AZUSA TEMPLE
Myittha
The following postings are from Click2Myanmar old and abandoned website. They are reproduced for the benefit of religious organizations, trustees and lay people setting up overseas, in US and elsewhere.
They might learn something about the legal and tax issues involved and avoid potential dangers and pitfalls.
There were two topics on this same Azusa Temple issue. They are now merged in date order. These two topics were among the top three topics that scored the largest number of hits (in FIVE FIGURES).
——————————————————-
Short story
The group led by Lin Htoo fired the first salvo on Click2Myanmar website. This group was a pro Monk group. It was smearing another group. This second group was opposing the Monk’s “Sanghika” promotion.
Sanghika is a dedication ceremony in which the Temple property is quit claimed to the monks as a whole. The dedication ceremony was approaching soon, at the time.
The second group was pointing out the Sanghika dedication’s illegality and dangers in US.
Did the postings reveal the enormous greed and arrogance of people in positions of trust? Did they also reveal the grave ignorance of and disdain for the laws of the land?
Are the opposing group’s efforts to be commended?
Did their merit worthy efforts prevent a Sanghika dedication ceremony from taking place?
What was the outcome? Did it comply with US laws?
=========================
kogeorge
Posted on: 2007/7/16 14:13
Webmaster
Joined: 2004/3/20
From: Los Angeles, U.S.
Posts: 496
July 22, 2007 – Azusa Temple
This was a flyer from Azusa Temple in Burmese. Not readable now.
————————————-
Ko George
Love & Peace!
=======================
LinHtoo
Posted on: 2007/7/18 23:58
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/7/18
From:
Posts: 10
Re: July 22, 2007 – Azusa Temple
I need to comment on the flyers that were passed around in the past week in Los Angeles regarding Azusa monastery. These smear propaganda were issued by several former board members, it seems they are disgruntled. We need to find out what is their true motive behind these negative campaigns. The flyers were passed out during the fund raising event and at another monastery. These statements issued by them suggested either they are ignorant or think the rest of the Burmese community is naive.
First of all, if they actually want to convey their thanks to the head monk, why send a message? They can get an audience with TanKyi Taung Sayadaw, while he is visiting US in Azusa.
Secondly, as they suggested in their letters, one in which they wrote in a very childish way of “ playwright” conversation among the spiritual deities: “ That if an individual verbalize the ownership of a property, then the ownership will change and will be subject to property tax”. As I had stated above they must be really ignorant. An individual’s verbalization of ownership does not constitute a transfer of title or the deed of property.
If anyone of you had purchased a real estate property in the US, then they would know that after extensive paperwork to verify the property and clear of any lien, at the actual time of closing, signing multiple copies of contract by buyer, seller, their representing lawyers and at least two banks that are issuing mortgage must be present to actually carry out the transaction. And when the mortgage is paid off then the title of property is issued to the individual or the organization. Just because someone verbally claim to own property doesn’t mean they actually own it. Oh, by the way, I have a beautiful bridge for sale! It’s called “ The Golden Gate Bridge” anyone of you guys interested?
As former board members, those individuals were at one time in the past served on board. However, once their term is over or resigned from the board, they have nothing to do with the board anymore or the organization for that matter. They are now ordinary citizens.
There are numerous other former board members who are still supporting the current board and enjoy and practice the Buddhism we are accustom to. If these four individuals do not wish to support, they just should go on their marry way and practice whatever religion they so desire, But should not smear against the current board and brainwash the rest of the Burmese community with their ignorant statements. Instead of just reading their propaganda and confused by their claims, we all should question their motive.
What are they going after? This monastery? Why? Is it because it is mortgage free and got the proper permit to carry out the teaching of Theravada Buddhism? These individuals were not there when this monastery becomes successful. They were only there for the very beginning few months, if not years. Why all of a sudden interested in this? Perhaps on your next letters to public you guys should explain your true motives behind all those smear. Or better yet, people should start calling them and demand an answer from them! Or apology to the community!
As evidence by the success of the last NaiBanZay, there are many supporters of this monastery, and it will continue to grow, thanks to the Sayadaw and the Monks that reside there.
The Burmese community is supporting this monastery because it’s under the leadership of these fine monks. As true Buddhists who believe in “ Triple Gems”, it is very sinful to disrespect them.
Azuza Supporter
============================
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/7/20 19:32
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/7/17
From:
Posts: 43
Re: July 22, 2007 – Azusa Temple
If we don’t know what really going on inside, we cannot judge from outside. Are there any issues between previous board members with our monks? Why 80% of the last board members resigned including the accountant? Why accountant? Is there some mis-handling donations? Spending fund improper way? Is there something else cause last 80% of the board members to resign?
Let’s look at why we resigned? We don’t like our jobs. We don’t like to work with the people that we working with or we don’t like our boss. Too much work and too stressfull or not worth it and etc……… So, we resigned.
