Of dinners and goldfishes... intentions... intentions...

Sunday night dinner, was one of the most memorable life experience. I had dinner with Tracey, Weng, C.S and his boss, James. Halfway through our salads and steaks, James posed an interesting question. He mentioned about Tracey’s goldfishes, He thought the fishes were miserable as they were puny and looked very weak. He suggested about releasing them. And then he made of an example of a guy, who out of kindness, wanted to release the poor fishes. So he asked the million dollar question. Did the person generated Merit. My good friend, Weng; instantly said no. Instead, he created a bad karma.

I could see James’s expression as he proceeds to interrogate Weng like the Spanish inquisition. Throughout the course of the dinner, They were both trying to get their point of view across each other. At the end of it, there was a bit of tensed moment, so my friend decided to stopped to debate by keeping silent, the golden rule to end all kinds of ‘intriguing’ discussions.

Tracey and I could see Weng and James s’ point of view. Weng was focusing on the end results of putting a goldfish in an environment that would lead to the it’s demise. What started with good intention has ended up in a negative reaction, Hence an unwholesome karma has been created. On the other hand, James was stressing out on the intention of the doer. If the intention of the doer was pure and selfless, as in the doer acted in a way that benefited the other party, the Doer is said to have generated merit. By you indicating to the doer that its intentions were futile would lead the person who informed the doer to have created an unwholesome karma and not done by the doer.

Sounds very ‘Chiem” (deep)? Well it is and it is also easy to comprehend. The main question was focused on the Intention. With intention, comes action and that leads to a reaction or consequence. Thus is the law of Karma. Since the focus of the question was about intention, so the doer in this case ‘has’ generated merit. Why? because the intention was selfless, it was done without a self benefit or otherwise, selfish motive. However, if the doer had a selfish intention or motive, then the act had become defiled and the karma created becomes unwholesome.

Similarly, on a deeper level, supposedly the doer would know that by releasing the gold fish into a drain would result in it’s early demise as the environment was not fit for it’s living conditions, the doer will select a suitable condition and release it. This is compassion with wisdom.

However, if one were to see this act beyond what is right and what is wrong, then you will see the original nature of life. To see this beyond the concept of duality is what all Buddhist in the world, especially Zen practitioners are trying to achieve. Therefore, to see this act beyond the means of right and wrong. What do you see?

That was a memorable dinner experience indeed.

Enlightenment in all things...

On my recent scouring for a good read online, I logged onto a 'women's blog site, Notes from venus, and I came upon this article that is aptly titled 'I found Enlightenment in a Martini'. I found the article a great read and it led me to think about how our own Buddhist brothers and sisters view upon certain matters when it comes to Dharma cultivation.

I realized that we're all very intelligent sentient beings but our wisdoms vary. That's why Sakyamuni Buddha has left 84,000 Dharma doors or teachings for all to listen, learn, experience and use. It also dawned upon me that we should not be prejudiced on other Dharma methods or teachings that may look unorthodox. Nevertheless, according to the 'Kalama Sutta' from the Theravada Tripitaka Canon, The Buddha mentioned that one should investigate the Dharma before accepting and upholding such Dharmas for the benefit of oneself and others.

In line with this gatha, we should always strive to investigate all kinds of Dharma so we can determine if the Dharma is expounded by our Lord Sakyamuni Buddha or spoken by the Externalist and other Occultist. It is best to always cross reference with the Sanghas and the Vast Sutras available on print and on line.

The ultimate is to entirely 'let go' of all our prejudice, our views, our perceptions on the BuddhaDharma itself, as written in the Vajracheddika Prajna Paramita Sutra
(The Diamond Prajna Paramita Sutra) :

Chapter 5.

"Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Buddha be recognized by means of his bodily form?"

"No, Most Honored One, the Buddha cannot be recognized by means of his bodily form. Why? Because when the Buddha speaks of bodily form, it is not a real form, but only an illusion."

The Buddha then spoke to Subhuti: "All that has a form is illusive and unreal. When you see that all forms are illusive and unreal, then you will begin to perceive your true Buddha nature."

Chapter 9.

Buddha then asked, "What do you think, Subhuti, does one who has entered the stream which flows to Enlightenment, say 'I have entered the stream'?"

