Mrs. Kwok （梁瑞銀老太）, the mother of Anthony just passed away today in Toronto.
Our condolence to the Kwok family.
May Mrs. Kwok be reborn into a realm that is full of Bodhisattvas and Dharma.
May the Triple Gems be with him always.
Boundless blessings...
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Lecture: "Time and Space: A Buddhist Perspective "
In case you are interested:
June 19, 7:00 pm
University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, AA 303
Y. KARUNADASA
Lecture: "Time and Space: A Buddhist Perspective "
Most early Indian philosophical systems recognized the objective reality of both time and space. However, in this regard Buddhism took an entirely different position: Time and space are not two absolute realities, but two conceptual constructs with no corresponding objective counterparts. There is no time without reference to events; therefore time is always determined by events. There is no one absolute time, but there are as many times as there are events. Different times means not different parts of one and the same time but times determined by different events. The same fate fell on what we normally regard as absolute space. Space is not bare geometric extension but the void, the void that delimits and separates objects, and thus enabling us to perceive them as distinct things. Accordingly space is said to represent the principle of material delimitation. As in the case of time, there is no one absolute space but many spaces determined by various material phenomena. Space is defined, not as that which provides room for the existence and movement of matter, but as the mere absence of matter. Space is not the opposite of matter but the absence of matter.
A free shuttle bus will leave downtown Toronto from U of T's Hart House (7 Hart House Circle) at 5:30 pm, and will return immediately after the lecture.
This lecture is sponsored by TLKY: see http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~humdiv/
For more on Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto, see http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/buddhiststudies/
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The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.
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June 19, 7:00 pm
University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, AA 303
Y. KARUNADASA
Lecture: "Time and Space: A Buddhist Perspective "
Most early Indian philosophical systems recognized the objective reality of both time and space. However, in this regard Buddhism took an entirely different position: Time and space are not two absolute realities, but two conceptual constructs with no corresponding objective counterparts. There is no time without reference to events; therefore time is always determined by events. There is no one absolute time, but there are as many times as there are events. Different times means not different parts of one and the same time but times determined by different events. The same fate fell on what we normally regard as absolute space. Space is not bare geometric extension but the void, the void that delimits and separates objects, and thus enabling us to perceive them as distinct things. Accordingly space is said to represent the principle of material delimitation. As in the case of time, there is no one absolute space but many spaces determined by various material phenomena. Space is defined, not as that which provides room for the existence and movement of matter, but as the mere absence of matter. Space is not the opposite of matter but the absence of matter.
A free shuttle bus will leave downtown Toronto from U of T's Hart House (7 Hart House Circle) at 5:30 pm, and will return immediately after the lecture.
This lecture is sponsored by TLKY: see http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~humdiv/
For more on Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto, see http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/buddhiststudies/
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The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
The MACHIK Way
In case you are interested:
MACHIK
Please join Dr. Losang Rabgey, co-founder and Executive Director of Machik at an informational gathering at the Parkdale Library Auditorium on Friday, May 22nd 2009.
Machik is a non-profit organization working to develop new opportunities for education, capacity-building and innovation on the Tibetan plateau.
Founded on a core commitment to the ideals of service and engagement, Machik’s mission is to support initiatives that advance innovative and solutions-oriented approaches to the challenges of community revitalization and sustainability.
When: 7pm – 8 pm Friday, May 22nd 2009
Where: Parkdale Library Auditorium
Even under challenging circumstances, meaningful change is possible…
---- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.-----
For more details: please visit
Website: http://www.machik.org
--
MACHIK
Please join Dr. Losang Rabgey, co-founder and Executive Director of Machik at an informational gathering at the Parkdale Library Auditorium on Friday, May 22nd 2009.
Machik is a non-profit organization working to develop new opportunities for education, capacity-building and innovation on the Tibetan plateau.
Founded on a core commitment to the ideals of service and engagement, Machik’s mission is to support initiatives that advance innovative and solutions-oriented approaches to the challenges of community revitalization and sustainability.
When: 7pm – 8 pm Friday, May 22nd 2009
Where: Parkdale Library Auditorium
Even under challenging circumstances, meaningful change is possible…
---- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.-----
For more details: please visit
Website: http://www.machik.org
--
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Decision makings
Life is full of decision makings.
What am I going to do in the next couples of minutes, hours, days or even month? Who decides which choices to take? Our "SELF", the external factors, or a combination of both?
These interesting questions will require very complex answers.
So for now, I chose to leave these questions behind...
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What am I going to do in the next couples of minutes, hours, days or even month? Who decides which choices to take? Our "SELF", the external factors, or a combination of both?
These interesting questions will require very complex answers.
So for now, I chose to leave these questions behind...
