What the Buddha really said before he passed away
February 12th, 2010 | 
Author: By U Aung Mein
As a (Theravadin) Buddhist, I thank Pastor Rony Tan for giving me the opportunity here to address some common misconceptions about Buddhism.[1]
During a session conducted by Pastor Tan to his congregation, he said that Buddha still “could not find the Way” before he passed away and in the end it was “Jesus who showed Buddha the Way.”
According to the Pali Canon, the earliest historical records of the Buddha’s teachings, the Buddha passed away in 483 B.C., 483 years before the birth of (Jesus) Christ.
The events leading to the passing of the Buddha can be found in the Mahaparanibbana Sutta of the Digha Nikaya.
At the age of 80, the Buddha announced that he would soon reach Parinibbana or the final deathless state abandoning the earthly body.
The Buddha taught that all sentinent beings (including human beings) are subjected to an infinite cycles of births, aging, sickness and death and the only way to extricate oneself out of this “mass of suffering” completely is to attain Nibbana [2] (Enlightenment) through the practice of meditation as documented in detail here. It can be attained in this life here and now so long one strives for it.
Technically speaking, Buddhism is not a religion but simply a method/way to put a stop to dukkha or suffering once and for all. The Buddha did not demand everybody to follow his teachings which can be questioned, debated and challenged.
Before he passed away, the Buddha asked his disciples if they had any questions for him:
“It may be, bhikkhus (monks), that one of you is in doubt or perplexity as to the Buddha, the Dhamma, or the Sangha, the path or the practice. Then question, bhikkhus! Do not be given to remorse later on with the thought: ‘The Master was with us face to face, yet face to face we failed to ask him.”
But when this was said for the first, ssecond and third time, the bhikkhus were silent.
A disciple and attendant of the Buddha Venerable Ananda spoke to the Blessed One, saying:
“Marvellous it is, O Lord, most wonderful it is! This faith I have in the community of bhikkhus, that not even one bhikkhu is in doubt or perplexity as to the Buddha, the Dhamma, or the Sangha, the path or the practice.”
The Buddha replied:
“Out of faith, Ananda, you speak thus. But here, Ananda, the Tathagata (Buddha) knows for certain that among this community of bhikkhus there is not even one bhikkhu who is in doubt or perplexity as to the Buddha, the Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings), or the Sangha (community of monks), the path or the practice. For, Ananda, among these five hundred bhikkhus even the lowest is a stream-enterer, secure from downfall, assured, and bound for enlightenment.”
And the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus, saying:
“Behold now, bhikkhus, I exhort you: Transient are all compounded things, strive on with diligence!”
These were the last words of the Buddha.
Addendum:
[1]: There are two major schools of Buddhism today – Theravada and Mahayana.
[2]: Nibbana is also known as Nirvana in Sanskrit.
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That should clear the misconception of not only what Buddha’s last words were, but also what Buddhism is all about.
This was already pointed out in the early stages in one of the threads in TR by one reader that Buddhism “is not a religion per se” (those were his exact words) and that the precepts contained in the religion were “teachings of Buddha”. It was later day saints of the order which elevated it into a “religion” and its import into China adulterated its original form with paganism.
But a lot of the readers simply were uninterested or remain oblivious to the “truth” that was being explained. And for one reason of another, were only interested in castigating a transgressor and his religion.
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SILVER LININGs IN THE PASTOR RONY Tan SAGA
Thanks to Temasek Review editor for posting this article on Buddhism. Will read it when I have the time.
In my scriptures, Paul says “We know that in everything, God works for good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. How very true!
So let me thank everyone involved in the Pastor rony Tan saga for their remarkable wisdom, restraint and graciousness—the ISD (for their professionalism); Pastor Rony Tan (for his exemplary humility and sense of responsibility); the Venerable Kwang Sheng and Taoist Assn Chairman Mr Tan Thiam Lye (for their very impressive and exemplary graciousness and forgiving spirit); and DPM Wong Kan Seng for his wise, sensitive and caring handling of the whole matter).
I have also joined Pastor Rony Tan to issue my open apology in ctberspace to all aggrieved Buddhists and Taoists for my failure to speak up for them as I was there during those two fateful Saturday nights of Miracle Service. It was an oversight on my part and I deeply regretted my sin of omission to alert Pastor Rony Tan to the pitfalls he would face. I was then more concerned with questions like “Are those stories of miracle healings true? Or are the testimonies cooked up just to bump up church membership?” (By the way, I am not a member of LE).
So I feel self-condemned too, because my Bible says. “Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, to him it is SIN.” James 4:17
On hindsight, I should have realised what our Apostle Paul has also said in my Bible: “To all the saints in Philippi,……Do nothing fromm selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the intrests of others.” Philipians 2:3-4
That is why I fully agree with what the wise Venerable Kwang Sheng had said: “There is no point arguing over who is right and who is wrong.” Correct! From my understanding of the Bible, there are other helpful biblical principles that God wants His people to take note of too, such as Philippians 2:3-4 and 4:8. .
And because all parties involved have shown such remarkable and heartening wisdom and restraint, this serious and very, very explosive matter is now so well resolved and contained. So Pastor Rony Tan was correct to have wisely said in his open apology: “Let us put our goal to build a harmonious Singapore our top priority.” (ST 9/2/10 A4) And may I add—-”to help PM Lee Hsien Loong build for us a caring and sharing Singapore too.”
Well, that was what I have been mulling over the last few days on how I should write my appeal letter to the police and AGC for the 3 poly Chinese teens who were arrested for bad-mothing Indians during their spat in Facebook. And copy of this post will go to them too, to let them know that my appeal and suggestions to them are forthcoming. Please join me in this holy venture, will you?
Now I suddenly find so much optimism for another success on how I can write my appeal, basing on how the authorities have so wisely handled the much more serious Pastor Rony Tan’s case and the Internet seditionist Gan Huai Shi in DAC 40126-132/2005 (in which the wise trial judge DJ Bala Reddy was so kind to have taken up my suggestions for his highly-applauded “bold and innovative” sentencing).
