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!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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
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.
Friday, November 24, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Blue... Blue.. finally, blue again!
The past three days was like a dream come true. KL was blundered by the bad haze caused by Indonesia's forest burning for the past month. And so happened, the monsoon season has arrived. With afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rains lashing out on various parts of Malaysia, we're once again blessed with clear skies. This picture was taken outside my balcony and it's so nice to do yoga today.
A lot of my friends welcomed the beautiful weather. Most of them said that the past month, they have been feeling ill, stricken with flu, sore throat, lung ailments and constant coughing.I can imagine these few days, They are relieved that they can now breathe fresh, clean air! This weekend, it is a celebration that the good weather has come back.
Let us hope and pray that we will always have sunny days and clear skies throughout.
The Pool looks very inviting for a nice dip!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
His Holiness Karmapa's visit to KL!
HIS HOLINESS KARMAPA, TRINLEY THAYE DORJE
As our fellow Hindu friends celebrate Deepavali and our Muslim friends the Raya holidays, there was also another reason for some Buddhists in KL to celebrate. The last week has been a buzz in the Karma Kagyu Dharma Centre in KL as the Centre and the devotees of the Karma Kagyu lineage prepared for the arrival of H.H 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dharma centre.
(Lamas offering a Mandala to the Buddhas of the ten directions)
His Holiness was in town to give teachings, Dharma talks and to give Empowerment to devotees and Dharma practitioners. Among the Empowerment ceremonies I had gone too are the Red Chenrezig Initiation and Empowerment, The Medicine Buddha Empowerment and tonight's empowerment will be Vajrasattva Empowerment.
(HH Karmapa in Samadhi during the Karma Pakshi Empowerment)Tonight's empowerment will be a significant empowerment as I am hoping through the divine blessings of Vajrasattva Bodhisattva to help purify my negative karmic actions of this present life and the many past lifetimes. An Empowerment is a form of an auspicious blessing that is bestowed by a Rinpoche (Precious One) or a Noble Lama (Monk) to a lay pracitioner or devotee so this blessing would help the lay practitioner to cultivate with more confidence in the Buddha Dharma.
The devotee would also be engaged in taking refuge and making his/ her Bodhi chitta vows. The main teachings of Buddha is to bring forth the Bodhi Chitta vows, do good, evoid evil deeds and purify your mind.
HH Karmapa
HH KarmapaIt is also this wish, that all sentient beings can benefit from the teachings of the Buddha, that is why all the Maha Bodhisattvas, like Karmapa himself; they come back into this world to help and lead sentient beings from this samsaric cycle. The Karmapa is said to be a manifestation of Buddha Chenrezig. Therefore, he represents the compassioan aspect of all Buddhas of the past, present and future. It is indeed a blessing for malaysian buddhist that we have a very special guest who arrived in town to give us teachings, blessings and empowerments. Coincidently, the sky is once again BLUE in KL! Indeed a Blessing!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Happy Deepa Raya!
This is a short note to all my hindu and muslim friends out there! Happy Deepavali and Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri!
It's going to be a long holiday for those celebrating in Malaysia! So you all have a safe journey home and drive safely!
It's going to be a long holiday for those celebrating in Malaysia! So you all have a safe journey home and drive safely!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Baby talk!
This is my brother, Ernest and his wife; Irene along with their beautiful daughter, Jennifer. My niece. When I see her smile, I just melt in my heart and I just felt like tugging her baby cheeks! Isn't she the most adorable!!! My Dad and Mum would just sigh and say, isn't she the cutest, isn't she a little princess? well... I guess you have to be the judge!
Cheers to my lil Jennifer!
Cheers to my lil Jennifer!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Bad Air rising in KL!
It has been like this for the past few weeks. I wake up early in the morning, I'd brushed my teeth and wash my face, and I'll go to the balcony to do some stretches. On a usual day, I would be greeted by a clear blue sky, the morning sun, the view of the Menara Telekom, nice.. you know.. and it would be an excellent place to practice my yoga or do my qi-gong. This picture (left) was taken in KL. Sigh... how to breathe la....
