Sunny's Corner

Jade Buddha for Universal Peace in singapore

2012-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

16-26 Jan 2012 Jade Buddha at Orchard Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza

More and more Serene as days gone by...

Offerings of rice to the Buddha which after the event would be donated to charity organisations

Sacred art of sand mandala of Chenrezig constructed by monks and nuns from Kopan Monastery and Nunnery (Nepal); many other events
and many nice accessories from Jade Gallery at reasonable prices :-)

For more info, pls refer to:
http://fpmtabc.org/jadebuddha/index.php

Found this wonderful words of Wisdom from the back of the Organiser (Amitabha Buddhist Centre) namecard freely distributed:

Live with compassion.
Work with compassion.
When problems come, experience them with compassion.
Die with compassion.
Enjoy with compassion.
Practicing this gives you the best happy life,
- it fulfills all your wishes and all living beings' wishes for happiness
~Lama Zopa Rinpoche

May All Beings Be Well & Happy!
Amituofo!

Amitabha Chanting Retreat by ABS

2012-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Heard about this annual chanting event organised by Amitabha Buddhist Society (this year 31-Dec to 2 Jan) at Spore Expo (Hall4) but still no affinity to participate as full-timer.

Decided to visit it as part-timer, I was impressed with the event, well-organised with lots of volunteers, simple yet serene, very good energy felt there.

Sigh, some obstacles, can't stay longer & can't attend the final day's.

If you are available and around the area, do attend!

I wish I could attend 2012 year end's.

Letting Go Of The Past, Embracing The Future

2011-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Ajahn Brahm drawing crowds on his talk on 29 Dec 2011. The hall was full of audience that some even had the proximity to sit on stage just before him.

He wishes us "Happy Buddhist calendar 2555" (HaHaHa-Thai for 5) for 2012.
Encouraging us to Face the Future with Confidence, whatever, it is, we can fix it!
Remember only the Good memories, write any bad ones on toilet paper, flush it and start 2012 afresh.

May 2012 be a Wonderful year for All- Embrace it with Positive attitude.
Happy 2012!

Mani Recitation Retreat 2011

2011-12-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

23-26 Dec 2011- The 11th Annual Mani Recitation Retreat in Singapore and Yes, at Suntec again.
This year, the new organiser had changed new Theme with Late Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche picture on left, and the centre is a Different image of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig).

Close-up of new image of Four Armed Chenrezig

A better picture could be seen from http://maniretreat.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/advbanner-chenrezig.jpg

Well, with the picture of Late Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche and the new image of Chenrezig side by side, I perceive some similarity in the two, perhaps a younger version of the late Rinpoche.:-)

New recitation text which combined with The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra (King of Prayers)

The year's retreat is again led by His Eminence Thritsab Rinpoche & Drikung Kagyu Lamas.

Something new at my end too, instead of being a backseater again, I had purchased a seat nearer in front as I want to be nearer to the stage to see who are the leading chanters. From the chant rhythm, I believe it is a new team of chanting Venerables on stage. Rinpoche joined in the chanting team from Day 1 too. :-)

Morning session is refreshing with new start of day, afternoon session is rather long and drowsy that I was always trying to stay awake :P

I especially like their nite session of Dedication-prayer for the Mani Mantra that brings swift realisation of Perfect Bliss, The Hundred-syllable Purification Mantra of Vajrasattva and The King Of Prayers. :-)

All Full-timers were given a certificate of attendance on last nite of retreat. I recalled this was given couple of years ago only to those who attended consecutively for a number of years as full-timers.
As emphasis this year was not on achieving the number of chants of 100 Million but on the accurate pronunciation of "Om Mani Padme Hung" according to the organiser, the momentum of chants had been slower compared to past years and while the motivation for last day was to complete the target, there was blessing session organised this year.

Well, there was much enjoyment by all in the offering of flowers near end of retreat though we did not manage to achieve the chant target this year. :P

Achievement is New Aspirations that arise from the Retreat! :-)

Gratitude to All who made this annual event possible and gratitude that I was able to participate with minimal obstacles and was at a much warmer seat area without much worry about the coolness. Really a blessing!

Gan En.

Om Mani Padme Hung

STILLNESS - MEDICINE FOR THE MIND

2011-12-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

Still as jovial & compassionate, Ajahn Brahm (60 years old & 37 years as an ordained monk) on the topic of practising Stillness that helped him to maintain his energy to deal with his busy hectic schedule of multiple mundane roles.

Meaningful Phrases

2011-12-04T02:36:00.000-08:00

This is a calligraphy of a Chinese Character: Buddha.

Look closely... what do you see?

(Taken at the Vegetarian Restaurant located at China Hefei's Mingjiaosi.)

Pictures of Meaninful phrases taken at a Dining Hall of a temple at Jiuhuashan (pictures taken by sis PK)

Ven. Chodron in Spore 2011

2011-11-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

Felt 10years younger during recent trip to Jiuhuashan in my Jeans & T-shirt and 1 week back to work, I regained my age:-P

Found time to attend Ven Chodron's talk. Today's the start of her series of Dharma Talks in Singapore and good to see her again.

