Metta Hermitage

 

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Letter from Guruji

Dear friends in Dharma,

The Buddha has reminded us that all people will grow old and eventually will pass away. He has asked us to study and live in accordance to the Universal Dharma which He taught patiently for 45 years before He passed into Parinibbana. Even the Buddha had to pass away. Everyone who takes birth must pass away.

I was fortunate to come in contact with the Teachings of Lord Buddha and I am thankful for taking an immediate fascination to the Teachings of Lord Buddha. It is the greatest fortune in my life. The Buddha has said that not all will have an ear for Dharma. It was Brahma who pleaded with the Lord to teach the Dharma for the benefit of sentient beings.

I spent 20 years in Kuala Lumpur seeking out teachers, books, temples, preachers, meditation courses and monks before I decided to quit active life in Kuala Lumpur to seek out my salvation in a forest area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 20 years is a long time! My fascination took me everywhere. I left no stone unturned!

I have spent another 20 years here in Metta Forest Hermitage in Batu Arang.

Incidentally, single-handedly I set up this Forest Meditation Centre with no help from anyone at the beginning. It was just a hill and a forest when I set foot in Batu Arang. It took me two months to cut the hill and clear the forest before putting up the simple building. Little at a time I developed it to what it is today. Life was tough without electricity, water, dangerous animals, solitude, silence and so on…

Every time I reminded myself of the sacrifice of the Lord Buddha who left a palace and a luxurious life of comfort and safety to seek out the truth of suffering. It gave me the strength, will power, inspiration and joy in what I was doing. A city life of comfort, status and luxury did not have any meaning for me.

With the help of Lord Buddha and the Devas nothing is impossible. I thank the Buddha and all the Devas for looking after my safety and guiding me for I did not know anything about putting up a hermitage and living in the forest isolated from the rest of the people.

Later a few people came forward to associate with me and help me in many ways. Even a little help meant great to me. I did not know much about contract work but I knew the Dhamma well and I had faith in the Buddha. It is the greatest spiritual adventure in my life to remove my ignorance and establish myself in the practice of Dhamma. Be rest assured that the help given to a yogi trying to establish a forest hermitage will not go unrewarded by the Buddha. I can say this with confidence as I have seen many who came with problems and who helped out received the Blessing of Lord Buddha and the Devas. I have the gratitude and humility to acknowledge the grace of the Lord Buddha. Many of my own problems were sorted out.

It is because of people like us that the Buddha Dharma has lasted for 2,600 years without any violence, political aggression and cruel techniques. As the Buddha said, “ Go in all directions and spread this message of compassion to all- rich and poor , high class and low class, literate and illiterate, high caste and low caste. Let us feel happy that we have done something within our means. I am happy to share that even in our humble forest hermitage, the following activities are successfully being carried out:

1. study the Buddha Dharma
2. do serious meditation
3. teach Dharma
4. teach meditation
5. write dharma books
6. distribute dharma books free
7. feed the poor
8. donate food provisions, cash and food to the poor, old and disabled on Vesak Day.
9. allow people to take short and long retreats

As all things must come to an end, the time has come for me to hand over the leadership of Metta Forest Hermitage to someone or some society as age is catching up on me. I have done my best to build up the forest hermitage with the help of good and compassionate people like you and I wish to share my personal experience with you.

One can see the spiritual progress in oneself if the practice is correct. When the Teaching of the Buddha is practised well, we can see the benefit, value, and progress in this life. The change is within not outside. Many things have happened here to confirm this. It is real. Living in accordance with Buddha Dharma is different from social service, group activities, group worship and offering flowers, etc. Solitary training in the forest without any customs, traditions, rites and rituals but only the Dharma and self-training with determination has its own benefit and this is the reason the Buddha went to the forest. The Buddha himself spent seven years in the forest seeking out the answer to suffering in life

Even after getting the answers to His questions and attaining complete enlightenment He refused to go back to the palace, build a grand temple in the heart of the city and a live a life of comfort on his laurels. His father the king could have easily put a grand temple for him. The Buddha had no such intention. He was wise enough not to fall into the temptation; he continued his life as a mendicant teaching the Dharma to whoever had the interest.

