Birth Dates Never Clash Negatively with those of 'Buddhist G
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Birth Dates Never Clash Negatively with those of 'Buddhist Gods' – 15 Feb 06
- Ven. Sik Kwang Sheng (Secretary-General of Singapore Buddhist Federation)
IN THE article 'M-cyclist dies in 4-vehicle collision on PIE' (ST, Jan 31), it was reported that 'Mr Seah Peng Kee's relatives had asked him to give offerings and incense to the gods because he was born in the Year of the Dragon and his birth date clashed with that of a Buddhist god. 'To Buddhists, this means bad luck,' said an uncle who declined to be named.'
As we express our deep condolences to the family of the bereaved, please allow us to clarify that the above belief is not Buddhist in nature. In Buddhist teachings, there is no Buddha, Bodhisattva or god whose birth date clashes negatively with that of any person, which then requires some form of appeasement.
In Buddhism, so-called 'bad luck' can be averted by the active practice of generosity to aid the needy. This creates positive karma, which dilutes the ill effects of negative karma. However, due to the complex dynamics of karma, fortunes and misfortunes can be difficult to predict. What is of paramount importance is the continual practice of good.
In Buddhism, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are the central subjects of spiritual refuge, not any god. While Buddhist cosmology acknowledges and respects the existence of many gods, some of whom are Buddhist, the historical Buddha is called 'the teacher of humans and gods' in the context of Buddhism.
In multi-religious Singapore, it is crucial to be mindful about use of religious terms. We hope there will be more caution and sensitivity in future, so as to preserve Singapore's religious harmony, which is as precious as it is delicate. -
Good. Is this article posted in the ST itself?
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I have previously posted in this forum and written to the Straits Times about rather similar errors.
See: The Straits Times' Grave Errors on Buddhism!
I still think Straits Times hasn't learn to be careful regarding Religious connotations
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think so ... not veri sureOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:Good. Is this article posted in the ST itself?
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well...maybe we hav to keep reminding themOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:I have previously posted in this forum and written to the Straits Times about rather similar errors.
See: The Straits Times' Grave Errors on Buddhism!
I still think Straits Times hasn't learn to be careful regarding Religious connotations 
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clashing with stars and planets, that is the astrological findings and more closely related to Taoism study; that is the Way.
when i read this article as reported in the ST, it's showed that either the reporter or the parent is very naive and condused towards the different practices of Buddhism and Taosim.
They are differences for Buddhist temples and Taoist temples
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Its sad that people in this postmodern era are so superstitious and ignorant, in spite of modern science and technologies are improving all the time, the quality of man thinking are still backward and outdated, some even being chavaunistic, like sexist views and so on.
I have said many times, people are fearful because they are ignorant of the law of kamma, rebirth and no soul and impermanence. They do not understand when one's kamma is fully exhausted, meaning no more cause for existence, then rebirth will take place, depending on your kamma, where you will be reborn. -
I wonder whats the link on the movements of planets will affect life on earth?Originally posted by dragon_stone:clashing with stars and planets, that is the astrological findings and more closely related to Taoism study; that is the Way.
when i read this article as reported in the ST, it's showed that either the reporter or the parent is very naive and condused towards the different practices of Buddhism and Taosim.
They are differences for Buddhist temples and Taoist temples
Maybe like the tide or gravitational force or the eclipse of the sun or moon, other than that, I wonder how will it link to earth. -
To all dharma Bro & Sisters,
I think as buddhists, it is our duties to explain to pples wat really is buddhism & clear their misconception -
the taoist believe that the heavenly bodies; planets, solar systems, rule our human existence and that the planets somehow affects our human life cycle. Just like we have biological age in years (365 days to make a year; that is one revolution round the sun, one of the heavenly bodies)Originally posted by marcteng:I wonder whats the link on the movements of planets will affect life on earth?
Maybe like the tide or gravitational force or the eclipse of the sun or moon, other than that, I wonder how will it link to earth.
the western astrologers foretold any predictions by the stars formation; aquarius, capricorn, leo etc..) and the eastern astrogers are similar in their predictions.
you are right that the moon affects the tide and also psychologically some humans; that is why there are called lunatics; from the word moon or lunar. -
You know what the Buddha responses?Originally posted by dragon_stone:the taoist believe that the heavenly bodies; planets, solar systems, rule our human existence and that the planets somehow affects our human life cycle. Just like we have biological age in years (365 days to make a year; that is one revolution round the sun, one of the heavenly bodies)
the western astrologers foretold any predictions by the stars formation; aquarius, capricorn, leo etc..) and the eastern astrogers are similar in their predictions.
you are right that the moon affects the tide and also psychologically some humans; that is why there are called lunatics; from the word moon or lunar.
Luck itself is luck's one star, what can mere star achieve? -
the thing is now people nv do some study and research straight away post on ST forum and disgrace themselves.
