成果展meeting

Shiok shiok! So great I could seat in the meeting when heng heng both my class rep and assistant could no attend!! hahaha....Free dinner and most importantly priceless lesson.

The meeting was an eye opening for me to see how ven. Miao Yang handles different situation and different people. It feels like an art or I would say like a piece of martial art steps. Too relax on the participants will cause the meeting to be slow and fruitless. People will treat it as second important. Too much strength would cause pple to drag attending. Jus by talking to the same person, she uses different tonality, words and expression. Most importantly after the drilling session, the reprimanded person still chat with ven. Miao Yang with a smile. No trace of ill feeling!!

Most remarkable part is how to use buddhist teaching throughout the discussion and decision making. Some how I believe she purposely displayed the scenes to make the rest learn specifically Buddhism. We have all chaired meeting and discussion before but how many a time we chaired it with proper intent and the turnout is fruitful with minimal time wastage.

I have always thought that it is futile to assert strength and power in a discussion but now I find that applying jus right amount of power makes the discussion function properly. Looking forward to another session...muhahaahah!!

Youthz gathering 08' @ FGS

Finally another event over.....very physically draining but very fulfilling.

I have never thought of a 民歌餐厅 concept inside a temple. Very causal yet entertaining. Very talented and refreshing performance by the youth group. Comparing to myself at their age, I think my achievements are never near. The do up the own songs and their own dance and many many more!!

We also enjoyed ourselves with singing our "very frequently sing" pieces. All's well except we are told we need more voice projections. Something the abbot have said which rings in my heart as well. A temple is a ground for us youths to practice and unfold our potentials. All the experiences and resources are taken care off and we jus do our best to grow ourselves.

As compare to my life plus the normal young man on the streets against pple that actively involves in the temple...... i find that they grow faster, more matured yet full of vitality and drive.

I have derived that its not about making big impact/reforms to society or to their religion but its about creating impact in thyself and making a difference to pple around them.

More pics @ my facebook!!

Singapore!!

Today on sociology...

Our lecturer made us write down what we think is unique in Singapore and here is my list!! Hahahaa!

1) ERP!!
2) Mas Salamat!!
3) Singlish
4) PAP and of course my dearest PAP Kindergarten I am from!
5) Fines
6) Useless speaker corner
7) Complain but never action
8) "Chop" seats using tissue paper
9) Kiasu
10) Exam exam exam
and the list goes on and on......

After the exercise I found that although I am not pro-govt but I do feel that we are what we are becos of them! Pple are saying...Singapore has no history of its own....but i would say history is created every moment.

I could recall instances when I was overseas and in a distance heard "u know hor"....hahaha I suddenly feel very excited and I know a fellow singaporean is nearby.

Pple has been saying that politics in Singapore is too rigid and should follow how other countries work.... But I doubt things tat work overseas could work in Singapore. We are jus too use to how things worked in here.

爱了就知道

Disturbing repetitive questions!!

Another questions posted by some caring friends of mine saying why no galfriend? Do you intend to be single? Even I can sense some fear from my mum......although she don't says it.

But again, I'm just not supportive for marrying b'cos its right to be married. It comes back to the question, what binds a couple together. I've seen pple suffering in their marriage just b'cos they married too early, nvr noe their partner was this way, no freedom, love has faded........bla bla bla.

I was jus wondering is this suppose to happen. Of course nothing is constant in this world and nothing is for guaranteed. But is it possible if the union of two indiv is due to faith? Its not religious faith. Its the faith that we are already one and we are the support for each other no matter what happens. You accept the partner as your other half physically and emotionally.

Of cos tats attachment and creates suffering. But a share of worries delivers a fair shair of happiness. At least when you are lost and there's not one you can trust, you can trust him. B'cos you believe that the faith means he would do everything with you in mind first. And when you are tired by all the things you face. There is always someone that is willing to leave aside everything and be the pillar of strength. And is also a pair of eye that helps you open another world and new knowledge that you are unable to see.

To me, love is just like a journey. Just like u are climbing a mt to see the lovely sunset. If jus happens that you are too late for the view, then jus too bad. I believe in life things jus happen every moment. The things thats causing suffering is not a failed relationship but its not having the ability to let go if there's a need to!

BOLT!

Had a rather nice dinner with my Mt climbing folks at Bugis. Nice food nice people to be with. After our delicious dinner proceed to Dhoby Guat nearby for some delicious Beany delights and carried on with "Keng Gai" and ghost stories contribute by WeiXing. Haha.

After the makan passed by Cathy and decidied to catch BOLT! Hahhaa few grown ups bought some super front seats to catch cartoon ...... muahhaha. But quite nice and definitely a good way to unwind our long over-stressed mind.

The show is about a dog called Bolt which was fooled to believe that his world is real but actually otherwise. Throughout the journey to "rescue" his owner, he experienced how a normal dog should behave rather than the made title of super-dog. The show had quite good graphics and interesting perspective to look at.

The story line reminded me sometimes we had given ourselves undue stress and often work very hard to be our love ones "Super Hero". Bolt who was fooled to believe he has super powers did his best to protect his owner but through the journey found that actually his super powers were fake. But realising the truth and abandoning his old belief, he gained friendship and support. I believe that we are accepted for what we are. Just be ourselves and be what we are most comfortable with, we are less stressed, relaxed and definately able to peform our various roles well.

True friends accepts who we are and sometimes let us face reality. Their words maybe harsh and sometimes not understanding. But in fact they are those that really knows us, our strength and weakness and embraces our differences.

Another thing I found rather interesting is about setting goals. Sometimes we are very motivated to aspired by some achievers to strive hard for our goals. But still, success is not very lasting if we are not logical and pragmatic. Its always good to be motivated. But not everyone is as capable in similar ways and success comes in different form. We should always keep our goals in check yet keep a rationale mind to see our ways. Be realistic.

Our life journey is not our much we have achieved but how we have enjoyed our journey. Often, sense of fulfilment is not on reaching our goals but the experience we had and the friends we have met along the way.

To me, I am not what I am now without those person I have aquainted along the journey. There is always alot to learn from and always fills my life with happiness and rather touching moments. Of course I am still pursuing my goals and know that I am far from perfecting but I am happy with what I have currently.

Diarrhoea

Down with stupid diarrhoea. Since monday morning woke up with a crazy intense headache....then diarrhoea till now. But still manage to attend COY's buffet lunch on Monday!! Not a very authentic indonesian cruisine but still feels nice having the FULL feeling hahaha. But there goes my gain weight opportunity.....all down the toilet bowl liao

Maybe b'cos of my bloodline....i quite particular about Indonesian food!! hahaha especially Otah!! Can try rice table Otah......very nice ......but not their others.......the indonesian restaurant at Clarke Quay very authentic....but not much selection on its menu. Cheap too!

