Pearls of Wisdom
Human Birth is Rare
To obtain a human birth is rare. What is even more rare is to be reborn to a family with right view.
To be born in a country where the Buddha Dhamma is practised. Even so, we must have merit to be able to appreciateand cultivate respect towards the Buddha Dhamma.But praying alone to Buddha statues is not enough.We must practice, and practice consistently.
“Don’t act like a hay (straw) fire.”Meaning to practice diligently at first but once we feel bored, we give up the practice of the Dhamma.Just like how hay catches fire quickly and extinguishes soon after.
We practice steadily, whether or not we are feeling lazy that day,Our Dhamma fire never goes out.
Luang Pu Doo – Wat Sakae in Ayutthaya
Why didn’t the Buddha leave a designated successor?
Before his Parinibbāna, the Buddha clearly said in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta:
“Let the Dhamma and the Vinaya I have taught be your teacher after I am gone. ”
This is profound.
The Buddha did not appoint a single successor because:
- 1. Truth does not belong to one person.
- 2. Authority in Buddhism is not personality-based but Dhamma-based.
- 3. The Sangha was meant to function collectively.
- 4. Liberation must be realized individually.
If a successor were appointed, attachment to a person might arise. Instead, the Buddha established a system grounded in Dhamma and Vinaya — principles, not personalities.This prevents blind devotion and encourages wisdom.
Bhante Saranapala – The Urban Buddhist Monk (Canada)
What is the Purpose of Meditation?
“The purpose of meditation is not to concentrate on the breath, without interruption, forever.
That by itself would be a useless goal. The purpose of meditation is not to achieve a perfectly still and serene mind. Although a lovely state, it doesn’t lead to liberation by itself. The purpose of meditation is to achieve uninterrupted mindfulness.Mindfulness, and only mindfulness, produces Enlightenment.
Distractions come in all sizes, shapes and flavors. Buddhist philosophy has organized them into categories. One of them is the category of hindrances.They are called hindrances because they block your development of both components of mediation, mindfulness and concentration. A bit of caution on this term: The word ‘hindrances’ carries a negative connotation, and indeed these are states of mind we want to eradicate. That does not mean, however, that they are to be repressed, avoided or condemned.
Let’s use greed as an example. We wish to avoid prolonging any state of greed that arises, because a continuation of that state leads to bondage and sorrow. That does not mean we try to toss the thought out of the mind when it appears. We simply refuse to encourage it to stay.
We let it come, and we let it go. When greed is first observed with bare attention, no value judgements are made. We simply stand back and watch it arise. The whole dynamic of greed from start to finish is simply observed in this way. We don’t help it, or hinder it, or interfere with it in the slightest. It stays as long as it stays. And we learn as much about it as we can while it is there. We watch what greed does. We watch how it troubles us, and how it burdens others. We notice how it keeps us perpetually unsatisfied, forever in a state of unfulfilled longing. From this first-hand experience, we ascertain at a gut level that greed is an unskillful way to run your life.
There is nothing theoretical about this realization.
”Bhante Gunaratana, The Bhavana Society West Virginia.Mindfulness in Plain English, 20th Anniversary EdWisdom Publications, p 119-20
The Broken Bowl
A poor monk once lived in a small village, spending his days in meditation and teaching the Dharma. The only possession he had was a clay bowl, which he used for collecting alms and eating his meals.
One day, while walking along a rocky path, the monk tripped, and his bowl slipped from his hands. It shattered into countless pieces on the ground. Villagers who saw the incident rushed over, offering to replace the bowl, but the monk simply smiled and said, “It is fine. The bowl served its purpose while it lasted.”
The villagers were puzzled. “Aren’t you upset? It was your only possession,” they asked.
The monk replied, “Why should I be upset? The bowl was never mine forever. Everything in this world is temporary. Clinging to things only creates suffering. Instead of mourning what is broken, I choose to be grateful for what it gave me while it lasted.”
This response moved the villagers deeply. The monk’s wisdom taught them the importance of letting go and finding peace in impermanence.
This story reminds us to accept life’s changes gracefully, to cherish the present moment, and to let go of attachments that hinder our peace of mind.
