"SANTISUKHA VIHARA NEWS"

       Santisukha Vihara in London was established as a Theravada Temple in November 1999. It is now just 7 months since that time. With the support of Dr. Soe Lwin and Santisukha Association, Santisukha's getting more and more prosperous

       Under the guidance of Ven. U Weiponla and Ven. U Kumuda, Santisukha is carrying out many religious activities. With the generosity and kindness of the devotees, people of any religion and any nationality now have an opportunity to try and find the way to the absolute truth taught by the Lord Buddha.

       So, Santisukha has become the peaceful refuge for those people in the quest of the Truth, peace and happiness. In addition it has also become the centre showing the way leading to the cessation of suffering. So, we the Santisukha Association, send out this newsletter in the hope that all the people who come to the Santisukha Vihara could actually achieve the peace and happiness they desire.

"SANTISUKHA FOR ALL MONKS"

       Because of the proximity of the Santisukha Vihara to the Heathrow International Airport and the good transport to central London, as well as to the devotion and generosity of the members of the Santisukha Vihara Association, some well-known Venerable monks stayed very often at the Vihara. It is with great pleasure the Santisukha Vihara Association takes the opportunities to offer the four requisites to these Venerable Sayadaws during their stay at the Vihara. Up till now we have had the privilege of welcoming the following Venerable Sayadaws at the Vihara.

      (1) Bhante Dr. Rewata Dhamma (Aggamaha Pandita)

      (2) Bhante U Zar Ne Ya ( Maha Saddhammajotikadhaza)

      (3) Bhante U Panna Lawka

      (4) Bhante U Gamdathara

      (5) Bhante U Nagasena

"SANTISUKHA FOR ALL WHO ARE IN SEARCH OF PEACE AND HAPPINESS"

      As it is a place for those who find their enjoyment in Dhamma, people from far and near come to Santisukha Vihara from time to time. And the resident monks at the Vihara are helping them by giving lectures, having discussions, and practising group sitting meditation and so on.

"SANTISUKHA FOR ALL WHO ARE ACCUMULATING MERITORIOUS DEEDS"

      Those in pursuit of meritorious deeds also come to the vihara for the sake of Dana (Generosity), Sila (Virtue) and Bhavana (Meditation) and participate in religious activities in groups or on an individual basis. They study Buddhist ethics, rites and rituals at the Vihara.

"SANTISUKHA FOR THOSE WHO LOVE BUDDHIST CULTURE"

       Burmese culture is firmly based on Buddhism which all the Burmese people accept as the only religion they believe in. They passed it on through generations down to their present-day descendants. If it were not for the religion, the culture would not survive. This is what all the Burmese people in England should be aware of. Therefore, those who respect Buddhism, those who value the existence of Burmese culture, those with great knowledge and experience come, whenever appropriate, to the monastery with which they are in touch and take part in religious ceremonies and study the Buddha's teachings. Santisukha Vihara has now become something of great importance for those who want to maintain the existence of our religion and tradition.

"'BUDDHA DAY CEREMONY"

       The Buddha day ceremony was celebrated for the first time at Santisukha Vihara on the full moon day of May. The ceremony began with five precepts led by Ven. U Kumuda followed by a Dhamma talk about the life of the Buddha in detail.

       Then, varieties of offerings such as fruits, flowers and incense were presented to the Lord Buddha. On this occasion the devotees were really delighted to mark the Buddha day ceremony by chanting the poetry regarding the story of the Buddha and the Patthana teaching. Afterwards they continued to pay homage to the Lord Buddha by contemplating on his attributes, followed by the practice of Insight meditation

       Then they shared the merits acquired on that day with all living beings. And, finally, after Dr. Soe Myat Yin, the Vice President of the Santisukha Vihara Association had spoken words of thanks, the ceremony was concluded.

