Discovery Channel: The Boy With Divine Powers(?)

Last Sunday I spent time watching two documentaries about Buddhism on Discovery Channel; first it was The Boy With Divine Powers and followed by Born Again Buddhists.

We read before in the newspaper regarding about a meditating teenage boy in Nepal who drew huge crowds and earned himself the name Buddha-reincarnate. As a Buddhist, of course I'm curious to know if this is the truth or just a scam. Sad to say, Discovery Channel did not provide the answer. Throughout the show, you realized that the place where the boy meditate had turned into a tourist spot. It turned into a lucrative business because the boy's brother who ran the place and supported by a group of committee members collected thousands and thousands of dollars.

In the documentary, Discovery Channel interviewed Lama Lekshey whom I met again recently on his visit to Malaysia. As I do not understand about the message of the documentary particularly about the "sweat" and the fact that there is no conclusion whether the boy is for real, I wrote an email to Lama Lekshey himself. It turns out that Discovery Channel interpreted Lama Lekshey's message wrongly and edited some important points. According to Lama Lekshey, the "sweat" is not because of the boy's power but because of Lama's meditation. From my understanding, I believe the boy only started to sweat when Lama meditated (like a spiritual battle between them) and not because of the boy's so-called power.

Lama Lekshey did not want to elaborate further. I agree because I believe there is no need to seek an answer as the boy and his brother had since disappeared as told by the documentary. The place which was once a tourist spot is now quiet again.

Currently, Lama Lekshey is in Spain and he is preparing the visit of my guru, His Holiness Sakya Trizin. Lama will be very busy because HH will be in Spain from 26 September to 20 October.

meet up with Rinpoche and Lama

I've always been a devoted Buddhist. Even in my past lives. When I was a child, my parents would brought me to attend dharma teachings by Tibetan monks. I remember the first Rinpoche I met was Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, when I was just 6 or 7 years old. He is also known as Khyentse Norbu, the director of The Cup and Travellers and Magicians.

Another Lama whom I haven't met for 20 years was Lama Jamyang Lekshey. The last time I met Lama Lekshey was when he was here in Malaysia with my guru, H.H. Sakya Trizin.

So, my sister and I decided to meet up with Lama Lekshey who was here last week with Luding Khenpo Rinpoche and another two Lamas. They were staying at Eastin Hotel. It was a great feeling to see Lama Lekshey again after two decades. Both Rinpoche and Lama Lekshey speak fluent English. We chatted for awhile with Lama and Rinpoche before we leave as there were other guests. My sister and I managed to snapped a picture with Rinpoche.

meditation class

I've been joining the drop-in meditation class in PJ since late last year but not always consistent.

This year, starting from Jan 9, I've never missed a single class. I intend to be disciplined simply because the topics are very interesting.

Although I'm not new to the teaching, I think it is a very fresh approach because classes are conducted in English and easy to understand (for beginners as well as those with some knowledge and experience of Buddhism and its practices). This general programme is conducted by the principal teacher, Venerable Kelsang Pagpa, a Buddhist monk from England.

For your information, below is the schedule for Jan-Feb 2006:

How to Lead a Spiritual Life

09 Jan How to Relax?
16 Jan How to Meditate?
23 Jan How to Concentrate?
30 Jan No Class (Chinese New Year break)
06 Feb How to Accept Ourselves?
13 Feb How to Accept Others?
20 Feb How to Smile?
27 Feb How to Enjoy?

To get more information about other programmes you can check out the MKMS website.

six perfections to achieve an extraordinary life

After two months, I finally had the opportunity to rejoin the usual meditation class in Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Damansara Jaya. The drop in class starts at 8 to 10p.m. and it is free of charge.

Yesterday's topic was about How to Live a Less Ordinary Life. The topic alone is already very catchy. Before the dhamma talk, we usually meditate first. I must admit that I'm a beginner when it comes to meditation although I've been practising Buddhism all my life. The teacher who is known as geshe shared with us that in order to achieve an extraordinary life, we have to practice six disciplines:

1. perfection of giving
2. perfection of moral disciplines
3. perfection of effort
4. perfection of patience
5. perfection of mental stability
6. perfection of wisdom

Next Monday will be the last drop in class for the year before the centre is closed for break. The topic for next week is The Ultimate Truth.

For more info, click: http://www.meditateinkl.org/index.htm