Krisadawan

Important Message: Blog Moved

2008-05-30T17:34:00.003+07:00

Thank you for visiting this blogspot site. Krisadawan's blog has been moved to the following address:

http://krisadawan.wordpress.com/

First Tibetan Class

2008-05-28T23:28:00.004+07:00

We had the first Tibetan class this evening. Khun Pranee sent a messenger to bring us offerings, snacks and the instructors' and staff's dinner. Even though she couldn't join us, she wanted to feed the class so that they had energy to study Tibetan. Nuch's mother bought coffee, cream and sugar as well as chocolate rolls for us. With good food, the students learned how to say "Would you like to eat?" They also learned how to spell and write basic words like fish, wolf, cow, father, mother, hot, eat, tea, hat, etc. Tibetan knowledge has truly spread to Thailand.

The students are of various backgrounds, from a secondary school student to an associate professor.

Tashi Delek! First Tibetan lesson.

Ka kiku = ki, ka zhabcu = ku, ka drengpu = ke, ka naro = ko.

You first draw a horizontal line and then go downwards...

Stupa T-shirt

2008-05-27T19:20:00.005+07:00

Shanti Tara Maha Stupa t-shirt designed by Supachok Chumsai Na Ayuttaya.

"I use the stupa picture but make an adjustment so that it has a soft, free form like what is painted by a brush. There's the syllable Hum in front. This is from the Foundation's logo which is behind the stupa picture. It looks like the stupa's radiance. Green refers to Green Tara of Khadiravana."

The t-shirt will be launched on July 12, 2008 (Guru Rinpoche Day). Interested persons can make an order at 1000tara@gmail.com; worawora@gmail.com.

The proceed goes to the construction of the Shanti Tara Maha Stupa or the Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony. There are sizes S, M, L and XL, male and female.

เสื้อยืดพระศานติตารามหาสถูป ออกแบบโดยคุณศุภโชค ชุมสาย ณ อยุธยา

"ผมใช้รูปพระสถูปแต่ปรับลายเส้นเป็นแบบอิสระเหมือนพู่กัน ให้ฟอร์มดูสบายไม่แข็งมาก มีอักษรหูมข้างหน้า ซึ่งก็มาจากสัญลักษณ์ของมูลนิธิที่ซ้อนอยู่ข้างหลังรูปพระสถูปด้วยนั่นเอง ดูแล้วเหมือนรัศมีของพระสถูป องค์สถูปสีเขียว ผมแทนพระแม่ตาราเขียวแห่งขทิรวัณ"

เสื้อยืดจะจำหน่ายวันที่ 12 กรกฎาคม 2551 ซึ่งเป็นวันพระคุรุ ริมโปเช ผู้สนใจเสื้อยืดพระสถูปติดต่อคุณวรวรรณาได้ที่ 1000tara@gmail.com, worawora@gmail.com เสื้อยืดนอกจากจะใส่สวยงาม เป็นสิริมงคลด้วยลายที่เป็นมงคล เปรียบเสมือนมีพระสถูปที่หัวใจแล้วยังเป็นการทำบุญพระสถูปด้วย มีทุกขนาด ทั้งขนาดของผู้ชายและผู้หญิง เพื่อนๆที่อยู่ต่างประเทศสามารถสั่งซื้อได้

Remarkable Day (2)

2008-05-26T23:50:00.005+07:00

In the afternoon Bo brought Ella and Mai. The latter is an artist and a community developer in Phang-nga. We got together to work on the story line of the stupa film that we wanted to produce. Areerat, Soraj and Yontan also joined us.

The young friends asked me why I wanted to build the stupa and what were the aims of the foundation. Specifically, Mai asked whether a journey of building the stupa or the stupa itself was more important. I told him that both are important. Although we learn a lot from the journey, without the goal, we wouldn't have determintation and enthusiasm to do what we do.

I related to them a story from my pilgrimage. At that time, I thought about reaching Samye Monastery, which was the destination. But once I reached there, I realized each day of the journey was equally, or even more important. The pilgrimage brought many people into my life and took me into their lives. They taught me to be humble and to receive whatever they gave me. They helped me change myself to become a better person. I told them I saw the same thing with building the stupa.

The stupa would be more than just an object of worship and a symbol of enlightened mind of Buddha. It will be a living practice, an inspiration, a reminder of cycle of life and death. And most of all, the stupa will connect people's mind with Buddha's mind and connect their minds together.

Remarkable Day (1)

2008-05-25T23:08:00.009+07:00

Today is another historical day. I started the day at a dental clinic in Soi Chokchai Ruammit. The purpose is not to see the dentist but to give a talk on Tibetan faith to Dharma seekers who get together there on Sundays.

The audience is of vairous age groups. The youngest seems to be around 25. They looked fresh and joyful. Their presence brought life to the place. We watched two films about my prostration journey and Tara. Then I talked on prostration and how Tibetans practice the dharma.

They all wanted to do prostrations. So we did it together. While doing so, we recited a basic verse:

"With body, speech and mind, I take refuge in the three levels of three jewels till I gain enlightenment".

Everybody was so cheerful and enthusiastic that they didn't want to stop doing it.

A patient who looked less cheerful turned out to be most serious. Watching her clumsy movement arisen from the beautiful heart to prostrate to Buddhas, I felt delighted. We all rejoiced in her merit.

Soraj shared his view on nirvana and samsara. He said non-abiding nirvana was found in Tibetan Buddhism but not in Theravada. This is why bodhisattvas who have gained realization could still remain in samsara for the sake of sentient beings.

Yontan didn't talk much today. He demonstrated how to prostrate to us. He reminded the audience not to forget visualization while doing prostration. The most important thing is our aspiration, not bodily movement.

Nearly three hours passed away without my noticing it. Leaving the place, I thought: What a wonderful day for people to gather and practice together! What a joy to be able to tell others the significance of prostration and share with them my numerous stories of determination, faith and joy.

Practice of Tara in the Relative and Absolute

2008-05-25T15:58:00.002+07:00

Synopsis for a Buddhist forum on 1 June 2008, 12.00-13.30 hrs., World Buddhist University, Benjasiri Park

“Practice of Tara in the Relative and Absolute”
Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom
The Thousand Stars Foundation

The female Buddhist deity of compassion Tara has been an object of devotion and a living practice among practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet and beyond. Her ten-syllable mantra is always on the lips of her devotees, no matter whether they are male or female, educated or uneducated. Her energy is evoked, particularly in this age when human beings are experiencing warfare, illnesses, natural disasters, conflicts and mental disturbances. The practice has grown so much that there are now a large number of retreat centers around the world devoted to her. Who is Tara? Is she an external reality or an abstract projection of our own mind? How can we understand Tara from the relative and absolute points of view? How can her practice clear away fears and negative emotions, prepare the practitioner’s mind for death, and lead towards ultimate realization? The talk will be devoted to providing answers to these questions from the perspective of a lay female practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism within the Theravada context.

การบรรยายสำหรับการสนทนาเกี่ยวกับพระพุทธศาสนา ณ World Buddhist University สวนเบญจสิริ วันที่ 1 มิถุนายน 2551 เวลา 12.00-13.30 น. (บรรยายภาษาอังกฤษ)

"การปฏิบัติตาราในระดับสมมติและปรมัตถ์"
ดร. กฤษดาวรรณ หงศ์ลดารมภ์
มูลนิธิพันดารา

ตารา พระโพธิสัตว์แห่งความกรุณาทรงเป็นที่เคารพบูชาในหมู่ผู้ปฏิบัติธรรมในสายพุทธวัชรยาานทั้งในทิเบตและประเทศอื่นๆ ธารณีสิบพยางค์ของพระองค์มักได้ยินสวดกันเสมอในหมู่ผู้บูชาพระองค์ไม่ว่าพวกเขาจะเป็นชายหรือหญิง มีการศึกษาหรือไม่ก็ตาม พรของพระองค์ได้รับการเน้นเป็นพิเศษในยุคสมัยนี้ที่มนุษย์ประสบภัยพิบัติจากสงคราม โรคภัยไข้เจ็บ ภัยธรรมชาติ ความขัดแย้งและจิตที่สับสนเศร้าหมอง การปฏิบัติตาราได้รับความนิยมแพร่หลายจนทำให้มีศูนย์ปฏิบัติธรรมจำนวนมากทั่วโลกที่อุทิศให้พระองค์เป็นพิเศษ ตาราคือใคร ตาราคือความเป็นจริงภายนอก (ลักษณะเหมือนเทพ) หรือเป็นผลพวงที่เป็นนามธรรมซึ่งเกิดจากจิตของเราเอง เราจะเข้าใจตาราจากมุมมองสมมติและปรมัตถ์ได้อย่างไร การปฏิบัติตาราขจัดความกลัวและอารมณ์บ่อนทำลาย เตรียมผู้ปฏิบัติธรรมสำหรับความตายที่จะมาเยือนและนำไปสู่การเข้าถึงความรู้แจ้งในระดับสูงสุดอย่างไร การบรรยายนี้จะให้คำตอบต่อคำถามเหล่านี้จากมุมมองของผู้ปฏิบัติพุทธวัชรยานในบริบทเถรวาท

Tibetan Songs on Air

2008-05-22T17:43:00.005+07:00

Radio Chula will feature "Tibetan Songs of Joy and Compassion" Saturday June 7, 2008, 8.30-8.55 AM. Dr. Suda Rangupan is the moderator. Yontan and I are guest speakers.

Fly to Freedom

2008-05-21T17:48:00.004+07:00

นกเอย
จงโบยบินแม้กายจะถูกขัง

Little bird
Fly to freedom even being captured.

Remain in the Present State

2008-05-21T17:38:00.003+07:00

Rest without going into the past.
Do not follow past thoughts
Or gather up thoughts of the future.
Stay in the present.
Let your senses be open
And let the thoughts flow by.
Remain in alaya.

Meditation tip from "Mind Training" by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Snow Lion, 2007.

Sun Halo Taken over the Foundation House

2008-05-21T10:50:00.007+07:00

Beautiful sun halo pictures taken by Yontan over the Thousand Stars Foundation House, Ladprao Road. I offered this wonderful phenomenon as a mandala to Tara. May all beneficial aims be fulfilled!

Thousand Stars' Visakhapuja 2008

2008-05-19T17:13:00.006+07:00

Vajra friends have left. Soraj, Yontan and I are upstairs doing a littlle bit of reading and writing while waiting for the rain to stop. It's another wonderful way of spending Visakhapuja by reciting, praying, meditating and making a lot of offerings.

I explained that there were two main motivations for us to gather today: to think of Buddhas on the enlightenment day and to generate love and compassion to the quake and cyclone victims.

We started with guru yoga and prostrations before we recited the 21 Tara sadhana.

After the break, we did Guru Rinpoche sadhana, prayed to Palden Lhamo before we made a burnt offering and body offering. We recited the compassion mantra for beings in the six realms.

Palden Lhamo will always be with us just like a smell on our body.

Bardo beings live on the fragrance of burnt food and cloth. We prayed for their well-being, for their mind not to be disturbed by hunger, thirst, sadness, anger and fear. We prayed for their liberation from bardo.

A ka a me tu thri su nag po zhi zhi me me so ha - May sufferings of beings in the six realms be removed!

Simple offering like this means a lot for countless beings in bardo and elsewhere.

Stupa in Your Heart

2008-05-18T07:47:00.003+07:00

The main purpose of building a stupa is to reduce the poisons of suffering and get rid of ignorance. Lhasray Rinpoche said if there is any medicine in the world that cures all illnesses which obstruct enlightenment, it is this one.

In the actual process of building the stupa, we experience all kinds of feelings including negative emotions and we meet all kinds of people with various intentions and attitudes. Some sincerely rejoice in our virtuous act. Some are unhappy, doubtful.

Whatever experience we encounter, we should think that this is a great opportunity for us to practice true love and compassion, to understand our own nature and remove the poisons. When the construction of the stupa is finished, the stupa in our heart will already be firmly rooted.

Don't build only the outer stupa; let's use this opportunity to build the inner stupa.

เราสร้างพระสถูปเพื่อกำจัดยาพิษแห่งความทุกข์และอวิชชา ลาเซริมโปเชบอกเราว่าถ้าจะมียาใดในโรคนี้ที่รักษาโรคภัยไข้เจ็บที่เป็นอุปสรรคต่อการตรัสรู้ธรรม ยานั้นก็คือพระสถูป

ในขณะที่เราสร้างพระสถูป ความรู้สึกต่างๆรวมทั้งอารมณ์บ่อนทำลายเกิดขึ้น เราพบผู้คนหลายประเภทที่มีเจตนาและทัศนคติต่างๆกัน บางคนมีความปีติยินดีจริงๆต่อกุศลกรรมในครั้งนี้ บางคนไม่มีความสุขหรือเกิดความสงสัยเมื่อได้ข่าวว่าเราจะสร้างพระสถูป

ไม่ว่าเราจะได้ประสบการณ์ใดก็ตาม เราควรคิดว่านี่คือโอกาสอันยิ่งใหญ่ในการฝัึกความรักอย่างไม่มีเงื่อนไขและความกรุณา ในการเข้าใจตัวตนที่แท้จริงของเรา และในการกำจัดยาพิษทั้งหลาย เมื่อการสร้างพระสถูปเสร็จสิ้น พระสถูปในใจก็ได้ลงหลักปักฐานแล้ว

ขอพวกเราอย่าได้เพียงสร้างพระสถูปแต่เพียงภายนอก ขอพวกเราใช้โอกาสในการสร้างพระสถูปนี้เพื่อสร้างพระสถูปในใจด้วยเถิด

Angry Thoughts

2008-05-17T23:10:00.003+07:00

When angry thoughts arise vividly, if you look at them nakedly and rest without fabribation, they will vanish in their own ground without harm or benefit. -Jamgon Kongtrul

เมื่อความคิดที่เต็มไปด้วยความโกรธเกิดขึ้น จงพิจารณาดูมันจนเห็นเนื้อแท้ พักโดยปราศจากความคิดปรุงแต่งใดๆ ความโกรธก็จะหายไปโดยไม่ทำร้ายหรือทำประโยชน์ให้แก่ผู้ใด -จัมเกิน กงทรู ริมโปเช

Guru Rinpoche by a Thai Artist

2008-05-17T20:20:00.004+07:00

The making of a Guru Rinpoche image by a Thai renowned artist Ajarn Somprasong Chaonarai, another project of the Thousand Stars Foundation. Interested persons, please email 1000tara@gmail.com.

รูปพระคุรุ ริมโปเช ปั้นโดยอาจารย์ศมประสงค์ ชาวนาไร่ อีกหนึ่งโครงการของมูลนิธิพันดารา ผู้สนใจกรุณาสอบถามที่ 1000tara@gmail.com

Progress on the Tara Great Stupa

2008-05-16T19:58:00.007+07:00

Today we went to see the model for our Tara Great Stupa for the first time. It's done by Khun Jakrit in Bang Khun Non. The model is really beautiful. After painting and design, it will be displayed at various places and will be based at our foundation house.

Jakrit, creator of this model

132 tiny Mani prayer wheels. There will be 260 Mani rollers on the real-sized Stupa.

The Thousand Stars architects (Lek, Glaang, Jun) are inspecting the model.

แบบจำลองสามมิติของพระศานติตารามหาสถูป ฝึมือคุณจักรกริช เมื่อสถูปจำลองเสร็จแล้ว จะแสดงตามที่ต่างๆและประจำที่บ้านมูลนิธิ

Workshop with Patients

2008-05-16T19:34:00.005+07:00

Yesterday (May 15) Tam, Yontan and I went to a group called "Friendship Therapy" for cancer patients run by Dr. Oppiwan Hongladarom, Ajarn Soraj's relative. The audience composed of a few patients, staff and ttwo monks. They showed my prostration story, which was on air last year.

After that we talked about Vajrayana ways of prostrations and meditation. Tam taught the audience how to do a simple visualization based on a lotus hand gesture. He trained us to be mindful to our hand movement which must correspond our mental image. After that I talked a little bit about a visualization on Tara, and Yontan demonstrated to the audience how to make a full prostration.

It was wonderful to see patients being eager to do prostrations. Because of that, even though the audience was a small group, it became a meaningful exercise for us.

วันที่ 15 พฤษภาคม ดิฉัน ตั๋ม เยินเต็นไปเป็นวิทยากรให้กลุ่มมิตรภาพบำบัดซึ่งมีคุณหมออพภิวันท์ หงศ์ลดารมภ์ เป็นผู้ก่อตั้ง คุณหมอเป็นลูกพี่ลูกน้องของอาจารย์โสร้้จจ์ ตั้งกลุ่มนี้เพื่อคนไข้มะเร็ง

เราเริ่มการอบรมด้วยการชมภาพยนตร์เกี่ยวกับการที่ดิฉันไปกราบอัษฎางคประดิษฐ์จากรายการเรื่องจริงผ่านจอ จากนั้นก็พูดคุยกันเกี่ยวกับการกราบและการนั่งสมาธิแบบวัชรยาน ตั๋มสอนวิธีการตั้งนิมิตอย่างง่ายๆ ดิฉันเสริมเรื่องการตั้งนิมิตถึงพระแม่ตารา และเยินเต็นสอนวิธีกราบ

ดีใจที่เห็นคนไข้อยากกราบแบบทิเบต แต่กังวลใจหากจะมีผู้ใดนำความรู้และการปฏิบัติแบบทิเบตไปใช้ในทางไม่ถูกต้อง

ขอให้เราตั้งนิมิตว่าที่กลางใจของเรามีดอกบัว แล้วดอกบัวค่อยๆบานออก พร้อมกับส่งกลิ่นหอมไปทั่วบริเวณนี้ ออกไปทั่วแผ่นดินนี้ ไปจนถึงทั่วทั่งจักรวาล จนอสงไขย...

