Amazon in Ashes: The Fiery Plight of Earth's Lungs
There has been an estimated 83% increase in forest fires in the Amazoncompared to the same time period in 2018, according to Reuters. Brazil’s space research center INPE said 72,843 wildfires have been detected so far. Since August 15, INPE said satellite images spotted 9,507 new forest fires, mostly in the Amazon basin. The rain-forest – known as the world’s lungs – produces a fifth of the world’s oxygen, comprises at least 40% of Earth’s rain-forests, and is home to three million species of plants and animals, and indigenous people. Preserving it is critical to the fight against global warming.




 


 Echoes of the Forest: A Call to Save the Amazon

By Nivitigala Sumitta (Bhante Sumitta)

        

           Oh, dear Mother Earth, hear our solemn plea—

A world ablaze, your forests on their knees!
The Amazon, your lungs once lush and wide,
Now teeter on the brink, dark shadows bide.

O wicked souls with hearts so marred by greed,
What madness drives the hand that sows this seed?
Centuries to bloom, these emerald realms,
Now face the axe, overwhelmed by dire helms.

The wars of man pale next to this grim fight,
As ancient woods succumb to flame's fierce bite.
O leaders, lovers of the verdant earth,
Rise now, defend her worth!

Let every soul, every kindred spirit hear—
To save our home, we must hold dear
Each tree, each creature in these hallowed halls,
Restoring life where shadow falls.

 

Our children’s fate, in tangled roots, resides—
Shall they inherit ash where beauty hides?
Act, lest we betray those yet to come,
Under the quiet stars, where rivers run.

What can one do, when small but fierce inside?
Guard every leaf, let not one more tree die.
A world united, by small acts made whole,
Each effort counts—a pledge, a tree, a soul.

 

NASA has recorded over 2500 forest fires in this year alone in the Amazon rain-forest and the presence of a staggering volume of Carbon Monoxide concentration at an altitude of 18000 ft.

Meanwhile in another report it is said more than 72000 fires have taken place in Brazil this year alone and more than 50% of them were in Amazon. The world leaders and numerous environmental organizations from all across the world have expressed their serious concerns regarding the current situation. The European Union has warned the Brazilian government of facing rigorous economic sanctions if the government does not take immediate actions to deal with the situation.
City of Sao Paulo which is located some 1700 miles away experienced a sudden darkness by "a combination of a wild fire smoke, dense rain clouds, and a cold front' (Accuweather). After intense international condemnation, the Brazilian Government has finally deployed some 40000 military personals to dowse the raging Amazon fire which has already burnt and obliterated 1000s of forest acres so far.
Deforestation, Agricultural Burning, Dry Season and Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil's current president) have been mentioned as the main culprits for the loss of this invaluable world heritage. 


How to Donate?

Please check some of the following organizations by clicking on them if you wish to help:
Some useful ways to preserve the environment are mentioned in a Malaysian led organization's blog as follows:
Less meat, no food waste: Opt for meat-free meals even just once or twice a week. NEVER waste your food as you waste all the resources that grows that food and decomposing food waste becomes a very significant source of methane.
Buy local: Skip the imported supermarket goods and go visit your nearby pasar pagi. Support produce that didn’t have to go through a whole factory packaging process and being shipped across continents, just to end up a pile of discarded plastic in the landfills. 
Wield your power: Serve justice to those who continuously destroy the Earth, even here in Malaysia. Write in to your local representative (whose job is to serve the rakyat), call out shady companies polluting rivers, and do your part.
This writer believes that you can also help conserve the environment by:
Avoiding use of plastic - every plastic is an environmental hazard.
Adjusting to paperless bills and opting for electronic bills and paperwork - every paper contributes to cut a tree. 
Planting more and more trees can help our world to preserve the biodiversity and save numerous fauna and flora. 
Trying to use less technological and other man-made equipment that can harm the nature can be another way to help our already debilitating environment. We should try every possible way both individually and as a community to keep the environment clean and safe.
Thai Ecology Monks:
In a bid to protect the all important forests in Thailand, the Buddhist monks have taken a very effective way to protect the trees by wrapping the trees with their sacred robe. This beautiful act of the Thai monks have attracted the attention of the world ever since and hopefully the other religious and community leaders too will find some unique ways to protect their nature. Read Susan Arlington's Journal article on "The Ordination of a Tree: The Buddhist Ecology Movement in Thailand" for more information.
Greta Thunberg's Powerful Message:
"Every single day 200 species extinct from this earth. There is only 67% chance of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. On January 1, 2018, there 420 gigatons of Carbon Dioxide left to emit to stay within that target, and we are already down to less than 360. If we continue at the same emission level as now, we have less than eight and half years until that budget is over according to the IPCC from the SR15 report and that is 67% chance."
Greta Thunberg - How to Mitigate Climate Change
Climate activist Greta Thunberg on the #1 thing people can do to help mitigate climate change. Extended interview: https://on.cc.com/34FXXrp . Posted by The Daily Show on Thursday, September 12, 2019
Picture Courtesy:
    Spiritual Activities on Saturdays
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute

    Our Meditation Instructor
    Bhante Sumitta 
    (Doctoral Candidate & 
    Adjunct Faculty
    at the University of the West):

    Meditation for Beginners - 
    Morning Meditation Schedule at Lankarama:
    every Saturday - 7AM-8AM
    Venue
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente CA 91744


    Bhante Sumitta has been conducting meditation at the Lankarama Buddhist Institute for the past few years and his simple and practical way of meditation has been helping many individuals and groups in the Los Angeles area. 


    Our Meditation Instructor
    Bhante Sumitta 
    (Doctoral Candidate & Adjunct Faculty
    at the University of the West):

    Yoga + Meditation Schedule at Lankarama:
    every Saturday afternoon
     - 4PM-6PM
    Venue
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente CA 91744

    Bhante Sumitta has been conducting meditation at the Lankarama Buddhist Institute for the past few years and his simple and practical way of meditation has been helping many individuals and groups in the Los Angeles area. 
    He has attended a number of Retreats conducted by very well trained Burmese and other Meditation teachers in different Retreat centers in California, Sri Lanka and India.His teaching and guidance are basically aimed at the introductory level of meditation and practitioners can advance to the next levels of meditation later on with other senior meditation teachers. 

    He conducts 
    • Ānāpānasati  Bhāvanā (Contemplation on Breathing)
    • Mettā Meditation (Contemplation on Loving Kindness)
    • Guided Meditation






    Our Yoga Instructor
    Mark Ragsdale 
    (PhD student at the 
    University of the West):

    Yoga + Meditation Schedule at Lankarama:
    every Saturday - 4PM-6PM

    Venue
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente
    CA 91744
    Mark is a very experienced Yoga instructor who has been working with us for years. He is such a kind hearted gentleman who has been helping the community with his skillful Yoga exercises to help individuals from all age groups.  

    Mark has a wide range of Yoga exercises to help benefit our community to improve their general health and meditation. 


    We wanted him to help our community to sit properly on the floor to meditate for a longer time and it eventually worked in such a way that the Yogis found their general health improving in due course. His Yoga style definitely suits the people who like to follow simple Yoga practices to help themselves to benefit their general health and also their meditation sessions.








    Dhamma Talk Schedule at Lankarama:
    every Saturday - 6PM-7PM
    Venue
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente CA 91744

    The Resident monks of the Lankarama Buddhist Institute and other invited monks will deliver a special Dhamma Talk on Saturday to enhance the Dhamma knowledge of the community. This is a wonderful opportunity for the people around La Puente city to learn more about the Buddhist Suttas and the doctrinal teachings to eventually apply to their own lives as Buddhist followers. 


    The medium of the Dhamma Talk will be either Sinhala or English and we will update you in advance regarding this. 


    Bodhi Vandana & 
    28 Buddha Vandana 
    at Lankarama:
    every Saturday - 6PM-7PM
    Venue
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente CA 91744


     Bodhi Vandana event is a very special ritual among Buddhist community especially among the Sri Lankan Buddhists. They pay respect to the Bodhi Tree while making a circumlocution and chanting some beautiful Pali stanzas. Bodhi Tree is very specific among the Buddhists as it was helpful for the ascetic Siddhattha Gotama to achieve the Supreme Enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. It's said that the Buddha also paid respect to the Tree after the Enlightenment by gazing at the Bodhi Tree for seven days. Ever since the Buddhists pay respect to the Bodhi Tree and practice while taking a meditative walk along with a rhythmic chanting. 
    A Pali Stanza to pay homage to the Bodhi Tree:

    "Yassa mūle nisinno'va 
    Sabbāri vijayaṃ akā
    Patto sabbaññutaṃ satthā
    Vande taṃ bodhi pādapaṃ." 