She started with recalling the contributions of the prior abbess of Taipei Buddhist Centre who was very encouraging and motivational to her.

They had both been untiring in their effort in building Dharma centres for the sake of all. Reflecting, I am only complaining for my own mundane affairs:P

Sigh... What had I been doing???

人生智慧 WISE WORDS OF LIFE

2011-11-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

A Meaningful consolidation of Words of Wisdom from unknown sources introduced by our China friend for pleasure reading and forwarded to us in softcopy via request. Grateful to her sharing and the source
-------------------

人生智慧——幸福的来源不是财富的增长，而是欲望的降低
一、人之所以痛苦，在于追求错误的东西。
二、与其说是别人让你痛苦，不如说自己的修养不够。
三、如果你不给自己烦恼，别人也永远不可能给你烦恼。因为你自己的内心，你放不下。
四、好好的管教你自己，不要管别人。
五、不宽恕众生，不原谅众生，是苦了你自己。
六、别说别人可怜，自己更可怜，自己修行又如何？自己又懂得人生多少？
七、学佛是对自己的良心交待，不是做给别人看的。
八、福报不够的人，就会常常听到是非；福报够的人，从来就没听到过是非。
九、修行是点滴的工夫。
十、在顺境中修行，永远不能成佛。
十一、你永远要感谢给你逆境的众生。
十二、你随时要认命，因为你是人。
十三、你永远要宽恕众生，不论他有多坏，甚至他伤害过你，你一定要放下，才能得到真正的快乐。
十四、这个世界本来就是痛苦的，没有例外的。
十五、当你快乐时，你要想，这快乐不是永恒的。当你痛苦时你要想这痛苦也不是永恒的。
十六、认识自己，降伏自己，改变自己，才能改变别人。
十七、今日的执著，会造成明日的后悔。
十八、你可以拥有爱，但不要执著，因为分离是必然的。
十九、不要浪费你的生命在你一定会后悔的地方上。
二十、你什么时候放下，什么时候就没有烦恼。
二一、内心没有分别心，就是真正的苦行。
二二、学佛第一个观念，永远不去看众生的过错。你看众生的过错，你永远污染你自己，你根本不可能修行。
二三、你每天若看见众生的过失和是非，你就要赶快去忏悔，这就是修行。
二四、业障深重的人，一天到晚都在看别人的过失与缺点，真正修行的人，从不会去看别人的过失与缺点。
二五、每一种创伤，都是一种成熟。
二六、当你知道迷惑时，并不可怜，当你不知道迷惑时，才是最可怜的。
二七、狂妄的人有救，自卑的人没有救。
二八、你不要一直不满人家，你应该一直检讨自己才对。不满人家，是苦了你自己。
二九、一切恶法，本是虚妄的，你不要太自卑你自己。一切善法，也是虚妄的，你也不要太狂妄你自己。
三十、当你烦恼的时候，你就要告诉你自己，这一切都是假的，你烦恼什么？
三一、当你未学佛的时候，你看什么都不顺。当你学佛以后，你要看什么都很顺。
三二、你要包容那些意见跟你不同的人，这样子日子比较好过。你要是一直想改变他，那样子你会很痛苦。要学学怎样忍受他才是。你要学学怎样包容他才是。
三三、承认自己的伟大，就是认同自己的愚疑。
三四、修行就是修正自己错误的观念。
三五、医生难医命终之人，佛陀难渡无缘的众生。
三六、一个人如果不能从内心去原谅别人，那他就永远不会心安理得。
三七、心中装满着自己的看法与想法的人，永远听不见别人的心声。
三八、毁灭人只要一句话，培植一个人却要千句话，请你多口下留情。
三九、当你劝告别人时，若不顾及别人的自尊心，那么再好的言语都没有用的。
