Made my first trip to Penang. And I got a tan too.
Well, just wanted to share that there are loads of similarities in a lot of the SEA countries.
I might have been in Penang, but I could have easily been in Singapore, JB, or even Chiang Mai.
They seriously look and feel the same to me. The colonial buildings, with some highrise buildings in the background.
Maybe it's just me, but truly, how different can it get...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Breathing Amitabha Buddha
How many of us are mindful of our breath...we breathe without even knowing or noticing that we are breathing.
It is also the same as saying we live without knowing that we are living.
Yet your breath is ur life...how can u possibly survive without oxygen, without each in and out breath.
It is also the same as saying we live without knowing that we are living.
Yet your breath is ur life...how can u possibly survive without oxygen, without each in and out breath.
Focusing on your breath can bring you back to life! While your life is much more than each breath, without it, there will be no life.
Focusing on your breath brings you back to the present moment. The reminder that life is just moments of breaths.
阿弥(breathe in) 陀佛 (breathe out)I dont like to talk
Is that true? At least I think so, to a certain extent. I do not quite believe in the random talk about the weather and happenings in the world. I am so quiet to the extent that I do not try to make newcomers welcomed.
Attended a retreat few days ago. And we had to observe noble silence during the retreat. Honestly, it wasnt that hard for me. Especially since my friend was strict in observing silence, and yen wasnt in town to talk to me when I get home.
But the important fact was that i can see the difference when the "ban" is over. Once it was over, it was seemingly as if the "floodgates" were opened.
The silence had made me mindful of my speech, and I realised that i still do have the tendency to talk without thinking.
I need to be more mindful!
Attended a retreat few days ago. And we had to observe noble silence during the retreat. Honestly, it wasnt that hard for me. Especially since my friend was strict in observing silence, and yen wasnt in town to talk to me when I get home.
But the important fact was that i can see the difference when the "ban" is over. Once it was over, it was seemingly as if the "floodgates" were opened.
The silence had made me mindful of my speech, and I realised that i still do have the tendency to talk without thinking.
I need to be more mindful!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rushing towards Pureland - 跑西方
There was a session "titled" 跑西方 during the retreat.
Instead of circumvanting the Buddha, we ran instead. To reflect the urgency that we should have in our practice to gain rebirth in Pureland. To me, it was the most "relevant" activity of the retreat. because I could fully comprehend and understood the significance of running towards Pureland.
Life is short and impermanent. IF we only focus on the material and our attachment to our family, career, etc, we are only creating more attachment to our stay in samsara.
And because of the constant motion/activity, I find that it was easier to concentrate.
However the run on the last day was a disappointment to me.
It was solely a lack of discipline and compassion.
The auntie behind me was really really rushing towards "Pureland". Such that she kept stepping on my feet, or bumming into me when she failed to moderate her speed or "brake" in time. And due to this annoyance, frustration arose in me, and I had difficulties concentrating on my own run and thoughts.
Parts of me understood that I should be more understanding and "forgiving", because it's an auntie afterall, and she did seem to be "enjoying" herself. And afterall, we all have the same end goal - Pureland.
Yet aversion could not be stopped. And the thought of that further affected my concentration.
Such that in the end, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to concentrate, and letting frustration overcome me.
On reflection, that whole process seemed like life itself. You can have a goal, which you fix your attention on, but throughout the journey, there will be difficulites and obstacles. You can go on being unhappy about it, or you can accept it, and make the best out of it.
I failed to convert the anger into positive energy. But I am thankful that my mindfulness had helped me to "see" the true frustration. At myself!
Instead of circumvanting the Buddha, we ran instead. To reflect the urgency that we should have in our practice to gain rebirth in Pureland. To me, it was the most "relevant" activity of the retreat. because I could fully comprehend and understood the significance of running towards Pureland.
Life is short and impermanent. IF we only focus on the material and our attachment to our family, career, etc, we are only creating more attachment to our stay in samsara.
And because of the constant motion/activity, I find that it was easier to concentrate.
However the run on the last day was a disappointment to me.
It was solely a lack of discipline and compassion.
The auntie behind me was really really rushing towards "Pureland". Such that she kept stepping on my feet, or bumming into me when she failed to moderate her speed or "brake" in time. And due to this annoyance, frustration arose in me, and I had difficulties concentrating on my own run and thoughts.
Parts of me understood that I should be more understanding and "forgiving", because it's an auntie afterall, and she did seem to be "enjoying" herself. And afterall, we all have the same end goal - Pureland.
Yet aversion could not be stopped. And the thought of that further affected my concentration.
Such that in the end, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to concentrate, and letting frustration overcome me.
On reflection, that whole process seemed like life itself. You can have a goal, which you fix your attention on, but throughout the journey, there will be difficulites and obstacles. You can go on being unhappy about it, or you can accept it, and make the best out of it.
I failed to convert the anger into positive energy. But I am thankful that my mindfulness had helped me to "see" the true frustration. At myself!
Have you found the treasure in your mind that is unaffected even by death?
Is it possible that there is a treasure of yours that is unaffected even after you die?
When a person dies, what is left? Technically nothing. Because you are no longer you. Or are parts of "you" still "surviving"?
For Buddhist, and even the New Agers, there is the belief that our consciousness/soul "lives" on even after death.