Anyone got good recommendation must let me noez hor!!.......seems like I was born to eat and eat....have tried marathon buffet for days but no use......Jus wonder where does all the food i eat went to. Juz got a check up ....i always know i have high metabolic rate but !!....its comparative to a 16 yr old boy......am i still in puberty??

Isn't there any formula to slow it down......no wonder i gets distracted easily and nvr seat still for a moment.....haiz......

Disturbance

Emotional roller-coaster again. I'm starting to suspect even guys have down period once every moment. I still remember how hard I tried to keep my emotions in check but things sometimes don't turn up well.

Now I could apprehend how desires could lead to frustrations and troubled mind. Results seems obvious but it is the natural fighting spirit of man to give a decent fight to what he wants. Or maybe a fight is not really what I want. After all, I do know the result from the fight would either be futile or foolish.

If it is not a fight, then what is it? To me inclination is more like a suitable word. Just like how a flower would lean naturally towards the sun rays. Its just like a familiar yet logically distant feeling. Or does this feeling arise from cyclic foolish self thoughts?

But strange enough after the usual logical thoughts, its just seem too real. Yet I clearly know the attractiveness is something not material and surface. Its is definitely more deeper. Maybe to me it is more like a journey. A journey that I know I will grow from . . .

Whatever the turn out maybe, its still something noble which I wish to pursue also.

Great!!

I hereby announced the arrival of my second blog!. Its call 漏智. The link is just on the right.

Reason for me to create a second blog is . . . the contents. In order not to made this former blog into a boring, draggy, "chim" or something tats too alien, I would dump all the more "chim" ideology of mine into 漏智.

But I would try to made both as equally informative as well :) And would thus hope everyone to visit the new blog as well!! I call it the debating floor where I aspect different views to be aired there. If everything goes well, I do hope it would be a nice place to share ideas. Thru sharing, new ideas can evolve and definitely be beneficial to me the author as well as any reader.

Learners attitude

Learners attitude is always easiest to learn hardest to carryout.
The worst student is the student that that thought he had learned.
The largest barrier to learning is thinking of how much he have learnt.
The best teacher is a teacher that can make him see what he has not learnt.

Learning is just like running.
Just keep running with an aim in mind, the journey seems a breeze.
Once you look back at how much you have learnt,
you would need to and have already stopped.
Gaining back the momentum is indeed harder.
Then why stop to count your steps when you have a goal in mind.

Man of wisdom are people that embraces knowledge and accept changes.
He denies he learn any but have learned a great deal.
Just like an empty vessel, wanting to be filled with water.
His virtuous are seen rather than notice by thyself.
He is of few words as his words are like precious gems,
yet is the key to open wisdom of others.

I could only hope to gain knowledge but strives to develop wisdom.
Knowing something is moment while understanding something may requires a lifetime.
The best way to keep a wisdom is to share the wisdom.
Just like a tiny candlelight that lights thousands of other wisdom.

In this world, it is not the fittest survive. It is the ability to response to changes that lives a prosperous life.

Busy again . . .

Life is still as busy yet interesting as always. Just finish my short presentation in our study group. I can conclude my skills are rusty. Hope I am not babbling nonsense as I only remember going on and on. Throwing out whatever in my mind. Feels like unloading some thinking that has been left alone for too long.

Got my lap top which I really detest the appearance. (Too big!!) But I confess I am starting to like it. The first file is on buddhism, first write up is on buddhism and first presentation is on buddhism. hahaha!! The specs I feel that is far better than what I expected.

Now waiting for my health report which suppose to come in anytime. Most of my colleagues got theirs except few of us. Hope nothing too bad.

Jus attempt my Maths mock exam last week......really need to buck up!! Heading for long awaited KTV with my colleagues and friends this coming Saturday!! Hope everything turns up well. Jus receive a wedding invitation from my friend. Congrats!! If i could make it I would definitely join in the fun!!

Still, lots more things left in my To-Do list. All pending don't noe since when. . . Haiz. Has also been missing my sleeping hrs. Heng I still look human.

Buddhism

"Buddhism is just like any religion that teaches good and avoid evil."

Sounds familiar but I do wish to give some superficial personal view points here. Feel free to correct me!

诸恶莫做，众善奉行，自净其意，是诸佛教。Do all good, avoid all evil, cultivate the mind, thus are teachings of all Buddhas. Is that the same as all religion? The first 2 phrase is a YES but the last 2 is a NO. Why do I say so? What explanation I could come out with is how do we know our actions are good or bad.

By following the social norms, indeed we can't go astray too far. At least by following, we are socially correct and accepted. But is this what we are searching for? To address this, we must know that nothing in this world is absolute but only relative. And because of this, nothing is universally dependable.

Only through cultivating of the mind, we minimize contamination to the mind. Through right concentrations leads to right mindset and through that arises wisdom. With wisdom, we could swipe away the clouds that's covering the moon. And with the correct wisdom, then we can see the true nature of all things and phenomena. Observations from this stage are then most accurate and pure.

Reason for me to be a Buddhist is true Buddhist do not just do things in favor of the Gods and hope for promised paradise in return. If this view stands, the "heaven" will still be a place of difference, war and suffering. Cos' the Gods will still shower blessings to those that supports them. Sounds close to what happen in a country's politics.

In Buddhism, I do believe we encourage friendly debates that hopes to grow wisdom. I have an interesting past time when I was young is to initiate debates! Religious debates always ends up with comments like "We can never phantom what our creator is thinking just like a CPU...bla bla." I get caught up with Buddhism is because I always get great insights when my opponent is a Buddhist.

Some people will say life is good even if remain as a free thinker. But my advise is at least if you are not receptive to Buddhism, at least choose a God to believe. Human mind is vulnerable. It breaks apart when life gets tough. Having a spiritual and morale support is important. At least Buddhism lets you understand yourself.

Pple says Buddhism is religion. Yes as it needs faith. No as there is no promised heaven, hell and God.
Pple says Buddhism is philosophy. Yes as it studies fundamental of life. No as it does more than this existence.
Pple says Buddhism is Science. Yes as it is the first known text that describe earth as spherical and we as the little part of a big universe with different worlds. No as it goes beyond matter and anti-matter.
Pple says Buddhism is pyschology. Yes as it studies the mind. No as it also studies mental formation, how thoughts arises and cease and mechanism of which liberates the mind.
Buddhism does not rely on one single dotrine to explain phenomenas but rather extensive knowledge in different areas looking at particular happenings.

Hope I have created some insights into this beautiful teaching!!

1+1= 1

一分富，一分的慧。
一分的静，一分的动。
一分的疑，一分的信。
一分的闻法，一分的利行。
一分的吝啬，一分的喜舍。
一分的成就，一分的谦虚。
一分的机警，一分的乐观。
一分的出世，一分的入世。
一分的相，一分的意
一分的你，一分的我。

Holding hands

To hold each other's hand is a promise to each other.
To hold each other's hand for a lifetime is true love.
To let go each other's hand at that inevitable moment,
is to hold each other's hand forever in their heart.