四十、不要在你的智慧中夹杂着傲慢。不要使你的谦虚心缺乏智慧。
四一、根本不必回头去看咒骂你的人是谁？如果有一条疯狗咬你一口，难道你也要趴下去反咬他一口吗？
四二、忌妒别人，不会给自己增加任何的好处。忌妒别人，也不可能减少别人的成就。
四三、永远不要浪费你的一分一秒，去想任何你不喜欢的人。
四四、多少人要离开这个世间时，都会说出同一句话，这世界真是无奈与凄凉啊！
四五、恋爱不是慈善事业，不能随便施舍的。感情是没有公式，没有原则，没有道理可循的。可是人们至死都还在执著与追求。
四六、请你用慈悲心和温和的态度，把你的不满与委屈说出来，别人就容易接受。
四七、创造机会的人是勇者。等待机会的人是愚者。
四八、能说不能行，不是真智慧。
四九、多用心去倾听别人怎么说，不要急着表达你自己的看法。
五十、同样的瓶子，你为什么要装毒药呢？同样的心理，你为什么要充满着烦恼呢？
五一、得不到的东西，我们会一直以为他是美好的，那是因为你对他了解太少，没有时间与他相处在一起。当有一天，你深入了解后，你会发现原不是你想像中的那么美好。
五二、这个世间只有圆滑，没有圆满的。
五三、修行要有耐性，要能甘于淡泊，乐于寂寞。
五四、活着一天，就是有福气，就该珍惜。当我哭泣我没有鞋子穿的时候，我发现有人却没有脚。
五五、多一分心力去注意别人，就少一分心力反省自己，你懂吗？
五六、眼睛不要老是睁得那么大，我且问你，百年以后，那一样是你的。
五七、欲知世上刀兵劫，但听屠门夜半声。不要光埋怨自己多病，灾祸横生，多看看横死在你刀下的众生又有多少？
五八、憎恨别人对自己是一种很大的损失。
五九、每一个人都拥有生命，但并非每个人都懂得生命，乃至于珍惜生命。不了解生命的人，生命对他来说，是一种惩罚。
六十、自以为拥有财富的人，其实是被财富所拥有。
六一、情执是苦恼的原因，放下情执，你才能得到自在。
六二、随缘不是得过且过，因循苟且，而是尽人事听天命。
六三、不要太肯定自己的看法，这样子比较少后悔。
六四、当你对自己诚实的时候，世界上没有人能够欺骗得了你。
六五、用伤害别人的手段来掩饰自己缺点的人，是可耻的。
六六、世间的人要对法律负责任。修行的人要对因果负责任。
六七、在你贫穷的时候，那你就用身体去布施，譬如说扫地、洒水、搬东西等，这也是一种布施。
六八、内心充满忌妒，心中不坦白，言语不正的人，不能算是一位五官端正的人。
六九、默默的关怀与祝福别人，那是一种无形的布施。
七十、多讲点笑话，以幽默的态度处事，这样子日子会好过一点。
七一、与人相处之道，在于无限的容忍。
七二、不要刻意去猜测他人的想法，如果你没有智慧与经验的正确判断，通常都会有错误的。
七三、要了解一个人，只需要看他的出发点与目的地是否相同，就可以知道他是否真心的。
七四、人生的真理，只是藏在平淡无味之中。
七五、不洗澡的人，硬擦香水是不会香的。名声与尊贵，是来自于真才实学的。有德自然香。
七六、与其你去排斥它已成的事实，你不如去接受它，这个叫做认命。
七七、佛菩萨只保佑那些肯帮助自己的人。
七八、逆境是成长必经的过程，能勇于接受逆境的人，生命就会日渐的茁壮。
七九、你要感谢告诉你缺点的人。
八十、能为别人设想的人，永远不寂寞。
八一、如果你能像看别人缺点一样，如此准确般的发现自己的缺点，那么你的生命将会不平凡。
八二、原谅别人，就是给自己心中留下空间，以便回旋。
八三、时间总会过去的，让时间流走你的烦恼吧！
八四、你硬要把单纯的事情看得很严重，那样子你会很痛苦。
八五、永远扭曲别人善意的人，无药可救。
八六、人不是坏的，只是习气罢了，每个人都有习气，只是深浅不同罢了。只要他有向道的心，能原谅的就原谅他，不要把他看做是坏人。
八七、说一句谎话，要编造十句谎话来弥补，何苦呢？
八八、其实爱美的人，只是与自己谈恋爱罢了。
八九、世界上没有一个永远不被毁谤的人，也没有一个永远被赞叹的人。当你话多的时候，别人要批评你，当你话少的时候，别人要批评你，当你沈默的时候，别人还是要批评你。在这个世界上，没有一个不被批评的。
九十、夸奖我们，赞叹我们的，这都不是名师。会讲我们，指示我们的，这才是善知识，有了他们我们才会进步。
九一、你目前所拥有的都将随着你的死亡而成为他人的，那为何不现在就布施给真正需要的人呢？
九二、为了赞美而去修行，有如被践踏的香花美草。