To make it simpler, your mind is the treasure that is unaffected even by death.
If you can keep your mind in a good shape no matter what happens around you, you would have lost nothing, for your body goes only as far as death, but your mind goes beyond it.
When a person dies, what is left? Technically nothing. Because you are no longer you. Or are parts of "you" still "surviving"?
For Buddhist, and even the New Agers, there is the belief that our consciousness/soul "lives" on even after death.
To make it simpler, your mind is the treasure that is unaffected even by death.
If you can keep your mind in a good shape no matter what happens around you, you would have lost nothing, for your body goes only as far as death, but your mind goes beyond it.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The curse of first loves, greed & attachment
Met my primary school crush/first love the other day....
and a well of emotions arose in me. quite typical i believe, because we all have regrets and the greed for the unattainable, that which is not meant to be ours.
hm...in that sentence above, i have summarised all my thoughts.
but now how do i than "resolve" it?
i understand it is not meant to be, but my heart is tempted by greed and sensual desires. the ego wants what it has lost, and pride is gearing up to "show off", that "i am living a marvelous life, what about you?"; "do you regret what you have lost?..."
is this totally necessary? what is the whole point of it?
things have already changed, and obviously wont be the same again. and truly, it would never have worked out in the first place, so why the jealousy? whatever happened to contentment in my life?
humans are such silly creatures that i sometimes find it easy to believe that god is up there laughing at us.
watching our shows as "life is but a stage"
i know the moment will pass in time to come, and that my mindfulness has allowed me to capture it in its "first bloom". But my mind is not disciplined enough yet to say "abandon those thoughts and remember gratitude. release the negative emotions and move on"
the ego would like to think that the other party felt the same way, but so what?
so what if it did, or so what if it didnt...
it is not really about first loves.
it is about our greed for love, the attachment to labels and people. the need for companionship...
i will strive for unconditional love to all.
and a well of emotions arose in me. quite typical i believe, because we all have regrets and the greed for the unattainable, that which is not meant to be ours.
hm...in that sentence above, i have summarised all my thoughts.
but now how do i than "resolve" it?
i understand it is not meant to be, but my heart is tempted by greed and sensual desires. the ego wants what it has lost, and pride is gearing up to "show off", that "i am living a marvelous life, what about you?"; "do you regret what you have lost?..."
is this totally necessary? what is the whole point of it?
things have already changed, and obviously wont be the same again. and truly, it would never have worked out in the first place, so why the jealousy? whatever happened to contentment in my life?
humans are such silly creatures that i sometimes find it easy to believe that god is up there laughing at us.
watching our shows as "life is but a stage"
i know the moment will pass in time to come, and that my mindfulness has allowed me to capture it in its "first bloom". But my mind is not disciplined enough yet to say "abandon those thoughts and remember gratitude. release the negative emotions and move on"
the ego would like to think that the other party felt the same way, but so what?
so what if it did, or so what if it didnt...
it is not really about first loves.
it is about our greed for love, the attachment to labels and people. the need for companionship...
i will strive for unconditional love to all.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Do we always exist? The Solar Eclipse answer
Watched over CCTV10 the China Solar Eclipse today.
While it was very amazing, I believe that the impact must be very great for those in the affected parts of China.
As it is, I had those "wow" moments when i saw on screen the different stages of the eclipse.
And that got me thinking about the sun, the moon and earth, about our existence....
How and why do we exist? Scientists are still asking those questions, even though we now already understand about birth and death, about energy, etc....
and i had a moment of realisation, and understood why the Buddha did not answer questions about existence.
It simply isnt important at all.
so what even if we found the answer to how the universe came about. what does it really change? we would only have a better understanding, but life still goes on. it wont change our mindset. wont change our daily activities, wont change the fact that we will still die. So???
do we really need to know? isnt it much better to simply live in the present and not worry nor wonder about our existence. it is a fact that we do exist!
While it was very amazing, I believe that the impact must be very great for those in the affected parts of China.
As it is, I had those "wow" moments when i saw on screen the different stages of the eclipse.
And that got me thinking about the sun, the moon and earth, about our existence....
How and why do we exist? Scientists are still asking those questions, even though we now already understand about birth and death, about energy, etc....
and i had a moment of realisation, and understood why the Buddha did not answer questions about existence.
It simply isnt important at all.
so what even if we found the answer to how the universe came about. what does it really change? we would only have a better understanding, but life still goes on. it wont change our mindset. wont change our daily activities, wont change the fact that we will still die. So???
do we really need to know? isnt it much better to simply live in the present and not worry nor wonder about our existence. it is a fact that we do exist!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Invitation to Reiki Preview and Demonstration
Dear friends,
One of the most popular form of energy healing, Reiki (pronounce "ray-kee”) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki practitioners access this life force, channel and then direct it in healing.
Some Benefits of Reiki
- Alleviate physical, mental and emotional issues
- Reduces pain and stress
- Positive effect on health problems, minor or serious
Come and experience all these for yourself on Friday, 14 August. We'll be introducing Reiki and sharing our Reiki experiences. Beginners to Reiki can also experience the healing energies of Reiki.
- Date: 14 August 2009, Friday
- Time: 7:30p.m. - 9p.m.