Anyone interested in the serious study and practice of Buddha Dharma is most welcome to come forward to carry on the good work here in Metta Forest Hermitage. It is not a multimillion ringgit hermitage but a place ideal for Dharma practice. Here one looks for Dharma and not for money, status or social power. Remember anyone, any race, any caste and a person of any organized religion can practice the Dharma. Dharma is different from religion.

A detailed study of Dhammapada and Path of Purification by Buddhagosha will confirm what I have said above- it is a way of life and anyone can practice it. Be rest assured I shall be here to guide anyone till the last. Just carry on where I have left. The Lord Buddha will guide.

Please be free to contact me if you know of any suitable person to carry on the tradition in Metta Forest Hermitage. Be kind enough to spread the news. It can be an individual or an organization. Everything here is simple but up to date. Everything is in working order.

When we have the money we can change the asbestos roof and give the hermitage a new coat of paint. I am sure one day the Lord will introduce us to a generous person(s), a company or a rich society that can give the necessary finance. Let us not fear simplicity.

To put it briefly, I am looking for an individual or a society to manage the hermitage. I am too old to manage the hermitage alone. I have done my best to improve and maintain the hermitage. I am appealing to people who are eager to quit worldly life and take up to serious Dharma practice.

Only a few things are needed:-

1. Be willing to do serious study of Dharma
2. Conduct life in accordance to the Dharma
3. Do regular, prolonged meditation
4. Teach the Dhamma and meditation to everyone
5. Follow the Path of Purification and Dhammapada

Intellectual study and recitation alone is not enough.

Please put aside any fears. Metta Hermitage is no more an ordinary place. 20 years of Dharma study and meditation by a resident hermit/yogi writing Dharma books, teaching Dhamma from the Dhammapada and teaching meditation has upgraded the hermitage. As the Japanese meditators put it:
“the resident hermit/yogi here himself practices the Dharma, lives a simple life in a forest, takes only simple vegetarian food, meditates and sleeps on a plank bed and stresses that the importance of purification of the mind is the greatest. The Buddha himself will have mercy on him for he has put his faith in the Buddha.”

Let us not just accumulate some merits only but be like the Buddha and make progress on the path to Nibbana in this life itself.

Guruji                                               h/p 0192379244
Indian Buddhist forest hermit                 No.1, Jalan Angkasa
Email: lingamroshi@yahoo.com               48100, Batu Arang, Selangor.

 

Guruji's speech on Sunday 4th December, 2011; lunch at Metta Forest Hermitage

Successful completion of Holy Book the Dhammapada in our meditation Hall

Welcome to this auspicious occassion - the successful completion of the Holy Book - the Dhammapada.

When we started we did not realize the importance; we just started. Now we see the value and importance. Thank the Lord for His guidance. I have benefited a lot from the reading. Never in my life did I imagine that I would get so much understanding and insight from the reading , discussions and meditation. One has to do it to know the joy that I have gained. I consider myself very fortunate to conduct this course at Metta Hermitage. As I said earlier, I have never heard of any other religious place or organization that has done this. I have associated with many temples when I was in Kuala Lumpur but this was never done and never even thought of.

So we see that Metta Hermitage is no ordinary place. I have lived in Metta Hermitge for twenty years to witness many special incidences, miracles and many wonderful things here in this forest area. I am thankful to the Lord for all His guidance and the devas and guardian angels for looking after us, our safety and guiding us on the path of Dharma.

I am here only for Dharma - to study, investigate, search and meditate on Dhamma. There is no short cut in Dharma practice. Even Prince Siddhartha even though it was his last birth had to undergo all sorts of austerities and search before he accomplished what he came for - to break through the cycle of birth and death and attain Nirvana. Where do I stand?

When we put in effort for twenty years, the Lord Buddha and all the devas will have mercy on the aspirant and help. I wish to record here all the help that I have received from the Lord Buddha and all the devas and the guardian angels. Without their help I would not have made this progress. Only I know what I am speaking of when I talk of progress. It is within the mind and not visible to others. The spiritual journey is an inner one, a silent journey into the unknown. It is for this practice that I am here for.

