Buddhagunupakan Award

The Standing Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture of the House of Representatives, Thailand recently presented 536 Buddhist individuals  and organizations with the Buddhagunupakan Award to recognize the awardees for their exemplary, dedicated and excellent contributions to Buddhism.



With the Buddhagunupakan Kancanakiartigun presented by the Thai Parliament.

The award presentation which was held on 23 April 2011 at Maha Chulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ayuthaya, Thailand was presided by His Most Venerable Somdejphramaharatchamangala of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand.

With Ven. Hsing Ting (centre) of Fo Guang San and Ven. Dhammakosajarn of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

This award has been presented for the last three years for Thai citizens but beginning this year Buddhists from 18 foreign countries were also picked to receive the awards. There are three categories in the award, namely Supreme, Highest and Outstanding Decoration of Excellence. There were 17 receipients for the Supreme category, 195 for Highest category and 324 for Outstanding category.

Among the notable foreign recipients for the Buddhagunupakan Supreme Decoration of Excellence were Most Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh from Plum Village, France and Most Venerable Hsing Yun of Fo Guang San, Taiwan.

Fellow awardees from Taiwan, Mongolia, Malaysia and Thailand

For the Buddhagunupakan Kancanakiartigun - Highest Decoration of Excellence, foreign awardees include the first President of the Republic of Kalmykia Kirsan Ilyumzhinov; Most Venerable Ching Yao of Taiwan; Most Venerable Gyana Ratna Bhikkhu of Bangladesh and Most Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thero of The Buddhist TV Channel, Sri Lanka.

Malaysians who were conferred the Buddhagunupakan Kancanakiartigun award include Loka Ng Sai Kai, former deputy president and currently advisor of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth and Ong See Yew, the president of Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia.

Images of Sri Lanka

 Landed in Colombo via UFO?

 Towards the pinnacle of wisdom

 Buddhism is part of our daily lives

 Tuk-tuk and train side by side along the sea front, container ship at the horizon.

 Fishing in the sunset

 Sri Lanka flying high

 March forward together

 The Buddhist flag was first conceptualised in Sri Lanka

Buddhist viharas in Sri Lanka for prayers and contemplation

Not to be missed....Sri Lankan tea

Turning around Sri Lanka

After going through years of internal strife that causes the economy to tumbled, Sri Lanka is set to forge ahead after peace arrives two years ago. After years of arm conflict against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE), Sri Lanka is now going through a renewal and reconstruction process which expected to bring more development to the country.

It is with high hopes that the people of Sri Lanka re-elected the popular President Mahinda Rajapakse for a second term of office months ago which inauguration ceremony was held last Friday near the sea front.

The last time I went to Sri Lanka was more than 10 years ago and the impression that Colombo, the capital city gaves me was a very tense feeling to be at the place that time. During the flight home after attending the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth 16th General Conference recently, an Sri Lankan engineer in his 30s sat beside me. He is visiting his supplier in Subang Jaya to quality check on the lamp posts which his company is procuring from the Malaysian factory. His company was recently awarded a contract by the Sri Lankan government to built new street lightings along Colombo city roads as part of the re-construction process.

During the flight, he confided that before the LTTE was decimated, his mother was always very worried each time he walks out from home as bombings were happening regularly in Colombo and he might be the next victim as the bombings usually claims innocent pedestrians and members of the public. Now the fear is at the minimal as bombing in public places has been close to non existence for the last two years.

Many lives has been lost due to the 30 years internal strife. It would not be surprising if every Sri Lankan has lost at least one of their family members or known of someone who lost some love ones to the war. The three wheeler or "tuk-tuk" driver who fetch my Thai buddy Anurut and myself to the McDonalds also lost one of his brother to the war.

With his second term in office just being officially inaugurated, President Mahinda Rajapakse gripped on the country's future is as firm as ever and his leadership is expected to bring the long overdue progress to the people of Sri Lanka where about 77% of  of them are following the Buddhist faith. - Loka

Just for show at UNGA

After the news of PM Najib's meeting with local religious leaders in his office in Putrajaya was splashed on front pages of the local newspapers, I was asked for my two cent worth on the matter.

Knowing similiar meetings being held in the past, I commented that the people especially the non-muslims should not take too seriously of what transpired. This type of meetings are held with the purpose far from what the religious leaders expected. The officers will diligently take notes of whatever grumblings from the attendees and the PM will nod his head to acknowledged those words uttered. But did he absorb and understands the issues raised? Most of the time meetings  of these sort do not have much follow-up and results. It is just for show.

