Ban Sop Ruak~ Big Buddha

Big Buddha~ Ban Sop Ruak ( Golden Triangle)

Wat Phra Yai - Big Buddha

The 12m (39 ft) high Buddha image is seated in the Subduing Mara posture.

This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big Buddha.Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud.

The Buddha statue is called Phra Buddha Kodom, was built in 1972.

Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on a small island called Koh Fan, where the Tambon Bophut meditation centre is located.

Fasting Buddha

Fasting Buddha @ Wat U-Mong temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The young prince Siddharatha left his palace in search of enlightenment and practised for six years such severe austerities and intense mental concentration that his beautiful body withered away to skin and bones. Ultimately he attained enlightenment at the age of thirty five and became known as the Buddha "The enlightened one".

Trimurti- 三尊天神的合体

Trimurti 有掌管生命的能力，能赐给人们幸福快乐，还可以消灾除恶！为什么说祂是三神合体呢？那么又是哪三神？

1. 四面神 - 也称《创造神》
2. 毗湿奴 - 《保护神》
3. 舌娃 - 《破坏神》

集合了以上3神的力量，就是祂强大的力量，有风，火和阳光的能量：火能把不好的一切燃烧，风能让生物呼吸，而所有生物所不能缺少的必然是阳光。祂的三个脸，第一面代表家庭圆满，感情顺利，第二面带白了稳定的财富，第三面是事业，名利都顺利。

参拜祂的供品～9支红香，一对红蜡烛，9朵红玫瑰（也可以用一串红玫瑰代替），红色的水果，甘蔗汁和鲜奶。千万不可以用荤食和熟食。

大家可以在星期四晚上九点半的时候参拜和许愿。 千万要记得，如果你们对祂做出任何承诺，记得一定要还愿。

The Trimurti Shrine

Trimurti refers to the Trinity of Hindu Gods consisting of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the sustainer and Siva the destroyer, the three most important gods in Hinduism.The deity is a gold statue of a human body with two heads and four arms. The heads are one on top of the other; the lower head has four faces.

Built in 1989, the Trimurti Shrine is on a raised platform, sheltered by a dome on four pillars with elaborately carved gables at the four sides.
There's an open area around the shrine with a ring of seats for worshippers to sit and reflect.
Crafted in classical Indian sculpture with a Thai touch, the statue is a replica of the original from old Ayutthaya.

Like other shrines in Bangkok, the Trimurti Shrine was built to answer the prayers of people seeking success, prosperity and happiness.

The shrine somehow acquired a reputation of granting happiness in romance, as it's very popular with young Thais who associate the shrine with the god of love.
Legends build upon themselves and as the fame of the shrine grew, so did the flock of faithful. Such is the renown of the shrine that it's sometimes referred to as the Lovers' Shrine.There's an air of peace and serenity around the shrine and the place just has a natural draw for people.

The Trimurti Shrine is along Ratchadamri Road, in front of Isetan Department Store, next to the Ganesha Shrine, at CentralWorld Plaza. The easiest way to reach here is to take the BTS Skytrain. The Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line converge at Thanon Rama 1 (Rama 1 Road) in front of CentralWorld. Alight at either the Siam station or Chit Lom station, then walk to CentralWorld.

The Chao Mae Tuptim shrine is located on the grounds of the Nai Lert Bangkok Hotel (Swissotel) on Wireless Road.

This Shrine is dedicated to Phra Mae Tuptim. A sign at the site indicates that the precise origin of the shrine is unknown. It was likely erected by Nai Lert as a spirit house for the spirit that was believed to reside in the large ficus tree on the spot.

Traditional offerings always included jasmine flowers, incense sticks and lotus buds. However over the years less traditional offerings were given, and now the area around the shrine is occupied by numerous small and large lingams or phallic symbols. As such it is believed the shrine is dedicated to fertility (and good luck).

Tall cylinders of stone (called "lingams") are worshipped as the phallic images of Hindu god Shiva.

It is said that women who pray here in a wish to become fertile for pregnancy, will return if their wish is fulfilled, and place another phallus at the shrine in thanks.

Thais occasionally dangle a tiny wooden phallus from their belt or necklace, for added protection. Modern Thais are familiar with wooden penises which are sold in markets as good luck amulets. Sometimes, a shop or restaurant will display a wooden penis in a discreet location, hoping it will help business.

Ghost residing in a tree ( ผีต้นไม้ )

Do you find this familiar? This is a common sight in thai temple. Everywhere in Thailand, some trees are wrapped with a cloth. Especially in temples but also in forests. It means that a spirit inhabits the tree. Of course the tree shall not be cut without warning the spirit in order to let him find another tree.

ผีต้นไม้ or "PHI TON MAI" means "ghosts that reside in tree". They are generally classified into two categories, i.e. benovolent and malevolent spirits. There is often a certain spirit associated to a certain type of tree such as banana tree.

นางไม้ "NANG MAI" is a female spirit inhabiting a tree. Other famous spirits are นางตะเคียน or "NANG TAKIAN" located in hopea trees and นางตานี or "NANG TANEE" located in banana trees.

