My idea of a religion of love

There is a doctor that knows the cause of his patient's illness, existence of this illness, knows that the illness can be cured and prescribe the best drug to cure his patient.

He treats all patient with loving-kindess, empathize their plight, shows compassion for all his patients and treats all patient equally irregardless of who he needs to save.

He does not conjure miracles yet is the master of all minds just like how he can differentiate each of the body parts. He treats by the mind since illness sprouds from the untamed mind. He needs no glorification of his deeds, praises of his skill or acknowledgement of his status for he knows the law of impermance and strive only to cure the sufferings.

He does not loves selfishly but directs all his love to all sentient beings. His cause of love is not due to being loved or to love but a love just like how a mother shows to her only child unconditionally.

Such is a doctor worthy of praise, supreme in moral and deeds, and wholesome in thoughts and actions. Thus religion of love is the religion he preaches :)

欲望

欲望，你从何处来？你要得到什么？几时离开往哪儿去？

欲望，你是世间的推动力。你带来了财富，信心，快乐，还有很多很多。
但你来时，你也带来悲伤。你也没跟我们说你带来的礼物都是虚假无实。
但我们也知道都是我们欢迎你的到来，让你当我们的主人。并非你的错。

欲望，你也是虚假无实，缘生缘灭的。人们却把你抱得紧紧的。
接受你的都是不认识你的追求者。认识你的却不想跟你有关系。

欲望，你善常的就是伪装。就如一个幻师，我们要什么你变什么。
你最得意的时候就是我们把你当成究竟无上的领导者。

我只愿认知你的到来，你的离去，无痕无记。

Brotherhood under Buddhism

Thanks FGS youths that either came down to visit my mum or sent your regards :) Throdding the path of Buddhism is never all bed of rose but I get inspiration and motivation everyday. Fostered great friendships, laughters and days we strive together, its something that drives me going on :)

As I have always mentioned, Buddhism is an optimistic religion :) It lets you realise the true nature of things. You might find it hard to accept things as it is at life. But overcoming oneself allow one to grow wholesomely. No escaping but embracing challenge of changes at every moment.

Being the child of Buddhism, we still makes silly mistakes, we still grumble, quarrel at times but it all ends with a smile. For we all know we did all this with no condition but only to put others' benefit before us, hoping to grow together :)

A true buddhist I feel should not have any sectorial boundaries, schools' devision or any sort of discrimination. For we all should know they are just expedient means crafted out with compassion by Buddhas and various teachers of the Dharma :)

Blind faith Vs Wisdom

Mass. woman sees image of Jesus on her iron

METHUEN, Mass. – A Massachusetts woman who recently separated from her husband and had her hours cut at work says an image of Jesus Christ she sees on her iron has reassured her that "life is going to be good."

Mary Jo Coady first noticed the image Sunday when she walked into her daughter's room.

The brownish residue on the bottom of the iron looks like the face of a man with long hair.

The 44-year-old Coady was raised Catholic. She and her two college-age daughters agree that the image looks like Jesus and is proof that "he's listening."

Coady tells The Eagle-Tribune she hopes her story will inspire others during the holidays. She says she plans to keep the iron in a closet and buy a new one.

Comment: Is that the act of superstition or true reflection of faith. I personally feel that all things are in relative sense. This is a prefect sense of blind faith at least to the people reading the article.But its also a perfect example of how blind faith can be a pillar of support for its believer.

Blind faith might dim the inquisitive mind and retards grown of wisdom. Gives rise to superstition and might even cause the believer to stop learning more about their "God". But to some one facing hardship, isn't it the best antidote for fear and doubts about life.

I suppose the best way to tackle uncertainties in life is to master their mind. Just like a conjurer that is doing his hat tricks. He then decides which trick best satisfy his audience. We should at all times pursue our wisdom earnestly yet know when to let faith does its work. After all, relationship between wisdom and faith is not a separate entity, but a continuous change of mindset. With faith you acquire the wisdom of the saints and with wisdom, brings your faith up a level that may even surpass limited knowledge of mankind.

法鼓山之行

All thanks to fellow Dharma friend and thus get to venture into Dharma Drum Mountain! It is their 心六伦 carnival. If not wrong since beginning this year, I get to know about these movement and it was a very influential and successful campaign in Taiwan. I would say a good move to integrate buddhism into daily life.

I suppose its also one of a kind that manage to get help from various celebrities and social figures. Not knowing what I need to do, I was sent to become a mobile ticket seller! What a wonderful position where I get to mingle with people and find out more about the event myself. Later to find that 1st comer of event was not the minority :)

Whole place was decorated with the stars' poster but with a very good intention i feel. The posters was filled with the instructions of each 六伦. Practically no wall is left untouched! One of the game is to hold a glass bowl fully filled with water and the player suppose to walk through some ups and downs pavements without spilling over. Now I suppose its a great test of concentration!

Like I was saying, I suppose my greatest gains of the day was to get to know alot of new buddhist friends! All rendering service in different temples and came together to help out with the carnival.

My short interactions with the temple was rather comfortable. A strong motive of bringing buddhism more "mundane" yet never fails to promote cultivations especially of meditation. Really hope they could soon have their more permanent foothold in Singapore :)

A close and personal with Ajahn Brahm :)

Not really up close and personal with his reverence sir but with the projector screen :) Down to Singapore Buddhist Lodge with a friend to hear his teaching of "Decision Making" and indeed gained a great deal from his wisdom.

He starts by sharing a joke on a particular shipping magazine inviting him to do a column of shipping strategies and he was rather puzzled since his is well verse in the Dharma but never on shipping. And strange enough the magazine became best-selling and major shipping market players were praising how Venerable was giving such insightful input on current shipping fundamentals.

Ajahn Brahm then go on to share factors to be mindful of when making decision. It should not be selfish, having ill-will, should be wise and not out of fear. I suppose the current economic crisis is due to decision makers' decision that based of personal gratifications, that even goes into making others less well off as long as the bank or own pocket has been taken care of, usually a closed and framed sight of market factors and monetary goal orientation, and lastly when there is a slight notion of economic breakdown, all investors fleed the market resulted in inadequate fundings and cash iliquidity.

How about person decisions? People tends to expect monetary gains instead of what they could do for the company even at the onset of interview. With such greed in mind, potentially it does not do the firm and the employee well. The emotional contract between the employee and the employer is only temporary stablized by the $ sign!

Another humorous story shared by the venerable is something on crisis. A guy was chased by a hungry tiger, decided to jump into a perceived dry well. Upon jumping in found out that its dry and has a giant snake waiting to strike. So he decided to balance himself by climbing on a vine, then comes to find that there is 2 mice chewing on the vine. Now he faced with a tiger waiting up there trying to reach him. A snake strking him below and a mice chewing on his only life line. Because of the tiger's movement, a beehive starts to drip honey down the well. Ajahn brahm then commented, just pull out his tongue to enjoy the honey! We often worry too much and miss the honey. In the end, Ajahn Brahm ends the story by saying the tiger lost his balance and fell into the well killing the snake! Haha!

