累世修来福，才有这艘船。
这船虽具备，靠岸还需己。
虽知何方向，因可到彼岸。
人却因懈怠，以为有信心，
能到解脱岸。
划船还需己，无法他人代。
信与行具备，才能到彼岸。
不修不精进，不禅不体会。
只要小波浪，此船必翻覆。
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
很久以前，有位长者。一个智慧圆满的老师。他的学生遍满十方。门下有三批学生。
第一批学生，非常崇拜老师。对老师的话坚信不移。老师说一，学生连二都不想。
听到重伤老师的话，用他感性的言语回复。别人眼中的好弟子。但他们有个烦恼。
当境界生起，老师的话难于运用。心境起伏不定，不知如何安心。
第二批学生，也非常崇拜老师。对老师的话也坚信不移。但信心建立在行。从老师
那学到人生的价值，得身口意的净化。服务社会，利益大众。人们眼中的大好人，
标准模范。
第三批学生，因崇拜老师，报答老师的教诲。立志也要做老师，像老师一样，教化
学生。把老师的话，传遍世界，利益更多的人。
哪一为才是老师的好学生呢？我现在是哪一批？向往的又是哪一批？哪你呢？
第一批学生，非常崇拜老师。对老师的话坚信不移。老师说一，学生连二都不想。
听到重伤老师的话，用他感性的言语回复。别人眼中的好弟子。但他们有个烦恼。
当境界生起，老师的话难于运用。心境起伏不定，不知如何安心。
第二批学生，也非常崇拜老师。对老师的话也坚信不移。但信心建立在行。从老师
那学到人生的价值，得身口意的净化。服务社会，利益大众。人们眼中的大好人，
标准模范。
第三批学生，因崇拜老师，报答老师的教诲。立志也要做老师，像老师一样，教化
学生。把老师的话，传遍世界，利益更多的人。
哪一为才是老师的好学生呢？我现在是哪一批？向往的又是哪一批？哪你呢？
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Healing our Minds :Buddhism and Stress
Talk by ven Heng Sure at Tai Pei Buddhist Centre 大悲佛教中心 organised by Buddhist Union :)
As the name suggested, the talk is on stress but shifu benefited us with even more! Ven Heng Sure was famous for a monk that did the 3 step 1 bow for 3yrs along the coast of California to City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah.
No notes taken so here is what I still remembered.
He shared with us that during his years of 3-step 1-bow, the journey is never smooth. There are supporters that cheers them along the way and of course they do face some serious resistance. He shared that there a people that would just pour beers over them to mock them. There was once where there is a violent man that even calls them devil. But in some twist of fate, shifu's endeavour melts the heart of this violent man and his life gets better.
Ven Heng Sure then share briefly on how his respected teacher came to America to spread buddhism totally with the westerners in mind! His teacher accepted 5 westerns under him and ven Heng Sure is one of them.
Ven Heng Sure then said that a mother ran to him crying telling him to "rescue" her child who has been evangelize away. Ven Heng Sure then advise us that to attract youths into Buddhism, we should not assume they like to wear the black robe and do chanting Amituofo....Amituofo.... Instead, we should practise the Dharma in our life and benefit from it. Leading by examples and showing them how Dharma can be so relevant yet fun to practise, the effort is more fruitful.
The playful shifu even introduce us to his 2 furry community representative!! Using the animal puppet to show that all animals be it big or small shows fear and stress. Shifu also goes into how to use the 4 noble truth to understand stress and how to better manage it.
Below is the link to get Shifu's english folk songs for free! But please be honest to post an act of kindness!! DOn't cheat.
http://www.dharmaradio.org/paramita/index.htm
Read the intro and click on Acts of Kindness and follow the instructions :)
As the name suggested, the talk is on stress but shifu benefited us with even more! Ven Heng Sure was famous for a monk that did the 3 step 1 bow for 3yrs along the coast of California to City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah.
No notes taken so here is what I still remembered.
He shared with us that during his years of 3-step 1-bow, the journey is never smooth. There are supporters that cheers them along the way and of course they do face some serious resistance. He shared that there a people that would just pour beers over them to mock them. There was once where there is a violent man that even calls them devil. But in some twist of fate, shifu's endeavour melts the heart of this violent man and his life gets better.
Ven Heng Sure then share briefly on how his respected teacher came to America to spread buddhism totally with the westerners in mind! His teacher accepted 5 westerns under him and ven Heng Sure is one of them.
Ven Heng Sure then said that a mother ran to him crying telling him to "rescue" her child who has been evangelize away. Ven Heng Sure then advise us that to attract youths into Buddhism, we should not assume they like to wear the black robe and do chanting Amituofo....Amituofo.... Instead, we should practise the Dharma in our life and benefit from it. Leading by examples and showing them how Dharma can be so relevant yet fun to practise, the effort is more fruitful.
The playful shifu even introduce us to his 2 furry community representative!! Using the animal puppet to show that all animals be it big or small shows fear and stress. Shifu also goes into how to use the 4 noble truth to understand stress and how to better manage it.
Below is the link to get Shifu's english folk songs for free! But please be honest to post an act of kindness!! DOn't cheat.
http://www.dharmaradio.org/paramita/index.htm
Read the intro and click on Acts of Kindness and follow the instructions :)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Buddhist Conference 2554 (IV) - Attaining Spiritual Happiness with Mind Transformation Tools
Discourse was given by Geshe Tezin Zopa, famously remembered as the male lead in the buddhist film :Unmistaken Child. Was told by my friend, the film was well made and its in fact a factual documentary of how he finds back his master that passed on. Hopefully I can write something on that film in future :P
The way he behaves and talks really changed my perceptions of tibetan monks, which I thought to be more stern and boring. He was so alive, smart, charismatic, energetic, practical, scientific and the list goes on and on :P
He says that with great improvement in medical science, there is still new diseases and there are more people suffering from mental problems. He states that happiness is something internal rather than external. Subduing ones bad thoughts are the way to solve the cause of sufferings.
"Love has to be followed by compassion. We think we are giving love to others yet not mindful about actually imposing suffering to the person."
"Problems lies in ourselves, our delusion. Not being mindful of our actions and speech."
"The way to solve relationship issue is to observe one's mind."
"Expression of love should be compassion. Wishing the other only happiness and not suffering."
"Pure letting go of self-interest, self identity"
"To a Buddha, he sees the world as a pure-land. But we see it as Samsara."
"Best way to reduce past negative Karma is to use the body to help others."
break-up session
This section explores more on ways he advised :p
He first explains that Buddhist Tantric is different from Hindu Tantric. The intention, way and the goal is totally different. Buddhist's starts from compassion. Hindu focus on achieving heavenly pleasures while buddhist aims to attain wisdom and final liberations.
The different schools of thoughts in Buddhism are various vehicles that still supports and help each other.
Guidelines to single pointed meditations.
Obstacles
1. Laziness
2. Forgetting the object
3. Laxity & excitement
4. Non-application - losing focus on our object of focus and allowing other mind object to come in.
5. Over-application - Exaggerate the object of focus and adding more details to it.
Antidotes
Faith; Aspiration; Perserverance; Pliancy to cure problem 1.
Recollection to cure problem 2. Keep thinking of the object frequently.
Vigilance to cure problem 3. Observe and guard the mind.
Application to cure problem 4. Always bring the mind back.
Equanimity to cure problem 5.
He then shared his idea of transmission of disease in a rather less scientific yet interesting way. He says that sick is due to ripening of past negative karma. Volunteers and doctors that treats the patient that is down with some infectious disease does not get infected. We need to practise the 6 paramitas diligently.
As according to him during the Q&A, chanting of mantra, we radiate and provides positive conditions for others to evoke their past positive karmas.
Last point which I find it rather important and beneficial to all Buddhist.
"Practise of chanting, burning of joss-sticks with samsaric intentions make us come back to samsara." Meaning if we chant just for personal wealth,health and happiness in a mundane intentions, then we can only achieve mundane bliss. Instead, we should chant and pray with renunciation intention. Praying to leave Samsara. That should be the goal of all buddhist.
Heres another interesting one for people that has issue with their diet : "Eating using mindfulness that there are at least 84 million bacteria in our body. And by preserving a healthy body, we are sustaining their living."
Abstracts from the provided notes which I find good snd important to share.
We are responsible for fulfilling our innate instinct to seek and obtain happiness and not suffering. This applies even to ants. We surrender our 20 odd years of our lives to study in order to get a good job, we get into relationships and have families-this is all to get happiness.
The more we chase after happiness, getting to know more friends and wealth, we are still unhappy. Coz we are still completely controlled by our emotions and this is caused by our inability to control our minds because we don't MEDITATE. We don't habituate our minds with the Buddha's advice to be mindful of our actions that our body, speech and mind commit. Especially that of our mind.
There are more details and specific instructions in the notes but I guess if anyone wants I could lend or zap him a copy :P
Now ends my sharing on the Buddhist Conference!!! May all be well and happy. May we all cultivate a pure mind and intention, and achieving the ultimate bliss and happiness that is real.
The way he behaves and talks really changed my perceptions of tibetan monks, which I thought to be more stern and boring. He was so alive, smart, charismatic, energetic, practical, scientific and the list goes on and on :P
He says that with great improvement in medical science, there is still new diseases and there are more people suffering from mental problems. He states that happiness is something internal rather than external. Subduing ones bad thoughts are the way to solve the cause of sufferings.
"Love has to be followed by compassion. We think we are giving love to others yet not mindful about actually imposing suffering to the person."
"Problems lies in ourselves, our delusion. Not being mindful of our actions and speech."
"The way to solve relationship issue is to observe one's mind."
"Expression of love should be compassion. Wishing the other only happiness and not suffering."
"Pure letting go of self-interest, self identity"
"To a Buddha, he sees the world as a pure-land. But we see it as Samsara."
"Best way to reduce past negative Karma is to use the body to help others."
break-up session
This section explores more on ways he advised :p
He first explains that Buddhist Tantric is different from Hindu Tantric. The intention, way and the goal is totally different. Buddhist's starts from compassion. Hindu focus on achieving heavenly pleasures while buddhist aims to attain wisdom and final liberations.
