DAILY LIFE ‘OPEN’ RETREAT Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre is providing an opportunity for you to practice meditation in my daily life by Jeff Oliver

DAILY LIFE ‘OPEN’ RETREAT

Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre is providing an opportunity for you to practice meditation in my daily life

This inner-city, before-and-after-work retreat, is just like any other retreat with the uniqueness of using real daily life events as objects of awareness and wisdom. This unique retreat will be conducted by Mr. Jeff Oliver, a trained meditation teacher from Australia.

·   Participants will convene early in the morning at the centre before work/daily duties to recharge and be focused, without forgetting the importance of wisdom and awareness before commencing our day so that the practice is FRESH in the mind all day long.

• Then, participants will meet again by choice in the evening to share experiences and enrich themselves spiritually.

• The programme is designed relaxed, one, as participants can come and go as they wish and stay for the whole session or even for five minutes, according to their preference.

• There will be discussions with questions & Answers on awareness and wisdom in daily life, a guided or silent meditation session during the retreat.

****A day retreat is defined as he will be based at the center from early morning (6.30am) all the way to evening (9pm) where devotees can just come to practise under his guidance. For those who can afford to practice the entire day is most encouraged, however for those only can spare a few hours in a day is also welcomed (whether its the first part of the day morning till noon, or noon till evening).

Each session is different, freestyle and open to anyone, just as life is..." 

If you think a daily retreat in the city is impossible, think again!

There will be a 2012 New Year Blessing and Sanghika Dana for Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Thera and entourage of 5 members of the Sangha on 13 Jan 2012, Friday

There will be a 2012 New Year Blessing and Sanghika Dana attended by Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Thera together with 5 members of the Sangha on 13 Jan 2012, Friday

The programme :

10:00 – 10.30 am          ~Arrival of Devotees

10:30 – 11:00 am            ~Arrival of Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Thera and members

                                                 of the Sangha

11.00am                            ~Puja and Offering of Requisites to Sangha member

                                              ~ New Year Blessing by Venerable Datuk K Sri   Dhammaratana and members 

                                                of the Sangha

11:30am                              ~Lunch Dana offering to members of the Sangha

With all the meritorious deeds accrued by the devotees we shall proceed with Transference of Merits.

***Devotees can choose to either sponsor Dana or offer to bring their own vegetarian food.

Any name you wish for us to perform Transference of merits can be emailed or pass to us on that day.

Tel: 0122318910 / 0122409020 / 0122271515
E-Mail : trccpenchala@gmail.com
Web : http://www.ti-ratana-penchala.com.myhttp://mahasadhu.blogspot.com/
http://trccpenchala.blogspot.com/

Sunday 8 January 2012-Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Cagino, 8pm

Friends of the Dhamma,
May the coming New Year 2012 brings us happiness, harmony and peace throughout.

The Highest Achievement
Health is the highest gain
Contentment is the greatest wealth
Trustfulness is the best relative
Nirvanna is the greatest happiness


-Buddha-


We are happy to have another dhamma talk tittle 'OUR LIFE' by Ajahn Cagino, Sunday, 8  January 2012. Please come 15 mins before the 8pm dhamma talk. Light snack and Dessert will be served before and after talk.

-Buddha-

Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Chah's Disciples, 19, 20 & 22 Dec 11 at Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre

FAQ & MAP -Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day (ACRD) - 17 & 18 Dec 2011

Dear friends of the Dhamma,

Here are the Frequently Ask Questions and Map for the forthcoming event of AJAHN CHAH REMEMBRANCE DAY (ACRD) 17 AND 18 DEC 2011


FAQ

Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day (ACRD) - 17 & 18 Dec 2011

o   General information

o   Getting there

o   Attire

o   Dana

o   Food Offering

o   Supporting the Event

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.         What is Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day?

It is a day to commemorate and remember the dhamma teachings of the late Venerable Ajahn Chah who passed away on 16 Jan 1992. It is also a day of gratitude, from student to teacher, as well as a day of reflection and dhamma practice.

2.         Where is it held? SJK ( C )Yuk Chai, Jalan SS24/1, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya.

3.         What time will the event start and end?

The event starts at 8.30am and ends around 9.00pm on the first day. On the 2nd day, it starts at 8.30 am and ends at 5.00 pm

4.         What is the programme for the day?

There will be alms round, dhamma talks, meditation. Parittas Chanting etc.