"BURMESE NEW YEAR DAY"

       The Burmese New Year day, this year, fell on 16-4-2000. It is the custom of Buddhists to pay respect to elderly people on such an occasion. It means that they welcome the New Year day with pure thought and do meritorious deeds such as being generous, observing morality, practising meditation. This includes paying respect to the Buddha, parents, elderly people and so on

       A group of Burmese youths who usually come to the Vihara celebrated the New Year day at the temple by doing charitable work, observing morality, listening to the Dhamma talk and paying respect to Dr. Soe Lwin, the donor of Santisukha Vihara, who wished blessings on them in return. The youths, after listening attentively and obediently to the words of the monks and elders, presented various offerings. Then, hailing the Auspicious New Year, the ceremony was concluded.

"A SERMON GIVEN BY VEN U KUMUDA TO THE BURMESE YOUTHS"

       Paying due respect to those who are worthy of it leads one to success, peace and happiness in the present as well as in the future. Today I have been so pleased to see all of you performing meritorious deeds by paying respect to the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha and elderly people, and to welcome the New Year with good deeds and thoughts.

       This is a very auspicious occasion for all of you because the kind of activities you have undertaken are praised by the Buddha and the wise in the world. It also keeps you away all the dangers in your life. On the other hand you will be well and happy and successful because that sort of pure action and thought can prevent the effect of bad Kamma that has arisen in past. No one in this world is perfect. So you may have done something wrong to noble persons as well as parents and elderly people and others in bodily, verbal and mental actions.

       For this reason it is necessary to ask for the forgiveness of your wrong attitudes towards them so that you can purify your mind.

       No matter whether you have done something wrong or not to the noble ones it is our Buddhist custom to pay respect to them in the search of good deeds through which you can gain peace and happiness.

       On this auspicious day of our New Year I believe that it will bring you lots of happiness and success throughout the year as well as in years to come due to your pure actions and thoughts. I would like to conclude my talk here wishing you health, wealth, success, happiness, wisdom and everlasting peace.

SPEECH TO THE YOUTH BY DR. SOE LWIN

       The only thing I want to say is you should take a good care of yourselves. The most important of all is not to lose track of what you have come here for. Just keep an eye on your aims and ambitions. And want you all to try to be mindful with everything you do. Be sure that in everything you do you do not mean any harm whatever, neither to others nor yourself. Consider its likely consequences beforehand and act in good faith while you are doing it Again. When it is finished, reassess, re-evaluate and reconsider it to find flaws.

       And I want to advise you to mind your own business. Do not care about what other people might think of you if you are confident that you are doing the right thing. Walk your own path. Do everything in good faith and I am sure that it will bring you to success in everything that you desire. Now I would like to conclude by saying best wishes to you in this Happy New Year.

"The voice of Santisukha"

       Extracts from lessons taught weekly at Santisukha Vihara are being mentioned in the Santisukha news letter so that anyone who is keen to learn the Buddha's teaching and not able to come to the Vihara can have an opportunity to study it.

      It appears to me that it is more realistic, to give readers a glimpse of the courses held at the Vihara by giving the students a chance to present their knowledge about the doctrine in the way they understand rather than writing in my own words.

       I am so pleased and delighted with the students who have proved their knowledge of Buddhism after the course. And I am grateful to the student who sent this article so as to share her experience with others.

      Ven U Weiponla

      Santisukha Vihara

A Good Buddhist

       It is really important to know, at least to a certain extent about the Buddha and His teachings for someone who is to be called a Buddhist He should have an unwavering faith in the Buddha with a good understanding and realisation of the Buddha's teaching in order to become a good Buddhist. A belief without rational understanding is not acceptable and it is not a true faith either. That sort of belief can mislead one at one time or another with catastrophic results.

       It will be just like a boat without anyone taking control of the rudder and tending to go in any direction It may run into a rock, sunken by a turbulent stream or may be lost in the uncharted sea never reaching to its destination. In the same way, a belief with insufficient knowledge will take one to the woeful state full of sufferings. In order to become a good Buddhist and to keep one from all kinds of sufferings, it is necessary to walk on the right path.

