The Dhammakaya Foundation has attempted to promote monastic education (in Pali and i Dhamma Studies) amongst the wider monastic community by organising the Grade Nine Pali Graduate Congratulation Ceremony annually for those monks who complete their highest Pali n education incorporating the award of scholarships for Pali students and Pali institutions, with n scholarships annually totalling up to 2,000,000 Baht ($50,000). e r Wat Phra Dhammakaya established its own Pali College in 1995 and 1999 achieved the highest number of Pali examination passes of any monastic institution in Thailand. The college p gives training in Pali Language and Dhamma Studies to about one thousand monks and novices and lay-people annually. E Once a year, the Dhammakaya Foundation give scholarships to monks, novices, teachers A and institutes who have shown an outstanding contribution to monastic education - an amount which annually totals more then three million Baht ($75,000). C For monks in the monastic community of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, training is given in the E teaching of Buddhist principles to the general public so that when the monks become fully trained they will be able to contribute to the task of teaching morality to the general public. www.kalyanamitra.org
www.kalyanamitra.org50I)H A M MARA VA FOUNDATION
______________________________________________ H UMANITARIAN A CTIVITIES In the places with a reasonable standard of living, where everybody receives sufficient provision of food, shelter, clothing and medicine and has the opportunity to receive fundamental education, people are fit, well and ready to practise the culture of peace and improve their quality of mind. However, what of circumstances where society befalls natural disasters - where people must live on the breadline and have no chance of education? Wherever life is from hand to mouth, there is little opportunity for thought of inner peace as a refuge from suffering. In latter circumstances it is the duty of more fortunate benefactors to give material help in order to improve the quality of poor peoples' lives so that they too have the health and education to allow them to benefit fully from inner peace. Relief for Natural Disasters In many countries of the world, political unrest or natural disasters have caused such chaos that the very fabric of society has been torn apart. When such conditions prevail, creating peace through spiritual practice is often the last thought on the minds of the victims. Where survival is the first priority, the Dhammakaya Foundation has joined in the effort to diminish the suffering of the many folks through donations of food, clothing, shelter and medicine Relief for Flood and Cyclone Damage: when Thailand was subject to severe flooding in Southern Thailand, the Dhammakaya Foundation was one of the first organisations to give relief by co-ordinating the collection of clothing, food and bedding to help the victims. Drought Relief: the Thai Summer is increasingly plagued by drought, meaning especially a severe shortage of clean drinking water for the farming population of the provinces. During 1992, the Dhammakaya Foundation used one of its own water tankers to bring approx. 950,000 IVITIESfamilies. www.kaly5a1 namitra.org
Health Care P tTShphheeeeearovlpgtiDhclee.ehnaeAoomrttpahmtelehnaprewkudahibsayeleiialacyduFffqrrnoeouauemabnrldote0efa9rttcsi0ooh0noa-rf1rega7athel0cse.0hoHDph.herpoaavrmlotihdmveidacskianaargeya,mptorFhibmoeiulaenmrdymeaametniodesndicibacthyal elcwraaehnriedcishudanetlosintotawm, lhaaciicnMahtraeeiadntliolcotawhsltesaCirffmeonaawtnnrdeny E A Blood Donation C tbOFhIl.nroFoeIo.udogth.fhetUhthSepeumptToraheianmthi eehRuePmpdarateCrnisarietoracsnrhstia, nAintshase1co9tc9tivoi4aitttaifieoolsnr a.iotmsTf hoDyeuehnaDatrmhlyoamfmtaomdktaaoalynkaaoaftyFeamoduoFnrobeduloanthotdiadoanntiois2ins0a0trheb,0eco0eud0itvoecn5d.ac,0t.iao0on0pf,r0odiz0foe0nbaflortcoeocmdd. E Helping for destitute children i tTlirvhaeeiniiDnnhgaadminjamcmaeeknadtyiataaretFiaoosnun-adntadhtriooenuthgiahclsst.oheprdoovnidaetisonheolfpfsoofodr acnhdildcrleonthiinngn.eTehde-greosuppewciiallllyalsthoorseecewihveo n n General Assistance e *a**i****InnncdttttAtttpoalhhhhhhhufSrdeeseeeeeodEtdthvoiAppppnpippiertnrimNgrrrrroroooocooo:1nsvvvvevvvG9,iiiiississsis9tssat;oiiiihi8oioooiomooennnnntnFenhDEseooooo;oSfhofffffmaPffoaao8mIsofCro0fwbhembid0cueqai,GaleselyubktsaseiaisahsmtcirydahnieytaesdeeaelcstklnesFlt.ecPedrofsooorufaomlrmntinctcorodpdeeeauitsasnhtttslritemesoauttoranndaKftssoeithsoheuprneunlspootlppr;snpruptoglaroaitfaehtrnilsLtotodehusnsdteaeottuhnfsowegPdPeraheavpDoaetntuuopritasmmsfppatlrurttcahiophcleanaxuatdt.nbninoOili1aitncfPe,tSf0uiarsc0ipronceae0evchl;ticnhtheodiecaarrisissnlafadilaCavsicneOttotedaerfrpsfrniseocpsdocueeucit;ntdciihoaghelnsrpaatnhscePetcbrifvitlosoa1itoroti9deond9esr;8ss.,r r O II AM M A K AV A p www.kalyanFOaV SmDATi1t0rNa.org E A
www.kalyanamitra.org
w 0 R L D P E A C E £ NVIRONMENT i One of the most important factors for successful in meditation is an amenable environment. n The teaching of meditation goes hand-in-hand with natural integrity -- as we meditate best n in natural conditions. Thus, even in the pursuit of spiritual perfection, the environment e cannot be neglected because the integrity of the natural environment is a major factor in r creating the right conditions for the practice of meditation. p Each year the Dhammakaya Foundation and its centres sponsor and organise a number of Earth Day activities for people from all walks of life. These activities include tree planting, E as well as training in various fields such as forest conservation, waste management, environmental protection, cleanliness and hygiene. A C E www.kalyanamitra.org55D H A M M A KA VA F 0 l; N D A T I 0 K
w o PUBLICATIONS R L D P E A C E i n n e r p E A C E DHAMMAKAYA www.kalyanamF OiUtNrDaA T.IoO Nrg
P J UBLICATIONS AND MEDIA As the demand for teachings on the culture for inner peace becomes broader, the need for academic resources for study of the culture, especially media resources has become greater. In recent years, the Dhammakaya Foundation has responded more and more to the demand for academic resources and comment. The Dhammakaya Foundation has since the outset been committed to the production of teachings, books, overhead slide sets and slide multivision presentations in order that the resources for teaching morality can make at least some attempts to counter the barrage of advertising of social vices such as smoking, alcohol and extravagance on their own terms. In more recent years, the Dhammakaya Foundation has tried to broaden the language availability of its media to English and Chinese, in addition to the Thai language media already produced and as the general public becomes more computer literate, the Dhammakaya Foundation has started to maintain a presence on internet through the provision of a homepage for the convenience especially of scholars wishing to obtain access to the work of the Dhammakaya Foundation. The Dhammakaya Foundation also has attempted to foster assistance, co-operation and exchange with other spiritual organisations in Thailand and internationally -- often helping to publicise and publish the work of the Thai monastic community through the Thai publications K a ly a n a m itr a M a g a z in e , K a ly a n a m itr a N e w s a n d S a h a d h a m m ik a M a g a z in e -- and the English- language newsletter, The L ig h t o f P e a c e . Pocket Books There are more than one hundred Buddhist books, which published in non-technical language and be applicable to daily life. Such books have been published in Thai, Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Other Printed Matters Hundred of Brochures, Posters, Magazines, Newsletter have been published regularly. There are periodicals written and published - * K a ly a n a m itr a M a g a z in e : a 130-page full-colour Thai-language magazine issued monthly. This is the monthly magazine, which was received awards as an outstanding youth magazine. It has a wide readership amongst the general public and has a charity readership which includes 1,300 temples and schools in the Thai community around the world. * K a ly a n a m itra N ews: an eight-page Thai language newspaper with a free monthly circulation of 25,000. * The L ig h t o f P eace: a twelve-page English-language newsletter with a worldwide readership. * The O m n ip o te n c e o f the Triple Gem: a sixty-page Thai pocket booklet with a weekly circulation of 50,000. PUBLICATIO Monastic publications * Pali study handbooks and textbooks * S a n k a d h ik a ra M a g a z in e - a full-colour magazine sharing knowledge and experience about management and education with a quarterly circulation amongst the Thai monastic administration of 9,000 copies. * S a h a d h a m m ik a N e w s le t t e r - newsletter issued to all temples in Thailand covering Thai monastic news with an annual circulation of 420,000 copies. D IIA M M A K A Y A www.kalyanamFOitUrNDaA.TIoONrg
Cassettes For the convenience in spreading Dhamma to youth around the country, Dhammakaya Foundation has produced video and audio cassette teaching materials on subjects including meditation instruction, ethics, Dhamma music, morning and evening chantings, Dhamma tales (narration) and sermons. Radio and TV Broadcasts Several radio broadcasts and television programmes have been producing or sponsored by the Dhammakaya Foundation. At present, 10 AM and FM radio programmes are broadcast daily throughout Thailand. In addition, a special television series has been created jointly with the Thai Airways International Pic. to instruct and perpetuate traditional aspects of Thai culture. Computer Multimedia Production With the advancement in technology, Dhammakaya Foundation has started using computer multimedia, which allows slides, Overhead transparencies, video clips, sound, and voice to be manipulated by computer software for moral teaching applications, which has enjoyed the interest of teachers and students who involved in the moral and ethical education. «H.\\«.VI U U A j- q www.kalyaFnOtaSDmAtlitOrV a.org
If I DHAMMAKAYA www.kalyanamF0 liiNtDrAaT I.0oN rg
C O-OPERATION Interfaith Activities The world of religion today is like a flower garden made beautiful by the diversity of colour and scent. In an age when the life of those in society is becoming increasingly secular and estranged from spiritual truth, those committed to spiritual practice need to respect differences and concentrate on sim ilarities in finding ways for the different religions to co-operate in matters of conscious ethics and spirituality. All religions of the world aim to help people become better. Time spent engaging in both intra-reiigious and inter-religious dialogue is more than worthwhile, allowing us to understand our own religions better and allowing all religions to take a united stand on matters vital to the urgent need for the world to cultivate ways to lasting peace and harmony. The Dhammakaya Foundation has, over the past few years participated in several forums for inter-religious dialogue and has been active in creating opportunities for unity and co operation between different tradition. The Dhammakaya Foundation has been in contact with the multi-faith Moral Re-armament movement since 1987 and had a chance to enter dialogue on many aspects of mental culture and its implications for society. The Dhammakaya Foundation also joins the annual Inter-faith Conference on Religion and Peace which addresses several aspect for peaceful world and had many projects including work to help homeless children, reduce arm and encourage harmony. Wat Phra Dhammakaya become a sister temple to Fo Kuang Shan, Taipei in 1994, securing friendly relations and cultural exchange between the Buddhist Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Since 1996, Wat Phra Dhammakaya has strengthened its relationship with the Buddhist Association of China. Several exchange programmes were held regularly especially with Manjusri Temple, Chengdu, China. World Fellowship of Buddhists and World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth: The Dhammakaya Foundation has been a regional centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) and World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) since 1986 and has sent a representation to join all General Conference since that date. At the 1998 General Conference in Sydney, the Dhammakaya Foundation representative, Mr. Sommai Konsakoo, was elected as the President wD II wAMMwAK.AkYAalyanamitra.org
I) II A M M A K A V \\ www.kalyanamn iliMtrMaT I.0o\\ rg
Exchange Activities In accordance with an agreement signed between the Chung-Hwa institute of Buddhist Studies and the Dhammakaya Foundation on 5 July 1990, monks from the Dhammakaya Foundation are exchanged with those from the Chung-Flwa Institute, Taipei for prolonged periods of complementary studies. In 1998, The Dhammakaya Foundation payed friendship visits to several Regional Centres of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth such as Korea Young Buddhist Association, Young Men's Buddhist Association of Nepal, World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth Sri Lanka, and Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia. The Dhammakaya Foundation has also developed co-operation with other like-minded organisation such as Rissho Koseikai with activities including: * in 1992 the provision of a Buddha Image and 100 robes to the secretary of the Buddhism Propagation Society, Bangladesh; * in 1993, the provision of a Buddha Image to the people of Kunming, China; * in 1994, the provision of a Buddha image, Phra Buddha Dhipanghorn, to the Thai-Japanese temple of Hiroshima, Japan; * in 1994, the offering of computerized scriptures and a Buddha Image to Burmese Monastic community, Rangoon, Myanmar; * the provision of meditation training for Malaysian Buddhist monks; * the provision of meditation training for monks and staff of the Mahamandala Welfare Organization (MWO), Bangladesh; * co-operation with the Chung-Hwa Institute, Taiwan to exchange study of the arts, culture, language, and Buddhism * in 1991, provision of training for students of the Mahabodhi Society, Bangalore, India www.kalyanamitra.org