"No, Buddha", Subhuti replied. "A true disciple entering the stream would not think of themselves as a separate person that could be entering anything. Only that disciple who does not differentiate themselves from others, who has no regard for name, shape, sound, odor, taste, touch or for any quality can truly be called a disciple who has entered the stream."

Buddha continued, "Does a disciple who is subject to only one more rebirth say to himself, 'I am entitled to the honors and rewards of a Once-to-be-reborn.'?"

"No, Lord. 'Once-to-be-reborn' is only a name. There is no passing away, or coming into, existence. Only one who realizes this can really be called a disciple."

"Subhuti, does a venerable One who will never more be reborn as a mortal say to himself, 'I am entitled to the honor and rewards of a Non-returner.'?"

"No, Perfectly Enlightened One. A 'Non-returner' is merely a name. There is actually no one returning and no one not-returning."

"Tell me, Subhuti. Does a Buddha say to himself, 'I have obtained Perfect Enlightenment.'?"

"No, lord. There is no such thing as Perfect Enlightenment to obtain. If a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha were to say to himself, 'I am enlightened' he would be admitting there is an individual person, a separate self and personality, and would therefore not be a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha."

Subhuti then said, "Most Honored One! You have said that I, Subhuti, excel amongst thy disciples in knowing the bliss of Enlightenment, in being perfectly content in seclusion, and in being free from all passions. Yet I do not say to myself that I am so, for if I ever thought of myself as such then it would not be true that I escaped ego delusion. I know that in truth there is no Subhuti and therefore Subhuti abides nowhere, that he neither knows nor does he not know bliss, and that he is neither free from nor enslaved by his passions."

Another step taken...

Wed, Apr 4th 2007। This is the day I took the Buddhist 5 precepts. It all happened last year, the same day and month; I casually told a friend that I'd like to take the 5 precepts. He looked at me seriously, "If you've decided, you know the old ones up there will do something about it... are you sure you're ready for this?" With that kind of question posed to me, I began to have doubts if I could take the precepts well....


Now, the day before, I felt very unnerved. It was like a normal day. I did said to myself, I'm taking the precepts finally. Nothing came into my mind, no more doubts, worries, fear. Nothing. The night before, I did some chanting to share merits, and I asked for strength and wisdom so that the my small special event will go smoothly...

The morning after, I'm at the Fo Guang Shan (Buddha Light Mountain) Dong Zen Monastery in Jenjarom. Feeling a little blur, walking aimlessly around the temple grounds, decided to go to the main shrine hall to pay my respects to the Buddha. Met some friends who were so surprised to see me there, asking me questions and some of them guessed that I was going for the precept taking ceremony.

While being prepped on the meaning of the 5 precepts, the rituals and the protocols by a good looking young Bhikkhu, I wandered into my own world, imagining about alien things like the Buddha land, the lotuses and the Bodhisattvas, flying about in their lotus dias, worshipping and praising the Buddhas, offering flowers and other magnificant gifts to the Honored ones, etc.. Suddenly, I got tapped by the shoulder by my friend

'It's time..."

And so, after our vegetarian lunch, I along with five hundred men and women, young and old, went and took our precepts। It was a good day...


May the merits accrued by the taking of 5 precepts be shared amongst all sentient beings of the 10 directions... Amitabha!

Unconditional Love...

I've been experiencing a burst of unconditional love during the Chinese Lunar New Year. I don't know where, how and why. But, I do know one thing for sure, it's the best feeling I've ever felt since I last loved. Having said that, I believe this is the kind of love we are looking for. We strive to find this perfect love. Perfect? No, it's not perfect. But if you've been touched by it, At that moment, everything just made sense. It's indescribable and no words can do justice.



Just this morning, I was blessed to witness the launching of the Venerable Dagpo Lama Rinpoche's new book called Bodhisattva's vows, a practical guide to the sublime ethics of the Mahayana. It was launched at the MPH bookstore @ Midvalley on Friday 9th March the morning. I also had it autographed by the Rinpoche himself. Dagpo Rinpoche is a very benevolent kind old man, that what he looked to me. But I could felt his Spiritual aura even before I stepped into MPH! Don't play play with this old master. He could read your mind. Anyways, I have yet to read it. I will read this and will recommend those who want to give love unconditionally. However, the love we're talking about today is not the selfish love between 2 people. It's the kind of love that Buddha Sakyamuni possess for all sentient beings. The love and wish to deliver all sentient beings from Suffering and lead them to the path of enlightenment.