I suppose any decision based on the guidelines suggested by the Tathagata is well thought off and will definitely profits anyone in the context of the decision!

I really went home feeling so delighted by Ajahn Brahm humorous yet wise sharing! Already anticipating when is the next session! haha

Strolling and being mindfulness of the restless mind

How should the way be opened for a practioner when advancing thy own paths might also be lossing some great companions along the way. For him, both is as important but less on companionship but striving oneself in his path in hope to spread the Dharma to his dear friends.

Pondering the episode on how Skayamuni Buddha going forth to the homelessness, letting go of kinship and his usual familar social circle in search of the truth with compassion being his motivations.

With a mind full of defilements so restless and unwise, yet the drive for him is the pursue of the practise that has never left his eyes. Maybe only by earnestly studying the discourses of the Buddha could he rest his mind and frees his endless worries.

Maybe the only witness to his way is the lessening of greed, hatred and delusions.

Throdding the mundane path with a spirtual mind and believes that there should be no barriers between the two is the way to go for him.

Well worked out for the body and the mind

Had a great run this morning with 6000+ . And most of all meeting up with friends and their friends :) Its always good to have some work outs with ppl that likes to sweat it all out! The sun and wind seems to inject energy to this weak body of mine suffering from frequent flu attacks recently.

The legs seems to have did their job well with no cramps and little aches. But the stomache muscles were in pain all along from stitches. Felt not very well needing to walk at some of the journey and the body just wears off faster. Yet finishing was not my goal but rather the thought of needing to rush to the next appointment!! Completed the race in just about an hour! I think its a not bad result for me! with all the walks and stuff!

Noon was well spent with spirtual involvement and had great chat with a great spirtual friend of mine. I would say I sort of iron out the priorites of my practise. Sad also to found that I had really left my practise for some time :( But advancing might also mean letting go and changing some current situations of mine. Not letting some friends down is the only thing that holds me back . . . . . .

参与

参与在于理，理在于信，信在于把信心健在哪里。

健在友情，人聚人散；
健在爱情，爱会变质；
健在兴趣，会倦会变；
健在功德，功德在无为；
健在道场，道场无处；
健在所托，生冤生悔；

从苦，空，无我了解诸法无常。
要信心放在无常法，不实有变。
信心薄弱，参与根本无理建立。

接受无常，面对不顺，了解诸现象只是过程。
生生灭灭，坦然面对，欢喜接受放下。
参与无为，功德无量。

维摩诘经 - 菩萨品第四

维摩诘经 - 菩萨品第四

光严童子 ：居士从何而来？
维摩诘 ：吾从道场来。
光严童子 ：道场者何所是？

维摩诘 ：真心是道场，无虚假故；
发行是道场，能办事故；
深心是道场，增益功德故；
菩提心是道场，无错谬故；
布施是道场，不望报故；
持戒是道场，得愿具故；
忍辱是道场，于众生心无碍故；
精进是道场，不懈怠故；
禅定是道场，心调柔故；
智慧是道场，现见诸法故；
慈是道场，等众生故；
悲是道场，忍疲苦故；
喜是道场，悦乐法故；
舍是道场，憎爱断故；
神通是道场，成就六通故；
解脱是道场，能背舍故；
方便是道场，教化众生故；
四摄是道场，摄众生故；
多闻是道场，如闻行故；
伏心是道场，正观诸法故；
三十七道品是道场，舍有为法故；
四谛是道场，不诳世间故；
缘起是道场，无明乃至老死皆无尽故；
诸烦恼是道场，知如实故；
众生是道场，知无我故；
一切法是道场，知诸法空故；
降魔是道场，不倾勤故；
三界是道场，无所趣故；
狮子吼是道场，无所畏故；
不共法是道场，无诸过故；
三明是道场，无余碍故；
一念知一切法是道场，成就一切智故。

This Sutra is interesting as in how it consolidate disciplines from various Sutra, yet provide consistency in teachings. In this little verse extracted from one of its chapters, it breaks the notion of having a fixed physical place as a place of worship.

Having a lasting object or a tangible and physical place as a place of worship does not set well into the concept of impermanence. As there has been many instances where religious people cut each others throat due to "holy place" or self-motivated ideas of what's considered sacred and secular. And through archeological findings and history, a once religious site could only become remnants of destruction through time.

Even sticking one self to a particular place of worship or monastery confines growth of wisdom and experience in certain degree. But that does not mean hopping around just to experience new things. That might just display a restless mind.

One could physically be in a particular place but the passion to learn should not be residing in our own comfort zone. That is definitely detrimental in learning. Phenomena of a dead sea happens when nothing flows in and nothing flows out. That is also true in gaining knowledge and wisdom.

My personal driving force in learning is, there are always more things to learn. Even if its on a same topic, different sages view and explain it differently. One of their ideas will definitely sink in better for me.

Being mindful of the different doctrines, one will definitely be mindful of their various bodily actions and thoughts. That is something indestructible through time, even more lasting than scientific discovery. But still I am saying it as "more lasting" . . . . . . .

Mind

"The Mind is very hard to check

and swift, it falls on what it wants.

The training of the mind is good,

a mind so tamed brings happiness."

- Dhammapada (Verse 35)

Often then not, we hear people commented that thinking too much cause a troubled mind, slow processes and we are not leading a carefree life; tamming the mind is too unnatural and restraining; who cares what other thinks; and the list goes on and on . . . . . .

But having a well tamed mind, we see things as it actually is. Its more systematic and efficiency. And happiness is more readily availabe. Reason is we have gained the ownership of our mind. With control, our mind does not stray easily and at all time we are in constant observation of the mind.

A well-guarded mind is just like a well-guarded fortess, leave the defilements and ill wills at the gates never for once letting them set root in the mind. The mind is also the king governing the fortress giving out orders to the senses guards. A thousand years of kingdom can be doomed by a corrupted rule.

Having said that, one should practise mindfulness and embracing the rapid changes of the mind. Having a well trained mind one stands tall to adversities.

Anger (II)

Anger leads to suffering . . .

Anger

Anger is like fire.

When its big, it spreads and consume anything that's near them. Nothing stops their path.
It also has great potential to start more fires.

When it is small, nobody takes care and it gets to grow into big fire . . . . . .

警惕

功大易使人骄，功小易不注重。
时时观照心境的起伏，
时刻都能增长智慧。

自己的能力，他人所不及。
他人的成就，自己未必能。

看这高山，大海。
辽阔的天空，
无边的草原，
古圣贤的智慧，
察觉自己的身心，烦恼，不顺
也只不过如此。

BLIA international conference

Thanks BLIA conference!!

What a rewarding event for international Buddhism and definitely to me. Before the conference, I was rather sceptic in its scale and how its going to be beneficial.

Large-scale indeed has created its IMPACT and I believe has its pros and cons. But what matters for this event was its ability to create the necessary awareness to Buddhism. I think it created a storm in Suntec.

Being large scale, lotsa volunteers are recruited. Some may be regulars to FGS, newbies like me, and some not even a Buddhist. But on this night, I believe all were touched and felt a sense fulfillment!

For me, having spent a little time performing in FGS, I learnt even greater. Having such a big stage is never possible for me if without FGS. Being in a welcoming opening ceremony in front of the international delegates and ven master Hsin Yun is even something I never dream about.

In terms of Buddhism, I guess the whole event says it all :)

Handsome suit @ w.s.d.p

Maybe some add-on pts to what that has not discussed :)

Apart from the usual perspective of this show talking about the looks, how about the appearance of the "soul". Personality is something that we all grow up with and which contibutes to our behaviour and belief system. It goes deeper than the few mm of face. Even if there is a technology to change an appearance, personality is something that does not change so readily.

There is these game in the show which a person has to find a happy moment and snap it. Upon doing that he/she will walk 10 steps. I thought of the word “相从心生”. It is not about being optimistic in a naive way and I call it the "directed optimism". Thoughts lead action and action leads to reaction. Recall the moments when you are in pain, nothing else will catch your attention. Then recall those bad days, every ones seems to find trouble with you. Now recall the happy moments, say you birthday celebrations. Everyone seems to be giving you blessing and happiness.

With a well trained and guarded mind, we direct our thoughts and thoughts in return will direct our actions and reaction, and the cycle of happiness/sadness will goes round and round :)

Shi'en was saying about Buddha having born with merits that makes Buddha to have great features. I would say we look by how we feel. You can never find a angry red face praising someone at the same time. An audience was saying its misleading and might cause people to do merits to look good. There is bound to have such people but they are going to be disappointed. How so?

Condition of the mind and the actions we do is brought about by the desire we hold. "起心动念".
If we constantly do merits to gain good looks, then how can the mind be pure? With a clouded mind, we can never attain the Buddhas features.

This brought to the point that some Buddhist strive with a too result oriented mind. Some meditate to reach the Jhanas. Some read the Sutra just to know alot. Some even follow teachings in hope to gain a hastier enlightenment. With so much attachments and desire, how can one practise to reach a tranquil mind. Not having the right thoughts and concentration, how could wisdom be developed?

To me practising Buddhism is not to increase more attachments but to let go of attachments. If practising makes you feel you have more "wants" and starts the chain of negative thoughts like stress and troubled mind, its time to assess your progress :)

Taking the Refuge

A year ago, taken my Refuge and precepts. I still remember the me then, fascinated by the profound wisdom in Buddhism, yet full of compassion. The young me, with mind full of passion for the vast wisdom decided to embark of the path. Very much clueless of what to do. The ritual was just another significant milestones in my life.

I was born in a "unclear" Buddhist family. My mum took the Refuge since young while my Dad took it recently, and before then was a devoted Taoist. Both followed Buddha more towards pursuing health and peace in the family. My siblings are a "part time" Christian and another is a self/science believer. I spent most of my childhood in a Catholic mission school and running around churches. Taking this ceremony a year ago was a bold move to me. To me then was more like a self recognition move.

A year has passed and I would say learned a great deal, in Buddhism and in life. Foster great synergy with Buddhist of all walks of life including my dentist :0) But entering the Buddhist gate reveals a even greater pasture and yet more challenges for me, and definitely more touching moments.

The ceremony to me is of even greater significant now. A moment to align the path with teachings of Buddha. Buddhism for me now is not just acquiring wisdom but to walk the wisdom. I know I have a lot more to learn and a lot more to render my service in, and importantly the service to myself.

Baptism for Christian and most God believers might mean accept the Gods into their life and do as according to what the God told them, for God is almightly and going along means salvations and recognition by him. I would say its a more external aspect.

In sociological point of view, an initiating ceremony is a symbol of accepting and to be accepted by the religious community.

Yet in a year passed, taking Refuge I feel is less to external expressionism but internal recognition. A more to self awareness than to be accepted by the rest. Walking the Buddhist path is not about attending Sunday Schools or to be in favor of the Gods. Making sure no harm bestowed on to us.

Buddhism to me is the every moment of self awareness towards recognition of thoughts when interacting with the external environment, thus uncovering our Bodhicitta. Of course Buddhism is far more than that. But inability to recognize one self and sees oneself, is just like admiring the scenery outside the window, yet fails to recognize the deco of the room. And yet the house is where we are situated in.

Below is some links to lead to Youtube on the ethics and practises of taking the Refuge and precepts ceremony :)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%E4%BD%9B%E9%97%A8%E7%A4%BC%E4%BB%AA&search_type=&aq=f

The inevitable life

People dies, nation falls, economy collapsed, glory never last. All this are not negative of life but facts of ever-changing time. Nobody holds and nothing stays.

Changes is there even without human intervention.
Time goes forward even without divine intervention.
Life shall pass even with moments of regrets.

We make changes not based on how we change things,
but based on how things change us.

In reality, words in present tense forms no meaning.
Ability to make changes is a means of condolence
when just happen that our changes goes with other changes.

Yet, its changes that makes hope possible.
Life can go on.
Happiness only choose to befall on
people that embraces change with open arms.

Bhutan

Another 1/2 of the fifth filming!! An rather inside full bird eye view of Bhutan. Discussing on various development happening in Bhutan. It is rather anticipative to see how years down the road the possibility of the rest of the world uses Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

I totally support usage of GNH but how do we quantized happiness? And it is also about the time needed to change a total economical significants altogether.

We never fails to get what we think. When our economy's measure of prosperity is by production and consumption, thats the reason why the world has over produced and over consume. We are consuming more from the environment than the rate of repair.

Another strange observation is the significance of beauty. As I was on my way home after the show, I pass the department stores with their shelves of nice bright and fashionable clothes. But behind these colours is the sacrifice of even more resources. I think thats more ungliness to beauty.

Happiness itself last longer and better when its from the inside then the exterior materials. Why so? Now at the current point of time, if I were to loss my job, all the social status, financial security and love will disintegrate rather instantaneously. Happiness that rely on external factors is instable. As when the factor is removed, happiness is abducted. Genuine happiness from compassion, empathy, equanimity and loving kindess are definitely more enduring and positive towards personal cultivation.

Zen Buddhism

1/2 of 5th film is a rather interesting introduction to zen meditation.

It is a group of korean buddhist nun going on a 90days meditation retreat up the cold countryside. The film goes into various stages of a typical yet simple meditation retreat.

I suppose the chantings are done in korean and thats why I don't catch which chants they are chanting. Now about what I have learnt.

