ABKM Getogether

ABKM organised a social evening - pot luck dinner at the Pang's residence. The food was Malaysian fare. We listened to a Dhamma talk by Ven Dr. M. Punnaji on the mind. Some key points from the talk were:

- Kamma is release of tension in Action based on emotion (lobha, dosa, moha)
- Control over emotions via the 5 precepts is Good Kamma but tension remains ie Stress
- Be aware of the tension (sati) is to be able to control it ie, Meditation/ Bhavana
- Metta Bhavana is the way to release tension in the mind / stress , ie conscious relaxation
- Metta Bhavana expands the mind outwards


later an informal discussion on some of the needs of ABKM participants included basic Buddhism refresher, continued meditation practice, social project participation such as helping out at a hospice, well/water projects and Dhamma printing. There was even a surprise birthday party for Andrew.

Dana for Zanita at Blue Lotus Farm Warburton - Australia Day

ABKM organised a trip to Warburton to visit the Blue Lotus Farm and then Bodhiyana Monastery. We offered lunch to Sayadaw Zanita at the Blue Lotus Farm.

Meditation Sessions for 2010 Kicks off

ABKM had their first 2010 meditation session with Sayadaw Zanita.

The session was a technique to strenghthen concentration (Samatha).

The technique taught was to count the out-breaths in lots of 8 to make one set.When reached 10 sets, one makes a counter on the right wrist, then right elbow, right shoulder, right ear, then down the left side.

If you missed any out-breaths, you have to start from one. Practice to get as many sets as possible.