Dharma Talk - II - in USA

 

On this occasion, I would like to talk to you about Buddhamamaka (Buddhists) who wish to support and promote Buddhism.To be able to construct a Buddhist Temple in the State of Massachusetts is the responsibility of all Lao Buddhists as well as other nationalities. The first and most important thing I would like to ask each and everyone of you is NOT TO BE SELFISH and at the same time to think about the sufferings, pains and sacrifices and even his own life that Prince Siddhartha has gone through before attaining Enlightenment in order to bring happiness to all world beings.

I hope that all of you would cooperate with one another so that we will all see the completion of the construction of the Temple . If I am going to talk to you about all the merits (Phala) according to the Teachings of Lord Buddha, I would not be able to do so, as we are running short of time. However, I would like to say that:-

(1) The construction of the Temple is the development of all the people. The Temple will be the place for all the Buddhist monks to meet. The Temple will also serve as a place for the 4 groups of people (in Buddhism) to participate without being discriminate on the grounds of race, creed, colour, culture or ethnic backgrounds. People of other religious faith have every right to participate as well if they are happy to do so regardless of their social status. We are all equal.

(2) Buddhist monks are full of compassion and generosity. They are the ones who carried out good deed according to the Dharma Precepts. They are the ones who would advise you to be kind to others. They are the ones who are not being selfish.

According to the Teachings of Lord Buddha, for Buddhism to prosper continuously in this world, it depends on three main factors which BUDDHA DHARMA AND SANGHA

  1. When we have a Statue of Buddha where are we going to install the Statue? Before we can understand Dharma we need someone to teach and guide us. An ordinary person can teach Dharma if he understands it, but it is incomplete and it is not right according to the Teachings of Lord Buddha. The persons who can teach Dharma are disciples of Lord Buddha - The Sangha (Buddhist monks). When they start their Dharma teaching, they need a place to live. If they have no place to live they will not be able to carry out their responsibility properly and as a consequence Buddhamamaka will not have access to Dharma teaching in full.
  2. Therefore, all of us should assist one another to construct a place for the Sangha to live. We call this place WAT ( Buddhist Temple ) which is normally consisted of the following:-

    (1) Simma: This is a place for the Sangha to organise Uposodha (monks' activities) and Sangha Karmaand a place to organise religious ceremonies for some one to join monkhood;

    (2) Kudhi: (Monk's residence) This is a place for all the monks Sangha to live

    (3) Dharma Hall: This is a place for all temple attendants to organise various religious ceremonies. Also, it will be a place for the Sangha to teach all Buddhamamaka about the Teachings of Lord Buddha such as :- What is Buddhism? What is Dharma? Who are the Sangha andwhat are their responsibilities? What is a Buddhist Temple ?

So, I hope each and every one of you can see the importance of the construction of the temple. Merits for those assisting in the construction of a Buddhist temple is enormous which I do not like to elaborate here. But if you would like to know about these merits I am encouraging to assist in the construction of the temple.

Finally, on this occasion, I would like to wish you every happiness and may Lord Buddha, Dharma and Sangha be with you. Sadhu Sadhu.

 

During his Dharma Tour of the United Stated of America in early 1997
LuongTa Chanhphy Manivong was accommodated at the Residence of:
(1) Mr & Mrs Khampoua & Taykham NOAVARANGSY
70 Linwood Street
MALDEN, MA 02148-7127
(2) Mr & Mrs Thou & Khankeo MAHARATH
72 Linwood Street
MALDEN, MA 02148-7127

 

 

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