Meditation makes one face looks pinkish and health!! Plus the korean eat nice food. Any way....a day of a monastic is not just about meditating all day and meditation is not just seating, walking and various posture. Its is about being mindful and concentrating in your daily chores.

A well discipline behaviour cultivates the mind and with an alert mind, sees things as they really are.

Act normal

4th screening! And a rather "personal" one I would say. Its quite a dry film where its all about the life of a monk who is an english man, decided to derobe one day and return to the status of a lay person. After going through the civilian life, get married, divorced and womanizing around, found that civilian life is not for him. Later on went back to be a monastic again with a fresh yet mature idea and conviction to carrying on the practise.

"Personal" I would say its all about our individual cultivation. Why so?

1) Some who never experienced might not be learned. Buddhist often fell into a trap...ah I am from which temple. Which temple feels like home? I am close to which Shifu or since I learned Buddhism I have been in this temple and I am comfortable.
Our wise Buddha even for his unmatched wisdom seeks teachings from various teachers.

Seek and your doubt will be answered. Yet seek again since we can never learn everything.

2) Be mindful of our mind. I believe if the monk does not observe his mind, either he will just be contented being an immatured monk or it marks the end of his monastic cultivation.

3) Lust is just an amplification from love. Love thats uncontrolled turns into ignorance and attachment.

4) To let go is to receive more. Without taking the bold step to derobe, he will never become a wise and learned monk, contributing more to the world.

5) Live is full of uncertainty. Buddhism is indeed an active religion. Instead of surrendering all your life to a supreme being, buddhists understands that no joy is permanent as well as no suffering is everlasting. There is no such situation as predetermination and we should all cherish every moment.

6) Monks get VIP treatment at Bangkok's airport!! :)

The Dhamma Brothers

More like a documentary then a story, and thus the show was a more factual ones.

The setting is in the Alabama prison where it mostly houses state criminals and mainly criminals facing life imprisonment. And of cause it is the den of many angry people. The pyschiatrist tried to use Vipassana in hope to help the inmates. It was a challenging idea as it is about infringement of religious interest in a state where most citizen is christians.

But after the 10 day Vipassana retreat in the prison, the inmates learnt how to control their emotions and brought peace back to their mind. Even after several years, these group of inmates that joined the retreat still practices meditation on their own.And because of their good conducts, some where even transfered to normal prisons.

It is so delighting that people found peace and most importantly themselves by practising meditation. The prowess of meditation could even tame the hardest to tame in a gentle loving way. I was not surprise with the positive efficacyt of the teachings of the Buddha but rather to be beneficial also to people that has done grave mistakes and condemned by the world.

The power of meditation calms the mind and makes one sees themselves and their problems actively.

Mekhong Full Moon

A rather atypical buddhist film or even a religious one where the director touches on blind faith and questions the suitability of lying in Buddhism by the very own Buddhist monk.

The story was about an annual folk event where the Naga of the Mekhong river will breath fireballs up the sky to worship the Buddha. This phenomena arouses the interest of the scientific community and scientist comes up with analysis and mainly hypothesis on the nature of fireballs. The fireballs were actually made by the local monks in hope to keep the tradition. Being haunted by his own conscious, the lead gave up the task of diving and planting the "fireball" setup on the river bed. The film also shows numerous folk belief in a very humorous way.

At the first half of the show, I confess I did question on what meanings the film wants to deliver. But something shook me when I realised that the monk despite knowing that lying was bad, he persist in keeping the culture.

Buddhism is all about attaining the wisdom to see the truth and Buddha even states that we should question any teachings even to those that were said by him. But from the show, I got another perspective of what is truth. To us Buddhist, the law of Karma is the truth. But to a Christian or any other religion, its not the truth.

I remembered on my younger days, I would just strike on followers of any religion and tries to break their faith (unintentionally of course). I came to realise that if some faith or belief that is dearest to that someone, then don't argue over it with them. We might just be breaking their source of confidence or even reason to be alive.

Decades ago, a flat world is the truth and now a spherical slightly eliptical world is the truth. The truth is nothing when it is not the truth of the perceiver. As a Buddhist, when we are asked by someone or our parents to follow some traditions, non buddhist prayers and burning of joss sticks, indeed it might carry little Buddhist ideas. But by doing what we are told, we respected our parents and establishes a hormonious family. And most importantly, we helped to settle our parents troubled mind.

Maybe towards personal cultivations, we should earnestly follows the Buddhist way. But towards interacting with others, we should always spare a thought for others and be flexible in our reaction towards the matter. Wisdom could only be shared and not through force.

一轮明月

This show made a great start to the following series of movies in this years Buddhist Film festive. Hope to blog down some thoughts to remind myself what I have learnt and also share with any passerbys :)

Not going into the details of the show but basically the show depicts the life history of Great Master Hong Yi. The director has successfully bring out the chaotic situations during the wars, nature disasters, sufferings as well as cultures and tradition of the revoluntionary time of china. It does not use lotsa colourful effects or filming techniques but I would say their chinese language used are rather hard to follow. But anyone will not feel hard to grasp the important meanings behind the show.

Usually when talking about religious figures we tend to mystify or "godify" a character to make in more profane and worthy of respect. But this show never did any of those. Ven Hong Yi, like most young people, wild our time in non productive activities and romances. But it is the ability for him to truly see and acknowledge himself for who he is makes us so different from him.

In seeing how fame and good times never last more than a moment, he renounced and joined the Sangha. It might be very easy to conclude that he was so selfish to abandon his wife. There was a scene when he has taken the tonsure. His wife asked ven Hong Yi whats "LOVE" and his reply is "Love is compassion". He has going forth to be a monk because he has great compassion far surpass our mundane passions.

Although the sufferings caught in the film makes me emotional but i remember the part when my eyes were wet is when some devotee ask the masters to seat on the sedan. The masters replied saying "How can I seat when seating on the sedan is on the expense of the sweat by the carriers".

I find that what makes the great different from us is the great and wise thinks of others before self. And they conduct their life in the strictest possible way never to slack in their way.

No matter how much we studied the Dharma or helps out in Dharma propagation, nothing ever comes near even to a novice monk that have decided to renounce the earthly longings and go forth to the homeless.

This show push me futher to rethink whether the goals and beliefs I have hold deeply needs some revamping work!

身体的残缺，我们能的给予无比的同情与援手。

那心灵的残缺呢？

有几个人又能给予包容与题体谅呢？

Purity in works and deed

Came across a video on FB showing group of people going into a poverty stricken village. The group was commenting how such poverty could happen and how main stream religious groups is neglecting to save them. The focus was also a child that was as skinny as sticks crawling on the floor in hunger.

First instant was, I felt very sorry for the poor child and her only sister. But as I watch further, I felt sad for the group instead. Besides commenting on the poor child and start feeding her, what was done is continual filming and commenting their religion could save them.

