In the vast ocean of teachings, how do we discern the true Dhamma from the false? š In a recent conversation with Uncle Vijaya, we explore essential ways to anchor ourselves in the Buddha's timeless wisdom by š Staying Faithful to the Buddhaās Words and š Seeking Guidance from Wise Teachers.
About the Speaker
Vijaya Samarawickrama, fondly known as Uncle Vijaya, is a respected figure within Buddhist communities, delivering countless inspiring Dhamma talks at universities, schools, and Dhamma centres throughout Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Australia, spanning over six decades. In addition to his speaking engagements, he held the role of Patron at the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society in Kuala Lumpur and served as the Chairman of Nalanda Institute's Education team. He represented Malaysia in various Buddhist conventions and conferences, both locally and internationally. He has authored over a dozen booklets, with more than 150,000 copies distributed worldwide. Before his retirement, he held the position of a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and worked as a lecturer in Drama and Theatre, Public Speaking, and World Religion at Taylor's University American Degree Program.
Transcript: ā https://bit.ly/hol-ep-46
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:11] Definition of Adhamma and its challenges during Buddha's time
[00:03:31] The story of Maha Brahma pleading with the Buddha to teach the Dhamma
[00:08:00] The importance of the First Council in preserving the Buddha's teachings
[00:10:15] Authenticity of the Dhamma and the Buddha's approval
[00:13:39] The complexity of Dhamma and the importance of competent teachers
[00:17:26] How to identify genuine Dhamma teachers
[00:21:33] Examples of modern misinterpretations of Dhamma
[00:24:55] The use and potential misuse of mindfulness in modern times
[00:25:02] How to skilfully handle friends with wrong views
[00:28:26] Guarding the mind against self-righteousness
[00:29:28] Strategies to support those who lose faith in Buddhism due to wrong teachings
[00:31:13] The story of Punna: Using Brahmaviharas as an antidote to antagonistic treatment
[00:34:12] The Buddhaās words on telling true Dhamma from false Dhamma
[00:39:15] Using this rare human rebirth for meaningful self-practice
Resources:
Buddhaās advice on distinguishing True Dhamma from False Dhamma: Aį¹ guttaranikÄya (Numbered Discourses) 8.53 https://suttacentral.net/an8.53/en/sujato
The Story of Puį¹į¹a: Saį¹yuttanikÄya (Linked Discourses) 35.88 https://suttacentral.net/sn35.88/en/sujato
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, SuƱƱa, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen
Editor and transcriber of this episode:Ā
Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee