Buddha, Dharma, Sangha and Me

Gaining a Diploma in Buddhism

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Tue, 7 May 2024 15:54:00 +1000

In April this year I completed the Centre of Excellence Diploma in Buddhism course. Having informally read much both in texts and online, I thought it was time to complete a formal program of study to bring some of the strands together in one place. While the course is not synchronous with a lecturer or tutor, it seems comprehensive and requires regular successful completion of assessment tasks. The diploma's ten modules are: 1. Introduction to Buddhism 2. Origins - the Story of Buddha 3. The Three Jewels 4. The Three Universal Truths 5. The Four Noble Truths 6. The Eightfold Path 7. Meditation, Mindfulness, and Training the Mind/Ego 8. Buddhism - Some Core Beliefs 9. Two Buddhist Figureheads (Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh) 10. Practising Buddhism. I'm pleased to report that I gained a distinction for the course. You can view further details on their website: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/shop/buddhism-diploma-course

Further Buddha images from Bali in 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Tue, 7 May 2024 15:34:00 +1000

Buddhist Images from Bali trip in 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:20:00 +1000

In early July 2022 I enjoyed a relaxing couple of weeks touring Bali. One highlight was the Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist temple which is the biggest on the island. It operates retreats and training in Buddhism, and it has some great views across to the top of Bali and the Bali Sea. It's a little remote but well worth the trip there. I hope you enjoy seeing the following photos, a few of which also include a smaller temple outside of Candikuning.

Greg's Buddhist Travels

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 7 Feb 2022 14:34:00 +1000

Photos collected between 2004 and 2012 based on my travels in India, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The original post was lost due to the closing of Flickr. However, since I saved the photos separately, I am still able to share them with you. I hope they bring you joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master, Dies at Age 95

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 11:10:00 +1000

It is with both great sorrow and great appreciation for his life, teaching, and example, that I share with you the news about the passing of my teacher, informally known as Thay at his home temple in Vietnam. If you would like to know more about him, I recommend reading this article posted this morning on The Tricycle website. Please take a moment to breathe, to feel peace, and to read about this true Bodhisattva. Here is the link: https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/thich-nhat-hanh-dies/

It's Been So Long Since I Posted

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 11:02:00 +1000

Hello friends, If anyone is still looking at my postings, I would like to thank you for your patience, since it's been almost three years in the making! Part of the reason is that almost one year ago that I made the move back home and spent considerable time settling in again. Another is that I needed time to review my own practice of mindfulness, to read more, to meditate, and to build up my confidence in myself. All of that is apart from the usual tasks of moving home. As you will see from my other post, today (the 22nd of January 2022) is also a day marking the passing of my beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh at the age of 95 years. It has been his writings, his example, and his Sangha over the last few years that moved me to finally take the Five Mindfulness Trainings at a formal ceremony in Hong Kong in 2019. Equally, it has been his influence that has sustained me in the years since, and I am sure will continue to do so into the future. I am truly grateful for Thay's teaching and amazing life, and I will treasure it all my days. To all who knew him, I wish you peace and joy in this his continuance day. Blessings, Radiant Sincerity of the Heart.

Becoming a Buddhist - Lotus Pond Temple, Lantau Is. Hong Kong 30th March, 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 16:38:00 +1000

After a few false starts I finally took the plunge and officially became a lay Buddhist this weekend. I flew to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon, stayed overnight at the Lotus Pond temple on Lantau Island, and at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning the community of monks and nuns took me through a ceremony to become part of the Plum Village Buddhist family. It practises in the Zen tradition of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. I had been fiddling at the edges for years, looked at different traditions, went on a pilgrimage to northern India, and done some study, reading and meditation, so I thought it was about time to take this step and be part of something positive. It will also give me support as I continue in the practice. I will need it!

Every religion has a ceremony of some sort. The usual thing here is to Take Refuge in the Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) and to undertake one's best to recite and live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings (generally known as the Five Precepts).

It was terrific. The brothers and sisters were lovely to me. We enjoyed eating meditation, sitting meditation, singing, and walking meditation together. The ceremony, in which they were all present, went for almost an hour, and at several points I had to "touch the Earth" which means literally touching my forehead to the ground. Later I received a certificate setting out the details of the event and the lineage of my teacher. The Dharma name given to me is "Radiant Sincerity of the Heart".