To protect forests against logging, some monks ordain trees and wrapped them up with a thin orange cloth. Trees were then sacred. For Bouddhist people it was now impossible to harm the trees. Alas sometimes officials used another monk to defrock the trees.

source~thaiworldview.com

Renting of Buddha Statues

Thai people never buy Buddha statues but rent them.

When renting a Buddha, people can get such paper that states "Wherever you go, think about this Buddha statue and you will be safe".

It is illegal to export antique Buddha images and statues without a license from the Department of Fine Arts. The export of Buddha images and statues is regulated by the Department of Fine Arts. A new piece can be exported by requesting a certificate.

In year 2007, in a small ceremony at Phuket International Airport, Airport Customs officials handed over to the local Museum around 100 Buddha images seized from departing tourists over the past year. Most of the images were seized from tourists who bought them from shops unaware that they needed permission from the Fine Arts Department to take them out of the country.

In year 2008, an increase in robberies of valuable artifacts from ancient temples in Ayuthaya are driving monks to despair. Thieves have even removed gold foil from reclining Buddha images. In old times, people caught in this act were threatened with harsh punishment. Authorities would force-feed them with boiling liquid, the chemical used in the gold-making process! Temple robberies mostly involve the theft of ancient Buddha images and valuables such as dharma cabinets and brass accessories. Few stolen goods are ever retrieved. A source said that the theft of gold foil could originate from rising demand in the Buddha amulet market. Buyers want gold from ancient Buddha statues, which are thought to be sacred, for use in the frames of Buddha amulets. Robbers are targeting antique objects. Many temples have only old monks who cannot fight the robbers. Thieves even steal the eight "sema", leaf-like boundary stones (สีมาเล็ก), from around temple's ordination hall.

source~Thaiworldview.com

Walk On Back~Miracle Healing

This ceremony starts by a Buddhist sermon in the hall for sermons ("SALA" - ศาลา).

This ceremony is supposed to ease back pain for old and middle aged folks.

The monk walks on people back and pour holy water on their back. Before the monk walks on their back, Thai people make a Thai greeting ("WAI" - ไหว้). Thai people make a small donation to thank the monk

source: Thai world view

Holy Money

The image of King RAMA V and Phra Buddhasothorn. I wonder if i keep them in my wallet, will my money will grow??

Nice fish make of Thai baht. I guess it's suppose to "fish" money into our house?

LP NGERN OF WAT-BANG-KLAN

LP Ngern 16.06.1810~1919

Monk NGERN" was name "NGERN" or meaning Money. He was born on Friday 16-sep-1810 at Pi-Jit province,Thailand.

He entered monkhood when he was 12 years old to become a senior student of Luang Phor Suk. When he is 25, he returned to wat bang klan in pichit province.

LP Ngern was famous of making HOLY WATER and the famous story of him was ~~ Krom Luang chumporn, the son of King Rama V was the favourite student of LP Suk. LP suk entrusted him to LP Ngern after he had completed his incantation study. When Krom Luang chumporn arrived at wat Bang Klan by boat without prior notice, LP Ngern exhibited miracle power by walking on the water surface to greet him in the middle of the river. And when prince asked how did he know of his arrival, he replied " LP Suk had told me through telepathy"!

He died in year 1919 when he was 109 years Old and was the top 5 Famous monk in Thailand.

洛坤佛寺失窃现款

洛坤府直辖县某佛寺方丈的僧舍昨天（16日）遭歹徒光顾，小偷窃走捐款1万7000銖及100多尊乍都堪小佛像失窃。直辖县警方闻讯赶到现场，并蒐集小偷的指纹，以查明小偷身分。 直辖县警方昨天接到报案，立即派人赶到失窃佛寺调查。经调查证实，佛寺方丈的僧舍大门及窗口均被小偷撬开，发现1万7000銖现金、佛具和逾100尊乍都堪小佛像被盗。 该佛寺方丈透露，前天黄昏在佛舍另1间房间休息时，直到昨天离开房间时，他才发现房间大门被打开，且有财物失窃。

本文引用地址：http://www.udnbkk.com/article/2008/1017/article_43593.html

连寺庙的香油钱都偷，就算是有千万个苦衷，佛祖愿意原谅你，香客们也肯听没有办法接受你的任何理由。

胡

泰国2巫师驱鬼 各自鞭死妻子

泰国两名自称為「天使之医」的巫师，前天（18日）帮妻子驱鬼治病，分别用竹条鞭笞鞭打妻子全身，竟然活生生的将妻子打死，就连女儿上前制止都被巫师父亲打伤。

警方在18日凌晨3时接到报案，纳挽镇2乡发生驱鬼巫师鞭打病人致死，警方遂派遣警员前往查看。警方在事发现场看到颂布（60岁）和娘隆（53岁）的尸体，尸体身上有多处鞭痕，而且还有血从鼻子及嘴巴渗出，两名死者的丈夫分别是猜育（58岁）和堪博（62岁），警方赶到时猜育和堪博正在火堆前进行奇怪的仪式。

受害者的女儿表示，事发当日父亲堪博邀请猜育来到家中為妻子治病，而且颂布也带了自己的妻子来，颂布和娘隆均患有高血压和糖尿病等。 堪博和猜育自称為巫师，外号是「天使之医」可以治疗任何疾病。

