INCOVAR

34 INCOVAR Dhamma CAmp

2011-05-20T21:46:00.002+08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Dhamma,

How much do you know about The 5 Precepts? What are the 5 Precepts? And what does it have to do with me?

INCOVAR Dhamma Camp is back to share with you insights on The 5 Precepts, the second of the main pillars of Buddhist for us laypeople. Join us in the next step in our journey to understand and experience more about the Buddha's basic teachings.

INCOVAR is happy to present:

The 34th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp
23 - 26 June 2011
@ Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA)

Come and join us in the next step in our journey!
Individual Registration:
Camp Fees: Rm100/-

Of course, the best gift to share with our bros. and sis. is the gift of Dhamma

Group Registration:
RM420 for 5 participants

As a token of appreciation for registering early, the first 10 participants will receive a special gift which will be presented during the camp.

Why wait, register now to book yourself a place in a journey of a lifetime @

http://www.incovar.org/IncovarDhammaCampOnlineApplication.htm

Registration will be closed on 13^th June 2011, so what are you waiting for?

For more information and updates, kindly login to our FB fan page @ www.facebook.com/incovar.

Do have a look at our teaser video @

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StCP1XbK6lk

or contact

Bro. See Hua @ 010.388.0278 - vseehua@gmail.com (Local Participants)
Bro. Michael Lim @ 012.567.8023 - cydaniellim@hotmail.com (Penang Participants)
Sister Kayin @ (+6)012.3799.202 - kayin87@yahoo.com (Singaporean Participants)

Sister Febrianna @ (+6)012.467.5422 - febriannasee1986@gmail.com (Thai Participants)

Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you in the 34th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp

33rd IDC Inspiration by Bro Ken Juin

2011-01-01T14:50:00.031+08:00

33rd IDC

INCOVAR ค่ายธรรม

As the previous night after IXP ended with a pillow talk of ghost stories and exchanges of autographs alike till a good 3am (which made our facis just shook their head and sighed upon hearing this! haha), when Day 4 of the 33rd IDC started, there was a feeling among INCOVARians that it will be unlike the past three, especially after the experience we had during IXP. We began the day with a breakfast Dana – an offering of food to the sangha of Wat Chetawan. It was an interesting experience because for many of us, it was the first time we had to chance to do so. The offering was not a one way thing though, as the elder monks at Wat Chetawan chanted, in a soothing synchrony, to give us blessings for the wholesome Dhamma activities that we have participated in for the past four days.

As the sangha had dana in the kitchen, we took the time and had a break just outside at the fish pond area. It was a beautiful sight that morning in Chetawan, the trees at the area were shady, the sun was gentle, fishes were swimming freely in the pond as INCOVARians sat and talked, and just playing away on the pebble-clad massage stones. The atmosphere was most light-hearted, with smiles seen on everyone’s faces and occasional laughter filling the air. It was a sight which leaves one a very peaceful feeling, as though one is transported back to the Lumbini Garden of the Buddha’s time. Everyone had a good laugh when Bro Wei Loong excitedly jumped right onto the “sharp” massage stones, not only because it was a funny scene, but also because we were left wondering which side felt more pain – Wei Loong, or the stones.

As we finished our breakfast of eggs, bread and misc (which was a bit like MacDonald’s Big Breakfast remember? :D), we strolled together to the car park for the group photoshoots. As groups one by one posed in funny Buddhist and not-really-Buddhist poses, one can see smiling faces and cheeky expressions on each of our faces. As Sin Ye went feverish with her ‘Oh INCOVAR, Oh Oh INCOVAR!’ dance, Sister Hung Jen had more than she wanted when she was lifted up by her group members, drawing an“Ah Jen , lei hou hang fook oh!”(Sis Hung Jen, you are so blessed!) cry of envy from the other facis. We sprang and leapt gleefully for jump shots, which is when Yu Xin exclaimed that every time everyone jumped it seemed to be higher and higher, perhaps because of all the burden released during IXP the previous night. It was such a fitting statement.

At 9am, Venerable Fa Xun reinforced our understanding on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. After Sis Choon Sin reminded us that “we are actors in our lives, not a mere audience”, we were off to the next item – the Directors. We had a good laugh presenting and watching incredibly creative sketches, including one iPhone4 by the committee (it was quite a large (read: fat) iPhone4! hee :P not my joke, Jack!).

By the end of all the items, we found ourselves having had a (long-absent) good exercise of our stomachs! INCOVARians were then entertained with beautiful hymns from none other than iGemz, during whose performance Kong Ee got some long-awaited affection from the pretty Sis SueLynn, and Sin Ye’s dream finally came true when she got hers too from Bro Daniel. (he is however already attached. somemore very early wan. sorry sin ye!)

By 3pm of that Tuesday we were already packing and cleaning up, and finally the time came when we had to say our goodbyes at the end of the four days. Lining up in a long, long line we hugged each other, said our best wishes, and made promises to see each other again the next camp. I remember seeing Daphne bursting with tears, and her red, swollen eyes just continued to well up as she hugged us one after another. We were so closely knit at the end of the four days with each other – committee and participants alike - it just seemed so hard to say goodbye.

Embed this video :Saying goodbye on Day 4, by Sis Gift Rattanawala http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1696700971682

33rd IDC inspired us, though it may be in different ways for each of us. Some of us let go of our worries, some found answers to their questions, but one thing that is definitely shared among us was that after the camp, we were all refreshed with a sense of spirituality, and a new outlook on life ahead. We learnt to see clearer, and live better.

The best thing about INCOVAR is being able to learn and share the Dhamma in a company of kalyana mitras, a group of friends one can, strangely, just feel at ease with at any time, any place, and even when you are apart, friends who will always hold you in their hearts with good and well wishes.
Committee, I noticed that this time we didn’t get to shout one“INCOVAR, we inspire!” together leh. So I am going to do one now, here goes! Everybody, 1, 2 , 3...
“INCOVAR, WE INSPIRE!”

INCOVAR, you truly did. :)

Inspiration articles written by Bro Ken Juin
Photos: Bro Michael, Bro Yong Wei & Bro Song

33rd INCOVAR Dhamma Camp :: Online Registration is NOW OPEN!

2010-11-08T03:24:00.002+08:00

Venue: Wat Chetawan Temple, Jalan Gasing, Petalling Jaya
Time: 4 - 7th December 2010
Camp Fees: RM100
Registration closes at 20 November 2010

Great news for early birds! As an appreciation for registering early, we are offering special rates just for you!

For individual registrations:
1st to 5th participants: RM70
6th to 15th participants: RM80

In addition to that, for those of you who wants to register along with your friends:
Group registration:
5 participants: RM420 (instead of RM500)

Those special rates will only apply when you pay up immediately after registration, of course, otherwise it will be invalid.

So, what are you waiting for? Register now at http://www.incovar.org/IncovarDhammaCampOnlineApplication.htm

The Four Noble Truths, this where is all started. This is the very first thing that the Buddha taught too his disciples, a is the very foundation on which the whole religion and philosophy of Buddhism is founded on.

In the upcoming 33rd INCOVAR Dhamma Camp, you, will experience ways to see and implement the four noble truths in fun and practical ways in your daily life. You will learn that the Four Noble Truths are not just philosophies that is far removed from our mundane world, but is actually one of the most practical ways to structure our thoughts and to solve our problems.

The Buddha has discovered the way to solve all of our problems 2500 years ago, now it is our turn to do the same in our everyday life!

So what are you waiting for? Experience the Dhamma, INCOVAR style, by registering online today!

In the 33rd INCOVAR Dhamma Camp, we will provide you with the knowledge and tools to apply the Four Noble Truths in fun and practical ways. We will show you that these basic teachings are not just limited to theoretical and philosophical discussions only, but can also be applied into our daily lives practically and with little hindrance to our normal routine.

Check out : www.facebook.com/incovar

32nd INCOVAR DHAMMA CAMP

2010-05-18T12:11:00.003+08:00

Date : 10 June 2010 – 13 June 2010

Venue : Rhyme yourself to Asmara Dana, knowing your steps will lead you to where the legend begins. 32IDC awaits you there

Camp Concept:

Will there be a balance between chaos and tranquility in our modern world? Have you experience such states of combination? If yes, how did you feel? Did you feel peaceful? If not, then you have to buck up and learn the essence of the teachings that encompasses the development of peace and tranquility in our daily life.

The 32^nd INCOVAR Dhamma Camp will introduce you to the fundamentals of mindfulness and concentration for daily life. It is a step-to-step learning and practice that leads to achieving peace and tranquility. In this process, ideally, wisdom arises. In order for the arising of wisdom, one has to continue their practice diligently and consistently. To be able to do so, one has to apply the suitable techniques with the acquired knowledge in our daily routine, as we are still students and working adults.

There has to be a strike of balance between practice and work, or studies. This is our concern and we should be able to cope with the challenges and obstacles we face everyday. This is when the practice comes in place and not neglecting one for the other.

The Buddha taught about the truth that arises from wisdom and very often we are confused, unclear about the true meaning of the wisdom.

Chap Goh Meh @ BGF :: Sun, 28-Feb :: 7pm

2010-02-19T19:40:00.001+08:00

All are welcome to Chap Goh Meh @ BGF this SUNDAY, 28 FEB 2010!

Theme : “ROARING TIGER”
Dresscode : Yellow / Orange
Time : 7.00PM (start with potluck dinner)
Let’s spend some cheerful & roaring time together this Chap Goh Meh @ BGF with a potluck fellowship dinner and Puja to follow. Join in the fun with sing-along happy CNY songs!

Please contact Sis. Mei Joon 012 3517615 / Sis. Gina 012 2616288 to indicate type of food you’ll bring for potluck.

Bring a friend along. Gong Xi Fa Chai!

Register NOW for BGF 24th EFFECTIVE SPEAKING COURSE 2010

2010-02-03T12:06:00.002+08:00

24th EFFECTIVE SPEAKING COURSE 2010
A Professional Training and Development Programme by Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF)

Objective: To train Buddhists in the field of public speaking

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

Speak effectively and be understood
Persuade, motivate and communicate effectively
Introduce a speaker professionally
Demonstrate the use of microphone and exhibits
Develop self-confidence and self-reliance
Develop a good speaking voice

Investment:
RM180/= for working adults
RM100/= for students
Fee is inclusive of course materials, dinner and refreshments. A certificate of completion will be presented upon full completion of the course.

Training Methodology:
Experiential & Interactive learning. This intensive course requires total commitment and participants are given assignments to complete after each session. A speech contest will be held at the end of the course.

Instructors:
Buddhist professionals who have kindly volunteered their services to facilitate this course, namely Bro. Cheong Kwai Fong, Bro. Loi Hui Kong, Bro. Vincent Hor, Dr. Phang Cheng Kar.

Requirement:
For ages 18 years and above - working adults / college students.
Active in Buddhist activities and/or exhibit potential for Buddhist work.
Preferably recommended by a Buddhist organization/society.
Committed and willing to put in extra time and effort.
Must be proficient in both the written and oral English language.
No of participants:
Limited to a maximum of 25 pax to ensure personal attention and effectiveness. Closing date of application is 20 February 2010. Successful applicants will be informed latest by 27 February 2010.

Course Schedule:
This course comprises 10 sessions and will culminate with a speech contest.
Session 1 & 2 :: 6 March 2010 (Sat) :: 3.00pm – 9.00pm
Session 3 & 4 :: 13 March 2010 (Sat) :: 3.00pm – 9.00pm
Session 5 & 6 :: 20 March 2010 (Sat) :: 3.00pm – 9.00pm
Session 7 :: 27 March 2010 (Sat) :: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Session 8 :: 03 April 2010 (Sat) :: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Session 9 :: 10 April 2010 (Sat) ::7.00pm – 9.30pm
Session 10 :: 17 April 2010 (Sat) :: 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Speech Contest (Finals)
01 May 2010 (Sat) :: 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Venue:
Buddhist Gem Fellowship, No. 60A, Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya.

Contact Persons:
Bro. Alex Tan 016-420 4000 alextan@hmet-consulting.com
Sis. Quek Mei Joon 012-351 7615 qmeijoon@yahoo.com
Sis. Jacqueline Lim 016-696 9799 metta_karuna@yahoo.com

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING FOR THE WORKPLACE by SWET

2010-01-03T01:11:00.003+08:00

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING FOR THE WORKPLACE by SWET
Date : January 2010, Saturday
Venue : BGF Centre

Programme :
10.00 am INTRODUCTION by SHEILA WONG
10.15 am WHAT’S MY BODY SHAPE? RIGHT CUT FOR MY SHAPE - JESSLY PAK
11.15 am YOUR FIRST BASIC STAPLE IN YOUR WARDROBE – THE WHITE BLOUSE - JACQUELINE NG
12.15 pm HOW TO EXTEND MY WARDROBE – ALLURE WITH ACCESSORIES - CLARISSE LOH
1.15 pm LUNCH
2.30 pm COLOURS FOR PROFESSIONAL MENSWEAR – PEGGY YEAP
3.30 pm CLOTHING LANGUAGE FOR MEN – PENNY PANG

For enquiries, please contact Bro. Alex Tan at 016 420 4000.
Hurry register NOW by filling in the form below and submit to bgf_moderator@yahoo.com .
Limited to 50 pax ONLY!!

Admission by Donation
Full Session (include lunch) RM50 BGF member / RM70 Non-member
Half Session (exclude lunch) RM30 BGF member / RM40 Non-member

Payment can be made either via
i. bank transfer to BGF Public Bank acc no: 3109670729
ii. or check payable to “Buddhist Gem Fellowship”
iii. or cash by hand to BGF centre
Note:- Please retain bank slip & contact Sis. Gina Goh at 012 261 6288, or scan & email slip to bgf_moderator@yahoo.com

Name : ________________________________
Contact : ______________________________
Email : _________________________________
Gender : M / F
Age : _______
I wish to participate in the FULL / HALF* session of this workshop.
Amount Paid : __________via bank transfer / cash by hand*.
Date : _________________
Have you attended any courses on Grooming? ___________

*cancel where not applicable

:. SUNDAY@BGF .: 3 Jan 2010 :. Wishlist For 2010 .:

2009-12-30T21:54:00.004+08:00

BGF will kickstart the year 2010 with a new engagement themed "SUNDAY@BGF" happening on every 1st & 3rd Sundays between 10am-12pm commencing on the 3 January 2010. All members and friends of all ages are welcome!

For the FIRST SUNDAY@BGF, there will be Puja & Offerings, followed by Dhamma Talk by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee on the theme "Wishlist for 2010". Bro. MV Nathan will be leading us in singing melodious hymns.

Let's come together on this bright Sunday morning to share our valuable time with our family member/friends. Perhaps we might gain some insight from the President of BGF in his sharing about the wishes and aspirations for personal development & community growth.

BGF New Year Eve Fellowship Gathering :: Thu, 31-Dec

2009-12-26T01:24:00.003+08:00

Let's usher in the new year 2010 at BGF Centre! There will be a New Year Eve Fellowship Potluck Gathering on Thursday 31 December 2009.

Event will start at 7.00 pm with potluck dinner followed by Buddha Puja & Dhamma Talk by Bro. Benny Liow on the topic "Living Affinity - How to Create Positive Relationships in Life".

