Dhamma USA : September 2023

Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 7)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 6 of the Material

Buddhist teaching on how to cope with procrastination:

Today, I would like to share with you the profound teachings from Buddhism on how to cope with procrastination. Procrastination is a common struggle for many of us, and the wisdom found in Buddhist philosophy can offer valuable insights and guidance on how to overcome this habit.

In Buddhism, there are several key principles and practices that can help us address procrastination:

Mindfulness:

Central to Buddhist teachings is the concept of mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment. When we procrastinate, we often become preoccupied with worries about the future or regrets about the past. By practicing mindfulness, we learn to focus on the task at hand, reducing the temptation to delay.

Awareness of Impermanence:

Buddhism teaches us about the impermanence of all things, including time. Procrastination often stems from the illusion that we have an endless amount of time to complete our tasks. By recognizing the fleeting nature of time and life itself, we are motivated to make the most of the present moment and take action promptly.

Right Intention (Samma Sankappa):

One of the components of the Noble Eightfold Path, right intention emphasizes the importance of setting wholesome and skillful intentions. When faced with procrastination, we can ask ourselves whether our intentions align with our long-term goals and values. Developing a clear and positive intention can inspire us to overcome procrastination.

Effort (Samma Vayama):

Effort is another element of the Noble Eightfold Path. It encourages us to put forth diligent and consistent effort in our endeavors. Overcoming procrastination requires us to commit to our tasks and persistently work on them, regardless of any distractions or obstacles.

Compassion:

Buddhism teaches us to cultivate compassion, not only for others but also for ourselves. Procrastination often leads to self-criticism and negative self-talk. By practicing self-compassion, we can be more forgiving of our shortcomings and use positive reinforcement to motivate ourselves to take action.

Non-Attachment:

The Buddhist concept of non-attachment reminds us that our suffering often arises from clinging to desires and outcomes. When we procrastinate, we may be attached to the idea of perfection or fear failure. Letting go of these attachments can free us from the paralysis of procrastination and allow us to approach our tasks with a more relaxed mindset.

Meditation:

Regular meditation practice is a fundamental aspect of Buddhism. Meditation can help us develop greater mental clarity, focus, and discipline. These qualities are essential for overcoming procrastination as they enable us to stay on track and resist distractions.

In conclusion, the teachings of Buddhism offer valuable guidance on how to cope with procrastination. By practicing mindfulness, embracing impermanence, setting right intentions, putting forth effort, cultivating compassion, practicing non-attachment, and incorporating meditation into our lives, we can gradually overcome the habit of procrastination. Remember that change takes time and patience, but with dedication to these principles, we can lead more mindful, purposeful, and productive lives. Thank you.

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Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 6)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 6 of the Material

Sleeping early and waking early can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are five advantages:

Improved Physical Health:

Reduced Risk of Health Issues:

Going to bed early and waking up early supports a consistent sleep schedule, which can reduce the risk of sleep-related health problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and obesity.

Better Weight Management:

Adequate sleep and an early morning start can help regulate appetite hormones, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Enhanced Mental Well-being:

Improved Mood:

A well-rested mind is often a happier one. Waking up early can set a positive tone for the day and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Increased Productivity:

Morning hours are often the most productive. By waking up early, you can tackle important tasks with a fresh mind and fewer distractions.

Established Routine:

Consistency:

Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate your body's internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall health.

Time for Personal Growth:

Early mornings provide uninterrupted time for self-improvement activities such as reading, meditation, or exercise.

Quality Time:

More Time with Loved Ones:

Waking up early can allow for quality time with family members before the day's responsibilities kick in, fostering stronger relationships.

Enjoy Quiet Moments:

Early mornings are typically quieter, providing a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and solitude.

Increased Exposure to Natural Light:

Better Exposure to Sunlight:

Waking up early ensures exposure to natural sunlight, which can help regulate the body's circadian rhythm and improve mood and alertness.

Vitamin D Production:

Morning sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, essential for bone health and overall well-being.

Overall, developing a habit of sleeping early and waking early can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life by promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of routine and accomplishment.

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Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 5)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 5 of the Material

Five morning activities for children to do to start their day right:

Wake Up Early:
Encourage them to wake up at the same time every day to establish a healthy routine. Waking up early gives them extra time to prepare for the day and reduces the rush.

Hydrate:

The first thing they should do after waking up is drink a glass of water. Explain to them that their body gets dehydrated during sleep, and water helps wake up their systems and stay refreshed.

Morning Stretch:

Teach them some simple stretching exercises to loosen their muscles and get their blood flowing. This can be as basic as reaching for the sky or touching their toes.

Healthy Breakfast:

Stress the importance of eating a nutritious breakfast. A balanced meal in the morning provides energy for the day and helps them concentrate better at school.

Plan the Day:

Sit down with them and create a to-do list for the day. Prioritizing tasks helps them stay organized and reduces stress. Make sure to include both schoolwork and fun activities.