But, now-a-days, I have to stay indoors to do all my yoga and qi-gong practices. I can't even see the cutting blade bamboo shoot of Menara Telekom. It got really bad. Very bad. The kind of air or smog rather that all of us living in KL had to breathe in... YUCK!
And who do we blame all this smog? Ha ha ha.. our Indon neighbour. Reports from major newspaper cited that Indonesia has a couple of hundred fire hotspots in the island of Sumatera, the island of Borneo, Kalimantan. But I also see some of our 'good' fellow citizens contributing to the hotspots by having open burning behind their houses or the parks or in some construction areas.
(this picture was taken from MBPJ, PJ City)Face it. We are living in a world where a lot of basic neccessities are labelled with a price tag. At the moment, our air is still free. Our water supply isn't anymore. And to top it off, they want to raise the tariffs. Well, if they want to raise the fare, I don't mind paying more so long as it's clean and clear water. Not the kind of muddy irky brown liquid that flows from my taps! I dread to think that in the near future, we'd all have to pay exuberent amounts of money just to breathe clean, fresh pure air. Think about it. This may happen soon...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
MAY U BE WELL, :-D and PEACEFUL!
Today is an exceptionally auspicious day as there are vibrant, auspicious energy from the universe, converging with our planet earth. This auspicious event only happens in a blue eon. The energy has come to earth as at 1017 hrs (KUL time) GMT 0217 hrs. It will linger earth for about 17 hours. It will reach its peak at 1900 hrs (KUL time) GMT 1100 hrs. Therefore, I sincerely urge you to generate gratitude prayers and prayers of hope, compassion and renewed ties with your family, loved ones, your enemies and to all sentient beings dwelling in our world.Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum
Chenrezig,
the Seven Branch Prayer
Lord, whose white body is not clothed by fault,
Whose head is adorned
by a perfect Buddha,
Who looks upon all beings with compassionate eyes,
To you, Chenrezig, I prostrate.
Seven Branch Prayer in Tibetan
JO WO KYON GI MA GO KU DOG KAR
DZOG SANG JAY KI U LA GYEN
TUG JAY CHEN GI DOR LA ZIG
CHEN RE ZIG LA CHAG TSAL LO
Prayer of gratitude:
Om! Namo Gurubye Namo Buddhaye, Namo Dharmaye, Namo Sanghaye!
Namo Ratna trayaya! Namah Arya Jhana Sagara Vairochana
Vyuhya Rajhaya Tathagataya Arhate Samyaksambuddhaya.
Namah Sarva Tathagatebhey Arhatebhey Samyaksambuddhebhey.
Namah Arya Avalokite shraya Bodhisattvaya Mahasattvaya Mahakarunikaya.
Tadyatha, Om! Dhara Dhara Dhiri Dhiri Dhuru Dhuru Ite Vay Ite Chale Chale
Pra Chale Pra Chale Kusume Kusuma Vare Ili Mili Chi Ti Chualam Apanaya Svaha!
Namo Ratna trayaya! Namah Arya Jhana Sagara Vairochana
Vyuhya Rajhaya Tathagataya Arhate Samyaksambuddhaya.
Namah Sarva Tathagatebhey Arhatebhey Samyaksambuddhebhey.
Namah Arya Avalokite shraya Bodhisattvaya Mahasattvaya Mahakarunikaya.
Tadyatha, Om! Dhara Dhara Dhiri Dhiri Dhuru Dhuru Ite Vay Ite Chale Chale
Pra Chale Pra Chale Kusume Kusuma Vare Ili Mili Chi Ti Chualam Apanaya Svaha!
Oh Lord of Compassion, Buddha Chenrezig! I humbly bow to you.
with 5 fold prostration, You are my refuge! I thank you for being in my life.
Great Lord of compassion, May you bless and give protection to me.
