a new year / a new day
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hi....
just an open enquiry:
how does a buddhist view new year? is there a celebration for new year? or is it everyday is a new day for celebration? hoping for a smooth prosperous year..... or one should understand the cause and effect of things and practice the dharma daily in order to receive what turns around good for oneself and others..... that makes up to a good whole year or entire life?
i don't know....
many people have their own different point of views. this subject maybe not so significant to some but may have come across some minds to examine....
i understand seeking prosperity and goodwill for oneself is good practice, and then extending it all to others and hoping to see everyone good is a higher non selfish goodwill. but which is more important - a prosperous, safe, smooth new year or a prosperous, safe, smooth new day?
what is "fan tai sui"?
practicing the buddha dharma, cultivating progressing in one's spirituality, realising the nature of all things around, powerful enough to eradicate any offence to the grand duke of jupiter? would be grateful to receive some views....
metta
om mani padme hum -
i think there's no emphasis for New Year, from the Buddha or in the Buddhist text.Originally posted by paperflower:hi....
just an open enquiry:
how does a buddhist view new year? is there a celebration for new year? or is it everyday is a new day for celebration? hoping for a smooth prosperous year..... or one should understand the cause and effect of things and practice the dharma daily in order to receive what turns around good for oneself and others..... that makes up to a good whole year or entire life?
i don't know....
many people have their own different point of views. this subject maybe not so significant to some but may have come across some minds to examine....
i understand seeking prosperity and goodwill for oneself is good practice, and then extending it all to others and hoping to see everyone good is a higher non selfish goodwill. but which is more important - a prosperous, safe, smooth new year or a prosperous, safe, smooth new day?
what is "fan tai sui"?
practicing the buddha dharma, cultivating progressing in one's spirituality, realising the nature of all things around, powerful enough to eradicate any offence to the grand duke of jupiter? would be grateful to receive some views....
metta
om mani padme hum
in the text, we often begin with, "Thus I have heard, at one time ..".. or we don't have a specific calender system by the disciples of the time of the preaching or birth of Buddha. in other word, their philosophy of time is void, just as great thinkers of the world do. time/space is not real.
"fan tai sui" is from Taoism or folk belief of offending God Tai sui. it's not from Buddhist.
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thank you, am really grateful!
it is clearer now....
thats what i thought too cos i have never come across in any buddhist teachings of observing the offences to the "tai sui"...
my inlaws are buddhist yet they advice me to pray to the "tai sui" cos i offend the "tai sui".... i have no intention naturally and have no intention to criticise anything either.
some even said to me that to be enlightened, one has to be a virgin (like monks or nuns) but after examining a little more..... think thats not necessarily true needed. after all the historic buddha was a prince married, a father to his son before renouncing. its all in the mind to know.
i have alot to learn, i'm still very attached to worldly stuff but i am not slacking in the pursuit.... i know... i just know some day that time will arrive. -
Originally posted by paperflower:
you still can go and pay your respect to these celestial beings. unless you have took the precepts that the Dharma Protectors are protecting you. best not to offend devas or spirits, since we don't have spiritual power. if it's of astrology, or fengshui/geomantic thingy, then better follow the nature's cause, or it could cause unfortunes too.
my inlaws are buddhist yet they advice me to pray to the "tai sui" cos i offend the "tai sui".... i have no intention naturally and have no intention to criticise anything either.
/\ -
Hi, basically the dealing with horoscope is not within the field of Buddhism but nevertheless intriguing. How does horoscope works? According to Ven. Dr K Sri Dhammananda,
www.ksridhammananda.com/pictures/PUBLI/Buddhism%20And%20Astrology%20-%20edited.pdf
BUDDHISM AND ASTROLOGY(read website for entire article)....Astrology, however is a completely different area of study altogether. Ever since early
man began to think, he was deeply concerned about his relationship with the universe.
When man developed from hunting to agriculture, he began to notice a link between the
movement of the sun through the year and his own activities of planting, harvesting and
similar projects. As he became more sophisticated he was able to predict the movement
of the sun and he invented time, dividing it into years, months, days, hours, minutes and
seconds.