    (Seated at whose base, the Teacher overcame all foes, attaining Omniscience, that very Bodhi tree do I venerate.)

    28 Buddha Vandana:

    This specific ritual is performed to pay respect to 28 Buddhas most of whom predicted that the Bodhisatva would become a Perfectly Enlightened One called Gotama Buddha one day. The monks and the lay devotees chant together during this event followed by yet another Puja to transfer merit to the deities. 

    Join us every Saturday  from 4:00 PM these days along with your family members and friends and enjoy the blissful moments at our temple. 

    Click here for more details.

    May All Beings Be Well & Happy & Healthy!!!
    Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu!!!

    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente CA 91744
    Tel: 626-913-0775
    Saturday Dhamma School
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    Age Group: 5-15
    Open for Enrollment
    Dear Parents,
    • Do you want your child to be enriched with the spiritual education according to Buddhism? 
    • Do you want them to follow the path of your parents & grand parents?
    • Do you live closer to La Puente city, California?
    This may be a great opportunity for your child
    What we cover:
    • Life of the Buddha
    • Jataka Tales
    • Dhammapada stories
    • Buddhist role models
    • Buddhist chantings
    • Buddhist Cultural heritage
    • History of Buddhism
    • Core teachings of Buddhism













    Contact:
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente
    CA 91744
    Phone: 626-913-0775

    Useful Resources for you kids:
    The Story of the Buddha
    Lord Buddha stories for Kids
    Legend of Buddha - Kids animated movie
    What is Buddhism
    Introduction: Teaching your kids Buddhist values
    Facts about Buddhism
    Basic Buddhism: Facts about Buddhism for kids
    Six new Buddhist books for kids
    Buddhism and the Buddha for kids
    Useful Buddhist Books for kids







    Nikini Full Moon Day 
    One Day Retreat (Free)
    August 31, 2019
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute

    Schedule:
    Morning

    • 08:30 AM - Observing Eight Precepts & Buddha Vandanā
    • 09:00 AM - Dhamma Talk by Venerable Dhammaratana
    • 10:00 AM - Mettā Meditation by Venerable Rakkhita
    • 11:00 AM - Buddha Vandanā
    • 11:30 AM - Offering of Lunch



    Afternoon
    • 12:30 PM - Walking Meditation
    • 01:30 PM - Ānāpānasati Meditation by Venerable Sumitta
    • 02:30 PM - Tea Break
    • 03:00 PM - Dhamma Discussion by Chandana Gamalath
    • 04:00 PM - Releasing of Eight Precepts
    Evening
    • 06:30 PM - Bodhi Vandanā
    • 07:00 PM - 28 Buddha Vandanā
    • 08:30 PM - Refreshments

    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave
    La Puente - CA91744
    Tel: 626-913-0775

    Singing Little Star 

    This is a 5 year old little girl from Vietnam and she proves that she's much capable of what she's doing. It was impressive the way she was so much focused on her singing when others kept coming to reward her with some flowers and gifts. We wish her the best for a wonderful future!


    Mindfulness of the Breath - Ānāpānasati 
    by Venerable U Paññānanda (Intagaw-Pa Auk)

    What is Samatha?
    The word samatha (serenity) is a general term for concentration. The word is almost synonymous with concentration (samadhi).
    Samatha = Samādhi




    Samādhi

    Before we start to discuss about Samatha practice, we should know first what the concentration is. We can say that it is the mental ability to direct all your effort and attention on one thing without thinking of other things. It is the head of non-distraction(1). In texts, it is mentioned as 'mental one-pointedness' (One pointedness of the mind - cittassa ekaggatā)(2), so, Samatha meditation is to develop strong and deep concentration (one-pointedness) on one object.

    It is because a meditator has to develop deep and stable concentration by focusing on one meditation object that a meditator should determine to practice one meditation subject only. So, we would normally suggest leaving aside all other old practices while practicing the currently chosen meditation subject.

    Actually concentration is of many sorts (bahuvidho) and has various aspects. We shall confine ourselves to the kind intended here, calling the concentration profitable unification of mind (kusalacittekaggatā samadhi). Its function is to eliminate distraction. 

    ====

    (1) ...avikkhepasisañca samādhi. (paṭisambhidāmagga pāli. a) mahāvaggo, b) Ñānakathā, 35. Samasīsaṭṭhañāṇaniddeso)
    (2) "Cittassa ekaggatā" is rendered as 'unification of mind' in the sense of harmony of consciousness and its concomitants in focusing on a single object. It is also rendered as 'one-pointedness of mind' in that sense, or in the sense of the focusing of a searchlight. This term is a synonym for samādhi (samatha = samādhi). 

    Sources:

    • A Companion Volume to Brief Discussion on Ānapānasati (Mindfulness of the breath) by Venerable U Paññānanda (Intagaw-Pa Auk)
    • Image taken at Lankarama Buddhist Institute, La Puente, California. 
    Rains Retreat 2019
    Lankarama Buddhist Institute
    398 Giano Ave, La Puente, CA 91744

    Weekend Program 

    All are welcome to join us in a series of events during this Vassāna Season (Rains Retreat) at Lankarama Buddhist temple. Rains retreat is the most active season in the Buddhist calendar considering the number of spiritual care activities taken place to benefit both the resident monks and the lay devotees. In the past, there have been numerous evidences to prove that the most number of Arahanta bhikkhus and bhkkhunis have appeared in the world during this particular season as the Buddha prescribed his Sangha members to focus more on their own personal spiritual achievement during the rains retreat. Due to heavy rains in India during this period, the Sangha members had a golden opportunity to practice to improve their own spiritual achievement. More often the monks and nuns have determined themselves to be serious in their practices and they have been duly rewarded subsequently. This observation of vassa (rains retreat) dates back to the Buddha's life time and the tradition has been well taken care of by the Buddhist community ever since.

    During the Rains Retreat 2019 at Lankarama, the resident monks and the devotees community have organized a series of spiritual care events to benefit both parties. Here follows the schedule of the Saturday event which is free and open to all those enthusiastic individuals:

    May All Beings be Well & Happy!!!




















    August 10, 2019 (Saturday)
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:30 pm - Bodhi Puja conducted by Venerable Devananda
    7:30 pm - 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments


    August 10, 2019 (Saturday)
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on Hatthigamaka Sutta by Venerable Dhammaratana
    7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja conducted by Venerable Devananda to invoke blessings on Dr. Walter              Jayasinghe's Birthday
    7:30 pm - 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments


    August 24, 2019 (Saturday)
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "5 Factors that one should always remember." Thana Sutta by Venerable Nagita නිතර මෙනෙහි කලයුතු කරුණු 5ක්  - ඨාන සූත්‍රය - අංගුත්තර නිකාය-පංචක වග්ග. Click here for ඨාන සූත්‍රය
    7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja
    7:30 pm - 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments


    August 31, 2019 (Saturday) - Nikini Full Moon Day Schedule:
    Morning
    • 08:30 AM - Observing Eight Precepts & Buddha Vandanā
    • 09:00 AM - Dhamma Talk by Venerable Dhammaratana
    • 10:00 AM - Mettā Meditation by Venerable Rakkhita
    • 11:00 AM - Buddha Vandanā
    • 11:30 AM - Offering of Lunch
    Afternoon
    • 12:30 PM - Walking Meditation
    • 01:30 PM - Ānāpānasati Meditation by Venerable Sumitta
    • 02:30 PM - Tea Break
    • 03:00 PM - Dhamma Discussion by Chandana Gamalath
    • 04:00 PM - Releasing of Eight Precepts
    Evening
    • 06:30 PM - Bodhi Vandanā
    • 07:00 PM - 28 Buddha Vandanā
    • 08:30 PM - Refreshments

    September 7, 2019 (Saturday)
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "Layman's Code of Discipline" Sigālovāda Sutta - Discourse to Sigāla (Dīgha Nikāya 31) by Venerable Unaliye Sirinanda.  Click here for Sigālovāda Sutta.
    7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting &  Deva Pūjā
    conducted by the resident  monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments
    September 14, 2019 (Saturday)
    2:00 pm - Saturday Dhamma School - Orientation
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "Buddhist Concept of Prosperity & Welfare" Vyagghapajja Sutta" - 
                     Discourse to Sigāla (Dīgha Nikāya 31) by Venerable Rakkhita
                     Click here for Vyagghapajja Sutta.
    7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting &  Deva Pūjā
    conducted by the resident  monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments
    September 21, 2019 (Saturday)
    2:00 pm - Saturday Dhamma School - Orientation
    4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
    5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
    6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "Seven Conditions of Welfare" Satta Aparihaniya Dhamma
                     by Venerable Sumitta      
                     Click here for Satta Aparihaniya Dhamma.
    7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting &  Deva Pūjā
    conducted by the resident  monks
    8:30 pm - Refreshments