      "The Teaching of the Buddha"

       1. Not to do any evil things

       2. To perform good deeds and

       3. To purify ones mind.

       This is the teaching of the Buddha.

       This teaching has been expounded to the Venerable Ananda, by the Enlightened One while he was residing at the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi. It is simple and easy to be understood by anyone who is in search of peace and happiness. It is also a guideline to the attainment of enlightenment.

       "Not to do all evil things"

       It is a good Buddhist tradition for children who have been brought up in a Buddhist family to observe five precepts learnt through their parents and live in accordance with the Buddha's teachings since their young age. It is the most basic and fundamental practice among Buddha's teachings.

       Naturally everyone has to pass through the ups and downs of our lives and tend to be greatly moved by them. So, it is important whenever we come to experience various life situations, to regard them according to Buddha's teachings and try not to react to them in the wrong way. Until and unless we have attained enough knowledge and wisdom to deal with these problems and situations we will still be subject to experience many kinds of sufferings. In order to avoid these miseries and gain happiness it is essential to train our mind by following the Buddha's teachings because the dislike, dissatisfaction, discomfort, distress and so on take origin from our own mind. Of course, increasing rates of crime, offences, outrages in this world of unrest is the lack of mental development.

       Those with untrained minds, wise or a foolish alike, are bound to break his moral precepts at any time and the kamma of these bad deeds will follow them throughout the Samsara. We can see people differing from each other in many aspects, some are fair but others ugly, some are healthy and others not, some live long and still others do not and so on because of their different actions in their previous lives.

       For this reason it is really important to train one's mind in a proper way so that he can escape from the endless sufferings of samsara and can obtain true peace and happiness. The lack of mind training puts at risk not only him but also his society. A Buddhist who loses his virtue can cause discredit to the glory of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha which he takes refuge in.

       For this reason, a Buddhist should be a good one who lives in accordance with the Buddha's teachings which he learnt since childhood through his parents or grandparents, for the achievement of his success. Keeping five precepts such as abstaining from killing living being, stealing, lying, adultery, taking intoxicant things is fair enough to cover the Buddha's utterance, 'Not To Do Any Evil Things"

       Someone who can successfully keep these five precepts intact is certainly not going to break the law. The greater the number of people keeping the five precepts, the lower the number of crimes becomes. In turn, it can bring peace and happiness in that society. In fact, committing crime is always a associated with violation of these moral precepts which takes origin from our mind.

       That is why the Lord Buddha once said to a monk named Cakkhupala, "All mental phenomena have the mind as its forerunner, they have their mind as their chief. If one speaks or acts with an evil mind, suffering follows him."

       "To do wholesome deeds"

       The ultimate aim of a Buddhist is to bring all sorts of sufferings like sorrow, worry, grief, lamentation, distress, old age, diseases and death to an end. The path leading to this can be reached by practising generosity, morality and meditation.

       To gain these qualities in our minds we need to know the Buddha's teachings theoretically and practically with the help of a teacher. The Buddha has always directed us to do everything with a good knowledge. For example. He has never praised the generosity, however expensive or costly it may be, shown for the sake of fame, favour and superiority over others for it is not as beneficial as the one practised with pure thought. A donation, no matter how small, made with pure thought and without any hesitation is the one that is admired by the wise as it can lead to innumerable beneficial returns . Therefore, one who is seeking for the true and everlasting happiness should try to accumulate his merits in a proper way

       "To purify one's mind"

       Most people concentrate more on cleaning and tidying up their body or material things. Only few people tend to practise mental training for mental development. I believe that this planet will become a more peaceful and happier home for its inhabitants if everybody gives more attention to mind purification. Only the purity of mind can keep us from getting into the woeful state, not by going to the beauty parlour and having our body physically cleaned.

       The fame, success and richness in this present are the result of our pure thought and good actions in the past with some contribution from our own present effort and knowledge. Likewise, it is really necessary to purify our mind if we want the same effect in the future. Failure to do so will lead us to an unhappy life despite the joyful present moment which is a consequence of our past Kamma, good and pure thought. Because of purification of our mind, not only can we achieve peace and happiness for ourselves but also we can rest assured about a better existence.

       In fact, during our life span, we are always overwhelmed by anger, greed, jealousy, conceit and so on which always create suffering like sorrow, worry, distress, tragedy, disaster throughout our life time. It is certain that suffering of this nature cannot be conquered or defeated by material means.

       Then it becomes clear that the right way must be sought for only by training, stabilising and purfying the mind. This way was founded by our Lord Buddha and delivered well over 2543 years ago The Buddha said "this is the only way for the purification of being, for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, for destroying of pain and grief, for reaching the right path, for the attainment of enlightenment." That is "the discourse on the four foundation of mindfulness meditation." For this reason, it is really important to keep in our hearts this declaration given by the Buddha, "to purify one's mind" out of compassion.

       'Appmadena sampadethe"

       "Be mindful"

A student at Santisukha.

(30.6.2000)

"Courses at Santisukha Vihara"

       Buddhist ethic and insight meditation (in Burmese) (Every Thursday 6-8 pm)

       Philosophy of Buddhism (in English) (Every Sunday 5-8 pm)

       Insight meditation (in English) (Every Saturday 6-8 pm)

Insight meditation session (Every first Sunday of the month 7-8.30 pm)

Kathina Ceremony (5th November, 2000)

       Santisukha is a Pali word which is the combination of two words, Santi and Sukha. Santi is peace while Sukha is called happiness. That is why, Santisukha means peace and happiness.

      It is a truism to say that everybody in this world seeks peace and happiness. For this reason, human beings make all possible effort to gain this bliss. But nevertheless their efforts are mainly directed to the physical well-being by material means. However, these human efforts and achievements cannot possibly bring about the real happiness and peace. On the contrary, the sufferings associated with old age and diseases, domestic problems and economic troubles are growing up day by day. In fact, sufferings of this nature are not overcome by material means; they can be overcome only by mind training and mental development. Happiness is, after all, conditioned by attitudes of mind, and yet only a few persons give real thought to mental development, and fewer still practise mind training in earnest.

      Then, it becomes clear that the right way must be sought for training, stabilizing and purifying the mind. This way is round in the Mahasatipatthana Sutta, (the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation) a well-known discourse of the Buddha, delivered well over 2500 years ago. Now Santisukha rings the Dhamma bell to remind you for the purification of your mind through which you can gain the real peace and happiness by cultivating generosity, morality and wisdom in the 2lst Century.

"About Santisukha Vihara"

      Santisukha Vihara is located in Heston, near Hounslow West Station, London. The donor of Santisukha Vihara is Dr Soe Lwin, who always takes a keen interest in propagation of the Buddha's teachings all over the world. He has practised Buddhism under the guidance of the most Venerable Burmese Sayadaws, who are competent teachers. He used to support the learned Sayadaws, in their work, for the spreading of Buddha's teachings. This Vihara becomes a reality due to these Sayadaws because they were able to inspire Dr Soe Lwin's faith in the Triple Gems, the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha when they came and used his house as a Vihara during their missionary tour in the West. Having fulfilled his faith in the Triple Gems, he tried to establish an upstair Vihara of his house for monks. In this way, he has been offering the four requisites, food, cloths, shelter and medicines to the resident monks for five years. Being unable to be satisfied with his work, he bought a new building, next door to his house, to be established as a Buddhist Temple. For this reason, Santisukha Vihara comes to exist for every one in search of peace and happiness.

"Santisukha Vihara Association"

      Santisukha Vihara Association, which consists of seven executives, formed under the direction of Ven. Dr. Rewata Dhamma of Birmingham Buddhist Vihara on 16th October 1999.