Fast forward one week later, Najib was speaking to international leaders at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and he shared Malaysia's experience of religious inclusiveness. As reported in a local mainstream media, "Najib also shared with other heads of government at the United Nations that “although Islam is the official religion (in Malaysia), we honour other religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism – by making their religious and cultural celebrations national holidays and celebrate them as national events.” “It is this equilibrium that leads to moderation or wasatiyyah in the Islamic tradition of mutual peace.” Malaysia, he added, was well poised to play its part in promoting understanding, given its geographical position. "

For those uninitiated, the meeting with the local religious leaders was held merely as a public relation exercise before he flies to New York for the UNGA so that he can speak with full authority and legitimacy as a open-minded and receptive leader of a multi religious nation. The pre-UNGA meeting with local religious leaders are just part of a facade to inject authority into his speech  at the UN.

Being compassionate and experience people, these local religious leaders just play along with the PM's Office on this public relations exercise. How much and how far this sort of high media coverage meeting can really promote moderation and respect amongst the readers and observers especially those hard core bigots are yet to be seen. Whether the meeting gave him extra brownie points to put up a good show in UN yet to be known too. Maybe those who attended the said meeting knows better since most of them are expected to be wise men. If PM Najib is really taking into consideration the feelings of the non-muslims seriously, he should first weed out those extremists in his own backyard and not preach to the international audience on what others need to do.

Anyway, speaking out at UNGA is not difficult as that's what the purpose of the UNGA all about. No one can stop any country leader from speaking out or condemning whoever or whatever he or she wants, even if it sounds hypocritical just like an US president asking for the banning of nuclear weapons when US has the most nuclear warheads in the world.

Sadly, at the end of the UNGA session, the only speeches that the delegates might remembers will be those by Barack Obama or Wen Jia Bao, not just another leader from the Third World unless Kim Jong-Il decided to drop by in New York. - Loka

In unity we stand with Thai Buddhists

A week before Vesak Day the Thai government decided to face-off with the Red Shirts. The Red Shirts, a group of pro-Thaksin supporters has encamped themselves in central Bangkok for three months by constructing barricades around them with tyres and bamboo sticks. The Thai government led by Abhisit Vejjajiva managed to apprehend the core leaders of the Red Shirts and demolished the barricades.

The whole world was monitoring the situation in Bangkok and many travel advisories were issued by many countries advising their respective citizens to avoid visiting Thailand especially in hot spots areas. The situation in Thailand was of concern to many people, locals and foreigners alike.

For a group of Malaysian Buddhists, the situation in Bangkok affects them too as they were bound to attend the annual United Nations Day of Vesak Conference hosted by the Maha Chulalongkorn University in Ayutthaya from 23 - 25 May 2010. There were concerns by many  regarding the loss of lives during cross fire and by snipers in the Bangkok encampment.

At last, just as other foreign delegates, nearly all in the Malaysian group flew into Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 22 May and transferred smoothly to their respective hotels without any inkling or traces of the shooting incidents happens earlier. As the Thais used to say, it is as smooth as silk. We were never in any occasion or have any thoughts of being unsafe, felt threathened or insecured when we were in Thailand throughout the whole conference.

Even though night curfew was enforced by the Thai government during our stay in Thailand, we never felt any sign of curfew being fully enforced especially when we were staying in Ayutthaya. A group of us were even moving along the main thoroughfare in Ayutthaya and taking the "Tuk-Tuk" transporter back to our hotel during the curfew period. Not even a soldier or military officer was seen!

The only time the foreign delegates really sees a "strong" presence of military officers was during the opening ceremony when the Crown Prince and his wife were in attendance. About 100 soldiers were seen outside the conference hall where the opening ceremony was held. In the hall, some high ranking military officers can be seen sitting in the front rows when the Crown Prince officiated the conference. 

The only time when the delegates stepped into Bangkok was during the final day when the conference was held at the UN Escap Convention Hall. As usual practice all visitors to the UN office have to walk through the metal detactor and personal hand carry need to be hand over for scanning. A regular visitor to this place will not be bothered with this security check.

The Thai government has been very supportive of this conference for the last few years. One of the highlights of the conference was the surprised announcement on the development of a World Buddhist Park near Bangkok. This shows how much efforts Thailand is putting into to support Buddhism and Buddhists worldwide.

During his closing speech, the Rector of Maha Chulalongkorn University, Venerable Dharmakosajarn, who is also the conference chair thank all foreign delegates for taking the effort to travel to Thailand to attend and support the conference in the midst of the internal conflicts.

