President's Message

Dear all BUDZ!!!

So fast, Session 1 has come and gone, the break has whizzed past too! Now, it's back to University life again. Firstly, a warmest "Welcome Back" from me on behalf of all in Unibuds. How's everyone getting on? I'm sure the 2 weeks break must have done everyone good. The "bud" within each one must be flowering with happiness during these relaxing two weeks.

However, its time once again to turn our efforts to our studies, our work, our projects. (I hear groans) Finding it difficult to concentrate? The Sacca team has chosen the theme "Samadhi": i.e: -Concentration for this issue. What is Samadhi? How do you begin to concentrate? How does the Buddhist view of concentration differ from others?

However, its time once again to turn our efforts to our studies, our work, our projects… (I hear groans) Finding it difficult to concentrate? The Sacca team has chosen the theme "Samadhi": i.e.: -Concentration for this issue. What is Samadhi? How do you begin to concentrate? How does the Buddhist view of concentration differ from others? Hopefully, this issue would bring you insight of what concentration is about and how to put it into daily practice.

Talking about Sacca team, the existing system of Sacca has been revamped and a new face for Sacca team (consisting of Ching, Andrew and Ann for the English section, Crane, Diana and Xinlin for the Chinese section) is formed.

Full of vigour and enthusiasm, they would be presenting to you the new Sacca, including more Dharma articles, Unibuds activities, member contribution, sangha interviews etc…Please shout a loud "Thank you" to them, for the hard work they've put in and also for their demonstration of Samadhi:- for without the single-minded concentration onto the task, Sacca would not be published so smoothly.

Not just with Sacca, Session 2 promises to be packed with activities. In particular, the highlight of the year: - Bodhi Nite 2000, would be staged on 26th August. The Unibuds family has already started concentrating its efforts in the production of this event. Come join us! You would be surprised of what you can take part in; from producing multimedia presentations, singing, acting, designing props, preparing for the massive Bodhi Nite dinner, exhibition display, sound and light, planning, marketing, driving etc. Join us; we need you in whatever way you can help! Or take the chance to come and see Buddhism being put into practice!!

Wow, seems like lots of things to be done. Won't it be too much distraction away from studies and work? Well, that's what Samadhi Cultivation is for. A far cry from a pleasing stage in meditation, Samadhi is the mindfulness in each moment of life. Not about sacrificing all others and concentrating solely on studies or work, Samadhi is the careful employment of the mind focus such that in everything you do, you would be attentive and mindful….

Oops! I'm revealing too much of this issue's Sacca. I shall penned off here, and hand you over to our Sacca leaders. Enjoy reading and may each one of you be calm and reside in tranquility amidst all the bustling activities. May you gain insight and wisdom from this peacefulness of mind and ultimately, with the threefold training: precepts (sila), Samadhi, wisdom (panna), May you gain Enlightenment soon.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu

Metta,
Mei Ling