Farrah’s Story

A few days ago, former artist, model and actress of Charlie’s Angels fame Farrah Fawcett passed away from rectal cancer. Her passing was overshadowed by the death of Michael Jackson on the same day. But her story is more likely one that we can learn from.

She ‘battled’, in so far as one can battle with an invisible and relentless assassin that is aggressive cancer, with her illness for two and half years, undergoing numerous sickening and painful treatments in the process. For her own reason’s she chose to document the period with a close friend, and the resulting documentary was released shortly before her death. It is neither morbid nor voyeuristic, but it does not pull any punches – we see her wincing from painful needles deep in her liver, throwing up with sickness, and also the happy periods of remission. It is released with the title “Farrah’s Story”.

The girl every girl wanted to be, and every boy wanted to hold

While no different from millions of unsung heroes and heroines trampled into the grave by disease and circumstance, the film makes for a good reflection on death and dying. It is a big part of Buddhism – to prepare for your death. All meditators want to die mindfully, and as such we maintain a reflection on dying to arouse energy and balance in life. This is called Maranusati.

‘Balance in life’; reflecting on your own imminent demise is a practice designed to keep you mindful of what is really important. It is not the money, family, success or failure that you take with you, but your ‘spiritual wealth’. That is to say, your karma. Petty grievances, jealousies and fleeting sense pleasures mean little to one who keeps in mind that we are all heading for the grave – many of us painfully. If such reflection robs you of the spice of life, you are not doing it right. It is supposed to rouse your energy, and straighten your priorities.

The days and the nights are endlessly passing, how well am I spending my time? This should be reflected on again and again by one who has gone forth.

One thing however, that is very clear in the Buddha’s teachings. Death is not the end. This point is somewhat controversial amongst Westerners who are at home with teachings on compassion, peace or meditation. But not so when it comes to rebirth. Like it or not, it is part of the teaching.

But going back to the original scriptures, we find this reflection on rebirth, and the teaching on kamma following through successive lifetimes a majour part of the lesson. Further, it is not something that is left as a matter of speculation. The meditation necessary to verify for yourself, directly in deep meditation, is part of the path that is endlessly outlined. The Buddha called it ‘Seeing and knowing’ and it includes past lives, heavens and hells, as well as the liberation of the mind in Enlightenment. His claim is that you can see and know for yourself, if you can meditate well enough.

For most of us, such supernatural insight remains speculation, though many meditators do reach these levels of insight. But the reflection on dying is something that we can see around us if we pay attention.

“Farrah’s Story,” a sometimes uplifting, sometimes painful and thoroughly transparent documentary that chronicles Fawcett’s fight against cancer

Farrah’s story is nothing unusual, but to see a once superstar of pinups decline and ultimately lose the battle for life, should serve as a good tool for arousing energy, and direction to work for that which is really worthy, rather than what gratifies the senses in the present minute.

Views on this and related topics are welcome – Saturday 18th we’ll be looking at the topic of rebirth at the Tai Pan Hotel (as well as feeding our senses with the great buffet).

Another national holiday on the heels of Asalaha Puja. ‘Entering the Pansa’ is a special time for monks. For the following three months they are not supposed to travel out of the temple overnight.

Formerly the monks were wanderers, staying in remote places and always travelling, but, the story has it, some farmers complained that by travelling at this time of the year they were trampling crops. Thus they were requested by the farmers to stay in the temples (or designated areas) for the Rains period.

Anyway, since the teaching of Buddhism was transmitted by chanting, the three month period was a useful way to combine with other monks and practise chanting various recitation sections. Monks would learn at least one section (there are hundreds such sections) and recite with others. Groups that undertook one section would then go chant to groups who had learned other sections. A good way to keep the teaching alive.

Some allowances were made for those monks who needed to travel away overnight – such as to teach lay people, to visit sick relatives or talk to monks who were wavering in their commitment and in danger of disrobing.

In the morning then, the monks will designate the area they consider to be ‘inside’ the monastery, and recite a pali formula committing them to staying there for 3 months. It is often a big thing for monks to try and find a suitable place to ’spend the pansa’.

Because there is often extra teaching over this period, and a stable community, many Thai men will ordain for the 3 month period as a temporary ordination.

For our group too, in Bangkok, while there are no other monks travelling through, we will mark the period with meeting for Dhamma talk and meditation every Thursday evening – announcements for this will follow in the next week.

On the 7th  July  we celebrate Asalaha Puja (Asalha Puja) – one of the biggest Buddhist holidays. It commemorates the day that the Buddha first “set forth the wheel of Dhamma”. Or in layman’s terms, when he first started teaching.

After attaining to what he first declared as The Deathless (the word ‘nibbana/nirvana’ came later), the Buddha, according to legend, was not inclined to teach. What he had found was ’subtle, hard to see’and he did not think he would be able to communicate it to anyone. The story goes that Sahampati, a high god, came to him and begged him to teach “For there are those with but little dust in their eyes”.