九三、白白的过一天，无所事事，就像犯了窃盗罪一样。
九五、广结众缘，就是不要去伤害任何一个人。
九六、沈默是毁谤最好的答覆。
九七、对人恭敬，就是在庄严你自己。
九八、拥有一颗无私的爱心，便拥有了一切。
九九、仇恨永远不能化解仇恨，只有慈悲才能化解仇恨，这是永恒的至理。
一００、你认命比抱怨还要好，对于不可改变的事实，你除了认命以外，没有更好的办法了。
一０一、不要因为众生的愚疑，而带来了自己的烦恼。不要因为众生的无知，而痛苦了你自己。
一０二、别人讲我们不好，不用生气、难过。说我们好也不用高兴，这不好中有好，好中有坏，就看你会不会用？
一０三、如果你自己明明对，别人硬说你不对，你也要向人忏悔，修行就是修这些。你什么事都能忍下来，才会进步。就是明明是你对，你也要向他人求忏悔，那就是修行了。
一０四、当你的错误显露时，可不要发脾气，别以为任性或吵闹，可以隐藏或克服你的缺点。
一０五、不要常常觉得自己很不幸，世界上比我们痛苦的人还要多。
一０六、愚痴的人，一直想要别人了解他。有智慧的人，却努力的了解自己。
一０七、别人永远对，我永远错，这样子比较没烦恼。
一０八、来是偶然的，走是必然的。所以你必须，随缘不变，不变随缘。
一０九、慈悲是你最好的武器。
一一０、只要面对现实，你才能超越现实。
一一一、良心是每一个人最公正的审判官，你骗得了别人，却永远骗不了你自己的良心。
一一二、不懂得自爱的人，是没有能力去爱别人的。
一一三、学佛就是在学做人而已。
一一四、正人行邪法，邪法亦正，邪人行正法，正法亦邪，一切唯心造。
一一五、有时候我们要冷静问问自已，我们在追求什么？我们活着为了什么？
一一六、不要因为小小的争执，远离了你至亲的好友，也不要因为小小的怨恨，忘记了别人的大恩。
一一七、勇于接受别人的批评，正好可以调整自己的缺点。
一一八、感谢上苍我所拥有的，感谢上苍我所没有的。
一一九、凡是能站在别人的角度为他人着想，这个就是慈悲。
一二０、学佛不是对死亡的一种寄托，而是当下就活得自在和超越。
一二一、佛陀从不勉强别人去做他不喜欢的事情，佛陀只是告诉众生，何者是善？何者是恶？善恶还是要自己去选择，生命还是要自己去掌握。
一二二、所谓的放下，就是去除你的分别心、是非心、得失心、执著心。
一二三、说话不要有攻击性，不要有杀伤力，不夸已能，不扬人恶，自然能化敌为友。
一二四、一个常常看别人缺点的人，自己本身就不够好，因为他没有时间检讨他自己。
一二五、是非天天有，不听自然无，是非天天有，不听还是有，是非天天有，看你怎么办？
一二六、真正的布施，就是把你的烦恼、忧虑、分别和执著心通通放下。
一二七、如果你真的爱他，那么你必须容忍他部份的缺点。
一二八、要克服对死亡的恐惧，你必须要接受世上所有的人，都会死去的观念。
一二九、所有的病患，医生最难治，所有的众生，自以为是的人最难渡。
一三０、一匹驴，吃再好的草，也不会成为一匹俊马。用执著和分别心去修行，再大的精进，也不会成佛。
一三一、了解永恒真理的人，就不会为任何的生离死别而哀伤悲泣，因为生离死别是必然的。
一三二、虽然你讨厌一个人，但却又能发觉他的优点好处，像这样子有修养的人，天下真是太少了。
一三三、若能一切随他去，便是世间自在人。
一三四、希望你常对自己说，闻到了佛法，我是最幸福的人，除了这幸福外，再没有别的了。
一三五、如果你能每天呐喊二十一遍「我用不着为这一点小事而烦恼」，你会发现，你心里有一种不可思议的力量，试试看，很管用的。
一三六、诚实的面对你内心的矛盾和污点，不要欺骗你自己。
一三七、因果不曾亏欠过我们什么，所以请不要抱怨。
一三八、我们确实有如是的优点，但也要隐藏几分，这个叫做涵养。
一三九、无事莫把闲话聊，是非往往闲话生。
一四０、大多数的人一辈子只做了三件事；自欺、欺人、被人欺。
一四一、太过于欣赏自己的人，不会去欣赏别人的优点。
一四二、活在别人的掌声中，是禁不起考验的人。
一四三、心是最大的骗子，别人能骗你一时，而它却会骗你一辈子。
一四四、坏孩子，父母总是比较操心。所以对于罪业愈深重的众生，我们更应该特别宽恕他怜愍他，而不应该远离他舍弃他。
一四五、只要自觉心安，东西南北都好。如有一人未度，切莫自己逃了。
一四六、用平常心来生活，用惭愧心来待人，心来处事，用菩提心契佛心。
