Christmas is just round the corner

Christmas is just round the corner...

Chanced upon the giant Christmas Tree outside Raffles City with & without lights on 2 different days.

In some ways, I do celebrate Christmas... To me, it is a time close to end of year whereby I reflect on what happened for past year and say a silent prayer of Thanks to all those around me...THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

MAY ALL OF US BE WELL & HAPPY!!!!

Pilgrimage Trip to India

I had previously always wondered what attracts Muslims to their pilgrimage trips (from News coverage on TV) until I made a pilgrimage trip to India 4 years ago. Ever since, I had been encouraging friends (even Christians) to embark on their pilgrimage trips.

Some old photos of the trip to share....

Bodhgaya in the night

The temple was still under renovation then.

The beautiful windmill-like items are actually offerings of candles

Chanced upon a ceremony where lots of Tibetan Monks gathering before the Bodhi Tree.

The Vajrasana or Diamond Throne under the Bodhi Tree, is the central place of worship as it is situated at where the Buddha is believed to have attained Enlightenment

This is the Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha had attained Enlightenment.

It may not have been reflected on picture but the atmosphere at Bodhgaya is really very holy. We had the fantastic experience of arriving there early one morning after 4am for a short meditation. One will feel the whole place is so serene especially when they played the music of "Buddam Saranam Gacchami" (Three Refuge) for the morning prayers. Something that could not be described in words, I felt so touched and reinforced my faith in the existence of the Buddha.

Another very holy pilgrim place visited is Jetavana at Sravasti where the Buddha gave many Teachings. It is a place that you could somehow feel or was it just my imagination, the presence of Devas? I was very surprised at how hugh the park is as I had heard about the story of how the park was laid with gold pieces by the Elder, Anāthapindika, to purchase the place from Prince Jeta. (more info can be viewed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jetavana)

By just sitting under the tree (as shown in picture below, But no, I wasn't in below picture:P) to pose a picture of "pretend meditation" under a tree, one could almost feel the immediate bliss of meditation. Just as I thought I wanted to find a good spot to meditate, it's time for us to move on. :-(

(However, that experience did motivate me to explore a couple of meditation centres & methods after back in Spore but to-date, sad to say, I could not have similar fantastic experience from meditation)

If only I knew of any Sutra being taught at Jetavana by the Buddha such as the "Amitabha Sutra" then, it could have turned out to be another great experience to recite in such a holy place. It's a pity I was there, just with a tourist mentality without any preparation for the trip.

The trip really reinforced my faith and started my re-exploration on Buddhism.

I wish in my next pilgrimage trip to India, I could spend more time in these 2 places.

*If you are going on any group tour to Buddhist pilgrimage places, one advice is to go with a Buddhist group preferably with Venerable, instead of normal tour packages off the market.

The experience can be quite different (comparing my previous trips with Buddhist groups and visiting Er Mei Shan & Le Shan in China early this year with just normal tour packages off the market).

May We All have good karma to go on more pilgrimage trips...

May All Be Well & Happy...

8 Precepts Event and Bodhgaya

A picture taken at Bodhgaya (India) in 2004

On entering the tent set up for the 8 Precepts event (presided by Venerable Hai Tao on 30/11/08, Sun), it reminds me of the visit to Bodhgaya (2004).

A picture of the Compassionate Venerable giving Dharma Talk in the evening.

Basic Buddhism Course

This will be a familar picture to those who attended the Weekday Dharma Classes (Basic Buddhism Course) at kmspks.

The "antique" cup often quoted by Venerable in her examples of attachment.
A close up on the mini Buddha stature. Very serene and compassionate look.