The different schools of thoughts in Buddhism are various vehicles that still supports and help each other.
Guidelines to single pointed meditations.
Obstacles
1. Laziness
2. Forgetting the object
3. Laxity & excitement
4. Non-application - losing focus on our object of focus and allowing other mind object to come in.
5. Over-application - Exaggerate the object of focus and adding more details to it.
Antidotes
Faith; Aspiration; Perserverance; Pliancy to cure problem 1.
Recollection to cure problem 2. Keep thinking of the object frequently.
Vigilance to cure problem 3. Observe and guard the mind.
Application to cure problem 4. Always bring the mind back.
Equanimity to cure problem 5.
He then shared his idea of transmission of disease in a rather less scientific yet interesting way. He says that sick is due to ripening of past negative karma. Volunteers and doctors that treats the patient that is down with some infectious disease does not get infected. We need to practise the 6 paramitas diligently.
As according to him during the Q&A, chanting of mantra, we radiate and provides positive conditions for others to evoke their past positive karmas.
Last point which I find it rather important and beneficial to all Buddhist.
"Practise of chanting, burning of joss-sticks with samsaric intentions make us come back to samsara." Meaning if we chant just for personal wealth,health and happiness in a mundane intentions, then we can only achieve mundane bliss. Instead, we should chant and pray with renunciation intention. Praying to leave Samsara. That should be the goal of all buddhist.
Heres another interesting one for people that has issue with their diet : "Eating using mindfulness that there are at least 84 million bacteria in our body. And by preserving a healthy body, we are sustaining their living."
Abstracts from the provided notes which I find good snd important to share.
We are responsible for fulfilling our innate instinct to seek and obtain happiness and not suffering. This applies even to ants. We surrender our 20 odd years of our lives to study in order to get a good job, we get into relationships and have families-this is all to get happiness.
The more we chase after happiness, getting to know more friends and wealth, we are still unhappy. Coz we are still completely controlled by our emotions and this is caused by our inability to control our minds because we don't MEDITATE. We don't habituate our minds with the Buddha's advice to be mindful of our actions that our body, speech and mind commit. Especially that of our mind.
There are more details and specific instructions in the notes but I guess if anyone wants I could lend or zap him a copy :P
Now ends my sharing on the Buddhist Conference!!! May all be well and happy. May we all cultivate a pure mind and intention, and achieving the ultimate bliss and happiness that is real.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Buddhist Conference 2554 (III) - Happiness DIY
As what expected from a Venerable, her talk focus more on buddhist practice.
Her discourse is on prayers and chanting; aspiration; repentence; dedication of merits. She stressed alot on the underlying meanings of traditional buddhist ceremony and practices.
She starts generally by commenting that there is nothing wrong with sensual pleasures but not to indulge in it. This makes me recall on some sayings that we do not practice buddhism to become a dead log :)
"The more we possess the more we want to get."
We should all be kind to ourselves and we can easily start our day by looking into the mirror and say, "May I be happy." During our MRT or bus ride, we could recite mantras or the Buddha's name. And when we step into the office, we must try to greet the first person we see with a smile.
"People grows angry from unhappiness and more anger from our anger." It makes perfect sense when everytime after some angry episode and we rationalize what happened, we find ourselves focus on imaginary ideas like ego and in fact the notion of anger itself.
After going through a bad day, some people bring their problems home. So before we leave our office, we should tell ourselves what's past has pass and learn to leave all the problems down before we head home.
When we reach home, we can just seat quietly at a corner, unwinding and replaying what has happen on the day and reflects on what's done wholesomely and what faults we make. Try not to cover-up for the wrongs we make and do repentence on the wrong actions. We do not have to blame ourselves deeply for the wrongs we did but acknowledge that the mistakes we did are due to delusions.
"When our body is dirty we bath. When our clothes are dirty we wash. When our mind is dirty we do repentence."
As on our buddhist practise, we should not be judgemental. And when we are not doing our practice rightfully, we should just take a deep breathe and not to fall into anger.
As from given text ....
Prayers and chanting
"Prayers are ways of guiding our thoughts and energy in a certain direction; they are a technique in helping us transform our mind. By repeatedly thinking of the meaning of what we are saying or reading, we train and familiarise ourselves in a way of regarding and relating to ourselves and others. Thus for a person dedicated to developing of his or her Buddha potential, prayers and the activities of our daily life complement each other."
Aspiration
The world's happiest people are truly concerned with the happiness of others. They understand the sufferings of others and can only be happy if others are too. It is not enough to seek one's own happiness, you have to help others. We could recite this verse as part of our daily practise.
The four immeasurables (Aspiration for Universal Love)
May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness
May all sentient beings be free of sufferings and the causes of suffering
May all sentient beings never be separated from sorrowless bliss
May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger
Repentence
The practice of Buddhist repentence is not so much of asking for divine forgiveness. It is the clear recognition of our unskilful actions done intentionally or un-mindfully through our body, speech and mind.
After recognizing our faults, we make resolutions to be as mindful as we can, so as to never repeat them. In this sense, repentence is about forgiving oneself through expressing regrets and turning over a new leaf, absolving oneself of unhealthy guilt while renewing determination to further avoid evil, do good and purify our mind with greater diligence.
Dedication of merits
When we you do something positive for others, take a moment to spread the joy by dedicating merits to all sentient beings. If you just finished meditation, chanting or prostrating, you can put your hands together reverently and say :
May this merit I have accumulated
benefit all sentient beings.
May all sentient beings be well,
and may they all attain perfect peace.
Own thoughts:
Dedication of merit to other sentient beings will not reduce our merits just like a candle uses its flame to light other candles. The original candle will not reduce its brightness and the room will be brighter due to cumulative efforts of all the lit candles.
My reflection is that rituals and practises are very important and in fact is a part of and a good way to cultivate ourselves spiritually. Saying that not going to the temples and believe that striving using ownselves effort, is actually very hard and far-fetched in certain sense to me. What makes us so sure we can work hard practising buddhism ourselves when we are even lazy to be in a temple.
Having said that, rituals are not all of spiritual life and over-dependence and reliance to rituals can cause attachments and slowing down of our practises. One should have their own judgement call as to whether they should trust the credentials of certain exotic rituals and whether one can mentally accept it. After all, there is no best method to serve the needs of all.
I believe the right ritual to go with is a ritual that does not lead to increment of greed, hatred and delusion.
Stay tuned for the next one by the last speaker I am introducing, Geshe Tenzin Zopa.
Her discourse is on prayers and chanting; aspiration; repentence; dedication of merits. She stressed alot on the underlying meanings of traditional buddhist ceremony and practices.
She starts generally by commenting that there is nothing wrong with sensual pleasures but not to indulge in it. This makes me recall on some sayings that we do not practice buddhism to become a dead log :)
"The more we possess the more we want to get."
We should all be kind to ourselves and we can easily start our day by looking into the mirror and say, "May I be happy." During our MRT or bus ride, we could recite mantras or the Buddha's name. And when we step into the office, we must try to greet the first person we see with a smile.
"People grows angry from unhappiness and more anger from our anger." It makes perfect sense when everytime after some angry episode and we rationalize what happened, we find ourselves focus on imaginary ideas like ego and in fact the notion of anger itself.
After going through a bad day, some people bring their problems home. So before we leave our office, we should tell ourselves what's past has pass and learn to leave all the problems down before we head home.
When we reach home, we can just seat quietly at a corner, unwinding and replaying what has happen on the day and reflects on what's done wholesomely and what faults we make. Try not to cover-up for the wrongs we make and do repentence on the wrong actions. We do not have to blame ourselves deeply for the wrongs we did but acknowledge that the mistakes we did are due to delusions.
"When our body is dirty we bath. When our clothes are dirty we wash. When our mind is dirty we do repentence."
As on our buddhist practise, we should not be judgemental. And when we are not doing our practice rightfully, we should just take a deep breathe and not to fall into anger.
As from given text ....
Prayers and chanting
"Prayers are ways of guiding our thoughts and energy in a certain direction; they are a technique in helping us transform our mind. By repeatedly thinking of the meaning of what we are saying or reading, we train and familiarise ourselves in a way of regarding and relating to ourselves and others. Thus for a person dedicated to developing of his or her Buddha potential, prayers and the activities of our daily life complement each other."
Aspiration
The world's happiest people are truly concerned with the happiness of others. They understand the sufferings of others and can only be happy if others are too. It is not enough to seek one's own happiness, you have to help others. We could recite this verse as part of our daily practise.
The four immeasurables (Aspiration for Universal Love)
May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness
May all sentient beings be free of sufferings and the causes of suffering
May all sentient beings never be separated from sorrowless bliss
May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger
Repentence
The practice of Buddhist repentence is not so much of asking for divine forgiveness. It is the clear recognition of our unskilful actions done intentionally or un-mindfully through our body, speech and mind.
After recognizing our faults, we make resolutions to be as mindful as we can, so as to never repeat them. In this sense, repentence is about forgiving oneself through expressing regrets and turning over a new leaf, absolving oneself of unhealthy guilt while renewing determination to further avoid evil, do good and purify our mind with greater diligence.
Dedication of merits
When we you do something positive for others, take a moment to spread the joy by dedicating merits to all sentient beings. If you just finished meditation, chanting or prostrating, you can put your hands together reverently and say :
May this merit I have accumulated
benefit all sentient beings.
May all sentient beings be well,
and may they all attain perfect peace.
Own thoughts:
Dedication of merit to other sentient beings will not reduce our merits just like a candle uses its flame to light other candles. The original candle will not reduce its brightness and the room will be brighter due to cumulative efforts of all the lit candles.
My reflection is that rituals and practises are very important and in fact is a part of and a good way to cultivate ourselves spiritually. Saying that not going to the temples and believe that striving using ownselves effort, is actually very hard and far-fetched in certain sense to me. What makes us so sure we can work hard practising buddhism ourselves when we are even lazy to be in a temple.
Having said that, rituals are not all of spiritual life and over-dependence and reliance to rituals can cause attachments and slowing down of our practises. One should have their own judgement call as to whether they should trust the credentials of certain exotic rituals and whether one can mentally accept it. After all, there is no best method to serve the needs of all.
I believe the right ritual to go with is a ritual that does not lead to increment of greed, hatred and delusion.
Stay tuned for the next one by the last speaker I am introducing, Geshe Tenzin Zopa.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Buddhist Conference 2554 (II) - The priceless nature of happiness
Delivered insightfully by Mr Danai Chanchaochai from Thailand. He is one of the prominent figures in the field of marketing and management. He has also given talks on occasions and places like Asian Business Forum and the UN. And what does this city dweller have to impart?
Tremendous I would say. Very practical and his experience in the corporate world makes his point rather simple to use and practical.
He said that, "Happiness is a state of mind and not the bank statement." During the Q&A . Someone brought up a point that we need money to bring basic happiness at least. He then share a story of his friend who is an affluent banker where no matter how much money he has can not buy back the life of his drowned daughter. He even went into a state of depression and only through Buddhism he managed to get back on his feet.
He pointed out that according to a statiscal studies, Americans and Indians are one of the happiest human around and Chinese ranked lowly in this. He also commented that how billionaires like Bill gates and Warren buffett has urge 50 other billionaires to donate 99.9% of their wealth in America but only 1 in China :)
Iddhipad (Bases of Success)
Chanda - Inspiration
Viriya - Effort
Citta - Thoughtfulness (Attention to details)
Vimamsa - Investigation (Enquiring mind)
He also brought our attention to how changes have been occuring globally E.g Climate; Taj Lake Palace hotel once a luxury hotel in the middle of the lake is in the middle of a grass land now.
Dinosaur dies but tortoise survived. Harriet the tortoise that was discovered by Charles Darwin that lives for 175yrs. As said by Charles Darwin, "It is not the strongest or smartest that survive but the one that has the ability to adapt."
Happiness is having the freedom to choose. When we are mindful we choose. If we are not mindful, we simply react. The animal instinct. We can and should live beyond our Karma.
During the US election campaign, Obama's "Change" triumph over Hillary Clinton's "Experience". When we use experience, we allow ourselves to use the past to control the future. Experience is egocentric. We all desire to change the past or the future but in fact we can only change the current moment and only the current moment is real. Yet current is ongoing and fleeting as well. We should embrace change.
"If the rate of change on the outside is faster than the rate of change on the inside. The end is in sight." - Jack Welch. I find it applicable in the corporate world as well as how we should see our cultivation and life.
20yrs ago South Korean is never in the foremost list of rich countries and is alot less develop than Thailand. Yet Thailand has remain rather stagnant but South Korea and Singapore alike has surpass Thailand in prosperity and development. Changes is the dynamics behind.
"We have overestimate the change that will occur in the next 2 yrs and underestimate the change that will occur in the next 10." - Bill Gates. We should not be lulled into inactions.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein. Buddha is also the earliest to study about impermeance and changes.
He left us with a flow chart :)
1. Where we are ---> 3. How do we get there? 2. Where do we want to go?
Stay tuned to next post on sharing by Ven. Faxun of Buddhist Library :)
Tremendous I would say. Very practical and his experience in the corporate world makes his point rather simple to use and practical.
He said that, "Happiness is a state of mind and not the bank statement." During the Q&A . Someone brought up a point that we need money to bring basic happiness at least. He then share a story of his friend who is an affluent banker where no matter how much money he has can not buy back the life of his drowned daughter. He even went into a state of depression and only through Buddhism he managed to get back on his feet.
He pointed out that according to a statiscal studies, Americans and Indians are one of the happiest human around and Chinese ranked lowly in this. He also commented that how billionaires like Bill gates and Warren buffett has urge 50 other billionaires to donate 99.9% of their wealth in America but only 1 in China :)
Iddhipad (Bases of Success)
Chanda - Inspiration
Viriya - Effort
Citta - Thoughtfulness (Attention to details)
Vimamsa - Investigation (Enquiring mind)
He also brought our attention to how changes have been occuring globally E.g Climate; Taj Lake Palace hotel once a luxury hotel in the middle of the lake is in the middle of a grass land now.
Dinosaur dies but tortoise survived. Harriet the tortoise that was discovered by Charles Darwin that lives for 175yrs. As said by Charles Darwin, "It is not the strongest or smartest that survive but the one that has the ability to adapt."
Happiness is having the freedom to choose. When we are mindful we choose. If we are not mindful, we simply react. The animal instinct. We can and should live beyond our Karma.
During the US election campaign, Obama's "Change" triumph over Hillary Clinton's "Experience". When we use experience, we allow ourselves to use the past to control the future. Experience is egocentric. We all desire to change the past or the future but in fact we can only change the current moment and only the current moment is real. Yet current is ongoing and fleeting as well. We should embrace change.
"If the rate of change on the outside is faster than the rate of change on the inside. The end is in sight." - Jack Welch. I find it applicable in the corporate world as well as how we should see our cultivation and life.
20yrs ago South Korean is never in the foremost list of rich countries and is alot less develop than Thailand. Yet Thailand has remain rather stagnant but South Korea and Singapore alike has surpass Thailand in prosperity and development. Changes is the dynamics behind.
"We have overestimate the change that will occur in the next 2 yrs and underestimate the change that will occur in the next 10." - Bill Gates. We should not be lulled into inactions.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein. Buddha is also the earliest to study about impermeance and changes.
He left us with a flow chart :)
1. Where we are ---> 3. How do we get there? 2. Where do we want to go?
Stay tuned to next post on sharing by Ven. Faxun of Buddhist Library :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Buddhist Conference 2554 (I)
Nice conference! Great day where buddhist from different temples and walks of life gathers together to talk and discuss on happiness :) Theme of the conference is call "Creating Happiness in Here and Now."
It is a collaboration from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, Cheng Beng Buddhist Society, Mangala Vihara, Poh Ming Tse and many other buddhist from various buddhist groups like Firefly mission, Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Buddhist Library and Singapore Buddhist Mission.
All thanks to Bro Soon Sheng for helping me to acquire the tickets and so nice to see friends like Heidi, xiao feng & bf and Joyce too!! Ya also saw uncle Michael also!!
Speakers then was all prominent and respected figures of their field. And the dim-witted me trying my greatest effort to jot down notes just like a student :)
Anyway I will try to share what I manage to catch in the upcoming series of post of the conference. Pardon for being too slow in sharing as there is really too much to share :)
All in all, the whole hall was filled with people and the volunteers alone i think is more than 50 i think. As from the organiser, Dharma in Action, this is their 3rd large scale project following Buddhist Youth Conference and Buddhist film fest.
This conference in fact lasted since Vesak day till yesterday with series of talk on the theme Happiness.
Stay tuned to part (II)!
It is a collaboration from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, Cheng Beng Buddhist Society, Mangala Vihara, Poh Ming Tse and many other buddhist from various buddhist groups like Firefly mission, Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Buddhist Library and Singapore Buddhist Mission.
All thanks to Bro Soon Sheng for helping me to acquire the tickets and so nice to see friends like Heidi, xiao feng & bf and Joyce too!! Ya also saw uncle Michael also!!
Speakers then was all prominent and respected figures of their field. And the dim-witted me trying my greatest effort to jot down notes just like a student :)
Anyway I will try to share what I manage to catch in the upcoming series of post of the conference. Pardon for being too slow in sharing as there is really too much to share :)
All in all, the whole hall was filled with people and the volunteers alone i think is more than 50 i think. As from the organiser, Dharma in Action, this is their 3rd large scale project following Buddhist Youth Conference and Buddhist film fest.
This conference in fact lasted since Vesak day till yesterday with series of talk on the theme Happiness.
Stay tuned to part (II)!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Buddhism and Science Symposium II
A great meetings of buddhist in Singapore in attempt to understand how Buddhism and Science can complement each other from the enlightening speech by a monk, a renowned psychologist and a Buddhist scholar that forms the bridge between Science and Buddhism since he was a Scientist as well as a practicing Buddhist.
Was told that the totally packed seating houses 1200+ audiences that stretch across one of the gallery on Suntec Convention Centre. The seating reminds me of when ever Buddha gives a sermon, 500 arhats were mentioned to be around as audience. The audience for the event was more than the arahats but slightly more rowdy bunch :) There I was enjoying my serenity as well as eavesdropping on Buddhism "small talks" on Sutras on Buddhism and others! The feeling was nice.
Here's the crust of the talk.
http://www.culturalcompass.org/index.html to look at the credentials of the speakers.
Ven Jing Yin (Dr)
It is futile to think that we can drive out all forms of emotions and esp. Buddhist should not fall prey to the notions of disregarding emotions. The way to live in harmony with our emotions is to recognize that all emotions can in fact be effective for our growth. The main point is to be fully mindful of the kind of emotions that arises. If say we encounter a verbal abuse by our boss or anyone, we should be grateful as they form the fertilizer for our growth. Just like a lotus could never bloom beautifully on a clean sandy beach. This work even if the abuse is nonsense. Through the course of abuse, we learn to keep watch of our restless mind. And doing so we can grow to accept criticism more objectively and with patience and gratitude.
He also covered slightly on habitual behaviour. Our mind and behavior works like a feedback loop. Why we have perception on things are due to our past habitual reaction towards things. For example, SG parents are always thinking that their child need to have good grades to pave the way for future success which seems as the normal thinking patterns in our society thus lacking emphasis on moral values. When student faces exams, they should focus in the current effort in studying the knowledge rather than dwelling on attaining good grades as a result. Focusing on the present will encourage good grades already rather than stressing on things in the future. Our habitual perceptual tendency will result in sometime irrational behaviors that might prove to do disfavor to our life.
He also jokes about not getting angry with a snoring husband. The wife should see that the snoring husband is her husband and if that man that sleeps beside her does not snore then he is not his husband. According to Buddhism, we all live in the Realm of Desire and thus it is impossible not to have desire. But we need to work hard on promoting good desires and minimizing bad desires from surfacing.