As for me and also for many foreign delegates it is the spirit of standing in unity, side by side with fellow Buddhists in Thailand  that motivates us to be with them during their period of uncertainty and crisis. The UN Day of Vesak Conference this year delivers not only the Bangkok Declaration 2010 but also the true spirit of the Dharma Brotherhood that radiates and glows in the heart of all Buddhists in the celebration of the sacred Vesak Day. - Loka

Can Thaksin afford an anarchy?

For the past few years whenever there are tensions in Thailand due to political conflicts or coup de tat, I always kept an open mind that these are just another hiccup in Thailand's democratic process. As far as I know, my Thai friends who resides in Bangkok will accept these tensions as part of their daily life. Nothing to be worry about. One of my friend who stays near current Thai premier Abhisit Vejjajiva house even took the opportunity to record the occasion when the Red Shirts marched to Abhisit's house.

The previous occasion when the Yellow Shirts took control of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the foreign tourists that were unable to fly out from Bangkok were given free hotel stays and extended holidays at the Thai Government expenses. Silently, some of these foreign visitors must be thankful to the Yellow Shirts. There was no fear of being caught between warring factions and stray bullets. Only free food, accommodation dan scenic tours.

But the current tense situation is different. By constructing barricades built from tyres and spikes in a location usually visited by foreign tourists and locals, the Red Shirts is not only causing economic losses to the businesses in the area and the country but also developing fear of an all out battle between the Red shirts and the armed forces. It looks like the Red Shirts are prepared for a head-on fight with the military. With blood already spilled recently on the road when  lives were lost during military tough actions against the Red Shirts.

 If a peaceful solution is still not forthcoming soon, situation will be turning into an anarchy and Thailand will be facing a civil unrest which the cost can be so huge price that Thaksin could not even pay with his billions. - Loka

Earth Hour and a burger

Tonight at 8.30pm more than one billion people around the world will be jumping into the band wagon to participate in the Earth Hour initiative by switching off non-essential lights. This efforts are most welcome to protect our only earth. After tonight, on top of living in darkness for an hour, can we do more? Maybe like eating one burger less per month. Wait a minute, what's the relation between our favorite burger and saving Mother Earth?

Well, below is an article prepared by my son for his school's English oral examination. Read on and he will tell us why eating one burger less will keep earth's temperature in control and protect Mother Earth.

GLOBAL WARMING AND US

Many of us love to eat burgers, whether it is beef burgers, chicken burgers, fish burger or cheese burgers. I am sure; most of us would have taken a burger recently.

Burgers are great stuff, at least for all the youngsters like us here. If we are supporters of burgers, has it come across to you how burgers affected the well being of our world today? Yes, I am talking about the issue of global warming.

Do you know that averagely, 20 thousands metric tons of carbon dioxide was released a year just to produce cheeseburgers in the United States.

For example, a simple cheese burger also contains carbon footprints because it needs transportation, cooking, keeping the meat cold and so on. Imagine how much carbon dioxide was released to produce other things that we consumed or used in our daily life? It will be very scary for sure.

The cows, goats, chickens also contributed in releasing methane - a type of greenhouse gas via its excretion. One unit of methane gas is equivalent to 23 units of carbon monoxide. Imagine how much these animals excreted per day!

The increase of temperature in our Mother Earth today was due to our overwhelming desire to fulfill our demanding modern lifestyle. Automobiles on the road, air-conditioners and cooling appliances in our homes and offices and gases released from industrial plants are some of the causes to global warming.

Scientists have established that the current episode of global warming of about 0.7 degrees Celsius in the last century has pushed Earth’s temperatures up to levels unprecedented in recent history.

According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Mother Earth will warm up between 1.4 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that at no time in the past 1,300 years has our planet been as warm as it is now, while records from the deep sea suggest that temperatures are now within a degree of their highest levels in 1 million years.

According to Mark Lynas, the author of Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet, - “six degrees may not sound like much, but such a rise in average temperature would be enough to destroy much of life and reshape our world almost beyond recognition.” Those who had watch the blockbuster “2012” would have a better picture of what he meant.

The world is not doomed yet. We can still do something to save our Mother Earth. The best way is the 3Rs which are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We can perform these 3Rs, especially reducing the consumption of goods and other items that causes global warming during its production and usage in our daily living.

We must change our lifestyle to suit the need of Mother Earth, not to hurt Mother Earth to fulfill our greed and lifestyle. I can do it, can you?

By : Ng E-Tjing, 13

So, can all of us eat one burger less every month for the rest of our lives? - Loka

Sound of Compassion Concert

The Buddhist community is reaching out to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. To enable members of the public to be part of this compassionate effort, a concert will be organised to raise some funds for the Haitians.  The concert features leading Buddhist contemporary singing groups i.e. Messengers of Dharma, i-Gemz, D2Y choir, OneVoiceOneMelody, Dandelion, Bodhi choir, Fo Guang Shan and Tzu-Chi and special presentation from Dua Space Dance Group. 

