SIM Buddhist Bhavana

Intervarsity Youth Leadership Dharma Camp 2011

2011-08-19T00:50:00.003+08:00

Hello !

September 24-25th (Sat-Sun), Who's gonna into joining this??? Hurry up ! As it accepts only limited amount of applicants, please send email and register for it before September : buddhistb@clubs.sim.edu.sg or sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com. See you soon !!!

SIMBB,2011

2011-08-06T01:53:00.003+08:00

Hello !!!
Thank you very much for supporting us during August student week !!! We will update you through email whenever we have activities. As our enormous wonderful events are waiting for you, please keep in touch with us. See you soon !!!

2010-10-19T22:21:00.003+08:00

Dear SIMBB-ers(or those interested to be!)

Awaken the Truth -

open the eyes of your heart

The time of the year for our SIMBB BHAVANA CAMP 2010 is here!
It also means the time for laughter, the chance to develop camaraderie and friendship, to learn the Dharma in a fun and inspiring way is here.
Without further ado, I would like to proudly announce the details of the camp:

Venue: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (The largest monastery in Singapore)
Date: 5 to 7 Nov 2010 (It starts on a Friday, Deepavali public holiday)
Fee: $10 (Inclusive of MEALS and Camp Tee)

Let the anticipation mount no further, come visit our booth outside SIM atrium from 18 Oct (Mon) - 22 Oct (Fri) to register (Limited to 30 pax)
Feel free to direct your queries to Freda 92342383 or Desley 91280192.

With Metta,
Desley Tan
SIMBB Public Relations
Bhavana Camp 2010 Campmaster

2010-10-08T23:07:00.018+08:00

Hey there,

It's me again!

Well, SIM Buddhist Bhavana is organizing a trip to Johor Bahru for Kathina!
Read on and you will know the significants of Kathina!

A message from our president . . .

What is Kathina Day

Kathina is a festival that takes place during the months of October and November. For 2500 years, families have gathered to take part in the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. Friends, old and new, parents and children join together in a celebration on the theme of harmony. Kathina occurs at the end of the Vassa(rain’s retreat). During this three months retreat, the residents of the monastery have been obliged by their Rule not to travel unless absolutely necessary; now some of them will move on. This may mean resuming the life of a mendicant wanderer, or going to live in another monastery - so it's a time for leave-taking and extending a welcome. Also, as winter approaches, the supporters are checking to see that the basic needs of the samanas (monks) are being met. It is with regard to the offering of these requisites that this festival comes about.

During dana (giving or generosity) session or Kathina ceremony, Buddhists or members of the public are only allowed to give non-monetary stuff (necessities to monks). This is because during the Buddha’s time, forest monks tradition are not allowed to have contact with monetary items.

Dont miss such a memorable trip!
Contact our president, Constance : 82685314
or Secretary , Freda : 92342383
to sign up!

You could register at our booth in SIM next week too!

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Next Up, OM QUEST!!
You must be wondering, what's OM QUEST?

The “Om Quest” organizing committee consists of a group of alumni who were formally active committee members of the various tertiary Buddhist societies. The main aims of the “Om Quest” event is to promote a better understanding of the different Buddhist traditions, for example, Mayanana, Theravadan and Tibetian traditions amongst the members of the tertiary Buddhist Societies in a non-classroom, activity like manner. On top of this, we seek to promote interaction and bonding between the different tertiary Buddhist Societies.

How will Om-Quest 2010 be like?

- Om Quest participants will be formed up in groups of five in accordance to the registration.

- At the event HQ, all the groups will receive a set of clues to which are the stations (temples) they will need to visit.

- At the stations of visit, there will be two station ICs, named as “The Ones”. Participants are supposed to locate them and say a magic password.

- The station ICs of the respective temples will then pen down their signature for the group and take them on a short temple tour before the group sets off to head for their next station.

- The conduct of Om Quest is similar to which of the Amazing Race. After the completion of visits to all stations, all the different teams will gather back at HQ. The team that gets back first will be the champion.

- Once all the groups have returned to HQ, a prize presentation ceremony will be conducted.

Om Quest 2010 will be on the fourth week of November 2010. We will fill you in with more details of the event after registration is done up.

Registration BEFORE 24 Oct
$5 per person only!

You will get the team work , team bondings and all the fun while learning buddhism at the same time!

Lets Join!

With Metta,
Alan Dang

2010-10-04T22:04:00.005+08:00

HELLO!

IT'S ME!

*Lame Face*

I'm proud to update you on what's coming up for SIMBB!!!

1st of all ,

It's Katina!

SIMBB will be heading to Johor Bahru for Katina~!!

Lets see few pictures taken for last year's katina` =D

Yum Yum

Peace~

It's quite a good experience to go overseas together with the rest of fellow buddhist and to experience the life there..

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

=============================================================================

Up next, it's long await SIMBB CAMP!!!!
It was where legend are born~

There, I am Legend~

It's awesome, I tell u!
I made a lot of friends there when I joined last year..

Having free meals with your new friends~

and more friends

Fun Station games

Form strong bonds with team mates

Experience candle light possession

and more picture taken with it

Talks by Venerable~

And also..

Fun are guaranteed!

Any SIM students are free to join!
Contact us now to register!
sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

oh.. one more important thing..
The BEST CAMPER OF LAST YEAR SIMBB CAMP IS ....

ME! ALAN DANG DAO LIN!
BWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Signing Off~ xD

2010-08-06T22:45:00.002+08:00

Ni Hao~

The last session we had with brother piya, I see more participants and some new faces from SIM too, that's awesome!!
Make effort, come over and join us!
Meet new friends and learn about buddhism at the same time =)

There will not be talk by brother piya this coming monday(National Day).

The next talk by brother piya would be on the
Date : 16th of august
Place: Pu Ming Tze( Not SIM! )
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Have a nice day ahead!

With Metta,
Alan Dang

2010-07-30T02:08:00.002+08:00

Good Night!

No! Wait!
Dont go sleep yet!
I am saying good night because I am blogging this at 2am!

Just a remainder, the next session of 4 Noble Truth with Brother piya is COMING MONDAY!
2 August 2010!!(Just join us even if u miss the first session!!)

Time: 19:00 - 21:30
Room: SIM HQ RM 1.05 (they always says "get a room!", now you are given a room for a good reason! )

Do let us know if you are joining by RSVP at this site
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146821511998391

Or simply contact Desley 91280192 or Charlie 98864426 , if you have any queries =)

From your friendly IT exco,
Alan Dang

2010-07-27T12:58:00.003+08:00

Aloha~

Yesterday we held the first session of 4 Noble Truth by Brother Piya..
NTU BS,Wei Fern(President) and her members, came over for the session. *Cheers to NTU BS*
So do Alex from Hua Yi Secondary! (It's always great to have youth members!)

It was fun, everyone was asking everyone else "WHY?" ..
and so.. WHY are you only reading this and not join us on next session?
(there's a reason that you are here. The moment you click on the link to this site or the moment you type this blog address on address bar or your bookmark, you already know that you wanna know what buddhism can offers)

Wei Fern and I had came out with a conclusion that talks from buddhism always hatch answers to OUR LIVES, despite the topic doesnt relates to the questions/guilts/troubles we are having.