ขอนำพาบิดาทางขวา มารดาทางซ้าย สัตว์ทั้งหลายทั่วทั้งนภากาศ ร่วมกราบพระรัตนตรัยไปกับข้าพเจ้าด้วย

We Can Make Things Back to Normal Again

2008-05-16T11:18:00.002+07:00

We talked to Lhasray Rinpoche again this morning after watching more news on the earthquake. One of the quake hit areas is where he has a project going on. He said some buildings collapsed but no one got injured. Rinpoche remarked that gradually we could make things back to normal again. The most important thing is human life. He himself and his family are doing well and is working on the texts to be placed inside the Stupa. Rinpoche thanked his students for asking about him.

His only few words that things can be back to normal is a comfort and a profound teaching for the kind of perspective we should have in our everyday living.

Tunga Lhamo

2008-05-14T23:37:00.003+07:00

Tunga Lhamo, the cat we adopted from Khadiravana, happily stays in her new home in Nonthaburi. She is still a wild cat. She loves to play with little frogs. We are training her not to kill insects and other animals.

Tunga on Yontan's stomach.

Life Is Short and Death Can Be Sudden

2008-05-14T10:25:00.002+07:00

Many people, paticularly young ones often take it for granted thinking that we will live long and death will not occur to us fast. But in fact, life is very short and death can be sudden. It's imperative to prepare for it now. The quake is a great lesson for all of us.

A young student once asked me why I thought death was suffering. She said when we die, we just lose consciousness and there's nothing after that.

The moment of death is one of the most traumatic and frightening experiences beings ever experience. No matter whether the dying moment is sudden or chronic, suffering and pain are there. When consciousness leaves the body, it still has feelings and emotions. It still experiences pain, loneliness and feels angry, hungry, thirsty, etc. Imagine your naked self without a cover body. Imagine wandering mind travelling here and there without a purpose and having no home to stay, having no one to take care of, to cling on to.

During bardo period of about 49 days, Tibetans will think of the deceased with great compassion. Whatever they say or do is towards making merit for them so that they will be liberated in bardo, or gain a rebirth in Sukhavati.

ชีวิตนี้สั้นนักและความตายก็สามารถเกิดขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็ว อย่าคิดว่าเราอายุยังน้อย ยังอยู่ได้อีกนาน เราไม่รู้หรอกว่าเมื่อไหร่ความตายจะมาถึง ขอให้เราทำทุกวินาทีให้ดีที่สุดและอย่าประมาทในการเตรียมตัวตาย ขอให้เราถือเรื่องแผ่นดินไหวเป็นบทเรียนทางธรรมอันยิ่งใหญ่

นิสิตคนหนึ่งเคยถามดิฉันว่าทำไมอาจารย์ถึงบอกว่าความตายเป็นทุกข์ เธอบอกว่าเมื่อเราตายไป เราก็หมดความรู้สึกนึกคิด ไม่มีอะไรเหลือให้เจ็บปวด

ขณะกำลังตายเป็นประสบการณ์ที่น่ากลัวที่สุดประสบการณ์หนึ่งของชีวิตสัตว์ทั้งหลาย ไม่ว่าชั่วขณะนั้นจะเกิดขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็วหรือกินเวลานาน ทุกชีวิตประสบความทุกข์และความเจ็บปวด เมื่อวิญญาณออกจากร่าง วิญญาณยังคงรับรู้ รู้เจ็บ รู้หิว โกรธ โศกเศร้า ลองนึกถึงตัวเราที่ไม่มีร่างห่อหุ้ม นึกถึงจิตที่เร่ร่อนไปขาดจุดหมาย ไม่มีบ้านให้อยู่ ไม่มีใครดูแล ไม่มีใครให้ยึดเป็นที่พึ่ง

ช่วงบาร์โด 49 วัน ชาวทิเบตจะนึกถึงผู้ตายด้วยความกรุณาอย่างมาก ไม่ว่าพวกเขาจะพูดหรือทำอะไร ก็จะเป็นไปเพื่อการทำบุญกุศล เพื่อให้ผู้ตายได้เข้าถึงการหลุดพ้นในบาร์โดหรือได้เกิดในดินแดนสุขาวดี

Special Visakhapuja Prayer and Meditation for Disaster Victims

2008-05-13T20:06:00.007+07:00

Special Visakhapuja Prayer and Meditation to Generate Love and Compassion to the Victims of the Natural Disasters in China and Myanmar

The Thousand Stars Foundation is organizing a special prayer and meditation on Visakhapuja day, which this year falls on Monday May 19, 2008 at the foundation house, Ladprao Road. Both Thai and non-Thai Buddhists are welcome.

We will generate love and compassion to all bardo beings, particularly those who were killed in the earth quake and cyclone disasters. We'll also pray for the sake of the victims' relatives and pray for peace and harmony between man and man, man and animals, and man and nature.

What to bring (optional):
1. Offerings to Buddhas such as flower, fruit, incense, candle, cookies, biscuits or others which contain no meat, drinks (e.g., fruit juices, tea),
2. Burnt offerings to bardo beings such as cookies, biscuits or others which contain no meat and tiny pieces of cloth in various colors,
3. Vegetarian lunch

It would be helpful in term of preparation if we know in advance who is joining the prayer. Please email 1000tara@gmail.com to confirm your participation.

Program:
8.00-10.00 hrs.
Prostrations, refuge and bodhicitta recitations
Meditation and Prayer to Buddha Sakyamuni
Prayer to Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche who obtained rainbow body
Guru Padmasambhava Sadhana and praises to Guru Namsum
Recitation of Guru Namsum mantra
Recitation of Guru Padmasambhava mantra
Recitation of Chenrezig mantra
Recitation of the six realm beings mantra
Dedication of merit

10-10.30 hrs.
Tea break

10.30-13.00 hrs.
Tara Sadhana and praise to Twenty-one Taras
Recitation of Green Tara mantra
Recitation of White Tara mantra
Prayer and offerings to Palden Lhamo (Shri Devi) and dharmapalas
Recitation of Palden Lhamo mantra
Chod (body offering)
Burnt offering for bardo beings
Recitation of the six realm beings mantra
Recitation of the six realm Buddhas mantra
Sukhavati Monlam (aspiration)
Dedication of merit

13.00-14.00 hrs.
Vegetarian lunch (please bring lunch to share with each other)

การสวดภาวนาเนื่องในวันวิสาขบูชาและการสวดแผ่เมตตาแด่ผู้เคราะห์ร้ายจากเหตุการณ์ภัยพิบัติเนื่องจากแผ่นดินไหวในจีนและพายุไซโคลนในพม่า วันจันทร์ที่ 19 พฤษภาคม 2551 เวลา 8.00-13.00 น. ณ บ้านมูลนิธิ ซอยลาดพร้าว 11

เราจะแผ่ความรักความเมตตาให้ผู้เสียชีวิตจากเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นและสวดมนตร์ให้ผู้รอดชีวิตและญาติผู้เสียชีวิตและสวดภาวนาเพื่อสันติภาพระหว่างมนุษย์กับมนุษย์ มนุษย์กับสัตว์เดรัจฉาน และมนุษย์กับธรรมชาติ

ผู้สนใจ กรุณาอีเมล์ 1000tara@gmail.com

ท่านสามารถนำอาหารต่อไปนี้มาร่วมงาน (ถ้าไม่สะดวก ไม่เป็นไร)
1. เครื่องบูชาแด่พระพุทธเจ้าทั้งหลาย เช่น ดอกไม้ ผลไม้ ธูป เทียน ขนมคุ๊กกี้ ขนมปังกรอบ หรืออื่นๆ ที่ไม่ใช่เนื้อสัตว์ เครื่องดื่ม เช่น ชากล่อง น้ำผลไม้
2. อาหารที่จะนำไปเผา เช่น ขนมต่างๆที่ไม่มีเนื้อสัตว์เจือปน เศษผ้าหลายสีตัดเป็นช้ินเล็กๆ
3. อาหารมังสะวิรัติเพื่อรับประทานร่วมกัน

Earthquake in Chengdu

2008-05-13T07:54:00.003+07:00

Several friends called and sent me email and SMS to check about Lhasray Rinpoche. We called him last night. Rinpoche is doing well. The epicenter of the quake was about 90 kms. from where his family lives and the city center of Chengdu. In a day or two I'll call him again to convey his Thai students' regards and concerns. The Thai consulate in Chengdu was also not affected by the quake.

A natural disaster like this not only ends up with deaths and injuries but mental suffering of the relatives and survivals. These days we should remember the victims both in China and Myanmar with great compassion. Recite Mani or Tara mantra as many as possible, meditate and generate our loving kindness toward them, and pray for their rebirths in Sukhavati.

ภัยธรรมชาติคือความสูญเสียอันยิ่งใหญ่ คือความตายที่เกิดขึ้นอย่างกะทันหัน ผู้ตายไม่มีโอกาสได้เตรียมจิต ไม่มีโอกาสได้กล่าวคำอำลาใดๆ ไม่มีเวลาแม้แต่จะนึกถึงพระให้คุ้มครอง ขอวิญญาณทั้งหลายจงไปดี อย่าได้ทุกข์โศก อย่าได้อาลัยชีวิตที่จากมาที่เหมือนเงาในน้ำ กายมีอยู่แล้วดับไป แต่จิตที่ยังดำรงอยู่ต้องการการดูแลรักษา ขอดวงวิญญาณทุกดวงได้ไปเกิดในดินแดนสุขาวดีของพระอมิตาภะ ได้ฟังธรรมเทศนาจากพระองค์และเข้าถึงพระสัมมาสัมโพธิญาณ

A Day's Visit to Khadiravana (1)

2008-05-12T16:36:00.004+07:00

Thursday May 8, 2008

Ajarn Lek, Bo, Yontan and I went to Khadiravana together. The purpose of the visit is to see how we can go about doing organic farming there. Ajarn Lek has had invaluable experience on the topic over a course of 30 years or so.

The same day my mother came with 200 fuang fa and one Leela wadee. She was waiting for me for 2 hours. When I saw her, her face was full of mosquito bites. But she looked very happy. She got along well with Ajarn Lek. Both of them walked for nearly 800 meters from where the Vasutara is being built to the banyan tree at the back.

Mother's leela wadee

Khadiravana looks tidy and beautiful with mother's fuang fa.

A Day's Visit to Khadiravana (2)

2008-05-12T16:02:00.007+07:00

Vasutara Meditation Hall under construction

Toilets behind the hall

Special banyan tree - natural meditation rock in the Dzogchen zone

The first Mantra stupa after 14 months.

Mango grove in the front section of Khadiravana after the area was mown the other day.

Hang Nok Yung - local tree in bloom

Peculiar rock on our land.

Yontan - always cheerful and happy at Khadiravana

Yontan and I posted with my mother, Ajarn Lek and Khun Prachum.

Mountains at the back

Khadiravana neighbor's pineapple

Bo is collecting more footage.

Bhutan Event in Memory

2008-05-12T14:28:00.006+07:00

Yesterday's Bhutan event turned out to be one of the most interesting and happiest events of our Foundation.

Thanks to our speaker John Johnston, our MC in need Bo, our guest speaker Dr. Pema, our dance artist Tam, Carleton Cole from the Nation, Shane and his Serindia book display and sale team, Jick, Nuch and particularly Miao for her untiring efforts in creating this event.

The Foundation is grateful to K. Pranee Daraprasertkul for giving us glasses, utensils and an umbrella. These will be very useful when we organize next events.

John gave an informative talk on Bhutanese sacred art.

Bo, our moderator in need.

Dr. Pema is studying gynecology at Siriraj Hospital. She gave a brief introduction on Bhutan for us.

Dr. Kittirat from Siriraj, one of the foundation's advisors presented the speaker with a token of appreciation.

--------

Impression from K. Pranee:

ก่อนไปร่วมงานที่มูลนิธิ ตัดสินใจว่าต้องเคลียร์ทุกเรื่องให้ลงตัว เพื่อไปร่วมงานและร่วมสมทบทุนในกิจกรรมต่างๆของมูลนิธิ (ตั้งใจอุทิศเป็นอานิสงส์ให้คุณแม่ที่เสียชีวิต ครบ 100 วันในวันที่ 13/5/51)

ก่อนออกเดินทาง นึกภาพมูลนิธิจาก blog ของอาจารย์ที่ post ไว้ พอไปถึงที่นั่น ภาพที่เห็นเหมือนกับภาพตัวเองที่ได้เข้าร่วมเป็นสมาชิกของมูลนิธิแห่งหนึ่ง เมื่อ 20 ปีที่แล้ว ที่ตัวเรามีหน้าที่ในการจัดเบาะนั่ง (เหมือนที่นี่) เครื่องเสียง ไม่โครโฟน (ผู้บรรยาย) ตอนนั้นยังไม่มี Note book เมื่อเห็นน้องเหมียวทำหน้าที่นี้แล้ว ก็รู้สึกเหมือนตัวเราย้อนกลับไปสู่อดีตอีกครั้ง...

การไปร่วมงานครั้งนี้ เหมือนตัวเราได้ recharge battery ของจิต แม้หัวข้อบรรยายไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับเรื่องทิเบตที่เราสนใจ แต่บรรยากาศต่างๆ ความรู้สึกดีๆ ความอบอุ่นในมิตรภาพที่ได้รับ...ทำให้กลับมาบ้านด้วยความรู้สึกเป็นสุขใจและได้อ่านเอกสารของมูลนิธิฉบับย้อนหลังก่อนนอน ทำให้รู้ว่าตัวเราคงต้องศึกษาเรื่องราวต่างๆอีกมากมาย

ขอบคุณค่ะ ที่มีโอกาสได้พบมิตรภาพอันอบอุ่นทางจิตค่ะ

My impression:

เมื่อทุกคนกลับไปหมดแล้ว นึกถึงสิ่งดีๆที่เกิดขึ้น ความสุข รอยยิ้มที่ปรากฏบนใบหน้าของเพื่อนๆทั้งไทยและต่างประเทศ รวมทั้งขนม ของว่างที่แสนอร่อย นึกถึงลูกกบตัวเล็กๆที่กระโดดไปอยู่บนรองเท้าของผู้มาร่วมงานคนหนึ่ง ฉันช้อนมันขึ้นมาบนฝ่ามือ นำมันไปปล่อยท่ามกลางสายฝนที่ชุ่มช่ำ ขอความรักและความสุขแพร่ไปในอากาศ ขอทะเลแห่งความทุกข์เหือดแห้งหายไป...

Reflection and Tara Short Prayers

2008-05-07T17:10:00.005+07:00

May 7 of last year I was on the road prostrating on the way to the Lhasa airport from Nyethang Tara temple. A year passed by quickly, with many new friends coming into my life and the foundation, and some old friends fading away.

Last year the land of Tibet was peaceful, with no sign of demonstrations. But this year it's another story. Everything that happened reminds us of change that occurs at every moment in life.

An old friend of mine who came to visit me one morning of May 6, 2007, while I was camping near the road during my prostration journey, asked me to publish some prayers in this blog.

The following is for her and anyone who is devoted to Tara.

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Daily Short Prayers to Araya Tara (บทสวดมนตร์ประจำวันถึงพระแม่ตารา)

Recite as many as possible, particularly when you feel sad, worried, frightened, hopeless... Tara represents enlightened wisdom of our mind. Suffering occurs because we follow the aspect of the mind that generates emotions and thoughts.