Hymns presentation by igemz to follow before the 'chantdown' and Sutta chanting lead by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee to welcome the new year.

Do join us! For more information, feel free to contact Sis Mei Joon at 012-3517615.

From all of us at BGF, we wish you a Happy Healthy Peaceful Fruitful New Year!

Full Moon Musical Puja :: Proper Puja Practice :: Sun, 1-Nov :: 8.30pm

2009-10-28T10:12:00.005+08:00

Dear friends,
Most of us, would have at one point or other, attend Pujas at temples, centres and homes. But what do we know about the practice of Puja? Can we practise Puja at home everyday? If so, how can we practise in the proper manner?

Come and learn about 'proper puja practice' and getting your questions answered by Datuk Dr Victor Wee on this Sunday Full Moon Musical Puja, 8.30pm at BGF.

Bro. MV Nathan will serenade us in the hymns singing segment.

Feel free to bring along fruits, flowers and even candies for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual Friday evening.

ABOUT SPEAKER >
Datuk Dr Victor Wee is the President of Buddhist Gem Fellowship and an accomplished Buddhist musician and singer. He has recorded five albums of Buddhist hymns in English with the Wayfarers. Datuk Victor holds a B.Econ. from University of Malaya, M.A. from Brown University, USA, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Bristol University, UK. The 'Buddha Puja' book is authored by Datuk Victor.

ABOUT SINGER >

Bro. MV Nathan produced the inspirational Buddhist musical album "Journey" with melodious hymn songs performed by himself and friends. A mesmerizing singer especially with a guitar in his hand, bro. Nathan is actually a lawyer by profession and he hails from Melaka.Feel free to bring along fruits, flowers and even candies for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual Friday evening.

Bedtime Stories ~ Where Stories Becoming Alive by Bhante Aggacitta

2009-10-28T08:59:00.003+08:00

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Time: 8:15pm - 10:30pm
Location: BGF Centre, 60A, Jalan 19/3, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Speaker: Bhante Aggacitta

Talk : Bedtime Stories- Where Stories Becoming Alive

Perhaps you've had a personal encounter with the supernatural. Your hands tremble, a cold shiver runs down your spine and you turn to flee, but are paralysed as sweat starts to flow. You start to think and wonder. Is it real? Is it mere imagination or hallucination? How true is such an experience and who can prove it? Perhaps no one can. Yet who can deny the many accounts of people who have had such encounters? Bhante Aggacitta will share some of these stories and offer suggestions -- based on Buddhist understanding of the supernatural -- on how to respond positively to such eerie encounters.

Speakers Profile
Venerable Aggacitta Bhikkhu is a Malaysian monk ordained at Mahāsī Meditation Centre, Rangoon, Burma, in 1979. He has trained under various teachers, notably Sayadaws U Patita (Patitārāma), U Tissara (Yankin), U Acinna (Pa Auk) and U Tejanīya (Shwe Oo Min).Besides practising meditation, he studied advanced Pāli and translation in Thai and Burmese under Sayadaw U Dhammananda at Wat Tamaoh, Lampang, Thailand, from 1983 to 1984. He continuedto study the Pāli Tipitaka in Myanmar and researched on its interpretation and practice until his return to Malaysia at the end of 1994.In 2000, he founded Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) (http://www.sasanarakkha.org/), a Buddhist monk training centre at the edge of forested hills near Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.With a gift for writing, Ven Aggacitta has produced signifi cant literary works in the form of articles, research papers, translations and other writings in English. In recent years, he has spent considerable time investigating popular interpretations and practices of Buddhism in the light of the Pāli scriptures, real-life experiences and contemporary research fi ndings. Using a critical yet constructive approach, he hopes to share his fi ndings with Dhamma practitioners and bring them closer to a practical reality they can more easily connect with.

Dana @ BGF in October

2009-10-11T21:02:00.002+08:00

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

In the month of October, BGF has scheduled for a few lunch dana ceremony to the venerable monks from various traditions. It is an opportunity for us to perform merits and cultivate good kamma and also sharing of merits with all beings in need of this. During these dana sessions, public are given an opportunity to also offer requisites to the members. Take this opportunity to perform good, purify one's mind in this significant month of kathina.

You are all invited. Please bring offering items by 11am. For more information, feel free to contact Bro. Alex Lim @ 012-3043828.

Sat, 17 Oct 2009
- Ven. Dr. Punnaji
- Khenpo Drodul (Tibetan)
- Ven. Visudhi (tbc)
- Ven. Hemaloka (tbc)

Sat, 24 Oct - Ven. Dr. Punnaji

31 Oct til 4 Nov - Bhante Jinananda from Ladakh, India will be staying at BGF. There will be opportunity to offer breakfast & lunch dana. Please contact Sis. Mei Joon @ 012-3517615 for arrangement.

...the xCITE! orthodox...

2009-10-09T15:25:00.005+08:00

Upcoming INCOVAR!

Register here today!

Limited to 40 participants only. (Paid applicants are only considered as successful participants)

Love, embracing all beings, knowing well that we all are fellow wayfarers through this round of existence — that we all are overcome by the same law of suffering.

Through compassion the fact of suffering remains vividly present to our mind, even at times when we personally are free from it. It gives us the rich experience of suffering, thus strengthening us to meet it prepared, when it does befall us.

Small, indeed, is the share of happiness and joy allotted to beings! Whenever a little happiness comes to them, then you may rejoice that at least one ray of joy has pierced through the darkness of their lives, and dispelled the gray and gloomy mist that enwraps their hearts.

A world where beings who were a short while ago connected with us by sympathetic joy, are at the next moment in want of our compassion — such a world needs equanimity.

Dhamma Talk by Ven. Chang Wen :: Thu, 22-Oct

2009-10-07T21:34:00.000+08:00

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Time: 8:15pm - 10:30pm
Location: BGF Centre
Title: Zen In Daily Life - Live for now

Synopsis:
Venerable Chang Wen Fashi talk will centered mainly on vexations, the root causes of vexations and methods of dealing with them, from the Chan perspective. The talk will incorporate both theories and guided sitting meditation practice, to allow participants experience the essence of 'Live for now'. The latter also includes a sitting meditation exercise known as '觀身受法' or 'Contemplation on Sensations of Hand Movements' as taught by the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen.

A short introduction of DDM and the road map of DDM Chan practices will also be shared, followed by Q&A Session.

About Ven Chang Wen 常文法師:
Ven Chang Wen was ordained in DDM Taiwan in 2006. She received a degree in Bachelor of Science (Hon) in UPM, Malaysia, 1995. Ven Chang Wen attended the DDM Sangha University from 2003 to 2007, and held the following posts in DDM Taiwan:
Guest Master Department (2007-2008)
Monastery Administration Department (2008)

BGF’s Marriage Education Program is back!

2009-10-03T15:28:00.002+08:00

The BGFCU is conducting the 9th Marriage Education Program course as follows:

Date: 31 Oct to 1 Nov 2009
Time: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily
Venue: BGF Centre, Petaling Jaya
Fee: Free but RM50 per couple to purchase a set of course materials
Closing Date: 24 Oct 2009

(This course was originally due to take place on 22 to 23 August but had to be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.)

Mid Autumn Festival :: 3.oct.09 @ se7en.pm

2009-09-24T00:03:00.002+08:00

...xperience xcitement...

2009-09-12T15:25:00.004+08:00

...xperience xcitement...
...this coming december. incovar dhamma camp 2009...

...xCITE...

2009-08-28T13:21:00.002+08:00

...book your time this dec2009. xCITEing event is coming your way. because @ INCOVAR we inspire...

A Happy Human Being :: 31st INCOVAR DHAMMA CAMP

2009-08-26T00:31:00.002+08:00

Thanks to bro. Siew Lin for posting this article >>

On the first day of the camp, I was late........ for the morning puja. Then my group are forfeited, we had to wash the dishes. This is based on the Amazing Race theme that this camp has... for this time.

Now as I see among the faces of my group, I regonised them only through facebook pictures. Our group leader is Chow Foong, if this name sounds familar, you're right. He's Chow Fu's (the one who's in the top 5 physics Olympiad team) older brother.

So, we kinda know each other even before the camp itself. Except that I was in Singapore and I've just gone back to Petaling on the 10th June. The others had prepared a good slide show presentation on one of the ancient cities in India that relates to Buddhism.

The first day of INCOVAR is filled with activities, dharma talks, games in from the Amazing Race... Ok I don't remember the exact schedule. So I'll just tell you what I feel.

They asked who's the old people here? Well, we have people who are in this camp series from 5th timers to 1st timers. As Incovar Dharma Camp is a biannual thing and 4 in a series, the 5th timers were 1st timers 2 years ago and need not pay anything to join the camp! The first one is 4 noble truths, then 8 foldpath, 3rd one is karma (this is the one I'm in), and 4th one meditiation. So anyone who has gone through all 4 of them can be considered as having the knowledge of the basics of Buddhism.

Anyway, back to my feelings, the old timers were quick to warm up as they recognised their old friends, be it from University Malaya, IMU, UPM, etc.... and one old timer from NUS is Ken Juin, and we are the only 2 from NUS. So I naturally feel that the camp is a bit unfriendly towards the first timers, as the camp warden and the assistant are 3rd timers.

Due to insufficient preparation time, the first day passed by unsatisfactorily. I thought, man, 3 more days of these.... not fun, not as good as our NUSBS Dharma Camp.

But then, Ken Juin assured me that this is the worst one, it will be better. And indeed, I don't know how, but after the organisers got organised in the first night, I had to admit that I was enjoying myself in the camp.
Let's go through some activities in the camp....
We get to shop in the nearby shopping center, to buy materials for the egg protection game (our egg broke... what a professional pride lost... well at least I'm not an enginneer) which I believe that if we had swapped eggs (ours was a bit broken during contruction), our egg protector can stand more than 3 stories of drop (it has a parachute too).

Eating time is almost always a torture. First meal, Lunch time, we had to feed the person opposite you, not changing the plates. Well, my poor patner... you know why, I took so many food that he had to stuff them in. The trick here is to change the food, not the plate.
Next meal, we had to eat with our hands linked to each other, well, at least we get to feed ourselves. The 3rd meal is fun.... Blindfold eating. We had to feed ourselves with a blindfold over our eyes! I asked to wash my hands after a few unsuccessful attempts to eat by spoon. Then I ate using my hands! They said that this is the first time in many years that someone used their hands to eat blindfold, good strategy. The Forth one and the hardest one is the best one. Blindfold and feed your patner. Our group has just won in the advertisement activity and we get to sit on a chair and table as our reward together with orange juice, chocolate waffles, and so on.... as the others on the floor gets their blindfold, we were relieved.... Until they gave us the last of the blindfolds. Our jaws were on the floor as we had to endure torture even in the face of luxury. Well, there's no using hands this time round, so we guide our patner's hands to our mouths, blind feeding the blind. All these serves to incoparate dharma, as we experience it. The blind in the dharma leading the blind is a very dangerous thing to do, the floor will get messy, we will not get the food that we wanted.... and so on. Appreciation of how the blind eat is also one of the lessons that one can learn from here.

Talking about advertisement, we had an assignment for each group to perform. We had to advertise Incovar in a Sketch advertisement. We had it like Malaysian Idol style, with 3 judges and comments from them. One group used SpongeBob SquarePants and actually created it using yellow, square sponge! Our group acted with 5 people breaking the 5 precepts, gone to Incovar camp, and changed for the better. And we won!

The Amazing Race does features many exciting oppotunities to experience winning and losing. But the dharma lesson to be learnt from this is that winning or losing is temperary.

Well, we have Tai Chi Classes too in the morning, and kick-boxing class on the next morning, the Dharma talks were good, with opportunities for us to become the MC for the speaker. Perhaps the best event is singing time! We inspire, we're the fire, we're the spirite of youth's life..... You my beautiful friend, you bring me joy.... Ehi Passiko, come and see you'll know......Cradled in Buddha's Arms........

One memorable activity is testing of the 5 precepts and assumptions. We broke off into mixed groups and go from one station to another, passing the lying test, the drinking alcohol test , not opening ---magazine test, etc. It serves to tell us that even under excited states, under any conditions, if we don't adhere to our precepts, there's no point taking them. My group consist of all girls and me and the only guy..... we didn't get the first few stations but then, we reconsidered and played the rest smoothly. One particular station is the donation station, where one can donate (to who? donate what?), our group was the first one to go there and people are taking out their wallets, watches, etc to donate.... even an iPhone. I almost donated, but was reminded by them that you might not get it back.... so I reconsidered. This iPhone thing cause quite a stir from the other participants, they demanded to have it back to the owner (the owner didn't said anything). After one day, the organisers finally revealed to us that they had no rights to keep those stuffs, and they were planning to return them on the last day. This is to test to see what we would do. However, due to excessive demands by the participants, they gave it out early. We all learned a lesson that day. Never assume.

And the one unique experience in the Incovar camp is Incovar night. The things said there are to remain there. It's a heart to heart session with blindfolds and small groups, confessing our guilt, the people that we didn't forgave, and help us on a road to forgive them, and ourselves.

I didn't planned to write so long, but emotions are hard to control and harder not to express such beautiful experiences. After the Incovar night, we have our last night gatherings and I commented this to the organisers, "On the first night that I was here, I was disappointed and I wonder why so many of you guys keep on coming back. However, after all we have been through, I've to say that this is the best camp I have ever been to and I hope that Incovar last for a trillion years and beyond.

We each have a booklet that contains everyone in the camp, mine is more than half full signed by people around the camp. Well, lots of them are paises for me, as I revealed my silver status and my rubiks skills to them. Dan Yi Wong, the Malaysian who came to our NUSBS Dharma Camp, also came to the camp on the last day. All in all, I highly recommend this camp, if you have the opportunity to join, by all means, join it. I'm looking forward towards the next camp too, on November/December 2009, but it also depends on my CCAs here, and my exam time.
Just in case someone reading this is a organiser..... I might go back during my reading week on 14-20th Nov, or after 13th Dec..... anyway I'll go for the June one again if I missed the next one.

“Living Healthily Without Medicine” :: 12-Sep :: 2pm

2009-08-20T14:26:00.004+08:00

“Living Healthily Without Medicine”
by Dr. Lim Hin Fui (Ph.D.)
“无需药物过一生”
主讲者: 林廷辉博士
Time: 2.00 pm – 4.00pm
Date: 12 September 2009
Venue: BGF Centre

The main purpose of this public talk is to share with you how foods affect your health. It is about how you, your family members can make a wise choice in choosing what to eat to avoid disease and to maintain, attain and regain health. The change in eating habit will also contribute to conservation for the survival of human beings and the earth’s flora & fauna.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Senior Researcher Dr Lim Hin Fui, BGF & BUBS life member, will speak from his personal experience, sharing how his family’s switch to health food to save the life of his father-in-law, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 and survived for 13 years without any radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Health food has improved the overall health of his family members.

Trained as a social anthropologist, Dr Lim completed his tertiary education in Malaysia. He obtained his BA from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Master of Social Science from the Universiti Sains Malaysia and PhD from the Universiti Malaya.

Other than forestry issues, over the years, he has developed interests in understanding the relationship between foods and diseases. He delivers free health talks and provides free consultation to cancer patients as well as their family members during his free time. He shares his knowledge and his family’s experience with everyone who is interested to live a healthy life via health food. This is part of his dream in the pursuit of health for all.

