paradox of life
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
"THE WINDOW"
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should behave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.
Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.
The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
THE END . . .
Moral of the story
The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviours; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pencil & Eraser
Pencil: I'm sorry
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.
Pencil: I'm sorry cos you get hurt bcos of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad. :)
I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational. Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way... they get hurt, and become smaller (older, and eventually pass on). Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.
"All my life, I've been the pencil.. And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day. For I know that one day, all that I'm left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have..."
This is to all the parents out there...
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.
Pencil: I'm sorry cos you get hurt bcos of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad. :)
I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational. Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way... they get hurt, and become smaller (older, and eventually pass on). Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.
"All my life, I've been the pencil.. And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day. For I know that one day, all that I'm left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have..."
This is to all the parents out there...
this cool post taken from a post in facebook..
Friday, October 15, 2010
Religion
Religion
WHAT IS A RELIGION??
Senior Monk :"The best religion is the one that gets you closest to God. It is the one that makes you a BETTER person."
H
OW TO BE CONSIDERED AS A BETTER PERSON??
Whatever makes you
"Being happy is not a matter of destiny~ It is a matter of options~~"
- The word religion comes from the Latin religio meaning 'piety'.
- The Oxford Dictionary defines religion as " the belief in the existence of god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them.
- In Chinese， 宗: house 宀of worship示 ;教:孝+攵. 孝 : a man with long hair learning on a child or a child supporting an old man.
Senior Monk :"The best religion is the one that gets you closest to God. It is the one that makes you a BETTER person."
H
OW TO BE CONSIDERED AS A BETTER PERSON??Whatever makes you
- more compassionate
- more sensible
- more detached
- more loving
- more humanitarian
- more responsible
- more ethical
"Being happy is not a matter of destiny~ It is a matter of options~~"
Finally he said:
“Take care of your Thoughts because they become Words.
Take care of your Words because they will become Actions.
Take care of your Actions because they will become Habits.
Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character.
Take care of your Character because it will form your Destiny,
and your Destiny will be your Life
… and …
“There is no religion higher than the Truth.”
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
5 regrets of dying
5 regrets of Dying
By Bronnie Ware Platinum Quality Author
For many years I worked in palliative care.
My patients were those who had gone home to die.
Some incredibly special times were shared.
I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.
I learned never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth.
Some changes were phenomenal.
Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.
Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.
Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all.
When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled.
Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way.
From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late.
Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed.
They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship.
Women also spoke of this regret.
But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners.
All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do.
And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others.
As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.
Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others.
However, people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, but in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level.
Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life.
Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down.
Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years.
There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved.
Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip.
But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away.
People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible.
But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them.
They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love.
Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task.
It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.
That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one.
Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice.
They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits.
The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives.
Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content.
When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind.
How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice.
It is YOUR life.
Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly.
Choose happiness.
By Bronnie Ware Platinum Quality Author
For many years I worked in palliative care.
My patients were those who had gone home to die.
Some incredibly special times were shared.
I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.
I learned never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth.
Some changes were phenomenal.
Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.
Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.
Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all.
When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled.
Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way.
From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late.
Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed.
They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship.
Women also spoke of this regret.
But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners.
All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do.
And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others.
As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.
Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others.
However, people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, but in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level.
Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life.
Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down.
Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years.
There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved.
Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip.
But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away.
People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible.
But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them.
They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love.
Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task.
It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.
That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one.
Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice.
They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits.
The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives.
Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content.
When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind.
How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice.
It is YOUR life.
Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly.
Choose happiness.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
FrissBeeeE!!!
*the one and only group photo*
Comparing with last Frisbee event, the number of participants were halved to 10 people. WHERE IS OTHER PEOPLE!?!?! *screams*
Actually, on that day itself was a very good day for sports with a bit SunLighT, WinD and RaiN as well.
At first we wanted to cancel this event due to the number of participants, fortunately it turn out to be something better than we expect ~ =D
Anywayz, it's FUN this time because everyone started to know how to play FRISBEE, instead of simply throwing the frisbee which made everyone running all around the field like MAD ..haha
*thanks to Laurane the expert for teaching us how to actually play the game X) *
To me, the most interesting part about frisbee was thinking of how to throw the frisbee and where should I catch it. It's hard to throw when the weather is windy and it actually comes back like a "boomerang" *watch out !!=)*
Looking forward for the next frisbee event and hoped that everybody can be ACTIVE in participating events .CHEERS =D
"life is not measured in minutes but in moments"
Sunday, September 19, 2010
吉祥经2 The Mangala sutra
On the 17th of September 2010, Master discussed the Mangala Sutra during Friday Dharma Class. If you have any enquiry, please do not hesitate to ask us or post the questions in the comment section.