Books . . .

Down the bookstore, I would always just do a quick look through the shelves,
always not expecting to find any book that would interest me.
After all most book that I have interested in,
often had a bad ending.
But still its hard not to go through the books.

Some people asked me why I do not finish up the books,
But sometimes after carefully read a few chapters,
the book is just not suitable.
I don't like to force my self to read books that I know the story just won't turn up well.

Recently the book I happen to come upon seems the most interesting,
full of colours and life.
And every chapters seem so captivating.
But no matter how special I feel this new one are,
is it just another feeling I got from a new book?

Some review of this book is that the ending might be hard to accept.
And it might be rather obvious.
But I chose to buy the book.
It might be going to be the thickest one.
It seems also the hardest one to understand.
But I suppose I am going to start reading.
How I wish the book can have some empty pages for me to re-write the endings,
maybe......maybe at least a more happy ending.

成功与普通行销员的分别

非常相信“心想事成”这句话。
这几天所听到，看到的让我有新的体会与想法。

一位成功的行销员与一般行销员的分别在于前者赚钱比较快又多。
原因在于成功的行销员利用研讨会的形式演说。一开口，好几个人在听。
一般行销员不管说的多尽力都只能有一对一的沟通。
多么成功的“一般行销员” 在一时间内也只能赚一个人的钱。

有时我会想，如果那个人不跟我买，或许就给人说去了。
有好几个地方要改善的！而且要快！
最基本的就是要把语言搞好！在来我发现我其实对品牌与产品都没有真知正见！
需要精进。还有就是需要很多行家的实战经验。

就算我的品牌多好质地多可靠，在买的人在挑的人非常难断定。
我想我也只能在能控制的范围勤加努力吧。

Sangha

Sangha if not wrong is from the Pali word that means community. In current buddhist context, people tends to recognise Sangha as the monastic. But I would say its a very laid back and selfish perspective. As from many reliable source Sangha in fact includes lay person, non monastic.

It is not hard to find instances in the Sutta Pitaka where the role of the lay person rather important in the work of Dharma propagation. Anathapindika, a famous lay disciples of Buddha , bought over the Jeta grove and thus facilitated Dharma propagation.

I find that in today's context, lay person's job is very important in complimenting the work of the monastic. Having said that, I am not saying that the strength of monastic is limited or we lay-person could do things thats against the Vinaya.

Most non buddhist or even buddhist tends to distance themselves from the monastic just because of respect. Monastic are sometimes seen as "masters" and should only be treated with bows. Although its definitely not true but that's what most people that are not frequent temple goers will feel.

Lay-person will fit in well. I had did some study in various propagation group be it buddhist or non, the trend is the more lay-person at work the propagation is faster but the ideology sometimes are unagreeable. This reflect well in christian groups (esp City Harvest) as well as the unorthordox buddhist group "Sokka".

The Sangha should operates in whole, hand in hand. To me Dharma propagation is something like a life purpose to me. I do confess I have the thought to join the monastics. But whats holding me back first of all is I do know I have some attachments to clear. And the next important issue is the importance of the role of the lay-person. There is indeed a lot of work for me to do in this aspect!!

CJ7

Manage to catch CJ7!! i noe i'm lagging....after all pple tat knows me know i don like hitting the cinema....muhahhaa. I actually don like friends seating by each other and watching the show due to practically limited interactions. But my fav past time is to derive meanings.....i suppose tats wat all directors' wish.....

Some comments tat the show is not funny and least interesting. As usual, throw all prejudice aside i watched the film. Its nice!! Its not the typical movie by stephen chow. Don perceive it as comedy, although there is some usual Stephen Chow's take. hahaha!!

In large it shows some social issues like the rich looking down on the poor. Child in poverty could never achieve fantastic results and so on. But major cut of the show illustrated the wants of all children. Be it rich or poor, they like toys, wants attention, good marks for exam without studying and relationship with their parents.

It also reflects a socio-family trend. Typically, the rich do not educate their children and thus the children learn by mimicking their parents ....they could be mimicking good as well as bad behaviours. For the not so well to do family, their family upbringing is tuned to building a righteous character.

I still remember how my mum always drill us with values and thoughts. I confess I would only understand a very small fraction of it then. Mainly I jus seat thru!! But I would say we are all brought up with good mindset. We don't join gangs, smoke or play truant. All credits go to my parents of course. Parents play a crucial role in upbringing of the next generation.

But sad to say the symbolic role of the parents have shifted to fillipino mates, tutors, teachers and "gangs" outside. I have a quote that I like to use. "Having the ability to have a child not having the ability to take care". I'm not sure it could be applied here but according to the 80/20 rule, 20% of the life time in learning values dictates 80% of your success in life time.

As according to "Di Zhi Gui", the initial education for children should be to inculcate values. Once the values seats strongly in their mind, all other academic knowledge will go well too!!. Knowledge without wisdom is a disaster not to oneself but to the community!!.

是我非我

相信没个人在生命中都有问自己是谁。
我喜欢什么，追求的又是什么。
怎样才能快乐。

我也常问自己这些问题。
我也相信这些并非是胡思乱想。
是自我寻觅与了解的必要动作。

看过一位著名的韩国禅师的讲座。
他从头到尾都在问观众他们是谁。
用法很怪。参加者都给了很多答案。
可是禅师都没说对错。

我的见解，大家都对也都错。
“你”的定义在于自己与他人的看法吧。
每个人对自己都有不同的看法。
是好人也可以是坏人。
是聪明是愚笨。一时是孩子，不久是别人父。

自己对自己又有不同的要求。
一时要做高才生。
做工了要做有能力的员工。
结婚又要做好老公好父亲。

“我”是非有非无的。无常变化。
那为一个无常的“我”开心难过，
为一个无常的“我”找快乐与烦恼，值得吗？

Banghala worker

Watch a video on my sociology class last sat.....Basically its about a Banghala worker's experience when working in Singapore.

I do confess I have quite a lot of prejudice against them, mostly some stereo-typically role like drinking, fighting and trying to take advantage of gals in a crowd. But after the show, I do believe at least I would accept them as part of the community.

Mr Banghala reluctantly left his sick mother and wife in hometown India and came all the way to Singapore to earn a living. And beacuse of that, landed himself in huge debt to the middleman. At first when he arrives, he never smoke, drink or any other bad habits but very pious to his religion.

He began to learn how to call back home. His fellow colleague advise him to lie (as it was a norm for all their friends) to his family, saying life was good, boss cares for them and they each have a room of their own. Reason being not to worry his family back home. Then subsequently, his family needs money for healthcare as well as dowry for sister's marriage. He picked up gambling. He also have no choice but to drink and smoke since he needs to gel into that primary social circle. After all, they are the only friends he had.

