LIFE Lessons With PowerPoints

With PowerPoints

Intro What

1

1 Why How
1

REBIRTH – The Evidences
TWENTY TWITTER THOUGHTS
TO TREASURE

1 1

All Because Of A Smile

1 1

LIFE Lessons

With PowerPoints

Oh Teik Bin

(ii)

THE GIFT OF DHAMMA EXCELS ALL OTHER GIFTS

Title: LIFE LESSONS With PowerPoints
Author: Oh Teik Bin
Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
Front and back cover by Oh Teik Bin
Email: ohteikbin@gmail.com

Printed for free distribution.
ot for sale.
This edition ( ovember 2010) : 1000 copies

This Dhamma-Dana literature is a gift, printed solely for free
distribution. Numerous other educational and Dhamma material
by the same author are available at the following Websites:

www.dhammatelukintan.blogspot.com
www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin
www.youtube.com/bteikoh
www.toondoo.com/user/bteikoh
www.scribd.com/teikbin
http://engagedbuddhists.ning.com/profile/ohteikbin
www.twitter.com/TBroh

No copyright is applicable to this publication and any
organizations, societies or individuals are welcome to reprint
part or all of it. However, such reprints must be for free
distribution. It would be appreciated if the author could be
informed by email of any reprint.

Printed by: BHS BOOK PRINTING SDN BHD
Address:
Lot 17-22 & 17-23, Jln Satu, Bersatu Ind Park, Cheras Jaya,,
Balakong 43200 Malaysia
Tel: 03-9074 7558
Fax: 03-9074 7573

(iii)

DEDICATIO

This book of LIFE LESSONS is dedicated to:

My Parents
All my Primary and Secondary School Teachers
All my Dhamma Teachers
All my Dhamma friends and students

ACK OWLEDGEME TS

My sincere thanks and gratitude go to the following:

All Sangha and lay members who have taught the sublime
Dhamma and valuable Life Lessons at Persatuan Buddhist
Hilir Perak, Teluk Intan since 1987

All my friends who have in one way or other contributed to
my growth in the Dhamma

This book has been sponsored
for free distribution by
BHS BOOK PRI TI G SD . BHD.
DEDICATIO OF MERITS

May all beings share in the merits of this Dhamma-Dana.
May they find happiness, peace and liberation.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!

(iv)

CO TE TS

Dedication/Acknowledgements
Preface
1 Mother – A Story To Reflect On 1
2 Words From An Enlightened Being 7
3 A Glass Of Milk 14
4 14 Steps To Develop Patience 22
5 A King’s Three Wishes 28
6 Dhammapada Verses on ‘ANGER’ 35
7 A Tragedy Or Blessing 41
8 Metta Bhavana 47
9 Living Life Fully 58
10 The Lizard…A Beautiful Story 64
11 A Road To Ultimate Happiness 70
12 10 Wise Quotes On Life 79
13 The 99 Club…A Story With A LIFE Message 84
14 What Really Matters 91
15 A SUCCESS Formula 95
16 The Two Brothers…A Touching Story 102
17 16 Favorite Happiness Quotes 108
18 Teenage Traps And Problems 115
19 May I Reflect… 120
20 The ‘Divorce’…A Story With A Moral 126
21 The 5 Wonderful Precepts 131
22 Twenty Twitter Thoughts To Treasure 137
23 Life’s Problems…A Story To Reflect On 145
24 Golden Thoughts to Live By 151
25 The 6 Realms Of Existence 157
26 Think And Reflect 163
27 Of Friends And Friendship… 170
28 All Because Of A Smile 181
29 Stupidity And Wisdom 187
30 Universal Prayer And Aspirations 194

(v)

PREFACE
LIFE Lessons With PowerPoints is a collection of PowerPoint
Presentations with moral or Dhamma messages. Each
presentation is preceded by a brief reflection on a social issue, a
happening or an observation made in the course of the author’s
Dhammaduta work at the local Buddhist Association over the
last 23 years. This publication is written with the following
objectives:

* To convey some important Dhamma lessons
* To help inculcate moral and ethical values in the young
* To help us lessen our weaknesses and defilements
* To develop our compassion and wisdom

In an age where the Internet has a tremendous impact on people,
the reading of Dhamma books filled with long linear texts and
words does not attract many people especially the young. It is a
world of mobile phone SMSes, Emails, MSN messages, Facebook,
YouTube, and Twitter. LIFE Lessons With PowerPoints attempts
to impart important lessons of life using power point slides with
clear and concise messages illustrated by pictures and graphics.
The PowerPoint Presentations in this book can be viewed from
the Web page www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin . They can be
downloaded and used as Dhamma and educational material in
Buddhist Sunday School, Dhamma Classes, Motivation, Youth
and Children’s Camps and so on.

The author is grateful to all Dhamma teachers, students, friends
and the sponsors of this book, BHS BOOK PRINTING SDN.
BHD. who have made a publication like this possible.

May All Beings Be Well And Happy!

OH TEIK BI
October 2010

1 MOTHER – A Story To Reflect On
Today, so many working people are caught in a world of
‘busyness’ trying to earn as much money as possible to
support a lifestyle that is far from simple. There are bank
Ever to settle Iand was abillschildpay of the household.
loans since heavy to for six, I used
When we are burdened with all sorts of unnecessary
topondeonthtremendous disparities that exist in human
commitments, we have little time for so many important
conditions. It was later on inin life –when I started to learn
things that really matter
my life, learning about and
and practise the mind, showing some light was shed on these
developing the Dhamma that kindness to others, rendering
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did onesPower
services to the needy, spending time with loved a and
Pointpresentation based on the thoughts that if they will
cultivating our spirituality. We lead our lives as puzzled me
whenend.was young.realize objective was to help make is
not I We fail to The that life is uncertain and death us
reflect on the Dhamma – the the ‘rat thingsnon-stop…until
certain. So we keep on running Way race’ are, The Four
Noble Truths, The Five Universal us into some wisdom
we end or something happens that jolts Orders, The Law of
Cause andOnly then would we do some things that matter.
lessons. Effect
Kamma and Rebirth, The Six Realmsimmense. Filial piety
The gratitude we owe our parents is etc.
and gratitude to people who have helped us so much we need
to practice before it is too late.

1

A man drove to a flower shop to order some flowers to be
wired or couriered to his mother who lived 200 miles away.
He was just too busy to visit his mother on her birthday.

As he got out of his car, he
noticed a young girl sitting
on the curb sobbing.

3

The man asked her what was wrong.

I wanted to buy a red
rose for my mother.
But I only have 75
cents, and a rose costs
two dollars.

The man smiled kindly at the girl.

Come on into the shop
with me.
I’ll buy you a rose.

He bought the little girl her rose and ordered
his own flowers for his mother’s birthday. He
instructed the florist to courier the flowers over
to his mother’s home the following day

As they were leaving, he offered the
girl a ride home.

Oh! Thank you so
much Sir!
Please take me to my
mother.

The man was only too happy to oblige. He
asked the little girl to direct him to her
mother’s place.

The little girl directed the man to a cemetery,
where she placed the rose on a grave. Her
mother had died a few days ago.

The man returned to the
flower shop, canceled
the courier service,
picked up a bouquet of
flowers and drove the
two hundred miles to his
mother’s house.
mother’

We should not take things for granted. Value
what we have and count our Blessings.
How often have we got caught up in a never-
ending process of ‘busyness’?
We fail to realize that at any time death can
flatten all our material possessions and
worldly achievements, status and power.

11
What really matters ultimately are the
intangible things … the love, kindness,
gratitude, generosity, compassion and care
we show towards others. The development
of these qualities is our true wealth …
qualities that help us grow spiritually,
qualities that lead us to true peace,
happiness and freedom.

Live not a life that will cause us to
regret when the time comes for us to 12

leave everything and everyone behind.

Do the positive things OW …
do them when we still CA .
Wait not before it is too late.

Living a life meaningfully would
entail touching others’ lives so that
they become more happy and
peaceful.
When a life is lived meaningfully, then
that life can die joyfully.

