e-DSG - 020909 @ Kajang Buddhist House

Another e-DSG get-together in Buddhist House. This time we discussed Vegetarianism, Religious Significance of Fasting & The Significance of Paritta Chanting. What matters most is how are we going to purify our mind? Well, the answer is simply through Meditation!!!

All UKMBF & UKMBA members are invited to join a Meditation Retreat to be held on 19-21 Sept 2009 at Genting View. For more details, please refer to this invitation below from Bro. Beng Chung.

"I am inviting you and your friends to attend a retreat on mindfullness during the raya period. For beginners, it's a step by step and clear session; and for experienced meditators, you'll find it very refreshing. The programme will be innovative, soothing and down to earth. Just 48 hours of your time and it will bring you very very very ....... far and deep. As for me, nothing beats knowing myself deeper as it allows me to expand and grow beyond what I knew of myself. Do sign up."

For ease of participation, you may pass your cash appreciation through Bro. Beng Chung.
Feel free to call Bro. Beng Chung for more info at: 012-236 1303.

See the email from UKMBA below:

=========================

UKMBA is pleased and happy to inform that a mindfulness retreat will be conducted in Genting View, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

Friends and relatives of UKMBA are most welcome. We are also inviting the undergraduates from UKMBF to join us in the cultivation of mindfulness, a path for us to cultivate happiness and
peace which the Buddha has shown many moons ago.

The details of the retreat are:

* Date : 19-21 September, 2009 (Saturday to Monday) (3 days 2 nights)

* Objective : To grasp the practice of Mindfulness in our daily life

* Venue : Genting View, Genting Highlands, Pahang

* Check-in : 3.00 pm (19 Sept)

* Check-out : 1200 pm (21Sept)

* Cost : RM30.00 for UKMBF members (RM 50.00 sponsored by Bro. Beng Chung)
RM150.00 for UKMBA members and friends or relatives
Cost covers meals and lodgings only.

* Participants who need enquiries and transport arrangement please call Sis Ah Lan Tel 0173401960 or Sis Lai Hiang 0126898213


REGISTRATION FORM

Name:____________________________________________________

Contact Number:___________________________________________

Profession:________________________________________________

E-mail Address:____________________________________________

Correspondence Address:____________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Buddhist Organization (if any):________________________________

Reasons for Participating:___________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Previous experience with meditation:___________________________

_________________________________________________________

Submission Date:__________________________________________

Registration ends on 12 September, 2009 (Saturday)

e-DSG on 4 Aug 2009

For this e-DSG, we had a new speaker, i.e. Bro. Brian Lee. Coincidentally, his brother is Roland Lee of Messengers of Dharma! What a small world!

The sharing by Brian was on how Buddhism changed his course of life. It was in his 1st student year in UKM where he met a girl who was trampling on some ants while waiting for the bus at Kolej Rahim Kajai's bus stop. She was collecting ants as speciments for her Zoology course. Students in Zoology course are usually required to collect many speciments for their studies and research. That involves killing. Although Brian wanted to study Zoology due to his love for animals, he decided to forego it as he doesn't want to commit killing. As a result, he opted for the study of Genetics. Now he works for WWF and he is happy with the decision he makes as he has many opportunities to work on research, including as project manager in overseas project.

Some members shared their opinions on why they choose Buddhism as the religion for them.

All in all, it was an interesting evening.

Added on 9 Aug 2009: Thanks Dwee for highlighting to me the mistake about Bro. Brian Lee's course. The right one is Genetics! *wink*wink* Thanks!!!

UKMBF's e-DSG Performed at Dharma Tunes

UKMBF's e-DSG group formed a team to perform at Dharma Tunes concert held at Hilltop Buddhist Association in Kuala Lumpur on last Saturday (1 Aug 2009). The team performed 2 songs, i.e. Brahma of My Heart and Way Out West. Congratulations for the fabulous show!!!

Here are photos taken on that evening:

The 7
From left: Loo Huai Ming, Phong Swee Chien, Jason Choy,
Marilyn Teoh, Gan Jia Cheng, Chong Siao Ting, Chai Suk Thin

From left: Huai Ming & Swee Chien

Marilyn played the keyboard as the group performed Brahma of My Heart.

Taken during soundcheck rehearsal: The group was swaying to the song of Way Out West.