สวดบ่อยๆ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อรู้สึกเสียใจ วิตกกังวล หวาดกลัว หมดหวัง...พระแม่ตาราแทนปัญญาในการเข้าถึงธรรมซึ่งมีอยู่ในจิตของเราเอง ความทุกข์เกิดขึ้นเพราะเราหลงตามใจ (อยู่ในจิตเช่นกัน) ที่นำไปสู่อารมณ์รู้สึกและความคิดปรุงแต่ง

ย่ิงคิดมาก ยิ่งฟุ้งซ่าน ยิ่งเศร้าหมอง...ยิ่งคิดมาก ยิ่งโกรธมาก จิตทุรนทุราย

1. Taking Refuge in Tara (ยึดพระแม่ตาราเป็นที่พึ่ง)

jetsun phakma drolma ched chenno
jig-dang dug-ngal kunlay jabtu sol

เจซูน พักมา เตรอมา เชดเชนโน
จิกตัง ตุกเง กุนแล จับตุเซอ

Araya Tara, omnicient one,
I take refuge in you against all fears and sufferings

2. Tara Mantra (คาถาหัวใจ)

โอม ตาเร ตุตตาเร ตูเร โซฮา

Om tare tuttare ture soha

หลายคนมองว่าคาถาเป็นเพียงมนตราไม่กี่พยางค์ แต่มนตรานี้แทนจิตตรัสรู้อันเปี่ยมด้วยความเมตตากรุณา การสวดคาถาตลอดเวลา คือการนึกถึงพระแม่ตาราอยู่ตลอดเวลาจะทำให้ความคิดปรุงแต่งน้อยลง (หลักการเดียวกับคาถาโอม มณี เปเม ฮุง) จิตค่อยๆเปลี่ยนเป็นจิตแบบพระองค์ที่ปราศจากกิเลสเครื่องเศร้าหมองทั้งหลาย อย่ามองการสวดคาถาว่าเป็นการปฏิบัติธรรมด้อยค่า เมื่อมีเวลา พยายามสวดจนเป็นนิสัย จนเราและตารามิได้แตกต่างกัน

3. Tara Praise (บทสวดสรรเสริญ)

jeyum drolma cheku jindra dang
khordang kutshe tshedang zhingkham sog
cheji tshan-tshog zangpo jindra wa
dindra khona dagsog jurwa sho

chela dujing solwa tabay thu
dagsog gangdu naybay sachog su
nedang uphong thab-tsol zhiwa dang
choedang tashi phelwa dzadu sol

เจยุม เตรอมา เชดกู จินตราตัง
คอร์ตัง กุเซ เซตัง ฉิงคัมสก
เชจิ แซนซก ซังโบ จินตราวา
ตินตรา โคนา ตักสก จูร์วาโช

เชลา เตอจิง เซอวา ตับเบทู
ตักสก คังตุ เนเบ ซาชกสุ
เนดตัง อูพง ทับเซอ ฉีวาตัง
เชอตัง ตาชี่ เพวา ซกตุเซอ

Mother of all victorious ones, your enlightened body,
Your retinue, longevity and pure realm,
Your supreme characteristics - how they are like,
At this very moment may I and all others become just like you!

By the power of our supplicating and paying respect to you,
No matter where and whatever direction I and all others reside
Please pacify illnesses, poverty and fightings,
And bless us with Dharma and auspiciousness!

When we finish the prayers and mantra, don't forget to dedicate all the merit of this practice and others that we have done in countless lives for all sentient beings.

Tip for Worrying Mind (เทคนิคการจัดการกับจิตชอบวิตก)

2008-05-07T13:33:00.004+07:00

If you cannot stop worrying over something in the past or what might happen in the future, shift your focus to the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. Or recite this mantra: om mani padme hum (pronounced "om mani padmay hum"). Since the mind cannot concentrate on two things simultaneously, either of these meditations causes the former worry to fade.

ถ้าคุณไม่สามารถหยุดคิดเกี่ยวกับสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นหรือกังวลกับอนาคต ลองหันมาทำสมาธิกับลมหายใจเข้า-ออก หรือสวดคาถานี้ โอม มณี ปัทเม หูม (ออกเสียงว่า โอม มณี เปเม ฮุม) เนื่องจากใจคิดเกี่ยวกับสิ่งสองสิ่งไม่ได้ในเวลาเดียวกัน วิธีการฝึกสมาธิด้วยการทำอานาปนสติหรือการสวดคาถาจะทำให้ความคิดหรือวิตกกังวลใจหมดไป

From How to Practise: The Way to a Meaningful Life by HHDL, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins.

New Book Additions at the Thousand Stars Library

2008-05-07T13:15:00.005+07:00

The Thousand Stars Foundation received the following titles (hard copies) for its library from Serindia Publications.

1. The Dalai Lamas: A Visual History, edited by Martin Brauen,

2. The Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan, edited by Terese Tse Bartholomew and John Johnston,

3. Portraits of the Masters: Bronze Sculptures of the Tibetan Buddhist Lineages, edited by Donald Dinwiddie,

4. The Temples of Lhasa: Tibetan Buddhist Architecture from the 7th to the 21st Centuries, by Andre Alexander,

5. The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art by John C. Huntington and Dina Bangdel.

Detail about these books can be obtained from www.serindia.com.

We are grateful to Khun Shane Suvikapakornkul for his generosity and support of the Foundation's activities.

Talk on Experiencing the Sacred: Buddhist Art in Bhutan

2008-05-02T15:01:00.006+07:00

The Thousand Stars Foundation, in cooperation with Serindia Publications, is organizing a talk on: "Experiencing the Sacred: Buddhist Art in Bhutan" by John Johnston, coauthor of the "Dragon's Gift: Sacred Arts of Bhutan" (Serindia Publications, 2008), Sunday 11 May 2008, 1.30-4.00 pm. at the Foundation House, Ladprao 11 Road.

**The Dragon's Gift, with the author's signature, together with other books by Serindia and the Foundation's Tibetan products will be on sale with special price at the site.

The talk is free of charge. For reservation or more information, please contact: 1000tara@gmail.com (Worawanna) or hkesang@yahoo.com (Dr. Krisadawan).

About the Talk:

This lecture explores how Buddhist art and images are experienced in Bhutan from the perspective of the Buddhist faithful. From the ornate temples of the great fortresses (dzongs) to modest home altars, Buddhist images play an important role in the daily life of this Buddhist community. The spiritual connection between the practitioner and sacred images will be explored using specific examples drawn from the speaker's observations in Bhutan.

About the Speaker:

John Johnston is assistant curator for the exhibition "The Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan" organized by the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Mr. Johnston was a key participant in locating and identifying works of sacred art for the exhibition and was based in Bhutan for three years working on the project. He also participated in original research, writing and editing efforts culminating in "The Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan" (Serindia Publications, 2008). He is cofounder and coeditor of the Buddhist Art News and author of numerous articles on the subject. Mr. Johnston presently serves on the editorial board of the National Museum of Bhutan. He has conducted fieldwork at remote Buddhist sites throughout Asia, particularly in silk road and Himalayan areas.

A Bodhisattva Never Disappears

2008-05-02T14:31:00.004+07:00

At the time of my death, when I feel that I am no [longer] useful on this planet, then I will pray that I will be reborn to be of use. I always pray, "as long as space remains and as long as sentient beings' suffering remains, may I remain to dispel their suffering."

So I pray that I am born somewhere where I will be useful. A bodhisattva is always reborn again; he never makes a break, never disappears. He has to provide good services among the human beings, animals, insects, any living being. This is his bodhisattva vow.

Excerpt from The Dalai Lamas: A Visual History, edited by Martin Brauen, published by Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich and Serindia Publications, Chicago (2005).

Thanks to K. Shane Suvikapakronkul of Serindia Publications for this wonderful book, which is now at the 1000 Stars Foundation's library.

K. Shane newly serves the Foundation's advisory board and is working with us toward the establishment of a research and education institute on Tibet and beyond.

Various Courses on Tibetan, Mahayana Buddhism and Eastern Philosphy

2008-05-02T12:59:00.013+07:00

Nagarjuna and the Teaching on the Middle Way, which can be applied to everyday living.

Sacred white conch belonging to Wencheng Princess, 7th century,

Damu Monastery, Nagchu County.

The Thousand Stars Foundation is offering various short courses on Tibetan, Mahayana Buddhism, and Asian Culture/Philosophy to the general public at the Foundation House, Ladprao 11.

28 May - 28 June 2008

Basic Tibetan I (ภาษาทิเบตพื้นฐาน I)

Instructors: Aj. Yontan (Meu Yontan Tongdrol) and Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom

Affiliation: The Thousand Stars Foundation

Media of instruction: Tibetan and Thai

Time: 30 hours, three times a week: Wednesdays, Fridays 18.30-20.30 hrs. Sundays 16.00-18.00 hrs.

Registration fees: 4,500 baht (All the proceeds will be contributed to the Tara Great Stupa project).

This course emphasizes the relationship between language and culture and aims to equip the students with basic skills, namely speaking, listening, reading, writing including translating. We'll read a basic prayer in Tibetan as well.

For those who are interested only in reading and translating Buddhist texts, we hope to offer such a course in the near future.

6 July-31 August 2008

Basic Dance Workshop I: Sacred Newar Tantric Dance for Mindfulness and Inner Awakening

(นาฏศิลป์ตันตระพื้นฐาน I: การร่ายรำเพื่อการตื่นรู้และเบิกบานภายใน)

Instructor: Aj. Tam (Thanapol Virulhakul)

Affiliation: Open Space

Medium of instruction: Thai (but non-Thais may contact the instructor for a possibility of special instruction in English)

Time: 20 hours, weekly Sundays 16.00-18.30 hrs.

Registration fees: 3,500 baht

27 July 2008

Tibetan Calligraphy (ศิลปะการเขียนด้วยภาษาทิเบต)

Instructor: Aj. Yontan

Both Thais and non-Thais are welcome. Students need not have background knowledge in Tibetan.

Time: 6 hours, Sunday 9.00-16.00 hrs.

Registration fee: 700 baht

2-3 August 2008

Nagarjuna: Teaching on the Middle Way (นาคารชุน: คำสอนว่าด้วยทางสายกลาง)

Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soraj Hongladarom

Affiliation: The Thousand Stars Foundation and Chulalongkorn University

Medium of instruction: Thai

Time: 12 hours: weekend 9.00-16.00 hrs. (Lunch and breaks will be provided.)

Registration fees: 1,800 baht

For all courses, hands-out, snacks and breaks will be provided.

More short courses on various topics of interest including Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan culture will be announced soon.

More information and registration, please contact 1000tara@gmail.com.

Daily Practices of a Three-Year Retreatant

2008-05-01T13:07:00.010+07:00

In front of the Dzogchen College, Dokden Monatery, Aba County, Sichuan Province, a retreat center for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days. Students/practitioners come from various places throughout Tibet.

หน้าวิทยาลัยซกเช็น วัดตกเต็น เมืองอาบา มณฑลเสฉวน

ที่ปฏิบัติจำศีลภาวนา 3 ปี 3 เดือน 3 วัน นักเรียนหรือผู้ปฏิบัติธรรมมาจากที่ต่างๆทั่วทิเบต

The retreatants of the Dzogchen College, Cohort 2004-2008 posted with some members of the 1000 Stars board when we went to visit them and offered them donations. These retreatants just finished their training. The new ones are entering into retreat starting May 2008.

ผู้จำศีล 3 ปี 3 เดือน 3 วัน จำศีลปี พ.ศ. 2547 ถึงปี 2551 รูปนี้ถ่ายตอนคณะกรรมการบริหารมูลนิธิ (ขณะนั้นเพื่อนๆหลายคนยังไม่ได้เป็นกรรมการ) ไปเยี่ยมพวกท่านและถวายปัจจัยที่วิทยาลัยซกเช็น

ขณะนี้พวกท่านได้สำเร็จการฝึกเข้มแล้วและกำลังเดินทางกลับบ้านเกิด ผู้จำศีลรุ่นใหม่กำลังเข้าไปจำศีลภาวนาอีก 3 ปี 3 เดือน 3 วันเริ่มตั้งแต่เดือนพฤษภาคมนี้

An image of Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche who achieved rainbow body in 1935. His lineage was passed on to several Bonpo centers in Tibet, Nepal, India and elsewhere. With his student the former Tsulchen Rinpoche, he founded this Dzogchen College at Dokden during his visit there for 6 months in 1924. There were only 5 retreatants in the first cohort. From that time until now this college has become a Dzogchen retreat center for practitioners throughout Tibet.

รูปพระอาจารย์ชาซา ต้าชี่ เกียลเซ็น ริมโปเช ผู้ได้ร่างประภัสสรหรือร่างรุ้งใน ปี พ.ศ. 2478 วัดเพินต่างๆในทิเบต เนปาล อินเดียและประเทศอื่นๆยังคงปฏิบัติธรรมตามสายการปฏิบัติของท่าน ท่านเคยพำนักที่วัดตกเต็นเป็นเวลา 6 เดือนในปี พ.ศ. 2467 ซึ่งเป็นปีที่ท่านร่วมสร้างวิทยาลัยซกเช็นกับลูกศิษย์ของท่านคือ ซูลเช็น ริมโปเช (เจ้าอาวาสคนก่อน เจ้าอาวาสคนปัจจุบันเป็นนิรมาณกายหรือทุลกุของท่าน) ในปีนั้นมีผู้จำศีลภาวนากลุ่มแรก 5 คน ตั้งแต่เวลานั้นจนถึงปัจจุบัน วิทยาลัยนี้ได้กลายเป็นที่จำศีลภาวนาซกเช็นของผู้ปฏิบัติธรรมทั่วทิเบต

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I just finished a translation of a document on three-year retreatants at Dzogchen College, Dokden, a Bonpo monastery in Aba County, Sichuan Province (Amdo, Eastern Tibet). The vigorous training there is truly amazing.

This is one of the projects in Eastern Tibet that the 1000 Stars Foundation is undertaking. Anyone who wants to learn more about this support or wish to make contributions, please contact me directly at hkesang@yahoo.com.

ถ้าใครอยากร่วมทำบุญถวายปัจจัยแด่พระภิกษุจำศีลเหล่านี้ กรุณาติดต่อดร. กฤษดาวรรณ ที่ hkesang@yahoo.com มูลนิธิพันดาราจะถวายปัจจัยพวกท่านทุกเดือน เพื่อเป็นเครื่องบูชา ภัตตาหาร โอสถ และของใช้อื่นๆ

Daily Practices

Imagine that the retreatants do this for three years, three months and three days (1128 days):

04.00 hrs.

Get up, meditate, do 1000 prostrations while taking refuge, make offerings, mandalas and a white burnt offering.

07.00 hrs.

Recite the heart mantra of the three bodies of Buddha and 100 syllables to remove fruits of unwholesome deeds, recite a dharani to generate bodhicitta. Do these preliminary practices as much as possible (requiring 100,000 repetitions of each).

09.00 hrs.

Practice inner yoga, receive empowerments and oral transmissions of texts from the masters, study and practice Tenod Dzod Vol II (Sde snod mdzod) concerning tantra and dzogchen, Jedzog Lhanyen Shegong (Bskyed rdzog lha gnyen shel-sgong) which is visualization and meditation on emptiness and Zhang-zhung snyan-rgyud, main text on oral transmission of Dzogchen.

12.00-15.00 hrs.

Lunch break and rest. However, if it's the 15th or 30th of the month, the practitioner needs to practice Nyatom (Nya-sdom) taking only one vegetarian meal a day and Nyungne (Snyung-gnas) fasting and silent retreat to generate compassion.

15.00 hrs.

Do 400 prostrations. If time permits, do self-study of the Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen, make offerings and mandalas.

18.00 hrs.

Practice Chod (body offering) and Tsur (burnt offering), dinner break and self-study.

22.00 hrs.

Meditate, practice dream yoga, emphasizing lucid dreams, rest.

Thousand Stars Seminar at the Surin Hospital

2008-04-27T12:21:00.011+07:00

The event on 25 April 2008 at Surin Hospital will remain one of our beautiful memories.

If there is any place that has a meaning on earth, hospital is one of them. Doctors, nurses and care takers are all bodhisattvas who cure patients with loving kindness and compassion.

With the power of medicine and bodhicitta, all diseases rooted in ignorance can be cured.

Seminar on Tibetan Spirituality and How to Take Care of Patients

At the event we distributed the first batch of bamboo seeds and the stupa postcard to remind people of peace and compassion. We are hopeful that soon we'll have more trees and more people will lead their lives toward peace and harmony.

Thanapol's Amitayus dance. May the patients recuperate soon and have long life!

Thousand Stars products and publications are on sale and display.

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The audience

Yontan's talk on vajra and bell with Krisadawan as a translator

Krisadawan's talk on Tibetan spirituality

Opening ceremony by the vice president of the Surin Hospital. Dr. Bundit gave a report on the seminar.