- Venue: 33 Taman Warna, Chip Bee Gardens, opp. Holland Village Shopping Centre
RSVP with us at contact@giftofreiki.com
Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to your presence. Please arrive 15 mins earlier so that we can start on time. As we will be seated on the floor, please wear comfortable clothing.
Visit http://www.giftofreiki.com/ to learn more.
Every single word, thought or deed
I term myself a Buddhist because I have taken refuge. But am i truly "qualified" to be one?
I sometimes think not.
Because it is not an easy task to be true to, and follow the Buddha's teachings.
Take Morality and the 5 Precepts for example.
To abstain from stealing. Stealing in this case, is not just the thefts that you read about in the papers. As long as you are not the rightful owner, you would have been considered as having stolen the object even if you were just borrowing it. There are lots of examples of stealing in our daily lives. Examples that most would discount and not think twice about committing.
1. Taking home office stationery for home use, or your kids' use
2. Pushing the time "back" when tearing your carpark coupons
3. Over bargaining with the shop owner
4. Chatting online during office hours (you are stealing the time that your company has paid you for)
Those are just examples to highlight the depth and details towards a moral life.
i want to lead a moral life because i respect and love all beings, and do not wish to suffer nor bring about suffering to others.
more training is involved for me, because every single word, thought or deed has to be fully thought through before it
"appears"
I sometimes think not.
Because it is not an easy task to be true to, and follow the Buddha's teachings.
Take Morality and the 5 Precepts for example.
To abstain from stealing. Stealing in this case, is not just the thefts that you read about in the papers. As long as you are not the rightful owner, you would have been considered as having stolen the object even if you were just borrowing it. There are lots of examples of stealing in our daily lives. Examples that most would discount and not think twice about committing.
1. Taking home office stationery for home use, or your kids' use
2. Pushing the time "back" when tearing your carpark coupons
3. Over bargaining with the shop owner
4. Chatting online during office hours (you are stealing the time that your company has paid you for)
Those are just examples to highlight the depth and details towards a moral life.
i want to lead a moral life because i respect and love all beings, and do not wish to suffer nor bring about suffering to others.
more training is involved for me, because every single word, thought or deed has to be fully thought through before it
"appears"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Vegetarianism
i am a vegetarian.
pple tend to ask when i started to be one. followed by why/how come.
i do answer their questions, but i gave very very generic answers.
i just realised that it is high time i used their questions to their "advantage", and get them to ponder about meat eating.
i am a vegetarian because i cannot bear to know of animals dying because of me.
i am a vegetarian because animals should not suffer in captivity, nor breed in horrible conditions because of me
i am a vegetarian because there will be negative karma from killing and eating animals for pleasure sake
i am a vegetarian because i love and respect all living beings
i am a vegetarian because the very meat you eat, might be your ancestors
i am a vegetarian because i do not wish to suffer or be eaten should i be reborn in the animal realm in my next life
i am a vegetarian, and am proud to be one, and i know my stand
pple tend to ask when i started to be one. followed by why/how come.
i do answer their questions, but i gave very very generic answers.
i just realised that it is high time i used their questions to their "advantage", and get them to ponder about meat eating.
i am a vegetarian because i cannot bear to know of animals dying because of me.
i am a vegetarian because animals should not suffer in captivity, nor breed in horrible conditions because of me
i am a vegetarian because there will be negative karma from killing and eating animals for pleasure sake
i am a vegetarian because i love and respect all living beings
i am a vegetarian because the very meat you eat, might be your ancestors
i am a vegetarian because i do not wish to suffer or be eaten should i be reborn in the animal realm in my next life
i am a vegetarian, and am proud to be one, and i know my stand
The bet on luck
is just plain pure greed.
Is there really something such as luck? why do we depend on luck for winning the lottery, getting the job we want, winning the lucky draw?
Does luck exist, or really help/work?
As a believer of karma, there would be no concept of luck, because everything happens for a reason, due to a cause.
So basically, whatever is meant to be will be.
we are just using luck to rationalise away our greed for more, for the material things in life.
Is there really something such as luck? why do we depend on luck for winning the lottery, getting the job we want, winning the lucky draw?
Does luck exist, or really help/work?
As a believer of karma, there would be no concept of luck, because everything happens for a reason, due to a cause.
So basically, whatever is meant to be will be.
we are just using luck to rationalise away our greed for more, for the material things in life.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Strategising your life purpose
Had a life coaching session by my friend the other day.
The end results are actionables, and a timeline.
well, it does appear that i can put to good use the skills that i have picked up as a consultant. and use those same skills in my life, to strategise my actions towards the fulfilment of my life purpose.
a lot of us wander thru life without a thought about our life purpose. similiarly, there will be those who are seeking their purpose, and/or working hard towards it.
whatever the case, or the life purpose, it would be good to just be in the present....
The end results are actionables, and a timeline.
well, it does appear that i can put to good use the skills that i have picked up as a consultant. and use those same skills in my life, to strategise my actions towards the fulfilment of my life purpose.
a lot of us wander thru life without a thought about our life purpose. similiarly, there will be those who are seeking their purpose, and/or working hard towards it.
whatever the case, or the life purpose, it would be good to just be in the present....
Friday, July 17, 2009
Crying at births should be the way
by that i do not mean that you cry because you are touched that another life has been born.