The twenty years have brought about a complete transformation in my life, in my mind, in my attitude, in my ways and in my understanding of life. Absolutely no regret. I shall continue my practice even if no one comes here. Fortunately the spiritual practice has to be done alone - solitude, silence, a quiet forest area, away from the noisy city life, away from entertainment, away from worldly activities, away from rites and rituals, away from customs and superstitions are all necessary for this path. Think of the Lord Buddha’s renunciation of a life of luxury. He left a luxurious and protected royal life for a life of austerities in a forest.

This path is not suitable for many although association with a forest yogis is a tremendous help for those who may be thinking of greater peace of mind, calm and inner quiet. The place is ideal for people who wish to lead a more contemplative life to achieve a meaningful life.

Spiritual life is different from worldly life with all sorts of cravings, desires, material wants, material comforts, full of trials and tribulations, conflicts, failures, frustrations, disappointments, miseries and sorrows, to mention a few. Those who are happy with it just continue with it but those who want to experiment with spiritual life may try to do it a little at a time. Those who can read should take up to reading the right books. Association with a yogi who is himself practicing is a great help although it is extremely difficult to find one. This interest will only come if one has done some search in the previous life – we can see this in the life of Buddha, Ramana Maharishi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and so on. Those who are fascinated with material life will not find this path attractive until there is a turn of events.

Start somewhere, someday if you are interested in putting an end to suffering and break through the cycle of birth and death.

Thank you all for associating with me and Metta Forest Hermitage. Thank you for supporting Buddha Dharma. Dharma will reward you in her own way.

Buddham Saranam Gacchami
Dhammam Saranam Gacchami
Sangham saranam Gacchami

Guruji
Metta Forest Hermitage,
Batu Arang,
Selangor.
lingamroshi@yahoo.com

Previous Article:

The Advantages of the Teachings of Lord Buddha

Who can follow the Teachings of Lord Buddha?

Anyone can follow the Teachings of Lord Buddha, if one is interested and not prejudiced.

There is no need for initiation or Baptism. There is no expensive ceremony or formal admission into the Teaching.

We do not have to look at the almanac. We do not have to go to a Buddhist monk for any chanting and we do not have to go to a Buddhist temple to ask for permission. The Teachings of Lord Buddha is not the prerogative of any monk or temple. The Buddha gave it free to all sentient beings who have the ear to listen . We do not have to fill any forms at any registry. The Teachings of the Lord is for all human beings, high and low caste, any race, people with education and people without much education. No one can claim any authority over it. It is universal. One can go into it and quit if one finds it too difficult. It does not require any special language.

One need not change name or formally change the present religion. It is like buying a TV set. One can buy it and sell it off if you do not like its performance. One need not change the race. The principles or Teachings of Lord Buddha is for practice, it is a way of life, ethics and moral rules to be followed in our dealings with fellow men and animals. It tells us what causes mental misery, failures in our relationships, failures in life, failures in marriage, failures in academic life, failures in professional life, causes of birth in painful realms, causes of slavish mentality in society, causes of our misery in this life and so on. It teaches us to accept certain disabilities in this life as we are responsible for our actions in previous lives.

Not only does it explain the causes but it also shows us the way to avoid or overcome them. It does not ask us to spend a fortune and go and bathe in certain rivers to wash our sins, or ask us to do painful austerities. It does not ask us to inflict pain on our physical bodies.. Inflicting pain on our bodies cannot remove our sorrows. Something else is required.

A complete change of our attitudes and ways of dealing with people is what is needed.. It is within the reach of everyone. The Teachings will bring success to us. We will become masters in our lives. We live with discipline not with meaningless fears and superstitions. ‘What we sow we reap in this life and in our future lives.’ Have the courage to accept the teachings and try it out for sometime before you reject it. The Teachings merely tell us to become better human beings, successful spiritually, socially and in every way. Live with dignity and get rid of slavish mentality. "We are heirs to our own deeds."

We need not go to any Buddhist temple to be accepted and practice the Teachings. No, not at all. We do not need their acceptance. It is between us and the Dharma. It is very private. Even when a person dies we need not call a monk or priest to perform any ceremonies to purify the departed spirit and pay a fortune. How can another purify our mind; It should have been done while alive.

