Being nice and tolerant is normally associated with weakness. We see in movies a person being bullied and keeps silent, gazing down on the floor, shoulders hunched and walking away.
Does being nice and tolerant really give the impression of weakness?
I believe not. Instead it is a show of strength and inner self control.
The most difficult person to tame is oneself. The most difficult person to change is oneself.
If we can withstand, tolerate and guide a bully towards virtue, that is greatness. We should state our position truthfully, clearly and firmly, with kindness and integrity. We do not have to walk away with shoulders hunched. We should stand upright, stand tall, shoulders pull back in any circumstance.
Having self control is being mindful of your mental and physical processes. It is a chance to practice meditation to improve ourselves.
Bernard
---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://buddhismtoday.blogspot.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Mangala Vihara's (Buddhist Temple) 51st anniversary
I have been associated with this Theravada Buddhist temple for over 40 years. My grandfather was the temple's first chairman, and Ven. M.M. Mahaweera was the temple's resident monk.
This temple holds a special place in my life. It is a place of worship and a place of solace in my hectic life. Ven. M. M. Mahaweera (Bhante) was my teacher and guide and I am truly indebted to him for his wisdom and kindness. I attended Sunday Dhamma classes at this temple more than 30 years ago, when the environment was not so modern. We studied the Dhamma, I attending chanting classes and even played games and competition during the annual Sunday school sports day. Those were the simple days of yesteryear.
Mangala Vihara celebrated its 51st anniversary yesterday, 31st March 2011 with a whole night chanting session conducted. I attended the start of this activity and listened to more than 10 monks chant for about 45 minutes (Mangala Sutta, Rattana Sutta and Metta Sutta).
It was a wonderful experience and I wish Mangala Vihara many more productive years in conducting educational courses and to continue its excellent work in helping the community. I also wish its past, present and future members and management committee the very best in health and prosperity.
You can visit the temple at http://www.mangalavihara.org.sg
Bernard
---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://buddhismtoday.blogspot.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
This temple holds a special place in my life. It is a place of worship and a place of solace in my hectic life. Ven. M. M. Mahaweera (Bhante) was my teacher and guide and I am truly indebted to him for his wisdom and kindness. I attended Sunday Dhamma classes at this temple more than 30 years ago, when the environment was not so modern. We studied the Dhamma, I attending chanting classes and even played games and competition during the annual Sunday school sports day. Those were the simple days of yesteryear.
Mangala Vihara celebrated its 51st anniversary yesterday, 31st March 2011 with a whole night chanting session conducted. I attended the start of this activity and listened to more than 10 monks chant for about 45 minutes (Mangala Sutta, Rattana Sutta and Metta Sutta).
It was a wonderful experience and I wish Mangala Vihara many more productive years in conducting educational courses and to continue its excellent work in helping the community. I also wish its past, present and future members and management committee the very best in health and prosperity.
You can visit the temple at http://www.mangalavihara.org.sg
Bernard
---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://buddhismtoday.blogspot.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)