushed on top. Even his socks are changed. Finally, the crowd pushes in, tiny flakes of gold in their hands

Finally, the other monks pick up Luang Phoo as gingerly as possible and maneuver him back towards his coffin. Eventually, the monks manage to return the corpse to its repository with sufficient dignity.

Incredibly, the abbot does not decompose. His body has mummified, allegedly because Luang Phoo dehydrated himself on his deathbed. It is believed that a monk who does not decompose following his death should be preserved and worshipped. Often, local authorities disagree and there have been conflicts over whether to burn some monks' remains or keep them in a glass coffin, as at Krang Chu Si Charoensuk.

Buddhist monks produces free wheelchairs

Phra Khru Boonchuay Khantivaro is the abbot of Mongkhol Thep Prasit Temple in the central province of Lopburi.

Over the past ten years, he has led a group of villagers in producing wheelchairs, efforts which have helped a total of 4,000 disabled people to carry out their errands and daily life.“Some disabled people cannot run an errand. Therefore, we want to help them. A finished wheelchair is delivered to the provincial administration, which can give it away at its own choice. But my wheelchairs cannot be sold.”, said Phra Khru Boonchuay.

Phra Khru used cash donations from his temple to buy wheelchair frames and major parts.Before entering the monkhood, Phra Khru Boonchuay was a mechanic. That’s how he’s able to produce a wheelchair which costs about 3,000 Baht, while a typical one is sold at around 10,000 Baht. His team can produce a total of around 300 – 400 wheelchairs per month.

Despite his goodwill, some cynics said the abbot initiated the project in the hope of gaining publicity. The abbot said the criticism was only natural."At first, the criticism was rather strong. But it has been less severe. Criticism is an unavoidable component of our life. What we should do is to keep doing good deeds in order to pay for our sins in a past life.", said Phra Khru Boonchuay Despite being a Buddhist monk, Phra Khru Boonchuay took several years to prove his good intentions.

He has promised to carry on the charity project for many years to come.

Thai superstitions and Old Wives Tales

(1) Do not kill big animals such as elephant, horse, cow, buffalo, etc. because it is a big sin
(2) Do not touch a buffalo horn because it won't grow any more
(3) Do not turn over a puppy because it will go and eat your chicken
(4) Do not touch a horse's tail because it will get sick
(5) Do not hit a dog with a bamboo pole meant for carrying things because it will become rabid
(6) Do not hit a cat because it is as much sinful as hitting a novice monk
(7) Do not hit a cat on the head because when you grow old your head will shake like the cat did when you hit it
(8) Do not rest a cow or a buffalo in the temple grounds because it is a sin
(9) Do not let a black cat jump across a corpse because the dead spirit will then become an angry ghost
(10) Do not raise five cats and six dogs because it will be bad luck for you
(11) Do not chain a monkey because your children will have small wrists like it has been chained(12) Do not pat a cat’s back because you will make it thin
(13) Do not catch a firefly because your plates and bowls will break often
(14) Do not allow a husband and wife to go and see a snake together because the wife will have a miscarriage


Credits: Richard Barrow

Old Buddha statue stolen, pets killed

AYUTTHAYA : Thieves poisoned temple dogs and cats at Wat Pueng Dad in Bang Pahan district on Sunday night and stole an ancient Buddha statue, police said.

Abbot Phra Kru Santisunthorn said the thieves broke the lock on the entrance door of the ubosot, or ordination hall. The dead temple pets were found inside.
A gold-plated statue of Buddha subduing Mara was missing from its pedestal. The four centuries-old statue was invaluable, dating back to the early Ayutthaya period, he said.
The abbot believed the thieves gave the animals food laced with poison to make it easier for them to steal the statue, which was heavy. He said they would have needed a vehicle to take it away. A donated sound system kept in a nearby pavilion was also stolen.

Police believed the thieves may have been paid to steal the statue.

Bangkok Post 20.05.2008

Karma - Thai Point of Views

If you do something wrong now, it will catch up with you in a later life. Many Thai Buddhists believe this, as well as people from other religions around the world. People in Thailand are very subservient which means that they often accept whatever is given to them without complaining. If they are poor in this life it is because of consequence of a bad deed in a previous life.



* If you build or maintain public roads in this lifetime, you will have your own car in the next.

* If you donate robes to a monk in this lifetime, you will have fashionable clothes in the next.

* If you donate food to the poor in this lifetime, you will have plenty of food in the next.

* If you are stingy with your money in this lifetime, you will be poor in the next.

* If you donate money to the temple in this lifetime, you will have a large house in the next

* If you put flowers on the shrine in this lifetime, you will be beautiful or handsome in the next.

* If you pray often in this lifetime, you will be clever in the next.

* If you release birds or fish

* you will enjoy a long life in the next.

* If you kill people in this lifetime, you will die young in the next.

* If you abuse your husband in this lifetime, you will be a spinster in the next.

* If you have affairs with married women in this lifetime, you will never find a wife in the next

* If you donate oil for lamps at the temple in this lifetime, you will have bright eyes in the next

* If you are rude to your parents in this lifetime, you will be deaf and dumb in the next

* If you didn't pay your debts in this lifetime, you will be born as a cow in the next.