--
Friday, May 15, 2009
Simple and direct
My family is having a dinner gathering tomorrow night. It takes quite a bit of effort to organize a dinner for 20 people. So many changes have been made, so many compromises took place. It was a hectic episode.
Yet looking at the incident from another angle, it was no big deal.
All we need is to confront an issue with objectivity, look for the best solution and take the appropriate action. Do not treat the issue as a mischief or trouble. Just take it as an obstruction that we have to overcome and move on. Instead of complicating things, we should resolve everything as simple and as direct as possible.
That is what I learned from this experience...
--
Yet looking at the incident from another angle, it was no big deal.
All we need is to confront an issue with objectivity, look for the best solution and take the appropriate action. Do not treat the issue as a mischief or trouble. Just take it as an obstruction that we have to overcome and move on. Instead of complicating things, we should resolve everything as simple and as direct as possible.
That is what I learned from this experience...
--
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother Day
Sharing the following email with you:
Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy..
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
--
Saturday, May 9, 2009
DDMBA Upcoming Activities in May
Chan Buddhist Teachers Visit Toronto to Teach Chan
Five-Day Activities to Engage Buddhist Practitioners and DDMBA Members
DDMBA Ontario is delighted to announce that GuoXing Fashi, abbot of Dharma Drum Retreat Centre and ChangWen Fashi are coming to Toronto to give a series of teachings from May 14th to May 18th, 2009, including meditation events, dharma talks, public lecture, sutra chanting, and Q & A sessions.
Summarized below is te schedule of activities. For full schedule of activities and event venue, be sure to check calendars at DDMBA Ontario website. Note that meditation sessions and Buddha’s birthday chanting require pre registration.
Mark your calendars for the events of your choice, and be sure to invite friends and family!
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about Chan teachings and Chan practice to enrich your life from the two ordained Chan teachers from Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York.
Schedule of Activities
Day 1 – May 14, 2009 (Thu)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10am - 12pm Dharma Talk – You Too Have Supernatural Power
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
7pm - 9pm Group Sitting – Guided Meditation
Day 2 – May 15, 2009 (Fri)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10am - 2pm Training - Dharma Instrument
7pm - 9pm Lecture – Stress Management – The Chan/Zen Perspective
Day 3 – May 16, 2009 (Sat)
6am - 7am Morning Chanting Service
9:30am –1pm Buddha’s Birthday – Great Compassionate Repentance Ceremony
2pm - 4pm Dharma Lecture Series – Heart Sutra Part I
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
7pm - 9pm Volunteer Forum - The Practice of Identifying with Others
Day 4 – May 17, 2009 (Sun)
6am - 6:30am Morning Chanting Service
8am - 8pm One-Day Chan Meditation Retreat
Day 5 – May 18, 2009 (Mon)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10pm - 12pm Dharma Lecture Series – Heart Sutra Part I
2pm - 4pm Dharma Lecture Series – The Four Great Vows / Offering of Vows
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
P.S. All activities are organized and supported by DDM volunteers and donors hoping that you also benefit from the wisdom of Chan teachings. We thank you for your contribution to support more events like this to benefit more people around us.
Contact DDMBA
DDMBA Ontario
154 Poyntz Avenue, Toronto ON (south-west of Yonge and Sheppard)
Tel: 416-855-0531 leaving a voice mail
Email: ddmba.toronto@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca
About the Visiting Teachers
Guo Xing Fashi
One of Chan Master Sheng Yen's Dharma heirs, was born in Taiwan in 1953. After studying yoga and meditation, Guo Xing Fashi began to study Chan under the guidance of Chan Master Sheng Yen in 1984, and became ordained under him two years later, in 1986. After years of service in the Dharma Drum Mountain sangha, he was sent to Thailand in 1991 to enter into solitary retreat, studying Theravadan meditation. Upon returning to DDM, he continued to assist the Master in leading meditation retreats in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the United States, for a period of 20 years, totaling over more than 50 retreats, including the first 49-Day retreat at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in 2000. He previously served for eight years as the counselor for the DDM Chan Meditation Group of Nong Chan Monastery, six years as the guiding instructor for the DDM Sangha University Chan practice curriculum, as well as two years as the director of DDM's Chan Practice Center, the Director of the Chan Hall, as well as the supervisor of the Department of Transmitting the Lamp. Guo Xing Fashi is now a new resident teacher at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center. He speaks Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.
