We need Bodhisattvas

by JH Low, Bangkok, Thailand, The Buddhist Channel, Jan 16, 2015

I write with regards to your op-ed "Je suis la parole juste" (I am right speech).

I am thankful that this news platform has taken the onus to explain the Paris incident with a Buddhist perspective. I agree with the approach of not using the "middle way" as a literally term in this context, which would have juxtaposed this important teaching of the Buddha as a middle point between two extremes.

The Buddha's middle way is basically an expression of dependent origination (paticcasamupada) which requires us to behave mindfully and one that needs us to act - specifically in this instance with right understanding and right speech. It is a call for skillful action.

Your call to "wade ourselves into these seas of extremity, and to participate calmly in the observation of the rise and ebb of unskillful actions" reminds me of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who as we know is one who has vowed not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied.

Indeed what is the point of mastering Buddha Dharma, if not to use such awakening to heal the pain and suffering of our fellow beings? Anger is pain, frustration is pain, and unmitigated hostility and provocation are all symptoms of suffering.

We do ourselves injustice if we are reactionaries to events, especially when we just place our finger on one issue without truly understanding the depth and breadth of the whole problem.

To have deeper understanding means to be knowledgeable of the issues, which then requires us to have an interest on current events, Buddhist or otherwise.

This also means that it would do a lot of good if we can learn how to mix beyond our own groups. Nothing is more effective than having food and chatter with people who are totally different from ourselves - culturally, ethnically and religiously.

We can simply start right speech and right understanding with ourselves, and with the next available person that we meet. And then we go and seek someone who is not like us, and apply these teachings likewise.

Hopefully, through the wisdom attained from the development of compassionate ties and deeper understanding with one another, we will be able to grasp a more holistic approach to create a fuller, more sustainable solution in human relationship.

After all, whether we like it or not, we are all travelers on this one planet, the only home we have. Why waste our lives by making it a miserable place?
We Need Your Help to Train the
Buddhist AI Chat Bot
NORBU!
(Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding)



For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB

The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118

Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.


Dear Friends in the Dharma,

We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.

Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:

One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.

How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.



For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB

The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118

Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.

Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.

Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.

Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.

Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.

Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!

May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,

With deepest gratitude,

Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team


Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv


TOP