* If you donate medicine for sick people in this lifetime, you will be healthy in the next

* If you are cruel and cold-hearted in this lifetime, you will be all alone in the next.

* If you like to look at nude pictures in this lifetime, you will be blind in the next.

* If you gossip about people in this lifetime, you will have a harelip in the next.

* If you like cheating people in this lifetime, you will be born as an animal in the next.

* If you don't help people in danger in this lifetime, you will be in prison in the next.

* If you sneer at beggars in this lifetime, you will starve to death in the next.

* If you look down on servants in this lifetime, you will be ugly in the next.

* If you don't believe in the Buddhist teaching in this lifetime, then you will be deaf in the next.

* If you hurt animals in this lifetime, you will have leprosy in the next.

* If you are envious of other people in this lifetime, you will have body odour in the next

* If you make a false charge against a monk in this lifetime, you will be struck by lightning in the next.



Although there is nothing you can do about it for this lifetime, you can take steps to give yourself a better time in the next life or the one after that.

Karma - Thai Point of Views

If you do something wrong now, it will catch up with you in a later life. Many Thai Buddhists believe this, as well as people from other religions around the world. People in Thailand are very subservient which means that they often accept whatever is given to them without complaining. If they are poor in this life it is because of consequence of a bad deed in a previous life.

* If you build or maintain public roads in this lifetime, you will have your own car in the next.
* If you donate robes to a monk in this lifetime, you will have fashionable clothes in the next.
* If you donate food to the poor in this lifetime, you will have plenty of food in the next.
* If you are stingy with your money in this lifetime, you will be poor in the next.
* If you donate money to the temple in this lifetime, you will have a large house in the next
* If you put flowers on the shrine in this lifetime, you will be beautiful or handsome in the next.
* If you pray often in this lifetime, you will be clever in the next.
* If you release birds or fish
* you will enjoy a long life in the next.
* If you kill people in this lifetime, you will die young in the next.
* If you abuse your husband in this lifetime, you will be a spinster in the next.
* If you have affairs with married women in this lifetime, you will never find a wife in the next
* If you donate oil for lamps at the temple in this lifetime, you will have bright eyes in the next
* If you are rude to your parents in this lifetime, you will be deaf and dumb in the next
* If you didn't pay your debts in this lifetime, you will be born as a cow in the next.
* If you donate medicine for sick people in this lifetime, you will be healthy in the next
* If you are cruel and cold-hearted in this lifetime, you will be all alone in the next.
* If you like to look at nude pictures in this lifetime, you will be blind in the next.
* If you gossip about people in this lifetime, you will have a harelip in the next.
* If you like cheating people in this lifetime, you will be born as an animal in the next.
* If you don't help people in danger in this lifetime, you will be in prison in the next.
* If you sneer at beggars in this lifetime, you will starve to death in the next.
* If you look down on servants in this lifetime, you will be ugly in the next.
* If you don't believe in the Buddhist teaching in this lifetime, then you will be deaf in the next.
* If you hurt animals in this lifetime, you will have leprosy in the next.
* If you are envious of other people in this lifetime, you will have body odour in the next
* If you make a false charge against a monk in this lifetime, you will be struck by lightning in the next.

Although there is nothing you can do about it for this lifetime, you can take steps to give yourself a better time in the next life or the one after that.

Rahu the Dragon's Head-Astrology

The North Node of the Moon is called RAHU in Vedic astrology

and the South Node is called KETU.

They are called dark or shadow planets, because of the Nodes' association with the phenomena of eclipses.

They have no sign ruler ships, although they are said to favor Mercury and Jupiter's signs according to some authorities, while others claim that Rahu favors the sign of Aquarius and Ketu the sign of Scorpio.

Rahu, the North Node of the Moon means to conceal, engulf or hide in Sanskrit. This Graha is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire. Rahu is associated with the spiritual process of involution, or the engrossing of spirit in materialization. Rahu is a karaka, or indicator, of worldly desire, fame, greed, high intelligence, manipulation, obsessive behavior, foreigners, mass disease, dementia and inertia. The nature of this Graha is Vata, or Airy.

The gemstone associated with Rahu is a honey colored hessonite. Rahu reaches full maturity at age 42. The Puranas describe Rahu as half-bodied, born of a lioness, snakelike, having a huge body and being extraordinarily powerful.The Skanda Purana says that Rahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even an enemy into a friend. The effect of snakebite is removed by his grace. The lunar and solar eclipses are attributed to Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu stay 1 1/2 years in each Graha.

The orphan monks of Myanmar

For these boys, the monastery becomes a family

The head monk chews beetle nut as he quietly shaves the head of a young boy settled at his feet. A line of 10 others, all between the ages of 5 and 10, patiently wait their turn to be left with the patch of hair on their foreheads that marks them as orphans.

The simple, rough building that houses the Mhan Kinn Monastery on the outskirts of Yangon will be the only home many of them will ever know, the monkhood the only family they ever have. On average, the monastery takes in about 15 young orphans a year. This year, there are 50. At least until the age of 15, they will wear the bright red robes of novice Buddhist monksTheir limited worldly possessions will include a cup, an umbrella, a toothbrush and an alms bowl. As Theravada Buddhists, they will learn to seek from the community everything they need, from the robes they wear to the food they eat.

LP Noi~~Wat Srisathong

The Venerable LP Noi, together with his adherent LP Djeut
Statues containing the relics of LP Noi

The Venerable LP Noi, was one of the last Masters to have accepted the direct descendants of educations of Phra Rahu, his Temple is one at present of the main places where amulets of Phra Rahu was made and where Phra Rahu is still venerated. Tradition assures that to make a good amulet Phra Rahu it is necessary to use of the coconut shell with an eye which is considered to be a powerful Magical material.

胡

卫塞节快乐

一声佛号传千里，一盏油灯照十方， 一香花莲池海会，一品果赞十品德， 一水化甘露法雨，一心皈依佛法僧!

希望天下太平﹐没有战争也没有天灾人祸. 阿弥陀佛!

Wisakha Puja

Wisakha Puja Day is a very important day in the Buddhist tradition, for it was on this day that Prince Siddhattha Gotama was born, 35 years later became the Buddha, and in another 45 years, passed away into total Nibbana (Parinibbana). In each case, these events took place on the full-moon day in the Wisakha month (usually in May). Wisakha Puja Day is a great Buddhist holiday. It falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month, i.e. full moon day.In Thailand, Wisakha Puja is celebrated throughout the country. On Wisakha Puja Day people put up religious flags outside their houses. They take part in ceremonies at temples and they make merit. They bring flowers, candles, and incense to pay respect to the Triple Gem, i.e. Buddha (the Great Teacher), the Dhamma (the Truth) and the Sangha (the community of followers). In the evening, people take part in candle-lit processions and walk around the main chapel of the temple three times. In the procession, each person carries flowers, three incense sticks and a lighted candle. There is another way of making merit. It is Bhavana or development of the mind. In English Bhavana is usually translated as meditation. Mental development means working from a base of morality (Sila), together with the development of concentration (Samadhi) and mindfulness (Sati). It was this kind of practice that enabled him to become a self-awakened Buddha. It enabled many of his noble disciples to become Arahants as well.

Happy Vesak Day

Happy Vesak Day !

May you be enlightened by Lord's preachings... And may HIS Perpetual Light shine upon you.

Wishing that Peace and Tranquility be by your side.. Today and Always!

天狗抱月之神

啦天神佛像外型全身黑色,戴,豹眼獠牙,身高大,口中咬著太阳或月亮,神情十分凶恶,使人望而生畏。
一般人也会奇怪，为何神像只有上半身根据泰國民间记载並转帖如下　：

约于一万年前，啦壶的父亲「他屈神连」，是掌管地狱众生的夜叉王。啦壶少年时很顽皮，性格好动。他不但武藝高強，还会凌空飞行，时常飞上天宮玩耍。有一天，天宮举行大法会，由天帝「拍意實運」主持，保护神「拍啦啦」担当总护法，日神與月神及众天神担任守衛。這次大法会是集合众天神的法力，制造威力強大的甘露圣水。

制造甘露圣水大功告成，众神正在庆祝。啦壶喜愛热闹，好奇地潛入法会观看，卻被日神和月神发觉，將他驱逐出外，态度十分橫蠻。啦壶不甘受辱，便与日月兩神打斗起來。他有飞行之术，跃高竄低，非常迅速，转眼间已失去了踪迹。　

啦壺乱打乱撞的闯进一个密室，飞翔了一会，感到口甘舌燥，拿起供案上的水壶，便喝得一滴不剩。水壺中的竟然是众天神合力製成的圣水。啦壶喝后，功力大增，日月兩神赶到時，已不是他的对手。　　
日月兩神发觉啦壺偷喝了圣水，连忙禀报天帝。天帝大怒，召集众天神围攻啦壶。惟是啦壶喝了圣水之后，武功突然增強，众神亦奈何他不得。后來总护法拍啦啦祭起了无圣堅不摧的锯齿金轮，把啦壶橫腰斩断。

啦壶喝了圣水，身体虽被斩断，仍能生存不死，飞返家中。夜叉王得知情由，亲自绑起爱子帶到天宮向天帝请罪。天帝看见啦壺的下身已被斩去，仍能不死，又爱他武藝高強，便赦免了他的罪行，还把他封为护法，以此改邪归正。

由于啦壶的半截身体被斩去，所以佛像是沒有下身的。他被封为天神之后，嫉恶如仇，尤其是最憎恨小人。所以泰国人要剋制小人，便会配戴啦壶天神的佛像。

由于啦壶当日闯入天宮時被日月兩神驱赶，害得他被斩断身体，所以他对日月兩神，仍是怀恨于心，发誓要將天地间所有小人，告密者一一消滅及和吞噬。佛像口咬太阳或月亮，也是这个缘故。泰国人还把日食和月食，当作是啦壶天神对日月兩神的惩罚。每逢日食或月食，泰国人认为这是向啦壶天神请求庇佑和许愿的最好时机。

配戴啦壶天神的佛像，不但可以剋制小人，还可以把衰运转为好运。

Spreading 2,500-year-old teachings

"A lotus grows out of mud, yet it remains unaffected, unstained by the dirty, stagnant water. You are lay people; you live in the world and yet you can lead a spiritual life. It is spiritual values that bring real beauty, colour and fragrance to human life. Without spiritual values, human life is like a flower tree without flowers!"
So preached Gautam Buddha more than 2,500 years ago.