May you bless my parents, my brothers, my friends, my enemies and all sentient beings.
May you shine your light of metta upon all sentient beings dwelling in this world.
with 5 fold prostration, You are my refuge! I thank you for being in my life.
Great Lord of compassion, May you bless and give protection to me.
May you bless my parents, my brothers, my friends, my enemies and all sentient beings.
May you shine your light of metta upon all sentient beings dwelling in this world.
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May I be free from mental and
physical suffering and sickness
May I be free from Anger,
Delusion and Ignorance
May my wishes be accorded and fulfilled.
May my family be well, happy and peaceful.
May my family be free from mental and
physical suffering and sickness
May my family's wishes
be accorded and fulfuilled.
May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
May my friends be free from mental and physical suffering and sickness
May my friends' wishes and goals be accorded and and fulfilled.
May my enemies be well, happy and peaceful
May my enemies be free from mental and physical
suffering and sickness
May my enemies be free from emnity, hatred,
anger and ignorance
May my enemies be filled with compassion and wisdom
May my enemies's wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled
May all sentient beings be well, happy and peaceful
May all sentient beings be free from mental and physical suffering and sickness
May all sentient beings be filled with compassion and wisdom
May all sentient beings' wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled
May You be well, happy and peaceful.
May You be free from Mental and Physical suffering and sickness
May Your wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled.
May You be filled with compassion and wisdom
May You attain Annutara Samyak Samboddhi!
physical suffering and sickness
May I be free from Anger,
Delusion and Ignorance
May my wishes be accorded and fulfilled.
May my family be well, happy and peaceful.
May my family be free from mental and
physical suffering and sickness
May my family's wishes
be accorded and fulfuilled.
May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
May my friends be free from mental and physical suffering and sickness
May my friends' wishes and goals be accorded and and fulfilled.
May my enemies be well, happy and peaceful
May my enemies be free from mental and physical
suffering and sickness
May my enemies be free from emnity, hatred,
anger and ignorance
May my enemies be filled with compassion and wisdom
May my enemies's wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled
May all sentient beings be well, happy and peaceful
May all sentient beings be free from mental and physical suffering and sickness
May all sentient beings be filled with compassion and wisdom
May all sentient beings' wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled
May You be well, happy and peaceful.
May You be free from Mental and Physical suffering and sickness
May Your wishes and goals be accorded and fulfilled.
May You be filled with compassion and wisdom
May You attain Annutara Samyak Samboddhi!
Dedication
May the merits of Metta accrued from this prayer
Adorned all the Purelands of the Buddhas
Repaying the 4 kinds of kindnesses above
And aiding those suffering in the 3 paths below
May all those who see and hear of this
May they bring forth their Bodhi Mind resolve!
And when my and their physical body dissolve
Be born together in the land of Sukhavati!
AMITABHA BUDDHA!
MAHA SADHU MAHA SADHU MAHA SADHU!
May the merits of Metta accrued from this prayer
Adorned all the Purelands of the Buddhas
Repaying the 4 kinds of kindnesses above
And aiding those suffering in the 3 paths below
May all those who see and hear of this
May they bring forth their Bodhi Mind resolve!
And when my and their physical body dissolve
Be born together in the land of Sukhavati!
AMITABHA BUDDHA!
MAHA SADHU MAHA SADHU MAHA SADHU!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Life and Death... all in a day!
September 17th will be remembered for joy and sorrow. It was my good friend, Frederick's 34th birthday. It has been 4 years we're together as close pals. Every year we would celebrate it with a small dinner affair with a few close friends. Yesterday, I was one of the few but close good friends that came over to celebrate his birthday with him and his new beau. It was an unusual feeling.
The dinner was wonderful and they cooked up a gourmet feast. Chris and I bought a cheese cake which he liked very much and it was a wonderful moment. I'm glad I'm a part of that.