巫师给母亲二人检查后称是有鬼在体内作怪，必须驱鬼遂生起火堆并命令母亲等躺下，堪博和猜育则手持竹条鞭笞。直到两名受害者无法忍受逃跑，堪博和猜育竟然不肯放过，反而说是鬼不愿意离开寄主，索性换了扫把来鞭笞，竟然活生生将人打死，而女儿上前制止还遭到父亲的殴打，只得大喊救命唤来邻居帮忙并报警。 警方表示，警方赶到时堪博和猜育两名巫师正在进行仪式，而且口中念叨著根本听不懂的语言。无奈之下警方只得暂时将堪博和猜育押回警察局，关押起来等待二人恢復正常的状态。

本文引用地址：http://www.udnbkk.com/article/2008/1020/article_43720.html

是迷信还是无知？见仁见智，很多时候我们就是太迷信了，就算是到头来伤害了自己已经来不及了。有些事情可以信但千万不可以迷，不然走火入魔就太迟了。

Temple made from Glass Bottle

Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, 370 miles northeast of Bangkok in the Si Saket province. Also known as Wat Lan Kuad, or "Temple of Million Bottles," the temple uses discarded bottles to construct everything on the temple site from the crematorium to toilets.All in all there are about 1.5 million recycled bottles in the temple, and those at the temple are committed to recycling even more. "The more bottles we get, the more buildings we make," Abbot San Kataboonyo. ～～REUTERS
四色菊府1座佛寺，使用超過100萬個酒瓶建成的該佛寺的佛殿，而且該佛寺名稱也是「百萬酒瓶寺」，成為當地一大奇觀。

胡

Wat Huay Mongkon Monastery

Somdet Luang Poo Tuad Yieb Nam Thale Jued — the Exalted One
(The description ‘Yieb Nam Thale Jued’ refers to the miraculous moment when Luang Poh Tuad ‘stepped on sea water’ and in doing so ‘turned sea water into freshwater’. )

Wat Huay Mongkhon, a Buddhist monastery, houses a sculpture of Somdet Luang Poo Tuad. It is said to be the world’s largest of sculpture of His Reverend Luang Poh Tuad.

Wat Huay Mongkon (Huay Mongkon Monastery)
Tubtai sub-district, Hua Hin district,
Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Tel: 032 576 187Fax: 032 576 188

胡

Tak Bat Thewo Festival

Tak Bat Thewo Festival also known as the Merit Making Day. This festival is usually held on the new moon in the eleventh lunar month, around October of every year in Amphoe Mueang Songkhla. The festivity would start one day before the actual day to wrap a large cloth around the top of the Chedi on Khao Tang Kuan.

Hundreds of monks residing within the Muang district walk down the steps from the top of Khao Sakaekrang to accept food offerings from Buddhist devotees who gather in the ground of the temple. Late in the morning monks travelling by boat from other temples in Songkhla would proceed along the waterfront so the Buddhist can offer alms and pull their boats along. Such acts are considered highly merited.

The fair is based on the traditional belief that the Lord Buddha on one occasion returned to earth from heaven and has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.

胡

Khao Luang Cave-Petchaburi

Khao Luang Cave Temple, which is located just a few miles north of Phetburi town. This 12-foot-high image is located some 90 feet below the ground in a limestone cavern. Many of the images were placed here by King Mongut (known as Rama IV), who often used the caves and temples of Phetburi for meditation and studying before he ascended the throne.

Khao Luang Cave is regarded as the most important cave temple of Petchaburi, it houses more than 170 Buddha Statues.

There are 2 big caves, the sun-cave and the moon cave. The further you proceed the darker it gets.

Best time to visit this cave is between 11am to 2pm when the sun is falling through holes in the ceiling lighting up on the golden Buddha statues (see picture).

胡

Wat Chin Pracha Samosorn-龙福寺

Wat Chin Pracha Samosorn, or Wat Leng Hok Yee, chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple situated on Suphakit Rd, near Ban Mai Market. It was built during the reign of King Rama V by the Chinese abbot of Wat Leng Noei Yi over a century ago.

Leng Noei Yi temple is always busy and you seldom get the chance to pray. The highlight of the temple is a set of three principle Buddha images made from paper. They are Phra Yoo Lai、Phra Onitohud,Phra Lasuhud.The images were created in China and originally meant for Leng Noei Yi.

There are preserved remains of two former abbots covered in golden leaf. They sit in the posture of meditation. Visitors never hesitate to ask for success in commerce or business from the God of Luck, which is said to bring good fortune to those who carry it in pouch hanging from the side. You have to squeeze the pouch at the bottom three times to drive your luck out of the bag, then touch your wallet to make sure your luck gets there.

A huge sacred bell is inscribed with prayers in Chinese characters all over it. There are only three of its kind in the world and built especially for illiterate people. They can just ring the bell then they can pray for their wish.

There is a statue of Guan In Bhotisattra, the God of Healing, and other Chinese deities in the temple.
Many sacred items in the temple mirror the strong faith of Chinese people in Buddhism.