Reflecting on this, I suppose most immigrant or foreigners in Singapore definitely feel this way too. Happiness but nobody to share, sorrow yet no shoulders to lean on. The longing for home and the agony and helplessness when there is bad news from home.

I had a short stay in Thailand once, I know this feeling of lost but still the feeling I believe is incomparative to them. Don't blame them if they "clog out" the whole serangoon road and little india. Its the only small space where they are near home. Reflect on ourselves, when we have a little drink, do we whisper or we shout too?? We are all the same!!.

If characteristic like skin colour, language and behaviour divide us, then our world is definitely a small and lonely one. If for now we can't befriend them, at least don't "siam" them. Nobody likes to be an outcast or feel unwelcomed especially when they are lonely overseas.

I suppose next time instead of labeling them with stereotypes, learn from them! If you can't imagine yourself leaving your home, working overseas as labourers, staying in infavourable conditions yet needing to support his home, learn from them.

Desires

One day a wealthy lady wish to get some necklace for her daughter's wedding. The salesman decides to show her his most valuable possessions in the shop's safe. The salesman, hoping to get the deal even offered free escort to her house making sure the jewelry land safely at the wealthy lady's house.

After seeing the jewelry and appreciating its rare beauty decided to put it down and went off.

The jewelry comparing to her fortune is nothing. But she knew that buying the jewelry will only be transferring the jewelry from the shop's safe to her own safe. So she just stop at admiring.

In our everyday chores, it is inevitable that we found something we like, beautiful and rare. But if we indulge in our sense pleasure and react to all desires, we are just mere puppets to our senses. With no self control, things go wrong and we perish. And most often, we are not the only affected person.

We all have our own sets of belief and wants. Pursuing our desires without wisdom is like a hamster running up and down the track. The only result is tired and fruitless pursue. It is not about losing interest in all mundane matters but looking at things with wisdom and decide what's to be done.

纯真

在一个好友的BLOG里，他写了“单纯”。好！那我就写我对纯真的定义！

纯指的是简单而不污染的。真是对人的一种真实与不虚伪。我眼里的纯真是对人生
明明白白的了解而选择做的面对。非常幸运的，我在人生中遇到了一些有着这样性
格的人。他们就像人群中的太阳，给人快乐与欢喜。

不时中都能在他们身上学到生命的勇敢也对我做个提醒。从一个前辈学到教朋友要
找正面积极的人。的确这样的人非常吸引人。跟他们在一起每分钟都是愉快的。快
乐并非需要去哪儿或做什么，就算是闲聊都是非常愉快！无时无刻都是种享受，毫
无压力的相处，却充满期待的放松！

纯真是一个难而可贵的性格。既然有，就继续用它拥抱世界。不用改或隐藏！ 纯真
也并非孩子气！没有的人，也并非不好。不用虚假做作。那会跟丑陋。纯难而真却
一定要有。人与人的沟通不只是跟外界的沟通而是对内心的寻觅。

我始终觉得最美的并非拥有漂亮的皮囊而是真诚的心！

I'm back!!

Just back from climbing Mt Kinabaru @ Sabah, Malaysia. A very rewarding and memorable journey. All thanks to the guide, the journey was well planned and everything went smoothly. All participants were safe with only muscle strains on the leg.

Almost all reached the summit but even those that never, I am sure they gained alot from this expedition.

Participants were mostly not from FGS and were informed about the expedition through words of mouth. I was actually quite worried before the event as most of the participants were not experienced and we are rather clueless on how to prepare for it.

But from this few day, I would say its not really about the fitness of the body but the fitness of the mind that we conquer ourselves to achieve the climb. We are indeed the lucky batch as the weather was unusually fine especially during the submit climb. I would say it all thanks to the chanting sessions we had everyday.

I could still remember during the summit climb on monday morning 3am where we had to travel in complete darkness. I had almost lost my sight on the environment and the only way is to follow the mt guide's footstep closely. As I am the first few, I can only tell myself to follow closely as if not, the rest at the back might loss the way. Just lagging a few arms length back and we are not able to see each other and could only follow whatever headlamps that's in front of us.

When we have reached the peak and coming down, we were all amazed from our achievements! The journey we had travelled were actually full of hazards like pits and falls. Just losing a grip and I am sure we were be gone.

The expedition could not have been so fun and successful without the team spirit we have forged and the trust we have given for each other. The journey was also filled with laughters and I had gained alot of insights that I am sure will helped me alot for my life. Friendships were also created in just a very short span of days during the climb.

I would say the most fruitful part of the journey to me is about understanding myself. Especially in face of danger and unfavorable conditions, our characters and weakness will inevitably show. I would say since I have know the pits of my character, now its the time to work on them!

The power to be!!

Recently submitted a write up for my sociology class and the topic i chose was "role taking". Basically I made remark on no fixed roles people adopt constantly. To me role taking is an ever-changing and dynamic action tat any individual took to achieve the result he wanted, be it to merge into a group or a deviant.

Reflecting on to the statement I made and some la kopi session with my friends. I have realized and sticked to my point that a common characteristic in a group does not mean the case to an individual.

I had always felt tat I choose to accept some view points either becos i agreed on or its still not far out yet is a good way to socialize. But i believe all individual have a rule tat is unshakable and tats integrity and self respect. You may call me an ultra -egoistic nut case but to me i rather be a stick in the mud than to shake my belief and be a "tofu".....soft and no taste....muhahahah!!

There was a comment by a friend saying tat all guys are undependable and succumb to lechery. Maybe to his/her view point, it holds truth. But to me, its about self respect still. Lechery to me is about ur mind and ur heart. The mind is indeed undependable as it is only a sense organ and it will take in what ever happens around. Someone tat have a few self respect should allow the thoughts to go thru the heart and see whether it goes with your principle.

A person tat only function with his mind is jus like an animal that goes by instinct. To achieve progress in personal growth, I feel that an individual should be widely exposed to more things and from there knows what works for them!! A person tat choose to stay in cave will have only cave for the rest of his life.

Life is about making decision. And be willing to bear the consequences on the outcome of the decision. "承担". There is no absolute right or wrong but relative degrees of right and wrong only. That alone is a different measures among different people already.

Messy!!

The strength to carry on.

Someone who cries might not be weak while someone that's emotionless is definitely weak.

Courage is the ability to stand up again when she's down. Standing up for her ideas even when other's are against it. People does not grow up by feeling numb but rather looking for solutions in times of problems. By remembering and understanding herself more, she knows how to face the world.

Facing with life challenges, the fearless shall not retreat herself as she knows the world is full of blessings and hope. Rather than having bad memories, she turns it to great lessons and make sure when the next opportunity comes, she will fight and cherish with her life.