Dr B. Alan Wallace
Human history has been a short but rapid phase of development if in consideration of the whole cycle of live on Earth. We have develop from a Hunter-Gatherer stage to a Cultivator stage where instead of relying on hunting that is not enough to feed all the mouths, we resort to grow our food, utilizing the resources to higher efficiency. That is technology advancement.
But sad to say in pursue of happiness we are still in the primitive hunter instinct. We often look for happiness if we work for it externally or thinking that having lots of money and great social positions will guarantee happiness. In fact, there are 2 types of happiness that points out by him. One is what we get from externally like wealth and fortune. The 2nd is what we cultivated internally by being of service to others. Happiness that is from outside our self will stop once the external stimuli have been removed. But happiness that arises by helping others could never be robbed away.
He also mentioned that conventional psychological learning say that we are all social animals and need constant socializing with others to grow and survive. But he retorted the fact that we are all also individuals and thus need time to be with ourselves.
He shared an experience of posting a question to HH Dalai Lama. He says that as a newbie in Buddhism then he sees himself growing more arrogant despite his little knowledge gained and asks for way to grow beyond arrogance in fear to know he is going to grow more intellectually in future. HH Dalai Lama says that when a person is poor and hungry, a rich man nurse the person with lots of food. After filling the stomach, how can one be arrogant by just because he was fed and no longer hungry. The geis of it is to say we should all learn and work our wisdom with gratitude to our teachers and thus will not fall prey to arrogance.
Dr. Paul Ekman
His is more of applications. He mentioned to recognize the spark before the flame. He sees that anger happens due to certain stimuli. And we can observe this spark before it really grows into flame. He mentioned about physiological changes to the face or body when we are angry. Some of this symptoms are blood rush, drooping eyebrows, tension of the face to recognize that we are angry. Here are some tips he shared.
1) Keeping a diary: Writing down the causing of any particular emotions, what causes it and all the related thoughts and feelings about those emotions. And through time we will see a pattern on what makes us angry. Then next time we observe the arising of such symptoms, we can lessen or at least reduce the magnitude of the rage.
2) Mindfulness meditation: We can just sit down somewhere and quiet ourselves to observe and contemplate on what has happened and our reaction to it. This work primarily to understand our emotions better.
He cautioned to not act on impulse, not thinking rationally on our behavior thus leading to regrettable episodes. A little side track to Dr Paul was he is not a Buddhist and was a supporter to Darwinian theory of evolution and thus he talks a lot on how human psychology was developed. I shall not write here as it is too dry and scientific for a lot of people. He is also into criminal psychology and thus emphasis a lot on observing our negative thoughts.
Was told that the totally packed seating houses 1200+ audiences that stretch across one of the gallery on Suntec Convention Centre. The seating reminds me of when ever Buddha gives a sermon, 500 arhats were mentioned to be around as audience. The audience for the event was more than the arahats but slightly more rowdy bunch :) There I was enjoying my serenity as well as eavesdropping on Buddhism "small talks" on Sutras on Buddhism and others! The feeling was nice.
Here's the crust of the talk.
http://www.culturalcompass.org/index.html to look at the credentials of the speakers.
Ven Jing Yin (Dr)
It is futile to think that we can drive out all forms of emotions and esp. Buddhist should not fall prey to the notions of disregarding emotions. The way to live in harmony with our emotions is to recognize that all emotions can in fact be effective for our growth. The main point is to be fully mindful of the kind of emotions that arises. If say we encounter a verbal abuse by our boss or anyone, we should be grateful as they form the fertilizer for our growth. Just like a lotus could never bloom beautifully on a clean sandy beach. This work even if the abuse is nonsense. Through the course of abuse, we learn to keep watch of our restless mind. And doing so we can grow to accept criticism more objectively and with patience and gratitude.
He also covered slightly on habitual behaviour. Our mind and behavior works like a feedback loop. Why we have perception on things are due to our past habitual reaction towards things. For example, SG parents are always thinking that their child need to have good grades to pave the way for future success which seems as the normal thinking patterns in our society thus lacking emphasis on moral values. When student faces exams, they should focus in the current effort in studying the knowledge rather than dwelling on attaining good grades as a result. Focusing on the present will encourage good grades already rather than stressing on things in the future. Our habitual perceptual tendency will result in sometime irrational behaviors that might prove to do disfavor to our life.
He also jokes about not getting angry with a snoring husband. The wife should see that the snoring husband is her husband and if that man that sleeps beside her does not snore then he is not his husband. According to Buddhism, we all live in the Realm of Desire and thus it is impossible not to have desire. But we need to work hard on promoting good desires and minimizing bad desires from surfacing.
Dr B. Alan Wallace
Human history has been a short but rapid phase of development if in consideration of the whole cycle of live on Earth. We have develop from a Hunter-Gatherer stage to a Cultivator stage where instead of relying on hunting that is not enough to feed all the mouths, we resort to grow our food, utilizing the resources to higher efficiency. That is technology advancement.
But sad to say in pursue of happiness we are still in the primitive hunter instinct. We often look for happiness if we work for it externally or thinking that having lots of money and great social positions will guarantee happiness. In fact, there are 2 types of happiness that points out by him. One is what we get from externally like wealth and fortune. The 2nd is what we cultivated internally by being of service to others. Happiness that is from outside our self will stop once the external stimuli have been removed. But happiness that arises by helping others could never be robbed away.
He also mentioned that conventional psychological learning say that we are all social animals and need constant socializing with others to grow and survive. But he retorted the fact that we are all also individuals and thus need time to be with ourselves.
He shared an experience of posting a question to HH Dalai Lama. He says that as a newbie in Buddhism then he sees himself growing more arrogant despite his little knowledge gained and asks for way to grow beyond arrogance in fear to know he is going to grow more intellectually in future. HH Dalai Lama says that when a person is poor and hungry, a rich man nurse the person with lots of food. After filling the stomach, how can one be arrogant by just because he was fed and no longer hungry. The geis of it is to say we should all learn and work our wisdom with gratitude to our teachers and thus will not fall prey to arrogance.
Dr. Paul Ekman
His is more of applications. He mentioned to recognize the spark before the flame. He sees that anger happens due to certain stimuli. And we can observe this spark before it really grows into flame. He mentioned about physiological changes to the face or body when we are angry. Some of this symptoms are blood rush, drooping eyebrows, tension of the face to recognize that we are angry. Here are some tips he shared.
1) Keeping a diary: Writing down the causing of any particular emotions, what causes it and all the related thoughts and feelings about those emotions. And through time we will see a pattern on what makes us angry. Then next time we observe the arising of such symptoms, we can lessen or at least reduce the magnitude of the rage.
2) Mindfulness meditation: We can just sit down somewhere and quiet ourselves to observe and contemplate on what has happened and our reaction to it. This work primarily to understand our emotions better.
He cautioned to not act on impulse, not thinking rationally on our behavior thus leading to regrettable episodes. A little side track to Dr Paul was he is not a Buddhist and was a supporter to Darwinian theory of evolution and thus he talks a lot on how human psychology was developed. I shall not write here as it is too dry and scientific for a lot of people. He is also into criminal psychology and thus emphasis a lot on observing our negative thoughts.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
法鼓山 outdoor meditation retreat
Went to 法鼓山 outdoor meditation retreat last week and was a very eye-opening trip. Stole a few tips on meditation from them too :) The day was rather slow moving to experience yet very packed with programs after the end of the day.
What a wonderful day to start with a super downpour :( But some commented that the downpour made them realize impermanence! And all thanks to the organizer, the whole event still commence smoothly. And here are some of my reflections _/\_
A great way to stop my drowsiness when i meditate! We are taught that whenever we felt restless or drowsiness we can just lift our hands slowly from the 界定印 posture to our chest area and putting it back. But throughout the gestures we are told to be mindful of the every minute feels and actions when we move our hands. Such action could be as long as 2 to 3 mins for me. It works marvelous for me. Let me know if are keen and I will be happy to demo.
Next we are told to do an ultra slow walking meditation! Imagining 1 min half a step!
We are also told to land on our toes than the heels which I usually do. Reason explained is the toes are more sensitive to touch and thus easier to be mindful at.
Then we were also taught 大地观 meditation. The feeling was incredible. Main obstacles is not to get distracted by snoring sound as we are in a open lying posture :P We are taught to lie in the arms of Mother nature, feeling one with it. The venerable then said words in a calm and mellow tone about the earth having supported our daily task and what we have give back to nature? I thought it could be brought to any Green Campaign! Quite a few participants were very emotional over the exercise. Again, let me know if you want to find out more :) One of my fav exercise.
Next come makan! First 3 mouthful, we need to chew 100! times before we swallow. I confessed I only chew 20+ to 30 then the food just make its way down my throat. But I did stay mindful enough and I seat facing the wall! How nice, been some time I can eat without thinking of other things other than eating.
After makan we were asked to experience walking by balancing a totally filled bowl of water. Its filled up till you can see the surface tension of the water! Makes me think of the Sankist orange juice commercial :P But I made greatly lot of realisation from that activity. I thought I was very calm until I need to balance these bowl. My hand trembles and spilling the water accidentally makes my mind fluctuates greatly. But strange enough and seems like my mind is capable of influence the water. When I am concentrated, the water was calm. When I started to have wondering thoughts, the water gets agitated. The water has become the reflection of my mind. This is the first time I felt so clear in reading my mind! The feeling was incredible. Through initial meditation, we can observe and deal with larger mental fluctuations. But when a meditator goes into deeper concentrate, finer disturbance arises and task were to harmonize these finer thoughts as well.
Last great activity which I was rather comfortable in was doing 直观. We are told to observe sights and sound of any particular object yet not giving it further thoughts. Meaning when we see a flower, our mind still treat it as flower and not to describe any physical attributes of it. Coincidentally I have tried it before on my own a few times with no guidance. I thought I was smart enough to devise this method :) But instead of using eyes, I use hearing. Lesser distraction and better in making sure I never fall into further describing of the object of concentration.
After all this, we are split into groups for sharing. That is where we all learn wonderful lessons and experience from each other.