沿着TaladBanMai市场走出去，路旁有很多绽放的莲花。越过一条马路，就可以看见了。这个寺院感觉很"华人"，寺院的主院供奉了3尊中国艺术风格的佛像，分别名 为Phra Yoo Lai、Phra Onitohud和Phra Lasuhud，泰国人都相信3尊佛像可以保佑他们远离疾病。令人感到惊讶的是，这3尊佛像是由纸制成的，远从中国上海运至而来。

旁院里，有随着3尊佛像一起运来的18铜人尊像。虽然是黑压压的铜像，可是每一尊都栩栩如生，五官轮廓非常突出，感觉像是圣人的真身就出现在眼前似的。而这些佛像都见证了在古代泰国王朝与中国的友好邦交。

10 provinces warned of big waves, storms before yearend

BANGKOK: -- Ten provinces on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand have been warned to brace for one or two storms before yearend, which could unleash big waves to hit the provinces.

The provinces are Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Deputy Government Spokeswoman Suparat Nakboonnam said the Meteorological Department has alerted the governors of the province to make preparations for the storms, which could hit the Gulf of Thailand anytime from this month until December.

The storms would also unleash heavy rains and cause flooding in the provinces.

Suparat said the department also informed the Cabinet about the possible storms, big waves and floods in the ten provinces.

-- The Nation 2008-10-14

Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn

The Chinese Buddhist temple was chiefly built to commemorate at that time His Majesty the King's 50th anniversary on the throne and his 80th birthday.

This temple, in Bang Bua Thong District, was conceived 12 years ago by Phra Kanajanjin Khamma Punya Jariyaporn, vice-patriarch of the Chinese Buddhist Sect and abbot of Wat Mangkornkamalavas.

He found his temple - the original home of the Chinese Buddhist sect in Yaowarat district, which the King and Queen visit every year - too crowded for its 200 novices and monks and hundreds of worshippers.It is quite a large complex with various interconnected buildings with three or four levels.
There was this room which had at least 12,000 little Buddha images covering all of the walls. The main hall contains three very large Buddha statues made of brass and weighing 18 tonnes each. On each side of this building there were statues of 18 Buddhist saints. On the walls were large wood carvings. On the third floor is the Goddess of Mercy which was carved with Burmese teakwood The fourth floor is the Meun Buddhasukkhavadi Buddhakset Hall with the thousands of small Buddha images.

Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn’s gorgeous art created by using vibrant colours is influenced by the Chinese Qing and Ming dynasties. The majority of the handmade building material was produced in China such as the carved wood murals, the brass Buddha statues and the wonderful granite engraved columns.
This temple can’t be any less luxurious because it is meant to honour the King.

By the way, the entrance is free!

泰国母牛产人形怪物 被村民当神明供奉

当地居民把怪胎放在一个专用的小屋里，用电风扇降温

据外国媒体报道，近日世界卫生组织的一个小分队在泰国南部一个村落进行工作时，意外发现了当地居民竟然把一头母牛产下的怪胎当作神明在供奉。据当地人讲，这个“怪胎”是当地一头母牛在今年1月中旬产下的。没有文化的当地居民认为这个怪胎是神明转世，就对怪胎进行了防腐处理（2月当地的温度为23度左右），放置在一个小屋里进行供奉。由于当地位置闭塞，思想文化非常保守迷信，当地居民无法理解母牛为什么会生出怪胎，才作出这样愚昧荒唐的举动。

可以看到当地居民供奉这个怪胎是多么的虔诚

好坏儿女

一般人的观念里，「生儿育女」是人类与生俱来的使命，生养儿女不但是为了延续家族香火，也是人类民族命脉的维系，所以养育儿女是一份责任，也是对国家社会的贡献，因此儿女不是个人所有，而是国家社会的共财。

过去中国人一向有「养儿防老」的观念，现在的父母，辛辛苦苦把儿女养育成人以后，得其利者较少，受其害者较多。现在世风日下，伦理道德观念日渐淡薄，孝亲思想也不再被重视，因此多数父母对儿女无怨无悔的付出，但儿女长成后能尽心孝养者固然有之，忤逆不孝的也时有所闻。例如，社会上各行各业的菁英人才辈出，然而科学家尽管对社会贡献良多，疏于照顾父母者有之；企业家虽然事业有成，只是承欢膝下者几希？

甚至据佛经所说，有的儿女今生是来报恩的，因此正当为人，独立自主，凡事无须父母操心挂念，平时对父母嘘寒问暖，承欢膝下，而且兴邦旺族，让父母引以为荣。反之，有的儿女是来讨债的，平时不孝养父母，在外花天酒地、挥霍无度，不但败光家产，甚至作奸犯科，锒铛入狱，让父母无颜做人。因此，好与不好的儿女形成强烈对比，区分起来，好坏大概各有四种：
一、孝顺与忤逆的儿女
二、报恩与讨债的儿女
三、兴旺与败家的儿女
四、留芳与遗臭的儿女。

每个人的一生都扮演着各种角色，大部分的人既是父母的儿女，也是儿女的父母；如果自己为人父母，你想生养什么样的儿女呢？如果是为人子女者，又要做什么样的父母呢？

其实，总结以上四种儿女，都是各有因缘，都与「前世今生」的因果有关，所以不必太计较。
所谓「儿孙自有儿孙福，莫为儿孙做马牛」，只要从小把儿女训练成具有独立、感恩、善良、勤奋性格的人，让他有国家社会的观念；只要他的心中有家国，怎么会不孝顺父母呢？只要他有慈悲的观念，怎么会不懂得反哺呢？所以对儿女要教育，但是不可以过分宠溺，古人有谓「棒打出孝子，宠爱忤逆儿」，值得今日父母深思。