吉祥经2
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Just Be Thankful Always
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said, but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said, but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Chai Buey
(image from internet, I did not snap a pic on my own version of chai buey)I remember making this during the Rushi Orientation Picnic in early 2010.
CHai Buey, (4-5 litre about 10 ppl's serves)
Australia Cabbage ,half cut into big pieces
Carrot - 2 sticks, cut into
pieces
Dried Chillies - about 30g
Asam Skin - about 30g
Rock sugar -
1 piece
Salt, and soy sauce
1 teaspoon of oil
Methods:
1. Fill the pot half full with water.
2. Add asam skin, dried chilli, carrot into the pot when the water boils. Continue boiling for about 5 minutes.
3. Add cabbage, rock sugar and teaspoon of oil into the pot. Turn to smaller flame, with the lid on, boil it for at least 1 hour.
4. Adjust the taste acocording to own preference with salt, and bit of soy sauce.
5. Let the ingredient boils vigorously for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Leave the pot of asam vege overnight in or out of the fridge.
6. Reheat it the next morning and serve it hot/warm.
The amount of asam skin and dried chillies can vary depending on individual.
In my own opinion, this dish serves best with rice.
New column for Vegetarian Recipe
Hi people,
There are heaps of benefits to be a vegetarian...
1. It is easy to cook vege ( in most cases eating raw vege cost no harm,
suitable for ppl who can't cook well)
2. No constipation problem ( I have never heard of vegetarian who has problem going to the loo)
3. Nice skin ( look at Mandy and Me, muahahaha!)
4. Healthy ( given that you are not fussy bout vege)
5. Environmental friendly ( Less damage to the earth)
The list can go on and on,
for more info you can check out, 49 good reasons for being vegetarian
To encourage people to eat more vege and take less meat, I decide to start on a vegetarian session/tag for this blog. I believe that many people in Rushi Youth Group can cook really well..
Don't be shy and just share your vegetarian recipe..Any recipe is welcome, as long as it is meatless =)
Have fun cooking!
Jokes
Laughter is the Best Medicine
!!!
An old man walking along the beach found a bottle. When he rubbed it, like magic a genie appeared.
“I will grant you three wishes,” announced the genie. “But the catch is for every wish you make, your ex-wife gets the wish as well — only double.”
The salesman thought about this for a while. “For my first wish, I would like my own tropical island” he announced. Instantly the genie gave him a map, pointed out an island and assured the man that the island was his. “But your ex-wife has just received two islands,” the genie said.
“I’ve always wanted a Ferrari,” the salesman said. Instantly a Ferrari appeared. “But your ex has just received two Ferraris,” the genie said. “And what is your last wish?”
“Well,” said the old man, “I’ve always wanted to donate a kidney for transplant.”
Do you get the joke, too bad if not but anyway i don’t think it is funny.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
40 hours famine : Hunger for hope
40-Hour Famine
Rushi Youth Group will be participating in the 40-Hour Famine organised by World Vision this year. Basically, this event is a charity event where participants will be collecting donations, which will be going towards the needy children in Nepal and Kenya.
Participants of this event will not eat for 40 hours starting from 10pm on the 20th of August (Fri), until 2pm on the 22nd of August (Sun). Participants will still be able to drink water. Also, they will be practicing this at their own homes.
If you feel that you have the commitment to participate in this event, and you do not have any stomach problems, do email us ASAP for more details, as we will need to register the participants.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Review: Colours of Vesak on UNILIFE MAGAZINE
*taken from http://unilifemagazine.com.au/?p=893 *
27 May 2010
Jasmine Yow
Most people know that Buddhism is a peaceful religion. But to some of us oblivious to its roots, ‘enlightenment’ could mean nothing more than the epiphany of a solved differential equation.
However, on 22 May 2010, Buddha’s story was told with much aplomb, entertaining and delighting audiences young and old with a classic tale.
Colours of Vesak was put up in conjunction with Vesak Day, an annual celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.A performance by the RuShi Buddhist Youth Group, it was indeed a visual feast, bursting with depictions of life both inside and beyond the palace walls of ancient India.