My point is we need to know both inside and out to make a judgement. Do we want to find out what really going on inside between the monks, the current board members and all previous board member? Do we want to call all in a meeting and setup a date for this hearing? So, we know what is going on.
As a second thought. Do we really want to know the inside?
True Supporter
63 comments
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 1:54 am
Statement V
Original Donor’s Backing Out
From what I (personally) heard about this pledge at a (5/5/06) Board meeting (& recorded in meeting minutes), Ven Mt Tant Kyi Sayadaw had solicited only $ 10,000 to $ 20,000 from this major donor in the first place. The major donor had intended to supplement PBA funds for a potential shortfall when completing the parking lot. It turned out that there was no such shortfall after all and the parking lot had been completed.
Statement VI
Proper Treatment
For Buddhists and other religious people, it is always wise and prudent to treat donors properly and with the respect that they deserve for their sacrifices, instead of just blaming them. Acting high and mighty would go nowhere with any community and donors.
Even Lord Buddha did not blame people for not donating to him. He knew a poor woman was tossing and turning with her decision to donate with what she had. He did not intervene with her decision. She had her right to choose on her own volition.
Ven Mt Tant Kyi Sayadaw had said “Ko Sein Than’s coming to the Temple has been a mingalar (a good thing) for the Temple. Daw Marie Tan’s coming to the Temple has been also a mingalar”. He also mentioned that “A person saying truthful things about others is a noble person. A person saying bad things about others is an ignoble (Bad) person.
Moreover, saying the positive things is noble; and saying negative things about others is very shameful”. These were what Lord Buddha had taught.
Contd.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 1:56 am
Statement VII
Dwelling on the negatives
Why dwell on the fact that a person has not donated as intended? Why announce in the newsletter for the community to know and put down the other person? Why not just solicit funds as before without having to blame major donors? What was the intention in saying to the world that a person has failed to keep the pledge? Was it really necessary? Why not give the other person a space to voice the other side’s version? Was there some hidden agenda?
Statement VIII
Board Members Rights & Powers
The newsletter was supposedly issued by the Board. Had the contents been put up to the Board for an open discussion? Why trample on those other responsible directors’ rights by not affording them a chance to voice their opinions? Are they mere puppets undeserving of respect? Do they not have responsibility also? Would the writer or writers take full responsibility for such issuance, now and in the future? Why usurp all the directors’ powers and act like petty kings in religious matters?
As in blaming Dennis for not voicing his opposition to the uphill projects “in time” later, would they ask the other directors to take the blame for not expressing their reservations on it “in time”, later? Do they have to read about this important, controversial, and hurtful newsletter item only later, when it’s already issued out?
Contd.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 1:59 am
Statement IX
Fairness
To be fair, why not mention that the major donor had already donated over $ 50,000 for the Dhamma Hall’s steel beam structure and $ 5,000 for a modern iron gate. How much donation has the writer or writers of the newsletter contributed, in order to pass judgment on others?
Statement X
Good Policy? and Uniform policy?
Would it be good consistent PBA policy to mention in future community newsletters or invitations that some major or minor donors have withdrawn their pledges or discontinued their donations?
Why blame or “punish” just a selective few? Would it not also hurt the writer(s), the Board, the EC, and the Temple for losing such generous donors, for it implied that something is wrong with the issuer also?
Statement XI
Shameful
Acting high and mighty like emperors and passing judgments on others, is not what Lord Buddha had taught the monks and the lay people.
It’s really a shame for knowledgeable and responsible people conducting religious affairs to act so irresponsibly and to mislead their constituents for whom they represent. Do the directors not have a right or responsibility to represent the community and donors?
Contd.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 2:03 am
Statement XII
Taan Geeka
It seems that some board members are bent on treating this temple as “Taan Geeka” (monks owned). The lay directors are just puppets and are there merely to serve the monks. Otherwise, they would be asked to leave. Should they be just rubber stamps?
One example: ……. (New director) has stopped discussions on the “Monks Sponsoring” issue. He said Ven Mt Tant Kyi Sayadaw has Nyoon Kyaar (instructed or ordered).
Another example: The monk can issue all newsletter items including important & controversial matters; in whatever manner he pleases; while on the other hand, acting in the name of the Board. Would you allow this?
Other examples: ……. (A director) and …… (Another director) told …….. (President & director) and …….. (a director for 18 years) to “……get out……” Should this be allowed?
Statement XIII
Behavior patterns & Consequences
These patterns of behavior would constructively prove that it’s all a “sham” compliance with US laws. Since it would not be a public charitable entity in substance, these actions would wreck the IRS and various permits and bankrupt the Temple.
As mentioned in detail before, for a “Taan Geeka” temple, there would be back taxes and penalties of over $ 600,000 on the Temple; resulting in Temple’s liquidation for tax arrears. Donors’ donation deductions would be disallowed and be back taxed also.