      The aim of the Association is to support the resident monks at the Vihara, to promote the study and practice of Buddhism according to the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, to maintain charitable Buddhist Centres, and to preserve sacred Buddhist objects for the benefit the public.

      "The Association"

       (1) Dr Soe Lwin (The President)

       (2) Dr Soe Myat Yin (The Vice President)

       (3) Miss Doreen Davey (Secretary)

       (4) Dr Marlar Aye (Treasurer)

       (5) Dr Hla Soe (Executive)

       (6) Mrs. Vivien y. Sunlight (Executive)

       (7) Miss Sumana Rear (Executive)

      "The resident monks"

      (I) Bhante Weiponla

      (2) Bhante Kumuda

      "Lay attendant"

      Ko Aung Min Lwin

"The Fourth Kathina Ceremony of Santisukha Vihara"

      This year Kathina ceremony, which was attended by the 15 members of Sangha Community, was successfully held on 13th November 1999 at Santisukha Vihara. The Sangha community led the opening ceremony begun with the observance of five precepts by the lay people from Bhikkhus and paying homage to the Buddha three times. Then an offering of Kathina robes to the Sangha was made by all donors.

      A wonderful Dhamma talk in in English given by the most Ven. Dr. Rewata Dhamma, the spiritual director of Birmingham Buddhist Vihara was about Santisukha Vihara and was followed by an account on how the Buddha's teaching is excellent in the beginning, middle and end. After that, Ven. U Kumara from London Burmese Vihara gave a teaching, in Burmese, regarding how fortunate to be the donors of Vihara, shelter for the monks as a Buddhist during someone's lifetime and he kindly and clearly explained how the donors can benefit from this kind of donation. Lastly, all participants concluded the ceremony by sharing their meritorious deeds accumulated on that day with all living beings.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Metta, Loving-kindness"

(Extract from the Teachings of the Buddha)

      Loving kindness (Metta) is the opposite of hatred (dosa). Metta is the mental factor called Adosa (non-hatred) which wishes for the welfare of other beings, contemplating: "May all beings be happy; May they be free from danger."

      Metta is generally understood as "Love" in Myanmar. There are three kinds of love: -

      (1) mutual love between husband and wife (Tanhapema)

      (2) mutual love among the members of the family (Gehas sitapema)

      (3) loving-kindness, or benevolence for the welfare (metta)

      The first two kinds of love are not metta. They are lust, greed and craving. Metta is the pure form of love, which can bring peace and prosperity to all beings

      How to Radiate Loving-kindness

      Developing and transmitting repeatedly one's benevolence for the welfare of others is called Metta Bhavana-cultivation of loving-kindness.

      Cultivation of loving-kindness should begin with oneself. By doing so, one develops one's sympathetic consideration for others wishing them to be happy and free from danger as oneself. Loving kindness should not be radiated to the dead because they are unable to accept it.

      First of all, concentrate your mind on the form of the person whom you want to radiate loving-kindness, till you come to discern his figure from head to toe, just as looking at his photograph. Then, radiate your loving-kindness to him while contemplating repeatedly thus: "May he be happy. May he be free from enmity" This is the method of radiating one's loving-kindness towards others.

      According to the admonition of some prominent and revered teachers in Myanmar, one should practise as follows to be more effective in radiating loving kindness:

      (1) First observe the moral precepts

      (2) Sit cross-legged keeping the body upright. Place your palms one upon another facing upwards with the tips of your thumbs touching each other. Without dropping your head, sit still with steadfast mindfulness on the person to whom loving-kindness is being radiated.

      (3) Focus is your mind on the person to whom you want to radiate loving-kindness visualising his personality. Then, contemplate in your mind, cultivate your loving-kindness repeatedly and earnestly thus; "May he be happy and free from enmity," for at least fifteen to thirty minutes.

      (4) When you can successfully radiate your loving-kindness in the same way to many people, to the whole village, to the whole country and even to the whole world.