My personal feel is, the girl can not wait for something almighty for rescue and what she hope for is STOP filming and do something practical like giving some soft food. I do not suspect the misfortune and existence of such poverty but I do not think doing charity and salvation work to spread owns ideology is right.

The world is in need for more genuine love to pass around. Try shedding some tears when u see such situation and feel deep down the heart. Feel for them and only then the world can be more blissful.

Attachments

When we are cleaning our house, its always very easy to sweep away obvious rubbish and dirts. But what about those that's behind the shelves or any place that's less open.

For a Buddhist, our common homework is to be detached to desires. And I say its detachment to pleasure. Most of us know why we need to. But how about attachments to the negative feels and thoughts?

Had some discussion with someone regarding her unpleasant experience with her lecturer, not a very helpful lecturer. So I remark the lecturer is smart with his knowledge but not so with his teaching methods. Interesting thing I observed is these friend of mine jump in to defend her lecturer. These very lecturer she complains minutes ago, she is now defending him!

From my point of view, its the evocation of self. We always like to gain ownership to things and is brought about due to delusion of having a self, believing in a self. We are all too used to using I, we, mine, these are mine. And with that, we attached to things consciously and subconsciously. That includes negative feelings.

Also, for all you know, we can also be attached easily to the notion of avoidance to negative feelings and yes that's attachment that causes ignorance. To summarize, we should see things as they really are.

May all beings be well and peaceful. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

Seek not to attain Buddhahood in the present life,
Nor to attain enlightenment.
or even to escape from sufferings.

Here we are in the this samsaric sea,
Due to our karmic afinity.
Establishing goals of the future,
is the manifestation of attachments.

Rather,
embrace the present moment,
mindful of all actions and thoughts,
Better ourselves as we progress through life.

Playing with fish balls :)

Cultivation is like using a chopstick to get a fishball.
Too much force, fish ball slips away.
Too little force, you can not lift the fish ball.
Try playing cheat by poking the fish ball, you lost a valuable lesson . . .

Practising the Dharma is not about going to the temple.
It is also not about avoiding the temple.

Reading the Sutra is not about focusing on every single word.
It is also not about total abandoning of the words.

Walking the way is not about busying with activities.
It is also not about disengagement with life.

Life is not about what you experience but how you responds.

The courage to let go of past perceptions, the welcoming of wisdoms.

黄寂释

希望在这次的分析中得到启发！

黄寂释

这就是我归依了的法名。

“寂”的含义代表静，独立，寂寞。
“释”的含义代表解释，除疑惑与烦恼，放下。大多用于佛教。

从拿到这法名到现在，每当我要说时，都会现想到佛陀。这是我每次想到这法名的
自然反应。如果我能每次这样叫我自己，那念念都一定能把佛陀当做起心动念的因。


在佛教通常都说到圆寂，也就是圆满寂静。一个修行者觉悟了后得佛道，放下了世
俗的无明与烦恼，得无上真觉。

如果要勉强的看我现在的修行，我太缺乏基本佛学的基础与经典的读阅。一个基础
都打不坚固的我，别谈弘法事业。连给予他人信心都难。修行方面，也太依赖师傅，
不够机警。真是惭愧无比。

有时的机缘让我有办法分享浅薄的佛学，见解并不圆满究竟。很多时候大多数是自
己的看法。还需加把劲。

今天有所体会，或许我应该从空性着手。如果万法皆是缘起性空。那从空性着手就
能看到万法背后的因缘。看到因缘，了解因缘，结下来放下因缘。

因无所来，所以无所去 。 。 。 。 。 。

ven. Min Yi saga

Time to do a little comment on ven. Min Yi on my little private corner. In this saga, basically I found 2 distinct group of people judging him and the happenings.

1st group : Can not stand the sight of him. Being a monk yet go into business and rear horses, buy big house and resort to lying.
2nd group : Its this monk's fault. Not the temple, ren ci hospital or Buddhism.

Interesting feedbacks and at least this shows that people is reading the news :) and concern about Buddhism :) Double happiness !!

The 1st group I feel falls into the trap of prejudice and assumptions. They are often led mindlessly by the news. Their attitude towards the incident is never constant. They just waver with the news. I find that the majority and the common view, comprises of Buddhist and non-buddhist. Weakness is we can never know what actually happens and who's fault. I believe even ven Min Yi might not know exactly what happened.

The 2nd group falls into the trap of attachment to notion of Buddhism and judging with some sense of selfishness. Their attitude is very constant but its not towards the real truth of the incident but rather jumps in to "save" Buddhism or things they believe in. At the surface might be the doing of pious Buddhist. Nothing wrong with piousness but Buddha teaches us about non attachment even to his teachings, needless to say any other physical things that subjects to constant changes. They also run the risk of slandering a monastic.

Now my thoughts. Instead of pointing fingers and jumping to "save" Buddhism, why not let this chance to understand yourself. Observe our mind and be aware of all the thoughts that arises. Be it good or bad. Then contemplate on the arising of the thoughts and why is there even arising. Cultivation is something personal and instead of busying on commenting on other people's deed and cultivation I guess we have to see ourselves. Be it right or wrong, ven. Min Yi has his own Karma to bear. Then why let other people's action affect us or even create the chance for generating negative thoughts and Karma.

I believe we are too use to judging things. Early in the morning, our judging mind starts his day work. We judge our looks, our breakfast and when we are walking around, although we never criticize out loud, we still judge. When there is judging, there arise attachments to our thoughts. I suppose we have enough of that judging activities. Common goal of a Buddhist is to be enlightened but not well informed of the mundane news :)

Some thoughts . . . . . .

A millionaire with a stroke of his pen, thousands of life could be saved.
An average man who gives his only dime everyday, someone is happier every moment.

Do not utter if I am or when I am,
say how I can and just do it.

We could always think of delaying our happiness,
But suffering of many could never be postponed.

Lots of ways claim to lead to happiness,
a moment of peace is enough to feel happiness.

Seek knowledge from the words.
Seek wisdom from your life.

To learn the way is to eradicate suffering,
Having a troubled mind is a sign of un-eradicated suffering.

执着

放下了一个执着，可能是另一个的开始。
为了少杀生，开始吃素。
看似放下吃肉的执着。
但不顾别人的方便而严格的吃，
那也是执着！

为了忘记刚结束的感情，
把时间排的满满的，用工作/活动来代替悲伤，
那是执着逃避。
忙的筋疲力尽，烦恼未少却多了。

彻底的决绝烦恼与问题，
观照自心还是最究竟。

妒忌

妒忌的火，燃烧着所有快乐的可能。
掩盖智慧的启发。
鄙视自己的能力。
否决幸福的权利。

真心的祝福，就像早晨的甘露，
对生命的热诚，当下的满足。

Dhp I: Yamakavagga

"Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart. If you speak or act with a corrupted heart, then suffering follows you — as the wheel of the cart, the track of the ox that pulls it. Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart. If you speak or act with a calm, bright heart, then happiness follows you, like a shadow that never leaves."