Monks’ would also be back taxed and also lose their current medical insurance and be billed for surgery and rate differentials. Property tax rebates of over $ 50,000 would have to be repaid to Los Angeles County.
Should the directors not pass a resolution that PBA is not a “Taan Geeka” temple and settle this issue once and for all?
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 6:05 am
ThaMbayang
Posted on: 2007/8/14 22:15
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/5/22
From:
Posts: 12
Re: Azusa Temple
dmoran555 sounded like that person is one of the previous AZASA MONASTERY board members. If I’m not 100%, I believe 9/10.
Thanks a lot for your answers.
(1) AZUSA MONESTERY goes HTAYRA. Thanks for giving knowledge to public. We don’t need to remove the QUANYIN. We all came here to other country from our same lives. I got what you meant and let me tell you openly. Everybody in Burmese community really appreciate from their heart and recognized that the SAYARDAW who started very primitive AZUSA BUDDHIST MONASTERY is Chinese blooded SAYARDAW and everybody loved it so much.
We don’t need to RACIALLY SEGREGATE when we’re doing BUDDHISM. Indians, Burmese, Chinese don’t matter when we are in BUDDHISM. We’re raised on the same soil and we drank the same water.
I think war is only in your heart ’cause you started the word “War” in your post. I hope you’ll know as a Buddhist that aggression and anger will never bring you to “NEIKBAN”.
(2)You can say THANGIKA is whatsoever, this and that. But for a laymen buddhist(like me), THANGIKA is THANGIKA and nothing to do with anybody’s definition or western way of definition. We can keep the THANGIKA in our hearts and use different vocabulary to deal with the regional laws.
(3)Nobody answered the last question. But history is history. History will comes out one day. Don’t feel bad if you cannot answer the question. The only thing is your word “YOUR MONK”. As far as I know is MONK is MONK.
Is there any kind like MY MONK, YOUR MONK, OUR MONK, THEIR MONK?
I wondered do you have your PRIVATE MONK?
Thank you anyway, bye now.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 6:09 am
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/8/15 8:42
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/7/17
From:
Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
ThaMbayang, I think, you originally have in mind the Azusa Temple should be HTAYRA only and you don’t even want to call it “TEMPLE” too. You said “The word TEMPLE refers only to other religions”. You seems like you don’t like MAHAYANA.
After I used the word “War” then you changed your tone. I wasn’t angry when I used the word “War”. I just want to emphasize my expression and give some warning what COULD happen in the future if QUANYIN statue was removed from Azusa Temple. I think I know who you are.
There are some narrow minded persons, hard headed persons in our lives. For those people, I used the word “Your Monk” in my expression. If we loose trust and respect to a person, he will not be “Our Friend” or “Our Monk” or “Our buddy” for sure. These are just expressions.
Instead of fighting each other, why don’t we correct the main problem that is causing to our good hard working supporters to go away from supporting the temple. Loosing good hard working supporters little by little are not a good sign for the temple.
People will come and serve for a few years at the temple. Found out later some handlings are not under the guide lines and the law and don’t want to take the responsibility for the future audits (or)
thinking that the handling things are not right and don’t want to be part of it (or)
cannot get all the others board members to agree to fix the problem because the other board members don’t want to against someone or want to please some one.
So, he or she leave the board again and never say good things about the organization and never visit the temple again. Are these a good sign to keep forward like this for the temple?
We need to fix or correct these problems. Who caused it and what caused it? If we do not fix or correct the problem, we will still see and hear some bad news keeps coming out from the organization and all the good supporters will be going away from the temple.
The person don’t know much, the blind sided person and narrow sided person will fight for the monastery and the other side will argue and spread the bad news to the public to be aware and warn the organization to run it under the guide lines and the law to stay on the right track.
I still think, WE HAVE TO FIX AND CORRECT THE INSIDE PROBLEMS FIRST.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 5:11 pm
YoYoLay
Posted on: 2007/8/19 16:44
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/8/5
From: Kyaukse
Posts: 5
Re: Azusa Temple
ThaMBayang. You put up questions and 555 answered to your satisfaction. I don’t see anywhere you have answered his questions. You just try to hide the facts surrounding it or maybe you just don’t recognize the importance of the issue. I would also like to invite board members to express their opinions, too.
I understand that from day one when the new temple was planned, Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi designated the two rooms to house Quanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and the late U Thondara’s memorial. There is no question about it. I don’t understand why you need to question the authorities of Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi.
As far as the question concerning ‘people sending letter to US Embassy in Burma to block Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi to come over here’. I have answer for you. There are members of the board (one from higher up) in Azusa Temple who can tell fortune and predict the future. I am sure you have contacts with them. Just go and consult them for answer.