Read the ”Path of Purification” by Buddhagosha or the Dhammapada, which contains the essence of the Teachings of Lord Buddha if you have any doubt. We can practice it in our homes, in our office and wherever we are. We need not wear any special clothes. (Religious people wear special clothes to announce to the world that they are leading religious lives.). An ordinary person need not announce. Practice is more powerful than clothes. What is needed are very simple clothes, simple living and noble thinking. Remember anyone can try. Do not reject before trying. Do not be afraid – No religious teacher can harm you.

Discipline cannot harm you in any way. One need not wear any special logos or amulets to show that one is following the Teachings of Buddha or go to a Buddhist temple. Just live in accordance with the moral Teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Whoever can read need not fear. There are more than enough Buddhist books in the market in many languages. Those who are not able to read and understand can always come over to Metta Hermitage for free instructions, free books and a free place to read and meditate in an ideal environment. Why reject such wonderful opportunities?

Think success. Think of the joy that spiritual discipline can bring to you and your family. Transform your life In one life time. Can you do it? Yes, you can. Be prepared to do away with useless and outdated thinking and bring success and joy into your life.

May you achieve good fortune in this life.

 

Roshi Lingam

Metta Forest Hermitage,

Batu Arang

Selangor

Mywisdom-eye.blogspot.com

http://mettahermitage.webs.com

lingamroshi@yahoo.com

 

TSUKASA SAKAISAN – JAPAN

====================

It is with great sorrow in my heart that I write this letter to announce the passing away of our devoted friend and meditator, Tsukasa Sakaisan, on 25th August, 2010. Even though Japan is so far away, Sakaisan used to visit Metta Forest Hermitage at least twice a year. During each visit, he would stay here for a month. His aim was to meditate seriously in a simple, conducive environment with gentle people.

His programme of meditation at our hermitage was from 3.30 am to 7 pm with short breaks for toilet, food or drinks. He was a true Zen Meditator. He could sit on lotus pose without moving for 40 minutes. Then, he would stand up for five minutes before continuing his next sitting.

Though we have seen numerous "meditation masters" but we have never seen them meditate for this length of time each day for a month. Once in while he will take time off to attend to his personal needs.

He was introduced to Metta Forest Hermitage by people from Brickfields Buddhist Temple when he was looking for a place to do his personal retreat. The people who introduced him to our hermitage will be blessed by Dharma.

It is far greater indeed to introduce a person to practice Meditation than to give alms to the poor. He has been with us since 1991 when the hermitage was not fully developed. He continued to visit our hermitage till 2006 when he had some medical problems. He was more than 83 years old.

He said he had travelled around the world, worked in New York and visited many Buddhist countries but he chose to stay in our hermitage as "it was an ideal setting , quiet and peaceful for meditation. It is just an hour’s journey from the airport." He said, "here in Metta Hermitage the master himself has built the simple hermitage with his blood and sweat and he himself practices, studies and lives the Teaching and meditates." There are no rites and rituals here but only serious study and meditation.

He was given a warm welcome and Aunty Shanthi looked after his basic needs. Aunty Shanty cared for him like caring for a father. I have no doubt that Dharma will bless Aunty Shanthi. Remember the lady who offered Prince Siddhartha the future Buddha a bowl of simple milk rice before the future Buddha took his seat under the Bodhi tree with a vow "not to get up until I find the Truth."

How many will have the heart to serve a poor, helpless unknown man (Ascetic Siddharta) in a forest. People are conditioned to pay homage to an image of the Buddha now. Have we been taught to recognize an aspiring yogi, as in this case? The lady had purity of heart to recognize the noble ascetic. Such a gift is rare to come by. "Wherever you are may you be well and happy."

Metta Forest Hermitage is proud to have offered the Dharma seeker a place to meditate.

Metta Forest Hermitage is thankful to all who in one way or another have contributed money, time and energy to make this place fit for meditation. May more serious meditators make use of our hermitage .

I hope more senior members will follow the life of Sakaisan to dedicate their golden years to the study and practice of serious meditation and prepare for a better birth if we cannot attain arahanthood in this life time. We must withdraw from society and turn inwards and develop the finer qualities of spirituality as the Lord Buddha did 2,600 years ago. He had the courage to abandon his princely life and take up to a life of austerity and simplicity.