I would say all starts in the heart. An action, an intention, a thought all starts from the heart. The untrained does not know the heart, does not observed the heart, and speaks whatever that comes to mind. Just like a novice rider that rampage across the street on a wild elephant.

Snp 1.10: Alavaka Sutta: To the Alavaka Yakkha

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.10.than.html

We shall look into this Sutta over a few post. Its quite an interesting yet simple to read Sutta where it is conducted in an Q&A manner. Simplified and short yet Buddha gave a very rounded and thorough answer.

Its gave a very clear illustration on the intention of the Buddha so willing to give this Yakkha a sermon. Taken note that whatever the Yakkha orders Buddha to do, he just agreed and return the Yakkha's rude command with friendly gesture.

After the 4th time, Buddha seems to have anticipated that it is the right time for the Yakkha to listen.

[Alavaka:]
What is a person's highest wealth? What, when well-practiced, brings bliss? What is the highest of savors? Living in what way is one's life called the best?

[The Buddha:]
Conviction is a person's highest wealth. Dhamma, when well-practiced, brings bliss. Truth is the highest of savors.1 Living with discernment, one's life is called best.

A man needs to stand on his grounds and strive for his goals in life. If the goals are properly laid out, and purity of desire, success is within reach. Actions and objectives have to be purified and know what are the right livelihood. And by continuous contemplating oneself internally and externally, he makes sure he is on right track.

It is about doing the right thing, doing the things right and doing it in the right way.

Moving on . . .

When a man uses the boat and crosses the river, he has to paddle hard against the flow to reach the shore. A short break or slightest error made, he will get wash away. In practicing the way, I know I have to be mindful.

Upon reaching the far bank, he has to put down the boat and carry on his journey on foot. Attachment to the boat, to the river or to the action of paddling makes on standstill.

He, the one that walks the way, knows the way, and set aim for the way, shall leave his attachment and sets himself free. Stages of life and experiences is valuable but by not letting go, how does this past experience be valuable.

MN 58 Abhayarajakumara Sutta - To Prince Abhaya

"In the case of words that the Tathagata knows to be factual, true, beneficial, and endearing & agreeable to others, he has a sense of the proper time for saying them. Why is that? Because the Tathagata has sympathy for living beings." - an abstract from MN 58 Abhayarajakumara Sutta - To Prince Abhaya

In this Sutta, it is interesting that the Tathagata laid down how should the right speech be.
The right speech should not just be factual, but also be beneficial and endearing. It is non-disputable. It shows that Tathagata encourages or requires his disciples to question. Its nothing new throughout the Tipitaka.

This sutta points out that speech have to be beneficial as well. Thus I believe in saying things not what I want to say but what has to be said or at least what the hearer wish to listen. If not, any words are just useless chatters.

At the end of the sutta, Prince Abhaya asked whether Buddha has thought of what the questions that would be asked before being asked and prepared the answer. Buddha replied by examples of how Prince Abhaya knows his chariot parts. Knowledge that has been well learnt, when challenged, could be answered from the spot.

What I have learnt is the spirit of asking question, answering questions and how important it is to have a composed mind in answer questions. Just like how the lake will reflect our image when it is still and calm.

是箭错了还是弓箭手错了？

是箭错了还是弓箭手错了？

如果是箭错了，那是箭不知弓箭手的目标，
还是箭遗忘了他是箭。
忘了目标还好，能重射。
忘了是箭，在射也没用。

如果是弓箭手错了，还有谁能纠正呢？
有可能是目标错了吗？
那如何发才对才圆满？

那也有可能箭没错，弓箭手没错。
风太大，烟雾太多，未知变数太多了吧。

既然箭已发，请给指引。
不管几时到目标，我都誓愿到。

DHP III Cittavagga

Quivering, wavering,
hard to guard,
to hold in check:
 the mind.
The sage makes it straight —
like a fletcher,
the shaft of an arrow.

Like a fish
pulled from its home in the water
& thrown on land:
this mind flips & flaps about
 to escape Mara's sway.

Hard to hold down,
 nimble,
alighting wherever it likes:
 the mind.
Its taming is good.
The mind well-tamed
 brings ease.

So hard to see,
so very, very subtle,
alighting wherever it likes:
 the mind.
The wise should guard it.
The mind protected
 brings ease.

Wandering far,
going alone,
bodiless,
lying in a cave:
 the mind.
Those who restrain it:
 from Mara's bonds

My comments:

The mind so hard to control, like a never-ending train or the flowing rivers,the mind has no start and no ends.
The mind so hard to control and tame not b'cos its nature is so but we are too used to unrestrained control.
Just like a mud that needs crafting to be a pot.

A well restrained mind or a well trained mind is the mind of a sage, perfect like the cuts of diamond.
A well restrained mind does not mean controlling of feelings suppressed of emotions.
Its to guard the sense doors and leave no gaps for defilements.
Seeing things as it is and grows no attachments to any phenomena.
And eventually not even to be attached to the way to guard your mind.

Just observe as it comes and as it goes.

大与小

最近下载了一些南传三藏经典，温故了一些以前所讨论过的和一些好有用的思想。
结下来有机会会写下一些看法。
现在先说我对大乘与小乘的看法。

应为大小的字眼，引发了很多的辩论与烦恼。
烦恼应为有了分别。分别因人与人之间需要的名和身份。
那用世间的名来讨论佛法会圆满吗？

什么是小，什么又是大呢？
小因为人家的分别而小，仍然能大。
虽用不同的方法了解佛法，但能更透彻更明了。

大因为人家的分别而大，仍然是小。
小的看法，狭窄的量，懒散的态度。
不碰经典却要开悟，有如不上学考博士。

积极的面对变化

虽然万法躲不过变化，应接受变化，利用变化，充实未来。
小孩咕咕落地，父母要接受新的责任。
因为体形一天一天的成长，小孩接受了较硬的食物，放弃了粥。
因为了解世界的辽阔，努力的学习行走，放弃了爬行。
因为身心的变化，青年开始打扮。

变化是自然的，也是美丽的。
有了变化，未来是无常。
那未来是能努力创造的。
过去能给予未来影响，
但不能控制未来。

所以 。 。 。

过去≠未来

那就积极的面对吧！

利己利他利所有

人与人一起的相处与活动真的能学到不少！

一些只喜欢默默耕耘，一些打个喷嚏要所有人知。
甚至发心都有层次。

愿意来佛堂，未必要参与。
愿意参与的，未必要承担。
愿意承担的，未必会经常。
愿意经常的，又未必什么都愿意。

付出虽无法衡量，但态度却是做与不做的差别。
态度我觉得又在于起心动念。
起心动念又在于目的。
那一切就可以归咎于佛法与三宝在那人心中的地位。
是生活的规范，生命的投入，还是联谊消遣。