He has written three health books in English, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia entitled, Eating for Good Health (2nd Edition, 2009), Xun Zhao Jian Kang (2007) and Makanan Sihat Sebagai Ubat (2008).

Media interview records: Eastern Times of Sarawak (14 April 2007), New Straits Time (24 April 2007), TV3 8pm News coverage (30 April 2009), Metro (10 May 2009), Berita Harian (16 May 2009), The Sun (28 May 2009).

For any inquiry, please contact:-
Bro. Alex Tan at 016-4204000
or email: bgf_moderator@yahoo.com

Enriching Oneself, Inspiring Others :: 17th BGF Counseling Course

2009-08-18T23:03:00.001+08:00

Dhamma Talk by Sayadaw U Thitzana :: 4-Sept

2009-08-18T22:13:00.002+08:00

The Buddha often spoke about four states of mind as the four "Brahma-viharas": loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.

These four attitudes are said to be excellent or sublime because they are the right or ideal way of conduct towards living beings.

They are called abodes (vihara) because they should become the mind's constant dwelling-places where we feel "at home". They should become our inseparable companions, and we should be mindful of them in all our common activities. As the Metta Sutta, the Song of Loving-kindness, says:

When standing, walking, sitting, lying down,
Whenever he feels free of tiredness
Let him establish well this mindfulness -
This, it is said, is the Divine Abode.

BIOGRAPHY OF SAYADAW U THITZANA
Sayadaw U Thitzana who is currently the Chief Abbot of the Dhammasukha Monastery in Los Angeles, USA was born in December 1951, in a village about 140 miles to the North-West of Mandalay, Upper Myanmar. He entered the monastic order as a young novice in 1960 after completing his elementary education.

Sayadaw mastered Pali at an early age and studied some of the major Buddhist texts under the special guidance of a very well-known and skillful Pali master, Venerable Sayadaw U Kondanna, the Chief Abbot of Kan Oo Monastery at Hlaw-gar village.

Sayadaw later pursued his advanced monastic studies in Tipitaka Buddhist Pāli canonnical texts in the Ma-Soe-Yein Thaik-Thit Monastery in Mandalay , which is a center of Buddhist Studies where nearly three thousand Buddhist monks and young novices receive their monastic education in present day Myanmar.

In 1970, Sayadaw started teaching Pāli courses, Abhidhamma (Buddhist psychology) and scriptures for seven years in this monastery before moving on to Pinsanikāya Sāsanabeikman monastery, Yangon, to take up a leading presiding teacher's role, responsible for teaching Buddhist monks and novices from 1978 to 1995.

Sayadaw holds the title of Dvipitakadhara, a title conferred to him after having passed the exams of Dvipitaka and in memorizing the Vinaya Pitaka & Suttanta Pitaka. Sayadaw also obtained his Sasanadhajasiripavara Dhammacariya degree and was able to memorise five volumes of the Vinaya. Sayadaw passed his Vinayadhara exams when he was still a samanera.

Sayadaw achieved many educational degrees for outstanding achievements conferred by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of Myanmar, among which are:
- Sāsanadaza Siripavara Dhammācariya (The equivalent of lecturer in Pāli Language).
- Vinaya Pali Pāragu (an equivalent of Ph.D in Pāli Language)
- Vinaya Dhara, Vinaya Kovida (Master of Vinaya Pitaka Buddhist Texts)
- Dighabhānaka , Dighanikāya Kovida (Master of Suttanta Pitaka Texts)
- Ābhidhammika , Ābhidhamma Kovida (the Master of Abhidhamma Texts)

From 1973, Sayadaw had taken up intensive meditation in the Mahāsi meditation center under the guidance of the late Venerable Sayādaw U Sujāta and Venerable Shwe-taung-gone Sayādaw U Pandita. He also learnt ānāpānasati under Venerable Sun Lun Sayādaw and Kani Shwe-Thein-Daw Sayādaw.

Since May 1995, Sayadaw is based in United States where he has established a Buddhist temple in Southern California. Presently Sayadaw conducts Vipassana meditation retreats, Buddhist sudies, Pāli grammar courses in Canada , California and Florida.

Upcoming INCOVAR Camp

2009-08-05T20:55:00.002+08:00

...Upcoming INCOVAR Camp. Coming soon in Nov/Dec 2009. Watch out for the continuity of 31IDC. All 31IDC participants are encouraged to join in the upcoming activity of INCOVAR in Nov/Dec 2009. Watch this space and you will regret if you missed it...

Dhamma Talks to commemorate late Chief Venerable K Sri Dhammananda's 53 years of Dhammaduta work

2009-08-04T21:26:00.009+08:00

In the month of August, BGF will be presenting a series of talks to commemorate our late Chief Venerable K Sri Dhammananda's 53 years of Dhammaduta work.

The talk series will cover 4 major phases of his legacy. All talks will start at 8.15pm with Puja, on every Thursday in the month of August.

[6 Aug] Bro. Benny Liow
Talk 1: Propagating the Dhamma with laughter
Our late Chief Reverend used to deliver dhamma talks with a lot of funny stories and jokes which makes people laugh and seldom falls asleep. With these, people easily absorbs the gist of the teaching. However, there are some who does not remember much but just the laughters.In this talk, the emphasis of happiness through listening the dhamma is important and also the teachings from the laughter.

[13 Aug] Dr. Chan Kah Yein
Talk 2: Listening and continuing the legacy
Chief Reverend has always used inspirational and motivating ideas to deliver his talks and this talk will re-live the moments when he enlightens the public and highlighting his mothodologies for propagation in his 53 years.

[20 Aug] Bro. MV Nathan
Talk 3 : K Sri Dhammananda Rhapsody
This talk will emphasize the harmonization between dhamma and music. A historical and chronological account of how music was introduced in Buddhism and then how Buddhism is introduced through music. Inspirational words and songs.

[27 Aug] Uncle Vijaya
Talk 4: Revisiting the past for now and the future
This talk will be a chronological and biographic account from the time when Martin Garmage was born, ordained as K. Sri. Dhammananda, then to becoming the chief rev of malaysia & singapore. This talk will emphasize his words of wisdom and his journey of propagating the buddha dhamma in malaysia and singapore.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://www.bgf.org.my e : bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Say I Do? Say 'Marriage Education Program'

2009-06-30T21:54:00.002+08:00

The Marriage Education Program conducted by the BGF Counseling Unit (BGFCU) provides a realistic view of matrimony and enable couples to develop strategies to resolve challenging situations they may encounter in their marriage. At the same time, it aims to create an awareness that there are avenues to get assistance in any area of concerns that they may encounter.

The next or the 9th Marriage Education Program is scheduled as follows >
Date: 22 to 23 August 2009
Time: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily
Venue: BGF Centre, Petaling Jaya
Fee: Free but RM 50 per couple to purchase a set of course materials
Closing Date: 15 August 2009

The BGFCU has successfully conducted 8 of these courses in the past. The last course was held on 21 to 22 February 2009 with 20 couples attending. This program is tailored for those who are getting married soon or who are recently married or registered (less than 5 years). Course participants will have the opportunity to grapple with topics such as Importance of Family Unit, Discovering Our Expectations, Building Sexual Intimacy Effective Communications, Resolving Conflicts & Challenges, Finance & The Family and Ethical & Spiritual Aspects.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development, registration is opened to all Non-Muslims and is essentially FREE. Meals (lunch and 2 teabreaks per day) will be provided. Each couple will however need to purchase the “Smart Start Program” manual at RM50 per couple. Feel free to contact Sis. Tan Hooi Eng (016-293 0684) or Sis. Iris Goh (016-302 5792) for further info.

So are you taking the plunge to say I do?

Did you miss out on the last 2 Musical Puja at BGF?

2009-06-28T23:10:00.009+08:00

Well... try to make it the next round on 7th July, Friday! :)

~*~
On a beautiful Sunday evening on 7th June - Full Moon Musical Puja >>
We were privileged to have Tashi & Dechen from Ladakh presenting their sharing entitled "From Ladakh (Himalayas) to Kuala Lumpur" with a slideshow preview of the extreme cold winter in Zanskar. We were proud to have musical performance by a big group of singers from the BISDS choir "OneVoice One Melody", they wowed the crowd with a few renditions of Malay and English songs. It was indeed a full house!

Then on Tuesday, 23rd June - New Moon Musical Puja >>
What a wonderful evening celebrating New Moon with offerings, puja, music and a Dharma talk by Ven. S Pemaratana Thero (entitled "Healing the Body through Meditation"). We started with offerings to the Buddha, followed by an inspiring puja led by Bro Mun Yee & Bro Nee Sern. Next, accompanied by Bro Nee Sern on the guitar, Bro Daniel & Sis Jing Pei of igemz sang a couple of uplifting hymns, after which Ven Pemaratana began his talk to a crowd of 40+ people.

BUDDHIST TEACHINGS CLASSICAL QIGONG & MEDITATION

2009-06-28T22:53:00.003+08:00

BUDDHIST TEACHINGS CLASSICAL QIGONG & MEDITATION with
Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje
Principal of the Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies

>>Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje, the Founder of Palyul Nyingmapa Tibetan Buddhist Association in the UK, Greece and Australia, and a Master Teacher of Buddhist Qigong will visit Malaysia in July to give Dharma Teaching and Masterclass Seminars on Classical Qigong & Meditation.

Friday, 3rd July :: 8.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Buddhist Teaching: Buddhist Medicine & Healing
Venue: Buddhist Gem Fellowship, 60A, Jln 19/3, P. J.

Saturday 4th July 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Masterclass Seminar: Buddhist Tranquil Meditation
Venue: Function room 13.5, 13th floor, Wisma MCA, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Sunday 5th July 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Masterclass Seminar: Classical Medical Qigong
Venue: Function room 13.3, 13th floor, Wisma MCA, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Sunday 5th July 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Public Talk: Buddhist View On Health & Well-Being
Venue: Function room at Xiao En Centre, No 1, Jln Kuali, Cheras, K.L

Monday 6th July 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Buddhist Teaching: Four Noble Truths
Venue: Blk A-206, Phileo Damansara 1, Jln Damansara 16/11, P.J.

Tuesday 7th July 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Buddhist Teaching: How To Be A Buddhist In A Modern World
Venue: Sukhi Hotu, D9-6-1, Blk D9, Dana 1 Commercial Centre, Jln PJU 1A/46, PJ

For further information contact Dawa on 019-3134988 or email: katandental@hotmail.com
For more information on Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje, please visit: http://www.pathgate.org/

New Moon Puja & Dhamma Talk by Ven. S. Pemaratana

2009-06-17T22:24:00.003+08:00

Don't miss out on this 2-in-1 new moon puja, which will start early at 8.00pm first with PUJA followed by a couple of hymns before the talk.

Date : 23-June 2009 (Tuesday)
Time : 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Talk : "Healing the Body through Meditation"
Speaker : Ven. S. Pemaratana from USA

Ven. S. Pemaratana is a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. He was ordained at the age of 10 in 1986 and received higher ordination in 1997. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Studies from University of Peradeniya and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the National University of Singapore. He has lectured at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore. Currently he is the resident teacher at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, USA.

From Ladakh to Kuala Lumpur :: Full Moon Musical Puja

2009-06-03T21:56:00.007+08:00

Don't miss out for this Sunday very interesting new moon musical puja >>

Date : 7-June 2009 (Sunday)
Time : 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Talk : "From Ladakh (Himalayas) to Kuala Lumpur"
Speaker for Talk by : Tashi & Dechen (students of Taylor's College)
Musical Performance by : B.I.S.D.S Choir

Check out presentation about the land where Tashi and Dechen came from -- the most remote high mountains of Zanskar in Ladakh. They will share their experiences living in the harshes land of the Himalayas.

Zanskar is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, it can only be accessed over high passes. The one and only motor road into the ancient Kingdom is from the north, across Pensi La from Suru valley. In winter, however, the Zanskar Chu is the only access route. The water freezes thick on the river and it becomes a route known as the mythic Chadar Road. Situated at about 3500m, Zanskar is a high altitude semi-desert lying on the Northern flank of the Great Himalayan Range.

Catch the B.I.S.D.S Choir showcase for the first time at BGF!
INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w: http://www.bgf.org.my e: bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

31INCOVAR Dhamma Camp

2009-05-31T16:33:00.001+08:00

...LAST CALL TO REGISTER FOR 31st INCOVAR Dhamma Camp...

Please help find adopters for the Pulau Ketam dogs

2009-05-19T23:56:00.001+08:00

Dear INCOVARIANs and compassionate hearts,

I write to enlist your help in finding adopters to adopt the rescued dogs from the Pulau Ketam Tragedy.

I have spent time with the dogs. The ones who have been discharged from the pet hospital have been vaccinated, de-wormed, had blood tests taken, treated for wounds, etc, and they are also micro-chipped. They will be spayed (sterilised) once they are well enough to go through the operation (probably in a few weeks' time). So far, ALL are female.

Where are the males and the other females? Still trapped on Hell Island - they can be heard howling at night, and it will break your heart.

The dogs are eating well now, but greatly in need of the human touch of love and compassion. If you have the time, please visit SPCA (bungalow at the back of the shelter) and spend some time to talk with them, be near them, feed them by hand, pat them, and let them trust humans again. A few are still severely traumatised and very afraid. None are aggressive. They are badly in need of metta.

Alternatively, please try to find homes for them. As more dogs come in (hopefully), there is not enough space to house them.

Please help these dogs find good and loving homes. They have literally been through "hell". They deserve better. From my limited experience, rescued pets make the most loyal and faithful pets.
My friends and I (through the kindness of SJBA) raised funds for the dogs on Wesak Day and we have now sponsored the medical treatment of the first eight rescued dogs. SPCA gave us the honour of giving them Buddhist names.

SPCA Selangor.
Address, Jalan Kerja Air Lama, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.
Tel, 03-42565312, 42535179. Fax, 03-42528382.

Please help find homes for them.

Metta in action, not just in word.

Thank you.

With metta,
kahyein

P.S. Besides the dogs abandoned on the two hell islands, there are still many, many dogs currently living on Pulau Ketam. They too need to be rehomed so that they would not be subject to the same horrible fate as their abandoned friends in future. They also need to be sterilised and that is another project my friends and I are working on. Details later.

--
Embrace simplicity. Travel light in life.
http://tiny.cc/cky
http://tiny.cc/paws

Dhamma Talk by Bhante Kumara >> 18 May 2009

2009-05-15T01:21:00.003+08:00

Topic : Striving with Calm and Insight in One's Own Mind and Body
Date : Monday, 18 May 2009
Time : 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Location : BGF Centre

Talk Sypnosis
We cannot create happiness—not the kind that is stably founded upon wisdom. Then again, we don't have to. To be happy, all we have to do is the remove the causes of suffering. In this talk, Bhante Kumara shall share the Buddha's teachings on how to do that through stabilising the mind and cultivating understanding. He shall show how you can gain insight into the causes and effects of mental phenomena as you live your life. The more you can see as it really is how suffering arises, the more suffering loses its grasp. Listeners may gain more understanding if they read Madhupindika (Honeyball) Sutta in Majjhima Nikaya (Sutta No.18). It is however not required to understand the talk.