Being born, or BIRTH. is not that marvelous a state/situation. Yes, a new life has come about, but together with it, comes sickness, aging, and finally death. without birth, there would be none of the rest. none of the worry, the suffering, the dying....
and yet humans still have the wrong view, that death is a fearful state, one that should be avoided. it is a fact of life that you are born to die.
and if you have not been born in the first place, there would be nothing to fear or worry about, much less suffer
Being born, or BIRTH. is not that marvelous a state/situation. Yes, a new life has come about, but together with it, comes sickness, aging, and finally death. without birth, there would be none of the rest. none of the worry, the suffering, the dying....
and yet humans still have the wrong view, that death is a fearful state, one that should be avoided. it is a fact of life that you are born to die.
and if you have not been born in the first place, there would be nothing to fear or worry about, much less suffer
Thursday, July 16, 2009
i cant breathe
not in the typical sense of not having oxygen enter the body. but more of one where i feel restrained and restricted.
but of course the irony always is, i create my own breathing difficulties.
am at a stage of development where i am losing control (somewhat) over my mind and thoughts.
it never used to be that hard, but now i struggle to pull myself back into the present moment.
is it cos i am sliding? or because i have improved on my mindfulness, and the "evils" seem even larger and occur more frequently! but yet i m not ready to "dissolve" them or transcend beyond.
i might have the skillsets, but my training is far from being finished.
well, u can gasp for air and still not die for a long long time.
but of course the irony always is, i create my own breathing difficulties.
am at a stage of development where i am losing control (somewhat) over my mind and thoughts.
it never used to be that hard, but now i struggle to pull myself back into the present moment.
is it cos i am sliding? or because i have improved on my mindfulness, and the "evils" seem even larger and occur more frequently! but yet i m not ready to "dissolve" them or transcend beyond.
i might have the skillsets, but my training is far from being finished.
well, u can gasp for air and still not die for a long long time.
My KARMA!
It suddenly came to me the other day, that I had already experienced some of my negative karma....
I planted some bad seeds when I was younger and in a relationship....and few years down the road, the exact same suffering/situation that i had put the other person in, happened to me.
well, that was really fast. it only proves that it is really easy for the negative karma to ripen when the conditions are right.
so pls be careful of your body, speech and mind. u never know when and what is going to come back and bite you
I planted some bad seeds when I was younger and in a relationship....and few years down the road, the exact same suffering/situation that i had put the other person in, happened to me.
well, that was really fast. it only proves that it is really easy for the negative karma to ripen when the conditions are right.
so pls be careful of your body, speech and mind. u never know when and what is going to come back and bite you
A timely wake-up call
It is really amazing how things can work out for a person when you least expect it to.
I just want to record down the timely reminder that I got from my spiritual "teachers"...
Have been feeling lost and restless these few days, and that obviously led to a lapse in my discipline and practices.
So surprise of surprise, 2 days after my major lapse, they msged to ask how my practice was coming along.
I firmly believe that they were guided to remind me, and I am very thankful that I have them around, to push me along and show me the path.
Amituofo
I just want to record down the timely reminder that I got from my spiritual "teachers"...
Have been feeling lost and restless these few days, and that obviously led to a lapse in my discipline and practices.
So surprise of surprise, 2 days after my major lapse, they msged to ask how my practice was coming along.
I firmly believe that they were guided to remind me, and I am very thankful that I have them around, to push me along and show me the path.
Amituofo
Overtime once again
Not sure how many of you remembered the Japanese drama serial "Overtime", which was aired in 1999(?)....
I got the VCD recently and watched it all over again.
It's about love/relationships and friendship. 3 good galfrens and the happenings around them when they are near 30.
I have thought that it was a very good show, and even now, 10 years down the road, my feelings are the same.
I was quite upset but touched when the male lead gave up the girl he likes, in order that she may find happiness with someone else. (I was obviously rooting for him)
But it was a very very good lesson for me. The same old saying that if you love the person, you should let him/her go.
And it is very true, because if you truly cared about the person, his/her welfare and happiness is more important than your own.
Love is actually a very conditioned thing. While you might love the other person, a lot of it is conditional, meaning you only love him/her for certain reasons, and/or because you expect some things from the other.
If your love is truly unconditional, than that love can be given to the whole world, to all the sick and dirty, poor and hungry. But that is not the case, is it?
I got the VCD recently and watched it all over again.
It's about love/relationships and friendship. 3 good galfrens and the happenings around them when they are near 30.
I have thought that it was a very good show, and even now, 10 years down the road, my feelings are the same.
I was quite upset but touched when the male lead gave up the girl he likes, in order that she may find happiness with someone else. (I was obviously rooting for him)
But it was a very very good lesson for me. The same old saying that if you love the person, you should let him/her go.
And it is very true, because if you truly cared about the person, his/her welfare and happiness is more important than your own.
Love is actually a very conditioned thing. While you might love the other person, a lot of it is conditional, meaning you only love him/her for certain reasons, and/or because you expect some things from the other.
If your love is truly unconditional, than that love can be given to the whole world, to all the sick and dirty, poor and hungry. But that is not the case, is it?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Most "hated" list - No 1: Attending weddings
No offense to those whose weddings I have attended.
But weddings are not my favourite outings.
