Singapore Urban Legends Myths & Mysteries
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A publication by the strait times Life@ & SPH magazines
Published in 2005 by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd
Hungry for revenge
Some believe evil will befall anyone who steps on food offerings for hungry ghosts. Could it all be in the mind?
By Benjamin Tan
I bought this book in January 2006 I think, and some of the articles were actually written in the Sunday Times Life section in 2005 and the articles were reproduced in this book, cost about $10.
I quoted some of the article excerpts and you will see what I mean here, under the hungry for revenge, on the hungry ghost festivals.During the seventh lunar month, the buddhists offer prayers to express filial devotion to their dead ancestors. They commemorate the filial piety of Mu Lian, a mythical character who was able to find his dead mother in hell only with much effort.
Benjamin uses this illustration to elaborate on the hungry ghost festivals from a buddhist point of view, he also uses the taoist point of view, which I didnt quoted here.
When he tried to feed his starving mother, other hungry ghosts grabbed the food. But with the intercession of Buddha, who was touched by his devotion to his mother, he finally succeeded in feeding her.
The Buddhists celebrate the festival as Yulan Penhui, which is derived from the sanskrit word "ullambana", meaning "emptying out of hell". They believe that hell beings are allowed to wander the world in search of food and other neccessities during the seventh month.
So the point I am trying to make is Benjamin's articles on the seventh lunar month or hungry ghost festivals from a buddhist view point is totally wrong and erroneous. As a journalist, his research materials totally failed him from the buddhist viewpoint on ullambana. -
Yes ST has a history of posting false information on such stuff with little research.
This is what is true about Ullambana Dharma:Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
http://www.jenchen.org.sg/vol5no1a.htm
[b]Ullambana Dharma - not Festival of Hungry Ghosts
By Venerable Shen-Kai
According to a popular Chinese superstition, ghosts are released from hell in the 7th month of the Chinese calendar for a one-month break in the human world. In order to appease them, animals are slaughtered and offered to these 'hungry ghosts', together with other food. Big feasts and other festivities are held during this month and the most 'auspicious day' is the 15th day of the month. It is so widespread that this yearly affair is dubbed the Month or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. What is this all about?
Among the chief disciples of the Buddha was one named Maudgalyayana. He had immense supernatural powers: Deva-foot ubiquity which made it possible for him to appear at any place at will, the divine sight of Deva-eye to have unlimited vision of all things, large and small, near and distant; Deva-ear to hear all sounds regardless of the distance. Furthermore, he had the ability to read and understand whatever was in a person's mind. He also had the ability to see clearly the events that occurred in a person's many past lives aeons ago. Thus, Maudgalyayana is considered to be a Maha-Bodhisattva who is foremost in supernatural powers.
One day, his Deva-eye saw that his deceased mother had transmigrated to the realm of the hungry ghost. Her stomach was enlarged and she had tiny limbs. Her throat was as small as the eye of a needle, and as a result, it was impossible for her to eat any food or even to swallow a drop of water. Maudgalyayana could not bear the sight of his mother in such an extreme state of suffering. He immediately filled his alms bowl with food and with the immense power that he possessed, he sent it to his mother. However, she could not have the food because each time it turned into charcoal before she could put it in her mouth. It hurt Maudgalyayana to see what was happening and because of his strong emotion for his mother, it hindered his ability to see the karma that she had committed in her past lives. He went to Buddha for advice. The Buddha closed his eyes and entered into pure contemplation. With great compassion and gentleness, he said: "Maudgalyayana, your mother did not believe in the retributions arising from the law of cause and effect. She committed many evil deeds. She dishonoured the Buddha and insulted the Sangha [1], had no respect for the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), was greedy, filled with hatred, ignorant and arrogant. She was a wicked person who committed many evils, and she teased others giving them no peace. Therefore, she is suffering such a bitter consequence. Even though you are her son and your filial piety touches the heavens, these are still not able to save a person who had committed such serious evil karma." On hearing this, Maudgalyayana wept in pain.
The Buddha continued to console him, "It is impossible to rely solely on your own effort to save your mother from the realm of the hungry ghost. The only way is to use the combined merits of the Sangha. The 15th day of the 7th month of each year is designated "Buddha's Joy Day". This is the last day of the Sangha's summer retreat, and because of the purity with which the Sangha observed the precepts and practised cultivation, many attain the Bodhi [2]. The merits that they accumulate are immense beyond imagination, and the Buddha is most delighted. If you make an offering to these Sangha during this time, you can liberate your deceased parents and relatives from the suffering of the three evil realms (realms of animal, hungry ghost and hell) through their immense merits. If the parents are still living, then they shall be blessed with good health, happiness and a life of abundance. This is the truly marvellous method of giving salvation to the deceased." Maudgalyayana was delighted to hear this, and carried out the Buddha's advice accordingly. Thus, on the 15th of the 7th month after the offering to the Sangha, Maudgalyayana's mother was liberated from the suffering of the realm of the hungry ghost.