Chang Wen Fashi
A native New Yorker and resident of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Chang Wen Fashi is a western monastic disciple of Chan Master Sheng Yen. For his training, in addition to being of service to the Chan Meditation Center, in Queens, NY, and attending numerous retreats with Master Sheng Yen at DDRC, he also lived in Taiwan, at the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education, receiving a monastic education at the Sangha University. After graduating, he received full ordination in 2006, and then continued to serve the Seminary as the counselor for the male students of the Chan Meditation Department. Over this period of training, he attended and assisted with numerous intensive meditation retreats in the Chan Hall and abroad, as well as served as the leader for DDM's International Meditation Group in Taipei. Chang Wen Fashi holds a Bachelor's Degree of Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
--
Five-Day Activities to Engage Buddhist Practitioners and DDMBA Members
DDMBA Ontario is delighted to announce that GuoXing Fashi, abbot of Dharma Drum Retreat Centre and ChangWen Fashi are coming to Toronto to give a series of teachings from May 14th to May 18th, 2009, including meditation events, dharma talks, public lecture, sutra chanting, and Q & A sessions.
Summarized below is te schedule of activities. For full schedule of activities and event venue, be sure to check calendars at DDMBA Ontario website. Note that meditation sessions and Buddha’s birthday chanting require pre registration.
Mark your calendars for the events of your choice, and be sure to invite friends and family!
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about Chan teachings and Chan practice to enrich your life from the two ordained Chan teachers from Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York.
Schedule of Activities
Day 1 – May 14, 2009 (Thu)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10am - 12pm Dharma Talk – You Too Have Supernatural Power
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
7pm - 9pm Group Sitting – Guided Meditation
Day 2 – May 15, 2009 (Fri)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10am - 2pm Training - Dharma Instrument
7pm - 9pm Lecture – Stress Management – The Chan/Zen Perspective
Day 3 – May 16, 2009 (Sat)
6am - 7am Morning Chanting Service
9:30am –1pm Buddha’s Birthday – Great Compassionate Repentance Ceremony
2pm - 4pm Dharma Lecture Series – Heart Sutra Part I
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
7pm - 9pm Volunteer Forum - The Practice of Identifying with Others
Day 4 – May 17, 2009 (Sun)
6am - 6:30am Morning Chanting Service
8am - 8pm One-Day Chan Meditation Retreat
Day 5 – May 18, 2009 (Mon)
6am - 7:30am Meditation & Morning Chanting Service
10pm - 12pm Dharma Lecture Series – Heart Sutra Part I
2pm - 4pm Dharma Lecture Series – The Four Great Vows / Offering of Vows
6pm - 7pm Evening Chanting Service
P.S. All activities are organized and supported by DDM volunteers and donors hoping that you also benefit from the wisdom of Chan teachings. We thank you for your contribution to support more events like this to benefit more people around us.
Contact DDMBA
DDMBA Ontario
154 Poyntz Avenue, Toronto ON (south-west of Yonge and Sheppard)
Tel: 416-855-0531 leaving a voice mail
Email: ddmba.toronto@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca
About the Visiting Teachers
Guo Xing Fashi
One of Chan Master Sheng Yen's Dharma heirs, was born in Taiwan in 1953. After studying yoga and meditation, Guo Xing Fashi began to study Chan under the guidance of Chan Master Sheng Yen in 1984, and became ordained under him two years later, in 1986. After years of service in the Dharma Drum Mountain sangha, he was sent to Thailand in 1991 to enter into solitary retreat, studying Theravadan meditation. Upon returning to DDM, he continued to assist the Master in leading meditation retreats in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the United States, for a period of 20 years, totaling over more than 50 retreats, including the first 49-Day retreat at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in 2000. He previously served for eight years as the counselor for the DDM Chan Meditation Group of Nong Chan Monastery, six years as the guiding instructor for the DDM Sangha University Chan practice curriculum, as well as two years as the director of DDM's Chan Practice Center, the Director of the Chan Hall, as well as the supervisor of the Department of Transmitting the Lamp. Guo Xing Fashi is now a new resident teacher at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center. He speaks Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.
Chang Wen Fashi
A native New Yorker and resident of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Chang Wen Fashi is a western monastic disciple of Chan Master Sheng Yen. For his training, in addition to being of service to the Chan Meditation Center, in Queens, NY, and attending numerous retreats with Master Sheng Yen at DDRC, he also lived in Taiwan, at the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education, receiving a monastic education at the Sangha University. After graduating, he received full ordination in 2006, and then continued to serve the Seminary as the counselor for the male students of the Chan Meditation Department. Over this period of training, he attended and assisted with numerous intensive meditation retreats in the Chan Hall and abroad, as well as served as the leader for DDM's International Meditation Group in Taipei. Chang Wen Fashi holds a Bachelor's Degree of Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
--
Friday, May 8, 2009
Lecture on Stress Management by DDM
Lecture - Stress Management - The Chan/Zen Perspective
When: Fri, May 15, 7pm – 9pm
Where: North York Central Library, Auditorium (2nd Floor), 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto (TTC: Young Line, North York Centre Station)
“Science has rapidly extended our understanding of external phenomena, and technological advances have contributed to improved health and physical comfort. Yet even in the most developed countries we do not find a corresponding increase in peace and happiness; if anything, there is greater anxiety and stress. “ – His Holiness Dalai Lama
It’s inevitable that people in today’s changing times will encounter stress in some form or another. Whether it’s the challenging economic situation, downsizing in the workplace, or the pressures to raise healthy children in a fast-paced society, stress arises wherever there is hope or fear.
