My days have in some ways, taken a turn for the "worst".
Am currently doing some volunteer work, which has really tight timelines, and I feel like I am back to consulting.
While it is true that I fail to manage my time properly, I really think that I have less time for myself.
And due to the work, I am like back into the grindmill...working like mad...argh.
I dont mind the work, or the time spent. I am taking issue with my own mindless working!
Everytime I start to do work of any sort, I forget to breathe. Forget to be present, and forget to do work mindfully.
(It's kind of a hard concept, but I believe it is achieveable, tho I am still working hard at it)
Mindful mindful mindful
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Good lesson on Attachment
I have always wondered....why is it that i typically have no stand on most things/issues. I do have strong opinions on some, but I rarely rise up to the occassion to take a stand. And whenever asked "What do you think?", I will be tongue-tied or have nothing in my brain to contribute.
Is my mind not working at all? Or are there other reasons behind it?
It has come to my notice that the lack of attachment might be the driving force behind all that. Generally speaking, I am not attached to alot of things/issues. It doesnt really bother me what happens, or who wins the election, etc. Why should I care? Or worst, be attached to the outcome!
Coming from the Buddhism point of view, this is good (I suppose). It's not that I really dont care. It's more of the outcome is not important to me, hence I dont place any emphasis on them. Which is good, because than I wont be affected by all the on-goings, the negativities, the fights, etc. My emotions will not be controlled by the happenings. I will still be at peace with myself.
I have just been given one of the best lessons in my life! Amituofo
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Christmas lights in April
There was a strong gale last night. Heard over the radio this morning that people have been calling the hotlines.
Anyway, I saw Christmas lights last night.
Looking out from my window, I have the view of trees and other residential building around. And when the wind started its strong assault, I noticed lights blinking in the distance. And I thought to myself, how come there are christmas lights hanging on that tree now.
On closer observation, I realised that the wind was so strong, that the tree was shaking, and the christmas lights that i saw, were actually the lights from the residences, popping out from behind the tree. Flicking as the leaves and branches sway....
And I was reminded of a Zen Koan.
There was a flag flying in the wind on the flag pole.
So was it the flag that was moving, or the wind that was moving....
It was a lovely view. Flickering lights in April, on a windy and lovely night
Anyway, I saw Christmas lights last night.
Looking out from my window, I have the view of trees and other residential building around. And when the wind started its strong assault, I noticed lights blinking in the distance. And I thought to myself, how come there are christmas lights hanging on that tree now.
On closer observation, I realised that the wind was so strong, that the tree was shaking, and the christmas lights that i saw, were actually the lights from the residences, popping out from behind the tree. Flicking as the leaves and branches sway....
And I was reminded of a Zen Koan.
There was a flag flying in the wind on the flag pole.
So was it the flag that was moving, or the wind that was moving....
It was a lovely view. Flickering lights in April, on a windy and lovely night
To go or not to go - Plum Village
I feel so silly. I am been spending time pondering over my decision to attend the summer retreat in Plum Village.
There is still no decision yet, but I know I would love to go.
Yet I constrain myself by worrying about finances, by having to plan each and every step of the trip. All that even when I have yet to decide.
What a perfect waste of time and energy.
There is still no decision yet, but I know I would love to go.
Yet I constrain myself by worrying about finances, by having to plan each and every step of the trip. All that even when I have yet to decide.
What a perfect waste of time and energy.
I don't know
Do you expect your teachers to reply a "I dont know" when you post them a question?
But how can you be sure that the teacher has an answer, or that it is the correct answer?
Wont it be better or ethical for the teacher to reply "I dont know" instead of trying to provide an answer to you?
We give our teachers all the respect, because they have the knowledge and has been learning and sharing. But it doesnt necessarily mean that they have all the answers....
It is our expectations of them that translate into us believing and needing them to provide all the answers.
Maybe it will be better for us to seek the answers ourselves.
Or maybe it is high time that we understand that teachers are also human, and that they should not be judged based on our expectations.
Better still, we should rid ourselves of all expectations. Than we will live a simpler and happier life.
By the way, the same can be applied to bosses too!!!
But how can you be sure that the teacher has an answer, or that it is the correct answer?
Wont it be better or ethical for the teacher to reply "I dont know" instead of trying to provide an answer to you?
We give our teachers all the respect, because they have the knowledge and has been learning and sharing. But it doesnt necessarily mean that they have all the answers....
It is our expectations of them that translate into us believing and needing them to provide all the answers.
Maybe it will be better for us to seek the answers ourselves.
Or maybe it is high time that we understand that teachers are also human, and that they should not be judged based on our expectations.
Better still, we should rid ourselves of all expectations. Than we will live a simpler and happier life.
By the way, the same can be applied to bosses too!!!
Rules of Engagement
Game rules versus Universal Laws
Just thought of an interesting way to view our "reality". [Of course this would depend on your perspective on almost everything, but it was an interesting thought.]
Have been wondering recently, how best to integrate New Age teachings with Buddhism. Are they mutally exclusive? Or inter-related? How would you picture them as part of a Venn diagram?
It occurred to me that New Age teachings could potentially be a subset of the Universal Laws, or the ultimate reality. I tend to view New Age as Game rules nowadays.
Meaning we exist in this "world", but have no idea/concept of the Truth or ultimate reality. But this "world" also has its own set of rules and laws to abide by.
It is as if we are playing a board game. We fully comprehend the rules of the game, and we abide by it. But outside of the game, we might or might not be fully in touch with the rules of life.
Does it make sense to you? It does to me, in some convoluted way.
Of course, there isn't a real need to integrate them... *shrugs* whatever
Just thought of an interesting way to view our "reality". [Of course this would depend on your perspective on almost everything, but it was an interesting thought.]
Have been wondering recently, how best to integrate New Age teachings with Buddhism. Are they mutally exclusive? Or inter-related? How would you picture them as part of a Venn diagram?
It occurred to me that New Age teachings could potentially be a subset of the Universal Laws, or the ultimate reality. I tend to view New Age as Game rules nowadays.
Meaning we exist in this "world", but have no idea/concept of the Truth or ultimate reality. But this "world" also has its own set of rules and laws to abide by.
It is as if we are playing a board game. We fully comprehend the rules of the game, and we abide by it. But outside of the game, we might or might not be fully in touch with the rules of life.
Does it make sense to you? It does to me, in some convoluted way.
Of course, there isn't a real need to integrate them... *shrugs* whatever
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