What is Buddha Jayanti?Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is the most sacred festival of Buddhists. It is the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha and falls on the full moon of the fourth lunar month (month of Vaisakh).The day commemorates three important events of Buddha's life, his birth, his enlightenment and his attainment of Nirvana.

胡

Never Judge a book by it's cover.

I've always wanted very much to help the needy, if i can afford. First was the Tsunami, then the Myanmar cyclone and now the China Quake. Not easy to gather people around to contribute.

Always, there will be someone, whom i should say, just simply did not think before they say something which will hurt others. I sent out a few smses to my friends and relatives, they are people who always help when some disaster happened and a donation is needed. To my surprise, one of them, I wonder what went wrong, reply me - DON'T WANT! yes, in cap and just these 2 words.

Okay, i was shocked, but at the same time telling myself, it's alright, all these donation are voluntarily, i can't force people to do so, but i was really taken back by the reply, but that won't stop me from doing all these, of course I hope no more disaster would happen and I don't have to do so.

This is not the only time, someone once told me they would like to contribute to the old and needy, they proposed to buy food and groceries for them, so I have to do some homework such as list of old folks home, what they need and etc.. after consolidating the info I presented to them and guess what ? First man said " Aiya, i think we should help the orphan instead"! Then the next one said " aiyo, they are so old, and it's their karma to be ended up in the HOME, don't need lah"!

I was angry, very angry with those irresponsible comment from him, very sad that all my effort and hard work gone! I'm just stupid, and not once but cheated twice by the same group of people. That's why I have 2 sets of info at home, but I didn't give up, I can't help much, but i have my siblings and good friend who is willing to help me to help the needy, we visit them like every 6 month and we donate food and medicine to different homes very 6 month, I'm sure i'll be able to complete my list some years, at least i make an effort. We don't earn much, but i think we are much better than the group who drive big cars, wearing expensive clothing but uncompassionate people.

Thank you to my friends and sisters out there who had contributed. Thank you!

Eclipse Myths of India

In India eclipses are believed to be caused by a demon named Rahu.

Legend tells us that long ago the Asurases, gigantic demons battled the Vedic gods led by Vishnu for control of the universe and the possession of the Amrita, the food of immortality. Although the Vedic gods triumphed, during the banquet where they celebrated their victory and were to share the Amrita, one of the Asurases, disguised as a woman entered the hall.

This was the demon Rahu. Stealthily, he approached the banquet table, grabbed the Amrita and absconded with it. But his crime did not escape detection. Both Surya and Chandra the gods of the sun and moon respectively witnessed the theft. Becoming the first cosmic crime stoppers, they immediately informed Vishnu. Grabbing the huge stone discus that was his chief weapon in battle, Vishnu immediately went searching for the demon. When he caught up with him, Rahu was preparing to partake of his stolen meal. In a flash Vishnu flung his discus and decapitated the demon. But as the head of Rahu crashed to the ground, a crumb of the Amrita fell upon his tongue. Thus the head of Rahu became immortal. And to take revenge on both Surya and Chandra for ratting on him, Raha hides at one of the points in the heavens that crosses both the paths of the sun and moon (the two points are called the ascending and descending nodes. Rahu hides at the ascending node) Whenever Surya or Chandra venture too close to him, he attempts to devour them.

Devout Indians when an eclipse begins, raise a noise to frighten away Rahu. If they are successful, the eclipse is only partial, and the sun or moon proceed on unharmed. If they fail, however, the demon succeeds in swallowing his solar or lunar prey and the eclipse is total. But no real harm comes to either, for as soon as Rahu swallows, the celestial beings re-emerge through his severed neck. Slight variations to this legend deal with the other half of the demon.

According to most accounts his hind quarter became Ketu and hides at the descending node and also attempts to swallow Surya or Chandra during an eclipse. However, according to some variations to the legend, Ketu became the constellations. Still another account says that the hind quarter became poisonous vapors and mists that fall to earth during an eclipse. Therefore Indians turn all pots and other containers for food or water upside down. Food left uncovered during an eclipse is thought to be spoiled and thrown out. Beggars, driven more by hunger than a fear of cosmic impurity, usually fare very well during eclipses.

He's the real boss

Thai PM Samak's worship of the mythical snake Rahu underscores Thai politicians' obsession with the much-feared mythical figure.

-Daily XPress Woranaree Kosajan and Budsarakham SinlapalavanSat,

Apr 19, 2008

Daily XPress

PM Samak Sundaravej is in good spirits about his fortune, or duang, and that of his government's after participating in an elaborate ritual worship of the mythical snake Rahu.

But wait. Are the stars above Thailand in Samak's favour?

Other astrologers believe that the duang mueang, or city fortune, will be bad for most of the year."Jupiter is now in an abnormal position. Speaking in layman's terms, Jupiter is under the influence of bandits. This will continue for another three months, until some time after June 6," says an amateur astrologer who asked not to be named."But then you have to watch out for incidents in August and September. This year is not peaceful at all," she says.

Samak sneaked into Wat Traimitr Wittayaram in Bangkok on Thursday evening to participate in the worship of Rahu, the mythical snake that swallows the sun and the moon and causes eclipses. Rahu is associated with bad omens when it moves to certain positions. This time it's moved to lakhana, or in the ascendant, which is the origin of all beings and the universe, and this creates bad omens, leading worshippers to pray for bad luck to disappear. Samak is reluctant to discuss participation in the ceremony, asking reporters not to make a big deal of it. Samak says "of course" his spirit was lifted after the ceremony. "If my spirit wasn't lifted, why would I do it in the first place? This is not about duang. There were lots of people at the ceremony."Several astrologers say Samak's duang hasn't been good lately because Rahu moved to lakhana.But Samak says: "Rahu did not eclipse anything. But take a look: Rahu has eclipsed us all."Samak says Rahu moved out of lakhana yesterday, but other astrologers say that won't happen until tomorrow, or Monday.Samak believes Rahu's move from lakhana will improve the situation for his government."It depends on the beliefs of each individual, but I believe things should be better," he said.

Is it appropriate for the PM to worship Rahu? Pinyo Pongcharoen, president of the International Astrology Association, says Samak might be afraid something bad will happen to him because Rahu had moved."It's a personal belief to worship Rahu. People make merit, which makes them happy and confident," he says, adding the ritual is, at least, a reminder to the PM to rule with prudence and consciousness."It was a normal event. The ritual is a part of local culture," says political scientist Pitch Pongsawat. He says Samak did it for personal reasons, not on behalf of the country.

关公

关公-成隍庙 (上海)

关公- 澳门

Carry abbot ceremony

Some Buddhist ceremonies happen for special events. For example, if a monk decides to stay longer in a temple or has reached a new level of wisdom and knowledge, a ceremony might be organised to celebrate the event.

In the morning Thai people bring food, gifts, money for the temple. Women and men will help to prepare the feast and cook the dishes. It is an occasion to gather together and to gossip together. The Buddhist feasts have always soldered the Thai community since centuries.
Before and after the meal the abbot says a speech. All the monks staying in the monastey are present.
In the afternoon the abbot and the "celebrated" monk are lifted and carried three times around the temple. Faithful people sing and shout loudly. Everybody enjoy the feast
Then the ceremony finishs with a visit to the cemetery. The aim is that deceased persons also receive their part of merit.

致四川地震不幸罹难的灾民

天灾让很多人失去了自己的家人,那种痛是非笔墨所能形容的.绝非一朝一夕能忘记的. 刚刚才把捐给缅甸灾民的奶粉和水送到,又传来了四川的不幸...我们能做的也不多,没有什么东西能弥补他们所受的创伤,唯一能做的是替罹难者念经,希望他们能安息.

往生净土神咒

南无阿弥多婆夜。哆他伽多夜。哆地夜他。

nā mó ā mí duō pó yè。duō tuō qié duō yè。duō dì yè tuō。

阿弥利都婆毗。阿弥利哆。悉耽婆毗。

ā mí lì dū pó pí。ā mí lì duō。xī dān pó pí。

阿弥唎哆。毗迦兰帝。阿弥唎哆。毗迦兰多。

ā mí lì duō。pí jiā lán dì。ā mí lì duō。pí jiā lán duō。

伽弥腻。伽伽那。枳多迦利。娑婆诃。

qié mí nì。qié qié nuó。zh duō jiā lì。suō pó hē

大悲咒经文

南無、喝囉怛那、哆囉夜耶．南無、阿唎耶，婆盧羯帝、爍缽囉耶．菩提薩埵婆耶．摩訶薩埵婆耶．摩訶、迦盧尼迦耶．唵，薩皤囉罰曳．數怛那怛寫．南無、悉吉慄埵、伊蒙阿唎耶．婆盧吉帝、室佛囉愣馱婆．南無、那囉謹墀．醯利摩訶、皤哆沙咩．薩婆阿他、豆輸朋，阿逝孕，薩婆薩哆、那摩婆薩哆，那摩婆伽，摩罰特豆．怛姪他．唵，阿婆盧醯．盧迦帝．迦羅帝．夷醯唎．摩訶菩提薩埵，薩婆薩婆．摩囉摩囉，摩醯摩醯、唎馱孕．俱盧俱盧、羯蒙．度盧度盧、罰闍耶帝．摩訶罰闍耶帝．陀囉陀囉．地唎尼．室佛囉耶．遮囉遮囉．摩麼罰摩囉．穆帝隸．伊醯伊醯．室那室那．阿囉參、佛囉舍利．罰沙罰參．佛囉舍耶．呼嚧呼嚧摩囉．呼嚧呼嚧醯利．娑囉娑囉，悉唎悉唎．蘇嚧蘇嚧．菩提夜、菩提夜．菩馱夜、菩馱夜．彌帝唎夜．那囉謹墀．地利瑟尼那．波夜摩那．娑婆訶．悉陀夜．娑婆訶．摩訶悉陀夜．娑婆訶．悉陀喻藝．室皤囉耶．娑婆訶．那囉謹墀．娑婆訶．摩囉那囉．娑婆訶．悉囉僧、阿穆佉耶，娑婆訶．娑婆摩訶、阿悉陀夜．娑婆訶．者吉囉、阿悉陀夜．娑婆訶．波陀摩、羯悉陀夜．娑婆訶．那囉謹墀、皤伽囉耶．娑婆訶．摩婆利、勝羯囉夜．娑婆訶．南無、喝囉怛那、哆囉夜耶，南無、阿唎耶．婆嚧吉帝．爍皤囉夜．娑婆訶．唵，悉殿都．漫多囉．跋陀耶，娑婆訶．