From the classes attended which the Venerables spent great efforts to make the lessons interesting with stories and examples, trying to teach us Dharma with more relevance to lay person context, I learnt what is meant by Rejoicing/Dharma Joy (Fa Xi). From their lessons, I learnt to appreciate why the Sutras always ended with the phrases: "...the great assembly, on hearing what the Buddha had said, were greatly delighted. They received it with faith and respectfully practiced it. "

We had always been constantly reminded not to be just "pray pray Buddhist" but to learn to lead by example especially parents/adults to their children/younger generation. Though the classes had ended for the semester, I believe the messages and the seeds of the Dharma are already imparted in us and will continue to spread.
Personally, I like their styles of teachings. You won't find yourself dragging your feet to the classes (at least to me, it is something to look forward to every week).
I will strongly encourage those who had not attended Basic Buddhism course to attend and those who had attended long ago to attend again...It will be time well-spent...

With the ending of the lessons for the semester, I can imagine how sad the disciples must be when Shakyamuni Buddha entered into Parinirvana. However, the Dharma will always be in our heart.
Do check up the web for updates of their new classes :

Chinese: http://kmspks.org/download/poster/CBuddhismCourse_Poster.pdf

English: http://kmspks.org/download/poster/EBuddhismCoursePosterV3_6%203Dec12%20(Finalized).pdf


May All Be Well & Happy!!!
Amituofo!!!

Beyond's Concert 2008

The last concert that I attended was TZ's. Time flies, that's about 2 years ago. :P

S had free tickets to Beyond's concert last Sat evening and I readily agreed to attend with her. It is a good retrieval of good old memories of school days as they are the Rock Band of my teenage days. I wondered if my long lost touch classmates who were fans of them would attend the concert but I didn't manage to catch glimpse of any familiar faces. :-I

Paul had matured alot from my fade memory and he showed his powerful voice during the concert. I had always believed in quality of concerts from Unusual Productions from my limited concert viewing experience but the nite's production team, Horizon Productions had produced enjoyable quality too. The ability of the singers to play the musical instruments themselves added points to their charisma.

Always enjoyed concerts' drum performance, I love percussion drum performance. The only musical instruments that motivated me to learn but gave up soon, satisfying myself as an appreciator of music. :P It's not just striking 2 sticks on surfaces but a difficult task co-ordinating the whole mind and body, including the feet and really requires great concentration and talent which I quickly realise I don't have. But given time and hard work, I think it is a good tool to train concentration and aids meditation. Strongly encouraged for kids to learn besides piano. (1 possible class to consider is here :-) )

It's a great evening of Rock music especially during their Encores section when their famous pieces were sung. Most audiences in front of the stage stood up and swayed with the music. Thanks, S, for an enjoyable evening.

Reflecting on Ajahn Brahm's Talk

I was hot and tired, yawning unsightly on the train, on my way to kmspks, even contemplating giving it (11 Oct, Sat, Meditation Workshop: Stress Relief and Self Healing) a miss but I brushed the idea aside and decided that even if I fall asleep during the meditation workshop, it will be better time spent for the moments that I am awake than idling at home.

I am glad I made the right decision as it is another rejoicing experience attending the workshop. I am so grateful for the recent opportunities to attend good Dharma Talks and Classes that always gave me the rejoicing feel (Fa Xi) after the events that I began to understand and appreciate why the Sutras always ended with the phrases: "...the great assembly, on hearing what the Buddha had said, were greatly delighted. They received it with faith and respectfully practiced it. "

There are alot of gems that Ajahn Brahm had touched on tonight and I am unable to comprehend and put across as interestingly as he had done. I could not write well but I will still like to try and diary it here to share with all and as my future reference and reminders.

What is Ajahn Brahm's secret of keeping himself energetic throughout his hectic schedule of travelling and many jobs in many places?
He revealed that it is the power of mindfulness, peace of meditation and compassion in one's heart that kept him energetic.

Ajahn began the session with a non Buddhist story of "the Emperor's 3 questions" by a Russian author to illustrate mindfulness:

1) When is the most important time?

2) Who is the most important person?

3) What is the most important thing to do?

1) NOW is the most important time.
How can you survive in economic recession , with sickness etc?
If you have any disputes or unable to see eye to eye with someone, Don't put off the time to reconcile. Don't put off the time to tell the person you love, you love them.

