At the refuge-taking ceremony, the Abbot President encouraged the participants to keep the spirit of the Five Precepts steadfast in their daily lives. For example, the precept of not killing means not having thoughts of killing and conducting the act of killing. Nor should we take the life of animals in order to satisfy our desires. We can take a step further and refrain from destroying flowers, the grass, and the forest. By not destroying but cherishing all our resources; from the highest mountains, the flowing rivers and to the soil beneath our feet, we learn to respect the lives of all sentient beings and our own.

Before presenting the certificate of appreciation, the Abbot President shared that happiness does not come from fleeting sensual happiness which drains and disharmonizes our body. Instead, we should use precepts, concentration, and wisdom to eradicate greed, anger, and ignorance. He encouraged the audience to face their adversities with positivity, and thus cultivate the concepts of “following present conditions to transform ourselves, and cherishing present conditions to cultivate blessings and wisdom."

The Abbot President was also warmly invited to attend the local DDM study group of Thon Buri District, Bangkok to offer his blessings. There he explained the meaning behind the “Grand Buddha (Mahavira) Hall” – its simple architecture and arrangement was designed to remind us that everyone possesses Buddha Nature, therefore elaborate decorations are unnecessary.

“Mahavira” refers to the spirit of the Buddha’s great vigor, kindness, compassion and fearlessness in helping others to cease suffering and attain Dharma joy.

(Translated by Tom Hsieh/ Edited by DDM Australia Editing Team )