On 7 and 8 November, Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch was honoured to host a two-day Dhamma Retreat led by Venerable Kittisobhano (Bhante Huat Poh).  Through relatable examples, Venerable guided participants to understand the Wisdom of “seeing things as they truly are”.

Venerable explained that while generosity, morality, and meditation exist in many traditions, the distinctive strength of the Buddha-Dhamma lies in its wisdom that leads one beyond suffering.  He highlighted that suffering arises when we mistakenly take the temporary aggregation of the five aggregates as a permanent “self”.  Because of this misunderstanding, attachment develops, and suffering follows. Thus, practice involves observing, understanding, and gradually releasing this attachment.

Venerable emphasised recollecting the Three Jewels and facing our emotions with chanting. One may gently recite: “Buddho me natho — The Buddha is my noblest refuge,” “Dhammo me natho — The Dhamma is my noblest refuge,” and “Sangho me natho — The Sangha is my noblest refuge,” or reflect, “May wisdom, truth, and virtue be my only refuge.” When emotions arise, we neither suppress nor follow them, but patiently observe their arising and fading, allowing the mind to return to clarity.

Before concluding, Venerable reminded everyone to be mindful of the five hindrances in practice: sensual desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness, and doubt.  Recognising and working skilfully with these hindrances helps the practice progress steadily.

We are grateful to Venerable Kittisobhano for his compassionate guidance.  May all continue to practise diligently and gradually realise the peace that comes from seeing things as they truly are.