So much of what we do in our everyday lives is due to habits. So when we are trying to change to a positive frame of mind, we need to get rid of our habit energies. And the way to that is thru mindfulness.
Mindfulness Mindfulness Mindfulness
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Minimise your suffering
Is there actually a way to minimise the suffering that you are enduring in your life?
One possible method is to cultivate a big, wholesome, compassionate heart.
When you view your big heart as a lake, and suffering as salt, than the amounts of salt/suffering, when poured into a big lake, will be diluted and "non-existent'. The salt in comparison to the water in the lake, is minimal, so why focus on it, especially since it has already been diluted.
Happiness is available to all of us. It is only when you focus only on your sufferings, that you magnify the salt, the suffering, and miss out on the joy/water around you.
For you to touch life, to be alive, you first need to be available, to be present.
One possible method is to cultivate a big, wholesome, compassionate heart.
When you view your big heart as a lake, and suffering as salt, than the amounts of salt/suffering, when poured into a big lake, will be diluted and "non-existent'. The salt in comparison to the water in the lake, is minimal, so why focus on it, especially since it has already been diluted.
Happiness is available to all of us. It is only when you focus only on your sufferings, that you magnify the salt, the suffering, and miss out on the joy/water around you.
For you to touch life, to be alive, you first need to be available, to be present.
Busy little people, busy little lives
If I am not mistaken, that was a song from one of our local play. (Should be Jack and the Beansprout?).
Anyway, the key point is, we are so caught up in our lives, with numerous thoughts running through each and every moment, that we tend to miss out on alot.
Thoughts can be seen as form. A form that we mistakenly attach some attributes to, some essence that is not in "existence". When that thought has passed, what else is left of it?
We make ourselves busy by chasing after those thoughts. Those thoughts that have no essence, no substance, no value. But we think that our thoughts matters.
In some sense, nirvana is the extinction of ideas/thoughts. Without our random thoughts, it might be easier to live in the present, to be here moment by moment. To find joy in each single moment. We reduce the busy-ness of our lives and gain more joy in return. Isn't that a win-win?
When you reduce your thoughts, you might feel lighter and more open. And than you can be happier.
Anyway, the key point is, we are so caught up in our lives, with numerous thoughts running through each and every moment, that we tend to miss out on alot.
Thoughts can be seen as form. A form that we mistakenly attach some attributes to, some essence that is not in "existence". When that thought has passed, what else is left of it?
We make ourselves busy by chasing after those thoughts. Those thoughts that have no essence, no substance, no value. But we think that our thoughts matters.
In some sense, nirvana is the extinction of ideas/thoughts. Without our random thoughts, it might be easier to live in the present, to be here moment by moment. To find joy in each single moment. We reduce the busy-ness of our lives and gain more joy in return. Isn't that a win-win?
When you reduce your thoughts, you might feel lighter and more open. And than you can be happier.
Are you present for the flower?
Do you like flowers? Do you enjoy their beauty, their fragrances, the joy that they can bring into your lives?
How do you appreciate a flower? Is there a right way to appreciate the flower?
Before you can truly appreciate/enjoy a flower, you need to be present for the flower. If you are not present, not mindful, how can you notice the lovely fragrance, the shining petals, the image of beauty?
If you are present for the flower, the flower is present for you
How do you appreciate a flower? Is there a right way to appreciate the flower?
Before you can truly appreciate/enjoy a flower, you need to be present for the flower. If you are not present, not mindful, how can you notice the lovely fragrance, the shining petals, the image of beauty?
If you are present for the flower, the flower is present for you
I have listened enough
Every so often, there comes a period in our lives when we feel that we have had enough of someone's complains. What should we do than???
One of the first questions to ask yourself is, have i truly listened? To fully comprehend the complaints, one should listen deeply, and listen between the lines. There is a solution to any problem. But the problem must first be identified. Your friend might be complaining about A, but the real problem is B. Hopefully thru deep listening we can identify B, and help to overcome the problem.
Should deep listening fail to work, I guess we should extract ourselves from the situation, as complaining can become contagious, which is something which we do not want to happen.
For the brave ones, try telling your friend, kindly, that you have listened enough. And maybe it is time for them to look for a solution instead of plain complaining, which is not helping anyone.
If you could live in the present, there is no such things as complains, as everything is just the way it should be
One of the first questions to ask yourself is, have i truly listened? To fully comprehend the complaints, one should listen deeply, and listen between the lines. There is a solution to any problem. But the problem must first be identified. Your friend might be complaining about A, but the real problem is B. Hopefully thru deep listening we can identify B, and help to overcome the problem.
Should deep listening fail to work, I guess we should extract ourselves from the situation, as complaining can become contagious, which is something which we do not want to happen.