The End

May we grow in
compassion and wisdom!

2 Words From An Enlightened Being
We cannot deny the tremendous impact the written word and
books since I was the child of six, I used to from a Dhamma
Ever can have on a minds of people. I heard ponder on the
talk about an disparities lady who was afflicted conditions.and
tremendous European that exist in human by cancer It
suffered from in mymental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
was later on some life, when I started to learn and practise
Consultation andthat some by specialist shed on like an
the Dhamma treatment light was doctors these
oncologist, psychiatrists and psychotherapists didPower Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a not seem to
work for the lady. One day, thoughts gave her a book “Opening
presentation based on the a doctor that puzzled me when I
the door of your heart” by Ajahn Brahmavamso, a disciple of
was young. The objective was to help make us reflect on
Ajahn Chah. Very miraculously, the book had a healing effect on
the Dhamma – the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the sick lady. She was cured of her illnesses. The words in the
book Five Universal Orders, The Law states…her and Effect,
The probably brought positive mental of Cause views and
Kamma and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
attitude changed. The lady who was residing in Switzerland, flew
to Perth, Australia to and some realization author ofDhamma
With understanding personally thank the of these the book.
Ipoints we can learn posted therighteousness, harmony and
remember when I to live in PowerPoint “Words From An
Enlightened Being” onwith the I received an email from a lady in
peace in accordance the Net, Natural Laws.
Brazil who is lived meaningfully within oneself depression by
A life that wrote to say how she was cured of and also
reflecting on the words of wisdom a most worthyBuddha. Never
serving those in need, would be uttered by the life.
underestimate what words of wisdom and Life lessons can do to
cure us of Mental Dis –ease.

If you fear pain, if you
dislike pain, don't do an
evil deed in open or
secret. If you're doing or
will do an evil deed, you
won't escape pain: it will
catch you even as you
run away.

Speak not harshly to anyone,
for those thus spoken to might
retort. Indeed, angry speech
hurts, and retaliation
may overtake you.

Irrigators regulate the
rivers; fletchers straighten
the arrow shaft; carpenters
shape the wood; the wise
control themselves.

Well done is that action of doing which one
repents not later, and the fruit of which, one
reaps with delight and happiness.

By effort and heedfulness,
discipline and self-mastery ,let the
wise one make for oneself an
island which no flood can
overwhelm.

evil-
The evil-doer grieves here and hereafter; one grieves in
both the worlds. One laments and is afflicted,
recollecting one's own impure deeds.

Ever grows the glory of one who is energetic,
mindful and pure in conduct, discerning and
self-controlled, righteous and heedful.

They do not lament
over the past, they
yearn not for what is
to come, they
maintain themselves
in the present, thus
their complexion
is serene.

Good is virtue until life's end,
good is faith that is steadfast,
good is the acquisition of
wisdom, and good is the
avoidance of evil.

If for company you find a wise and
prudent friend who leads a good life,
you should, overcoming all
impediments, keep their company
joyously and mindfully.

To avoid all evil, to cultivate
good, and to purify one's
mind - this is the teaching of
the Buddhas.

Though one may
conquer a thousand
times a thousand
people in battle, yet
one indeed is the
noblest victor who
conquers oneself.

Calm is one's thought, calm one's speech,
and calm one's deed, who, truly knowing, is
wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise.

One by one, little by little, moment by moment , a
wise one should remove one's own impurities, as a
smith removes dross from silver.

Of all the fragrances --sandal,
tagara, blue lotus and
jasmine --the fragrance of
virtue is the sweetest.

Arise! Do not
be heedless!
Lead a
righteous life.
The righteous
live happily
both in this
world and
the next.

The End

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

“The secret of health for both mind and
body is not to mourn for the past, worry
about the future, or anticipate troubles, but
to live in the present moment wisely
and earnestly.”

3 A Glass Of Milk
Since the early 1990s, our local Buddhist Association has been
running community guidance glasses for primary and secondary
students. The students had only to make nominal monthly
donations; poor students did not have to donate…everything was
free. I since been beenchild of six,thisused to ponder on the
Ever have I was a involved in I community program for
tremendous disparities that exist in human conditions. It
the last 22 years or so. Over the years I have noticed that things
have later on in lot in terms of gratitude shown byand practise
was changed a my life, when I started to learn the students.
We used to have students who volunteered to run our community
the Dhamma that some light was shed on these
library seven days a week including night I did a sessions Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, library Power in the
weekdays. Many hadonsensethoughts thatto the Association and
presentation based a the of gratitude puzzled me when I
perhaps wanted to repay the kindness and services us reflect on
was young. The objective was to help make they received.
Many also volunteered to help upkeep the cleanliness of the
premises, be on duty for the many projects of the Association
from youth and children’s camps to special functions and Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause like Wesak
and Ullambana. Of lateThe Six Realmsbe less and less grateful
Kamma and Rebirth, there seems to etc.
students…it’s more a case of ‘take and take’ and little of ‘give
and give’. I think this can be attributed to a growing materialistic
outlook, greater self-centredness and being caught in worldly
sensory pursuits. The computer and the Internet have been much
misused. We Dhammaduta workers, of course should not be
discouraged or quit. That is the way things are. We must strive
harder to inculcate the virtue of gratitude among the young.

A Glass
Of Milk

A True Story

A nice poor boy once
sold goods from door
to door
To pay his way
through school to
learn more and more.

One day, he found
he had got only
one dime.
And he was
hungry,
suffering a tough
time.

He decided he would,
at the next house, ask
for some simple food.
But he panicked when a
lady opened the door
– looking so good.

Instead of a meal, he
asked for
a drink of water
– his hands shook.
The kind lady was so
very moved by the
boy’s pathetic look.

The lady thought
he looked so
very hungry.
She brought him
a large glass of
milk happily.

The poor boy
drank the milk
slowly.
“How much do I
owe you,
Lady ?”
?”

“You don’t owe me anything,” she
don’ anything,”
replied with happiness.
Mother has taught us never to accept
pay for kindness.”
kindness.”

“I thank you from
my heart,” the boy
heart,”
said gratefully.
He wiped a tear; he
was touched
emotionally.

Years later, that
kind lady became
critically sick.
The local doctors
were lost – they
could not
understand it.

They finally sent
her to the big city.
Her rare disease
was studied so
carefully.

For consultation, they called
in Dr. Howard Kelly.
Learning the name of the
patient’s town, his heart
patient’
beat strangely.

Immediately he
went to her room
to check and see.
He recognized her
at once as that
kind lady.

He was
determined to
do his best to
save her life.
From that day
he tended to
her to keep her
alive.

After a long
struggle, the battle
was won.
Without the Doctor,
it could not have
been done .

Dr. Kelly asked for
the medical bill
That was meant
for the lady who
had been ill.

He wrote something on the edge of the bill.
To the lady the bill was then sent, sealed.

The lady feared opening the bill to read it.
It’d take the rest of her life to pay every bit.
It’

Finally she looked and
something caught her
eye invitingly.
She read, ‘Paid in full
with One Glass Of
Milk’ ….Signed,
Milk’
Dr. Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her
eyes and her happy
heart was really
touched.
Kindness, love and
gratitude are values that
we must practise much.

THE END

May we strive on with
great attention
To grow in Wisdom and
Compassion !
With Metta,
Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

“At times our own light goes out and is
rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep
gratitude of those who have
lighted the flame within us.”
Albert Schweitzer

4 14 Steps To Develop Patience
Patience is a most important virtue to have and develop in
oneself. I suffered fromchild of six, way back when I was in the
Ever since I was a hypertension I used to ponder on my
mid 30s. I believe it was due to my Type A conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist in human personality…a
‘perfectionist’,in myimpatient and prone toto learn and practise
was later on very life, when I started anger with people not
meeting my expectationssome light was go the way I these
the Dhamma that or when things don’t shed on want.
There was undoubtedly a years ago, I did a of the Point
philosophical issues. Some lot of suffering Power mind.
It was when I started learning, understanding and practicing the
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled me when I
Dhamma when things started to change positively for me. Having
the right view of the way things really are can help one change
one’s view and–attitude to life andare, The Four Noblekindness,
the Dhamma the Way things develop virtues like Truths,
understanding, generosity, patience and tolerance. “If and Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause you are not
patient, you will soon TheaSix Realms the hospital),” someone
Kamma and Rebirth, be patient (in etc.
once told me. Over the lastsome realization of these Dhamma
With understanding and 23 years of doing Dhammaduta work
points we can learn to live in righteousness, harmony and
at our local Buddhist Association, I realize that patience helps one
to remain accordance with the NaturalImpatience can lead to a
peace in calm, peaceful and tranquil. Laws.
burnt-out. Onelived meaningfully within oneself and also
A life that is suffers mental states of agitation and frustration.
Indeed patience isneed, would be athe Path to happiness, peace
serving those in needed to walk most worthy life.
and freedom.