2) WHO is with us now is the most important person.

Pay personal full attention to those in front of you and let the person feel truly valued.

No matter it is your boss or client, pay attention to person you are with. Clients will come back to you if they feel their needs are heard.

Ajahn gave the example that when he was outside the hall signing autographs and time was up for him to enter the hall to give the speech, he would still complete all autographs and gave full attention to the requestors, not worrying about next schedule.

From my observation, he is also very mindful as in the gaps between next autograph requestor, when he noticed that people are taking snapshots of him, he will turn to the photographers to give his warm smile for them before back to his full attention to next autograph requestor.
(I was abit disappointed that the pictures taken of him did not come out well with my sis's hp and kind of miss my hp which had just gone into coma. Thank you SEphone, for your past services, for helping me captured memorable pictures of food and images:P, lets hope you could pull out of your coma soon.

Thank goodness, BF had put up some lovely pictures taken for the events on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seng548/sets/72157607984234516/)

3) TO CARE is the most important thing to do.

The job of Doctors is to care for people, healing is the side effect/bonus.

He then introduces that health problems can actually be cured by meditation.
The meditation method can also be a self-inflicted medical check-up/cure for yourself. Give your care to the area where you may suffer e.g. back ache, to massage the muscles around the pain area.
He also related the story of a girl who suffered from chronic panick attack whose conditions was so serious that she was bedridden and medicine couldn't help. She was taught by Ajahn to identify which part of her body felt tense whenever she suffered from anxiety. To massage the area of the body with care & compassion and by easing the tension of her body, the causes, her mental problems also disappeared.

Meditation is kind, soft and gentle just like the Buddha.
He went on to teach this variation of meditation method of relaxing one's body that I 1st encountered.

At the stage before he gave his meditation instructions, I was still very tired, trying hard to open my eyes wide and fighting away my tiredness.

In his very kind, compassionate voice, he gave the meditation instructions:

Sit down, close your eye and relax as best as you can.
It may take minutes to get used to the darkness to be aware of feelings in body.
Ask yourself if you are comfortable.
If yes, then ask yourself if you can feel your toes,
be mindful of the physical sensations of your toes.

Relax your toes, feel your toes connect to the brain.
There is contact when feedback is received if your toes feel tense or relax.
Make your feeling change to make it more relaxing.

Spend quality time with your body --> caring it now

Now move up sensation to your feet, contact , notice sensation changes.

Ease any tightness, feel your feet relaxing more and more.

Any stress is released.

Move your attention up to lower legs.

Mindful of physical feelings...Contact...

Wish those sensation to relax, tightness to disband,

any hardness to soften, and more relax...

Change to become more easy, peaceful, soothing.

Everything relax, feel good and maintain as long as you can....

Gradually move sensations up your body.... to shoulders where we generally felt tightness to relax.

Go down the arm to relax and send kindness to your mind.

Then slowly repeat process up to your head....

Hence, his meditation method starts from relaxing from lower part of one's body instead of from top-down and surprisingly at end of the meditation, I came out of it with wide open eyes and clear mind. (And I am still wide awake later up to 2am writing my blog:P)

I wish BF or kmspks could make the recording of the talks, workshop available to public either thru CD, DVD or downloadable from Internet to benefit those who missed the events. And hopefully they can especially edit the portion of his soothing meditation instructions separately to benefit all so that all could easily practise.

May All Beings Be Well and Happy... :-)

Reflecting on Ajahn Brahm's Talk

Another rejoicing talk by Ajahn Brahm! Enlightening us as usual in his intelligent and lively talk. (10 Oct Fri, Dealing with Uncertainties in Life)

A brief recall of his speech...

Fear is good for us to avoid mistakes but too fearful can cause psychological obstacles as the story told by Ajahn Brahm on novice monk "Grasshopper" in crossing pool of "acids".