To conclude, meditation is a means, a method to change our sensory experience into wisdom. One should not "like" or "dislike" meditation. It is a core training curriculum in Buddhism and yet is not the ultimate liberation. We should also not get attached to the ways of meditation, place or even our attitude towards it. And also, like all Buddhism practises or even for any knowledge, we should all apply it to daily life. Failing to do so makes the practise "useless" to own self.
If not wrong, these 1-day meditation retreat was organised regularly. Do contact them to sign up for it :)
What a wonderful day to start with a super downpour :( But some commented that the downpour made them realize impermanence! And all thanks to the organizer, the whole event still commence smoothly. And here are some of my reflections _/\_
A great way to stop my drowsiness when i meditate! We are taught that whenever we felt restless or drowsiness we can just lift our hands slowly from the 界定印 posture to our chest area and putting it back. But throughout the gestures we are told to be mindful of the every minute feels and actions when we move our hands. Such action could be as long as 2 to 3 mins for me. It works marvelous for me. Let me know if are keen and I will be happy to demo.
Next we are told to do an ultra slow walking meditation! Imagining 1 min half a step!
We are also told to land on our toes than the heels which I usually do. Reason explained is the toes are more sensitive to touch and thus easier to be mindful at.
Then we were also taught 大地观 meditation. The feeling was incredible. Main obstacles is not to get distracted by snoring sound as we are in a open lying posture :P We are taught to lie in the arms of Mother nature, feeling one with it. The venerable then said words in a calm and mellow tone about the earth having supported our daily task and what we have give back to nature? I thought it could be brought to any Green Campaign! Quite a few participants were very emotional over the exercise. Again, let me know if you want to find out more :) One of my fav exercise.
Next come makan! First 3 mouthful, we need to chew 100! times before we swallow. I confessed I only chew 20+ to 30 then the food just make its way down my throat. But I did stay mindful enough and I seat facing the wall! How nice, been some time I can eat without thinking of other things other than eating.
After makan we were asked to experience walking by balancing a totally filled bowl of water. Its filled up till you can see the surface tension of the water! Makes me think of the Sankist orange juice commercial :P But I made greatly lot of realisation from that activity. I thought I was very calm until I need to balance these bowl. My hand trembles and spilling the water accidentally makes my mind fluctuates greatly. But strange enough and seems like my mind is capable of influence the water. When I am concentrated, the water was calm. When I started to have wondering thoughts, the water gets agitated. The water has become the reflection of my mind. This is the first time I felt so clear in reading my mind! The feeling was incredible. Through initial meditation, we can observe and deal with larger mental fluctuations. But when a meditator goes into deeper concentrate, finer disturbance arises and task were to harmonize these finer thoughts as well.
Last great activity which I was rather comfortable in was doing 直观. We are told to observe sights and sound of any particular object yet not giving it further thoughts. Meaning when we see a flower, our mind still treat it as flower and not to describe any physical attributes of it. Coincidentally I have tried it before on my own a few times with no guidance. I thought I was smart enough to devise this method :) But instead of using eyes, I use hearing. Lesser distraction and better in making sure I never fall into further describing of the object of concentration.
After all this, we are split into groups for sharing. That is where we all learn wonderful lessons and experience from each other.
To conclude, meditation is a means, a method to change our sensory experience into wisdom. One should not "like" or "dislike" meditation. It is a core training curriculum in Buddhism and yet is not the ultimate liberation. We should also not get attached to the ways of meditation, place or even our attitude towards it. And also, like all Buddhism practises or even for any knowledge, we should all apply it to daily life. Failing to do so makes the practise "useless" to own self.
If not wrong, these 1-day meditation retreat was organised regularly. Do contact them to sign up for it :)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Mopping our practise
The floor of the main hall is always so clean and white. Makes people wonder maybe the dust in the air feels for these cleanliness and does not wish to stain the floor. Volunteered to clean the main hall yesterday and was so happy to have some realisation.
As I mop the floor, I discovered more and more fine stains appearing on the floor. The stains come in different colour, some easy to wipe away and some more stubborn ones. These seemingly obvious stains I see currently has never for once appear to spoil the purity of the floor. Yet these stain gives me the desire to clean them all up.
Before we set our mind to learn the righteous way of living, our habits are in fact our blindspots. These habit is never an issue in our life. As we embarked on the journey to perfect our bodily actions and mind, these "stains" shows up very obviously due to our increase in intensity of our mindfulness.
Our practises seem to create more troubled mind. But if upon realising these stain, we do not attach our mind to the stains, then I believe these stains on the floor would not have caused the uprising of my desire to remove them.
Cleaning up the floor and perfecting our actions are basic task of our life and in fact is our daily chores. But maybe by not clinging to the notions of right and wrong, we can free our mind better.
As I mop the floor, I discovered more and more fine stains appearing on the floor. The stains come in different colour, some easy to wipe away and some more stubborn ones. These seemingly obvious stains I see currently has never for once appear to spoil the purity of the floor. Yet these stain gives me the desire to clean them all up.
Before we set our mind to learn the righteous way of living, our habits are in fact our blindspots. These habit is never an issue in our life. As we embarked on the journey to perfect our bodily actions and mind, these "stains" shows up very obviously due to our increase in intensity of our mindfulness.
Our practises seem to create more troubled mind. But if upon realising these stain, we do not attach our mind to the stains, then I believe these stains on the floor would not have caused the uprising of my desire to remove them.
Cleaning up the floor and perfecting our actions are basic task of our life and in fact is our daily chores. But maybe by not clinging to the notions of right and wrong, we can free our mind better.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
A frog in the glass
"A frog in the well" was a phrase which we often describe someone that was ignorant about worldly happens just like a frog believing that the mouth of the well is the whole sky.
Went to a camp recently and stumbled across a modification of the phrase by ven. manko directing to the younger generations. I thought it is a phenomena irregardless of age group. "A frog in the glass" was the modified phrase.
Getting informations in the current context is easy. We have the news, newspapers, or even through the mouth of anyone. In fact I feel we have been overloaded with information. A frog in the glass means the frog is capable to know what happens in the surrounding by looking through the clear glass walls but he did nothing.
Just like the poor frog, we are all aware of the world affairs, disasters, poverty, and sufferings all around the world in just a flip through the papers every morning. But what happens after that? Do we just skip to the leisure sections or just lament how poor thing they are and thats all.
Not expecting to head a humanitarian aid movement but maybe we could just exercise some of our creative mind to reach out :) If creativity is missing somehow through the years, maybe tagging along the people that are doing it will be nice as well.
http://www.tzuchi.org.sg/
May all beings be well and happy :)
Went to a camp recently and stumbled across a modification of the phrase by ven. manko directing to the younger generations. I thought it is a phenomena irregardless of age group. "A frog in the glass" was the modified phrase.
Getting informations in the current context is easy. We have the news, newspapers, or even through the mouth of anyone. In fact I feel we have been overloaded with information. A frog in the glass means the frog is capable to know what happens in the surrounding by looking through the clear glass walls but he did nothing.
Just like the poor frog, we are all aware of the world affairs, disasters, poverty, and sufferings all around the world in just a flip through the papers every morning. But what happens after that? Do we just skip to the leisure sections or just lament how poor thing they are and thats all.
Not expecting to head a humanitarian aid movement but maybe we could just exercise some of our creative mind to reach out :) If creativity is missing somehow through the years, maybe tagging along the people that are doing it will be nice as well.
http://www.tzuchi.org.sg/
May all beings be well and happy :)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Inter-religious harmony
Just some ideas given to our government. Not sure it will lend to the table of the right authority but just give it a shot :) Those that saw these, feel free to give me feedbacks :)
Dear Sir,
Dear Sir,
Just some feedback which I thought could help promote inter-religious harmony. It is pertaining to recurring episodes of religious leaders trying to put down other religion, causing disharmony to the community of Singapore.
Abusing other religion usually happens due to lack of knowledge for other religious belief thus giving chance to insensitivity and irresponsible comments. This is especially true and delicate in a multi-racial country like Singapore. I was thinking maybe the government could step in to legislate "Induction programmes" for existing religion leaders as well as up-coming leaders that wishes to promote their religion in the community.
The induction programme which i propose could consist of core teachings of the other religion taught by respected religious teachers in Singapore assigned by the religion's regulatory committee and has a track record of having past initiatives in promoting inter-religious activities. The duration should be reasonably long enough for these learners to internalise the knowledge rather then just another "go with the follow" courses. Those leaders that pass through the course will have some form of certification.
With the course in place, there should be tougher penalities for offenders especially when after they have genuine understanding of others' religion already. This will allow government to segregate those ill-informed leaders and those that have bad intentional motives.