www.kalyanamitra.orgD H A M M A K A Y A 6V 4? --F-O-U-N-D--A-T-I-O--N-
United Nations: Non Governmental Organizations Since August 1986 the Dhammakaya Foundation has become the United Nations - accredited Non-Governmental Organisation associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) and has since that date sent delegates to the Annual DPI/NGO Conference of the United Nations. In February 1999 the Dhammakaya Foundation has been participating in the Millennium People's Assembly Network called for by the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan. On Earth day 22 April 1999 the Dhammakaya Foundation supported the promotion of 2 0 0 0 I n t e r n a t i o n a l Y e a r fo r th e C u ltu r e o f P e a c e which is proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations. A hundred thousand Buddhist monks and novices have participated the ethic contest organised for support the culture of peace educational programme. On the same occasion, thousands of temple followers have signed the Commitment for Culture of Peace. The C o m m itm e n t is drafted by a group of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates which UNESCO is the focal point, and - in response to an appeal signed by all the Nobel Peace Laureates - th e firs t d e c a d e o f th e n e x t m ille n n iu m - th e y e a r s 2 0 0 1 2010 - as the \"International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World\". The Dhammakaya Foundation has also demonstrated an co-operative participation in the seventy-two hours Interfaith Peace-Building Project of the United Religions Initiative in order to play an important role as a living pledge to a new and more hopeful future for all people. The programme will be held on from 31 December 1999 to 2 January 2000. Hundred thousand of people will participate in meditation and illuminate the Light of Peace of the Millennium. During May 11-15, 1999, the Dhammakaya Foundation has sent 13 representatives to participate th e H a g u e A p p e a l fo r P e a c e C o n fe re n c e , which is the largest international peace conference in history. Over 9,000 activists, government representatives and community leaders from over 100 countries attended the conference workshops and round tables mechanisms for abolishing war and creating a culture of peace in the 21st century. The Dhammakaya Foundation also organized 3 sessions of Global Meetings on Meditation to provide interested participants in seeking the real peace from within. www.kalyanamitra.org65D H A M M A KAYA FOUNDATION
MORAL TRA I N I N G CONFORMITY TO AGREED REGULATIONS ABILTY TO DEFUSE CONFLICT ACCEPTANCE OF CRITICISM ■ LOYAL COMPANIONSHIP PUNCTUALITY NOT EXPLOITING OTHERS RATIONALITY ■ ■ ENDURANCE OF PHYSICAL HARDSHIP ■ CHOOSING ASSOCIATES BY VIRTUE QUALITY OF WORKING PERFORMANCE ■ 1 1 SELF-MOTIVATED AVOIDANCE OF ALL EVIL RESPONSIBILITY ■ QUALITY OF WORKING STANDARDS ■ STEADFASTNESS IN DOING GOOD DEED DETERMINATION TO PURIFY THE MIND ■ INTELLIGENCE IN PROBLEM SHEDDING UNPLEASANT ATTITUDES D H A M M A KA YA www.kalyanamI0iVtSrDaAT.Io0 Nrg
C ase history of the success of moral training projects The Dhammadayada (Dhamma Inheritors) Training Programme has been conducted for twenty- seven years since the beginning of the Dhammakaya Foundation, allowing both male and female Buddhists of student age to have 'hands-on' experience of Buddhist practice for a period of six to eight weeks. In 1996 the syllabus was given a thorough scientific assay to verify the claim that the Dhammadayada Training instils virtue to go hand in hand with academic knowledge. Researchers used questionnaires to probe participants on the Dhammadayada training course regarding to their self-perception of virtues accrued during the course. The conclusion drawn from this study was that the Dhammadayada Training Programme is able to develop the virtues of trainees for the better for example, by becoming more responsible, more punctual or more discerning. The reasons for the effectiveness of the Dhammadayada training were found to be because the curriculum draws on traditional Buddhist cultural principles which rely on training in non-extravagance in the use of the requisites, teaching of the virtues that bring happiness in this world and the next, the marks of a good man and awareness of the structure of the moral society. The course has applied these principles through the daily routine and the use of the requisites. In addition, all of the programme leaders and trainers had themselves undergone training courses in the analysis and application of the cultural principles used during the course until attaining mastery. Trainees in the programme received training in the different virtues hand in hand with practice of meditation to gain the inspiration to really upgrade the quality of their own minds. www.kalyanamitra.org