For more information, please contact:

Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple - 03 4041 9459 (9am to 5pm)
Bro Roland Lee - 012 2254722
Sis Julie Tan - 016 2712120

Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: HGH Convention Hall,  Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

AIG to sell AIA

 AIG TO SELL AIA TO PRUDENTIAL FOR APPROXIMATELY $35.5 BILLION

Transaction to Yield Approximately $25 Billion in Cash upon Closing to Repay Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Transaction Underscores AIG's High Priority to Repay Taxpayers as Quickly as Possible

NEW YORK, Mar 01, 2010 -- American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (NYSE: AIG) announced today a definitive agreement for the sale of the AIA Group, Limited (AIA), one of the world's largest pan-Asian life insurance companies, to Prudential plc for approximately $35.5 billion, including approximately $25 billion in cash, $8.5 billion in face value of equity and equity-linked securities, and $2.0 billion in face value of preferred stock of Prudential, subject to closing adjustments.

The cash portion of the proceeds from the sale, the largest to date in AIG's ongoing restructuring efforts, will be used to redeem preferred interests with a liquidation preference of approximately $16 billion held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) in the special purpose vehicle formed to hold the interests in AIA, and to repay approximately $9 billion under the FRBNY Credit Facility. AIG intends to monetize the $10.5 billion in face value of Prudential securities over time, subject to market conditions, following the lapse of agreed-upon minimum holding periods. All net cash proceeds from the monetization of these securities will be used to repay any outstanding debt under the FRBNY Credit Facility.

"In considering two viable, very attractive alternatives to successfully monetize AIA, including an initial public offering, we decided that a sale to Prudential enables AIG to realize value on a faster track to repay U.S. taxpayers," said Bob Benmosche, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer. "This transaction, the most significant milestone to date in our ongoing effort to repay taxpayers, also gives us greater flexibility to move forward with AIG's restructuring and focus on enhancing the value of our key insurance businesses, which will benefit all stakeholders.

 

"Combining Prudential, which has long been committed to enhancing its profile in Asia, and AIA, a remarkable Asian franchise, will create an unrivalled life insurance powerhouse in Asia, one of the world's fastest growing markets. This transaction assures AIA of a well-respected, highly-rated, financially strong partner in which its management, customers, employees, agent sales force, and distribution partners can have confidence. Indeed, in undertaking this transaction, both we and Prudential are committed to preserving the AIA brand and the unique strengths of each of our sales forces, which is key to capitalizing on AIA's long term potential," Mr. Benmosche concluded.

 

Founded 160 years ago, Prudential is a leading international financial services provider. The transaction includes all of the companies of the AIA Group operating in 15 geographical markets across Asia Pacific, including the company's international network of more than 320,000 agents and approximately 23,500 employees serving the holders of more than 23 million in-force policies and the more than 10 million participating members of its clients for group life, medical, credit life coverage, and pension products.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both AIG and Prudential, and is expected to close by the end of 2010. The transaction is subject to approval by Prudential shareholders, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions.

AIG is a leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services around the world. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.

The AIA Group is a leading pan-Asian life insurance organization that traces its roots in the Asia Pacific region back more than 90 years. It provides consumers and businesses with products and services for life insurance, retirement planning, accident and health insurance as well as wealth management solutions. Through an extensive network of 320,000 agents and 23,500 employees across 15 geographical markets, AIA serves over 23 million customers in the region.

SOURCE: American International Group, Inc.
American International Group, Inc.
Christina Pretto, 212-770-7083 (News Media)
Teri Watson, 212-770-7074 (Investment Community)

LAMP OF HOPE & RELIEF

Malaysian Buddhist organizations are coming together in one united act of compassion to raise funds and alleviate the sufferings of Haitian earthquake victims.

More than 40 Buddhist organizations responded to the call by The Most Venerable B Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Monk of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple and Chief Monk (Judiciary) of Malaysia, to come together and help out in the catastrophe that hit Haiti recently.

A mass oil lamp offering -- symbolic of lighting up the darkness and transmuting the negativity of untold sufferings into positive energy of peace, love and harmony – will be a key initiative to raise funds among the Buddhist community.

An all-Buddhist simultaneous chanting of Paritta and meditation session in various Buddhist temples are also being planned on the full moon of 30 March 2010 for the well being and happiness of the people of Haiti.

These collective efforts will culminate with a concert "The Sound of Compassion" which will bring together famed Buddhist singing groups like i-gemz, Messengers of Dhamma (MOD), D2Y Choir Group, Choir of Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Bodhi and many others at the HGH Convention Centre, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, on 18 April 2010 at 7.00pm.