人生在于一口气的时间，事事也都在刹那间生灭无常。
那世间中还有能比佛法来得可靠，值得归依呢？

法喜充满，肚子又饿了！

好开心喔！
就像是个在沙漠中的挣扎，遇到了充满这泉水的路绿洲。
把我的慧命又充实了满满的。
就像个小孩，吃了糖果又想要。
就到了夜深人静的现在，回味这难以忘怀的法喜。
那是多么可遇不可求的富德因缘啊！
一部分的我向往这在次的遇到。
一部分的我却提醒这，不让执着的种子发芽。

我觉得的佛教

从四圣帝，看八正道，四无畏 到 四念处。 甚至我相信，任何佛法都教我们如何断
烦恼。
不必要他人的肯定，
不需要多大的能力，
不需要口才的伶俐，
不需要美丽的包装，
更不需当人人眼前超人。

因为任何以上的条件让我产生贪嗔痴。
因为任何以上的条件让我产生对事的执着。

佛陀从未办活动，刻意组织社团，有个道场，或固定的说法地点和对象。
我觉得他是看到了万物的实相缘起。不执着机会，行动和时刻。
因缘集合时就做，因缘散了也不留下任何。
那么的自在，也因心无所住，那哪来的执着烦恼。

也因如此，佛法不再活动，能力，口才，道场或 甚至一行字。
佛法是都是也是都不是。

Buddha the best HR manager

"When asked, 'Are you a deva?' you answer, 'No, brahman, I am not a deva.' When asked, 'Are you a gandhabba?' you answer, 'No, brahman, I am not a gandhabba.' When asked, 'Are you a yakkha?' you answer, 'No, brahman, I am not a yakkha.' When asked, 'Are you a human being?' you answer, 'No, brahman, I am not a human being.' Then what sort of being are you?"

Remember me, brahman, as 'awakened.'

Above is an abstract for "AN 4.36: Dona Sutta". Buddha having attain what has never been attained, having un-parable wisdom and ability, when asked by a Brahmin, who he is. Instead of displaying his ability, he says he was "nothing". He never said he can prophesize disasters, heal the lamed, or creator of any, he says he was none of this. And I believe he had never did a recruitment talk or said "believe in me"

I firmly believe in a saying “相从心生”. There is 3 kinds of people.

1) Someone that at one look looks worried and stress and you won't want to get near.

2) Someone that looks very friendly but not a good relationship keeper. Why? After long understanding, he/she is someone that realized he/her stress, able to suppress for a moment but leaks out when not careful.

3) Someone that is ever calm and composed. A calming effect that can even calm anyone nearby. Bring happiness to anyone. An unlimited source of energy and joy.

So if you are the one looking for a friend， who will you look for?? Vice-versa, if you are an employer who will you choose??

谢谢！

感觉非常的愉快，但也有许些的责任感。

谢谢阅读我这不起眼的小部落格。
我就是那样的喜欢分析。
从不同角度与层面的看待事务与想法。
要我演讲是不可能。半退化的脑袋转不快。
要我如下棋般的思考还是比较来得好应付。

我会尽我所能与大家分享！

信基督教，信神能成为方便法门吗？

对此有两个想法，请各善知识给予智慧 。 。 。

能

由圣经所记载，耶稣基督为人间的罪恶，提人们牺牲。
死在十字架上。更了不起莫过于所承受的折磨。
这一举就充满了菩萨的六度波罗蜜。
我本身觉得了不起的并非在死或复活的刹那，
而是没起发对折磨他的人任何的怨恨心。
那不是菩萨行吗？世间有几个人能做到呢？

不能

我说不能不是怀疑神的存在或耶稣不是菩萨。
甚至我觉得耶稣受难和所记载的有点不合他当时的心境。
那非凡的慈悲决非烂慈悲。是展现了他背后超出生死的智慧。
相信自己死后能带走所有世人的罪恶，那似乎不合他的智慧。
更说要向往永生的天堂 。 。 。

各人业力个人受，各人生死各人了。
逃避业力是不可能，也会防碍智慧的增长。
天堂跟净土思想的差异在于一个很可能斩断智慧，
消禁所修来的富报。另一个只是大风浪的避风港。
雨停了还要努力划到彼岸。

怪得好！

最近听到一个人的分享。。。

走进佛门的人都是自觉生病的人。
那人是说我们在佛堂做义工时为何会遇见某些”怪人“。

我觉得看到这些虽怪却始终有了自觉的人非常感动也开心！
因为他们至少达到了自觉！那是多么的可贵啊！

当我们生病时，承认了自己的病，才能去看医生。
最遭的是不知如何自觉。
自觉后知道如何找寻解救而不是压抑或求些外在的寄托。
外在的现象是变化无常的。
只有勇猛求慧断无明，人才会进步前进。

想法

外道欢喜认识神
我只希望认识己

热情道友身相随
不如清净自修行

执着对错起烦恼
关照自身起心念

修行长短不警要
要在立行了多少

福慧双修是道路
慈悲喜舍是起心
涅磐寂静是最终

慧能禅师的影片

偶然在土豆发现了好久以前一部有关慧能禅师的电影 。自我删除了神通的部分，这
部电影还是值得一看而从中学习。

“不执着对错，就能得到清净心。”这是在影片中由慧能禅师所说的禅宗心法。

我的看法也如此。佛家常说放下执着才能自在。问题在于人无法认知对与错。那什
么是对错。我自觉对错根本没有规范。都在于“心”。南传佛教觉得不该在音乐中
取乐。汉传却广泛的支持。没对错，分别在于看法与动机。我自觉只要用纯心看待，
用佛法担动机，那我不绝的会错到哪。

反而自认佛法了解透彻的信徒一直做比较，一直在自我的烦恼中无法自拔。他先执
着与自我修行，在执着分别对错。那这种充满执着的心，何时能自在？

“心法在众生，众生是心法”的境界。 佛陀所讲的人人皆有佛性。那竟然人人有佛
性，那自然都有心法值得学习。那不分别于出身，富裕贫贱，学历，宗教还有慧根。

Expedient Means

As from http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/buddha.html#teaching

.. and he guides his brother, Nanda, to arahantship

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Now at that time Ven. Nanda — the Blessed One's brother, son of his maternal aunt — told a large number of monks, "I don't enjoy leading the holy life, my friends. I can't endure the holy life. Giving up the training, I will return to the common life."

Then a certain monk went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, he told the Blessed One: "Lord, Ven. Nanda — the Blessed One's brother, son of his maternal aunt — has told a large number of monks, 'I don't enjoy leading the holy life, my friends. I can't endure the holy life. Giving up the training, I will return to the common life.'"

Then the Blessed One told a certain monk, "Come, monk. In my name, call Nanda, saying, 'The Teacher calls you, my friend.'"