愿以此功德。庄严佛净土。上报四重恩。下济三途苦。若有见闻者。悉发菩提心。尽此一报身。同生极乐国。

愿以此功德回向给地震中的灾民.

The Planets- Rahu & Ketu

Rahu has smoke like blue body, lives in forests and is horrible. He is windy in temperament and is intelligent. Like Rahu is Ketu.

Myth:
Lord Vishnu was dispensing amrita (divine nectar) amongst the gods. A demon, Rahu, was hiding himself and imbibing the drink without Lord Vishnu's knowledge. The Sun and the Moon discovered him and alerted Lord Vishnu. Vishnu threw his discus, cutting off the head of Rahu, but he had already swallowed the nectar and was now immortal. Therefore, there remained an immortal head called Rahu and an immortal body called Ketu.
Significations of Rahu:
Foreignness, strangeness, that which is unfamiliar. Rahu and Ketu form the army of the planetary cabinet. Ketu is the "flag" and Rahu is the marching troops. Therefore, Ketu represents that which is already conquered and Rahu represents that which is to be conquered. Other significations of Rahu are: Maternal grandmother, paternal grandfather, multicolored clothes, outcastes, lead, impulse, disillusionment, compulsions, obsessions, immaturity, insanity, fear from the unknown, worldly desires, separation, crime, drugs, extreme changes, upheavals.
Significations of Ketu:
Innate talents, intense scrutiny, dissatisfaction, doubt, fear from past experiences, mystical experiences, occult knowledge, asceticism, intrigues, enlightenment, worldly indifference, maternal grandfather, paternal grandmother. Ketu, as being the "flag", represents what we have already conquered and become very familiar with. The saying "familiarity breeds contempt" comes directly from Ketu as Ketu makes us contemptuous of all that is substantive.

Prayers

For Buddhists in Thailand, incense is an important element of worship to pay respect to Buddha.
When praying and requesting a favor to the Lord Buddha, Thai people take three incense sticks (ธููป), i.e one for the Buddha, one for the Sangha (สังฆ - Buddhist community), one for the Dharma (ธรรม - teachings of the Buddha), a flower (ดอกไม้ - orchid or lotus, which symbolizes the Buddhist teachings purity) and a small candle (เทียน - it symbolizes comprehension enlightenment). They lit the incense sticks and kneel three times and put the incense sticks in front of the statue.

They cover the Buddha statue with a thin golden leaf to honour Buddha teachings. In case of pain, the thin golden leaf shall be stuck at the same painful location on the Buddha statue.Garlands ("DOOK MALAI" - ดอกมาลัย) are also offered to Buddha statues. Their white color symbolizes the beauty of Lord Buddha teachings. When they get old, they symbolize the life impermanence.Thai Buddhist people also read the future in paper wrapped around sticks. In a box there are a few sticks. They move the box up and down in order that a stick falls from the box. Then they read the paper to know their future.

Buckets are offered to monks as a way to get merit. In buckets can be found many items such as rice, washing powder, medicine, monks clothes, fruit juice, candles, matches, soap, umbrella, sandals, lights, milk, tins, brushing tooth paste and brush, water, toilet paper, noodles. Bulks are wrapped with transparent paper. In some crowded temples, buckets are not opened and are sold again immediately. In fact there are more buckets sold than monks living in the temples. It is just an another way to get merit.

Another Hindu Version - Rahu

Rahu, the planet in shadows, is accorded recognition by the Indian astrologers and like Ketu, this planet is also not visible in the galaxy.


Source material: A mine of information about Rahu is available in Brahmaavaivartha puraana, Mahaabhaagavatha, Mahaabhaaratha, Matsya puraana, Rigveda and Vishnu puraana.
Rahu was born to Simhika and Viprachitthi. Rahu’s mother simhika (also known as Simhita) was the daughter of Hiranyakashyapa (Bhakta Prahlada’s father). There are several brothers to Rahu and they are Salya, Nabha, Vaataapi, Ilvala and Namuchi. It is also believed that Rahu is the eldest of the 100 brothers. He also has a sister by name Maahishmathi.

