KUTAMPA - Buddha Shakyamuni's Birthday (30th May 2009, Sat)
30th May 2009, Saturday, is Kutampa, the Birth of Buddha Shakyamuni according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. This is not to be confused with the Tibetan Vesak day, which is on the 6th of June 2009. Buddha Shakyamuni showed us the path towards enlightenment through his compassion and wisdom. He showed us by example that it is possible to reach the self-same state as him. His teachings are timeless and remain relevant not just for helping us face difficulties we encounter in our daily lives and are still very effective in helping us to achieve inner calm, tranquility and bliss.
On this day, Khenpo Shenpen will be leading us in the taking of 8 precepts and recitation of the prayers.
Khenpo Shenpen is of the Karma Kagyud lineage and residential teacher in Singapore, covering Malaysia and Indonesia, for the United Trungram Buddhist Fellowship centers. To read more about Khenpo-la, you may visit this website: http://www.utbf.org/en/teachers/lamas/shenpen.php.
Benefits of Taking 8 Precepts
The 8 precepts encompasses 5 precepts which are the basic vows which are needed for self-liberation and an additional 3 precepts which will aid us in having a better practice. One's mind will become peaceful and calm, one will gain control over bad habits and there will be fewer distractions during one's meditation.
A disciple once asked Buddha what the benefits of observing the 8 precepts are. Buddha said that the benefits of observing the 8 precepts are so great that, as compared to the benefits of making vast offerings of precious materials to Buddhas as numerous as the atoms in the world for millions of kalpas, the benefit of purely observing the 8 precepts for one day is far greater.
By observing the eight precepts, one will receive upper rebirths and and eventually attain enlightenment. One will be protected from harm and the place where one lives will become peaceful and prosperous. One will get along better with others. One will meet with the Buddha's teachings in the future and may be born as a disciple of Maitreya Buddha.
Those interested in taking the 8 precepts on the 30th of May 2009, please register with our centre's administrator. A fee of $10 applies for the breakfast and lunch provided.
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Buddha Shakyamuni as a baby 
Khenpo Shenpen |