The story traced the growth of the young Prince Siddhartha Gautama, portraying his intelligence and desire to seek for truth outside his comfortable life. Much to the chagrin of his father King Suddhodana, a great future was predicted for the Prince as the Enlightened One upon seeing the Four Sights: sickness, old age, death and a holy man.
After Enlightenment, it was shown that Buddha started spreading his knowledge and wisdom to free the people around him from worldly desires and sufferings.
Interestingly, the issue of equality for women in education and religion was raised in the play. Buddha gave permission to his mother’s sister, Prajapati-Gotami, to join the sangha and establish the first order of nuns, marking a significant moment in history where women were first given the chance to hold high religious positions.
Mandy Koay, vice-president of the organizing committee, said preparations for the concert began way back in December 2009.
“Around five committee members gathered to write the script last year,” the UniLife Rep for City East explained, her purple saree glittering regally to portray Prince Siddhartha’s mother, Queen Maha Maya.
Another performer, UniSA Pharmacy student Chong Sin Lin, said castings and rehearsals only began two and a half months ago. She said it was a challenge choreographing the dances, creating intricate costumes and props, and making everything come together in such a short time.
But come together beautifully it did, with many light moments drawing laughter and thunderous applause throughout the play. A huge paper mache elephant and a flying bird were among the impressive props, while a hilarious Princess Talent Show was held American Idol style to choose a wife for Prince Siddhartha. Princess Glutonary left the audience in guffaws as she devoured her pot of curry, while Princess Strengthorani raised a 100kg bar without a single drop of sweat.
Audience member Dianne Dahim Bungan enjoyed the show and said, “It was a good opportunity for me to understand a little bit more about how a prince became someone who is known to be so good hearted.”
As the culturally diverse crowd stepped out of the concert hall into the cold, enlightened about Buddhism and its way of life, cast and crew packed up and headed over to Pancake House for a well-deserved celebration dinner that lasted into the night.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Reverse your words, reverse your thoughts
This is a must watch video..cleverly manipulated the words
Saturday, May 29, 2010
you are rich too
原來你也很富有
有一位青年，老是埋怨自己時運不濟，發不了財，終日愁眉不展。這一天，走過來一個鬚髮皆白的老人，問：「年輕人，為什麼不快樂？」「我不明白，為什麼我總是這麼窮。」「窮？你很富有嘛！」老人由衷地說。「這從何說起？」年輕人不解。
"I don't understand why I am always so poor"
"poor? You are very rich!" the old man replied sincerely.
"Why make you say so?" the young man was confused.
老人反問道：「假如現在斬掉你一個手指頭，給你 1千元，你幹不幹？」「不幹。」年輕人回答。「假如砍掉你一隻手，給你1萬元，你幹不幹？」「不幹。」「假如使你雙眼都瞎掉，給你10萬元，你幹不幹？」「不幹。」「假如讓你馬上變成80歲的老人，給你 100 萬，你幹不幹？」「不幹。」「假如讓你馬上死掉，給你 1000 萬，你幹不幹？」「不幹。」
"If you chop off one of your finger now, I will pay you 1000 dollars, will you do it?"
"No." the teenager replied.
"If you chop off one of your hand, I will pay you 10 thousand dollar, will you do it?'
'No"
"If blind both you eyes, I will pay you 100 thousand dollar, will you do it?'
"No"
"If you became an 80 years old now, I will pay you 1000 thousand dollar, will you do it?'
'No"
If you are dead now, I will pay you 1 million dollar, will you do it?'
'No"
[這就對了，你已經擁有超過1000 萬的財富，為什麼還哀怨自己貧窮呢？」老人笑吟吟地問道。青年愕然無言，突然什麼都明白了。
"that is right, now you have owned more than a million, why are you still complaining of being poor?" the old man grinned. The teenager remains speechless, he understands now.
心靈導航
親愛的朋友，如果你早上醒來發現自己還能自由呼吸，你就比在這個星期中離開人世的人更有福氣。
Dear my friends, if you find yourself still breathing when awake from bed, you are more fortunate than people who passed away this week.
如果你從來沒有經歷過戰爭的危險、被囚禁的孤寂、受折磨的痛苦和忍饑挨餓的難受 ……。你已經好過世界上五億人了。
If you have not experienced any war, being prisoned, tortured and starved. You are much luckier than 5 millions people in the world.