In the current case of the 3 poly teens, I would like to thank the police for dragging on their feet and still not wantig to pres an criminal charge(s) of sedition against the 3 teens under the Sedition Act. So netizens’ vociferous hue and cry over unequal treatment of sedition cases are presently and patently unfounded—-merely over-reaction and a case of collectively jumping the gun.
The beauty of the matter is that the same wise DJ Bala Reddy in DAC 40126-132/2005 is now back in AGC as Principal State Counsel heading their State Prosecution Division. So I would be writing to the same person whom I had also written in 2005 to help him become so famous and so highly applauded for his “bold and innovative” sentencing in DAC 40-126-132/2005. He was then just 3 month on the Bench in the Subordinate Court. Therefore, he will be very understanding and will very likley accede to my appeal and sensible suggestions one more time for compassion for the 3 poly students once the police complete their investigation and hand the seditious matter over to him for his final decision. Isn’t God wonderful? Truly God deservs all our praises!
So “Inspire me, Lord, to be thankful to Thee for Thy favours to me and my loved ones to do good deeds which will please Thee. Admit me, through Thy mercy, to be among Thy righteous.” An-Naml 27:19. “For the noblest in God’s sight is he/she who is the most righteous.” Al-Hujururt 49:13.
Allahu Akbar! God is Greatest!
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We have to evaluate to what extend do we call a person a racist.
GOD gave us mouths to speak, brains to think, ears to listen, and if we were to hush up every sensitive subject as in religion, politics etc, then we might as well be dumb dumb or be an animal.
Those who are offended by such remarks on religion, races etc, it’s because there are racist themselves or brainless.
Do we want people to be like the YES men in parliament?
No brains to think for themselves?
I realised people are quick to say or mention the word racist whenever the discussions are contrary to each other.
Nothing in life is to be feared
It is only to be understood
Marie Curie
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“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
~Buddha
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RALLYING FOR A HOLY VENTURE
Hi!
I feel it is more effective to write direct to the authorities personally to appeal for the 3 arrested Chinese teens than to create such a ruckus in Internet forums. Please join me to write to them personally via your emails; tell them what are you sentiments; state your reasons, and appeal for their understanding and compassion.
To help you to join me in this holy venture, I am displaying their email addresses where you can reach them direct, while there is still time for good citizens to do something. That is what I will be doing soon.
But please be polite and respectful. And let us show forth our best to care and ahare for each other!
May God bless us all! Majulah Singapura!
Here they are:
“Mr Wong Kan Seng” ,
“Bala Reddy” ,
“AG Prof Walter Woon” ,
“CP Ng Joo Hee”,
“Director ISD”
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@to each his own.
What is a definition of religion.
There are many definitions but the generally accepted one is
a set of beliefs and practices by a group or sect.
some argue there must be a supernatural element to qualify
these body of beliefs or practices to be considered a religion.
Buddhism is recognised as a world religion. Every religion has
schism within its body of beliefs including christianity. Every
religion has contradictions, and for you to pass judgement on other
religions is dangerous.Do not expose your ignorance or prejudice. However, it is a fact that Abrahamic
religions are exclusive and esoteric and it is their right.
Unfortunately, due to their fundamental beliefs and practices the extremist fringes of these religions create social security problems unless their mainstream monitor and control them. Hence we see Al Qaeda and numerous deviant christian sects creating social tensions using irreverent and questionable tactics under the guise of saving souls
which is mandated by their teachings.
No one should have a right to denigrate others to serve their
own interest. In today’s world no one is going to accept propagation of beliefs with bible in one hand and a sword in the other. That was in the darkness of middle ages of superstition and ignorance. Paganism is a derogatory coinage
used by the Abrahamic religions to castigate non believers.
Live and let live and there will be peace. Did deep and truly understand your own scriptures and you will find true peace and
not seek domination of others. there so much good in all the holy scriptures of every religion, try to understand them. Truly research and learn others scriptures and you will appreciate their goodness. Do not prevent your followers from
discovering goodness in other scriptures, have faith in the
goodness of your own scriptures. There are demons in many of us , demons of prejudice, ignorance, hatred etc turn back to
the true meaning of your scriptures and turn prejudice to understanding, ignorance to knowledge, hatred to acceptance and love and come to the understanding that we all belong to one humanity not christians, muslims, jews, hindus, buddhist,taoist
or whatever.
Peace be with you from a agnostic
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very insightful article. Thank you.
We just hope that the world can be at peace with one another one day, regardless of religious beliefs.
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It is too broad to claim that Buddhism is not a religion. There is not one single definition of what would be consider a religion. Many interpretations are offered, but not one can be said to be the most accurate.
The Encyclopedia of Philosophy lists traits of religions rather than declaring religion to be one thing or another, arguing that the more markers present in a belief system, the more ”religious like” it is:
•Belief in supernatural beings (gods).
•A distinction between sacred and profane objects.
•Ritual acts focused on sacred objects.
•A moral code believed to be sanctioned by the gods.
•Characteristically religious feelings (awe, sense of mystery, sense of guilt, adoration), which tend to be aroused in the presence of sacred objects and during the practice of ritual, and which are connected in idea with the gods.
•Prayer and other forms of communication with gods.
•A world view, or a general picture of the world as a whole and the place of the individual therein. This picture contains some specification of an over-all purpose or point of the world and an indication of how the individual fits into it.
•A more or less total organization of one’s life based on the world view.
•A social group bound together by the above.
It describes religious systems but not non-religious systems. It encompasses the features common in belief systems generally acknowledged as religions without focusing on specific characteristics unique to just a few.
The above is a more apt description of what would be consider a religion which would definately includes the Theravada tradition as a religion.
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Righteous,
Discuss religion by all means, debate about reicarnation, original sins, nirvana..etc.
This Pastor Tan episode should not give people the wrong impression that debate or discussion on religious topics is not encouraged. In an open society, such discussion should be encouraged, and through such debate and discussion, we’ll be wiser and have a better understand of others’ religions. With better understanding, comes true religious harmony.
Sometimes in the heat of the debate or discussion, we may say something not appropriate, and people may get offended, that is normal. It’s like putting muddy potatoes in a bucket of water, by the potatoes rubbing against each other, the mud drops off and the potatoes all become cleaner.
However, we should not confuse open debate/discussion with someone DELIBERATELY setup to spread falshood and denigrating another religion. The latter will leading to misunderstanding and the danger of religious tensions in our society; and hence it should be firmly dealt with by the law.
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Many people in Singapore, especially Christians, are still confusing
Chinese Folk Religion which is still practiced in Singapore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_folk_religion
with Taoism, which is altogether a different form of religion/philosophy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism
with Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
Part of the reasons is that these three, along with Confucianism, has been mixed so thoroughly in China for the past thousands of years that elements of one are found in others.
That said, it behooves us to read up more to understand before thinking even of criticising others. For all criticism have roots in ignorance.
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Transient are all compounded things, strive on with diligence!”
can someone explain in layman terms
thanks.
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12/2/10
To:
Mr Bala Reddy
Principal State Counsel
Head
State Prosecution Division
From: Mr Oh Tham Eng
cc – AG Walter Woon, CP Ng Joo Hee, Mr Wong Kan Seng, PM Lee Venerabe Kwang Sheng, Pastor Rony Tan, Others
Dear Sir:
AN APPEAL FOR COMPASSION AND WISE ACTION FOR 3 POLY TEENAGERS ARRESTED FOR SEDITION
I am so pleased to be able to write to you again. The previous time as the wise DJ Bala Reddy of the Subordinate Court where you were the trial judge for schoolboy blogger Gan Huai Shi arrested and charged for sedition. This time I wish to let you know in advance I would be putting up an appeal and suggestion to you and the police how I think the sedition of these 3 quarrelling teenagers can be best handled, now that ISD and DPM Wong Kan Seng have so beautifully managed Pastor Rony Tan’s case, which is of course a much more serious one than the trivial spat among 3 insignificant poly teens inadvertently caught for seditious offences.
So I have attached for your information in Attachment 4 below the feelings on the ground what Singaporeans feel about the case of the arrested teens, and how they correctly felt it should be managed. I am so pleased that you should be the wise and trusted person who would be handling this case as the God-blessed prosecutor, Sir! So I am justified to say in anticipation how lucky the 3 teens are that you are now the Head of State Prosecution Division in the AGC.
May God bless you and all your loved ones, Sir!
Majulah Singapura!
Sincerely,
Oh Tham Eng
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@ Tan
I hope you can read English as well as you can write the language. If you were to take the trouble to read my post carefully (and not let your bias consciousness cloud your reading process) you will note that there is nothing there which contain a “passing of jdugement” as you have wrongly accused me of.
My message is nothing more than agreeing with the message of U Aung Mein and substantiating it by referring and quoting from what was also conveyed by some other reader in earlier postings. I think you should not have a superficial scan of what others write without digesting what is written and readily pounce on a misreading to present and impose your own ideas onto them without due diligence being first taken.
I did not present any view on the matter, just reiterating the points raised earlier and also by U Aung Mein in his article above, which are all FACTUAL. The underlying message here is that there is no god in Buddhism in its original form.
For you to accuse me of passing judgement is not only erroneous but mischievous in nature. It was a fair comment supporting the views of these 2 person who have enlightened views of what Buddhism really is. You are the one guilty of passing judgement here if I may say so.
I do not wish to engage you further on this issue, as seeing, the tangent of the direction you are taking, it will serve no purpose and no good will come out of it. You are at liberty to your views (but please do not impose any more misinterpretation or misconception of your views on me by posting any such further miscommunications here, unless you have an agenda and have chosen me as a scapegoat to carry that agenda)
I shall bid you good day.
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The pastor has great zeal in striving to bring more and more people away from gaining more knowledge about other religions.
To achieve his objective, he had deliberately chosen two worst examples as ‘props’ to market his system to the public at large. And worst, he was intent on destroying the public’s trust in other religions.
It is not fair for him ‘attack’ other religions’ credibilty, not least a world-renowned religion such as Buddhism, based on the experience of two unsuccessful ‘dropouts’, as it were, who couldn’t make the grade.
Why does he choose to blatantly ignore the noble achievements of those numerous great Buddhist personages in society?
The pastor’s act is one of utter selfishness. It is better for him to practise his brand of belief privately, in his own head rather than zealously run down others in public.
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A lot of our ‘problems’ are caused by ignorance. I had found (generally) many Buddhists and Christians are ignorant of the correct teachings. And ignorance gives rise to conjectures, misleading speeches and actions.
U Aung Mein had taken the trouble to quote from the Pali Canon what the Buddha really said before he passed away. Without sounding cliché, Oh Tham Eng’s quotations of the gospel verses contained both evangelistic message as well as the ‘right thing to do’.
The Rony Tan saga is about evangelism, i.e. proselytising. This is a clarion call (as evident in the Bible) and the cause of many hardships, persecutions, violations of human rights, alienations, prejudices, forceful conversions, imprisonments, domination, uprooting of indigenous tradition and culture, not to mention holy wars. These are facts that Christians are either ignorant, want to forget or even deny. It does not help that those who knew or are aware pretend that they did not happen or put the blame on something else (Alternate Cause).
For the record, some ‘religions’ are just as guilty.
All this merely points to human nature. So arguing over who is right or wrong may be pointless. Nevertheless, highlighting or pointing out is necessary so that we may be able to ‘do the right thing’. Keeping quiet or silence doesn’t mean there is no problem.
While forgiving is a virtue, it should not be abused to the point where it is used to ‘absolve’ every transgressor regardless. And forgetting serves no purpose. It means we have no memory of a ‘wrong’ and thus inadvertently encourage the repetition of the transgression!
I feel strongly that while ignorance may be the cause of this saga, fear (of pointing out, speaking out, sanctioning) is just as bad or wrong. While ignorance may be forgiven, I don’t know what to say of the later (fear).
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papnoanus,
>>Transient are all compounded things,…
To me, it means don’t listen to Buddha’s words only, words comes from thoughts and thoughts are compounded things based on one’s experience (senses) and attachments to “self”.
So how do you transcand your thinking to find your true self? That is what Buddha taught after he become awakened. And to different person with different attachments Buddha teaches differently with skillful means.
>>Strive on with diligence!”
So to be “awaken” to your true self, you must practice yourself, no one can do it for you. Only Try. Just do it. That’s why “strive on with diligence!”
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Here is the man Rony Tan who has consistently instilled right value to his congregation in his message to
obey the law of the land
appreciate , support and be grateful to our efficient clean government
be loyal citizens , bearing in mind that what we are today : prosperous , secure and harmonious are the end result of our very good government .
During Sars , dengue and H1N1 outbreak , he reminded us that our government has done their best , lets support and be responsible citizens to do the needful .
Rony’s deep gratitude to our government is reflected in his national day song about how much Mr MM Lee and his cabinet worked tirelessly to build and transform Singapore . I cried and respect Mr Lee even more .
Rony’s insensitive remarks and holding of interview sessions with nun and monk has indeed greatly angered and upset our Buddhist and Taoist communities. Who won’t get upset ?
However , to say that he did it deliberately with intents to criticize , insult , belittle them is 100 % No . A man who respect the law of his country would he deliberately break it in shape, form or fashion ?
If he know for sure that such words would incite intense wrath and led to public outcry , an ISD issue , would he deliberately put them into video , declare in front of thousands of audience amongst whom may include the Buddhist and Taoist community ; just to get himself into Deep Trouble ?
It takes more than a fool to do that , to put own self in front of the firing squad or jump into the landmine so to speak .
If he has the slightest inking that such words would incur public wrath , reward him with Bill Gates fortune , he would not and Dare Not held such interviews .
People got to realize he came from a Buddhist Taoist background steep in worship . He and his family members has had many encounters with the invisible world of spirit beings .So often he shared about his parents , grandparents , relatives and own experiences when he talked about his former religion . Essentially he would be condemning , insulting his ancestors , closest kin , all his relatives including himself is he is out to Ridicule .
Because of such background and unusual experiences , he is just making comparison and subjective analysis , definitely not out to insult others ; as he often said “ we must respect others religion and belief as they are sincere believers ,”
This is reflected in his deep remorse with immediate actions to make public and personal apology to the chief of our Buddhist and Taoist leaders and all Singapore .
All fiery tarts from public anger is more than enough to run down a mere man .
Which human being has not make a comment about others , say a wrong word , think a wrong thought or did wrongly . To err is human , to repent is commendable .
Let this incident be a learning platform whereby we Singaporeans learn to love and respect our fellow citizens even more irrespective of races or religion .
We also must respect the professional , authoritative decision of Mr Wong Kan Seng , the ISD and chiefs of our Buddhist and Taoist communities to accept Rony Tan’s sincere apology , move on to build our nation with pride and diligence .
thank you
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To U Aung Mein,
Saddhu Saddhu Saddhu.
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Dear papnoanus,
It means all things are transient, even the PAP. Only probability and atom govern the world and all things built upon them can be demolished.
However, that being transient, that should not stop us from fighting against the PAP dogs, because these PAP dogs clearly demonstrate that they are liars and abusers. They abuse Singaporeans (you and I) for their benefits, while they shake their legs.
papnoballs
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First the Siow Cha Bors trying to take over AWARE and then Thio Su Mien-Thio Li-Ann mother-daughter tag team, and then this. I usually not religious, this Rony Tan makes me so pissed off, this weekend I sign up for Buddhism class, next weekend I’ll pay to attend Taoist meditaton class.
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佛陀最後遺言:”現在，我鄭重聲言，所有因緣法，皆歸於毀滅，你們要精勤於證取涅槃！”
Buddha’s last words in Layman terms:
Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation
“诸比丘弟子！假如有恶人前来伤害你们，你们当自摄心，不要起嗔恨的念头；更要护口，不要说恶毒的语言。你们要知道放纵嗔恚的心，就能妨碍修道，破诸善法，坏好名闻，失去一切功德之宝。忍的美德，持戒和苦行都不能及。能够行忍的人，才是有力大人！假若不能用欢喜之心，忍受恶骂之毒，如饮甘露，就不能称做有道的智慧之人。
“诸比丘弟子！你们应当知道多欲的人，苦恼亦多；少欲的人，才是住于安稳的世界。你们要脱离苦恼，就要知足，知足之法，才是幸福安乐之道
“诸比丘弟子！你们要记好我说的法，不要忘失。我如良医，知病说药，服与不服，咎不在医；我又如善导，导人善道，闻者不行，过不在导。
“诸比丘弟子！你们要弘通正法，从事自利利他和救人救世的真理运动，不要贪图财利，不要贩卖贸易安置田宅。你们修道利人，自有人供养，不用为生活操心。
“诸比丘弟子！你们要奉行正法，不要占相吉凶和咒术仙药，不要结好贵人，亲厚媟慢，你们应该节身时食，清净自活；要端心正念求度，不要显异惑众。
“诸比丘弟子！你们更应该节制六根，不要让六根追逐六尘，以免放逸堕落。好像管理凶悍的恶马，一定要用辔制，不然，将会把人牵坠入陷坑之中。恶马之害，只有一世，六根之害，殃及累世，这是不能不谨慎注意
。
“诸比丘弟子！眼耳鼻舌身意的六根，是以心为主，大家要好好制心，心的可畏，甚于毒蛇、恶兽、怨贼。好像人的手中拿着蜜器，动转轻躁，观看到蜜，不见前面举步就有陷坑。放纵心意，好像狂象无钩，猿猴得树，能够丧失一切善事，所以你们要精进修道，把心栖于安静的境界。
“诸比丘弟子！你们接受到饮食供养，应当作服药之想，好和坏都不要增减。不要起贪嗔之心，饮食不过是为资养色身，除去身体的饥渴。受食要如蜜蜂在花上采蜜，但取其味，不损食香，不要多求，以免坏其善心
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hi papnoanus,
“Transient are all compounded things, strive on with diligence”
from my understanding…
we are always reminded that life is very short, everything around us, what we see, what we love, what we hold on to now, one day will come to an end… so do what is important to you for the good of all others
Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. – Buddha
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Dear papnoanus:
The detailed explanation for the statement “Transient are all compounded things, strive on with diligence!” can be quite lengthy therefore, but I will try to give a summarised explanation of what I believe the Buddha was saying.
