Establishing an environment with the "accomplishment of skillful knowledge" through guidance from virtuous accompany is like a safety net. It offers us protection in society without any enemy. To lead a virtuous life in the world while maintaining purity and staying close to virtuous individuals, it is the core teachings of Buddhism: abstain from all evil, cultivate good, and purify one's mind. These are the teachings of all Buddhas.

"Not forgetting" means maintaining mindfulness persistently. The Buddha introduced three types of "not forgetting" practices involving both inner and outer seeking:

1. Listening to the Dharma: Seeking virtuous knowledge—seeking and learning the teachings outward. By listening to the right teachings, a sense of moral shame and remorse arises, fostering respect for virtuous teachings and criticizing unwholesome ones.

2. Cultivating right thoughts: Seeking skillful protection—guarding one's inner thoughts. Reflect repeatedly on the meaning of the teachings in tranquility. Deeply observe the principles of the Dharma, gradually strengthening one's unwavering understanding, allowing the strength to subdue afflictions to emerge.

3. Practicing in accordance with the Dharma: Seeking skillful support—practicing in alignment with the teachings. Through practice, delusions can be eliminated, and true realization can be achieved. Both meditation and wisdom which follow are encompassed by the cultivation of wisdom.

These three practices (approaches) are also known as the three forms of wisdom (insights). Progressing through insight can only be achieved with unwavering practice of mindfulness. By maintaining right mindfulness, it's akin to a warrior equipped with armor, being less vulnerable even amidst the temptations of the five desires and afflictions.

“Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction” by Damien Keown is a companion book to his other book in the series on Buddhist ethics. There is also a book in the series on the Buddha. These books are great for people looking to learn more about the workings, teachings, and history of Buddhism as they give a broad overview of the topics in a concise way that doesn’t require a lot of time investment.

They also provide a ton of resources for further learning on specific topics. The topics of Buddhism as a religion and what that means are discussed along with a history of the Buddha and the spread of Buddhism, karma and rebirth, the Four Noble Truths, and differences between different schools of thought.

What Damien Keown does well in the first chapter of this is outline seven different aspects of religion: ritualistic, experiential, mythic, doctrinal, ethical, institutional, and material. He relates these aspects to the Buddha’s story of the blind men and the elephant. In summary, if only one part of the elephant is considered, the blind men will argue over what the elephant really is. In the same way, if only one part of Buddhism is considered, dangerous arguments and generalizations can arise. This is outlined by the history and spread of Buddhism which brought peaceful ethics that became the basis for peace advocacy groups, but were also misinterpreted at many points in history leading to bloody wars and discrimination.

*Thanks our volunteer Aaron Lund for preparing this book sharing, views expressed in the content belong to the writer, and not the Society, its affiliates, or employees. His views do not represent the position of our organization.

The Society continues the "Sowing seeds in your mind" winter extension program, offers a variety of activities. During the six classes we will focused on agricultural themes, share knowledge about farming, food, tea, and mindfulness, deepening our understanding of the connection between people, the mind, and the natural world.

LCSG 2023-2024 Leadership and Communication Skills Global program is now open for application!
Speakers from diverse backgrounds are invited to share their insights, promoting youth self-development, leadership, and communication skills.

Date: 25 Oct, 1 & 8 Nov
Time: 3pm (PST)/6pm (EST)
TLKYCS & CASC/ACSS
The course aim to create time and space for mindfulness and strengthen our ability to develop resources to cope with difficulties. With a clear and compassionate heart, we can genuinely care for important people and matters in daily life.

From now to 13 November
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
The "Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 BCE–400 CE" exhibition, sponsored by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global, will display 140+ objects, such as stone reliefs, reliquaries, and jewelry, narrating the origins of Buddhist art in India and delving into important themes of this transformative era in Indian art.

On 21-23 October, TLKYCS conducted the Chung Yeung Festival Assembly, expressing our gratitude by chanting the "Repentance Ceremony for Gratitude," dedicating the merits to the well-being of our present parents and the liberation of ancestors and close relatives from the suffering. The Dharma Assembly was solemn and sacred, and the congregation immersed in the joy of the Dharma.

On 14 October, the season 2 of the "sowing seeds in your mind" course was concluded. Over the course, participants learned planting techniques and caring for different plants. The course was concluded with a day of harvest where participants experienced the wisdom of interdependence.

On 28 October, TLKYCS hosted the 22/23 graduation and 23/24 orientation for LCSG, we are grateful for Venerable Tak Ching presenting graduation certificates to the students and leading a Water Offering to the Buddha, symbolizing the integration of Buddhist teachings and the practice of compassion and wisdom in everyday life.

On 28 October and 1 November, TLKYCS collaborated with CASC to offer an Introducing Mindfulness course, promoting well-being and mindfulness practices among healthcare professionals and caregivers. Through the sessions, participants cultivated deeper awareness and appreciation in daily lives.

On 12, 21, 26 October, we organized the monthly Ch'an & Chat meet-ups at the UBC Life Building, SFU Vancouver, and SFU Burnaby campus, respectively. Together with the university community, we met for a mindfulness practice, tea & coffee meditation, sharing, and listening to harp music together.

Mission
We serve our community with great compassion. We value the cultivation of inner wisdom and practice, and strive for spiritual and physical well-being. We encourage teamwork and mutual support.

Following the path of Bodhisattvas, we volunteer our time and effort for the greater good with shared compassionate aspirations. The successful operation of the Society relies on our volunteers' dedicated support. We welcome you to register as a volunteer at the Society.

Those who offer dana (generous donation) are fulfilled with blessing. Those who support are of immeasurable merits.
Donation Procedure
￭­ By cheque: Payable to "Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society"
2495 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5N 4L1
￭­ By deposit in bank account: HSBC Bank Canada
885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 3G1
Account holder: "Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society"
Account number:
CAD Currency: 020-602642-080
USD Currency: 020-602642-241
If donation receipts are required, please provide mailing address of donors.
￭­ Walk in donation: Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society
2495 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5N 4L1
Tel: +1 (604) 255 6337

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