Prajna 2022 - A new beginning

PRAJNA 2022

Publication of NTU Buddhist Society

般 若

Dear readers, At the time of my writing, 62.6% of the world population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Source: ourworldindata.org). In Singapore, school events are starting to take place offline, while workers are going back to the office. The world is coming back to its stage without the pandemic.

Nevertheless, after a long period of uncertainty, I believe the stage will never be the same as before.

Chief Editor Dinh Phuc Hung Layout Designer Celine Wijaya Devin Edward Soh Zheng Da Steven Edbert Winata

The pandemic has given me chance to reflect on my past experiences and examine my decisions. I have learned to enjoy more with less, to be grateful for the people around me, and to treasure every tiny moment that I have. I hope that you have also realized certain things about yourself during the pandemic and be prepared to face the uncertainties ahead.

In this edition of Prajna, I present to you the theme "A new beginning". As the world goes back to its normal stage, the Publication team has prepared amazing content to walk through this period of change with you. From the short articles from our advisors to the recap of all NTUBS events this year, we wish everyone who reads this magazine will learn something useful or simply find some happy moment in it.

Best regards, Dinh Phuc Hung

buddhist@e.ntu.edu.sg facebook.com/NTUBS @ntubuddhist clubs.ntu.edu.sg/buddhist NTU Buddhist Society

Table of

CONTENTS 04

Short Article

32

Short Comic

17

NTUBS 39th Committee

34

Dharma in Everyday Life

22

NTUBS AY21/22 Events

40

Self Reflection

29

Memories of NTUBS Alumni

45

Our sponsors

All pictures in this publication were taken in line with Safe Management Measures

What Is True Happiness? by: Venerable K Rathanasara

NTUBS' Spiritual Advisor

Happiness arouses pleasurable, delightful, pleasant feelings in the mind. Happiness can be like a lump of foam created in a

want; but after some time, we become bored with it; then we look for something else to stay happy. When we satisfied one

waterfall for a moment; it is bubbly white

desire,

and then disappears forever. Happiness can also be like a beautiful flower blossoming in summer. It blooms then withers away. Likewise, for the sensation of happiness, it arises and then ceases.

Searching repeatedly for momentary happiness, we are therefore constantly chasing after this or that and during which time passes and life moves on.

Everyone wants to be happy. All living beings are chasing after happiness' [1] says the Buddha. However, happiness can mean differently to different people.

What is happiness for one can be unhappiness to another.

Negative approach towards happiness

An ordinary man seeks happiness through a sense of gratification. Sensual happiness is fleeting. Once it arises in the eye; in another time, it comes through the ears; moving through its sense faculties, the mind continuously seeks such pleasurable happiness.

another

arises

in

its

place.

We are perpetually not satisfied with what we already have. Instead, we are always yearning for what we do not have.

This is the common nature of the human mind. This is a negative approach towards happiness.

Why is it termed as a negative approach?

It is because we are depending on something we do not have at the present moment to generate anticipated future happiness.

We feel happy when we get what we

[1] Sukha kāmāni bhūtāni (Dhammapada 131)

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People tend to postpone their happiness to their future achievements. They often have eager wishes and speculate that they will only be happy when they get

Some people love to indulge in reminiscence. They live in the past, worry about the future and totally forget about their present happiness.

them.

This however does not mean that we

As the saying goes, ‘Don’t cry over spilt milk’. It is over. There is no point feeling

should not plan for the future or work hard to achieve our distant goals. What we should, in fact, do is not to carelessly

upset and worried over something which had already happened. Worry and anxiety are negative feelings and they destroy the

overlook our present happiness by speculating and worrying unnecessarily

present moment of happiness. What we should do instead is to learn from our

about the future.

past experiences by keeping in mind the lessons learnt, developing a positive attitude towards life and then striving forward with understanding.

One who lives in poverty might think ‘I will be happy if I have lots of money’. While this may be an apparent reality, it does not mean that rich people are always happy. They too have their fair share of worries and have things which they are lacking. Money is a means to happiness but by itself, money is not happiness.

‘I will be happy when I get married’, marriageable singles might think and hence become unhappy when they are not. However, there are some married couples who are considering divorce, seeing it as a relief to their entangled relationships. To them, resuming the single status once again is a blessing as they will have more freedom and reduced burdens.

We often have the misconception that the grass on the other side of the fence is always greener. The measure of Happiness is therefore relative. While there are relatively happy people around, there is no single person on earth who can always be perfectly happy, unless he is Enlightened.

It is a simple truth in life that no matter what we have achieved or capable of achieving, we will still have some degree of unhappiness as long as greed, hatred and ignorance are rooted in our mind.

When a deity asked the Buddha, ‘why do

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monks who eat one meal a day and live in the forest look so radiant, peaceful and happy?’ The Buddha answered that ‘They do not sorrow over the past. Nor do they hanker for the future. They maintain themselves with what is present. Hence their complexion is so serene. Through

Someone might think that if we were to be happy with what we are having, then there is no progress in life. While this may seem like a convincing argument, the reality remains unchanged. What is the point of achieving more if we do not know how to appreciate and be happy with

hankering for the future, through sorrowing over the past, fools dry up and wither away like green reed cut down.’ [2]

what we already have now? Such a person will not be happy even if he were to possess the whole world.

The secret to happiness lies in the present moment. It is one’s choice as to how one reacts under the present conditions; either in a positive or negative way. Having understood the present situation with wisdom, equipped with past experiences and future plans, one can work diligently with confidence to change life for the beer. One who adopts such an attitude is assured of happiness.

Contentment is a positive attribute. It includes being happy with what we are having and being happy to pursue for further progress. The propelling motive behind the pursuit should be generosity and wisdom and not greed and ignorance.

The Buddhist approach to happiness is a positive one. Why is it termed as positive?

It is because our happiness comes from what we have in the present moment.

‘Happiness (Contentment) is the greatest wealth’ [3] says the Buddha. Do not

One boy was complaining that he had no shoes to wear until one day he came across a man who did not even have his legs. Appreciate all that you have at any moment.

postpone your happiness to tomorrow. Do not destroy your happiness thinking of

Cultivate a positive attitude in your daily

the past. Be happy now. Be happy with what you are having.

living is the beginning of a happy life.

Happy people are not those who are

Positive approach towards happiness

[2] Arañña Sutta, Devatāsaṃyutta, Saṃyutta Nikāya [3] Santuṭṭhi paramaṃ dhanaṃ (Dhammapada 204)

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persistently chasing to achieve everything in life. Happy people are the ones who are contented. Hence, train your mind to appreciate what you already have and on what you are working hard to achieve.

Very frequently, we tend to take the favourable conditions in life for granted.

We should not wait till we lose them to understand and appreciate how fortunate we are.

We are fortunate by birth as human beings. ‘It is a great blessing to have done merits in the past’ [4] to achieve this fortunate state. The Buddha says: ‘It is rare and difficult to be born as a human being’. [5] Understand the value of this precious human life.

When you wake up in the morning, be happy that you are alive because there are people who die in their sleep. Be happy that your five sense faculties are working properly. Do not take them for granted for there are many people who are blind, deaf, cripple, dumb, wheelchairbound or bedridden.

Count your blessings that you have a shelter over your head. There are millions of people in the world who do not even have decent housing. Appreciate that you have food, clothes and all basic facilities when there are so many people who are deprived of them. It is so fortunate to have your loved ones around you when there are numerous orphans and destitute folks in this world.

[4] Pubbe ca katapuññatā (Maṅgala Sutta, Sutta Nipāta) [5] Kiccho manussa paṭilābho (Dhammapada 182)

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Gratitude in New Habitude DR ANG BENG CHOO NTUBS' Patron

To be loved and to love are pleasant

thanking it for shielding him from the sun and

experiences. We are happy to be surrounded

rain during his strife for enlightenment. He

by good people who love us and help us

also ascended the Trāyastriṃśa heaven to

whenever we are in need. We are also happy

teach his mother who died seven days after

when we love others and repay their kindness.

his birth, to show his appreciation to her for

The appreciation we feel eventually makes us

giving him life. He also searched for his first

happy and in turn will make others feel the

two teachers, wishing to share the Buddha-

same. The satisfaction in the smile and

Dharma with them to show his gratitude

downward-looking eyes of Buddha statues

towards their teaching during his quest for

remind us that happiness comes from within,

enlightenment, but they had passed away.

in gratitude.

Consequently, he continued to look for his Among the ancient Egyptians,

five companions and shared the Dharma with

they believe that when a person

them as a gesture of gratitude. They became

dies, on reaching the gates of

his first disciples. After returning to his home

Heaven, the gatekeeper will ask

town, he shared the Dharma with his father,

him two questions. The first

his family members and villagers. When his

question: “Were you happy while

father passed away, he carried the coffin in

you were alive?” and the second

person, likewise, to express his gratitude to

question: “Did you make others

his father. To me, gratitude is the first

happy while you were alive?” If the answers

teaching of the Buddha, demonstrated by his

to both questions are positive, the gates of

own actions. He taught us to be grateful to

Heaven will open. If any of the answers are

our parents, our teachers, our country, and all

negative, the gates remain closed. Even the

beings for their contributions.

ancient Egyptians viewed the paramount

We

live

in

an

interrelated

and

importance of happiness in oneself and in

interdependent world. Every other person

providing others with it.

contributes to our well-being, even to our

Right after the Buddha attained his

survival. Our parents give us life, nurture us,

enlightenment, he stood in front of the Bodhi

support us and love us, so that we can live

tree, gazing at it for seven days and nights,

comfortably, grow, and develop from a

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helpless baby into an independent person. Our

There is always numerous people and things

teachers inspire and teach us. Our nation

to be grateful for in this world, and we will

provides

always notice them as long as we keep a

supportive

us

with

a

peaceful,

infra-structure

and

orderly, communal

services, conducive for a comfortable and blissful living. People from all walks provide us with food, clothing, housing, transportation

sense of gratitude in our minds.

People may ask, “I do not have good health, how could I appreciate my body and life?”

Stephen

Hawking,

a

world-renowned

and more. From bees, we obtain honey. From

theoretical physicist, suffered from motor

trees, we can gather fruits. The list goes on.

neuron atrophy at the age of 21. At the age of

All these are the results from efforts of

43, he lost his language ability. He could only

everyone. They do not drop from the sky, and

go through a speech synthesizer to express

we should not take them for granted. We

himself. But he continued to do research and

should appreciate their contributions and do

live a positive and optimistic life. He said: “I

our best to reciprocate their efforts to

am grateful that my fingers can still move, I

sustain our life. We should be kind and caring

am grateful that my brain can still think. I am

towards them. We should live in harmony with

grateful that I still have the ideals and

our family members, friends, colleagues,

enthusiasm that I have pursued throughout

neighbours, people and the environment

my life. I am grateful that there are still

surrounding us.

relatives and friends to love me.”

Practising Dharma comes naturally when

Helen Keller was born deaf, dumb, and blind,

we embrace gratitude. We do not harm those

and even needed someone to support her

whom we are grateful to. Thus, the first four

when she walked. Yet, she still thanked her

precepts of abstaining from killing, stealing,

parents for giving her her precious life, and,

adultery and lying will naturally be observed.

with

According to Buddhism, to be born as a

pursuit, she miraculously learned English,

human being is a very rare occurrence to

French, Latin and other languages. Her book

come by. We are very lucky to be born as

“If You Give Me Three Days of Light” inspired

human beings in this life and have the

many to excel in their lives.

unimaginable

tenacity

and

tireless

opportunity to learn the Dharma. We should

Both personalities believed in gratitude that

be grateful to our past karma and the

made them strong and brave. I am sure most

existing human body. We should not harm

of us are better off than them in terms of our

ourselves physically and mentally by taking

physical abilities. As long as we practise

alcohol and intoxicants. This paves the way to

gratitude faithfully, our hearts will always be

observing the fifth precept.

warm,

filled

with

encouragement

and

happiness.

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Some people may ask, “Covid-19 brings us a

The Vimalakirti Sutra reads: Once, Ananda

lot of problems and is a threat to our lives.

asked the Buddha why the other Pure Lands

Should we be grateful to it?” In fact, there are

were so beautiful, but the Buddha’s Pure Land

some things we can be grateful for, if we have a

was a world of five turbidities. The Buddha

pair of gratitude eyes. Covid-19 reminds us we

gently touched the ground with his toes, and the

could be sick and die suddenly, so we should not

scene in front of Ananda immediately changed

take our present good health for granted.

into a beautiful pure land. The Buddha smiled

Instead, we should ook upon the present

and said, “When the mind is beautiful, the land is

moment to prepare for our death. Pandemic has

pure.” Likewise, when our mind is filled with

also changed our normal lifestyles and daily

gratitude, we will be grateful to all, including the

behaviours. Now we need to wear masks when

unpleasant ones. Then we will be happy and

we go out, and as a direct result, we seldom

others will be happy too.

catch a cold or suffer from flu. Working from home

also

makes

the

not by worshipping me with flowers or incense

facilitates

that you honour me the best. It is through

competition amongst talents around the world.

practice, through living in accordance with the

We should, therefore, upgrade our knowledge

Dharma, that you accord me the highest

and skills constantly to be ready for the

honour.” Let us practice gratitude in thought,

changing

circumstances.

speech and action at all times and in all

Shouldn’t we appreciate the pandemic for the

situations. This will ensure us a happy life at

positive impacts and lessons it provides?

present and in times to come. It is also the best

advancement

and

of

us

aware

technology

challenging

that

Once, the Buddha told Ananda, “It is

way to promote Buddhism and show our gratitude to the Buddha.

Gratitude in thought, speech and speech

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PROF. TAN HUN TONG NTUBS' Staff Advisor

FINDING HAPPINESS, AND WILL IT LAST?

The topic of happiness is one that has captured every human’s interest in one form

or

another

since

time

immemorable. It is also now a subject of academic interest as well. The World

Happiness Index ranks countries on self- anticipation. Lo and behold, a genie appeared. The genie said, “I can assessed happiness of citizens of the grant each of you a wish.” The first boy was hungry and miserable countries, and Bhutan is routinely touted

from the tiring hike, and said, “I wish for an ice-cream.” “Your wish is

as the happiness country in the world. my command,” says the genie, and the first boy was soon happily Routinely too, the question “Can money licking his ice-cream stick. The second boy thought that the first boy

buy happiness?” is asked. Of interest is was foolish. “I wish to have an unlimited supply of ice-creams,” he said. the question: how do I obtain Soon, he was chomping away, with ice-creams miraculously happiness?

appearing one after the other. The third boy thought that he could

But first, what is happiness? Some outdo this. “I wish to have an unlimited number of wishes.” The genie consider happiness to be a state where said, “Wow, you make me work hard” and, turning to the fourth boy, you hit some high. So, you wish for the asked: “What would you wish for?” The last boy quietly said: “I wish to new mobile phone. And you hit a high have no wishes.” when you get it. Of course, all of us will

Who is the happiest person here? Is happiness having our sensual

experience that weakening of happiness desire fulfilled? Or having every desire fulfilled? Or having no desire? after a while. Others may like that happy The first boy had happiness, defined as sensual pleasure, at that feeling when they get recognition or moment. That is, he got what needed that moment. Will he be happy achieve some desired status. But we also after that? Will the second boy tire of his ice-creams and be unhappy know that this is transient. So, can taking the ice-cream after a while? In the case of the third boy, he appears to have found the solution to the suffering of not getting happiness last?

I find the following parable or story

what one wants—he can get everything he wants. Wouldn’t he live

most instructive. Not so very long ago, happily ever after? But note that his desires do not cease. And the four boys went hiking and found an old happiness in the first three boys are conditional. Turning to the last

lamp. Given what they’ve learned from boy, he is at peace with what he has, what he is, what is present. He all the books they’ve read, they eagerly would have moved beyond happiness. He has moved beyond the rubbed the side of the lamp, and waited conditional nature of happiness. in

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PAST, TO BE FORGOTTEN OR REMEMBERED ?

BY: BRO. HONG SENG NTUBS' Alumni

As we aged, we have the inclination to recall or recollect on our past. Many of our NTUBS

alumni

will

identify

with

this

statement.

Should we remember or forget our past, good or bad hard to say. If your past is sweet and good, then you will not forget. If your past is sour and bad, then you will want to forget.

This is the nature of human as what Buddha has pointed out our attachment to this Samsara (sensual world).

This topic does bring back my memories of the past when I was in NTU Buddhist Society (NTUBS). Every visit to NTU campus will trigger my thought on my memories that I have in NTUBS. Although academic pursuit is the core purpose in NTU, I do not really has much memories about my study in School of EEE as compare to my involvement in Buddhist Society. I always shared that NTUBS is like my core module and study is my sub-module. I still remember the song written by Seng Yip and Sen Yuen – “A Place Called Home”. The lyrics begin with

“Walking down the path I’v e travelled, Brings back all those memories…”. As I rhyme with the song, the memories surfaced vividly. The past that I experienced in NTUBS will never be forgotten unless I have dementia as I aged.The fellowship that we have established during our NTUBS days has bonded us together till now where we will have gatherings to update each other occasionally. I treasured this past that has happened. Am I not following the teachings of the Buddha, since I am so attached to my past in NTUBS? I would like to share the concept of mind and consciousness by Yogācāra school ( ). The texts of the Yogācāra school gives a detailed explanation of the workings of the mind and the way it constructs the reality we experience. The tradition classified our consciousness or senses into eight consciousness which consist of the five senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body), 6th

瑜伽行或唯识宗

*the mentioned article can be accessed here: https://tricycle.org/magazine/storehouse-consciousness-yogacara/

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is

mind

consciousness,

7th

is

Manas

consciousness and 8th is Alaya consciousness.

The past happened was input by our six consciousness (Eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and

mind),

process

consciousness

and

through stored

in

seventh eighth

consciousness. This consciousness concept is more than just our past memories, I have just

used it in a simplified form to explain our memories. This doctrine has more in depth and profound teaching on our mind which is related to our Karma. With the understanding of our mind and practicing meditation will help us to improve our awareness and transform our lives.

Let me share an extract from an article

by Ben Connelly in Tricycle , Clearing Out the Storehouse* - The Buddhist concept that explains why you keep doing the same thing over and over—and the practice that shows you how to stop. The article mentioned that the Buddhist concept of Alaya consciousness arose about 2000 years ago to help explain why people return so often to the same emotional states and viewpoints. There are two specific practices for working with this Alaya consciousness – awareness of the awesome

power

of

Alaya

consciousness

(Storehouse) and mindfulness of emotion – can change our emotional and cognitive habits into more compassionate, joyful, and free responses, transforming our lives in the process.

Alaya consciousness refers to the unconscious level of experience where our habits are maintained and where they transform. We need to cultivate awareness of the immense power of the storehouse and practice mindfulness of emotion. These practices will help to raise awareness and mindfulness in our mind, so that we can manage our emotion and go straight to the root of the suffering and try to end the suffering.

I would like to use the parts of computer as a metaphor for this concept.

Using the computer may not be able to fully explain, but I hope that with this metaphor you can have an idea of our mind function according to these eight consciousness.

Thus based on the above doctrine, we cannot erase our past so for us to forget or remember is a choice. We choose to forget because it is painful or sour or we choose to remember because it is comfortable or sweet. Sometime this choice is not available because our level of awareness is low, thus we will act in an unconsciously manner according to our habit of mind. Our past is stored in Alaya consciousness, whether the past can be remembered or forgotten will depend on Manas consciousness. If the condition

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CONSCIOUSNESS

FUNCTION

6 Consciousness

Receiving

COMPUTER

Input devices keyboard, microphone, speaker,

Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue,

and

Body and Mind

generating

touch screen monitor, mouse & camera

information

RAM Manas

Processing

(Random Access Memory)

information

Alaya

Information

Solid State Drive Harddisk

storage

ripen, we will be able to recall our past and vice versa. I am sure there will be incident where you may come across some places, people, or events the you find them familiar like you have seen, met or experienced before. This could be the past that were stored in our Alaya consciousness and by our habit of mind we have these reaction or feeling.

After introducing the concept of eight consciousness, do you think we can

choose to forget or remember the past?

Personally, I will say that I can make the decision under the condition that I will continue my practice in meditation to better my level of awareness. Even if I do not have the awareness, I will also prefer to remember the past, as the past has allowed me to experience, to gain the knowledge, to recollect the good memories and not to forget learn from my past mistake to gain the wisdom. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu !

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A New Beginning

by Sis. Shellia 39th NTUBS President

One may wonder, what is there to begin

those ‘normal’ lives, where we can gather

if we have not reached the end?

as a big group and walk around without having to wear a mask. But, is this day

It may sound obvious to say that we can

going to come? Maybe yes, but probably

only start a new chapter when the last

not in the near future. So, the question

chapter ends. We only enter university

here is, are we going to wait for it to

when we finish high school. We only can

end? Will it ever end?

get a new job when we quit our current job. But is it always the case? Do we

When things have not been in favor, we

really have to wait until something ends

often try to take control, or even to

to start a new thing?

stop trying at all. We cling onto the past and the pleasant moments that we had,

A typical example like COVID-19, which

trying to go back to those times. But,

did not even exist 3 years back,

there is something most of us often

suddenly hit us and changed many things

forget, we are living in the present. We

in our lives. It definitely has created a

should not cling on to the past, but

big impact, and we are so used to using

instead,

it as a ‘reason’, or worse, an ‘excuse’ for

embrace it, and work on the present

things we do not start, do, or finish.

moment. That way, new things will start

Many of us are waiting for the pre-

to blossom.

we

should

appreciate

it,

pandemic days to come, and back to

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Thus, to answer the previous questions:

not last, but it is the real happiness we

Will things end? Maybe.

as a Buddhist should pursue. The Buddha

Do we wait for it to end? No.

mentioned

When is the best time to start? Now.

happiness:

The thing with new beginnings is that it

“Health is the highest gain.

can happen anytime, like even now. It

Contentment is the greatest wealth.

may seem very abstract at first, as to

The trusty are the best kinsmen.

the uncertainties it carries. At this

Nibbana is the highest bliss.”

point, you may be wondering about what

— Dhammapada, v. 204

the

four

sources

of

you need to start something. A new beginning sounds like we have to start

So, Brothers and Sisters in the Dharma, I

everything from scratch. But that is not

hereby would like to invite you to regard

the case. All you need is simply - You.

every moment as ‘A New Beginning’, and

Every intentional thoughts, words, and

let us walk on the path towards

actions you choose in the present

happiness together!

moment can create a new beginning.

May you be well and happy!

We may have different reasons on why we want to have a new beginning, whether it is to adapt to a new environment, to escape from a toxic relationship, to develop ourselves into a better person, all these eventually lead toward

the

same

goal:

to

attain

happiness and to be free from suffering.

In fact, that is also the purpose of Buddha’s teachings. This year, we begin our 39th tenure with ‘Happiness’ as our Dharma direction. Happiness here is not the same as worldly pleasures which do

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17

39th Committee President Division

Tang Yong Wei Honorary General Secretary

Yee Wan Jing Adeline

Shellia Oktavina

Kavishni Nanayakkara

President

Honorary Treasurer

Lew San Hong

Vice President

Vice President

(Event)

(Dharma)

Event Division EVENT Not in frame : Chung Jia Hui

Tang Lit En Director

Zhuang Zhi

Joanna Chen

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Oong Jie Xiang

Chu Xian Liang

Kenny Lius

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

18

39th Committee METTA

Calvin Ang Yee Khiang Director

Lynn Yeo Ning Hui

Ng Zu Sian Defenie Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Loh Wan Ting

Lim Pui Yee

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Lee Jun Xian Subcommittee

WELFARE AND LOGISTICS

Ong Choon Hoe Joel Subcommittee

Sew Wei Chun

Gerren Owen L.