Yours Sincerely,
Nelson Ng
Friday, June 11, 2010
到佛堂散散步吧 ：)
前晚有非常好的福德因缘跟马来西亚的青年联谊。虽然只不过是几小时的分享会，但
感触非常。也有些的感慨，感慨没能早些接触佛教。回头看以前小时的童军生活，
虽然学习与体会的机会多，但却缺乏意义己目标。很多的做，很少的想，就好比水
母吧。
那学佛能不到佛堂吗？很遗憾这观点最近才觉得是不可能的。早期都有阅读经典的
习惯。不然就约几个佛友聊起深奥的佛理。其实这也帮了我不少，也结交了不少志
同道合的伙伴。好幸运 ：)
但我发觉这样的活动也并非圆满！佛理又深又广，身为在家如何有能跟法师们那样
的投入？那如果不到佛堂走动，哪来的机会宽解善缘，行菩萨道，救济牵引众生能？
对于一个不到佛堂的青年，那一年到头，做了几次义工，共修，行佛事以及听闻佛
法呢？那基本的十善如何修，八正道如何立行？
那不到佛堂是太忙，太累还是懒散？佛家讲的富慧双修。自己的知识有限靠不住！
佛友或许比知己优秀，但他的知识始终有限有漏，也靠不住！待在家，哪来的修富
呢？就算你是主办了讨论会，动机虽好，受益的也是那在讨论会的几个人。比起工
修修的富难以相提并论。
只有在遇到烦恼与困境时，我们才能成长。佛法缺乏体会，光靠言语只不过是纸上
谈兵。一个旅途上，有个地图能省很多的冤枉路。在修行上也应如此。但始终别忘
了没人能代替你走。
感触非常。也有些的感慨，感慨没能早些接触佛教。回头看以前小时的童军生活，
虽然学习与体会的机会多，但却缺乏意义己目标。很多的做，很少的想，就好比水
母吧。
那学佛能不到佛堂吗？很遗憾这观点最近才觉得是不可能的。早期都有阅读经典的
习惯。不然就约几个佛友聊起深奥的佛理。其实这也帮了我不少，也结交了不少志
同道合的伙伴。好幸运 ：)
但我发觉这样的活动也并非圆满！佛理又深又广，身为在家如何有能跟法师们那样
的投入？那如果不到佛堂走动，哪来的机会宽解善缘，行菩萨道，救济牵引众生能？
对于一个不到佛堂的青年，那一年到头，做了几次义工，共修，行佛事以及听闻佛
法呢？那基本的十善如何修，八正道如何立行？
那不到佛堂是太忙，太累还是懒散？佛家讲的富慧双修。自己的知识有限靠不住！
佛友或许比知己优秀，但他的知识始终有限有漏，也靠不住！待在家，哪来的修富
呢？就算你是主办了讨论会，动机虽好，受益的也是那在讨论会的几个人。比起工
修修的富难以相提并论。
只有在遇到烦恼与困境时，我们才能成长。佛法缺乏体会，光靠言语只不过是纸上
谈兵。一个旅途上，有个地图能省很多的冤枉路。在修行上也应如此。但始终别忘
了没人能代替你走。
Sunday, June 6, 2010
人之初，性本 “空” :)
人之初，性本“空”。或许该说人，性本“空”！
决不是卖弄玄虚，而是最近非常有福德因缘，上了宽谦法师的“维摩诘经” 。
法喜充满！ 佛法说的空性非没有或空无。这道理可说虽是佛学基础但我慧根浅薄，
理解上真是惭愧。这讲座让我有进一部的见解。_/\_
人的行为造作的实有是相有。虽说好与坏是名相，但除去了命相呢？形态却还在。
回想有一回一位有权威的师傅在达摩祖师前卖弄空性的理解，达摩祖师敲了他的头。
这一敲也让那师傅有所悟。
“空”在于性空。人甚至宇宙万物万法本是合和的假相。人是由五蕴合和而成。简
说我是个结合体。如果我被截肢，那我还是我吗？我掉的头发是我吗？性空也是说
到在时间上，万法都是成住坏空的现象。有生必有死，哪怕是山河大地，何况是人
身。
那如果说把课题看成习气，我也觉得是无好坏。说好，但试看不给他奶喝。说坏，
他给父母无比的开心希望。在佛理看，人最初的性格是前世修的习气。试想为和有
些人天生就有些强相，喜欢不喜欢某些事与人。如说是天赐，那坏的行为习气能？
对人，我觉得没有一人样样好或无一好。大奸大恶也有善的一面。也因无常，坏人
坏行为也才有可能修好，但不警惕也有可能堕落。劫律只限于制止行为。乱丢垃圾
罚款只能让人不乱丢，那他能学会整洁的好习惯吗？改应该在理在习惯上下手。世
上能在法律上记载的有限，没列出的更多。那没列在法律的，就能做呢？
况且好坏见人见智。
我所看过的经典对空性有益读的如“金刚经”，“维摩诘经” 和 “楞严经”。
英语非常难表达:)
决不是卖弄玄虚，而是最近非常有福德因缘，上了宽谦法师的“维摩诘经” 。
法喜充满！ 佛法说的空性非没有或空无。这道理可说虽是佛学基础但我慧根浅薄，
理解上真是惭愧。这讲座让我有进一部的见解。_/\_
人的行为造作的实有是相有。虽说好与坏是名相，但除去了命相呢？形态却还在。
回想有一回一位有权威的师傅在达摩祖师前卖弄空性的理解，达摩祖师敲了他的头。
这一敲也让那师傅有所悟。
“空”在于性空。人甚至宇宙万物万法本是合和的假相。人是由五蕴合和而成。简
说我是个结合体。如果我被截肢，那我还是我吗？我掉的头发是我吗？性空也是说
到在时间上，万法都是成住坏空的现象。有生必有死，哪怕是山河大地，何况是人
身。
那如果说把课题看成习气，我也觉得是无好坏。说好，但试看不给他奶喝。说坏，
他给父母无比的开心希望。在佛理看，人最初的性格是前世修的习气。试想为和有
些人天生就有些强相，喜欢不喜欢某些事与人。如说是天赐，那坏的行为习气能？
对人，我觉得没有一人样样好或无一好。大奸大恶也有善的一面。也因无常，坏人
坏行为也才有可能修好，但不警惕也有可能堕落。劫律只限于制止行为。乱丢垃圾
罚款只能让人不乱丢，那他能学会整洁的好习惯吗？改应该在理在习惯上下手。世
上能在法律上记载的有限，没列出的更多。那没列在法律的，就能做呢？
况且好坏见人见智。
我所看过的经典对空性有益读的如“金刚经”，“维摩诘经” 和 “楞严经”。
英语非常难表达:)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Down to KMSPKS temple for the 3 step 1 bow event! Heard that it is the most challenging "Ordeal" on Vesak Day in Singapore every year. So my adventurous self leaps into action again and decides to attempt it this year. And all thanks to Jian Hao and his friends, the night was filled with laughter and some meaningless humors. Muhaha!! Saw some friends there too. The feeling was like being trapped at some foreign land and suddenly met some own country folks :)
The queue itself takes "forever" and on the last part of the queue, we cross path with people already doing the prostration. That scene really questions those incumbents whether are they serious in going through :S Our group was full of "nonsense" but as we reached the starting point, all the members solemn down and prepares our mind for it.
The route was very very challenging. The extreme up and down slopes plus the coarse road situation grinds your limbs and challenges your mind. But the motivation comes when you see the passionate elderly doing the prostration with such calm composure! Some even wore the "Hai Qin"! My heart is too faint for that.
Some did the full prostration which was really remarkable!! You have to laterally slide your body on the coarse ground! I see ladies doing that too! Some tends to stride with a super big steps....hmm I guess their intention was more of a physical quest then a religious one I think.
As for myself, I tried to take moderate steps, all the 5 body parts touching the ground and I bow only when the chime was heard. My initial thought was more to a physical challenge also, but I was in for surprises. In a short while, my body just act automatically. The pain is still bearable and like all Buddhist practices, it makes you reflect on your mental states and the mind.
Just like the passive seating meditation, you see your mind just like in a clear mirror. Obstacles starts to surface and thoughts just wanders. But its harder in this situation to just catch your thoughts back. Objects I see along the way, people cutting your route really invoke thoughts readily. I almost lost my balance at the end of the route where I finally can get to stand up stationary.
Participants of the "ordeal" I believe faces different mind obstacles and to me is on how to control the mind. Once again, these traditional Buddhist traditional practices is not meant to be a 苦行 but still it lets you see yourself plainly. Novice will definitely find that too real and harsh. I find that to be the best way to honestly be with yourself. Also, seeing yourself in a "favorable condition" like the 3-step-1-bow event is easy but how should one see themselves when face with daily obstacles in life?
I even thought to nationalize the practice! Maybe forgoing the Buddhist inclination but more to a physical workout like the marathons. The level of difficulty is definitely more than running a 10K route and the benefits are people (even to non-buddhist) gets to learn how to observe their mind. The only way for human to advance to a higher mental states thus motivate good mental conducts are to learn how to observe their mind :)
The queue itself takes "forever" and on the last part of the queue, we cross path with people already doing the prostration. That scene really questions those incumbents whether are they serious in going through :S Our group was full of "nonsense" but as we reached the starting point, all the members solemn down and prepares our mind for it.
The route was very very challenging. The extreme up and down slopes plus the coarse road situation grinds your limbs and challenges your mind. But the motivation comes when you see the passionate elderly doing the prostration with such calm composure! Some even wore the "Hai Qin"! My heart is too faint for that.Some did the full prostration which was really remarkable!! You have to laterally slide your body on the coarse ground! I see ladies doing that too! Some tends to stride with a super big steps....hmm I guess their intention was more of a physical quest then a religious one I think.
As for myself, I tried to take moderate steps, all the 5 body parts touching the ground and I bow only when the chime was heard. My initial thought was more to a physical challenge also, but I was in for surprises. In a short while, my body just act automatically. The pain is still bearable and like all Buddhist practices, it makes you reflect on your mental states and the mind.
Just like the passive seating meditation, you see your mind just like in a clear mirror. Obstacles starts to surface and thoughts just wanders. But its harder in this situation to just catch your thoughts back. Objects I see along the way, people cutting your route really invoke thoughts readily. I almost lost my balance at the end of the route where I finally can get to stand up stationary.
Participants of the "ordeal" I believe faces different mind obstacles and to me is on how to control the mind. Once again, these traditional Buddhist traditional practices is not meant to be a 苦行 but still it lets you see yourself plainly. Novice will definitely find that too real and harsh. I find that to be the best way to honestly be with yourself. Also, seeing yourself in a "favorable condition" like the 3-step-1-bow event is easy but how should one see themselves when face with daily obstacles in life?
I even thought to nationalize the practice! Maybe forgoing the Buddhist inclination but more to a physical workout like the marathons. The level of difficulty is definitely more than running a 10K route and the benefits are people (even to non-buddhist) gets to learn how to observe their mind. The only way for human to advance to a higher mental states thus motivate good mental conducts are to learn how to observe their mind :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Kalyāṇa-mittatā
在家靠父母，出外靠朋友。 This phrase shows how friendship is such an important elements of life. Can we do without friends then? My personal life journey tells me its impossible. Or maybe at large, friendship colours our daily life. Maybe how about spiritual friendship? In this current materialistic society and time, does it even exist?
