Glossary

Bhikkuni, respectful title for a Buddhist Nun

The topic of today’s broadcast is:

How you can strengthen your practice

Christina Rossetti wrote in 1862:

“There is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands.”

Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma MA, Ph.D. visited the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. on Wednesday 14 November 2001 accompanied by Mother Mahaviro and Vinitha Jayasinghe BA Hons, (Sri Lanka), SLAS, MA (Aust).

Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma was greeted by Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Masters John D. Hughes Dip. App Chem. T.T.T.C. GDAIE and Anita Svensson R.N. Div1.

Members who helped prepare the Temple in preparation for this visit included Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford, Frank Carter, Leanne Eames, Lenore Hamilton, Isabella Hobbs, Vanessa Macleod, Lisa Nelson, Rilla Oellien and Pennie White.

When religious visitors come to our Centre they are made to feel welcome, are made comfortable and in this way they find goodly co-mates in our company.

We have designed standard training programs to process the preparations for greeting our visitors with the minimum of fuss. We use checklists so that we know our preparations are useful and accurate for inciting better outcomes.

Our checklists specify:

Is the language simple, clear and precise?

For example, if the instruction is that fresh flowers be placed on an altar, they must be offered to the Triple Gem. Senior Members check within 5 minutes of placement if the offering is flawed. If it is, it is done again, and repeated until our standard of offering is reached.

Is the outcome free from misinterpretation?

The Western world cleaning culture involves the idea of eradication of what is classed as vermon. They kill mice, cockroaches, mosquitoes, slaters, flies, spiders, snails and ants without morality.

Over a lifetime of cleaning, one person can kill over one billion or more of such sentient beings. If the bio-mass killed was aggregated, it would make more than a whale. Persons would hesitate to kill a whale.

Our cleaning involves no deliberate killing of any living being. This week, two silverfish were found when cleaning the library and they were placed outside. To be free from misinterpretation, we say no killing. No killing includes no killing of such small creatures.

Is the outcome realistic in terms of time, resources and learner ability?

For example, not all students can become web masters. Some have not achieved a state of readiness that allows them to demonstrate the necessary high order persistence required of a web master.

Do written statements clearly describe what the learner will do when they demonstrate what they have learnt?

Teachers need to be clear about the skills and knowledge they are endeavouring to impart. The learner too needs to be clear about the desired learning outcomes in order to apply themself to the opportunities presented to them by their teacher.

Is the performance observable and measurable?

One method of making it observable is by analysing the comments we receive in the visitors book. Over 15 years these have been consistently satisfactory or above. This performance indicator is measured by the strength of satisfaction expressed by visitors.

Is the performance stated as a training outcome rather than as part of the learning process?

For example, prior to an important event we check we have sufficient film, tapes and charged batteries the evening before for cameras, tape recorders and video recorders. We ensure persons are allotted who can operate the equipment. Many years of training has now achieved for us an understanding of supply chain management. When tasks needs to be done, most members feel confident that these tasks can be taken care of.

Are all necessary resources and equipment available for those members with the motivation and training to use such equipment to service our visitors?

A workable environment can be created at short notice because our members are appropriately trained to respond quickly to the needs of our visitors.

Occupational Health and Safety is a high priority.

When working on projects such as refurbishment at our Centre, Members work in groups to ensure safety precautions are a high priority.

Our training outcomes often combine skills development in more than one area.

The training sessions we plan are made up of a combination of practical job skills, theoretical information and knowledge, and qualities or characteristics that the student needs to demonstrate in the performance of a skill. We are careful how we frame questions.

During the Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma’s visit John D. Hughes’ student Pennie White, B.A. Dip. Ed., Assistant Editor Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, had the opportunity to ask this great Buddhist Nun a question. Pennie White asked, “How can we strengthen our practice?”.

Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma said we need confidence (in Pali saddha) to do anything. We cannot do anything without it. We need confidence in ourselves, others and in Buddha Dhamma. If we have no confidence we have no starting point. We need to have an open mind. Doubt will prevent us doing anything. Confidence takes away any doubt and gives you unlimited freedom. DO NOT doubt and you get the blessings.