来源：人间福报

胡

淋镪水转运法！

Can you believe it? Acid, not just holy water!
How I wish I got this amulet...anyway, 信就有，不信就无！
Do not try this at home! 师傅是有练过的哦！

淋镪水转运？？？ 未免太恐怖了吧！这的确是真人真事，在马来西亚的某一个地方，不只是那里的人，就连本地人也大老远跑到那里去。为了什么？应该是财吧，谁不要钱？特别是现在行情那么坏，人们当然希望能让手头松一点。我也想，不过就只是想而已，不会这么做。从报纸看到了这篇报道就和大家分享。至于地址，抱歉了，我没有耶！

Doubts Separates People

There was this incident~I saw my friend's husband whose car broke down at the TPE. Since there is no way we can stop the car and render our help, I thought I'll just give his wife a call to inform her. I was SHOCKED when i called her, she sounds so hostile! Yes, Hostile!

For God sake, all i did was telling her that i saw her hubby's car broke down at the TPE, a towing car is with him and she start behaving as though i'm sitting next to her husband. I'm really surprised with her behavior, I didn't expect her to behave that way, since I Thought we are friends and even though i can't help much, but at least as a friend the minimal i can do was inform her. Her tone was rude, she was asking me question like " how do you know? where is his location? where are you?" What a question to ask, and being patient which i'm usually not, i answered all her queries. I reported to her " I was in a car with a friend, on my way home, i saw him at the TPE towards Sengkang and that's all! Then i hang up the phone. Minutes later, she start calling me and her voice again was rude, she said " you said you saw Stephen, how come i don't see him there?' Hello aunty, I told you he is with the towing car, maybe he took a ride from the man? Do you expect him to stand at the highway and wait for your arrival? Why don't you call him! And again, I didn't even get a Thank you from her!

This is sad, to think that she claim to be a devoted Buddhist, but she had forgotten to be thankful and she was blinded by Jealousy which i don't see the need. She have no trust with her friends and spouse. She have no confident of herself.

"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts, it is a sword that kills."~~The Buddha

Ignorance, or not having real wisdom, lies at the basis of all our problems, up to the fact that we are not fully enlightened Buddhas, who only experience bliss and no suffering or frustration. Due to our ignorance, we do negative actions and thus create misery in our future. According to Buddhism, all our negative (unhelpful) emotions have their origin in misunderstanding in general and not realising the wisdom of emptiness. The road to a full realisation of this wisdom is usually very long, and can easily take many life-times, but a journey needs to begin with a first step....

"If we have a good heart, we experience much happiness and relaxation. We have no reason to feel angry or jealous and we have a very happy mind. When we speak, sweet words come out. Even our face is happy and smiling. At night we go to bed with a happy mind and have a very comfortable sleep, without any worries.

The reason why I've put it down, not because i'm angry, but i just want her to know she have a long way to go.. to be a real follower of buddha.

Phanthai Norasing

Phanthai Norasing is a symbol of integrity and honesty and his virtues are taught to all students.

Norasing lived during the Ayutthaya period about two hundred years ago. He used to be a coxswain on one of the barges of Phra Chao Sua, the King at the time. In 1704 A.D., the King was travelling along the curved Khok Kham Canal on the Ekkachai Royal Barge. There were so many bends in the canal that poor Norasing was having trouble controlling the rudder. This caused the prow of the boat to be broken off when it hit the trunk of a tree. Norasing knew very well the palace law of the time and although the King forgave him, he begged the King to have him executed.

After his death, the King built a shrine on Khok Kham Canal and commanded to have a new canal, later to be named Klong Mahachai, to be dug in a straight line in order to make a safer passage.

Facts and figures of Buddhism in Singapore

THE three major schools of Buddhism in Singapore are:

1. Mahayana Buddhism ~ Brought here by early Chinese immigrants and is the main practice of the Chinese. Followers strive towards the attainment of enlightenment or Buddhahood and place emphasis in the cultivation of compassion and wisdom.
2. Tibetan Buddhism ~ Originating in the Tibetan and Himalayan regions, it is getting popular among the younger set here. Like the Mahayana followers, they also strive to attain Buddhahood, but they do more mantra chanting and meditation.
3. Theravada Buddhism ~ This school of Buddhism, the oldest, was brought here by the Thais, Burmese and Sri Lankans. Its followers believe every person is responsible for his own liberation. The practice of concentration and insight meditation are key.