To give offering to the Sangha in this way is called the 'Ullambana' method. After Maudgalyayana received the benefits from this Dharma, he was very grateful to the Buddha and praised the merits of the Three Treasures. He advised people to promote the 'Ullambana Dharma'. This day, the 15th of the 7th month, can also be considered an occasion to express our gratitude and filial piety to our parents and ancestors. Unfortunately, the passage of time saw a gradual erosion in its understanding and purpose, so much so that this special occasion is not performed in accordance to the Dharma. Today, this auspicious celebration has become a day of widespread slaughter of animals to be used as offering to the hungry ghosts. The original act of performing offerings to the Sangha has become a day for feasting and making offerings to the hungry ghosts, often referred to as 'to invite the good brothers to a feast'. These practices are not only against the compassion of the Buddha, but also a let down to Maudgalyayana who had advised the world to be filial and to perform good deeds.
When we refrain from killing and protect all lives, we actually accumulate the merit of longevity and good health. It is meaningless to kill other living beings and offer them to the ghost, because they cannot benefit from these at all. Instead, those who kill shall have to repay for their action by suffering endlessly in hell. Unless we put an end to all forms of killing, the world forever shall not have peace. If the tradition of offering to the ghosts and the deceased on this day cannot be changed, the least we could do is to replace the slaughter and offer of meat with vegetarian food, flowers or fruits. It does not matter if we are not able to make offerings to the Sangha on this day, but at least we could invite them to chant the sutra for the purpose of liberating the deceased. In this way, it benefits both the living and the deceased.
Notes
1. Sangha
The corporate assembly of at least 3 monks; in general the term has come to mean a monk, or monks.
2. Bodhi
From budh; knowledge, understanding; perfect wisdom; the illuminated or enlightened mind.[/b] -
surely there are buddhist journalists in SPH, why can't he consult some of them or even consult those who know about Buddhism, like calling or clarifying with monks.
the journalist writing that article sure isnt a buddhist for sure.
I hope a journalist writing on religious articles pay a bit more attention to his or her source of information and get someone to vet it through, before sending for publication. -
Originally posted by marcteng:
anyway ,are we supposed to read all this trash ... it doesnt benefit our path to enlightenment
A publication by the strait times Life@ & SPH magazines
Published in 2005 by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd
[b]Hungry for revenge
Some believe evil will befall anyone who steps on food offerings for hungry ghosts. Could it all be in the mind?
By Benjamin Tan
I bought this book in January 2006 I think, and some of the articles were actually written in the Sunday Times Life section in 2005 and the articles were reproduced in this book, cost about $10.
I quoted some of the article excerpts and you will see what I mean here, under the hungry for revenge, on the hungry ghost festivals.
Benjamin uses this illustration to elaborate on the hungry ghost festivals from a buddhist point of view, he also uses the taoist point of view, which I didnt quoted here.
So the point I am trying to make is Benjamin's articles on the seventh lunar month or hungry ghost festivals from a buddhist view point is totally wrong and erroneous. As a journalist, his research materials totally failed him from the buddhist viewpoint on ullambana.
[/b]
so, why bother .... -
Hi marcteng,Originally posted by marcteng:surely there are buddhist journalists in SPH, why can't he consult some of them or even consult those who know about Buddhism, like calling or clarifying with monks.
the journalist writing that article sure isnt a buddhist for sure.
I hope a journalist writing on religious articles pay a bit more attention to his or her source of information and get someone to vet it through, before sending for publication.
Just to share my opinion.
I guess it's pretty impossible to find the correct course espcially locally. You see, many of these type of articles actually have no one to blame but buddhists ourselves.
Monks, not necessary monks are the right people to go to. There are monks/lamas taking stones, hair or whatever and claim to be relics of this or that buddhas/deities.
Is this necessary? In fact the real relics of the Buddha would be the precious Teachings that He'd left us. Lord Buddha was against ritualistic practice Himself. His Dhamma encourage us to investigate not only the worldly phenomenon but inwards, our hearts and minds.
Some tradition will ask people to come and take some so-called blessed vase. Chant some mantras and be successful in business, etc.
