Read about this in the Meditator's Atlas, but I forgot what it was all about.
But i personally feel that everyone needs a purpose. (So Ave Q; for those who watched it)
And finding your purpose isnt an easy task. A Purpose is so much broader and wider than just earning a lot of money, being a Director or CEO. It should be something that reflects your whole life, and not just a portion of it. Something that gives you the drive and motivation to move forward in life. That keeps you going when the chips are down.
It's hard to realise/find your purpose, even harder to fully comprehend it and achieve it.
Is a purpose a dream? a goal? Dreams and goals seem more short-term (or even short-sighted) to me. While a purpose emcompasses your whole life, your whole existence.
How do you manage to live day after day if you do not know what you are living for, and why?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sweet sweet love
I forgot what I wanted to write when I first came up with this title. hm...
Anyway, sweet sweet love seems to be a phase that most of us go thru when we are young and supposedly innocent. The belief in the everlasting powers of love, basking in the warm attention from the other half, etc.
So often do we see the 萌芽romance on the streets, the school gal and boy in the first bloom of romance. Most of the time it is sweet, until expectations are not met, promises not fulfilled, and changes evolving.
"Attached to your loved ones,
you are stirred up like water"
How true. When you really reflect, you will realise that alot of your identity is based on your relationship with the other half. You are identified as a wife, as a mother, as the daughter-in-law, etc. And your emotions tend to be tied to how things are going in your relationship.
Is it really worthwhile to lose your identity, to lose the peace and calmness?
When you are less attached (this doesnt mean that you love them any less), your emotions are more controlled, and you will not swing wildly from happy to angry in an instance.
You understand that while you love them, nothing last forever in this world/life, and you learn to let go of more. Let go of the anger when they create a mess, when they are not listening to you, when they ignore your instructions. You are attached to the fact that the husband should do so and so and so. Hence the arising of emotions when things either go or not your way.
I would rather be as calm as the surface of a pond than to be raging like a waterfall or rapids.
Anyway, sweet sweet love seems to be a phase that most of us go thru when we are young and supposedly innocent. The belief in the everlasting powers of love, basking in the warm attention from the other half, etc.
So often do we see the 萌芽romance on the streets, the school gal and boy in the first bloom of romance. Most of the time it is sweet, until expectations are not met, promises not fulfilled, and changes evolving.
"Attached to your loved ones,
you are stirred up like water"
How true. When you really reflect, you will realise that alot of your identity is based on your relationship with the other half. You are identified as a wife, as a mother, as the daughter-in-law, etc. And your emotions tend to be tied to how things are going in your relationship.
Is it really worthwhile to lose your identity, to lose the peace and calmness?
When you are less attached (this doesnt mean that you love them any less), your emotions are more controlled, and you will not swing wildly from happy to angry in an instance.
You understand that while you love them, nothing last forever in this world/life, and you learn to let go of more. Let go of the anger when they create a mess, when they are not listening to you, when they ignore your instructions. You are attached to the fact that the husband should do so and so and so. Hence the arising of emotions when things either go or not your way.
I would rather be as calm as the surface of a pond than to be raging like a waterfall or rapids.
Friday, June 19, 2009
2 addicts of Ninja Warrior
Took a bus the other day, and while I was boarding the bus and moving towards the rear, I heard the music of Ninja Warriors. I was so excited that I "ran" to a seat, plopped myself down and settled down to watch.
Well, I wasnt the only one. There was another school girl across me, who seemed like she was totally caught up in that game show too.
The whole point here isn't on Ninja Warriors. It's the fact that I was/am so addicted to that show.
When you reflect, there is nothing really worth the attachment. It is just a game show. No matter that it is very exciting and interesting. Once it is over, the pleasure and joy is gone. (at least until the next episode)
But I am still addicted to it. Sigh.
Well, I wasnt the only one. There was another school girl across me, who seemed like she was totally caught up in that game show too.
The whole point here isn't on Ninja Warriors. It's the fact that I was/am so addicted to that show.