Profile of Ven Kumāra Bhikkhu

Ven Kumāra Bhikkhu was ordained in 1999 at the age of 27 by Sayadaw U Revata at Subang Jaya Buddhist Association. Currently, he resides in Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (www.sasanarakkha. org), and serves as Ven Aggacitta Mahāthera’s personal assistant.The venerable graduated with a degree in education (Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Malaya. It was during his studies there that he became enthusiastic about the Buddha's teachings and decided that he wanted to live this life as a monk. Since then, with his training in education, he has been sharing the Dhamma in various ways and in several languages (mainly English, Mandarin and Hokkien) with Buddhists of various traditions and non-Buddhists too. Ven Kumāra is interested in any spiritual teaching that shows how to cultivate wisdom and remove the causes of suffering. Having discovered happiness through this, he is happy to help others do so too. Besides learning and practising the DhammaVinaya, he practises intuitive energyworks to promote health and healing.

Dhamma Talk by Phakchok Rinpoche

2009-05-10T22:48:00.002+08:00

How to be Happy, Healthy and Wealthy?

On this Thursday, we will have the opportunity to listen to H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche with his teachings.

Date : 14th May 2009, Thursday
Time : 8.30pm
Topic : How to be Happy, Healthy and Wealthy

All sentient beings strive for happiness but most end up with the opposite because they do not know the cause of true happiness. Alas, the same can be said about health and wealth. Two effective ways to increase happiness are to reduce the number of strnght of course wishes and to practise meditation. To improve our health, we should train out mental thoughts and speech to be more positive. Finally, the best way to enriche ourselves is to train to be contented. The more we are able to follow these key points, the more we will find ourselves genuinely happy, healthy and wealthy.

Phakchok Rinpoche will guide us through these mental transformations and provide a few concrete examples for us to follow through.

4th INCOVAR Graduate Camp | Defining Your Future

2009-05-07T19:08:00.003+08:00

REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN!

2009-04-22T23:32:00.005+08:00

31st INCOVAR Dhamma Camp
Date : 11th - 14th June 2009
Venue : Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA)

4th INCOVAR Graduate Camp
Date : 5th - 7th June 2009
Venue : Maha Karuna Buddhist Society

Please click on images to navigate to online registration page.

BGF Annual General Meeting

2009-04-08T00:57:00.001+08:00

Full Moon Musical Puja ~ Discovering Buddhism ~ 10 April 2009

2009-04-08T00:22:00.006+08:00

Dear friends,

Let's mark down the date for this full moon musical puja ::
Date : 10-Apr 2009 (Friday)
Time : 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Talk : "Discovering Buddhism"
Speaker for Talk by : Bro. Dayananda
Musical Sharing by: [tbc]
N.B. Dayananda (bro. Daya as he is more popularly known) hails from Penang, the only son of Sinhalese Buddhist parents. Here he was given a copy of the Kalama Sutta and upon reading it he “discovered” the Buddha Dhamma and has been living by it ever since. 1960 through 1963 he was involved with the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple and the setting up of its Sunday Pali School.

Bro. Daya is a trainer in Sales & Marketing and a recognised professional speaker and motivator. He is currently engaged with another USA based multinational.

Bro. Dayananda successfully completed the recently organised, first ever Dhamma Speakers’ Course and has spoken at several Buddhist orgnisations whenever his busy work schedule has permitted him.

Feel free to bring along fruits, flowers and even candies for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual Friday evening.

~*~

Pictures from last New Moon Puja on 27th March 2009...

INCOVAR Facilitators Team

2009-04-05T10:56:00.000+08:00

INCOVARIANS,

The INCOVAR Facilitators consist of a team of people who have what it takes to assist in the running of the INCOVAR Dhamma camp. They consist of selected individuals who have participated in INCOVAR and have shown their potential in leading and facilitating groups of people and are interested to be part of the team.

They have proved their competency in guiding and inspiring participants in providing the training, knowledge and experience of the teaching of Buddha and encouraging them to relate Dhamma in their daily lives and deepening their confidence in the Triple Gem.

They have showed a significant INCOVARIAN attitude, that is to INSPIRE. This team has established themselves in many areas of inspiration and motivation and instilling the learning and understanding of the Dhamma.

The involvement of this team of facilitators is sure to bring out the sparkle of determination and the perseverance of the INCOVARIAN’s participation in the camp.

Do you have what it takes to be part of the INCOVAR Facilitator Team? Or you are interested but have no knowledge about it? Drop me a line and we will explore further from there. Training will be provided.

INCOVAR Facilitator Team : Creating Inspiration

23rd EFFECTIVE SPEAKING COURSE - FINALS!

2009-04-02T02:38:00.000+08:00

Yes! The 4th INCOVAR Graduate Camp is back!

2009-03-23T15:15:00.006+08:00

We are proud to announce that the job-seeker event of the year is back! Yes, the 4th INCOVAR Graduate Camp.

When? 5-7 June 2009 (Friday afternoon - Sunday evening)
Where? Maha Karuna Centre, Subang 2
Who should come? Open to all final year students and recent graduates
Investment required? Positive and willing to learn attitude, time and RM60

Do keep the dates for this camp, or else you may just regret it!
Watch this space for further notice. Limited spaces are available.

For those who want to have proprietary intelligence / register a place, please contact -

Bro. Alex Tan (016 420 4000) or Sis. Wendy Goh (017 319 5881) asap.

~ we inspire ~
on behalf of the 4th IGC team

New Moon Musical Puja with Sis. Sharon Ng & Bro. MV Nathan

2009-03-22T22:46:00.007+08:00

Dear brothers & sisters in the Dhamma,

You're all welcome to our New Moon Musical Puja at BGF centre, with musical presentation by Bro. Nathan and sharing by sis. Sharon Ng.

Date : 27th March 2009, Friday
Time : 8.30pm
Topic : Exploring the Mind - A Light-hearted Look (Layperson's experience)
Speaker : Sis. Sharon Ng

Sis. Sharon Ng found out that her mind was running her life when she was in her 20's. However, it took her many years before she attempted meditation. Her first meditation retreat was a 5 day meditation camp at Subang Jaya Buddhist Society almost 10 years ago. Since then, she has made progress (although some might think the progress small), and has had 'interesting' experiences with her mind. Sharon has attended retreats with Sawadaw U Janaka, Ajahn Brahmavamso, Sayadaw U Tejaneya, Bhante Sujiva and Goenkaji. In the corporate world, sis. Sharon is a trainer who facilitates Presentation Skills and Personal Change programs.

Bro. MV Nathan produced the inspirational Buddhist musical album "Journey" with melodious hymn songs performed by himself and friends. A mesmerizing singer especially with a guitar in his hand, bro. Nathan is actually a lawyer by profession and he hails from Melaka.

Feel free to bring along fruits, flowers and even candies for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual Friday evening.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://bgf.buddhism.org e : bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. [map]

Brace yourself...

2009-03-20T00:13:00.004+08:00

for the next 31st INCOVAR Dhamma Camp

happening on

11th - 14th June 2009

Guess? Guess? Guess?

2009-02-25T09:33:00.003+08:00

...the dates of the 31st INCOVAR Dhamma Camp!
*please state why
*first comment with the correct answer wins
*prize > discount on the next camp registration fee :)

UPM E-CHARITY RUN

2009-02-23T09:20:00.004+08:00

Previously known as C-DEX run, it has been rename to better suit the objective. UPM E-CHARITY RUN aims to raise fund for AGATHIANS SHELTER.

Venue : Engineering Faculty of UPM (University Putra Malaysia)
Date : 1st March 2009 (Sunday)
Time : 6.30am registration8.30am flag-off

Categories:
A) Competition- (Only for University and College students)- Male (7km) RM15.00- Female (5km) RM15.00- Cash Prizes up to RM620 will be gicen to first 5 winners for Male and Female categories, Certificates and Medals will be given to first 50 winners for each categories.

B) Fun Run (Open for all)- Individual RM15.00- 3 person RM40.00- 5 person RM65.00

Each participant is entitled to:Free T-Shirt for first 800 early birdsGoodies bags Merits (Only for UPM Students)

A CARNIVAL!!!!will be held in conjunction with the Run

FOOD, BEVERAGES, SNACKS, GIFTS, GAMES, those were just the tip of the iceberg.

Orphans from Agathians Shelter are also invited to help make this event merrier.However Coupons will be needed to be spent during the carnival.So don't forget to get your coupons during the promotion booth and throughout the run.What are you waiting for?Ask a friend or better ask more friends to join the RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Help secure a home for Agathians Shelter.

For more information, please visit http://upme-charityrun09.blogspot.com/

Ministry of Unity Culture & Heritage - Inter Religious Youth Camp

2009-02-16T23:24:00.004+08:00

Hi! Are YOU interested to be part of a Inter Religious Camp organised by the Ministry? Check this out and feel free to be part of this! /MJ
~*~
Dear all,

The Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism in coorperation with the above Ministry will gather religious youth leaders (17-35 years old) to interact with youth leaders from Islam as well.

Participants' accomodation, transportation & food will be fully sponsored. Don't miss the excellent opportunity!

Participants are expected to be proficient in English & BM, active in Buddhist youth activities and will be the PIONEER group for future such endeavours. During the camp, participants are will articulate the challenges, aspirations & further good religious harmony towards nation-building.

The date for the camp below is March 20-22 2009 (3 days 2 night) at Glory Beach Resort, Port Dickson.

An application form is attached for your further action. As mentioned in the previous email, each religion will be given 24 slots.

Please get as many friends as possible to be considered for the pilot project "Unity Camp" to forster greater understanding.

Please email the completed application forms to Bro Li Han Wei at lhw_lihanwei@yahoo.com or 019-6364263

OBJECTIVES
To establish a leadership team of youth from all religions to play a greater role in fostering inter-religious unity.
To empower youth with leadership skills
To create a better understanding of respect and the basic tenets and teachings of all religions, while upholding firmly their own.
To foster friendship and fellowship among members of different religious groups
To formulate and adopt resolutions for an effective way forward for an Action Agenda to unite Malaysians of diverse religions at the grassroots level:
(a) Programmes of Selfless service to the needy, beyond race & religion and
(b) Programmes to foster Human Values among Youth at the level of Family & Community to counter the social ills aspects of Globalization..

PROPOSAL
The proposal is to organize a 3 day (Friday to Sunday) youth camp for youths from all major religions in the country. Youth will be between 18 -35 years of age and comprise of equal representation from both genders (male & female) .
A maximum representation of 24 members from each religious group will be invited. (This exclude members of the secretariat, speakers and other coordinators) Representation from Sabah and Sarawak where possible is strongly encouraged. ( A pair each from Sabah and Sarawak )
The criteria for selection should be that these youth should be active members in their respective religious group and have been seen to show positive leadership qualities.
They must participate fully in all sessions for the three days.
The groups will be divided into six main groupings. Each group will have members from all religions. We hope that participants will really get to know every member of all group by the end of the three days.
The attire throughout the camp will be decent smart casual and sport wear during outdoor activity.

The focus of the three day camp will be on team building, fostering team work, developing leadership qualities, understanding and respecting basic tenets of different religions and formulating a forward looking youth oriented action plan.

With Metta,
Chua Teck Seong
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
016-2233537

Spending Meaningful New Year's Eve in BGF

2009-01-07T21:16:00.002+08:00

What a FUNtastically meaningful way to spend New Year's eve!!

Thank you, BGF for creating a space where family members can spend time together, to party with loads of mouthwatering delicacies , to the accompaniment of lively musical performances by the popular group I-gemz and Datuk Victor Wee. It was really fun with the old , the young and the not-so-young, joining in to sing along to those unforgettable golden oldies.

The best part of the evening, which touches me most, was the Chanting , lead by Datuk Victor Wee, which started towards the "ending" of the Old Year , crossing into the New Year (erm….believe it was "Protective Chanting") . I could almost feel showers of Buddha's blessings washing all over me when the bell was struck at midnight, the vibration of it's chime synchronizing with our Chanting! Delightful!

Thumbs up to BGF for this experience for a wonderful closure to the 'old' year and embracing this New Year on the right footing surrounded with loads of blessings. To be in the midst of so much positive energy created with love and chanting, I know I am "protected" in this new year.

~ from a BGF newcomer, Angief.

Creating Abundance for the New Year ~ Full Moon Musical Puja

2009-01-07T07:47:00.006+08:00

Happ New Year 2009!

To kickstart the first Full Moon Musical Puja for the new year, it's our pleasure to invite you all to come join us.

Full Moon Musical Puja
Date: 10 January 2009, Saturday
Time: 8.30 pm
Venue: BGF Centre
Sharing by: Bro. Poh Wee Fah
Topic: "Creating Abundance for the New Year"

Feel free to bring along some fruits and flowers for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a Saturday evening filled with abundance and joy.

(Bro. Wee Fah with igemz performing at the BGF New Year's Eve Gathering)

...cherishing hearts : everlasting memories...

2008-12-31T13:56:00.003+08:00

memories of 30th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp

...cherishing hearts : everlasting memories...

My experience in the 30th IDC in Kuantan!

2008-12-30T20:29:00.004+08:00

Dear readers,

I am grateful to be given the opportunity by Sis. Mei Joon to describe my experience attending the 30th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp in Kuantan Buddhist Association, from 11 to 14 December 2008.

It is now 1.28am, 29 December 2008, and I feel this is the last opportunity I have to properly describe 30 IDC from the heart, without distractions, as my time spent attending lectures later on (first day of a new semester) might dilute the beautiful memories of INCOVAR which are still vivid and comfortable to reflect on for now.

At first, I felt quite reluctant to join IDC this year, because Pahang seemed to be unfamiliar ground to me. But, I ended up registering anyway, two days late in fact. (Thanks Keng Yan!) The first thing that comes to mind about Incovar is that I have no regrets attending the camp at all.

On 10 December, a group of participants gathered at BGF, before we headed off to Kuantan. Playing mafia in BGF was a good icebreaker! The bus trip to Kuantan was delayed, but our spirits were kept up by constant friendly chattering and an impromptu singing performance by our Thai friends, as well as Malaysian friends.

The first thing that amazed me the next morning was the beautiful scenery! Formerly a mining ground, the lake, which was surrounded by trees and rocks, and minimally decorated, projects a calming energy, especially to busy city-dwellers. Looking down and across from the balcony of the third floor, the miles of greenery seen all around is equally soothing.

The theme for the camp this year was the Five Ennobling Virtues- Love, Sharing, Contentment, Kindness, and Mindfulness. As in 29 IDC, these ennoblers, being the message this time around, were conveyed clearly to us as we experienced how they can be fitted into our lives, through the activities and workshops planned.

Although I cannot remember all the activities, games and workshops throughout the four days offhand, I did make an effort to be present (body and mind) for each activity, and at each moment. Bhante Kumara accompanied us throughout the camp as well, and I developed interest in his sessions, because of his ability to understand how our mind works, with all its twists and turns, and teach us many things by simplifying complicated concepts and ideas. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee also livened us up with his musical talents, optimism, and open-mindedness.

Also, we had the opportunity to learn how to think out of the box with Uncle Bugs Tan and his amazing creativity, and his discovery of applying Buddhism to his talent of inventing new things. Besides that, Kar Wei was also very generous in enlightening us with tips on photography, and allowing us to have hands-on experience taking photos of scenery in the temple. Shalyn’s giant board game workshop (with equally giant Styrofoam dice) provided some physical action to the camp, and I really admire how the game was planned, with the five different tasks, and coordination of six groups playing all together.