He associated this knowledge with his existence whereby he felt that there was a
relationship between his own life cycle and the movement of the planets. This gave rise
to the Zodiacs - the apparent path of the sun. It contains twelve constellations. A study
of these movements in relation to the human beingÂ’s personal life is called a horoscope.
The study of astrology involves a great understanding of human nature, an ability to
assess planetary movements precisely, together with an insight into the seemingly
unexplainable phenomena in the universe. There have been many brilliant astrologers in
the past and some exist even today. Unfortunately there are an even larger number of
charlatans who give astrology a bad name. They hood-wink people by predicting
seemingly true events about their future. They make large sums of money by exploiting
the ignorance and fear of the gullible. As a result scientists scoffed at astrology and did
not depend on it. However their hostile attitude is not really justifiable. The main
purpose of reading a horoscope should be to give one an insight into oneÂ’s own
character, in the same way that an x-ray photograph can show the physical make-up of
a man.
Statistics have shown that the influence of the sun in the signs of the Zodiac accounts
for the birth of unusual people during certain months. Certain crimes have been found to
correspond with Zodiac signs in which the sun is moving during certain months of the
year.
Thus an understanding of this relationship will help a man to plot his life more
meaningfully in harmony with his innate tendencies, so that there is less friction as he
goes through life.
A new born baby is like a seed. It contains within itself all the ingredients which will make
him a similar, yet completely different individual from all fellow human beings. How his
potential is developed depends like the seed, on the kind of training he receives. The
nature of a man born within him, but his own freewill determines whether he will make
really good use of his talents and abilities. Whether he will overcome his potential for
vice or weakness depends on how he is trained in his youth. If we recognize our nature
– our tendency towards laziness, irritability, worries, frustrations, wickedness,
cunningness, jealousy – we can take positive steps to overcome them. The first step in
solving problems is to recognize them for what they are.
Astrological interpretations indicate our inclinations and tendencies. Once pointed out we
must take the necessary steps to chart our lives in a manner that will make us useful
citizens of the world. Even a person with criminal tendencies can become a saint. If he
recognizes his nature and take steps to lead a good life.
A horoscope is a map drawn to shown the karmic force man carries, calculated from the
time of his birth. The force determines the time of birth and knowing this time, a skilful
astrologer can accurately chart a manÂ’s destiny within a given life-span.
Everybody knows that the earth takes approximately one year to move around the sun.
This movement, viewed from the earth, places the sun in various zodiacal areas during
year. A person is born (not accidentally but as a result of karmic influence) when the sun
is in transit in one of the twelve Zodiacal signs.
Through the horoscope, the map of your life, you can determine certain times in your life
when you have to slow down, certain times when you can push yourself to great levels of creativity, and certain period when you have to watch your health and related
activities.
The question most people ask is whether Buddhism accepts or rejects astrology. Strictly
speaking, the Buddha did not make any direct pronouncement on this subject because
as in many other cases, he stated that discussions on matters such as these do not
pertain to spiritual development. Buddhism, unlike some other religions, does not
condemn astrology and people are free to use the knowledge they can get from it to
make their lives more meaningful. However, if we study the BuddhaÂ’s teaching carefully
we will come to accept that a proper and intelligent understanding of astrology can be a
useful tool. Modern science is in accordance with the teachings of Buddhism. This
means that there is a direct link between the life of an individual human being and the
vast workings of the cosmos. We know for example that there is a close link between the
movement of the moon and our behavior. This is seen especially among mentally
disturbed and abnormally violent people. It is also true that certain sicknesses like
asthma and bronchitis are aggravated when the moon waxes. There is therefore no
reason for us not to believe that other planets can also influence our lives.
Buddhists accepts that there is an immense cosmic energy which pulsates through
every living thing, including plants. This energy interacts with the karmic energy which
individual generates and determines the course that a life will take. The birth of an
individual is not the first creation of a life but the continuation of one that always existed
and will continue to exist so long as the karmic energy is not quelled through final
liberation in the unconditioned state. Now, for a life to manifest itself in a new existence,
certain factors, namely seasons, germinal order and nature must be fulfilled. These are
supported by mental energy and karmic energy and all these elements are in constant
interaction and interdependent with each other resulting in constant changes to a human
beingÂ’s life.