Bhagavatha makes a mention of Rahu in the cosmic churning. As the demons and the gods went on churning the milky ocean with Meru parvatha, several interesting things surfaced and the ambrosia (amrita) is one among them. Lord Vishnu, disguised himself as Mohini, a celestial dancer and took upon himself the task of distributing the amrita. In this process, he elbowed the demons and went on offering the amrita to gods and angels. Seeing this, Rahu impersonates as one of the gods and sits in the row of the gods to partake the amrita. Noticing this surya and chandra alerted mohini. Mohini, loses no time in beheading but by then Rahu swallowed amrita and so he could not be killed. Henceforth the neckline became Rahu and the torno is referred to as Ketu. Since then Rahu is said to have nursed a gurdge against the surya and chandra, and gobbles them up in the wake of an eclipse.

Nature: The fierce face of Rahu adorns a crown and a garland runs round his neck. Clad is black, the four shouldered Rahu sports sword, shield, trishula and varamudra in his four hands. He sits on a lion. As the faint trace of nectar made him immortal, Lord Brahma conferred upon him the status of a planet. The eight horse driven chariot of Rahu is darkness. The presiding deity of Rahu is Yama and Surya in his pratyadhidevata. His position in the galaxy is south - westwards and it resembles a winnowing fan.

Astrology: Born into paithenasa gotra, Rahu is fierdish in nature. He was born in the year parthiva(Rakshasa –in some other books) in bhaadrapada maasa, krishna paksha on the fourteenth day of the waving moon on a Sunday. Visakha is his birth star. Rahu dasa lasts for 18 years. He has no aura of his own as he is considered a "chaaya graha". At the intersecting points of lunar and solar circumferences, there are two dots. The northern dot is called Rahu or the dragon headed and the southern dot is referred to as dragon’s tail. Rahu, like other planets does not preside over particular zodiac sign. Vrishabha lagna is his best place whereas vrishchika lagna is his worst. For ketu, vrishchika is the best place. According to parasara samhitha, kanya rasi is his nature place.

Mrityunjaya japa is considered to be highly efficacious to pacify Rahu. The beejaakshara runs thus:

OM BHRAAM BHREEM BHROUM SAHA RAHAVE NAMAHA

This mantra or the mantra in the Navagraha stotra pertaining to Rahu need to be chanted for 18000 times.

Rahu Yantra

He is the presiding deity of this shadow (Chhaya). According to the rigveda when Rahu – the son of Asuya or Sinhika covers the sun and the moon with his darkness, then it becomes so dark that the people became unable even to identify their places. The presiding deity of Rahu is ‘Kaal’. It is symbolised by a black flag in north west direction among all the nine planets. The great phase of Dragon’s head lasts for 18 years. Barring few situations it is generally considered to be an inauspicious planet. According to the astrology if ‘Rahu’ is situated unfavorably in the horoscope then it causes many types of physical illness. It also causes obstacles in accomplishment of works and accidents.
Rahu can be appeased through devoted worship and chanting of Rahu mantra to prevent hidden enemies, wrong diagnosis of illness, deceit from those around us and negative energies from affecting well-being.

Holy shower of Buddha - Vesak Day

Bathing of Prince Siddhartha
Most temples hold ceremonial bathing of an image of baby Prince Siddhartha (the Buddha-to-be) placed in perfumed water with flowers. The perfumed water is scooped with a ladle and poured over the statue. This symbolises the purification of one’s unwholesome deeds with wholesome deeds.

Whilst kneeling before the altar, carefully fill the ladle and pour water over the image of the young Buddha. At each pour chant the following.
• 1 st wash: May I eliminate all evil thoughts

• 2 nd wash: May I cultivate good deeds

• 3 rd wash: May I help save all living beings

浴佛
多数寺院都会举行将悉达多太子的圣像置于充满鲜花及香水的盆里，用勺子掬起净水淋在佛像上，为佛沐浴的仪式。这象征以善行来净化我们的恶业。

The Offering of Flowers
The offering of fresh and beautiful flowers, which soon fade away serves as a reminder of the transience of all things, including our lives. This urges us to treasure every moment of our lives while not becoming attached to it.

供花献世尊
供养美丽的鲜花，它们却在转瞬间枯萎凋零，提醒我们万物皆属无常。这会激励我们更珍惜生命中的每一刻而又不产生任何的执着。

Vesak or Visakah Puja

Vesak Day, the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, is the most important annual event for the Buddhist community. It commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Final Nirvana of the Buddha. It is named for the month of May and is celebrated on the full moon, when the Buddha's mother is said to have given birth to him in a garden in the Himalayan foothills while en route to her parents' home.


The meaning of Vesak lies with the Buddha’s universal peace message to humankind. It has become a festival for rejoicing and goodwill to all – and a moment to reflect on our spiritual development and gratitude towards everyone. The name "Vesak" comes from the Indian month of that name in which it is held.