When you reflect, there is nothing really worth the attachment. It is just a game show. No matter that it is very exciting and interesting. Once it is over, the pleasure and joy is gone. (at least until the next episode)
But I am still addicted to it. Sigh.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
He looks familiar
Almost everywhere I turn nowadays, I seem to be seeing familiar faces. Be in on the streets, on the bus, or in the mrt.
Do I really know them?
Hm....depends on how you look at it.
It is said that from the beginning of time till now, there are/were millions of lifetime past for each of us, and it is only reasonable that you have met most (if not all) of the others in your numerous past lives.
From another angle, we are all part of the universe, and hence fundamentally the same. Thus you could be recognising the similiarities in another (as familiarity)
But you know what, it doesnt matter. So what if he looks familiar...
Do I really know them?
Hm....depends on how you look at it.
It is said that from the beginning of time till now, there are/were millions of lifetime past for each of us, and it is only reasonable that you have met most (if not all) of the others in your numerous past lives.
From another angle, we are all part of the universe, and hence fundamentally the same. Thus you could be recognising the similiarities in another (as familiarity)
But you know what, it doesnt matter. So what if he looks familiar...
I m dependent on my husband
Isn't that what everyone wanted to hear? Everytime I tell others that I am a homemaker, they make the assumption that I am being supported by my husband.
As a matter of principles, I am not.
While it doesnt really bug me that people make that mistaken assumption, I just wonder why a homemaker is sterotyped to be dependent on their husbands, or some other male.
Just because I am not fully employed doesnt mean that I need to be dependent on my husband to provide for my every other need.
A society filled with sterotypes and wrong perspective is a fearful one.
As a matter of principles, I am not.
While it doesnt really bug me that people make that mistaken assumption, I just wonder why a homemaker is sterotyped to be dependent on their husbands, or some other male.
Just because I am not fully employed doesnt mean that I need to be dependent on my husband to provide for my every other need.
A society filled with sterotypes and wrong perspective is a fearful one.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Filial piety on the decline
It certainty seem the case to me, but I can only judge myself.
What is your definition of being filial?
Does providing monetary support count? Or is it going home on weekends for a simple meal? Or accompanying the elders as and when they require you?
Aint sure about you, but i think that the operational definition of filial piety has subtlely changed over the decades.
And while I might be classified as filial in this time and age, i will probably miss the bar if it was 20 years ago.
Personally, I would fail myself as a daughter. I am grateful and thankful but I have never really expressed that appreciation and gratitude. Maybe it comes from being quiet and in a traditional chinese family where feelings are never openly expressed. I do try to be good and available and all, but even in my deepest of heart, i do not think that that is sufficient.
I would recommend that you listen/read 弟子规。
What is your definition of being filial?
Does providing monetary support count? Or is it going home on weekends for a simple meal? Or accompanying the elders as and when they require you?
Aint sure about you, but i think that the operational definition of filial piety has subtlely changed over the decades.
And while I might be classified as filial in this time and age, i will probably miss the bar if it was 20 years ago.
Personally, I would fail myself as a daughter. I am grateful and thankful but I have never really expressed that appreciation and gratitude. Maybe it comes from being quiet and in a traditional chinese family where feelings are never openly expressed. I do try to be good and available and all, but even in my deepest of heart, i do not think that that is sufficient.
I would recommend that you listen/read 弟子规。
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Are you a heterosexual?
Why is that not the typical question asked whenever we meet someone new?
“Is that person a hetero”, is never asked of others.
Instead, people wonder in their minds about the sexual orientation of those whom they think are homosexuals. Why is the norm assumed to be heterosexual? Just because majority of the population is heterosexual?
Well, everyone will die someday, even the homosexuals, so what makes them so different from the heterosexuals?
Odd how the majority think.
My new pickup line: Are you a heterosexual
“Is that person a hetero”, is never asked of others.
Instead, people wonder in their minds about the sexual orientation of those whom they think are homosexuals. Why is the norm assumed to be heterosexual? Just because majority of the population is heterosexual?
Well, everyone will die someday, even the homosexuals, so what makes them so different from the heterosexuals?
Odd how the majority think.
My new pickup line: Are you a heterosexual
The World is in my hands
Not the way you think it is.
I am referring to Reiki.