Phoenix is born from burning ash and a chicken is born in a farm. Learning to let go of the past, Phoenix burns herself to fight for a new lease of life. Chicken are the victims of circumstances and at the mercy of other people's will.

Succession plan

Some ideas from Singapore Buddhist youth conference las month . . .

Each time a leader is born, the next big event he has to think about is his succession plan. This will ensure smooth transition of power. Ideas can get properly passed down and longevity of the group will be ensured.

I had some limited exposure to Christian succession plans and there is some difference with Buddhist's ones. The main difference I thought is they do every for God. All glory has been put to their God. They believe that without their God, they would not have all the blessings they have now.

Buddhist do not believe in God's creation and believe in using personal efforts and cultivations to reach their goal of enlightenment. The idea itself is perfect. But personally what I see is people vying in the group to get the limelights.

I always believe a great leader is someone that lets their team mates shine. Without his group, what the use is a leader? Buddhism is about impermanence and non-self. With correct grasping of this law, what use is position? It is just having a better "temporary" position to help people gaining the right views.

With right views, wisdom is achieved by slashing ignorance with sword of truth. Buddha left his home to become a homeless in search for truth. If what he desires is glory, what we have now is a historical king rather than the ever present Buddha.

To be together.

Recently I have friends getting married and also friends having marriage issues. These made me re-evalute the value of marriage. Why do people get married?

Is it because of the age? companionship? Or just simply following the norm. During the recent wedding preceding, heard shifu saying to the couple and the guest, " Marriage is when two individuals decides to give out their individuality and stay together as one, sharing pains and laughter together." But why marriage issues still happens. Is there a possibility that a couple could really share the same thoughts and feeling as one after marriage? If it is not possible, I find that marriage itself lacks meaning for me to follow.

In buddhism, marriage is said that a couple came together through countless fate with each other, deriving same levels of beliefs, thoughts, wisdom and cultivations. To me I find that to be able to share multiple lifetime with someone that love each other so much is definitely inspiring and out of this world.

To me, selecting a life partner involves finding someone that shares my thoughts and belief with me. To be the pillar of support and source of happiness which could enhance each others growth. Of course I am not sure I am that lucky to find one. But if I can't, marriage will never apply to me. Worst case scenario is to realise someone that sleeps besides you could not be trust and is the source of misery.

Lessons learnt

Feeling shiok as i have learnt something new today.

In every moments, there is something unique happening. And the reason that something happens may not have a very direct and simple reasons. . .

I am someone that believes in what I see and sad to say I do jump to conclusion at times. Earlier this month, I had a rather "not so comfortable experience" of having the act of isolating some one. Although the matter has passed, but the feeling still lingers.

I had some unpleasant experience during my childhood days. I am not a born athletics and thus during PE lessons, I do have experience of being the last one selected in team sports. Although I have grown up and thinking matures. Still, I hate the idea of isolating anyone. I feel that every person should have the chance to socialise and be the center of attractions.

This might be the reason that I had drawn my conclusion recently that there is some ostracizing activity going on in our group. Negative thoughts just surpassed my logical brain. "Why is this happening? Are they really that mean? Isn't there any better options?" Trains of negative thought jus storm my grey matter.

All thanks to a friend that called me to clarified the matter! What a fool I am! I have took the matter by face value.

This is a great lessons that I have learned. Never jump into conclusion. And if something disturbing happens, always ask.

Sinagpore Buddhist discovery!!

Great news!! Attention to all fellow buddhist working in CBD area!! I've found a new buddhist concept shop!!

Its located conveniently at International Plaza which is just next to Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Situated at a very quiet corner on level 2. This shop focus more on buddhist artifacts like utensils and equipments that have a very nice "Zen" touch. They do sell contemporary CD collections and some books as well. Just don't be too picky on the range of selection.

The shop is rather small but its filled totally with tranquility of buddhist music and the warm greetings by the "Boss". The experience i remembered most vividly is the first time i left the shop, I am called back by the boss and she push some buddhist booklets and brochures to me. Thinking tat it was a real kind gesture, she called me back again to share with me on upcoming seminars in some places which I am really happy to know. And knowing tat my colleague is a non believe, she told me to pass the booklet to her!! haha

My colleague even mistaken it to be a normal shop until I started to get excited and told her that its a buddhist shop. haha.....thats where i started to feel some deterrence from her. Haha....

To me its a real great news. From merchandising of buddhist related product, buddhism can spread more widely with more integration to people's life and schedule. Hope to see more shops sprouting! yaya too excited till i forgot to intro the shop's name. Its call "green peace". I am not surprise that it was opened by KMSPKS temple.

Yaya!! Grab hold of this sunday issue of Liang He Zao Bao as there will be an article on the above mentioned temple in effort of bringing pop music into a traditional temple.

Great lessons from nature

We can learn a great deal from mother nature indeed . . .

From the great seas and mountains, we learn to sustain and support others. They are the stage for all living things to grow and perform. We can learn that in a team, we must not always be in the lime light or in control. Rather, we could be a trusted support that everyone could lean on.

From the wind, we learn to change. Wind never fails to pass through caves and barriers. They just change to suit the environment. Changes is inevitable and most of the time changes is for the good of the mass. Learn to change or we will one day be force to change.

From the trees, we learn to care. Tree provides shelter, gives us fruits and even medicine to heal us. We need to learn to care more about others. People wants us to help them because they believe we could.

From the animals, we learn order. Animals function in groups, eat the right kind of food and do what they suppose to do. In a group, there is rules to follow and person of authority. Without rules, the team breaks.

From the fire, we learn hope. The ability to destroy yet is the start of a new life. We all experience failure. But every failure is the seed for new hope. Nothing is absolute and can only be relative.

From the above, all work harmoniously with each other. Never do they once trespass each others role or compete to shine. Human fight for little reasons which appears to be important to themselves. The nature only cares about carrying out their responsibilities and has never fail us since we are here.

Something to thing about . . .

Marriage since countless times . . .

Story of rebirth can indeed be interesting and something to contemplate about . . .

Mahakassapa (Chief disciple of Buddha) and his wife before renunciation was both from the brahmin family, full of richest and sensual pleasure of the world, but determined to lead a life as a wandering ascetics. Was forced into marriage by their parents. After their marriage, they confess to each other their wish to find the path to the truth. Both were delighted.

One day Mahakasspa was supervising the farm and found that through indirect actions of him, lots of life was lost. E.g Worms and plants. On another occassion, Bhadda his wife was sadden by the sight of crows fighting and killing each other for seeds the maid has dropped on the floor. Both intended to leave what they are doing and start on their wandering trip.

From the Jetaka stories passed down since Buddha's time, it was said that the couple has shared numerous pass life with each other before this life.

