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1. The Reward of Giving

The reward of dana is often limited to a happy life in the heavenly realm. In fact, the merit of
dana not only refers to the next life, but also includes this life. There are several benefits that
we can derive from giving generously in our present life.
The merit of giving alms in the present life:
a. Reduce greed (lobha),
b. Practice letting go of something that belongs to us naturally,
c. Train yourself not to get too attached to things.
d. Being well-liked and having many friends who can help in times of trouble. The reward
of making a donation in the life to come:
a. Born as a child of a wealthy family
b. Be reborn in a pleasant realm,
In Anumodana Gatha, it is mentioned that dana can provide benefits, namely 'ayu vanno
sukham balam' which means getting the blessing of a long life, handsome / beautiful face,
happy and strong. Funding will bring many blessings, such as increased age, increased
wealth, increased prosperity, increased fame, increased strength, increased beauty and good
looks.
In the Manapadayi Sutta, the Buddha said, "Those who give charity will receive the reward
due to the practitioner. If you give something favorable, you will get something favorable. If
you give something excellent, you will get something excellent, If you give something
excellent, you will get something excellent. If you give something noble, you will get
something noble.
2. Where to Donate
Funds should be given to anyone in need. However, in addition to this, it is also known that
there is a fertile ground for cultivating merit.
In order, the funds will be highly rewarded if given to:
a. Sangha, a group of saints (Buddhas, arahats, or holy men);
b. people who carry out the Precepts (high morals);
c. parents (father and mother);
d. people who are not yet earning;
e. those who are in need of help;
f. making a donation to the deceased.
Parents are an excellent place to give alms to their children. Since conceiving, mothers have
provided care to their children who are still in the womb. After we are born the mother will
provide milk for the life of her child. Mothers and fathers deserve respect from their children
because together they have guarded, cared for, and provided education so that their children
will become good and useful people.
Answer the following questions correctly!
1. What are the merits of giving alms in the Anumodhana Gatha?
2. Where are the places where charitable giving yields great rewards?
During the service, Buddhists take refuge in the Triple Gem by reciting the Three Refuges (Tisarana).
These words of refuge are called the Tisarana Paritta, namely:
I take refuge in the Buddha (Buddham saranam gacchāmi)
I take refuge in the Dharma (Dhammam saranam gacchāmi) I take refuge in the Sangha (Sangham
saranam gacchāmi)
For the second time I take refuge in the Buddha (Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi)
For the second time I take refuge in the Dharma (Dutiyampi Dhammam saraņam gacchāmi)
For the second time I take refuge in the Sangha (Dutiyampi Sangham saraņam gacchāmi)
For the third time I take refuge in the Buddha (Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami) For
the third time I take refuge in the Dharma (Tatiyampi Dhammam saranan gacchami) For the
third time I take refuge in the Sangha (Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami)
Performing pujas and offering refuge prayers is not enough to gain refuge because taking refuge in
the Three Jewels requires practicing the Buddha's teachings. Is praying not practicing Buddhism?
Many people pray to ask the Buddha
do something for him, while if his behavior is not in accordance with the wish, his prayer will be in
vain. Therefore, when praying, one should understand the cause and effect. For example, praying for
Buddha's help when facing an exam should be accompanied by studying hard. The exam will not be
successful without studying.
Taking refuge in the Buddha should not be understood as begging the Buddha and leaving all the
work to the Buddha, while we make no effort at all. The Buddha as our protector has given us
instructions on the path to follow. By following Buddha's instructions, we will be fully protected by Buddha.
A good student of the Buddha is one who always takes the Buddha as his example.
How do we take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha? By practicing the Buddha's teachings
and being guided by the Sangha, we will be fully protected by the Triple Gem. Taking refuge can simply
be done by doing light and easy good deeds, such as prostration, jogging, reciting the paritta, and
meditation. In order to be protected by the Three Jewels, remember well the core teachings of the
Buddha, namely "Do no evil, do much good, and purify the mind".
Taking refuge in the Buddha starts with avoiding doing bad things in thought, speech and action. If the
mind is usually lazy, reduce laziness. If the mind is easily angered, it should be reduced. If the mind is
prone to envy, it should be stopped by being generous. If the mouth usually speaks harshly, it must be
stopped by learning to speak politely. If his actions like to hurt others, they must be replaced with
actions that are soothing. These are the correct ways to take refuge in the Three Jewels.
Not only should we reduce bad deeds, but we should also do many other good deeds. For example,
giving alms, praying diligently, studying diligently, respecting teachers, obeying parents, keeping the
environment clean, being disciplined in school, and so on. This collection of virtues will protect us.
Being generous protects us from poverty. Protecting and saving living beings protects us from murder
and disease. Diligent study will protect us from the dangers of ignorance.
Answer the questions below clearly and correctly.
1. What does Buddham saranam gacchami mean?

2. How can we be protected by the Three Jewels?

3. Who does the Buddha protect?

 Story of an Exemplary Teacher
Once upon a time, in a village, there lived a teacher who had many students in the
school where he taught. He was highly respected because of the love and
compassion that radiated from his face. He loved his students very much. Every day,
he taught in the old school building, which was built during the Dutch era. The
teacher's name was Mr. Tarno. Mr. Tarno is the most senior teacher there. He has
been teaching for decades. Many of his students are successful. Mr. Tarno still looks
like he is always enthusiastic about living his days as a teacher.
He was the teacher who was considered the closest to the students. All his students
were very respectful to him. His closeness did not make the students disrespectful.
On the contrary, because of his honesty, sincerity, and sincere love for his students,
every student respected him.
One night, Mr. Tarno had a fever that was so extraordinary, his body was cold with a
cough. The pain relaxed his old body. He once told his students that he had to
accompany them to complete a school assignment even though it was Sunday.
He always prays to God for healing and strength, so that tomorrow he can meet his
students. For him, happiness is seeing his students succeed in the future. He
struggled against the pain. One hour, two hours, three hours the condition began to
improve. Apparently God answered Mr. Tarno's prayer.
The next day, Pak Tarno fulfilled his promise to teach, even though it was a holiday.
He pedaled off on his old bicycle and headed southwest towards an old building.
Apparently he had promised his students to teach at the school even though it was a
holiday.
With a friendly smile, he began to discuss lesson after lesson. Many students
enthusiastically followed his learning process, which was very warm, full of laughter
and joy. One day, Mr. Tarno felt a terrible pain in his chest. Occasionally he would
cough, but he continued teaching. In the end, Mr. Tarno was lying on the floor, right
in front of the students.
A stream of blood could be seen coming out from his incessant coughing. Some of
his students began to cry. Some rushed out to seek help. Occasionally his coughing
stopped. Mr. Tarno said his last words to his students and all students in the universe,
"O my students, do your best for your future. Don't waste your youth. Honor your
teacher, he always sincerely loves you. Reach your goals as high as the sky and
study." Shortly after finishing saying these words, Mr. Tarno passed away.
Answer the following questions correctly!
1. What does a teacher mean to you?
2. What pride do teachers have in their students?
3. How would you feel if your teacher was sick?
4. What was Mr. Tarno's last message?