The book is retailed at RM 12.00 I do hope you could take some time to go and check this book out. After all, it's all about living a life that you want.

Maha Sadhu! Om Ah Hum!

Happy Lunar New Year...

Sunday Feb 11th, 2007.
(Chinese lunar Calendar, Year of Bing Xue (Fire Dog) 12th Month 24th Day).

Its 6 more days to the Lunar New Year. Actually, I don't look forward to the Lunar new year holidays. why? Well, Right now, It's a busy 2 weeks for my family. It's non stop shopping for groceries, new year delicacies, cookies, new furnitures, clothes, etc. It's also 2 weeks of a thorough spring cleaning for myself. With piles of rubbish and old things mangled in my store room, I think it's an eye sore. I'll just close the door and hope that my guests don't wonder around and see the mess I've made the past few years.

Lunar New Year festivals has always been a busy time for me. In addition to clearing up things at work, I've got to clear up things at home. Its tiring enough during the day, so you do the math... The festivity were better during my younger days. Well, there's no school, my brothers and I would be playing at the field, and doing things most adolescent boys would do at the time. It was a care free existence. Now, it's just chores and more chores, oh and giving money to parents for their expenditures during the new year. Sigh....

The Lunar New Year is supposed to be a festive, happy occasion, well if I have loads of moolahs of course. But anyhow, It always bring us back together as a family. That's one thing I am happy for: To see and catch up with my brothers and parents during the Lunar New Year eve reunion dinner. I have some friends coming this year for the occasion, this is a special treat for this year.
I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese lunar new year!

GONG XI FA CAI! WAN SHI RU YI! YUAN MAN ZI ZHAI!

Gearing up for Chinese Lunar New Year

The one thing I like living in Malaysia is our multi cultural society and its varied cultural and religious festivals. Just recently, We celebrated New Years day and Christmas 2006. Come this Feb, we'll be celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Chinese lunar new year falls on Feb 18th. On the eve of the lunar new year, it is a must and tradition that the clan and family will come together to have a reunion dinner.

And so as it is, it's been like this for my family for the past many years now. The week leading to the new year and reunion dinner on new year eve, The family will be busy cleaning and dusting, It's like Spring cleaning. Yes.. indeed, it's spring cleaning for all us Chinese folks. Women folk will be busy in the kitchen, busy making new year cookies and delicacies, savouries and sweets. The men as usual, will be busy repairing and fixing up house hold items and furnitures. (This, back in the olden days... now it's all about buying new things off the racks or shopping malls). People will be buying new things, like clothes, furnitures, etc.

There's an old saying that all things bought for the new year must come in pairs. For example, a pair of shirts, 2 pair of pants, etc. It's an old saying of 'Double Happiness'. In a traditional Chinese family, the kitchen is an important family area as this is where food is cooked. And in older homes, (and some modern ones too) The kitchen God's altar can be found near the hearth (or kitchen stove). On the lunar 12th month, 23rd or 24th day is the big send off for the Kitchen God, (Zhao Jun). Sweet sticky rice pudding called NIAN GAO will be offered to the kitchen God, hoping it wld make the kitchen God report nothing but sweet words to the Jade Emperor, Talk about bribery... !

As the eve of the new year arrives, the family will be busy with their last minute shopping, cleaning and preparing the reunion feast. I believe we Chinese love to have auspicious things around us and thus, even the meals prepared are all named auspiciously. The must have dishes for the reunion dinner includes: Pork, Chicken, Fish, Beef, Lamb, Vegetables made of assortments of kelps, seaweed, green vegies, etc. Seafood like mussels, clams, scallops, etc

All these wonderful mouth watering dishes, for the reunion dinner. As the clock strikes 11 pm. The Chinese hour of the Rat, all family members would wear new clothes, bright colours and red are the favourites. No blacks or dark coloured ones. Its' TABOO!. The head of the family will perform rites and prayers on the family shrine and to the Jade Emperor. The new year has begun.

