漏智

Movie: Chronicles

2012-02-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Went to watch Chronicles with my argue-mate !!

http://movies.insing.com/movie/chronicle/id-c54f0000

Its a film which I call a very bland taste when you eat it but left a deep after-taste. Very draggy and the camera-view perspective of the scene can make me feel irritated. But the after taste is nice enough to make me blog. haha!

Its about a teenager that has problem in socializing with other people probably due to serious home violence and frequent assault by school bullies. Later on, gained superhuman power and the movie shows how this new found power made him and destroyed him.

This film shows how actually even when we have much more power (wealth) than we previously had, it doesn't change our life for the better. Maybe initially things might seem nice enough but its just a brief moment if the mind is not the one that has improved.

Andrew (male lead) with his new power, the destruction he inflicted on others and himself is multiplied and his outward display of his new power does not change his world for the better but made him more angry and merciless. He starts to blame others more and he gets trapped in his negativity stronger by the day.

In one of the scene where he mentioned about going to Tibet to find peace shows that he is well aware of his mental stress but quite sad that this wish of his could only be fulfilled by his cousin (Matt- not sure I got the name right).

Matt also developed this superhuman power but he was mindful of the destruction that would cause to others and thus initiated to create rules to regulate the use of their powers. His mindfulness of his action prevented him from becoming as evil as Andrew. This make taking of our Buddhist precepts so important, and in fact should be taken as early as one could start developing perceptions of the world (teenage years). Precepts feels like tieing up out hands and leg, losing our freedoms. But precepts actually sets us free even more when we developed the right habits to things.

Most often than not, especially for the younger generations, we often wish to be identified, stand out of the crowd, being seen as being more capable and all. It's never wrong to keep improving our capabilities but more importantly to be comfortable with who we are.

Nobody creates our world but we create our world. With these in mind, we should always allow ourselves to be in the company of righteous and our mental states to remain healthy.

Being Alive and Loving It!

2012-02-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Its the 30th anniversary "Sharing the Dhamma Series" of Buddhist Library. The talk was delivered by Ven Tenzin Priyadarsi. Venerable was one of the founding director of Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and see this link for more about this teacher. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenzin_Priyadarshi

Love his talk very much in how he speaks like a University professor than a monk. Very technical yet detailed and easy to absorb in his discourse. Shall share with you the wonderful tips he shared on how to lead a happy life. Of course, take my writings with a pinch of salt, since it has been stained with my own perceptions.

This is one of the nice analogy or experiment Rinpoche shared with us. Consider for the next 48 hours, thinking of nothing but negative feelings, not even a slight thought of positiveness. Most likely you end up with a fatigue mind. And then try for the next 48hrs, think of nothing but positive ideas, you end up rejuvenated, heightened perspective to things and a clear stable mind.

Another analogy that talks about our desires are like running on a thread mill trying to bite the chicken leg dangling in front. Life seems to be chasing after goals that are created by us or the surrounding. And also explained that living a religious life is not about having no or low goal, and suppressed expectation. Problem is not about the expectation but about how we come to terms with the outcome. It's the attachment to the outcome that traps us. Making a Buddhist vow and working towards saving all sentient beings are lofty goals and work.

We also tend to "compartmentalise" our roles in life. When we are a worker, husband or father, we use different way to interact with the world. That is a main problem when we separate our normal life and times where we are in a temple. Further more, we compartmentalise our Buddhist practice by choosing to major in certain practices. Example would be someone would prefer to spend more effort on Samadhi than Sila. Rinpoche mentioned that it can not work and both our normal and spiritual life will not grow. Buddhism is marvelous as it allows "integration". These 3 pillars of practice should be balanced in effort. The insights we got from meditation should enhance our Sila and Panna growth. And with that, we should use these insights in our normal life. With such, we grow as a person holistically.

Rinpoche also shared that we need to live an intentional life. Main problem to our practice or life is when we take life as it comes. We just drifted around by situation. When we have something we enjoy doing, we can't wait to wake up. We need to live a purposeful life, and not live a life of regret. Wake up everyday with a goal in life. Rinpoche shared that everyday we went to sleep with a leap of faith. We never know we could wake up again in the morning. Waking is not a natural process actually.

Life is like a flash of lightening. This was mentioned by a very old monk before he passed on. The episodes of life will pass the mind just like film stripes. The worst is to live life of regrets. Happiness should also be something natural and one should not let their happiness be dependent on external objects. Example will be like trying to expect happiness only when you manage to have how much money or assets.

Something interesting when we do our prostration when Rinpoche left. He mentioned that in Tibetan tradition, people do not prostrate the teacher in hope that the teacher will come back to teach again! And I sincerely to meet with Rinpoche again to receive his teaching.

How hard it is.

2012-01-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hard really to be born with a human body; free from handicaps; live in a country free from religious bias; from war; an ethnic circle that allows me to explore our faith freely; a family that allows me to choose my religion and of course to know buddhism.

And that's why I would seize every opportunity to know the Dharma, and to practice the Dharma. Cause I never know the opportunity might never comes again.

So what's so good to be in Buddhism? It doesn't conflict my everyday chores. It is definitely practical and logical. And its the only religion that teaches you to let go of dogmas and question our old beliefs :)

Recently got a fair share of interactions with people that is superstitious as well as people that is totally too caught up with their ideas that no further wisdom could grow from. What's so similar about this two group of people is their stubborn attachment to beliefs. And what usually surrounds their life are recurring episodes of problem.

Hard the winning of a human birth.
Hard the life of mortals.
Hard the chance to hear the true Dhamma.
Hard the arising of Awakened Ones.
- Dhp 182

Letting go of the past, embracing the future - Ajahn Brahm

2011-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

So nice to conclude the year spiritually by attending a light-hearted talk by Ajahn Brahm. And happier is when my cousin joins me for the talk. Even more happy is a friend of mine who don't have my contact but see my post in Facebook, decided to try her luck to locate me at Somerset MRT!!!

I am not late and yet by the time I reached, the whole hall is packed with people. And I still remember the overwhelming feel when the ushers decide to let the audiences seat on the stage. The crowd just squeeze in like a wave hitting on the beach..... a sight to behold.

Did not manage to remember most of it and here are some I manage to retain;

Ajahn Brahm said that his journey as a monk was not easy as expected. He remembered that when he decides to ordain as a monk he just left his country alone and went to Thailand. He has to meet up with challenges like locating a monastery to stay, what food to eat, the weather and other hardship he experienced.

He quoted an inspiring story from Winnie the Pooh. One day, Pooh was walking in the forest with the panic piglet. Storm came and panic piglet feared what will happen if a tree fell and they are under the tree? Pooh said what will happen if the tree fell and they are not under the tree?

When life doesn't come pleasantly, why do we dwell on the negative part of matters. During the time when he came to give talks in Singapore, SARS broke out and a lot of restriction was mended out for public gatherings. The organizers had put in a lot of money and ask Ajahn Brahmn whether to continue with the seminar. Ajahn Brahm mentioned that there are far more healthy people than SARS patient which will come to hear him out.

It is human tendency to be more receptive to negativity. People like to look at dramas and like to listen to story on end of the world. He bet that if 2012 is the end, he will give away his monastery, grow back and spike his hair and dance naked in the middle of Orchard road......(I doubt anyone wish to proof him wrong).

Shit that we faced in our daily life are fertilizers to grow ourselves. So, the more shit we face, we will have a beautiful garden in the end. Through history, mankind strive and progress after each disasters. Disasters make mankind more innovative and smart.In facing with wrong things we have committed, we need to acknowledge, embrace and learn from it.

We learn better when we are happier. It is just like taking a photo shot. We only capture photos that are happy. No one takes photo when they die. When

To seek happiness and success in life, we should forget and forgive ourselves, yet continue to use what works for them. Policies and plans drafted up by the government or the businesses should not be rigid and accounts for the inevitable challenges it may face.

Ajahn Brahm then shared a way to forgive and forget the mistakes we do. During the eve of countdown to usher in the new year, one can try writing consciously the bad things that had happened to you and written neathly on the toilet papers. Then when the clock hits 12, we will flush this bad feelings down the toilet bowl. Simple yet effective to use.

Stay tuned for further sharing when I can recall . . . . . .

Mani Retreat 2011

2011-12-17T18:37:00.003-08:00

Folks! If nothing or even if you have some stressful urgent things going on from 23rd to 26th Dec, shelf your loads aside and join in this year's ManiRetreat @ Suntec Convention hall. http://maniretreat.sg/

They accept part-timers for half day sessions. I attempted last year and the retreat was refreshing. Its not some meditation retreat into the wild or some trainer telling you to do this and that. You just have to SIT, RELAX, and CHANT!

The founder of the retreat is a Tibetan Guru and thus the sessions are in Tibetan. If you are uncomfortable with Tibetan chanting you just don't follow. There is only meal breaks in between and thus you just keep chanting. Good time to expose yourselves to Tibetan chanting.

During the continuous chanting of the 6-syllabus 六字大明咒, one experiences the same mental states as doing a meditation. You get your concentration and phases of mind drifting away. Lesser on sleepiness as your mouth is continuously moving.

So, see you all there :) Please bring a jacket or shawl as the aircon might prevent you from concentrating.

The Art of Disapearing by Ajahn Brahm

2011-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Now to share some nice phrases in the book. I would highly recommend this easy read as its also easy for non-buddhist yet beneficial. For buddhist, you will absorb and appreciate better if you throw away the unnecessary chains and locks of your belief. Enlightenment as far as I read and heard before, is about letting go and not clinging onto any belief system :)

Chapter 3: Developing mindfulness

Through mindfulness, you get insight into subtle defilements and the way they work. You see their source and nature. You understand that defilements promise you so much but they never actually delivers......Once you notice Mara, all you need to say is, "Mara, I know you," and Mara just slinks off and goes away (SN 5:1)

Chapter 1: The Big Pictures

The contemplation of suffering, or dukkha, is an important part of true Buddhist practice. We don't try to control sufferings; rather we try to understand it by investigating its causes. It's an important point in our practice, because when most human beings experience sufferings, they make the mistake of either running away from it or trying to change it.

Difficult times are wonderful opportunities to sit down and face suffering, to understand it fully and note take the easy option of always running away.

"People urinate and defecate on the earth; they vomit on it and burn it. All sorts of rubbish gets tossed on the earth, but the earth never complains; it just accepts everything. People also do some beautiful things on the earth. They plant gardens, even better, they build monasteries. But earth doesn't react no matter what happens to it."

Chapter 2: Bridging the Mind into the Present

Never meditate for results. Even though we all want results, even though we want to see things happen, the very act of wanting will block them.

If you go back to the suttas, and see what the Buddha said, you find that your experience matches how the Buddha describe things. Then you become a real Buddhist, not just a superficial or intellectual one. You understand what the Buddha taught and how the Buddha lived, and how he calms his mind and his mental faculties to become still , peaceful, and supremely happy. Such practice is reflected in your health, attitude and life. You become a happier, more effective human being.

Stillness- Medicine for the Mind by Ajahn Brahm

2011-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Despite the rain, my mood was still rather high throughout the day, expecting what I will be learning from Ajahn Brahm tonight!! Now that wasn't the right mood for the topic of the evening haha! His talk was ever so relevant and simple enough to grasp, yet full of flavor and substance from his jokes and stories. Here is what I can remember;

His first question of the night to the floor is "Are you busy" and "Are you lazy". According to him, being lazy is good but his laziness means doing really nothing and not even allowing our mind to wander around. His daily responsibility as a monk includes running temples, being spiritual advisers of various society as well as flying around giving talks. And his advice to busy people is to do our best when we need to and do nothing when we have nothing to do.

Once he was invited to an IT Technology conference in the States. He demonstrated that holding on a cup for long will bring pain and sore to the arms. The right way of holding should be knowing to put down the cups when our arms get tired and picked up once the arms are rested. Doing so, the arms won't get as tired.

We are too used to and very proficient in doing our best but we are poor in doing nothing. In our home, even if its a mansion, its hard to find a blank wall. And if there is a blank wall, we would put paintings and flower to decorate it. We just have to put something on it. Our mind is as so. Being stillness is to not be affected by the two winds, the past and the future.