This too will pass ....
(story of young ruler given ring with craving of the phrase to remind himself)

Very important to have correct positive mindset in the coming difficult times expected, build up your social assets: friends and relatives who will standby you.
What people will remember you at funerals will not be your wealth but how you had been a good parent or children or in your social role.

In times of recession, positive mindset that this will pass soon,
In times of good economy, this will also pass soon so don't spend unnecessary. ...
Kind words, tiny acts of show of concern can all help one another.
Start by smiling to your neighbors...strangers...
By showing concern that someone still cares about them, you never know your simple act could save them their lives...let them see sunshine in life...

Just reflecting
This too will pass ... Extending this beyond current years, to this current life of ours...
Make the best of our current human life (satisfactorily or not) in preparation for our future rebirths too....
We are in the position we are now because of what we did in the past...
We will be what we are in the future because of what we are to do now...

Any reflection from the talk? Please feel free to share your thoughts...

Cheers:-)

Cartoons on Life Protection

A series of cartoons with funny, slightly exaggerating ancient characters in Mandarin was being produced. Hopefully, amidst your laughter, the messages on the theme of life protection, discouraging killing for food, and advocating blessings for those who save lives got across to viewers, both children and adults. :-)

I got these free distribution DVDs from one of the activities organised by Buddhist Life Mission, Venerable Hai Tao's Dharma Centre in Singapore.
Venerable Hai Tao is the president of Life Education Foundation and Life TV Channel, Taiwan and a strong advocator for vegetarianism and life release activities. It is through Venerable's widely distributed Dharma talk DVDs that inspired me towards vegetarianism and aroused my awareness on life release activities.
The centre is located at 19-B Lorong Bachok (Off Geylang Lor 19) Singapore 387788.
It often organises life release activities (last Sunday of each month) and if you are interested, you may call their centre at 6836 9088 (after 12pm) for more details of their activities.

Cheers:-)

Singapore Biennale 2008

Chanced upon an exhibit of Singapore Biennale 2008 before I cross the traffic light between Raffles City Shopping Centre & City Hall MRT the other day.

It 's amazing how views change from viewing through colored filters.

That's why there's a saying: "别戴着有色眼镜看人? (Don't view people via coloured spectacles?)" :P

More info about Singapore Biennale 2008 (11 September to 16 November 2008) can be found at http://www.singaporebiennale.org/

Cheers:-)

COME AND SEE

It was indeed an eye-opener to attend the seminar organised by SBF on role of Buddhist Music in proprogating Buddhism. It's a pity I was late for the event and missed the earlier session of discussion.

Little did I know that Music is still not widely accepted in Buddhist circles. I recalled that one of the earlier Buddhism talks I attended was Venerable Chodron's and usually before the talks, there will be a singing session by 1 or 2 groups singing Buddhist hymns, similar to Pop and Folk songs often sang at Christian assemblies. Recently, there was also release of albums by abbot of kmspks, hence, I had always thought it was widely accepted also as a means of proprogation in Buddhism as well.

Resources not being channelled to promote Buddhist music and the need to compose new songs to suit the younger generation more receptive to pop music to Buddhism is highlighted. What also left me a deep impression is the enthusiasm displayed by Brother Daniel in trying to teach Dharma to children in Fun, Interactive & Simple (F.I.S) way. He and his passion alike Dharma friends had produced lively English children Buddhist songs.

You may refer to the demo at their web: http://www.d-kidz.com/comensee2.html.
If they could have a musical concert as what they had done overseas in S'pore, I am sure alot of young parents will support it.