To be frank, initially I thought that talks on buddhism is simply about supertitious, but I was wrong, it relates on our lives so closely that it opens the door in my heart and untie the knot in it..
(I would like to clarify that I am not obsessed and what I am saying is what I feel)

My life , there's always plenty of knots accumulated as time goes..
Everytime I went to the talks , I went with many knots, some are even dead knots.
Initially, I even asked myself, is it worth my time to be there, when I got assignments, other 6 ccas and events I need to handle?
My heart always felt lighter or even freed after the talk..
and yes.. it's definitely worth it..

Lets get back to why you are here..
What I am saying on the blog might not inspire you to make effort to join buddhism activities/talks BUT are you going to give up on your initial interests on what's there to offer simply because of one person,me, who doesnt interests you?
One person affects the picture of one religion, it doesnt sounds fair right?
So .. come over and listen to talks by more people from buddhism(even if you are not a buddhist, you are greatly welcome), and you will find the answer to your interests when you meet the right speaker..

Dont worry about chanting(I used to do so):I would like to stress that, chanting is optional if you are uncomfortable with it.

This is just a short thought from someone who being exposed to buddhism barely a year =)

With metta,
Alan Dang

2010-07-22T20:17:00.006+08:00

Greetings my friends,

Have you ever wondered what the future holds for you? What the purpose behind our lives is?

Are you curious to know what the truth is?
...

Ponder no further, we have a series of dharma classes focused on the 4 Noble Truths lined up just for you!!!

It is organised by SIMBB (that's us!) and the talk will be conducted by Bro Piya.
This time, we will bring the dharma right to your doorstep - at SIM HQ Clementi Campus!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7.00 – 7.30: Registration and Interaction among members
7.30 – 8.00: Short Chanting(Optional if u are uncomfortable with chanting)
+ Meditation + Q& A on meditation
8.00 – 9.00: Discussion
9.00 – 9.30: Q & A and Transference of Merits
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This series of dharma classes is unprecedented in SIMBB's history.

We sincerely hope you'd make yourself free on these dates (all monday nights-even if you cant make it for all,it's okay~!), and join us in exploring the mystery of our lives, the future and most of all.. The Truth.

Do register.
Any queries, please contact Desley 91280192 or Charlie 98864426.
Or email to sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104758536246277

2010-07-06T12:34:00.008+08:00

Hey there!

It had been quite some time , examinations are over and how about doing some volunteery work during your free time?

Volunteery work events are as follows. . .

1) Buddhism & Science Symposium (II), Emotional Awareness: Cultivating Mental Balance & A Good Life

Date: Thursday, 15 July 2010

Time: 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm

Venue: SUNTEC Convention Centre Gallery West Level 3

Tentative Duties: Ushers, Registration

2) Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Enlightenment Day Dharma Function 2010

Date: Friday, 30 July 2010

Time: Shift 1 - 7.00am to 1.00pm (need more helpers),

Shift 2 - 12.00pm to 6.00pm

Venue: Poh Ming Tse Temple

Duties: Ushering, sales of lamps,etc

3) Conference On The Teaching of Guanshiyin Pusa (In English)

Date: Sunday, 1 August 2010

Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm

Venue: Poh Ming Tse Temple

Duties: Registration, Ushers, Lunch Coordination

If you are keen on helping in any of the events above, please email our public relations, Desley at
wuji_desley@hotmail.com with subject topic : Volunteery Work at [Venue]

=================================================================

If you doesnt feel like doing volunteery work but still wish to attend event,
Buddhism & Science Symposium happening on the 15 July, Thurs. (1900-2230, Suntec Gallery West, Level 3) is the choice for you!

The speakers at the Symposium are Venerable Jing Yin, Dr Alan Wallace and Dr Paul Ekman. We hope too attract both Buddhists and other members of our community who may be curious about Buddhism but have yet to be touched by the Buddha Dhamma. We have capacity for 800 participants.

Topic of the day: Emotional Awareness: Cultivating Mental Balance and Leading a Good Life.

Any interested parties please contact Desley through wuji_desley@hotmail.com.with subject "Reserve for Buddhism & Science Symposium" We would have to reserve seats so let him know by 8 July (thurs).

Best Regards,
Alan Dang

Upcoming Vesak Event !!

2010-05-25T00:52:00.002+08:00

Good day SIMBB-ers!

It's the Vesak week & we'd like to invite you for a series of exciting events to celebrate it!

26th May
Ajahn Brahm talk
Title: Creating and Managing Wealth
Time: 7.30PM
Venue: Yeo's Building
Rendezvous at: 6pm Vivo City
Remarks: This may be of interest to the young working adults in SIMBB

27th May
KMS Vesak Celebrations
Time: 2.00PM

Venue: Kong Meng San

Rendezvous at: 1.30pm Bishan Mrt

27th May

Ajahn Brahm talk

Title: Making Sense of Ghosts, Gods and Angels
Time: 7.30PM
Venue: Yeo's Building
Rendezvous at: 6pm Vivo City

28th May
Buddhist Fellowship Vesak Celebrations cum Ajahn Brahm Talk
Time: 10.00AM
Venue: Yeo's Building
Rendezvous at: 9.00am Vivo City
Remarks: Celebrations are fun fair style - food, games, fun. Need I say more?

28th May
Vesak Puja Procession
Time: 8.00PM
Venue: Uttamayanmuni buddhist temple
Rendezvous at: 6.30pm Choa Chu Kang Station
Remarks: Vesak Puja Procession around the Main Shrine Hall

29th May
Suntec Vesak Celebrations
Venue: Suntec City
Rendezvous at: 1pm City Hall Station

Any interested parties, please do the following 2 days before each event:

1) Reply this by email to sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com
or
2) Contact myself at 91280192 or Constance at 82685314

Participation in these celebrations is an opportunity to cultivate our wisdom & enforce our faith towards our philosophy of choice - Buddhism. We sincerely hope to see you there!

With Metta,
SIMBB
Public Relations
Desley Tan

2010-04-30T23:58:00.004+08:00

Aloha Everyone~,

Currently, most of the SIM students are either having exam or going to have exam!
Good luck for any SIM friends who read this and also any one who's having exam!
All the best!

L e t s s e e . . .
It had been quite some time since there's any update of events..
Lucky for you, there's two upcoming events!

1st, it's by Vesak 2554,

Passport to Happiness

Hop on the train and take a trip through…
搭上列车，跟随我们穿越…

▲The Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World 佛教七大圣地
▲Wake Up! Concert 觉•对乐音乐会
▲Street Talk: Life’s A Rollercoaster Ride 街头开讲：人生过山车
▲Street Talk: Next Stop, Happiness 下一站，快乐
▲Capturing Light: Images of Buddhist Life 静观法影摄影展

Other Attractions
沿途风景包括
▲Mother’s Day Blessings 母亲节祈福仪式
▲Multinational Vegetarian Food Galore 异国风素食义卖会
(Vouchers can be purchased at Singapore Buddhist Federation and Awareness Place @ Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery)
▲Bathing of Prince Siddharta 浴佛
▲Offering of Flowers 供花

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date and Time:8 May | 10am – 9.30pm
9 May | 9am – 5 pm

Location:Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza 義安城广场

Enquiries 询问热线: 6744 4635

Email 电邮: iask@vesakcelebrations.sg

Website: www.vesakcelebrations.sg

If you are interested to go with SIMBB members, feel free to drop us a mail
@sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com with
Subject: Passport to happiness together!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd event,
Expectations!