Director

Subcommittee

Jessica Chandra

Ang Sim Eng

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Lee De Jun Subcommittee

Phoenix Felicia W. Edmerson Low Subcommittee

Subcommittee

19

39th Committee Dharma Division DHARMA PROPAGATION

Duong Ngoc Yen Renardi Muliawan Subcommittee

Malcolm Teo Subcommittee

Director

Hogan Chang Subcommittee

Vony Renfia Subcommittee

Andrew Nycholas Ormand Subcommittee

DHARMA STUDY

Sim Jun Xun Director

Vanessa Teh

Gordon Tan Jun Xiang

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Bak Wai Leng

Goh Peng Aik Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Kee Lai Chuan Subcommittee

20

39th Committee Support Division PUBLICATION

Dinh Phuc Hung

Steven Edbert Winata

Celine Wijaya

Director

Subcommittee

Subcommittee

Soh Zheng Da

Devin Edward Subcommittee

Subcommittee

MARKETING Not in frame: Hoang Minh Nhat

Lee Mun Ling

Do Xuan Long

Fong Shi Ying

Subcommittee

Director

Subcommittee

Vu Duc Anh Subcommittee

Tran Trung Dung Subcommittee

Truong Vinh Khai Subcommittee

Poon Liang Wei Subcommittee

21

22

Our Events Welcome Tea Date: 13 August 2021 Welcome Tea is a platform for NTUBS to introduce itself to the community of NTU especially freshmen .

Camp Nirvana Singapore Date: 14 - 15 August 2021 Camp Nirvana Singapore is NTUBS annual orientation camp. It is a platform for the NTU community to know more about NTUBS and to have fun.

AGM and Investiture Date: 27 August 2021 AGM was held at the beginning of the semester to review the activities and financial report of NTUBS for the past one year. It was followed by an Investiture to mark the official end of the 38th committee and to welcome the 39th committee.

23

Walking the Path of Metta Date: 17 September 2021 This sharing session was led by our Metta committee to remind members how important it is to love themselves and help them discover how to achieve it.

Bonding Event: Left Right Up Down, 5 Lines Take Crown Date: 15 October 2021 This bonding event is for NTUBS members to get to know each other and have fun in the midst of their hectic school period.

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Dharma Talk: Why Give Alms?

Date: 22 October 2021 The talk explained the reasons and tradition of laymen giving alms to monks. Together with this event, the committee conducted a campaign: Giving from the Heart, to provide the NTUBS committee an opportunity to practice generosity.

Exam Welfare Gathering Date: 27 October 2021 This gathering was a perfect time for NTUBS members to destress before the exam period. There was also goodie bag distributed to members to wish for the welfare of the members.

Dharma Camp 2022: Katannuta Date: 7 - 9 January 2022 Dharma Camp is an annual camp organized by committee. This year, the theme "Katannuta", which means gratitude in Pali, reminded participants to practice Gratitude in their life.

Participants enjoyed various talks, interactive activities and discussions that were related to developing a gratitude mindset.

25

Fireside Chat: Find out for yourself Date: 21 January 2022 In this event, we invited 2 ex Vice Presidents of Dharma of NTUBS, Danry Lim, Oong Jie Xiang and the current Vice President: Lew San Hong as speakers. In a laid back QnA fashion, they answered questions from participants regarding their own experience in life, current issues of the world, and many other things!

Happy New Me Date: 28 January 2022 NTUBS members gathered together to celebrate Chinese New Year. At the same time, they took this opportunity to set their new goals for the new year.

26

S.R.C. Meditation Workshop Date: 17 February 2022 The Stretch, Relax, Concentrate meditation workshop led by the Dharma Propagation team to bring NTUBS members through guided meditation activities to relax and improve their concentration before midterms season.

NTUBS 39th Anniversary: The present is my present Date: 25 February 2022 The night to commemorate the fruitful journey of NTUBS for 39 years together with 29 years journey of NTUBS Alumni and 19 years journey of Little Bodhi Student Care Centre. This event came with special performances, games and lucky draw, and the short video acted by the committees to introduce the theme!

Leadership and Dharma Training Programme Date: 19 January 2022 - 30 March 2022 LDTP is a series of workshops designed by the NTUBS Coordinators. Participants learn and apply Buddhist concepts in the context of leadership with the vision of "Practising dharma through leadership and leadership through Dharma". It covers various aspects of leadership and self development . The workshops are led by specially invited facilitators, speakers and Venerables.

27

LET GO OF THE PAST, LET GO OF THE FUTURE, LET GO OF THE PRESENT, AND CROSS OVER TO THE FARTHER SHORE OF EXISTENCE. WITH MIND WHOLLY LIBERATED, YOU SHALL COME NO MORE TO BIRTH AND DEATH. ~ DHAMMAPADA VERSE 348)

28

"WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE WE G0T FROM NTUBS?" "WHAT HAVE WE GAINED FROM NTUBS?" LET'S HEAR FROM NTUBS' ALUMNI!

29

MEMORIES OF NTUBS' ALUMNI MICHELLE TRISNO Joined NTUBS in 2017

NTUBS has helped me found interest and fun in meditation. I think this experience has been life changing for me, personally. As i can found more joy in the things that are already pleasant, and become more neutral towards unpleasant situation.

I also had a lot of fun in NTUBS from going to animal shelter when i was in metta team, helping with the planning of exam supper, NTUBS framework, and many more! I felt immense joy when remembering those old days hahaha!

I think the gain from NTUBS is indescribable to be honest. From confidence in talking to people, courage in pitching ideas, implementing new frameworks and strategies, and the biggest one for me is to be aware of any situation. Another irreplaceable gain is the friends and memories that we built along the way. And I can proudly say that being part of NTUBS was one of my most memorable thing out of university.

SOH YAN DA

Joined NTUBS in 2016

My experience in NTUBS has been a meaningful and memorable one. I am extremely fortunate and grateful to be given a wide range of opportunities, from subcommittee to the main committee and ad hoc roles, to serve and build up new skills while benefitting many others. NTUBS provided me with a safety net where I was able to strive to the fullest potential.

The biggest gain I had was forging strong bonds with like-minded people (Kalyanamitra). We had a good time together and explored Who/What is a Buddha, how we can use the teachings to lead our life, from the smallest to the biggest life decision, having Kalyanamitra’s alongside is definitely a good investment!

30

MEMORIES OF NTUBS' ALUMNI DANRY LIM Joined NTUBS in 2017

To be honest, no words can fully encapsulate my experience in this family. NTUBS marked many of my ‘first’ experiences, from planning camps, to coordinating programmes, to even helping others become leaders. But most importantly, it was the people that shaped my experiences – within this family lies one of the most caring, genuine, thoughtful, motivated, and insightful people I’ve ever met. Whether one was a senior or junior, it really didn’t matter – we were all one family. I’d dare proudly say that my university days was made amazing by the NTUBS family, even despite a one-year exchange gap.