For those who are out of the new age lingo, Reiki (pronounce "ray-kee”) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force Energy. Based on the premise that there is a higher power (unlike religions, it does not then attempt to identify it) of which we are all part, Reiki practitioners access this life force, channel and then direct it in healing.
So practically, I can have the whole of the Universe’s energy through my hands.
And technically, we are all interconnected, through energy. It can flow from the universe to me, it can also flow from me to you, which means we are all one big happy family.
Shouldn’t a family be loving and tolerant of differences?
The world is in our hands. It is what and how we want to make out of it.
I am referring to Reiki.
For those who are out of the new age lingo, Reiki (pronounce "ray-kee”) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force Energy. Based on the premise that there is a higher power (unlike religions, it does not then attempt to identify it) of which we are all part, Reiki practitioners access this life force, channel and then direct it in healing.
So practically, I can have the whole of the Universe’s energy through my hands.
And technically, we are all interconnected, through energy. It can flow from the universe to me, it can also flow from me to you, which means we are all one big happy family.
Shouldn’t a family be loving and tolerant of differences?
The world is in our hands. It is what and how we want to make out of it.
Prostrations into the ground
Watched over a TV programme sometime earlier on, about a layperson in Tibet (?), who made over thousands prostrations each day, such that his toes/feet wore out an imprint on the ground of the temple (in the spot where he made his prostrations daily)
It’s quite an amazing feat. The discipline and devotion to his practice.
I am glad to say that I have yet to reach that stage of cultivation.
I used to not take prostrations seriously, because I didn’t see the need nor the value in doing so. It was after I invited Amitabha home, together with the daily prostrations that I did out of respect, that I finally realized the importance and value of prostrations. [Not that I do that many]
It is more than basic respect. It is the heartfelt gratitude and thanks, the appreciation of their qualities (wisdom and compassion), the reverence of their vows, and mostly, the aspiration to be like them. It humbles the self, and reminds one that we have a long way to go on our path to enlightenment.
One does not become a Buddha easily. Lifetimes are required, suffering must be endured, karmic connection necessary, purity attained, the Truth realised. This is much harder than obtaining a doctorate, or even becoming the President. Yet fame and glory are perceived as valuable commodities.
I prostrate myself to slay my ego, to reduce my self-centeredness. To keep flattery and vanity out of my life. To regain the compassion and tolerance for all beings. Afterall, I am not any higher/better than pond scum.
It’s quite an amazing feat. The discipline and devotion to his practice.
I am glad to say that I have yet to reach that stage of cultivation.
I used to not take prostrations seriously, because I didn’t see the need nor the value in doing so. It was after I invited Amitabha home, together with the daily prostrations that I did out of respect, that I finally realized the importance and value of prostrations. [Not that I do that many]
It is more than basic respect. It is the heartfelt gratitude and thanks, the appreciation of their qualities (wisdom and compassion), the reverence of their vows, and mostly, the aspiration to be like them. It humbles the self, and reminds one that we have a long way to go on our path to enlightenment.
One does not become a Buddha easily. Lifetimes are required, suffering must be endured, karmic connection necessary, purity attained, the Truth realised. This is much harder than obtaining a doctorate, or even becoming the President. Yet fame and glory are perceived as valuable commodities.
I prostrate myself to slay my ego, to reduce my self-centeredness. To keep flattery and vanity out of my life. To regain the compassion and tolerance for all beings. Afterall, I am not any higher/better than pond scum.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Exposure to the suffering world
Had a quick chat with a girlfriend, who said she wanted more balance in her life. More balance in the sense of being exposed to the world out there.
I didn’t say this to her, but I was thinking in my heart, why would you want to be exposed to all the sufferings out there in the world? Will it really give you a broader perspective? And so what if it does?
But I admit I came from a different angle.
Coz I have always felt that the world is filled with endless suffering, and having us simply knowing about it, doesn’t do much. (I am the pessimist that doesn’t quite believe 1 person can change the world; actually that can be done, but that’s another entry all together)
It’s true that it can give you perspective; all things being relative. But unless you know how to, and is ready to integrate it into your life in a positive manner, a lot of things can go wrong with that sort of exposure.