5.         Who are the speakers

Many of the Western disciples of Ajahn Chah namely Tan Ajahn Sucitto (UK), Tan Ajahn Viradhammo (Canada), Tan Ajahn Nyanadhammo,(Thailand) Tan Ajahn Kalyano,(Australia) Tan Ajahn Chandako (New Zealand) & Tan Ajahn Siripunnyo (Thailand).

6.         Will there be a Puja and Guided Meditation session?

Yes. There will be an evening Puja followed by Guided Meditation from 5.00pm ␣ 6.15 pm.

7.      How can I participate?

1.      a)      You can attend any or all the sessions throughout the day. We encourage           youto attend all.

         b)      Help promote this event to your family, colleagues and friends.

         c)      Make a donation to reprint free dhamma publications written by Ajahn  Chah and his disciples to share with others or make offerings to support the communities of the Monasteries of the speakers.

         d)      Bring an offering of food (vegetarian and/or non-vegetarian) 7.30am ␣

                   8.30 am to the venue to be offered to the Sangha.

         e)      Participate in the Pindapata/alms round by being at the venue by 8.30

                   am.

2.      Will there be food served on that day?

A light meal will be served to the public at 10.30 am and some light refreshment in the evening of 17 December 2011. Water will be available throughout the day.

3.      Will there be dhamma books by Ajahn Chah and his disciples for free distribution?

Yes. There will be a free distribution counter. We encourage you to bring your own recyclable bag and to only take a set per household.

4.      Where can I direct my enquiries?

You can call the supporting organization nearest to you.

B. GETTING THERE

1.      How do I get there?

By driving or taking public transportation such as Putra LRT to Kelana Station.

2.      Where can I park my car?

Limited parking is available at the event venue. To maintain the goodwill of the residents, do park mindfully. If possible, please car pool or take public transport

C. ATTIRE

1.      What should I wear?

Dress modestly. Comfortable attire with long pants will be adequate. Kindly refrain from wearing singlet, shorts or low cut and/or spaghetti-strapped tops.

D. DANA - FOOD OFFERING 1.       What is Dana?

Dana is a Pali word that can be translated as giving, generosity, charity and liberality. Dana can be performed in various ways e.g. offering of food, making donations - monetary or non monetary, volunteering time/ effort, lending help to a person in need and many others.

2.      Why Dana?

s teaching namely Giving (Dana), Morality (Sila), Meditation or Mental cultivation (Bhavana). Dana is the first step towards eliminating the defilements of greed, hatred and delusion (lobha, dosa, moha). For every act of giving is an act of non-greed, non-hatred, non-delusion. When you give, loving kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna) arise within your heart. So at that time, greed, hatred or ill will and delusion would be absent.

3.      What is the best Dana?

Give from the heart. It is the intention of giving that is of foremost importance.

4.      Why do we offer Food Dana to the monks?

We offer food in support of the monks, so they may continue in their spiritual practice and in turn guide us (the laity) in the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha).

5.      How does the Sangha gather food?

Usually the Forest Tradition Sangha will go for alms round with their alms bowl within the vicinity of their monastery or place of dwelling in the early morning. The food is offered by villagers, laity and supporters. Upon return from their alms round, they will partake in the food gathered before noon. For this event, we encourage the public to make a food offering to the Sangha.

6.      What time does the Sangha at Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day event take their meal?

After pindapata at 9.00am

7. Can I bring food to offer to the Sangha on that day?

Yes and please bring between 7.30 to 8.30 am.

8. What type of food must I bring?

You can bring vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes, cut fruits or desserts. You can call Sis Theresa Toh: 013-3366278 or Sis Emily Bong : 012-3399238 to let her know what you are bringing.

9. How much food must I bring?

Giving is from the heart so bring any amount that you are comfortable with.

10. Where shall I bring my food offering on the event day?

Please bring your food to the Food Receiving Counter before 8.30 am. Our volunteers will be on hand to receive your food.

11. How should I pack and label the food?

You can pack the food in any recyclable containers or any of your own. Please LABEL your food container with your NAME so you can collect it back after the Meal Offering from the designated counters.