Everything NTUBS promised in its motto, from learning, to practising, to realising and to sharing – it delivered. While the events and talks were filled with the precious Dhamma, it was in the people that I have seen embody the core of the Dhamma. My greatest blessing is being able to be inspired by the friends in NTUBS – each with their unique skills but all in one heart. All these good times, waves of laughter, late night HTHTs would surely be with me for as long as this body remains…

My biggest gain? The precious memories of being inspired.

WENYA LIM Joined NTUBS in 2017

To me, NTUBS is the warmest and most welcoming place in all the societies I've joined. They welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of the race, religion and nationality. Not only do we have learning opportunities in the dharma and leadership, the members can also create open groups for anyone who is interested in playing badminton, running and enjoying supper together. I'm really grateful to everyone for integrating me into this lovely family, and they are definitely people that I would want to stay in touch with even after graduation.

NTUBS has completed my university journey as I enjoyed many activities and learning opportunities (like late night karaoke with supper, Leader-Dharma Training Program, etc) that I won't seek out by myself. They helped me to grow both as a leader and a follower. I also made many precious and lasting friendships. NTUBS also helped me understand and improve myself as we discuss and learn about the self in which the Singapore education hardly cover. But most importantly, I'm really grateful to be part of NTUBS as it is a place that reminds me to improve and grow in the dharma.

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Story of Little Monk and Ants Story: Saṃyukta-ratna-piṭaka-sūtra, Volume 4, with modification Art by: Steven Edbert Winata

Amitofo, Bhante.

Thank you, Bhante.

I will listen to you.

And I've missed my family too

Amitofo, little one, I advise you to visit your family and relatives. But, you need to return in the morning of the seventh day

Hmm.. So unfortunate, such a kind and diligent kid will come across his death next week.

It's better to let him see his family for one last time

On the 7th day, the little monk is on his way to return to the monastery

It's better to arrange his crematory here at the monastery

The little monk looks happy and continue his return

Oh no! A lot of ants seem to get trapped in the middle of the puddle

Alright! This trunk looks good enough. I will need to hurry return before noon

Aha! I will put a trunk as a bridge for them to cross

The old monk realizes that it is due to his action of saving the lives of ant. His destiny that I foresee seems to be solved by his kind action

Amitofo, Bhante.

I've returned from visiting my family. I'm sorry I'm a bit late. There was a group of ants got stuck on my way here. So I helped them out for a while.

Amitofo, little one. Ah i see, so that's how it is.

The old monk looks surprised and happy at the same time as how the little monk is still alive even though noon has come

Good deed will bear a good fruit Background sources: freepik.com/vectors/cartoon-wallpaper goodfreephotos.com

Short Comic|32

WHATEVER IS NOT YOURS: LET GO OF IT. YOUR LETTING GO OF IT WILL BE FOR YOUR LONGTERM HAPPINESS & BENEFIT. ~ NATUMHĀKASUTTA

Image source: medium.com/the-ascent/the-importance-of-letting-go-3eeb1a802150 lovepik.com/images/png-boats.html

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DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

PUSHING PAST TROUBLES

By Sim Jun Xun, 37th Vice-President (Dharma) In the past 2 years, there has been a global shift in the external world - from the workplace to schools to society to our daily interactions with our friends and loved ones. For most, there has been more suffering than happiness over these circumstantial changes.

This is the life that we know of – a life that is dominantly conditioned by global events, society, culture, and the environment we are brought up in. Yet, if we listen attentively, something within ourselves doesn’t feel right. We are mostly caught in the feeling that something is lacking from our lives and until we get it, we will not be satisfied. Even when we do get it, we want more of it. There is perhaps an illusory sense of what it means to be a human in this day and age.

Think about it – what has really changed before, during, and after the pandemic-induced series of events? How can we meet all that life has to offer us? How do we meet ourselves as “what is” and not what should be?

Now, we have to ask ourselves – Is it at all possible to live a life that is unburdened by conflict, sorrow, anxiety, and all forms of psychoneuroses? Where do we start? Who should we rely on for such a journey if we are at all interested?

Before you go to sleep tonight, take 5 minutes to ask within yourself - what is it now that is troubling you most? What is your greatest source of psychological burden as of this moment? Do so without condemning the problem or the self. This could be your first step in the endless journey of self-observation and transformation.

This is not something that you will ever learn from another person, a book, a talk – and in the spirit of the qualities of the Dharma, it has to be “realized by the wise each for himself”.

The new beginning is not something that lies in the future. It is here. It is now. Every moment is a potential for transformation and it all begins with you.

34

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

UNDERSTANDING OF THE MIND Written 39th

Vice

by

Lew

San

President

Hong

(Dharma)

Avoid all unwholesome, Do all that is wholesome, Purify the mind, This is the teaching of the Buddha.

Often, you hear these four lines whenever you ask a Buddhist to explain what the Buddha teaches. Yet, it is always difficult for one to concisely explain the third line. However, it cannot be emphasized enough how important the purification of the mind in the Buddhist path towards enlightenment. It is the deluded mind that caused our suffering and stress, and it is the same mind we Buddhist seek to liberate.

Your mind is easy to find, but hard to subdue and master. You are reading this text with your eyes, but you understand these words with your mind. When I say “France”, the mind goes to “France” as if your mind took a plane to France. To choose what to eat for dinner, you use your mind to think and decide. When you see your crush and your heart pounds rapidly, that is your mind at work. You use it every day and every moment, but often it is too subtle and too fast for you to catch. Why? Because our mind has always been pulled by what you see, something you hear, a thing you touch, or good food you smell. Without practice, your mind is enslaved by your other senses or by wandering thoughts. Buddhists usually term it “the monkey mind”.

To purify the mind is to stop stirring the muddy water and allow the dust to sink so that you can see through the water. It is to subdue and control your monkey mind. Meditation is the best tool to train your mind to be less easily distracted by stimulus of your senses. In doing so, you can gain clarity of the mind and you can start to observe why this mind is muddy in the first place.

If you have had no prior experience in meditation and try it for the first time, you may find the process unpleasant and frustrating how naughty this monkey mind can be. Torrents of thoughts rush through your mind wave after wave without stopping. You may think to yourself that you have a “clearer” mind without meditation to begin with, but you are wrong. You have just started to confront the problem with your mind: you have no control. Although it is a tough process, you should persevere and not give up. One day, you can finally be the true master of yourself.