I remember well the what Lord Buddha taught is the spiritual wealth - to be contended, to earn one's income with honesty and integrity, to make effort in savings for rainy days, to share the Dhamma generously.
Some tradition will have fire offering ceremony which given the reasons like visualising them as eradicating desires, etc, which I see no difference like any other Chinese old folks burning joss money.
I remember Lord Buddha whom during His time converted 3 brothers who practiced in fire offering. Is it me or just that people can't see?
Some tradition will stress that only reciting in certain sutras at funeral wake. Even the monks come in package. Insist on burning paper house and whatever that goes with it even though the deceased family doesn't want to.
Some big temples may be giving Dhamma class and whatnots, but allowing people to burn paper money (again) when honouring the deceased. Lack of education to the general public.
All these are prevelant in our Singapore. So it's not difficult to see that why the average Joe will get the wrong information in regards to Buddhism. Because Buddhism having been passed on for 2 milleniums, have evolved into a culture, a tradition, which people follow blindly without the interest of finding out more.
Perhaps sometimes it is our laziness that had been hindering ourselves in seeking spiritual advancement. People are too getting used to what had been practice and letting it.
Some knowing what is the right and wrong will just brush it off by saying, "This is a provisional means to bring them in." Provisional doesn't mean without integrity. The basis is that not to taint the the purity of the Dhamma.
So what we can do is only to find out what's right and wrong and share with people around us. It's like we're in the Matrix, while only a few are awakened and the rest are so used to be blind.
Dhammo Parinneyyo -- Know the Dhamma thoroughly
Dhammo sevitabbo -- Practise it Fully
Dhammo desitabbo -- Share it generously with others
Marc, let's grow and preserve the Dhamma to our very last breathe =)
bodhiruici:
Of course you're not obligated to read that "trash".
Making the Dhamma known is part of the path to Enlightenment. What marcteng had pointed out shows that he's concern that people has been misinformed by the media. And this is a real buddhist-social problem.
Being unconcern or what I sense that you are smirking it off doesn't aid you in Enlightenment too.
P/S: Posting lots of Buddhas/Bodhisattva doesn't aid in Enlightenment as well. I remember there was this lady who told me she found the Thousand-Armed Avaloketisvara looks more like a demon. -
P/S: Posting lots of Buddhas/Bodhisattva doesn't aid in Enlightenment as well. I remember there was this lady who told me she found the Thousand-Armed Avaloketisvara looks more like a demon.
Although images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas does not necessarily lead someone to enlightenment, it is a source of inspiration and true Buddhists will be able to reflect upon the qualities of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Just as in all traditions, there are images of buddhas and bodhisattvas which reminds Buddhists of some of the qualities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and they are respected, reflected upon, contemplated. We also prostrate 3 times in front of the images of Buddha out of respect and reverence, although it is not idol worship and have deeper meanings.
Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara is a metaphor found in the sutras, just as you know there are many things that are metaphoric in mahayana buddhism and also the lotus sutra. 1000 arms means reaching out to all sentient beings out of great compassion. In fact we all can be an 'arm' of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva by reaching out to other sentient beings. So we should make an effort to understand the deeper meaning behind it, and not quickly label them as 'demonic looking'. But in terms of images, I do agree with my shi fu that it is better to have a 'human-like' bodhisattva with 2 hands, 2 legs, etc. -
suggest that someone wif buddhist backgrd or authority or perhaps a buddhist organisation should write in and demand apology and clarification, and then publish the proper articles.
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Well I understand that as a metaphoric mean but we cannot take for granted that everyone down the streets know that it is.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Although images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas does not necessarily lead someone to enlightenment, it is a source of inspiration and true Buddhists will be able to reflect upon the qualities of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Just as in all traditions, there are images of buddhas and bodhisattvas which reminds Buddhists of some of the qualities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and they are respected, reflected upon, contemplated. We also prostrate 3 times in front of the images of Buddha out of respect and reverence, although it is not idol worship and have deeper meanings.
Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara is a metaphor found in the sutras, just as you know there are many things that are metaphoric in mahayana buddhism and also the lotus sutra. 1000 arms means reaching out to all sentient beings out of great compassion. In fact we all can be an 'arm' of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva by reaching out to other sentient beings. So we should make an effort to understand the deeper meaning behind it, and not quickly label them as 'demonic looking'. But in terms of images, I do agree with my shi fu that it is better to have a 'human-like' bodhisattva with 2 hands, 2 legs, etc.