www.kalyanamitra.org68D H A M M A K A Y A FOUNDATION
F ROM QUALITY GREW QUANTITY The reputation for training offered by the Dhammakaya Foundation has spread primarily by word of mouth, increasing the popularity of activities held, as the years pass by. Participants have found that things they have learned can be put to benefit in their everyday lives. They have found that all aspects of their lives have improved. As the word has spread and different walks of society have recognised the value of these teachings and the size of congregations has swelled accordingly. As the scale of the work has expanded, there have been many developments in the approaches the Dhammakaya Foundation has made to the logistical problem of educating the larger number of trainees studying the tradition; Local Branches In an attempt to reduce the distance which students have to travel in order to study meditation and virtue, the Dhammakaya Foundation has been invited to set up local branch centres in both Thailand and abroad. Each centre is staffed by qualified teachers of meditation from the Dhammakaya Foundation headquarters in Thailand and offers a range of activities for training in the quality of mind for people of all ages in the locality. In 1999, there were forty local centres in Thailand and thirteen overseas. Using the concepts of distance education to help groups abroad obtain access to the teachings for raising the quality of the mind, the Dhammakaya Foundation has adapted telephone conferencing facilities to allow those interested, in different parts of the world, to practice along with meditators led in meditation on the first Sunday of the month at Wat Phra Dhammakaya by Ven. Phra Dhammajayo, President of the Dhammakaya Foundation. In 1999, more than hundred groups abroad simultaneously received live monthly transmissions of meditation teaching from Thailand. International Centres Dhammakaya Foundation has founded the first international branch on 1 January 1992 as a meditation centre in Los Angeles. Since then branches have been established in nine other countries. The main objective of the international branches focuses on bringing benefit to the society, by for example, providing moral teaching in school, training youth leaders, organizing meditation courses, and organizing activities that enhance the peacefulness of the society. As and example of the success of the international branch centres, on 10 September 1994, the City of Los Angeles presented an awarded to the Dhammakaya International Society of California for its contribution to society. International Broadcasting of Meditation Teaching Every first Sunday of the month, the Dhammakaya Foundation broadcasts meditation teaching around the world via the Internet and telephone conference. Currently, there are approximately 100 broadcasting centres on five continents. wDwHAMwMA.KkAYaAly69anF O aD i mD A TiItOrSa.org
New Year Retreat At the New Year weekend, the Dhammakaya Foundation traditionally organizes a three-day meditation retreat. This programme provides the opportunity to learn meditation in the context of a simple retreat lifestyle as a good way to welcome the New Year. I> II \\ M M A K A 1 \\ www.kalyan'^aIm0 Iit1)rVaII.0oN rg
Festival of Light for World Peace p A As a celebration of gratitude for the heritage of peaceful teachings passed down to the present-day in the context of Buddhist knowledge after a continuous history of two-thousand five-hundred years a festival of light is organized each year during the third lunar month. On 19 February 2000 at Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Thailand, the inauguration of the peaceful millennium will be celebrated during this festival with the opening of the peace-dome pagoda of the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya before an expected international congregation of one million people. www.kaly7a1 nF0al mNDAiTtIr0a.org