Venerable Saranankara said he initiated this “LIGHT A LAMP OF HOPE & RELIEF” as he felt that together, much can be achieved speedily and effectively especially in raising the much needed funds to help bring relief to the devastated & traumatized Haitians.

Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Americas, is already home to 380,000 orphans and this number has increased exponentially with the January 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people, severely injuring another 300,000 and left more than one million homeless.

“The suffering is unfathomable. I have heard in the news that a bottle of water and some snacks are just all it takes to make the people happy there,” he added.

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation is at the forefront providing aid and helping to bring relief to the victims. Venerable Saranankara said all the funds raised from the oil lamp offering and the concert will be channelled to Tzu Chi so that it can speedily reach the suffering Haitians.

The Launch of the Malaysian Buddhist “Haiti Relief Fund” will be at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Jalan Tujuh, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur on the full moon night of ‘Chap Goh Mei’ on Sunday, 28 February 2010 at 8.00pm with the Lighting of Lamps.

Other venues organizing the Chanting and Meditation sessions and Lighting of Oil Lamps are as follows:

10 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Sakyamuni Dharma Center, Taman Kanagapuram, Jalan Kelang Lama, Kuala Lumpur.

16 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

16 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Shah Alam Buddhist Society, Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam

27 March 2010 – 8.00pm: Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Monastery, Jenjarom, Selangor

27 March 2010 – 7.00pm: Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM) Shah Alam Branch, Kota Kemuning

11 April 2010 – 8.00am: Subang Jaya Buddhist Association, Subang Jaya

Members of the public are invited to partake in these meaningful programs. Those interested and for further information on the events can log in to: www.bovis.tv/helphaiti or contact any of the following:

Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple: 03 – 4041 9459 (Contact hours: 9.00 am to 5.00pm)

Bro.Roland Lee: 012 - 225 4722

Sis. Julie Tan: 016 - 270 2120

Issued by Secretariat of Malaysian Buddhist ‘Haiti Relief Fund’ Organizing Committee

27 February 2010

The above is a public service announcement by Loka Vacana

Doing charity wisely

Yesterday my family brought a car load of items for the Tzu Chi recycle collection centre near our housing area. About 30 volunteers were there to assist in this long term project of the Buddhist-based Tzu Chi Foundation. My kids were having part of the community compassionate spirit too when they chip in for the Haiti earthquake relief fund.

Having involved in raising funds for various calamities in different parts of the world, I know it needs commitment and passion to be part of this relief efforts. While I am confident that the every sens and dollars that dropped into the Tzu Chi collection box will see their way to the intended receipients, we still need to be cautious when approach by various relief groups which sprang up after each calamities.

Transparencies and accountability are part of the principles that must be uphold by all who collected funds from the public in the name of humanity. There are those who channelled every sen that they collected to the victims but there are also those who will forward the balance after deducting all the necessary expenses. There are even those who used the public donation to pay high salaries to their so-called "expert" officials, maintain a luxurious lifestyles of these officials and have posh offices.

It is the last of these groups which makes people puked and avoided from donating to such organisations which incurred high expenditure due to exhorbitant pay checks for the so called officials who flies first class and stays in posh condominiums while those they intended to help are clinging on their lives due to lack of clean water, food and a roof over their head.

So for those who plans to do charity, do it wisely too. - Loka

No more Swiss minarets

Switzerland are more well-known for its Rolex watches, Swiss knives and the Alps, not counting stories of corrupt political leaders and dishonest industry captains stashing their ill-gotten wealth in Swiss banks. The Swiss people are very much involved in the decision making process on many matters which affects their daily lives. Referendum are conducted before any decision is made concerning any public issues. The recent issue that went to the ballot box was on the iniative to ban the building of Islamic minarets on mosques.

The referendum was passed with a clear majority of 57.5 percent of the voters and in 22 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. The vote against was 42.5 percent. Because the ban gained a majority of votes and passed in a majority of the cantons, it will be added to the Constitution.

The Swiss Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but the rightist Swiss People’s Party and a small religious party had proposed inserting a single sentence banning the construction of minarets, leading to the referendum.

The Nov 29 decision by majority of the Swiss people shocked many in the world including political leaders, religious figures and non-governmental organisations.

Closer to home, the Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman expressed "dismay" over the recent referendum to ban the construction of minarets in Switzerland. Anifah said Malaysia believes the Swiss move is a serious blow to religious freedom and will infringe on the rights of a minority to practise its religion in Switzerland.