Often than not, we are very attached to what has happened in the past, the mistakes we do and all the guilt. He shared with us a useful yet candid method. Write our sorrows and guilt on the toilet paper! Write it as detailed as possible. Then flush it down the toilet. Toilet paper is used to remind us that the thoughts are filthy and the details are to remind us of the problems. Only then can we faced the problem and go on with life. He jokes that no wonder there are more issues with toilet bowl choked in Perth :P

And on the future, he made a bet with his temples as stake that 2012 is not End of the World!! He was puzzled at how we like to worry. With our own sufferings in mind, yet we indulged in stories of others, rumors and watching horror movies.

He mentioned that Samadhi was translated in english since long time ago as concentration and was very wrong. He likes the chinese way of calling meditation as 止观. Simply ceasing the over-proliferating mental process and be in the present moment. He shared a common meditation trick by talking a phrase very gently and slowly making pauses. And when he makes the pauses, that was the moment of stillness, when there are no thoughts. This method could also be applied to chanting of the mantra by reciting OM~~MANI~~PADME~~ HUM with brakes of about 3 to 4 secs in between the words. I tried it and the feeling is nice. Anyone can do it with their own words or religious prayer too.

When we are in an argument, we always shout at each other. When one stops another starts his round of shouting. Situation gets worst. Instead, after one has started shouting or scolding us, we pause for 5mins or so and then speak our thoughts. These little 5mins pause allow the person scolding us to do self reflection on how ill-mannered and uncouth to use such words on another human.

His temple is situated on a hill top and he has been there for 9 long years. One day, he decided to walk up the hill and was astonished by how the landscape was so different. The environment was very much more beautiful and interesting. The colors were much brighter too. Its actually very scientific. The eyes see image by having the light of the image reaching the eyes and stimulating the nerve fibers behind the retinal causing chemicals to interact and form images in our mind. When he is in a car, the image of the scenery just flashed past too quickly and thus the chemicals were not allowed to react totally. The image of the scenery was not perfectly formed. Stillness comes clarity.

At the end of his sharing, he lead a 10mins meditation. He led by asking us to visualise having two heavy shopping bags and both our arms causing so much pain. And later putting them down, feeling the pain going away from our arms.

For the Q&A part, I didn't managed to get the questions but here are his explanations. Concentrating needs effort and when we try to concentrate, we are expending effort to force ourselves to concentrate. These make people getting all tense up doing meditation. Meditation should be fun and feel relaxed after doing it. When we hold up a cup with increasing concentration, the arm shakes and the water inside is not still. Only by putting the cup down does the water gets still. Also, when we are doing our meditation, we should not keep assessing how well we have done. This will just disturb the water. Just let the process run.

He shared an Ajahn Chah story of just stretching out his hand and a mango will drop on his hand. Its a similes of the idea of stillness. One need not shake the tree and the mango just drop. Sometimes we just need not do anything and things will come to us. His similes of the donkey mentioned that its hard to make a donkey move by whipping it. Donkey are famous to be stubborn. To make it move, just hung a carrot in front of it with the stick tied to its neck. When the donkey starts to move forward for a bite of the carrot, it can't as the carrot is moving forward with him. A "buddhist" donkey would stop. This stopping makes the carrot swing further away initially but will swing back forcefully and donkey gets to bite it.

From Ajahn Chah, he also learnt how fun it is to be completely still. In the forest, if one can be completely still, he will not disturb the environment and he will see animals and sometimes even rare forest dwellers coming out of hiding. This can only be achieve in great stillness until not even having the excitement of seeing these animals.

I suppose this is how little I can stored in my outdated hard disk :P Will revise this post when I recalled more of his teachings or will post it on a separate post if its better.

A realization I got apart from the topic itself. A crop can grow when the seasons are right, the water irrigation is done properly, the sun is up and many more other conditions. Any of such conditions were to be missing, the farmer would not expect a harvest. Isn't this so for our practice. How rare isn't it to be in a country free from religion oppression, peace enough to pursue our spiritual progress, a temple to hear the Dharma and a compassionate teacher to share it with us. Let us strive to walk our life with the Dharma :P

Fluke

2011-10-10T08:16:00.001-07:00

Enjoyed the film "Fluke" at our nice Intervasity Camp 2011. The link below is some detailed description of film http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluke_(film) . How nice is wiki ! Save my time to write it out. And here is what I contemplate upon after watching it.

The show is about someone being reborn as a dog after an unfortunate car accident which he thought to be murdered by his good friend. Later on, the dog recalls his past life and plots how to seek his revenged. I am definitely in no position to comment about Karma or the concept of rebirth. But maybe I could paint my thoughts in how rebirth of greed, hatred and delusion gets "reborn" in our everyday life and every moments' thought.

How often have we think after we get or attain something, we think we will be satisfied. But often, it just become a platform for more greed. Greed gets reborn after one greed gets its "nutrients" to climb higher on top of the previous.

When we quarreled and simply can not stand the sight of that person, our anger burns in our mind. We bear grudges and leads to hating that person. Whatever the person says or act, you think he is finding fault in you. Such negative emotions eventually cools down but burns again more easily when there is a chance to (even to anyone). Just like a fire was burned out, reduced into amber, but will start a fire again when we fan it.

After doing something wrong, we feel guilty and believes that a confession and repentance to our faith, we are free from the sins. Then again not long after, we commit another mistake and repeats the same process again, just like a dog chasing its tail. Deluded are we to think we can find an easy way out. And because of such "convenience", we starts to convince ourselves we did the right thing. We grow to believe we are right in anything as long as we can "customize" our faith or belief to agree with our deeds. Delusion gets reborn again from a thought moment to another.

Without practising the Dharma, habouring right view to things, all these defilements get reborn again and again without rest. Having said that, wholesome thoughts and actions can get reborn too. We can grow our loving kindness from just our family to all sentient beings. We grow our compassion to that of Ksitigarbha bodhisattva, where he vows to attain Buddhahood only after freeing all beings from hell. We find joy in seeing others' progress in life and we seek to emulate his progress. We also bears equanimity to curb our greed, hatred and delusion.

Unwholesome thoughts could not arise with wholesome thoughts. An ill-will can not arise when we are having good intentions. We have all the control in directing where our thoughts should go. And thus, Karma is never fatalistic and we can always better our life and lives to come _/\_

Intervasity Camp 2011

2011-10-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Spent an amazing weekend at the Intervasity camp last week :D 24th Sept to 25th Sept. A day worth remembering for me and all participants and committees that make this camp possible.

I am so fortunate to be appointed as the facilitator for this historical moment. Before the commencement of the camp, I had the lingering uneasiness wondering how I could benefit the campers. After all I believe these campers are far more knowledgeable than me in Buddhism. Especially after I have been slacking so much for so long.

The auspicious day arrives and we are ready to welcome the campers :D NTU and NUS was very well organised and even chartered a bus to bring them to FGS. Not a bit sluggishness i felt from all campers and only the eagerness of trying to find out what happens next.

Being the facilitators were definitely and interesting role. On one hand, I have to be friendly and engage the campers to let them feel at home. And on the other hand, I have to be mindful of my bodily actions and speech, trying to be appropriate for the camp. I thought such was a good practice as we should always be mindful in whatever we do.

I am very touched by the contributions of the camp committee as well as the great Venerables. Most of the Venerables just arrive in SG for barely a few days but the materials they shared were so enlightening and organised.

过堂吃饭 was nothing new to us FGS folks but I like the way how the campers get themselves immerse in the session. Minimal noise I could hear and everyone just conduct themselves so properly. I remembered to take the first 3 mouthful of plain rice :D During the lecture on “Buddhist Ettiquette", we are not reminded not to drag the chairs but I don't see anyone dragging. On some occasions, I did try to use my 5 senses to taste the food and the feeling was just great.

I am not satisfied with my meditation as I am nodding away fighting Zzz monster at times. Usually seating a whole hour is nothing but now every minute is a struggle. Another great session is the sharing and discussion of different roles of the MC. Nicely conducted and members of my group on "Secretary and Welfare was very spontaneous. Many problems were addressed which never across my mind. Very valuable feedbacks by all especially Ven Miao Jie. All this knowledge is even applicable in my working life.

Tea Zen is interesting as always but I think a step was conducted wrongly. We have to serve our neighbours with the cup that we drank. But not to worry as I disinfected it with hot water :D So smart of me. And I just manage to finish the whole flask of hot water.

Movie sharing was one of the highlights of the first day. We watched the movie Fluke. This make me miss Girl Girl :( Anyway its on cause and effect. The most important message I took home is not to fill our life with anger. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes some reason are rather easy to apprehend but most often than not, we need to experience certain lessons in life before we could transcend our old limitation of wisdom to see how things flow and come to be. I shall share more in another post.

The first day end with a short but enlightening debrief by the Venerables. This session sinks deep into my mind. I am so touched by how much the Venerables care for the campers making sure they enjoyed the camp as well as making it a beneficial camp for the campers. The contributions by the Venerables were really selfless. They even make the point to change the chants to be conducted in English. Chanting in English for the Theravadan rituals were nothing new. But translating Mahayana chants into English is a very pioneering endeavor for international buddhism I suppose. Really hope to see more of such developments :D English is an international language and thus riding on English is the best way to spread Buddhism.

I really love the second day. A lot more fellowship and my group Samma Ajiva finally manage to mingle better with each other. Even little casual discussions and chat gives out nice positive energy that makes the conversation engaging. Really got to thank my group mates of Samma Ajiva. I suppose during the Buddha's time, such chats must be more common, where people of different faith or same faith comes together to fellowship and discuss the meanings of life.

Discussions and chats are good tools to learn the Dharma. It allow ideas to be exchange and definitely acts as a nice recap to our knowledge. One point that attracts me to Buddhism is no questions are too "rude" or ask :D

Another highlight is on the Sutra sharing "Eight Realisations of Great Beings" I think it could definitely be used as daily advise for our everyday chores. If I am a boss, I will make sure posters of the Sutra are sticked on the walls, benefiting all possible sentient beings that cross path in life with me.

The discussion panel were enlightening and I thought its nice to have representative of the various Buddhist Society up on the panel. Symbolically, it represents unity, highlighting the importance of the problems encountered in Buddhist Society which are very relevant to them, and conferring strength to the leaders that will be the execution power to drive Buddhism in the tertiary academic arena.

After the discussion forum, we had our photo-taking session. The photos capture this moment of history in SG buddhism as well as a moment in all of us in our journey to pursue the Dharma.

The makan session at night were great too. The campers were invited for the steamboat prepared by our FGS volunteers and the food is fantastic. I like the "fish ball". Tried to "intrude" into the table of SIMBB for further fellowship :P Any kind of topics are interesting to discuss over food !! Xin Zhao broke his record by finishing two bowls in less than 20 mins. Never know the throat can be flexed :S Angela was trying to compete with him, ends up going crazy over the "princess and eunuch" nonsensical chat with Charlie :S The Sadhu version of YumSeng are fun !! Haha.

This camp to me is very fulfilling indeed. Good reflections were done and the way forward are discussed. What remains are to use what we have learnt on our different roles in Dharma propagation. This idea should not just remain in our roles as committee of various Buddhist groups but allow Buddhism to be in way of life and let Dharma propagation be our life goal.

Ending of Dharma

2011-08-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

World is coming to an end! That was a slogan that’s even more powerful than our presidential election. And every now and then we hear religious leaders talking about the impending end. So how does Buddhism talks about this issue especially on the decline of the teachings, the Dharma.

We inevitably hear Buddhist talking about the declines of Buddhism in how many years later. And we all get worried. But is it something factual? The talk by a very learned monk in a recent Dharma talk inspired me to maybe post some factual findings in the Sutta Pitaka.

According to the venerable, Buddha never explicitly states when is the end but tells us what will lead to the decline. A teacher tells a student how his misconduct will lead to failing his exam does not mean he will fail as long as he works hard.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.021.than.html

In brief, it just meant that as long as the monks conducts themselves in harmony and pursues their practice, then there is no root for decline.

http://www.basicbuddhism.org/index.cfm?GPID=29

This early account of the Pali canon speaks about how human race will start to degenerate in future with emphasis on humans no longer conducts themselves righteously and thus led to decline of the human race. It is interesting to note that this Sutta will give an account of how Maitreya the next Buddha will come.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn16/sn16.013.than.html

This sutta emphasize that the Dharma will/will not disappear on this human world depending on the conduct of monastic and layperson. It also gave some perspective that Dharma will never end in nature but end for the human that does not conduct themselves well.