In fact, I feel that every activity and each moment lived its place in the camp. Ranging from the real-life Facebook, Light & Easy (the most relaxing time of the day), Xiao Thoong’s workshop, to Wei Loong’s spaghetti, IXP, and so on, I appreciate every one of them, each in its own special way.

Also, our Thai friends graced us with their culture, language, sincerity, and willingness to form friendship bonds which may seem different at first, but are unique in their own ways. Thank you, Oil, Oam, Pinky, Champ, and all of you!

Last but definitely not least…being in the Lanun group, even thinking about the Lanun group helps me generate mixed feelings of happiness, friendliness, trustworthiness and…lame-ness too. Haha! Our very “special” flag and equally “Lanun-ish” group cheer will always have their places in my memory.

One of the best parts about INCOVAR is making new friends and getting to know people better. By attending this camp, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to interact with new and old friends, and experience the instant friendliness that Incovarians always generously offer.

Another happy thing to do is keeping in touch after the camp has ended- through Facebook and MSN, and through any other possible means! Concerning Facebook- commenting on photos, giving people nicknames and engaging in any other random idea which pops up helps me relive the spirit we shared during the camp, and also activate new areas of myself- especially towards being less quiet and reserved.

All in all, to me, 30 IDC was less intense and physical than 29 IDC, but encouraged more thinking and mental processing. I am also re-learning how to have fun again (without over-thinking), an effortless but vital skill which I have almost lost in the process of chasing through life. I learnt things which I never knew I never knew, and this experience as a whole forms a lasting and comfortable memory to reflect on.

However, at times, things did not proceed as smoothly as expected. But it is this very impermanence which provides both beauty and balance to life, as well as learning experiences.

Finally, to ALL of my Incovarian friends- participants, camp organizers, committee members, everyone- I sincerely thank all of you for a wonderful camp! (Thank you Mak Mak!) Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!

Goodness in Buddhism has always inspired me, and I am thankful for the chance to learn and be reminded of the Dhamma through these contemporary means.

As the wise claim, the gift of Dhamma excels all gifts. So, INCOVAR, please continue to inspire!

With metta,

Ming-Yi ^_^
(a.k.a mykhoo/mycool)

Upcoming Activities at BGF before the end of 2008!

2008-12-20T16:16:00.003+08:00

Dear friends,

It is our pleasure to invite you to the following events at BGF before the end of the year 2008!

~* FULL MOON MUSICAL PUJA *~
Date : 27th December 2008, Saturday
Time : 8.00pm
Sharing : Bro. Roland of M.O.D will conduct a'Sharing through Music' Feel free to bring along some fruits and flowers for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a joyful musical Saturday evening.

~* DHAMMA TALK by Ven. Ariya Nani *~
Date : 29th December 2008, Monday
Time: 8.00 pm
Topic: What is Freedom?

Synopsis:
The history of men has been a history of people’s struggle to become free. Generally, people think of freedom as the license to do what they want, to speak what they want, and to think what they want.

In response to people’s struggle for freedom, the Buddha offered the Dhamma. With the Buddha’s teaching one can get free from the oppressing and tormenting states of mind which are the cause of suffering and dissatisfaction. The freedom the Buddha speaks of is an inner autonomy of the mind to do what is good, wholesome, and beneficial.

Biodata:
Venerable was born in Switzerland. She started to practice meditation during her training as a music and dance teacher at the conservatory in Zurich (1980-1984). In 1992, she went to Burma and ordained as a nun. Since then she practiced vipassana and metta meditation under the guidance of the renowed meditation master Ven. Chanmyay Sayadaw. She has translated Sayadaw U Indaka's book on Metta Meditation from Burmese into English and German.

~* BGF Year End Potluck Sharing & Gathering *~
Date: 31st December 2008, Wednesday
Time: 7.30pm - 12 midnight

Let's gather together to celebrate ushering the new year 2009 - BGF style! Firstly, there'll be a potluck dinner with sandwiches, vegetarian tomyam noodle, fried rice, curry chicken, fruits... (*please call sis. Mei Joon 012-3517615 to inform the dish you're bringing*)

After the 'buffet' dinner, we will transform BGF centre (with all your help) for Maha Buddha Puja, complete with candles-incense- flowers offering by YOU!

Datuk Dr. Victor Wee will lead us in the Sutta recital, thereafter he'll give a short Dhamma sharing. Lastly, countdown with igemz! (*would you like to make a song request or dedication?* )

What better way to spend the new year's eve countdown, which is to spend a cosy quality time at BGF, than being stuck in the jam around the city?

~*~
23rd EFFECTIVE SPEAKING COURSE 2009 is now Open for Registration! Commencing on 14 February 2009 & limited to 25 pax only, so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to sharpen your skill in public speaking! (*or overcome your phobia of public speaking!*) Call sis. Jacqueline 016-6969799.

~*~
Have you registered for the Metta Meditation Retreat? Lead by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee to be held at Chin Swee Temple in Genting Highland from 7th February 2009 to 9th February 2009 (Saturday to Monday). Call sis. Doris 012-3110294.

Happy New Year! May your aspiration be fulfilled for the year 2009!

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://bgf.buddhism.org/ e : bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Moment to moments of awareness

2008-12-15T12:55:00.003+08:00

Many at times, we tend to reflect the relevance of the Buddha Dhamma. How often do we Experiment and experience the Buddha Dhamma ourselves?

The Buddha had mentioned clearly that one should experiment the truth, experience the truth by ourselves, to taste the fruit of fruition.

There is very little significance if we just follow blindly although that results in good deed. We have to move forward, take the step ahead of us, to realize the path of fruition.

In our daily lives, we tend to distinguish distinctively between the various practices known to us. How do we choose? A question of yes or no, an inquiry into right or wrong. How do we decide.

Through proper understandings, one will be able to realize the path. How? With the emergance of various practices, we tend to fall into the situation of confusion, and many at times ignorance.

Look at things the way things are. How things (matter) arises. The Buddha Dhamma is about cause and effect. What are the causes? what are the effects.

Have you ever encountered a time where you experience the effect of a cause which we are not aware of it? Some of you may not as your practice is strong. How about those who are not?

Look into the matter, identify your choices. See the effects. This is awareness. This is moment to moment of awareness. Note it. Allow your mind to see the arising of causes. allow your mind to note the changes that is taking place. How it rise and how it fall. A process of rising and falling.

Does this sounds like meditation? Yes! Mental cultivation is a practice not confined to a certain way nor a condition. Yes. When we are in a condition, an environment conducive for practice, the mind has the ability to develop and strenghtens in the foundations of mindfulness.

Now, what happens when we are out of the conducive environment? Are we still able to have moment to moment of awareness? Yes its good if you can. But, how when we cant?

Look into the aspect of practice. As practice make a person strong and well versed. Once you are, you will be able to cope when changes happens, and thats the time you need it. Practice makes perfect.

Below is a reflection:

Moment to moments of awareness gives

Moment to moments of hapiness.

Moment to moments of hapiness gives

Moments of enlightenment.

May one realize the Buddha Dhamma

with pure mindfulness.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha :: Friday Full Moon Musical Puja

2008-12-10T00:28:00.004+08:00

This message is only for those who couldn't make it to Kuantan, there's another event you can join!! >>

On this coming Friday, how would you like to spend a nice, relaxing and spiritual evening at BGF? Let's join in the Full Moon Musical Puja.

Date: 12th December 2008, Friday
Time: 8.30 pm
Speaker: Bro. Wong Mun Yee
Topic: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha

Bro. Mun Yee will be sharing with us about his experience participating in a novitiate programme held in Bodhgaya recently, lead by Ven. Mahinda. With picture slideshow presentation of the holy site where Buddha attained Enlightenment, perhaps you too will be inspired to visit the sacred holy sites in India.

We would be inviting Bro. Nathan for a warm and sweet sing-along session. Feel free to bring along some fruits and flowers for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual happy Friday evening.

30th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp

2008-12-02T12:47:00.004+08:00

We would like to announce that Online registration will be closed at 11.59 PM on 2nd December 2008.

We thank you for your interest and active participation.

To those who have registered, congratulations and see you at Kuantan!

::Breaking Convention, Beyond Incovation::

Guiding Hearts: Encompassing the values of life

2008-11-30T11:01:00.002+08:00

It was an amazing session where the committees spent 2 fruitful days to brainstorm and also to experiment the mechanics of the coming 30th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp at Kuantan, Pahang. Wow! At Pahang. Beyond boundaries, beyond klang valley. A first time after 22 camps.

The theme of the camp which is so appropriate at our current situation where economic and political turmoil unwind and affects many people across the globe. The values which we acquire through the understanding of the Buddha Dhamma, we exercise with wisdom.

Love, Share, Kind, Content, Mindful.

The five ennobling virtues, derived from the core 5 precepts of the Buddha's teaching which is a guiding rule for us to lead our lives. These rules are not strict stringent rules, but more to a practical practice for our daily cultivation.

In this camp, we come together for the betterment of the tomorrow. A camp focussing on the values of live, making it relevant for ourselves and other. Its all about us and we.

Seeya @ 30th IDC...

From the team........

New Moon Musical Puja - Enriching Memories of Ladakh

2008-11-23T18:14:00.005+08:00

Dear brothers & sisters in the Dhamma,

You're all welcome to this new moon puja at BGF centre. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee, who led a group of Malaysians to visit Mahabodhi centre in Ladakh (northen India) recently will be sharing with us the enriching memories of this trip.

The opportunity to meet Ven Sanghasena & the chance to listen to his sincere, full of wisdom & compassion, frank but funny Dhamma sharing - truly inspiring.

It was during Autumn season, the himalayan mountain range was already partially covered with snow. The scenary of the turquoise Indus river flowing through the valley of the snow capped mountains - simply breathtaking!

Date : 28th November 2008, Friday
Time : 8.30pm
Topic : "Enriching Memories of Ladakh"
Speaker : Datuk Dr. Victor Wee

Feel free to bring along some fruits and flowers for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along to experience a spiritual happy Friday evening.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://bgf.buddhism.org e : bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. [map]

Have YOU registered for Wacana 2008? Registration is open til 16-Nov!

2008-11-15T17:53:00.005+08:00

Dear Friends in the Dhamma,

There is only 2 more days to go and with very limited seats left!

Have YOU registered? We HAVE, because we believe in what we can achieve by coming together for WACANA*!

~ WACANA means "discussion" in Pali term. By coming together to discuss and exchange views and solutions, we can achieve better results in our respective areas and organizations.

If you are still pondering if it is worth the effort of spending a day at Hotel Armada, Petaling Jaya on a beautiful Sunday, 7 December 2008, read on.

WACANA is the most impactful homegrown annual Buddhist conference. It serves as a platform for Buddhist activists to gather and discuss pertinent issues involving Buddhist movement and Dharma propagation in the country and beyond. It also serves to strengthen fellowship and build synergy between Buddhist communities.

With a contemporary theme of "Buddhist Leadership in Malaysia: Vision, Values, Vitality", WACANA 2008 will revisit the development, directions, principles and dynamics of Buddhist leadership in the country.

A line-up of well-respected, knowledgeable and experienced presenters will share views that are relevant to our daily encounters of Buddhist leadership.

"If you think education is expensive, try IGNORANCE!" ~ Derek Bok

the CReativE PublishinG WorKshop is open for ALL volunteers!

2008-11-07T23:23:00.008+08:00

Do you have the talent in design but lack the technical skills? Or do you wish to improve your skills in using designing tools like photoshop & illustrator?

Wonder how a fancy poster, or a colourful magazine is created? Where can you put your creativity and innovative mind in good use for your Buddhist group?

Welcome to the

CReativE PublishinG WorKshop!

Date : 22 November 2008 (Saturday)
Duration : 10am - 2pm
Registration : 9.30am

Venue : BGF Centre
Facilitator : Bro. Pevin Yeo

Registration is open to all volunteers from any Buddhist societies, who need to be hands-on to do publishing work or who are willing learn.

Hurry register now through email to bgf_moderator@yahoo.com by providing these info:
Name? Society? Position? Experience in Publishing? What do you expect to learn from this workshop?

Limited to 30pax. All participants are encourage to bring along their personal laptop with the min specification:
- 1 GB ram (recommended)
- 1 GB free space for software installation
- Windows XP & above
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Bridge CS3 installed

Contact sis. Mei Joon for direction to the venue BGF centre. Feel free to bring your potential-designer/publisher friends along. Marketing or publicity committee members from other Buddhist societies are most encouraged to join!

*urrhm, fees u ask? urrhm... not sure how to charge, perhaps by donation of RM10 or any amount up to you. No obligation, just wish more people esp Dhamma workers get to learn the designing skill! We're all thankful for bro. Pevin Yeo to be the trainer for this special hands-on workshop.

~*~

As of 15th Nov, we already have 26 pax who'd registered. Registration will be closed soon. Please be informed that you are responsible for your own software installation.

WACANA 2008

2008-11-07T14:01:00.004+08:00

Buddhist Leadership in Malaysia
Vision, Values, Vitality

A Buddhist leader is not our everyday leader. With the Buddha as our ultimate benchmark, much is expected from the leaders of our community. The Buddhist leader is the torch-bearer of the Dhamma and Sasana, thus he or she should be able, upright and selfless.

WACANA 2008 shall discuss the main elements of Buddhist leadership, that is, its vision, values and vitality. We shall define and reaffirm the critical role of the Buddhist leader in charting the growth and development of Buddha-Sasana, address the ideals and realities or our leadership, and contemplate the means to cultivate future visionary leaders.

WACANA 2008 is jointly organized by Nalanda Institute, Buddhist Gem Fellowship, and the Buddhist Maha Vihara. It is specially catered for Buddhist community leaders, activists, Dhamma propagators and any Sangha members and lay Buddhists who are keen in the subject of leadership development in the country.

In conjunction with the event, The 2008 Nalanda Awards will be conferred by the Nalanda Institute to pay tribute to lay Buddhists who displayed exceptional and exemplary leadership qualities in their respective areas of expertise. These individuals have worked tirelessly and contributed enormously in promoting and preserving the vision, values and vitality of Buddhism.

Be part of this gathering of Buddhist community leaders and activists at WACANA 2008 to discuss these pertinent leadership issues affecting the future of our community! To participate, please complete the online registration form before 16 November 2008.

Click here for more info & registration form : http://www.nalanda.org.my/wacana/

"Guiding Hearts : Encompassing the Values of Life"

2008-11-05T21:20:00.002+08:00

INCOVAR is proud to present... the exciting 30th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp, to be held in Pahang Buddhist Association, Kuantan from the 11th - 14th December 2008.

In this 30th installment, the camp themed "Guiding Hearts : Encompassing the Values of Life" will explore the guiding rules of the five precepts (Panca Sila), by concentrating on providing a positive focus for the participants to reflect upon. Utilizing elements from the five ennobling virtues (Panca Charita) which complements the values of the five precepts, participants can derive the core values which will challenge and guide them in their personal growth and practices in daily life.

Camp Features : Experiential learning workshops, Dhamma dynamics, prominent speakers and a network of local & international undergrads.