Yes, i am totally happy for the bride and groom, and is proud to be able to share that special moment with them, and i do wish them all the best in their journey together.
but weddings take a lot out of me, and can screw up my whole balance. of course it is my own fault for allowing that to happen, and it does show that i am not yet mature or disciplined enough to withstand all the "temptations", etc,
but it is really VERY HARD FOR ME!
it is not the waiting for guests to arrive, dinner to be served, or listening to lousy emcees.
it is the fact that i am stuck at the table with friends whom i have not seen for a long long time, and everyone is updating each other on what is happening in their lives right now.
updating is putting it nicely. depending on which group of friends you are with, it can become a comparing thing, meaning we are all showing off our wonderful careers, lovely cars, branded clothes, or cute babies.
or it is a judging contest. in any case, it upset my balance because i do not know how to communicate with my friends anymore.
i m no longer that concerned with where i m working, how much i m earning, how prestigious my firm is, how long i have been married.
i only want to get out of samsara, and the conversations are so not helping me. it burdens me, tempts me, and somehow i allow it to drag me back into the whole cyclic existence thingy. argh!
yes, it is because i am not mindful enough. it is because i still have ego and pride. it is because i still need to cultivate.
i have often thought tat the easiest way out is to avoid these events. but how can i miss the weddings of good friends who have been there for me, and as mentioned previously, sitting on a cushion isnt going to help me get my mind trained. it is occassion like that that i get the training required.
but do pardon me if i fail to bring myself to attend your wedding.
i still love you, but my sanity is obviously more important. [that is quite a selfish tot...argh]
But weddings are not my favourite outings.
Yes, i am totally happy for the bride and groom, and is proud to be able to share that special moment with them, and i do wish them all the best in their journey together.
but weddings take a lot out of me, and can screw up my whole balance. of course it is my own fault for allowing that to happen, and it does show that i am not yet mature or disciplined enough to withstand all the "temptations", etc,
but it is really VERY HARD FOR ME!
it is not the waiting for guests to arrive, dinner to be served, or listening to lousy emcees.
it is the fact that i am stuck at the table with friends whom i have not seen for a long long time, and everyone is updating each other on what is happening in their lives right now.
updating is putting it nicely. depending on which group of friends you are with, it can become a comparing thing, meaning we are all showing off our wonderful careers, lovely cars, branded clothes, or cute babies.
or it is a judging contest. in any case, it upset my balance because i do not know how to communicate with my friends anymore.
i m no longer that concerned with where i m working, how much i m earning, how prestigious my firm is, how long i have been married.
i only want to get out of samsara, and the conversations are so not helping me. it burdens me, tempts me, and somehow i allow it to drag me back into the whole cyclic existence thingy. argh!
yes, it is because i am not mindful enough. it is because i still have ego and pride. it is because i still need to cultivate.
i have often thought tat the easiest way out is to avoid these events. but how can i miss the weddings of good friends who have been there for me, and as mentioned previously, sitting on a cushion isnt going to help me get my mind trained. it is occassion like that that i get the training required.
but do pardon me if i fail to bring myself to attend your wedding.
i still love you, but my sanity is obviously more important. [that is quite a selfish tot...argh]
Wilting flowers on the altar
I offer flowers on the altar to the Buddha, but as per normal, they dont last very long, and soon the yellow leaves, or drooping leaves will appear.
Of course the offering of flowers is something symbolic. It's there for us to meditate on impermanence. but yet i still would like the flowers to look fresh and beautiful. Life is such an irony.
Of course the offering of flowers is something symbolic. It's there for us to meditate on impermanence. but yet i still would like the flowers to look fresh and beautiful. Life is such an irony.
Monday, July 13, 2009
1000 piece mandala - Achievement?
It took a long while to finish this jigzag. Mostly because we didnt stick to it, and only picked it up once in a while. So guess we took a good year or so since the purchase before it was finally pieced together.
Well, it was good fun, and good exercise.
but i dont feel anything now that it is completed. oh well.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hair for Hope 2009
I have always wanted to become part of Hair for Hope.
And I tot that my chance came this year, because the timing was right as I wasnt working and neednt worry about facing clients without my hair.
But for some reasons, I kept delaying my registration. Until it was way too late and I couldnt join anymore.
Reasons for delay:
1. I was procrastinating
2. I wanted "permission" from my husband
3. There was a wedding to attend in July
Of course than i reflected...
i wasnt ready for this activity. my intention was totally wrong!!!
ya i wanted to raise funds for the children, but at the back of my heart, i was more concerned about how people will view me without my hair. not from the appearance angle, but more of they will think that i have sacrified my hair because i am a "good" person. the "recognition" was more important that the fundraising itself.
i am still with my hair, but another lesson learnt.
And I tot that my chance came this year, because the timing was right as I wasnt working and neednt worry about facing clients without my hair.
But for some reasons, I kept delaying my registration. Until it was way too late and I couldnt join anymore.
Reasons for delay:
1. I was procrastinating
2. I wanted "permission" from my husband
3. There was a wedding to attend in July
Of course than i reflected...
i wasnt ready for this activity. my intention was totally wrong!!!
ya i wanted to raise funds for the children, but at the back of my heart, i was more concerned about how people will view me without my hair. not from the appearance angle, but more of they will think that i have sacrified my hair because i am a "good" person. the "recognition" was more important that the fundraising itself.
i am still with my hair, but another lesson learnt.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Their special day 11th July 2009
Finally attended my good friend Tyng's wedding. Am so happy for her!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Buddhist Activist
Venerable was sharing that she hopes Buddhists will be more proactive to reach out and assist the population.
