Dharma Enrichment Workshop - Joyous Advancement On The Stages Of The Path
The 30 Apr 2022 DEW was kick-started by two youthful emcees, Yi Ming and Sheng Xiang. The Zoom session garnered about 300 participants.
Lecturer Jennifer started the workshop by leading everyone to pay respect to the Three Jewels and gave the opening speech. She guided us in learning a discourse by Teacher Zhen-Ru, which highlighted the importance of having long term vision when creating karma & doing dedication, i.e., we should aspire towards progressively better rebirths. Lecturer Jennifer’s guidance settled everyone’s mind down to participate in the workshop attentively.
Lesson 1
Lecturer Siew Chin energized everyone by getting all to sing the lively Shakyamuni Buddha Mantra. She reminded everyone not to lose sight of our ultimate goal amid busyness with everyday matters and shared how we could achieve our “gold”. She showed the blueprint to Buddhahood that has been laid out by the Lamrim, shared the great benefits of generating the Spirit of Enlightenment and progression up the bodhi path through ethical discipline.
Lesson 2
After the break, Lecturer Dawn Chen covered the crucial role of a conducive environment in one’s attainment of high status rebirth. She then shared how we could create a conducive environment by taking the right actions in this life, as taught in the Lamrim.
Lecturer Dawn then introduced student Lee Fung, who shared how her life has changed after studying Lamrim since 2014. Lee Fung shared the challenges that she previously faced and the actions that she has taken to overcome them. Having experienced significant improvements in her life due to guidance from the Three Jewels, she would always make time to continue her dharma learning and help others, despite a busy work schedule. In short, she is planting all the causes necessary for continued progression on high-status rebirth. Lee Fung’s sharing drew “virtual applause” from fellow students online.
Lesson 3
During the 3rd lesson, Lecturer Susan Koh shared learning points from the Lotus Sutra to bring out the sole reason for Buddha to come to this world - to show sentient beings like us the way to attain purity and be enlightened like him.
She also played the Global Lamrim discourse from Teacher Zhen-Ru, which highlighted Buddha guiding us with down-to-earth steps that enable us to gain increasing happiness, while eliminating suffering. Teacher assured that we could be confident in walking this path as Master and Teacher were holding our hands every step of the way. Let’s cherish Master’s commitment to walk this path with us!
Closing
Lecturer Jennifer wrapped up by reminding everyone to treasure and take full advantage of our human life of leisure and opportunity to achieve the benefits of provisional high status and perfect enlightenment.