1) Compounded things
Any material or mental forms that were manifested or created due to other conditions are considered compounded things.
E.g A mango seed gets to grow into a mango tree due to sunlight, water, right soil, right weather ….etc
Thus, the mango tree (and seed) are compounded things, with the sunlight, water, right soil…..etc being the conditions that allow that progress/growth. (Pls note that these conditions are often compounded things themselves)
With this mind, everything that you can experience with your five senses as well as your mind can be considered as ‘compounded things’
2) Transient
Compounded things are transient simply because the conditions form these compounded things do tend to change with time and when they do, the compounded things change as well.
E.g our bodies, our ideas, our beliefs, our material things, our mental formations ….etc are all transient.
3) Buddhist believe that its our inability to recognise the transient nature of compounded things that makes us upset.
When we want something but we cannot.
When we lose something. (Beauty, health …etc)
When something does not agree with our concept of self.
So in this case, Buddha was asking his followers to strive with diligence in our goal to recognise the transient state of compounded things and apply that recognition to our lives so that we will be able to experience an unbiased peace. =)
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btan
You are correct in your observation. The most commonly used term to describe “folk religion” by mainstream literati is “paganism”, which usually involves some form of idol worship.
You have mentioned, both Taoism and Buddhism have some form of embodiment of paganism in them, both these “adulteration” are not present in the teachings themselves (which are understood by the enlightened ones who are well versed in their precepts) but rather in the misconceived value systems of more lay devotees who do not immerse themselves deep enough in the actual teachings of their founders.
I would like to take this opportunity to present a short summation on the 3 religions, viz. Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity from a historical perspective, to provide some insight to the uninitiated and those who may be misled by misconceived perception which may still be carried in the recesses of their subconscious mind. I will not touch on the individual doctrines espoused in these religions, nor preach any sermons, save as when necessary to make home a point.
There is no clear cut official record of when Taoism first originated, although the general scholastic belief is that it was strongly influenced by the teachings of Lao Tze (who compiled the Tao Te-Ching), for whom the religion is now associated with. Traditional sources believed that the sage lived in the 6th century B.C., although historians generally regard him as having lived in the 4th century B.C. The original thrust of the practice under this order was that it followed the belief system of “The Way” as espoused by Lao Tze, who taught that the natural forces on earth are responsible, through yin and yang forces, for affecting the harmony and order of things. It was essentially a “science” which advocated the equilibrium of the forces of nature, and to move and act according to the flow of natural sources. Such a belief system struck the cord of the high stratum of Chinese society (the educated ones) at that time because of its abstract values. From this main belief sprung subsidiary branches which in modern day we call Geomancy, Tai-Chi, even the guiding elements in accupuncture, and a host of other traditional Chinese culture forecasting materials, such as Tong Shu, etc. In later days, this belief system was incorporated into pagan worship that was widely practised in the countryside as the belief system spread from the high ground (more educated) to the lower ground (lower rungs of the social ladder).
Buddhism, like Taoism, also had beginnings that were not associated with the “divine”, i.e. not associated with the existence of a god. Contrary to what was stated by one reader in another post, Buddha was not born in 483 b.c., which was actually the date of his passing. He was born in 563 b.c. (almost 600 years before the birth of Christ) at a place in northern India called Lumbini, and he lived to a ripe old aged of 80. To the enlightened Buddhists he is known as, and called by the name Shakyamuni to distinguish him from other shakyas (people of a clan living in that region during the period of the Janapadas, with its capital city at Kapilvastu).
His original teachings were based on “The Middle Way”, a belief system that struck a balance between extreme self-indulgence (craving for material wants and satisfaction) and extreme self-mortification (a sense of humility or shame – asceticism). Through his constant states of meditation he finally achieved, or rather, received enlightenment under a pipal tree (now called Bodhi tree) at the age of 35 not in his homeland but in a town called Bodh Gaya, in India. From the age 35 to 80 he continued getting more insights into his belief systems with his enlightened status and included a lot of values into them, which later day arahants (enlightened ones) recorded into the 5 precepts of Buddhism as we know it today.
There are 2 branches of Buddhism, the Theravada (The School of The Elders) and Mahayana (The Great Vehicle). Theravada is widely practiced in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia, while Mahayana is found mostly in East Asia (includes Nicheren Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism). A subsidiary offshoot of Mahayana, known as Vajrayana, is sometimes categorised as a third branch.
His birthday is being celebrated as Vesak Day by those who practice Theravada Buddhism.
As for Christianity, most people would have known and heard the story of Jesus and how Christianity was born. But to the uninitiated, their awareness of this religion is only cursory, and like Buddhism is commonly misconceived.
At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jews were believers of Judaism, worshipers at that time known as the Sadducees (which is still practised in modern days, mostly by the Israelis). Alongside this religion, there were also Jews who were also pagan worshipers (the Pharisees). At that time the Jews were under the rule of the Romans, and they were looking for a messiah (a saviour not in form of a spiritual ruler, but rather a physical leader who could liberate them from Roman oppression). It follows that most of them were not too inclined to believe Jesus’ teaching about spiritual salvation, that this could only be achieved through believing that he, as son of God (embodiment of God in man), had come down in humility to suffer at their hands, and that those who believed in him would have that eternal salvation. The Jews were in a potential state of rebellion against the Romans and were looking for a liberator, not a spiritual preacher. How Jesus was betrayed by his own people need not be said here as it is now common knowledge.