Jason represented UKMBF to receive the certificate of participation from Chief Rev. Saranankara.

Group photo with Yin Ching and Siew Choo before rehearsal started.

Photos of the whole event can be viewed HERE.

e-DSG on 28 July 2009

This time our e-DSG was held at Marilyn's house in Fasa 4, Bandar Baru Bangi. We practised together the 2 songs (Brahma of My Heart & Way Out West) that we will be performing on this Saturday's Dharma Tunes event at Hilltop Buddhist Association. Do come and support us there!

e-DSG on 21 July 2009

Last week's e-DSG was our first one for the new term year 2009/10. We had the pleasure to welcome two 1st year students, Chong Siao Ting & Chai Suk Thin to our group. At the same time, it coincides with a birthday celebration. See the photos below to find out whose birthday was it!

Dharma Tunes on 1 Aug , 6.30pm

UKMBF's English DSG group will be performing at Dharma Tunes concert this Saturday, Aug 1 at 6.30pm at Hilltop Buddhist Association in Taman Tan Yew Lai (near Old Klang Road & Puchong interchange).

Do come to support us!!!

For more details of venue, pls go to: http://sulimation.webs.com/dtevents.html

Beautiful Friend - A Song Dedication to Sis Gun Lai Hiang

A few of us gathered at Ungku Omar Hostel for a farewell get-together for Sis. Gun Lai Hiang. This is her last semester in UKM as she will be graduating. However, she was not able to join us.* Thus, we all sang this song (an impromptu decision) at the basketball court as our dedication to Sis. Gun Lai Hiang! We love you Gun and gonna miss you! By the way, Hui Sun, Wily and Dwee had to leave earlier to finish up their assignments. They were there at the gathering too.

However, a little bird, in the form of Bro. Gan Jia Cheng, sent a good news to us!! Sis. Lai Hiang will be staying on next semester to do her Masters program!! Yahoo!!! See you back in e-DSG, yah!

Note: * Sis. Lai Hiang thought our e-DSG get-together was scheduled on Weds when it was actually Tues. Ooops......:o)

Hymn Singing - Beneath the Bodhi Tree

Hymn Singing - Beneath the Bodhi Tree
Music by: Ng Kang Kee
Lyrics by: Yeoh Pow Li / Daniel Yeo
Performed by: D-Kidz
=======================================

Verse:
--------

Siddhartha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree
Tonight His love will set you free
No more sorrow let His wisdom shine
Siddhartha's search shall end tonight

All creatures on earth fled in fright
Only brave Siddhartha sat tight
Defeated Mara by His glory and might
Siddhartha's search shall end tonight

Chorus:
----------

Gods and men sang in delight
"The Teacher of gods nad men has arrived"
Gods and men sang all night
"The Buddha, our Lord has arrived"

Repeat Verse
Repeat Chorus (3x)

The Teacher sat beneath the Bodhi Tree
"The Buddha, our Lord has arrived"

Hymn Singing - My Beautiful Friend - Featuring Bro. Chong Jia Wei

My Beautiful Friend
Music & Lyrics by: Daniel Kwok
Performed by: i.GemZ
=========================

Verse 1:
--------

You, my beautiful friend, you bring me joy
With your warm and generous ways
Kalyana Mitra you pull me back
When the road leads me astray
I'll never forget you were there with me
In times of sorrow
I'll promise to stand by you
Today and tomorrow

Chorus:
--------

You, my trusted friend
I'll walk with you till the end
On the path of Freedom
Now and again
My happy beautiful friend
I'll hold your hand
In us we can depend

Verse 2:
--------

Friend, you have all the qualities in you
To show me the meaning of the Truth
And there will be times we won't agree
There may be doubt, uncertainty
I'm sorry I've let you down and
Left you in the shadows
My friend will you turn around?
I'm here with my rainbows

Repeat Chorus (2x)
-------------------

Kalyana Mitra, please take care of me
We somehow share the same destiny
Kalyana Mitra, I'll take care of you
Beautiful friend, I truly love you.