It's a musical drama,just like previous musical drama,Passage Of Time .
Familiar faces like Lim Kay Siu, Nick Shen, Lim Hwee Mei, Jacklyn Kuah, Etienne Wang and Angie Chew Monksfield will be in the drama~!

It's about exploring the issues in relationships with humour`

Details

Raffles Hotel Jubilee Hall
20 - 22 May 2010,
23 May 2010*

Matinee Show - 3pm (22 May, Saturday only)

Evening Shows - 8pm (20-22 May), 7pm (23 May)

Book your tickets quick - limited tickets at 50% off for all BF Members!

* The proceeds of the 23 May charity show will benefit WINGS, the society that supports the successful aging of women. Charity show tickets differ.

Call 6278 0900 or email us at info@buddhistfellowship.org to book your tickets now!

That's all for now~

With metta,
Alan

Message from the Buddhist Fellowship

Stress Management Talk

2010-03-20T13:01:00.003+08:00

This will be the first talk organized by SIM Buddhist Bhavana 3rd Committee Members.

This talk will touch on how buddism have to say and help us in managing stress.
We will be inviting Venerable Bodhi to come over to give us some aspiration about that.
After that, we will request Venerable to give us a blessing for our upcoming exam and may all of us be bless by the Triple Gem.

So come and listen to the talk and get a little enlightened.
Put down all the study for this 2 hours..
Refresh all our mind.. .

Day: 22nd March 2010/Monday
Time: 12.30pm to 3pm
Venue:SIM Headquarter L.T 4.08

With Metta,
Charlie Lian

Internal event 10 Feb : Dhamma Musical Video Screening - Passage Of Time

2010-01-26T00:32:00.023+08:00

About Passage Of Time Musical . . .
(base on a true story . . .)

"It's a story about love, betrayal, greed and forgiveness"

The Casts
Ajahn Brahm,
Nick Shen(Mediacorp Actor),
and many more. . .

The Story
The story tells a girl, who grows up as an unfavorable daughter.

She then marries in anticipation that she will escape the confines of a life in a kitchen and as her mother's "personal masseuse".

A better life was not to be with her husband, for although he provided wealth and status, his philandering ways kept her in constant pain and hurt.

Her anger lasted beyond her husband's death till the meeting of wise and compassionate Ajahn Brahm.

Then, she learnt to forgive and let go of the past.

The musical is said to be filled with laughter and enjoyment.

We will be sharing this inspiring yet hilarious video with invited guests!

Just give your mind a rest for 3 hours from school stress, come over and get together with the rest of SIMBB members, sit back and relax!

When you are more inspired and happy, you will be stronger and witty in facing the school stress!
(At least that's what I believe~ so join me)

COME, let us take photo of you and post them on facebook!
Give me a chance to post your picture in this blog will you?
please? haha

Date:10 February 2010! (Wednesday)
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Venue: SIM , LT 2.11

Interested?
Simply contact Constance by
chawsu24@hotmail.com or
sim.buddhistbhvana@yahoo.com
and tell her that you are attending!

Deadline for CONFIRMATION: 8 February 2010

See you there!
(give me face please, please turn up, thank you)

With Metta,
Alan Wijaya

SIMBB AGM and 2nd Birthday Anniversary

2010-01-23T19:31:00.006+08:00

It's been 1 week and a day since the awesome A.G.M and SIMBB's 2nd birthday celebration...

We have guests from

Amitabha Buddhist Centre

Kong Meng Shan Phor Kark See Monastery

Indonesian Buddhist Community

Dharma Drum Youth Singapore

ThekChen Choling temple

Singapore poly buddhist society

NUS

NTU

Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Nanyang Polytechnic

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emcees of that day were Charlie and Berly

As starter, we are honoured to have blessings by the Venerables from Fo Guang Shan~

Can feel their sincerity of giving us the blessings

from their tone chanting..

The guests are so focus in the chanting too!

(I would have been posing if the camera is so close to me!)
By the way, it's a full house that night!

Our committees are very mindful too

Just look how mesmerized is she from the look of her eyes

Now, that's the president and our vice~

Er...

Not all however.. haha..

Camera are hard to resist. That, Sandi says it all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, we have Brother Piya to give us a talk on,
We Are What We Think.

Brother Piya is generous enough to give his books to ALL the guests and our committee

After that he lead us through few chants such as the 5 precepts chants

After that, our 2nd committee president, Grace Melinda gave us a speech

(In this picture, it might seems she's calm but I am sure her feeling was like
oh my god~ oh my GOD~ OH MY BUDDHA!!!!!~ )

We invite the Venerable up to the front again and present the 2nd committees
with something which I dont know what's in it

Now I am jealous, how come I dont have!

The stupid camera man, Alan Wijaya, took photo of the committee back view~
He should stand somewhere more center!

Anyway , the president and vice president of 3rd committee manage to get a better angle shot

Lucky them!

The rest of 3rd commmittee manage to take solo photo with the Venerable =)

And a group photo with the Venerable

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next moment, the SIMBB birthday cake came in~

We sang happy birthday to SIMBB and made a wish.

*many wishes to be exact, each committee member a wish

All the food and cake are mainly manage by Kelly and co.

It's quite tough trying to cut the cake..
Especially it's quite a big cake..
(It sounds as if I am the one cutting the cake~ hahahaha)
Anyway, every guests were being offered with a slice of the cake..

Not forgetting the cake was drove here by Freda~

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next we do the Great Singapore Workout?

Just kidding, it's just a dance steps for one of the songs

As for the last part of the celebration, we gathered all the committee and sang SIMBB song

(Dont forget the lyrics!)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermath. . .

Many photos were being taken~

It's frustrating to see a group photo without me inside

It's peaceful at first.. .

To more tense(I think I was almost being crushed! But still must look good)

They insist there should be gals only photo

We made it a not all girls only photo =P

When it's all guys photo, it's crazy!
Everyone is squeezing, look at charlie, look at CHARLIE!

Now,that's instant karma, 3 guys invaded their ALL-Girls-photo,
Now it's 3 girls invaded our ALL - Guys - Photo~!

Hey hey hey, it's too much!
I dont even bother to count how many girls are there!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

And some random shots...

SIMBB members do great pose in pictures with any number of people

Yes, any number

Just too good right?

I would say, we always practice!
All SIMBB-ers are trained to be photogenic~

A team from Ah Heng Bakery

Just what is Sally Esovaria NG doing?

And we start to clean up... .

That's Miss President~
See how hardworking is she...

Oh wells...

The trend goes on..
Like Grace, Like Constance.
When there's camera... nuff said.

Our hardworking video man , Howel who had been working hard videoing the whole process

Now, this is my personal favourite.
This is a phenomenon photo where you cant see the person clearly yet you know who is the person.

Okay just in case you dont know who that is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Highlights of the day, Grace Melinda under attacked!

(It's believed that the more significant you are to the club, the more cake lands on your face.
Grace, you are like around 8 significant figures- around 8 of SIMBB figures attacked you)

This is grace, she always bounce back(just like how bouncy Maggie Mee is) with smiles no matter what happens!