The mere reason you try to keep the argument alive, as far as I can see, is to make it so intense that it will hurt the chance of Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi to come back here.
Don’t you guys have done enough already. Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi had already suffered embarrassment in front of the Consular during the last interview.
I know you have ulterior motive. You and probably one of the monks don’t want Tant Kyi Taung Sayadawgyi to ever step foot in Azusa again. That will make someone the almighty king of Azusa temple.
Myittha
July 2, 2010 at 5:18 pm
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/8/21 9:25
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/7/17
From:
Posts: 43
Re: What the world need now is “LOVE” and “PEACE”
HOPEFULLY, the main person who caused all these mess understood, regretted, learned the mistakes and changed in the future to be a good loving kindness person with AH-LAWBA, ah-dawtha and ah-mawha.
To get a better image for Azusa Temple:
1. Monks need to keep and stay under their WeNee as much as they can for public and supporters to RESPECT AND TRUST MORE in the future by starting with no touching, handling, getting involve in money except the personal Nawakarma donations.
Public KNOWS the monk’s WeNee and Monks need to AVOID all the acts, talks and handlings which are NOT APPROPRIATE under the WeNee as much as they can in public.
ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THE WENEE and DON’T BREAK IT ESPECIALLY IN FRONT OF A PERSON OR IN PUBLIC. Asking donation should be done by the board member instead of monks.
2. The current board members need to have some COURAGE, SPEAK OUT in the meetings AND CHANGE some handlings which are not right under the WeNee or under the guide lines and the law without any favor to any person.
The whole group needs to be understood, united and do it correctly under the guide lines and the law. The president is the key person and he needs to have the knowledge, understanding, fair to all and made the correct decision when it is needed.
3. The organization needs to be more careful mailing out the news letters to public and supporters. No more sentences or phrases that will hurt someone feeling in the news letter. No side flyers in any where without all the board members knowledge and approval.
4. The most important one is the new accountant will have to keep the book straight with all the RECEIPTS AND BACKUP DOCUMENTS for proof, if it is going to need it in the future for audit or any other reasons.
Again, Hopefully, we don’t see or hear any more bad news from the Azusa Temple and no more good hard working supporters going away little by little after a few years of serving and working for the Azusa Temple.
Myittha
July 3, 2010 at 5:50 am
Thissa
Posted on: 2007/8/21 10:36
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/8/4
From:
Posts: 13
Re: Azusa Temple
I had seen the 4/18/07 PBA’s flyer in question. It had mentioned many “emergency” and “inflated” donation needs. It had also blamed a major donor. I have this comment and advice.
Donors usually donate to people with “thamadi” and “theik khar” (righteous, loyal, & honorable). They reciprocate the metta (loving-kindness) and goodwill generated by these good people.
People with much “daw tha” (anger) and “law ba” (greed) should not pretend to be “religious” or “holy” persons.
These extremists are unworthy to be our community representatives in PBA (Board). They do not have metta or ko gyin sar (no love, no empathy, reckless) even when conducting religious affairs. They don’t know how to treat a donor with love & dignity for his or her sacrifices.
To know more about this donor’s significant donation in Myanmar, click on to the following link to Burmatoday.
In this website, you will find how a Los Angeles area Myanmar-Chinese family had donated a “Monks’ Hospital” in Myanmar’s La put ta Township.
http://burmatoday.net/article2005/070328_ko_thet.swf
Myittha
July 4, 2010 at 7:26 pm
NandaLynn
Posted on: 2007/8/21 23:13
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/6/26
From:
Posts: 3
Re: Azusa Temple
I cannot understand why you guys got all occupied by this FUNNY ISSUE.
Am seeing a lot of mature, apparently educated people taking this issue so seriously wasting your time.
Maybe you guys in great America have a lot of extra time to waste?
We Burmese…. be it Burmese Chinese, Burmese Indian or Burmese of whatsoever race can never understand and appreciate the meaning of UNITY and what it brings.
Those postings regarding this issue has been very much boring.
If I may have to suggest, I would suggest that you guys set up a meeting, talk face to face, bring out the Truth, take necessary decision and/or action and call it quit. Otherwise, posting things here hiding behind certain nicknames is just NONSENSE. You guys to me seems playing teenage girls game of jealousy or some sort of nonsense here in this forum.
Instead of wasting your time with this SMALL ISSUE (By the word SMALL, I meant to say this issue concerns only to a few Burmese living and working in the States), it maybe be worthwhile if we discuss about the effect of Fuel Price Hike in Burma and recent protests and the military regime’s reaction to that and how we can extend assistance to those people in need?
Just a thought though.