This brought about the idea that at the “Dharma-ending age”, Dharma does not disappear but is less practice. Maitreya Buddha came to bring the Dharma back to our awareness only.

http://www.dharma.org/ij/archives/2000b/ss_teaching.htm

This website gave in point form what causes the disappearance of the Dharma. They all stress that the Dharma will end with bad conducts of followers.

Finally, while I did a brief search on the net for information, it is disheartening where people just irresponsibly use the Suttas information, twist it, and make their own prophesies of the end of human. Some even use it to establish their cult or their new world orders. As Buddhist, we should refrain from such and only believe what the Buddha has taught with right views.

为何而去？

2011-08-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

去佛堂不学佛，就像去联络所。

去佛堂不读经，就像去图书馆。

去佛堂不持戒，就像困在监狱。

去佛堂不修禅，就像身在被围攻的皇宫。

Tackling procrastination and something else

2011-08-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Topic for last week YTalk is on “Tackling procrastination”. Sound relevant to me and thus went down to see how the speaker can minimize my problem of procrastination. Yet little do I know the speaker delivered something that’s even more useful.

On the topic of procrastination, the speaker Mr John Wong lead us to list down what happens when there is too much procrastination and another list of what happens if procrastination is too little. After this exercise, it’s interesting to see that the page on “Too Much” was filled with the negative aspect of too much. When comes to the second list, there was a moment of pause and the list continues after the first person contributes. Yet this time, it’s a mix of good and bad points to having “too little” procrastination. The speaker calls the moment of pause as silent or in Buddhism we does that by meditation. After the silence phase, the brain starts to rewire its thought process and outcomes is listing also some positive points to the list. The speaker calls this transformation.

Conclusion to this phenomenon is Procrastination is neutral. When we don’t need to procrastinate we don’t. Example will be in saving a life in crisis. If there is a need to procrastinate then do so. Example will be to make important decisions that might involve other people. Optimization of procrastination. This is in line to Buddhist belief of middle way. But the main thing is to make a DECISION. Once it is made, stick to it with faith. Middle way is not about doing things half hearted or resigning to half pass efforts. It’s about not falling to the extremes of belief thus allowing attainment of inner peace.

About the speaker, he was already an amazing figure. Years before, he hits a rough patch in life and it’s something about life and death matters. He suddenly contracted an illness that made him paralyze from neck down. Most of his body’s nerves were badly damage. It’s not due to some accident or virus attack and the cause is still unknown till today. A youth in his prime enjoying success of his life, have to lie motionlessly in the hospital ward. Several neurologist and doctors could do nothing.

What turned his life is his sheer determination and faith! One of the thought moments he remembers were he felt sinking deeper into an abyss of darkness but suddenly he felt alleviated by a “floating carpet” as written in his book and surrounded by chants. He wakes up and realizes that it was his friends chanting for him. His recovery impressed the doctors as it’s know that neurons or nerve do not regenerate and it’s happening to him.

He said most of us chant but do we use our mind to chant or our heart. And when we are under a circumstance where nobody and nothing can help, it is the unwavering belief and connections to the inner universe, reality or true self that helps. We Buddhist coined it Buddha Nature. To me this word strengthen my faith in chanting.

Mr Wong currently looks healthy as any normal man, seating in board of directors in many scientific communities and runs a company call transcendental connections. His days were spent flying around different country invited to talk shows in radio and TV. He and his group of people also went around lend a helping hand to other bedridden, helping them to recover from their “terminal conditions”. There are already some successful cases that drop the jaws of many doctors.

I got his book and have been trying to read every word just like me preparing for exams! Yet it is something that’s even more important than excelling in academics: D

2011-06-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

最近新加坡有个关于新婚，再婚和离婚的报告。数据让人不禁怀疑，婚姻是否还有意
义。

对我而言，男女之情，有如溺爱与无私爱的拔河。理性和感性的平衡点。
重了理性，少了感性，爱情变成石板的方程式，如何维持。
重了感性，少了理性，爱情像个无头苍蝇，缺乏方向。

爱就像慈悲的火苗，从私爱奢华成亲情。从亲情奢华成大爱。
慈悲也充实，圆满了爱。

两人的结合如结合了两个世界。虽然不能也很难放下自己的世界，所以只有靠圆融
的智慧才能延续爱情。两人的结合也能看似同体共身的结合。一方出了事，另一方
不可能见死不救。爱情也像跳舞，适当的进退，才能融洽的配合。

爱也需有共同的生活态度，人生的目标。勉强的配合与讨好，旧了就变成了累赘。
恋人如果只靠占有，以激情为爱情的粮食，那感亲情变成了需要，而不是彼此的激
励。

人生就像是过眼烟云，如果把爱情当成存在的理由，到人生的劲头，才悔恨虚度光
阴。

Y Talk on Interdependence

2011-06-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Talk was held at Bras Besah. Y Talk is an initiative by KMSPKS temple. The speaker of the night is Bro Shi'an.

Although a basic aspect of the Dharma, this topic can be quite differently delivered by each speaker and here I am trying to see how bro Shi'an had for us on this topic on interdependence. Anyway interdepence is coined to interdependence origination and probably most Chinese Mahayanist will be more familiar with the phrase 缘起性空.

In chinese Mahayana we emphasis alot on emptiness "性空" and as from the Heart Sutra, it has been stated that form is emptiness and emptiness is form. So we can not understand interdependence without concept of emptiness and understanding emptiness without touching on interdepence.

All beings are actually part of existence of a whole. Although we thing that things have definite shape and we thought we humans are a single entity but looking closer, our skins that bounds the bodily shape is filled with pores. And there are always influx and air into our body and our body excreting sweat to the environment.

Interdependence can also be illustrated by the Net of Indra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra%27s_net). Imagine a big 3D net that covers throughout the universe. In its inter-locking knots, there is a radiant gem which reflects the radiant of other gems totally. Beings are seen as the gems and the net connects everyone of us.

This is to say whatever we do we affect other people. And whatever other people do, affects us. This theory applies to creation and all existence.

Bro Shi'an then move to talk slightly on being a vegan (strict vegetarian) where how choosing our diet can affect the world and in fact on survivability of all species on earth. This gives the idea of what kind of world are we giving to our fellow latter generations to come. We might think that that's non of our business but if we believe in the notion of rebirth, then its really our concern.

This short clip talks about how actually going on a plan of vegetarian weekdays can easily help the world. It just mean being vegetarian for Mon to Fri and eat freely for weekends. http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian.html

Here is a website for Singapore Vegetarian Society where there is a database to find all vegetarian yummies around you http://www.vegetarian-society.org/

He also talk about how number of honey bees of the world are declining and its believe that once bees gets wipe out from the globe, human will get extinct in 4days!

Bro Shi'an ends the talk on about the bystander effect. He spoke about a true incident that happens to a murder of a woman in the middle of a town where no one in the town stand out to help the dying woman. And reason is they all think their other neigbours will do something. We buddhist should also be always ready to stand up to misunderstanding on Buddhism by non-buddhist, of course in a non aggressive way.

Hope to see you in other Y Talks :)

Doing

2011-06-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

Inevitably we often thought that the way of realisation is through doing. This comes to the point where Zen masters say chan is about walking,staying, seating and sleeping. That derives the point that chan is doing, chan is eating and chan is even doing big things.

But we do see people and sometimes even ourself during our path of practise we get frustrated, and even lost our meaning in doing. Somethings we expect to do alot and "faithfully" thought some Devas and Buddhas will see us in good light. But I do wonder does a clay statutue really listens to us :) And if even they do, are we doing the right things? Expecting less we have lesser worries. And without mindfulness, doing becomes a chore and all we get is tireness.

To quote from Ajahn Brahm "Simply this moment - chapter on Between the observer and the observed,

The point is where do greed, hatred and delusion live? Where do the five hindrances go? Do they live in your body? Do they live in the food you eat? Do they live in the bricks you lay or the broom or the leaves you are sweeping?

This is an important point not only to your success as a monastic and to your harmony with friends and other monks, but also to your process in meditation. Those hindrance do not live in then broom, nor do they live in your citta (mind). They live between you and the object.....

Too often people put their mindfulness on the object or put their mindfulness on the observer....When you put your mindfulness in the middle, then it is not what you are doing that matters but how you are relating to it......When you know where mindfulness should be put, the path of meditation, the path of Liberation.......

The mindfulness, the awareness of that can actually see where craving comes from, where pride comes from, where ill will comes from, and where fear comes from because that is its breeding ground......

To realise and being mindful of the arising of greed, hatred and delusion from the interactions between the object of doing and the doing leads to realisation. So it doesn't matter what you do and where you are helping. It matters more in the mindfulness of the defilements and how your mind reacts to it.

Simply mimicking the story of realisation of the Zen master is akin to apprehending whether the tea is hot from other people drinking it.

Parallels of Buddhism with Science

2011-05-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Was informed that Buddha "outwitted" the scientist on cosmology and human evolution :) Below is one of the extract. Those in blue talks about Big Bang Theory and eventual contraction of the universes. In fact I remember coming across a sutta on how Buddha actually measured the size and distances of universes....let me go dig it out. And I also remembered hearing Ajahn Brahm said that the sutta mentioned about this current Big Bang was the the first one !!

Those in yellow talks about how human evolved. Not sure about it but definitely you can see a pattern on how craving evolves. Insatiable desire of wanting for more makes them more preoccupied about self. In buddhism, self is said to be illusionary and this will in a way briefly tells that human development due to sense desire actually devolves us in a way.

Those in red highlight was amazing and parallel to how food and vegetation first come about. It was scientifically known that mushrooms and fungus could have populated the surface of earth before greeny plants do :)

Those in green shows how actually we have been stuck by meaningless labels we create on our own to show differences among people that benefits only to grow the ego. With ego comes the desire to “beautify” the ego which leads to even more sufferings.

The Agganna Sutta

On Knowledge of Beginnings

Thus have I heard. Once the Lord was staying at Savatthi, at the mansion of Migara’s mother in the East Park. And at that time Vasettha and Bharadvaja were living among the monks, hoping to become monks themselves. And in the evening, the Lord rose from his secluded meditation and came out of the mansion, and started walking up and down in its shade.

Vasettha noticed this and he said to Bharadvaja: ‘Friend Bharadvaja, the Lord has come out and is walking up and down. Let us approach him. We might be fortunate enough to hear a talk on Dhamma from the lord himself.’ Yes, indeed,’ said Bharadvaja, so they went up to the lord, saluted him, and fell into step with him.

Then the lord said to Vasettha: ‘Vasettha, you two are Brahmins born and bred, and you have gone forth from the household life into homelessness from Brahmin families. Do not the Brahmins revile and abuse you?’

‘Indeed, lord, the Brahmins do revile and abuse us. They don’t hold back with their usual flood of reproaches.’

‘Well, Vasettha, what kind of reproaches do they fling at you?’

‘Lord, what the Brahmins say is this, "The Brahmins caste is the highest caste—other castes are base; the Brahmin caste is fair, other castes are dark; Brahmins are purified, non-Brahmins are not, the Brahmins are the true children of Brahma, [1] born from his mouth, born of Brahma, heirs of Brahma. And you, you have deserted the highest class and gone over to the base class of shave-ling petty ascetics, servants, dark fellows born of Brahma’s Foot! It’s not right, it’s not proper for you to mix with such people!" That is the way the Brahmins abuse us, lord.’

‘Then, Vasettha, the Brahmins have forgotten their ancient tradition when they say that. Because we can see Brahmin women, the wives of Brahmins, who menstruate and become pregnant, have babies, and give milk. And yet these womb-born Brahmins talk about being born from Brahma’s mouth…These Brahmins misrepresent Brahma, tell lies and earn much demerit.