Many people perceive stress as a negative influence, and will do anything to make it ‘go away’. And yet, have you ever wanted to face stressful situations with confidence, without anxiety, and with a grounded, fully-aware mind and attitude?
Using the teachings of Chan (Chinese Zen) Buddhism as its foundation, we invite you to explore stress from an Eastern perspective. We hope you can join us for this exciting opportunity to learn about stress and your true self, from our honorable guest speaker Venerable GuoXing, the abbot of Dharma Drum Retreat Centre in New York.
In this talk you will learn,
- The nature of stress
- The causes of stress
- The cessation of stress
- The path to the cessation of stress
Admission is FREE.
About Us: Dharma Drum Mountain (Ontario) Buddhist Association (DDMBA Ontario) is a community learning and living the Buddha's teachings through the Chinese Buddhist lineage of Chan. For more information about our events, be sure to visit our website at http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca
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When: Fri, May 15, 7pm – 9pm
Where: North York Central Library, Auditorium (2nd Floor), 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto (TTC: Young Line, North York Centre Station)
“Science has rapidly extended our understanding of external phenomena, and technological advances have contributed to improved health and physical comfort. Yet even in the most developed countries we do not find a corresponding increase in peace and happiness; if anything, there is greater anxiety and stress. “ – His Holiness Dalai Lama
It’s inevitable that people in today’s changing times will encounter stress in some form or another. Whether it’s the challenging economic situation, downsizing in the workplace, or the pressures to raise healthy children in a fast-paced society, stress arises wherever there is hope or fear.
Many people perceive stress as a negative influence, and will do anything to make it ‘go away’. And yet, have you ever wanted to face stressful situations with confidence, without anxiety, and with a grounded, fully-aware mind and attitude?
Using the teachings of Chan (Chinese Zen) Buddhism as its foundation, we invite you to explore stress from an Eastern perspective. We hope you can join us for this exciting opportunity to learn about stress and your true self, from our honorable guest speaker Venerable GuoXing, the abbot of Dharma Drum Retreat Centre in New York.
In this talk you will learn,
- The nature of stress
- The causes of stress
- The cessation of stress
- The path to the cessation of stress
Admission is FREE.
About Us: Dharma Drum Mountain (Ontario) Buddhist Association (DDMBA Ontario) is a community learning and living the Buddha's teachings through the Chinese Buddhist lineage of Chan. For more information about our events, be sure to visit our website at http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca
--
Thursday, May 7, 2009
TIBETAN MEDICINE - UT May 19-June 3 Course
TIBETAN MEDICINE
A basic course with Dr. Dorjee Rapten
May 19 – June 3
Dr. Dorjee Rapten was born in Kyidong, Tibet. Following the political situation of Tibet in 1969, he escaped to India with his family. Dr. Dorjee received his medical education and training at the Tibetan Medical College in Dharamsala. He acquired most of his advanced study and practical experience into the more profound levels of health & healing through late Dr. Tenzin Cheodrak (the former chief physician to His Holiness The Dalai Lama). With over 20 years of dedicated service in the practice of Tibetan Medicine, he has authored and co-authored several books and many articles, traveled worldwide giving consultations, attended many international conferences, and presented many papers. He has also worked actively in the Institute’s various clinical research projects on the effects of Tibetan Medicine.
LOCATION: 170 St. George Street, Ground Floor Seminar Room
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 pm, on the following evenings:
Tuesday, May 19: Introduction to Tibetan Medicine
Wednesday, May 20: Understanding the three humors and five elements in health and healing
Tuesday, May 26: Principles of health and disease
Wednesday, May 27: Treatment and management of disease
Tuesday, June 2: Pulse diagnosis
Wednesday, June 3: Urine analysis
Tuesday, June 9: Health and nutrition
Wednesday, June 10: Health and lifestyle
FEES
Single sessions: $50 for professionals; $30 for students
Eight sessions: $300 for professionals; $200 for students
Please register by May 15 by emailing Dr. Dorjee Rabten at drdorjee.neshar@gmail.com or by phone at 416-534-4228.
This event is co-sponsored by Buddhist Studies at the Department for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto
http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/buddhiststudies/
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