Cover Page Feature
Giant Buddha of Wat Thai Temple – Sarnath, India
Situated 300m south of the ancient Buddhist complex at Sarnath, the colossal standing statue of Lord Buddha and Thai temple are set within 2.5 acres of lush green gardens with fountains and blooming lotus flowers. Construction of the statue was started in 1997, although the original idea was conceived 27 years earlier by Rasmi Shashan,…
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Wesak Feature – Why Did the Buddha Teach His Dhamma
In the Kinti Sutta, the Buddha asked the bhikkhus, “For what purpose does the Buddha teach the Dhamma?” Cīvara hetuvā Samano Gotamo Dhamman deseti? Pindapāta hetuvā Samano Gotamo Dhamman deseti? Senāsana hetuvā Samano Gotamo Dhamman deseti? Itibhavābhava hetuvā Samano Gotamo Dhamman deseti? Does Samana Gotama teach Dhamma for robes? Does Samana Gotama teach Dhamma for…
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Beyond the Rituals – Why the Next Generation is “Growing Cold” on Buddhism
You lie in bed at night. You stare at the ceiling. The house is quiet. But your mind is screaming. You look at the phone. You wait for a text to say they are okay. You replay their problems in your head. You worry about their breakup. You worry about their debt. You worry about…
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BMV News & Events
WESAK Programme
Upcoming Events 1. Lighting of the First Oil Lamp – 30th May 2. Blood Donation Drive – 30th and 31st May 3. 8 Precepts Programme – 30th and 31st May. 4. Wesak Day – Sunday 31st May 5. FOV Grocery Bag Orang Asli Project Kuala Rompin, Pahang – Sat, 20th JUNE
Past Events…
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Pen Portraits
The theme is to pay tribute to the 80 Maha Arahants and the 13 Maha Theri Arahants who had by their efforts won emancipation of a rare distinction. They belonged to the innermost circles in the life of the Gautama Buddha. The Buddha and the Maha Arahants were together most of the time. No 75.…
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A Transformational Moment : Maha Kassapa Gives the Buddha’s Sacred Alms Bowl to Ananda
During their times as disciples and up to the aftermath of the Buddha’s passing, the relationship between Mahākassapa and Ānanda, two towering figures in the early Sangha, remained fractious. Mahākassapa, weathered by the winds of countless years spent in austere contemplation, clung tenaciously to the ancient vows he had embraced in his youth. His existence…
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Is Achieving Liberation the Purpose? Or Is There No Purpose At All?
The Buddha taught the end of suffering — Nibbāna — as the highest goal.In the Dhammapada it says:“The highest happiness is Nibbāna.”So yes — liberation is the ultimate aim.But here is something subtle:From the ultimate perspective, the Dhamma is not about chasing a “purpose” like a worldly ambition. It is about understanding reality as it…
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My Buddhist Backpacking Journey
Continuing Paolo Coluzzi’s backpacking journey through several countries in Asia. This time, he visited South Korea, also known as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’.
Keep readingProjects
LEND A HAND
The Buddhist Maha Vihara “Lend A Hand” programme is to support the undertaking of a number of crucial projects that are needed for continuous maintenance and upgrading for the benefit of all devotees. We appeal to your kind generosity to help us realise the following:
We are pleased to announce the commencement of work to refurbish the now renamed Wisma K Sri Dhammananda (previously Wisma Sri Dhamma). This 5-storey building will incorporate 2 floors of private accommodation space for Bhikkhunis and female devotees.
If you wish to contribute towards the building fund, the bank details are as follows:-
Account Name: Buddhist Maha Vihara
Account Number: 8000-8611-91 Bank: CIMB
Contact BMV Admin Office for assistance at
Tel: 03-22741141/011-2689 6123
eMAIL: info@buddhistmahavihara.org
Buddha Frieze for the sponsorship @Meditation Pavilion, BMV
Seated Buddha Frieze
RM 18,000 each
22 statues left to be sponsored
We have the above Seated Buddha Frieze available for sponsorship. Please contact the office for further details. A big Sadhu to all who have sponsored the Standing Buddha Frieze.
WISMA DHAMMA CAKRA
2 nos Elevators on the Ground Floor available for sponsorship
– RM150,000 each
Many families are struggling with the rising cost of essentials, including diapers. Through this initiative, BMV aims to provide clean, dry diapers to families in need – bringing comfort and relief, one family at a time. Your support will make a meaningful difference.
We kindly seek donations of diapers in all sizes (Adults & Children)
Drop–off Location: Buddhist Maha Vihara
Drop-off Hours: 9.00am-8.00pm (Daily)
123, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
General Items for Temple and Devotees’ Use
Vehicle for Transport
Balance Required: RM38,400
CONTACT BMV ADMIN OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE
Account Name: Buddhist Maha Vihara
Account Number: 292-00-01161-8 Bank: Hong Leong Bank
TEL:03 – 2274 1141 / 011- 2689 6123
eMAIL: info@buddhistmahavihara.org
PRAYER FOR FREEDOM FROM SUFFERING
May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending each other. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness– the children, the aged, the unprotected– be guarded by beneficent celestials.
Buddhist Maha Vihara
(Established in 1895)
The Vihara was founded by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society, which is the oldest registered Buddhist Society in the country. The Vihara was elevated to that of a Maha Vihara since 1994 with the full complement of the three main sacred objects of veneration namely the Buddha image (1894); the Bodhi Tree (1911) and the International Buddhist Pagoda (1971). Being the oldest Buddhist temple in the Klang Valley, we have served the community selflessly as follows:
Religious Activities
•Daily Buddha Puja at designated hours
•Full Moon and New Moon Buddha Puja
•Bojjangha Puja for good health
•Dhamma Talks
•Meditation Classes and Retreats
•8 Precept Programme
•Chanting Classes
•Wesak Programme and Candle Light Procession
•All Night Chanting to invoke Blessings
•Kathina Ceremony
•Novitiate Programme
Education Programme
FREE Buddhist education for children and adults via the Sunday School since 1929.