‘There are, Vasettha, these four castes: The Khattiyas, The Brahmins, the merchants and the artisans. And sometimes a Khattiya takes life, takes what is not given, commits sexual misconduct, tells lies, indulges in slander, harsh speech or idle chatter, is grasping, malicious, or of wrong views. Thus such things as are immoral and considered so, blameworthy and considered so, to be avoided and considered so, ways unbefitting an Ariyan and considered so, black with black result and blamed by the wise, are sometimes to found among the Khattiyas, and the same applies to Brahmins, merchants, and artisans.

‘Sometimes too, a Khattiya refrains from taking life, does not take what is not given, refrains from sexual misconduct, speaks truth, shuns slander, harsh speech or idle chatter, is not grasping, malicious, or of wrong views. Thus such things are moral and considered so, blameless and considered so, to be followed and considered so, ways befitting an Ariyan and considered so, bright with bright results and praised by the wise, are sometimes found among the Khattiyas, and likewise among Brahmins, merchants, and artisans.

‘Now since both dark and bright qualities, which are blamed and praised by the wise, are scattered indiscriminately among the four castes, the wise do not recognize the claim about the Brahmin caste being the highest. Why is that? Because, Vasettha, anyone from the four castes who becomes a monk, an Arahant who has destroyed the corruptions, who has lived the life, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, reached the highest goal, destroyed the fetter of becoming, and become emancipated through super-knowledge—he is proclaims supreme by virtue of Dhamma and not of non-Dhamma.

Vasettha, all of you, though of different birth, name, clan and family, who have gone forth from the household life into homelessness, if you are asked who you are, you should reply: "We are ascetics, followers of the Sakyan." [2] He whose faith in the Tathágata is settled, rooted, established, solid, unshakable by any ascetic or Brahmin, any deva or mara or Brahma or anyone in the world, can truly say: "I am a true son of the Blessed Lord, born of his mouth, born of Dhamma, created by Dhamma, an heir of Dhamma." Why is that? Because, Vasettha, this designates the Tathágata: "The Body of Dhamma," that is "The Body of Brahma," [3] or "Become Dhamma," that is "Become Brahma." [4]

‘There comes a time, Vasettha, when, sooner or later after a long period this world contracts. At a time of contraction, beings are mostly born in the Abhassara Brahma world. And there they dwell, mind-made, feeding on delight, self luminous, moving through the air, glorious—and they stay like that for a very long time. But sooner or later, after a very long period, this world begins to expand again. At a time of expansion, the beings from the Abhassara Brahma world, having passed away from there, are mostly reborn in this world. Here they dwell, mind-made, feeding on delight, self-luminous, moving through the air, glorious—[5] and they stay like that for a very long time.

‘At that period, Vasettha, there was just one mass of water, and all was darkness, blinding darkness. Neither moon or sun appeared, no constellations or stars appeared, night and day were not yet distinguished, nor months and fortnights, nor years and seasons; there was no male and female, beings being reckoned just as beings. [6] And sooner or later, after a very long period of time, savory earth spread itself over the waters where those beings were. It looked just like the skin that forms itself over hot milk as it cools. It was endowed with color, smell, and taste. It was the color of fine ghee or butter and it was very sweet, like pure wild honey.

‘Then some being of a greedy nature said: "I say, what can this be?" and tasted the savory earth on its finger. In so doing, it became taken with the flavor, and craving arose in it. Then other beings, taking their cue from that one, also tasted the stuff with their fingers. They too were taken with the flavor, and craving arose in them. So they set to with their hands, breaking off pieces of the stuff in order to eat it. And the result was that their self luminance disappeared. And as a result of the disappearance of their self luminance the moon and the sun appeared, night and day were distinguished, months and fortnights appeared, and the year and its seasons. To that extent the world re-evolved.

‘And those beings continued for a very long time feasting on this savory earth, feeding on it and being nourished by it. And as they did so, their bodies became coarser, and a difference in looks developed among them. Some beings became good looking, others ugly. And the good looking ones despised the others, saying: "We are better looking than they are." And because they became arrogant and conceited about their looks, the savory earth disappeared. At this they came together and lamented, crying, "Oh, that flavor! Oh, that flavor!" and so nowadays when people say, "Oh, that flavor!" when they get something nice, they are repeating an ancient saying without realizing it.

‘And then, when the savory earth disappeared, a fungus cropped up, in the manner of a mushroom. It was of good color, smell, and taste. It was the color of fine ghee or butter, and it was very sweet, like pure wild honey. And those beings set to and ate the fungus. And this lasted for a very long time. And as they continued to feed on the fungus, so their bodies become coarser still, and the difference in their looks increased still more. And the good looking ones despised the others…and because they became arrogant and conceited about their looks, the sweet fungus disappeared. Next, creepers appeared, shooting up like bamboo…and they too were very sweet, like pure wild honey.

‘And those beings set to and fed on those creepers. And as they did so, their bodies became even coarser, and the difference in their looks increased still more…and they became still more arrogant, and so the creepers disappeared too. At this they came together and lamented, crying: "Alas, our creepers gone! What have we lost!" and so now today when people, one being asked why they are upset, say: "Oh what have we lost!" they are repeating an ancient saying without realizing it.

‘And then, after the creepers had disappeared, rice appeared in open spaces, free from powder and from husks, fragrant and clean grained. And what they had taken in the evening for supper had grown again and was ripe in the morning, and what they had taken in the morning for breakfast was ripe again by evening, with no sign of reaping. And these beings set to and fed on this rice, and this lasted for a very long time. And as they did so, their bodies became coarser still, and the difference in their looks became even greater. And the females developed female sex organs and the males developed male sex organs. And the women became excessively preoccupied with the men, and the men with the women. Owing to this excessive preoccupation with each other, passion was aroused, and their bodies burnt with lust. And later because of this burning, they indulged in sexual activity. But those who saw them indulging threw dust, ashes, or cow-dung at them, crying: "Die, you filthy beast! How can one being do such things to another!" Just as today, in some districts, when a daughter-in-law is led out, some people throw dirt at her, some ashes, and some cow dung, without realizing that they are repeating an ancient observance. What was considered bad form in those days is now considered good form.

‘And those beings who in those days indulged in sex were not allowed into a village or town for one or two months. Accordingly those who indulged for an excessively long period in such immoral practices began to build themselves dwellings so as to indulge under cover.

‘Now it occurred to one of those beings who was inclined to laziness, "Well now, why should I be bothered to gather rice in the evening for supper and in the morning for breakfast? Why shouldn’t I gather it all at once for both meals?" And he did so. Then another one came to him and said, "Come on, lets go rice-gathering." "No need, my friend, I’ve gathered enough for both meals." Then the other, following his example, gathered enough rice for two days at a time, saying, "That should be about enough." Then another being came to that second one, "Come on, lets go rice gathering." "No need my friend, I’ve gathered enough for two days." (The same for four, then eight days.) However, when those beings made a store of rice and lived on that, husk-powder and husk began to envelop the grain, and where it was reaped it did not grow again, and the cut place showed, and the rice grew in separate clusters.

‘And then those beings came together lamenting, "Wicked ways have become rife among us: at first we were mind made, feeding on delight…(All the events are repeated down to the latest development, each fresh change being said to be due to ‘wicked and unwholesome ways)…and the rice grows in separate clusters! So now let us divide up the rice into fields with boundaries." So they did so.

‘Then, Vasettha, one greedy-natured being, while watching over his own plot, took another plot that was not given to him, and enjoyed the fruits of it. So they seized hold of him and said, "You’ve done a wicked thing, taking another’s plot like that! Don’t ever do such a thing again!" "I won’t," he said, but he did the same thing a second and a third time. Again, he was seized and rebuked, and some hit him with their fists, some with stones, and some with sticks. And in this way, Vasettha, taking what was not given, and censuring, and lying, and punishment took their origin.

‘Then those beings came together and lamented the arising of these evil things among them: taking what was not given, censuring, lying, and punishment. And they thought: "Suppose we were to appoint a certain being who would show anger where anger was due, censure those who deserved it, and banish those who deserved banishment! And in return we would grant him a share of the rice." So they went to the one among them who was the handsomest, the best-looking, most pleasant and capable, and asked him to do this for them in return for a share of the rice, and he agreed.

Mind conditioner.

2011-05-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

Read this on Ajahn Brahm's book :) How often our mind is so conditioned by how we habitually thinks and how others and environment has influenced our thinking. Even when we try our very best and even though that we have thought to reach the "equanimity" of the mind, we are still conditioned by the idea of that.

As written by the great teacher, only an Arahant are able to be free from such conditions. People may argue monks, Arahants and Buddha may still be conditioned by bliss and peace. But we can comfortably and confidently tells it to be true cause Arahants and Buddha has reached such peace by letting go rather than grabbing on the notion of "wanting to reach peace" :D _/\_

A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a Homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston , and walked timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office.

The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge

'We'd like to see the president,' the man said softly. 'He'll be busy all day,' the secretary snapped. 'We'll wait,' the lady replied.

For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.

'Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave,' she said to him!

He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.

The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him, 'We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus.'

The president wasn't touched. He was shocked. 'Madam,' he said, gruffly, 'we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery.'

'Oh, no,' the lady explained quickly. 'We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard.'

The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, 'A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard.'

For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now.

The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, 'Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?'

Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto , California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University , a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.

You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them.

Ajahn Brahm's talk 4th May 2011

2011-05-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just back from Ajahn Brahm's talk :) Some repeated stories that serves as a good check on my progress since last heard the stories. Plus some great insights shared by Bante.

Choosing who to believe

Once Ajahn Brahm was taking a bus and there was a panic that the bus is going to explode. Everyone ran around squeezing their way out to safety. Ajahn Brahm just sat there composely. The bus never explode and the passenger board the bus and start to pray to Ajahn Brahm.

He later on explained that it was not his bravery or practise but he does not know what happen actually . . .

We should all learn buddhism objectively and with wisdom.

Story of the brick

Ajahn Brahm was using his own hands building up a wall of his monastery in Australia and coz he has all the time, he makes sure he lays every single bricks with utmost precisions. But as he finished he whole wall, he spotted 2 mis-aligned bricks! And as he narrowly focused on the 2 misaligned bricks, he will try his best to make sure no one sees it. But one day comes someone that praised this wall. This person commented that while Ajahn Brahm may focus on the 2 bricks, he sees the perfection from the remaining ones.

Reality of things is that nothing is perfect. We often focus on the bad points of a person and neglected the other good points about him. When a couple quarrels and can't stand each other, they have forgotten the reasons and the goodness in each other that puts them together. Imperfection can be a beauty, just like the sunset covered slightly with clouds, and the uneven arrangement and height of the trees in the jungle.

Similes of the Monster

Once upon a time, a monster stormed into the palace while the king was away to visit the temple. This monster is huge, ugly and smelly. As he ascends the throne, all the guards hurd abuses on him. Throwing all kinds of nasty shoutings on the monster. The monster grew bigger, ugly and smellier.

The king finally comes back and saw this horrendous monster grew to a size occupying half this throne room. He asked the monster politely and compassion whether anyone serve him tea, whether he was treated well. The king's kind words shrunk the monster and the monster left.

When we encounters stress or anxiety, we often challenged the anxiety and ends up getting ourselves even more tired and defeated. Instead, be mindful and face the stress squarely. And also face the issue with compassion and wisdom. Only then can we hope to succeed. Ajahn Brahm mentioned that when we feel anxious, we ask ourselves what and where are the bodily sensation of this anxiety. And when we found it, we stroke it with love and compassion. With that, the anxiety will get comforted and we will do our tasks (presentation or talks) better and more confidently.

Ajahn Chah's chicken dung story

There were 2 chicken farmer. Everyday in the morning, one will went into the pent to collect the dung and the other will collect the eggs. The one let got the eggs get to prepare a nice omelette for his family. While the other stinks the house.

As a working class, we often go home with all the stress piled up from a day's work and started to complain to our family members or even vented our frustration on our poor love ones. Instead, we should put down all the "dung" and shared the joy of the day with our family members.

We all have memories and we should remember the positive moments and let go of the sad ones. When we take our photos, we usually capture only our happy moments. Thus, for the album in our mind, we should selectively retain all the happy moments.