According to astrologers the time at which a person is born is predetermined by the
cosmic energy and the karmic energy. Hence, it can be concluded that life is not merely
accidental; it is the result of the interaction between an individualÂ’s karma and the
universal energy force. The course of a human life is predetermined, cause partly by a
beingÂ’s own actions in the past and the energies that activate the cosmos. Once started,
a life is controlled by the interaction between these two forces even to the moment at
which a birth takes place. A skilful astrologer then, as one who understands cosmic as
well as karmic influence, can chart the course of oneÂ’s life, based on the moment of the
personÂ’s birth.While we are in one sense at the mercy of these forces, the Buddha has pointed out a
way through which we can escape its influence. All karmic energies are stored in the
subconscious mind-normally described as mental purities and impurities. Since karmic
forces influence oneÂ’s destiny, a person can develop his mind and negate certain evil
influences caused by previous bad kamma. A person can also “purify” his mind and rid
himself of all karmic energies and thus prevent rebirth. When there is no rebirth, there is
no potential life and there will consequently be no “future” existence which can be
predicted or charted. At such stage of spiritual and mental development, one will have
transcended the need to know about his life because most imperfections and
unsatisfactoriness would have been removed. A highly developed human being will have
no need of a horoscope. -
I believe even if the horoscope/astrology tells you about something, ultimately it is YOU who can change it... deities cannot do the work for you or change your destiny/karma. But it is ok to pay respect to them.
some even said to me that to be enlightened, one has to be a virgin (like monks or nuns) but after examining a little more..... think thats not necessarily true needed. after all the historic buddha was a prince married, a father to his son before renouncing. its all in the mind to know.
Very true. In fact I would like to add that many Lay-persons like us, who are not monks and nuns, also attained enlightenment. So practise and cultivation is not really for monks and nuns only, it is for everyone. Everyone has Buddha Nature, everyone will attain enlightenment.my inlaws are buddhist yet they advice me to pray to the "tai sui" cos i offend the "tai sui".... i have no intention naturally and have no intention to criticise anything either.
Are you sure they are Buddhists? Those who follow just folks traditions, worship deities, are not considered as Buddhists, nor practising Buddhism. It is those who took refuge in the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, that are considered as Buddhists.
BTW, a very happy Chinese New Year in advance -
thanks for the interesting articles and exchanges on horoscope and astrology.
good or bad, i know..... i have to cope with them naturally and most importantly is for me to learn not to cling on to either of them.
i believe i really believe we can change our destiny ourself.....
this is a blessing in some ways i could receive guidance even virtually. everyone of you and everything is my teacher. i always keep in mind what the awakened one said to believe in the spirit of the words and find search seek investigate for oneself...... yes be brave without fear.... step out and search seek..... realise and accept and....... let go........ even if one is alone......( just as HE did it alone all by HIMSELF)......
everything in this universe is too subtly profound for us to understand and judge with our unawakened minds. but we ought to understand that we must respect each and every individual for what and who they are - a universal unity in oneself.
thanks again....
happy lunar new year to all! -
there's a recent Q&A on 'fan tai sui' in 3rd Feb 06, audio A, 30min.
http://www.amtb-aus.org/
answered by MCK.
He said do you believe in cause and effect. plant good seed, receive good fruition. He thinks it's not necessary. 55 years, He had never an1 tai1 sui1 before. moreover Tai Sui had become His Dharma protector already.
if one really 'fan tai sui', do good deed and accumulate merit and virtue and Tai Sui will automatically protect/bless you. Tai Sui will commit offense if He don't. an1 tai1 sui1 is like bribery, it doesn't work this way.