"As you say, lord," the monk answered and, having gone to Ven. Nanda, on arrival he said, "The Teacher calls you, my friend."

"As you say, my friend," Ven. Nanda replied. Then he went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, the Blessed One said to him, "Is it true, Nanda, that you have told a large number of monks, 'I don't enjoy leading the holy life, my friends. I can't endure the holy life. Giving up the training, I will return to the common life.'?"

"Yes, lord."

"But why, Nanda, don't you enjoy leading the holy life?"

"Lord, as I was leaving home, a Sakyan girl — the envy of the countryside — glanced up at me, with her hair half-combed, and said, 'Hurry back, master.' Recollecting that, I don't enjoy leading the holy life. I can't endure the holy life. Giving up the training, I will return to the common life."

Then, taking Ven. Nanda by the arm — as a strong man might flex his extended arm or extend his flexed arm — the Blessed One disappeared from Jeta's Grove and reappeared among the devas of the Tavatimsa Heaven. Now at that time about 500 dove-footed nymphs had come to wait upon Sakka, the ruler of the devas. And the Blessed One said to Ven. Nanda, "Nanda, do you see those 500 dove-footed nymphs?"

"Yes, lord."

"What do you think, Nanda: Which is lovelier, better looking, more charming — the Sakyan girl, the envy of the countryside, or these 500 dove-footed nymphs?"

"Lord, compared to these 500 dove-footed nymphs, the Sakyan girl, the envy of the countryside, is like a cauterized monkey with its ears and nose cut off. She doesn't count. She's not even a small fraction. There's no comparison. The 500 dove-footed nymphs are lovelier, better looking, more charming."

"Then take joy, Nanda. Take joy! I am your guarantee for getting 500 dove-footed nymphs."

"If the Blessed One is my guarantee for getting 500 dove-footed nymphs, I will enjoy leading the holy life under the Blessed One."

Then, taking Ven. Nanda by the arm — as a strong man might flex his extended arm or extend his flexed arm — the Blessed One disappeared from among the devas of the Tavatimsa Heaven and reappeared in Jeta's Grove. The monks heard, "They say that Ven. Nanda — the Blessed One's brother, son of his maternal aunt — is leading the holy life for the sake of nymphs. They say that the Blessed One is his guarantee for getting 500 dove-footed nymphs."

Then the monks who were friends of Ven. Nanda went around addressing him as they would a hired hand and a dealer: "Our friend Nanda, they say, is a hired hand. Our friend Nanda, they say, is a dealer. He's leading the holy life for the sake of nymphs. The Blessed One is his guarantee for getting 500 dove-footed nymphs."

Then Ven. Nanda — humiliated, ashamed, and disgusted that the monks who were his friends were addressing him as they would a hired hand and a dealer — went to dwell alone, secluded, heedful, ardent, and resolute. He in no long time entered and remained in the supreme goal of the holy life for which clansmen rightly go forth from home into homelessness, knowing and realizing it for himself in the here and now. He knew: "Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for the sake of this world." And thus Ven. Nanda became another one of the arahants.

— Ud 3.2

My comments:

Buddha at first shows the reality of impermanence to Ven. Nanda by showing him to the Nymphs. Our moments opinion and perception holds true first only to the present moment and also to us. There is nothing fix and absolute. Buddha instead of preaching to him (as he has resolved to abandon his practise.), he showed him the truth. What we see as absolute now is undergoing fleeting changes. Thus inclining to everchange things are way to suffering.

Next Buddha promised Ven. Nanda to give him the 500 Nymphs. These allow Ven. Nanda to reflect upon thyself his foolish wants. Sometimes advicing or preaching might fall to deaf ears....rather...show them the truth.

In the Lotus Sutra, Buddha also used expedient means to show disciples into the right path. When some one stays in his house and never ventures out. The house is his truth. Only by using ways to get him out of his little comfort zone....he sees hope, he vows and thus leads to salvation.

Passions

Because of not having, man starts longing to have.
After having, man delights in pleasure.
Experiencing pleasure, man thirst for more pleasure.
More pleasures leads to more desire and thus
illusions and suffering follows.

Man having known this,
continues to seek pleasure.
For he knows he's the slave of his desire.

Passion burns like fire,
the more you feeds the more it burns.
Ignoring the dangers of passion,
Man drowns in passion.

Without restraint and a trained mind,
the master becomes slaves.
How pathetic is this body.

SN 3.7 Atthakarana Sutta

At Savatthi. As he was sitting to one side, King Pasenadi Kosala said to the Blessed One: "Just now, lord, as I was sitting in judgment, I saw that even affluent nobles, affluent brahmans, & affluent householders — rich, with great wealth & property, with vast amounts of gold & silver, vast amounts of valuables & commodities, vast amounts of wealth & grain — tell deliberate lies with sensual pleasures as the cause, sensual pleasures as the reason, simply for the sake of sensual pleasures. Then, the thought occured to me: 'I've had enough of this judging! Let some other fine fellow be known for his judgments!'"

"That's the way it is, great king! That's the way it is! Even affluent nobles, affluent brahmans, & affluent householders... tell deliberate lies with sensual pleasures as the cause, sensual pleasures as the reason, simply for the sake of sensual pleasures. That will lead to their long-term harm & pain."

That is what the Blessed One said. Having said that, the One Well-Gone, the Teacher, said further:

Impassioned  with sensual possessions,
greedy, dazed by sensual pleasures,
they don't awaken to the fact
 that they've gone too far —
  like fish into a trap set out.
 Afterwards it's bitter for them:
 evil for them
  the result.

Me: There was once someone told me she needs to lie as due to job nature. I believe all starts and ends with intentions.
Needing to lie of course plants seeds but may still be good, bad or neutral due to the intentions used. With lying
to get the deals b'cos u want fame and fortunes.....then bad seeds. If you want is just to keep the job so to finance kind
movements like charity and in the process the lie does not hurt any and is blameless, isn't it good.

Buddha pointed out in the above sutta that lying for sensual pleasure is bad. But how I feel if our cultivations like meditation
is for getting happiness on reaching higher Jhanas, isn't that sensual pleasures??

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Dukkara.m (Kummo) Sutta - Tortoise

...the deva spoke this verse...:

Hard it is to keep, and hard to bear,
Recluse-life for him who lacks the skill.
Obstacles abound, the fool is lost.
How long can he endure the holy life,
If he cannot hold his heart in check?
Caught now here, now there, he stumbles, falls,

[The Blessed One replied:]

As the tortoise draws into his shell
Each limb, the monk, withdrawn, with mind applied,
Unattached, and doing harm to none,
Passions wholly stilled, dwells blaming none.


My opinion :

Who we are, what we are, when we are and who we are does not make any difference.
The only difference is having a well guarded senses and a controlled mind.

[I will try my best from now on to share sutta's and 禅综公案 as and when I think its relevant plus adding my own comments.]
Please correct me and guide me along!

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