There were one or two minor challenges in getting there. The plane from Taiwan arrived an hour late and the taxi driver couldn't exactly find the temple, so it took a quick phone call to figure it out.

Another pleasant surprise was that the Lotus Pond Temple is just a short walk away from the huge world famous Buddha statue (Tian Tan) on Lantau Island. So walking around the hills and seeing that area was a definite bonus. Although I was unable to take any photos during the ceremony (since nobody was available to do that), I did get some afterwards which I hope you will enjoy. It was an amazing experience!

Plum Village Temple, Lantau Island, HK

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 16:31:00 +1000

I Know - Almost Another Year's Gone By

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:45:00 +1000

Hello everyone, and thank you for your patience.

My year following the last post here (March 2016) has revolved around a number of elements:

having a gall bladder operation
having another operation in July for colon cancer
returning to Australia for chemotherapy treatment, which should be complete next month

All in all, not a situation conducive to posting on this site.

However, there have also been some small blessings:

I've spent many months back with my family
I've used some of the time to study the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and to commence a mindfulness practice
I've made a few Plum Village sangha contacts locally
I've found a new teaching role starting in mid-March based in Bali, Indonesia.

Naturally, I'm hoping that this will be beneficial to my recovery, less stressful than some previous positions, and a location filled with opportunities to learn a new culture and experience life on another island.

Once I'm re-established there, I will do my best to keep adding interesting and informative posts. In the meantime, I'm including further photos on my "Buddha Images" page, based on my final months in Taiwan.

Blessings, and a lotus for you. Greg.

The Last Six Months

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:14:00 +1000

My apologies to those hoping to read many insights and articles on my blog.
The last six months have been busy for many of the wrong reasons, including illness and ultimately an operation last month to improve my health outlook. This seems to have been successful, so I hope to put it behind me and move forward.
This period was also a time when I reviewed carefully the direction I was moving in with my Buddhist practice, and ultimately this meant I have changed my plans - for the better, I believe.
I am now studying the teachings of the Vietnamese-born Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition he began. I am joining a local sangha for support and encouragement, and I hope to visit the AIAB (Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism) in Hong Kong in July to attend a 4-day retreat and take the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
In the meantime, I have set up a meditation room and hope to make good use of it as I explore the practice further. I have also added links to blogs and websites of Plum Village.
To those reading this post, I wish you every blessing for the year 2016.
Greg.

Fifty New Buddha Images

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 20:37:00 +1000

I'm pleased to share another 50 photographic images of the Buddha taken in Myanmar and more recently in Taiwan.
My personal favourite is this one. Please see all of them on the "Buddha Images" link above.

Buddhism in Myanmar - A Personal Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 19:10:00 +1000

Let me preface this by saying that I only spent five months in the country, working as a trainer with the British Council. So my observations are necessarily limited by that amount of time.
Nevertheless, I got the distinct impression that Buddhism is taken very seriously there.
What in particular do I mean?
- young boys and girls spend time in robes as part of their upbringing
- monks provide general education to those less fortunate
- bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, including young ones, walk the streets on alms processions
- people give generously from what little they have to the monks
- prayers are sent out over loudspeakers from certain temples at different times of the day
- major festivals are celebrated with great energy by the whole community
- people generally act modestly in public
- monks are invited to attend important social events and are treated respectfully at them
- there are always new young men and women wishing to take vows
- houses have shrines with Buddhist images, candles, incense, flowers, etc.
- monks are consulted, probably revered, for certain decisions

Of course, there are some unique elements within Burmese Buddhism, such as the worship of nats, which are unique and, to outsiders, strange, but they are fortunate to have both male and female monks, and a long history of worship extending back thousands of years. Most recently there have been some monks becoming more vocal in everyday affairs, perhaps even political ones. Given the military's iron grip on power and their extensive lack of concern for the less fortunate, this is humanly understandable. Myanmar has far to go to resemble a country Westerners would relate to, and the November elections may not change that situation in the short term.

As a fellow seeker of the Path, I certainly felt comfortable with that part of society. Please see my photo page for many images taken during my time there.

I Know - It's Been a While

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 18:44:00 +1000

If you are, or have been, a reader of my blog, you may have been wondering where I disappeared to, or why I stopped posting.
Well, I really have no excuses, so I'll just say sorry and carry on.
My last post was Vesak 2014 in Singapore.
Not long after that I accepted a training position with the British Council in remote Myanmar. I will be posting several photos of interest from there shortly.
After a couple of close shaves with my humanity, I returned to Australia around Christmas 2014 to spend some quality time with my family.
Finally, in late March I accepted another post in Taiwan, which is where I plan to be at least until this time next year.
However, I'm not standing still here, and I have some exciting news to share with you in my next post.
In Metta,
Greg.