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my tiny brief discovery in understanding cause & effect thru waking daily moments.
i like to eat chocolate while surfing the net. some chocolates fell to the floor together with some drops of water. u know very well automatically that if u don't clean up now, in time ants will come. and due to still having ignorance fully unpurified thinking (irritations, unawareness) or by accident, the ants will get killed. so not only preventing but cultivating myself not to be lazy, i clean up the mess right here right now not only because of the ants but u will get a clean area also. very logical right?
whats the cause & effect here?
cause: clean up mess
effect: no ants killed / place is clean again
cause: leave the mess alone not wanting to clear
effect: ants come, tendency to kill is there and they'll be harmed
it is simple, natural, & logical but we sometimes overlook the smallest thing. -
don't know whether u all can understand what I trying to say....
ok maybe need to rephrase... -
Our Chinese ancestorsÂ’ idea of Time is controlled by the 10 heavenly stems and Space is governed by the 12 earthly branches. The space-time interacts to produce the 60 year-cycle - 60 Hua Jia Chart (A combination of the 10 heavenly stems and earthly branches). Since men reside within the space-time continuum, we are influenced by their movements and interactions. This is the way our ancestors understand the universe. It is a development from the Chinese Yin-Yang and Five Element philosophy -- not so much of a superstition.
However our tradition also believes that every of this Hua-Jia (each year in the 60-yearly cycle) is reigned by a deity. “Tai Sui” is a generic term to indicate the deity that is controlling the year of the hua-jia. So there are a total of 60 Tai Sui. If the earthly branch of the year in which we are born is in conflict or offended “Tai Sui” (according to the five-element interaction philosophy), then the elderly will advise us to “pray to the tai sui".
In whatever case, in addition to non-clinging, a sincere heart towards all beings is equally important. Not to offend them.
Happy New Year. -
re-edited to rephrase.....Originally posted by paperflower:don't know whether u all can understand what I trying to say....
ok maybe need to rephrase...
cause: i want to eat tat chocolate thus it can fall onto the floor / might not. either clean up or don't want to clean up / either now or later.
effect: have a clean or dirty place / show negligence or diligence
= karma (that will result either now tat can be experienced or later on)
i'm laughing at myself now....
for a newbie like me i need to understand clearly. ok this cause & effect thing can be hard and simple to apprehend at times.
just like (cause) i go to a cosmetic counter/doctor i want to buy a skincare product for my face. i'll have to decide i want to buy or not so the (effect) is if i buy and use, i will have a better skin complexion, if i don't buy my skin complexion won't improve. (karma) for this is the result of if i buy & use i'll have radiant improved flawless skin or if didn't buy, my skin will turn from bad to worst deterioting skin problems.
am i in the right view? correct me.... -
cause can be conditions and can be effect. all 3 are inter changable.
example a smoke addict feel like buying cigarette to smoke. that urge or craving is an initial cause. then there are conditions such as money, distant of shop, advertisment, friend encouragment etcs...to add to your cause and then actual buying the cigarette is the effect. smoking can be a new cause where getting cancer is the effect.
but i think, karma of yin guo is not quite the usual action, reaction of object.
it takes 2 person for it to work. if u see the precepts. it's to stop killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, all and all greed, hatred, and folly.
because one make another person suffer, hence a back fire to oneself.
say if you kill/steal/lie to a person, that person will hold a revengeful mind on you. this energy don't vanish in mid air, it will come back like a ripple. in times to come, this energy will come back to u, and you don't even feel it, as it can come back as your close friend or love ones.
life is like a train trip. u board the train, then there are people stepping out and people stepping in. ppl who sit by your side is your close relatives. sooner or later, we also need to get off.
/\ -
astrology is the study of the planetary movement isnt it?
a star or a planet is so colossal in size, and so many stars and planets in the universes, how do you study astrology?
The Buddha said, luck itself is luck own star, what can mere star achieve.
I wonder how does astrology related or give any meaning to. -
I think since the world and universe is so interrelated then it's possible (seen the holographic universe?) although I am not sure at all how it works.Originally posted by marcteng:astrology is the study of the planetary movement isnt it?
a star or a planet is so colossal in size, and so many stars and planets in the universes, how do you study astrology?
The Buddha said, luck itself is luck own star, what can mere star achieve.
I wonder how does astrology related or give any meaning to.
Astrology is sometimes quite accurate but cannot be 100% accurate. And dharma can change it all.