At the same time, the late afternoon, we received bad tidings that one of our good friend, Michael Yang died in a freak car accident. I've known Michael for 6 years as we were gym mates. He and his partner were travelling to Kluang to visit his mother, the accident happened in the afternoon and his car turned turtle and he was hurled out of his seat. He suffered internal bleeding and he died in the hospital.
In one day, I was able to see Life and Death whizzing by in a flash. I celebrated a friend's birthday and I also mourn the loss of another. Indeed life is very fragile and precious. We should treasure each and every moment of our life and appreciate all the things we have. This is a real wake up call for me to cherish and appreciate all that I love. Truly humbled by this.
All things are Impermanent, All things are subjected to change. So it is with Life. There is birth and death. Do Good, Avoid Evil, Purify the mind. Maha Saddhu!
I'll end this blog with a prayer, one for the birthday boy and one for the departed friend.
Om Mani Padme Hum! Tadyatha OM! Bekandze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Raze Samugate Soha!
May my good friend, Frederick Loi be well and happy. May he be blessed with peace and long life. May his wishes be fulfilled. May all abundance of blessing be upon him. May he be free from mental suffering and sickness. May the Light of Buddhas shine upon him and bath him with wisdom and compassion. Om Tare Tut tare Tore Svaha!
Om Ah Hum. Om Amrta Teje Hara Hum!
May Michael Yang be free from his suffering and be free from the bondage of Karma. May my good friend be free from his karmic suffering! May he break free from the bondage of anger, delusion and desire. May Amitabha great compassionate father of limitless life and light shine your light upon my friend and guide him to your Pure land so he will be save from the 3 evil ways and ensure his enlightenment! May his spirit rest in peace
OM MANI PADME HUM! may all sentient beings be well and happy!
The dinner was wonderful and they cooked up a gourmet feast. Chris and I bought a cheese cake which he liked very much and it was a wonderful moment. I'm glad I'm a part of that.
At the same time, the late afternoon, we received bad tidings that one of our good friend, Michael Yang died in a freak car accident. I've known Michael for 6 years as we were gym mates. He and his partner were travelling to Kluang to visit his mother, the accident happened in the afternoon and his car turned turtle and he was hurled out of his seat. He suffered internal bleeding and he died in the hospital.
In one day, I was able to see Life and Death whizzing by in a flash. I celebrated a friend's birthday and I also mourn the loss of another. Indeed life is very fragile and precious. We should treasure each and every moment of our life and appreciate all the things we have. This is a real wake up call for me to cherish and appreciate all that I love. Truly humbled by this.
All things are Impermanent, All things are subjected to change. So it is with Life. There is birth and death. Do Good, Avoid Evil, Purify the mind. Maha Saddhu!
I'll end this blog with a prayer, one for the birthday boy and one for the departed friend.
Om Mani Padme Hum! Tadyatha OM! Bekandze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Raze Samugate Soha!
May my good friend, Frederick Loi be well and happy. May he be blessed with peace and long life. May his wishes be fulfilled. May all abundance of blessing be upon him. May he be free from mental suffering and sickness. May the Light of Buddhas shine upon him and bath him with wisdom and compassion. Om Tare Tut tare Tore Svaha!
Om Ah Hum. Om Amrta Teje Hara Hum!
May Michael Yang be free from his suffering and be free from the bondage of Karma. May my good friend be free from his karmic suffering! May he break free from the bondage of anger, delusion and desire. May Amitabha great compassionate father of limitless life and light shine your light upon my friend and guide him to your Pure land so he will be save from the 3 evil ways and ensure his enlightenment! May his spirit rest in peace
OM MANI PADME HUM! may all sentient beings be well and happy!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Happy Birthday Anna!
Yesterday, was my good buddy's birthday! Anna has just turned 32. I did asked her, if she felt good turning 32. She told me, 'Not bad, Tai lo!'
We celebrated her birthday with her close friends, Julie, Charmaine, Kelvin, Penny, Chris and I. All seven of us @ Souled Out, Sri Hartamas. The dinner started at 7.30 pm. It was a surprise party as Anna was not informed of our presence during the dinner. She arrived in casual shorts and tee shirt. Hahaha, That's my Anna! She's a real cool dude!