In light of the Malaysian government's stand on the Swiss minarets issue, hopefully the powers-that-be will take cognizance of policies which affects the building and location of places of worship and placement and usage of religious symbols of the minority religions in the country. For the defender of the law, surely this can be easily honoured and followed as Malaysia also guarantees religious freedom as per Article 11 of the country's constitution. But then there will always be some square pegs who will insists on behaving otherwise with the justification that they represents the majority.

One should not only uphold the principle of majority rules but respect the minority rights, that is majority rules should not lead to the tyranny of the minority.. - Loka

Extract from the U.S. Department of State publication, Principles of Democracy.

On the surface, the principles of majority rule and the protection of individual and minority rights would seem contradictory. In fact, however, these principles are twin pillars holding up the very foundation of what we mean by democratic government.

• Majority rule is a means for organizing government and deciding public issues; it is not another road to oppression. Just as no self-appointed group has the right to oppress others, so no majority, even in a democracy, should take away the basic rights and freedoms of a minority group or individual.

• Minorities – whether as a result of ethnic background, religious belief, geographic location, income level, or simply as the losers in elections or political debate – enjoy guaranteed basic human rights that no government, and no majority, elected or not, should remove.

• Minorities need to trust that the government will protect their rights and self-identity. Once this is accomplished, such groups can participate in, and contribute to their country's democratic institutions.

Terror from Malaysia

Malaysians should be proud when one of their own was mentioned in the script of the investigative thriller series "Criminal Minds" which is currently shown on TV8 Monday evening. That is of course if the reference was on someone with a great achievement which Malaysians can shout "Malaysia Boleh"! But too bad it was not to be.

While watching the same series yesterday night, which was about some terrorists planning to kill one of the members of the US First Family who was undergoing surgery in a hospital, a familiar name from Malaysia was mentioned. At the middle of the show one of the characters, while discussing the personalities of terrorist bombers made a reference to one of Asia's most wanted man in recent times.

He was talking about Azahari bin Husin, the Malaysian lecturer turned terrorist who mastermind the killing of hundreds of innocent tourists and locals and caused mayhem in the idyllic Bali by bombing various targets in the touristic island including the 2002 Kuta bombing, 2003 JW Marriot Hotel bombing and 2005 Jimbaran and Kuta bombing. Azahari was also the master mind in the 2004 Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta. The terrorist also know as the "Demolition Man" was gunned down by the Indonesian special forces on November 9, 2005 in East Java.

Azahari Husin and another fellow terrorist Noordin bin Mohammed Top who was killed on 17 September 2009,  created a name for themselves while shaming their home country and fellow peace loving Malaysians when they were hunted after the 2002 Bali bombings and many other terrorist acts since then.

Even though these two terrorists did not caused any structural damage and deaths on Malaysian soil, their barbaric actions in Indonesia brought immense embarrassment and shame to the country. It put a black mark in the history of Malaysia as foreigners and other countries will always remembers Malaysia as the country of origin of these two terrorists that killed hundreds and caused millions of dollars of damages and losses of income to those who depends on tourism for survival in Bali.

Will the victims of their vicious bombings from multiple nationalities will ever forgive them for inflicting the pain, losses and sufferings on them and their love ones? Maybe time will heal the pain and forgiveness is divine but it will be difficult for some victims to forget the incidents and losses at the same.

The heart will still hurts when one remembers the sufferings, but why not strive to let go and move on? Feeling angry and vengeful about these terrorists will not bring back the dead or heal the wounds.- Loka

Friendly neighbour taken for granted

In 2005 when the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Istana in Jakarta, the then MYC president Dr. Mohd Khir Toyo said to the Indonesian president, "We can select our friends but we cannot select our neighbours".

During that time it was at the height of the Ambalat maritime block claim dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia. The Ambalat sea block has been a point of contesting claims between these two countries due to the existence of oil and natural gas under the sea bed.

The love hate relationship  between these "sebangsa and serumpun" (same race and same roots) countries has been going on for many years. The climax of all was when the then Indonesian president Sukarno launched the Confrontation against Malaysia in early 1960s when the idea to set up Malaysia was being finalised. Sukarno battle cry "Ganyang Malaysian" (Crush Malaysia) was translated into the attack of the Tebedu police station in Sarawak on 12 April 1963 and the landing of Indonesian paratroopers in 1964 in Labis, Johore which were captured or killed the Malaysian and Commonwealth armed forces. The Confrontation with skirmishes and fire power battle between Malaysian and Commonwealth join forces against Indonesian troops and supporters especially in Sarawak lasts until mid 1966 after Sukarno was swept from power in a coup led by General Suharto in March 1966.

