The Wonderful Open Secret Of Sincerity & Respect

Jan. 30 | With utmost sincerity and deepest reverence for a Dharma teaching learnt, there will be great diligence in practice, leading to realisation of its true goal and benefits. - Stonepeace Ultimately, when the practitioner recites (the name of Amituofo mindfully)...

Is It Okay To Be Dressed Less In A Temple?

Jan. 22 | Question: I was brought up by elders with the traditional idea that I should dress more ‘respectably’ when visiting a Buddhist temple, e.g. keeping my legs covered. I notice some of my friends are comfortable with showing their legs though...

Can A Buddha Shrine Be Low?

Sep. 6 | Question: Can I use a hip height table or cupboard as a shrine for a Buddha image? Answer: It is alright if you and others around are comfortable with it. However, if possible, it should be placed higher, at least at eye level or above, as this facilitates...

Difference Between Faith & Respect

Sep. 6 | For one to take refuge, there must be respect. For one to have respect, there need not be refuge. - Stonepeace Since faith and respect are different, respect for other religions does not mean we must have faith in their doctrines. For example. I have...

Is A Buddha Image In My Bedroom Okay?

Jun. 15 | Question: If I stay in a rented room, where can I place a statue of Buddha? I heard that it is not advisable to put one in the bedroom. Without an image, where do I face when I am doing my Dharma practice? Answer: The reason why putting an image of the...

Is A Buddha Image In A Bedroom Okay?

Mar. 28 | Question: Is it appropriate to place a Buddha image in the bedroom? Will it be disrespectful? Answer: It is best not to place Buddha images in the bedroom as even if one is not disrespectful in there, others might feel that one it is disrespectful. They...

Safeguarding The Buddhist Community’s Integrity

Mar. 7 | When one expresses good will, one is always blameless. When one bears ill will, one is already blameworthy. - Stonepeace Some friends occasionally speak of feeling troubled when they encounter ‘some dressed as Buddhist monastics’ (as they...

Gold Standard Test

Jan. 16 | Just like examining gold in order to know its quality, you should put my words to the test. A wise person does not accept them merely out of respect. - The Buddha

Knowing When To Bow

Aug. 31 | Sometimes the disciple bows to the master; sometimes the master bows to the disciple. A master who cannot bow to his disciple cannot bow to the Buddha. Sometimes the master and disciple bow together to the Buddha. - Shunryu Suzuki The practice of nonharming...

Do You Need A Happy Buddhist Card?

Nov. 3 | click for more

An Easy Way To Say ‘Thanks, But No Thanks’

Nov. 3 | Do You Need The ‘Happy Buddhist Card’? While chatting with friends on the ‘Agree to Disagree: Conversations on Conversion’ project (http://conversion.buddhists.sg), I suggested doing something in addition, that is handy and easy to use,...

The Four Harmonious Friends (Bird, Hare, Monkey & Elephant)

Oct. 13 | Respect should be freely given to all simply because all have Buddha-nature, because all can become Buddhas. - Stonepeace Once, the Buddha was travelling, when many younger monks moved ahead to seek shelter. By dusk, a room was prepared for him, as they...