一四七、当你手中抓住一件东西不放时，你只能拥有这件东西，如果你肯放手，你就有机会选择别的。人的心若死执自己的观念，不肯放下，那么他的智慧也只能达到某种程度而已。
一四八、人家怕你，并不是一种福，人家欺你，并不是一种辱。
一四九、不是某人使我烦恼，而是我拿某人的言行来烦恼自己。
一五０、不要刻意去曲解别人的善意，你应当往好的地方想。
一五一、世上的事，不如己意者，那是当然的。
一五二、我的财富并不是因为我拥有很多，而是我要求的很少。
一五三、吃了就一定要拉，人一定要学会随缘放下，否则就会?便秘。
一五四、常以为别人在注意你，或希望别人注意你的人，会生活的比较烦恼。
一五五、我能为你煮东西，但我不能为你吃东西。各人吃饭是各人饱，各人生死是个人了。
一五六、看轻别人很容易，要摆平自己却很困难。
一五七、人类最大的错误，在于不敢承担圣人的心。
一五八、你只管活你自己的，不必去介意别人的扭曲与是非。
一五九、如果你准备结婚的话，告诉你一句非常重要的哲学名言「你一定要忍耐包容对方的缺点，世界上没有绝对幸福圆满的婚姻，幸福只是来自于无限的容忍与互相尊重。」
一六０、如果你能够平平安安的渡过一天，那就是一种福气了。多少人在今天已经见不到明天的太阳，多少人在今天已经成了残废，多少人在今天已经失去了自由，多少人在今天已经家破人亡。
一六一、是非和得失，要到最后的结果，才能评定。
一六二、你不必和因果争吵，因果从来就不会误人。你也不必和命运争吵，命运它是最公平的审判官。
一六三、你有你的生命观，我有我的生命观，我不干涉你。只要我能，我就感化你。如果不能，那我就认命。
一六四、你希望掌握永恒，那你必须控制现在。
一六五、恶口永远不要出自于我们的口中，不管他有多坏，有多恶。你愈骂他，你的心就被污染了，你要想，他就是你的善知识。
一六六、当你明天开始生活的时候，有人跟你争执，你就让他赢，这个赢跟输，都只是文字的观念罢了。当你让对方赢，你并没有损失什么。所谓的赢，他有赢到什么？得到什么？所谓的输，你又输到什么？失去什么？
一六七、我们大部份的生命都浪费在文字语言的捉摸上。
一六八、你不要常常觉得自己很委曲，你应该要想，他对我这样已经很好了，这就是修行的功夫。
一六九、别人可以违背因果，别人可以害我们，打我们，毁谤我们。可是我们不能因此而憎恨别人，为什么？我们一定要保有一颗完整的本性和一颗清净的心。
一七０、与任何人接触时，要常常问自己，我有什么对他有用？使他得益。如果我不能以个人的道德、学问和修持的力量，来使人受益，就等于欠了一份债。
一七一、出家是一生一世的事，修行是多生多劫的事。
一七二、信佛，学佛，不是为自己，乃是为一切苦海中的众生。
一七三、佛不渡无缘的人，不能渡的人，我们就把他当做菩萨来看。
一七四、如果一个人没有苦难的感受，就不容易对他人给予同情。你要学救苦救难的精神，就得先受苦受难。
一七五、一般人在遇到对方的权势大，财富大，气力大，在无可奈何的情形之下而忍，这算什么忍耐呢？真正的忍是，就算他欺负了你，对不住你，但他什么都不及你，你有足够的力量对付他，而你却能容忍他，认为他的本性和我一样，只是一时糊涂，或在恶劣的环境中受到熏染罢了，你不必与他计较，能在这样的情况及心境之下容忍那才是真正的忍耐。
一七六、如果我们放眼从累生历劫去看，那么一切的众生，谁不曾做过我的父母、兄弟姊妹、亲戚眷属？谁不曾做过我的仇敌冤家？如果说有恩，个个与我有恩；如果说有冤，个个与我有冤。这样子我们还有什么恩怨亲疏之别呢？再就智慧愚笨来说，人人有聪明的时候，也有愚痴的时候，聪明的人可能变愚痴，愚痴的人也可能变聪明。最坏的人，也曾做过许多好事，而且不会永远坏；好人也曾做过许多坏事，将来也不一定会好。如此我们反覆思索，所谓的冤亲、贤愚，这许多差别的概念，自然就会渐渐淡了。这绝对不是混沌，也不是不知好坏，而是要将我们无始以来的偏私差别之见，以一视同仁的平等观念罢了！
一七七、世界原本就不是属于你，因此你用不着抛弃，要抛弃的是一切的执著。万物皆为我所用，但非我所属。
一七八、宁可自己去原谅别人，莫让别人来原谅你。
一七九、当你用烦恼心来面对事物时，你会觉得一切都是业障，世界也会变得丑陋可恨。
一八０、欲为诸佛龙象，先做众生马牛。
一八一、虽然我们不能改变周遭的世界，我们就只好改变自己，用慈悲心和智慧心来面对这一切