The super sympathetic/empathetic can spiral into depression at the state of suffering and unfair treatment. The self-centred might think that others deserve it, and the fact that they aint suffering, means that they are better than the rest. The man on the street might acknowledge the suffering, but it gets buried below all the work stress and indignities that he is facing in life.
Once the fundraising charity TV programmes are over and the hotlines closed, how many of us actually remember the beneficiaries and their needs before the next year’s show comes around?
It is almost a fact that we live in our little little worlds, which we magnify simply because we are in them. And we view all from our perspective, which obviously is limited, but thinking that we are so Big and Great.
We do need exposure alright. But the type and method and integration should be carefully strategized (if such a thing can ever be done). At the end of the day, your intention matters the most.
What are you looking at getting out from exposure to the world? Are your fundamentals sound and able to “protect” you from destruction by the very world that you want to be exposed to?
I didn’t say this to her, but I was thinking in my heart, why would you want to be exposed to all the sufferings out there in the world? Will it really give you a broader perspective? And so what if it does?
But I admit I came from a different angle.
Coz I have always felt that the world is filled with endless suffering, and having us simply knowing about it, doesn’t do much. (I am the pessimist that doesn’t quite believe 1 person can change the world; actually that can be done, but that’s another entry all together)
It’s true that it can give you perspective; all things being relative. But unless you know how to, and is ready to integrate it into your life in a positive manner, a lot of things can go wrong with that sort of exposure.
The super sympathetic/empathetic can spiral into depression at the state of suffering and unfair treatment. The self-centred might think that others deserve it, and the fact that they aint suffering, means that they are better than the rest. The man on the street might acknowledge the suffering, but it gets buried below all the work stress and indignities that he is facing in life.
Once the fundraising charity TV programmes are over and the hotlines closed, how many of us actually remember the beneficiaries and their needs before the next year’s show comes around?
It is almost a fact that we live in our little little worlds, which we magnify simply because we are in them. And we view all from our perspective, which obviously is limited, but thinking that we are so Big and Great.
We do need exposure alright. But the type and method and integration should be carefully strategized (if such a thing can ever be done). At the end of the day, your intention matters the most.
What are you looking at getting out from exposure to the world? Are your fundamentals sound and able to “protect” you from destruction by the very world that you want to be exposed to?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Doing your practice in the original spot
KMSPKS is organizing a 8 precepts retreat in Bodhgaya in December. And I was debating over attending it. Until a fellow classmate in my Buddhism class said that it was a waste of money flying over to India for a retreat that could have been held in Singapore itself.
Well, guess that’s true to a certain extent. There is also another view that you gain greater merits when you are practicing in the spot where the Buddha had attained enlightenment.
I suppose at the end of the day, all the above doesn’t matter. If you are sincere in practicing, it makes no difference where you are. The sincere Bodhicitta wish to practice should be all that matters.
Well, guess that’s true to a certain extent. There is also another view that you gain greater merits when you are practicing in the spot where the Buddha had attained enlightenment.
I suppose at the end of the day, all the above doesn’t matter. If you are sincere in practicing, it makes no difference where you are. The sincere Bodhicitta wish to practice should be all that matters.
How to use New Media so as not to increase idle chatter?
This was a question posted by the Venerable, which I in turn post to you. (Well, I dont have an answer to it)
Idle chatter: could be defined as pointless thoughts/speech that only stirs up our greed, craving, hatred, etc.
E.g. Gossip about the dress that a star wore down the red carpet. Totally pointless and might result in us craving for that dress, for that body, for the fame...
New Media: typically the online media that is widespread, viral in nature
E.g Facebook, Twitter
A lot of what is going on online could be classified as idle chatter. We go online to update/check our status or find out what our friends are doing at this point in time. But is it important? It seems pretty pointless to me. It could be our self-centred nature that leads us to have to inform the whole world that I am bloggin right now.
So is there actually a way to tap on new media to reduce idle chatter?
Your guess is as good as mine, tho I would like to hear your tots
Idle chatter: could be defined as pointless thoughts/speech that only stirs up our greed, craving, hatred, etc.
E.g. Gossip about the dress that a star wore down the red carpet. Totally pointless and might result in us craving for that dress, for that body, for the fame...