For further info & online registration, please visit www.incovar.org and hurry register before closing date 23rd November 2008.

The camp fee of RM75 *so affordable?* is inclusive of meals, accomodation, camp t-shirt and camp materials. Transportation to Kuantan can be arranged with the organising committees.

For enquiries & transport arrangement, kindly contact :
.: Bro. Michael Lim @ 6 012-567 8023 (Penang/Northen region)
.: Bro. Chin Suey @ 6 012-357 2066 (all other parts of Malaysia)
.: Sis. Xiao Thoong @ 6 012-243 4105 (international)

.: Breaking Convention : Beyond Incovation :.
...we inspire...
www.incovar. blogspot. com www.incovar. org

Full Moon Musical Puja with Datuk Dr Victor Wee on "Alchemy of Success"

2008-10-09T23:13:00.004+08:00

Dear friends of BGF,

Alchemy, generally, derives from the old French alkemie; and the Arabic al-kimia: "the art of transformation." As we know Alchemy is an alchemical processes going on in the laboratory of nature, and performed by the Great Alchemist -- the power of the divine Mind acting in nature. Would you like to learn the secrets of the ancient Alchemists...from the Buddhist perspective?

Then, come participate in this coming Full Moon Musical Puja at BGF centre!

Date : 13th October 2008, Monday

Time : 8.30pm

Topic : "Alchemy of Success"

Speaker : Datuk Dr. Victor Wee

You can bring along fruits and flowers for Puja offering. Most importantly, bring your family and friends along!

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://bgf.buddhism.org/ e : bgf_moderator@yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Last Chance to Register for EMT-2 :: starting 11Oct'08

2008-09-18T09:22:00.006+08:00

The Effective Management Training (EMT)-2 course has been reschedule to start on 11 October 2008. Please help to spread the word around, and we hope that more participants will be able to benefit from it. Please submit registration form to Sis. Jacqueline / BGF latest by 30 September 2008.

For this EMT-2, the seven modules encompass : -

"AM I FIT FOR MY JOB?" - Bro. H.K. Loi (11 Oct'08)
Why is it that some people are motivated and perform well at work whilst other drag themselves to work everyday and in fact, dread to go to work?

If we examine our psychologically, we do realize that there is link between our personality and the jobs that are attractive to us. This means that we must first know ourselves before we embark on the journey of life. If only we can know our strengths and areas of improvement, we would fare much, much better in life, both personally and professionally.

OBJECTIVE >
* To enable participants to function more effectively through a self-understanding of their preferences and motivation at work.
And its impact on those within our circle of influence and contact.

METHOD >
The short session will use an internationally recognized psychometric instrument, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® or MBTI®
This method enable us to help us develop our potential, particularly in engendering greater understanding of ourselves and our colleagues (at work) and our family and friends and evaluating the fit between ourselves and our work.

EFFECTING MINDSET CHANGE - Bro. H.K. Loi (TBA)
OBJECTIVES >
1. To enable participants to understand creative thinking and its uses for personal advancement and organizational effectiveness, and
2. To expose participants to the potential of mindpower in living a fulfilling life.

COURSE OUTLINE >
- Understandng Our Mind
- Creativity and Innovation (Innotivity)
- Blocks and Catalysts to Creativity

:: About the Facilitator ::
Bro. Loi is one of the founder members of the BGF and Buddhist Missionary Society. Presently, he is involved in training activities of the BGF and the Buddhist community, mainly in the training of the Buddhist Counseling Service and Effective Communication courses. He graduated with a B.A. (Hons) and Diploma in Education from Universiti Malaya, and later completed his Diploma in Public Management. He also did a 2-year Post Graduate Research Study at Kagawa University in Japan. He has worked in both the public and corporate sectors, and is presently a learning facilitator/training consultant of his own company, INOCREST Sdn. Bhd., specialising in the area of creative and lateral thinking, teamwork and the use of psychological instruments for management development, particularly the Myers Briggs Type Indicator®.

HIGH PERFORMING MINDSET - Bro. Mitra Chong (8 Nov'08)
Be introduced to the seven elements of High Performing Mindset which will propel you to success in career and in life.
1. Desire
2. Commitment
3. Responsibility
4. Hard Work
5. Positive Believing
6. The Power of Persistence
7. Pride of Performance

:: About the Facilitator ::
Mitra Chong holds a Masters degree in Training and HRM from United Kingdom. He has been conducting seminars for more than a decade in the areas of leadership, motivation, team building, customer service and personal effectiveness. He is currently an Assistant General Manager in large insurance company, specializing in Human Capital and Organizational Development.

TIME MANAGEMENT - Dr. Ong Tien Kwan (25 Oct'08)
Time management is one of the key ingredients to a successful life. Procrastination and the inability to prioritise our activities in life are two main reasons why people fail in achieving the goals they set out for themselves. Time management skills incorporate the ability to clarify goals, prioritise activities and act on specific plans. The old adage that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail still holds true today.

:: About the Facilitator ::
Dr. Ong Tien Kwan M.B.B.S. has been a doctor in general practice for more than 15 years and currently runs his successful practice in a suburban community just outside of Kuala Lumpur. His experience in healing the physical body together with his personal interest in healing the mind and emotion has led him to learn various emotional and mental healing modalities from professionals in other areas of healing. He has done extensive research to understand how our mind affects our emotion, behavior and health, and has attended various courses and workshops to further enhance his ability to heal others holistically. His passion is in helping others to transform their lives for the better through self-knowledge, love, forgiveness and heightened awareness. He believes that by healing our inner world of thoughts and emotion, we will surely manifest success, abundance, health and happiness in our life.

TRANSFORMING YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS - Bro. Chan Tye Kooi (22 Nov'08)
Do you know one of the most challenging fact about surviving in a business is that we are constantly struggling to keep our customers everyday? How do you value your customer nowadays, internally and externally? Are you aware that your perceptions on service towards people within the organization will have a direct effect to the productivity and profitability? What is the outcome of building good relationship with people whom you work with? You can get those answers from this half-day workshop which is uniquely designed to help review your paradigm on people and service that will dramatically change your inner world of viewing people as customers.

Who Should Attend >
Telemarketers, Frontline personnel , receptionist, sales coordinator, customer service support staff and those who are interested to relearn what makes service tick especially in the way how to value people and customer in this competitive environment.

:: About the Facilitator ::
Bro. Chan Tye Kooi has been a dynamic trainer, seminar speaker, principal NLP ( Neuro-Linguistic Programming ® ) consultant and businessman in Kuala Lumpur for the last 17 years.. Originally a professional architect trained in Sydney, Australia, he has made a decisive change from township development to organizational training and development by establishing Fourth Quadrant Communications ( 4QC ), a training specialist company with a core mission to help multinational corporations and organizations achieve breakthrough results in both work productivity and business profitability with a 3-tier philosophy of CHANGE, COMMUNICATION and SERVICE LEADERSHIP to oneself and others.

A much sought-after speaker and emcee in major corporate conventions and events, TK has reached out to audience in at least a few thousands since 2001. His most prominent skills in helping his seminar trainees to achieve personal effectiveness in change, sales, service, communications and building business network are his INFLUENCING, NEGOTIATION and RELATIONSHIP POWER based upon the technology of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy® and Ericksonian Hypnosis. This has been a culmination of results in leading his architectural firm as a business director and his extensive experience working with international companies such as Taisei Corporation ( Japan ) and Samsung Electron ( Korea ) in the area of architectural project management . He has dedicated himself in the last 7 years to discover the hidden secrets of the world's most successful communicators and business leaders to elevate himself ahead of others utilizing the latest strategies and technology in personal success, leadership, marketing ( branding ), sales and service. For him, customers' success is his FIRST priority.

Bro. TK is currently a Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy and a Certified NLP Master Coach. He is a registered member of the American Board of NLP (ABNLP) and Time Line Therapy® Association ( TLTA ), an associate trainer with the FMM Institute, a Certified Professional Trainer ( MIM-CPT® ) with the Malaysia Institute of Management ( MIM ) and an active practitioner member of the Malaysian Psychotherapy Association (MPA).

MINDULNESS IN DAILY LIFE - Dr. Chan Kah Yein (13 Dec'08)
Being mindful in daily life is being aware of the wonders around you, and being alive and awakened. Let go of the past, worry not about the future, but live in the present, mindfully and meaningfully. And the future will take care of itself.

:: About the Facilitator ::
Dr Chan Kah Yein holds a Ph.D (Mathematics Education) from Deakin University and is currently teaching tertiary-level Mathematics in a private college. She is a regular Dhamma speaker in various Buddhist centres in the Klang. In 2007, she won the Best Student Award in the United Malaysian Dhammafarers' 1st Dhamma Speakers Course. She was also a guest moderator at the recent 5th Global Conference in Buddhism 2007 last November. Dr Chan Kah Yein is an avid animal lover – practicing compassion to all sentient beings, as taught by the Buddha. She has written several articles on kindness to animals from a Buddhist perspective. Her latest book, Pawprints on my Heart reveals her heart warming experience in handling animals.

BUSINESS WRITING SKILLS - Sis. Sharon Ng (10 Jan'09)

:: About the Facilitator ::
Sharon Ng conducts corporate training programs; in the areas of personal change, presentations, customer service and business writing. Since the early 1980's she has been involved in inner work to transform herself. In her free time, Sharon organizes community events for ClovenClive and is involved in organizing healing sessions for other groups.

~~~*~~~

Hurry and submit the registration form attached via fax (603 - 6203 7580) or email to Sis. Jacqueline (BGF Training Exco) before / by 30 September 2008. For enquiries, please call her at 016-696 9799. You may also hand in your registration form and payment to BGF office.

Limited to a maximum of 30 pax to ensure effective facilitation. Successful applicants will be informed latest by 4 October 2008.

Investment for course fee >
Individual
a) BGF Member - RM 200
b) Non-BGF Member - RM 250
c) Student Rate - RM 100

Group Registration of 3 pax
a) BGF Member - RM 180 x 3
b) Non Member - RM 230 x 3
Fee is inclusive of course materials and refreshments.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
w : http://bgf.buddhism.org e : bgf_moderator@ yahoo.com
BGF Centre : 60A Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Get set... Ready? ...30th IDC!

2008-09-12T19:25:00.001+08:00

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION

2008-09-11T14:27:00.006+08:00

Come and celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival at BGF this Sunday, 14th September 2008!

Bring along your family members and friends, and your favourite dish too.

You can even bring their own lanterns for the Lantern Walk around the neighbourhood.

Students staying nearby BGF, don't miss out on the food & fun!

~ Program ~
7.00 pm : Potluck Dinner ...for the fellowship & plenty of food...
8.10 pm : Offerings & Puja ...for relaxing devotional practice...
8.30 pm : Sing-along ....by SJBAYS youth group!
9.00 pm : Lantern Walk ...everybody esp the kids will enjoy...
9.45pm : Games ...suitable for all in the family...
10.05pm : Musical Presentation ...you don't wanna miss by M.O.D!
10.15pm : Closing Invocation

For more further enquiries about the Mid Autumn Festival Celebration, feel free to call sis. Julie Soh @ 012-2120144.

DnD Blast

2008-09-10T08:47:00.002+08:00

...incovar achievers : incovar makes me think out of the box. incovar is the best. incovar makes me a better person. experiential. original. perfect. it is very unique and it inspires me in many ways. incovar awesome. incovar is the changed of buddhism. incovar makes all the difference...

I feel happy :)

2008-09-08T19:03:00.002+08:00

DND2008... what an amazing night! Amigos Para Siempre, indeed! I hope you had a fabulous time. I sure did!

Can't wait for the Dinner & Dance!

2008-09-01T15:58:00.004+08:00

I'm excited. I'm excited, because the 1st INCOVAR Dinner & Dance will be happening in only 5 days! I'm sure you are excited too, and can't wait to meet all your fellow INCOVARian friends. Do dress in your finest (the dress code is "when you were 18"), and come with open arms into a night of fun, celebration and appreciation.

If you haven't got your ticket yet, do contact us as soon as possible!

Amigos Para Siempre!

Let's all make it for the INCOVAR Dinner!

2008-08-20T11:43:00.014+08:00

Dear INCOVARians from all era,

On behalf of INCOVAR, we would like to invite everyone of you to the inaugural INCOVAR Dinner & Dance "amigos para siempre"- friends for life!

We hope to see all of you, from all the different generation to come for this Dinner! This is the first time such a big scale INCOVAR gathering dinner is organised, to reconnect with as many INCOVARians as possible for this one night.

Your support for the dinner is very much appreciated. You can bring along your partner / family members, the price is the same. Remember your buddy or good friend way back during the INCOVAR camps? It'll be wonderful if you can help to ask them to come along, incase the organisers have missed out anybody.

When? 6-Sept-2008 @ 7.00pm
Where? Holiday Villa Subang Jaya (Classic Ballroom)

Let's make this event a success! Kindly RSVP asap for your dinner tickets.

because at INCOVAR
...we inspire...

sis. Mei Joon
~on behalf of the organisers~
hp: 012.3517615

*You can confirm your dinner tickets with cash payment handed to BGF treasurer
or via e-payment to organiser's account. Dinner tickets # will be given to you thereafter.*

INCOVAR DnD 2008 - Amigos Para Siempre

2008-08-13T14:44:00.002+08:00

don't say "boh eng'. feel free to post this up in your blog!

The "Harmony Here & Now" Musical Puja on 1st August

2008-08-13T13:30:00.009+08:00

When I noticed from the INCOVAR Blog that Uncle Daya would be giving a Dhamma talk on 'Harmony Here & Now' I was intrigued with the title as well as curious to find out. Meanwhile the members from SJBAYS would be presenting their first musical performance. How nice! Due to my illness, I was on my medication and I have difficulty in my driving. Anyway, I managed to make my journey to BGF safely.

The topic presented by Uncle Daya motivated me to push myself more. Although his talk was unprepared his jokes as well as his experience was very enriching. The SJBAYS youths performing for the first time were commendable. They wanted a name for their newly formed musical group, how about ‘Subang Jellybeans’?

~ Submitted by sis. Chang Mei May

~~~*~~~

It wasn't a usual Friday; BGF held another New Moon Musical Puja and our team were invited to present our first performance on the 1st of August. It was my first time attending the Puja

I always thought that they call it Musical Puja because they will be chanting with rhythm. Turned out, it was the same Puja chanting we normally conduct during IDC. I feel the reason why the crowd never stopped attending the Musical Puja is because the committees kept the session very interactive, enjoyable and beneficial.

How beneficial? We were really honored to have Brother Daya to share his thoughts about "Harmony Here & Now" in conjunction with the Merdeka month of August. He stressed the importance of practicing Metta (loving kindness) in our daily life. With Metta being practiced universally by people from all nationality, religion and race, we can reduce conflict and harmony will prevail.

We ended the evening with the SJBAYS performance. The four of us lead the hymns singing segment by presenting “Three Refuges”, “Way out West”, “Cradle in Buddha's Arm” and “Buddha my Lord”. We were excited and anxious before the show. Thankfully everything turned out great and we do look forward to perform again in the future Musical Puja.

For those who had never joined, do come and see. Feel the excitement of learning to pray in a fun and interesting way.

~ Submitted by sis. Foong Xiao Thoong

INCOVAR cordially invites...YOU!!!