# One-third were converted by relatives and another third by friends and colleagues

# 35% became Buddhists to seek purpose and meaning in life

# 74% would marry someone of a different religion

# 27% expect their children to follow their religion

Source: The Buddhist Channel

信佛的层次

世界的佛教徒有多少，虽然都是佛教徒，其中却有「信佛」、「求佛」、「拜佛」、「念佛」、「学佛」与「行佛」的不同：

一、信佛：
一般人信佛，刚开始仅止于表示不反对，承认自己是佛教徒，但是并不是真的认识佛教，对佛教的义理并不了解，也没有皈依受戒，只是觉得佛像很庄严，知道佛教很好，甚至因为父母是佛教徒，因此很自然的传承父母之教，只是一种文化的继承。
二、求佛：
有的人知道佛教很伟大，认为理所当然的佛祖应该会帮人的忙，因此平时虽然没有想为佛教做什么，但是一旦遇到生病、贫穷、失意、失败、失业等人生困境时，就想到求佛帮忙。姑且不管佛祖有无帮忙，但是有此希求之心，自己的佛祖会在心中增加力量。
三、拜佛：
有的人感觉佛陀很慈悲伟大，在他面前很自然的就会谦卑礼拜，表示恭敬。有的人拜得如法，也能与佛接心，感到身心有一种轻安欢喜的变化，获得佛的力量、慈光加持，这就是信仰的升华。
四、念佛：
有的人刚开始念佛，只是随缘的念释迦牟尼佛、阿弥陀佛、药师佛、观世音菩萨，慢慢念到感觉佛与自己同在，所谓「朝朝共佛起」，念佛心中就有佛，念到身心舒畅、清安自在、烦恼减少、心开意解，当然就会欢喜念佛。
五、学佛：
经过念佛，身心有了感受之后，再经师长指导，觉得应该要学佛。所谓「学佛」，佛有慈悲，自己有学到他的慈悲吗？佛有智慧，自己有佛的智慧吗？佛有愿心、忍耐，佛是无有执着、无有计较、无不放下，如果自己也能如佛一样无牵无挂、自由自在，这就是「学佛」。
六、行佛：
学佛如果没有实践，则「如人说食，终不能饱」，因此学佛之后，更重要的是自己要慈悲喜舍，要行四摄法，要有六度万行，要「行佛所行，做佛所做」，如果能够如佛所说的去实践，到了最后即「我是佛」，这就是学佛的最高层次。

佛教讲「解行并重」、「福慧双修」，都是说明学佛不能只在义理上钻研，佛法要在生活中体验、印证，唯有透过自己力行，才能融入身心，成为自己血液里的养分，如此才能得到佛法的受用。

来源：人间福报
日期：08/04/2006

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Rahu

Rahu Amulet

This amulet is blessed by LP Kee from Wat Silamyong, Rayong, Eastern Thailand

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世界第一大佛落成开光 108位高僧大德聚河南

208米高的世界第一大佛，108位海内外高僧大德，共同成就了一场世纪佛教盛典。2008年9月29日上午9点59分，河南鲁山佛泉寺，四海高僧、十方信众云集这座千年名刹，为中原鲁山大佛开光，祈祷国泰民安。

中原鲁山大佛坐落于拥有千年历史的中州名刹佛泉寺，背依雄伟玉枕山，前有潺潺沙河水，山清水秀，为中原圣地，一方净土。佛泉寺方丈释延佛大和尚多年含辛茹苦、积善行德，求建大佛，福佑中华；大佛于1997年由大功德主，河南知名企业家李留法先生开始捐资建造，历经12年圆满落成。

Unique Rahu Amulet

I got this picture from a reader. Unfortunately not able to help much in identifiying the amulet. But it's an unique amulet so i thought i would like to share.

( pic source- Tim)

Thod Katin~ 15/10 to 12/11

This year the Thod Katin falls on October 15 – November 12

ทอดกฐิน (thod katin) is the ceremony of presenting new robes to the monks at a certain temple (each temple allowed to have only 1 katin every year), must be at least 5 monks who complete their three-month rains retreat.

‘Thod Katin’ is a time-limit robe offering, one month long, begins after the end of Buddhist Lent or rain retreat, 1st day of waning moon, 11th lunar month to 15th day of fullmoon, 12th lunar month.

"Katin" is Bali language means Sa Deung Wood. It is the frame for embroidery robe of a Buddhist. Traditionally there is a procedure started from preparing cloth, This ceremony must be completed and the cloth must be presented to the monk within one day. It needs many people to work together, and binds them together with happiness to see the success of their effort.

The monks will have the meeting in the chapel to receive " Katin". When a group of monks arrives then the hosts will hand out Ka Tin Robes to the monk one by one and offering not more than 5 monks to receiver Katin and must receive together. After that, The hosts will pray in Bali language first before they will give "Kathin" to the monks. The monks will tell the monk who has the oldest Gee Won and the cleverness in the Buddhist teaching to be whom Kran Ka Tin. Kran Ka Tin is announcing to the monks about assign Ka Tin robe to the monk that is suitable to obtain it. After this ritual then the hosts will wait for the monks pray in Bali Language and they will say " Sa Thu" to indicate the end of this ritual. The hosts then will take the flags, which draw an alligator, from "Ka Tin" to put in front of the temple as to tell people that this temple had had "Kathin Ritual" .

Nang Kwak Mantra

Nang Kwak (นางกวัก) Thai. 'Beckoning lady'. Female statue (Nang) with one or both arms raised and summoning with her hand(s) as if to gesture or to beckon (kwak). She invites happiness and good fortune and is often found displayed in shops to attract good business. Usually portrayed with a large purse full of money.