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Precisely it is not Buddhism, it is Taoism.Originally posted by dragon_stone:the taoist believe that the heavenly bodies; planets, solar systems, rule our human existence and that the planets somehow affects our human life cycle. Just like we have biological age in years (365 days to make a year; that is one revolution round the sun, one of the heavenly bodies)
the western astrologers foretold any predictions by the stars formation; aquarius, capricorn, leo etc..) and the eastern astrogers are similar in their predictions.
you are right that the moon affects the tide and also psychologically some humans; that is why there are called lunatics; from the word moon or lunar. -
ST or ST forum? what are you refering to..Originally posted by NT2:the thing is now people nv do some study and research straight away post on ST forum and disgrace themselves. -
"The proper and promising sign of good luck is people's won abilities and conduct.
It does not have anything to do with the movement of stars in the universe."
- The Buddha -
feng shui, fortune telling or palmistry, tarot card reading these sort of arts are inferior and debasing, even science and technology are much much better than these ancient superstitious art.
Science and technology improves people's lives and reveal more of the universes and the world at which we live, like finding cure for diseases, unlike fengshui or fortune telling. Dunno why the ang mor's are into fengshui in the west. -
fengshui can be of two thoughts; one - to harmonise with the surroundings. eg. you do not put a chair in the middle of the walkway to cause obstructions.
two - actually olden days study of fengshui is for the death, to make sure their ancestors are to be buried at the proper time and place so that the descendants would benefit with the good fenshui
anyway, believe that good karma would be bestowed to good people -
that is what my earlier post is all about that either the reporter or the interviewee does not know how to differentiate between the two practicesOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:Precisely it is not Buddhism, it is Taoism. -
this not a matter of disgrace but the forum is for discussion and should not restrict to discusiing to one practice only.Originally posted by NT2:the thing is now people nv do some study and research straight away post on ST forum and disgrace themselves.
we should open up our scope of knowledge and understanding in other practices. it is up to one's beliefs and practices and not to criticises another.
the quest for knowledge is never ending. the advent of internet and the various discussion and feedback channels make its more interesting and aquiring the knowledge quickly. -
Originally posted by dragon_stone:
So are you a believer or practioner of feng shui?
fengshui can be of two thoughts; one - to harmonise with the surroundings. eg. you do not put a chair in the middle of the walkway to cause obstructions.
two - actually olden days study of fengshui is for the death, to make sure their ancestors are to be buried at the proper time and place so that the descendants would benefit with the good fenshui
anyway, believe that good karma would be bestowed to good people
fengshui can be of two thoughts; one - to harmonise with the surroundings. eg. you do not put a chair in the middle of the walkway to cause obstructions.
The Buddha has taught us the middle path or way before he attain enlightenment under the bodhi tree, ie avoiding either extremes of indulgence and extremism.
Feng shui is influenced and shaped by the concept of Yin & Yang, and it is found in chinese customs, cuisine and culture. -
not really, i am very fascinated with fengshui, buddhism and taoism.
cannot really follow fully on practising the religions as these would entails severing with the mundane world, haha...
we still needs money to take care of our needs and family... -
So whats your religion now?Originally posted by dragon_stone:not really, i am very fascinated with fengshui, buddhism and taoism.
cannot really follow fully on practising the religions as these would entails severing with the mundane world, haha...
we still needs money to take care of our needs and family...
Yes, we need money to survive in society, no doubt abt that, but if you are thinking of ending sufferings or existences, you need to go beyond than money, fame, self and fortune, life and even death. -
Originally posted by dragon_stone:
You can still practise the dhamma as a lay follower.
cannot really follow fully on practising the religions as these would entails severing with the mundane world, haha...
we still needs money to take care of our needs and family...[/b]
Follow the 5 precepts faithfully, and practise what the buddha has taught, like loving kindness, compassion, tolerance and curbing anger will benefit you tremendously. -
Buddhism doesnt ask you to severe from the mundane world (but severing fetters, sufferings, attachments, yes).Originally posted by dragon_stone:not really, i am very fascinated with fengshui, buddhism and taoism.
cannot really follow fully on practising the religions as these would entails severing with the mundane world, haha...
we still needs money to take care of our needs and family...
And as said by marc, renouncing mundane life only applies to renunciants like monks and nuns.
Cultivation and practise is totally relevant to our every day lives if you know what the Buddhist teachings teach. Therefore it is important to learn about the Buddhist teachings and find a Buddhist teacher to guide you. Chanting and meditation is just a small part of Buddhism, and is one out of 84000 dharma doors. Cultivating in the midst of our living is most important.
But you must understand that the modern day taoism (i.e mediumship, deities, etc) is really different from buddhism. But the more ancient taoist teachings, i.e Tao te ching is still relevant and v close to buddhism. -
Personally I find this letter by the Ven. insensitive and kind of out of line.
I acknowledge that the uncle's practice and opinion is not according to the correct Buddhist teachings.
However in this context the article was quoting the uncle ; it was his own perspective of his beliefs. He doesn't represent any authority or the official stance of the religion. I don't think anyone reading the article would take his word to be the absolute truth either.
For a letter to be issued to correct a man's beliefs at a time of loss is somewhat insensitive and distasteful IMO.