    September 28, 2019 (Saturday) - 
    Binara Full Moon Day Schedule:
    Morning
    • 08:30 AM - Observing Eight Precepts & Buddha Vandanā
    • 09:00 AM - Dhamma Talk by Venerable Dhammaratana
    •                     Sponsored by Sunila Weerasuriya
    • 10:00 AM - Mettā Meditation by Venerable Rakkhita
    • 11:00 AM - Buddha Vandanā
    • 11:30 AM - Offering of Lunch to the practitioners
    •                     Sponsored by Pushpa Rajapaksha
    Afternoon
    • 12:30 PM - Walking Meditation
    • 01:00 PM - Ānāpānasati Meditation by Venerable Sumitta
    •                    Sponsored by Parakrama Amarasinghe
    • 02:00 PM - Tea Break
    • 02:15 PM - Dhamma Talk on VATTHUPAMA SUTTA by Venerable Dhammapiti
    •                    Sponsored by Michael De Silva
    •                    check  HERE for Vatthupama Sutta (Simile of Cloth)
    • 03:15 PM - Dhamma Discussion on TILAKKHANA by Chandana Gamalath
    • 04:30 PM - Releasing of Eight Precepts
    • Evening
      06:00 PM - Dhamma Talk on PARABHAVA SUTTA by Venerable Rakkhita         
      •                    Click HERE for Parabhava Sutta (Downfall) translated by Narada Thera
      • 07:15 PM - Special Bodhi Vandanā conducted by Venerable Sumitta 
      • 08:00 PM - 28 Buddha Vandanā
      • 08:45 PM - Special Deva Puja conducted by Venerable Nagita 
      • 09:15 PM - Refreshments
      Sponsors:
      Pushpa Rajapaksha
      Batepola Jayaratne
      Jagath Jayaratne
      Premasiri Kahaduwa
      Chandana Gamalath
      October 5, 2019 (Saturday)
      2:00 pm - Pali Class by Venerable Sumitta
      4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
      5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
      6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "Chaḷābhijāti Sutta" - 
                       by Venerable Vamsananda      
                       Click here for Chaḷābhijāti Sutta.
      7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident  monks
      8:30 pm - Deva Pūjā by Venerable Nagita 
      9:00 pm - Refreshments
      October 12, 2019 (Saturday)
      2:00 pm - Saturday Dhamma School 
      4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
      5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
      6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "The Discourse on the Seven Matted-haired Ascetics" Satta Jatila Sutta - by Venerable Anuruddha
                       Click here for Satta Jatila Sutta.
      7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident  monks
      8:30 pm - Deva Puja by Venerable Nagita
      9:00 pm - Refreshments

      Sponsors:
      Sanjiv Gunasekara
      Manil Gunasekara
      Harshi Gunasekara
      Manjula Geekiyanage
      Aruni Geekiyanage
      Janaka & Vineetha Serasinghe
      Manoj & Sarupa Wickramasinghe

        October 19, 2019 (Saturday)
        2:00 pm - Saturday Pali Class
        4:00 pm - Yoga Class conducted by Mark Ragsdale
        5:00 pm - Meditation Session conducted by Venerable Sumitta
        6:00 pm - Dhamma Talk on "The Discourse of Five Faculties" Pance Indriya Sutta       (Samyutta Nikaya 48.10; PTS: S v 197; CDB ii 1671) - 
        7:00 pm - Bodhi Puja, 28 Buddha Puja and Paritta Chanting conducted by the resident  monks
        8:30 pm - Deva Puja by Venerable Nagita
        by Venerable Dr. Khemananda.
        Click here for Panca Indriya Sutta.
        9:00 pm - Refreshments

          Sponsors:
          Dino & Hemamali De Silva
          Prasanna & Sumudu Silva
          Ophelia & Bernard Peiris
          Shiran & Harshi Anthony
          Chitra Ekanayake