Systematic tertiary Buddhist education.
Distributed more than 2 MILLION free publications and CDs/MP3/DVD/VCD in 30 languages since the 1950s.
Dharma for the Deaf class since 1999
Socio-Welfare Activities
Weekly Feeding the Homeless and Needy
Festive Season Midnight Aid Distribution to the Homeless
Grocery Aid Distribution to Welfare Homes and Orang Asli Settlements
Weekly Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic
Weekly Qigong and Yoga Classes
Weekly Sinhala Language And Cultural Dance Classes
Pursuing inter-religious harmony through the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST)ION
VISION
To be a leading international center for the Learning, Practise and Dissemination of the Buddha Dhamma
MISSION
To provide a conducive environment to:
• promote scholarship and study of the Buddha Dhamma
• propagate the Buddha Dhamma
• be the focus of Buddhist activities for the larger community
• foster Theravada Buddhist cultural and traditional practices
Six Strategic Objectives
To be the Buddhist center of choice for:
1. Pariyatti – Structured Buddhist education for children and adults.
2. Patipatti, Pativedha – Regular programmes for the practice and the realization of the Buddha Dhamma.
3. Dhammadutta – Dhamma materials for the masses locally and abroad
4. Karuna – Compassion in Action
5. Kalyana Mitrata – Networking and Fellowship with Buddhist and non Buddhist organisations to sustain the Buddha Sasana.
6. Samajivikata – Financial viability while committing to Religious and Cultural Obligations.
Four Ennoblers
1. Loving Kindness
2. Compassion
3. Altruistic Joy
4. Equanimity
Motto
Go forth, for the good, happiness and welfare of the many, out of compassion for the world.
BMV DAILY OPERATING HOURS & PROGRAMMES
BMV GATES 1
Monday – Sunday
Open from – 6.00am – 10.00pm
BMV ADMIN OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Saturday – 9.00am – 9.00pm
Sunday – 9.00am – 7.00pm
Public Holidays – 9.00am – 5.00pm
Daily Activities
PUJA
Daily Evening Puja (7.30pm at Shrine Hall)
Saturdays Bhojjangha Puja (7.30pm at Shrine Hall)
Full/New Moon Puja (7.30pm at Shrine Hall)
Sunday Morning Puja (8.30am at Shrine Hall)
MONKS DANA
Daily Morning Buddha Puja – 7.30am
Breakfast Dana – 8.00am
Daily Noon Buddha Puja – 11.30am
Lunch Dana – 12.00pm
Weekly Activities
DHAMMA TALK
Friday at @Bhāvanā Sālā (8.00pm – 9.30pm)
Sunday at @Bhāvanā Sālā (10.00am – 11.30am)
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE –
Sunday at TCM Room (10.00am – 2.00pm)
FRIENDS OF THE VIHARA (Feeding the Homeless)
Sunday – Cooking (2.00pm)
– Delivery of Food (5.00pm)
MEDITATION CLASSES
Monday & Thursday at Activity Room Level 3, WDC (7.00pm to 9.00pm)
QI GONG CLASS
Saturday @Bhāvanā Sālā (8.30am – 10.30am) (Please register with BMV Office)
YOGA CLASS
Tuesday @Asoka Hall (10.30am – 12.00pm)
Thursday @ Asoka Hall (7.00pm – 8.30pm)
SUNDAY SCHOOL DHAMMA CLASS
Sunday at WDC (9.00am to 12.00pm)
PALLI & SUTTA CLASS
Sunday at Mezzanine Floor, WDC (11.00am to 12.30pm)
ABHIDHAMMA CLASS
Sunday at Mezzanine Floor, WDC (9.30am to 11.00am)
DHAMMA FOR THE DEAF
Sunday at Pagoda – (fortnightly) (3.00pm to 4.30pm)
SINHALA LANGUAGE & CULTURAL DANCE CLASS
Sunday at Wisma Annex level 2 (Room 1) (1.30pm to 5.00pm)
ONLINE BUDDHISM CLASS
Saturday for Degree & Master (2.00pm to 7.00pm)
Sunday for Diploma & Degree (2.00pm to 7.00pm)
You can donate towards our many projects :
• Dhammadutta
• Free Buddhist Publications
• Welfare Activities
• Monks Dana
• Sunday Dhamma School
• Maintenance of Shrine Hall
• K Sri Dhammananda Library
• Temple Lighting
• Wisma K Sri Dhammananda (WKSD) Building Fund
Payments can be made via :
BMV Office Counter : Cash, cheques & credit cards
Postage : Make cheques payable to “Buddhist Maha Vihara” & write your name & contact telephone at back of the cheque.
Direct Debit : Hong Leong Bank Brickfields – Acct : 292-00-01161-8
BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA
123 Jalan Berhala, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2274 1141 H/P: 6011-2689 6123
Email: info@buddhistmahavihara.org
Website: www.buddhistmahavihara.org
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