Regards,
Nanda
Myittha
July 5, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Cannot read the Burmese fonts from old Click2Myanmar website. The ones in English are readable.
kokai
Posted on: 2007/8/22 2:46
Webmaster
Joined: 2004/12/6
From: L.A
Posts: 280
Re: Azusa Temple
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=================
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Kai
( C2M’s Webmaster – Administrator )
fremonteer
Posted on: 2007/8/22 12:28
Registered Member
Joined: 2006/12/1
From:
Posts: 18
Re: Azusa Temple
Thanks Ko Kai.
You should have done this action long time ago.
Cheers.
p.s: what khind of burmese font did you use to write something in C2M, please ?
Myittha
July 6, 2010 at 9:17 am
kogeorge
Posted on: 2007/8/22 14:11
Webmaster
Joined: 2004/3/20
From: Los Angeles, U.S.
Posts: 496
Re: Azusa Temple
Thanks Ko Kai!
Hi “Fremonteer”
We only installed one and only Burmese Font in this forum call “A_Type” which is the same key board as typewriter key pad.
Here is the instruction to type in Burmese.
-Select the pull down menu from the FONT selection to A_Type Writer
-Type some thing in the box next to “Add”
-Than click on the Add
-Your text will show in the bottom of this screen
Or copy the sample text below.
[font=A_Type Writer*]Type Here in Burmese[/font]
Note: Delete the * to show in Burmese
Thanks for asking.
—————-
Ko George
Love & Peace!
Myittha
July 7, 2010 at 9:34 am
kkay2000
Posted on: 2007/8/31 9:19
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/8/30
From:
Posts: 1
Re: Azusa Temple
In Northern California too, the Half Moon Bay monastery is rumored to have problems among the monks and also among laymen. It seems like money is the root cause. It’s regrettable that greed and jealously have permeated the environment.
Still another Northern California Buddhist monastery (in Fremont ?) is rumored to have legal problems with a Taiwanese expatriate who was offered food and shelter at the monastery when he was down and out on his luck. A year or so later, this individual turned around and tried to take over ownership of the monastery by manipulating the legal system. He even insulted Burmese expatriates as stupid, useless and ignorant. Fortunately, he failed in his endeavor to hijack the monastery. A classic example of biting the hand that feeds it.
Have they forgotten Buddha’s teachings? Why can’t we get along and do the right thing?
Quote:
FSOFPBA wrote:
Having no response, the 5/4/07 letter to Devotees, Affidavit, & 5/4/07 OFFICIAL LETTER to PBA were distributed by mail to Dhamma friends on June 1st week. Enclosed with them, were Edwin Kay’s 5/3/07 OFFICIAL LETTER to PBA which had been also ignored.
The following is a Consent letter for E Kay’s letter. His letter is separately posted on C2M.
6/3/07
From: Edwin Kay
To: Dr Eng W Moy
Re: Consent to use my May 3, 2007 email letter addressed to
Progressive Buddhist Association Board Members
Dr Moy:
In defending our community & donors’ interests, it takes uncommon courage to express hard but honest truths relating to certain Temple events or issues. This is more so when these events had happened some twenty years ago. At that time, you did play a very crucial role as Board Chairman in re-activating above Association’s Temple. Otherwise, it would have been abandoned and sold. Moreover, you had also played an important role in selecting a Buddhist monk to perform the religious functions.
Recently, for our community and Temple’s well being, you have been valiant in exposing and clarifying untruthful rumors. They would adversely affect the Temple and may completely change its course in the future.
Some community members are fairly recent and are really ignorant of what had happened many years ago. You have really provided us with a shining beacon in times of darkness with your refreshing honesty and forthrightness and above all selflessness and cetana.
In like manner, I have written a 5/3/07 email letter exposing untruths and unethical treatment of a major donor by some people conducting religious work. They all relate to above association’s recent April 18, 07 newsletter to the community. In it, I have suggested passing a Board resolution. No response for a month now. Moreover, it has not taken any action to adopt or reject our 2/2/07 last meeting minutes, for 3 months now.
In your noble work of safeguarding our community, our Temple, and our Donors’ interests; you have been diligent and selfless in bringing forth the true and hard facts. Lord Buddha taught people to renounce Greed.
I agree with what you have been doing. Should you find my 5/3/07 letter in some way likewise beneficial and enlightening to our community, temple, and donors; I agree to your using it in any manner that you may see fit.