For the brave ones, try telling your friend, kindly, that you have listened enough. And maybe it is time for them to look for a solution instead of plain complaining, which is not helping anyone.
If you could live in the present, there is no such things as complains, as everything is just the way it should be
Hindrances to your practice
There are a lot of factors that can hinder one's practice. The lack of time, the lack of discipline, etc.
One major? factor could actually be your knowledge and expectations.
When you think you have enough/more knowledge, or when you are practising with certain expectations, that might impede your progress instead.
When you analyse each and every sentence that you are learning, the mind works so hard that it fails to listen to the heart. You may post all sorts of "intelligent" questions, but have you first calmed your mind and seek the answer within yourself?
When your mind is clear, you might be surprised by what you can find.
Without the past experiences and learnt ideology, you can see the bottom of the lake through crystal clear waters....
Once in a while, we can afford to "forget the Dharma", and just sit to be with ourselves, to look for the truth deep within, just like what the Buddha once did.
One major? factor could actually be your knowledge and expectations.
When you think you have enough/more knowledge, or when you are practising with certain expectations, that might impede your progress instead.
When you analyse each and every sentence that you are learning, the mind works so hard that it fails to listen to the heart. You may post all sorts of "intelligent" questions, but have you first calmed your mind and seek the answer within yourself?
When your mind is clear, you might be surprised by what you can find.
Without the past experiences and learnt ideology, you can see the bottom of the lake through crystal clear waters....
Once in a while, we can afford to "forget the Dharma", and just sit to be with ourselves, to look for the truth deep within, just like what the Buddha once did.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Do you have cows?
Finding happiness Part 4
This is close to what I have shared below.
The Venerable shared a story about the Buddha.
One day, a farmer lost his cows, and so he went out to search for them. Along the way, he came across the Buddha and some monks. Upon asking if they have seen his cows, the reply was no. After the farmer left, the Buddha turned to the monks and said:
"Aren't you glad that you have no cows"
When you dont have cows, you do not need to suffer. Suffer the fear of losing them, the suffering to look for them, the worrying of not finding them, etc...
You do not have to endure cow suffering!
This is close to what I have shared below.
The Venerable shared a story about the Buddha.
One day, a farmer lost his cows, and so he went out to search for them. Along the way, he came across the Buddha and some monks. Upon asking if they have seen his cows, the reply was no. After the farmer left, the Buddha turned to the monks and said:
"Aren't you glad that you have no cows"
When you dont have cows, you do not need to suffer. Suffer the fear of losing them, the suffering to look for them, the worrying of not finding them, etc...
You do not have to endure cow suffering!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
What is your happiness based on?
I was reminded today of an exercise which I did in Sec school. It went along the lines of draw/describe your dreams/goals in 20(?) years time.
What I drew and the subsequent remarks have been strongly impressed on me. I recall drawing a 5 room flat. And the counsellor commented that that was something that I already have, and that doesn't count as a dream. Deep in my heart I disagreed.
Now that I am "grown-up", I realise that my dreams than signified more than I ever knew. It represented happiness and contentment in my life. I already have all that I need and want, and there is no need to pursue and chase after endless dreams.
Every morning, I wake up and look out of my window. And I feel so blessed, that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and that nature is everywhere around us, as long as we know how/where to look. And I feel so thankful and appreciative. I make it a point to thank the universe every single day, for all that I have and am.
There is joy and happiness in me, simply by being here, in this present moment, enjoying all that life has to bring to me, be it just my breath, or my heartbeat, or the wind blowing in from my window.
How about you? Are you searching and seeking for true happiness?
Do you think that getting that condo, or a new car, a higher paying salary, will bring you more joy and happiness? Life is pretty much a cycle. It has no beginning, and no end. Until you see the cycle for what it is, you will be stuck in it, trying to fulfil your dreams. But greed is never satisfied. When you base your happiness on material things, it will only bring you more craving and suffering.
Why base your happiness on the material?
Finding happiness Part 3
What I drew and the subsequent remarks have been strongly impressed on me. I recall drawing a 5 room flat. And the counsellor commented that that was something that I already have, and that doesn't count as a dream. Deep in my heart I disagreed.
Now that I am "grown-up", I realise that my dreams than signified more than I ever knew. It represented happiness and contentment in my life. I already have all that I need and want, and there is no need to pursue and chase after endless dreams.
Every morning, I wake up and look out of my window. And I feel so blessed, that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and that nature is everywhere around us, as long as we know how/where to look. And I feel so thankful and appreciative. I make it a point to thank the universe every single day, for all that I have and am.
