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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 17

Annual CNY Burmese Novitiate Program Annual CNY Burmese Novitiate Program Ayasma Aggacitta Meditation Retreat

than an international buffet with of all visiting teachers. Rather, particular challenges of this sort.
diverse dishes with its distinct more importantly to us is that Are there like-minded Buddhist
flavors and unique preparations. It is the Sanctuary strives to provide organizations that are non-
up to the individual to decide what diverse options and alternatives sectarian that you could work
to eat; some are able to sample and from the 84000 Dhamma doors for closely with in your programs for
appreciate all the varieties of food everyone’s benefit. the public?
available while for the majority, they
will need to choose carefully to avoid Do you face challenges from The beauty of being a non-sectarian
allergies, indigestion or maybe due temples which teach a specific Buddhist organization is that we
to their selective taste buds. tradition with regards to your are able to collaborate with any
activities that embrace all Buddhist groups, both sectarian
We guide beginners by suggesting traditions? and non-sectarian. In organizing
meditation teachers and techniques teaching tours for Buddhist teachers
as a starting point, helping them to PBHS is fortunate in that when it and monastics as well as other
explore available options and find was established, it had received Buddhist activities, PBHS has had
a suitable practice. For experienced little criticism in regards to our opportunities and honor to work
practitioners facing challenges in stated aim of “non-sectarianism.” with like-minded organizations
their progress, we also offer advice Most of the Buddhist temples, such as the Malaysian Buddhist
on alternative techniques if they monasteries and Dhamma centers Association, Butterworth Lay
approach us for help. were supportive and over the years, Buddhist Society, and Seck Kia Eenh
I believe that they understood the Temple among others.
Individuals who have identified aim of PBHS. That said, personally,
a suitable technique can opt to I also think that any organization If there are any Buddhist
exclusively attend teachings from a or individuals who are grasping organizations, whether sectarian
specific teacher or teachers within strongly to their view of orthodoxy or non-sectarian, that share our
the same tradition. Advanced or their teachings and practice as commitment to strengthen and
Dhamma practitioners may attend being the only right one would support the Buddha Sāsana, we
various teachings, incorporating have naturally avoided engaging would be most delighted to explore
elements to support and enhance PBHS. We also consistently remind opportunities for collaboration.
their personal spiritual progress. visiting teachers and organizers to We also extend a warm invitation
refrain from unwarranted criticism to interested Buddhist groups to
In short, devotees at the Sanctuary or belittling of other traditions, utilize our facilities for their retreats
are not required to attend the teachers or practices. So, to this and teachings. EH
teachings and meditation practice question, no, we do not face any