Hopefully, after this seminar whereby various views were gathered, I look forward to even greater support and growth of Buddhist music to reach out to more people.
Cheers:-)

Love at Asha Vihar

Asha Vihar was a clinic set up by a German Lady Claudia in Bihar, one of the poorest state in India. Applying TCM, ayurvedic and other unintrusive methods, she had helped several children who suffered from polio, falaria and other diseases. Many of us have benefited from the sharing, and the lessons that she learnt from working with the tribal people under such harsh environment. Do join us and feel free to invite your friends to the slideshow. To know more about Asha Vihar, you can visit the website at

http://www.yohar.de/news.htm

The 2008 schedule:

1. Nam Hua Acupuncture and Medical Hall
(440 Race Course Rd, near Farrer Park and Boon Keng MRT)
27 Aug wed 7 pm


2. Holistic Lifestyle Centre – Kg Senang Aljunied
(Blk 106 Aljunied Cresent #01-205, near Aljunied MRT)
30 Aug sat 1pm

3. 觉海学佛研修中心
CHS Building
174 Trywhitt Road #03-174
30 Aug sat 3pm


4. 福海禅寺Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery
87 Geylang East Ave 2,
31 Aug 9.45am

5. Yes Natural F&B (悦意坊)
No. 57, Geylang Lorong 27, Singapore 388184
31 Aug 1pm

(Above are extracted fr SC's mail)

Hope to see you there..

Cheers :-)

Please offer this seat to someone who needs it more than you do

In a number of MRT rides, even after the recent publication effort to raise awareness , I was disappointed to see many seats intended for the "someone who needs it more than you do" (hereby call it "priority list") to be seated by the non-priority who ignored passengers who could have fitted the priority list description standing near them.

During my normal rides, I will prefer to stand on the rides to avoid the trouble of moving up & down to give up seats. However, I decided to do a small experiment.

I boarded the train at a station before one that is likely to have elderlys boarding. I took a vacant seat (a non-priority seat) and gave it up to an elder who boarded at the next station who thanked me with a grateful relief of smile while those seated earlier beside me remained indifferent to other passengers who seem to fit the priority list.
After a few stations, the elder whom I gave up the seat notified me of an empty seat behind me. I looked around & do not find other standing passengers who fit the description of priority list, hence I gladly took the seat thinking of giving it up to next passenger on priority list instead of letting it being occupied by other potential indifferent passengers.
At next station, I received another grateful "thank you" from an elder who also signalled me to next available seat.
So, the saying : "Good begets Good" is true in this small experiment. This is a surprise as I didn't expect the outcome. Hence, on my return trip, I repeated the process and the result is the same, the elderlys all repay with a gratitude smile and word of "Thank you" and notified me of next available seat.
I guess a little inconvenience of moving up & down to give up the seats is nothing compared to the smile by the priority list.

Try this experiment yourself, in a way, this could be a way to lead other indifference passengers to participate in the act. (But of course don't be disappointed if you gave up a seat to someone who didn't thank you, sometimes they are just too engrossed in their own thoughts:P)
If you feel troublesome, just imagine the next priority passenger as your aging parents or grandparents or relative or pregnant wife who will be so happy to receive a seat for their tired legs. (Hopefully, this could help create a little positive karma that when your kins travel on public transport, they could be identified as on priority list and given a seat as well.) :-)

I do miss the courtesy lion mascot, Singa, and the rigorous advertisement of the courtesy campaign that had left a deep impression for my generation (or at least to me) during my childhood days (haha, that reveals my age:P).
I found some info on Singa, and the old National Courtesy Campaign, you may refer to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Courtesy_Campaign_(Singapore) .

I do hope that there could be a good revival of Singa's courtesy campaigns.

***New MTV on good etiquette, pls click here to view! :-)

Cheers :-)

Pureland Aspiration

I like the phrases on the banner put up by Pureland Marketing for their FoQi(7) event. Pardon my poor translation to English for the benefit of those who may not understand Chinese:

"I am currently just a temporary guest/traveller in this Samsara world who will soon join the Lotus Assembly to meet beings of Superior Goodness residing in the Land of Ultimate Bliss."

Amituofo, May we all meet in the Pureland of Ultimate Bliss after this life.
Amituofo...

