[Cancelled] Harmony & Human Conflict: Lessons from the Pali Suttas

[Update] Due to the uncertainty ahead with the COVID 19, we will be cancelling this Sutta Workshop with Bro Benny Liow due on the 18th April 2020. Situation permitting, we will plan again when things are more settled.

Date: 18th April 2020, Saturday
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Title: Harmony & Human Conflict : Lessons from the Pali Suttas
Venue: BGF Ara Damansara
Facilitator: Bro Benny Liow

Synopsis

All human beings want to live in harmony but yet they are beset with conflict. Conflict exists even during the time of the Buddha, the most famous being the quarrel that divided the monks of Kosambi along with their lay followers into two hostile camps whose mutual animosity was so strong that they even rejected the Buddha’s efforts to intercede. Eventually, the Buddha taught the reluctant monks to develop love and harmony, reminding them of the state of peace that they sought.

In this program, besides the focus on the Kosambiya Sutta, MN 48 and Araṇavibhanga Sutta, MN 139, we will also explore other related suttas in the Pāli Nikāyas where the topic of harmony and disputes are also mentioned. Overall, in all these suttas, the Buddha spoke about how to be more peaceful through cultivating a wholesome character that involves discipline, a measured speech, patience rather than anger, and consideration for others.

Facilitator Profile

Benny Liow is the editor of Eastern Horizon. He was the Editorial Consultant and contributor to the “Religions and Beliefs” volume of The Encyclopedia of Malaysia. His writings have appeared in various local and international journals and publications and he has edited nine books on Buddhism. Benny holds a B.A. (Honors) Education degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia and M.P.A. degree from Universiti Malaya.

Program

9.30 am: Registration
9.45 am: Puja
10.00 am: Session I: The Kosambiya Sutta, MN 48
11.30 Q&A
12.00: Lunch
1.00pm: Session II: The Araṇavibhanga Sutta, MN 139
2.30 pm: Q&A
3.00 pm: Tea Break
3.15 pm: Workshop Discussions
3.45 pm: Workshop Presentations
4.15 pm: Concluding Remarks
4.30 pm: End of Session

Lunch will be provided.

Enquiries

Bro Lai Kim Looi (012) 210 2519
Bro Bobby Ng (012) 635 5571
Email: bgf.dhammaduta@gmail.com