การเดินทางไปสุรินทร์และการเสวนาเรื่องจิตวิญญาณแบบทิเบตที่โรงพยาบาลสุรินทร์ในครั้งนี้เป็นประสบการณ์ที่มีคุณค่าที่สุดประสบการณ์หนึ่งของดิฉันและเพื่อนๆมูลนิธิพันดาราที่เดินทางไปด้วย ได้แก่ คุณเอก คุณเล็ก คุณกลาง น้องตั๋มและน้องป๊อก ขอกราบขอบพระคุณผู้อำนวยการและชมรมพุทธศาสตร์ โรงพยาบาลจังหวัดสุรินทร์ คุณหมอบัณฑิตและเพื่อนๆที่มาช่วยกันบริหารงานมูลนิธิพันดาราที่สุรินทร์ ได้แก่ คุณช้อย คุณจ๋อย คุณเป้ คุณอุ่น คุณแหม่ม คุณเอื้อย คุณอ้อย และเพื่อนๆที่ไม่ได้ระบุนามในที่นี้

Visiting Famous Silk Weaving Village

2008-04-27T12:08:00.005+07:00

At Ajarn Veraatham's beautiful house, Ban Tha Sawang, Silk Weaving Village

Beautiful design of the cloth presented at the APEC conference

Silk weaving

Threads dyed with natural colors

**เรามีความหวังลึกๆว่าสักวันหนึ่งจะได้ทอรูปพระแม่ตาราหนึ่งพันองค์ด้วยไหมไทยย้อมด้วยสีธรรมชาติที่หมู่บ้านแห่งนี้**

Visiting Sacred Sites in Surin

2008-04-26T21:41:00.010+07:00

Paying homage to Praphut Surinthamongkol, main Buddha statue of Surin

An image of Luangpu Dul is kept inside this jediya

The Budda statue of around 200 years old at Buraparam, Luangpu Dul's temple

The present abbot of Wat Buraparam (Phra Bodhinanthamuni). Luang phor kindly talked with us for nearly two hours. He appreciated our idea of translating Luangpu Dul's teaching in English. The book will be in the care of Dr. Bundit and his team who will coordinate with Krisadawan and Soraj in translating and publishing it. Thanks to everyone who has made donations to this project.

New Office, The 1000 Stars Surin Group

2008-04-26T21:34:00.005+07:00

Un, Kris, Yontan.

Un, who runs the Saren Travel company kindly arranges a corner of her office to be a meeting place for the 1000 Stars.
It's so wonderful to see a Green Tara thangka and Stupa posters hanging there.

The group from Bangkok posted with members of the Surin group, a beginning of a long-term work for sentient beings.

In front of the office

Ten Questions about a Thai Practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism

2008-04-23T10:01:00.006+07:00

In 2006 I was interviewed by Dr. Benny Low, editor of Eastern Horizon, a Dharma magazine published by the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia. Here are the questions and answers. Below is the interview with some updated answers.

1. It is quite unusual for a Thai Buddhist to be a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism? What started you on this path?

It had never occurred to me that I would become a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. The idea didn’t happen even when I was exposed to Tibetan Buddhist concepts while I was studying Tibetan studies at Indiana University in 1988-1993. I think what started me on the path is a combination of many factors, such as the meeting in 1983 with John Blofeld, the first person who introduced me to Tibetan Buddhism; my several sojourns in Nepal, India and Tibet, which made me acquainted with Tibetan cultural and religious practices, and my research in Kham in eastern Tibet since 1995. The time I spent in the field was not only beneficial for my data gathering but it also gave me excellent opportunities to meet with many inspirational lamas through whom I learned the most basic and profound lesson of being a human being, that is, to be compassionate to all sentient beings.

2. As someone who grew up in a Theravada environment, do you think it is possible to adopt an ecclectic approach in our practice, by combining the best of Theravada Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism?

Definitely. But first of all, we must understand that Theravada Buddhism is part of Tibetan Buddhism. You can’t be a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and at the same time refuse basic tenets emphasized in Theravada Buddhism. In “The Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism,” Kalu Rinpoche started from the most basic teaching of Buddhism, such as the law of karma and its fruits and the impermanence of life. All of these are highlighted in Tibetan Buddhism.

I love to use an analogy of a pyramid when I describe the relationship between Theravada Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism. The former is the basis for the latter in a similar manner as the floor is the foundation for the house or the house is the basis of the roof. You can’t have the roof without first building the house.

You might have heard that the preliminary practices in Tibetan Buddhism require you to prostrate at least 100,000 times, to recite certain mantras for the same number and so on. But the most preliminary practices always start with the contemplation on these basic teachings, which form the core of Theravada Buddhism.

Recently, I was asked by a friend whether I consider myself a Thai Buddhist or a Tibetan Buddhist. I gave the exact answer as above and added that one thing I did which might characterized me more on the Tibetan path was that I prayed in Tibetan, not in Pali. But like other Thais, I made my aspirations in my native tongue.

3. Is this why you started The Thousand Stars Foundation to bridge the gap between Theravada Buddhists in Thailand and Tibetan Buddhism?

Actually, the idea of establishing the foundation came from the fact that I traveled to many parts of Kham and saw a lot of good work that local people have been doing. I knew I could help them if I set up a non-governmental organization through which I could apply for funding and ask for donations. These local people I have met are remarkable. They are great practitioners of Buddhism.

The idea of having the foundation as a bridge between Theravada Buddhists in Thailand and Tibetan Buddhists came much later. That is, in the beginning I concentrated more on how to help develop Tibetan communities, how to help practitioners in Tibet realize their goals, no matter whether the goals are renovating assembly halls, building nun residences, supporting the education of children, or publishing dharma books.

I later thought that the foundation could do more than just being an ordinary NGO and I should take advantage of being an academic to engage in academic activities for the purpose of spreading the dharma. This is why another half of our work is geared towards creating dialogues among the various denominations of Buddhism and by doing that we step beyond the territories of Theravada Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism.

4. What are some of the projects of this Foundation, and how are they funded?

As mentioned earlier, our projects are two-fold: developmental projects in Tibetan communities and academic activities in Thailand. As we are a new and small organization, we are not yet successful in getting substantial funding. The developmental work in Tibet has been possible through the kind-heartedness of Thai people who have donated to the foundation so that we could provide scholarships to nomad children in Jyekundo (Yushu county) and support a nunnery in a nomad area in Dzachukha (Shiqu county).

The names of the school and the nunnery we are supporting are Upper Pathang Primary School and Dakini Hermitage. Both places are in the northern part of Kham, which are now under the administration of Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. More detail on these can be obtained from the foundation’s website (www.thousand-stars.org).

As for the academic work in Thailand, which is aimed at promoting knowledge on Tibet and Buddhism, we received a grant from the Metanexus Institue in the U.S.A made through the Thousand Stars Buddhism and Science Group.

With this grant, we could conduct several conferences and seminars which touch upon such topics as death and dying, dream and spirituality from both religious and scientific perspectives. More activities will be held later of this year.

In June 2006 we will organize a workshop on mind training and in December we will hold a conference on body and mind. So you can see that our conferences are generally built around the theme of mind and reach out to various groups of people. Our policy is quite flexible. Although the main emphasis is on Tibetans in Tibet, we also want to help Tibetan lamas who live outside Tibet. We want to support practitioners so that they will have more time for dharma practice. And we want to invite them to come to teach in Thailand.

As dharma should be accessible to everyone who wants to hear it, we want to do it free of charge in many cases or, if necessary, charge small fees.

5. Your teacher is a Tibetan nun from Sichuan, China, whom you called Khandroma. What does it mean, and when did you realize you had affinity with her as your teacher?

I have many teachers. They all have been wonderful to me and played an important role in my spiritual development.

Kandroma is one of them. The facdt that she is a woman makes it easier for me to relate to. I felt there was a special affinity between us, the kind of karmic connection formed by our prayers and wishes in many previous lives to do the dharma work together.

The word “kandroma” refers to an enlightened female being who symbolizes our potentiality (both in male and female) to understand the nature of all things, which is emptiness. The exact translation of this Tibetan word is “sky goer” corresponding to the Sanskrit word “dakini”.

When the word is used to a human being, as in Tibetan Buddhist practice, it refers to a special woman practitioner who may be an emanation of the enlightened being.

All kandromas need not be ordained. They may be lay yoginis as well as consorts and close relatives of lamas. My teacher is a daughter of the late Lama Longtok Rinpoche, one of Tibet’s great tertons and dzogchen masters. I met her in April 2004, a day after I returned from my pilgrimage to the famous Tara temple in Denkhok, presently part of Dzachukha territory. The meeting wasn’t planned but after being at her place for about an hour both of us knew that we were spiritually connected. Before leaving her hermitage, I prayed that I would be back there again and again in this life to help her and practice with her and other nuns.

6. You plan to build a Tibetan temple in Bangkok. Could you tell us more about this ambitious project?

I plan to build a lhakhang, not exactly a temple. The word lhakhang means “building or place of deities”. I want to do it a Tibetan style to help preserve Tibetan Buddhist architecture.

The idea of lhakhang got materialized when I visited Tara temples in Tibet. These temples are called “Drolmai lhakhang” in Tibetan. Drolma is the Tibetan name for Tara, female Buddha. The lhakhang to be built which is three stories high will be a place to worship her and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as well as to serve as a symbol of the three kayas of the buddha.

The first story will symbolize nirmanakaya, emanation of the buddha on earth. The second story will be a place of sambhogakaya, joyful body of the buddha symbolized by Tara and other deities. And the third story will symbolize dharmakaya, the ultimate nature of the enlightened one.

The idea of the temple is also inspired by the building of Zangdok Pali Lhakhang at Dakini Hermitage. I must add that the building is not just to add one more building on earth. But it will be part of the Tibetan center in Thailand which we hope to become a retreat center for serious practitioners eventually.

7. You mentioned that to practice Tibetan Buddhism you have to love the Tibetan language, culture, and customs. Isn’t it possible to practice Tibetan Buddhism purely as a psychology or philosophy, or as a spiritual path that helps us transform our minds without becoming too Tibetan in our external forms?

Philosophically speaking, it is possible to do so. But what I meant when I said you had to love the Tibetan language and culture is that you couldn’t adopt only the philosophy in an abstract level without paying attention to the lineage, the language and culture of your teachers. What I wanted to say is a simple thing: if we want the dharma from our teacher, it is not appropriate for us simply to take from him or her without appreciating the Tibetan culture in which the teacher is brought up.

8. As a result of your practice of Tibetan Buddhism, you said you now have a more meaningful life. Could you share with us which aspects of the teaching that has transformed you as a person?

There are many aspects in Tibetan Buddhism which have transformed me. The emphasis on compassion for the beings of the six realms, not only on our loved ones and human beings, touches my heart deeply. This is clearly seen in the practice on burnt offerings for beings in the bardo. If you can give your love to the beings whom you cannot perceive, you can give your love to anyone, let alone talking about your human enemies.

The focus on genuine faith in the Triple Gems, not merely lips service, the practice on meditational deities and the emphasis on devotion to your teacher are among the few aspects that I found instrumental in my life. I truly believe that these practices will make me a better person and enable me to help sentient beings.

9. You prefer to consider yourself a Dharma practitioner rather than a Buddhist scholar, though you are a well-known expert in the field of Tibetan language and culture. How do you bridge the gap between scholarship and practice?

I came to Buddhism through practice, not through academic study. When I give a talk on Tibetan Buddhism, I always emphasize that I talk from a practitioner’s perspective. I don’t have an objective view towards Buddhism. I have too much passion for the object of my talk, which is not always appreciated from an academic viewpoint. What I speak or write is mainly for lay Buddhists who want to understand Tibetan Buddhism, not for Buddhist scholars or students of Buddhism in the academic sense. That has a little benefit, in my point of view because the purpose is for academic pursuit, not for liberation. In this way, I have no problem bridging the gap between scholarship and practice.

10. If our readers are keen to support your wonderful work in Thailand and China, how could they contact you?

More detail about the Thousand Stars can be obtained from www.thousand-stars.org. I encourage your readers to contact me directly at hkesang@yahoo.com". Support, suggestions and comments would help us grow. Thank you.

May the Flower of Love and Happiness Bloom in Our Heart

2008-04-22T10:25:00.013+07:00

This past Sunday (April 20) the 1000 Stars Foundation organized a special event "Beloved Tara" at the foundation house on Ladprao Road.

Although it was hot and humid outside, inside the lobby of the house was full of cool air of compassion.

The beautiful Tara mandala was arranged. The main wall was decorated with beautiful cloth depicting hundred of tiny Taras and thangkas of various deities.

In the wake of unrest and violence in Tibet and amidst misconceptions about Tibetan mind and personality, the foundation offered a corner of love, peace and happiness.

The event started with an impressive presentation on Krisadawan's life, which Dr. Wichat and her former linguistic students at Chulalongkorn University did in the occasion of her early retirement from the university last October.

After that the film on Tara was shown. It was done by the Luck666 company. Thanks to their beautiful work, we got to learn more about this beloved Bodhisattva.

Tara has been worshipped in Tibet since the 8th century A.D. The teaching on compassion spread to Mongolia around the 13th century changing Mongol warriors into peace-loving people.

Then Krisadawan talked about Tara and how to worship and meditate on her.

Because Dr. Soraj had an urgent conference to attend in the Philippines, he couldn't give a talk on Indian and Tibetan devotees, as planned.

Instead, the foundation invited Meu Yontan Tongdrol to talk about Tara from the Dzogchen perspective.

Yontan said he was simply an ordinary man who was fortunate to be a monk for 27 years and served several masters including his maternal uncle Yongdzin Rinpoche, a great Dzogchen master in Yungdrung Bon, indigenous form of Buddhism originating in Tibet.

Yongdzin Rinpoche was a student of Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche, who achieved rainbow body in 1935.

After the break, the participants sang the melodious praise to the Twenty-One Taras, recited Tara mantra and meditated on her. Krisadawan reminded the audience to practice the Dharma with pure aspiration to help sentient beings.

They visualized that there was a radiant light from the green TAM sacred syllable from their heart to the entire universe. The syllble TAM represents Tara and the true nature of their own mind. Its light grants love, happiness and healing blessing to any being it touches upon.

After visualization, they sang a praise to Tara for her unconditional love for sentient beings.

Thanapol, one of the first Thai dancers who got a chance to study tantric Buddhist dance from Nepal performed a touching performance of 16 offering goddesses and Green Tara.

Thanapol said this performance was not an entertainment but it was a devotional dance as an offering to Tara. It's an expression of art and spirituality which is rooted on Buddhist principle.

Before the session was over, there was a prayer dedicating the merit to all sentient beings, particularly the Tibetans, Han, Hui (Muslim nationality in China) and all parties related to the sad events in Tibet.

May the seed of peace be planted everywhere in the world! May the flower of love and happiness bloom in our heart always!

With appreciation:

The foundation would like to thank Miao (Worawanna) for her hard work and dedication which made this event a beautiful memory. Thanks are also due to Wichat for accepting to be our moderator even with a short notice and to the media who attended the event and to Thanapol for the inspiring dance.

The foundation is grateful to Bo for filming the event and for asking thought-provoking questions. Last but not least, we thank the audience and Tara devotees.

Seeds of Peace

2008-04-18T18:01:00.005+07:00

The 1000 Stars Foundation is launching a seeds of peace project to promote peace and harmony with nature and environment. Each seed represents growth and hope. The seeds will be first distributed at our seminar on Tibetan spirituality and how to take care of patients at Surin Hospital on 25 April. Thanks to K. Glaang for the beautiful envelope.

Reflection on the Radio Interview

2008-04-18T11:54:00.006+07:00

Yesterday I was interviewed on radio by Ven. Than Chandra of Santi Asoke. We were supposed to talk about my poetry book: Saeng Chan Nua Yodson or Moonlight over Pine Tree. But the update on my life after I left the university in October last year got us carried away. So instead we talked about how I lived my everyday life, how I ran the foundation, and how I practiced the Dharma.

Ven. Than Chandra even asked me practical questions such as whether I drove myself to the office of the foundation, how long I worked there, what I did when I stayed in a retreat, what mantra I recited, what time I woke up and so on.

He asked me whether I was being selfish by not working at the university to use my Ph.D knowledge to the fullest. I told him I have already done that for 14 years. And leaving the university doesn't mean I leave my knowledge behind. This is the time I can apply my knowledge to other contexts of life, and more importantly learn "within" looking inside my own mind. The understanding of the mind is imperative for society and the world. Without understanding the true nature of our own mind, we often harm others and do not recognize the great potential of our being.

I told Ven. Than Chandra that even though my new life is like a small boat, it's the boat that is driven by love, compassion and the willingness to change oneself. Controlling the boat is challenging, particularly when it is done by a female, but I wholeheartedly accept the challenge because I know the small boat will grow to become a big boat and no storms can harm it, as long as it is rooted in pure aspiration. Besides, this boat is nurtured by great support of friends, students, family and those who share my spirit.

After the live interview was on air, two people called. A woman said she was inspired by my decision and my dedication to Dharma activities. A man said he couldn't accept my view and my way of life.

It was interesting to see two different perspectives. I'm not surprised that the man reacted this way. It seems women don't have a right to devote herself to the Dharma, particularly if they have access to higher education.

To me, it's time we are broad-minded and look at Dharma in a new light. Dharma shouldn't be restricted to anyone's duty or role. Both men and women have rights to pursue their spiritual pursuits. If men want to become ordained, we usually rejoice, but when women want to do the same thing, they are blamed for abandoning their families. Is this the right way of reaction?

Basic Tibetan Course I

2008-04-16T20:31:00.002+07:00

The 1000 Stars Foundation is offering a 30-hour course on Basic Tibetan I on 28 May - 28 June 2008. Basic linguistic skills and an intenstive training of Tibetan will be emphasized. The course meets three times a week to ensure efficiency: on Wednesday and Friday at 18.30-20.30 hrs. and on Sunday at 16-18.00 hrs. Training fee is 4,500 baht which includes hands-out.All the proceeds will be contributed to the construction of the Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony.