There is joy and happiness in me, simply by being here, in this present moment, enjoying all that life has to bring to me, be it just my breath, or my heartbeat, or the wind blowing in from my window.
How about you? Are you searching and seeking for true happiness?
Do you think that getting that condo, or a new car, a higher paying salary, will bring you more joy and happiness? Life is pretty much a cycle. It has no beginning, and no end. Until you see the cycle for what it is, you will be stuck in it, trying to fulfil your dreams. But greed is never satisfied. When you base your happiness on material things, it will only bring you more craving and suffering.
Why base your happiness on the material?
Finding happiness Part 3
What should I do with my arrogance?
I have given too much attention to the ego side of me. Too much pride and arrogance. Would that lead to my downfall?
The answer (if I am right), is to meditate on non-self. To realise the concept of non-self, of emptiness, of the Buddha-nature in every being.
To make it simple, if my reasoning is sound...
Based on metaphysics, energy is the "fundamental" of all matter. And since that is the case, than there is no self, no essence of any individual thing/matter. Because we all boil down to energy... Hence the concept of self is destroyed. How do we separate ourselves from the next person if we are all made of energy, all the same?
When there is no self, there is no ego, no arrogance!
So practically, we need to view all other beings as the same, and not judge or expect differently. And ultimately, to develop compassion. Because our love now is conditional, given solely to those around us, to those that are "connected" to us. But when we can realise that the same nature is in all of us, our love can be transformed into unconditional love, given to all, and that is the power of the compassionate heart!
The answer (if I am right), is to meditate on non-self. To realise the concept of non-self, of emptiness, of the Buddha-nature in every being.
To make it simple, if my reasoning is sound...
Based on metaphysics, energy is the "fundamental" of all matter. And since that is the case, than there is no self, no essence of any individual thing/matter. Because we all boil down to energy... Hence the concept of self is destroyed. How do we separate ourselves from the next person if we are all made of energy, all the same?
When there is no self, there is no ego, no arrogance!
So practically, we need to view all other beings as the same, and not judge or expect differently. And ultimately, to develop compassion. Because our love now is conditional, given solely to those around us, to those that are "connected" to us. But when we can realise that the same nature is in all of us, our love can be transformed into unconditional love, given to all, and that is the power of the compassionate heart!
Let's listen to the sound of the bell
Finding happiness Part 2
It was more of a huge "singing bowl" that was used to create the deep resonance/vibration for us to focus on.
But the whole point of the bell, was to use it as a proxy to bring us back into the present.
Whenever we do things/any activities, we tend to be unmindful. When you stroll, are you thinking about the next step, the nature around you, or the end destination, or what you are going to do next after the stroll?
When we live in the present, that really shouldnt be the case. Each step should be taken with mindfulness. In fact, everything that you do, should be done with mindfulness. Truly, you have no idea if tomorrow is really going to arrive, and if you do not treasure what is happening in the NOW, than you might be missing out on so much.
One of the simplest tools to being mindful, is to focus on your breath. By focusing and even following the path of your breath, you are reminded of where you are, what you are doing. Most of us do not "remember" to breathe, and the breaths that we take are shallow and "unconscious".
Listen to the sound of your breath, or follow your breath as you breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out...
It was more of a huge "singing bowl" that was used to create the deep resonance/vibration for us to focus on.
But the whole point of the bell, was to use it as a proxy to bring us back into the present.
Whenever we do things/any activities, we tend to be unmindful. When you stroll, are you thinking about the next step, the nature around you, or the end destination, or what you are going to do next after the stroll?
When we live in the present, that really shouldnt be the case. Each step should be taken with mindfulness. In fact, everything that you do, should be done with mindfulness. Truly, you have no idea if tomorrow is really going to arrive, and if you do not treasure what is happening in the NOW, than you might be missing out on so much.
One of the simplest tools to being mindful, is to focus on your breath. By focusing and even following the path of your breath, you are reminded of where you are, what you are doing. Most of us do not "remember" to breathe, and the breaths that we take are shallow and "unconscious".
Listen to the sound of your breath, or follow your breath as you breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out...
Transform your heart/home into a practice centre
Finding Happiness Part 1
I attended a talk given by the Plum Village delegation that came to Singapore. The talk was titled Finding happiness & Peace in recessionary times.
An audience member asked whether there are plans to set up a practice centre in Singapore. And I love the reply that was given. To transform our home and hearts into a practice centre.
Practice should be a daily affair. While true that support and encouragement from a community would facilitate practice, it shouldn't translate into practicing only when we are with the community or at the practice centre.
The art of living mindfully should be "drilled" into us, such that we live each and every moment with mindfulness, no matter where we are, and what we are doing.
I have a practice centre in my mind, and I hope you have one too
I attended a talk given by the Plum Village delegation that came to Singapore. The talk was titled Finding happiness & Peace in recessionary times.
An audience member asked whether there are plans to set up a practice centre in Singapore. And I love the reply that was given. To transform our home and hearts into a practice centre.
Practice should be a daily affair. While true that support and encouragement from a community would facilitate practice, it shouldn't translate into practicing only when we are with the community or at the practice centre.
The art of living mindfully should be "drilled" into us, such that we live each and every moment with mindfulness, no matter where we are, and what we are doing.
I have a practice centre in my mind, and I hope you have one too
Cause as a raindrop on the water surface
Went for a walk this morning, and it was raining.
Hiding under the shelter of trees, and standing facing a pond, I observed the raindrops falling on the water surface.
As expected, the raindrops created ripples when they landed on the water. How far reaching the ripples were depended on the size of the raindrop.
Are cause and effect the same? One single cause/action, no matter how small, can create ripples. How far flung will the reactions be?
I observed one particular raindrop (unless someone threw a stone without my notice), where the ripples practically covered over one-third the pond. And I was struck by the reach of a single raindrop. I supposed the same can be said about our actions. One tiny action, which might be trivial to you, has the potential to create a domino effect.
Does that not give you cause to be mindful of every single thought, word and action?
Hiding under the shelter of trees, and standing facing a pond, I observed the raindrops falling on the water surface.
As expected, the raindrops created ripples when they landed on the water. How far reaching the ripples were depended on the size of the raindrop.
Are cause and effect the same? One single cause/action, no matter how small, can create ripples. How far flung will the reactions be?
I observed one particular raindrop (unless someone threw a stone without my notice), where the ripples practically covered over one-third the pond. And I was struck by the reach of a single raindrop. I supposed the same can be said about our actions. One tiny action, which might be trivial to you, has the potential to create a domino effect.
Does that not give you cause to be mindful of every single thought, word and action?
Do you need to run with the society?
I don't really like places like Hong Kong and Singapore's CBD. Whenever I am there, the fast paced footsteps of others affects me negatively. It either forces me to keep up, or it makes me feel so restricted and crowded in, as if it affects my own heartbeat.
Have you tried walking meditation before? If you have, you would know that the speed of walking during the walking meditation is many many times slower compared to that in Hong Kong, or any part of Singapore. A Venerable shared that slow is not normal in Hong Kong. Is it normal in Singapore?
Does it matter? Speed is relative, and how fast/slow I wish to walk, is my choice. So why should you increase your footsteps in order to match up to the others?
Society might want to run, but I wish to slow down and appreciate and treasure the moments and nature that is passing us by...
Have you tried walking meditation before? If you have, you would know that the speed of walking during the walking meditation is many many times slower compared to that in Hong Kong, or any part of Singapore. A Venerable shared that slow is not normal in Hong Kong. Is it normal in Singapore?
Does it matter? Speed is relative, and how fast/slow I wish to walk, is my choice. So why should you increase your footsteps in order to match up to the others?
Society might want to run, but I wish to slow down and appreciate and treasure the moments and nature that is passing us by...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Moral discipline - Discipline of any sort is hard
what should i say. i would think that the title itself is self-explanatory.
i have always been one who lacks discipline. even though i know the importance and benefits of being disciplined. there is just a stronger procrastination part of me that is continuously battling with my disciplined side.
to share on moral discipline, i think that it is the "category" that is hardest to achieve. it is already hard to get down to work or studying sometimes, much less the constant mindfulness of your moral conduct. every single word and action that arises from you, every thought before it becomes realised, all of that and more, should be processed with awareness and mindfulness. How often is it, that a single phrase that comes out of your mouth, or even mind, is hateful or hurting?
If you have the moral discipline, to be mindful and capable of filtering out the negative, think how beneficial it would be to the society and people around you. you would also benefit when it comes back to you, much less the wisdom that you can cultivate for yourself.
i have always been one who lacks discipline. even though i know the importance and benefits of being disciplined. there is just a stronger procrastination part of me that is continuously battling with my disciplined side.
to share on moral discipline, i think that it is the "category" that is hardest to achieve. it is already hard to get down to work or studying sometimes, much less the constant mindfulness of your moral conduct. every single word and action that arises from you, every thought before it becomes realised, all of that and more, should be processed with awareness and mindfulness. How often is it, that a single phrase that comes out of your mouth, or even mind, is hateful or hurting?
If you have the moral discipline, to be mindful and capable of filtering out the negative, think how beneficial it would be to the society and people around you. you would also benefit when it comes back to you, much less the wisdom that you can cultivate for yourself.
Circular Karma???
This blog entry is for me to try to figure something out about karma. but i must emphasize that i have only the most basic understanding of karma...
when something happens to you in this lifetime, say for eg, you ill-treat your pets. based on cause and effect, (1) you will be ill-treated in one of your future lives. BUT it could also be because (2) that pet (which is a human in a previous lifetime) ill-treated you, so it is it's karma that caused its current situation.
Does that sound right? both reasons are plausible, so i am not certain how to interpret it.
If in this same lifetime, you have it all good and is blessed and blissful, and at the same time generating merits from your actions, does this mean that the seed of the negative karma (from ill treating), will not take root and grow?
On the other hand, if it was the pet's bad karma, how will karma affect you this time round, since the negative action came from you? do we still have the choice to do otherwise, ie not ill treat even though it should have been the case?
karma is really a wide field of study. to me more complicated than science
when something happens to you in this lifetime, say for eg, you ill-treat your pets. based on cause and effect, (1) you will be ill-treated in one of your future lives. BUT it could also be because (2) that pet (which is a human in a previous lifetime) ill-treated you, so it is it's karma that caused its current situation.
Does that sound right? both reasons are plausible, so i am not certain how to interpret it.
If in this same lifetime, you have it all good and is blessed and blissful, and at the same time generating merits from your actions, does this mean that the seed of the negative karma (from ill treating), will not take root and grow?
On the other hand, if it was the pet's bad karma, how will karma affect you this time round, since the negative action came from you? do we still have the choice to do otherwise, ie not ill treat even though it should have been the case?
karma is really a wide field of study. to me more complicated than science
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Is Soul = Consciousess?
well, in the past, i had always equated soul to consciousness. it seems easier and "correct" that they were one and the same. but i learnt recently that that is not the case. [tho i supposed it could just be different terminology, and the fundamental concept is the same]
a teacher shared that a soul is "fixed", maybe sort of like our body, while the mind consciousness changes from moment to moment. i thought i figured it out, but while writing this entry, i beg to differ.
in new age concepts, there is the Old soul, meaning a soul that has gone thru numerous lifetimes, that have gained experience and accumulated knowledge. which means that it has been changing and evolving all these while, and that it is not fixed.
there is also the concept of collective consciousness. your soul's consciousness is actually part of the entire whole, the whole collective consciousness of the universe/world/etc.
it sure sounds the same to me...
i supposed it is just a matter of how you definite that soul and consciousness. it can work both ways.
there is only one "thing" that moves on after this body expires. call it your soul or your consciousness. as long as you understand and appreciate the fundamentals, i think it matters not what you label it.
a teacher shared that a soul is "fixed", maybe sort of like our body, while the mind consciousness changes from moment to moment. i thought i figured it out, but while writing this entry, i beg to differ.
in new age concepts, there is the Old soul, meaning a soul that has gone thru numerous lifetimes, that have gained experience and accumulated knowledge. which means that it has been changing and evolving all these while, and that it is not fixed.
there is also the concept of collective consciousness. your soul's consciousness is actually part of the entire whole, the whole collective consciousness of the universe/world/etc.
it sure sounds the same to me...
i supposed it is just a matter of how you definite that soul and consciousness. it can work both ways.
there is only one "thing" that moves on after this body expires. call it your soul or your consciousness. as long as you understand and appreciate the fundamentals, i think it matters not what you label it.
Anatta - what arises from the self?
Anatta - non-self
Is that possible? Depends on your perspective/understanding on self/non-self.
Modern day society and science, even psychology, have focused a lot on the concept of SELF. But what exactly is a self? You might be your body, but are u also your-self? Or are you your consciousness, and self the ego? Loads of ways to argue or reflect on.
One typical question that people often ponder on, WHO am I? How do you answer that question? Are you your name, your family background, your qualifications, your career/job, or your personality and characteristics, or your consciousness?
Your answer might be as good as mine. That is, unless you know the answer to be the truth and nothing but the Truth.
And that is what the Dharma is trying to share with us. The truth about the self. That there is NO self. How can there be any self, when we are changing and evolving all these while?
Even better, look at it from the metaphysics angle. When you drill matter, as we know it, all the way down, from compounds, molecules, atoms, electrons to the energy and space deep within, all we have left is Energy. (or maybe they use some other term). So from a science (physics) angle, we are all made up of energy, so what is there to differentiate you from me? Or is our "consciousness" different from individual to individual? but wont that consciousness also be also energy/wavelengths? So is it different or the same?
In our delusion and ignorance, we have tried to differentiate ourselves from the next person. Thru our differing jobs, looks, dressing, status, etc. But ultimately, at the end of the day, we are the same as any other person on the street. And unless we see that fact, we will not be able to move beyond the knowledge that it really is "one for all, and all for one".
