A PRACTITIONER’S REFLECTION #10 @BW MONASTERY ～ GOLDEN MRD OFFERING THROWBACK S20Z142E

Hi all, my name is Jasmine.

I was the Lamrim class care co-ordinator for S15G027E for 2 years from Nov 2015 to Dec 2017.

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Though there are not many students in this class, they are all vibrant, intelligent and willing to share their life views and experiences during class discussions. Sometimes, I am in awe of some of them as they share about their realization and internalisation of the Lamrim teachings through actual application into their daily lives! Through their sharing, I have learnt so much.

Just to share, in the past, I used to look forward to each week’s lottery results as it was a social activity which was accepted in my growing up years. I would even say that I was addicted to the weekly lottery on certain days of the week. When I shared my personal story on this, many people would be surprised and told me that I definitely don’t look like the type of person who gambles! However, looks can be deceiving and it is good advice to never judge a book by its cover.

During those days, I did on several occasions actually feel ashamed of myself while queuing up to buy lottery as I knew it is not a good virtue. Thus, one day, I decided that I should not continue this bad habit which manipulated my life.

After learning the Lamrim, I wanted to be a Buddhist who eliminate my faults and make good use of my precious time on earth in our Dharma learning and practice. Besides, whenever one strikes lottery, one is actually advancing his or her own merits from the future. This, I felt was no longer worthwhile doing. Nowadays, I personally would rather donate to the monastery for a more meaningful purpose.

I am happy that I am continuing my learning on this path to Buddhahood. I like the “ME in the present”! With Buddha’s teachings, like many who learnt his teachings, we can improve ourselves step by step on a gradual path till we attain enlightenment!

Rejoice and gratitude to the Triple Gem!

Penned by Jasmine

* This is the tenth featured sharing in our launch of a new series: A Practitioner’s Reflection. Tiong Boon is the Monitor of our S15G027E class. He is joined by Sister Serena and Brother Samuel who are our Co-Monitors. The class also has two care co-ordinators who look into the welfare of the students and assist in administrative and logistic matters of the class.

From 2015-2017, we were well-taken care of by care co-ordinators： Jasmine and Angela. In 2018 we continue to have Angela who is joined by Nina as our care co-ordinator. Jasmine currently serves in another volunteer group of BW Monastery. Rejoice!

Starting from 4 June 2018, every Monday morning, we plan to publish a sharing by one of our S15G027E class member.

This series was inspired by our sharing done during our Lamrim Discussion Class when a new student came to join us on 21 May 2018. Often people wonder, what makes people put aside precious time once a week amidst all the busy schedule and commitments to attend the class. Where’s the “magic”, ‘why”, “benefit” or “output”? Let’s hear from the different individuals from all walks of life, sharing their take on this.

In conjunction with 2018 Master’s Remembrance Day, this is also our way to thank our lineage masters for their wisdom and compassion by reflecting on the merits of the teachings and turning the Dharma Wheel by sharing how Dharma has made us a better person.

We hope that more will be inspired to learn the way of the Buddha and practice it in their daily lives.

GRATITUDE TO THE TRIPLE GEMS AND OUR LINEAGE MASTERS!

MAY THE LIVES OF THE VENERABLE SPIRITUAL MASTERS BE STABLE,

AND THEIR WHITE DIVINE ACTIONS SPREAD IN THE TEN DIRECTIONS, MAY THE LIGHT OF LOBSANG’S TEACHINGS,

DISPELLING THE DARKNESS OF THE BEINGS IN THE HTREE WORLDS ALWAYS STAY!

MAY THESE PROFOUND MERITS AND VIRTUES BE DEDICATED TO OUR LINEAGE MASTERS AND TEACHERS TO HAVE GOOD HEALTH AND TURN THE DHARMA WHEEL INFINITELY!

May sentient beings all be well and happy!