Her hair is something we never get tired of, tested and proven.

That night, it was filled with fun and laughter..
We made so much noise that the whole SIM could hear us..
Till then, we will try to make next AGM another blast~!

With Metta,
Alan Gunawan

External Event on 29 Jan 2010: "Love you, Love me" be Venerable Bhante S.Dhammika.

2010-01-21T22:29:00.008+08:00

Extract from mail created by Desley
-------------------------------------------------------------------
There will be a Dhamma Talk at NTU, organised by National Technological University Buddhist Society.
The topic is "Love you, Love me" (boy-girl relationships), and the speaker would be Ven Bhante S.Dhammika.

Bhante Dhammika is famous for his public speeches, and his acute sense of humour =)

Please reply Constance if you're interested in attending. The deadline for reply is next Monday (25 January).

When and where??

Day/ Date : Friday/ 29 January 2010

Time : 7pm - 9.30pm
Venue : NTU, LT 19A

Meeting Place : SIM Atrium (5.30pm sharp)

Any queries that you may have, please address them to Constance(chawsu24@hotmail.com) or Tommy(tommytance@yahoo.com)

We are looking forward to meeting you!

With Metta,

SIMBB

Public Relations

Desley Tan

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This event is open to all SIMBB members OR interested SIM students!

Simply contact Constance by chawsu24@hotmail.com or sim.buddhistbhvana@yahoo.com
by coming Monday! (25 Jan 2010)

With Metta,
Alan Dang

2010-01-18T09:39:00.009+08:00

Good day and happy new year to you,

someone who is looking back from another screen =)

My name is Alan Dang,the new IT committee.

who just took over,Rudy Santoso,

the task on handling this blog.
As you can see, IT committees love bitting specs.

Unlike Rudy who is knowledgeable about Buddhism(and had made many wonderful posts)
,please bear with me as I am still very new to Buddhism(I would say it's less than 3 months!)
Nevertheless , I will still try my best to make it enjoyable .
BUT PLEASE DO NOT WORRY, THERE WILL STILL BE OTHER COMMITTEES UPDATING THE BLOG TOO ! =D
It wouldnt always be the same boring me!

My blogging style would be more about the happenings of SIMBB and any upcoming events.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The path of becoming a SIMBB member...
When I just got into SIM university, I realized this is probably my last chance that I able to join CCA. More importantly, it's always good to have more friends around than strangers .
I went through the CCA list given in SIM Portal and emailed few CCAs that I am interested in joining. One of them were SIMBB. Please do not think that I chosen it because I am a buddhist. I am a free thinker.

Gotcha.
You probably think that free thinker is someone who doesnt believe in any religion or any god.

For me is otherwise, I believe in all.
But if I were to list out all the religion I believe in, that would be long winded~
Imagine this, you met Alan Dang and asked him what's his religion.
He reply to you this
"I am into Buddhism , Hinduism, Christianity, Taoism and Islam ,etc "
Lets make it simple. Free thinker yeah?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back then, I got quite a fast response from SIMBB from this dude name Charlie.
He always update me with the events of SIMBB. However, I rejected him a lot of time due to the busy school tasks.
Yet, everytime he would replied this.
"Nevermind,it's okay bro, next time then.Take care"

I was amazed for three things.

One.
He never doubt me about me that I might be lying to him about being busy with school work.I would have doubt if the person keep telling me he's always busy with school.
However,such person do exist, that's me =)

Two.
He did not feel irritated for me constantly rejecting going to his events.
Normally, anyone would feel irritated by constant rejection and probably wouldnt add the word "bro" inside the message after.

Three.
He never give up on me.
Despite all the constant reject invitations, he's still updating me any upcoming events.
To be frank, if he never constantly update me about the events, I probably would forget about it and never go to the events and my chance of being in such a great CCA.

I cant deny the fact that I find him being persistent and already started to form puzzles of the 2 picture.
Picture number 1: " This guy is trying so hard to convert me to Buddhism!"
Picture number 2: " The club probably lack of members,that's why he's being so persistent!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I brought this mentality with me to one of SIMBB's talk workshop.
The talk is given by Ajahn Brahm on guilt.

Picture number 2 was shattered back into jigsaw pieces when I saw the number of SIMBB members turned up.
I was like "Okay, they dont seems to lack of members"

Back then, I was still an extreme introvert.
I do not dare to look into anyone's eyes or initiate to talk to them.
Even when they talk to me, I would gave those short replies.
However, the members were all so friendly!

So many of them initiated to talk to me,which really made me feel less tense ..
It's so different from any CCA I join before.
I doesnt feel any boundaries soon after.

For me, I believe invisible boundaries are there when you meet strangers.
Yet,these invisible boundaries are gone when you met up people who you felt are nice and you can trust on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to the talk.
I thought I will be going there to do some chanting!
But no, I wasnt required to do that`
(Even if there's chanting, SIM BB would make it optional)

It's totally different from what I think it will turn out to be.
Best part of all, I got into a very inspirational talk Ajahn Brahm.

He's speaking about life scenarios and how you should think during those scenarios.
The talk was amazing.
It had made me sorted out my thinking and let go of the guilt I had with me in my mind for 10 years.
But sorry, I am not gonna share with readers over here =P

There's this sentence that Ajahn Brahm said
"Buddhist are free thinker"
(How would u conclude the words free thinker now? )

By the end of the day, even the moment I was in MRT or right now, I am sitting down typing this post, I have never seen any SIMBB trying to convert anyone to a buddhist.

SIMBB had made it - "It's totally your choice to be a buddhist"
, SIMBB doesnt discriminate other religion believers.

This is something I am impressed about.

Puzzle picture 1 shattered into pieces of enlightenment.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frankly speaking, I never thought Buddhism could bring such a big change in thinking in me.
I would say, I used to think like what some people does

--> "I shouldnt join religion clubs, my friends will laugh at me!"
(Till today, a close friend of mine still frequently laugh at my growing interests to SIMBB,
He's would sometimes make comparison with his religion and buddhism.
I would just smile to him.

On a friend point of view, I understand he probably want me to be more realistic. But he did not realize that sometimes being too realistic in life, it's taking away the true happiness too.

On religion point of view, why should there be comparison for religion?
There's simply no point to it to say which is better.Look at the bigger picture.
As long as end of the day, you are happy with whichever religion u are in and you accept other religion,there will be no conflict and everyone is happy.)

--> "Why would I need a CCA like this?"
(Initially I also think that way. But after that, I realize it's far too great not to be part of it.
It's a place where you meet people who are with great characteristics and are really friendly.
Not forgetting, some of the talks really brings my thinking to next level, which had so far helped me in few obstacles. There's more to it.. .

Read this : "Ehipassiko. "
It means come and see.

Find it out yourself =) )

With metta,
Alan Dang

SimBB November`09 Camp !

2009-11-04T22:40:00.001+08:00

Hello SIMBBers,

There will be another big event from SIMBB, that is 3D2N BUDDHIST CAMP !!!!

Details,

theme : Find Your Mind, Mind Your Mind,

venue : Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bishan),

date : 13th November 2009 to 15th November 2009,

fee : $5 ONLY!!! (including MEALS!!)

Curious of what is 'find you mind, mind your mind' all about??join us, and find out the answer!!