The Indonesian just could not leave any opportunity to pick on Malaysia based on the slightest issue - real,  perceived or self hallucination. The claims on unfair treatment of Indonesian maids, stealing of their songs and dances, export of terrorists, Malaysian companies causing the annual haze in Indonesia and the Sipidan, Ligitan and Ambalat territorial claims are some of the list of issues raised by Indonesia in their continuous and extended  "Confrontation" with Malaysia.

The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta must be one of the most defensive embassy amongst all the Malaysia's embassies all over the world. Sited in one of the busiest area in Jakarta, the embassy will be the focus of the Indonesian students and demonstrators whenever they have any bones to pick with Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia must have lost count the number of Jalur Gemilangs already burnt in front of the embassy gate by the Indonesian demonstrators. So far there is no report mentioning any burning of Indonesian flag Sang Saka Merah Putih in front of the Indonesian embassy at Jalan Tun Razak either by any political party youth wing or any other Malaysian protestors.

Malaysians especially those in the political arena are known to protest against any other government on the slightest provocation or perceived interference in Malaysian affairs or showing disrespect to Malaysian leaders. These protesters will even demonstrate against injustice of one country on another country. At one time Umno Youth leaders even protested and gate crashed into a meeting discussing the situation of the then East Timor which was seeking separation from Indonesia. The  protestors were actually supporting the Indonesian government and the then Indonesian Ambassador openly shown his appreciation to these protestors who are said to be his serumpun and sebangsa.

When the annual haze from Indonesia began to become a regular visitor to Malaysia and causing extreme discomfort and increasing risks of sickness due to the haze, the Malaysian government spends millions in sending fire fighters and other support to put out the hazardous fire in Indonesia. What Malaysia got in return was not a big thank you but the claims that the haze were caused by Malaysian-owned plantation company in Indonesia. Indirectly Indonesia are saying they are unable to run their country well as they can't even take matters in their hands in ensuring these companies follows the law of the land. Maybe the rule of law is not so persuasive in comparison to the rule of man and money. In the end Malaysia got more than what she can bargain for when these sebangsa and serumpun firemen came back firefighting with respiratory problems and skin diseases due to over exposure to the toxic haze.

When the Indian Ocean Tsunami happens on 26 December 2004, the disaster caused hundreds of thousands of lives to perished and loss of billions of dollars. Acheh in Indonesia was greatly hit by this natural disaster and more than 130,000 lives were lost in Indonesia alone with about half a million people displaced. Even though Malaysia was also hit by the tsunami, Malaysians and the government took the necessary actions to provide assistance to the Indonesian people suffering from the disaster. Millions of dollars worth of food, drinking water, medical supplies, tents, body bags and body cloth (kain kapan) for Muslim deads, machineries, building materials and contruction of houses and schools for the displaced victims. These are the things that those from the Malaysian side of the sebangsa and serumpun did for their counterparts in Indonesia after the tsunami.

Now after the Padang earthquake recently, Malaysian reacted instantly by raising funds to help the Indonesian victims. The Malaysia government sent in their C-130 plane loaded with foodstuffs for the victims. What Malaysia got in return? Instead of open hands in praise and appreciation of their serumpun and sebangsa for helping out in times of need, the plane was pelted with stones and Indonesian immigration officers still wants to charge exit tax on Malaysia medical students in Padang who lost everything during the earthquake. On top of that, there are this so called Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat (Bendera) people who wants to "Ganyang Malaysia" with sharpen bamboo and sticks! What else can be said of these sort of ungrateful flag burning people of the so called same rumpun! What are the actions taken by the governments of both countries against these enemy of the state that create tensions and promote violence and terrorism? Just half hearted and a slap on the hand warning.

If this is the type of neighbour that we are forced to have because we have no other choice, we will be much better if they just leave us alone.

Why didn't the government review diplomatic ties with Indonesia and build perimeters all along the Kalimantan borders and provide heavy sentences on any illegal Indonesian immigrants who dares to cross the Straits of Malacca and set foot in Malaysia. Maybe placing them in a Pulau Bidong liked island just like how the Malaysian government treated the Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s can be a deterrence since other methods failed to stop these illegals from becoming a threat to national security by snooping into the country again and again. To protect the nation's security, stop the recruitment of maids and foreign workers from Indonesia whom are specially targetted by "Bendera" as their frontline in their planned "invasion" of Malaysia . There are still many foreign countries who are neither serumpun nor sebangsa who will be more than happy to sent their people to work in this country peacefully.

But then the powers-that-be in the government will never ever thought of that as these people's mentality is just like a little brother with inferiority complex who is always subservient to the big brother, even if the big brother is obnoxious, arrogant and having self pity.