The dinner affair was slow and easy as it was a good time for all of us to catch up. Anna has just returned from her trip to Bangkok with her mum. And the best part of the dinner was a photo session we had as the management decided to give her a special treat, she had to wear a birthday candle hat and we all sang the birthday song to her. She did look very funny. It was hilarious.. Everyone of us were laughing non-stop with her.
It was after that as we settled down with a couple of drinks, the nostalgic moments came and we were all chatting about the primary and secondary school days. The games we played when we were very young, like rope skipping with rubber band ropes, playing 'Tai Chi' on the badminton court, 'Chopping' the girls and guys with a tennis ball, playing 5 stones and other silly childhood games.
It hit me then, It's wonderful to be able to share this, live this moment and be a part of someone's life. Being able to be a part of someone's important event is a blessing. It's also a kind of acceptance. Having said that, it is a wonderful blessing that your existence can touch and influence peoples' lives. I guess that being a bodhisattva is to help touch people's lives and give them a kind of assurance that not all things in the world are bad.. there are beautiful and wonderful things to look forward too, there are good decent people whom are great advisors and would go all out to help and care for you.
I do hope I can play my part in this world by being a little more giving, a little more caring and a little more helping to be a small bodhisattva in this world...
Om Mani Padme Hum... may all beings be well and happy. May all attain blessings and divine light from Buddhas.
We celebrated her birthday with her close friends, Julie, Charmaine, Kelvin, Penny, Chris and I. All seven of us @ Souled Out, Sri Hartamas. The dinner started at 7.30 pm. It was a surprise party as Anna was not informed of our presence during the dinner. She arrived in casual shorts and tee shirt. Hahaha, That's my Anna! She's a real cool dude!
The dinner affair was slow and easy as it was a good time for all of us to catch up. Anna has just returned from her trip to Bangkok with her mum. And the best part of the dinner was a photo session we had as the management decided to give her a special treat, she had to wear a birthday candle hat and we all sang the birthday song to her. She did look very funny. It was hilarious.. Everyone of us were laughing non-stop with her.
It was after that as we settled down with a couple of drinks, the nostalgic moments came and we were all chatting about the primary and secondary school days. The games we played when we were very young, like rope skipping with rubber band ropes, playing 'Tai Chi' on the badminton court, 'Chopping' the girls and guys with a tennis ball, playing 5 stones and other silly childhood games.
It hit me then, It's wonderful to be able to share this, live this moment and be a part of someone's life. Being able to be a part of someone's important event is a blessing. It's also a kind of acceptance. Having said that, it is a wonderful blessing that your existence can touch and influence peoples' lives. I guess that being a bodhisattva is to help touch people's lives and give them a kind of assurance that not all things in the world are bad.. there are beautiful and wonderful things to look forward too, there are good decent people whom are great advisors and would go all out to help and care for you.
I do hope I can play my part in this world by being a little more giving, a little more caring and a little more helping to be a small bodhisattva in this world...
Om Mani Padme Hum... may all beings be well and happy. May all attain blessings and divine light from Buddhas.
The ;D Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, there are aspirants who aspire to the thought of enlightenment and becomes a Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva is a being (sentient and insentient) who guides people in the Dharma. He or she can assume many roles and many faces.In reality, we are all Bodhisattvas of many kinds. Some of us become Kuan Yin to some friends in their hour of need, when they cry to us to help them, some of us are like Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, imparting wisdom to those who need them and give encouragement and fearlessness when required.
So, which bodhisattva am I? I don't know but I do know I'm a happy bodhisattva and I smile at my troubles and worries, just like the fat Maitreya Bodhisattva, smile @ your worries and they will run away from you!
I do hope you all can be come happy bodhisattvas as well..
Om Mani Padme Hum.. May all beings be well and happy!
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