Date: 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug & 25 Aug 2016 (Thursdays)
Time: 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Venue: Buddhist Library, Level 2 (Panna Room)
Registration Fee: Member $10, Non-Member $20

Description of the Course:

The world around us seems to be getting more and more secular. Religion has become an outdated if not insidious enterprise that most of us have no interest in and no time for. With major religions receiving bad press in recent times, do we still need “religion”? If so, why? If we choose to follow Buddhism, how do we practice Buddhism when we have so little time amidst so many attractive distractions? Is Buddhism still relevant to Buddhists in particular, and the modern times in general?

This course explores these questions and invites participants to find their own answers, whether they are already Buddhists or pro-Buddhist. At the end of the course, it is hoped that the Buddha’s message of “dukkha and the cessation of dukkha” will become a firm foundation in the participants’ outlook on life.

Topics:

  1. Why religion? (What is religion? Is it still relevant to us? Is Buddhism a religion?)
  2. Why Buddhism?

What the Buddha-dhamma offers

  1. The Buddha’s message (The Four Noble Truths: where does our suffering begin and how to overcome it?)
  2. know your problem – investigate its cause – acknowledge that it is resolvable – steps to resolve it
  3. The three aspects of a happy life: career-interpersonal relationship-spiritual cultivation as suggested in Mangala Sutta
  4. The four types of happiness for a lay person
  5. How to practice Buddhism in our busy life? How to lead a happy and fulfilling life? (work out a sustainable way of life with the Buddha’s teachings)

What you can offer [to yourself]

  1. Five precepts as a practical way of life and as positive attitude toward life
  2. Meditation as a means to cultivate mindfulness and experiencing the Buddha’s teachings
  3. Practice of generosity
  4. The Four Immeasurables

Different degrees of commitment for different individuals but these are the core ingredients.

Trainer: Dr. Lee Foong Ming

Dr Lee Foong Ming

Dr Lee Foong Ming is currently a full-time Assistant Professor at Buddhist College of Singapore. Dr Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore and did her postgraduate studies in Buddhist Studies in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She specialised in Sarvastivada Abhidharma and received her PhD degree after seven years of studies.

Since her return to Singapore, she has been teaching and has 8 years of experience in teaching Buddhism for academic courses.