Happy Vesak 2014 (2558)

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Tue, 13 May 2014 16:08:00 +1000

Dear friends of the Buddha,
I wish you well on this special day when Buddhists around the world celebrate three major events in the Buddha’s life: his birth, awakening, and parinibbāna.
Every blessing, Greg.

Photos taken at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Buddhist Monastery Singapore.

What is Parami? How many Paramis are there? How do they determine the attainment of different types of Bodhi?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sat, 1 Mar 2014 00:23:00 +1000

Paramis are ‘perfections’ or qualities developed and brought to maturity by Bodhisattas during their past experiences, and they lead to Buddhahood.

There are ten Paramis in the Theravada tradition:

Dana Parami – perfection in giving, generosity

Sila Parami – perfection in virtue, morality

Nekkhamma Parami – renunciation of sensual pleasures

Panna Parami – wisdom, understanding, insight

Viriya Parami – energy, effort (physical and mental)

Khanti Parami – patience, endurance, tolerance, non-violence

Sacca Parami – truthfulness, gentle speech

Adhitthana Parami – resolution, strong determination, will-power

Metta Parami – universal love, loving-kindness, goodwill

Upekkha Parami – equanimity, impartiality

The ten perfections vary in intensity and magnitude with respect to the three different types of Bodhi (enlightenment), ranging from least intense (Arahat) to most intensive (Sammasambodhi). They also vary according to the number of times they are fulfilled, ranging from once (Arahat), twice (Pacceka) to thrice (Sammasambodhi).

How many types of Buddha are there? What are the pre-requisites for becoming these different types of Buddha?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 00:06:00 +1000

There are three types of Buddha: Arahat Buddha, Pacceka Buddha, and Sammasambuddha.

All three are born human with the highest virtue and supernormal wisdom, they develop from being a Bodhisatta, develop spiritually over countless aeons, and are motivated by compassion.

The first is a disciple who perfects the Paramis over hundreds or thousands of lives, achieves the pre-requisites for becoming an enlightened being, meets the Buddha or a disciple, hears the teaching, grasps the teaching of the four Noble Truths and becomes an Arahat.

The second fulfils the 10 Paramis over two cycles, appears when the teachings are lost and beings are living in ignorance, becomes enlightened on their own, and lives in seclusion as a hermit.

The third fulfils the 10 Paramis over three cycles, becomes supremely enlightened by hearing and understanding the Dhamma from previous Buddhas, enlightens others and makes significant impacts on world history.

What is a 'Bodhisatta'? How many types are there? What are the requirements to become a 'Bodhisatta'?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 23:56:00 +1000

The term ‘Bodhisatta’ (or 'Bodhisattva') means a would-be Buddha, or a future Buddha, in other words, someone with all the exalted spiritual perfections leading to supreme enlightenment, and destined to achieve Buddhahood. There are three types: those leading to Arahat Bodhi, those leading to Pacceka Bodhi, and those leading to Sammasambodhi.

In the case of all three types they must achieve enlightenment through emancipation and the liberation from worldly bonds. To become a Savaka Bodhi one sacrifices material possessions and their pleasures for the welfare of others. To become a Pacceka Bodhi, in addition to this, one sacrifices parts of the body for others. To become Samma Sambodhi one also sacrifices one’s life.

What is the meaning of the term ‘Bodhi’? How many different types of Bodhi are there?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Fri, 7 Feb 2014 23:41:00 +1000

The term ‘Bodhi’ comes from the verbal root ‘budh’, to awaken or to understand. It means awakenment, enlightenment, supreme knowledge. One awakens from the slumber or stupor of the defilements to comprehend the four Noble Truths.

There are three types of Bodhi: Arahat Bodhi (perfected disciple of Buddha) where one perfects the 10 Paramis over countless lives, hears and grasps the Dhamma, and eventually passes it on to others; Pacceka Bodhi (hermit Buddha) where one perfect the 10 Paramis twice, achieves enlightenment without help from others at a time when the teaching is lost in the world, and lives in seclusion; and Sammasambodhi (supremely enlightened Buddha) where one perfects the 10 Paramis three times, receives and grasps the Dhamma, enlightens others and changes the world significantly. The latter includes the 28 historical Buddhas, Buddha Gotama, and the future Lord Metteyya.