(simplified version)

Na-Sha-Li-Thi


(Longer Version)


Omm Pu Chao Kaow Keao Mi-Look Sau Khun Diao

Ci wa Nang KwakChaiHin Chai Rak

Yin hen Yin Tak Pa Ku Pai Kar

Teng Meng Man Kar Hua Wen Ketai Sen Tar Nan

Sam Ren Krab Pan, Ren Pian Set-Ti

Sam Pee Ren bian Sam Pau Thong

Phra Suk Teh Ka Khun Diao

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Pidta Mantra

Pi Yo Tay Wa Ma

Nok Sa NamPi Yo Prom Ma Na

Mu Tar MoPi Yo Na Kar Su Pang Na Rang

Pi In Tar Read Yang Na Ma Mi Hung

Hit Chi Tang Pi Yang Mak Mak (3 times)

The Last Executioner

"The Last Executioner"

This story in particular stand out.

The execution of a man who pleaded his innocence right up to the last moment. He said that the real guilty party was the son of a policeman and that he was beaten into making a confession. During his execution, it looked like he was almost being saved by divine providence. When Chavoret, the executioner pulled the trigger the gun jammed and it wouldn’t fire. He checked the gun but couldn’t see any reason why it wouldn’t fire. They then set up the spare machine gun. After it was carefully aimed, Chavoret then pulled the trigger. But, this one jammed too. The prisoner might have been saved, however, a quick thinking guard decided to search the prisoner more thoroughly. They then found a Buddhist amulet called Luang Phor Daeng hidden in his right armpit. They do say that some amulets are powerful enough to protect you from bullets. Or maybe the monk, whose image was on this amulet, was trying to protect an innocent man. Anyway, once the amulet was removed the gun became unjammed and the prisoner was executed.

Mid Autumn Festival Dinner for the old folks

The oldest Ah Ma~~Almost 100 years old

The ah kongs enjoying themselve with the food

Volunteers serving food to the old folks

Last evening I went to help out at the Dinner for those old folks from the HOME as well as those staying alone at some rental flat in Bukit Merah. This event was organised by a chinese temple who was known to help out lots of old people around that area. The medium will prescribe chinese medicine and massage for old folks who were suffering from rheumatism, arthritis and other ailment~~ FREE OF CHARGE. And we DO NOT encourage them to give donation. Sometime we also pick up and send the old folks home after each session, as transportation is expensive for some of them.

The medium conducting blessing for the old folks

The dinner was held at the Void deck, we got a caterer to come and whip up a 10 course meal for all these old folk and volunteers like us will act as waiter and waitresses. I can see that the old folks really enjoyed the sumptuous dinner and we also got some children to gives out mooncake to all these Ah Kong and Ah Ma.

Home sweet Home.. 3 buses to send them home

This dinner was not held in any expensive restaurant, neither do we have posh set up, but it's all hard work of devotees and people from the temple. We have to do everything, including the setting of tables and clearing of the place after the event, but I really found this VERY meaningful, having to serve them, helping them moving around and helping them to the bus, I just felt so touched. This is what I always wanted to do, and some people I known from other temple could have done it many years back, which sad to say, they didn't. The amount spent for the whole event = Less than S$6000/-(120 old folks) but satisfaction from doing all this is priceless..

It's good to make others happy and help the needy.

失去的友谊!

有人问我在什么样的情形下会放弃朋友,友情? 这个问题…..我想我只是凡人,我并没有要成为"罗汉"或成仙,成道的伟大理想,所以我没有很大的胸襟!我也会有我的喜怒哀乐,缘深缘浅,我当然也有我的自尊心.
朋友是不论贫富,有钱人也是人,没钱也是人,不需要用金钱来衡量.大家开开心心在一起吃喝玩乐,有福同享,有难大家一起解决.不会因为小小的误会而影响到大家的友谊.哈…说得真好听吧!在现实的社会..难了..

• 有些人有异性没人性,可以为了他们的男人/女人而不要朋友.而当他们很对方吵架时,安慰与陪伴的却是我们这些没有用的朋友. 当他们最需要人安慰的时候,也就只有我们这些朋友在身边.但当他们和好时,就可以把朋友抛在一边!
• 有些又为了钱反脸。。放心,我不会想要用这点来逃避的..没钱就没钱..至少我可以出力,只要有人会Appreciate.
• 有些为了小小的权利斗争,来个翻脸不认人,那么爱权,当总统还是皇帝吧! 就算给你所有的权利,你是不是能够领导整个团队?你能分辨谁是真的在工作,谁又是为了自己的利益?一个耳朵轻的人,是非不分?眼睛也看不清,能做出什么大事?不要以为穿上了制服就了不起,无能就是无能,跟衣服没有关系!
• 还有些人是那种见高就拜,见低就踩.大家都是人,不是畜牲,要懂得互相尊重.就算是一个为我们看门的工人,在一起久了,也应该有点情谊吧?不要瞧不起人,地球是圆的,会遇上的.
• 还有谁叫我们没有钱当然没有朋友咯..如果我们住洋房,开跑车,就算是说废话,身边的跟班也会拼命点头赞好!所以醒醒吧!
• 还有一些是无事不登三宝殿的,当他们需要人家帮忙时,就会想到要找人,不然连个影子都不见.一个可以几个月不闻不问的人,可以忽然打来,装得好象很熟,不为什么,是想要人家帮忙回答他们的问题..帮他们的忙!最受不了这样的人所以,这种友情,不要也罢了.
• 其实最痛的是有些人不分青红皂白,自以为是,害到人家家庭不合的,害到人家身心受创的,更加不容! 有些痛是一辈子都忘不了的.