Natural Pain-killers in your kitchen

2011-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Some more useful health tips via email
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Make muscle pain a memory with ginger
When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves
Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar
Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Erase earaches with garlic
Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries
Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Prevent PMS with yogurt
Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

Tame chronic pain with turmeric
Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book,Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats
The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University .

Soothe foot pain with salt
Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple
Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint
Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Give your back some TLC with grapes
Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water
Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish
Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms

Beat bladder infections with blueberries
Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University .

Heal mouth sores with honey
Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Fight breast pain with flax
In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee
Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice
At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

100Million Ami Dewa Recitation Retreat

2011-10-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

OM AMI DEWA HRI

The 28-31 Oct retreat was conducted by the ever compassionate H.E. Garchen Rinpoche and Sangha.
Wonderful teachings and great translation by the 2 sisters.
Most relaxing retreat, so cosy...

http://www.amidewa-retreat.com/web/index.php/biography

HAPPY SLING SHOT

2011-10-09T08:08:00.001-07:00

ANGRY BIRD effect still spiralling
at a shopping mall marketing event...

VERY WISE ADVICE (关于人性)

2011-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Email received...quite true...
==============================
A question was posed to Dalai Lama:

"What is the thing about humanity that surprises you the most?"

His answer was as follows:

"Man" - because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health.

And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn't enjoy the present, and as a result he doesn't live in the present or the future.

And he lives as if he's never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.”

有人向达赖喇嘛提出问题：

关于人性，最让您感到惊讶的是什么？

他回答：人类，为了赚钱，他牺牲健康。为了修复身体，他牺牲钱财。然后，因担心未来，他无法享受现在。就这样，他无法活在当下。

活着时，他忘了生命是短暂的。死时，他才发现他未曾好好地活着。

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

2011-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Meaningful emails ...
---------------------------------------------------

not that easy to practise...but it is true.

Real happiness lies in making others happy ----

This is amazing! Randy Pausch died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, but wrote a book, The Last Lecture, before then, one of the bestsellers in 2007. What a legacy to leave behind!

In a letter to his wife Jai and his children, Dylan, Logan , and Chloe, he wrote this beautiful "guide to a better life" for his wife and children to follow.May you be blessed by his insight.

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment

3. Don't overdo; keep your limits

4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does

5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip

6. Dream more while you are awake

7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..

8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/ her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present 11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you

12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

13. Smile and laugh more

14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
15. Call your family often

16. Each day give something good to others

17. Forgive everyone for everything

18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6

19. Try to make at least three people smile each day

20. What other people think of you is none of your business

21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
22. Do the right things

23. However good or bad a situation is, it will change

24. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up

25. The best is yet to come

26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful

While you practice all of the above, share this knowledge with the people you love, people you school with,people you play with, people you work with and people you live with. Not only will it enrich YOUR life, but also that of those around you.

Can Cancer be cured?

2011-09-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, some Big Hearts who helped translate & circulate this:
-----------------------------------------

"Under weakly alkaline condition, cancerous cells will not be able to grow, or even to survive."

"在弱鹼性體質的狀態下，癌細胞是無法生長、甚至是無法生存的。"

Actual case studies, very important, please read patiently and pass this on.

實案例，很重要，請耐心看完，請轉寄哦！！

Even if you have read this before, you should reread this, especially the list of acidic and alkaline foodstuff , best to read several times and remember.

即使看過了還是要再看，尤其下面的酸鹼性食物最好多看幾次，就可以記住了

Please read this article in full patiently, it will be helpful to your health.

請耐心看完這篇文章，對自身健康很有幫助

More than 30 years ago, a Mr Zhang who worked in the public sales department of a Taipei Brewery, participated in the brewery overseas study selection examination, and passed with flying colours.

三十多年前有一位服務於公賣局台北啤酒廠的張先生，參加該啤酒場選派技術人員到國外深造的考試，以優異的成績及格。

Before going overseas during the physical examination at a public hospital, it was discovered that he had a tumour growth in his lung the size of a child's fist, and therefore was not able to go overseas to study.

在出國前經某公立醫院體檢發現，罹患有像小孩拳頭大小的肺部腫瘤，因而不能出國。

The greatly disappointed Mr Zhang had always been suspicious that the diagnosis was wrong. So he went to another hospital for a check-up, the result confirm that previous diagnosis was not in error.

張先生非常失望之餘，一直懷疑診斷有誤；於是再到另一家醫院檢查，結果還是證實原來的診斷並無錯誤。

For the youthful and healthy Mr Zhang to be stricken down with such terminal illness, in his despair, he rang his old classmate who at the time was Taidong County Government, Huangsun County Mayor's secretary, Mr Wei.

當時年輕力壯的張先生得到這樣的絕症，在人生絕望之餘，多次打電話給當時任職台東縣政府黃順興縣長機要秘書的魏姓同學。

Mr Wei rushed to Taipei during his rest day on a Sunday to see Mr Zhang.

魏姓同學便利用星期日趕到台北和張先生見面，

Mr Zhang discussed with Mr Wei in detail his despair and pessimism, and entrusted his friend regarding his affairs after his death. Coincidentally, Mr Wei was a good friend of Dr Lu Geling, who was in charge of the Maijie Hospital, 1945-55, and specialised in the clinical research into cancer cases.

張先生向魏同學詳述相關絕望的詳情和悲觀感受，並請位同學協助其後事，恰逢魏同學與前任馬偕醫院院長1949－55年專精於癌症臨床研究的呂革令博士係知交好友。

He immediately suggested that Mr Zhang go to see Dr Lu for treatment. At first, Mr Zhang said he preferred not to see anymore doctors, so as not to add further to his misery.

當即建議前往訪求呂博士醫治，起初張先生說不願再看醫生，以免徒增傷悲；

But Mr Wei told him that he had telephoned Dr Lu before to seek his advice and arranged an appointment. Mr Zhang felt obligated and went with Mr Wei to meet Dr Lu.