Sincerely,
Edwin Kay
Past Director of
Progressive Buddhist Association
Myittha
July 7, 2010 at 7:20 pm
The following postings in Click2Myanmar fonts may not be readable now
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/11/12 21:24
Registered Member
Joined: 2007/7/17
From:
Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
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ajymif;ukefMuvdrfUr,f/
ausmif;twGuf?uGef`rlewDtwGufaumif;atmif~udk;pm;Muyg/
Ak’¨\omoemudkxdef;odrf;apmifha&SmufjyefUyGm;atmif~udk;pm;Muolrsm;
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aumif;aompdwfapoemjzifUtoday;ygoñf/
tm;vHk;tqifajyMuygap/ em;vñfcGifUvGwfEdkifMuygap/
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/11/30 13:18
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Joined: 2007/7/17
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
Ak’¨\omoemudkxdrf;odrf;apmifha&SmufjyefUyGm;atmif~ukd;pm;ae
Muolrsm;?tZlZmausmif;MuD;udkArmausmif;jzpfrS?oHCdu
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ydkrdkaumif;rGefwdk;wufom,mvmrSm{uefrkcsjzpfygonf/
aumif;aompdwfapoemjzifUtoday;?owday;ygonf/
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aumif;jrwfaompdwfapwemaumif;rsm;?omrefvlom;rsm;
xufydkrdkíxm;EdkifMuygap/ tm;vHk;tqifajyMuygap/
dmoran555
Posted on: 2007/12/17 18:06
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Joined: 2007/7/17
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
tifwmeufrSmr~ukdufwJhvlawGua&Smufa&;aeMuwmyg/
trSefawGrymkwfygbl;vdkUajzjyD;?udk,fhudk,fwdkifu?
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tifwmeufrSma&;xm;wmawGonf?trSm;rsm;
jzpfvmvdrfhrnf/
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cPwm`ykjyifaewmrsdK;jzpfaeygu?
trSefw&m;onfwcsdefüfjyefvnfíay:vmtkef;ayrnf/
Myittha
July 8, 2010 at 7:45 am
meatphar
Posted on: 2008/1/7 20:55
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Joined: 2007/12/16
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Posts: 38
Re: Azusa Temple
HISTORY LESSON
We should learn from history. Otherwise, we can make the same mistakes again and again. One IMPORTANT HISTORY lesson is set out below:
PBA’s 7/22/07 ceremony had dedicated the Dhamma Hall building to SASANA. GREAT!!! Why? What are the lessons and story behind it? Maybe, you forgot already.
Lest we forget, it was because responsible and concerned community leaders had fought NOBLY to prevent a troublesome and illegal SANGHIKA dedication. What can the community and similar organizations learn from it?
BACKGROUND
Community leaders STRONGLY OBJECTED to a SANGHIKA dedication at the time. Out of several letters, see final 7/18/07 letter to PBA in link below:
http://www.click2myanmar.com/C2M/modules/newbbex/viewtopic.php?topic_id=946&forum=6&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&start=10
They wrote: “We STRONGLY OBJECT to such a (SANGHIKA) ceremony to convert the Dhamma Hall from public ownership to monks’ ownership. Some major objections are listed on Statement I…”
Of these objections, I like # 9 the most. It says: “…It (the temple) will be open to unnecessary foreign governmental influence.
The Burmese Government’s appointed Greater Sangha Council will have much greater supervisory control over our monks….”
LACK OF INDEPENDENCE/PUPPET
Would there REALLY be Burmese governmental interference? If so, HOW?
Remember, at that time there were no killing and arresting of people and monks as yet. It’s very clear, now. At the time, not everybody had the FORESIGHT. That is why I would congratulate these community leaders for this FORESIGHT.
The military regime was using the Sangha Greater Council of Abbots as a tool for its purposes. Venerable Penang Sayadaw’s comments:
“The Sangha Greater Council was like the (village) “5 men Committee” which had to follow the orders…. The (Council’s) structure was not to propagate religion but (for the military) to use it as its tool…”
Venerable Ma Soe Yein Sayadaw also cites this lack of independence as a reason for his refusal, long time ago, to be associated with this (puppet) Council. Based on hearsay, the military regime had confiscated Venerable Penang Sayadaw’s 10 storey monastery and Training Center in Burma and totally bypassed the Sangha Council.
LESSONS
Contd.
Myittha
July 8, 2010 at 8:44 pm
meatphar
Posted on: 2008/1/7 20:55
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Joined: 2007/12/16
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Posts: 38
Re: Azusa Temple
Continuation
LESSONS
Yes, we agree that the regime was interfering right and left. But what do all these interferences have to do with us in Azusa? After all, we are in U S, not Burma?
Look at the Vinaya rules, my friends. These rules and traditions say, dedicating a Temple as SANGHIKA causes the Sangha Council to have jurisdiction and authority over our Temple. Why do you think 3 highest ranking Sangha Greater Council of Abbots’ senior monks were invited to the dedication Ceremony? Your guess is as good as mine. Fortunately, they were stopped at the U S consul or for some reason they couldn’t attend.
The Council could and would approve or deny appointments of PBA monks especially our head monk’s. The Burmese military regime could then easily FORCE this puppet Sangha Council to send a monk to head our PBA temple AND SPY ON OUR COMMUNITY.
That’s what the community leaders were warning us. It’s GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE reaching out right inside to our Temple.