1

I SHOULD NOT
Dwell on my troubles and aches and pains.

I SHOULD NOT
Think I’m always right and win
people’s approval for everything I do.

I SHOULD NOT
Think that I always know
what is best for people.

I SHOULD NOT
Think that all the unpleasant things
happen to me.

6

I SHOULD NOT
Think that ambition and what I want
are all-important.

I SHOULD NOT 7

Expect people’s temperament,
character and behaviour
to be what I like.

I SHOULD
Recognize that the more I dwell on
my troubles and pains,
the worse they seem.

I SHOULD
Recognize how impossible it is to
please all the people all the time.

I SHOULD
Recognize that I cannot always get
people to do what I want
as a matter of course.

I SHOULD
Recognize that people are
entitled to their opinions.

I SHOULD
Recognize that everybody has off-days.

I SHOULD
Recognize the danger of expecting too
much from life, myself and other people.

I SHOULD
Practice mindfulness of my mental
states and outside phenomena.

The End
15

“He that can have Patience, can
have what he will”
Benjamin Franklin

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to
your thoughts when they become anxious
over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds
anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure.
Patience creates confidence, decisiveness,
and a rational outlook,
which eventually leads to success.
Brian Adams

5 A King’s Three Wishes
An American Buddhist monk once visited our local Buddhist
Ever since Ifor Dhamma sharing. HeI gave 5 profound lines
Association was a child of six, used to ponder on
for Dhamma reflection: that exist in human conditions. It
thetremendous disparities
was later uncertain, deathwhen I started to learn and practise
* Life is on in my life, is certain
the The point of death is some light * The mode ofon these
* Dhamma that uncertain was shed death is
uncertain * What is ‘Enough’? * When is ‘Enough’ enough?
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a Power Point
presentation based on the Buddhist funeral rites and I help in I
Our Association conducts
thoughts that puzzled me when
this community service. Over the 20 years of participating
waswake services, objective was to helpsome very important
in
young. The I have come to realize make us reflect on
the Dhamma – As we pay our last respects near the coffin of
LIFE lessons. the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
The Five Universal Dhamma The Law of Cause and Effect
the deceased, some Orders, reflections can truly help one
Kamma and Rebirth,A person Realms etc. the world empty
to grow spiritually. The Six is born into
With understanding and somelike manner.of thesecan strike
handed and he departs in a realization Death Dhamma
pointsperson at learn agelive in righteousness, harmony and
any we can any to and in so many different ways. Some
peace in accordance with the Natural Laws. one to grow in
realization of the transient nature of life helps
Acompassion livedwisdom. One will become less and also to
life that is and meaningfully within oneself attached
serving those in need, would be a most develops an
worldly things, more forgiving and one worthy life. attitude
of ‘letting go’. More inner mental peace and happiness will
be cultivated. Life is lived more meaningfully.

A Thought-Provoking Story

On his
deathbed, a
monarch
realizes crucial
lessons about
life.

After conquering
many kingdoms, the
great Greek king
Alexander was
returning home when
he fell seriously ill.
Nothing his generals
did could cure him.

With death staring him in the face, Alexander realized how
his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his
wealth were of no value to him as he lay waiting to
breathe his last.

All he wanted then was to go
home, see his mother’s face
and bid her a fond farewell

5

But knowing that he would not
have time to reach his distant
homeland, he summoned his
generals and told them:
“I will depart from this world
soon. I have three wishes which
you must carry out without fail.”

With tears 6

flowing down
their cheeks,
all his men
could do was
nod.

“My first desire is that my physicians
alone must carry my coffin,”
the king said.

After a long pause, the king continued,
“When my coffin is being carried to the grave, the
path leading to the graveyard should be strewn
with the gold, silver and precious stones which I
have in my treasury.”

Quite exhausted by then,
he said softly:
“Finally, after I’m gone, let both my
hands dangle out of my coffin.”

Hand

The people who had gathered around the
king wondered about his strange
requests. But no one dared ask about the
rational behind them.

Alexander’s favorite general
then kissed his hands and
pressed them to his heart.
“I assure your highness that
your wishes will be fulfilled.
But why?”

At this the ailing monarch took a
deep breath and said: “I would
like the world to know the three
lessons I have just learnt.”

“I want my physicians to carry my coffin because
people should realize that no doctor can cure
every ailment.
Doctors cannot save a person from the clutches
of death. So let not people take life for granted.”

“Strewing gold, silver and other
riches along the path to the graveyard
will serve to remind everyone that 14I
might have spent my life
accumulating riches, but I cannot
even take a piece of gold with me
when I die.
So let people realize that it is a sheer
waste of time to chase wealth.”

“As for the final wish to leave my hands dangling out of
the coffin, I want people to know that I came empty-
15
handed into this world and I will leave the same way.”
With these words, the king closed his eyes as death
conquered him.

The End Reflection
• Life is uncertain but
death is certain.
• I have to train and
purify the mind.
• I have to let go of
attachments, greed,
hatred and delusion

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

17

ACCEPTANCE
by: Robert Frost (1875 - 1963)

When the spent sun throws up its rays on cloud
And goes down burning into the gulf below,
o voice in nature is heard to cry aloud
At what has happened. Birds, at least must know
It is the change to darkness in the sky.
Murmuring something quiet in her breast,
One bird begins to close a faded eye;
Or overtaken too far from his nest,
Hurrying low above the grove, some waif
Swoops just in time to his remembered tree.
At most he thinks or twitters softly, 'Safe!
ow let the night be dark for all of me.
Let the night be too dark for me to see
Into the future.

Let what will be, be.'

6 Dhammapada Verses on “A GER”
I had a friend many years ago who had a very violent temper. I
used to share Dhamma with him, telling him about what the
Buddha taught on the three mental poisons or kilesas of greed
(loba), hatred (dosa) and delusion (moha). Unfortunately there
was little change in child of six, I used to ponder on the
Ever since I was a his attitude and character. (Such is the
strength and power of tendencies andin human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist conditioning.) I remember
one occasion when he came to I started to learn and practise
was later on in my life, when our Buddhist Association filled
with tremendous anger and hatred. His face had turned black and
he was breathing in a terrible way. I manageddid getPower Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I to a out from him
what had happened. According to him, an old man had when I
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled me insulted
him after both ofobjective was to help in a minor accident.
was young. The them were involved make us reflect on
“I will get this old man and kill him,” my friend kept repeating;
he was trembling. It took me quite some time and effort to calm
him down, Universal understand and see things more clearly.
The Five make him Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The ‘devil’ ofRebirth, The Six Realmsindeed. It has to be dealt
Kamma and Anger is very dangerous etc.
with using understanding and wisdom. I have found two good,
simple Dhamma books that deal with practical ways to handle
anger. They are: (a) Working with Anger by Thubten Chodron
(b) Curbing Anger, Spreading Love by Visuddhachara.

Dhammapada Verses on “A GER”
GER”

One should give
up anger,
renounce pride,
and overcome all
fetters. Suffering
never befalls him
who clings not to
mind and body
and is detached.

He who checks
rising anger as a
charioteer
checks a rolling
chariot, him I call
a true charioteer.
Others only hold
the reins.

Overcome the
angry by non-anger;
overcome the
wicked by
goodness;
overcome the miser
by generosity;
overcome the liar
by truth.

Speak the truth; yield
not to anger; when
asked, give even if
you only have a little.
By these three means
can one reach the
presence of the gods.

Those sages who
are inoffensive and
ever restrained in
body, go to the
Deathless State
(Nibbana), where,
having gone, they
grieve no more.

Those who are ever
vigilant, who
discipline
themselves day and
night, and are ever
intent upon
Nibbana — their
defilements fade
away.

O Atula! Indeed, this is an
ancient practice, not one
only of today: they blame
those who remain silent,
they blame those who
speak much, they blame
those who speak in
moderation. There is none
in the world who is not
blamed.

There never was,
there never will
be, nor is there
now, a person
who is wholly
blamed or wholly
praised.

But the man whom
the wise praise, after
observing him day
after day, is one of
flawless character,
wise, and endowed
with knowledge and
virtue.

Who can blame
such a one, as
worthy as a
coin of refined
gold? Even the
gods praise
him; by Brahma,
too, is he
praised

Let a man guard
himself against 11
irritability in bodily
action; let him be
controlled in deed.
Abandoning bodily
misconduct, let
him practice good
conduct in deed.

Let a man guard
himself against
irritability in speech;
let him be controlled in
speech. Abandoning
verbal misconduct, let
him practice good
conduct in speech.

Let a man guard
himself against
irritability in thought;
let him be controlled
in mind. Abandoning
mental misconduct,
let him practice good
conduct in thought.

The wise are
controlled in 14

bodily action,
controlled in
speech and
controlled in
thought. They
are truly well-
controlled.

The End
15

May The Buddha’s Words and Advice
help make us compassionate and wise.

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

7 A Tragedy Or Blessing?
It is a fact of life that sometimes we do not get the things we wish
for or encounter experiences we initially detest. As our wisdom
grows, we learn to embrace more positively things as they come
along inevitably. One can then live in peace and harmony.
Ever since I was a child of six, I used to ponder on the
I remember a Form 6 student in the early 70s; she was a most
outstanding all-round student.exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that All her teachers and friends
expected her to get 5As in the I started examination. However
was later on in my life, when A-Level to learn and practise
when Dhamma results were out,light scored 4As andon these
the the exam that some she was shed 1B. There
she was, sobbing away upon getting the exam slip. Power Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a She could not
get a place for medicine at thoughts that puzzled me when I
presentation based on the the local university; her few close
friends who obtained straightwas secured medicalus reflect on
was young. The objective As to help make places at the
localDhamma – the Way things read The Four Noble Truths,
the university. She went on to are, Biology at the university.
Upon Five Universalgot scholarships to pursue her Masters and
The graduating, she Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
Ph.D. degrees Rebirth, The Six Realms still slogging at medical
Kamma and overseas. Her classmates, etc.
school really envied her. Today, the ‘unfortunate’ student is a
successful research scientist in a foreign university overseas.
One can never predict the future. Life has twists and turns. The
wise man lives peacefully amidst the changing conditions of life.
What one can change, one tries one’s best to do so; what one
cannot, one accepts with clear understanding and wisdom.

A Tragedy Or Blessing ?

This Story happened some years ago
In Scotland where blue skies meet the
meadow.

There were nine children in the Clark family.
Clark and his wife worked and saved diligently.

It was their dream to sail to America one day.
They believed that good fortunes would soon be
on their way.

They finally saved enough money
to sail across the vast sea.
Reservations on a new ship were made
for the whole family.

The family was filled with much anticipation.

Everyone looked forward to life in the new nation.

However, seven days before they were to set sail,
A dog bit the youngest son and he turned very pale.

Rabies was a
real possibility.
A Doctor
treated the boy
urgently.

The Trip to America
could not be made.
Anger and
frustration they could
hardly take.

The father watched the ship leave
without them.
He shed tears and cursed his son and
God, “Damn!”

Five days later, news spread of a Tragedy.
All Scotland was shocked at this Calamity.

A mighty ship had sunk –
it was the Titanic.
Had the Clark Family
sailed, it would be tragic.

When Clark heard the terrible news, he hugged his son.
He looked to Heaven and thanked the Almighty One.

Brothers and Sisters here and everywhere.
Let us all reflect and ponder with care.

A Blessing, a Tragedy ? … it is hard to see.
There is one CERTAI TY and that’s
U CERTAI TY.
TY

With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin

8 Metta Bhavana
I was taught Metta Bhavana in the early 90s in the first
Meditation Retreat I attended in a rambutan plantation. I
remember one session when I distinctly felt some ‘crawly’
sensations over my arms, hands and feet. I could not be sure
if they were due to some insects or the mind imagining
things. I just radiated metta ( loving-kindness) to whatever
living beings that were around me…the ‘crawly’ feelings did
not perturb my mind. At the end of the one-hour Metta
Bhavana session, I slowly opened my eyes and got ready to
roll up the meditation mat. To my great astonishment, there
were hundreds (or thousands) of red ants crawling on the
ground around me. I could not believe it when I realized that I
had not been bitten by any of the ants. Since then my
confidence in the power of Metta has grown and grown.
One can really experience for oneself the many benefits of
practicing the meditation on loving-kindness. Of course, one
needs to have patience, determination and perseverance in the
practice of meditation.

Intro What

Why How
1

METTA BHAVA A is the Meditation
on Loving-Kindness

2

The Buddha gave a Discourse on Loving-Kindness
( The discourse is the Karaniya Sutta …in Sutta ipata 1.8 )
While the Buddha was staying at Savatthi, a
band of monks, having received subjects of
meditation from the Master, proceeded to a
forest to spend the rainy season (vassana).
The tree deities inhabiting this forest were
worried by their arrival, as they had to
descend from tree abodes and dwell on the
ground. They hoped, however, the monks
would leave soon; but finding that the
monks would stay the vassana period of
three months, harassed them in diverse
ways, during the night, with the intention of
scaring them away. 3

Living under such conditions being
impossible, the monks went to the
Master and informed him of their
difficulties. Thereon the Buddha
instructed them in the Metta Sutta
and advised their return equipped
with this Sutta for their protection.
The monks went back to the forest,
and practicing the instruction
conveyed, permeated the whole
atmosphere with their radiant
thoughts of Metta or loving-kindness.
The deities so affected by this power of
love, henceforth allowed them to
meditate in peace. 4

What is METTA ?
Metta is…
Loving-Kindness
Goodwill
Friendliness
Benevolence
Concord
Love

5

In Metta, there is a
strong wish for the
happiness and welfare of
oneself and others.
The heart opens
unconditionally
encompassing all that is.

Metta is devoid of self-
interest.
One with Metta has the
attitude of a friend who
wants to give to another
the best to further his or
her well-being.

Just as a mother
gives her own life to
protect her child, so
Metta only gives and
never wants anything
in return.

The 11 Benefits of Metta Bhavana

The 11 Benefits of Metta Bhavana

1 One sleeps happily.

2 One wakes up happily. 9

3 One has no bad dreams.
10

4 One is dear to human beings.

12

5 One is dear to non-human beings.

6 One is protected by the gods. 13

7 One’s countenance
is radiant.

8 Fire, poison and weapons
do not affect one.

9 One’s mind concentrates quickly.

10 One dies without bewilderment.

11 If one develops
no further, one will
reach at least to the
Brahma World.

Metta Bhavana – Guidelines 1

We can spend some
minutes a day on Metta
Bhavana, sending
thoughts of loving-
kindness to all beings
throughout the world.

1 Sit in a relaxed posture on the
floor or a cushion. (cross-legged,
semi-lotus or lotus position )
2 Keep your back straight.
3 You may close your eyes.
4 Breathe in and out softly and
naturally.
5 Allow your thoughts to dwell
upon loving-kindness and
compassion.

First, radiate thoughts of loving-
kindness to yourself. Charge
your heart and mind with
thoughts such as :
“May I be free from harm and
danger.
May I be free from mental
suffering.
May I be free from physical
suffering.
May I be well, happy and
peaceful.”
peaceful.”
22


You may repeat such
thoughts of Metta
until your
concentration and
calmness grow.

ext, radiate thoughts of loving-
kindness to your parents and
other family members as follows:

“May they be free from harm and
danger.
May they be free from mental
suffering.
May they be free from physical
suffering.
May they be well, happy and
peaceful.”
peaceful.”
24

Radiate thoughts of
loving-kindness to all
your teachers and
friends repeating
mentally and fervently
the four lines as before.

Radiate thoughts of loving-
kindness to your enemies or
people who are negative
towards you, repeating
mentally and fervently the
four lines as before.

Lastly, radiate your
thoughts of loving-kindness
to all beings in the whole
world, universe and all the
realms of existence,
repeating mentally and
fervently the four lines as
before.

The
End

May METTA
Grow and Grow
in you.
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

9 Living Life Fully
I am grateful for the good education I received. I had many good
and dedicated teachers child in the primary and secondaryon the
Ever since I was a both of six, I used to ponder school
who not onlydisparities cognitive knowledge but helped us It
tremendous imparted that exist in human conditions. to
grow later on in myemotionally,I morally to learn and practise
was intellectually, life, when started and spiritually. There
was no examination subject likelight was shed on these
the Dhamma that some moral education but moral and
ethical values were inculcated years many I did a Power Point
philosophical issues. Some in so ago, effective ways…there
were non-examinable moral science and civics lessons taught by
dedicated teachers who walked the talk. We enjoyed the many
extra-curricular activities in school and we played physical games
and Dhamma – the Way things are, The happily involved in
the sports enthusiastically. We were Four Noble Truths,
meaningful Universal Orders, serving in of Cause and Effect,
The Five outreach work like The Law the library and school
societies. and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
Kamma
IWith understanding sincesome realization of these Dhamma
have been a teacher and the early 1970s and I note that things
have changed a lot …not livethe better unfortunately. This view is
points we can learn to for in righteousness, harmony and
shared in accordance with thefriends who have taught for more
peace by most of my teacher Natural Laws.
than 20that is livedmay be producing more ‘all As’ students but
A life years. We meaningfully within oneself and also
are they those in need, would be a sense worthyword? Reading
serving really educated in the true most of the life.
rates have plunged; attitudes and values among many students
have dipped low. It is time we overhaul the education system.
Only then can there be hope of producing truly educated citizens
who know how to live moral and worthy lives.

Living Life
Fully

Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

All around you,
treasure the
beauty.
This is essential
to stay happy.

Eat well, exercise well, rest and sleep well.
Your physical and mental health will tell.

Boiling Lake (Dominica)

Enjoy the companionship of many.
How then can you dear, ever get lonely?

Red Lagoon (Bolivia)

You must value your moments of solitude
To develop many a right attitude.

Five-Flower Lake (China)

Others’ opinions you need to respect
Even if they are not at all perfect. 5

Dead Sea (Israel and Jordan)

6
Do take pride in what you can achieve or do.
Be happy with the success of others too.

Lake Baikal
(Russia)

Valuable info and knowledge you need.
Do stay alert and remember to read.

Lake Titicaca (Bolivia and Peru)

Caspian Sea (Russia)

Develop
and keep a
positive mind.
You will be on
your way to
peace sublime.

It’s important to have a righteous living.
Then there will be no regret in anything.

Crater Lake (USA)

Do keep your mind active constructively
To stay happy and healthy mentally.

Lake Karachay (Russia)

Spread to yourself and others loving-kindness.
Reach out and bring other people happiness.
Lake Toba (Sumatra)

Do remember to pray or meditate.
Remove all greed, guilt, enmity and hate.

Lake Victoria (Africa)

The
End
May we live a life of meaning,
enriching the mind and thinking,
reaching out, giving and helping.

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

14

Quotes To Live By

1. If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it!"
-- Jonathan Winters
2. "We all have ability. The difference is how we use it."
--Stevie Wonder
3. "Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the
tide will turn."-- Harriet Beecher Stowe
4. "It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without
running risks."-- Theodore Roosevelt
5. "One can make a day of any size, and regulate the rising
and the setting of his own sun and the brightness of its
shining."-- John Muir
6. "The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be
continually fearing that you will make one."-- Ellen Hubbard
7. "Act as though what you do makes a difference. It does."
-- William James
8. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny
matters compared to what lies within."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

10 The Lizard – A Beautiful Story
Outreach work born out of compassion for others is a most
important aspect of spiritual practice. Dhammaduta work does not
mean mere academic and intellectual promotion of the Buddha’s
Teachings. ‘Towas aand to share’ is Ia used toimpactful on the
Ever since I care child of six, highly ponder way of
reaching out to other people in exist in human conditions. are
tremendous disparities that need. When people’s hearts It
touched, they in my life, when I startedthe Dhamma teachings.
was later on are more ready to receive to learn and practise
Generosity, kindness and compassion need to be put into action –
they cannot stay as mere intellectual concepts and preaching. The
Dhamma must be understood, felt, practiced and realized.
One of our outreach services thoughts that puzzled me when I
presentation based on the to the local community is rendering
services in times ofobjective Metta to help make us reflect on
was young. The need like was visits to the sick and handling
Buddhist wake the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – services and funeral rites. I remember the
occasion when my father passed The Law at night in the hospital.
The Five Universal Orders, away late of Cause and Effect,
Some of and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc. stayed at my place
Kamma our Dhamma brothers and sisters
until past midnight giving tremendous support and help. The
cultivation section of our Buddhist Association carried out the
Buddhist funeral rites for my father on a selfless, voluntary and
non-commercial basis. My family members were most grateful
and touched by the dedicated and kind help given to us.
Being kind and caring touches the hearts of others much more
than loads of doctrinal study and theoretical preachings.

1

In order to renovate his house
after many years, a man in Japan
tore open the wall.
Japanese
houses
normally have a
hollow space
between the
wooden walls.

When tearing down the walls, the man
found that there was a lizard stuck there
because a nail from the outside
hammered into one of the lizard’s feet.

The lizard was still alive. The man saw
this and felt pity. What had happened?
He remembered he had hammered a
nail at this spot when he moved into the
house 10 years ago.

The lizard had survived in such a position
for 10 years!?!! The lizard in a dark wall
partition for 10 years without moving it
was impossible and mind boggling.

He wondered how this lizard survived for
10 years without moving a single
step since one of its feet was nailed.

So he stopped his work and
observed the lizard what had it
been doing and what had it been
eating?

Later, strangely from somewhere
appeared another lizard, with food in its
mouth AHHH! The man was stunned and
touched deeply.

For the lizard that was stuck by nail,
another lizard had been feeding it for
the past 10 years
Tears welled up in the man’s eyes. He
set the nailed lizard free.

Such a love, such a beautiful love
Even a tiny creature like this could show
such care and love.

It’s a wonder what love can do. For a tiresome
10 years the lizard had cared without giving up
hope on its friend.

“It's your unlimited power 11

to care and to love that can
make the biggest
difference in the quality of
your life.”
Anthony Robbins

Isn’t it an irony that even a
small creature can show so 12

much love and care when
men blessed with brilliant
minds have committed so
much cruelty and atrocities
against their fellow human
beings?

Conflicts, problems,
suffering and trouble
cannot be overcome
through force,
aggression, violence
and war.
Only love, care and
compassion can bring
true peace and happiness
to man.

14
The End

May we all grow in
love and compassion

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

15

Teach this triple truth to all:
]
A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of
service and compassion are the things which
renew humanity.
The Buddha

11 A Road To Ultimate Happiness
“The purpose of life is to get happiness,” someone once told me.
In a way to me, this is true. We see people chasing happiness
through all sorts of ways and means: sensual pursuits, building
relationships, Iamassingchild ofpowerIand fame. But is what they
Ever since was a wealth, six, used to ponder on the
get real happiness and peace? In actual fact, it isconditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist in human mere transient
pleasure and satisfaction. This game of chasing happiness goes on
was later on in my life, when I started to learn and practise
and on. I remember one gift poster I got from some former
students containing the quote: “Happiness is like a butterfly…the
philosophical issues.more it will elude you.did a Power Point
more you chase it, the
Some years ago, I But if you turn your
presentation other things, it comes that puzzledsits on your
attention to based on the thoughts and softly me when I
shoulder.”
Ajahn Brahmavamso,Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the a disciple of Ajahn Chah once said, “I have
essentially two questions in life IThe Law of CauseWhatEffect,
The Five Universal Orders, want answers to: 1 and is real
happinessand Rebirth, The Six do I get it? To me this sums up
Kamma and peace? 2 How Realms etc.
what the meaning of life is. It’s seeking and practicing the Way
where one can realize true happiness and peace. The Buddha
taught the Four Noble Truths, namely * The Truth of Dukkha
* The Cause of Dukkha * The Cessation of Dukkha * The Path
to the cessation of Dukkha. The Path, The Noble Eightfold Way,
is the most important Path to walk in life.

A Road To
Ultimate
Happiness

The Ultimate
Happiness is
NIRVANA
the unconditioned
state of
Perfect Peace,
Perfect Wisdom
Perfect Freedom

The Road Or Way is known as
The oble Eightfold Path

To Reach
The Goal
One has to
* Practice Morality
* Cultivate Mental
Cultivation
* Develop Wisdom

Noble Eightfold Path – The Middle Way

* MORALITY –
Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood
* CONCENTRATION –
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness,
Right Concentration

* WISDOM –
Right Understanding, Right Thought

1 RIGHT UNDERSTANDING –
Knowledge of the Four Noble Truths ( The Truth
of Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the End of
Suffering and the Way to the End of Suffering )

The Understanding of things as they really are
The nature of wholesome and unwholesome actions

The Three Characteristics of Life ( All compounded
things are impermanent, subject to suffering and
without a Self )

Law of Dependent Origination
( All phenomena are relative, conditioned states and
do not arise independently of supportive conditions. )

2 RIGHT THOUGHT
Thoughts of
detachment from
worldly pleasures
rather than being
selfishly attached
to them

2 RIGHT THOUGHT –
Thoughts of benevolence, harmlessness,
selflessness
Thoughts filled with love and compassion

3 RIGHT SPEECH –
No Lying, No Slander, No Harsh Speech, 11

No Frivolous Talk

3 RIGHT SPEECH –
Truthful speech, kind and harmonious speech,
12

meaningful and beneficial speech

4 RIGHT ACTION –
No Killing, No Stealing,
No Sexual Misconduct

4 RIGHT ACTION –
Kind and compassionate action, generosity 14
and charity, contentment and respect for
personal relationship

5 RIGHT LIVELIHOOD – 15
No trading in human beings, in weapons,
in flesh, in intoxicating drinks and drugs,
in poisons.

5 RIGHT LIVELIHOOD –
No trading in human beings, in weapons,
in flesh, in intoxicating drinks and drugs,
in poisons.

6 RIGHT EFFORT –
Effort to reject evil that has arisen in the mind
Effort to prevent the arising of evil in the mind

6 RIGHT EFFORT –
Effort to develop unarisen good in the mind
Effort to maintain the good which has arisen
in the mind

7 RIGHT MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness of the body
Mindfulness of the feelings

7 RIGHT MINDFULNESS –
Mindfulness of the t houghts
Mindfulness of the mind states

8 RIGHT CONCENTRATION –
Developing one-pointedness of the mind
Concentrating, entering and remaining in
in the jhanas ( deep mental absorption states )

The End

May We All Walk The Path
To Nibbanic Bliss –
To Ultimate Happiness
and Perfect Peace

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin
23

Sayings Of The Buddha

* Thousands of candles can be lit from a single
candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
* “An idea that is developed and put into action is
more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”
* “However many holy words you read, However
many you speak, What good will they do you if you do
not act on upon them?”
* “A dog is not considered a good dog because he
is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man
because he is a good talker.”
* “The way is not in the sky. The way is in the
heart.”
* “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one
word that brings peace.”

12 10 Wise Quotes On Life
We run a number of community guidance classes at our local
Buddhist Association. child ofto have used to ponder on the
Ever since I was a I used six, I Chemistry, English and
MUET classes for Form 5 and 6 students. I had syllabuses It
tremendous disparities that exist in human conditions. to
complete but Iin my life, when Ito time give the students some
was later on would from time started to learn and practise
quotesDhamma that inspiration to treasure in their lives. these
the of motivation or some light was shed on Years
later, when these students hadyears ago, I did a Power started
philosophical issues. Some finished their studies and Point
working or building a family, a few would keep in touch and let
me know that even though they had forgotten most of the
Chemistry I had taught them, they could still remember and
treasure some of the sayings or quotes The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things are, I had given them. Among
some Five Universalwhich hadThe impact were theand Effect,
The of the sayings Orders, an Law of Cause following:
* You may not be the best or get the best; what really natters is
that understanding given orrealization your level best.
With you have and some done of these Dhamma
* To reach can learn to liveyou righteousness, harmony and
points we Life’s altitude in would need to have the right
attitude. accordance with the Natural Laws.
peace in
* Yesterdayisis history, a memory; tomorrow is uncertainty, a
A life that lived meaningfully within oneself and also
mystery; thosematters most is TODAY…that’s why the PRESE T
serving what in need, would be a most worthy life.
is a gift.
* Wise ones have a clear mind; they are mindful all the time.

Denis Waitley :
View life as a
continuous
learning
experience.

Benjamin Disraeli:
We are all born for
love. It is the
principle of
existence, and its
only end.

Ralph Waldo
Emerson:
We are always
getting ready to live
but never living.

Woodrow Wilson:
We are not here
merely to make a
living. We are here to
enrich the world.

5

apoleon Hill:
Enthusiasm, if
fueled by
inspiration and
perseverance,
travels with passion
and its destination
is excellence.

6

The Talmud:
Every blade of grass
has its angel that bends
over it
and whispers, "Grow,
grow."

John Homer Miller:
Your living is
determined not so much
by what life brings to
you as by the attitude
you bring to life; not so
much by what happens
to you as by the way
your mind looks at what
happens.

Carl Jung:
Your vision will
become clear only
when you can look
into your own heart.
Who looks outside,
dreams; who looks
inside, awakens.

Buddha:
Your work is to
discover your
work and then
with all your
heart to give
yourself to it.

Benjamin Disraeli:
We are not creatures
of circumstance;
we are creators of
circumstance.

The End

Just as Light dispels Darkness,
may Wisdom dispel our Ignorance

We practice to learn how to let go, not how
to increase our holding on to things.
Enlightenment appears
when you stop wanting anything.
Ajahn Chah

13 The 99 Club
I once had a close friend who devoted practically his whole life to
amassing money and possessions which he hoped to pass down to
his only son. I was a child to see his son graduate out fromthe
Ever since His dream was of six, I used to ponder on the
university, marry and have children in human over his family
tremendous disparities that exist and take conditions. It
business. But things don’t alwaysIhappen the way you want. This
was later on in my life, when started to learn and practise
wealthy man diedthat a some attack when his son was still in
the Dhamma of heart light was shed on these
secondary school. HowSome years his dreams a Power Point
philosophical issues. tragic. All ago, I did were shattered.
One can observe how greedthoughts that puzzled me when I
presentation based on the can overwhelm us during a grand
buffetyoung.or dinner. I have seen people taking heapsreflect on
was lunch The objective was to help make us of food of
all types only to the Way things are,than half ofNoble Truths,
the Dhamma – leave behind more The Four the unfinished
food. We need to reflect on the millions of children in third world
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
countries who suffer from hunger. It is a ‘sin’ to waste food.
How often have we done shopping out of greed rather than need.
IWith understanding and some realization loads and loads of
have seen some women who stock up of these Dhamma
things…household items, clothes and what-nots that are and
points we can learn to live in righteousness, harmonyleft to
collect in accordance with And Natural Laws.
peace dust over the years. the they keep on buying because the
latest models or fashions keep coming up. oneselfwill we realize
A life that is lived meaningfully within When and also
that satisfying ourneed, would nevermost It can never bring real
serving those in craving can be a end. worthy life.
peace and happiness.

1

Once upon a time,
there lived a
King who,
despite his
luxurious
lifestyle, was
neither happy
nor content.

One day, the King came upon a
servant who was singing
happily while he worked. This
fascinated the King; why was
he, the Supreme Ruler of the
Land, unhappy and gloomy,
while a lowly servant had so
much joy in his heart?

Servant!
Tell me, why are
you so happy?

Your Majesty, I am
nothing but a servant,
but my family and I don't
need too much - just a
roof over our heads and
warm food to fill our
tummies.

Later in the day, the King
5
sought the advice of his most
trusted advisor. After hearing
the King's woes and the
servant's story, the advisor said,
"Your Majesty, I believe that the
servant has not been made part
of The 99 Club."

The 99 Club?
6
CLUB 99? And what
exactly is that?

The advisor replied,
"Your Majesty, to
truly know what The
99 Club is, place 99
Gold coins in a bag
and leave it at this
servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it
into his house. When he opened the bag,
he let out a great shout of joy... so many
gold coins! He began to count them.

After several counts, he was at last convinced that
there were 99 coins. He wondered, "What could've
happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one
would leave 99 coins!" He looked everywhere he
could, but that final coin was elusive.

Finally, exhausted, he decided that ??? 100th
Coin?
he was going to have to work
harder than ever to earn that gold
coin and complete his collection.
From that day, the servant's life
was changed. He was overworked,
horribly grumpy, and castigated
his family for not helping him
make that 100th gold coin. He
stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic
transformation, the King
was puzzled. When he
sought his advisor's help,
the advisor said, "Your
Majesty, the servant has
now officially joined
The 99 Club."

The Adviser continued, "The 99
Club is a name given to those
people who have enough to be
happy but are never contented,
because they're always
yearning and striving for that
extra 1 to round it out to 100!

We can be happy, even with
very little in our lives, but the
minute we're given
something bigger and better,
we want even more!

14

We lose our sleep, our happiness,
we hurt the people around us; all
these as a price for our growing
greed and desires. That's what
joining The 99 Club is all about."--

FOR YOUR REFLECTION 15

Health is the greatest gift, contentment is
the greatest wealth, a trusted friend is the
best relative, ibbana is the greatest bliss.
The Buddha

- Unknown
The End

May contentment, peace and bliss
be upon you!

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

"One who is contented with what he has done will
never become famous for what he will do. He has lain
down to die, and the grass is already over him."
--Christian estell Bovee
"A man travels the world over in search of what he
needs and returns home to find it." --George Moore
"If you are content, you have enough
to live comfortably." -Plautus
"Since we cannot get what we like,
let us like what we can get." --Spanish Proverb
"Contentment is natural wealth,
luxury is artificial poverty." --Socrates
The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy
what you have, and to be able to lose all desire
for things beyond your reach." --Lin Yutang
"A contented heart is an even sea
in the midst of all storms."
- Unknown

14 What Really Matters
Some people seem to live a life of mere sensual pursuits in a
never-ending desire for more and more material pleasures. I have
friendssince declare, a“Life is of six, I used to ponder as much
Ever who I was child uncertain. I’d better enjoy on the
food as possible, travel to as many places as I conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist in human can and adorn
myself with luxurious clothes, jewelry andto learn and practise
was later on in my life, when I started cosmetics. Is this the
way to true peacethat happiness? Thewas shed on these
the Dhamma and some light philosopher’s statement
“There’s no cure between birth and deathdid a Power Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I save to enjoy the
interval” did not bring the thoughts that puzzledlived when I
presentation based on real peace to those who me by this
maxim.
All religions teach of a survival after The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things are, death and all teach about
doing Five Universal Orders, Theto theof Cause and Effect,
The good and rendering services Law needy or unfortunate
ones. Upon death, none of our worldly possessions, fame, power,
loved ones can follow us; even our bodies decay away. What
really understanding and somebe just the good or bad we have
With matters ultimately would realization of these Dhamma
done and the mental states wein righteousness, harmony and
points we can learn to live have cultivated in life. Sometimes
peace in accordance with the Natural Laws.
one is puzzled that this message is not realized by many people.
A life that is Reverend Dr K Sri within oneself and also
The late Chief lived meaningfullyDhammananda was one person
who lived a mostneed, would be a mostlife. For life. than 50
serving those in inspiring and worthy worthy more
years, he gave people the highest gift…the Gift of Dhamma. He
reached out to others selflessly through his talks and writings.
This Chief Reverend is one example of a life well-lived.

ot “How did he die?” But “How did he live?”

ot “What did he gain?”
But “What did he give?”

ot “What was his station?”
But “Had he a heart?”

And “In Reaching Out,
did he play a part?”

Not “What was his shrine?”
Nor “What was his creed?” 5

But “had he befriended those really in need?”

6
ot “What did the piece in the newspaper say?”
But “How many were sorry
when he passed away?”

Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

These are the units to measure the
worth of a man as a man,
regardless of birth.

The End

May the Darkness of
Ignorance in us be
dispelled by the Light of
Enlightenment.
With Metta,
Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

15 A SUCCESS FORMULA
There can be no success without practicing patience,
determinationI and perseverance. Oftentimestowe slack on the
Ever since was a child of six, I used ponder in our
spiritual practice. Initially we are insohuman conditions. of
tremendous disparities that exist ‘hot’ in pursuit It
spirituality… chanting, Dhamma classes, Dana, welfare work and
was later on in my life, when I started to learn and practise
meditation. As time passes, ‘Mara’ forces conquer us…we
become lazy or get caught in so many was shed and sensual
the Dhamma that some light distractions on these
pursuits. Some give up because they are too goal-oriented and
impatient to get ‘results’.the thoughtsso many meditators whenup
presentation based on I remember that puzzled me give I
or slack in The objective was to help make us to achieve
was young. their practice because they expect reflect on
something…certain mental thingslike jhanasFourso on. They lack
the Dhamma – the Way states are, The and Noble Truths,
the determination, discipline The Law of Cause to go on.
The Five Universal Orders, and perseverance and Effect,
We should reflect on the Bodhisatta’s six long years of struggle
before understanding and some realization of thesedid not give
With he attained Enlightenment at the age of 35. He Dhamma
up his questcan attain to live in righteousness, Mara’s forces of
points we to learn the Truth. He overcame harmony and
temptation; he showed great Natural Laws. and persistence.
peace in accordance with the determination
When will we worldlings with our strong defilements of greed,
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself and also
hatred and delision, realize that we need to strive on diligently
with patience, in need, wouldand apersistence, if life. aspire to
serving those determination be most worthy we
escape from the rounds of rebirths in Samsara?

1

Practise great ATIENCE with all

2

Follow the xample of great Masters

3

Discharge your esponsibility to others

4

Remember that implicity has dignity

5

Take the nitiative in work

6

Have the trength to accomplish

7

Value your ime in life

8

Continue your ducation without stop

9

Cast aside the on-essentials that hinder

10

Develop good haracter with morality
11

Put in your ffort without fail 12

The “Golden Thread” of

runs through the life of every
accomplished person

The End

May you be
blessed with
happiness
and success

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

16 The Two Brothers – A Touching Story
Recently I came bills ofa all sorts we report
hefty household upon newspaper need to pay the rising
about monthly.
When we are allof suicide and attempted suicide. What surprises
number of cases burdened with unnecessary commitments, we
me is littlethe majority may important things that really of 20 and
have that time for so involves people between the age matter in
40. – learning about and developingappears toshowing kindness
life The most common reason the mind, be relationship
problems… failed relationshipsthe needy, spending time with our
to others, rendering services to among couples and conflicts and
quarrels in and cultivating our spirituality. relationship problems
loved ones the family. We often hear of
occurring our livesthe if they will not end; siblings, parents that
We lead within as family – between we fail to realize and
life is uncertain and death is certain.
children and among relatives. Legal suits filed against one
another in the we oweare getting moretremendous. It’s indeedeven
The gratitude family our parents is prevalent. There have sad
beenmany children abandon their parents oranger little attention
that cases of killing arising out of great give between family
members.toIn any relationship, itThey are in deep ‘busy-ness’.
and care their parents. Reason? is inevitable that sometimes
conflicts andand gratitude are among theis the way things are.
Filial piety misunderstandings arise. That virtues we need to
However,if we wish to realize true happiness and let go. They
practice the wise ones will learn to forgive and to peace.
don’t keep grudges, ill-will, anger and hatred in their hearts. Such
feelings will cause pain and suffering not only in this life but in
lives to come. Forgiving enemies or people who are negative
towards us will go a long way to removing a heavy burden from
our hearts and minds. Positive feelings of joy, compassion and
peacefulness will grow within us. There is much truth in the
proverb: To err is human, to forgive, divine.