但魏同學說先前已以電話請教過呂博士並安排好時間，張先生只好偕同前往呂博士住處造訪。

When Dr Lu met with Mr Zhang, Dr Lu said: ' Mr Wei is a friend and introduced you and I to get to know each other. This is destiny. Thank you. Let me ask you do you know why is cancer referred to as terminal illness?'

呂博士和張先生見面就說：「魏先生是我的好友，介紹你和我認識是我們緣份，感謝。我請教你：『癌為什麼叫絕症，你可知道嗎？』」

Both Mr Zhang and Mr Wei did not know how to answer.

張先生和魏先生都不知道如何作答。

Dr Lu explained: 'There are only two approaches taken by humans to treat cancer to-date. The first is to destroy the source of the disease. The second is to increase the capability to fight the disease.

呂博士又說：「人類醫治癌症到目前為止只有兩條路，第一條路是消滅病源，第二條路是增加抵抗力。

But the strange thing is that, whether we use Cobalt 60 or other drugs to destroy the cancer cells, before the cancer cells are killed, the good cells are destroyed first.

但很奇怪的是，癌無論用鈷60或其他藥物去消滅癌細胞，可是癌細胞還沒被消滅，好的細胞卻先被殺死。

On the other hand, no matter what nutrients or supplements we use, before the good cells have a chance to absorb them, the cancer cells have taken them up and it simply speeds up the growth of cancer.

另無論用什麼營養、補藥，好的細胞還未吸收，癌細胞卻先吸收、讓癌長得更快；

Therefore both approaches are doomed to failure, that is why cancer is terminal.'

因此可說上述兩條路都行不通、所以叫絕症。」

Dr Lu continues: 'Human beings are most clever, they have successfully landed on the moon. But why is it no one ever questioned the above two approaches for treating cancer which are nothing but self defeating dead-ends, and try to seek a third avenue?

呂博士又說：「人類的聰明連登陸月球也都已經成功，但為什麼沒有人去懷疑上述兩條治癌的路是在鑽牛角尖，另外找第三條路？

When I was conducting clinical research in Majie Hospital , I had many opportunities to work with and being helped by many colleagues in the Hospital. I discovered that the blood tests of 100% of the cancer patients showed that the blood samples are acidic.

我以往在馬偕醫院做癌症临床實驗，並得院內各部同仁協助的機會，我發現癌症病人血液檢查的結果百分之百都是酸性反應。

Those Buddhist monks and nuns who are long term vegetarians and live very close to Nature, their blood are prevalently weakly alkaline and amongst them, there has yet to discover any cancer cases.

長期素食、且生活接近自然的佛寺僧尼，由於體質都偏屬優質弱鹼性，所以尚沒有發現罹患癌症的病例。

Therefore, I boldly concluded that under weakly alkaline condition, cancer cells are not able to grow, or even to survive.

因此我大膽的斷定在弱鹼性體質的狀態下，癌細胞是無法生長、甚至是無法生存的。

Mr Zhang, I would suggest that starting from now you reduce your intake of the acidic meaty dishes.

張先生我建議你從現在起少吃酸性的葷食類，

Take more of the alkaline food. In addition you can take green algae and soup made from water chestnuts with skin,

多吃鹼性食物，另外可吃綠藻和帶殼菱角湯，

modify your physical condition, and try seriously to have a regular life style which is close to Nature;

改變你的體質，並勵行接近自然的良好生活規律；

If you can manage to stay alive for five years, you should have no further problem. I wish you the best of luck.'

如果五年內不死、你就沒問題了，祝福你。」

Mr Zhang followed Dr Lu's suggestion and seriously altered his eating habits.

張先生依照呂博士的建議，認真改變吃的習慣，

Every day, he ate green algae, drank chestnut soup, be optimistic and did an appropriate amount of exercise, and went back to the same public hospital for a check up. It was discovered that not only that the tumour did not increase in size, on the contrary it showed signs of shrinking, and surprised the hospital staff conducting the check-up as a miracle. Five years later, the tumour had shrunk to such a state as to almost disappear.

每天又吃綠藻、喝菱角湯，樂觀加上每天適當的運動，一年後再到同一公立醫院檢查結果，發現腫瘤不但沒有長大、反而已呈現萎縮狀態，遂令醫院檢查人員驚為奇蹟，五年後竟完全處於萎縮、至近於消失狀態。

After almost 40 years, presently Mr Zhang's health is totally normal, and living a very pleasant life.

經過了將近四十年歲月，現在張先生的健康情況完全正常，生活起居甚為愉快。

Following Mr Zhang, a Mr Chen Tianshou, who was previously Head of the General Administration of the Taidong Provincial Hospital , was similarly diagnosed with lung cancer.

繼張先生之後，有位前台東省立醫院總務課長陳添壽先生，同樣得到肺癌；

When Mr Wei heard of this, he told Mr Chen of the experience of Mr Zhang, and Mr Chen started to follow the instructions of Dr Lu to change his physical condition. The outcome was that he was able to recover fully from the cancer, just like Mr Zhang.