Benefits for you,

free SIMBB's cute t-shirt, you'll like it!!
exciting games
learning dhamma in a more funs ways
stay in the largest monastery in SIngapore
make more new friends and experience togetherness as a family..

So, what are you waiting for!!! visit our booth on 3rd November to 6th november 2009 (11.30am- 3.00pm) outside the canteen and register..

Limited to 35 participants!!!!

For enquiries, please call or SMS Imelda (8124 3573) or Andy (9348 1802) or just visit our booth..=D

with Metta,

Imelda

SIMBB..

Dhamma Talk

2009-10-19T20:57:00.006+08:00

Hi, friends in Dhamma! How are you???

We hope you all will be OK! ^-^" SIMBB would like to invites you to join us on :

1. Ajahn Brahm Dhammatalk on 21 October 09 (this Wednesday) at Buddhist Lodge.

Topic : Overcome your fear and guilt.

If you want to join, SIMBB will meet at City Hall MRT at 6pm.

Please reply this email or sms (Grace 818-29926 or 944-82408 or Charlie 988-64426) for confirmation.

2. Om Quest (aka Amazing Race) on 31 December 09.

The registration will be closed on 22 October 09.

Per team = 5 people. The registration fee $3 per person or $15 per team.

If you don't have enough friends to form team, it's OK! Just do the registration, and we will help you to form the team. This fee will be fully refundable.

Any doubt feel free to contact GRACE 818-29926 or 944-82408 or BERLY 9358-2318

Have a nice day! May all beings be happy and free from suffering! Buddha Bless You...

Sadhu...

Metta

2nd MC of SIMBB ~

SIM Buddhist Bhavana Events For October 2009

2009-10-11T14:28:00.011+08:00

SIM Buddhist Bhavana Events for OCTOBER 2009!

1. Kathina Day Celebration.

Venue: Santi Monastery JB

Time: 7am to 12.30pm

Date: 10 October 2009

(DONE!!!)

2. Vipassana Meditation for Beginners.

(7 Lessons and 1 Day Retreat) by Venerable Cittara)

It includes any meditation technique that cultivates insight including

contemplation, introspection, analytic meditation, and observations

about experience.

Venue: Mangala Vihara, (near Eunos Station)

Time: 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Date: Every Friday start from 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October and 6, 13,20 November

Retreat: 21 November 2009, Saturday, 8am to 5pm

3. Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Brahm.

on 12 October 2009 (title : Secrets of Happiness) and 21 October 2009

(title : Overcoming Fear and Guilt) at 8.30 pm to 9.00 pm at Buddhist Lodge.

If you all are interest, SIMBB will gather together at SomersetMRT at 6.00pm before go to the Buddhist Lodge.

Contact person: Charlie (988-64426) or Grace (818-29926 or 944-82408)

For more detail, please visit Buddhist Fellowship web site below :

http://www.buddhistfellowship.org/cms/index.php?/component/option,com_eventlist/Itemid,3/id,105/view,details/

4. OM Quest (Amazing Race) at 31 October 09.

OM QUEST is an event organized by UPBS (United PolyBuddhist Society). It’s like Amazing Race on TV one, but OM QUEST is visiting temple, we look for stuff that are requested, and we find the “one” for playing the games at the temple.

The submission of the OM QUEST Form will close at 18 October 2009.

Per team will be 5 people. BUT, if you don’t have enough friends to form team, SIMBB will help you to find the team.

Contact Person : Berly (9358-2318)

5. KAMPUNG SENANG Flag Day (Volunteering)

Contact Person : MeiXuan (97853679)

Kampung Senang Flag Day

Date : 17/10/2009 (Saturday)

Time : 8am to 10pm (work by shifts)

To register as volunteer or find out more about Kampung SenangCharity and Education Foundationand the Flag Day, please contact

Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation

Tel: 6749 8509

Fax: 6844 5815

Website: www.kg-senang. org.sg

Email: email@kg-senang. org.sg

Student Week @ SIM Atrium.

2009-09-22T10:41:00.003+08:00

Hi, bro and sis in Dhamma!

SIMBB want to invite all of you to come to our booth on SIM Student Week

(theme of this year student week is Colour Confession)

on 22-25 September 2009 at SIM Atrium. The booth will open from 10.00am to 05.00pm

If you all want to help us for the booth, just let us know by sending e-mail or sms me! ^_^y

On our booth will have various GAMESSS to practice your concentration, such as :

1. Dokuda (Sudoku Dhamma)

2. Celebrity match

3. Colour confession games

4. Can you find it?!?!

So, don't be hesitate to COME, PLAY, and LEARN the Dhamma!

with Metta,

SimBB

SIM Art Festival

2009-09-20T08:23:00.003+08:00

Hai, Dharma Brothers and Sisters out there...

Whether you are from SIM or not.... Do Come and Visit SimBaBy Booth no. 28 @ SIM HQ Atrium on 22nd to 25th September 2009....

Hope to See you all @ there....

SimBaBy waiting for you . . . (^, ^)

SIMBB Proudly Present ~

2009-07-06T15:10:00.004+08:00

Dear Brother's and Sister's of Dharma...

SimBaBy Present new up coming events on this july :)

`Dharma @ cinema

Movie Title : School Days with a Pig <(^@^)>

Date & Time : 16th July 2009, 07.30 - 09.30 pm

Venue : Awareness Place Centre

`Dharma Talk

Dharma talk Title : Heaven & Hell, Angels & Ghosts

Date & Time : 24 & 31st July 2009, 7.30 - 09.00 pm

Venue : Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

`Warmth 2nd run Buddhist Hymns Sharing Session by Bodhicitta

Date & Time : 25th July 2009, 01 - 02.30 pm

Venue : Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Come and Join us to find out the truth that you guys have been wondering about, helping our departed relatives, purpose of heaven and hell, are we SAFE, and the most important thing is how does knowing all this thing help us ?

Don't Miss it ! :)

For enquiries, please contact or email us at :

Email : sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

Contact person : Charlie ( +65 98864426 )

All programmes are by registration.

with Metta :)

SIMBB

Vesak Day's Event

2009-07-06T13:27:00.005+08:00

What is Vesak ?

uhmmmm . . . . . . . Vesak or Wesak ? hehehe... Anyway, both are the same :)

Vesak is an annual holiday observed traditionally by practicing Buddhists in South Asian and South East Asiancountries like Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan and India. Sometimes in-formally called "Buddha's birthday," it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment Nirvana, and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.

In Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the holiday is known by its Sanskrit name, वैशाख Vaiśākha, and derived variants of it. The word Vesak itself is the Sinhalese language word for the Pali variation, Vesākha. Vesak is also known as बुद्ध पुर्णिमा/বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা Buddha Purnima or बुद्ध जयंती/বুদ্ধ জয়ন্তী Buddha Jayanti in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, 花祭 (Hanamatsuri) in Japan, 석가 탄신일 Seokka Tanshin-il in Korean, 佛誕 (Mandarin: Fódàn, Cantonese:Fātdàahn) in Chinese-speaking communities, Phật Đản in Vietnamese, Saga Dawa (sa ga zla ba) in Tibetan, Visak Bochéa in Khmer, วันวิสาขบูชา Visakah Puja (or Visakha Bucha) in Thai,Waisak in Indonesia, Vesak (Wesak) in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The equivalent festival in Laos is called Vixakha Bouxa and in Myanmar is called Ka-sone-la-pyae meaning “Fullmoon Day of Kasone” which is also the second month of the Myanmar Calendar.