By the grace of Dharma I was inspired to leave Kuala Lumpur to seek out my liberation in a forest in 1988. Many of my friends dare not even step into this forest hermitage as it has no "star rating." and it has no "religious entertainment" - only serious study, meditation and an opportunity to develop the inner qualities. They do not know what they are missing...

The forest where Prince Siddhartha sought refuge had no "star rating" too! With sincerity , perseverance and dedication he practiced the Dharmic disciplines and became the Buddha. (The holy books have no record of people who took refuge in a crowded city!) Even after attaining Nirvana, the Lord Buddha continued to live a simple life and walked about teaching the Dharma to those who had the good fortune of being born at that time and had an interest in Dharma. The Dhammapada has recorded many instances of people who attained various stages of arahanthood. That is the greatness of our compassionate Lord Buddha.

Though many ordinary people living close by did not come to our hermitage, Sakaisan invited many Zen Masters and Zen friends from Japan to visit us here. Many came and stayed with us. Our hermitage became a Zen Centre. Zen Masters like Sato Roshi who had written many books on Zen also came to our hermitage. Kuroda Roshi donated the library and the International Zen chief from Japan Sekkei Harada Roshi visited us and delivered talks on Zen Meditation at our hermitage.

As a mark of respect we held a simple chanting session in our Siddhartha Meditation Hall.

We wish him a speedy rebirth in a spiritual family to continue his spiritual practice.

May the Blessings of the BuddhaDharma be on Sakkaisan.

Roshi Lingam

Metta Forest Hermitage,

Batu Arang

Selangor

Mywisdom-eye.blogspot.com

http://mettahermitage.webs.com

lingamroshi@yahoo.com

 

FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND INVESTIGATION IN RELIGION

People go to temple for many reasons. Our early teachers or the first teachers are our parents or grand parents. The child just follows the rites, rituals and traditions without questioning, investigating and analyzing.

They are too young to question. They have not come to the age of reason. They have no education. They do not have the benefit of wide reading and blindly accept the practices of the elders. They accept culture and tradition. After a few years it is embedded in their minds. They accept the belief system as the ultimate truth. They live out their entire life in such a sad state. How unprofitable and a waste of life particularly when we know that human birth is so difficult to get.

Then they begin to say that theirs is the only true religion and all others are false religions. Some go to the extent of ridiculing and condemning other religions. Some will not stop at anything to convert others to their religion.

Some will be annoyed, irritated and angry if any other person question them or disagree with their belief system. They may even lose their temper and get into fight.

The history of the world is full of such killings and brutality and countless millions of people have been massacred in the name of god or religion,

The so-called religious teachers are busy propagating their particular teachings without looking at the sad religious history of mankind. There is so much fear in the hearts of temple goers. They will not even step into another place of worship. They will not speak to another teacher / practitioner , visit his place of practice, speak well of him if his practice is very serious even though both are honouring the same Teacher or founder. There is great fear of losing supporters. The true seeker must plod on fearlessly until he reaches the chosen goal.

Just a casual reading of the newspapers will tell the killings that are going on in this world in the name of religion. People have turned a deaf ear to these. Even though people read about them they refuse to ponder over them. They refuse to ask a basic question- “Is it worth killing innocent people in the name of a belief system?”. Is it worth misleading the people for a livelihood or because of vested interest. What a sad situation.

Even after attaining Nibbana or final release from the cycle of birth and death the Buddha lived an unassuming and a simple life without any pomp and taught the Dharma to the simple folks who were ready to listen to Him and practiced Dharma and many attained arahanthood in His life time. The Buddha never engaged in rites and rituals and did not teach ceremonies, rites and rituals. These rites and rituals seem to have crept into our religion over the years. They have nothing to do with the Teachings of Lord Buddha. The power of Buddha Dharma is supreme.

If freedom from suffering is the aim of our religious practices then we must be aware that going through glorified religious ceremonies, rites and rituals cannot get us to liberation or break through the cycle of birth and death. Let us not forget the wisdom of the Buddha. As the Buddha said, “He honours me most who practices my Teaching well.”

How wonderful it would be if we could only sit and examine our attitude towards our religious beliefs and religious activities. Let us reflect and contemplate on them. Let us take time to think things over before accepting any belief system. Acceptance should not be based on blind faith.