Big Bang Theory

Someone posted a physics question to Ajahn Brahm and one of the question is on the Big Bang Theory. This theory states that Big Bang created the universe. And seems like it happens spontaneously and what happens before the Big Bang seems to be irrelevant. Thus, the speaker wishes Ajahn Brahm to rationalise "Cause and effect" to Science.

Ajahn Brahm said that he do comtemplate on this issue before and a recent article from the scientific community commented there might be multiple Big Bangs before ours. If a Big Bang occured before and thus created our universe, there is reason that there are more than one such episodes.

He also mentioned how Buddha's remarkable accuracy in deriving the time line of a Big Bang. He also tied up to the fact on the negative energy (potential energy) with Buddhism which i have problem grasping the idea.

Synergy created in co-operation

A german economist mentioned to him that the reason for his countries' progress in economy, is due to co-operation. Instead of working against each other, why not with each other. The effect is more positive and definitely more efficient to the country or the company. It goes the same to the different Buddhist group in Singapore.

Getting things our way

Ajahn Brahm shared with us a good solution he always use to get his way. When we make a proposal to our boss, and the boss rejects us. We should accept it harmoniously and after 2 weeks, ask again since he would have forgotten. And he may again turn us down. Then 2 more weeks later, our boss will come out with a suggestion that is what we proposed! Instead of reacting violently to objections, we should just ask and plant the idea in his mind.

Toilet training tips

To teach a dog to defaecate outside the house, we need to teach with joy and compassion. When the dog manage to shit the way we wanted, we should jump and excitement, shout with joy and make the dog feels happy. In this way the dog will listen and do the right way.

Punishment may not always be the best solution. For example when we caught a shoplifter, we punish him. This will only make the shoplifter comes out with ways to STEAL and yet scotch-free. Its the same with punishing speed drivers. Punishment will only make them choose route with less chance of getting caught.

To solve an issue or correct and action, we should see the real problem and corrects it.

Stress is for everyone

A married person has a married person's stress and the singles have their stress. The monk has their monk stress. And even the abbot has his abbot's stress.

Ajahn Brahm: The Power of Self-Centredness

2011-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Get to know the talk this morning and thus very last min to rally up my friends yet managed to get some folks down! Wasn't that an interesting title, The Power of Self-Centredness. I thought Ajahn Brahm can't be encouraging us to be selfish and egoistic :S But just his name alone made be felt worthwhile skipping my revision and heading there to meet him. And here's what I "thought" I remembered.

His Venerable starts by how amazed he was during his childhood days, he remembered whenever a child falls down and grazed his leg, his mother will just give the wound a kiss. The pain will just fade away and the wound heals up. Now a doctor would never do that coz the mouth is full of bacteria. But it works miraculously and he believes its the power of love that heals the wound.

Whenever he is sick or in pain, he will meditate and tries to spread his love to the pain. The illness will just recover very soon. Its just like the kiss on the wound from the mother.

He mentioned that a doctor came upon him dejected and sad due to his failed treatment causing the death of a patient. This led the young doctor leave his house and abandoned his home. Ajahn Brahm's advice to him is that he failed because his goal is to cure his patient. He will always fail because everyone will die one day. Instead, care for your patient. With that, he will always succeed and improve.

Ajahn Brahm being a scientist before taking the tonsure said he never believes in giving blessing but seems like its part of a job being a monk. He said that if chants work, then he just need to have a recorder and followers just dialed a number and he can get different kinds of chants he needs :) But he mentioned that he's blessing seems efficacious and he believes its due to his compassion. Everyone loves to be loved especially patient. He remembered once where he was suppose to give his blessings to a soon-to-depart patient but end up recovered his health after the blessings given!!

He just returned from his Indonesia trip and he recalls thousands of audience came for his talk recently. There are christians, catholics and muslims and he said everyone to him seems the same physically. He said that his brother is a banker and non-buddhist and he is a buddhist monk yet the sibling shared loves for each other. His nephew and nieces always welcomes him.

He explains on the notion of selflessness. He said selflessness is always thought of wrongly. Doing things not thinking of oneself is stupidity! He recalls during a marriage blessing ceremony at Malaysia, he tells the couple not to think for themselves and not to think of their spouse...... He mentioned that true selflessness is not to think for others or himself only but thinking in the perspective of "US". If something is wrong in the relationship is OUR problem not anyone's problem. Be it in our workplace or dealing with people, we should always think of everyone as OURS, cooperation will then be possible.

He suggested that school system should be changed. Marks should be like 70% on personal achievements while 30% is the average score of the class. With that, children can start to help each other and learn team spirit better. He also quoted examples how it can be done in workplace.

Selfish love among a man and a woman is a good way to grow love. And when they starts a family, this love will be extended to the kids. And when we have that, we could even learn to accept everyone with love. And that includes loving our enemy. Self-centredness is good as long as its used wisely. Love can start from self, extending to others. Inability to love ownself is very dangerous.

In the Q&A session, someone mentioned how to love someone when he is giving you constant pain. Venerable said that reflect upon using compassion. Imagine that we just have to face this "pain" few hours per day but this nasty poor soul has to face himself 24hrs everyday. He said to himself that he must not let people control his happiness and he has all rights to love anyone. Nursing a hatred is misery to both party. Loving your enemy makes you feel better and allows the other party to realize his mistakes even clearer and effectively.

As one knowing oneself, Ajahn Brahm talk about a famous indian story of a smith having many male disciples and a beautiful daughter. To get the daughter's hand, smith ordered all his disciples to go into the village to steal from the villages. The loot will be the dowry and his daughter will be given to the wisest man and most obedient ones. One disciple came back empty handed. Upon asking why he is not obeying him, the man says that he is obeying. The Smith's command is to steal without anyone looking. But whenever he steals he found that he is always looking. This story is to show that even when no one knows what we do, we ourselves is looking at our own deeds.

Someone ask Ajahn Brahm, isn't being a monk selfish having to abandon his family. He says that being a monk is training from loving your love ones to loving everyone. He also mentioned that Buddhism is free from hierarchies. Some arch-bishops were displeased with the Vatican as they are setting orders not based on what happen on the ground. Buddha said in the Sutta that after him, no one will take over his role and let his teachings be the guide. Follow the Dharma not the monks. Monks are just like anyone of us, sure to make mistakes still.

Kids nowadays seem to be influenced badly and becoming more self-centric. Ajahn Brahm commented that even teen gangs function in groups and isolation is lonely. Teens should be given more space to learn. On question about a selfish father not taking care of the family but wanting the children to pay him allowance when they started working. Ajahn Brahm advice that it is a good way to reflect on selfishness and we will not commit that on our kids. The advice he gave to the person is to shower the father with more love.

He ends off my sharing merits to all sentient beings and victims of recent disaster. Hope this covers as much of the information that my tiny brain can recall :)

摆渡

2011-03-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

词：释继程

你唤彼岸来
彼岸不来
到彼岸去吧

由此岸渡往彼岸
筏在两岸间

你撑筏抵彼岸舍筏登岸去
回头望看彼岸此岸成彼岸

此故彼彼故此
此彼本不二

此岸去彼岸来
摆渡两岸间

缘生缘灭
不生不灭
诸法空无性

此岸彼岸非二
不来不去
无相无性无心

Song taken from the album "摆渡". One of the best Buddhist album I came across :D You can still get it at Awareness Bookstore at KMSPKS temple. The shifu that writes the songs should be at Malaysia.

This album is a compilation of wisdom and effort. The lyrics are not very easy to understand but have profound meanings. Selected this song to share.

It is actually a commonly used Buddhist analogy of crossing over to the shore of enlightenment. And the river is the river of suffering. This song talks about how the raft is used to cross over the river of suffering. Yet, the lyrics also focused on having the wrong view of duality in perceiving the shores.

Raft is just a tool to cross the shore and raft can be seen as the Dharma or also the worldly encounters we face everyday. If there is no source of suffering, its hard to gain enlightenment. Having an idea of this shore and that shore seems to be a limited parable used to simplify the process. Yet one should not stick to an idea there is a place or a shore to go to.

Samsara is also a pureland. And it is actually the pureland of Sakyamuni Buddha. Someone asked Buddha why his pure land is not as nice as other Buddhas. How we perceive the pureland is based on the purity of our own mind and perception. Different between an enlightened being and an unenlightened being is different in the mind and its perception.

Nature of rain

2011-03-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Does rain happen for a reason? And was meaning of rain given by rain itself or man? Something that ran through my mind when I was mugging at somewhere watching the rain....

Common observation would be the rain falls naturally and spontaneously with no reason. But as I look deeper. Rain is the result of water vapour, heat and wind. Missing one of the factor, there is no rain.

Does rain fall for a reason? Then, who gives it reason? Why is there rain? With rain, there is life. So is it god's gift to life on earth? But if its god-sent, with his omnipotent power, life need not depend on rain.

And if it is not god-sent, who else gives it meaning? Poet? Poems and stories indeed paint an even more significant role of rain then just supporting life. Yet, if someone has the ability to control rain, then he is not doing a good job in giving timely rain causing floods and drought.

Maybe by transcending the concepts of duality can man understand the meaning of rain, the nature of life.

All credits goes to the buddhism chants I am listening, bible at the next table, and the nice shelter under the rain :P

认识业力，改变人生。

2011-03-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Dharma talk @ FGS Temple Singapore
16 Mar 2011
Speaker: 慧僧法师
Title：认识业力，改变人生。

Shifu starts the talk by shaking up our perceptions on what constitute good and bad. Red color is seen as prosperity while the westerns view red as danger. White means death for chinese while it means peace and purity in other society. Thus, color is neutral and is not good nor bad. It is our habitual perceptions to norms we encountered everyday that shapes our wrong views.

If someone that comes for the talk with interest, he will benefit at least 80% of what's taught in the talk. Those that come when asked by a friend will gain lesser. Those that came unwillingly will waste the trip altogether.

Even for people that is born with a good life (Karma) needs wisdom. “有钱是福报,用钱是智慧。”How we conduct ourselves with good action, speech and thoughts needs the right conditions for success to happen. Yet, without observing our action, speech and thoughts, we can not lessen our mental stress.

On how Karma works, Shifu shared that when we planted a water melon seed, we can not expect to get another fruit. And when we have planted the right seed, we need to give it optimal conditions and fertiliser to let it mature into a big plant.

Seeds (Karma) that has been planted can never be changed or removed. It can only be lessen. The concept is on the proportion of bad karma to the overall good. Doing more good will reduce the proportion of bad, thus reducing the chance of the bad Karma to ripen.

Karma does not support the extreme of "resigning to fate" and "things happening spontaneously with no reason." Results of the future can be changed based on what we do now. There are matters that could be controlled and matters that we have no power to control. Thus, we can not expect a sure good life just by practising Buddhism faithfully now. Bad things that can happen is resulted from bad seeds planted before.

"If by chanting rapidly allow us to reach enlightenment, then the chanting player is better at it.
If by meditating for long hours allow us to reach enlightenment, then animals in hibernation is better at it. And if by being vegetarian allow us to reach enlightenment, then cows and sheep is definitely better at it."

As buddhist, we need to be aware that Buddhist practise is to train our mind (修心) and not to develop other abilities. Doing bad deeds worsen our Karma by not just disallowing plants to grow well but burying stones in the soil.

Factors that affects Destiny are;
1) 习惯 - Habits (Action leads to habit)
2) 迷信 - Superstition (Result from lacking of self-confidence)
3) 情念 - Love attachments
4) 权利 - Desire for power
5) 业力 - Karma (Actions are the biggest factor that decides the destiny)

How and when the Karma will ripen depends on
1) Strength of deed.
2) Habits
3) Thoughts

To change our destiny,
1) Change our behavior.
2) Change our behavior; thoughts and views.
3) Make friends (广结善缘)
4) Keeping precepts (持戒)

Happiness can be attained by cultivating
1) 感恩 - Gratitude
2) 乐观 - Optimistic
3) 正面思维 - Positivity
4) 发挥所长 - Develop strength
5) 多做善事 - Doing good deeds

Introduction to Buddhism

2011-03-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

I shall boldly attempt to give a very brief introduction to buddhism and its belief system. Any misinterpretation, please kindly highlight by commenting to benefit any person that may have the chance to come across.