I look forward to spending time with my family during the celebrations. When I was much younger, we get to have our 'ang pau' which are red packets filled with money. Yes! Money... so kids have a great time on Lunar new year. Now a days, I give ang paus to my nieces and nephews. I do hope this year, the lunar new year celebrations will be more traditional and focus on the family instead of the increased commercialism. These days, most people would take the opportunity to go abroad for holidays. So, it's kind of sad that the Spirit of the new year celebrations are slowly forgotten by the younger generations.

New Year Eve and New Year resolutions!

Christmas has passed, and the curtain call is coming for the year 2006. What have I accomplished so far? Well, I guess I have no regrets about many things. But one thing I can be sure of, I am always hoping to improve financial situation. Aren't we all? So what's my coming new year's resolutions and aspirations? Well, I do have a few resolutions. I'm renewing one in particular...

The resolve to puff out the last stick of ciggie! I know I know.. You must be thinking, what's a yoga enthusiast doing with a stick of cigarette. Yes.. my yoga teacher has for many many times, remind me to cut down or cut off this vice. However, I'm only human...oops! there I go again. giving myself a lame excuse to defend the habit of smoking!

Ai... I guess if I delve into it deeper, I'd be thinking of how this body, complete with all the right components and endowed with 'perfect' attributes (as in not born deformed or handicapped) could waste it away by subjecting it to the toxins of a smoke. I guess my parents and my loved ones, right up to my ancestors will not be very happy. In fact, they're not pleased since I picked this habit at the age of 23. (There I go again, justifying that I'm a late bloomer on smokes!)


I know, I know. I must kick the bloody habit by new years eve.. heck even at this very minute. Can I do that though? I'm not sure. I know my will power is utterly meek when it comes to having a drag. I can be so focus on my work, my writings, my chores at home. But, nothing beats a good, long drag. Ai... I have to stop this as soon or else, My lungs will be stricken with black, sticky tar patches and my aveolis will be burnt to smithereens!

Another resolution I'd like to renew is to improve myself physically, spiritually and mentally. That means, I've got to 'like' to go back to the Gym, Gym was a part of my culture back in mid 90s. I stopped going to the gym since 2004. Reason? Well, the routine... yes. it's the bloody routine. Spiritually, I have a lot to learn. I think I'm far from a guru.. I don't dare to say I'm one...

We all have resolutions to make and keep. The best is if you can make it come true. Sure, a lot of them are broken. But if you can keep it, that's worth bragging about. Don't you think so? I hope your resolutions are achievable, within a time frame and manageable.

May 2007 bring forth wonderful opportunities and blessings to you!

冬至 Dong Zhi. The Chinese Winter Solstice!

Dec 22nd marks the 冬至 (Winter Solstice) of the Chinese Solar Calender . The Winter Solstice is a festival celebrated by the Chinese people worldwide. This is the day when the sun is at its weakest (shortest day) and Night is at its strongest.

春雨驚春清穀天 chūn yǔ jīng chūn qīng gǔ tiān,

夏滿芒夏暑相連 xià mǎn máng xià shǔ xiāng lián,

秋處露秋寒霜降 qiū chù lù qiū hán shuāng jiàng,

冬雪雪冬小大寒 dōng xuě xuě dōng xiǎo dà hán.

每月兩節不變更 měi yuè liǎng jié bù biàn gēng,

最多相差一兩天 zùi duō xiāng chā yī liǎng tiān

上半年來六、廿一 shàng bàn nián lái liù, niàn yī

下半年是八、廿三 xià bàn nián shì bā, niàn sān

Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tangyuan (湯圓, as pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinuous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan are made of glutinuous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Every one in the family receives at least one large Tang Yuan and several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl.

In northern China, people typically eat dumplings on dongzhi. It is said to have originated from Zhang Zhongjing of Han Dynasty. On one cold winter day, he saw the poor suffering from chilblains on their ears. Feeling sympathetic, he ordered his apprentices to make dumplings with lamb and other ingredients, distributed them among the poor to keep them warm. Since the dumplings were shaped like ears, Zhang named it "qǜ hán jiāo ěr tāng" or dumpling soup that expels the cold. From then on it became a tradition passed down to eat dumplings on the day of dongzhi to keep the ears from getting chilblains.