w o R L D P E A C E in ™ Qofoe.ooHo mSJ oKsmSium: sum is n im w m v m a ih iu m sa ilm k>k) m um kjcTiik) ai u n e r Each year the Dhammakaya Foundation and its centres sponsor and organize a number of Earth Day activities for people from all walks of life. These activities include tree planting, p as well as training in various fields such as forest conservation, waste management, E environmental protection, cleanliness and hygiene. A As a spiritual organization, the Dhammakaya Foundation has focused to draw the attention of people all over the world to the importance of enhancing one's inner environment. At the C 1996 General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth in Bangkok, the Dhammakaya E Foundation has proposed the 22 April of each year be observed by all regional members by the environmental protection, moral & ethical education and meditation practice as the \"V irtu e s to P ro te c t the W o rld \" E a rth D a y C o m m e m o ra tio n . The General Conference adopted the resolution under the theme P u r ify th e W orld , P u r ify th e M in d . DHAMMAKAYA www.kalyanamF0 liStIr)AaT I.0oN rg
On Earth Day 22 April 1999 the Dhammakaya Foundation has also focused on the concept w that the way a person treats his or her outer environment springs from the condition of his or her inner environment and choices made in response to the environment within. Young o people are encouraged to develop their inner environment, as well as participating in activities R that contribute to protecting and sustaining the outer environment. The focus of this moral L and ethical education is how one can lead a life of wholesomeness, generosity, responsibility D and goodwill. P E A C E T hi r o u g h i n n e r p E. A C E www.kalyanamitra.org
w o [Mrjr j HKf [III §1! 7 1 /'H I 7| fl /||| 1 ,. f jj L liig R L '“Hint rrJ&# IB D E A C E L * y m v im n s fm u m lUllR'©oo.oooRiiainmiJitw^ntfnflatraffitOT'W'ji i n n Visakha Puja Day: Day of Gratitude for the World e On the day of the Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and entered nirvana, every year all Buddhists of the r p world gather to take fresh encouragement by paying respect and recollecting the virtues of the Lord Buddha. This festival is observed annually by Theravada Buddhist E world-wide as Visakha Puja (Wesak) Day on the full- A moon day of the sixth month. C At Dhammakaya Foundation Headquarters, Buddhist will gather to honour their debt of gratitude to the Lord Buddha through the practice of giving, self-discipline and meditation, to turn the tide of the world towards peace and happiness. The might of virtue of these activities will be dedicated to all the late parents and ancestors of those assembled, in order to fully realize the title that Visakha Puja Day as the \"Day of Gratitude for the World\" wwwI) II .AMkMaAKlAyYAan■ a. mitra.org
w m m m m m w Bi ■ E g ta rtg ji r>t‘li t tiT>r£Ti^?rr3M» lTifoWIfjnr!lrA'i \\frfeyI 'fY■VitI >fr*$y ;--5 i i'5 IffiSKpS1 w v5W-QJ- -/jy.# ' #? o s^ y R ai a m s ^ s i n w i n a % m « & ? 3 W n ti ^ .Y T ra ia iu eii-si sfa vnm i \\®&ai<s> L M l 1\\ m 1 J r m 'It- ' I :l | | r D 1 1 | I P World Meditation Day and Female Massed Meditation Retreat for Mother's day E A The sixth of August each year is well known as Hiroshima Day - a day to reflect on the peace C of the world. This day was proposed by the Dhammakaya Foundation to be adopted as World E Meditation Day at the 1988 General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhist (WFB) in Los Angeles. The proposal was unanimously welcomed by all participants and had been n observed by thousands of members at regional centres around the world since that date. n e In 1998, the Dhammakaya Foundation organized the biggest World Meditation Day r Commemoration in its history. A total of 200,000 attendants joined the ceremony meditating peacefully for world peace. p E A C E wDwIIAwM M.AkKAaYAly7a5nFOaUmNDAiTtIOrNa.org
i n W K m m Lm 1 1 1C n Kathina Day e Kathina Day marks the end of Buddhist lent. It is the only festival in the Buddhist calendar when monks can be offered new triple robes. It is thus the most popular time for supporters r p to visit the temple. Kathina Day is to be celebrated at Wat Phra Dhammakaya on the first Sunday of November of each year. E A C E DHAMMAKAYA www.kalyanamitra.org
w o R L D P E A C E Father's Day and Massed Male Meditation Retreat This ordination programme held for the first time in 1998 was a worldly phenomena. It was the first time that about 100,000 men astonished the world by gathering to undertake moral and ethical conduct (the Buddhist Eight Precepts) and sim ultaneously practice mental discipline at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand during the period 29 -31 January 1999. The pretext for the event was to express the wholesome virtue of filial piety towards their fathers. DHAMMAKAYA ____ www.kalyanamitra.org
DHAMMAKAYA www.kalyanamF O U iNtDrA TaI O.Norg