      When you accustomed to that practice, it will not be difficult for you to radiate your loving-kindness to all. beings in all directions.

The Benefits of Radiating Loving-kindness

      The benefits of loving-kindness are greater than those attainable from the practices of charity and morality. The benefits produced by cultivating loving-kindness for just a short moment are greater than those obtained by offering one hundred pots of cooked rice three times a day. A person who cultivates loving-kindness can enjoy eleven kinds of benefits according to the Teachings of the Buddha.

      (1) He enjoys a sound sleep.

      (2) He wakes up peacefully.

      (3) He does not have bad dreams.

      (4) He is loved by human beings.

      (5) He is loved by non-human beings.

      (6) He is guarded by devas.

      (7) He is unaffected by fire poisons and weapons.

      (8) He can develop concentration quickly.

      (9) His face is serene and cheerful,

      (10) He never dies in bewilderment.

      (11) He may be reborn in the Brahma realm when he dies.

The list of donors at Fourth Kathina Ceremony of Santisukha Vihara 1999.

       1. U Kyaw Yin + Daw San San Win and son Mg Zay Yar Soe=£200.00

       2. Drs Aung Yee + Yin Yin Myaing=£ £30.00

       3. U Aye Min=£30.00

       4. U Mya Aung=£50.00

       5. Ko Aung Min Lwin=£50.00

       6. Dr Khin Thet Maw=£60.00

       7. U Sein Tun Aung + Daw Hla Hla=£ 50.00

       8. U Sai Min Tun+Daw Aye Aye Khin=£ 30.00

       9. U Min Lwin±Daw Khin Khin Gyi=£ 20.00

       10. Ma Khin Lay Wai=£80.00

       11. Dr Mar Lar Aye=£ 70.00

       12. Ko Aung Bo Bo=£60.00

       13. Ko Bo Bo Lin - Ma Khaw Paba=£ 60.00

       14. Dr Win Maw=£30.00

       15. Dr Myint Thein + Daw Ohumma Myint=£30.00

       16 Ko Duwam Kyaw=£30.00

       17. Dr. Min Nyo + Daw Khin Mya Swe=£30.00

       18. Drs Soe Myat Yin±May San Kyi=£30.00

       19. Dr Aung Thein + Daw Than Than=£30.00

       20. Miss Sumana Rear=£20.00

       21. Moe Moe Zaw, Kyaw Kyaw Soe and Thaw Thaw Soe=£30.00

       22. Dr Khin Maung Tun + Daw Cho Cho=£30.00

       23. Mr Tin Han + Mrs Eliz Tin Han and Family=£30.00

       24. Mr Mike Walter=£25.00

       25. Mr & Mrs Winger(Daw Ohon Nyunt)=£10.00

       26. Dr Ko Ko+Daw Molly Ko Ko=£50.00

       27. Mrs Y.B. Lwin 5=£0.00

      Santi Sukha Vihara has a programme for an Intensive Meditation Retreats at the Vihara either as one-day or weekend retreats. Anyone who is interested can make an appointment with the monks. It is free of charge but, during the retreat, the meditator must follow the rules of Vihara laid down by the monks.

      Weekend meditation retreat in the countryside, organized by British Buddhist Association will occasionally be held throughout the year. Participants will be charged for the cost of accommodation and food. For more information, please contact Tony Haviland Nye 0171-286 5575 or BhanteWeiponla 0181-570 2097

      Ten-day intensive meditation retreat has been booked in the countryside, 16-26 May 2000, which will be led by the Sayadaw U Kundala of Saddhammaramsi Meditation Centre from Burma (Myanmar). He is a well-known and famous Meditation Master in Myanmar as well as abroad. For more information, call 0181- 570 2097 (Bhante Weiponla) or 0223-242824 (Dr Ho)

DIRECTION TO THE VIHARA

15 Minutes walk or 3 minutes drive from Hounslow West Station
Buses H28, H32 and 111