Speaker: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Synopsis:  Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche humorous and insightful explanation of the nature of emptiness.

Synopsis: The contents of the stanzas, when recited clearly, are intended to bring happiness and success in all good endeavours. These stanzas are regarded as efficacious because they relate to eight occasions, each based on a beautiful story, where the Buddha triumphed over his powerful opponents by the power of his wisdom, compassion and virtue.

“And these eight Buddha stanzas of victorious auspices,He who recites daily and remembers without sloth,giving up various (troubles) and dangers,that wise man would attain the happiness of release”- Jayamangala Gatha

Synopsis: Song from CD “Awakening” containing ten songs produced by City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Words, music and sung by former Bhikshuni Heng-yin.
CD obtainable from: http://bttsonline.org/product.aspx?pid=14

“They say that one who sees
With eyes like blazing wisdom suns
The suffering of all beings
Will weep for evil he has done
Who would have guessed the Buddha’s light
Illuminates the place beyond space and time?
Who would have guessed that all along
The treasure of his wisdom lies within your own mind?”

Speaker: Venerable Robina Courtin
Synopsis: We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing without question that happiness and suffering come from “out there.” In reality, Buddhist teachings explain that they come from the way we perceive and interpret things, not the things themselves.This deeply held misconception is at the root of our dissatisfaction, self-doubt, anger, depression, anxiety, and the rest. But our minds can change. By becoming deeply familiar with the workings of our own cognitive processes through introspection and learning to deconstruct them - truly, being our own therapists - we can loosen the grip of these neuroses and grow our marvelous potential for contentment, clarity, and courage, which are at the core of our being.

Synopsis:  In Theravada Buddhism, according to post-canonical Pali commentaries, the background story for the Ratana Sutta is that the town of Vesali was being plagued by disease, non-human beings and famine; in despair, the townspeople called upon the Buddha for aid; he had the Ven. Ananda go through town reciting this discourse leading to the dispersal of the town’s woes.The Ratana Sutta  explains the highest qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha by giving details of the Triple Gem in its various facets.

“Whatever treasure there be either here or in the world beyond, whatever precious jewel there be in the heavenly worlds, there is nought comparable to the Tathagata (the perfect One). This precious jewel is the Buddha. By this (asseveration of the) truth may there be happiness.”-Ratana Sutta

Synopsis: A beautiful Buddhist Hymn about Parental Love by i.gemz.

Brahma Of My Heart
Do you remember the night, You lullabied me to sleep,
turning my tears to comfort and to laughter,
Do you remember the days being the flowers in the sky,
You show me wisdom and guide me all the way
You have sacrifice for me, leaving heart prints of your love,
Brahma of my home, teacher and my savior,
You’re the hero of my life, Give me everything and more,
Brahma of my joy, Brahma of my heart

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

You have sacrifice for me, Leaving hearts print of your love,
Brahma of my home, teachers and my savior,
You’re the hero of my life, Give me everything and more.
Brahma of my joy, Brahma of my heart.

Speaker: Dr Alan Wallace, Founding President, Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies.

Synopsis: In these challenging times, how can we build up mental resilience to counter stress? On 10 December 2008, three experts from various disciplines shared with the NUS community their perspectives on this question, in a forum presented by the NUS Development Office and the Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The forum was chaired by the department’s Head, Prof Kua Ee Heok.

Synopsis: Ksitigarbha (Earth Store) Bodhisattva is named after the earth, which not only gives birth to things and makes them grow, but can store a great many things within itself as well.  “His Sanskrit name is , “Earth Store”. There are ten aspects of the earth: it is wide and extensive; it supports all living beings; it is impartial; it receives the great rain; it produces grasses and trees; it holds all planted seeds; it holds many treasures; it produces medicines; it is not moved by the blowing wind; and it does not tremble at the lion’s roar.”

Synopsis: A beautiful Buddhist Hymn about Metta(Loving Kindness) by Bodhicitta.

“Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, even so let him cultivate a boundless love towards all beings” Metta Sutta

Join Us! True Love- Dharma and Hymns connection workshop 07 & 28/08/09 (Fri)
Workshop comprises of warm-up exercises, sing-along sessions, practical use of multiple intelligence theory to communicate with friends and family members, current research finding on positive psychology and inspiring stories!

Synopsis: Zen is a recent phenomenon in the west but is spreading so rapidly that it’s influence is touching all of us and now rivals the east in the numbers of enthusiasts.  From the suburbs of Tokyo to remote mountains, travel with us across Japan to explore the practice of Zen. We will take you inside the modern Zen center and traditional Zen monastery to see both worlds in detail. With unrestricted access, our cameras put you inside the Zendo or meditation hall to experience Zazen - the practice of sitting.
DVD available @  http://emptymindfilms.com