2008-08-08T14:53:00.002+08:00

Just ONE MONTH to go before the Dinner & Dance. Have you got your dinner tickets? Calling all friends from all generations! Let's come together for a night to remember! Get your tickets now from bro. Chee Onn / sis. Mei Joon / bro. Wei Loong / sis. Swee Feng.

Missioners Reproduction Model

2008-08-08T10:26:00.006+08:00

Pictures from the Missioner Reproduction Model workshop...

INTRODUCING :: Foundation of Buddhist Practice Course

2008-08-05T17:58:00.010+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters in the Dhamma,

INTRODUCING...

Facilitator : Bro. Benny Liow
Date: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Duration: 20 sessions starting 6 September 2008
Time: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Venue: BGF Center, 60A Jln 19/3, Petaling Jaya.

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice is a 20-session introductory course on Buddhism taught from a non-sectarian approach. Participants learn about the core Buddhist teachings and how they can apply them in their everyday lives at work, at home, and with their families and friends. The course is specially designed for those who are committed and interested in getting a firm grounding on Buddhism at the foundation level.

Course Structure
The course spans over six modules with a total of 20 sessions with a term break for Chinese New Year in 2009. The course shall be confined to 30 participants so as to ensure a more personalized learning.

Registration and Course Fee
Just request for the Registration Form and mail to us or submit to Buddhist Gem Fellowship Centre before 26-August-2008. The organizers shall contact you in due course for confirmation.
A fee of RM40.00 shall be payable to cover the cost of study materials during the first lesson on 6-September-2008.

For more information, please contact:
Bro Ooi Chin Chye : 012.311.8094
Bro Alex Lim : 012.304.3828
Sis Doris Choong : 012.311.0294
Sis Dolly Teoh : 019.356.8879

Reminder, the CLOSING DATE is 25-AUG-08!

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Module 1:
Turning the Mind Towards Dharma (6 sessions)
Precious Human Life, Impermanence, Karma and Samsara
Date: 6 & 20 Sept, 18 Oct, 1 Nov, 20 Dec 2008 and 3 Jan 2009
Module 2:
Understanding the Basic Doctrines (3 sessions)
Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path
Date: 17 Jan, 21 Feb and 7 March 2009
Module 3:
Building the Spiritual Fence (2 sessions)
Five Precepts and Five Ennoblers
Date: 21 March and 4 April 2009
Module 4:
Committing to the Path (4 sessions)
Refuge in the Three Jewels, Qualities of the Spiritual Master,
Qualities of the Student and The Altruistic Mind (Bodhicitta)
Date: 18 April, 16 May, 6 June and 20 June 2009
Module 5:
Walking the Path (2 sessions)
The Four Sublime States and Engaged Buddhist Practices
Date: 4 July and 18 July 2009
Module 6:
Learning from the Great Traditions (3 sessions)
Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana
Date: 1 Aug, 15 Aug and 5 Sept 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[ All sessions is held from 3.00pm to 5.00pm ]

Bro. Benny is the Chief Editor of Eastern Horizon. He had served as founder Chairman of the St Xavier’s Institution Buddhist Society (1976), President of the USM Buddhist Society (1977/1978), founder Chairman of the Buddhist Graduate Fellowship (1980), Education Committee Chairman of YBAM (1982-1984), and Vice Chairman of the Kota Kemuning Buddhist Center (2002-2006).

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT TRAINING (II) is back!

2008-08-01T01:02:00.007+08:00

There is more to great leaders than brains. This personalized BGF training development program focuses on balancing on these four quadrants of a professional life:

In the first series of EMT (I), the emphasis on Emotional-Quotient has been correlated with success, where EQ begins with Self Awareness. Socrates gave the advice "Know Thyself" approximately 2400 years ago and Buddha expounded on such profound self-knowledge of the mind 2500 years ago. The subject of "Am I Fit For My Job?" and "Time Management" is catered to assist you this category.

Self-awareness and cultivating inner strength (spirituality) has a solid grounding in leading a balance lifestyle yet achieving ultimate success. The significance of consciously practicing “Mindfulness in Daily Life” is deeply inspired.

In the realm of business and corporate life, how do you excel in your performance? Find out in “High Performing Mindset” and "Effective Mindset Change". Effective communication plays a key role in creating value for business or clients at work. Practically, you should benefit from “Business Writing Skills”.

Learning how to “Transform Your Customer Service Skills” will improve your verbal communication, which involves social interaction with people.

The EMT(II) syllabus is specially designed for

Participants of the EMT (I) or
Active in Buddhist activities or exhibit potential for Buddhist work or
BGF members/non-members who are committed to put effort for personal development.

Investment:
Individual
a) BGF Member - RM 200
b) Non Member - RM 250

Group Package of 3 pax
a) BGF Member - RM 180 x 3
b) Non Member - RM 230 x 3
Fee is inclusive of course materials and refreshments.

Facilitators:
A group of Buddhist professionals, which comprise of Bro Loi Hui Kong, Bro Chan Tye Kooi, Bro Mitra Chong, Dr. Ong Tien Kwan, Sis. Sharon Ng and Dr. Chan Kah Yein who have generously volunteered their services to facilitate this course.

Contact Person for Registration:
Sis. Jacqueline @ 016-696 9799
(BGF Training Exco)

Limited to a maximum of 30 pax to ensure effective faciliation. Closing date of registration is 1 September 2008. Successful applicants will be informed latest by 6 September 2008. HURRY REGISTER NOW to avoid disappointment!

Effective M.C Training :: 10-Aug 2008

2008-07-30T09:46:00.009+08:00

Have you ever thought of brushing up on your M.C skill for an event? Wanna speak like and look like a pro with the mic? Look no further....

How to be a Great MC
- Learn the art of effective emceeing
- Prepare the speaker, prepare the audience, prepare yourself
- How to leave and impression
- Make the event memorable
- Anyone can learn the skills

When?
:: Sunday, 10 August 2008, 2pm - 5pm ::

Program
2pm - 2.30pm : Ice Breaker
2.30pm - 3pm : How to be an Effective MC (by DDVW)
3pm - 4.30pm : Introducing the Speaker
4.30pm - 5pm : Leading Buddha Puja effectively (by DDVW & KNW)

For registration, please contact Bro. Khoo Nee Wern at 012-3918399 or drop an email to me to submit your name before 3rd August 2008.

New Moon Puja :: Fri, 1-Aug 2008 :: Harmony Here & Now

2008-07-29T14:32:00.009+08:00

Let's mark down the date for the 7th Lunar month new-moon musical puja ::

Date : Fri, 1-Aug 2008

Time: 8.30pm - 10.00pm

Theme: "Harmony Here & Now"

Speaker: Bro. Daya

Brother N.B. Dayananda (Bro or Uncle Daya as he is more popularly known) hails from Penang, the only son of Sinhalese Buddhist parents. He had his education at St. Xavier’s Institution thee and did his HSC in Singapore. Here he was given a copy of the Kalama Sutta and upon reading it he “discovered” the Buddha Dhamma and has been living by it ever since. 1960 through 1963 he was involved with the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple and the setting up of its Sunday Pali School.

In 1964, he was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), married Ms W.A. Vimalawathi (another Sinhalese Buddhist Penangite who had trained as a Staff Nurse in Singapore) and raised two children – a daughter and a son. In 1978, Bro. Daya resigned his commission in the RMAF, having attained the rank of Squadron Leader, on a matter of principle. He next joined an American publishing house and worked his way to become the Company’s Manager, International Sales and HRD based in London and covering its entire operations in the Middle East and Pakistan. His work involved extensive travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines and frequent visits to England, the U.S.A, Canada and Australia. Bro. Daya is a trainer in Sales & Marketing and a recognised professional speaker and motivator. He is currently engaged with another USA based multinational.

Bro. Dayananda successfully completed the recently organised, first ever Dhamma Speakers’ Course and has spoken at several Buddhist orgnisations whenever his busy work schedule has permitted him.