Buddhism can be seen as a school of concepts, belief as well as facts about the happenings around us. Some see it as faith, while academias may see its relatedness to disciplines like sociology, pyschology and physics. Einstein being a Jewish that live his whole life in the western society sees buddhism in this light :

The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend personal God and avoid dogma and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things natural and spiritual as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description. If there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism. (Albert Einstein)

Buddhism subscribes to both the notion of creation and evolution. Creation as in things does not arise spontaneously out of no where. And buddhism believes in inter-dependent origination. A good example will be a seed (cause) needs conditions (sunlight, air, soil and water) to grow to a plant (result). Soil contains minerals that might once be from another plant, animals or even rocks and sand. Evolution comes in when changes in conditions in the environment will bear different results.

Buddha, is a title given to beings that have fully awakened or enlightened. Our world is call the Samsara and Siddharta Gautama was the Buddha of this Samsara world. Someone asked Buddha who he is and this is his reply

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.036.than.html

Buddha teaches his disciples on how to free themselves from suffering and he talks about the 4 noble truth. In simplified example, it is akin to a patient's visit to a doctor. The doctor diagnosed the illness (1st), finds the root of the illness (2nd), assures the patient of a complete recovery(3rd) and lay down the medicine for recovery (4th).

Buddhism talks about universal love like most religion but focus on having a boundless love for all sentient beings. That is love without conditions even to other beings that are non human namely hell-beings, hungry ghost, animals, Asuras (Demi-gods) and Devas (Gods).

Buddhists are taught to remove the "self" entity yet repects all other beings seeing that all beings desire to live and fear death. Buddhism do not sees oneself as superior and other beliefs as inferior to theirs. A type of meditation call the metta meditation is practise by wishing oneself and wishing all sentient beings of the 10 directions peace and free from sufferings.

From the idea of cyclic rebirth, buddhist are taught to show compassion and respect to all beings as they may be our parents of past lives.

Teachings of the Buddha was passed down by words of mouth in form of chants as writings were not well developed in such ancient time. Some may thought that words passed by human mouths are unreliable. But the 1st consolidation of the teachings were done by matching the lessons among different monks and were verified by enlightened disciples of Buddha who is know as the Arahats.

Here is what Buddha said about what what constitute the right teachings and what he has taught :

“There are some holy men and priests, Venerable Sir, who come and claim that only their teaching is right and condemn the teachings of others. Then some other holy men and priests came to Kesaputta; and they, in turn, claim that their teaching is right and others wrong. As a result, doubt has come to us. Which of these holy men and priests spoke the truth?”

The Buddha replied: “It is proper to doubt in things that are doubtful. Come, O Kalamas:”

1) Do not believe anything based on revelation
2) Do not believe anything through tradition handed down from the past
3) Do not believe anything through hearsay (gossip, rumour, etc.)
4) Do not believe anything because it accords with the holy scriptures
5) Do not believe anything through logic
6) Do not believe anything because it is a point of view.
7) Do not believe anything through having considered the reasons
8) Do not believe anything because one is convinced of some theory
9) Do not believe anything through the testimony of some reliable person
10) Do not believe in anything thinking, “This person is a great preacher”.

“Kalamas, when you yourselves know what is evil, blameworthy and censured by the enlightened wise, abandon those things. When you yourselves know that these things are good, not blameworthy, but praised by the wise, accept and practise them”

Last but not least, Buddhism is all embracing as it is looking at things as how it really is. Law of Karma is simply Law of Cause and Effect. We reap what we sow. What we did in the past will affect what we are facing now. And what we do now will affect what we get in future. But having said that, Buddhism does not support pre-destination (which most god-believer religion believes in).

Karma only lays down the condition but not the result. Example will be someone doing a good deed results in a good rebirth. Having born in a wealthy family, he may still end up doing more goods or more evil. Thus, there is no eternal suffering and eternal bliss (unless attaining final liberation).

Meditation of Death

2011-03-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Refreshing feeling since I have not went for Dharma talk for quite some time. I am always interested in "death" and thus the topic attracts me!

Dr Ng, is the speaker of the evening. He was a practising doctor and his patients are mainly patients who are chronically ill, suffering from dementia or physically impaired. He is definitely very experience in addressing issues about death. We all learnt a great deal on how to prepare death and how to take care of patients that is very ill.

He first led us into meditation starting from doing Metta Meditation and continues into doing the Death Meditation. So its like from " May all be well and happy" into "We shall surely die". haha!! According to Ekottara Agama, mindfulness of death is one of them.

He brought to our attention his survey conducted on his patients on whether they fear and why they fear death. Males and females alike, they all say they are fearless as they have did nothing wrong in life. Seems like across all religion, living a righteous life seems to be the comfort for after life.

He shared that being able to die a good and natural death holds only very little percentage to total deaths. And most people will develop physical impairment and dementia before they die.

We also explored into the belief of rebirth. Rebirth is something that believers of Karma would subscribe to. Yet, Dr Ng showed us a Youtube Video of a child that has clear recollection of death. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWwzFwUOxA

Dr Ng also stressed to us on the importance of the last thought process before death. This thought is important as it will lead us to either favorable or less favorable channel of rebirth. Below is his analogy on the last thought process.

If we have a cattle pen, the biggest sheep will pass through the gate first. After which the sheeps that stays near the gate will leave first. Then, if the pen has more white sheeps, we are sure the next group of sheeps to escape will be white sheeps. And lastly, if the pen houses only sheeps of very slight variance, then the sheeps that escape first will be quite random.

This is to mean that our last thought process can be nurtured by habits. Habitual tendency will dictate the condition of our last thought process.

He also shared about how actually effects of Karma being non linear. His analogy is how a non smoker still have the risk of developing cancer. But the probability is definitely higher for smoker to develop cancer.

DN 31 Sigalovada Sutta: The Discourse to Sigala

2011-03-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

DN 31
PTS: D iii 180
Sigalovada Sutta: The Discourse to Sigala
The Layperson's Code of Discipline
translated from the Pali by
Narada Thera

Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Sanctuary, near Rajagaha.

Now at that time, young Sigala, a householder's son, rising early in the morning, departing from Rajagaha, with wet clothes and wet hair, worshipped with joined hands the various quarters — the East, the South, the West, the North, the Nadir, and the Zenith.

Then the Exalted One, having robed himself in the forenoon took bowl and robe, and entered Rajagaha for alms. Now he saw young Sigala worshipping thus and spoke to him as follows:

"Wherefore do you, young householder, rising early in the morning, departing from Rajagaha, with wet clothes and wet hair, worship, with joined hands these various quarters — the East, the South, the West, the North, the Nadir, and the Zenith?"
"My father, Lord, while dying, said to me: The six quarters, dear son, you shall worship. And I, Lord, respecting, revering, reverencing and honoring my father's word, rise early in the morning, and leaving Rajagaha, with wet clothes and wet hair, worship with joined hands, these six quarters."

"It is not thus, young householder, the six quarters should be worshipped in the discipline of the noble."

"How then, Lord, should the six quarters be worshipped in the discipline of the noble? It is well, Lord, if the Exalted One would teach the doctrine to me showing how the six quarters should be worshipped in the discipline of the noble."
"Well, young householder, listen and bear it well in mind; I shall speak." — "Very good, Lord," responded young Sigala.

And the Exalted One spoke as follows:
"Inasmuch, young householder, as the noble disciple (1) has eradicated the four vices in conduct,[1] (2) inasmuch as he commits no evil action in four ways, (3) inasmuch as he pursues not the six channels for dissipating wealth, he thus, avoiding these fourteen evil things, covers the six quarters, and enters the path leading to victory in both worlds: he is favored in this world and in the world beyond. Upon the dissolution of the body, after death, he is born in a happy heavenly realm.

(1) "What are the four vices in conduct that he has eradicated? The destruction of life, householder, is a vice and so are stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying. These are the four vices that he has eradicated."

Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
Killing, stealing, lying and adultery,
These four evils the wise never praise.

(2) "In which four ways does one commit no evil action? Led by desire does one commit evil. Led by anger does one commit evil. Led by ignorance does one commit evil. Led by fear does one commit evil.[2]
"But inasmuch as the noble disciple is not led by desire, anger, ignorance, and fear, he commits no evil."

Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
Whoever through desire, hate or fear,
Or ignorance should transgress the Dhamma,
All his glory fades away
Like the moon during the waning half.
Whoever through desire, hate or fear,
Or ignorance never transgresses the Dhamma,
All his glory ever increases
Like the moon during the waxing half.

(3) "What are the six channels for dissipating wealth which he does not pursue?
(a) "indulgence in intoxicants which cause infatuation and heedlessness;
(b) sauntering in streets at unseemly hours;
(c) frequenting theatrical shows;
(d) indulgence in gambling which causes heedlessness;
(e) association with evil companions;
(f) the habit of idleness.

(a) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in indulging in intoxicants which cause infatuation and heedlessness:
(i) loss of wealth,
(ii) increase of quarrels,
(iii) susceptibility to disease,
(iv) earning an evil reputation,
(v) shameless exposure of body,
(vi) weakening of intellect.

(b) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in sauntering in streets at unseemly hours:
(i) he himself is unprotected and unguarded,
(ii) his wife and children are unprotected and unguarded,
(iii) his property is unprotected and unguarded,
(iv) he is suspected of evil deeds,[3]
(v) he is subject to false rumours,
(vi) he meets with many troubles.

(c) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in frequenting theatrical shows. He is ever thinking:
(i) where is there dancing?
(ii) where is there singing?
(iii) where is there music?
(iv) where is there recitation?
(v) where is there playing with cymbals?
(vi) where is there pot-blowing?[4]

(d) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in indulging in gambling:
(i) the winner begets hate,
(ii) the loser grieves for lost wealth,
(iii) loss of wealth,
(iv) his word is not relied upon in a court of law,
(v) he is despised by his friends and associates,
(vi) he is not sought after for matrimony; for people would say he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife.
(e) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in associating with evil companions, namely: any gambler, any libertine, any drunkard, any swindler, any cheat, any rowdy is his friend and companion.
(f) "There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in being addicted to idleness:
"He does no work, saying:
(i) that it is extremely cold,
(ii) that it is extremely hot,
(iii) that it is too late in the evening,
(iv) that it is too early in the morning,
(v) that he is extremely hungry,
(vi) that he is too full.

"Living in this way, he leaves many duties undone, new wealth he does not get, and wealth he has acquired dwindles away."

Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
"One is a bottle friend; one says, 'friend, friend' only to one's face; one is a friend and an associate only when it is advantageous.

"Sleeping till sunrise, adultery, irascibility, malevolence, evil companions, avarice — these six causes ruin a man.

"The man who has evil comrades and friends is given to evil ways, to ruin does he fall in both worlds — here and the next.

"Dice, women, liquor, dancing, singing, sleeping by day, sauntering at unseemly hours, evil companions, avarice — these nine[5] causes ruin a man.
"Who plays with dice and drinks intoxicants, goes to women who are dear unto others as their own lives, associates with the mean and not with elders — he declines just as the moon during the waning half.

"Who is drunk, poor, destitute, still thirsty whilst drinking, frequents the bars, sinks in debt as a stone in water, swiftly brings disrepute to his family.

"Who by habit sleeps by day, and keeps late hours, is ever intoxicated, and is licentious, is not fit to lead a household life.

"Who says it is too hot, too cold, too late, and leaves things undone, the opportunities for good go past such men.

"But he who does not regard cold or heat any more than a blade of grass and who does his duties manfully, does not fall away from happiness."

"These four, young householder, should be understood as foes in the guise of friends:
(1) he who appropriates a friend's possessions,
(2) he who renders lip-service,
(3) he who flatters,
(4) he who brings ruin.

(1) "In four ways, young householder, should one who appropriates be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend:
(i) he appropriates his friend's wealth,
(ii) he gives little and asks much,
(iii) he does his duty out of fear,
(iv) he associates for his own advantage.

(2) "In four ways, young householder, should one who renders lip-service be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend:
(i) he makes friendly profession as regards the past,
(ii) he makes friendly profession as regards the future,
(iii) he tries to gain one's favor by empty words,
(iv) when opportunity for service has arisen, he expresses his inability.