Ullambana Festival

Some snapshots on a visit to the Singapore Buddhist Lodge on the 1st day of Lunar Seventh month. Chanced upon their chanting session and participated partially on the chant on Amitabha Sutra.:-)
Personally, I feel that the ambience there is good, it feels like the Buddha is there, welcoming all beings to the Pureland...
Amituofo... May All Beings Be Well & Happy...Amituofo

Comics by a Venerable

I picked up this copy during my last visit to Ci Yan Xuan. They too have a free Dharma books distribution shelve outside their shop. If you do not see them at the shelve, you may be able to find a copy inside their shop near the door or simply ask the owners. ;-)This was drawn by Venerable Guo Yu based on a few Buddhist stories that illustrated/reflected on Compassion, Wisdom and importance of Discipline (that's the essence of the stories that I interpreted from my limited understanding, do let me know your reviews/comments after reading) while the theme of the last story encourages Vegetarian. Do pickup a copy when you are around Chinatown.
Cheers:-)

Series of Dharma Talk & Events

法鼓山新加坡护法会主办:

佛理开示「念佛在现代繁忙生活中的意义」
果舟法师
日期：7月15日(星期二)
时间：晚上7.30pm
地点：法鼓山新加坡护法会 100A Duxton Rd
(需报名 Tel:6735 5900)

Venerable Guo Zhou and Venerable Guo Zeng are invited by Dharma Drum Singapore for the period 17 July to 19 July 2008 to conduct
Fo San Chanting and praying session.

Brief introduction of Fo San Chanting and Praying session:
Fo San Chanting and Praying session is a Buddhist form of spiritual practice. The whole prayer session will last for three days from 9am till 9.00pm, during which the devotees will meditate, prostrate to Buddha while chanting the name of Amituo Fo (Amitabha Buddha).


法鼓山新加坡护法会首次主办佛三(念佛三天)
圣严师父僧团弟子--果舟法师与果增法师亲自带领

愿以念佛功德回向
累世冤亲 现世眷属
舍万劫之缠爱 共成佛道

九品度众生 威德无穷极
十方三世佛 阿弥陀第一

举办日期：2008年7月17日(星期四)至19日(星期六)
时间：早上9am -- 晚上9pm
地点：大悲佛教中心 (不挂单住宿)

设有祈福消灾、超荐牌位

报名地点：法鼓山新加坡护法会 (Tel:6735 5900)
法会赞助金：$30


***For the benefit of those who cannot participate full time, they have kindly allowed part-timers, however, for logistics and food preparation purposes especially if you are staying over lunch or dinner, please kindly register with the centre. ***


Cheers :-)

Series of Dharma Talk & Events

Organised by Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery
Venerable Hui Min will be conducting two Buddhist Talks at Tai Pei Buddhist Centre (2 Lavender Street):

Date: 12 July 08 (Sat)
Time: 7.30pm
Title: 人生最后的48小时 (Mandarin)

Together with other Professors of Life Engineering
Date: 13 July 08 (Sun)
Time: 1.30pm - 6pm *
Title: Brain, DNA and the Metamorphosis of Life (English)
* Need Registration with Shuang Lin Shi at Tel: 6259 6924
or for more details: http://www.culturalcompass.org/symposium08.htm

李焯芬教授
Date: 13 July 08 (Sun)
Time: 7.30pm
Title: 佛教的现代价值观(Mandarin)

=========================================
法鼓山新加坡护法会同时恭邀惠敏法师莅临会所主办:
佛法与科学漫谈：日期：7月14日(星期一)
时间：晚上7.30pm
地点：法鼓山新加坡护法会 100A Duxton Rd (需报名 Tel:6735 5900)

佛理开示「念佛在现代繁忙生活中的意义」
果舟法师
日期：7月15日(星期二)
时间：晚上7.30pm
地点：法鼓山新加坡护法会 100A Duxton Rd (需报名 Tel:6735 5900)

Venerable Guo Zhou and Venerable Guo Zeng are invited by Dharma Drum Singapore for the period 17 July to 19 July 2008 to conduct
Fo San Chanting and praying session.
Brief introduction of Fo San Chanting and Praying session:Fo San Chanting and Praying session is a Buddhist form of spiritual practice. The whole prayer session will last for three days from 9am till 9.00pm, during which the devotees will meditate, prostrate to Buddha while chanting the name of Amituo Fo (Amitabha Buddha).