Instructors are Ajarn Meu Yontan Tongdrol, former Tibetan instructor at the Southwest Minorities Institute, Chengdu and editor of "Radiance of the Snow Mountain," Dokden Monastery's Dharma magazine, and Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom, former lecturer in linguistics and Tibetan at Chulalongkorn University.

Interested persons please contact the foundation at worawora@gmail.com.

Tsog Offerings on Guru Rinpoche and Dakini Days, April 2008

2008-04-12T13:22:00.005+07:00

There will be two tsog offerings based on the Guru Thugthig sadhana and a prayer and praise to the 21 Taras:

On Tuesday April 15 (Guru Rinpoche Day)
at the Tara shrineroom at the Foundation House on Ratanathibet Road, Nonthaburi, 5-7 PM

On Wednesday April 30 (Dakini Day)
at the Foundation shrineroom at the Foundation House on Ladprao Road, 6.30-8.30 PM

We'll meditate on Guru Rinpoche and Tara, the main deities of our Foundation. Our sessions will end with a prayer for peace and dedication of merit to all sentient beings, particularly those who went through all kinds of suffering. On the 15th we'll make a burnt offering particularly to the deceased Burmese migrants.

ขอเชิญผู้สนใจทุกท่านร่วมถวายเครื่องบูชาแด่พระคุรุปัทมสัมภวะและสวดสรรเสริญพระแม่ตารา

วันอังคารที่ 15 เมษายน (วันพระคุรุริมโปเช)
วิหารพระแม่ตารา บ้านมูลนิธิ ถนนรัตนาธิเบศร์ เวลา 5-7 PM

วันพุธที่ 30 เมษายน (วันฑากินี)
ห้องพระ บ้านมูลนิธิ ถนนลาดพร้าว เวลา 6.30-8.30 PM.

เราจะนั่งสมาธิถึงพระคุรุริมโปเชและพระแม่ตารา การปฏิบัติจบท้ายด้วยการสวดมนตร์เพื่อสันติภาพของโลกและการอุทิศส่วนกุศลให้สัตว์ทั้งหลายที่เวียนว่ายตายเกิดในสังสารวัฏโดยเฉพาะสัตว์ที่กำลังได้รับความทุกข์ทรมานในรูปแบบต่างๆกัน ในวันที่ 15 เราจะสวดมนตร์เป็นพิเศษให้แรงงานพม่าที่เพิ่งเสียชีวิตด้วย

Main Pillars Ritual for the Vasutara Meditation Hall

2008-04-12T12:45:00.004+07:00

April 11, 2008 is one of the auspicious dates for conducting rituals related to the building of Dharma center. We took this great opportunity to put a treasure bag in a hole at the construction site of the Vasutara Meditation Hall. This was followed by the putting of two iron main pillars. All the workers including Prachum, the site manager, the construction owner and his wife joined me and Yontan in the prayer. It was a great moment when each one of us put blessed rice, coins, earth and stones in the hole while praying to deities, Mother Earth and generating our love and compassion to sentient beings.

Office Closed till Songkran

2008-04-03T23:54:00.004+07:00

I will be in a retreat starting from tomorrow till the 10th and will go to Khadiravana afterwards. In the meantime, the office at the foundation house will be closed. We'll resume our activities on April 12.

Let's stop for a minute everyday and pray for peace to prevail everywhere in the world!

Seminar on "Tibetan Spirituality and How to Look After Patients"

2008-04-02T22:20:00.010+07:00

The Tibetans inspire us to love not only our human fellows but tiny beings such as insects and those from other realms. Their wisdom leads us to the domain of death which is in fact the domain of living. What do we learn from Tibetan spirituality and how can we apply it to everyday life, particularly when we need to look after patients? What should be our view toward cancer? How can patients deal with it so that their mind is liberated from fear and all sorts of mental suffering?

The Surin 1000 Stars Group and the 1000 Stars Buddhism and Science Group, Thousand Stars Foundation in cooperation with the Dharma Club of the Surin Hospital is pleased to invite interested persons to attend a special seminar on "Tibetan Spirituality and How to Look After Patients" at the conference hall, Surin Hospital, Muang District, Surin Province on Friday April 25, 13.00-16.00 hrs.

Program:
13.00-13.10 hrs. Opening speech
Dr. Bundit Thanaboonsombut (Chair of the Surin 1000 Stars Group)

13.10-14.00 hrs. "Tibetan spirituality and How to Look After and Encourage Patients"
Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom (Chair of the 1000 Stars Foundation)

14.00-14.30 hrs. "Living with cancer peacefully"
Worawanna Petchkij (Ph.D student, Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University and coordinator for the Foundation)

14.30-15.00 hrs. "Vajra and bell: An integration of means and wisdom
Meu Yondan Thongdrol (Tibetan coordinator for the Foundation). Talk with demonstration

15.00-15.30 hrs. "Getting to know Tara, the Bodhisattva patron of the 1000 Stars Foundation" (Documentary film)

15.30-16.00 hrs. Amitayus Tantric dance
Thanapol Virulhakul (dance artist of the Chariya Natya and member of the Open Space group)

The seminar is free of charge. Friends of the Foundation who would like to attend this event, please contact Worawanna at worawora@gmail.com about transportation and accommodation.

We'll leave Bangkok on April 24 around 6 am and return to Bangkok on April 25 after the seminar. There will be time for visiting Buraparam Temple (Luangpu Dul's temple), paying respect to the present abbot, sightseeing the national conservation park, and visiting a silk-making village.

ชาวทิเบตสอนให้เราไม่เพียงแต่รักเพื่อนมนุษย์ แต่ยังสอนให้เรารักสัตว์ทั้งหลาย แม้แต่สัตว์ตัวเล็กๆ เช่น มด หรือแมลง และสัตว์โลกจากภพภูมิอื่น
ปัญญาของพวกเขานำเราไปสู่การพูดคุยเกี่ยวกับความตายซึ่งจริงๆแล้วเป็นเรื่องของการดำรงชีวิตอยู่ เราได้อะไรบ้างจากจิตวิญญาณแบบทิเบต เราจะนำจิตวิญญาณแบบนี้ไปประยุกต์ใช้่กับชีวิตประจำวันของเราได้อย่างไร โดยเฉพาะเมื่อเราดูแลและให้การรักษาผู้ป่วย เราควรจะมองมะเร็งอย่างไร ทำอย่างไรผู้ป่วยจึงจะอยู่กับมะเร็งและโรคภัยไข้เจ็บทั้งหลายอย่างศานติและอย่างผู้ปราศจากความกลัว ความวิตกกังวล และอารมณ์บ่อนทำลาย

การเสวนาเรื่อง "จิตวิญญาณแบบทิเบตกับการดูแลผู้ป่วย"
จัดโดยกลุ่มมูลนิธิพันดาราสุรินทร์และกลุ่มสนทนาพระพุทธศาสนากับวิทยาศาสตร์พันดารา มูลนิธิพันดารา และชมรมพุทธศาสตร์ โรงพยาบาลจังหวัดสุรินทร์

สถานที่: หอประชุม โรงพยาบาลจังหวัดสุรินทร์

วันที่ 25 เมษายน 2551

กำหนดการ
13.00-16.00 การเสวนาเรื่อง "จิตวิญญาณแบบทิเบตกับการดูแลผู้ป่วย"
13.00-13.10 กล่าวนำและแนะนำวิทยากร โดย นพ. บัณฑิต ธนบุญสมบัติ (ประธานกลุ่มพันดาราสุรินทร์)
13.10-14.00 บรรยายเรื่อง “จิตวิญญาณแบบทิเบตกับการให้กำลังใจและความรักแก่ผู้
ป่วย” โดย รศ. ดร. กฤษดาวรรณ หงศ์ลดารมภ์ (ประธานมูลนิธิพันดารา)
14.00-14.30 บรรยายเรื่อง "อยู่กับมะเร็งอย่างศานติ" โดย คุณ วรวรรณา เพ็ชรกิจ
( ผู้ประสานงานมูลนิธิพันดาราและนิสิตดุษฎีบัณฑิต คณะอักษรศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย)
14.30-15.00 การบรรยายประกอบการสาธิต "วัชระกับระฆัง: การประสานระหว่างอุบาย
กับปัญญา” โดยคุณมิว เยินเต็น ทงเทรอ (Mr. Meu Yontan Tongdrol) ผู้ประสานงานโครงการชาวทิเบต มูลนิธิพันดารา
15.00-15.30 รู้จักพระแม่ตารา พระโพธิสัตว์ผู้เป็นแรงบันดาลใจในการก่อตั้งมูลนิธิพันดารา (ฉายภาพยนตร์ประกอบ)
15.30-16.00 การแสดงนาฏศิลป์ตันตระ 'พระพุทธเจ้าแห่งการบำบัดรักษาและการมีอายุยืนยาว" โดยคุณธนพล วิรุฬหกุล (ศิลปินและกลุ่ม Open Space)
16.00 ปิดการประชุม

การเดินทางไปสุรินทร์ในครั้งนี้ นอกจากจะเป็นการไปเสวนาและเยี่ยมกลุ่มมูลนิธิพันดาราสุรินทร์แล้ว ยังเป็นการเดินทางไปกราบพระที่วัดบูรพาราม (วัดหลวงปู่ดุลย์)และเยี่ยมชมสถานที่ทางวัฒนธรรมที่สำคัญของจังหวัด ผู้สนใจเดินทางไปด้วย กรุณาติดต่อวรวรรณาที่ worawora@gmail.com

Tsog Offering on Dakini Day

2008-03-31T08:45:00.002+07:00

There will be a tsog offering, meditation and prayer to the 21Taras on Tuesday April 1 (Dakini Day) at the Foundation House, 6.30 - 8.30 pm. Everyone is welcome.

Hatred and Forbearance

2008-03-29T07:44:00.004+07:00

There is no evil equal to hatred, and no spiritual practice eqal to forbearance. Therefore one should develop forbearance by various means, with great effort.(1)

One's mind finds no peace, neither enjoys pleasure or delight, nor goes to sleep, nor feels secrue while the dart of hatred is stuck in the heart.(2)

The person who realizes that hatred is an enemy, since it creates such sufferings as these, and who persistently strikes it down, is happy in this world and the next.(6)

Therefore I shll destroy the food of this deceiver, since this hatred has no purpose other than my murder.(8)

ไม่มีความชั่วใดเหมือนกับโทสะ และไม่มีตบะใดเหมือนกับขันติ ดังนั้น เราจึงควรฝึกฝนขันติด้วยวิธีการต่างๆกัน

จิตจะไม่พบความสงบ ความพอใจ หรือความยินดีใดๆ ไม่สามารถจะหลับลงได้ หรือไม่มีความมั่นคง หากลูกดอกแห่งโทสะยังเสียดแทงจิตใจอยู่

ผู้ที่มองเห็นว่าความโกรธเป็นศัตรู รู้ว่าความโกรธก่อทุกข์เช่นนี้ และยืนกรานที่จะข่มมันให้ได้ จะมีความสุขทั้งในโลกนี้และโลกหน้า

ดังนั้น ข้าฯจะเอาอาหารของผู้หลอกลวงนี้ไป เนื่องจากความเกลียดนี้ไม่มีจุดหมายอื่นใดนอกจากจะสังหารข้าฯ

(Source: Shantideva: The Bodhicaryavatara by Kate Crosby and Andrew Skilton)

Don't Let Anger Ruin Your Beautiful Memories

2008-03-29T00:33:00.003+07:00

When a person is angry at someone, he tends to think only about the negative side of that person. It's like in the whole world there is no one who is as wicked as this person. When he does this, he breathes in the breath of anger, which can easily turn into resentment. When he breathes out, he lets go the air of hatred which pollutes the environment. Both breaths harm his entire being and put him in great suffering, just like the suffering of hell beings who are afflicted by the torments of extremes of cold and heat.

When we are angry, it's important for us to learn to calm the agitated mind down. Instead of focusing only on the negative side, he should remember all the kindness that person has done to him. He also should think that all beings have faults. The person who makes him angry is no exception.

Some practical advice: go to the sea, sit there watching the ocean and waves after waves. Sit there until anger subsides. Watch endless waves which come and go. Meditate on the four immeasurable thoughts. Think of all beings with loving kindness, yourself and the person you are angry with included.

Water element will comfort angry soul. Vastness of the sea will remind us of boundless space and countless number of beings who need love and do not want suffering.

Update on Green Tara Malas

2008-03-27T18:47:00.003+07:00

Areerat has offered 1,500 baht for the mala with pearls. Anyone who is interested in making contribution, please contact us or send me a comment. We shifted the last date for auction to April 20. We'll make an announcement at the foundation house.

Interesting Seminar

2008-03-27T18:16:00.002+07:00

Today I attended a seminar on Tibet-Taiwan and Olympics organized by the Chinese center, Asian Studies Institute, Chulalongkorn University. They invited me to talk on the present situation of the Tibetan people. I accepted the invitation because I think it's important to provide information on Tibet to the Thai public and media. We know so little not only about Tibetan but also about other nationalities in China. Many people don't even know what a lama is. Any monk with red robe is considered a lama, which is not correct.

Professor Virasak of the Faculty of Political Science did an interesting analysis of the situation. To him, the unrest that just happened wouldn't affect Olympics but instead brought out another problem related to Tibetan-Han relations, as evidenced from a number of negative comments given by Han Chinese. He raised the problem of the increasing number of Chinese bars and prostitutes in Tibet, which upset Tibetan Buddhists.

There's certainly a need to understand and love one another. From the religious point of view, all beings have been our mother before. Whether they are Tibetan or Chinese, deep down they share the same basic needs and the only thing they want is happiness. Hatred wouldn't do any good. I remembered Jamyang Sakya Dagmola's speech in one of the interviews. The interviewer asked her whether she wanted to go back and live in Tibet, she said no. To her, everywhere can be considered home. Everywhere we go, we meet the same kind of people who don't want suffering and seek only happiness.

Special Event on "Beloved Tara"

2008-03-22T22:51:00.008+07:00

Gods and asuras with their crowns
bow down to Your lotus feet;
Liberator from all problems,
Mother Tara - homage to you!

เหล่าทวยเทพและอสูรต่างนอบน้อม
แด่พระบาทบัวของพระองค์ด้วยเศียรเกล้า
พระผู้ทรงช่วยให้พ้นจากปัญหาทั้งปวง
พระแม่ตารา - ขอนอบน้อมแด่พระองค์

The 1000 Stars Foundation is pleased to invite everyone to attend a special event on "Beloved Tara" at the foundation house on Sunday April 20, 2008, 1.30-5.30 pm.

Schedule:

The film and the talks are in Thai.

1.30-2.00 pm Film on Tara
2.00-3.00 pm "Who is Tara, How Tara Differs from Mundane Deities, and How to Worship and Meditate on Her?" by Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom
3.00-3.30 pm "Songs to Tara by Indian and Tibetan Devotees" by Dr. Soraj Hongladarom
3.30-4.00 pm Discussion and tea break
4.00-5.00 pm Group practice: Making Offerings, Prayer and Meditation
5.00-5.30 pm Tantric dance as an offering to Tara by Thanapol Virulhakul

There is no registration fee. Please bring vegetarian snacks to share with one another. A copy of Tara prayer book in Tibetan and Thai will be distributed at the event. Contributions to the Tara Great projects at the Tara Khadiravana Retreat Center in Hua-Hin, namely the Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony and Vasutara Dharma pavillion (meditation hall) are welcome.

Please email Worawanna (worawora@gmail.com) for reservation.

พระแม่ตาราเป็นพระโพธิส้ตว์แห่งความเมตตากรุณา ทรงเป็นที่รักและปฏิบัติบูชาของชาวทิเบต มองโกเลีย และชาวพุทธทั่วโลก คนไทยเริ่มรู้จักพระองค์มากขึ้นเรื่อยๆ ด้วยตระหนักเห็นความสำคัญของการปฏิบัติบูชาพระองค์และให้ความรู้เกี่ยวกับพระองค์ มูลนิธิพันดาราจึงจะจัดงานพิเศษ
"ตารา พระผู้เป็นที่รัก" ที่บ้านมูลนิธิ วันอาทิตย์ที่ 20 เมษายน 2551 เวลา 1.30-5.30 น.

