On Tuesday 3 March, the auspicious night of the Māgha Pūja, Bro. Tan Siang Chye expounded on the ‘Ovāda Patimokkha’ which the Buddha had delivered under the same full-moon.  Bro. Siang Chye led the group to also explore how to put these teachings into practice, and understand what are the common distractions which stops us from practicing wholeheartedly.

The ‘Ovāda Patimokkha’ as preserved in Dhammapada verses 183, 184 and 185, gives an overall and complete summary of the attainment of the 1,250 arahants present then.   Bro. Siang Chye led us to reflect on each quality and encouraged us to persevere in our practice.  Every effort, however small, we make will keep us progressing on the Dhamma path.

We also deepened our understanding of Hiri (moral shame) and Ottappa (moral dread) which are the inner qualities that check unwholesome characteristics and behaviours.  They are our compass which nourishes dignity, honour, respect for others and our understanding of kamma.  Learning the factors of their opposites – Ahiri and Anotappa – helped the group to know how to avoid the pitfalls of our ego and pride.

We wish all fellow Dhamma practitioners and friends, continued learning and practice in accordance with the profound teachings of the Buddha.  Sukhihontu.