True buddhists draw inspiration from the Dhamma itself. If you're from the zen tradition, then it contradicts more since you're seeking a form to inspire you. Don't try to reason saying about for the average joe, my 'you' here refers to what you'd mentioned, true buddhists. Whether prostrating 3 times or a million times, if one is not sincere and genuine, it is just putting on show. However someone who really knows the meaning of the Dhamma and acts upon it, whether one prostrate or not doesn't matter anymore.
Anyway if you really do understand what is the Lotus Sutra, you weren't have been posting all these stupa/relic worshipping things in the first place. As clearly it had stated that the Dhamma is the relic and not bones and tooth.
And yes, I agree with Ven Sheng Kai that image should stick to more human-like looks.
Anyway my mainpoint of my previous post is to share with marcteng about my viewpoints in regards to Buddhism's impression in the mainstream media from a buddhist point.
That para addressing to bodhiruici is hoping that he'll wake up his idea by not putting away an important issue that had been raised by marcteng.
Turning one's head away from the problem doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist.
Okay, peace out. -
P/S: Posting lots of Buddhas/Bodhisattva doesn't aid in Enlightenment as well. I remember there was this lady who told me she found the Thousand-Armed Avaloketisvara looks more like a demon.Originally posted by yamizi:Hi marcteng,
Just to share my opinion.
I guess it's pretty impossible to find the correct course espcially locally. You see, many of these type of articles actually have no one to blame but buddhists ourselves.
Monks, not necessary monks are the right people to go to. There are monks/lamas taking stones, hair or whatever and claim to be relics of this or that buddhas/deities.
Is this necessary? In fact the real relics of the Buddha would be the precious Teachings that He'd left us. Lord Buddha was against ritualistic practice Himself. His Dhamma encourage us to investigate not only the worldly phenomenon but inwards, our hearts and minds.
Some tradition will ask people to come and take some so-called blessed vase. Chant some mantras and be successful in business, etc.
I remember well the what Lord Buddha taught is the spiritual wealth - to be contended, to earn one's income with honesty and integrity, to make effort in savings for rainy days, to share the Dhamma generously.
Some tradition will have fire offering ceremony which given the reasons like visualising them as eradicating desires, etc, which I see no difference like any other Chinese old folks burning joss money.
I remember Lord Buddha whom during His time converted 3 brothers who practiced in fire offering. Is it me or just that people can't see?
Some tradition will stress that only reciting in certain sutras at funeral wake. Even the monks come in package. Insist on burning paper house and whatever that goes with it even though the deceased family doesn't want to.
Some big temples may be giving Dhamma class and whatnots, but allowing people to burn paper money (again) when honouring the deceased. Lack of education to the general public.
All these are prevelant in our Singapore. So it's not difficult to see that why the average Joe will get the wrong information in regards to Buddhism. Because Buddhism having been passed on for 2 milleniums, have evolved into a culture, a tradition, which people follow blindly without the interest of finding out more.
Perhaps sometimes it is our laziness that had been hindering ourselves in seeking spiritual advancement. People are too getting used to what had been practice and letting it.
Some knowing what is the right and wrong will just brush it off by saying, "This is a provisional means to bring them in." Provisional doesn't mean without integrity. The basis is that not to taint the the purity of the Dhamma.
So what we can do is only to find out what's right and wrong and share with people around us. It's like we're in the Matrix, while only a few are awakened and the rest are so used to be blind.
Dhammo Parinneyyo -- Know the Dhamma thoroughly
Dhammo sevitabbo -- Practise it Fully
Dhammo desitabbo -- Share it generously with others
Marc, let's grow and preserve the Dhamma to our very last breathe =)
bodhiruici:
Of course you're not obligated to read that "trash".
Making the Dhamma known is part of the path to Enlightenment. What marcteng had pointed out shows that he's concern that people has been misinformed by the media. And this is a real buddhist-social problem.
Being unconcern or what I sense that you are smirking it off doesn't aid you in Enlightenment too.
P/S: Posting lots of Buddhas/Bodhisattva doesn't aid in Enlightenment as well. I remember there was this lady who told me she found the Thousand-Armed Avaloketisvara looks more like a demon.
I think this is a worse statement i can hear from you ...
what makes you think i am posting just to aid Enlightenment ?
and What makes you think I am smirking it off ?Putting Words into my mouth again ?
Do you know Straits Times Editor are Government- payroll people
who we can never hope to convince
already over the years alot of us trying to correct them and we fail
i have never even subscribe to Straits Times every day since they are so erroneous in talking abt Buddhism
Let me tell you something Yamizi ,Its the Journalist problem
basically if we know wats right and wrong ,we are upholding the right dharma
Before u said something abt Bodhisattva ,please be prepared to withstand the Karma of slandering holy image...