Musical performance by a group of youth from SJBAYS guided by Bro. Nee Wern.

~~~*~~~

The last Full Moon Musical Puja was held on 17th July 2008 (Thursday). The M.C. of the evening was by Bro. Brian Lee and the Puja was lead by Bro. Wee Fah.

It was a blessing to see a nice turn out of the crowd, quite likely the 'bring friends along' effort proves to be fruitful. How wonderful to meet friends from Melaka and not forgetting old friends from past INCOVAR camps.

The speaker Bro. Trevor Lee gave short sharing about “Stress Management from a Buddhist Perspective” and everybody experienced the act of sending Metta thoughts to our entire body parts. This lead to some people feeling that we should not be taking our body for granted. Let the shoulder, the legs, the heart just relax and rest.

For the last segment of the evening, inspiration through music was brought by i.gemz! Most of the songs were led by bro. Daniel Kwok, with bro. NeeSern on guitar and bro. Wee Fah on another microphone. It was the first time I heard the unplugged version of 'Dhamma Shines in Me', very interesting. During the rendition of the soft and sweet Metta Metta song, the atmosphere became so peaceful.

The theme of this 6th Lunar month Full Moon was "Happiness @ Work” and true enough, this evening musical puja turned out to be an opportunity to relax, unwind and de-stress after a hard day’s work. In fact, it was also a good chance for everybody to catch up with everyone else! Some of them even continued their socializing after the musical puja by proceeding to ‘mamak’.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Buddhist Gem Fellowship

Talk by Datuk Dr Victor Wee

2008-07-22T14:06:00.005+08:00

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE TIME CHANGE:

8pm to 10pm

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

2-Aug-08 8pm - 10pm BGF Centre

A Buddhist society can be very active and yet produce no tangible impact on the Buddhist community. This occurs because it does not see a higher purpose to its activities other than catering to the maintenance function. The Missioners Reproduction Model (MRM) provides the vision, direction and schematic approach for Buddhist organizations to plan and undertake activities with a clear sense of purpose and thereby producing stronger impact on the community in the medium and long term.

Open to ALL Buddhist missioners, members or non-members; especially those who'd like to learn skill to manage their own Buddhist society/organisation.

BGF Full Moon Musical Puja :: Thu-17 June

2008-07-16T12:09:00.004+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters in the Dhamma,

Welcome to BGF Full Moon Musical Puja
Date : Thursday, 17 June 2008
Time : 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Venue : BGF Centre

For this musical puja, we're most delighted to have i.gemz to lead the hymn singing. Calling for all i.gemz fans out there!

Most interestingly, we have trainer-&-personal-coach Trevor Lee to share with us about "Stress Management from a Buddhist Perspective".

Trevor, has over ten years experience in self-developments and spirituality. He completed his studies in Psychology and is a certified Stress Management Consultant. Over the past 10 years, he has received training, and researched and self-trained vigorously, in the fields of psychology, self-development and spirituality.

You may check out http://www.healinghappiness.com/ for more info about the speaker.

A simple place - a meaningful day;

to practise devotion, to share the Dhamma & be inspired through music.

Bring a friend along.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

Buddhist Gem Fellowship

*BGF Musical Puja is significantly held very new moon and full moon evening,

complete with inspirational music and devotional Puja practice.*
**BGF is located at 60A, Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya. **

Reflection from Stonepeace

2008-07-16T11:57:00.003+08:00

After listening to the these advice, I thought its so cool and actually so true! Wish we can all really practise it. ~ mj

Pitfalls of Wrong Understanding of Karma

When something bad happens to you, you might wallow in misery,
resigned that it's your inescapable bad Karma.
When something bad happens to others,
you might sigh that it's just their bad Karma, and do nothing to help.
When something good happens to you,
you might become complacent, thinking your good Karma will last.
When something good happens to others,
you might become jealous that they have good Karma.

Benefits of Right Understanding of Karma

When something bad happens to you,
you have an open attitude to make the best of it, and better your Karma.
When something bad happens to others,
you help because they might have the good karma to be helped by you.
When something good happens to you,
you cherish it because it might not last, and remind yourself to do more good.
When something good happens to others,
you rejoice in their merits and encourage them to do more good. - Shen Shi'an

The karmic is not fatalistic as the karmic is dynamic. - stonepeace

A little inspiring cikgu

2008-07-03T09:48:00.005+08:00

It was supposed to be a sad or emotional visit to her mom's wake service, or so I thought. But it was as if we're embracing the teachings of Lord Buddha -- truly understanding Anicca.

~*~
Just as the law of change can cause decline and decay it can also causegrowth and progress. Hence it is that a seed becomes a plant and a plantbecomes a tree, and a bud becomes a flower. But again there is no permanency in growth. Growth again gives way to decay. The plant must die. The flowermust wither. It is an unending cycle of birth and death, integration anddisintegration, of rise and fall. Hence it is that Shelley has aptly said, "Worlds on worlds are rolling over from creation to decay, Like bubbles on a river, sparkling, bursting, borne away."

The good man is always a happy man. He has no fear of death because he has no fear of the life beyond. Of such a man has it been said in the Dhammapada: "The doer of good rejoices in this world. He rejoices in the next world. He rejoices in both worlds."
~*~

"As advance-stage cancer patient, she was very painful before she died", SK was narrating her story to us. Her face was as calm and composed as usual, with occasional laughter of sort when she shared about her teaching experience in a notorious secondary school as a form teacher in the 2nd last class.

As the eldest daughter in her family, she took care of her mother who was diagnosed with pancrea cancer. Incidently, the diagnosis result came out on the 1st day of the camp that's why she couldn't come join us to be with her mom. As pancrea cancer spread very fast, somehow they knew they had to accept death was looming very soon.

How many daughters actually teach their mother about accepting Death? *teary eyed*

She brought her mom to temples for chanting when she could. She slept at the bed side at the hospital to be with her mom, only able to 'listen' to the mother's cry of severe suffering pain, but not able to help relief the pain. The only thing that the doctor could do was to give morphin to stop the pain, to stop consciousness.

Cikgu SK was bubbly as she tells her story about her mother and her new teaching job. I couldn't contain my laughter at one point (totally oblivious that we're at a wake), when cikgu said she wanted to join the world vision 30hour famine campaign, yet having the patience to handle a bunch of notorious ignorant form2 students, having the time on Sunday to teach Sunday school kids, having the energy to go hiking with her adventure-inspired buddies, and having a terminally ill mother to constantly care for. I laughed in disbelief, that am actually to talking such a sweet inspiring cikgu, right in front of me.

On the first day of her mom's death, many of her school teachers and even her students came to pay a visit. She was so touched she said. The class students actually pooled together a sum of contribution for her. How many students actually really cared for their school teacher to that extend? (inspite of the students being notorious and laidback)

I felt truly fortunate to have known of a fellow INCOVARian so wonderful as her. Swee Khem ...you inspire...

...what u gonna wear?...

2008-07-02T18:30:00.002+08:00

...so, what are you going to wear for the dinner and dance? hmm, so many choices arr. which era are you from le? come tell us what you gonna wear...

1960s :

1970s : that 70s show. go watch more.

1980s :

1990s :

2000s :

who is from which era? wakakakz. i think all also 2000s one le. those before 1980s one tak main blog. wakakaz. give us your thoughts what you gonna wear? mushroom hairstyle like jastin ask me to wear? hahaha...or u wanna exchange era with me or not? mebbe we can have an "era-exchange" for the dinner and dance. hahaha...

INCOVAR Dinner & Dance 2008 :: Amigos Para Siempre!

2008-06-30T09:20:00.002+08:00

INCOVAR proudly presents our first ever Dinner & Dance

Amigos Para Siempre :: friends for life

Come experience a night of friendship. Make new friends, reconnect with old friends. Enlarge your circle of beautiful Kalyana Mitras.

Take the opportunity to strengthen your network of spiritual friends. Know who's who in the Buddhist youth community and do great things together.

Let's celebrate our inspiring Buddhist leaders by extending our heartfelt appreciation. Learn more about the good stuff that they do on a daily basis to inspire the growth of Buddhism among youth.

Get to know INCOVAR! Enhance your awareness about our wonderful INCOVAR family. Let your friends and family know about us too!

Make it a night to remember!

Brought to you by the beautiful people
@ INCOVAR
...we inspire...

INCOVAR Dinner & Dance 2008 :: Amigos Para Siempre! :: 6th September 2008 :: Holiday Villa Subang Jaya
For more details, contact Swee Feng (0126776813) Mei Joon (0123517615) Chee Onn (0123619151)

INCOVAR Dinner & Dance 2008 :: Amigos Para Siempre! :: TICKETS ARE OUT!!!!!

2008-06-27T11:05:00.004+08:00

TICKETS ARE OUT !!!

Get your tickets now!!!

RM100 for first 30 seats :: RM110 each for group bookings of 8 :: RM130 Standard

Call and book a seat!!!!!
swee.feng - 012-677 6813
chee.onn - 012-361 9151
mei.joon - 012-351 7615

...what camp were you from?...

2008-06-26T14:17:00.000+08:00

so, what camp were you from?

...who is who?...

2008-06-20T11:22:00.001+08:00

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

can you guess who is who in the picture? yes. all of you. all INCOVARians are invited to come to "memeriah-kan" this dinner and dance.

...watch out for series 2 of the invitation...

"Amigos Para Siempre" Dinner & Dance 2008

2008-06-11T18:07:00.002+08:00

Friends, they don't have to say a word to you;
they seem to know whatever mood you're going through,
feels as though you've known them forever.

Friends, they can look into your eyes and see;
the way you feel and how the world is treating you,
maybe you've known them forever.

~*~ Amigos Para Siempre ~*~
INCOVAR Dinner & Dance 2008

Date : 6th September 2008 (Saturday)
Venue : Holiday Villa Subang
Ticket : RM 130

Don't miss the chance to grab the EARLY BIRD offer of RM100

for the first 30 tickets sold or tickets purchased before 1st July 2008!

For Tickets Enquiry & RSVP ::
Sis. Swee Feng 012-677 6813
Bro. Chee Onn 012-361 9151
Sis. Mei Joon 012-351 7615

Mode of payment ::
by cash, bank transfer or cheque payable to "Khoo Nee Sern"

Come and reconnect with all your friends from the wonderful INCOVAR family!

...we inspire...
www.incovar.blogspot.com INCOVAR @ Facebook

...29IDC video compilation...

2008-06-07T15:13:00.001+08:00

29INCOVAR Dhamma Camp
Walking the Tides of Change
29 May to 1 June 2008
Shah Alam Buddhist Society

An Evening with Ravenna Michalsen

2008-06-06T22:02:00.005+08:00

Date ~ Tue, 24 June 2008

Place ~ BGF Centre

Time ~ 8.30pm

Ravenna, graduated from Yale University with B.A. and M.A. degrees, and was trained as a classical cellist for 14 years, before turning to voice and song writing in college. But it was at a retreat with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in Colorado in 2002 that she combined dharma and music.

Mipham Rinpoche wrote a song-like poem, “Just A Seed Waiting to Grow”, for Ravenna to set to music, which appears on her first album Bloom. Dharmasong is her second album. Both albums are essentially devotional albums: sadness, joy and anger are combined with utter openness and acceptance. The songs range from supplications to praise; from requests to questions; from statements to apologies. They feature prominent figures from Indian and Tibetan Buddhism - Yeshe Tsogyal, Machig Labdrön, Padmasambhava, Marpa, and Milarepa.

With these albums Ravenna hopes to jumpstart the American Buddhist music movement. American Buddhist-inspired music will have to walk the line between unabashed content and accessible music very carefully. Both Bloom and Dharmasong were carefully crafted in English in a musical style that is neither West nor East, but simply Ravenna ’s own.

Would you like to volunteer for the WIFF?

2008-06-06T10:06:00.006+08:00

2008 Wesak International Film Festival
on 14th ,15th 21st and 22nd June 2008
at Malaysia Tourism Centre,
109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

BGF will be in charge of Donation from public for the 4 days. Each day there will be 3 sessions starting from 8.30 am till 10.00 pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided for helpers. Please be at the centre half hour before your session starts.

Morning Session - 8.30 am till 1.30 pm
Afternoon Session - 1.30 pm till 6.30 pm
Night Session - 6.30 pm till 10.00 pm

Per day we need 3-4 volunteers including 1 team leader who will be in-charge to balance up the donation for each session. Receipts will be issued to members of public upon request (using BGF receipt book). Please ensure that you write in "contribute for WIFF". You will be stationed together with other society members in-charge for each session at the reception area where you can also assist (ie. ushering members of public with a smile).

End of the day the team leader will pass all the donation collected to the Treasurer, sis. Elaine Low.

Interested? Feel free to submit your name & your chosen session to me latest by 10th June, 2008.

~ we inspire ~
on behalf of BGF

*map to venue :: click here!
*further help required :: at 8am on Saturdays, 14th & 21st June, to put up venue signage.

...29IDC Group Photos...

2008-06-03T13:19:00.001+08:00

...29IDC Group Photos...

...ultos, dooswaland, rednaval, rewolfnus, syadi, moncanni, dailnendo, minejas...
...lotus, sandalwood, lavendar, sunflower, daisy, cinnamon, dandelion, jasmine ...

...because at incovar, we inspire...

...29th IDC...

2008-05-29T07:38:00.004+08:00

~ 29th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp ~

Walking the tides of Change

Shah Alam Buddhist Society

Much as the rising and ebbing tide changes the area where land meets the sea, so our world changes as the sands of time trickle through out lives. So let the waves of change wash your feet as you walk along the journey of your life, and learn to appreciate every moment of it as it arises.

Camp Objectives:
To prepare the participants of the expectations in the world they face in different stages of their lives.
To understand that change is inevitable, regardless good or bad, despite happiness or dissatisfaction; Change and its impact are matter of perception, of which one has to learn to cope with it.
To foster and strengthen the fellowship among participants, thus nurturing a family of spiritual friends in support of each other.

All are welcome to attend the talks. Please refer to previous posts for the time of the talks.

Open to Public :: 29th IDC Dhamma Talks & Lunch Dana

2008-05-27T13:49:00.006+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters in the Dhamma,

We are pleased to announce the schedule of the Dhamma Talks to be held during the 29th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp in Shah Alam Buddhist Society (SABS).

Map to venue:

Thursday - 29 May, 2008
2:45 PM - 4:30 PM ~ Talk 1 : Imperfections Of Life ~ by Bhante Kassapa
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ~ Talk 2 : Kiss the Joy as it Flies ~ by Dr. Chan Kah Yein

Friday - 30 May, 2008
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM ~ Talk 3 : The Beginning of the End ~ by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee

Saturday - 31 May, 2008
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM ~ Talk 4 : Suffering of the Mind ~ by Uncle Vijaya

Sunday - 1 June, 2008
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM ~ Talk 5 : Walking The Tides of Change ~ by Bro. Oh Kim Leng

There will be a lunch Dana on Sunday, 1 June 2008, everybody is welcome. Feel free to bring food along for members of Sangha to SABS kitchen before 11:00 AM.

3rd IGC photos u've been waiting for

2008-05-20T01:38:00.002+08:00

...walking the tides of change...

2008-05-18T18:26:00.004+08:00

If you've registered for the 29th INCOVAR Dhamma Camp, we look forward to seeing you at the camp.

Registration Time : 0830 - 0915 hours on Thu, 29-May 2008

at Shah Alam Buddhist Society

If you have not uploaded your photo, kindly do so by sending it to Bro. Yong Wei .

If you have not make payment, kindly do so by contacting Bro. Steven Tong 012-3043438.

If there's anybody who need financial assistance, feel free to contact Sis. Mei Joon at 012-3517615.

Happy Vesak... bringing happiness to others

2008-05-16T14:58:00.014+08:00

Vesak signify the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.

As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.

During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples of them .. . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on.... As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another. Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of unsatisfactoriness paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realisation dawned in him together with all psychic powers.

This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2500 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness.

~Ven. Mahinda

On Vesak day, devout Buddhists and followers alike are expected and requested to assemble in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial, and honorable, hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their teacher. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction. Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the day.

Bringing happiness to others
Celebrating Vesak also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the unfortunate like the aged, the handicapped and the sick. To this day, Buddhists will distribute gifts in cash and kind to various charitable homes throughout the country. Vesak is also a time for great joy and happiness, expressed not by pandering to one’s appetites but by concentrating on useful activities such as decorating and illuminating temples, painting and creating exquisite scenes from the life of the Buddha for public dissemination. Devout Buddhists also vie with one another to provide refreshments and vegetarian food to followers who visit the temple to pay homage to the Enlightened One.

Tradition ascribes to the Buddha himself instruction on how to pay him homage. Just before he died, he saw his faithful attendant Ananda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded things (including even his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dhamma) as their teacher from then on, because only the Dhamma truth is eternal and not subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how devotees are expected to celebrate Vesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practise loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.

re: wikipedia

~~~*~~~

A gentle reminder of the recent Cyclone Nargris, how can we help the with Myanmar Relief efforts? Within Malaysia, here's useful info :

The organisations below are collecting funds and some also accepting foodstuff to help the cyclone victims in Myanmar.

1. Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
Donation may be sent by post to Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, 123, Jalan Berhala, 50470, Kuala Lumpur. Please make all contribution by cheque only made payable to "Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia." Please write "Myanmar" behind the cheque.

2. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (presently collecting funds only)
All cheques are to be payable to "Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia". Please indicate "Myanmar Relief Fund" at back of the cheques. You may bank in the cheques to YBAM Public Bank account: 3063802219 and send the bank in slip for our record at YBAM Secretariat, 9, Jalan SS25/24, Taman Mayang 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

3. Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (collecting funds & material)
Lot PT 12593, Jalan Kewajipan, SS 13, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E.
Please donate dry foodstuff (noodles, biscuits, etc), canned food, mineral water, medicine etc. at SJBA for us to send to Myanmar. Cash donation is also welcome. (Tel: 03-56315299, e-mail: sjba@streamyx. com)

4. Siri Jayanti Association , Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, (collecting funds & material)
Ven. Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero says that if we can collect sufficient amount of items to fill a container then we will personally send it to Myanmar. If we can't collect a sufficient amount, then we will send our items to SJBA to forward to Myanmar.

5. Tzu Chi, Tmn Mayang Mas
Tzu Chi has sent personnel into Myanmar to assess the situation. Quite likely they will collect funds and material too.

Those unable to reach the temples can donate online to the following trusted organisations with ppl already in Myanmar.

Buddhist Relief Organisation
Journeys Within Our community

May our Burmese brothers/sisters have the strength to overcome this. Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhittata.

Resume writing tips :)

2008-05-15T16:55:00.002+08:00

Hey, I know the 3rd INCOVAR Graduate Camp was recently concluded. I'm sure many of us learned a lot during those 2 hectic days.

Anyway, I found this page which is titled "How to Boost Your Resume Or Curriculum Vitae".

Do click to the page, but anyhow here's a summary:

1) Volunteer for a cause or a charity organisation
Hey hey! INCOVAR is here! Do volunteer your time to our cause :)

2) Join a student exchange program
I'm sure that there will be good opportunities to participate in Buddhist Youth Exchange Programs organized by YBAM and supported by WFBY and INCOVAR.

3) Freelance in areas of your interests
Just look at MEtz team :P

4) Travel
Yes, yes, go jalan jalan cari makan and have lots of fun!

5) Learn a new skill, another language, get more qualifications
Come to INCOVAR: learn how to sing like i.gemz, how to take photos like Kar Wei, how to design posters like Jyon, how to chant in Pali :D

I-Dream Committees :: the photoshoot

2008-05-11T00:22:00.006+08:00

Who do you think is *the* INCOVAR Dream Committee? It's your Vote!

...3rd IGC live from maha karuna...

2008-05-03T18:29:00.004+08:00

...coming live from maha karuna. incovar graduate camp...

we just completed our session on interviewing skills by bro benny liow where we were taught the basics to interviewing. bro benny gave us an overall perspective about interviewing and what not to do during an interview. lots of tips were given to us; especially most of the participants are undergraduates; on what needs to be done before the interview and how to handle interviews. towards the end of the session, we had a mock interview where bro benny liow interviewed one of the participants, jack.

3rd INCOVAR Graduate Camp

2008-05-03T00:01:00.000+08:00

3RD INCOVAR GRADUATE CAMP

3rd MAY - 4th MAY 2008

MAHA KARUNA BUDDHIST SOCIETY

- bringing out the corporate buddhist in you -

Congratulations Jack & Daniel

2008-04-26T23:58:00.003+08:00

...CONGRATULATIONS!!! to JACK and DANIEL...

for emerging the champions in the 22nd EFFECTIVE SPEAKING COURSE 2008

the 22nd effective speaking course was held in bgf on 26th april 2008. there were 15 people who competed in the event. the theme for the nite was "Striving Towards a Better Tomorrow". all the speakers were really good; considering how they all fared on day 1 of their course. all of them did very well that nite; some with very humorous and farnee stories while most of them opted for a touching storyline. no matter how farnee or how touching the stories were, all of them did a wonderful job in delivering the speech with poise and elegance. they indeed did learn alot from the course. trained by our renowned public speaker, bro cheong, bro stanley cham, bro loy, dr phang and our very own datuk, all the participants went thru a series of 10 classes to be trained in various aspects of public speaking and delivering a short speeches.

jack was the emcee for the nite. jack dressed in white shirt with orange strip and a orange tie complete with a tailor made suit while daniel wore a dark blue shirt with a grey tie - both striking a huge colgate smile with datuk.

both of these incovarian has shown us that if we put our mind to it, focus our effort on it; no matter how difficult times are, we are sure to see the silver lining in the clouds. see opportunities in every problem that we face and we are sure to be able to strive towards a better tomorrow. they have taken the first step; when is yours?

congratulations again to jack daniel...

Updates! Updates!

2008-04-24T00:03:00.003+08:00

Firstly, on behalf of INCOVAR, we wish to say goodluck & best wishes to all our brothers and sisters currently striving very hard in the final exams! Right effort good results.

Due to the exam fever, and for a chance for those final year students who'd yet to register, the closing date for the 3rd IGC is extended to 27th April 2008. We really hope you can benefit from this powerhouse 2-day course where we sought to bring out the successful corporate Buddhist in you! Don't let this chance to slip pass you to meet corporate managers bro. Keek Seng Bee, bro. Tan Huat Chye, bro. Benny Liow and bro. Charlie Chia... amongst those guest speakers invited.

And how often do we have a chance to attend lessons on grooming? Does being Buddhist truly give us the advantage in the working world? Let's find out more and give ourselves a chance to explore the possibilities!