Than Hsiang temple in collaboration with Mahindrama temple, Penang Buddhist Association and Bukit Mertajam Buddhist Association jointly organized a series of talks by Dato Dr. Kumarasiri from the 28th to 30th of April 2008. Two of the dharma talks were held in Than Hsiang temple while the rest in their respective association’s venues.

The first session entitled “Holistic parenting—key to success and Happiness” was held at 10am on 29th March 2008; while the second session, entitled “ Living Buddhism the way forward,” began at 8pm on the same day.

Dato Dr. Kumarasiri , a retired diplomat, is a much sought-after dharma speaker in the Buddhist community in particular. He excels in emphasizing the practical aspects of Buddha’s teaching and has been pioneering the practice of living Buddhism in daily lives. He is especially vocal in the field of holistic parenthood from a Buddhist perspective. As stated in the preface to his book, mother care and parenting—key to social structuring( pg. xxviii), “His(The Buddha’s) teaching thus provides realistic frame work for us to forge societies that would effectively prevent social , political, economic and other ills that presently plague the world.”

He explained the importance of adopting a preventive and pro-active approach in tackling social ills. One must investigate the root causes that contribute to social degradation and this inevitably lead us to the central reality that the Buddha taught,“the mind is the maker: the mind is the master”(of all thoughts, speech and actions). Therefore, the Buddha’s advice is to purify our mind, in order to lead a happy and contented life. He further elaborated on the twin pillars of social structure of marriage and family. A happy married life is the prerequisite for a happy family—a symbiotic relation. Briefly, a happy married life should be based on unconditional love, complete mutual trust and a partnership concept of give and take. Regrettably the ingredients that nourish a happy married life are found lacking in our society, which are so entrenched in materialistic goals and self-centered aspirations. As a matter of fact, Buddha has already provided his answer for a happy marriage and wholesome family in his discourse, the Sigalovada Sutta(Digha Nikaya, sutta 31) more than two thousands five hundred years ago.

He further went on to clear the misconception of many people on the meaning of Karma . Many misconstrue the term to have a fatalistic connotation. When in fact Buddha taught that our destinies are in our hands. Buddhism is a man- centered religion as against the theistic religions, which propagate the doctrines of a divinity that determines our destinies. We can change, modify our past karma and determine our future karma by our present thought, speech and action. On parenting, he stresses that parents should lead by example. If they expect their children not to lie, steal or drink, they should refrain from doing so themselves.

He noted that the governments are not motivated to look at long- term strategies, as politicians are more interested in short term gains or immediate results to impress the voters. Changes that will benefit the future generation and after their political life is over don’t figure in their plans. Governments have failed to put into place a comprehensive policy or strategy to stem the tide of social ills instead depending on ad hoc measures that have proven inadequate.

He reiterated that the process of learning should begin at the foetal stage. The formative infant years are also very important.

Though Kumarasiri made frequent references to Buddhist teachings, he was quick to point out that spirituality could be derived from any religion or culture.

Kumarasiri would like to see the message of holistic parenthood reach more people. He is available for public talks and seminars. For details, call tel: 03-79584182 or e-mail akumaraseri@yahoo.com