(3) "In four ways, young householder, should one who flatters be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend:
(i) he approves of his friend's evil deeds,
(ii) he disapproves his friend's good deeds,
(iii) he praises him in his presence,
(iv) he speaks ill of him in his absence.

(4) "In four ways, young householder, should one who brings ruin be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend:
(i) he is a companion in indulging in intoxicants that cause
infatuation and heedlessness,
(ii) he is a companion in sauntering in streets at unseemly hours,
(iii) he is a companion in frequenting theatrical shows,
(iv) he is a companion in indulging in gambling which causes heedlessness."

Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
The friend who appropriates,
the friend who renders lip-service,
the friend that flatters,
the friend who brings ruin,
these four as enemies the wise behold,
avoid them from afar as paths of peril.

"These four, young householder, should be understood as warm-hearted friends:
(1) he who is a helpmate,
(2) he who is the same in happiness and sorrow,
(3) he who gives good counsel,
(4) he who sympathises.

(1) "In four ways, young householder, should a helpmate be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
(i) he guards the heedless,
(ii) he protects the wealth of the heedless,
(iii) he becomes a refuge when you are in danger,
(iv) when there are commitments he provides you with double the
supply needed.

(2) "In four ways, young householder, should one who is the same in happiness and sorrow be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
(i) he reveals his secrets,
(ii) he conceals one's own secrets,
(iii) in misfortune he does not forsake one,
(iv) his life even he sacrifices for one's sake.

(3) "In four ways, young householder, should one who gives good counsel be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
(i) he restrains one from doing evil,
(ii) he encourages one to do good,
(iii) he informs one of what is unknown to oneself,
(iv) he points out the path to heaven.

(4) "In four ways, young householder, should one who sympathises be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
(i) he does not rejoice in one's misfortune,
(ii) he rejoices in one's prosperity,
(iii) he restrains others speaking ill of oneself,
(iv) he praises those who speak well of oneself."

Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
The friend who is a helpmate,
the friend in happiness and woe,
the friend who gives good counsel,
the friend who sympathises too —
these four as friends the wise behold
and cherish them devotedly
as does a mother her own child.

The wise and virtuous shine like a blazing fire.
He who acquires his wealth in harmless ways
like to a bee that honey gathers,[6]
riches mount up for him
like ant hill's rapid growth.

With wealth acquired this way,
a layman fit for household life,
in portions four divides his wealth:
thus will he friendship win.

One portion for his wants he uses,[7]
two portions on his business spends,
the fourth for times of need he keeps.

"And how, young householder, does a noble disciple cover the six quarters?

"The following should be looked upon as the six quarters. The parents should be looked upon as the East, teachers as the South, wife and children as the West, friends and associates as the North, servants and employees as the Nadir, ascetics and brahmans as the Zenith.[8]

"In five ways, young householder, a child should minister to his parents as the East:
(i) Having supported me I shall support them,
(ii) I shall do their duties,
(iii) I shall keep the family tradition,
(iv) I shall make myself worthy of my inheritance,
(v) furthermore I shall offer alms in honor of my departed
relatives.[9]

"In five ways, young householder, the parents thus ministered to as the East by their children, show their compassion:
(i) they restrain them from evil,
(ii) they encourage them to do good,
(iii) they train them for a profession,
(iv) they arrange a suitable marriage,
(v) at the proper time they hand over their inheritance to them.

"In these five ways do children minister to their parents as the East and the parents show their compassion to their children. Thus is the East covered by them and made safe and secure.
"In five ways, young householder, a pupil should minister to a teacher as the South:
(i) by rising from the seat in salutation,
(ii) by attending on him,
(iii) by eagerness to learn,
(iv) by personal service,
(v) by respectful attention while receiving instructions.

"In five ways, young householder, do teachers thus ministered to as the South by their pupils, show their compassion:
(i) they train them in the best discipline,
(ii) they see that they grasp their lessons well,
(iii) they instruct them in the arts and sciences,
(iv) they introduce them to their friends and associates,
(v) they provide for their safety in every quarter.

"The teachers thus ministered to as the South by their pupils, show their compassion towards them in these five ways. Thus is the South covered by them and made safe and secure.

"In five ways, young householder, should a wife as the West be ministered to by a husband:
(i) by being courteous to her,
(ii) by not despising her,
(iii) by being faithful to her,
(iv) by handing over authority to her,
(v) by providing her with adornments.

"The wife thus ministered to as the West by her husband shows her compassion to her husband in five ways:
(i) she performs her duties well,
(ii) she is hospitable to relations and attendants[10]
(iii) she is faithful,
(iv) she protects what he brings,
(v) she is skilled and industrious in discharging her duties.

"In these five ways does the wife show her compassion to her husband who ministers to her as the West. Thus is the West covered by him and made safe and secure.

"In five ways, young householder, should a clansman minister to his friends and associates as the North:
(i) by liberality,
(ii) by courteous speech,
(iii) by being helpful,
(iv) by being impartial,
(v) by sincerity.

"The friends and associates thus ministered to as the North by a clansman show compassion to him in five ways:
(i) they protect him when he is heedless,
(ii) they protect his property when he is heedless,
(iii) they become a refuge when he is in danger,
(iv) they do not forsake him in his troubles,
(v) they show consideration for his family.

"The friends and associates thus ministered to as the North by a clansman show their compassion towards him in these five ways. Thus is the North covered by him and made safe and secure.

"In five ways should a master minister to his servants and employees as the Nadir:
(i) by assigning them work according to their ability,
(ii) by supplying them with food and with wages,
(iii) by tending them in sickness,
(iv) by sharing with them any delicacies,
(v) by granting them leave at times.

"The servants and employees thus ministered to as the Nadir by their master show their compassion to him in five ways:
(i) they rise before him,
(ii) they go to sleep after him,
(iii) they take only what is given,
(iv) they perform their duties well,
(v) they uphold his good name and fame.

"The servants and employees thus ministered to as the Nadir show their compassion towards him in these five ways. Thus is the Nadir covered by him and made safe and secure.

"In five ways, young householder, should a householder minister to ascetics and brahmans as the Zenith:
(i) by lovable deeds,
(ii) by lovable words,
(iii) by lovable thoughts,
(iv) by keeping open house to them,
(v) by supplying their material needs.

"The ascetics and brahmans thus ministered to as the Zenith by a householder show their compassion towards him in six ways:
(i) they restrain him from evil,
(ii) they persuade him to do good,
(iii) they love him with a kind heart,
(iv) they make him hear what he has not heard,
(v) they clarify what he has already heard,
(vi) they point out the path to a heavenly state.

"In these six ways do ascetics and brahmans show their compassion towards a householder who ministers to them as the Zenith. Thus is the Zenith covered by him and made safe and secure." Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
The mother and father are the East,
The Teachers are the South,
Wife and Children are the West,
The friends and associates are the North.

Servants and employees are the Nadir,
The ascetics and brahmans are the Zenith;
Who is fit to lead the household life,
These six quarters he should salute.

Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such a one to honor may attain.

Who is energetic and not indolent,
In misfortune unshaken,
Flawless in manner and intelligent,
Such a one to honor may attain.

Who is hospitable, and friendly,
Liberal and unselfish,
A guide, an instructor, a leader,
Such a one to honor may attain.

Generosity, sweet speech,
Helpfulness to others,
Impartiality to all,
As the case demands.

These four winning ways make the world go round,
As the linchpin in a moving car.
If these in the world exist not,
Neither mother nor father will receive,
Respect and honor from their children.

Since these four winning ways
The wise appraise in every way,
To eminence they attain,
And praise they rightly gain.

When the Exalted One had spoken thus, Sigala, the young householder, said as follows:
"Excellent, Lord, excellent! It is as if, Lord, a man were to set upright that which was overturned, or were to reveal that which was hidden, or were to point out the way to one who had gone astray, or were to hold a lamp amidst the darkness, so that those who have eyes may see. Even so, has the doctrine been explained in various ways by the Exalted One.

"I take refuge, Lord, in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. May the Exalted One receive me as a lay follower; as one who has taken refuge from this very day to life's end."

狗狗的佛法

2011-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

We name her "Ah Girl" coz that name seems to trigger the most response from her other than tempting with food :D Got her for about 3months and from her behavior I see how wholesome and analytical is Buddhism is understanding all sentient beings.

Call it fate I suppose. When we got her from her previous owner, she did not struggle at all and even till now she is not showing signs of wanting to go back. She just clicked with our family instantly.

Anyway when I am with her, talking to her, looking into her eyes. I am like talking to a human. Looking beyond her dog's body through her eyes, she is just like any beings when you look through their eyes too. Humans inclusive. She likes to play with us, stick to us very closely and likes to eat!

From ah Girl you see a being that lacks far lesser intelligence (wisdom) and characters overwhelmed with sensual desires. However, even when we are so close to her, but in the face of food being snatched away, she resorted to barking and snatching the piece of bone back.

She also likes us carassing her fur. She likes to bark at strangers but when we try to stop her, she continues to bark with lesser volume. Its like a drug addict that clings strongly to her habits.

Buddha teaches us that all sentient beings possess Buddha nature and given time, when the bad Karma lessens and good Karma surfaces (with the right conditions), she will be reborn to the higher realms (Humans, Asuras and Devas). I would say the forces of Karma could be seen as habitual tendencies, and the intensities of the habit. With such, we are pulled by the karmic forces to the realm that attracts us.

To summarize, Karma is not pre-destination and Buddhism generally do not accepts pre-destination. We are what we are due to what we do in the past. And sequentially, what we are in the future depends on what we do now. It is an active ideology that inspires progressive betterment of oneself.

In Buddhism, there are countless Sutras and literatures that dwells on the notion and the journey of death and the crossing to other birth. One book that was highly recommended by my friend is called "Tibetan book of death" which I have yet to lay my hands on. To understand the nature of the mind since it was only the mind that handles the life after death, the branch of buddhism studies call 维识学 is definitely a must to focus on.

To end off, ah Girl is actually a high EQ dog!

2011-02-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Exam coming and all I can think of is formulas and here comes one!

T = S + W + P

T = 24hrs a day for everyone.

S = Sleeping & time where we are totally not aware of what we are doing.

W = Working and also includes time where we are handling mundane matters like shopping and moving around.

P = Time allocated specifically for practising the Dharma or dharmic work (i.e Volunteering in temple.)

We all have the standard 24hrs unless we are talking about beings of other planets that revolve the sun at different velocity. So what do we do with this 24hrs? A famous story told about everyday time is credited into our account and at the end of the day, all remaining time will be debited away. So what really matters is what we do with it.

Sleeping time is very straight forward but how about time when we are unaware of our doings. Mind difting all about with no focal point. Not knowing what should be done, how to do it and the consequences of doing things. Basically thinking about nothing.

P is practise time or doing dharmic work. Learning and practising the Dharma is to pave the way for enlightenment as well as liberating sufferings along our path to enlightenment. It stretches for more than a life time. But how much do we focus on this portion? We tend to focus so much on working so as to lead a better "this" life and only this life. Shouldn't we focus more attention to benefits that stretches far more than "a" lifetime and countless beings around.

Now the tricky part which is the W. We all work in a way and this includes studying as well as carrying out daily chores. I believe esp for fellow buddhist, we could turn this W to benefit the P. For other religion, we can think of God frequently. But at a single moment, it is impossible to have 2 concurrent thoughts. Putting it simply, we can not think of solving maths problem and think of God.

But as a Buddhist, Buddha teaches us to be mindful in all our actions. Be it our bodily actions, speech and mind. Meditation teaches us to focus and observe our fleeting thoughts moment to moment. Thus being mindful of what we are doing, we are practising the Dharma at the same time !! Practising the Dharma or even specifically chanting do not necessary need an object or even a name. The dharma is formless (无相).

May we all strive well in our ways.

