Expert: Justin Choo - 4/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Justin,

I would like to know more abt Buddhism as well as finding a good spiritual master to guide me in my life. However I realised there are so many schools of Buddhism and I'm confused. I would also like to go into meditation as heard it's real good in developing oneself in terms of spiritual wellness. My mobile 016-7427071. Pls recommend a good centre or temple for me to find my answers. Thanks a million
ANSWER: Hi Stephen,

Thank you for asking me, and welcome to the path of universal truth and inner peace.  The journey will be a long and challenging one, but will reap you rewards of spiritual knowledge and freedom from fear and ignorance.

I take it that you are a Malaysian with the "016" number.  If you are able to give me your location I will sure direct you to the nearest source or temple.  If you are in the KL area then please visit the temples at Brickfields,  Subang Jaya, Damansara area, and Kota Kemuning.  Please refer this site:   

http://www.parami.org/buddhistanswers/index.htm

You can communicate with the webmaster and can mention my name.  He will be too happy to provide you with the right directions.

If you are in Penang, then please visit the Mahindarama Temple at Kampar Road, preferably on Sunday mornings.

In the meantime please read this book at:

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/whatbelieve.pdf
"What Buddhist Believe"  by Ven. K Sri Dhammananda.  This book explains the Buddhist perspective on life's general questions.
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda was my revered teacher. His writings have benefitted countless people throughout the world.  He had recently passed away (18 Mar 1919 -- 31 Aug 2006).

The "mother" of all Buddhist sites will provide you all the info on Buddhism; please click here: http://www.buddhanet.net

If you need further assistance, please come back any time, and I shall be very happy to assist you.

Smile from justinchoo :-)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Justin...

I'm from JB. Do you know any centre or temple for me to seek my devine inspiration ? Currently I'm reading Introduction to Buddhism by G.K. Gyatso. What do you think of tibetian buddhism ? Their Buddha images are very different from our usual chinese Buddha images. Any comment?

Answer
Hi Stephen,

Thanks for coming back and for the ratings.  I am happy that my contributions are appreciated.

There are 14 centres listed in the Buddhanet website for Johor.  Click the "World Buddhist Directory" and navigate to "Johor".

Of the 14 centres, I would recommend the following Thevarada Centres for a start:  (Ven Sujiva is a very learned, experienced, popular and respected Teacher.)

Batu Pahat Insight Meditation Centre

Address: 15A Jalan Siantan Taman Perdana 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor  Johor
Tradition: Theravada
Phone: (7) 4326054


Citta Sukha Meditation Centre

Address: A-80 Kg Baru Kulai, 81000 Johor, Malaysia  Kulai Johor 81000
Tradition: Theravada
Affiliation: Vipassana, Mahasi Sayadaw
Phone: +6012 7011807
EMail: yalee828@hotmail.com
Main Contact: Mr. Lee Yin Ann  EMail  (Phone: +6012 7011807)
Spiritual Director: Sayadaw Nandasiddhi  EMail  (Phone: +6012 7385 386)
Teacher: Sayadaw U panditabhivamsa  


Metta Lodge Buddhist Centre

Address: 26 Jln Rengas, Taman Melodies 80250 Johor Bharu, Johor   Johor
Tradition: Non-Sectarian
Phone: (607) 3325500
EMail: mettalodge@hotmail.com.
Website: http://www.mettalodge.org/
Contact: Brother Ang Teck Hock (012-7522139)   


Santi Forest Monastery

Address: Lot 1413 Jalan Ponorogo (18 and a half miles off Jln. Sg. Tiram) 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia  Johor
Tradition: Theravada
Phone: 07-8650206
Contact: Bro. Wee (moblie 01377 06063)  



Santisukharama Meditation Centre

Address: 30 Jalan Johor 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor  Johor
Tradition: Theravada,
Founding Teacher: Rev. Sujiva  


Metta Lodge Buddhist Centre

Address: 26 Jln Rengas, Taman Melodies 80250 Johor Bharu, Johor.  Johor
Tradition: Non-Sectarian
Persons-to-contact: Bro. Lim or Sis. Peggy Programme:  (Phone: (607) 3325500)
Notes and Events:

 
Santisukharama Meditation Centre

Address: c/- 3 Jalan Bayam 3 Taman Sri Lallang 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia.  Johor
Tradition: Theravada,
EMail: ktbs@tm.net.my
Notes and Events:


Intensive Satipatthana Vipassana, as taught by the late Mahasi Sayadaw.

Foreign meditators are welcome to stay at Santisukharama, which is situated in what was a rubber plantation just over the border.

The founding teacher was Venerable Sujiva, a Malaysian monk and a disciple of Sayadaw U Pandita.

As for your questions, I would reserve my comments for the time being, lest you may be influenced by my preferences and prejudices.  Take your time to study the various traditions and you can give me your opinions in time to come.  Please read Ven. Dhammananda's "What Buddhists Believe".

Smile from justinchoo :-)