The spirit of keeping precepts

Being a Buddhist, I'm encouraged, based on my free will; to observe the 5 precepts or 8 precepts over a certain period of time. The previous experience I had observing the precepts was last August at the Dong Zen Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery in Jenjarom, Klang. It so happens the 8 precepts in honour of Medicine Buddha. The precepts were taken for one day from Saturday night until Sunday night. This year, I observed the 8 precepts again in honour of Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva on his anniversary recently, Nov 10th (Lunar Calender: 9th Month, 19th Day)

What are the 8 precepts? The basic 5 precepts includes
1. Not taking any form of life by force or with intention (No Killing)
2. Not taking what is not rightfully yours (No Stealing)
3. Not participating in unwholesome sexual activity (No sexual misconduct)
4. Not making any unwholesome speech (No lying, no idle and harsh speech)
5. Not partaking intoxicants or substance that endanger the body (no drugs, no liquor, no cigarettes, )

6. Not partaking food at certain hours (no food taken after 12 noon)
7. No participation in any form of entertainment (no TV, no music, no singing nor dancing)
8. Not using high pillows or bed and not using ornaments and perfumes to adorn one's self
(In other words, sleeping on the floor or with a thin mattress, showering without using
body gel, soup, toothpaste, etc)

Why did I take these precepts for one day? Let's just say that I did it not for myself, I did for a lot of other reasons. I did it for my parents, they're undergoing a stressful period in their relationship. I did for my friends, I hope all their wishes and their aspirations will be achieved. I did for my community, I believe living in KL is very stressful and draining. I hope conditions will be better next year for all of us. But the most important and powerful force that driven me to observe these precepts is my thought of benefiting others. I don't have that much money and I know my limited resources I could only help a handful of people. Therefore, I chose to take the 8 precepts to benefit others. The experience of observing the 8 precepts is indescribable. You just have to take it to experience it yourself.

Throughout the day, while observing noble silence, My mind was peaceful and filled with compassion. I was able to see how the mind worked and how unstable it can be, It is always thinking, never resting, always wondering this and that, always wanting this and that. This is the nature of the mind. How do you put it to rest? I did a lot of meditation, chanting and reflection that day. I also discovered a lot about myself, the real ME. Is there a real 'I'? Hmmm... let you ponder on that.

I realised that life is full of lessons that we can learn and use to adapt in this ever changing world and the challenges that it will give us daily. For those who would like to investigate further on the 5 and 8 precepts? You can check out more at Buddhist web sites.

Sense of well being - Do we have it?

Every often or so, I come across some people who would say to me that they're happy and they've got their sense of well being. Almost everyone of my friends have a sense of well being. There are many facets of this term "Sense of well being". What's your sense of well being?

My close buddy, Fred would tell me that his sense of well being would be his career, his love and his material fulfillment. Another friend, Carol; I have been observing has similar perceptions like Fred. Another bosom buddy of mine, Anna she thinks differently. Her sense of well being is to be successful in her life. Her definition of success is not the typical Gung Ho executive, etching her name in the corporate world, or living the mile high life. It's the way how she has lived her life and her contribution to the community that defines her success or sense of well being. She also told me that it is a balance between spiritual and worldy needs.

I find her views on this sense of well being similar to mine. Her buddy, Penny; my 'hot' yoga instructor shares similar views with her with an exception that penny focuses more on contentment and the 'less is more' attitude. Jules said that her sense of well being is not to be affected by the states of the present conditions in this world. She defines it as not allowing the uncertainty of life to control her state of mind. I asked Calvin what's his sense of well being? He replied that being able to wake up every morning and work in his Tong Sui stall, come back and have a good rest is his sense of well being.

My sense of well being? My piece of mind and that I am thankful for being healthy, to be loved by my family and friends and to be able to achieve my goals using whole some actions and to be able to be a part of my friends' lives. I give thanks that I'm able to wake up in the morning everyday and breathe.

What ever your sense of well being may be, I hope you will be able to achieve it and maintain it. Make it as your guide to living a fruitful and wonderful life here on Earth.

May all sentient beings be well, happy and peaceful.