For whatever reason the Buddha determined to try, and set out to find his former ascetic friends. He met a few people on the way, but it was not until meeting the five ascetics that he was able to properly ’set forth the Wheel of Dhamma’. Kondannya, who had known the Buddha since birth, is said to have ‘opened the eye of Dhamma’ upon hearing this first teaching, by understanding ‘All that is of the nature to arise, will pass away’. An intriguing insight – why is it so supreme in Buddhism? The other ascetics gained the same insight the same day, after further dhamma talk that is not recorded.

The words taught in that first interaction are recorded in the Dhammacakka Sutta. – the first real sermon of the Buddha. In fact we know that this sutta has been modified and adapted since that first day, due to the large number of versions available. There is a Pali version, Sanskrit, and several Tibetan and Chinese versions. Scholars find a lot of interest in the sutta and the extent to which it has been modified or maintained the core teaching. In fact the essense of the sutta remains the same both in general and in detail throughout the different versions. Adaptations probably came in order to make it easier to recite, and to add in clauses that the Buddha taught later in his ministry.

This sutta is learned by heart for many, if not most monks, and recited in temples all the world over on Asalaha Puja day. Especially in Thailand – all temples will be reciting the sutta, and gearing dhamma talks around the Four Noble Truths that it encapsulates.

Naturally, Asalaha Puja is a national holiday in Thailand, and is followed by ‘Wan Kao Pansa’ the following day.

Movie date: Life After Life???

Here’s the sticky point for many Westerners. Buddhism teaches that there is rebirth, that one revolves in Samsara from life to life, birth to death, over and over.

Many of us thought there would not even be life after the Y2K crash …

For some reason this one point is something that Westerner’s find hard to swallow. Yet not only is it a real part of the teaching, but it is central to ‘Right View’. Just for fun, we will be looking at these questions – all opinions are allowed.

• New (or Old) Age nonsense ?
• What is the difference between reincarnation and rebirth?
• What is it that is reborn?
• Are you really supposed to believe in rebirth?
• What influences your rebirth destination?

Life After Life

Lunch and movie at the Tai Pan hotel, Suk 23

Saturday 18th July

The usual format : meet for lunch between 11 and 12 for the Tai Pan Buffet. It is 206 baht per person, which is paid to the hotel directly.  The food is excellent, and well priced. Lunch is a nice informal way to meet some of the other people. There is always a good crowd and interesting characters …

After lunch, at around 1pm we’ll move up to the meeting room on level 5 for the movie.  You are welcome to just come for lunch, or just for the movie, or both. But so that we can tell the Hotel how many people to expect for the lunch please leave a comment below if you think you will be coming.

Movies:

Life after Life: American new age style movie listing evidence from Near Death Experiences that suggests that death is only the beginning.

Following we’ll look at a more balanced British documentary about a boy who recalls his previous life (or does he?)

Interspersed will be lots of chance to argue, debate, and express your view; politely of course.

Room hire is 2500 baht which we’ll share between us, which is a special discount price for our group and includes projector. The room is quiet and air-conditioned.

It’s been too long since our previous movie dates and lunches, so make the effort to come if you can. In August and Sept we’ll be busy with weekly  Dhamma talks and some one day meditation workshops, so this might be the last chance for a while for a social gathering. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone, or have not been before – we’ll all be mixing seats at a couple of long tables, so no one is left out.

Directions:

Goto Asoke BTS or Underground line. Walk East and go down Sukhumvit 23 for 336 meters (thanks Google Earth). Turn left into the Tai Pan Hotel. Restaurant is on the ground floor as you enter the building. Make sure to come and announce yourself – or they might not give you our discounted price for lunch!

YBAT Weekend Vipassana meditation retreat conducted in English

with Acharn Helen Jantamit (House of Dhamma)

A weekend Vipassana (Insight) Meditation retreat is being held by the Young Buddhists Association of Thailand together with The House of Dhamma from

17 – 19 July 2009

It runs from 5 pm Friday, July 17 to the late afternoon of Sunday, July 19.

The retreat provides instruction for beginners and is also suitable as a refresher for those with previous experience of Vipassana. Instruction will be in English, with some Thai translation as necessary.

It will be held at the Young Buddhists Association of Thailand’s custom-built meditation centre in Pathumthani, north of Bangkok, 20 mins past the old Don Meuang airport. The retreat is open to all English-speaking adults. It is not necessary to be a Buddhist to take part. Vegetarian food and single-room accommodation will be provided.

Click here for information in English, or e-mail houseofdhamma@csloxinfo.com Alternatively you can phone 02-511-0439 (mornings).