On Vesak day, some buddhists observe the Eight Precepts, while others may join the communal observances by going through the ceremony of taking the Threefold Refuge (in the Buddha, Dharma- the Buddha’s Teachings and Sangha-the community of monks and nuns), observing the Five Precepts of respect for life (not to kill); respect for personal property (not to steal); respect for personal relationships (not to indulge in the senses); respect for truth (not to lie); and respect for mental and physical well-being (not to take intoxicants); making offerings at shrines and chanting of sutras. They may also participate in processions and circumambulation, and listen to sermons of the Buddha’s Teachings.

Many Buddhists also take vegetarian meals on this day as they recall the teaching of universal Compassion. This is a day when temples are colourfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights, and shrines filled with flowers, fruits and other offerings.



卫塞节, 农历四月十五的月圆之日, 是佛教团体每年最重要的一个节日。它纪念了佛陀出生、悟道及涅槃的三件大事。这天世界各地数以万计的佛教徒都会庆祝这个节日。卫塞的意义在于佛陀传达给全人类普遍性的和平讯息。这是一个让大家喜悦及互相祝福的美好节日，也是我们检讨自己在灵修上的进展与感恩大众的日子。

对于一些佛教徒而言，卫塞节的庆祝仪式始于早上到佛寺去受八关斋戒。有些信徒可能会集体接受三皈依 (皈依佛、法及僧)、受五戒 (尊重生命即断杀、护生；尊重个人的产业即不偷盗、乐于施舍；尊重人际的关系即不邪淫 、知足；尊重真相即不妄语、诚实; 尊重精神及身体的良好状态即不服用麻醉品)、供养三宝及诵念经文，他们也可能参加绕佛仪式并听闻佛法。
许多佛教徒也会在当天忆念广大的慈悲而持素戒杀。在卫塞节这一天，寺院挂上佛旗，张灯结彩，佛龛上摆放琳琅满目的鲜花、水果及其他供品。

愿天下母亲们快乐,安康!

好久没有写东西了,最近非常地忙,忙工作,忙家里,忙着办好友母亲的丧事.

今年的母亲节我真的感触非常的多, 我的好朋友失去了她的妈妈, 我们大家也失去了一个让人非常尊敬的Aunty. 她是一个在年轻时为了家里生意而蹉跎岁月, 结婚后依然时常回娘家帮忙的传统女性. 把家里照顾得井井有条, 在旧时代已经是一个事业,家里都能兼顾的女性. 一生节俭,善良,虔诚,无时无刻都那么地替别人着想. 她人生的岁月都在为别人忙忙碌碌,从来没有真正的休息,享福, 就走完了人生的80年. 说她命好?同意与否,因人而异. 她并非儿孙满堂,唯一的女儿是领养的,但没有人可以否定她们两母女的爱, 是那么的真,那么的深. 可能是她的福报, 在患病时,并没有受太多的苦,虽然她走的时候没有人在身边,但我们都知道她走得平静,安详,没有一丝的痛苦与遗憾. 我想因为不舍得看见老伴,女儿伤心,也因为她的善良,佛祖来把她带往极乐世界.

这几天因为忙着丧事,我看见了人们美好与丑陋的一面. 并非每一个身为母亲,长辈的人都是 值得我们尊敬的.这么说也许会得罪人,但是为什么一些口口声声说要帮忙的人,却是让我们头痛的人. 为什么在我们最需要你们这些长辈的时候,你们却没有伸出援手,为什么在我们需要帮忙的时候,你们却落井下石, 放马后炮呢? 当你们不愿帮忙时,却竟然可以在背后批评我们所做的一切. 我们不需你们的赞美,但不要对我们不公平. 你们吃盐比我们吃米多,你们会的东西也比我们还要多, 为什么不能够体谅我们. 为什么不让往生的人安息呢? 就那么短短的5天,为什么不能好好地送她一程? 并非是我们要对你们不敬,但是我想冥冥中Aunty在指引我们, 告诉我们要坚强地, 勇敢的去面对即将,或已经发生的事, 是她给我们指示,要如何去面对那些为老不尊的长辈们. 好辛苦啊! 原来两全其美是那么地难, 在她们无理取闹的当而,要站定脚,不受影响. 又要在她们有过分要求时紧记得要尊敬长辈, 太难了,而我们却熬过来了!

也无可否认, 当中一定也有几个"天使" 如朋友开通的家婆, 一个会默默在一旁帮忙的人. 还有朋友的亲身母亲,姐姐们, 她们真的是太棒了. 知道吗?当我快要被那些人气到要爆炸时,只要想到她们,还有aunty时,我就真的可以控制自己,平静下来. 还有四舅母, 她也是一个很棒的长辈. 舅舅们虽然静静的,但已经足够了, 不得不提的是还有琪琪, 太棒了!

谢谢那些阿姨们让我们又学了人生宝贵的一课,谢谢你们的虚伪让我们得以成长,也让我们知道一切还是靠自己来得实际. 谢谢你们教会了我们什么叫人不可貌相, 也谢谢你们让我们知道"亲情"的可贵!

银绒阿姨, 安息吧!如果我们做得不好,希望你原谅我们. 希望你会满意我们所做的一切, 希望你在佛祖的身边开心,安详!