如果你的銀行帳戶有存款，錢包裡有現金，你已經身居於世界上最富有的 8％之列！如果你的雙親仍然在世，並且沒有分居或離婚，你已屬於稀少的一群。
If you have saving in the bank and have cash in your wallet, you are listed in the 8% of the richest people. If your parents are still alive and had not divorced, you are under the minority.
如果你能抬起頭，面容上帶著笑容，並且內心充滿感恩的心情，你是真的幸福了。因為世界上大部分的人都可以這樣做，但是他們卻沒有。
如果你能握著一個人的手，擁抱他，或者只是在他的肩膀上拍一下。你的確有福氣了。因為你所做的，已經等同於上帝才能做到的。
If you can hold someone's hand, hug him, or give his shoulder a tap. You are really fortunate. Because what you have done, is equal to what God can do.
親愛的：如果你能讀到這段文字，那麼你更是擁有了雙份的福氣，你比20億不能閱讀的人不是幸福很多嗎？看到這裡，請你暫且放下手邊事情，然後非常認真地對自己說一句話：「哇！原來我是這麼富有的人！ 」
Dear all : if you are able to read this, you are even more fortunate. You are more fortunate than the 2000 millions illiterate people, aren't you? After reading this, please hold on to the tasks that you are currently doing, then tell yourself sincerely , " Wow! I am such a rich person! ”
Friday, May 28, 2010
Colours of Vesak - A Wrap Up
Hi everyone,
I'm writing on behalf of Rushi Buddhist Youth Group and the SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association to deliver our many thanks to everyone who have helped out in the concert, making this event a successful one.
The play on overall, was successful and everything ran so smoothly like clockwork. Even the changing of scenes was done and lightning speed. Thumbs up to the stage crew and props group! The props were so nicely done and the audience was very impressed. Thanks so much to all who helped in the props production during your days off! Really can't thank you guys enough! And congrats to the stage crew who managed to allocate tasks and change scenes so effectively!
To actors and actresses, thanks for sticking with all our practices and rehearsals. We know that we have been disorganized and sometimes, harsh to you guys, and I would like to apologize for that. For sticking and putting up with our grouchiness, I would like to thank you all. Thanks for putting aside your precious time even during tests and assignments to come to our dance and drama practices. :) I can't thank you guys enough.
And to all other backstage crew, including hair and make-up artists and other miscellaneous helpers, a big thanks to you all. Even though you don't really receive much exposure to the crowd and receive thanks, without you all, we wouldn't have pulled it through this event. :)
In case you guys didn't receive any notice, or don't have a facebook account, we are having an after-event celebration tomorrow at UV Apartment, 12 noon. It's a steamboat party and the food is FOC, as thanks for everyone helping us!
Also, we are gonna have a DVD on our play produced. Stay tuned for more updates about it in our emails in the near future. :)
And for those who are interested in reading blogs, here's a blog link of one of our audiences. It's a blog on Buddhism and the blogger, Alvin, blogged about our play:
Buddhist Space
Last but not least, if you guys want to get pictures of the play, don't hesitate to ask any of us on facebook. I'm sure many people have uploaded pics on the site and won't mind to share it with you. :)
P/s: If you know any of your friends who have helped out but are not in the list of people receiving the email that I sent out, please forward it to them as I don't have the complete list of people who helped out. Thanks!! :)
With Metta,
Lay Sim
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Meditation
Mental Discipline?
It lowers oxygen consumption. It decreases respiratory rate. It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate. Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients. Leads to a deeper level of relaxation. Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate. Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches. Builds self-confidence. It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches. Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc. Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome. Helps in post-operative healing. Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells. Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
Why we practice it?
Four Foundations of Mindfulness -- Satipatthana Sutta.
Seven Types of Suitability -- Visudhimmagga
The Three Areas of Practices
Monday, May 10, 2010
From a forwarded email
出生一張紙，開始一輩子；
畢業一張紙，奮鬥一輩子；
婚姻一張紙，折磨一輩子；
做官一張紙，鬥爭一輩子；
金錢一張紙，辛苦一輩子；
榮譽一張紙，虛名一輩子；
看病一張紙，痛苦一輩子；
悼詞一張紙，了結一輩子；
淡化這些紙，明白一輩子；
忘了這些紙，快樂一輩子 !