维摩诘经-佛道品

2011-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

于是维摩诘问文殊师利：何等为如来种？
文殊师利言：有身为种，无明有爱为种，贪恚痴为种，四颠倒为种，五盖为种，六入为种，七识处为种，八邪法为种，九恼处为种，十不善道为种。以要言之，六十二见及一切烦恼，皆是为种。
曰：何谓也？
答曰：若见无为入正位者，不能复发阿耨多罗三藐三菩提心。譬如高原陆地，不生莲花；卑湿淤泥，乃生此华。如是，见无为法入正位者，终不复能生于佛法；烦恼泥中乃有众生起佛法耳。有如植种于空，终不得生；粪坏之地，乃能滋茂。如是，入无为正位者，不生佛法。起于我见如须弥山，犹能发阿耨多罗三藐三菩提心，生佛法埃。是故当知一切烦恼为如来种。譬如不下巨海，不能得物价珍宝；如是，不如烦恼大海，则不能得一切智宝。

Defilements and troubles in our daily life is in fact basis of cultivations. Just like a lotus that needs to thrive in filthy mud water. The mud water is the source of nutrients to allow the lotus flower to grow and bloom. Thus one should not hide like a hermit, not willing to courageously face the problems in life.

But having said that, it is not to say stirring up problems or not wise up after overcoming previous problems. Problems and situations should be our stairs. The more we climb upwards the higher we are. The wiser we become.

Seeing the problem. Solving the problem. Then letting go of the problem.

阿弥陀佛承许灌顶

2011-02-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

刚参加了藏传的灌顶仪式。超新鲜的体验。也是第一次需要长时间的观想那么多的步奏。心还蛮难定下。玄丽的装饰，神迷的仪式，加上咒语和信众的虔诚，如何不著相？灌顶仪式需要信众跟随上师的指示，如何不著相？达赖喇嘛给了我答案 :)

达赖喇嘛的开示

灌顶的意义

　要修行这样殊胜、善巧的密续；如果要修持一位特定本尊，则必须由一位具资格的上师，带领我们进入本尊的坛城。如此，我们的修行才可能得到成功。每一位密续的本尊，都有一个不间断的传承，这个传承必须来自一位有圆满证悟体验的上师，才能够信任与依止。而且，这份体验必须由没有间断的修证者传达给我们，他们都成就了这位本尊的修持，而得到了证悟。「密续」的字面带有「继续的」与「连续」的意义。密续的力量在于透过一个持续的、不间断的修行者传承，保存并传递证悟的体验。因此，如果我们希望转化自己，就必须与这个重要的传承接触，这项接触就是透过灌顶、加持。

　　接受灌顶能够唤醒我们心中的特别能量，让弟子与上师之间建立起一种沟通，它启发弟子内在的潜能，进入密续的道路，直到圆满成就。灌顶是种修行证悟的分享，它并不代表一个穿着奇异的西藏僧人，将要变戏法似的把不可思议的力量赐给你，使你法力无边。我们不应该把灌顶看成如此，我们也不应该被法会的外观，譬如祈祷、唱诵、摇铃等所据，我们必须了解法会包含着重要的内在意义。

　　灌顶不但倚靠上师的证悟，同时倚靠弟子的恭敬心与修行层次。这种双向沟通启发了内在的本质，使我们得到加持而不间断的修行，从修道中得到圆满的成就。

灌顶的态度

　　接受灌顶需要亲身参加，你在特定的时间，来到一个特定的地方，接受一样别人给予你的东西，而且，你的心也要专注。我们要能够放下，接受新的体验，不要不安又分神。因为，这仪式当中包含了很多观想、禅修，它是一种带领我们得到圆满体验的过程。

　　一个有效的灌顶，必须由上师与弟子共同参加，创造出适当的气氛。上师的责任是引导这个灌顶，使它真正接触到弟子的心灵。弟子必须抱着一种开放的、广阔的心胸，使自己的心处于包容的境界。如果你的心过度执着感官事物，或是紧抓住事物存在的外相，你将失去获得证悟的空间。但是，如果你已得到出离心、菩提心与空性慧的充分训练，将很容易在灌顶中去除错误观念的的负担，而能获得真加持。

　　当上师与弟子都具备了资格，灌顶就充满了喜悦与智慧。灌顶不但是进入密续必须完成的事项，它本身已具备了修行的超凡喜悦与体验。如果我们的观想起初只是停留在想像的阶段，而不是真实的体验，在广大的意识田里埋下种子，这些种子终将成熟，变成真实的证悟。这是一种自然的过程。

　　因此，你应该永远保持开放与轻松，对发生的一切都感到满足。

Shedding light on decline in Buddhism in Singapore

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=57,9832,0,0,1

Article on the changes in religion demographics in SG. Most of the religion class and non believers had increased slightly except for buddhist who is on the decline.

I would attribute the drop in actual fact a result of more "lean" buddhists. Gone were the days when there are more people "born" into a religion or simply following a family religion. People are more educated, well-informed and thus has more autonomy to live with a faith that suits their needs.

Buddhism to me is a rather empirical studies of how things happen around us. It does not rely on faith alone and alot of emphasis on cultivation of wisdom. Buddha also mentioned how a faith to a teaching is to be established upon in the Kalama Sutta:

. Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing,
. nor upon tradition,
. nor upon rumor,
. nor upon what is in a scripture,
. nor upon surmise,
. nor upon an axiom,
. nor upon specious reasoning,
. nor upon a bias towards a notion that has been pondered over,
. nor upon another's seeming ability,
. nor upon the consideration, "The monk is our teacher."
Kalamas, when you yourselves know: "These things are good; these things are not blamable; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness," enter on and abide in them.'

My personal take is not to let numbers creates disturbance to our mind. Rather, focus on our personal practise and conduct. When our actions are well praised for, people will seek out to learn more about the religion.

Numbers are just forms and overly-obesses with forms lead to mentally unwholesome thoughts. But to stress that we buddhist should not just hide away like a hermit. Esp for a Buddhist that vow to take on the Bodhisattva path, we should share the teaching widely to help free people from their suffering state.

The number do know shake your faith but your thoughts and conduct will.

Wiping with a dirty rag

2011-01-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Helping out with Spring Cleaning in temple and was wiping away the dust from the statutes of 33 forms of Guan Yin Bodhisattvas. The statutes were in pure white color but were covered with a layer of dust. Attempted to wipe away the dust but end up smearing more stains on it. Only after wiping for even more times, the stains were removed.

To reflected on our daily practices. We tend to see shortcomings of other people especially on their practices. Just like seeing the unsightly dust on the white statutes. While immersed in being critical on others we neglected on our own practices.

While we wipe the white statutes with a dirty rag, we end up dirtying it. When we are not mindful of our practices, our actions were just like the dirty rag. Then what constitutes the right action/advice?

1) Impermeance ( Anicca)
2) Suffering ( Dukkha)
3) Non-self (Anatta)

Simply, an action that is laced with ego, thinking it as absolute, non-changing and relies on forms/formlessness, only motivated by self-interest or inclinations, are what I think to be unwholesome actions or advice to other practitioners.

But impermeance, as stated by Buddha brings hope. The possibility of change and reason to better ourselves. By trying harder, we will manage to get rid of the stains. With right effort, we can cleanse our mind from the daily defilements.

Or maybe the stains we see on others were manifestation of our own stains ......

2010-12-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

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。

2010-12-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

脾气好是因为没有立场还是观到因缘的生灭起了包容心？

脾气好如果只因没立场还是懒惰思考，那好脾气只是没遇到境界。不利学习。
有脾气，但顾得好，向内向外看，有利学习。

2010-11-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

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？

2010-11-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

眼爱看美丽的
耳爱听悦耳的
鼻爱嗅芬芳的
舌爱尝美味的
身爱穿舒适的
意爱想过去未来
万法既是不实无常的
心有能何所住

Healing our Minds :Buddhism and Stress

2010-11-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

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 :)

Buddhist Conference 2554 (IV) - Attaining Spiritual Happiness with Mind Transformation Tools

2010-11-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Buddhist Conference 2554 (III) - Happiness DIY

2010-11-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Buddhist Conference 2554 (II) - The priceless nature of happiness

2010-10-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Buddhist Conference 2554 (I)

2010-10-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

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)!

Buddhism and Science Symposium II

2010-07-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

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.

法鼓山 outdoor meditation retreat

2010-07-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Mopping our practise

2010-06-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

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.

A frog in the glass

2010-06-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

"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 :)

Inter-religious harmony

2010-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

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,

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

到佛堂散散步吧：)

2010-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

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。

人之初，性本 “空” :)

2010-06-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

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:)

2010-05-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

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 :)

Kalyāṇa-mittatā

2010-05-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

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 :)

'Don't say that, Ananda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path." - Buddha

'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?

My tribute to him :)

2010-05-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

" 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.

Dare to identify yourself

2010-04-08T09:12:00.001-07:00

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.

Existence and reality

2010-03-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Compassion

2010-03-18T06:55:00.001-07:00

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.

Rebirth

2010-03-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

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 :)

Creation of the what's physical

2010-03-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Metta Sutta

2010-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

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 :)

Busy layperson's way

2010-01-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

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."

Higher Criticism by Ajahn Brahm

2010-01-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Einstein Quotes

2010-01-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

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

My idea of a religion of love

2009-12-28T06:42:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

欲望

2009-12-18T19:03:00.001-08:00

欲望，你从何处来？你要得到什么？几时离开往哪儿去？

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

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

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

我只愿认知你的到来，你的离去，无痕无记。

Brotherhood under Buddhism

2009-12-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

Blind faith Vs Wisdom

2009-12-12T03:03:00.000-08:00

Mass. woman sees image of Jesus on her iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

法鼓山之行

2009-11-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

A close and personal with Ajahn Brahm :)

2009-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strolling and being mindfulness of the restless mind

2009-11-22T04:28:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Well worked out for the body and the mind

2009-11-22T04:10:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

参与

2009-11-15T01:17:00.000-08:00

参与在于理，理在于信，信在于把信心健在哪里。

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

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

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

维摩诘经 - 菩萨品第四

2009-11-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

维摩诘经 - 菩萨品第四

光严童子：居士从何而来？
维摩诘：吾从道场来。
光严童子：道场者何所是？

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mind

2009-11-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

"The Mind is very hard to check

and swift, it falls on what it wants.

The training of the mind is good,

a mind so tamed brings happiness."

- Dhammapada (Verse 35)

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

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

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

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

Anger (II)

2009-10-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Anger leads to suffering . . .

Anger

2009-10-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

Anger is like fire.

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

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

警惕

2009-10-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

功大易使人骄，功小易不注重。
时时观照心境的起伏，
时刻都能增长智慧。

自己的能力，他人所不及。
他人的成就，自己未必能。

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

BLIA international conference

2009-10-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks BLIA conference!!

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

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

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

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

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

Handsome suit @ w.s.d.p

2009-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking the Refuge

2009-10-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inevitable life

2009-09-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

2009-09-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Zen Buddhism

2009-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Act normal

2009-09-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dhamma Brothers

2009-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Mekhong Full Moon

2009-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

一轮明月

2009-09-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-09-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

身体的残缺，我们能的给予无比的同情与援手。

那心灵的残缺呢？

有几个人又能给予包容与题体谅呢？

Purity in works and deed

2009-09-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Attachments

2009-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Playing with fish balls :)

2009-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

黄寂释

2009-07-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

希望在这次的分析中得到启发！

黄寂释

这就是我归依了的法名。

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

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

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

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

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

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

因无所来，所以无所去。。。。。。

ven. Min Yi saga

2009-07-22T06:30:00.002-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some thoughts . . . . . .

2009-07-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

执着

2009-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

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

彻底的决绝烦恼与问题，
观照自心还是最究竟。

妒忌

2009-07-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

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

真心的祝福，就像早晨的甘露，
对生命的热诚，当下的满足。

Dhp I: Yamakavagga

2009-06-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

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

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

Snp 1.10: Alavaka Sutta: To the Alavaka Yakkha

2009-06-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on . . .

2009-06-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

MN 58 Abhayarajakumara Sutta - To Prince Abhaya

2009-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

是箭错了还是弓箭手错了？

2009-05-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

是箭错了还是弓箭手错了？

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

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

那也有可能箭没错，弓箭手没错。
风太大，烟雾太多，未知变数太多了吧。

既然箭已发，请给指引。
不管几时到目标，我都誓愿到。

DHP III Cittavagga

2009-05-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

My comments:

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

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

Just observe as it comes and as it goes.

大与小

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

漏智