These morning activities help children start their day on a positive note, ensuring they are well-rested, nourished, and mentally prepared for whatever the day brings.

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Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 4)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 4 of the Material

How to inspire children using this Buddhist teaching?:

The accomplishment of persistent effort (uṭṭhāna-sampadā),
The accomplishment of watchfulness (ārakkha-sampadā),
Good friendship (kaḷyānamittatā) and
Balanced livelihood (sama-jīvikatā).

Let's break down this Buddhist teaching into a child-friendly context to inspire children with its wisdom:

Imagine you have a big dream or a goal, like becoming a great artist, a scientist, or even just making new friends. Buddhism teaches us some wonderful secrets that can help you achieve your dreams and become a happier person overall. These secrets are like special ingredients for a magical recipe.

Persistent Effort (uṭṭhāna-sampadā):

This is like the superhero power of never giving up. Imagine you're trying to learn a new skill, like riding a bike. You might fall down many times, but if you keep trying and never give up, you'll eventually learn to ride that bike like a pro. It's all about hard work and determination, like a never-ending adventure.

Watchfulness (ārakkha-sampadā):

This is like having super senses. Just like Spider-Man senses danger with his spider-sense, you can learn to pay attention and be aware of what's happening around you. This helps you make good choices and stay safe, like knowing when to cross the street or when to listen to your parents.

Good Friendship (kaḷyānamittatā):

Think about your best friends, the ones who make you smile and feel happy. Good friendship is like having a team of superheroes by your side. They support you, cheer you up when you're sad, and help you become a better person. So, choose your friends wisely, and be a good friend in return.

Balanced Livelihood (sama-jīvikatā):

Imagine you're a tightrope walker, and you have to balance perfectly to stay on the rope without falling. Balanced livelihood means finding the right balance in your life, like balancing playtime and homework. It's about making sure you have time for everything you love without getting too stressed.

Now, let's put it all together: If you want to achieve your dreams and be the best version of yourself, remember to never give up (persistent effort), be aware of what's happening around you (watchfulness), surround yourself with great friends (good friendship), and find the right balance in everything you do (balanced livelihood).

These teachings are like your very own superpowers, and when you use them wisely, you can achieve amazing things and make the world a better place. So, dream big, little one, and remember these Buddhist secrets to help you on your journey to becoming a real-life superhero!

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Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 3)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 3 of the Material

Sigalovada Sutta on Idleness:

"There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in being addicted to idleness:

"He does not work, saying:

(i) that it is extremely cold,

(ii) that it is extremely hot,

(iii) that it is too late in the evening,

(iv) that it is too early in the morning,

(v) that he is extremely hungry,

(vi) that he is too full.

"Living in this way, he leaves many duties undone, new wealth he does not get, and wealth he has acquired dwindles away."

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Now let's explore this passage from the Sigalovada Sutta in a way that can inspire children:

Imagine you have a magical opportunity to make your dreams come true, but there are some obstacles in your way. The Buddha, who was a very wise teacher, once told a story that can help you understand how to overcome these obstacles and achieve your goals.

In the story, there's a person who doesn't like to do any work. They come up with six excuses for not doing their tasks:

• "It's extremely cold." They say it's too chilly to do anything, so they stay in their cozy blankets.

• "It's extremely hot." When the sun shines brightly, they complain it's too hot to do anything active.

• "It's too late in the evening." In the evening, they want to relax and play instead of working.

• "It's too early in the morning." When it's early and the world is quiet, they'd rather sleep in than start their day.

• "I'm extremely hungry." When they feel hungry, they choose to eat and forget about their responsibilities.

• "I'm too full." After eating, they feel too stuffed to do anything else.

Now, here's the exciting part: The Buddha tells us that when we keep making these excuses and avoid our responsibilities, we face some problems:

We leave many duties undone. This means we miss out on doing important things that can help us grow and learn.

We don't get new wealth. Think of new wealth as all the wonderful things you can achieve and the new skills you can learn.

The wealth we already have dwindles away. The good things we already have in our lives can start to disappear because we're not taking care of them.

So, what's the lesson here? The Buddha is telling us that if we want to make our dreams come true, we should not make excuses like "it's too hot" or "I'm too hungry." Instead, we should be brave and do the things we need to do, even when it's a bit challenging.

Just like when you study for a test even if you'd rather play, or when you help your parents even if you'd rather watch TV, you're learning to overcome these excuses. And that's how you'll grow, achieve your dreams, and keep all the wonderful things you already have in your life.

So, remember, be brave, work hard, and don't let those "too hot" or "too hungry" excuses stop you from becoming the amazing person you're meant to be!

Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 2)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 2 of the Material

Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani na manorathaih

Na his suptaysa simhasya pravishanti mukhe mrigah:

"Efforts, not wishes, lead to success - just as deer do not enter the mouth of a sleeping lion."