We must read widely not only within our own religion but also other religions. Compare the teachings, ponder over them, and question them without fear.

Fear is man’s greatest enemy. People are afraid to question their belief system. They fear some evil might befall on them or some bad luck will ruin their comfortable life. So living in spiritual ignorance will not alleviate the sufferings nor will it get us anywhere near Nirvana. It will only be a dream or an illusion. If we are mature enough and literate enough we must learn to stand on our own two feet. We need courage to walk the spiritual path as the Noble Lord Buddha did 2600 years ago. He did not follow the masses.

If the scientists had had such fears the world of science and technology would never have progressed so much. Men would never have sailed the seas and oceans those days and discovered so much. Scientists would never have been to the moon. The scientists would never have invented so many things, medical scientists would never have brought so much relief to human beings. We must learn to honour and respect our great scientists and inventors as well for without them we will still be living without books, printing machines, surgical instruments, latest mode of transport, computers, internets, cameras, etc., etc. ...

The world has progressed tremendously in the last 150 years. Thanks to the brave scientists, technologists, and inventors in every field. All these are due to systematic study, analysis, discussions, meetings, forums, experiments, sharing of knowledge and experience and above all the courage to question and to differ in a positive way and share their discovery with everyone.

There is nothing secretive or mystical in science as it is in religion. Anyone with the necessary intelligence and interest is welcome to take up any of the branches of the study of science and technology. That is the beauty of science and that is why it is the greatest blessing to mankind. There is no quarrel in science. 1 + 1 = 2 and the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides provided it has a right angle. Science is precise. They can meet and discuss openly without any fear of sensitivity.

But look at religion. It is the opposite. People will not read books on other religions or books by other religious teachers. They cannot discuss frankly without hurting another, at most they may speak in a hypocritical way to avoid hurting another as it is considered sensitive. They are fighting over things which they cannot see, hear, smell or touch. What a pity!

Only one religious Teacher when addressing the people of Kalamas in India said, “Do not be led by reports, traditions or hearsay. Do not be led by the authority of the religious texts because it is in agreement with one’s accepted views, or because of personal prejudices or seems possible, or out of respect for the teacher.”

When we know for ourselves that certain beliefs are unwholesome and wrong, then we should give them up, and when we know for ourselves that certain beliefs are wholesome and right then we can accept them and follow them. The noble and world famous Teacher advised us not to depend on accepted authorities but to think freely, using our own experience and inquire independently when arriving at decisions.

Bear in mind that freedom of thought does not mean the freedom for the mind to run riot. Do not exceed the reasonable limits of freedom and cause harm to ourself and to others.

This advice comes from Prince Siddharta of India who became known as the Buddha and who lived 2600 years ago and whose Teachings are so full of spiritual wisdom that it has lasted 2,600 years and has gone from its birth place India to China, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, USA, the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Tibet, Nepal and Malaysia - practically the whole world. This is India’s contribution to the world of Spirituality and Truth.

There is no national, racial, language or political barrier to the Teachings of the Buddha - the Greatest Indian Prince to pass through this world. He never taught a religion but taught a way to freedom from Sangsara or the world of suffering, birth, old age, disease and death. He lived, practised it, practiced solitary meditation for years, attained nibbana and then taught it to mankind out of compassion. India’s greatest son achieved the near impossible.

I shall end this session with a Tribute to India’s greatest son the Lord Buddha and I consider myself very fortunate to be given the opportunity to study, practice and live out His Teaching in this life time.

 

Roshi Lingam

Metta Forest Hermitage,

Batu Arang

Selangor

lingamroshi@yahoo.com

 

2010 Vesak Message from Roshi Lingam

True Practice

Many are under the false notion that one needs all the customs, traditions, rites and rituals to survive, get a good rebirth, send the dead to a better birth or an imaginary grand place called heaven.

It is rather strange that we do not take the trouble to study, do research or question all our beliefs and belief system. We seem to accept all the superstitions and mysteries without question. We are even willing to get into an argument, quarrel and even go to war spending huge sums of money to defend our belief systems. Imagine the pain and sorrow we bring upon ourselves and our families. We are ever ready to defend our religious ignorance.

