Buddha's Teaching

The essence of the Buddha's teaching is The Four Noble Truths as shown below.

1) Understanding of suffering (dukkha)

2) Understanding of the origin of suffering is due to greed, hatred and ignorance

3) Understanding of the ending of suffering

4) The path leading to the ending of suffering is the Noble Eightfold path.

Noble Eightfold path

1) Right view (come first- Understand the Four Noble Truths)

2) Right thought( To get rid of three poisons- greed hatred and ignorance)

3) Right Speech (No false speech/No divisive speech)

4) Right Action (Avoid harming of life, alcohol and sexual misconduct)

5) Right Livelihood

6) Right Effort (Be diligent in the practice of Noble Eightfold path)

7) Right Mindfulness (Be aware of your thoughts, be contemplative )

8) Right Concentration (Meditation)

You can read more on the Noble Eightfold path from Access to Insight.

Before Buddha parinirvana, he again reminded his disciples of the Noble Eightfold path on the path of liberation from samsara. His last words to the monks,"All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness!" Besides the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold path, Buddha also taught the precepts, the 12 Dependent Origination, five aggregates of attachment and the six sense basis. Craving for sensual pleasure lead to endless rebirth. 

If others teach otherwise like burning of paper houses or indulging in alcohol or sex, then it is not the teaching of Buddha.   

From google image

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Story of my life - Luangpor Dhammavuddho

During my free time, I enjoy listening to the Dhamma, both by Theravada and Mahayana monks. For Theravada Buddhism, I like listening to Ajahn Keng and Luangpor Dhammavuddho dharma talks.

Luangpor Dhammavuddho was a successful Malaysian engineer who decided to renounce the world and became a monk. He used to go to the United States to be a Mahayana monk but later became Theravada Buddhism. YOu can listen to his talks and find out more why he decided to renounce and became a monk. 

In the talk, he also talked about rebirth. Its a very interesting talk and I highly recommend it.

Praying at Kuan Yin Temple on 15th Day of Chinese New Year

Today is the 15th day of Chinese New Year. This morning, I went to pray at Waterloo Street Kuan Yin temple.

This new year is the year I feel upset due to the coronavirus. Due to this virus, many families are separated in China and other affected countries including in Singapore on this festive season. I pray that there is a cure soon for coronavirus soon. 

May all sentient beings are well.

Characteristics Of A Sotāpanna

In this video, Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera gave a dharmma talk on the characteristics of a sotapanna. 

By listening to Buddha and understanding his words, you can become a Sotapanna. 

From the Pali Canon, the qualities of a sotāpanna are described as:

…those monks who have abandoned the three fetters, are all stream-winners, steadfast, never again destined for states of woe, headed for self-awakening. This is how the Dharma well-proclaimed by me is clear, open, evident, stripped of rags.

— Alagaddupama Sutta

Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera