Not like that.

In daily life, of course the 5 precepts are important and it's the duty of all buddhists to keep the 5 precepts as best as possible.

However, there might be people out there, who think they can go further to the 8 precepts (or 10 in noviceship) and to attempt to get some insight into the 4 noble truths.

It's commendable and encouraged for those who are ready, to do so. You never know, that the Neyya class of individuals might just attend some Insight at the retreat, and might just penetrate into the 4 noble truths.

Working now. Unless it's during the weekends lor.

How long is it? You said weeks right?

sometimes its just very simple things like not shouting at the waiter who brought you the wrong food, or smiling and saying thank you to the sales assistants. And reducing arguments with friends, family and colleagues. Not littering. not doing things that would cause inconveniences to others in any way.

things like that. very simple.

mine was asked by my teacher to do it. there are other ways of retreat like reciting sutras or mantras, water offerings, prostrations etc

Hmm. I'll go with the reciting sutras then.

the main point is to retrain your mind to think in a way where it becomes less selfish.

East Malaysia, flew there. Few months ago. My first time. Was a bit tough at the beginning. THe 8 precepts part was ok, but got disturbed by many newbies who weren't serious and kept talking ... zzzzzz

But met some exemplary lay buddhists (male and female), and was very encouraged to cultivate like them.


This post has been edited by soul2soul: Aug 20 2010, 04:37 PM

Ahhhhhh.

Hmm... isn't MBMC rather infamous for temple politics (you know, like office politics)?

politics is everywhere lah. we're in samsara wat. it's one of the features. temple got politics..whats new? just avoid and get on with your personal practice. If u kena involve take the decision that benefits the most people. end story.

don't get involved in temple politics. When it comes to money / committee / power , sure will got some politics.

Our job is to help as we can , go there listen to dhamma lectures, learn some meditation (if got teachers), enough. Not our duty to police the monks (some lay people do that!!)....

This post has been edited by soul2soul: Aug 20 2010, 04:43 PM

That's why I prefer smaller temples. Less of such nonsense. The bigger the group, the dirtier it gets.

*plugs his teacher here*

http://www.kechara.com/publications/public...nment-for-sale/

how to deal with temple politics 101: the official buddhist way where everyone wins.

small temple oso got. big temple oso got. company also got. friend groups also got. with relatives oso got. family also got.

u wanna run to where?! isnt it better to just learn how to deal with it and handle it accordingly?

This post has been edited by Joey-kun: Aug 20 2010, 04:48 PM

OT -- I somehow hijacked Single's Club into few pages of Buddhism chat @_@

hahahahaha

its okeh. spreade the worde

Over there there's an interesting one.

What's the difference between: parinirvana and buddhahood..

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=findpost&pid=35745145

I maneuver around office politics because I need to cari makan. But there is no reason for me to stand for holier-than-thou people squabbling about petty issues.

Er...... no. But there was one time when I had a serious issue at work that I considered going for one, in Kelantan. But never did.

This post has been edited by xecton: Aug 20 2010, 05:32 PM

parinirvana is a state of cessation of suffering

buddhahood is a state where the being can benefit all beings in every way.

Both are the same if you read more
and to NOSelf which it's equivalent
You dont need temple politics it if you are practicing noself.Just obey order , that simple.Dont go complicated