What would happen to our monks, then? The military regime’s head monk might even cause our monks to move out and insert his monks/cronies later. Would the generals care about our monks? Did they care when they substituted Venerable Penang Sayadaw’s monks in the 10 storey Center with its monks? His monks were thrown out.
Would we like to have a military government’s monk or monks in our Temple LOOKING OVER OUR SHOULDERS ALL THE TIME? I suggest we talk to some “BLIND” & “EXTREME” people who were so passionate for SANGHIKA. They were so adamant, so shortsighted, and so blind. They pretend to be knowledgeable and they didn’t think in depth. Shouldn’t we take their words with CAUTION? Would you trust them with our temple? Their greed, lack of foresight, shallow thinking, and “Yes Sir” mentality might well harm themselves and our community.
Remember, Venerable Penang Sayadaw had dedicated all his temples all over the world to SASANA.
In this way, we can learn a good history lesson and never be caught napping again.
Myittha
July 9, 2010 at 11:22 pm
The following entries in C2M Burmese font may not be readable.
dmoran555
Posted on: 2008/3/30 7:28
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
oefhpifrGefjrwfaomtvª
tusKd;rsm;aomtvª
0rf;omyDwdukd
jzpfapaomtvªrsm;
vªEkdifMuygap/
dmoran555
Posted on: 2008/4/8 6:49
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Joined: 2007/7/17
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
twGif;pdwfudkpjyifyg/ausmif;udkulñDcJhaom?ulñDaeMuaom?
vltm;vHk;udkwlñDaompdwfaumif;apwemaumif;rsm; udk,fcsif;pmw&m;rsm;xm;edkifMuygap/
Ak’¨omoemudkxdef;odrf;apmifha&SmufjyeUfyGm;atmif~ukd;pm;Muolrsm;
ydkíem;vñfcGifhvTwf?aumif;jrwfaompdwfapwemaumif;rsm;
udk,fcsif;pmw&m;rsm;omrefvlom;xufydkíxm;EdkifMuygap/
Myittha
July 10, 2010 at 3:13 am
dmoran555
Posted on: 2008/7/18 17:23
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
todw&m;&atmifaumif;aomapwemeJUowday;ygoñf/
rmeaMumifh?avmbaMumifh?a’goaMumifhaus;Zl;w&m;awGarh trkef;pdwfawGyGm;jyD;udk,fhtrSm;udkudk,frjrifedkifbJ
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aus;Zl;w&m;udkodMu?rarhMuygeJh/
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aumif;aomapwemeJhajymMu?MuHMu?vkyfMuyg/
MumMumaygif;rSraumif;rSef;od qdkaomvlpm;rsdK;rjzpfatmif
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vlpm;rsdK;rjzpfatmif~ukd;pm;yg/vltm;vHk;udkwlñDaompdwfaumif;
apwemaumif;rsm; udk,fcsif;pmw&m;rsm;xm;edkifatmif~udk;pm;yg/
Ak’¨\omoemudkxdef;odrf;apmifha&SmufjyeUfyGm;atmif~ukd;pm;Muolrsm;
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aumif;aomarwÅm?apwem?*½kPm?udk,fcsif;pmw&m;rsm;
tjrJowdrvGwfxm;&SdekdifMuygap/
Myittha
July 10, 2010 at 5:44 pm
dmoran555
Posted on: 2008/8/28 15:50
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Joined: 2007/7/17
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Posts: 43
Re: Azusa Temple
bkef;BuD;vJ vlom;rdkUvdkU avmb a’goawG&SdaerSmudk
omrefvlawGuem;vnfcGifhvTwfEdkif&if bkef;BuD;awGuvnf;
bk&m;csrSwfcJhwJh0denf;awGukd~udk;pm;vdkufemNyD;bk&m;vdk
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odrSwf ukd;uG,f tm;xm;&m a&mufatmif
oHCHo&PH*pfpmrdqdkaom oHCmwyg;jzpfvmatmif Budk;pm;tm;xkwf `ykjyifay;zdkUvdkayvdrfhrnf/
Myittha
July 11, 2010 at 4:56 pm
ThanGyat
Posted on: 2009/1/1 17:10
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Joined: 2008/1/27
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Posts: 111
Re: Azusa Temple
Thank you JinThote & Meatphar.
They mention that U Ayethaka has degraded a lay person who may have clingings and who may not fast. Link below:
http://member.click2myanmar.com/index.php/public/event/view/id_14/
Here, the monk indirectly uplifts himself by quoting an unspecified “Shin Daw” who said that “ALL monks are thuta Buddhas.”
In addition, U Ayethaka BOLDLY claims that ALL monks are above the 5 clingings, worldly pleasures, and do observe 228 kyinwut’s or monk rules/ethics.
Let us forget about other monks. He just uses them as a cover to lift himself up. Someone already mentioned about this tactic. It’s “Shwe taung narr lo, shwe kyee” or “Parr pyaung” (by association/by reflected glory) or hanging by somebody’s coattails.