法鼓山新加坡护法会首次
主办佛三(念佛三天)
圣严师父僧团弟子--果舟法师与果增法师亲自带领
愿以念佛功德回向
累世冤亲 现世眷属
舍万劫之缠爱 共成佛道

九品度众生 威德无穷极
十方三世佛 阿弥陀第一

举办日期：2008年7月17日(星期四)至19日(星期六)时间：早上9am -- 晚上9pm
地点：大悲佛教中心 (不挂单住宿)
设有祈福消灾、超荐牌位

报名地点：法鼓山新加坡护法会 (Tel:6735 5900)
法会赞助金：$30

***For the benefit of those who cannot participate full time, they have kindly allowed part-timers, however, for logistics and food preparation purposes especially if you are staying over lunch or dinner, please kindly register with the centre. ***

Cheers :-)

ENERGY Photo Exhibition

Could not help resisting the urge to share with all this interesting photo exhibition on Energy at the Central Library level 7 that I visited recently.


Besides nice pictures taken, the main theme is on "Energy production and consumption in Singapore". From the label, it is interesting to know that in 2007, residential uses accounted for just over 18% of total electricity sales as reported by Energy Market Authority.
Looking at the pictures & the information together makes factual data more receptive, I would think this is an educational exhibition worth visiting.

It is held at Central Library level 7 from 1-14 Jun 2008 10am to 9pm daily....

World Book Fair 2008

I had a quick visit to the book fair at Suntec Convention Hall #04.
This current fair has a large section on Chinese books and I was surprised to find a number of booths from different religions as well.
Near the centre, Tzu Chi Foundation has a relatively large area promoting their variety of books (for all ages) & recyclable products (I think the price of the recyclable chopstick & spoon set will really encourage one to reuse it for years :P, a good gift) by very enthusiastic volunteers. You can find display of educational information on loving earth near their cashier & to promote care for environment, they will provide you with free reusable blue bags with purchases made.

Moving to right corner, there is a COSPLAY on comic characters. There, I found one of my favourite comics: Inuyasha :-)

Near the center end, there is photo exhibition on China Sichuan Quake Disaster that really touched many...

Just near the photo exhibits, look out for this Malaysia bookshop that is promoting their local Chinese comics 哥妹俩 for kids (at only S$1) which I find quite educational. It includes easy to understand comic explaination of Chinese idioms 成语 & a main story with a theme such as respecting parents via its comic characters. It seems to be very popular in Malaysia & well, just pick up a copy to read & you will understand why...Even adults can enjoy it...

The book fair will be held until 8 Jun 08...

Simple Exercises

Sob, sob, :! Friends who recently seen me said I had gained weight... :P
Must be too much food & lack of exercise...
I must be more disciplined to resume my daily exercises
K, let me introduce my favourite simple exercise moves:
Eight Form Moving Meditation (click link for pictures & illustrations ) learnt from Dharma Drum Mountain. :-)

It is simple yet effective, some moves that you could do while watching TV (if you are not using it as meditation as it originally intended for :P)

For a lazy person like me, I only concentrate mainly on 4 moves:

The 2nd form: Neck exercise is especially good for office workers who may develop stiff necks sitting long hours before the pc.

The 1st & 3rd form : Waist & Hip rotation will help you develop a more visible/slimmer waistline if you consistently do it for a week.