The exact date of Vesak varies according to the various lunar calendars used in different traditions. In Theravada countries following the Buddhist calendar, it falls on the full moon Uposatha day (typically the 5th or 6th lunar month). While the Vesak Day in China, it is on the eighth of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The date varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar but falls in April or May.

The 2009 date for Vesak as observed by the Dhammayutika and Mahānikāya sects ofThai Buddhism was 8 May; 8 May 2009 was also Vesak in Sri Lanka. The 2009 date for Vesak as observed in Singapore is 9 May.

History

The decision to agree to celebrate Vesak as the Buddha’s birthday was formalized at the first Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950, although festivals at this time in the Buddhist world are a centuries-old tradition. The Resolution that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows:

That this Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, while recording its appreciation of the gracious act of His Majesty, theMaharaja of Nepal in making the full-moon day of Vesak a Public Holiday in Nepal, earnestly requests the Heads of Governments of all countries in which large or small number of Buddhists are to be found, to take steps to make the full-moon day in the month of May a Public Holiday in honour of the Buddha, who is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity.

On Vesak Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India it was assimilated into many foreign cultures, and consequently Vesak is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.

Bringing happiness to others

Celebrating Vesak also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the unfortunate like the aged, the handicapped and the sick. To this day, Buddhists will distribute gifts in cash and kind to various charitable homes throughout the country. Vesak is also a time for great joy and happiness, expressed not by pandering to one’s appetites but by concentrating on useful activities such as decorating and illuminating temples, painting and creating exquisite scenes from the life of the Buddha for public dissemination. Devout Buddhists also vie with one another to provide refreshments and vegetarian food to followers who visit the temple to pay homage to the Enlightened One.

Paying homage to the Buddha

Tradition ascribes to the Buddha himself instruction on how to pay him homage. Just before he died, he saw his faithful attendant Ananda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded things (including even his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dhamma) as their teacher from then on, because only the Dhamma truth is eternal and not subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how devotees are expected to celebrate Vesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practise loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.

External Links

http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Wesak_2009.htm

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Here! SIMBaBy want to share with all of you about our Exco and Member activity on Vesak day.

Our SIMBB's Exco and Member visited one of big temple in singapore nearby lavender area.

" Unveiling of the largest wish granting Thanka in SE Asia "

SIMBB Coming events :)

2009-03-25T18:00:00.002+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Dharma,

Here is the SIMBaBy Up Coming Events :

- Student Week ( +/- 22 sept 2009 )
- Temple Tour ( mid of October )
- Kathina ( 6 November 2009 )
- SIMBaBy Camp ( end of November 2009 )
- SIMBaBy BBQ / Steamboat ( mid of December 2009 ) - Just for member of SIMBB ^^
- AGM ( mid of January 2010 )

So, don't miss it . . . =P

*Note : Date of the events might change at anytime. For any enquiries please email us at
sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

With Metta,

SIMBB

Exam Blessing, Management of Stress and Up coming Events

2009-03-25T10:23:00.013+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the DHARMA,

SIMBaBy ^^ would like to thank all of you for participating in our EXAM BLESSING and MANAGEMENT STRESS by Venerable Chuan Guan. Without the support from all you, this event wont be successful. We are very grateful that we have received good feedback and believed that SIMBaBy will continue to grow even better in the future ( YOshhh . . SIMBaBy CAN DO IT ^^ )

Management of STRESS by Venerable Chuan Guan

Is studying and getting as all life is about ?

Did we learn anything out of the past 20 years of continous studies ?

Aiming to get good grade for PSLE, thinking that life will be great thereafter

> Then aim to score for O levels hoping to get into a good JC or POLY then We need not worry anymore.

> However JC life and A levels was even thougher, and it does not matter whether you are a top student in the O levels anymore ( life was reset to ZERO ).

> Then struggle to get into a uni course you wanted to ( hopefully ) but life was like hell and start cursing the adults for lying that would not be anything tougher than A levels.

> Then get Honours ? Get a good job ? and then earn money ($_$ ) ? or Be materially well off ? aiming to be mentally and psychological well off ? aiming to be spiritually well off so would go to a better place after death ?

What is the purpose of life afterall ???? ( ~_~)??

Dear Brothers and Sisters of DHARMA, we also want to inform that for our next events would be KATHINA and SIMBB Camp. KATHINA, it is an event which will be held in Johor Bahru and the aim of KATHINA is giving an offering ( DANA ) to the SHANGHA. offering can be Medicine, daily needs, food, and etc. For members that will be graduating soon are still WELCOME to join us (^_^ ). SIMBaBy are waiting for you to join our Up coming events :D

SIMbaby also attached Vandana song which played in the Exam Blessing.

Here is the link for download http://www.4shared.com/network/search.jsp?searchmode=2&searchName=simbuddhistbhavana

Here, our SIMBaBy want to share some Photo of our SIMBaBy Exam Blessing :)

Exam Blessing and Chanting lead by Venerable Chuan Guan

Venerable Chuan Guan and Ratna ( Forget the stress after Exam blessing :D )

Our 2nd management president seem quite stress. don't worry. . . you will blessed by buddha :)

Venerable Chuan Guan are giving some tips of Exam and How to manage STRESS :)

Venerables Chuan Guan, 1st Management Committee, 2nd Management Committee and Members.

Māgha Pūjā Night @ Uttamayanmuni Temple

2009-03-20T14:31:00.008+08:00

Māgha Pūjā Night, 09 Feb 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the DHARMA,

SIMBB ( baby ^^ ) want to share with all of you about Māgha Pūjā.

We Went to Uttamayanmuni Temple on february 09 of 2009. on that night we arrived there bit late and we attended the DHARMA TALK at outside because in the DHARMA HALL is full of our Brothers and Sisters of DHARMA. After the DHARMA TALK, each of us are holding an offering ( 1 candle, 3 joysticks, and fresh flower inside the offering plastic bowl ), we walk around the UTTAMAYANMUNI TEMPLE while holding an offering and chanting lead by Current Abbot which is PHRA PHIAN SACCARAVARO ( PHRA KHRU UDOM DHAMMAVITHES ) Abbot.

When we finished the chanting, all Brothers and Sisters of DHARMA are invited to DHARMA HALL. PHRA PHIAN SACCARAVARO starting to chanting and splash us with BLESSING offering ( blessing water ) :)

By the way, what is Māgha Pūjā ?

Here is the high light about Origin of Māgha Pūjā and Celebration of Māgha Pūjā.

Origin of Māgha Pūjā Day.

Māgha Pūjā day marks the four auspicious occasions, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Lord Buddha at Veḷuvana Bamboo Grove, near Rājagaha in Northern India. On that occasion, as recorded in the commentary to the Mahāsamayasutta, DN 20) four marvellous events occurred:

1,250 enlightened disciples of the Buddha spontaneously gathered
every one of those enlightened disciples had been given monastic ordination personally by the Lord Buddha
those disciples knew to meet together without any previous appointment
it was the full-moon day.