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You need to consider going back to school. Apparently you can't read English.Originally posted by bohiruci:P/S: Posting lots of Buddhas/Bodhisattva doesn't aid in Enlightenment as well. I remember there was this lady who told me she found the Thousand-Armed Avaloketisvara looks more like a demon.
I think this is a worse statement i can hear from you ...
what makes you think i am posting just to aid Enlightenment ?
and What makes you think I am smirking it off ?Putting Words into my mouth again ?
Do you know Straits Times Editor are Government- payroll people
who we can never hope to convince
already over the years alot of us trying to correct them and we fail
i have never even subscribe to Straits Times every day since they are so erroneous in talking abt Buddhism
Let me tell you something Yamizi ,Its the Journalist problem
basically if we know wats right and wrong ,we are upholding the right dharma
Before u said something abt Bodhisattva ,please be prepared to withstand the Karma of slandering holy image...
I'm just sharing what I'd heard but apparently it wasn't pleasing to your ears. And if you really understand English, you would have understand that my point is not asking people to convince the mainstream media, but within our capacities share what's right with the people around us.
Asking me "to be prepared to withstand Karma of slandering holy image" sounds like threatening, very familiar with thiest common line of believe if not face eternal damnation.
And I do not think you understand the meaning of slander.
Wake up and grow up, you're not young anymore. -
Relic, like images of Buddha, is not really 'worshipped', as we do not worship idols. But it is also a source of inspiration (there are many cases of people who who got inspired by shariras - see the topic which I posted), it is not something to be found in other religions. Not only the Buddha - but practitioners from all traditions, including the Theravada, have produced relics. There are many famous Thai venerables who are believed to have attain arhantship (i.e Ajahn Mun, Ajahn Chah, who are the master of many other famous venerables like Ven. Brahmavamso), and produced many indestructible crystal like relics. These are all witnessed by people during the cremation process and is not some 'stones which is found on the floor'.Originally posted by yamizi:Anyway if you really do understand what is the Lotus Sutra, you weren't have been posting all these stupa/relic worshipping things in the first place. As clearly it had stated that the Dhamma is the relic and not bones and tooth.
Of course, relics are not meant to be idolized or worshipped, just like 32 major marks and 80 minor marks are not worshipped, that is not its purpose. In fact the nature of Buddha is empty."Subhuti, what do you think, can the Tathagata be seen by his physical marks?"
But it does not mean the Buddha cannot appear to have 32 major marks, 80 minor marks, and the wonderful relics. All these are the results of having cultivate and perfected the Paramitas throughout many many lifetimes.
"No, World Honored One, the Tathagata cannot be seen by his physical marks. And why? It is because the physical marks are spoken of by the Tathagata as no physical marks."
The Buddha said to Subhuti, "All with marks is empty and false. If you can see all marks as no marks then you see the Tathagata." - Diamond Sutra
Although the essence of Buddhism is beyond forms, Buddha manifest forms out of skillful means to teach and tame sentient beings.
And what you said about Dhamma being the most precious relic is true. 32 Major Marks and 80 Minor Marks or Relics isnt our ultimate goal, Supreme Enlightenment is. But by cultivating the Paramitas we will also eventually have these (the shariras and marks of the Buddha). -
Hmm, Point Noted .. May You live in Perfect BlissOriginally posted by yamizi:You need to consider going back to school. Apparently you can't read English.
I'm just sharing what I'd heard but apparently it wasn't pleasing to your ears. And if you really understand English, you would have understand that my point is not asking people to convince the mainstream media, but within our capacities share what's right with the people around us.
Asking me "to be prepared to withstand Karma of slandering holy image" sounds like threatening, very familiar with thiest common line of believe if not face eternal damnation.
And I do not think you understand the meaning of slander.
Wake up and grow up, you're not young anymore.
I am not interested to see your remarks
Thanks and may you be blessed 65,000 years -
i'm quite agree wf yamizi,sgquitter & marcteng
I think Buddhists should try to clarify any false views/misconceptions abt Buddhism
In the Mahaparinibbana Sutta Buddha said that his disciples should be able to "Teach the Dhamma, declare it, establish it, expound it, analyse it, make it clear, and be able by means of the Dhamma to refute false teachings that have arisen. "Subjecting a point of view to careful scrutiny and criticism has an important part to play in helping to winnow truth from falsehood