Date: 15 Feb to 3 May (See below for exact dates incl. important updates)
Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: The Buddhist Library
Indicate attendance here so we can keep you posted on updates
“In the book “Who Is My Self” by Ayya Khema, three conditions were listed for the practice of meditation to bear fruit: Firstly, to know our own dukkha, to recognise where it comes from, and how it operates in our lives; the second is to gain confidence in the Buddha’s teaching and to realize that we can take this path; and the third is to experience joy at the opportunity we have been given.”
About this Program
Are you looking to strengthen your understanding of Buddhism and your practice? Or are you interested in practicing Buddhism and are you new to it?
The Meditation and Dhamma class is a recurring programme at the Buddhist Library and is one of its more popular programmes in recent years. Each run of the class comprises ten sessions, and during each session the class mentors will lead meditation sessions as well as run through specific teachings of the Buddha. Time is also allocated for Q&A.
In this run of the course, the course mentors will be revising Right Action, with a focus on Abstinence from the Destruction of Life and Abstinence from Sexual Misconduct.
Who is this program for?
- Those who have been attending previous runs of the class
- Beginners who have no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation, but have a keenness to learn
What are the Topics?
Right Action: Abstinence from the Destruction of Life
- Did the Buddha include only destruction of life when he defined abstinence from killing?
- What conditions must be met before an action constitutes killing? Does killing a person incur a weightier kammic burden than killing an animal?
- Is killing justified if the motivation behind the act is a wholesome one e.g. euthanasia, killing in self-defence?
- Did the Buddha forbid the eating of meat? Can vegetarians eat garlic and onion? Should a Buddhist practitioner abstain from eating meat?
- What are the kammic repercussions for killing?
Right Action: Abstinence from Sexual Misconduct
- What is considered sexual misconduct? What about these: Homosexuality? One-night stands between consensual adults? Friends with benefits? Prostitution? Incest? Sexual deviance e.g. exhibitionism, BDSM?
- If it is not adultery, exploitation, casual sex or any of the forms of sexual misconduct, is it ok to have sex with another person before marriage?
- What are the kammic repercussions for sexual misconduct?
- How does Dhamma practice help with self-control of lust for others?
(The 3 Dhamma Bites topics on: 1) Right Action: Abstinence from Taking What is Not Given; 2) Right Livelihood; and 3) Morality, will be covered in the Aug 2025 run of the Meditation & Dhamma Class.)
About the Course Mentors
The Meditation and Dhamma class mentors are Sis Foo Siew Fong (bio here), Sis Foo Siew Ee (bio here), Sis Tan Sock Hoon and Bro Tan Chau Yee (bio here).
The Saturday Meditation and Dhamma class mentors aim to help fulfil the conditions described by Ayya Khema (as mentioned above). And they do it by sharing the strength and beauty of the Buddha’s teachings in a simple, clear and digestible way, practising various meditation techniques as taught by the Buddha, and providing practical applications for everyday life.
Through these weekly sessions, they hope to inspire in all participants an abiding curiosity, interest, and determination to explore the Dhamma and live life according to the Buddha’s teachings.
Dates* and Indication of Attendance
10 Saturdays
- Feb 15
- Mar 1, 8, 15, 29
- Apr 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3
* Due to impending renovation works at the Buddhist Library, there may be slight adjustment of dates e.g. postponement of a few sessions and a later end to the classes. For example, we may end on May 10 or May 17 instead. Participants will be informed through email on these updates, so please do indicate your attendance here.
Donations
This programme is freely offered. To recoup the costs involved in running the Library and its programmes, do consider making a donation. The most expedient way to make a donation is by PayNow to UEN S81SS0026HBRS or scan below; do include the text “donation” in the Reference field. For other ways to donate, please see here.