The Lord Buddha gave an important teaching to the assembled monks on that day 2,500 years ago called the 'Ovādapātimokkha which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the 'Heart of Buddhism'.

Celebration of Māgha Pūjā.

In the evening, each temple in Thailand holds a candle light procession called a wian tian (wian meaning circle; tian meaning candle). Holding flowers, incense and a lighted candle, the monks and congregation members circumambulate clockwise three times around the main chapel or pagoda in the temple - once for each of the Three Jewels – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

In DHARMA HALL ( Buddha Statues ) at Uttamayanmuni Temple

Chanting walk around Uttamayanmuni Temple by PHRA PHIAN SACCARAVARO ( PHRA KHRU UDOM DHAMMAVITHES ) Abbot and the other Venerables.

Our Committees and Members.

Both our Committee are lighten up the joystick and candle :)

Our 1st AGM and Birthday celebration night

2009-03-20T12:09:00.014+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the DHARMA,

We would like to share our SIMBaBy(SIM Buddhist Bhavana) 1st EVER BIRTHDAY, THAT HELD ON 16 JANUARY 2009 AT SIMHQ and rejoice our first birthday with all of you, and friends who had helped SIMBB tread the past 1.5 years path, and at the same time we also introduced new committees to the tertiary buddhist societies. :)

IN THIS SPECIAL DAY, WE celebrated CHINESE NEW YEAR and distributed FREE ANGPAO FOR A SIMPLE LUCKY DRAW =) and we had a diaologue session with Venerable Chuan Guan, Venerable Bodhi and Bro Luis from Buddhist fellowship. Topic is ISSUES ABOUT ATTRACTING YOUTH TO BUDDHISM, which is one of the persisting problems faced by all of us today, and we had a Movie sharing session about SIMBB ( made by the Committe ) and follow by stepping up of the new 2nd Management Committee and we also sing a song of our SIMBB song its composed by Meixuan, she did a great job for SIMBB. The song title is " Home, we'll never forget " :) Big thanks for all of you that turn up on that day ^_^

Our Committees getting excited before the AGM start :)

This our registration booth ( Hi - 5 ) =D

Uncle from Megabites intend to join but he said " next time lar . . . i'm working now :) "

Yoo . . our Frenz ( Xin hao and SPBS ) =D

Frens from SPBS ( peace . . . . ^_^v )

Our committee take the picture when Meixuan give an announcement (==" )

Yummy . . . . !! our SIMBB 1st Anniversary Cake ! it's Vegetarian Cake =P

Finally the seats fillings up ~

Typo error from the slide . . hehehe :)

From left side ( Ven. Bodhi, Ven. Chuan Guan, Bro Luis )

Dialogue Session begin . .

Ven. Chuang guan are giving the tips how to attracting youth to Buddhism

Our friends and members of SIMBB :)

Our friends from NPBS

haha . . this our 3 handsome preparers cake :D

Lucky draw session . . . $_$

wah . . . Xinhao got the 1st prize . . . (O_o )"

Hehe . . . Big ANGPAO wuor ~

For more wonderful photos and videos about our events, pls visit our Facebook Group :

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&init=q&q=SIM+Buddhist+Bhavana+Club+%28SIMBB%29&sid=a4f31c57b06e73d86313d2f3e84d9108#/group.php?gid=29113823964

Our SIM Buddhist Bhavana(SIMBB) song

2009-01-21T02:09:00.002+08:00

SIMBB, a home we’ll never forget

Verse 1

Walking to the lecture room of SIM,

It’s just another day of school that fleets by

The burden of assignments seems evermore

SIM BB, you give us joy and hope.

Chorus

From strangers we began, we found each others hand

With truth of dharma, we held on to

You find me spiritual friends

SIM BB, you bring me kindness

You show me the light of warmth

A place, we share, joy and laughter

You made me realize I am not alone.

Ending chorus

The Buddhas teachings lies deep in our heart

A home we will never forget

Verse 2

We hope to bring the right step to each member

With the seed from impetuous thought bears the fruit of 4 hard cores,

With the truth of sharing that unveils the bonding,

With the heart and passion in mind, to share the Dharma

OUR 1st AGM and birthday celebration

2009-01-09T17:30:00.003+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the DHARMA,

We are happy to invite you to SIMBaBy(SIM Buddhist Bhavana) 1st EVER BIRTHDAY, THAT WILL BE HELD ON 16 JANUARY 2009 AT SIMHQ.
We hope to rejoice our first birthday with all of you, and friends who had helped SIMBB tread the past 1.5 years path, and at the same time introduced new upcoming committees to the tertiary buddhist societies. :)

IN THIS SPECIAL DAY, WE will celebrate CHINESE NEW YEAR and will distribute FREE ANGPAO FOR A SIMPLE LUCKY DRAW. There will also be a short diaologue session with Venerable Chuan Guan, Venerable Bodhi and Bro Luis from Buddhist fellowship. Topic will be ISSUES ABOUT ATTRACTING YOUTH TO BUDDHISM, which is one of the persisting problems faced by all of us today..

Venue: SIM HQ, Level 4, Room 4.18

Time: 7.30 pm - 9.30pm

Date: 16 January 2009 (Friday)

How to get to SIMHQ?

Add: 461 Clementi Road Singapore 599491Just beside Ngee Ann poly, can take bus number 151,151e,154,184,52,61,74,74e,75.

for further enquiries, you can contact Yenni @ 98973318 or Meixuan @ 97853679. Let us know whether you are coming at least 2 days b4 the event, ok?

you are WANTED by SIMBB!....

SIMBB hopes to see u there!!!

BHAVANA CAMP IS OVER!

2008-11-29T22:23:00.009+08:00

wohoho!... Sorry for taking such a long break after the updates on the Kathina and the camp...

ok so here's a refelctions on what we hav done during the camp itself. We do hope this camp will be a stepping stone or a startoff point for a learning experience for the next management comm ;) yar...haha...

The camp at Po Ern Si was one of the chosen temples we decided as our venue, however during the planning, many things do happen and did not go as smoothly as planned. The Dharma hall that was supposedly to be a sleeping area for the members was under renovation in the very last min. Therefore we had no other choices but to sleep in the Dizang hall(gals) and dining area(guys).. Poor guys....haa.. to slp wif those highly ADORABLE cats.

during this 2D and 2N camp, we did really enjoy alot as a team. It really touches all the committee to see the smiles of the members and of coz the comm themselves mus hav ENJOY LOTS taking lotsa pics.. ya?? (at least we will nv regret by not leaving any memories of pics behind)...

We have met the objectives of our camp in a very impromptu manner.. haa... although yes there were many hardworks and planning, but i shld say that we are still learning .. and the organising part still have LARGE room for improvement. I m sure that buddha and boddhisatvas blessings does help us along the way when thing crops up... :D.

Daniel yeo CONCERT!: Is really enjoyable to be able to invite him to our camp and share wif us his inspirational view on buddhist hymns. And thanks for the water melon and advices that u give us! And staying late at night to share wif us ur aspirations.

Games:From the feedback of most members, many loves halloween n samsara games, and i m sure u all do learn the essence of this games ya?

Dharma and meditation event:

- the Talk by Venerable Chuan Guan on Dealing with relationships really touches deep in our hearts as well, and i m sure all of u wishes to hav more of such sharing session wif him...