這週是世界好友週，如果你願意，
請把這條資訊發給你所有的好朋友 。
也包括我 ⋯⋯ 看有多少人會回發給你。
當大部分人都在關注你飛得高不高時，
只有少部分人關心你飛得累不累，
這就是 友情。
再忙，也要照顧好自己，
朋 友 雖不常聯繫，卻一直 惦念。
天涼時記著多穿衣！
世界好 友周快樂！
Saturday, May 8, 2010
~ Vesak Day ~
We are getting closer to the 4th month of lunar calender where Vesak Day(Buddha Day) falls. This is a time when Buddhists all over the world gather to celebrate and commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana *those who have been attending our friday dharma classes should know this term by now hehe~* of Shakyamuni Buddha - the founder of Buddhism.
This year, the SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association will be carrying out our yearly celebration on the 16th of May 2010 (SUN) at the temple. The whole event starts from 9am till to 3pm. As per usual, the highlights during that day will be "Buddha Bathing Ceremony" and "Vegetarian Charity Food Fair". There will be lots of sumptuous food and vegetarian delicacies sold during that day along with drinks and desserts. So don't miss out!! Make sure you bring your friends and family along to join us there. ^0^ Also there will be a Taking Refuge Ceremony in the afternoon so please let us know if you are interested. *glossary below*
Date: 16th may 2010 (SUN)
Venue: SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association (151-155 May Terrace, Ottoway)
9am ~ 11.30am - Sutra Chanting and Buddha Bathing Ceremony
11.30am ~ 2.30pm - Vegetarian Charity Food Fair
1.30pm - Taking Refuge Ceremony
Taking Refuge Ceremony 皈依仪式 - In order to become a Buddhist formally, you have to take refuge. For anyone who wants to take Buddhism as their path and base their life on Buddhist teachings and principles, taking refuge makes them clear in mind that they have made a commitment in cultivating loving-kindness and compassion at all times and not just when they are in good condition. Otherwise it will just like having good intentions. It means that you should be constantly trying to purify yourself, cleaning up your own thoughts or emotions. While you are working with yourself you should also try to help other people when they need you and you should appreciate everything that is good around you. These are the main principles of Buddhism.
Buddha Bathing Ceremony 浴佛- It is customary to hold this elaborate ceremony of bathing the newborn Buddha on Vesak Day, normally caried out with devotees lining up to ladle the fragrant water over the Buddha statue. This auspicious ritual serves as a symbolic reminder to Buddhists that we have to eradicate the three poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance) and cleanse our body, speech and thought to cultivate merits and wisdom.
*******************************************************************************************************
If you would like to join us on that day at the temple but need transportation, please contact Mr Wong 0401235452 by Wednesday night.
This year, the SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association will be carrying out our yearly celebration on the 16th of May 2010 (SUN) at the temple. The whole event starts from 9am till to 3pm. As per usual, the highlights during that day will be "Buddha Bathing Ceremony" and "Vegetarian Charity Food Fair". There will be lots of sumptuous food and vegetarian delicacies sold during that day along with drinks and desserts. So don't miss out!! Make sure you bring your friends and family along to join us there. ^0^ Also there will be a Taking Refuge Ceremony in the afternoon so please let us know if you are interested. *glossary below*
Date: 16th may 2010 (SUN)
Venue: SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association (151-155 May Terrace, Ottoway)
9am ~ 11.30am - Sutra Chanting and Buddha Bathing Ceremony
11.30am ~ 2.30pm - Vegetarian Charity Food Fair
1.30pm - Taking Refuge Ceremony
Taking Refuge Ceremony 皈依仪式 - In order to become a Buddhist formally, you have to take refuge. For anyone who wants to take Buddhism as their path and base their life on Buddhist teachings and principles, taking refuge makes them clear in mind that they have made a commitment in cultivating loving-kindness and compassion at all times and not just when they are in good condition. Otherwise it will just like having good intentions. It means that you should be constantly trying to purify yourself, cleaning up your own thoughts or emotions. While you are working with yourself you should also try to help other people when they need you and you should appreciate everything that is good around you. These are the main principles of Buddhism.
Buddha Bathing Ceremony 浴佛- It is customary to hold this elaborate ceremony of bathing the newborn Buddha on Vesak Day, normally caried out with devotees lining up to ladle the fragrant water over the Buddha statue. This auspicious ritual serves as a symbolic reminder to Buddhists that we have to eradicate the three poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance) and cleanse our body, speech and thought to cultivate merits and wisdom.
*******************************************************************************************************
If you would like to join us on that day at the temple but need transportation, please contact Mr Wong 0401235452 by Wednesday night.
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