HOL in April: The month of fools
How can we be lesser fools. We reflect on fools' day and also reactions to the Dalai Lama Incident, and how we are thinking about the road ahead
Hi folks,
Heng Xuan here! We hope your May is going well! Let’s recap our month in April.
The Greater Fool
On April Fools’ Day, I was reminded by a wise monk that April 1st is not the only day we get tricked by our dear friends. We get tricked by our bad habits and defilements too.
In fact, every day we get tricked by these unskillful tendencies within us. That simple refrain was an insightful one.
I have been reminded by Dhamma peers to always know which of the 3 poisons one is most susceptible to- Greed, Hatred or Delusion.
Knowing which afflicts you more helps you catch them when they arrive. The Buddha perfectly illustrated this by talking about a gatekeeper who keeps watch over a citadel.
Marriage & Fear
Back to HOL, April was a fun month of articles revolving around the theme of marriage, fear/shame, and a tinge of minimalism.
I particularly enjoyed reading ‘4 suttas that helped my relationship thrived after it nearly crashed’ and ‘Retiring at 29 years old, what happens next’.
Relationships are always a work in progress, so having suttas to support that is a balm to the little pricks along the way. In addition, retiring early has been a buzzword amongst millennials.
But are we seeking something that might be empty? That article ponders deeply.
The Tongue
April was a particularly difficult month for fellow Tibetan Buddhists who saw an uproar over Dalai Lama’s interaction with a young boy.
We wanted to quickly publish an article or statement but took a pause to allow for mainstream media to settle.
It can be tempting to always provide commentary as a knee-jerk reaction. However, outcomes would always be sub-par with sub-par positive intentions.
As the dust has now settled, we thought it would be good to share some material on this incident.
We acknowledge how some have been upset at this incident and thought it would be good to share these resources:)
Read a statement from prominent lay teachers here
Watch a video on how we can react to sensational videos here
What’s next for us?
Today, 26th May, we will be having our first-ever get-together with supporters & readers like yourself. We look forward to meeting you!
In addition, we are given the golden opportunity to have a space at Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza on Sunday 10am to 4pm to talk more about Handful of Leaves.
If you are near the area, do drop by and say Hi. We have giveaways on that day!
Upcoming topics we wish to find writers on!
Ghost Month & your experiences/ your view on it
National Day and its Significance to you
Pride Month: LGBTQ & Inclusivity
Guan Yin Renuniciation/Enlightenment Day: What does Guan Yin mean to you?
Reach out to us right here
Wishing you a fruitful May! May you be well and happy always!
Warm regards,
Heng Xuan