When everyone and everything is the same, what would you get? or rather, let's come from the other end. when everyone is supposedly different, what is the end result? you get competition, greed, hatred, and many other negative emotions and actions that might thus arise when you believe you deserve more/better...
truly, what is the point of comparing yourself to your neighbour? by having a "self", what do you hope to achieve? it is not about you versus the other(s). it is about the reality of our universe and how we can move into the light when we reach the stage of non-self...
Is that possible? Depends on your perspective/understanding on self/non-self.
Modern day society and science, even psychology, have focused a lot on the concept of SELF. But what exactly is a self? You might be your body, but are u also your-self? Or are you your consciousness, and self the ego? Loads of ways to argue or reflect on.
One typical question that people often ponder on, WHO am I? How do you answer that question? Are you your name, your family background, your qualifications, your career/job, or your personality and characteristics, or your consciousness?
Your answer might be as good as mine. That is, unless you know the answer to be the truth and nothing but the Truth.
And that is what the Dharma is trying to share with us. The truth about the self. That there is NO self. How can there be any self, when we are changing and evolving all these while?
Even better, look at it from the metaphysics angle. When you drill matter, as we know it, all the way down, from compounds, molecules, atoms, electrons to the energy and space deep within, all we have left is Energy. (or maybe they use some other term). So from a science (physics) angle, we are all made up of energy, so what is there to differentiate you from me? Or is our "consciousness" different from individual to individual? but wont that consciousness also be also energy/wavelengths? So is it different or the same?
In our delusion and ignorance, we have tried to differentiate ourselves from the next person. Thru our differing jobs, looks, dressing, status, etc. But ultimately, at the end of the day, we are the same as any other person on the street. And unless we see that fact, we will not be able to move beyond the knowledge that it really is "one for all, and all for one".
When everyone and everything is the same, what would you get? or rather, let's come from the other end. when everyone is supposedly different, what is the end result? you get competition, greed, hatred, and many other negative emotions and actions that might thus arise when you believe you deserve more/better...
truly, what is the point of comparing yourself to your neighbour? by having a "self", what do you hope to achieve? it is not about you versus the other(s). it is about the reality of our universe and how we can move into the light when we reach the stage of non-self...
Monday, March 16, 2009
How spiritually mature are you?
I can never figure out something. (yes, i do know and understand, but i find it hard to accept).
why are some not really to accept the Triple Gems, or the Dharma truth?
even when the said truth is just right in front of you, and that it is painfully obviously the truth?
well, it is painfully obvious to me, tho i accept and understand that that might not be the case for all.
it just sort of confuses me, that's all.
there is a concept of spiritual maturity. how ready you are to accept the truth can be determined by how spiritually mature you are. it makes perfect sense. if you are mature, ie have learnt and heard of the truth, have certain knowledge from your previous lifes, it would make it easier for you to accept the truth in this lifetime when you hear of it.
it just saddens me that there are those who have the opportunity to come into contact with the truth in this lifetime, but isn't ready enough to progress beyond. on the positive side, this would build up their knowledge and good karma for future lifetimes. (what more can we ask for)
why are some not really to accept the Triple Gems, or the Dharma truth?
even when the said truth is just right in front of you, and that it is painfully obviously the truth?
well, it is painfully obvious to me, tho i accept and understand that that might not be the case for all.
it just sort of confuses me, that's all.
there is a concept of spiritual maturity. how ready you are to accept the truth can be determined by how spiritually mature you are. it makes perfect sense. if you are mature, ie have learnt and heard of the truth, have certain knowledge from your previous lifes, it would make it easier for you to accept the truth in this lifetime when you hear of it.
it just saddens me that there are those who have the opportunity to come into contact with the truth in this lifetime, but isn't ready enough to progress beyond. on the positive side, this would build up their knowledge and good karma for future lifetimes. (what more can we ask for)
Buddha not = God
What is your definition of a God/god(s), or all the beings that one can pray to in all the different religious institutions? Guess it would depends on who you ask.
The meaning of Buddha: Awakened/Enlightened
It is typically used to describe an Enlightened being. So technically there are a lot of Buddhas. But modern us are mostly familiar with the Buddha that is within our historical frame of reference, ie, Shakyamuni Buddha.
And Buddhas are not gods.
The term God/god has the connotation of the One who created the Universe (at least in this world context). But is that the truth? I do not yet have the knowledge to answer the question, but the Dharma (in my understanding) says otherwise.
The meaning of Buddha: Awakened/Enlightened
It is typically used to describe an Enlightened being. So technically there are a lot of Buddhas. But modern us are mostly familiar with the Buddha that is within our historical frame of reference, ie, Shakyamuni Buddha.