We can have friends everywhere and friendly to everyone but we don't have to submit to a ridiculous and big brother attitude neighbour. - Loka

Week of Wesak

Last one week was a religious week for me where I attended an international Buddhist conference, discussion with a string of Buddhist clerics and scholars, interviewed in a Buddhist satellite tv channel, participated in the Wesak Day celebration in my family regular temple and chaired the committee election of a Buddhist society I formed some years ago.

The United Nations Day of Vesak was held from 4 - 6 May 2009 at Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University in Ayuthaya, Buddhamonthon Temple and UN ESCAP office in Bangkok. This year's theme was "Buddhist Approach to Global Crisis". The sub-theme deliberated on pollitical, environmental and economic situation affecting the world today.

With the conclusion of the conference, a Bangkok Declaration was issued. It will be more productive if the organisers will follow through with the relevant international agencies to present the results of the conference for further actions.

While in Bangkok I was invited by the Dharmakaya Temple as a guest in their satellite TV station Dhamma Media Channel to share on my role in the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth particularly as director of the organisation development unit. I was also asked to comment on the recent UN Day of Vesak Conference and it's probable impact to the community.

During Wesak Day my family and I were at a local temple situated near my house to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and participated in programs arranged by the temple. This is also the temple where my children attended their weekly Dhamma school. The temple was crowded with devotees coming in droves and Puja service was carried out in spread out sessions to enable all devotees to attend it inside the main shrine.

The UKM Buddhist Association had their annual general meeting one day after Wesak. I chaired the election session which elected a new team comprising many new faces lead by Leow Hoay Hoay. With so many fresh faces, hoped it will also develop fresh ideas to uplift the organisation. - Loka

In The Buddha's Footsteps (11)

31st March/1st April 2009, Savatthi

Left Sarnath today at about 7.30am for a 300km journey to Savatthi. By noon we stopped at a coffeeshop for lunch.

Took two pieces of capati's. It taste the same as those I usually eats in Malaysia but the size is much smaller. It costs only 5 rupees each.

We arrived at the Wat Maha Rishii Prisert at about 5.30pm after travelling for about 10 long hours. After settling ourselves, we had dinner consists of noodles and fried rice ( rice was leftover from lunch) which was cooked by volunteers in our group since the temple do not have anystaff to assist us other than the lone caretaker.

Within the Wat Maha Risshi Prisert is a stone image of the monk himself.

We woke up early the next morning to catch the morning sunrise at a hilly sacred site not far from the temple.

After breakfast at the Wat Maha Rishii we proceed to the main and most important Buddhist site in Savatthi, the Jetavana monastery.

When I initially started to study the sutta's during my university days, the name Jetavana and Ananthapindika has been mentioned umpteen times in many of the suttas. My visit to Jetavana this time gave a sense of great excitement as I can relate the Buddha to the suttas that he delivered here which I first study years ago.

Buddha spent many of His rains retreat in Savatthi after the wealthy merchant Anathapindika bought a park from Prince Jeta and developed it into the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika's Park or more popularly known as Jetavana.

The Jetavana park comprised many temples, structures and facilities.

Jetavana park is very well maintained by the local authorities.

The Gandhakuti (background) is the place where the Buddha used to stay when He is in Savatthi. The Jetavana Gandhakuti was built in the middle of the monastery.

After Jetavana, we visited the site of the new Wat Thai Chetawan in Savatthi. This new temple is to replace the Wat Maha Risshi Prisert which was hand over to the Cambodian government due to the previous chief monk who has dual Thai and Cambodian nationality.

We went back to the Wat Maha Rishii for lunch before departs for Lumbini at about 1pm.

During the journey to Lumbini, the left tyre of bus no. 2 punctured and we took the opportunity to disembark to see the surrounding areas.

This water pump is a regular feature in all the villages that we passes through during our journey. The ground water is cool and crystal clear.

This guy on my right is our bus driver. We were inside a small tea stall.

Our group members loiters in front of the tea stall while waiting for the tyre to be repaired. After 45 minutes, we were on the move again.

Our group will be crossing over the India/Nepal border via the Sonauli immigration. We arrived at a new Thai temple known as Wat Thai 960 near the border to take a rest while our passports and immigration procedures are sorted out. While waiting we helped ourselves with hot drinks and local pancakes.

Wat Thai 960 was built about two years ago in conjunction with the Cakri dynasty 9th sovereign and King Bhumipol's 60th year on the throne. The temple building costs are mostly sponsored by corporate bodies from Thailand.

It is a very cosy temple where tired pilgrims can have a good rest while waiting the long queue at the immigration. This temple even have special facilities for the usage of the royalty.