The irony of Christianity is that it was the Romans, the enemies of the Jews (State of Judah), who actually sanctioned and help spread the religion in the territories within its Empire. The religion was politicised by them, more as a mechanism to gain populist Jewish support and maintaining social law and order than anything else (there was a major Jewish revolt lasting 4 years (66 A.D. – 70 A.D.) after the passing of Christ, which was subsequently put down mercilessly by the Romans at the Jews’ last stronghold at the hill fortress called Masada in 73 A.D.).
Jesus’ teaching as a religion was brought by his disciple Paul into Roman territory, moving as he preached his Gospel deeper into the heart of Rome, and gaining momentum along the way.
In 325 A.D. Emperor Constantine sanctioned the Nicene Creed through the Council of Nicea, by which all teachings of the Gospels were unite under imperial auspices such that the basic Christian values and beliefs were ordained (such as the belief in one God, etc) into an imperial order and the Church was given a political status equal to that of the emperor.
Constantine, was generally believed by some, to be the first Roman emperor who took the Christian faith because of this. Yet there are also two other versions regarding him, one which says that he converted to Christianity upon having seen a vision of a large cross appearing in the sky on which was written “By This Sign, conquer” just before he was about to conduct a major battle and another (version) which says that he only converted to Christianity at his death bed. Nevertheless, he was instrumental in developing Christianity into a major religion.
However, the Roman masters were “supporting” the religion more as a political tool of control and following this, the religion became more and more politicised with very strict rules and practices in which slight deviant aberration from the norm were not tolerated. And the clergy were given a lot of political power as well. In fact, during the later Roman Empire, the political rule over the vast expanse of its territories were wielded by the combined authority of both the emperor and the Pope, with one needing the support of the other.
This practice corrupted the religion to its lowest levels when much extravagances were introduced. This culminated in later days (the 12th century) which lead to The Inquisition period in which the chief political aim was to destroy the Cathars who were formidable religious foes of the Roman Catholics. During this period, the word heresy became a death warrant for anyone being called as such.
Some practitioners of the original Christian faith began to have a sense of dislodgement with the view that some of the original values of Christianity had been subverted. They started a Christian Reform Movement with its leader Martin Luther King who published “The Ninety-five Thesis” in 1517, and concluding with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 which ended intra-religious wars between Christians and Catholics. The protestant movement sprouted many branches, each with their own refined value system, e.g. Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a protestant Christian.
Today the religion is divided into 2 groups. Those who continue practising the faith as carried down during ancient Roman times are known as Catholics, while those follow the protestant sects are generally regarded as Christians. And contrary to popular beliefs, there is no such thing as a protestant Christian. A Christian is either a Methodist, an Anglican, a Presbysterian, etc., (or an Evangelist, which is partly associated with the Pentecostals, in the case of Pastor Tan and his congregation).
I hope the above secular summation best explain, in a nut shell, what the 3 different religions are, and how they have developed into what we are seeing today to dispel some of the misconception that some may have.
Good day to all. May god bless everyone.
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I think there is no value to keep harping on the Pastor Rony ’s saga. Lets focus on companies that hires FT/PR and not Singaporeans…shops that hires PRC and not even locals e.g OLDTOWN COFFEE by mark lee. These are issues more pressing than debating whether ISD had done correctly. A lot of energy spent in these topic of really no use.
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///According to the Pali Canon, the earliest historical records of the Buddha’s teachings, the Buddha passed away in 483 B.C., 483 years before the birth of (Jesus) Christ.///
So our man in the middle of this controversy must also believe in the existence of a time machine when he claimed “what was said by one before dying” and “what the other said after that”.
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@to each his own
thank you for a fair overview of the 3 religions. Definition of paganism is generally accepted but used often by lay christians in a derogatory context. You could be a man of the cloth and if so my respect to you as I do for man of the cloth of all religions.If you are scholar then greetings too.If you are neither, congratulations for always looking for the truth.
Greetings and peace be with you from an agnostic.
Some good has come out of this saga.
1.Education of the public on the fragility of the society.
2.Testing of the application of the Religious Harmony Act
3.Testing of the maturity of the religious leadership
4.Awakening of the citizenry and participation in molding of
the society they would like to have.
I think we should move on .
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To Each His Own:
You gave a good concise historical account of the development of the three ‘religions’ without going into the doctrines and dogmas.
There is no doubt that these religions were adulterated by prevailing customs or traditions, ritualistic practices and so forth. Coupled with politicising the religions, deviations from original doctrines, misinterpretation or translation, reformation and self-centred abuses, these religions are no longer what they were originally founded.
Hence, anyone serious about religion before embracing should be literate and intellectual, knowledgeable about history, sociology, anthropology and science. Otherwise, there will be a lot of wrong perceptions.
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toeachhisown- Martin Luther is a Monk without a surname King
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aah-haa
///deviations from original doctrines, misinterpretation or translation, reformation and self-centred abuses, these religions are no longer what they were originally founded.
////
You made a good point.
If we look at the amount of info that got lost in just one generation, imagine what happen after 2000 years.
As simple examples as these, kids in SG never seen a live chicken before, they have no idea what life is like before internet. Let alone what life was like before handphone, before TV, before radio, before land line phone, before a flushing toilet.
As for the grown ups, how many of us personally know what was life like when say in 1819? Probably zero. How much of that history that we read in books are facts and how much of it were distorted. After all history is written by winners. And the dead losers tell no tale.
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I hope to seek Enlightment.
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佛教：佛陀的教育，不是宗教。佛乃是彻底觉悟宇宙人生道理的人。佛教是师传。教徒称释迦牟尼佛为本师，即是我的老师。佛教不是神论亦不是无神论。它应该比较适合用宇宙人生真相论来形容。而佛经是佛陀五百大弟子们为让佛法留传于世间而刻下的，如今以中文文言文的“龙藏”或“隆藏”或乾隆-大藏经为世间最为完整。请各位宗教大德再还没真正接触佛法的基本知识前，不做出诽谤的行为。末学的博士亲戚在五十几开始学佛感叹道早知道佛法中有如此深奥的道理，博士也可别拿了：）“学佛乃人生至高享受。”
尊敬各大宗教，谢谢各位善知识。
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RichardpkLee
You are right. Thanks for casting the observant eye. The reformist leader should be Martin Luther without the King. The name was erroneously stated by me as Martin Luther King who was a 20th century American human rights clergy. My apologies to all for the typo oversight.