Why is he called ‘Buddha’? What are the pre-requisites for becoming a Buddha?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 23:32:00 +1000

Siddhattha was predicted by astrologers of his time to be a future Buddha (or Bodhisatta). He is called ‘Buddha’ because he reached supreme enlightenment (Samma sambuddho) at the age of 35.

The pre-requisites for becoming a Buddha are fulfilling the ten Paramis, meeting a Buddha or the disciple of a Buddha, hearing the teaching (of the four Noble Truths) from them, grasping the teaching and then sharing it with others out of compassion.

What is the meaning of the word "Buddha"?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 23:22:00 +1000

The word ‘Buddha’ is not a personal name or title, but refers to the attainment of supreme enlightenment by an individual after a prolonged period of spiritual evolution during which the 10 exalted spiritual virtues (Paramis) are perfected.
In the present aeon it refers to Bodhisatta Siddhattha who became the Buddha Gotama at the age of 35 years.
Historically, we are also aware of 28 Buddhas of the past, and the future one who is called Lord Metteyya.

Is the word ‘Buddha’ a personal name or title, or does it stand for an office?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 23:10:00 +1000

The word ‘Buddha’ is not a personal name or title, but refers to a state of enlightenment. In the case of an Arahat or a Samma sambuddho, it might also be considered an office to the extent that these types of enlightenment include the task of passing on the Dhamma to others (gods and men).

The Meaning of 'Buddha Vandana'

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:54:00 +1000

Buddha Vandana, or ‘worshipping the Buddha’ is one of the devotional practices performed daily by Buddhists. It is done as part of a reverential recollection of the Triple Gem, consisting of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. In this way, followers build their confidence in the Triple Gem. The Buddha encouraged such recitations in times of fear or disturbance so that these can be vanquished, since the Buddha is free from all kinds of defilements, like greed, anger and ignorance.
Buddha Vandana begins by recalling the supreme accomplishments of past, future and present sammasambuddhas. It then continues by making a statement that the Enlightened One is a person’s sole and supreme refuge, and that one wishes to attain enlightenment through taking refuge this way. It concludes by humbling oneself before the holy feet while asking for forgiveness of any transgressions, and stating one’s continued reliance on the Buddha until reaching enlightenment.

Together with the Three Refuges, what moral principles should a Buddhist follow?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 22:44:00 +1000

A follower of the Buddha should also follow the moral principles set out in the Five Precepts. Namely they should abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and using liquor, alcoholic drinks, or intoxicants that cause heedlessness. They do this by acts of loving-kindness, generosity, contentment, truthfulness and mindfulness.

How does early Buddhism differ from Upanishadic Thought?

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:28:00 +1000

There are many important areas in which Buddhism and the Upanishads differ.

Firstly, in terms of cosmology, the Upanishads viewed the world and its origin as nothing other than Brahma, the universal or cosmic soul. To achieve liberation meant realising the truth of the world - that Atman (the individual soul as discovered through introspection) and Brahma are the same. For the Buddha, the concern is with man and liberation, which is internally driven rather than granted by an external God requiring prayer. This is why He was not concerned with the cosmos and it’s beginning, neither of which is relevant to reaching nibbana.

Secondly, concerning metaphysics, the Upanishads profess Monism. This philosophy can be summarised as “I am Brahman” (our own “Self” is the true Divinity), “The Self is Brahman” (all beings are identified with the Absolute Truth), “That art thou”(whatever we see or think about, we are That), “Knowledge is Brahman” (supreme intelligence is present inherently within us; our understanding of the truth is the Truth itself), “The whole universe is Brahman”, and “Here am I” (this identifies the Divinity in our Self in natural happenings, like breathing). In this philosophy, worldly appearances are illusory, since the apparent diversity is but one. Again, Buddhism is not concerned with metaphysical discussions of space, time and causality. Although Buddhism teaches such dhammas as samsara, kamma and nibbana, instead, these teachings are different from those in the Upanishads. On a number of occasions when asked some metaphysical questions concerning the world, the soul and the Tathāgata, the Buddha refocussed his questioners by reminding them of the need to delve more deeply into the realities of samsara (birth, illness, old age, death, etc).