For the Fifth form: Swing For me , I prefer to do away with the bending. I read from somewhere that if you swing 2000 times morning, day & night, (with firm lower part of body & relax upper part of your body) for about 5 months, you could cure many illness including certain types of cancer (disclaimer: to refer to book for actual details) .
However, I believe doing it as many times as you can afford (easily 100 times within a few minutes) helps improve your blood circulation and is good enough for maintaining a healthy body.

Nevertheless, It is best to do all 8 forms if you have time (there must be a reason for the 8 moves to be choosen) but if not, you may selectively do what you feel best for yourself. Some action is better than none....:P
(I am so sorry if I had distorted the gems behind the 8 Form Moving Meditation...)

Cheers for a healthier lifestyle:-)

心灵画展 Therapeutic Art Exhibition at Kampung Senang

I was informed about the presence of the art exhibition when I went there to replenish my stock of Funori. The exhibition included paintings & calligraphy of existing famous Chinese artists. To let you appreciate the art better, they had arranged for volunteers (generally on duty during 12-2pm but pls call the centre in advance to confirm) to help explain the history and meaning behind the art works. Personally, I think it really make a difference when explaination is provided to enhance your appreciation of the art.


I was attracted by this painting of beautiful pair of mices enjoying the fruit : Pomegranate (石榴).
An unique European style of frame is being used for this painting of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (地藏王菩萨) and one naturally feels a sense of happiness or devotedness before the painting.

This painting of green flowers: Peony (绿牡丹) gives the audience a very soothing pleasant feeling & one naturally relaxes before it.

The Art Exhibition is held at its Aljunied centre : 10 am to 6 pm.

Blk 106, Aljunied Crescent, #01-205, S'pore 380106. (HDB block near Aljunied MRT). Tel: 6749 8509

Most paintings are available for sale as donation to Kampung Senang.

If you come for their 1st June Charity Carnival, do visit their Art exhibition:-)

or if you want to have an artistic lunch, you may come by during lunch hours to enjoy their healthy organic brown rice set & appreciate the art pieces thereafter.:-)

Find out more about轻安村Kampung Senang via http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/

Cheers :-)

Love Has No Boundaries Charity Family Carnival

轻安村Kampung Senang is holding a 9th Anniversary Holistic Fair on 1st Jun 2008 from 10am to 5pm.

You would be able to find varieties of delicious vegetarian food & goodies there....

Venue: Holistic Lifestyle Centre
Blk 106, Aljunied Crescent, #01-205, S'pore 380106.
Tel: 6749 8509 (Near Aljunied MRT)

Find out more about
轻安村Kampung Senang via http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/

Cheers :-)

Light Transference Ceremony 传灯

According to the Singapore Buddhist HandBook, devotees hold a lighted candle after sunset, as they pace around the perimeter of a temple or a holy object in walking meditation in this ceremony. Mantras or Buddha's name are chanted while doing so. The ceremony represents the passing of the light of wisdom (sharing of truth) to every direction of the world to dispel the darkness of ignorance. On a personal level, it has the significance of lighting one's inner lamp of wisdom...

Light Tranference Ceremony at Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Devotees offering lights to the Buddha at end of ceremony

Reflection of Standing Amitabha Buddha with interior of Main Shrine

It is a wonderful evening with good weather for the ceremony. Also unique chance to have above 2 pictures taken of the Buddha with the 2 banners reflecting His name: "Amitabha Buddha" and reflection of "Compassion Light radiates" :-)

Vesak @ Aljunied by ABC

Just like Vesak @ Orchard, it has also become a tradition by Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) to hold their Vesak celebration at the Open Field in front of Aljunied MRT station.　

The celebration starts from 16th May afternoon to 19th May (Vesak Day). Do visit it to experience a Tibetan way of Buddhist celebration.:-)

After that, you can also visit its centre just across the street, 44 Lor 25A Geylang, to attend the Relics Exhibition of Geshe Lama Konchog.

You can find out Who is Geshe Lama Konchog at the exhibition and it is believed that viewing these relics with faith can cause us to receive blessings, purify negatives and accumulate merit.:-)

Rejoice !!!:-)