New Media: typically the online media that is widespread, viral in nature
E.g Facebook, Twitter
A lot of what is going on online could be classified as idle chatter. We go online to update/check our status or find out what our friends are doing at this point in time. But is it important? It seems pretty pointless to me. It could be our self-centred nature that leads us to have to inform the whole world that I am bloggin right now.
So is there actually a way to tap on new media to reduce idle chatter?
Your guess is as good as mine, tho I would like to hear your tots
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I use HARSH speech
Learnt about RIGHT Speech, which has the following components:
i) False speech
ii) Slanderous speech
iii) Harsh speech
iv) Idle Chatter
Amazingly, I actually practice/use harsh speech more than idle chatter. [Based on self-evaluation]
I committed myself to change (during the class), and I will be more mindful of my speech!
Hold me to it!
i) False speech
ii) Slanderous speech
iii) Harsh speech
iv) Idle Chatter
Amazingly, I actually practice/use harsh speech more than idle chatter. [Based on self-evaluation]
I committed myself to change (during the class), and I will be more mindful of my speech!
Hold me to it!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Do your sins need to be forgiven?
Depending on which religion you believe in, some inform you that you need to seek forgiveness for your sins, from some higher authority/being.
I am happy to share that Buddhism is of a different view. [In my opinion, the RIGHT VIEW].
There are only trangressions. NOT sins. And we do not need to receive punishment because we did not sin.
Because, who is to judge us. Who has the "authority" or power or moral strength to judge all of us and pronounce us as sinners? Any Tom, Dick or Harry? Well, I wont buy that argument, and any intelligent being wont.
I might have made a mistake based on the morals that the society subscribes to.
Yes, I have trangressed, but that doesnt make me a sinner!!!
I am happy to share that Buddhism is of a different view. [In my opinion, the RIGHT VIEW].
There are only trangressions. NOT sins. And we do not need to receive punishment because we did not sin.
Because, who is to judge us. Who has the "authority" or power or moral strength to judge all of us and pronounce us as sinners? Any Tom, Dick or Harry? Well, I wont buy that argument, and any intelligent being wont.
I might have made a mistake based on the morals that the society subscribes to.
Yes, I have trangressed, but that doesnt make me a sinner!!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I am a worry wart
After so long, I still tend to worry over the smallest things....
Even when I tell myself to live in the present, even when I focus on my breathing, even when I am sleeping...
I am still worrying....
But it's alright. I forgive myself, and I will try harder the next time!
Even when I tell myself to live in the present, even when I focus on my breathing, even when I am sleeping...
I am still worrying....
But it's alright. I forgive myself, and I will try harder the next time!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
普曦之诞
I was expecting something major to happen on the 31st of May. And well, I suppose many things did, in the course of a normal everyday life.
But on retrospect, I guess the most important event, of which happenings were already building up towards, was the crashing of my house of playing cards. I was totally wiped out.
What I tot was my life, was "me", came crashing down, as I realised that my fundamentals were wrong. When you do not have a solid foundation, every wind or tide that comes along can bring your world to destruction, and that was what had happened.
I built up my spiritual life based on a foundation of self-centredness. I am not afraid to share this, for I was/AM self-centred. And the path of spirituality does not allow for that. How could I have grown if everything was about me???
It's not too late to realise that, and I am slowly and painstakingly rebuilding my house, setting it in a solid and moral foundation. One of love, light and compassion.
It is my vow that I will bring love and light to all sentient beings. Amituofo
But on retrospect, I guess the most important event, of which happenings were already building up towards, was the crashing of my house of playing cards. I was totally wiped out.
What I tot was my life, was "me", came crashing down, as I realised that my fundamentals were wrong. When you do not have a solid foundation, every wind or tide that comes along can bring your world to destruction, and that was what had happened.
I built up my spiritual life based on a foundation of self-centredness. I am not afraid to share this, for I was/AM self-centred. And the path of spirituality does not allow for that. How could I have grown if everything was about me???
It's not too late to realise that, and I am slowly and painstakingly rebuilding my house, setting it in a solid and moral foundation. One of love, light and compassion.
It is my vow that I will bring love and light to all sentient beings. Amituofo
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