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I learn so much reading here. Did not know they were 2 different people. Martin Luther with and without the King
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Tan
Thank you for your kind words. I hope we Singaporeans should put on a better front in future because whatever we put on the internet is accessible to everyone in the world. And it would be a pity if, from the vocals which were tearing into the TR site the past 2 days, we could have inadvertently portrayed ourselves in very bad light.
I hope everyone can let reason prevail in future comments. and once and for all, leave this unfortunate affair behind.
Peace be to you and everyone out there.
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Seems like most buddhists are very well verse not only in buddhism but other religions as well. Where else the christians seems to know nuts about other religions. Anybody know why? Personally, I would study all the main religions and decide on a religion that sounds logical and make sense. Cheers.
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Give Peace A Chance on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 10:12 pm
That is the root cause.
I tend to get the idea that they are not encouarged to explore anything outside their belief system. They think again before joining a yoga or qigong class.
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@Give Peace A Chance on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 10:12 pm
>
>Seems like most buddhists are very well verse not only in buddhism but other religions as well. Where else the christians seems to know nuts about other religions. Anybody know why? Personally, I would study all the main religions and decide on a religion that sounds logical and make sense. Cheers.
>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Precisely. You said it well.
A true Buddhist is not only scientific, but is a sensible, aware and above all, an absolutely rational being. Think Einstein, the Dalai Lama, etc. There’s no room for superstition in the Buddhist mind.
There is a world of difference between mindless and blind belief in things ridiculous and rational thinking.
The only issue of contention, I think is that relating to the doctrine of re-incarnation. But in this regard, if one bothers to look deeper, one will find an abundance of examples of people of all ages, including little children, who possess abilities and characteristics which can only be satisfactorily explained in terms of reincarnation.
Like the small little boy who preaches the Quran like a full-grown cleric. The small little girl who sings like an adult. One can find numerous delightful examples of authentic cases just by googling for “reincarnation examples”. The science of consciousnes may still be in its infancy. There’s much more for science to discover.
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Great! So now someone can enlighten us on the Eywa and the Na’vi religion
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KopitiamAhPek
Yes there were two and they lived during different times and were champions of their cause, viz.
a) Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) European founder of the protestant movement. The doctrine of his sect is known as the Lutherans.
b) Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968) American clergyman and leader of African-American civil rights movement.
Hope the above is of interest to you.
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@Give Peace A Chance on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 10:12 pm
“………seems to know nuts about other religions. Anybody know why?”
Some religions strictly forbid you from learning about other religions. In fact, you may even be disowned or ex-communicated by your community! This is frightening but real. To me, it is no different from putting other religions down like Rony Tan.
That’s why I said the keyword “IGNORANCE” in many other posts.
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aah-haa
Thanks for your kind words.
Your comments were very well said as well. If one were to truly seek he will surely find. But if his quest does not carry enough zeal he will only border on mediocrity, which, because of his self-conceit, he thinks to be the truth.
What then is the truth ? Plato has an answer to this, and it is to his philosophy of forms that the reason as to why there are a lot of wrong perceptions on the values of the various religions is to be found.
Let us assume that the original values of a religion is a concept given at a time of great divine enlightenment and let us liken it to a table. Now there are basically 3 forms (or types) of that table.
The first table, the original table, is the divine one given on a moment of inspiration (in the mind of the carpenter). This is its first form, the original abstract form, or, the truth. Now the carpenter makes the actual table (from the concept in his mind). The finished product is the second form of the table, and it is said to be (once) removed from the truth. Then the artist comes to paint a picture of the table which the carpenter had made. The painting becomes the third form of the table, and is said to be twice removed from the truth.
So the table when in its concept form is known as the truth (the original idea derived from divine inspiration). The table made by the carpenter is now once removed from the truth (because it is a copy of what was the concept in the mind). This table, therefore is not the truth. The table painted by the artist is known as twice removed from the truth (because it is copied from another copy of the concept which first originated from the mind). This table is also not the truth.
Now, using Plato’s philosophy of the basic forms, we can understand why there are so many misconceptions about the religions, and why the truth is sometimes distorted. It depends on the carpenter’s interpretation of the table. So it follows that if one carpenter makes a bad table that lacks proper balance, his unbalanced work, when painted by the artist, would also show a painting of an unbalanced table.
By following this argument, anyone looking at the unbalanced table made by the carpenter would be seeing one which did not represent the original divine concept of the table (which should be a balanced one). His knowledge as to what constitutes a table by seeing the unbalanced table is said to be once removed from the truth. If his knowledge is obtained from seeing the painting of the table then it is said to be twice removed from the truth.
One’s perception of religion is exactly like that. How deep his perception is and how far or near it is to the truth depends on where his source and knowledge of that religion comes from, and also on his propensity to acquire such knowledge until he reaches the divine concept level. When he reaches that level, he has arrived at the truth.
Peace to everyone.
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“The Buddha did not demand everybody to follow his teachings which can be questioned, debated and challenged”, why are the Buddhist followers relishing in this shameful episode of demanding their pound of flesh? Rony Tan is just a man, following the teachings of his faith, which includes reaching out to others to share his blessings. If they choose to go to Hell or purgatory, the choice is theirs, and theirs alone. So why drag in the godless police force of Wong Kan Seng? Whatever happened to forgiveness?
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Whatever Buddha says, at least he never says “My time is up, what to do, it’s happened.”
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@Singapore Short Stories on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 8:26 pm
>>I hope to seek Enlightment.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Good for you.
When you have reached a psychological state in which you are consciously ‘in this world, but not of this world’, you would have attained enlightenment (enlightment).