กำหนดการ

1.30-2.00 pm ภาพยนตร์สารคดีเกี่ยวกับพระแม่ตารา
2.00-3.00 pm "พระแม่ตาราคือใคร ต่างจากเทพทางโลกอย่างไร จะปฏิบัติบูชาและนั่งสมาธิกรรมฐานถึงพระองค์อย่างไร"
รศ. ดร. กฤษดาวรรณ หงศ์ลดารมภ์
3.00-3.30 pm "บทสรรเสริญพระแม่ตาราโดยพระอาจารย์อินเดียและทิเบต"
รศ. ดร. โสรัจจ์ หงศ์ลดารมภ์
3.30-4.00 pm เสวนาและพักน้ำชากาแฟ
4.00-5.00 pm การปฏิบัติร่วมกัน: การถวายเครื่องบูชา สวดมนตร์และนั่งสมาธิ
5.00-5.30 pm การแสดงนาฏยศิลป์ตันตระเพื่อถวายเป็นพลีแด่พระแม่ตารา (ธนพล วิรุฬหกุล)

ไม่เก็บค่าลงทะเบียน ขอให้ผู้มาร่วมงานนำอาหารว่าง (มังสะวิรัติ) มารับประทานร่วมกัน ทางมูลนิธิจะแจกหนังสือสวดมนตร์พระแม่ตาราซึ่งมีบทสวดมนตร์ภาษาทิเบตและภาษาไทย ขอเชิญชวนทำบุญในโครงการพระแม่ตาราที่ภัทรกัลป์ตาราขทิรวัน อำเภอหัวหิน จังหวัดประจวบคีรีขันธุ์ ซึ่งในช่วงแรกประกอบด้วยการก่อสร้างพระศานติตารามหาสถูปและศาลาปฏิบัติธรรมวสุตารา

Green Tara Malas

2008-03-22T13:55:00.004+07:00

Jamie Reinhardt and Maneethorn Dokmail who ran the Shambhala center in Bangkok gave two beautiful Green Tara malas (beads) to the Foundation. Here are their kind words:

Hi Kris and Soraj

These two malas are a donation to/for fundraising for the stupa. THe suggested price or donation amount is 1260 baht or more per mala. The first one is Indian jade with freshwater pearl marker beads and quartz crystal guru bead. The tassel is silk on both. The second one is Indian jade with opalite markers and a jade guru bead. I hope these will help raise money for the project. I thought they would be good for Green Tara practice .

In the vision of the dharma,

Jamie & Tu

___________

Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to make contribution to the stupa by buying these malas. They are for auction from now till the end of this month. Please email worawora@gmail.com.

Sarn Pandara Newsletter

2008-03-22T13:49:00.003+07:00

The new Sarn Pandara Newsletter arrived yesterday evening. We apologized for a great delay after a year. Anyone who wants the newsletter is welcome to pick it up at the foundation house. We'll appreciate it if volunteers will take some copies for distribution at temples, hospitals and other places where there may be interest.

Salute to Pilgrimage

2008-03-20T19:16:00.005+07:00

Pilgrimage gives you an opportunity to be with nature.

This is the time you will:
Walk on treasure earth,
Drink treasure water,
Are touched by treasure wind,
Experience treasure heat,
And be with treasure air.

When you go out in the open space with free spirit, you experience luminous mind, which has been there from the beginning.

Street becomes your home.
People whom you meet become your family and friends.
Stray and wild animals become your pets.
Faith and devotion are your food that gives you strength and nourishes your soul.

This is time for unconditional love to express itself beyond limit. This is time to reflect on the real meaning of peace, which is no where but in your own mind.

Waveless Sea

2008-03-20T19:11:00.002+07:00

Learn to be with your emotions. Don't get upset when things go wrong. Don't be sad or disappointed when a plan is not realized. waves are a natural element of the sea. Emotions are like waves. They come and go. After they go away, the sea is as calm as before. Let us be like a baby whose mind is pure and clear just like waveless sea.

Toward Peace

2008-03-20T10:27:00.005+07:00

"The Stupa is for peace; Tara is for compassion. That's all we need."

There's a story about our foundation and peace in the Nation yesterday.

Please Call Me by My True Names

2008-03-20T10:23:00.001+07:00

Jick sent me this poem by Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh:

I am the mayfly metamorphosing
on the surface of the river.
And I am the bird
that swoops down to swallow the mayfly.

I am the frog swimming happily
in the clear water of a pond.
And I am the grass-snake
that silently feeds itself on the frog.

I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,
my legs as thin as bamboo sticks.
And I am the arms merchant,
selling deadly weapons to Uganda.

I am the twelve-year-old girl,
refugee on a small boat,
who throws herself into the ocean
after being raped by a sea pirate.
And I am the pirate,
my heart not yet capable
of seeing and loving.

I am a member of the politburo,
with plenty of power in my hands.
And I am the man who has to pay
his "debt of blood" to my people
dying slowly in a forced-labor camp.

My joy is like Spring, so warm
it makes flowers bloom all over the Earth.
My pain is like a river of tears,
so vast it fills the four oceans.

Please call me by my true names,
so I can hear all my cries and my laughter at once,
so I can see that my joy and pain are one.

Please call me by my true names,
so I can wake up,
and so the door of my heart
can be left open,
the door of compassion.

Tibet Trip Postponed

2008-03-19T02:03:00.002+07:00

Due to the situation in Tibet, the 1000 Stars Foundation decided to postpone our trip to Lhasa and Central Tibet to later of this year. The new dates would be either in September or October.

We thank everyone who shared with us their concern about the situation. We hope to have the opportunity to take our Thai friends to Tibet as soon as possible.

Little Bag of Peace and Love

2008-03-17T16:50:00.003+07:00

The 1000 Stars Foundation is conceiving a pilgrimage for peace and love from Thailand to Tibet with the final destination at Mt. Kailash in 2009. We plan to give this little bag to everyone we meet. The bag will contain a cloth depicting the Tara Great Stupa and Tara pictures, symbols of peace and unconditional love. Seeds of auspicious plants symbolizing seeds of peace and enlightenment will also be in the bag. We'll invite everyone to come to the foundation house to make these bags. More detail will be announced.

The first phase of this pilgrimage will be in Thailand and to neighboring countries.

Reflection of the Present Moment

2008-03-16T08:23:00.004+07:00

These days we are fortunate to live our life in a peaceful environment. Even though we get angry or upset at things some time, it's not the kind of anger that leads to resentment, tension and war.

At a corner of the world a group of people who are peace-loving devout Buddhists are experiencing a situation which is like a volcano eruption. I think of them with sadness and concern. Will they be able to prostrate in front of their main temple as before? Do they still walk on a circumambulation? Do they still recite their mantra of compassion?

I pray to Tara and Chenrezig to love them even more and guard them from fear and all kinds of suffering. I pray to compassionate protectress Palden Lhamo to protect them with all her might.

May peace be restored in this beloved city as soon as possible! May a throw of stones and bullets transform into endless showers of nectar! May a fire of anger lose its power and become just an instant blow of hot air that kills no one or harms no being. May love spread everywhere destroying ethnic conflict and discrimination, eliminating anger and hatred that has accumulated for a long time. May real happiness and freedom prevail in the mind of all beings.

We'll remember the unfortunate ones with extra love and compassion and pray for their awakening in bardo.

Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering

2008-03-12T13:20:00.003+07:00

This Sunday March 16 is Guru Padmasambhava's Day. We will remember him, pray to him, make offerings to him and meditate on him.

In addition, we will pray to Guru Drenpa Namkha and Guru Tsewang Rigzin, the masters who lead us on the Tantra and Dzogchen path. The three Gurus are called "Chi med yab sre nam sum" Tree Deathless Father and Sons. Father refers to Drenpa Namkha. Sons refer to Padmasambhava or Padma Chungne and Tsewang Rigzin.

Drenpa Namkha means the one who remembers countless lives. Tsewang Rigzin is the one who has the power over life (i.e., he has long life). And Padma Chungne means the one who was born on a lotus.

The prayer session starts at 5 pm at the Thousand Stars House, Ladprao Soi 11. Members and the general public are welcome.

ขอเรียนเชิญพุทธศาสนิกชนร่วมสวดมนตร์ภาวนา นั่งสมาธิ และถวายเครื่องบูชาแด่พระคุรุ ริมโปเช 3 พระองค์ ได้แก่ พระเทรนปา นัมคา พระคุรุเซวัง ริกซิน และพระคุรุ ปัทมสัมภวะ วันอาทิตย์ที่ 16 มีนาคม 2551 ที่บ้านมูลนิธิพันดารา ตั้งแต่เวลา 5 โมงเย็น

ชื่อเทรนปา นัมคา หมายถึงพระผู้ระลึกภพชาตินับไม่ถ้วน เซวัง ริกซิน หมายถึงผู้อยู่เหนือชีวิต (พระผู้มีอายุยืนยาว) และปัมมสัมภวะ หรือภาษาทิเบต เปมา จุงเน หมายถึงพระผู้ประสูติบนดอกบัว ทั้งสามพระองค์มีฉายาว่า "บิดาและบุตรผู้เป็นอมตะ" เทรนปา นัมคา คือบิดา เซัง ริกซินกับเปมา จุงเนคือบุตร

ในยุคที่เต็มไปด้วยสงคราม ความขัดแย้ง เราขอพรจากพระองค์ทั้งสามได้โปรดขจัดความชั่วร้าย อุปสรรคต่างๆ และขอพรในการประทานสันติสุขในชีวิต

Yogini's Aspiration

2008-03-12T09:03:00.004+07:00

Longchen Nyingthig's Chod Kandro Practice

Phad! I dedicate happiness to beings without exception.
May happiness spread throughout the sky!

I take on suffering of beings without exception.
May the suffering ocean dry out!

If I'm happy, I dedicate it to those who seek happiness.
May happiness spread throughout the sky!

If I suffer, I carry suffering of other beings.
May the suffering ocean dry out!

I take on sufferings of gods and demons.
May my happiness becomes theirs without exception!

Om Mani Padme Hum!

เพด! ขออุทิศความสุขให้สัตว์ทั้งหลายไม่เว้นแม้แต่หนึ่งเดียว
ขอความสุขแพร่ไปในอากาศ
ขอน้อมรับความทุกข์ของสัตว์ทั้งหลายไม่เว้นแม้แต่หนึ่งเดียว
ขอทะเลแห่งความทุกข์เหือดแห้งหายไป
หากข้าพเจ้าสุข
ขออุทิศความสุขให้ผู้ปรารถนาความสุข
ขอความสุขแพร่ไปในอากาศ
หากข้าพเจ้าทุกข์
ขอข้าพเจ้าได้แบกความทุกข์ของสัตว์ทั้งหลาย
ขอทะเลแห่งความทุกข์เหือดแห้งหายไป
ขอความทุกข์ของเทพและอสูรมารวมอยู่ในตัวของข้าพเจ้า
ขอความสุขของข้าพเจ้าแปรเปลี่ยนไปเป็นของพวกเขาด้วยเทอญ
โอม มณี ปัทเม หูม

Homage to Vasutara (Golden Tara)

2008-03-09T23:59:00.005+07:00

Golden Tara from Guge Kingdom

Homage to Mother Tara of Earth:

Chatshal sazhi chongwe tshognam
Thamche gugpar numa nyima
Thronyer yowe yige Hung gi
Phongpa thamche nampar drolma

Homage, Mother, able to summon before her
All the host of protectors of the earth.
Moving her frowning brows, she saves
From all poverty by the sound of HUNG

Vasutara is a combination of Vasundhara "land" and Tara referring to Golden or Yellow Tara.

Her Tibetan name is Phagma Norter Drolma. She is the 11th Tara in the 21 Tara praise. She is giver of wealth and eliminates poverty by the wrathful energy of HUNG.

The word wealth here refers not only to mundane wealth but also supreme wealth of understanding which liberates beings from the poverty of ignorance.

Mother Tara Norter Drolma is able to summon all earth guardians. One of the guardians is the Goddess of Earth or Sayi Lhamo Tenma Chenmo (great firm earth goddess).

Through her love, compassion, and wisdom, all the protectors of the ten directions, the goddess of earth, the ancient gods and their followers become part of her retinue, under her control.

Translation and modified explanation from Tara's Enlightened Activity by Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal.

ชังซา ซาฉี จงเว ซกนัม
ทัมเจ กุกปาร์ นูบา ญีมา
โทรเญ โยเว ยีเก ฮุงกิ
พงวา ทัมเจ นัมบาร์ เตรอมา

ขอนอบน้อมแด่พระแม่ตารา ผู้ทรงเรียกเหล่าเจ้าที่และพระแม่ธรณี
กับบริวารทั้งหลายมาเฝ้าได้
พระพักตร์อันพิโรธสั่นสะท้านอยู่
ทรงขจัดความยากไร้ทั้งปวงด้วยอักขระ หูมฺ

พระนามวสุตารา มาจากคำว่า วสุนธรา "แผ่นดิน" ผสานกับ "ตารา" หมายถึงพระแม่ตาราแห่งแผ่นดิน หรือภาษาทิเบตเรียก "พักมา นอร์เตร เตรอมา ทรงประทานความมั่งมีและความเป็นปึกแผ่น และทรงขจัดความยากจนทั้งปวงด้วยพลังพิโรธจากเสียง หูม (ฮุง)

ความมั่งมีในที่นี้ไม่เพียงหมายถึงความเจริญรุ่งเรืองทางโลกแต่ยังหมายถึงความเข้าใจทางธรรมอันทำให้อวิชชาหมดสิ้นไป

ด้วยความรักและความกรุณาของพระองค์ที่มีต่อสัตว์โลกทั้งหลาย พระแม่วสุตาราทรงมีเหล่าบริวารเป็นพระแม่ธรณี (ซายี ลาโม เตนมา เช็นโม) และเจ้าที่ในทั้งสิบทิศ เหล่าเทพยดาทั้งหลาย

Tara Meditation on Visakhapuja at Khadiravana

2008-03-09T23:14:00.004+07:00

The 1000 Stars Foundation is holding a one-day community service and two-day retreat at Khadiravana on the auspicious occasion of Visakhapuja, 17-19 May 2008.

On the 17, a team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists will be giving free medical check-up and diagnosis to local people who reside in Nong plub district, Hua-Hin and neighboring areas.

On the 18 and 19 we will pray to Buddha, recite the 21 Tara praise, recite 100,000 Tara mantra, meditate and make offerings to Guru Rinpoche.

The main purpose of the retreat is to remember Buddha on this important date and to do mind training as well as cultivate compassion.

This time we can accommodate only about 15 retreatants due to lack of space. When the Dharma pavillion is completed (around July), we'll be able to accommodate more people. At this time, we may not be able to use the Mantra stupa because of some rain and prayer flags have already been worn out.

Those who want to make merit with the medical team are especially welcome. This can be done in a day's trip. We also plan to grow young Khadira trees at this time. You can plant your own Khadira on our land.

The Foundation can help arrange the transportation. More detail will be announced.

Please reserve seats early at worawora@gmail.com.

Vasutara Pavillion to Be Built at Khadiravana

2008-03-09T22:19:00.008+07:00

This is the picture of the Vasutara Pavillion to be built at the Tara Khadiravana retreat center in Nongplub, Hua-Hin. It is dedicated to Vasutara, one of the 21 Taras.

The building will be used as a Dharma teaching and meditation hall, venue for conferences and seminars related to spirituality, nature, environment and healthcare. It will also be used as a clinic for free medical service which the 1000 Stars Foundation is planning to offer to local people in Nongplub and neighboring areas.

We are grateful to our architect friends who designed the building and helped with the blueprints. We thank Khun Charoen for giving a positive feedback and promising to give a partial contribution.

Areerat's timely suggestion today removed problem and delay in this project. We'll go forward with the building of this Dharma pavillion starting March 15, Tara's day (the 8th of the month).

Today's Event: Talk on Tibet

2008-03-09T21:14:00.008+07:00

Yontan took this photo of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Bhramaputra river) when we did prostration pilgrimage last year. The bank of the river became our home for 17 days.

The 1000 Stars Lecture #6 featuring Tibet went well today. I gave an overview on Tibet, which was followed by Prachawan (Jick's) reflections on her experiences of having traveled to Tibet 6 times in one year. Many newcomers came today and we had lively discussions and conversations.

I'm glad that the story of Tibet is increasing well-known. I urge all of us to help preserve this precious culture which is threatened by globalization and modern situation.

Thank you particularly to Dr. Chaithawat for giving us copies of his beautiful translation of Milarepa's songs and to Khun Wanngam for giving us copies of Buddhist prayer book in Pali with translation. The book's cover depicts a golden Bodhi leaf from Bodhigaya. It exhibits serenity and sacredness.

We received an amount of 4,000 baht in the box for donation as well as for the price of Tibetan products from our Sotara shop. We donated the whole amount to the Stupa project.

A teenage girl Sherab Zangmo made a donation of 350 baht for the Stupa in exchange for a little jewelry box. I told her that she could pay only 50 baht but she insisted that she wanted to make contribution to the Stupa project too.

Khun Somsri, Sherab Zangmo's mother kindly embroidered the Foundation logo with the golden Tam syllable and offered to do an embroidery of the golden Vajra picture on a cloth. We can use it when we hold empowerments and Dharma teaching.

Today I also met an old friend from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University who studied in the same class as me 25 years ago. She's coming to Tibet with the Foundation this April and is willing to offer her marketing skill to promote the Foundation's activities.

All of these gestures touched my heart deeply. I couldn't thank enough for the little efforts which have become an ocean of treasures.

Last but not least, I thank Miao for her good heart and efficient management.

Tandruk, One of the Oldest Monasteries in Tibet

2008-03-07T20:52:00.006+07:00

Built in the 7th century AD during the reign of King Songsran Gampo, Tandruk Monastery remains one of my most favorite monasteries in Tibet. Its lineage was Nyingma but later on was transformed into Gelugpa.

