Sunday, 5 - Today is first Sunday which again offers the opportunity for the practise of generosity with alms offering. Brother TY Lee gave his Dhamma talk - Part 2 of “How to Practise Buddhism as a Lay Person”. Brother Lee has been our lecturer for Basic Buddhism class and Vipassana Meditation for the past two years. His kindness and generosity in sacrificing personal time is an example of meritorious deeds. Today being first Sunday, the crowd is usually bigger as devotees make effort to practise meritorious deeds.
Tomorrow (Monday, 6 February) is last day of Chinese New Year but most importantly it is a significant day in Buddhist history - it is Makha Puja Day. It was the day that 1,250 disciples of the Buddha returned, without prior appointment to see the Buddha and seek his advice on the Teaching. Buddha summarized his Teaching in three simple phrases - Avoid All Evil, Do All Good, Purify the Mind”. UBT will celebrate this very important day with an evening service and hopefully many will make an effort to attend. Service starts ar 7.30 p.m. And will conclude with a procession round the main shrine with light, incense and flowers.
The main shrine will also be undergoing upgrading works and therefore closed from February 10 thru to March 16. Purpose of the upgrading is to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for devotees to practise the Dhamma. Sunday morning services and other activities normally held in the main shrine will temporarily be held either at the Kwan In hall or meditation hall.