In fact they have been husband and wife for along time. And in this life time, they were so deeply linked in resolution, dreams, thoughts and feelings. Their love for each other has long pass the average couples. They were even soul mates to one another and motivates each other to pursue their spiritual goals. Their loves have passed sensual attachments and into something even greater.

Love might be something that's inevitable due to past karmic reasons and couples were brought together to live and learn from each other. To find someone that shares the same vision and thoughts with you is even remarkable. Cherish the relationship and motivates each other towards finding our personal life meanings which I feel is what true love is all about.

"Live life like you have only once and this life will be the most meaningful life".
"Live life bearing in mind of karma, live countless blameless life worthy of respect."

音乐

又是因为机缘巧合， 撞见了从吉隆坡来的菩题工作坊的演出。他们的演出让我深深的感动。他们非常专业。唱歌技巧就不用说。他们对佛法的发心与谦忱都能在音符中感受到。对歌词的用心传达佛法，说得非常的贴切。

利用动人的歌曲，我相信佛法能传遍到世界各地，让人解脱。此时不知为何，突然有感触。“佛陀所走过的地方，都是我的归依”。

因为

“此身不在今生度，更待何生度此身？”

Start school loh!!

Finally started school. Schooling to me now seems to serve more purpose now. Every lesson seems so anticipating as I know what I learn I can apply the next day. Touch on maths yesterday and got a shock on how my brain has rusted so much. I even stumbled on algebra!

Classmates comes from all sorts of life and age. Also get to know a classmate that shares so much coincidence with me...from biotechnology, lives in Hg (few blks away), sharing 3 out of 4 similar modules, teochew, very "fats" resistant and likes talking to animals.

I quite appreciate my study group members as well as they seems very spontaneous and serious in their education.

Only problem now is to adjust myself to the schedule....come to think of it, I am only left with weekend evenings to meet up with friends and doing my personal stuff!

Buddhist Youth Conference

Made a trip to buddhist youth conference. Very insightful trip. Have the chance to see fellow buddhist youth making a difference in pple's life.

It was quite refreshing when the way the speakers share their projects. To put it crudely, they are mad!! haha....the way they display their determination and how they tackle issues were remarkable.Projects like "project million lotus and Vesak@ Orchard were one of the few outstanding large scale projects done. Its always not just spreading buddhism. To me its about spreading the msg of peace and harmony.

I always have this thought of "Heaven on Earth". Nobody has died, rose to heaven and come back to inform us about heaven. To be able to transform the world into a heaven, isn't that more practical?

My idea of heaven: A place where there is absolute peace, equality and harmony. No greed hatred and delusion. The 3 poison that caused differences in this world and root of meaningless war. Pple gets delight in knowledge of salvation. No need to have a kingdom as notion of kingdom leads to privilege and suffering, commands and complains. After all, if monarchy can work, why are we in democracy. Every being still strives very diligently to bring more salvations to more world and thus attaining the stage of Tathagata.

I will try my best to summarize my findings from the conference and maybe to post up here. Or may be just contact me to get a copy to protect intellectual rights!

21K AHM

Champs from 21K AHM....haha no really lah.....jus able to finish the race. Its more fun this year running with friends from FGS. Slightly tough as we have no prior training and I am the only one that have tried before.

But with sheer determination we still manage to complete. To compare running partners, this group is more focus, fun and very positive. Along the way we just cheer each one up, the feeling was good....

After the finishing line, we saw more FGS members! Jin Yao who came late and is handicap for 40mins, but out run us by huge difference. Shuyun and Shulin who ran the non competitve and many others. Haha!! Now then I know we have lotsa running enthusiast in our temple....I am considered sedentary if we were to compare.

After the run, we just grab any makan place and had a good chat.....wow now then I know there's lotsa of good guys and gals in the temple.....I guess most pple tat takes buddhism serious are good in certain way ba.....

Unshakable character

Had a short meet up with the gang @ p.park. Nothing to be excited about except able to meet up a friend that has not met for about half a year. Nothing change for her and still full of cold craps as usual. haha.

I suppose people don't really change their character. Read from some self-help book before. A winner does everything to his best but the average will only perform for some. I personally feel tat if you are a truthful person at home, you will tend to be honest to your friends as well. Every people has their own set of belief system and thus for whatever things they do or react, the same belief system will be used.

Of course this works for negative traits as well. People always harbor the hope that they can change their partner. I suppose if you can really change him, then he is not the original person you fall in love with.

Addicted to Love

I am just wondering...do we always fall in love or are we just addicted to love?

In our childhood days, I can still remember we usually say "friend or don't want to friend you". Life was simple. Everyone in the class is my friend and I am everyone's friend. But as we grew older, we find ourselves always bothered by relationship problems. Thus I came to a conclusion, are we addicted to love.

Its the first touch of love that starts the spark rolling. Everyone was getting into and out of love. I suppose we are just addicted to the feeling of love and to be love. Especially when after a painful one, the quest for another one starts. Cycle just repeats itself and so does the pain.

I am not saying love is bad but maybe true love is what comes after we are not addicted to love.

AN 4.55 Samajuvina Sutta

Searching high and low finally found this romantic sutta . . .

Once the Blessed One was staying among the Bhaggas in the Deer Park at Bhesakala Grove, near Crocodile Haunt. Then early in the morning the Blessed One put on his robes and, carrying his bowl and outer robe, went to the home of the householder, Nakula's father. On arrival, he sat down on a seat made ready. Then Nakula's father & Nakula's mother went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As they were sitting there, Nakula's father said to the Blessed One: "Lord, ever since Nakula's mother as a young girl was brought to me [to be my wife] when I was just a young boy, I am not conscious of being unfaithful to her even in mind, much less in body. We want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."

And Nakula's mother said to the Blessed One: "Lord, ever since I as a young girl was brought to Nakula's father [to be his wife] when he was just a young boy, I am not conscious of being unfaithful to him even in mind, much less in body. We want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."

[The Blessed One said:] "If both husband & wife want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come, they should be in tune [with each other] in conviction, in tune in virtue, in tune in generosity, and in tune in discernment. Then they will see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."

Husband & wife, both of them
having conviction,
being responsive,
being restrained,
living by the Dhamma,
addressing each other
with loving words:
they benefit in manifold ways.
To them comes bliss.
Their enemies are dejected
when both are in tune in virtue.
Having followed the Dhamma here in this world,
both in tune in precepts & practices,
they delight in the world of the devas,
enjoying the pleasures they desire.

Friends or pest!!

Recently, a thought has been going thru my mind. What makes me get near to certain people and what drives me away. And here are some of my findings!!

I have found tat it all falls back to the tat person's attitude towards problems and issues. We can choose to be an energy powerhouse that brighten people's life and can also be a leech that drains away other's life force. Constant thinking that their problem is as big as the world and for sure their life will just be as big as their problem.