The little image inside the big image is believed to be "Speaking Tara". Apart from this image, there is a special thangka of Green Tara made of white pearls. The thangka was made by Domdrempa, Milarepa's student who was Tara devotee.

Reciting Mani mantra with Tibetan practitioners during Saga Dawa (Visakhupuja) retreat (May 2007). This picture was taken just a day before I completed my prostration pilgrimage to Samye.

This April the Foundation is taking Thai people to pay homage to these sacred images at this monastery. **Anyone who can't come with us but want me to carry a khatak or rice offering, please don't hesitate to do so.**

Announcement - Stupa Blog Transferred

2008-03-01T19:28:00.004+07:00

Discussing the Stupa project with the 1000 Stars Executive Board

I'm transferring the content from the Taragreatstupa blog to this blog so that it will be easier to update the project and facilitate the reader. A list of donors is being prepared by Miao. It will be published in our upcoming newsletter and a PDF file can be downloaded from the Stupa website (www.taragreatstupa.org).

Pictures of all the graphic work and drawings of the Tara Great Stupa can be viewed at our Foundation House. We are preparing a booklet updating the work as well as a booklet introducing the Foundation's activities. We are also publishing Khadiravana's personal story. The latter will be published free of charge by TiSunSign Travel company. Thanks so much to Dr. Bundit for introducing Khun Ying, director of the company who rejoices in our activities. And thanks to Supachok, who kindly does all the computer layout.

Our Great Stupa

2008-03-01T19:15:00.006+07:00

This is one of my most favorite pictures of our Tara Great Stupa with rising sun and reflection in the water.

Thanks to our architects, Khun Khamnuanwit and Khun Rachen Yes, who beautifully did the graphic work. Our engineer Khun Methee is currently doing the structural analysis of the Stupa. Yes is a Sikh and Methee is a Christian. Both are great examples of those who do the service for others beyond religious boundary. The owner of the land next to Khadiravana is a Catholic. Spiritual diversity makes our project more interesting. It teaches us to be broad-minded, to engage ourself beyond Buddhist discipline and to work for the true cause of peace and harmony.

ขอบคุณทุกๆคนที่มีส่วนในการสรรค์สร้างงานคอมพิวเตอร์และงานวาดพระมหาสถูปที่งดงามเช่นนี้ คุณราเชนย์ เยสเป็นผู้ช่วยคุณจุ่น (ชลทิศ) เป็นผู้ทำภาพนี้และภาพ 3D อื่นๆออกมา โดยมีคุณเล็ก คุณกลาง คุณจุ่นเป็นผู้ควบคุม ทั้งสามคนยังได้พาคุณเมธี มาช่วยงานทางวิศวกรรม ทั้งคุณเมธีและคุณเยสไม่ได้นับถือศาสนาพุทธ แต่ทั้งสองคนได้เข้ามาช่วยงานพระมหาสถูปด้วยจิตใจที่ยิ่งใหญ่เหนือคำบรรยาย เพื่อนๆทั้งสามยังได้พาคุณคำนวณวิทย์มาให้รู้จัก คุณวิทย์ได้เข้ามาช่วยเรื่องฐานพระสถูป

Mantra Stupa Renovated

2008-03-01T17:23:00.008+07:00

There's no other greater gift than giving mantra to the entire universe. Any being who is touched by the mantra will be freed from dullness, greed, jealousy, sorrow, anger, arrogance and ignorance.

Tying prayer flags brings prosperity in our lives, and removes obstacles from our Dharma practice as well as from doing business. Tibetans tie new flags over New Year believing that this will bring them healing and long life blessings.

***

New Tibetan prayer flags featuring praises to Protectress Palden Lhamo and the 18 Arhats will arrive in Thailand around of the end of April. These will be tied at the first Mantra Stupa which we'll renovate in May. The work will take about 7-10 days to complete. We'll celebrate it together at the upcoming Visakhapuja retreat on 17-19 May 2008.

The flags and the labor work for the renovation costs around 100,000 baht.
(prayer flags from Tibet: 50,000 baht, shipping charges: 25,000 baht; allowances for 4 workers and 1 supervisor: 15,000-17,000 and materials 5,000-7,000 baht).

Anyone who wants to make contributions in hanging new prayer flags and renovating our Mantra Stupa, please contact Miao. We'll offer the Mantra Stupa as a mandala to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and particularly Protectress Palden Lhamo and the 18 Arhats.

อยากชวนเพื่อนๆและผู้มีจิตศรัทธาทุกท่านร่วมสร้างสถูปมนตร์หรืออีกชื่อว่าสถูปประภัสสร เรากำลังจะเปลี่ยนธงมนตร์ที่สถูปมนตร์องค์ที่หนึ่งใกล้ภูเขา ด้านหลังของขทิรวัณ ซึ่งป็นเขตปฏิบัติซกเช็น ธงมนตร์ใหม่ที่เราจะใช้เน้นบทสรรเสริญพระศรีเทวี (ปัลเดน ลาโม) และพระอรหันต์ 18 องค์ การผูกธงมนตร์นำมาซึ่งความเจริญรุ่งเรืองในชีวิต อายุยืนยาวและการบำบัดรักษาโรค การบูชาธรรมบาลยังทำให้เราได้มีส่วนร่วมในการกำจัดอวิชชาและกิเลสมารทั้งหลาย การบูชาพระอรหันต์จะทำให้เรามีส่วนร่วมในการเผยแผ่พระธรรมและทำให้พระพุทธศาสนามั่นคง

การผูกธงมนตร์คือการที่เราทำให้มนตร์ได้แพร่ไปในอากาศ นำพาความสุข สันติ ความรัก ความเมตตาไปสู่จักรวาล เป็นการเยียวยาจักรวาลและเป็นการมอบของขวัญที่ดีที่สุดให้แก่สิ่งแวดล้อมและสัตว์ทั้งหลาย

เมื่อสร้างเสร็จ สถูปมนตร์คือศาลาปฏิบัติธรรมที่งดงามที่สุด คือทะเลมนตร์แห่งความกรุณาและสันติภาพ

Message from Khadiravana

2008-03-01T16:55:00.007+07:00

Kris is showing Phuyai "headman" the completed pictures and layout of the Tara Great Stupa.

Na Lerd is preparing wood for the renovated Mantra Stupa.

Kris, Na Lerd and Chang Nid (the smallest but most capable) and Na Lerd's family. Na Lerd is a devoted follower of Kuan Yin.

Na Lerd in the Foundation's pick-up truck given by my older sister Karuna Nonthiwatwanich.

The workers built temporary toilets before the Guru Rinpoche Retreat in January.

I just got back from Khadiravana. Although it's a short trip, it's always a rewarding experience. This time I had an opportunity to have a long conversation with the workers and the village headman and his family. Everyone expressed their great interest in working with us and helping us build the Tara Great Stupa. The officials at the district level also rejoiced in our project. Their great heart gave me a lot of courage. I thank particularly the workers who have worked tirelessly these past two years. Because of their skill and Khun Prachum's coordination, Khadira forest has become a little Tibet in Thailand, a sanctuary and home to many people and animals.

I made a vow on behalf of the Thousand Stars family that I will do my best to improve the quality of the workers' lives. We will do whatever we can for the sake of the people in the community and for the sake of nature and environment.

1000 Stars Lecture Series: Tibet

2008-02-27T21:56:00.002+07:00

Tibet: Life, Mantra and Everlasting Faith

The 1000 Stars Foundation is pleased to invite everyone to attend a talk on Tibet at the Foundation House on Sunday March 9 at 2-4 pm. There is no registration fee. This talk is a must to anyone who plans to go to Tibet or is interested in this mystical and spiritual land.

More detail, please visit our website or contact Miao at worawora@gmail.com

Speakers: Dr. Krisadawan Hongladarom, Prachawan Ketawan and Dr. Bundit Thanaboonsombut, MD

Tara Mantra

2008-02-24T21:45:00.002+07:00

Thank you to those who recited the Tara mantra with me on Maghapuja. I hope each of us will continue reciting the mantra to the rest of our life. When we do the counting like this, it's important that we do it happily, joyfully and mindfully. We shouldn't feel stressful. We shouldn't expect that special things will happen after we finish the recitations. If we become happier, that is already the great thing. At the same time, we shouldn't think that our practice is a preliminary one. Instead, we should think that by reciting these ten sacred syllables we'll gain enlightenment. It's the practice that enable us to lead beings of the six realms to realize buddhahood.

When we practice on yidam like this, we should keep in mind the following:

Before the recitation/meditation: We need to generate bodhicitta.
During the session: We keep the view that everything is emptiness so that we will be less self-centered.
After the session: We dedicate our merit to mother sentient beings.

Mantra Stupa

2008-02-24T18:06:00.005+07:00

Last Maghapuja we spent the whole night praying to Tara inside this Mantra Stupa. This year most prayer flags have come to the ground. This is the time of joy, as we know each flag has done its duty in spreading the mantra to the world. This also reminds us of emptiness and impermanence of all things.

The Foundation plans to tie new prayer flags around this Mantra Stupa in May so that we can celebrate it around Visakhapuja. We welcome contributions from those who want to make merit with us.

Treasure Bags at Khadiravana

2008-02-24T17:31:00.007+07:00

On the 21st of this month which is the special full moon day (Maghapuja) Yontan and I put treasure bags on Khadiravana's soil.

Benefits of treasure bags: to bring abundance, prosperity and auspiciousness; to prevent from calamity and disaster and to enhance longevity. Or in Tibetan we say "sa la tashi" bring auspciousness to the earth, "nam la tashi" bring auspiciousness to the sky, "mi la tashi" bring auspiciousness to human beings" "khyim la tashi" bring auspiciousness to home, and "gyal kham la tashi" bring auspiciousness to the country.

Each treasure bag is filled with grains, holy wood, precious and sacred objects from Tibet.

The picture on top of each bag is Dharmacakra "eight-spoke wheel of Dharma".
The picture underneath is four-petal lotus symbolizing purity.
Each direction of the bag has a symbol: yungdrung symbolizing indestructibility (east), lotus (west), wheel of Dharma (north) and precious stones (south). In addition, there are pictures of four guardian animals: tiger (east), turtle (north), hen (west) and dragon (south).

After we dig the soil, we purify the hole with an incense and put a turtle picture in it. Turtle is for guarding the soil and making it firm. Turtle is an important symbol for Tibetans. A Tibetan nomad tent made of yak's fur is also in this turtle shape. A thangka depicting the wheel of life has turtle as its background.

Then we sprinkle the bag with holy water, put some auspicious rice, fragrant offering and coins in the hole.

Yontan is preparing the hole.

Eight bags were buried in the soil. One of the locations is inside the second Mantra Stupa (near the front lake).

Another location is in front of the first banyan tree.

Reciting Tara Mantra on Maghapuja

2008-02-20T11:21:00.005+07:00

Last year on Maghapuja friends of the 1000 Stars Foundation recited 100,000 Tara mantra together. We spent special time that miracle night in the embrace of Buddhas inside the new Mantra Stupa. That night the melodious sound of compassion is heard non-stop generating love and peace to the entire universe.

This year although we are not organizing a group prayer there, I urge each of us, particularly those who have been practicing with me, to recite Tara mantra 10,000 times tomorrow. I will do the same at Khadiravana. We'll dedicate our merit to world peace as well as to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Our next group prayer and meditation: Sunday March 2, 5-7 pm (Dakini Day). We'll do Tara sadhana together.

Empowerments: History, Motivation and What to Avoid

2008-02-20T09:46:00.008+07:00

History of Empowerments in Thailand Organized by the Thousand Stars Foundation

During these past three years the Foundation has organized many empowerments in Thailand, as follows:

2005
White Tara Empowerment and Medicine Buddha Empowerment by Somam Topgyal Rinpoche at Wat Songtham Kalayani, Nakhorn Prathom

2006
Guru Rinpoche Empowerment by Kandroma Palden Chotsho at the Tara Shrine Room, Nonthaburi
21 Taras Empowerment and Vajrapani Empowerment at the Tara shrine room in Nonthaburi by Kunga Sangbo Rinpoche
Manjushri Empowerment at Chulalongkorn University by Kunga Sanbo Rinpoche

2007
Avalokiteshvara Empowerment by Kunga Sangbo Rinpoche and Amitayus Empowerment by Kundrol Mongayl Lhasray Rinpoche at Rai Rak Dhamma-chart, Hua-Hin
White Tara Empowerment by Kandroma Palden Chotsho and 21 Taras Empowerment by HH Phakchok Rinpoche at Chulalongkorn University
White Tara Empowerment (2007) by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche at Tara Khadiravana

2008
Guru Rinpoche Empowerment by Kundrol Mongyal Lhasray Rinpoche at Tara Khadiravana

This April we'll organize Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig empowerment at a Tibetan monastery in Tibet, as part of our pilgrimage trip.

Several great lamas of various lineages (Bon, Nyingma, Kagyur and Sakya) from Tibet and outside Tibet have been invited to perform these ceremonies, which are inspired by our wish to help sentient beings and to help practitioners in Thailand to receive blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Many people asked me why we organized so many empowerments and what are the benefits of attending an empowerment.

Empowerment brings peace and harmony to the land where empowerment is performed. It brings joy, happiness, prosperity, good health and long life blessings to those who receive empowerments.

For serious practitioners, empowerment is an official permission for them to practice on the particular Buddha. At certain points in their life, they may need blessings from different Buddhas.

For example, when they are embarking on a journey that may risk their lives or when they are ill, they may need special blessings from Amitayus and White Tara, Buddhas of longevity.

Blessings and benefits are not only for this life but they last until we gain enlightenment.

Practicing on Avalokiteshvara is a way to cultivate compassion for all sentient beings. Without universal love, we cannot live in this world peacefully and happily. Those who practice on Avalokiteshvara will always be loved by others.
Practicing on Manjushri is a way to cultivate wisdom.
Practicing on Guru Rinpoche is a way to remove obstacles in life.
Practicing on Green Tara (main deity of the 21 Taras) is a way to obtain blessings against fear and suffering.
Practicing on Medicine Buddha is for healing.
Practicing on Vajrapani is a way to cultivate positive energy against disasters and all evil.

An important thing is that when we receive empowerments, it must be rooted in bodhicitta, our aspiration to gain budhahood for the sake of sentient beings. We must not be greedy thinking only of our own benefits. We must not come to the empowerment because we want to put one more blessing in our record book so that we can boast to others.

Having received many empowerments, we must not think that we are better than others. We must not develop pride and jealousy. If we do that, empowerment brings little benefit and won't change us into a better person.

Update on the Tara Great Stupa

2008-02-15T22:35:00.004+07:00

Imagine this magnificent Stupa here in Thailand, one of the most beautiful and sacred structures on earth.

The picture shows a recent development of our Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony. Thanks to our architects for this and other wonderful pictures. We will be showing the complete pictures to our contributors and the general public as soon as possible.

Why the 1000 Stars Foundation Wants to Build a Mahayana Stupa in Thailand

2008-02-15T22:18:00.005+07:00

We are compiling a few common questions concerning our Tara Stupa project. Here is one of them:

Why the Thousand Stars Foundation wants to build a Mahayana stupa in Thailand, despite the fact that a number of Thais are Theravadins?

The Foundation does not consider differences among various sects of Buddhism. These sects are all the teachings of Buddha. Building a Tibetan stupa or a Thai chedi is a way to maintain and spread the nobel teachings. It also enhances Buddha’s blessings in eliminating defilements for well-being and happiness of sentient beings. There are many reasons why the Foundation wants to build a Tibetan stupa in Thailand. First, the Foundation specializes in Tibetan Buddhist art and culture. Second, it has close relationship with many Tibetan masters both in Tibet and other countries. Third, it is aware of the significance of building Tibetan stupas which are completely filled with relics and sacred objects. Lastly, Thais are devout Buddhists and Thailand has been a Buddhist land since ancient time with the king as a beloved Dharmaraja. These factors render Thailand one of the best places in the world as a venue for a stupa, symbol of the enlightened mind of Buddha.

Compassion is Our Universal Responsibility

2008-02-15T15:43:00.003+07:00

ความเมตตากรุณาไม่เพียงเป็นคุณสมบัติสำคัญสำหรับการดำรงชีวิต แต่ยังเป็นความรับผิดชอบของเราทุกคนในการจะทำให้โลกอยู่รอดไปได้ หากมนุษย์ปราศจากความเมตตากรุณา เราจะมีชีวิตอยู่เช่นไร เมื่อเราล้มลงบนถนน รถไม่หยุด แต่กลับเหยียบข้ามไม่มีผู้หยิบยื่นควาเมตตาปราณีให้ ปล่อยให้เราเป็นเพียงสุนับข้างถนน ปราศจากญาติมิตร ผู้ดำรงชีวิตอยู่โดยไม่มีผู้ห่วงใยหรืออาทร

พระวจนะ องค์ดาไลลามะ

Attitude in Practicing the Dharma

2008-02-15T10:45:00.002+07:00

We need to ask ourself all the time why we want to practice the Dharma. Is it because we want to gain fame, wealth and position in this life? Is it because we are afraid of getting rebirths in lower realms? Is it because we want to seek only our own peace and happiness? If the reason is either one of these, our motivation is NOT everlasting. It's not the right one that can lead us to buddhahood. Motivation must be grounded in bodhicitta, the aspiration for mother sentient beings to be liberated from suffering. With this motivation, we'll never go wrong. With this motivation, the five poisons that we want to eliminate will have no chance to affect us when we practice the Dharma.