In a third aspect, epistemology, or how we gain new knowledge, Upanishad philosophy states that knowledge comes when we realise that we and the Brahma are one so that the individual and cosmic souls merge. We cannot trust our senses and stimuli for knowledge, as they hide the Atman. Instead, since thinking is the basis for truth, so we must train our intellect and other mental faculties to interpret the world correctly. In Buddhism such debatable theories are considered not true. We are to develop our wisdom (pañña) so that we perceive the reality of the world, namely that all conditioned things are impermanent, unsatisfactory and without self.

Fourthly, from the ethical perspective, the writers of the Upanishads affirm that human life is a preparation for realising Brahma. To reach such spiritual perfection necessitates restraint of the senses, self-sacrifice and love for creation as the moral prerequisites. In addition, study, honesty and even asceticism will permit the seeker of truth to attain bliss. The worldly perceptions of smell, taste, touch, hearing and sight which make one separate from the True Self must also be transcended. Buddhism also stresses living a virtuous life, but through a “middle way” avoiding extremes like asceticism. The method proposed is the Noble Eightfold Path which may be summarised as “not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one’s mind”.

To conclude, for the benefit of all mankind, unlike the Upanishads, Buddhist teachings are for everyone and offer practical, empirical guidance to the important questions of our liberation.

(Written by Gregory Quinlivan for a course entitled 'Early Buddhism Basic Doctrines' in 2009 through the International Buddhist College, Thailand.)

Nibbana in Early Buddhist Teachings

noreply@blogger.com (Greg Q) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:23:00 +1000

Image by Bhikkhu Samahita on http://what-buddha-said.net

Elucidate the different implications involved in early Buddhist teachings on the concept of Nibbana.

Most significantly, the Buddhist concept of nibbana is a definite break from earlier and contemporary religious thought which was based around an eternal heaven as a reward for the soul who had lived an upright life.

What is achieved by reaching nibbana?

The individual sees the world as it really is - impermanent, unsatisfactory and non-self.

The false notion of an enduring self is eliminated, as are both suffering (dukkha) and the causes of suffering (desire, hatred and illusion). In earlier texts, at least, kamma no longer operates now. The two extremes of self-mortification and self-indulgence are avoided.

Forms, sensations, perceptions, mental activities and consciousness are all abandoned.

Who can reach nibbana?

According to the Upanishads, only the educated elite or Brahman priests could reach eternal bliss. The Buddha, however, taught that nibbana is a goal which can be reached by anyone, regardless of status. Additionally, it is not just for Buddhists but for all who follow the right Path.

When does one reach nibbana?

Again, unlike other religions, the Buddha taught that, under the right conditions, it can be reached in this present lifetime. Otherwise it can be realised after death.

How does one realise nibbana?

Nibbana is reached through successfully following the Noble Eightfold Path, seeing the world as it really is. For this reason, it represents the highest moral ideal and goal. Since this achievement depends entirely on individual effort, there is no need to rely on the benevolence or whims of a distant God who needs to be appeased.

What is nibbana like?

In answer to questions about the nature of nibbana, the Buddha stated that it was very difficult to understand. “Profound is this doctrine, recondite and difficult to comprehend”. We have some ideas about it, but it cannot be fully appreciated by one still in samsara. One reason is that no words can describe it, since language is created and used to express the experiences of our senses and our mind.

Some aspects we know about are that it is unconditioned, therefore permanent. It is beyond the sphere of logic where cause and effect, duality and relativity operate. It is also beyond good and evil, right and wrong, existence and non-existence. Those who reach nibbana in this life remain unaffected by the phenomenal world, their actions are no longer motivated or coloured by self-interest, yet they remain conscious of sights and sounds, and sensitive to pleasure and pain.

In general terms, the experience is one of tranquillity, with unlimited vision, freedom and attitude. There is happiness and mental well-being, but no fear or fiery passions. There is neither attraction nor repulsion, excitement nor worry. Thus it is a psychological experience rather than a metaphysical one.

What is it not?

Finally, knowing what nibbana is not also helps to understand it. It is not eternal as there is no eternal soul, but rather it is the annihilation of the ego-illusion. For the same reason, it is not self-annihilation. Although not being outside the five aggregates (khandhas), it is neither attached to nor identified with them. It is not located in a separate world, nor does it represent union with God. Additionally, it is not the result of anything – it just is.

(Written by Gregory Quinlivan for a course entitled 'Early Buddhism Basic Doctrines' in 2009 through the International Buddhist College, Thailand.)