Dear Yong Peng,
A lot of people think you are doing great work, and a lot of people are keen
to learn Pali, too. So you are doing fine, with focussed energy, esp when
you have the qualification, means and inclination to do it, this website
that is.
My point is that not every can help you the way you want them to. I may help
to answer certain questions posted when I think I can give a good answer and
when I have the time to. There are many humble Pali experts and less blunt
than myself linked to this website.
However, I hope you are aware that long before you even started Buddhism or
Pali, I have had an interest in Pali Suttas. My approach is Sutta and Dharma
first, Pali is just a tool, but I am almost always last-worded by you about
such things as "the Kalama Sutta and open mindedness" and the like (but if
you care to examine the Sutta as whole, it actually says something qute
different). You are welcome to read it at the
http://dharmafarer.google.pages if you care to, or any other link you are
better disposed to.
It might be said that only those who can afford to, migrate to Australia,
and in Singapore, to which I am dedicating my life and work, does not have
many people doing Pali and Sutta translation. Not once did you even say
something wholesome about the Sutta Discovery translation project or the
link, that has been going on for the last 8 years in SIngapore. On the
contrary, you seem to object even at the mention of this local project like
it would be detrimental to your website. But I keep an open mind about it
and still lurk at this website.
I remember once years back telling about the Sutta Discovery project; now I
realize why you were cool then. You had "bigger" plans, which is fine. Do
what you are best at, and that is what I am doing too. It might take another
generation before more qualified and enthusiastic like ourselves really work
together for a greater common good, like a Pali university or Dharma
colleged in this region. And people will be more civil than Teng Kee and
myself (I think we are both old coots, so allow our cantankerous
eccentricities--for goodness sake, we are humans, not just talking pixels!)
The point is I too badly need people to help in the Sutta Discovery
translation project, which is now in its 27th volume (4 vols a year
consistently ). (Anyway I must thank those who have given me an occasional
feedback to my SD sutta translation.) This is important when I use these
texts teaching them most of the days of the week. This is my life's work. I
am 60, and if the SIngapore lifespan works for me, yathaa,kamma.m
yathaa,baala.m I will have about 25 years more. If mental lucidity
continues, I can complete up 100 volumes of Suttas and essays by 2030, if I
live to that time.
Another thing: you seem to be offended every time I make an "inspired"
statement. This is saddening. While a website can be dedicated, I don't
agree that it should be to restricted in expression. Sometimes practitioners
may have something beautiful to share, is it wrong to share it with people
here? I can't speak for other websites at this point, only this one.
So you almost always correct me here, for example, when I say "We should
remember the true purpose of learning Pali". Is there anything wrong in
saying this? You even sound vindictive at times.This is a cause for some
concern.
For me, having an "inspiring" engagement with Pali and the Dharma is a vital
part of being a practitioner. Otherwise, we should ask if we are using the
internet and our expertise as an escape from the real world or some
unresolved personal issues (which is not bad in themselves, but we need to
be really open minded). It might really be a good to talk to a wise
compassionate monk about this,
Please keep this website colour blind or fully coloured without any favour
or preference.
I'm sorry to be rather blunt in this mail, but I'm not sure how else this
can be communicated to you. When we used to meet in Singapore you were
quietly friendly, but you seem different online. I think something is really
wrong here.
The point is that I care more about how people think and feel than what they
say. (Sorry I am not a career diplomat.) Maybe that is one great difference
about merely learning Pali as a language, and taking it in the context of
the Suttas and Dharma. (I sometimes wonder, we spend our whole lives learng
all about Pali, even becoming experts, and then what? OK there is the next
life, may be could do a good re-translation of the Tipitaka then.)
I say things because I hope it will make people think, and not to judge
anyone merely by appearances, reputation and website, or even Sutta
translation. It would be worrying if anyone hated me for just writing this:
ask yourself why you have hate in you.
Please remember: Pali in itself does not change lives for the better as the
Dharma would. You can only live alone with your knowledge, or huddle
together like here. But I'm sure we have lives that can benefit others.
Some will think I am stupid in writing this, some will treasure this. You
respond according to your vasana, as I do mine. If we really care we try to
express it as best as we can. SIlence is no option, as one forest monk says.
Looking foreward to a good year, esp for those living in the real world.
Piya Tan
On Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM, Ong Yong Peng <palismith@...> wrote:
> Dear Piya,
>
> our study of the Saddaniiti marks the group's progression from the
> elementary to the intermediate level. Myself and many members will be
> involved in the discussion of the classic. We expect this process to
> be slow but intensive.
>
> My hands are full now, as evident from the plan I have sent to the
> group earlier in the new year. I would still commit time to helping
> beginners, but doing more would risk me deviating from my daily
> functions and routines as a working professional and lay person.
>
> However, I believe that there are members who may require attention,
> and like to receive some guidance for elementary Pali on a regular
> basis. If you have any good recommendations, please let us know.
> Similarly, I extend this invitation to everyone who have any good
> suggestions on how to help those members new to Pali.
>
>
> metta,
> Yong Peng.
>
> --- In Pali@yahoogroups.com <Pali%40yahoogroups.com>, Piya Tan wrote:
>
> Exactly: You are so right: let's practise it now.
>
>
>
--
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