Teaching Tibetan

2008-02-15T10:39:00.003+07:00

The 1000 Stars Foundation will be offering the first Tibetan course Basic Tibetan I to the members and interested public starting May 2008. We will be circulating the news as soon as possible. The course will last 30 hours. Teaching time: Sunday 4-6 pm. Venue: Foundation House. We'll provide basic lessons in speaking, writing, reading as well as in reciting mantras and short prayers.

Please email Miao to reserve seats. Due to the seating arrangement, we can accommodate only 10 serious students.

Pilgrimage Journey to Mystical Tibet

2008-02-13T16:30:00.003+07:00

A pilgrimage Journey of 9 Sacred Temples on mystical TIBET

The Thousand Stars Foundation invites you to join 9 day pilgrimage to Tibet...A great introduction to the authentic Tibetan culture, their history and outstanding faith. A once in a lifetime experience to receive Avalokiteshvara Empowerment. The tour will be led by honorary guide, Professor Krisadawan Hongladarom, founder of the Thousand Stars Foundation and a specialist in Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

An opportunity to step into Tibetan culture and Buddhism via our comprehensive itinerary, with visits to 9 sacred temples, including; the majestic Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, known as the heart monastery of Tibet, an empowerment of Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva of compassion by honorary lama Kunga Zangbo Rinpoche. A visit to Samye monastery and ending with a picnic on the breathtakingly beautiful turquoise lake of Yamdrok Tso.

Travelling dates: 17-25 April 2008.

Cost: 84,000 baht including all plane tickets, visa, permit to Tibet, ticket entries, transportation costs, accommodation for all nights, all meals, professional service by a well-trained Tibetan agency, honorary guide by an expert who has direct experience of Tibetan culture, and orientation on Tibetan language, culture and religion before the journey.

Contribution: After deducting all cost, the money will be donated to Thousand Star Foundation for building the "Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony," the first Vajarayana Stupa in Thailand at Kadiravana Retreat Center, Hua-Hin, Prachurbkirikan. For more information of the stupa please go to our website: Http://www.taragreatstupa.org.

More detail, please contact Khun Jick at jickryan@yahoo.com, Mobile: 081-638169 or Khun Miao at worawora@gmail.com, Mobile: 086-7228129

All bookings must be made by 15 March 2008.

We hope this trip would create a positive understanding in Tibetan culture which Buddhism has play an important role in their daily life. Furthermore it is a special pilgrimage trip which would bless us with positive energy and encourage everyone to find inner peace and compassion for all sentient beings.

Memory from Kailash Talk

2008-02-13T16:08:00.003+07:00

Kailash talk by Dr. Andy Lowe, 3 February 2008

His talk focuses on the pilgrimage he took in May 2002,which is part of a fund-raising event for the first Tibetan stupa in Scotland. It's the trip one should make in a lifetime, he emphasizes. The Foundation is grateful to Andy for sharing his experience and spirit with us. We do hope soon we'll be able to embark on this special journey to pay homage to the holiest of all mountains and to make merit for our Tara Stupa.

Foundation Office

2008-02-13T16:03:00.002+07:00

The new office is now operating on the second floor of the foundation house. Anyone who wants to visit us, please make an appointment at worawora@gmail.com or Mobile: 086 722 8129.

Pictures from Tea Meditation

2008-02-13T15:58:00.004+07:00

Tea master, assistant and server

Receiving tea with gratitude

Serenity is here and now.

Enjoying each other's company

Picking sweets mindfully

Thanks to Master Koh of the Plum Village for this wonderful ceremony which uplifted our spirit and brought peace and joy.

Pictures from Losar Celebration, Foundation House

2008-02-13T15:41:00.004+07:00

Burnt offering to Palden Lhamo

Praying to Guru Rinpoche and Tara

Celebrating a 3-year anniversary of the 1000 Stars

Offerings toGuru Rinpoche

2008-02-13T11:14:00.003+07:00

We will make offerings to Guru Rinpoche this Saturday 16 February (Guru Rinpoche Day), 5-7 pm. at the Foundation House. Everyone is welcome. Please bring the Guru sadhana and prayer hand-outs as well as offerings.

Taste of Freedom

2008-02-08T10:42:00.000+07:00

Yesterday Ken didn't go to school because he wanted to go to free the fish with us on the Tibetan/Chinese New Year. Yontan hang a prayer flag near the house gate. After that we did some prayer together. Then Chris, a new American friend came. And we went to the Thanam Non Market together. There are plenty of fish and other water animals to be freed. We bought 107 kilograms of "plaa duk" and 9 kilograms of frogs. The total number of fish is 321 but we forgot to count the frogs. Ken gave me 1,000 baht from his New Year gift money as a contribution to this merit making.

When we liberate fish and other animals, it's imperative for us to think whether the animals will survive after having been released. We also should make our best efforts to look for the best home for them. We shouldn't think only about our purpose, such as we want to eliminate our bad luck; that's why, we set their lives free. Instead, we should think about their safety, their future and we pray for their long life and happiness.

Let's help each other take care of captured animals. Let's try our best to help these poor creatures. Let's generate our loving kindness for them. Om Mani Padme Hung!

Yontan is hanging a prayer flag in our garden before going to buy the fish.

Buying fish from the Thanam Non market

Weakless, dead and living - this is human food

Carrying fish to the river in the compound of Saima Tai Temple

Captured fish tasting the joy of freedom

Ken is feeding the birds near where we released the fish.

Freed frogs swimming in a canal, their new home near Saima Tai.

Aspiration Prayer for the Liberation of Fish

2008-02-06T01:02:00.000+07:00

Conqueror gone to bliss, defeater of enemies, utterly pure and perfect Buddha hearing the precious ushnisha, to you I prostrate, make offerings, and go for refuge.

If one recites this to dying animals or to other sentient beings who are on the verge of death, they will not be reborn in the lower realms. As there is such great benefit, I humbly entreat you to recite this with confident faith in the authenticity of the Buddha's word.

Infallible Three Jewels and supreme yidams,
Lord of compassion, protector Avalokiteshvara,
Think of me, weak and pitiful, with loving compassion
And bear witness to the accomplishment of this vast prayer.

Long ago during the time of Buddha Chubeb
He recited the name of the bliss-gone one and liberated fish;
Likewise may I, with the rain of Dharma,
Relieve animals that are powerlessly suffering.

Some have no protector and no place to dwell,
Stricken with fear of being helplessly devoured by another,
These animals, tormented by agonizing misery,
May I relieve them with the rain of Dharma.

When they divest themselves of their present bodies,
May they avoid the lower realms
And attain the supreme happiness of gods and humans,
That they may thus listen to the holy Dharma,
Put it into practice,
And strive to achieve unexcelled Enlightenment.

I humbly ask all to recite this blessed prayer, as it is the very one the Great Siddha Thangtong Gyalpo composed while he performed the liberation of innumerable fish.

Translated by the Dzogchen Foundation.

Taken from Chatral Rinpoche's Compassionate Action. Edited, introduced and annotated by Zach Larson. Snow Lion Publication2 (2007)

Losar Monlam and Releasing Fish on 7 February (1st Day of the Tibetan Month)

2008-02-05T23:35:00.000+07:00

Yontan and I will pray and make offerings at our Tara shrine room, the foundation house in Nonthaburi early morning of the 7th which is the first day of the new year. We'll recite a long life and well-being prayer particularly for our contributors, sick and suffering beings. We'll tie new prayer flags around the house. After that we'll release fish at the Chao Phya river bank in the area of Wat Saima Tai in Ratanatibet. Anyone who is interested in joining us in setting fish lives free or contributing your donation to this merit making, please contact me or Miao.

If you can't join us this time, I request everyone to liberate fish or other kinds of captured animals at least once a year. Please all of us think of these animals with loving kindness and compassion. Let's take care of them as best as we can. When we see a hungry dog on the street, we won't just walk by without giving it food. When we see a sick animal, we try our best in helping it. When a dog is trying to cross the street, we make sure its life will be saved. And when we eat meat, we eat it mindfully thinking of the body with gratitude wishing it be born in a higher realm.

Speical Tea Ceremony on 10 February (4th Day of the Tibetan Month)

2008-02-05T22:20:00.000+07:00

The Thousand Stars is pleased to invite friends of the Foundation and interested persons to join a tea ceremony by Khun Koh (Jitt Tanthasathian) of the Plum Village on Sunday 10 February starting at 8 pm at the foundation house. Khun Koh will serve as the tea master. Yontan and Nat have offered to help him as tea assistant and tea server.

Here is the description from Khun Koh:

"Tea meditation is a skillful mean for friend to gather in an informal enviorment enjoy tea, cookies and the presence of one another. Although we love to have a good tea & cookies at the ceremony, it is the collective mindfulness & the presence of our beloved friends that most matter.

To make it an evening to remember, I encourage each of us to bring a little gift of joy to share with friends. This could be a song, poem, story or just anything that will water the seed of joy & mindfulness for everyone."

Losar Party on 9 February (3rd Day of the Tibetan Month)

2008-02-05T19:33:00.000+07:00

The Thousand Stars Foundation was registered on 10 February 2005 in Nonthaburi. It's hard to believe that we have done so many projects both in Thailand and Tibet during these past three years. The list of our members keeps growing. Now we have 10 members who serve the executive board and more than 200 members and friends who attend our activities regularly.

We would like to thank our international and Thai advisory boards and everyone who has contributed to the Foundation and to the Tara Great Stupa project. As a way to say "thank you" and to continue our wonderful friendship, we are pleased to invite members and friends to celebrate Tibetan New Year together this Saturday 9 February 2008 at the Foundation House.

Program
9 February 2008
16.00-18.00
Offering "sang" (fragrant burnt offering) to Dharma Protector Palden Lhamo
Prayer,offering and meditation on White Tara and the 21 Taras on the occasion of the Foundation's 3rd year anniversary
18.00-20.00
Tibetan/Thai/Chinese/Lao Dinner
Please bring food and a token of friendship to share with each other.
19.45-20.00
Celebrating the Foundation's anniversary
20.00-21.30
Bhutanese Movie "Traveller and Magician" brought to us by our friend Bo, a young film maker

At first, we thought about inviting friends to exchange gifts of 99 baht with one another. But we had a second thought. Given that we have a strong intention to start the construction of the Stupa base and temple this year, we should save money as best as we could. Instead of spending money, we could share with one another anything we love, any reflection, any Dharma gift, or any food we like.

Please confirm your participation at Miao (worawora@gmail.com), Mobile: 0867228129.

ฺUnlimited Love

2008-02-04T22:02:00.000+07:00

เก็บเดือนเก็บดาวพราวพร่าง
มาปูทางสร้างฝันฝันใฝ่
เก็บรักภักดีร้อยเป็นมาลัย
คล้องดวงใจคล้องโลกเป็นหนึ่งเดียว

Picking the moon and glittering stars,
Laying them on a path of dreams,
Picking love and devotion into a garland,
To put around and unite hearts and the world.

I wrote this poem to celebrate the stupa, symbol of unlimited love for all sentient beings. Thanks to Soraj for the translation. May people of all faiths are united and treat one another with respect.

1000 Stars Team from Surin

2008-02-04T14:37:00.000+07:00

Dr. Bundit Thanaboonsombatkun and his friends are planning to form a 1000 Stars Group in Surin to help promote our activities. These pictures were taken at Khadiravana when they came to attend the Guru Rinpoche retreat and to cook for Rinpoche and the retreatants.

Dr. Bundit is now on our executive board, along with other new members: Jick (Prachawan), Jun (Cholatiz), Lek (Sitt), Glaang (Preechawan) and Ek (Atipong).

Tunga Lhamo

2008-02-04T14:31:00.000+07:00

This kitten came to me at Khadiravana just a day before Lhasray Rinpoche went there to perform the stupa ceremony. He named her "Tunga Lhamo" white conch goddess. She is now part of our 1000 Stars family in Nonthaburi. She is wild and isn't afraid of anyone. At home we have five other cats. They are no younger than 12 years old. Instead of being humble, Tunga often expresses her anger and little power with them.

Guru Rinpoche Sadhana

2008-02-01T23:01:00.000+07:00

I just got back from the prayer session at the Foundation House. There were 11 of us: Areerat, Ampon, Miao, Nuch, Bank, Pom, Charoen, Peter (Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche's student), Soraj, Yontan and I. It's the first time we did the session together in the Foundation's Tibetan shrine room. It seems the shrine room is too small already.

The main text we recited is a terma text that Lhasray Rinpoche transmitted to me the night before he returned to China. The text title is "The Heart Essence of Guru Padmasambhava: A Sadhana of the Three Roots (Guru Peme Thugtig Le: Tsasum Drugpa Nyinggi Gyajan Zhug). This terma is transmitted by a dakini to Vairojana at a rock in Gyamo Mudo in Gyalrong. It was protected by three Damjan. Later on it was discovered by Hungchen Droto Lingpa Rinpoche.

I felt grateful to Rinpoche for transmitting this sadhana to us so that we know how to invoke to Guru Rinpoche and make offerings to him. Thai people are so fortunate to be able to practice this terma. I think of Hungchen Rinpoche with gratitude. Because of his compassion, many terma texts have been discovered for the purpose of sentient beings.

Hrih jepung pema kara dzana siddhi hung!

Offering and Meditation on Dakini Day

2008-01-31T10:33:00.000+07:00

The Thousand Stars Foundation invites friends of the Foundation to participate in the offering to Guru Rinpoche at the Foundation House on Ladprao Road, February 1 (Dakini Day), 7-9 pm. After the offering and meditation on Guru Rinpoche, we will recite a praise to the 21 Taras and the aspiration for excellent conduct.

Please bring cookies, buiscuits, candies or fruits for the offering.

Reflection

2008-01-29T20:00:00.000+07:00

It has been a week since Lhasray Rinpoche returned to China. I thought of special friendships developed between Rinpoche and his new students as well as between me and friends of the Foundation. I thought of the many places we visited during Rinpoche's stay including Areerat's special land and and a gigantic Buddha stone carving factory in Chiang Rai. I thought of many activities we did at Khadiravana, countless preparations Prachum and Yontan did before the Stupa ceremony and "namjai" special support from students and friends. There were difficult moments when we were tired and pressured by the work. But there were also special moments of joy, peace and compassion when we recited the Guru Sitthi mantra while visualing that the mantra goes everywhere in the universe.

One morning at a hotel lobby in Chiang Mai, Rinpoche suddenly taught me a Dzogchen lesson. He urged me to look at Dharma practice from everything a practitioner does. Dharma practice doesn't occur only when a practioner sits cross-legged, with palms folded, but it is inseparable from his or her action, behavior and personality. Dzogchen perspective holds that Samsara is no different from Nirvana. Nirvana is here and now. There is neither purity nor impurity. Everything is only the state of our mind.

Rinpoche's visit not only helps me see things more clearly but it enhances my understanding of faith and relationship between teacher and student. It also gave me a hard lesson of seeing the "ugly" side of myself when the "self" that I hold on to got challenged in situations that provoke anger, jealousy, insult, and disappointment.

Talk on Mt. Kailash

2008-01-27T07:32:00.000+07:00

The 1000 Stars Lecture Series will feature Dr. Andy Lowe who will speak to us about his recent trip to the Kailash Mountain in western Tibet. Mount Kailash, known in Tibetan as "Kang Rinpoche," or the Precious Snow Mountain, is one of the most spiritually potent places in the world, and is the source of three of Asia's greatest rivers--the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. Andy will also talk with us about how to prepare for a trip to the mountain and how to manage the effects of trekking in high altitude.

The talk will take place on next Sunday, 3 February 2008 from 13:30 to 15:30 hours at the 1000 Stars House, 695, Soi 11, Ladprao Road, near Carrefour Ladprao.

For further information please go to

http://1000starsweb.googlepages.com/

Pictures from the North

2008-01-23T10:16:00.000+07:00

Kris and Miao in front of the Buddha shrine, Wat Umong. Miao is holding fish food in her hands.

Rinpoche prays with Yontan and Kris in front of the Wat Umong Jediya. May our work be realized!

Chimed Rigzin meditates on the Wat Umong Jediya.

Beautiful sun rays at Khun Areerat's land in Chiang Rai. We share her great spirit to devote this plot of land for Dharma activities.

Areerat on the happy day when the land was blessed.

Lhasray Rinpoche blesses the land.

Blessed flower and rice

Miao, Kris, Teng, Jick, Chimed Rigzin, Emaho and Rigzin Wangmo

Rinpoche and the group at Doi Suthep