It's 9.30am in the morning, and we can hear melodious voices singing in harmony at the monastery's fourth storey. It's the choir group joyously singing the Insightful Praises of the Buddha. That's how the Auspicious Puja starts off, welcoming the arrival of the participants every Sunday morning.

Venerable Zusheng began the Puja with the discussion topic of the day - 'Should I Continue To Trust Someone Who Has Cheated me Before?' This must be a topic close to everyone's hearts, for the participants enthusiastically formed small groups to discuss this, led by our friendly facilitators, and there were many interesting experiences shared. One participant was betrayed by her best friend, who leaked out her secret. Although, the participant was very angry, she choose to forgive her best friend. Another participant loan some money to her colleague, who needed the money urgently but the money was never return to the participant.

There are many methods discussed but how should one view this from the Dharma's perspective? Using interesting pictures, Venerable Zusheng then explained the solutions to this topic, and engaged participants to analyse the following;

'Is being cheated the consequences of trusting the other party?' or

'Is believing in someone the consequences of being cheated?'

The participants then learned the true consequences of being cheated; the fruition of non-virtuous actions previously planted. If one choose to retaliate, then there would be another non-virtuous action being planted. However if one chooses to forgive and forget, a virtuous action will be planted instead. This is the essence of Karma - virtuous actions will cause happiness, while non-virtuous actions will cause suffering.

It is astonishing to many to learn that we ourselves are the causes of our own suffering. But we are in control of our own karma. When our distorted views are changed, we will stop blaming others for our own suffering and follow the right views.

The take home of the day is to start planting virtuous deeds that bring happiness to others and ourselves! Be kind to others and start the day with a smile! Have faith in the Buddha!

For the upcoming Sunday, we will be discussing 'Apathy Vs Empathy' - When someone needs a listening ear, how do we keep listening actively, mindfully and wholeheartedly? Join us this Sunday at the Monastery to find out! Stay Connected with us!

Auspicious Puja

Sunday, 13 October 2019, 9:30 am to 10:45 am

BW Monastery L3-304

https://bwmonastery.org.sg/events/2019/10/13-auspicious-puja-eng

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