Been to some events by KMSPKS and how they stress on spiritual friendship, shed some light into possibility of achieving it. Below will be what Buddha commented of spiritual friendship :)
'With regard to external factors, I don't envision any other single factor like admirable friendship as doing so much for a monk in training, who has not attained the heart's goal but remains intent on the unsurpassed safety from bondage. A monk who is a friend with admirable people abandons what is unskillful and develops what is skillful." - Buddha
'And what is meant by admirable friendship? There is the case where a lay person, in whatever town or village he may dwell, spends time with householders or householders' sons, young or old, who are advanced in virtue. He talks with them, engages them in discussions. He emulates consummate conviction in those who are consummate in conviction, consummate virtue in those who are consummate in virtue, consummate generosity in those who are consummate in generosity, and consummate discernment in those who are consummate in discernment. This is called admirable friendship.' - Buddha
Kalyāṇa-mittatā (Pali; Skt.: -mitratā) is a Buddhist concept of "spiritual friendship" within Buddhist community life, applicable to both monastic and householder relationships. One involved in such a relationship is known as a "good friend," "virtuous friend," "noble friend" or "admirable friend" (kalyāṇa-mitta, -mitra).
Since early Buddhist history, these relationships have involved spiritual teacher-student dyads as well as communal peer groups. In general, such is a supportive relationship based on shared Buddhist ethical values and the pursuit of enlightenment.
- wikipedia :)
In short, spiritual friendship are some one that points out your blind spot and holds your hand to better yourself. Too bad to those friendships that only shares happiness over gossips, benefits and agrees to what you have done wrong. Its about embracing you for who you are but not closing one or both eyes on what you have done unwholesomely :) That applies to spiritual friends or non spiritual friends......isn't it so?
Monday, May 10, 2010
My tribute to him :)
" Do not be led by rumor, or tradition, or by the authority of religious text, nor by false arguements, nor by appearances, nor by theories, nor even by reverence. But rather when you know through your own experience that certain things are wrong and unwholesome, do not lead to calm and happiness and are not beneficial, then give them up."
"When you know for yourselves that certain things are right and wholesome, lead to calm and happiness and are beneficial, then follow them" - Buddha
Caught this phrase from the "passport" at Vesak@ Orchard celebration :) I have came across this phrase quite sometime ago and really throw me off my seat! Buddha being the head of a religion telling people not to believe what he says unless we experience it ourselves :S
It means no mistake as Buddha was never and have never asked anyone to throne him the head of a religion or his teachings as religion but it is what we have labeled his teaching for. In numerous instances in his Sutras and discourse, he also bewared us the falseness of labeling.
I still remember vaguely in one of the Sutras where upon Ven Ananda mentioned that Buddha's teaching was formost superior than others, Buddha questioned Ven. Ananda has he heard the teachings of all the gurus in the world....
How nice I feel it is through numerous studies and experiences, should we accept what is to be taught :) Even if a fact is indeed a fact, without experience, it is of no relevance to our life. Maybe I can bodly says, the most reliable religion is a religion that holds true in all condition, universally, stands against time, and we know for ourselves that it is right, wholesome, lead to calm and happiness and are beneficial.
"When you know for yourselves that certain things are right and wholesome, lead to calm and happiness and are beneficial, then follow them" - Buddha
Caught this phrase from the "passport" at Vesak@ Orchard celebration :) I have came across this phrase quite sometime ago and really throw me off my seat! Buddha being the head of a religion telling people not to believe what he says unless we experience it ourselves :S
It means no mistake as Buddha was never and have never asked anyone to throne him the head of a religion or his teachings as religion but it is what we have labeled his teaching for. In numerous instances in his Sutras and discourse, he also bewared us the falseness of labeling.
I still remember vaguely in one of the Sutras where upon Ven Ananda mentioned that Buddha's teaching was formost superior than others, Buddha questioned Ven. Ananda has he heard the teachings of all the gurus in the world....
How nice I feel it is through numerous studies and experiences, should we accept what is to be taught :) Even if a fact is indeed a fact, without experience, it is of no relevance to our life. Maybe I can bodly says, the most reliable religion is a religion that holds true in all condition, universally, stands against time, and we know for ourselves that it is right, wholesome, lead to calm and happiness and are beneficial.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Dare to identify yourself
Making fair weather friends bring companionship only at good times and true friendships support and right the wrongs we do.
Faith as an identity brings companionship only and living the faith supports and right the wrongs we do.
Flattery are empty and poisonous, humors only the ignorant.
Faith by speech are empty and frivolous, flimsy like an old shelter.
Goals that are well thought, having the right resources and time, brings success.
Faith that rest on truth, exercise by right action, speech and thoughts, brings blessing to the world.
Faith as an identity brings companionship only and living the faith supports and right the wrongs we do.
Flattery are empty and poisonous, humors only the ignorant.
Faith by speech are empty and frivolous, flimsy like an old shelter.
Goals that are well thought, having the right resources and time, brings success.
Faith that rest on truth, exercise by right action, speech and thoughts, brings blessing to the world.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Existence and reality
Try to post the below youtube videos on facebook but only the link appears and no image :(
Please turn on the player on the right column of the page if not the music will conflict with the video :)
Its a rather mind teasing videos on the true reality of things and how according to quantum physicist, Buddhism concepts seem to be in synch with. Opens the eyes to people that appreciate Scientific discoveries and advances. But for those that could not understand what is being said, just remember that reality is not as we perceive it is and all that are around us is mind-made.
The best part to me is the idea that;
Seating on a chair is actually caused by repelling of energy between our body and the chair ! Solidity is actually not a whole but a more intense region of energy which is empty !!
If you were to be more kind please drop a word or two :)
Please turn on the player on the right column of the page if not the music will conflict with the video :)
Its a rather mind teasing videos on the true reality of things and how according to quantum physicist, Buddhism concepts seem to be in synch with. Opens the eyes to people that appreciate Scientific discoveries and advances. But for those that could not understand what is being said, just remember that reality is not as we perceive it is and all that are around us is mind-made.
The best part to me is the idea that;
Seating on a chair is actually caused by repelling of energy between our body and the chair ! Solidity is actually not a whole but a more intense region of energy which is empty !!
If you were to be more kind please drop a word or two :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Compassion
So nice :) Just watch this video about how compassion is portrayed in a natural predator. Touching but I am rather interested in a different way.
Upon seeing the video, as usual I just start putting meaning into it. Very technicial I start to think what compassion is and how wise people had explained it nicely. Thinking about compassion and Buddha nature and stuff..... going on and on I start to ponder on how to let non-buddhist understand the compassion we understand? Does compassion comes in different form and magnitude or we perceive it to be?
Rather simply we can see compassion across different species of animals everyday. We often see how pet lovers treats their pet with utmost care. It might seem to be due to our so-called superiority in intellect at work. But when a pet owner takes care of her pet, I do not think any sophiscated thinking mechanism is taking place and compassion just outflow naturally. Thats the same as anyone were to see a baby :)
I also thought about a question before. Why does a human show such love to animals yet aggressive to fellow humans and even love ones? I think maybe this is how external negative traits like greed, hatred and delusion masked our natural innate potential to display compassion :). Out of fear, we hide our softer side and always putting fight and flight as the domineering reaction. With everyone in defence against each other, maybe that's why we are seen colder even more than a beast.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Rebirth
Just caught a vid in facebook but no link to its location on youtube. Any way its a vid by Ajahn Brahm my favourite teacher talking about what the Buddha has said on reincarnation or rebirth like some people put it. And below is some thoughts that I have after watching :)
Rebirth as not most non-buddhist thought as when someone dies they leave their body in a soul state and goes into another body to next life. Not really to dwell into the technical part and indeed alot of Buddhist text has gone rather detailed into the process. As detail as a scientist's thesis.
Ven. Ajahn Brahm says that we could in fact easily see our past lives if we go into a highly concentrated meditative state. Nothing magical....and I believe it can really happen. Only people that experience the process before sounds so dettached about the topic and that person is Ven. Ajahn Brahm.
If someone capable of and has seen his/ her past lives, he will definitely subscribe to law of cause and effect and will know that unwholesome striving in this life is fruitless.
I was just thinking if everyone believes in the notion of cause and effect, there will be no war, discrimination, differences, fights, ill-willed, not even inter-religious tension. Yet there is enormous potential in human development, scientific advancement and all towards bringing the human races to next higher level of existence.
But even if someone does not not believe in Law of Cause and Effect, the law is still there.......embracing all activities and all beliefs of mankind. The law that is even more omnipotent than law of gravity :)
Rebirth as not most non-buddhist thought as when someone dies they leave their body in a soul state and goes into another body to next life. Not really to dwell into the technical part and indeed alot of Buddhist text has gone rather detailed into the process. As detail as a scientist's thesis.
Ven. Ajahn Brahm says that we could in fact easily see our past lives if we go into a highly concentrated meditative state. Nothing magical....and I believe it can really happen. Only people that experience the process before sounds so dettached about the topic and that person is Ven. Ajahn Brahm.
If someone capable of and has seen his/ her past lives, he will definitely subscribe to law of cause and effect and will know that unwholesome striving in this life is fruitless.
I was just thinking if everyone believes in the notion of cause and effect, there will be no war, discrimination, differences, fights, ill-willed, not even inter-religious tension. Yet there is enormous potential in human development, scientific advancement and all towards bringing the human races to next higher level of existence.
But even if someone does not not believe in Law of Cause and Effect, the law is still there.......embracing all activities and all beliefs of mankind. The law that is even more omnipotent than law of gravity :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Creation of the what's physical
Where am I from before I was born?
I came from cells of my Dad and Mum, nutrients from the food they ate and the effort that has showered from the whole 10mths.
Where then does the cells of Dad and mum came from?
They are from the food they eat plus all the elements of the body coming together.
Where does all the food come from?
Vegetable comes from the plant and meat comes from animals.
Where does the plants come from?
They are from the Sun, water and the minerals from the soil.
Where does the minerals in the soil from?
They can be from dead leaves and decaying animals (human as well).
Where does these decaying corpose come from?
Someone like us when we die one day.
There is no becoming and no going forth, no starting and no ending, no creating or being created, no is and no is not, merely manifestation from flavorable conditions.
Seeing the true nature of phenomena, fear of lossing and longing to possess shall cease without meaning.