- Bro shi an is really inspirational and some of us are really affected for the next few days to be actually mindful of the food we consume... especially meat!..

Candle light session was one of the most memorable and it was really touching to see the encoragements to all of u from all of u...We strictly emphasize to only write good and positive things to the particular person whom u r writing to as u will nv know how much the person appreciates from those sincere wordings. N maybe that kind of encouragement was never ever mentioned to him or her b4. It wld be as strong as changing or carved deeply in the person's heart for life.

Afterall SIMBB Committee did a real great job, and the feeling of organising the camp and attending a camp was very different. Although there wld always be a kind of responsibility and facilitating post each of us had to burdenised ourselves, it was all worthwhile to experience the feeling of doing a service for others wif the intention for others to benefit and be happy.... as we know that ALL ppl has only one goal in mind,...... it is the DEsire to be happy!

We live to be in search of happiness, n also the the desire for others to gain the same happiness as us... :D

CAndle LiGht Procession> may the light of compassion n wisdom pass on down infinitely...

Our Family Portrait lol!! after the challenging Samsara Game...

THe 1ST Management COMM!!

For more wonderful photos and videos, pls visit our Facebook Group

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&init=q&q=SIM+Buddhist+Bhavana+Club+%28SIMBB%29&sid=a4f31c57b06e73d86313d2f3e84d9108#/group.php?gid=29113823964

REjoice for Kathina day..

2008-10-22T01:34:00.004+08:00

Ok!!.. so our First official event was finally over.. and was great that the response was good in terms of the monetary side. Thanks to yenni who PR with most of the members and manage to get $$$ for the dana items (items to be donated to the monks). Here's an update of how everything went.... We went into JB during sat evening, having our dinner @ mac. IT was kinda last min due that there was some changes in the plan to buy the dana items. Therefore we had to rush and get everything purchased within 30min. Imagine wif the large amt of $$$$ from our generous members and families, ironically it was really a challenge on how to spend all of it within such a short time.... so basically, we split into 2 grps... One to get the medicinal items and another for the daily necessities and food. It was really a fun process, because we nearly swop out the whole deparmental store and the cashier lady was also affected by our mad rush... totally baffled when we mention and insist that we had to spend every cent of it.. (later then we realise that we cld donate it to the temple itself-_-"") And when the cashier was asking how much torch lights and batteries we wanted? It was real cool to say " we want everything !!" haha... then he was like... -_-? huh ? everything???? haha... But anyway we reached santi forest monastery during the night and then met up with ajhan keng and had a fruitful dharma discussion. We slept at abt 12am plus and woke up at 3.30am for the grp sitting meditation. After breakfast, we prepared for the main event... and proceed with the pindapata.(offerings to monks) and then with the kathina ceremony.It was a whole new experience for the members and all of them love it!!!... SADHU SADHU SADHU(excellent) for those who played a part in making this event a success..WELL DONE SIMBB COMMITTEE!! U guys did a GREAT JOB!.. for more info visit our facebook grp for pics and wonderful videos.. :) cya guys for the upcoming camp!!

some photos..to share...

buying the dana items

havin lunch

@mac

In the VAN

preparing for the pindapat

Doing the pindapat

kathina and camp bhavana

2008-10-08T23:13:00.010+08:00

Details

Evennts : KATHINA

Place : JOHOR BARU

Date : 18 and 19 October 2008

Time : TO BE CONFIRMED (wait for our email)

Fees : FREE OF CHARGE for members ^^

Seats : Limited to 20 members*

What is Kathina Day
Kathina is a festival that takes place during the months of October and November. For 2500 years families have gathered to take part in the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. Friends, old and new, parents and children join together in a celebration on the theme of harmony. Kathina occurs at the end of the Vassa(rain’s retreat). Also, as winter approaches, the supporters are checking to see that the basic needs of the samanas(monks) are being met. It is with regard to the offering of these requisites that this festival comes about.
During a dana (giving or generosity) session or Kathina ceremony, Buddhists or members of the public are only allowed to give non-monetary stuff. This is because during the Buddha’s time, forest monks tradition are not allowed to have contact with monetary items.

Purposes of Kathina

A trip to participate in the Kathina Celebration at the Santy Monastery- Johor Bahru
A good chance to build & cultivate generosity and spiritual friendships among members. Introducing one of the Buddhist traditions and customs that still remain in the modern world today.
To donate necessities(eg. Toothbrushes, towel, food, robes, medicine) for the welfare of Monks.

Event Overview
It is a coordinating event between Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society and Singapore Institute of Management Buddhist Bhavana club. Sponsorship for the transportation will be fully provided. However, meals will be wholly on own personal basis. Members are required to stay a night over at the Santi monastery. Members can voluntarily donate any amount of money to contribute as a form of dana. Or if they wish, preferably, they can get dana items for the monks on their own personal basis.
Begin the trip to Johor on 18 October at evening for preparing all the donation stuff.
Full-day event on 19 October, start Procession in the early morning followed by Dharma talk and some sharing session at the Santi monastery itself.

*P.S. : As it is held in JOHOR BARU, so we are going to stay overnight in there at the monastry. The transport will be provided. We will go on 18th night and back to Singapore on 19th evening.
I assure you that this is a very fun event as we have had past experience from members.
Going to santi forest monastry is unlike a hotel or chalet stay, be mentally prepared that it will be a whole new experience but be assured that it will be a very GREAT and FUN experience with us.

Details will be provided to those who sign up via msg, email, or at our booth.Please check ur email again for those who sign up..

Those who has not sign up: don't worry we are having a booth on coming tuesday and wednesday on oct 14 and 15 outside the canteen.. from 10am till 3pm.
SIGN UP NOW! for the once in a yr EXPERIENCE!

For enquiries and registration,
please contact:
Mei Xuan: 97853679
Awen: 97720702
Email : sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

Bhavana Camp

Event : Bhavana Camp

Place : Po Ern Temple

Date : 31th OCT to 2nd NOV 2008

Time : meet @ harbour front mrt @ 6.30pm on 31st OCT

Fees : $15 per member

*P.S. Bhavana Camp will be 3D2N trip. Po Ern Temple is located near Vivo City. So, we will be meeting up on 31st OCT night and will end on 2nd NOV morning. For futher information about what is KATHINA all COME DOWN TO OUR BOOTH! Do check your email for further details on the dates of the booths setup for the camp..Because there are limited seats for KATHINA, so we encourage u to contact us directly via the email earlier or at the booth.Learning Dhamma together is more enjoyable.

For enquiries and registration,
please contact:
Mei Xuan: 97853679
Ratna: 82037898
Email : sim.buddhistbhavana@yahoo.com

Once again,
WELCOME TO SIMBB ^^

Ajhan Brahm is coming TO SINGAPORE!!

2008-10-07T23:41:00.004+08:00

Ajhan Brahm is coming TO SINGAPORE!!

Date: 10/10 (Fri)

Time: 8pm

Topic: Dealing with uncertainties in life

Venue: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Ven Hong Choon Menorial Hall level 4

Date: 11/10 ( Sat)

Time: 7.30pmTopic: Stress Relief & Self Healing

Venue: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Ven Hong Choon Menorial Hall level 4