R ECOGNITION w Individual Awards o Phrarajbhavanavisudh (The Most Venerable Dhammajayo Bhikkhu) R * 5 December 1991: promotion to the lower Royal Order title 'Phrasudharmayanathera' with L D the presentation of an honorific fan by His Majesty the King of Thailand; * 5 December 1994: University of Maha Chulalongkorn Raja Vidhayalai offered Honorary P E Doctorate degree in Buddhist Studies; A * 5 December 1996: promotion to the higher Royal Order title 'Phrarajbhavanavisudh' with C E the presentation of an honorific fan by His Majesty the King of Thailand; i Phrabhavanaviriyakhun (Venerable Dattajeevo Bhikkhu) * 12 August 1992: promotion to the lower Royal Order title 'Phrabhavanaviriyakhun' with the n n presentation of an honorific fan by His Majesty the King of Thailand; e * 1993: award of the coveted Dhammacakra Sima-Pillar Award from Her Royal Highness r Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn; p E A C E wDwIIAwMMA.KkAYaA ly79a-namitra.org
i Organization Awards n * 1985: Kalayanamitra Magazine received the Awards for Outstanding Youth Publication from the National Committee for Youth Assistance and Co-operation, Office of the Prime n Minister; e * 10 May 1992: Dhammakaya Foundation received Dhammacakra sima - Pillar awards by HR.H Princess sirindhorn for the Promotion of Buddhism; r * 13 February 1994: Dhammakaya Foundation recognized by H.H. Supreme Patriarch of p Thailand, for three years outstanding blood donation; * 25 November 1994: Dhammakaya Foundation: award for outstanding public and national E contribution by the United Foundation Society of Thailand; A * 10 September 1994:Dhammakaya International Society of California received award for C outstanding contribution to public welfare; * 14 March 1999: Dhammakaya Foundation and Phrarajbhavanavisudh received the News E Centre, Radio Television Magazine and Executive Morality Society for Outstanding Organization and Persons working on Development of the Quality of Life. DHAMMAKAYA - www.kalyan80aPm0 UNiOtrAaTI 0.oN rg
^ Q c£ ~J Q c . t u < ( j wwar d to ° TD +rI-N>dI O
■ rH £= CD c, UJ <( cj w www.kalyanamitra.org
www.kalyanamitra.org
T HE FUTURE uture There is still a long way to in the promotion of social harmony and everlasting peace in the world because the scale of the task is enormous and there is no previous perfect example which can be followed. The task of creating social well being cannot be performed overnight but requires a long and patient process of giving, teaching and understanding. Wherever in the world people are crying out for an alternative to stress and turmoil, the Dhammakaya Foundation tries its best to serve their needs by providing education in virtue and meditation. In order to make dreams a reality, on a scale that is not limited by national boundaries, we, as the people of the world, have to work hand-in-hand heart-to-heart with mutual understanding and best co-operation as the watchword in raising the quality of mind for all people throughout the world. The new millennium will be the millennium of liaison and exchange to enable national boundaries and time-zones to be transcended so that people around the world can work together on the global issue with like-minded manner of different faiths, religions or nationality, even though they may be separated by thousands of miles. The co-operation and consolidation between all of us today will be a major milestone on the road to lasting world peace through facilitating a higher level of consciousness for mankind. www.kalyanamitra.org
AA A A A AA A A A iCJpL AA A A A X jli jc^' if _£n if I N T RODlJCT ION / ■*- AA A A A -nO* AA A A A -£^X X j f , 1■1\\ A A A x1*. t A -iOc. -■Cj* /- k.. . _ www.kalyanamitra.org
MEDITATION Meditation is something which we already do in everyday life allowing us to focus on the task at hand - but the depth of meditation is superficial. The events around us in the world soon rob us of our attention and our concentration is gone. The mind that wanders outside our own body is the source of all types of suffering. By deepening our meditation until our mind comes to a standstill we can unlock the potential and unused ability within. We maintain a balance of mindfulness and happiness for ourselves bringing contentment and direction to life in a way not possible through any other technique. -85 www.kF OaU NlDyA aT I nO N amitra.org