Some people indeed is gifted in certain way and usually "smart" is the over-used word to describe them. But smart sometimes does not mean wisdom. Smart may lead you to your downfall while wisdom would even help to alleviate other people's agony. Also, you might be a pro in basketball but a nut in bowling. Smart is temporary and definitely subjective.

The worst kind of people is they feel they are the center of the universe. The whole world owes them and the world will crumble without them. They only do things that they like to do. Its rubbish! Before you are alive, there is people. If you are dead, you are just a photo. You don't take anything into this world and you don't take anything away. People are sad not because you are important but they are just sad about their foolishness. All living things is interdependent. We don't own anything and we just borrow them.

Last but not least, beauty to me is not about body stats and the features. The purity of the heart will illuminate people around and that is the most beautiful miracle that I hope to meet.

修

见山是山
见山不是山
见山还是山
见山是水

Nice dinner!!

Met Shuyun for dinner @ Tao's Restaurant. At first, I'm really speechless by how they have forgotten my reservation but luckily manage to arrange another table but its really not wat I wanted....it's in the middle of the restaurant...haiz....can't imagine how we can manage any conversation among the noise.

But things got better when we are served by the "boss" of the restaurant. I would still recommend pple to go, after all the service was rather prompt and friendly. Food was delicious and in nice portion as well. The ribs were juicy and the rose petal tea was nice as well.

Stayed there for bout 2hrs + and the short catch up was real nice as well. Finally have the chance to catch up with the b'day gal. She had really changed and grown. But still nvr fail to show her genuine character and silly smile...hahahaha.....

Volunteering . .

Great day!! Very very busy day indeed spending almost the whole day at FGS Singapore volunteering. Although I can't participate in the Fa Hui but still, a well day spent! After all, its what I have promised and setting myself to do from this year on.

The happiest part i feel is the chance to let more people understand and rejoice in the Dharma. And the most fulfilling part is when a friend ask me or want to know more about the Dharma.

I am starting to understand what shifu meant by cultivation by working with people. I do face with not that pleasant encounters before but the lesson's I get is tremendously. Helping out in FGS has indeed expanded my insight and definitely getting to know more friendly, youthful yet truthful friends!

Life is full of pain and also happiness??

Life is full of uncertainty.

Just a few years back in 2001, there is this big news of a surgical breakthrough to separate the Nepalese twin that had their head joined together. It was the news of the town then and certainly have brought joy to a lot of people.

Recently the news reported one of the twins dead due to severe chest infection. Since their operation, one is left with brain damage and another luckier one losing the ability to walk although it was called a successful operation.

I am just thinking to myself. Is the operation bringing joy to them or more false hope after a good news. But was it a good news to begin with??

Of course we can argue that the operation gives them a new lease of life even be it a short lived ones. But is the family happy since one of the twin is suffering from brain damage when before that is a young child that have her own conscious.

The other child was luckier since she just lost her ability to walk. But what's future going to install for her? Will there be more health complications? Will that means more financial funding? And will the child be able to enjoy her life in the future. Does that also mean more pain and tears for her parents?

I believe that only the family will be in the best position to say good or bad ...

佛光大学

Perhaps this is the place for me . . .

Key of emotion

As heard from a counselor with some personal touch;

Everyone hods a key in their life. The key that allow controls to their happiness and dictates their sadness. With this key, we can control our moods and allow blessings to enter our life.

But it is this key when used wrongly, leads to pain. When we have a relationship with someone or at least a trust towards someone, we readily handled the key to that someone. And since then, we have no control of the key.

We are often bother by how others react and the actions that bring upon us. It's just like they have the key to control our emotions. We are often lead by them to do more pain onto ourselves and people that's dear to us.

To be the master of this key is to be the master of our emotions, our life. We decide how we should feel and how we should react. So, rather than passing the key to other people, why not hold the key deeply within us.

Shuyun's B'day!!

Moods on roller coaster again last night!! After singing class suppose to meet Mr C to go down for Shuyun's B'day. I'm not someone tat likes to be late. In fact I hate to wait for latecomers!!. To make matter worst, Mr C did not even told me the exact time he will be late or why!! I have to wait for 11/2hrs!! These time lose can be well spent with the rest to plan for our beach event. Feeling so bad, having to let Liyun and Zhangting to carry on the discussion without me. Haiz . . .

Upon reaching the BBQ, wow......she has indeed grown up. The mushroom gal of the past have transformed to an elegant maiden! So well behave and demure. It's my first time seeing her so feminine!! Time really flies... Really miss those days working with the crew in Underwater World.

Jus wondering how in a period of few hrs my mood is able to change so drastically. Still, the evening is well spent meeting up with friends.

Peaceful Warriors

I've just watch a show call " Peaceful warriors". Here are some good points;

1) Focusing on the present moment. I am here, now in this moment.
2) Every moment something is happening and every episode is different.
3) Clear our rubbish in our head and stop thinking about what has happened and what's going to happen.
4) Enjoy the trip up the mountain as you would not know what you will find when you reach.
5) People advise me what to do is actually forcing their ideas that work on them, to work on me.
6) I am not what I do and I might not know who I am.
7) People sometimes do not injured themselves externally but also internally and its harder to heal.
8) Warriors are very vulnerable as they get injured, sadness and gets hurt also. Heroes are warriors that fights on.
9) We are responsible for our decisions.
10) To accept a new self is to discard our old self.
11) Warriors adept well and get used to changes fast. Acknowledge and embraces their weakness.
12) To be happy is doing what we know best.

A very good movie that I would encourage anyone that seeks to climb new heights in their personal growth.

Planting experience.

Some things that I have notice from past sowing experience . .

Planting is not as easy as sowing a seed, watering it regularly and out comes your plant.

Some seeds that I come across that are harder to bloom.
1) Green pea thinking that they are rose.
2) Seeds thinking that all farmers are the same.
3) Seeds that are too busy in rooting and forgot that they need to have leaves to grow.

I have also learn to plant the seed and stepping one side, letting it bloom naturally. I only need to fertilize as and when I think it needs to. Plants that grow naturally, blooms the best I think.

I have also realize something interesting. When I am watering my plants, I found out that unexpectedly some plants around my plants grows well also. Some might even bloom nicer than my plants. i consider that as bonus.

That has been my promise. To be a well learned farmer, well trained in various planting technique and beautify the world with all sorts of flowers. I do not hope for a paradise but at least more seeds to plant everyday. To bring seeds to fertile plots, letting them enjoy the bliss under the sun.

遇见

人与人之间的遇见和相处我相信都是缘分。
一些人一见面就是冤家， 水火不容。
可是有些人却一见如故。

有一些人虽然没见过面，却似乎在寻找对方。
不知道有没有可能，我似乎在找那某个她。
是完全没有刻意，没有去胡思乱想的。
就是一个寻寻秘秘的感决。

有时还真的有少许的邪门。大脑里就有如个
指南针，就莫名其妙的指向某些人或事物。
大脑也好像有个磁铁，那某些人或事务，
一直在生活中出现。

多么希望可以把大脑拿出来。看一看到底在找什么。

Life so far . . .