And Buddhas are not gods.
The term God/god has the connotation of the One who created the Universe (at least in this world context). But is that the truth? I do not yet have the knowledge to answer the question, but the Dharma (in my understanding) says otherwise.
Only if you too know how to be Burden Free
Yesterday was Guan Yin Dan. And we were at Kong Meng San, taking part in a 3 Refuge, 5 Precepts ceremony.
Anyway, it was a pretty simple ceremony, but I was very touched by it.
Truly, i felt that all my burdens were lifted off me, and i felt lighter and more joyful at the end of the ceremony. Well, i could have been oversensitive, but the feelings of happiness at finding and the opportunities at learning the truth were hard to describe. It has also given me a stronger sense of peace and calmness.
For wisdom to pervade your entire existence, you need to be open to the truth, to be able to see beyond the familiar and expected. And also to lead by example, the good, right and the truth of your knowledge.
Anyway, now we are officially full fledged Buddhist. but there is still so much to learn and to share.
Anyway, it was a pretty simple ceremony, but I was very touched by it.
Truly, i felt that all my burdens were lifted off me, and i felt lighter and more joyful at the end of the ceremony. Well, i could have been oversensitive, but the feelings of happiness at finding and the opportunities at learning the truth were hard to describe. It has also given me a stronger sense of peace and calmness.
For wisdom to pervade your entire existence, you need to be open to the truth, to be able to see beyond the familiar and expected. And also to lead by example, the good, right and the truth of your knowledge.
Anyway, now we are officially full fledged Buddhist. but there is still so much to learn and to share.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
When the time is right
There will come a day when things start to fall into place, people start to appear, and your life is generally a happy and blissful one. When the day arrives, you will know and be ready for it, and will embrace the changes and flow and movement with joy and happiness.
When the day comes....
When the day comes....
Mara - a name for obstacles & hindrances
Do you believe that obstacles are what makes you learn and grow? That obstacles are actually more useful and valuable than you think/can ever know?
When you face an obstacle, think about what it is trying to teach you, what you can learn out of it, how once it is resolved, can improve your life and bring you to the next level.
Once you have the correct mindset towards obstacles/challenges/hindrances, you can take it in a positive light, and nothing will ever get you down, and at the same time, you can gain more knowledge and wisdom. Isn't that a win-win?
Mara can be an external "devil", the external situations and circumstances that produces obstacles. However, i am more inclined to think of Mara as an "internal factor". Somewhere deep within you, is the knowledge that you need to transcend all those obstacles before you can progress and move on in life. Do not fear the unknown or the blockages. Instead, rise up to the challenges to build yourself the better life that you know you deserve.
When you face an obstacle, think about what it is trying to teach you, what you can learn out of it, how once it is resolved, can improve your life and bring you to the next level.
Once you have the correct mindset towards obstacles/challenges/hindrances, you can take it in a positive light, and nothing will ever get you down, and at the same time, you can gain more knowledge and wisdom. Isn't that a win-win?
Mara can be an external "devil", the external situations and circumstances that produces obstacles. However, i am more inclined to think of Mara as an "internal factor". Somewhere deep within you, is the knowledge that you need to transcend all those obstacles before you can progress and move on in life. Do not fear the unknown or the blockages. Instead, rise up to the challenges to build yourself the better life that you know you deserve.
Qing Ming - Compassion for the spirits
When the Qing Ming festival comes along, families will bring along food, incenses, etc to pay their respects to their ancestors. Venerable was sharing that some have the tendency to be afraid of spirits, of ghosts, even of their ancestors/family. The irony of the matter is, if u have invited them out to partake of the offerings that you brought them, is there a need to be scared?
Anyway, that was just a side topic. I dreamt of ghosts/spirits recently. Or maybe it was just fear on my part in a hotel room. Is it human nature to be afraid of ghosts? Or are we afraid of things/beings beyond our control, beyond our rules of life? That doesnt conform to our understanding of life on this earth/universe?
I dont want to touch on the cause of the fear factor. you can think about that at your own leisure. What i want to share is, there is totally no need to be scared of spirits. what can they really do to you? u are already suffering in this life/lifetime of ours, trying to understand a reality that is empty, suffering from the false expectations of self and society. so how can the existence or even visit of a spirit make anything worst?
more than anything, is the cry for help from those spirits. even if they are not seeking assistance, think of their position. how much worst can your life be? you are not in hell, or wandering around aimlessly as a ghost.
instead of fear, compassion should be shown to them. if not in action, than at least in thoughts, and there is no need to fear them. they have a worst "life" compared to you, and they need all the light that you can afford to give to them.
