Giving - 4 types of Dana
- Amisa dana: Giving food, clothes, money or other material things that might benefit others.
- Abhaya dana: Gift of fearlessness to others.
- Parichariya dana: Lending our talents, skills and time to people or institutes that need it. Voluntary work in charitable organisations/ societies would be good examples of the gift of work.
- Dhamma dana: The gift of the Dhamma, which, the Buddha says, is the greatest gift of all (Dhammapada 354).
Learning the Dhamma
One should follow the teachings of the Buddha only as a result of careful investigation and consideration of facts.
Take time, ask questions, consider carefully before making one's decision.
It is good to join an active temple or Buddhist group, support them, be supported by them and continue to learn more about the Buddha's teachings in order to have a good understanding.
Understanding is the key to learning the Dhamma.
It is with understanding and effort that one can discover the wisdom of the Dhamma.
The Dhamma offers practical training for one to undergo self-transformation, leading to realisation of the truth and the unshakeable liberation of the mind.
(A list of recommended suttas is available under the "Resources" tab)
Dhammavadaka - A Poem by Ven. S. Dhammika (1985)
Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveller passing through. Your stay here is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.
None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed. But if you toil without rest, fatigue and weariness will overtake you and you will be denied the joy that comes from labour's end.
Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice. If you talk much this will make you deaf to what others say, and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.
Be near when help is needed but far when praise and thanks are being offered. Take small account of might, wealth and fame for they soon pass and are forgotten.
Instead, nurture love within you and strive to be a friend to all. Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds.
Treasure silence when you find it and while being mindful of your duties set time aside to be alone with yourself. Cast off pretence and self-deception and see yourself as you really are.
Despite all appearances, no one is really evil. They are led astray by ignorance. If you ponder this truth often you will offer more light rather than blame and condemnation.
You, no less all beings, have Buddha Nature within. Your essential mind is pure. Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remorse nor dark foreboding cast you down. Be of good cheer and with this understanding summons strength and walk on.
Faith is like a lamp and wisdom it is that makes the light burn bright. Carry this light always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the light.
Daily practices for a lay Buddhist
It is good to start the day with Puja by reciting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts to help remind us daily of our commitment to the Three Jewels and our moral values.
When we have quiet time, we can do the recollections - Recollection on Virtue, Recollection on Generosity, Recollection on Friendship, Recollection on Peace and Recollection on Blessings.
Reflect on yourself honestly and come to see things as they really are.
Understanding the Dhamma is a gradual training - understanding is a process and it takes time.
Know the Dhamma thoroughly by reading the Suttas, attend Dhamma talks and participate in Sutta sharings/ discussions.
Put into practice the knowledge of the Dhamma by being mindful in our daily life. Act for the welfare and happiness of all beings. Nurture the thoughts and practice of generosity, forgiveness, gratitude and letting go. Do meditation.
Share our learning and practice of the Dhamma by speaking to our friends, loved ones and all who wish to know the Dhamma. Help to distribute and share Dhamma books as appropriate.
(A list of recommended readings is available under the "Resources" tab)
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