For information in Thai, please contact Khun Parnus at YBAT 1

02-4552525 ext. 4209. or 02-413-3131

Regards,

Helen Jandamit

Report on past, present and future of Littlebang:

“Littlebang” started about two years ago as a temporary site to provide further information on a set of talks at Baan Aree Library. I had the intention to do some dhamma talks once a year as my contribution to society and the international community, during the Pansa (July-Sept) period when other monks are not travelling. But many of us made friends and wanted to keep on getting together for events, so the project continued uniterrupted since. We’ve invited speakers and teachers, and arranged social gatherings both large and small. We have had a lot of support especially from the Thai community which has provided venues and air conditioning free of charge so that Westerners can gain access to dhamma. In fact so many people have contributed in so many ways, it is better not to start mentioning names as it is a long list.

Donations

For many events we put out donation boxes – there is no charity, or buildings to finance etc. so donations are not so vital. What is collected is simply a kitty for our group so that we can pay whatever small expenses crop up. There are not a lot of expenses but we try to pay taxi fares for any Monks and Nuns who might come along. Last year we had to buy a speaker/amp system, and sometiems we contribute group funds to visiting speakers. Depending on the situation we often simply pass on all donations to the speaker or their organisation. The kitty is held by Dr Holly, and anyone who would like to know more or see the record is welcome to ask her. Right now we have about 17 000 baht, mostly from last year’s talks at Wat Yannawa. Most of this will be used on buying leaflets and leaflet holders to advertise this year’s series of talks, and some meditation mats and cushions for our group.

Activity

Some months are busier than others of course, and certain activities are more popular and large scale. Statistics from the WordPress blog reports show a steady build up in activity. The general stats are shown below, mentioning the key events for each period (click for larger view):

Ideas for activities are always welcome. Sometime this year we’ll be having our first Little Bangkok Sangha official Picnic near Bangkok at a park chosen by Terry (who knows all the places).

This year’s Pansa talks are being kindly hosted by Planet Yoga and announcments/details will be posted up over the next week. This will be Thursday evenings from Aug 6 to Sept 24 (8 weeks). In September we’ll also be doing some one day workshops with Mike and Helge who are the senior assistant teachers at Wat Kow Tahm. For the very keen, we will also do an “Aditthana’ month … but more on that later.

Over the next few weeks John Fischer-White will be helping out at the Monday Shambhala meditation meetings at Monteray Place.

John Fischer-White has been a student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche since 1985. During the past 10 years he has also been studying  with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the son of the great Dzogchen teacher Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He has taught psychology at Webster University in Cha-am , Thailand where he has lived for six years. He teaches classes on Buddhist and western psychology.  He received his master’s degree in Psychology from Naropa University in 1985.

The meditation on Monday’s is usually followed by a short discussion of some kind, and John has picked the following topic for the time he will be here in Bangkok:

The 4 Marks of Existence

In his book entitled “What makes you not a Buddhist”, Dzongsar Khentse says “One is a Buddhist if he or she accepts the following four truths”,
 
All compounded things are impermanent.
All emotions are pain.
All things have no inherent existence.
Nirvana is beyond concepts.
 
These are referred to as the “Four marks of existence”.
 
We will review these principles as a starting point to discuss meditation and why we meditate. Accepting these four truths are not only necessary to consider yourself a Buddhist but, they also can help guide your view of meditation and daily living.
 
Our view of meditation and what we are trying to accomplish, has a big impact on the results of our meditation. Understanding the four marks of existence will help you to reach accomplishment in your meditation. I will review these four marks of existence (sometimes called the three marks of existence) and attempt to make clear how these teachings can be used in your meditation practice.

Address:

Monterey Place Condominium Building
On the 7th Floor
398 Soi Phai Sing To, Rama 4 Rd.,
Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Directions:

Take the subway to the Queen Sirikit Station, exit #4 to Soi Phai Sing To. You’ll see the building, “Monterey Place“, on the right as you’re coming up the escalator out of the subway.

Turn left to get to the soi, and follow the road around to the left, then right, to the front entrance of the building. Take the elevator to the 7th floor, exit to the left. The meditation room is next to the exercise equipment.
A limited amount of secure parking is available on site. These parking spaces must be reserved in advance via telephone or e-mail.

Contact

Phone: 086-788-7408 (Jamie) or 02-663-8477 (Andy)

 Below is an ariel snap shot, and diagram of directions to Monteray Place. Click to expand them.

“Desire causes Suffering” goes the Noble Truth. But it is hard to see. Desiring a good grade, job, house for your family – does this cause suffering?

Desire is not bad per se, only when it becomes your master is it to be feared. Newspapers are full of stories that show the kinds of things desire and greed can drive a person to. This one comes from the Ananova news site – always a good source of quirky stories….

Man Impersonates Deat Mother 

A New York man has been charged with impersonating his dead mother so he could claim her benefits – for six years.