Anyway, that was just a side topic. I dreamt of ghosts/spirits recently. Or maybe it was just fear on my part in a hotel room. Is it human nature to be afraid of ghosts? Or are we afraid of things/beings beyond our control, beyond our rules of life? That doesnt conform to our understanding of life on this earth/universe?
I dont want to touch on the cause of the fear factor. you can think about that at your own leisure. What i want to share is, there is totally no need to be scared of spirits. what can they really do to you? u are already suffering in this life/lifetime of ours, trying to understand a reality that is empty, suffering from the false expectations of self and society. so how can the existence or even visit of a spirit make anything worst?
more than anything, is the cry for help from those spirits. even if they are not seeking assistance, think of their position. how much worst can your life be? you are not in hell, or wandering around aimlessly as a ghost.
instead of fear, compassion should be shown to them. if not in action, than at least in thoughts, and there is no need to fear them. they have a worst "life" compared to you, and they need all the light that you can afford to give to them.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sathit & Waew's wedding - 8 March 2552
Our first Thai wedding. It was really our pleasure to be able to participate in their wedding.
Theirs is a simple love, yet fulfilling. A village love story, different from the modern city times.
Our congratulations to them both. May they have a lovely and blissful life together.
Chiang Mai once again
Not much pixs this time round. but Chiang Mai feels like home already. besides the heat, we can really live there
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The need for 5 Precepts
Attended a preparatory class on 3 Refuge & 5 Precepts recently. At the same time, I was also learning about the Buddha's life.
The Venerable that was lecturing on the Buddha's life revealed that in those times (or at least at first, when he started ordaining his disciples), there wasn't any concept of the 5 Precepts. Simply because the people/disciples than were of so pure a heart, that once they attained sainthood, it is understood (by them) that they shouldn't harm others, etc...
Why than did the 5 Precepts come about?
It saddens me to think that it is because humans have evolved into beings without heart, without compassion, without wisdom. Yet how could that be? Isn't evolution supposed to be positive, for us to move up to the next level? but the reverse seems to be true, that we have slide down into beings that are not in touch with our sentient side, not in touch with our inner self, or the true nature. That we have forgotten to look for the Universal Truth, instead burrowing ourselves deeper into attachments, desires, and delusions...
it is with a sad heart that i continue on my journey to seek the dharma
The Venerable that was lecturing on the Buddha's life revealed that in those times (or at least at first, when he started ordaining his disciples), there wasn't any concept of the 5 Precepts. Simply because the people/disciples than were of so pure a heart, that once they attained sainthood, it is understood (by them) that they shouldn't harm others, etc...
Why than did the 5 Precepts come about?
It saddens me to think that it is because humans have evolved into beings without heart, without compassion, without wisdom. Yet how could that be? Isn't evolution supposed to be positive, for us to move up to the next level? but the reverse seems to be true, that we have slide down into beings that are not in touch with our sentient side, not in touch with our inner self, or the true nature. That we have forgotten to look for the Universal Truth, instead burrowing ourselves deeper into attachments, desires, and delusions...
it is with a sad heart that i continue on my journey to seek the dharma
Impermanence - Diaries of feelings
Do you have the habit of confiding in a diary, or noting down the day's events in a journal?
It came across my mind the other day, if everything is impermanent, or that you should be living in the present, will there be a need for diaries or journals?
what would than be the point of noting down your memories or feelings, since they have already passed, and that it is not "reality"?
mankind likes to hold on to something, even things that are not solid, not valuable, not useful. how else do you explain resentment, grudges, hatred?
even memories are tightly guarded. but what are they?, beyond the past that will not (most of the time) re-occur? Living in the past will only hinder your time in the present. even that brief moment of savoring means you are wasting that few precious seconds.
time can slip away from us so rapidly (tho we might have numerous lifetimes left), so make the most out of it. yet at the same time, bearing in mind the nature of reality. [sounds like a contradiction, but it can make sense]
It came across my mind the other day, if everything is impermanent, or that you should be living in the present, will there be a need for diaries or journals?
what would than be the point of noting down your memories or feelings, since they have already passed, and that it is not "reality"?
mankind likes to hold on to something, even things that are not solid, not valuable, not useful. how else do you explain resentment, grudges, hatred?
even memories are tightly guarded. but what are they?, beyond the past that will not (most of the time) re-occur? Living in the past will only hinder your time in the present. even that brief moment of savoring means you are wasting that few precious seconds.
time can slip away from us so rapidly (tho we might have numerous lifetimes left), so make the most out of it. yet at the same time, bearing in mind the nature of reality. [sounds like a contradiction, but it can make sense]
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