It is an individual quest, not a mass endeavour.
All the best in your interesting journey.
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From dust we came and to dust we shall return,either we pollute the air with our dust after cremation or we are food for the worms.
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To Each His Own on Sat, 13th Feb 2010 2:59 am
Thanks for the enlightening.
I know a wee bit about b) Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968) American clergyman and leader of African-American civil rights movement. Love his great quotes.
I certainly will now read up about the other Martin.
We also must know the other Luther, Lex Luther. Haha.
I am always amazd by the wisdom that can be found reading these forums.
Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional.
Gong Xi Fa Cai to you and to all readers here.
May your days be free from wondering thoughts.
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I thought our expensive clowns already achieved nirvana because our clowns’s teaching is so profound that there is none other like it, including Buddha’s teaching.
Teaching such as :
- Increase GST to help the poor
- The flat is affordable even though it takes 30 years to pay back with interest almost the cost of the flat.
- It may takes up to 30 years to recover the loss of billion dollars investment.
- We have rule of Law !
- U ain’t corrupted if it is legalised.
etc
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“Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and the spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity.”
Albert Einstein
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“Jack on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 9:26 pm”
Well said. The words of a respectable Buddhist.
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Evangelism is like campaigning for votes in an election.
Trying to sell brand thunderstorm , does not mean that you should or you could say nasty things about brand hammer or chisel, brand star or moon, brand arrow or sword.
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I cannot agree with Rony Tan on the part about who showed Sakyamuni Buddha the way as no where in the Bible does it mention this. It can only be a figment of his imagination.
It is good that you brought out the essence of the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of those who are ignorant (Rony, this is for you, you are a disgrace to Christ…). Sakyamuni Buddha was a great and revered teacher. Unfortunately, many modern day followers of the *I shall not be specific* school of Buddhism had transformed the entirety into a never ending series of transactions using karmic merit as the currency that hardly bore any resemblance to what the Buddha taught (XX经典非佛说). Sakyamuni Buddha would surely be turned off by this if he were still walking the earth today.
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Harry TomDick on Sat, 13th Feb 2010 12:17 am
Reincarnation: Dr Ian Stevenson the best known scientist has devoted and documented scientific evidence of past life memories of children from all over the world. He has thousands cases in his files. Many people, including skeptics agree that these cases offer the best evidence for reincarnation.
Many childrens across the world have recalled detailed past lives. some have been proven by Dr Ian Stevenson to be accurate. James Leiniger story is one of the many examples.
James Leininger – Obsessed with airplanes from the age of 2, James fascinated his parents by recalling very specific information about aircraft, from the names of different war planes to the names of specific parts on the vehicles. He had frequent nightmares of crashing his plane into a mountain that would wake him up in panics. The Leiningers became very engaged when their son began to tell them about his life as James M. Huston Jr., a fighter pilot who was supposedly killed in air combat. His parents did some research only to find that Huston really did exist and that his plane was shot down at Iwo Jima during the Second World War. The child was taken to Anne Barron, sister of the killed pilot, who verified the boy’s details about her brother.
Matching Scars and Birthmarks
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Its so sad that usually after deaths happened that the authorities concerned starts to take notice of the dangers that lurks at places that these incidents happened. I am talking about the accidents that happened along Upper Thomson area. The same goes for reckless cyclists, action will only be taken when somebody’s grandparents or grandchildren death happens. For years, its been happening daily, cyclists on footpaths thinks that they have the right of way and pedestrians must give way to them when they rings their bells.
A regular Malay cyclist at Bedok Interchange even got the gall to scold pedestrians at close range who do not give way to him.
Lots of times, in the Straits Times Forum, the police spoksman have stated that its an offence for cyclists to cycle on footpath and pedestrian crossings and traffic lights junctions.
They also stated that offenders can be fined up to a $1000.00
I wondered how many of these cyclists have been fined, as daily one can easily see such offenders in action. The Government encourages cycling, but they should also exercises safe cycling and educate them. I drives a Comfort taxi on Sunday evenings and do notice quite a number of cyclists wears dark clothings and their bicycles do not have front or rear lights. A lot of them are foreign workers going home after work late at night.
I do hope the authorities concerned take action to prevent more loss of lives
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Well done Richard Seow, its’ about time to move to more mundane
things that affect our daily lives.
But plse just say a cyclist why the Malay adjective? we are all
singaporeans regardless of color, language and creed, remember?
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@Richard Seow- Thank you for turning the apple cart.Good point for discussions as it concerns Singaporeans welfare.
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U Aung Mein’s statement that “the Buddha did not demand that everyone follow his teaching which can be questioned, debated and challenged” is very helpful. I am sure that if the Buddha is present in Singapore now, he would correct Pastor Rony’s errors graciouly. Crying out for vengeance is inconsistent with Buddha’s character. It was Gandhi who said “An eye for an eye and the world will go blind.” Oversensitivity is as dangerous as insensitivity. Let us bring out the best in religion not the worst. Forgiveness, forbearance and restoration of wrong-doers are core values of all religion. Let us not forget that the purpose of the anti-sedition act is religious harmony not vengeance. That it has been exploited by some people as a weapon of vengeance is a tragic reality.
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Certainly, there were outcries over the staged antics of Rony’s evangelistic misadventure. However, crying out for vengeance is not true. If that is the case, then the Buddhists and Taoists would be using ex-Christians for testimonies in their temples.
Netizens have called for fair treatment by the authority (in comparison with the 3 poly students). No one was so cruel as to shut-up Rony or banish him from Singapore. In fact, in his address to his flock, Rony mentioned that he thought of leaving Singapore.
On the other hand, many had called for TR to shut the thread and to close further comments. Many had also called for forgiveness by virtue of what was written in the scriptures but they do not know what forgiveness is really about.
Any law or Act (of Parliament) is not meant for vengeance. As such, it cannot be used for revenge. This misconception of ‘revenge’ was used by many bloggers when they were commenting on capital punishment for drug traffickers.
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