Does being a Buddhist and Activist conflict with each other? Can they mutually exist?
As a general rule, Buddhists tend (or try) to watch their speech, and might be slow to comment on the happenings in today’s world. They might have a view which is kept to themselves because they do not see the need to bring it up forcefully, or engage others to agree with them.
Or maybe because of the concept of karma, some might feel that action is not as necessary.
Yet I believe that we can be Buddhist Activist. (Sort of like the Dalai Lama) We can still push for change in a peaceful, positive manner. It will not be easy to achieve but if we hold the right principles of equanimity and respect for all, with the right motivation to aid all beings, step by step, we can still influence the society through leading/living as an example.
Of course operationally, it would be hard to get a group of Buddhist activist together, much less all to agree on the same principles, same intentions, same actions, same beneficiaries, etc…
But that being said, Buddhists care about all sentient beings, and we should try and give of our best in order to aid others and be a part of the change.
The first method of pushing for change is to be one yourself. Be the change you wish to see.
Does being a Buddhist and Activist conflict with each other? Can they mutually exist?
As a general rule, Buddhists tend (or try) to watch their speech, and might be slow to comment on the happenings in today’s world. They might have a view which is kept to themselves because they do not see the need to bring it up forcefully, or engage others to agree with them.
Or maybe because of the concept of karma, some might feel that action is not as necessary.
Yet I believe that we can be Buddhist Activist. (Sort of like the Dalai Lama) We can still push for change in a peaceful, positive manner. It will not be easy to achieve but if we hold the right principles of equanimity and respect for all, with the right motivation to aid all beings, step by step, we can still influence the society through leading/living as an example.
Of course operationally, it would be hard to get a group of Buddhist activist together, much less all to agree on the same principles, same intentions, same actions, same beneficiaries, etc…
But that being said, Buddhists care about all sentient beings, and we should try and give of our best in order to aid others and be a part of the change.
The first method of pushing for change is to be one yourself. Be the change you wish to see.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
My best practice in July
This might sound a little odd, but my best practice was actually at the funeral mentioned previously. On reflection, guess I can attribute it to the right motivation.
I decided to attend the funeral partly for selfish reasons. I wanted to assist the deceased, gain merits, and understand about Pureland funerals. But when I started to chant, I focused all my attention and “energy” on the thought of “directing” the deceased to Pureland. Sure, I got distracted once in a while, but most of my concentration was on Amitabha Buddha’s name, and the “power” it had to “save” the deceased.
I was actually disappointed when it ended. I thought the energy generated by those present to help was fantastic, and I understood that we had all benefited from the wish to be of service of another. I wish it could have gone on for longer, to create a even more conducive “environment” for the deceased to be mindful of the Buddha.
The funeral practice further reinforced (for me), the importance of having the right motivation.
Previously I was chanting because I wanted to get out of samsara. Even though bodhicitta was at the back of my mind, it wasn’t the focus. Self-centredness was. I am not afraid nor ashamed to share this, for if I was perfect, I wont be here anymore. I am still learning on my Dharma path, and there will be days when I lapse into ignorance and delusion. But I am determined to work at the noble 8 fold path, and cultivate my morality, concentration and wisdom.
There is no free lunch in this world. Good karma can only lead you part of the way.
I decided to attend the funeral partly for selfish reasons. I wanted to assist the deceased, gain merits, and understand about Pureland funerals. But when I started to chant, I focused all my attention and “energy” on the thought of “directing” the deceased to Pureland. Sure, I got distracted once in a while, but most of my concentration was on Amitabha Buddha’s name, and the “power” it had to “save” the deceased.
I was actually disappointed when it ended. I thought the energy generated by those present to help was fantastic, and I understood that we had all benefited from the wish to be of service of another. I wish it could have gone on for longer, to create a even more conducive “environment” for the deceased to be mindful of the Buddha.
The funeral practice further reinforced (for me), the importance of having the right motivation.
Previously I was chanting because I wanted to get out of samsara. Even though bodhicitta was at the back of my mind, it wasn’t the focus. Self-centredness was. I am not afraid nor ashamed to share this, for if I was perfect, I wont be here anymore. I am still learning on my Dharma path, and there will be days when I lapse into ignorance and delusion. But I am determined to work at the noble 8 fold path, and cultivate my morality, concentration and wisdom.
There is no free lunch in this world. Good karma can only lead you part of the way.
Monday, July 6, 2009
2 funerals worlds apart
Tied to the previous entry, I was thinking to myself of the difference between the funeral I had attended, and that of Michael Jackson’s. (Obviously I had not attended MJ’s, but I can just imagine how grand it would be. Just look at all the memorial activities going on)
Would you like to be like MJ, and be remembered when you leave?
But when you reflect, so what if you are remembered by half the world? You are no longer around to know or care. It would not affect “where” you are “going”.
Thousands (or more) die everyday, so what’s the big deal with MJ’s?
Why do we not moan the death of strangers? Are they any less than MJ? We are all human beings, and we all die, so what difference does it make?
Would you like to be like MJ, and be remembered when you leave?
But when you reflect, so what if you are remembered by half the world? You are no longer around to know or care. It would not affect “where” you are “going”.
Thousands (or more) die everyday, so what’s the big deal with MJ’s?
Why do we not moan the death of strangers? Are they any less than MJ? We are all human beings, and we all die, so what difference does it make?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy funeral outing
I attended a funeral yesterday night. And for the first time in my short life, it was a funeral for a stranger, and one of those where I was sincerely happy to be present. Happy for the deceased. (No offense to the family of the deceased)
Why should we cry and feel sad at funerals? You never know if it was the wish of the deceased to leave this life. Or if the deceased had “moved” on to a better “life”, be it the heavens (for Christians) or Pureland (for Buddhist).
When I was young, I thought of dying, that death is the preferable choice instead of living in this world of suffering. I have often insisted that my friends be happy for me at my death, that it would have been my choice, even though I might have died of sickness or accident. Death is an easy way out for those who fail to come to terms with the laws of the universe.
Growing older, without death in my sight, I learnt of karma, of contentment, of Pureland.
If we live a life of contentment, there would be no regrets when we leave. No need for statements of “I will travel around the world when I retire and enjoy myself”… no need to be attached to what is going to happen in the future.
Whatever will happen has already happened. That is the law of karma.
The law of cause and effect. Proven by science.
What you get out of this life is what you have/had sowed. So if we sow only the positive, the good, and the kind, your returns would have been the same, and there is no fear of the future, of the unknown.
I attended the funeral because of a call for friends to chant the Amitabha Buddha’s name, in order to remind the deceased’s consciousness (on the hope that it is still around) to be mindful of the Buddha, and hopefully gain rebirth in the Western Pureland.
It was a big group of us that “volunteered” and I went with an open and happy heart. It truly felt like a happy outing. One of the best that I have been on. Because just one hour spent might change the path of a stranger. There are not many activities that would have been more worthy of my time.
Amituofo.
Why should we cry and feel sad at funerals? You never know if it was the wish of the deceased to leave this life. Or if the deceased had “moved” on to a better “life”, be it the heavens (for Christians) or Pureland (for Buddhist).
When I was young, I thought of dying, that death is the preferable choice instead of living in this world of suffering. I have often insisted that my friends be happy for me at my death, that it would have been my choice, even though I might have died of sickness or accident. Death is an easy way out for those who fail to come to terms with the laws of the universe.
Growing older, without death in my sight, I learnt of karma, of contentment, of Pureland.
If we live a life of contentment, there would be no regrets when we leave. No need for statements of “I will travel around the world when I retire and enjoy myself”… no need to be attached to what is going to happen in the future.
Whatever will happen has already happened. That is the law of karma.
The law of cause and effect. Proven by science.
What you get out of this life is what you have/had sowed. So if we sow only the positive, the good, and the kind, your returns would have been the same, and there is no fear of the future, of the unknown.
I attended the funeral because of a call for friends to chant the Amitabha Buddha’s name, in order to remind the deceased’s consciousness (on the hope that it is still around) to be mindful of the Buddha, and hopefully gain rebirth in the Western Pureland.
It was a big group of us that “volunteered” and I went with an open and happy heart. It truly felt like a happy outing. One of the best that I have been on. Because just one hour spent might change the path of a stranger. There are not many activities that would have been more worthy of my time.
Amituofo.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Stubbornness = Ignorance?
In my opinion, stubbornness is a form of ignorance. [Or maybe it could be due to negative karma, but that’s not the point of this entry]
Stubbornness to hold onto your own views and opinions, even though it can be proven to be wrong. If something is happening in front of you, how can you still discount it and say it is false? It doesn’t make any sense to me. I can only infer that the failure to acknowledge the truth is due to ignorance. Ignorance of the right view of life. Ignorance of the Buddha Dharma.
If you are not ready to listen, the best that can happen is that seeds are planted. In the hope that they will bloom in future. In the future when the conditions are right for your to learn and realize the truth.
Stubbornness to hold onto your own views and opinions, even though it can be proven to be wrong. If something is happening in front of you, how can you still discount it and say it is false? It doesn’t make any sense to me. I can only infer that the failure to acknowledge the truth is due to ignorance. Ignorance of the right view of life. Ignorance of the Buddha Dharma.
If you are not ready to listen, the best that can happen is that seeds are planted. In the hope that they will bloom in future. In the future when the conditions are right for your to learn and realize the truth.
Friday, July 3, 2009
A time for patience
I am cultivating my patience these few days. Patience to listen to complains and grumbling. Patience required to counsel one who is not listening. I have wanted to give up, throw in the towel and say “do as you wish, since you are the one suffering anyway”…
Yet if I was to take a step back and evaluate, the situation is actually a very good one for me to practice my patience. Good qualities are not cultivated by sitting on a cushion. It needs to be put into practice, through interaction with the ‘real’ world.
Now is the time for me to develop my patience, and I will work hard at it. Jia you!
Yet if I was to take a step back and evaluate, the situation is actually a very good one for me to practice my patience. Good qualities are not cultivated by sitting on a cushion. It needs to be put into practice, through interaction with the ‘real’ world.
Now is the time for me to develop my patience, and I will work hard at it. Jia you!
I deserve/need a break
Why does that thought come into our minds?
Do we truly need rest from our day to day activities/work?
On what/whose scale do you use to proclaim, ok, i am stressed out and need a break?
