Sis. Santi shared several suttas, encouraging devotees to read them in full.

On Sunday 8 March, in line with the monthly theme of deepening our refuge and reflection, Sis. Santī Cheang delivered a timely Dhamma talk on ‘Self-Reliance on the Buddha’s Path’.  She reminded devotees and practitioners to take full personal responsibility and apply diligent self-effort towards liberation from suffering.

The Buddha’s final exhortation (Mahāparinibbāna Sutta – DN16) – “Dwell with oneself as an island, be your own refuge… Dwell with the Dhamma as an island, Dhamma as your refuge.”  –underscores that true progress depends on our own effort and understanding.

New Dhamma School parents in the Parents Induction Programme

Bro. Tong gave the Dhamma sharing to new School parents.

Discussions in smaller groups to reflect on the learnings.

Sis Santī cautioned us on the four floods described in the Ogha Sutta -sensuality, becoming, views, and ignorance, which can overwhelm the unmindful.  To cross these floods, we must cultivate diligence, mindfulness, wisdom, and the Noble Eightfold Path.  Reflecting on Dhammapada verse 160 – “One indeed is one’s own refuge” – the Buddha merely shows the way, but each must walk it.

Let us rejoice in this learning, while also appreciating the dedication of new Dhamma School parents who learned with Bro. Tong Siong Yeow in the fifth session of the Parents Induction Programme, which ran concurrently.  Sadhu!

Commencing the service with meditation, offerings and chanting.