Thomas Prusik-Parkin, 49, allegedly wore a wig, thick make-up and old dresses as part of his elaborate ruse to claim £70,000 in social security benefits and rent subsidies.

Prosecutors, who described the alleged fraud as “unparalleled in its scope and brazenness”, say it started when Mr Prusik-Parkin’s mother, Irene Prusik, died in 2003 aged 73.

The story may be unparalleled, but it is not unexcelled – last year two people actually tried to wheel a dead body in to a store to cach a cheque. But to continue…

Mr Prusik-Parkin, who had lived with her, allegedly gave his mother’s funeral director a false social security number and date of birth so her death did not show up on government records.

Dressed as Mrs Prusik, he would then collect benefit cheques, visit banks and even go to renew her driving licence, say police in Brooklyn.

On each occasion, he would be accompanied by an accomplice, Mhilton Rimolo. Posing as her nephew, he would help the ‘frail old lady’ to walk and communicate with officials.

Charles Hynes, Brooklyn’s district attorney, revealed: “He said he’s not Norman Bates. This guy is not stupid, this guy is very smart. His schemes were brilliant.”

Mr Prusik-Parkin was arrested after prosecutors received a tip-off from the owner of the building where his mother lived and arranged to interview ‘Mrs Prusick’.

He turned up “wearing a red cardigan, lipstick, manicured nails and breathing through an oxygen tank”, say prosecutors. He was wearing a scarf to hide his Adam’s apple but failed to conceal his “rather large hands”.

Mr Prusik-Parkin and Mr Rimolo, 47, were charged with grand larceny, forgery and conspiracy. Both denied the charges which carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Sunday July 12th

(Khun Morakot will have just returned from a retreat with Sogyal Rinpoche in Ireland)

Khun Morakot, a Thai lady fluent in English and experienced in meditation, will lead her monthly session at Kathmandu Gallery, Silom area. She has experience in a number of meditation lineages, and especially the use of meditation (or just counselling) for cancer patients in the hospitals.

Please book your place in advance by calling Kathmandu books on 02 234 6700 .

It is a charming setting and teacher so take advantage. There are 2 excellent Indian cafe/restaurants opposite that are inexpensive, and have very good food. We usually go there after the meditation to have a yarn, just after midday when the session ends.

Announcement runs as follows:

Healing Meditation

Simple  meditation techniques exclusively for healing
from Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, Yoga, New Age etc. 

Sunday 17th May, 2009
From 10.00-11.30 am
 at Kathmandu Photo Gallery and Book Shop
 87 Pan Road, off Silom Road
(near Indian Temple)
BTS Surasak or Chongnonsi
 
Admission is free but donation is welcome
 Open to beginners and to open minded meditators
 Please book your place in advance
 
          Kathmandu 02-234-6700
 
If you are not comfortable on the floor, and wish to sit on a chair,  please also let Kathmandu know in advance.

Kathmandu Gallery is a 10 min walk from Surasak BTS Station.

Click the wonderful and clear map below for a larger version.

Chris Stanford, who usually moderstes the WBU forum, will be presenting in July – on an interesting topic. His premise is that Thai Buddhism is an artisic expression of the culture, rather than being strictly Buddhism. After moderating so many workshops at the WBU he should have a wide background of ideas to draw from…

Programme :       WBU SUNDAY FORUM   

Topic :                 THAI BUDDHISM AS AN ART FORM

Date & Time :    July 5,  2552 (2009), 12:00 – 13.30 : P.M.

Speaker :            Dr. Chris A. Stanford

About the Topic :       “THAI BUDDHISM AS AN ART FORM”

All religious practices are creations of human societies, and as such, are artifacts. Cultures tend to sculpt their particular spiritual expressions to reflect their prevailing social values and to meet their communal religious needs. Thai Buddhism is no exception in this regard.

Spiritual practice is highly subjective and organized religious practices are seen as tools to assist with individual ambitions.

A brief review of the history of Buddhism in Thailand will be presented along with characteristic forms of religious expressions throughout that history.

This forum will discuss aspects of contemporary Thai Buddhist expression and the values they suggest. Full audience participation is encouraged.

Location :

Location :
Meeting Room, the World Buddhist University, 3rd floor, WFB Headquarters Bldg., in Benjasiri Park, Sukhumvit 24, Bangkok, Time : 12.00-13.30 pm. All are welcome to join the programme free of charge. For more information, please call 02-258-0369 to -0373, fax 02-258-0372, or see www.wb-university.org.

The WBU shares the same building with the WFB (World Fellowship of Buddhists), and can be found by our maps below. It is on the third floor. The WBU is open most office hours, and the building can be entered from the rear of the building from the Soi. The front gate that faces the park is generally locked, but there is access to walk through to the rear.

click maps for larger view