There are five things you need in balance to strengthen your practice. As well as confidence (in Pali saddha) you need mindfulness (in Pali sati) moment to moment in body, speech and mind.

If you go too fast using a bad mind you will crash. If you can observe your own body, speech and mind and look at the bad then this is a wholesome mind that you are using and we have a chance to correct it by going slowly. It is being alive, wakeful, having wisdom.

The third factor is right effort (in Pali viriya). Unwholesome factors like hate, greed and ignorance come very easily. Unwholesome minds grow easily like weeds grow naturally in a garden.

You may note weeds do not get diseased and die by nature. If left unattended they grow more and propagate in number.

To grow beautiful flowers in the garden takes effort and similarly the wholesome mind takes effort.

To recognise the good and love the good, appreciating and supporting the good will help the good to grow like the good plants.

Then you can support each other, you become ‘good company’.

Non-greed is difficult.

Non-hate is also difficult and needs effort.

Hate has many aspects like regret, self pity and jealousy. Give up all that. They are no use.

When you see parts of the crocodile in the water but some parts are hidden by the water, you see some of the crocodile and you know the rest of the crocodile may be there too, waiting to bite you. The same applies to unwholesome minds. If you see some aspect of it, you know that something big could be sitting underneath. Effort is needed to know the unwholesome mind. If it is good, know that it is good. If it is bad, know it is bad.

The fourth factor is right concentration (in Pali samadhi) not too much, not too little.

The fifth factor is wisdom (in Pali panna) in many directions. There are the four Noble Truths and anicca, dukkha, anatta. All of that. The five factors in balance in just the right amount.

There is no limit to the mindfulness. You can take this to the highest level and the other factors will grow in proportion to the mindfulness you develop. Confidence is Saddha in the Pali Language. If you develop too much Saddha without the other factors you may become foolish. Your effort, viriya in Pali, needs not too much, not too little, in balance with the other factors.

There was a magician who thought he was clever to glue the bones of a dead lion back together. Once the magician had finished the lion came to life and pounced on him and ate him. What is that? This is how you create your own anger.

This Dhamma Talk by Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma is available online at: www.bddronline.net.au/bddr11n2/bhikkuni

At the end of her Dhamma Teaching, Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma wrote in our visitor’s book:

‘I thank you very much, all of you for the gift of books by Mr. John D. Hughes and do hope I could translate some of them to Sinhala. It was a wonderful experience to hear you chant Pali so melodiously. Wish you more strength to do even better. The world needs you as never before! Loving Regards and Much Metta Bhikkuni Kusuma. Date of Birth 9 October 1929.’

The Mother Mahaviro wrote:

‘The Buddha's teachings is such a blessing to all beings. Fortunate are those who can receive and practice Dhamma and awaken to the truth and reality. May all of you receive the most precious gift of truth and may you prosper in the Dhamma. All the best to everyone. All the very best wishes, always. Mahaviro.’

Vinitha Jayasinghe wrote:

‘Visiting the Centre of learning
Is a gracious event of Blessing!
To seek the path and follow it
In keeping with Dhamma
Is the vision in life further strengthened.’

‘Thank you very much for all your very kind hospitality, compassion and generosity. Best wishes and warm regards, Vinitha. B.A. Hons. (Sri Lanka), SLAS, M.A. (Australia).’

The Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma heads up the Ayya Khema International Buddha Mandir in Sri Lanka.

The Venerable reminds us of the quotation in the Dhammapada:

“The perfume of flowers blows not against the wind, nor does the fragrance of sandalwood, tagara and jasmine, but the fragrance of the virtuous blows against the wind; the virtuous man pervades every direction.” (Dhammapada)

The Ayya Khema International Buddha Mandir is a haven for the seekers of solitude, wisdom and truth.

Surrounded by paddy fields that stretch to infinity and rubber plantations that evoke a state of bliss, this Centre will open up the world of Buddha’s timeless wisdom to the earnest seeker.

From study of Pali sutra to meditation, this beautiful and charming Mandir will offer a wide range of spiritual services.

It’s entirely dedicated to the memory of the late Bhikkuni Ayya Khemema and will be headed by Bhikkuni Kusuma, a Sri Lankan Bhikkuni whose remarkable Dhamma teachings have won her a worldwide following.