35

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

A NEW NORMAL WRITTEN BY DANRY LIM 36TH VICE PRESIDENT (DHARMA)

‘New normal’ are two words that are

So, what is this state of ‘normal’ that we

highly oxymoronic - how can what is

very much want to be in? Conventionally,

new be normal if it was not there

normal connotes the sense of being

before; and how can what is normal be new if it has been there all the while? Well, the truth is that life is just full of oxymorons and paradoxes - just like saying that there will be a

regular, something typical, or maybe even something commonly accepted by those around you. For instance, it may be normal to post on IG whenever you are out with friends. Closer to us, as students in NTU, we may think that normal life is

sequel to Squid Game is already old

attending lectures and tutorials, doing

news

potential

internships, graduating with a good GPA,

partners in NTUBS could well be an

starting a career and maybe even starting

open secret or taking a Grab was my

a family. But why do we think in this way?

only choice when I woke up late for

What we think is normal is heavily

my finals in my fourth year back in

influenced by what we cherish, and this is

NTU. At this junction, you are clearly

the principle of conditionality (paticca-

or

that

finding

confused with these words (see what I did there?).

What exactly is ‘normal’?

samuppada) where our experiences are conditioned - we have been conditioned to choose what to believe in, what to cherish, what to prioritise - and that, becomes your normal.

When we say ‘normal’, there is a sense of nostalgia, going back to the past - just

But if so, one person’s normal would differ

scroll through Instagram, and you would

from another’s normal - paradoxically, is

probably see memories of past ‘normal’

this normalcy still normal?

activities, such a hanging out in groups; just flip the newspapers and you would

Now, ask the Buddha what is normal, and

probably see how officials push for

He is probably less interested in what is

economic ‘normalcy’.

conditioned, typical, or commonly -

36

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

accepted. Throughout His teachings, it is

in our lives - that is why we even chose

clear that being normal is being aligned

to attend school. Not just us, but as a

with the natural way things work. Being

human race, we are all hopeful of

normal in the Buddhist sense is really not

being

some difficult, mysterious state which

versions of ourselves’.

can only be attained at the top of a

Fundamentally, our belief that we can

mountain. It is blatantly in the here-and-

improve is a clear testimony to anicca,

now. It is very simple, but that could also

often

be the problem, that it is so simple that

However, when things we like change for

we have taken it for granted. Throughout

the worse, we ask ourselves “Why am I

your life, you have been living with it, but

not as ______ (fill up with literally

may not have observed it. Very likely, if

anything you want) anymore?” or we

you can feel, you probably have a ‘mind’,

dramatically say to our friends and/or

and you would have also experienced

partners “You have changed” (think:

some sort of projection from this ‘mind’.

To be normal is to live in a way where you

know

(sometimes

to

translated

‘become

as

better

impermanence.

你变

drama expression). This of course

does not mean we must accept all that

as

have changed, but rather to remain in

awakened to) the natural principles of

the state of normalcy to recognise that it

how things are - anicca, dukkha and

is normal for such changes, just as it is

anatta. These are often known as the

normal to improve when time and effort

Three

(tilakkhana),

is invested. It is how we paradoxically

implying that all phenomena have these

cherry-pick to enjoy certain uncertainties

properties, like how all ionic compounds

and complain about other uncertainties

have a high melting point. Without

that pulls us away from normalcy.

Characteristics

described

了!

trained

knowing, you might become confused (sometimes known as ignorance or not-

In life, the biggest element that would

knowing, the literal meaning of avijja),

generally satisfy us is being able to trust

making oneself vulnerable and thus

something with full certainty. Looking at

deviating from normalcy.

insurance, we may feel assured because we can seemingly 100% trust that if

As a student in NTU, we all believe in

something happens to us, there will be a

seeking improvement and development

payout to support our families.

37

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

But can we really be 100% sure or say with

at how things appear or seem.

100% certainty about anything? Given the fact that everything has the nature of anicca, the Buddha is simply saying that while things could be x% satisfying, it would also logically be (100-x)% not-sosatisfying, where (100-x) > 0. This is the truth of dukkha, of unsatisfactoriness. This is not being pessimistic, but completely realistic - and being real is being normal.

things are not how they appear to be. In the ‘honeymoon period’, you may think that your love for someone (or someone else’s love for you) will always be there; when you face difficult times, you may think that the state of mind will persist and you will feel terrible forever. But anyone that has been through the test of time will tell you that these are not how things work.

This is the core of anatta, sometimes referred to as the concept of non-self. It simply means that nothing is how it because

of

the

lack

of

Simple, no need for prayers, chanting, sitting up straight for hours, not even the need to think of clouds or rainbows - just be aware at this very moment. No need to conjure anything special, but just be conscious of what is happening at this

With these two, you may realise that most

appears

How to be normal?

an

independent existence that allows it to persist indefinitely.

How paradoxical to say that there is a ‘core’ to anatta (which is analogous to core-lessness). Again, to be normal is to be able to see things as they are, rather than to stop

very

moment,

nothing

special,

just

mundane and ordinary. Now, that’s normal. To go back to being the master of oneself. This does not mean you must be sitting up straight, as if clocking in sitting timing would be your credits to awakening.

For

instance,

in

an

argument, if you see someone’s anger spiralling out of control, would you think that is ‘normal’? In the conventional sense of being typical maybe yes, but in the Buddhist sense, then probably not.

Imagine

yourself

in

that

heated

argument, because you have the notions of anicca, dukkha and anatta, the way you relate to the situation will be different from what is typical. This does not mean you remain quiet. But being normal is being under control, not losing the throne of sanity, while still engaging

38

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

with the world as per normal. This is

Effective not in chanting at the right

practice - or Bhavana - conditioning the

pace and tone, neither is it sitting up

mind to see and to align to things as they

straight for many hours, but about

are, not how it appears to be. And it is

bringing to mind the view and mindset

Bhavana

of anicca, dukkha, and anattā. If having

that

brings

one

closer

to

normalcy.

an inspiring quote on your phone’s lock screen can remind you of what is normal,

“Oneself indeed is one's protector, for

then that too is practice!

what other protector could there be?