Ignorant teachings of the past introduced thousands of years ago when millions were illiterate and ignorant are still prevalent today and accepted as gospel truth. Instead of questioning them we try to glorify them, make them more colourful and enchanting and appealing. What a sad situation. How appalling.

Despite all the advancements in the various fields of science and technology only a few dare to question or take the necessary steps to bring about the necessary changes in our religious beliefs.

Fortunate are some to have the humility and the burning desire to question the belief system and develop the courage and wisdom to make the necessary changes.

One such great person is Prince Siddhartha of India. He learnt all that was there to be learnt from the sages but he was not satisfied. He saw too many injustices being swept under the carpet, too many cruel practices, too many foolish and imaginary things being practiced. He was very contemplative. He questioned every religious belief. He found out that he could not live under such a system. He had the courage to make up his mind and leave the comfort and safety of his palace and go alone to the forest to study from the yogis.

He practised what the yogis taught him but again he found his spiritual ignorance was still there. He could not understand the pain and sorrow of birth and death, the injustices in life, the inequalities of life, the sorrow and havoc caused by mother nature – diseases, volcanic eruptions, and havoc caused by floods, tsunami; incurable diseases, the problems of old age, the cruelties and injustices of caste system, the sorrows of the lower castes and so on.

He questioned how superior invisible devas we pray to could allow all these atrocities to go on. So he gave up all the religious beliefs and began to live alone and took up to prolonged meditation. He struggled and gave up all cravings for pleasure, fame , name and power. He lived a simple life without. any enmity, anger, regret and jealousy, racial hatred or racial superiority. He gave the desire to hoard material wealth for himself and his family. He refused to pray for mercy and beg for favours from the invisible devas. He was willing to practice all sorts of austerities to get an answer for his questions. He gave up his fear of death. He lived alone in the forest on meager food that he could get despite the fact he was a prince.

After six years of struggle he found the answers to his questions. He found the "builder" of this body.
His paean of joy after attaining what he set out to find:

"Through many a life have I wondered

Seeking but not finding the builder of this house

Sorrowful it is to be reborn again and again

O house builder you are seen

You shall build no house again

All your rafters have been destroyed

Your ridge pole too has been shattered

My mind has attained the unconditioned

Achieved is the end of craving"

Buddha
Dhammapada 153 – 154.


Reading the books of great men is necessary to remove our ignorance. It is years of reading that brought me to this forest area to set up this hermitage. Having spent 20 years in this isolated place has made me realize the value and wonders of His Teaching. I shall never give up my practice for anything in the world or leave this forest solitary life to the pomp of the of the city.

The Buddha has pointed that one is one’s own master and that one is responsible for the good and evil that befall him. No amount of customs and traditions, meaningless rites and ritual, superstitions or chanting can help us. One must free himself from all these and start purifying one’s mind and discipline the senses. The Buddha has advised us to be "an island unto ourselves".

The Buddha encourages us to cultivate self-reliance without running after outside powers for help. It is fear and weakness of character that compels us to seek help outside. All powers are within us. We must develop our character, remove the evil nature and replace them with selfless qualities. This is the training that all of us must undertake to achieve our spiritual goal. No one can give it to us on a silver tray and it cannot be bought with money. The Buddha himself set an example and we need not doubt it.

It is extremely difficult to get a human birth and therefore we must set aside time to be alone for spiritual development or seek out the company of true spiritual seekers. Metta Forest Hermitage is always open to people who are willing to study and practice the way shown by Lord Buddha.

Spiritual enlightenment has nothing to do with blind religious traditions. The Buddha has shown us the way. The Buddha who left his native Hindu religion and went to the forest never introduced a new religion. He merely showed us the way to get out of all forms of suffering and break through the cycle of birth and death and not prolong the suffering here.

Great insights await the few who have the courage to walk the Path.

With Metta,

Roshi Lingam

Metta Forest Hermitage,

Batu Arang
 

Previous article from Roshi Lingam

Installation of Water Tanks at Metta Hermitage (March 2010)

How Dharma works! It is mysterious! We are so involved in our worldly activities that we do not give much thought to the ways of Dharma. Whether we believe it or not it is there.

