Bhikkhu Pragnapal

08/09/2025

31/08/2025

Same Terminal, Different Stories

Airports are fascinating places—bustling, transient, and filled with endless stories. Standing in a terminal, you see hundreds of people wheeling suitcases, clutching tickets, eyes fixed on digital boards announcing destinations near and far. Yet, behind every suitcase is a story untold.

Some travelers are embarking on trips they’ve planned for months, filled with anticipation and excitement. Others might be leaving behind something—or someone—important, carrying a sense of loss or uncertainty. There are those reuniting with loved ones, and those feeling the ache of goodbyes. For some, it’s business as usual; for others, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Despite the differences in our paths, we share the same sky above us, and for a brief moment, the same space. Life itself is much like this terminal: we’re all just passing through, moving from one destination to the next. Our experiences, hopes, and struggles may vary, but our humanity connects us.

29/08/2025

Sharing the Light of Dhamma..............
After his greate Enlightenment, the Buddha compassionately shared the Dhamma and ordained the first five ascetics as Bhikkhus. He then encouraged them:

"Caratha, bhikkhave, cārikaṃ bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṃ" means "Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans."

This Dhamma is the only our true refuge. As the Buddha advised: "Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṃ." "Truly, the Dhamma protects the one who practices it." and Giving this Dhamma is the highest gift: "Sabbadānaṃ dhammadānaṃ jināti (The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts)."

From my early years, I have been blessed to study and practice Buddhism, both traditionally and academically. I am still on this path not only for personal understanding but also for sharing with others. The goal is to benefit ourselves and the wider world, as the Buddha intended.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share the Dhamma in various languages and places. Recently, I was honored with an invitation to Po Lin Monastery (The Big Buddha Temple) in Hong Kong to give a talk. My heartfelt thanks to the abbot of the monastery for this privilege and to all who helped with translation and interpretation.

Let us remember:

"Yo dhammam passati, so mam passati."
"Whoever sees the Dhamma sees me."

May all who seek peace hear the Dhamma, keep it in their hearts, and live it daily. Through dedication and sincerity, may we see things as they truly are and gradually find freedom from suffering.

May all be happy, healthy, and find their path to peace through the power of Dhamma.

With Metta
Bhikkhu Pragnapal
🙏🙏🙏

22/08/2025

Learner: Master, I’m trying to learn how to focus better. Concentration seems really difficult for me. Do you have any advice?

Master: Concentration is indeed very important in life. It’s true that it can be challenging, especially since we’re often distracted by so many things. But remember, concentration isn’t impossible to achieve.

Learner: Do you really think anyone can learn to concentrate, even if it feels hard at first?

Master: Absolutely. Anyone can develop the skill to concentrate, even on things that initially seem tough to focus on. It just takes regular practice, patience, and awareness.

Learner: How should I start practicing?

Master: Out of all your daily activities, pick just one to practice mindfulness or concentration. For example, think about your daily walk—maybe when you go to the MTR station or come back from it. Decide to be mindful during that specific walk.

Learner: What do I do during that walk?

Master: Tell yourself, “From here, I’ll focus on being mindful.” As you walk, pay attention to each step, how you turn, and even how you use the escalator. You don’t have to walk slowly, but don’t rush either. Notice how you feel when you arrive on time. Observe your thoughts, too. How do you feel when the train arrives just as you step onto the platform? Then, simply board the train. That’s enough for this practice.

Learner: And the next day?

Master: The next day, choose another walk—perhaps from the train to your office, or from your office back to the train. Use that time to practice mindfulness again.

Learner: Does it get easier?

Master: Yes, with practice, focusing and being mindful becomes easier. You’ll find it helps in all areas of life, but you have to start somewhere. Sometimes a structured daily exercise like this is helpful. With both understanding and consistent practice, anyone can develop mindfulness and concentration.

21/08/2025

12/08/2025

No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the path.

09/08/2025

පින්වන්ත උදෑසනක් වේවා!