Our question is: Did he, HIMSELF, observe ALL the Vinaya rules ALL THE TIME? Or rather, did he break the Vinaya monk rules, sometimes, or often?
Everyone knows that a monk who blatantly commits Vinaya offences, is worse than a lay person – whether this lay person fast or not.
In doing so, an erring monk sinks even below a lay person’s level of conduct. He, thus, can become less noble than a lay person.
See below for examples of how a monk may have allegedly committed Vinaya offences.
A. Kyaemon’s listing in Vinaya monk rules topic below:
http://www.click2myanmar.com/C2M/modules/newbbex/viewtopic.php?topic_id=1067&forum=6&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&start=30
“….1. The lead monk ill treated his own helper Kappiya, an old man.
( Out of anger, he threw an object in the old man’s direction)
2. The lead monk discriminated against his Kappiya.
(He had the old Kappiya live in the (cold) car garage for many years)
3. The lead monk was jealous & unkind to his assistant fellow monk.
(He boycotted his honoring ceremony).
4. The lead monk went sightseeing and neglected his Dhamma duties.
5. The lead monk was jealous about his assistant monk becoming more successful in learning English.
6. The lead monk stopped Dhamma classes for a long time.
7. The lead monk flooded rooms and was discriminatory about repairs. Jealous? Grudge?
Myittha
July 15, 2010 at 8:05 pm
ThanGyat
Posted on: 2009/1/1 17:10
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Joined: 2008/1/27
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Posts: 111
Re: Azusa Temple
Continuation
8. The lead monk went out in the evening on a social visit.
9. The lead monk did BAY DIN fortune telling. The lead monk took ladies to his room for fortune telling. (Fortune telling, a low animal like knowledge, is a Vinaya offence).
10.The lead monk told many lay people that trustees snitched and caused the Red Tagging on a Hall under construction. Unfounded and malicious! Tale Bearing.
12. The lead monk told many people that trustees were “money in but not money out” (overly tight with money). Unfair criticism! No cetana goodwill. Pestering.
13. The monk boasted about going overseas and SPREADING Buddhism. (He didn’t reach out to native or Caucasian Americans)
14. The monk said insensitive & hurtful things to a retiring trustee.
Myittha
July 16, 2010 at 1:15 am
ThanGyat
Posted on: 2009/1/1 17:10
Registered Member
Joined: 2008/1/27
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Posts: 111
Re: Azusa Temple
Continuation
8. The lead monk went out in the evening on a social visit.
9. The lead monk did BAY DIN fortune telling. The lead monk took ladies to his room for fortune telling. (Fortune telling, a low animal like knowledge, is a Vinaya offence).
10.The lead monk told many lay people that trustees snitched and caused the Red Tagging on a Hall under construction. Unfounded and malicious! Tale Bearing.
12. The lead monk told many people that trustees were “money in but not money out” (overly tight with money). Unfair criticism! No cetana goodwill. Pestering.
13. The monk boasted about going overseas and SPREADING Buddhism. (He didn’t reach out to native or Caucasian Americans)
14. The monk said insensitive & hurtful things to a retiring trustee.
Myittha
July 16, 2010 at 7:25 pm
(Re: prior comment’s item # 8, per Vinaya monks’ rules, monks are not allowed to go out in the evenings and socialize).
ThanGyat
Posted on: 2009/1/1 17:10
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Joined: 2008/1/27
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Posts: 111
Re: Azusa Temple
Continuation – monk’s Vinaya offenses
B. Meatphar 7/17/08 posting in the same Vinaya topic.
“…A lead monk allegedly demanded:
“Even ‘Thee Ho Naing Gan‘ (Sri Lanka) had to amend its national laws to support the Buddhist religion. You (trustees) should also change the laws (meaning U S laws) to support the monks..…”
[The monk was asking people to break U S laws for him. Vinaya forbids breaking local laws].
C. Myittha 8/13/08 posting in Vinaya topic.
Essentially, the lead monk put down a major donor by sending out a flyer that alleged this donor had reneged on a parking lot pledge. The major donor had already donated over $ 70,000…
(Monks are not allowed to put down a donor. They cannot “influence” or persuade a donor for any reason whatsoever. Of course, they are not allowed to tell lies).
http://www.click2myanmar.com/C2M/modules/newbbex/viewtopic.php?topic_id=946&forum=6&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&start=10 (old)
Yes, there is a punishment for monks who break the Vinaya. Community donors would donate less or none at all to monks who break Vinaya rules.
The Vinaya says community donors will receive LITTLE MERIT for donating to erring monks. On the other hand, donors will receive MUCH MORE MERIT for donating to noble monks who DO observe the VINAYA rules.
This is to make the erring monks correct their mistakes and become noble monks.