Metta Hermitage has been having problems with water supply. Mysteriously we were led to three points over a period of a few days where water was leaking into the ground. Two positions I noticed and one our Aunty Shanthi noticed it as if she had psychic power. We not only noticed it but rectified it ourselves. I have twenty years of plumbing experience. I learnt it myself to cut cost and stop hunting for plumbers to repair it.

I wish to thank Dharma Bro. Henry Kam of Kuan Yin Contemplative Order Petaling Jaya for donating towards the cost of a 600 gallons poly tank. This tank will supply water to all taps and toilet-cum-bathrooms outside the main building. With the help of Mr. Narayanan our secretary and a few of my students I successfully installed the tank on top of the small hill behind our dining room.

A few months ago Mr. Narayanan donated for two 600 gallons poly tanks which has been supplying water to the main building. He not only donated the two tanks but helped me to fix the two tanks as he is an engineer-cum-developer himself. Again we did it to cut cost and be self-reliant. Besides it is an opportunity to practice simplicity and humility without which we can never live the Dharmic life.

We have to collect water and store it in the tanks as we only get water for a few minutes a day!! I am sure our tanks will supply water to our our hermitage. See the power of Dharma. We need not pay a fortune to get excitement. This is the way to survive on the spiritual path. There is no place for pride and arrogance here. The Buddha walked about alone, why shouldn’t I live alone if I want to taste the priceless Dharma.

May the Blessings of Dharma be on them. I am sure in their future lives they will never be burdened with water problems. Many people in many countries have perpetual water problems. Why? ………………

Even though we are away from the city centre and live in seclusion in a forest area Dharma is always around to help us when we need help most. This is not the only occasion. Countless times we have experienced this grace of the Lord Buddha. Too many to narrate here. These have strengthened our faith in the Lord Buddha and the Dharma. In the city we see the power of money and social contacts. Here in our humble forest hermitage we see the grace of Lord Buddha.

There is no ritual, tradition, custom or religious entertainment here- only pure Dharma; study , practice, teach and write Dharma.

Prince Siddhartha left His palace and went in search of Truth and salvation into the forest and lived in solitude contemplating on the Dharma. I was so fascinated by His Teaching I left Kuala Lumpur to come to this abandoned town to lead a quiet life and seek out my salvation. I lost interest in worldly power and worldy glamour. I had enough of it. I have survived twenty years here and have overcome insurmountable problems with His Grace.

I am ever thankful to Mr. Lim, the super student, who planted the thoughts of spiritual life in me when we were students in London.

In the course of time I came to grips with Dharma practice. I had the unshakeable faith in the Buddha- if the Lord Buddha does not help me who else is going to help me. I agree it is not an easy path but I look at it as a rare adventure which only a few are willing to try.

All problems fade away. The inner strength grows and helps to bear the hardships. There is inexplicable sweet joy. Freed from anxiety, tension, fear and worry continue to lead a simple life. It took some time before the Path of Dharma unfolded itself to the humble devotee and gave the strength to walk the Path laid out before us by the Buddha Himself.

One need not go anywhere anymore; everything needed is in the Teaching of Lord Buddha but only visible to the humble devotees. We have to establish ourselves firmly in the Path. As we get true insights into Dharma we see the Power of Dharma which gave the Lord Buddha courage to last out His search for the Truth. The Dharma is simply fantastic; words cannot describe it aptly. One has to experience it oneself.

Real training is in the mind, not outside. We must not confuse it with external cleanliness, external decoration, rites, rituals, customs and religious entertainment. Inner Dharma practice has nothing to do with name, fame social power and material wealth.

Even after attaining liberation or Nirvana the Buddha continued to live a simple life and walked about teaching the simple folks to seek out their salvation. The Lord’s Teaching is so great that many attained their arahanthood while the Buddha was alive. Let us strive hard in this life for we are not sure when we will get the right conditions. Never wait for the next life - do what we can in this life.

"By oneself one does good, by oneself one rejoices"

 

Roshi Lingam

Indian Buddhist Hermit.

Metta Forest Hermitage.

Batu Arang.

N.B. Serious students of Dharma are always welcome to our hermitage to examine the Path. Those who are happy with material existence are advised to continue their chosen life style. "No man can serve two masters".

 

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