A THOUGHT OF THE DAY FOR YOUR LIFE FROM BUDDHISM (SOURCE-BUDDHA NET SITE)

Essentially, according to Buddhist teachings, the ethical and moral principles are governed by examining whether a certain action, whether connected to body or speech is likely to be harmful to one's self or to others and thereby avoiding any actions which are likely to be harmful. In Buddhism, there is much talk of a skilled mind. A mind that is skilful avoids actions that are likely to cause suffering or remorse.

Moral conduct for Buddhists differs according to whether it applies to the laity or to the Sangha or clergy. A lay Buddhist should cultivate good conduct by training in what are known as the "Five Precepts". These are not like, say, the ten commandments, which, if broken, entail punishment by God. The five precepts are training rules, which, if one were to break any of them, one should be aware of the breech and examine how such a breech may be avoided in the future. The resultant of an action (often referred to as Karma) depends on the intention more than the action itself. It entails less feelings of guilt than its Judeo-Christian counterpart. Buddhism places a great emphasis on 'mind' and it is mental anguish such as remorse, anxiety, guilt etc. which is to be avoided in order to cultivate a calm and peaceful mind. The five precepts are:

1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. This precept applies to all living beings not just humans. All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected.

2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it is for you.

3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure such as gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature.

4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well as avoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others.

5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness.This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself but indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts.

Petrol.Diesel And Kerosene Prices Are To Be Reduced

The prices of Petrol,Diesel and Kerosene are to be reduced with effect from midnight tonight the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation(CPC) has announced.According to the new price reduction a Liter of Petrol and Diesel are to be reduced by Rs.7 per liter and price of Kerosene by Rs.6 per liter

THE THOUGHT OF THE DAY TO YOUR LIFE FROM BUDDHISM-(SOURCE-SOKA GAKKAI INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST SITE)

"People affect each other in subtle and complex ways, and it is important to develop the ability to discern the nature of that influence. According to Buddhism, 'bad' friends are those who encourage our weaknesses. A truly good friend is someone with the compassion and courage to tell us even those things we would prefer not to hear, which we must confront if we are to develop and grow in our lives."

Ananda, one of Shakyamuni Buddha's closest disciples, once asked him: "It seems to me that by having good friends and advancing together with them, one has already halfway attained the Buddha way. Is this way of thinking correct?"
Shakyamuni replied, "Ananda, this way of thinking is not correct. Having good friends and advancing together with them is not half the Buddhist way but all the Buddhist way."

Elections Commissioner Has Instructed Local Govt.Institutions To Remove All Political Banners And Cutouts With Immediatte Effect

The Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has instructed all local government institutions to remove banners and cutouts that have displayed in island wide in connection with the forthcoming presidential elections after he had received so many complaints from Election Monitoring Groups over the issue.The elections commissioner has sent these instructions according to the powers vested to him .

The Colombo Mayor A.J.M Muzammil has complained that more then 1800 banners and cutouts of President Mahinda Rajapaksha have been displayed in Colombo City alone and ordered the Police to remove these before 06th of December(Tomorrow)."The Police should act according to power vested with them regarding this " Colombo Mayor has stated.

Meanwhile the Bar Association Of Sri Lanka has also requested the Colombo Mayor to remove all banners and cutouts displayed within the Colombo Municipal Council Limits with immediate
effect else face a legal action.

THOUGHT FOR YOUR LIFE FROM BUDDHISM ( SOURCE-METTA SITE)

We can use words skillfully or unskillfully; we can use words to heal or to hurt. As Buddhists, our intention is to help, not harm. Perhaps it would really help all of us, if, before we speak, we could stop for just a moment to make certain that what we are about to say accurately reflects our heart's intentions.

A DAY OF RIGHT SPEECH - A HEALING PRACTICE

Why not choose a day that will be devoted to using your words to fulfill your highest spiritual aspirations? May this day of Right Speech bring gentle blessings to those around us and may the blessings extend throughout the world.

Here are some suggestions for things you can do:

— Start the day with a heartfelt aspiration that reaffirms your intention to always speak with compassion and love.

— Center and collect yourself each time you speak. Be mindful of all your words. Even if you want to say something as banal as "please pass the pol sambol," be conscious of your tone of voice, and whether you are saying what you really want to say.

— Find ways to keep your words gentle, loving, accurate, and positive. Do this even if you're annoyed and upset.

— See if you can discover better ways to talk to others that will open up new channels of communication.

— Don't lie and don't use words to manipulate or control others.

— Don't gossip.

— Don't say anything about anyone that you wouldn't say if that person were present.

— Use your words to encourage those around you.

— Don't chatter; don't use words just to fill empty spaces with noise. Don't become nervous about the absence of speech; allow yourself and others to be silent.

— Don't interrupt others; let the people round you finish their sentences and express their thoughts.

— Use your words to express gentleness and kindness.

— Try to make at least one person feel better because of something you say.

— Use your words to convey friendship, encouragement, and support.

— Try to phone and connect with at least one loved one with whom you have lost touch.

A day of right speech can only help your kamma.

Keep up the good word!

All Government Schools To Be Closed From 07th To 09th Of January Due To Elections

All government schools are to be closed during 07th  to 09th of January 2015 in view of the upcoming presidential elections the government has announced today(03).In addition around 43 schools in Colombo District are scheduled to be closed from 11th to 15 th of January due to the Sri Lankan visit of Pope Francis.

Due to the GCE Ordinary Level Examination the third term school season is scheduled to be started from 05th of December.

A Corrupt Health Institution Head Eying For The Vacant Post Of The Health Ministry

A Higher Officer attach to a Health Institution who is charged for fraudulently taken the salary of a Medical Specialist for 15 years is eying for the vacant Deputy Director General Of Health Services(Laboratory Services)  post in the Health Ministry by trying to take an advantage from the current political situation it has been revealed.

Although the Public Services Commission is currently conducting a high level probe against the said higher officer over the salary issue and other corrupted deals he has involved in recent past,the said  higher officer has yesterday meet the President Mahinda Rajapaksha to seek his help to get the vacant post the sources said.A higher official attach to the Ministry Of Economic Development who was earlier attach to the Ministry Of Health was behind this meeting sources have added.

According to the Health Ministry sources the said corrupt officer who is now the head of the Family Health Bureau is also charged for taking huge bribes from drug companies when he was  head of  the National Drug Authority.