A
Touching
Story

1

Once upon a time two
brothers who lived on
adjoining farms fell into
conflict. It was
the first serious quarrel
in 40 years of farming
side by side, sharing
machinery and other
things without trouble.

It began with a small
misunderstanding and it
grew into a major difference,
and finally it
exploded into an exchange
of bitter words followed by
weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock
on the older brother’s door. He
opened it to find a man
with a carpenter's toolbox.
"I'm looking for a few days work,"
he said. "Perhaps you would
have a few small jobs here and
there. Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you.
Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in
fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a
meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river
levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may
have done this to spite me, but I'll take revenge and go
him one better.”

CREEK

“See that pile of wooden planks by the barn?
I want you to build me a fence -- an 8-foot fence --
so I won't need to see him or his place anymore.
Two can play at a game.”

The carpenter said, "I think I
understand the situation
between you and your
brother
Show me the spot near the
creek for the main post
and I'll be able to do a job that
pleases you."

The older brother helped the carpenter get the
materials ready for the construction of the
wooden fence.
He had to leave for the town to get supplies and
he told the carpenter he would be back the
following day.

The carpenter worked real hard measuring,
sawing, nailing.
The following day when the farmer returned, the
carpenter had just finished his job.
The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped
when he saw what the carpenter had done.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge...
a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to
the other!
A fine piece of work handrails and all.

And the neighbor, his younger brother, was
coming across, his hands outstretched . "You are
quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said
and done," the younger brother said
to his older brother.

Tears welled up in the older brother’s eyes. His
11

heart was choked with emotions. The carpenter
had taught him a most important LIFE lesson
FORGIVENESS.
The two brothers hugged each other warmly.

They turned to see the carpenter carrying his
toolbox and getting ready to leave. 12

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other
projects for you,"
said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the
carpenter said,
"but, I have many more
bridges to build."

Reflection In this world of Transience
where Life is uncertain and
Death certain, let us learn to
forgive and let go.

The heart14
will be then
lighter,
more
peaceful
and free.
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

15

The End
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

May we grow in Kindness, Love
and Compassion!

17 16 Favorite Happiness Quotes
I once listened to a very good Dhamma talk on the two types of
happiness, namely ordinary mundane happiness or pleasures
derived fromI the senses of of six, Ihearing,totasting, smelling,
Ever since was a child seeing, used ponder on the
tremendous cognizing with theexist in human conditions.this
touching and disparities that mind. Most of us chase after It
sort of happiness.my life, when yearn for to learn and practise
was later on in We desire and I started good clothes, fabulous
food, big cars and that some salaried jobs, romantic on these
the Dhamma houses, high light was shed love, fame
and power and issues. But the years about Ithis mundane type of
philosophical so on. Some thing ago, did a Power Point
happiness is that it does not last. In the initial stages of getting the
thingsyoung. Thewe feel the pleasure helphappiness but this will
was we desire, objective was to and make us reflect on
without fail beginthe fade with time andThe Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – to Way things are, eventually we are back to
whereFive were in our Orders, The Then of Cause and Effect,
The we Universal mind states. Law the ‘happiness chase’
game starts all over again. If a life is lived just based on this, there
comes a time when the thought strikes us: “Is this all there is to
With understanding and some realization of these Dhamma
life? My mind is still filled with the discontent and pain.”
The Buddhacan learn to livetype of happiness which is profound
points we taught the other in righteousness, harmony and
and meaningful – spiritual the Natural Laws.
peace in accordance with happiness. This type of happiness
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself the also
leaves imprints on the mind; it develops and upliftsand mind and
this is carried in need, would be a most worthy life. our true
serving those on upon death. Spiritual happiness is
treasure as we practice generosity and service to others, observe
morality and develop the mind through Dhamma learning,
reflection and meditation. Bhavana brings lasting happiness.

Happiness cannot be traveled to,
owned, earned, worn or consumed.
Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute
with love, grace and gratitude.
--Denis Waitley

The happiness of your life depends on
the quality of your thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Happiness is a butterfly which when pursued
is just out of grasp...
But if you will sit down quietly, it may alight upon you.
Nathaniel Hawthorne

It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are,
or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy.
It is what you think about.
Dale Carnegie

And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude,
rather than from external factors. 5

If your own mental attitude is correct,
even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.
H.H. the Dalai Lama

6

The secret of happiness and prosperity in this world,
as in the world to come, lies in thinking of the welfare of
others first, and not taking one's self too seriously.
J. Kindleberger

Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now.
The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is
to make others so.
Robert G. Ingersoll

Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years
of grim struggle and anxiety.
It is a long succession of little decisions
simply to be happy in the moment.
J. Donald Walters

Lead the life that will make you kindly and friendly
to everyone about you, and you will be surprised
what a happy life you will lead.
Charles M. Schwab

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing.
We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
Norman MacEwan

When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
The Dalai Lama

The mind is its own place, and in itself,
can make Heaven of Hell and a Hell of Heaven.
John Milton

Happiness is when what you think, what you say,
and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,14
but the realization of how much you already have.
Author Unknown

Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.
15
Author Unknown

Let us not bankrupt our todays by paying interest
on the regrets of yesterday and by borrowing
in advance the troubles of tomorrow.
Ralph W. Sockman

17

The End

May we reach out to others
and realize the Peace within us

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

18
"Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success. If you
love what you are doing, you will be
successful." - Albert Schweitzer

18 Teenage Traps and Problems
There seems to be a growing number of discipline or
juvenile delinquencychild of six, Imodern society. on the
Ever since I was a problems in used to ponder At our
local Buddhist Association,exist in human conditions. of
tremendous disparities that we too have our share It
problems on in my life, when I who attend ourand practise
was later among the students started to learn community
guidance classes. The some light was cases of truancy,
the Dhamma that problems include shed on these
vandalism, lying and dishonesty, recklessdid a Power a host
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I driving and Point
of others. There are various causesthat puzzled me when I
presentation based on the thoughts for these, among them
* Poor upbringing at home was to help make us *Influence
was young. The objective * Family problems reflect on
of wrong friends and thethings media * Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way mass are, The Lack of inculcation
of proper Universal Orders, The Law from a young age.
The Five moral values and ethics of Cause and Effect,
It is high time that The Sixproblems be addressed more
Kamma and Rebirth, these Realms etc.
seriously before they ruin the teenagers’ these Dhamma
With understanding and some realization of lives later on.
Parents we can learn to live in righteousness, harmony and
points and teachers need to give proper moral and religious
educationaccordance withBuddhist Sunday Schools have an
peace in to the young. the Natural Laws.
important role to play in this respect. The curriculum needs
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself and also
to give more in need, would be a development life.the child.
serving those emphasis to moral most worthy of
Until and unless we take proper steps to resolve the teenage
problems, there will be more social problems in the future.

Teenage
Problems! Problems!
Traps
And
Problems

Smoking

Lung Cancer

Do you all want to puff your life away?
Smokers will feel sorrow and pain one day.

Boozing

Liver
cancer

The dangers of drinking are really great.
A ‘living hell’ drinkers will soon create.

Promiscuous Sex

From porn to immoral sex to HIV …
Before long you will end up in misery.
AIDS VICTIM

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