Step by Step Instructions for the Meditation T ech n iq u e f t 1. The sitting posture, which has been found to be the most conducive for meditation, is the half-lotus position. Sit upright with your back and spine straight - cross-legged with your right leg over the left one. You can sit on a cushion or pillow to make your position more comfortable. Nothing should impede your breathing or circulation. Your hands should rest palms-up on your lap, and the tip of your right index finger should touch your left thumb. Feel as if you are one with the ground on which you sit. Feel that you could sit happily for as long as you like. 2. Softly close your eyes as if you were falling asleep. Relax every part of your body, beginning the muscles of your face, then relax your face, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, trunk and legs. Make sure there are no signs of tension on your forehead or across your shoulders. 3. Close your eyes and stop thinking about the things of the world. Feel as if you are sitting alone - around you is nothing and no-one. Create a feeling of happiness and spaciousness in your mind. Before starting, it is necessary to acquaint yourself with the various resting points or bases of the mind inside the body. The first base is at the rim of the nostril, on the right side for men and on the left side for women. The second base is at the bridge of the nose at the corner of the eye - on the right side for,men and on the left side for women. The third base is at the centre of the head. The fourth is at the roof of the mouth. The fifth is at the centre of the throat above the Adam's apple. The sixth base is at a point in the centre of the body at the meeting point of an imaginary line between the navel through the back and the line between the two sides. The seventh base of the mind is two fingers' breadths above the sixth base. This base is the most important point in the body. It is the very centre of the body and the point where the mind can come to a standstill. 4. Feel that your body is empty space, without organs, muscles or tissues, Gently and contentedly rest you attention at a point near to the seventh base of the mind - at the center of the body. Whatever experience arises in the mind, simply observe without attempting to interfere. In this way your mind will become gradually purer and inner experience will unfold. 1)11 A MM A K A Y A www.kalyanFaOUmNDAiTtIrOaN .org
5. If you find that you cannot dissuade the mind from wandering, then your mind needs an inner object as a focus for attention. Gently imagine that a bright, clear, crystal ball, the size of the tip of your little finger, is located inside at the center of the body. May be you'll find you can imagine nothing, but later you'll be able to see a crystal ball of increasing clarity. Allow your mind to come to rest at the very centre of the crystal ball. Use the subtlest of effort and you'll find that the crystal ball becomes brighter and clearer. If you see too much effort you will find that it gives you a headache. A 6. If you find that your mind still wanders from the crystal ball, you can bring the mind back to a stand still btyherecpeenatteinrgotfhteh0'rfiar •mr y,f3ria-t,al\"Sbaamll.mRae-apreaahtamth\"e silently, as if the sound of the mantra •is comi•ng from mantra over and over again without counting. A 7. Don't entertain thoughts/ jn y0ur mjnc| Don't analyze what's going on in the meditation. Allow the mind to come tq^I sta\"ndstill - -hat's all you need to do. If you find that you can imagine nothing, then repeat the mantra, \"iamma-araham\" silently and continuously in the mind. aIfLyouMfind that yVo|u're not s1ure about the1 location of the centre of the body, anywhere in the area of the stomach will do. Persevere because today's day-dream is tomorrow's still mind; today's darkness is tomorrow's inner brightness; today's perseverance is tomorrow's fulfillm ent. Don't be disappointed if you find your mind wandering. It is only natural for beginners. Make effort continuously; keep your mind bright, clear and pure, and in the end, you will achieve your goal. f \\ 8. Keep repeating the mantra and eventually the sound of the words will die away. At that point a new bright, clear, crystal ball will arise in the mind of its own accord. The crystal ball will sparkle like a diamond. This stage is called pathama magga (primary path). At this stage the shining crystal ball is connected firmly to the mind, and is seated at the centre of the body. You will experience happiness, with continuous observation at the centre of this crystal ball, it will give way to a succession of increasingly purer bodily sheaths until it reaches the ultimate one called \"Dhammakaya\", the highest level of attainment of supreme happiness. wDHAwMMwAK.AkYAa8l7yaFOnUaNDmATIOiNtra.org
www.kalyanamitra.org
EAc T H R 0 UGH INNE R PEACE DHAMMAKAYA FOUNDATION 2 3 / 2 MU 7 KHLONG SAM, KHLONG LUANG, PATHUMTHANI , 1 2 1 2 0 THAI LAND. TEL. ( + 6 6 0 2 ) 524-0257 to 63 ext.3005, 3006 FAX. ( + 6 6 0 2 ) 5 2 4 - 0 2 7 0 , 9 0 1 - 1 7 8 1 e-mail: schol ar@dhammakaya. t h. or g home pwa gwe :w.kwawlywa. dnhaammimtraak.oa yrga . t h. or g
Search