Hymn Singing - Let Us Share With You

Let Us Share With You
Music & Lyrics by: Chong Su Lim
==========================

To all of you who have come so far
We'll show you a guiding hand
So come with us and hand in hand
We'll follow the Buddha's Path

The Noble Way we have to tread
With help along the way
And we'll carry the torch of Truth
To reach the other shore

Chorus:
=======

Let us share with you
All the joy we have found
From Lord Buddha who has shown us the way

Let us share with you
All the joy we have found
From Lord Buddha who has shown us the way

(Repeat entire song)

Supper Time: Satay Kajang Haji Samuri in BBB

Satay for supper at Bandar Baru Bangi after our e-DSG on 17 March, 2009.

Hymn Singing - Lotus Seeds

Lotus Seeds
Music & Lyrics by: Hong Teik Leong
Performed by: Boddhicitta Group
============================

Like the seeds of the Lotus, we are
With the sunshine and rain we'll grow
Standing virtuously above the muddy water
soon a pure white lotus we shall be

The pure nature in us,
He realized with the Dharma
he shines the Path
Carefully and patiently, to us He shows the way.

Like the seeds of the Lotus, we are
With the sunshine and rain we'll grow
Standing virtuously above the muddy water
soon a pure white lotus we shall be

Chorus:
-----------

A great Teacher to us He is
With love and kindness He guides us
Gone are the impurities
One by one perfect Buddhas we shall be

(Repeat Chorus)

Hymn Singing - The Dharma Shines In Me - Featuring Bro. Chong Jia Wei

The Dharma Shines In Me
Music & Lyrics by: Daniel Kwok
Performed by: i.Gemz
=========================

Verse:
--------

The Buddha taught,
The Noble Truth to me;
I see Reality
And with these Truths,
The Middle Path I choose;
The Dharma shines in me.

Chorus:
----------

I'll strive for freedom
For sweet release
In me all craving cease.....

And so I'm here,
To share all that I know;
The Dharma in us grows.....

(Repeat Chorus)

The Dharma that I see,
It shines so bright in me.....

Hymn Singing - Vandana (Homage to the Buddha)

Vandana (Homage to the Buddha)
Performed by: D-Kidz (Website: www.d-kidz.com)
========================================

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Samma-sambuddhasa

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Samma-sambuddhasa

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Samma-sambuddhasa

Hymn Singing - The Metta Metta Song

A Buddhist Hymn sung during an English Dharma Study Group Camp.

THE METTA METTA SONG
Music & Lyrics by: Daniel Kwok
==========================

Metta metta Mama,
Metta Papa,
Metta friends and enemies
Metta near and far.

Chorus 1:
------------------

Metta I will spread, high and low, all around me
Metta radiate, full of joy, all around

Metta I will spread, high and low, all around me
Metta I will keep, in my mind, in my heart.

(Repeat entire song)

Hymn Singing - Food Reflection

Food Reflection
Music & Lyrics by: Daniel Yeo
Performed by: D-Kidz
=========================

Verse 1:
-----------

Thank you Lord Buddha,
Dhamma & Sangha
And all who have served me
This precious food

Verse 2:
-----------

May I be thankful
grateful and mindful
To all who'd served me
This precious food

Verse 3:
-----------

Thank you Lord Buddha
Dhamma and Sangha
And all who'd served me This precious food


Verse 4:
-----------

May I be thankful,
grateful and mindful
To all who have served me This precious food
To all who have served me This precious food.

Hymn Singing - Breathing In, Breathing Out

Breathing In, Breathing Out
Music & Lyrics by: Plum Village
Performed by: Bodhicitta Group
===========================

Breathing in, breathing out,
Breathing in, breathing out,
I am blooming as a flower,
I am fresh as the dew.

I am solid as a mountain,
I am firm as the earth,
I am free.

Breathing in, breathing out,
Breathing in, breathing out,
I am water reflecting,
What is real, what is true.

And I feel there is space,
Deep inside of me,
I am free, I am free, I am free.

New Hymn: Qing Chun You Miao

青春幼苗　(Sprout) Qing Chun You Miao
================================================================


草原上　　 青苍翠绿
Cao yuan shang, qing cang cui lu

风儿吹来　　　 鸟儿歌唱
Feng er cui lai, niao er ge chang

我象刚萌芽的小草 实践佛陀的教诲
Wo xiang gang meng ya de xiao cao, shi jian fo tuo de jiao hui

Chorus:
----------

佛陀就像阳光 给我生机助我长
Fo tuo jiu xiang yang guang, gei wo sheng ji zhu wo zhang

佛陀就像阳光 给我温暖与光芒
Fo tuo jiu xiang yang guang, gei wo wen nuan yu guang mang

UKMBF e-DSG Camp 2009 (7-9 Mar 2009)

The 2009 e-DSG Camp was held in Genting View Apartment from 7th to 9th March. It incorporated dharma study sessions with hymn singing, games, visit to temple and lesson on rituals practiced by Buddhists. Not forgetting, community cooking as well!