With oneself well-controlled, one obtains

So, what does the ‘new normal’ now

a mastery that is difficult to gain.”

mean to you? If you can see that it is

Dhammapada 160

neither new nor old, then you are moving closer to normalcy. In this age of a “new

However, if there is no need for prayers,

normal", maybe it is time to rediscover

chanting, and sitting up straight, then

our potential of awakening - to see

why do so many people still do it? Great

things as it is, to experience life as it is,

teachers

normally.

of

the

past

have

even

encouraged some of these practices! In Buddhism, practice is only considered as

“You yourself should make the effort; the

practice if it propels you towards seeing

Tathagata (the Buddha) can only point

anicca, dukkha, and anattā all around

the way.”

you. Like how some people may benefit

Dhammapada 276

more from doing tutorials, some may prefer watching lectures, some may even

May you see the Buddha within you, as

prefer directly reading the textbook,

per normal.

these are methods - the means, not the end. But we need the most appropriate means to get to that end of normalcy. Of which, many popular practices such as chanting, and sitting meditation has proven effective for many.

39

SELFREFLECTION

TO STAY HAPPY AT ALL TIMES Source: Coursera ~ The Science of Well-Being by Yale University

Below are few activities that can be easily done and can increase your happiness day by day To keep track, try to do the check-listing of "TO-BE-HAPPY" list on the next page everyday

SAVORING Savoring is the act of stepping outside of an experience to review and appreciate it. It could be a nice shower, a delicious meal, a great walk outside, or any experience that you really enjoy. Some techniques to enhance savoring: sharing the experience with another person, thinking about how lucky you are to enjoy such an amazing moment, keeping a souvenir or photo of that activity, and making sure you stay in the present moment the entire time

DAILY GRATITUDE JOURNAL Gratitude is a positive emotional state in which one recognizes and appreciates what one has received in life. Take 5-10 minutes every night to write down five things for which you are grateful. They can be little things or big things. But you really have to focus on them and actually write them down. You can just write a word or short phrase, but as you write these things down, take a moment to be mindful of the things you’re writing about (e.g., imagine the person or thing you’re writing about, etc.).

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Research shows that happy people are motivated to do kind things for others. You can do one extra act of kindness per day, or you can do a few acts of kindness in a single day. These do not have to be over-the-top or time-intensive acts, but they should be something that really helps or impacts another person. For example, help your colleague with something, give a few dollars or some time to a cause you believe in, say something kind to a stranger, write a thank you note, give blood, and so on. At the end of each day, list your random act of kindness.

SOCIAL CONNECTION Research shows that happy people spend more time with others and have a richer set of social connections than unhappy people. Studies even show that the simple act of talking to a stranger on the street can boost our mood more than we expect. It can be a small 5-minute act like sparking a conversation with someone on public transportation, asking a coworker about his/her day, or even chatting to the barista at a coffee shop. At least

40

SELFREFLECTION

once a week, take a whole hour to connect with someone you care about. The key is that you must take the time needed to genuinely connect with another person. At the end of the day, list the social connection you made and notice how you feel when you jot it down.

EXERCISE Research suggests that ~30 minutes a day of exercise can boost your mood in addition to making your body healthier. For the next week, you will spend each day getting your body moving with at least 30 minutes of exercise. Set aside a location and time (write it in your calendar!). Then hit the treadmill at the gym, do an online yoga class, or throw on some headphones and dance around your room to cheesy pop songs. This isn’t supposed to be a marathon-level of activity; it’s just to get your body moving a bit more than usual (Note: if you have physical limitations that prevent you from doing this weeks activity, do plan to skip it for obvious reasons). Be sure to take a moment to notice how much better you feel after getting some exercise in.

SLEEP One of the reasons we’re so unhappy in our modern lives is that we’re consistently sleep deprived. Research shows that sleep can improve your mood more than we often expect. For

the next week, aim to get at least seven hours of sleep for at least four nights of the next week. I know, I know. You’re super busy this week.

There are deadlines to meet, friends to see, errands to run, etc. But sleep is going to make you feel better— both physically and mentally. So pick four nights this week, note them in your calendar, and get ready to get some much needed sleep. Also be sure to practice good sleep hygiene too— no devices before bed and try to avoid caffeine and alcohol on the days you’re getting your sleep on. Make sure you get four nights of 7+ hours over the course of the week.

MEDITATE

Meditation is a practice of intentionally turning your attention away from distracting thoughts toward a single point of reference (e.g., the breath, bodily sensations, compassion, a specific thought, etc.).

Research shows that meditation can have a number of positive benefits, including more positive moods, increased concentration, and more feelings of social connection. For the next week, you will spend each (at least) 10 minutes per day meditating.

Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed while you’re meditating.

And remember— meditation isn’t about the meditation itself; it’s about building a skill that we can use later.

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SELFREFLECTION

TO-BE-HAPPYLIST HAVE YOU DONE THIS TODAY? SAVORING WRITE GRATITUDE IN A DIARY/JOURNAL MAKE A NEW FRIEND

HAVE ENOUGH SLEEP MEDITATE

Read the previous page to understand more about the list

=)

T0-BE-HAPPY LIST

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Our Sponsors NTUBS would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors for their kind donations. It is with your generous support that NTUBS is able to continue spreading the Buddha's teaching and sowing the seeds of virtue in NTU. Sadhu!

Zu-Lin Temple Association

Charitable Assistance Society

Buddhist Fellowship Dhamma Drum Singapore

Evergreen Buddhist Culture Service Pte Ltd

People's Buddhism Study Society

Kwan-In Welfare Society

San Cao Gen

Leong Hwa Monastery

Wat Ananda Metyarama Vimalakirti Buddhist Centre Palelai Buddhist Temple The Buddha Voyage Society

Samadhi Buddhist Society Amitabha Buddhist Centre Singapore Buddhist Youth Mission

Goal Planning This book belongs to

My goals In 1 week In 1 Month In 1 Year In 5 Years How will I achieve it?

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Happiness is a choice, not a result.

Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy.

No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy.

Your happiness will not come to you.

It can only come from you.

-Ralph Marston

Check our previous prajna here! https://clubs.ntu.edu.sg/buddhist/index.php/publication/