Everyone thinks that they have been working very hard, but outsiders might not agree. So who is right???
Do we truly need rest from our day to day activities/work?
On what/whose scale do you use to proclaim, ok, i am stressed out and need a break?
Everyone thinks that they have been working very hard, but outsiders might not agree. So who is right???
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Why are you not grateful?
This is "dedicated" to the person who snores most in my life
Why are you not grateful that you can wake up every morning?
Why are you not grateful that you can snore your way to sleep every night?
Why are you not grateful that you have a lovely home to return to?
Why are you not grateful that you have all four limbs still intact?
Why are you not grateful that you have a relatively healthy body?
Why are you not grateful that you are able to enjoy delicious food?
Why are you not grateful that you can indulge in your passions?
Why are you not grateful that you have techy stuff to play with?
Why are you not grateful that you have a job?
Why are you not grateful that you can travel on holidays?
Why are you not grateful that you have family and friends around you?
Why is it humans can have so much but still complain that they are lacking???
The cows, the chickens, the pigs have it worst. They are reared and butchered for food, and have to suffer diseases that most likely were transmitted by/from humans, and ended up being blamed for it.
How can we be so selfish and lacking in gratitude???
Why are you not grateful that you can wake up every morning?
Why are you not grateful that you can snore your way to sleep every night?
Why are you not grateful that you have a lovely home to return to?
Why are you not grateful that you have all four limbs still intact?
Why are you not grateful that you have a relatively healthy body?
Why are you not grateful that you are able to enjoy delicious food?
Why are you not grateful that you can indulge in your passions?
Why are you not grateful that you have techy stuff to play with?
Why are you not grateful that you have a job?
Why are you not grateful that you can travel on holidays?
Why are you not grateful that you have family and friends around you?
Why is it humans can have so much but still complain that they are lacking???
The cows, the chickens, the pigs have it worst. They are reared and butchered for food, and have to suffer diseases that most likely were transmitted by/from humans, and ended up being blamed for it.
How can we be so selfish and lacking in gratitude???
Trust. Respect. Choice
For those who heard of this before, let me clarify, this is not a post about AWARE.
It's about the importance of the values of Trust, Respect and Choice in any relationship.
Some couples get married and forget that their spouse is still an individual, one who has their own opinions and right to act. We tend to forget that our spouse has their own right to make their choices, even those that might not be favourable to the family.
In times like this, we need to trust them and respect their decision. but of course it is easier said than done.
What would you do or how would you react if you learnt that your spouse quit his/her job even though you dont quite agree with the decision? (Or other major decisions without your consent)
Yes, there might be bills to pay, the economy is lousy, unemployment rate is high, it was a high paying job...
the reasons to stay are endless, but have you truly listened and understood the reason behind the choice. did you show respect and trust that the choice is the right one?
Sometimes it's about respect, sometimes it's about communication. but end of the day, you love the person and should show your support and/or respect.
I would, even if it was a totally silly decision. People have to learn to make mistakes, and grow from there. If they never took that first step, they would never know where it would led them to.
Challenges and Opportunities are pretty much the same thing, just depending on how you view them.
Trust that the Choice is right. Respect Choice.
It's about the importance of the values of Trust, Respect and Choice in any relationship.
Some couples get married and forget that their spouse is still an individual, one who has their own opinions and right to act. We tend to forget that our spouse has their own right to make their choices, even those that might not be favourable to the family.
In times like this, we need to trust them and respect their decision. but of course it is easier said than done.
What would you do or how would you react if you learnt that your spouse quit his/her job even though you dont quite agree with the decision? (Or other major decisions without your consent)
Yes, there might be bills to pay, the economy is lousy, unemployment rate is high, it was a high paying job...
the reasons to stay are endless, but have you truly listened and understood the reason behind the choice. did you show respect and trust that the choice is the right one?
Sometimes it's about respect, sometimes it's about communication. but end of the day, you love the person and should show your support and/or respect.
I would, even if it was a totally silly decision. People have to learn to make mistakes, and grow from there. If they never took that first step, they would never know where it would led them to.
Challenges and Opportunities are pretty much the same thing, just depending on how you view them.
Trust that the Choice is right. Respect Choice.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
钻牛角尖
Hope I got the chinese words right. Long time since i had to choose the correct word for the phrase.
Why is it that humans like to think and think and think?
I am not a good one to comment, since I do that too, but it is quite silly right?
Why must they dig deeper and deeper into something that already has an obvious answer?
Or when that obvious answer is right in front of them, they ignore?
If there is only one way out, more time spent on thinking wont produce another answer. you can analyse till the cows come home, and the answer is still the same. we are sometimes too inflexible, or we are blinded to the truth.
The truth that life is impermanent.
When you understand this fact of life, nothing much else matters. and you wont need to think and analyse all your decisions.
Why is it that humans like to think and think and think?
I am not a good one to comment, since I do that too, but it is quite silly right?
Why must they dig deeper and deeper into something that already has an obvious answer?
Or when that obvious answer is right in front of them, they ignore?
If there is only one way out, more time spent on thinking wont produce another answer. you can analyse till the cows come home, and the answer is still the same. we are sometimes too inflexible, or we are blinded to the truth.
The truth that life is impermanent.
When you understand this fact of life, nothing much else matters. and you wont need to think and analyse all your decisions.
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