We also held an impromptu AGM for e-DSG group in the midst of lunch on the 2nd day. For the report of the AGM, please see the last photo posted here. Some of the members appointed for the roles may not be with us during the camp. However, we hope they will take up the roles and continue in their pursuits of seeking for the Truth.

Day 1:



Day 2:



Day 2 (continue):



Day 3:



Results of the AGM:



More photos can be obtained from: UKMDharmaGroup Flickr's PhotoAlbum.

e-DSG and Hymn Practice for Panggung Bodhi

The e-DSG session on 18 February was not only a discussion of dharma (led by Sis. Sau Cheong but it was the first gathering for Panggung Bodhi's hymn practise. e-DSG members will be presenting 2 songs during Panggung Bodhi, i.e. Cradled in Buddha Arms and Brahma of My Heart. Coincidentally, now is also the time to prepare for mid-semester exam. The duration for practice is really short. It's only 9 days to Panggung Bodhi. Hopefully, the members will be able to prepare well for the first rehearsal that is scheduled for next Thurs, 26 February.

All the best to all of you in your preparations for Panggung Bodhi and your studies! Always remember, though, your studies should come first, alright?

Video of hymn practice (added on 21 Feb 2009) featuring 2 hymns, i.e.
Brahma of My Heart and Cradled in Buddha's Arms:

Brahma of My Heart
Music & Lyrics by: Goh Sue San
Performed by: i.Gemz
===============================================

Verse 1
----------

Do you remember the nights
You lullabied me to sleep
Turning my tears to comfort and to laughter
Do you remember the days
Being the flowers in the sky
You showed me wisdom and guide me all the way

Chorus
----------

You have sacrificed for me
Leaving heartstrings of your love
Brahma of my home, Teacher and my saviour
You're the hero of my life
Gave me everything and more
Brahma of my joys
Brahma of my heart

Verse 2:
-----------

I will remember your hopes
I will make your dreams come true
I will turn your fears into courage and compassion
I promise to take care of you
Share with you all the love I have
Please do believe me
My love for you shines true

(Repeat Chorus)

Brahma of my joys
Brahma of my heart

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cradled in Buddha's Arms
Music & Lyrics by: Khoo Nee Wern
Performed by: i.Gemz

Verse 1
------------

Lord Buddha, You're here today to walk with me
I want to be walking beside You
You show me the way to happiness
I just want to be with You

You've given me the precious gift of Your Truth
I promise to protect it with all my heart
And even when things seem to fall apart
I can always make a start

Chorus
-----------

Lord Buddha, I feel safe in Your arms
You have cradled me with your Dhamma Truth
I take refuge in my Lord

Verse 2
----------

Lord Buddha, I'll never want to walk alone
And I know, You're always here beside me
I'd rather be walking this path than others
You are here to show me

The Path you've shown I walk today with joy
Together with my Lord I can always be
And even if I don't see You often
You have never left me

(Repeat Chorus)

I take refuge in my Lord

CNY Makan-makan

Turn up your speaker's volume & listen to the sizzzzzzzlllleeeeee of the tofu!!!

The e-DSG group had a dinner together before Chinese New Year at Hur Kee Restaurant, Sg. Chua, Kajang. Adrian of Uniten told us about the highly recommended specialty of this restaurant, Sizzling Tofu! It's yummy and a must-try for all! Watch us enjoy the food!

e-DSG will be on tonite, 10 Feb 2009, in Kajang Buddhist Home, Taman Tenaga. Brother Wilson Tee will be sharing the topic on 'Prayer, Meditation And Religious Practices'. Please read Chapter 10, What Buddhists Believe.

All CNY Makan-Makan at Hur Kee Photos can be viewed HERE.

Some auspicious words that can be used during Lou Sang:

风生水起 (feng shen sui qi) - Can anyone help me to translate this?
步步高升（bu bu gao sheng) - May you enjoy promotions in your career.
心想事成 (xin xiang shi cheng) - May your wishes come true.
年年有余 （nian nian you yu) - May you enjoy abundance.