I came from cells of my Dad and Mum, nutrients from the food they ate and the effort that has showered from the whole 10mths.
Where then does the cells of Dad and mum came from?
They are from the food they eat plus all the elements of the body coming together.
Where does all the food come from?
Vegetable comes from the plant and meat comes from animals.
Where does the plants come from?
They are from the Sun, water and the minerals from the soil.
Where does the minerals in the soil from?
They can be from dead leaves and decaying animals (human as well).
Where does these decaying corpose come from?
Someone like us when we die one day.
There is no becoming and no going forth, no starting and no ending, no creating or being created, no is and no is not, merely manifestation from flavorable conditions.
Seeing the true nature of phenomena, fear of lossing and longing to possess shall cease without meaning.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Metta Sutta
Metta Sutta
This is the way of those who are skilled and peaceful, who seek the good and follow the path:
May they be able and upright, straightforward, of gentle speech and not proud.
May they be content and easy wherever they are.
May they be unburdened, with their senses calm.
May they be wise and not arrogant.
May they live without desire for the possessions of others.
May they do no harm to any living being.
May all beings be happy.
May they live in safety and joy.
All living beings, whether weak or strong, old or young, man or woman, smart or foolish, healthy or disabled, seen or unseen, near or distant, born or to be born, may they all be happy.
Let no one deceive or despise another being, whatever their status.
Let no one by anger or hatred wish harm to another.
As parents watch over their children, willing to risk their own lives to protect them, so with a boundless heart may we cherish every living being, bathing the entire world with unobstructed and unconditional loving-kindness.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, in each moment may we remain mindful of this heart and this way of living that is the best in all the world.
Comment: One of the important sutta in Buddhism that addresses on loving-kindness. It was often recited as well as to be meditated upon. It is a rather short discourse but the words are flowing with boundless love and compassion.
Yet living in this hectic world, one gets very cold not to say learning to love unconditionally . We might feel its only possible done by saint of just someone that's really out of today's world, living as a hermit or yogi up the Himalayas. Is it possible to show such boundless love?
I believe there is, just that I have not had the chance to meet him. Boundless love, not limited by religion, country, species, physical boundaries, friends or foes. No motive and only intention is to bless others, wishing everyone to live in bliss and peace. No boundaries of heaven and hell, not even difference in belief system.
For any form of conditioned loves turns love into desire. Desire be it good be it bad, causes one to crave for more. Even once thought constructive desires are prompt to disappointment when things does not go ones way. Boundless compassion and love is never emotionless but loving without clinging to emotions, good and bad.
Just heard from a friend's sharing how her unexpected meeting with Dalai Lama, just a slight gesture of smile and hand gestures, over-whelmed her mind with indescribable compassion, tears just flows down naturally.
Looking forward to have the chance to see His Holiness, even if its just from a distance :)
This is the way of those who are skilled and peaceful, who seek the good and follow the path:
May they be able and upright, straightforward, of gentle speech and not proud.
May they be content and easy wherever they are.
May they be unburdened, with their senses calm.
May they be wise and not arrogant.
May they live without desire for the possessions of others.
May they do no harm to any living being.
May all beings be happy.
May they live in safety and joy.
All living beings, whether weak or strong, old or young, man or woman, smart or foolish, healthy or disabled, seen or unseen, near or distant, born or to be born, may they all be happy.
Let no one deceive or despise another being, whatever their status.
Let no one by anger or hatred wish harm to another.
As parents watch over their children, willing to risk their own lives to protect them, so with a boundless heart may we cherish every living being, bathing the entire world with unobstructed and unconditional loving-kindness.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, in each moment may we remain mindful of this heart and this way of living that is the best in all the world.
Comment: One of the important sutta in Buddhism that addresses on loving-kindness. It was often recited as well as to be meditated upon. It is a rather short discourse but the words are flowing with boundless love and compassion.
Yet living in this hectic world, one gets very cold not to say learning to love unconditionally . We might feel its only possible done by saint of just someone that's really out of today's world, living as a hermit or yogi up the Himalayas. Is it possible to show such boundless love?
I believe there is, just that I have not had the chance to meet him. Boundless love, not limited by religion, country, species, physical boundaries, friends or foes. No motive and only intention is to bless others, wishing everyone to live in bliss and peace. No boundaries of heaven and hell, not even difference in belief system.
For any form of conditioned loves turns love into desire. Desire be it good be it bad, causes one to crave for more. Even once thought constructive desires are prompt to disappointment when things does not go ones way. Boundless compassion and love is never emotionless but loving without clinging to emotions, good and bad.
Just heard from a friend's sharing how her unexpected meeting with Dalai Lama, just a slight gesture of smile and hand gestures, over-whelmed her mind with indescribable compassion, tears just flows down naturally.
Looking forward to have the chance to see His Holiness, even if its just from a distance :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Busy layperson's way
Decided to share this topic as I see the urgency in doing so!
Urgency not as time is running out, not as being requested or plainly wanting to. But in relevance of time management issues faced by buddhist layperson? Maybe not just in the context of time spent but how should Buddhism stay relevant in our life.
Monk was commonly known as someone that has went from home to the homeless, to practise the path full heartedly and being mindulful of their practise in all single moments of the day. Still remember a Venerable once said, time of a layperson should be divided into personal, family as well as time for their spiritual practise. Not on the exact dividing into 3 equal parts but more like degree of emphasis to carry them out. Venerable ended by a humorous note saying she was rather worried to see children nowadays spend all their time helping out in temple activities and if we had wanted to delegate 24hrs to Buddhism, she welcomes us to join her career :)
It is definitely meritorous to help out in dharma activities and indeed was a blessing to have the chance to contribute. And through some events, I get to know more like-minders and the spirit of voluntarism is indeed very fulfilling.
Buddhism practice focus alot on being mindful of our actions and thoughts. And a meditator will find it easy to notice how easy thoughts arise spontaneously through actions and even in-actions. It is thus very important to be mindful of the arising of our thoughts and simply getting to know more about ourselves. Without some training in grasping of the mind, right intentions may lead to not so wholesome outcomes.
Noble 8 fold path says that we should exercise "Right Effort". Buddha never mention total effort or how much is right effort. But as from above, I suppose right effort for layperson will not be just right effort on the spiritual path but also right effort in carrying out our different roles.
Without proper introducing of spiritual practice to personal life, practices proves no meaning into our life. I once heard a Venerable said," mediation should be done when you are drinking water, brushing teeth and going to the toilet." To be able to be in constant mindfulness even in small and trival task, I do not think one has to do any particular task or organising any large events to walk the path. The path should also be a journey of self discovery. Not just on what we can or can not do, but what goes on in our mind.
For someone that has the ability to hold large dharma events but lacks mindfulness in daily practise, that person I feel gains important useful life skilsl but blinded to the spiritual path. Once condition arises, mundane life skills do little to support that person spiritually and emotionally.
Volunteering in dharma services are a great way to cultivate the mind and builds up one's character. It also allows chance to establish blissful affinity with alot of people. But it is after all a brick in the whole pyramid. Strong foundation has to be build and enormous effort needs to be rendered to build a pyramid that withstands the stormy weathers. And only a strong pyramid inspires others.
Having said that, at least realising and starting to walk the path is much better than not knowing any directions at all. A journey that is praised by the wise are blameless and seeks to gradually lessens our greed, hatred and delusion. And a journey that are coloured by dharma friends are definitely less lonely. Buddha mentioned that spiritual friendship is the whole of the spirtual life.
As the popular Buddhist saying goes, "May all be well and happy."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Higher Criticism by Ajahn Brahm
Higher criticism the name itself might even provoke some form of criticism in our mind. How can any criticism be higher or better? And Ajahn Brahm delivered his several perspective on the topic on criticism and how we should view them.
The ultimate truth of all thing is change, the impermance of things and problem starts when we resist to change. Its the resistance to change that limits our growth and causes suffering. And the reason to resist changes is we hold on to belief too dearly.
As from a research done in Harvard, students are exposed to a picture in split seconds, nobody can guess anything. As the lecturer increase the exposure time, some guess the picture was a boat and only after a much longer exposure time, the student recognise it as the stairways of their campus. But fresh students that were exposed to an initial longer exposure, tend to give the right answer sooner. The former students having the initial guess of a boat blocks their mind to change their guess and thus limits their thoughts.
In politcs and religion, we see people dogmatise their belief, thinking things should behave certain way and putting self into the picture. Conflicts come when some one criticised them. But religion should be a sbject that stands criticism since truth should withstand questioning.
It is through criticism, we then grow. Ajahn Brahm shared that his teacher Ajahn Chah said, "When people says you are a dog, look at your bottom. If you don't have a tail then the abuse should not hurt you. And if you does have a tail, thank the abuser instead."
Sometimes we hold abuses too personally especially the abuse is directed to something you egoistically hold true. But nothing stays and if nothing stays, the criticism will not stay. And if we retaliate on the abuse, we might lose the chance to learn.
To deal with criticism, Ajahn Brahm advise to pause into silent for a while after the abuse has ended. Its an elegant way to allow the abuser to recall his own words and I find it the best chance for us to reflect on the validity of the claim. And if its valid, thank the abuser with gratitude, cause he has made you wiser.
One day, the foremost student of Buddha, Sariputra was criticise by a novice monk. Despite his elderly status, he accepted the criticism and went over to a tree to adjusted his robe and join back the road. And since that day on Sariputra humbly calls the novice a teacher whenever they meet. A sage with wisdom only seek to change for the better instead of arguing over things that is impermance and grows his ego.
Art of accepting criticism is even more important for people that holds high recognition and makes important decision. A leader that accepts criticism with wisdom will lead his follower to a happier tomorrow :)
May all be well and happy.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Einstein Quotes
Source of the quotes are questionable but let it not be the mud that covers the clear lake. The water that purifies from within quench the thirst for knowledge and the root to all happiness......
Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and spritual; and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity.
-Albert Einstein
If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.
-Albert Einstein
A human being is part of the whole, called by us 'Universe'; a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest--a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compasion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely but striving for such achievement is, in itself, a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.
-Albert Einstein
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