Skit done up by FGS YAD! Really like the names of the character ....Hahaha.

Life has been more calm and well paced. Been thru a memorable camp last week with the kids, followed by the skit by YAD. Also get to have chance to interact with more pple about buddhism. Next much anticipated events are my part time degree application acceptance and the 21k army half marathon.

Health has slightly fallen into the red zone haunted by past medical aliments. Jus hope it won't take my fav sports away. Really have to take care of it so that it will continue to serve me well in more miles to come!

冲动

听着陈伟联的歌“我只是想要”，听着听着有很多感触。想着过往的很多事如果有那
一点的勇气多一点的冲动，或许会有不同的结局。

很多人说我太理性。不善于表达情感。我觉得我是缺乏冲动。或许是天生的吧。
看到朋友们女朋友一个有换了一个，我却从未遇到能让我冲动的女生。我也从没想
过别人说的“试试看，走看看”。既然是没感觉的为何还要试试看？我也不相信
“只在乎曾经拥有”。因为那个拥有很可能是悲伤。我更不相信因为要讨好而做改
变。因为带着面具做个24小时的演员很累。你要那个女生喜欢的是你而不是演戏精
湛的你。我是那种有感觉后，观察很多的人。就像买个东西，看了又看。但我决不
会注意款式而注意的是质地。

或许我错了吧。思想太偏激。但错也错了那么久。有这个需要改变吗？

如果的事

我想过一件事不是坏的事
一直对自己坚持爱情的意思
像风没有理由轻轻吹着走
谁爱谁有所谓的对与错
不管时间说着我们在一起有多坎坷
我不敢去证实爱你两个字
不是对自己矜持也不是讽刺
别人都在说我其实很无知
这样的感情被认定很放肆
我很不服我还在想着那件事
如果你已经不能控制每天想我一次如果你因为我而诚实
如果你看我的电影听爱上的cd如果你能带我一起旅行
如果你决定跟随感觉为爱勇敢一次如果你说我们有彼此
如果你会开始相信这般恋爱心情如果你能给我如果的事
如果你会开始相信这般恋爱心情我只要你一件如果的事
我会奋不顾身地去爱你

This is how I feeling . . . . . .

佛光之夜

Pengs!! First time enjoyed so much in a temple.....whole night was crazy....situation abit out of control haha...Where u find event even the adults have fun like the kids.

The left right kick stunt was brought to u by YAD!! The toot toot train was led by David!! of Di Shui Fang.....hahaha....Wearing his working attire like a waiter leading the train.....wat the!!

单身情歌

A very retro yet nice song. I like the singer, i like the lyrics. . .

My Big Day

Finally!! The date is drawing nearer. Still, it has been a long wait. A wait I feel have delayed for years. 6th June . . . I'm taking my refuge and precepts.

To most buddhist, its just a initiating ceremony that has but only little significants. To me, it means a great deal. A start for my life as a buddhist. A start to commit myself to Lord Buddha, to commit to myself. Its just like a marriage. In the past where marriage ceremony is more elaborated, marriage is more lasting. Now when people just settled everything with ROM, divorce seems very easy.

Thanks in advance for friends and relatives that will be attending the ceremony!!

Labeling

I guess the most favorite pastime for mankind is labeling. Before we are even born, we are labeled by sex, race and name. During our educations, we are labeled by our grades, intelligence as well as the group we stick around with.

In religion, god believers can't imagine the world without god. In the same religion, people are labeled from where they come from, discipline and what they focus in. In social gatherings, people are labeled due to their work, their social class and even their background.

I personally feel that becos' of labeling, there is differences, prejudices, arguments and even war. What's there to label in a person? It should not be the background as it has gone with the past. It should not be the present too as its too soon to tell. Yet its not the future as there is nothing to judge on.

If in religion, people still label. Then why we need a religion. Its just another social setting. And in Buddhism, if we still label, when can we free ourselves from labels. Isn't labeling itself attachments?

I personally believe there is no sure-win route to enlightenment and all people have their own best way to reach the destination. Jus find the most comfortable way!!

FGS Vesak 2008

Finally Vesak day is over and here are some of the clips taken!!

Here's our singing class doing a performance for the vesak day roadshow. All thanks to our teacher Kellyn making these performances a success. Songs sang are 点灯, If we hold on together, 佛在汝心 and lastly but I like the most, 回向曲. Singing solo and choir is indeed different but I am enjoying it alot!!
With me I have my game stall bosses, crews and Miao Yang shifu that I respected a lot.







Other hardworking crews that made the night a success!! Looking forward to working with you all again!!

To let go.

Recounting endless events in my past where I choose not to let go. Full of pain and sleepless nights. Its really funny that my logical part of my Grey Mass always never fall to yell at me to give up and yet the heart always win the battles.

Not to let go of memories , not to let go of dreams. Not to let go of others and not to let go of things. Although sometimes I knew I should be contented as I've always played my best but yet my best sometimes lead to disappointment.

Years since I have remembered till now, the painful ones are usually becos' I want something and yet failed to get. Fortunately I believe I have learned. Can see I have learned to accept and learned to let go. Not to give up without a fight but to do my best and learn if I have failed. Life is much happier.

Who in the world has no past? And who in the world have not cried? But be like the water, ripples are formed when a pebble is dropped. But eventually the ripples will cease without a trace of disturbance they have ever caused.

Lets cherish what have now and let future takes its own course. What we need to do is always be prepared to face challenges and happiness that might come along the way.

Written for that someone intended. . .

Vesak day at FGS

My first time spending such a meaningful Vesak with fellow friends and kids. My main task for the event is to help run our game stall! I didn't help much and mainly just have lotsa fun with kids running around. Somehow I feel that I am having more chances to work with kids since I joined FGS.

My stalls runs 3 games but I guess only 2 of them can be considered successful. We also have our drink stall which last min turns into a marketing strategy which has indeed boost the sales at least doubled. All thanks to Karen and Liyun!!
Manage to catch this shot on my phone. Our "little" monk does seem a little lost on what they are doing. And these lot is comparatively more "healthy and well fed" than those 2500 years ago.

Begging of alms to me is a good medicine to cure egoism and arrogance. If i were to run Singapore's education at will, I will make sure all pri school students to experience the real alms round. It is definitely much better than reading books on moral values. It will also allow the kids to learn humility which will definitely enrich their academic performance.


Although what was thrown into the bows are money, but I guess the activity has reach its initial intention. I do heard from someone that some kids cried and ran away than to be shaved bald. And some where pacified by sweets. haha!! They are jus kids!!