E.      SUPPORTING THE EVENT / MAKING A DONATION

1. How do I support the event?

In line with the Vinaya (Monastic Code of Conduct) as laid down by the Lord Buddha, the forest monks do not accept, hold or keep money. You can drop your donation into the Donation Boxes provided or at the respective counters or you can write a cheque payable to Bandar Utama Buddhist Society and please write ACRD Dec 2011 on the reverse of the cheque. All donations will be to support the Community of the Monasteries of the speakers or for any other purposes the Venerable Ajahns deem fit and proper

2. Are you printing any books for the event and how can I contribute to the printing

Yes, we are. You can donate to the cost of publication by cash or write a cheque to Sukhi Hotu Sdn Bhd. Tel: 03- 78426828

3. Is there a minimum amount to give?

No. Any amount is welcomed.       

  

                                  Map to SJK(C) YUK CHAI

LET US ALL COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF THE BUDDHASASSANA
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

With Metta

Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre
21, Jalan Penchala
46000 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel : +603-7784 9002
Fax : +603 -7784 8002
E-Mail : trccpenchala@gmail.com
Web : http://www.ti-ratana-penchala.com.my
http://mahasadhu.blogspot.com/
http://trccpenchala.blogspot.com/

UPDATE 1 - Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day (20th Anniversary)- 17 & 18 Dec 2011

Dear Brothers & Sisters

Sukhihotu.

We would like to invite you to this auspicious event. See below poster for details and some programmes are subject to change. We would like to highlight certain programmes for your attention and we are also looking for kapiyas & volunteers during the event.

There will be approximately 40 sangha members (Thai forest tradition monks)

Dec 17 & 18 , 2011
Pindapatta - 9am
Venue - in the school compound.

Remarks
Only offer cooked rice.
We expected there will be more than hundreds of devotees who will be attending the pindapatta . We are looking for volunteers who can cook a pot of rice from their home and bring over to the school by 7.30am for the 2 days, please let us know. Kindly email us your name & contact number by 30 Nov 2011

WE NEED YOU VOLUNTEERS

- Volunteers needed for 2 days to distribute water  (morning shift & afternoon shift). Comes in water dispenser.Just replenish when is finish. Just make sure people don't throw the cups everywhere.

- Hall set up & decor


WE NEED 5 KAPIYAS (MALE ONLY)

- To assist the monks during pindapata & dana
- must be at the venue by 7am cos there will be briefing and each kapiya will be assigned to a monk.
- all kapiyas must wear white top & black pants. However, 8 preceptors are welcome to wear all white

Please email Bro Tan Buck Soon your name & contact number -  jpteguh@gmail.com


DANA

Devotees are welcome  to bring food (vegetarian or non vegetarian, fruits, desserts, appertiser etc) for dana between 7.30 - 8.30am and pass it to  Food Receiving counter. Please label your container with your name and contact number. And you may collect it after the meal offering from the designated counters. Any uncollected containers can be claimed from Uttama Bodhi Vihara, Bandar Utama within a 7 days.Any unclaimed containers will be donated or send for recycling.

Alternatively, you may use a disposable container like disposable aluminium foil trays (suggestions only)

Please contact Sis Theresa Toh - 013- 3366278 / Sis Lily Bong 012-3399238 to let them know what you are bringing


Note
- Remember 3R - Reuse, Recycle & Reduce
- Devotees are encourage to bring recycle bag (WE SUPPORT NO PLASTIC BAGS) if you wish to collect free dhamma books. Donations are welcome for reprinting of books.
- Plates will be distributed during pindapata to put the rice for you to offer to the sanghas. It must be returned to the volunteers so that you can reuse them later for your meal. You are also encourage/welcome to bring your own containers to put rice
- Devotees are also most welcome to bring your own containers for food or even for your drinks.

 

--
With Metta
Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre
21, Jalan Penchala
46000 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel : +603-7784 9002
Fax : +603 -7784 8002
E-Mail : trccpenchala@gmail.com
Web : http://www.ti-ratana-penchala.com.my
http://mahasadhu.blogspot.com/
http://trccpenchala.blogspot.com/

 

Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day (ACRD) – 17 & 18 December 2011 (FOR NON MUSLIM ONLY)

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Sukhihotu.

