Ep 46: Dhamma vs. Adhamma ft. Uncle Vijaya

In the vast ocean of teachings, how do we discern the true Dhamma from the false? 🌊 In a recent conversation with Uncle Vijaya, we explore essential ways to anchor ourselves in the Buddha's timeless wisdom by 📜 Staying Faithful to the Buddha’s Words and 🙏 Seeking Guidance from Wise Teachers.
About the Speaker
Vijaya Samarawickrama, fondly known as Uncle Vijaya, is a respected figure within Buddhist communities, delivering countless inspiring Dhamma talks at universities, schools, and Dhamma centres throughout Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Australia, spanning over six decades. In addition to his speaking engagements, he held the role of Patron at the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society in Kuala Lumpur and served as the Chairman of Nalanda Institute's Education team. He represented Malaysia in various Buddhist conventions and conferences, both locally and internationally. He has authored over a dozen booklets, with more than 150,000 copies distributed worldwide. Before his retirement, he held the position of a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and worked as a lecturer in Drama and Theatre, Public Speaking, and World Religion at Taylor's University American Degree Program.
Transcript: ⁠bit.ly/hol-ep-46
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:11 Definition of Adhamma and its challenges during Buddha's time
03:31 The story of Maha Brahma pleading with the Buddha to teach the Dhamma
08:00 The importance of the First Council in preserving the Buddha's teachings
10:15 Authenticity of the Dhamma and the Buddha's approval
13:39 The complexity of Dhamma and the importance of competent teachers
17:26 How to identify genuine Dhamma teachers
21:33 Examples of modern misinterpretations of Dhamma
24:55 The use and potential misuse of mindfulness in modern times
25:02 How to skilfully handle friends with wrong views
28:26 Guarding the mind against self-righteousness
29:28 Strategies to support those who lose faith in Buddhism due to wrong teachings
31:13 The story of Punna: Using Brahmaviharas as an antidote to antagonistic treatment
34:12 The Buddha’s words on telling true Dhamma from false Dhamma
39:15 Using this rare human rebirth for meaningful self-practice
Resources:
Buddha’s advice on distinguishing True Dhamma from False Dhamma: Aṅguttaranikāya (Numbered Discourses) 8.53 suttacentral.net/an8.53/en/su...
The Story of Puṇṇa: Saṁyuttanikāya (Linked Discourses) 35.88 suttacentral.net/sn35.88/en/s...
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen
Editor and transcriber of this episode:
Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee
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