Tuesday, June 12, 2007

"Doing Good, Seeking Truth"

Theme of The 13th Dhamma Youth Camp 2005
'Doing Good, Seeking Truth' - Reflection
‘Doing Good …’
* It is most important that we do good. The Law of Kamma essentially states : “Do good and good comes upon you;
Do bad and bad comes upon you.”
* An action is good if that action brings about peace, joy and happiness to oneself and others … it does not cause harm or suffering to oneself and others.
* Good actions have their roots in generosity, kindness, compassion, mindfulness and wisdom.
* A good Buddhist practices Sila or Morality. He follows the Five Precepts to his best ability. The Five Precepts are :
* No killing
* No stealing
* No sexual misconduct
* No lying
* No intoxicants
* Good actions like practicing Dana is most meritorious. Dana refers to generosity, charity and service to others out of kindness and compassion.

‘Seeking Truth …’

* More than 2500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama left his worldly material possessions, wealth and luxuries in search of Truth …a Truth that will end all suffering, a Truth that leads man to perfect happiness, peace and freedom.
· To live meaningfully as a worthy human being, we need to fulfill a mission … a quest to seek and realize the Truth just as Siddhartha did … ( He attained Enlightenment … the mental state of complete bliss and freedom. )
* “Ehi passiko” ( ‘Come and See’) is a pertinent message in Buddhism. To learn, understand, practice and realize the Truth of the Dhamma is the greatest Treasure one can get in life.
* There is an urgency for us to seek, learn and practice the Dhamma (Truth) … life is uncertain, death is certain. We must not waste this opportunity … to be born a human being is rare and privileged.
* Seeking and realizing Truth entails the practice of Dana ( Charity ), Sila ( Morality ) and Bhavana ( Meditation ).

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

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