Have you ever heard of a deer coming and entering the mouth of a lion while he sleeps? In that case, why are we led to believe that we can achieve success by merely thinking about it? One can achieve success only by working hard and through dedication.

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Let's break down this ancient saying (maxim / aphorism) to inspire children with its wisdom:

Imagine this:

Have you ever seen a lion sleeping peacefully in the jungle? Lions are powerful and fierce animals, but even they need to rest. Now, picture a gentle deer quietly grazing nearby. It's a peaceful scene, right?

But here's the thing:

In the saying, it asks us if we've ever heard of that deer suddenly jumping into the lion's mouth while the lion is asleep. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Well, that's because it is!

Now, you might be wondering, "Why are we even talking about lions and deer?" Well, this saying is like a secret message from wise people a long time ago, and it's here to teach us something very important.

You see, in life, we all have dreams and goals. Maybe you want to be a brilliant scientist, a fantastic artist, or a famous athlete. These dreams are like our own beautiful deer, full of potential and possibilities.

But here's the catch:

Just like that deer doesn't jump into the lion's mouth, our dreams won't come true just by thinking about them or wishing for them. Imagine if that deer just stood there, hoping to become a lion's meal - that would be crazy, right? Well, it's just as crazy to think that our dreams will come true without any effort.

So, what's the secret? It's "Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani," which means "Success is achieved through effort and hard work." Just like that deer has to graze, run, and be alert in the jungle, we have to work hard and stay focused on our dreams.

Here's how you can use this wisdom to inspire yourself:

Dream Big:

It's wonderful to have big dreams and aspirations. Imagine what you want to achieve and how amazing it would be.

Plan and Work:

Now, just like the deer, make a plan and start working towards your dream. Study, practice, and keep learning.

Stay Persistent:

Sometimes, it might feel tough, just like the deer might face challenges in the jungle. But remember, never give up. Keep trying, and you'll get better and closer to your dream.

Celebrate Success:

When you achieve something, no matter how small, celebrate it! It's like the deer finding a fresh patch of grass to eat.

So, remember, dreams are incredible, but they need your hard work and dedication to come true. Don't wait for your dreams to jump into your lap like that deer into the lion's mouth. Be like the deer that works hard, and one day, you'll turn your dreams into reality. You've got what it takes!

Children’s Program at Nevada Buddhist Vihara:

(Part 1)

September 17, 2023

By Bhante Sumitta (PhD)

(Part 1)

Inspiring Young Minds:

Bhante Sumitta's Motivational Program

@Nevada Buddhist Vihara

Published on September 18, 2023

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Part 1 of the Material

Niddasili sabhasili, anutthata ca yo naro,

Alaso kodhapannano, tam parabhavato mukham. (Sn 1.6: Parābhava Sutta | Downfall)

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Being fond of sleep, fond of company, indolent,

Lazy and irritable, this is a cause of one’s downfall.

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Imagine two friends, Sam and Lily. Sam loves to sleep in late every day, and when he's awake, he spends most of his time chatting with friends or watching TV. He often gets annoyed over small things and doesn't like helping others.

On the other hand, there's Lily. She wakes up early, full of energy, and starts her day with a smile. She's always ready to learn new things, help her family, and be a good friend to others.

Now, let's look at the saying: "Niddasili sabhasili, anutthata ca yo naro, Alaso kodhapannano, tam parabhavato mukham."

It's telling us that being like Sam, who loves to sleep and spend time chatting without doing anything useful, is not a good path to follow. Why? Here's the breakdown:

Fond of Sleep (Niddasili): Imagine if you spent most of your day sleeping, you'd miss out on all the fun activities, learning opportunities, and adventures that the world has to offer. Sleep is essential, but too much of it can make you miss exciting moments.

Fond of Company (Sabhasili): Socializing is great, but if you spend all your time with friends who aren't interested in doing something useful or learning, you might miss out on growing and discovering new things together.

Indolent (Anutthata): This word means being lazy or not motivated to do anything. Imagine having all these fantastic ideas and dreams but never taking action on them. That's what being indolent is like.

Lazy (Alaso): Laziness is when you don't want to put in the effort to do something, even if it's important or exciting. If you're lazy, you might miss out on all the fun and exciting things life has to offer.

Irritable (Kodhapannano): When you're irritable, you get angry easily, and it's hard to get along with others. This can make friendships difficult and less enjoyable.

So, what's the big message here for children? It's telling you not to be like Sam but to be more like Lily:

• Wake up with enthusiasm and energy.

• Be curious and excited about learning new things.

• Help your family and friends when they need you.

• Stay active and engaged in life's adventures.

• Don't let anger and irritation get in the way of your happiness and relationships.

By being like Lily, you'll be on a path to success and happiness. You'll make the most of your time, learn, grow, and build strong, positive relationships with others. So, remember, don't let sleepiness, laziness, and irritability be the cause of your downfall. Choose enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness, and you'll find a world full of exciting opportunities waiting for you!