The Centre will offer the following services:

• Study of Pali & Theravada Buddhist Sutras

• Abhidhamma Studies

• Meditation

• Pali Chanting

• English medium instructions

• Guest House & Retreat Centre

Once completed, Ayya Khema International Buddha Mandir will bring spiritual hope to many a seeker of the Buddhist path.

To make the Mandir a reality it is in need of funds.

This is a rare occasion for you to gather noble merits by contributing towards a noble cause.

Please write to the following address if you wish to make a contribution:

Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma

37/1, Sri Gothami Ashram
Olaboduwa
Gonapola,
(Horana)
Sri Lanka

Email: bhikkhunikusuma@hotmail.com

May the blessings of the noble Triple Gem be with you always.

You may also write to: The Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma at:

82/1A, Stratford Avenue,
Kirullapone
Colombo 6,
Sri Lanka

You may telephone the Venerable Bhikkuni when she returns to her Sri Lanka Vihara on International: (0011) 94 1 502 207 or fax International: (0015) 94 1 854 491.

Let goodly co-mates in the righteous life come here in the future, and let those that have already come live happily.

May you come to strengthen your practice and practice the Middle Way in accordance with the instructions we set out today.

May you be well and happy always in your practice of the Middle Way.

For details of the Venerable Bhikkhuni Kasuma’s activities during her current visit to Melbourne contact Vinitha Jayasinghe on mobile 0402 232 441.

The authors and editors of this script were: John D. Hughes, Julian Bamford, Sharon Carlton, Isabella Hobbs, Lisa Nelson, Anita Svensson and Pennie White.

Disclaimer:

As we, the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., do not control the actions of our service providers from time to time, make no warranty as to the continuous operation of our website(s). Also, we make no assertion as to the veracity of any of the information included in any of the links with our websites, or an other source accessed through our website(s).

Accordingly, we accept no liability to any user or subsequent third party, either expressed or implied, whether or not caused by error or omission on either our part, or a member, employee or other person associated with the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

References

Australian National Training Authority. Assessor & Work Place Trainer - Learner’s Pack. BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training.

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. (2001) 'Visit by Venerable Bhikkuni Kusuma and Attendants', Visitors book, 14 November 2001.

Hughes, John D. (ed.) (2001) Appeal for Ayya Khema International Buddha Mandir, in Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, Volume 11, Number 2, Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., available at URL: www.bddronline.net.au/bddr11n2/appeal.html accessed on 19 November 2001.

Mencken H.L. (ed.) (1991), ‘New Dictionary of Quotations, on Historical Principles from Ancient and Modern Sources’, Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York, p. 1104.

White, Pennie (2001) 'How we can strengthen our practice', in Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Online, Volume 11, Number 2, Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., available at URL www.bddronline.net.au/bddr11n2/bhikkuni.html accessed on 16 November 2001.

Document Statistics

Total:
Words: 1966
Sentences: 136
Paragraphs: 99
Syllables: 2805

Averages:

Words per sentence: 14.5
Sentences per paragraph: 1.4

Percentages:

Passive Sentences: 22

Readability Statistics:

Flesch Grade Level: 8.9
Coleman-Liau Grade Level: 12.9
Bormuth Grade Level: 10.2
Flesch Reading Ease Score: 61.1
Flesch-Kincaid Score: 7.9

Readability Statistics

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Flesch Grade Level: Flesch Grade Level indicates the Flesch Reading Ease score as a grade level. See the Flesch Scoring Table.

Coleman-Liau Grade Level: Indicates the grade level of the document based on the average number of letters per word and number of sentences per 100 words.

Bormuth Grade Level: Indicates the grade level of the document based on the average number of letters per word and per sentence. These scores indicate grade levels ranging from 6.3 to 11.6.

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Flesch-Kincaid Score: Indicates the grade level of the document based on the number of syllables per word and number of words per sentence. This score predicts the difficulty of reading technical documents, and is based on Navy training manuals that score in difficulty from 5.5 to 16.3. It meets military readability specifications MIL-M-38784 and DOD-STD-1685.

Flesch Scoring Table

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For more information, contact the Centre or better still, come and visit us.

May You Be Well And Happy

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