 

The Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day (ACRD)  is a special day devoted to one of the great contemporary Buddhist monks in Thailand, Venerable Ajahn Chah also known as Ajahn Chah Subhaddo. He established the first monastery in Thailand to be run by and for English-speaking monks, Wat Pah Nanachat ('International Forest Monastery') which Venerable Sumedho assisted in the setting up as the first abbot.  Venerable Ajahn Chah is especially revered for his contribution and dedication to the establishment of the practice of the Thai Forest Tradition in Buddhism outside of Thailand.

This year’s event, which is the third one to be held in Malaysia, is especially significant as it marks the 20^th anniversary of this great monk’s passing.  The two-day event on the 17^th & 18th of December 2011 , will be held at the SJK (C) Yuk Chai (Taman Megah) school hall.  Monks from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Malaysia  will be attending this event.

“ When Ajahn Chah sent me to England to establish the first branch monastery there, I had a lot of anxiety. I told him about my doubts of surviving in England as an alms mendicant.

Ajahn Chah said, “You mean there are no kind people in England?”  I replied, “I am sure there are.” Then he said, “Go! Go there!”

He didn’t say “Buddhist”. He said “kind people”. And that struck me. I have a much more cynical attitude about the nature of humanity. My attitude is that we are basically selfish. Ajahn Chah’s attitude is that we are basically good. That felt to me like a better way of viewing humanity.

Now, when I reflect on my 33 years of living in England-- teaching meditation, establishing monasteries, ordaining and training monks and nuns there--and how much support we have received over the years, out of the good heartedness and generosity of people there, I feel a very deep sense of gratitude.”

~ Venerable Ajahn Sumedho, at the Ajahn Chah Rememberance Day, January 2010, Kuala Lumpur

Born on 17 June 1918 near Ubon Ratchathani, northeast Thailand, Ajahn Chah was instrumental in establishing the Thai Forest tradition in Buddhism in the West and was an influential teacher of the Buddhadharma.

He became a wandering ascetic after the death of his father, walking across Thailand while taking teachings at various monasteries. By also spending time in jungles infested with tigers and cobras, caves and cremation grounds, he developed a unique style of meditation by reflecting on death to comprehend the true meaning of life.

The Thai Forest tradition is one branch of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Commonly practiced in Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Theravada Buddhist tradition is its strict adherence to the original teachings and rule of monastic discipline laid down by the Buddha

The Forest tradition emphasizes very strongly on meditative practice and the realization of enlightenment as the focus of monastic life. A day in the life of a Forest monk involves constant practice of the Buddha’s path of contemplative insight, which includes living a life of discipline, renunciation and meditation. It is through this process that the Forest monks can understand the inner truth and peace as taught by the Buddha. The extensive 227 rules of conduct, or precepts, must be strictly adhered to, such as consuming food between dawn and noon; not handling money; practice of celibacy.  The Forest monks commonly engage in the practice of “thudong” which is wandering on foot in search of solitary places, sleeping wherever is available and eating only whatever is offered by laypeople along the way.

Laypeople wonder why Forest monks undergo such a strict and disciplined regime that entails living a life of absolute austerity. The Buddha believed that living in this manner allows Forest monks to simplify and refine the mind. Refinement allows them to explore and understand the fundamental causes of suffering within the human psyche and ultimately cultivate a path that leads toward freedom from suffering and supreme happiness.

The Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day seeks to provide the public with guidance by the visiting Monks on how this can possibly be achieved through the teachings of the Buddha and Ajahn Chah.  It is especially relevant since we live in a day in age where our lives are full of stress, pressure and fear of uncertainties.

Ajahn Chah once said:

“ The purpose of the practice, then, is to seek inwardly, searching and investigating until you reach the original mind. The original mind is also known as the pure mind.”

 ~  “The Path to Peace” by Ajahn Chah

Keep the  above dates free and  watch out for more details in our next email.

We look forward to your support and participation. Please bring your family and friends.

May the Blessings of the Triple Gem be with you and your family always.

--
With Metta
Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre
21, Jalan Penchala
46000 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel : +603-7784 9002
Fax : +603 -7784 8002
E-Mail : trccpenchala@gmail.com
Web : http://www.ti-ratana-penchala.com.my
http://mahasadhu.blogspot.com/
http://trccpenchala.blogspot.com/