当我决定要交那么一个朋友的时候,我自问,从不会去想要结束这段友谊,毕竟,茫茫人海能够遇见是需要很大的缘分,是几世修来的福. 当对方让我彻底失望时,我就不会心软的放弃,毕竟没有什么好留恋的,人家已经不把我们当朋友了,那就算了, 何必自讨没趣. 既然他们选择放弃,只要问心无愧,失去友谊又算什么.

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坤聘经咒

Heart of Khatha Khun Paen

Nama Pa Tat Omsiti

那玛 巴 塔 嗡洗第

Sawaha Suna Mo Lo

沙哇哈 苏那 摩 咯

Khun Paen Mantra

Namotasa Bagawato Ahrahato Samma Samputatsa
那摩达沙 巴加哇多 阿拉哈多 善玛 善菩达沙 (3x)

A Hi Ma Ma Na Mo Buddha Ya Na Ma Pa Ta
阿 嘻 玛 玛 那 摩 菩达 雅 那 玛 帕 他

Kunmantong Mantra

**(Shorter Version, suitable for travelling and meeting client.)

Namotasa Bagawato Ahrahato Samma Samputatsa （7X)
那摩达沙 巴加哇多 阿拉哈多 善马 善菩达沙

Kumalomama Aihicitang Piyangmama （ 3X ,5X , 7X)
古玛咯玛玛 依喜及当 必洋玛玛

**(Longer Version, for those with Kumantong at home or shop, for good business. Those wearing the amulet can use this version too)

Namotasa Bagawato Ahrahato Samma Samputatsa
那摩达沙 巴加哇多 阿拉哈多 善马 善菩达沙

Ciceruni Citang Cesikang Rupang Nimitang Kumalowa Ahkacaya
及姐如尼 及当 姐洗康 如旁 尼密当 古玛罗哇 阿卡查呀

Ahkacahi Ehi Ehi Namapata Ehimama Tanapoka SammaAhrahang

阿卡查那 A喜 A喜 那玛怕塔 A喜玛玛 塔那菩康 善玛阿拉航

Tanapokang Tusamani Tana Kamo Sapatanang Tanapokang Pawatumay (1X , 3X)

塔那菩康 吐沙玛尼 塔那 卡摩 沙必塔那 塔那菩康 巴湾都眉

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Pictures of Rahu

Temple In Hatyai

This is Wat Korhong in Hatyai, as you can see Rahu at the main entrance.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Lp Tuad Mantra （ 龙普托经文）

Namotasa Bagawato Ahrahato Samma Samputatsa
那摩达沙 巴加哇多 阿拉哈多 善马 善菩达沙

Na Mo Pho Thi Sa To

纳 摩 菩 提 沙 多

Ah Ka Ti Ma Ya

阿 卡 第 玛 呀

Ei Ti Pa Ga Va

依第 巴 卡 哇

Na Ca Li Ti

那 查 利 第 （3X)

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Ganesha Chaturthi 3 September 2008

An annual festival honours Ganesha for ten days, starting on Ganesh Chaturthi, which typically falls in late August or early September. I'll be going to the temple on Wednesday, 3rd September for the prayer.

As adviced by my colleague, I'll be offering Ganesha sweets such as modaka and small sweet balls since He is often shown carrying a bowl of sweets, called a modakapātra and because of his identification with the color red, he is often worshipped with red sandalwood paste or red flowers.

In India, the festival culminates on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi, when images of Ganesha are immersed in the most convenient body of water. Devotees believe that if Ganesha is propitiated, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity.

Ganesha is a non-sectarian deity, and Hindus of all denominations invoke him at the beginning of prayers, important undertakings, and religious ceremonies. All these comes with the following prayer -

1) Om Shri Gaṇeshāya Namah (Om, salutation to the Illustrious Ganesha)
2) Om Gaṃ Ganapataye Namah (Om, Gaṃ, Salutation to the Lord of Hosts)

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Phra Pikanet = Lord Ganesha

Ganesha Shrine in front of Isetan (Central World Plaza)

In Thailand, Ganesha is worshipped as "PhraPikanet" (พระคเณศ) or "Phra Phikhanesawora" (พระพิฆเนศวร์) and is worshipped as the deity of good fortune (Sitting Position) and the remover of obstacles(Standing position).

在泰国的佛寺及神庙都有供奉象神，他们共有两种姿势。坐形于站形：凡坐形的象神是有赐福招财的功能，而站形的象神就有伏魔镇煞消灾的功能。

PhraPikanet Mantra

Namotasa Bagawato Ahrahato Samma Samputatsa
那摩达沙 巴加哇多 阿拉哈多 善玛 善菩达沙

Om Srikanesa Yanama

嗡 喜各尼沙 雅那玛

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