Now you can practise the above auspicious sayings for Lou Sang in the Year of Tiger!

Happy Chinese New Year from UKMBF & BA

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

Greetings from everyone:

More videos are available on YouTube:

1. Yee Sang Preparation
2. Xiao Yang, Xiao Yang
3. Moo, Moo, Moo
4. Fa Xing being Carried
5. Fa Xing on Parade Outside Kajang Buddhist House
6. Alex's Awesome Hair Style
7. Singing of Yan Zhi Jia

Photos of UKMBF CNY Gathering 2009 can be viewed HERE.

Learning the Song 'Tuan Yuan' ( 团圆 )

We learnt this song, Tuan Yuan (团圆) ~ that means Reunion, at the recent Chinese New Year gathering at Kajang Buddhist House.

Join us in learning this song and incorporate the hand gestures, as shown in the second video, for more fun!!

团圆 (Tuan Yuan)

----------------------------

一个人孤孤单单走到海角天边 yi ge ren gu gu dan dan zou dao hai jiao tian bian
偶尔想从前回味成长的酸和甜 ou er xiang cong qian hui wei cheng zhang de suan he tian
多希望有一天能再轻抚你的脸 duo xi wang you yi tian neng zai qing fu ni de lian
再多的辛苦 cai duo de xin ku
披星戴月 pi xing dai yue
心甘情愿 xin gan qing yuan

Chorus

-----------

全世界 quan shi jie
走一遍 zou yi bian
不枉来人间兜一圈 bu wang lai ren jian dou yi quan
梦可以 meng ge yi
很遥远 hen yao yuan
狂风暴雨都不改变 kuang feng bao yu dou bu gai bian
全世界 quan shi jie
心相连 xin xiang lian
用爱围一个大圈圈 yong ai wei yi ge da quan quan
梦就算 meng jiu suan
再遥远 zai yao yuan
心里有家就会团圆 xin li you jia jui hui tuan yuan

*(Repeat whole song)

**(Repeat Chorus 2x)

The music video by original singer, Eric Moo (巫啟賢).

Hymn Singing - My Beautiful Friend

Hymn singing session during e-DSG on 14 Jan 2009 in Kajang Buddhist House.

My Beautiful Friend, Music & Lyrics by Daniel Kwok
==========================================

Verse 1:
--------

You, my beautiful friend, you bring me joy
With your warm and generous ways
Kalyana Mitra you pull me back
When the road leads me astray
I'll never forget you were there with me
In times of sorrow
I'll promise to stand by you
Today and tomorrow

Chorus:
--------

You, my trusted friend
I'll walk with you till the end
On the path of Freedom
Now and again
My happy beautiful friend
I'll hold your hand
In us we can depend

Verse 2:
--------

Friend, you have all the qualities in you
To show me the meaning of the Truth
And there will be times we won't agree
There may be doubt, uncertainty
I'm sorry I've let you down and
Left you in the shadows
My friend will you turn around?
I'm here with my rainbows

Repeat Chorus (2x)
-------------------

Kalyana Mitra, please take care of me
We somehow share the same destiny
Kalyana Mitra, I'll take care of you
Beautiful friend, I truly love you.

Hymn Singing - Bodhi Tree

Hymn singing session during e-DSG on 14 Jan 2009 in Kajang Buddhist House.


Bodhi Tree, Music by Daniel Kwok, Lyrics by Khoo Nee Sern
=======================================================

There's a tree with heart shaped leaves
Swaying gently softly to the breeze
From this tree the Buddha found Release
Tis the gentle Bodhi Tree.

And beneath its cozy shade
I will fold my feet and meditate
May I be at ease and unafraid
Underneath the Bodhi Tree

And like the Bodhi Tree I'm strong
Free from danger all day long
And like the Bodhi Tree I'll climb
For Nibbana's precious bliss sublime.

Stately tree with Heart shaped leaves
Swaying gently softly to the breeze
There I'll seek for peace that's guaranteed
Right beneath the Bodhi Tree
This is where I'd really love to be.

2009 New Year Wishes

Happy New Year Everyone!

In this New Year, may all of you do well in your studies or job.
Be healthy, happy and continue to practise the Dharma!
And of course, see you often at e-DSG!