魏先生得知後將張先生的經過轉告陳添壽先生，陳先生乃依照呂博士的建議進行改變體質，結果與張先生同樣癒癌症。

At that time, Mr Lu and his family have emigrated to the United States . After the two cases, he returned to Taiwan and met up with Mr Wei.

那時呂博士全家已移民美國，事後呂博士回來台灣再與魏先生見面時，

Mr Wei told Dr Lu about the experiences of Mr Zhang and Mr Chen, and suggested that let the two of them detailed their experiences to Dr Lu in person, so that Dr Lu could publish a report on his self cure body conditioning method.

魏先生將張先生和陳先生的經過告訴呂博士，並提議由他們倆位親自向呂博士陳述，請呂博士發表其改變體質之自療成果報告。

Dr Lu very humbly replied:

呂博士謙虛地回答說：

'I am too old, besides, I do not have any clinical records of the outcomes. I would ask that you tell your
friends and relatives, if they are agreeable, then please continue this experience and spread the words ⋯⋯

我年事已大，且沒有臨床紀錄不能做為成果。請魏先生轉告親友，如果友人認同的話，請他們繼續做體驗並廣為宣導.........。」

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

One should take care of oneself but should also be caring about others, 85% of cancer patients have acidic in their physical condition.

關心自己也要關心別人，85﹪癌症病患屬於酸性體質

*** Blood of healthy persons is weakly alkaline in nature, with a pH of about 7.35 to 7.45

* 健康人的血液是成弱鹼性的，約是pH7.35～7.45左右

*** Babies' blood is also weakly acidic

＊嬰兒也是屬於弱鹼性的體質

*** As adults mature their blood becomes more acidic in nature

＊成長期的成人有體質酸化的現象

According to a study of 600 cancer patients, of their bodily fluid, 85% of the patients are acidic .

根據一項六百位癌症病人體液分佈的研究，顯示85﹪癌症病患屬於酸性體質。

Therefore, how to maintain the weakly acidic nature of our body is the first step for moving far away from diseases.

因此，如何使體質維持在弱鹼性就是遠離疾病的第一步。

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Acidic physical conditions manifest itself in:

酸性體質的生理表徵

1. Skin without lustre

1.皮膚無光澤。

2. Athlete's foot

2.香港腳。

3. Feeling tire even with very little exercise, and feeling sleep the moment one gets on to public buses

3.稍做運動即感疲勞，一上公車便想睡覺。

4. Easily out of breath going up and down stairs

4.上下樓梯容易氣喘。

5. Fat and with lower stomach protruding,

5.肥胖、下腹突出。

6. Move slowly and movement lethargic

6.步伐緩慢、動作遲緩。

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Why does the body physical condition turn acidic? 為什麼會形成酸性體質？

1. Excessive intake of dairy acidic food

1.過度攝取乳酸性食品

a) meat, dairy products, eggs, beef, ham, etc are acidic food

a）肉類、乳酪製品與蛋、牛肉、火腿等皆屬於酸性食品。

b) taking too much acidic food will cause the blood to become acidic and viscous, difficult to flow to the end of blood vessels, leading to cold feet or knee, stiff shoulders and insomnia.

b）攝取過量的酸性食品血液會傾向酸性而變黏稠，不易流到細血管的末稍，而易造成手腳或膝蓋的冷寒症，以及肩膀僵硬和失眠等。

c) When one is young and strong, taking suitable quantity of meat is appropriate, but older people it more suitable to have a diet which are primarily vegetables or small fish.

c）年輕力壯時吃適量的肉類是對的，但老年人則以蔬菜或小魚為宜。

2. Irregularity in the pace of life will cause the body physical condition to become acidic

2.生活步調失常會造成酸性體質

a) Irregular pace in life will lead to mental and physical stress

a）生活步調失常會造成精神與肉體的壓力。

b) According to statistics, people who sleep late are more likely to have cancer than normal persons, by as much as 5 times.

b）據統計，晚睡者罹患癌症的機率比正常人高出五倍。

c) Human beings originally lead a life with regular tempo in this world, it is not possible to store up sleep or food and not possible to change the order of living by mixing up days and nights.

c）人類本來就活在節奏的世界裡，無法事先儲備睡眠或飲食，也不能日夜顛倒。

d) Human organs are controlled by the autonomic nerves, and during day time it is mainly sympathetic nerves activities, and at night it is mainly the parasympathetic nerves which are functioning, If this order is disturbed and reversed, then diseases will result.

d）人體內臟受自律神經控制，白天主要是交感神經活動，晚上則由副交感神經工作，若使其錯亂及倒置，就亦百病滋生。

3. Emotion over tensed

3.情緒過於緊張

a) Civilised society brings stresses

a）文明社會會造成的壓力。

b) Job related or mental stresses

b）工作上或精神上的壓力。

c) A person suffers mental stress, when the stress is removed and the person relaxes, sometimes this may lead to death, referred to as the syndrome of imperfect adrenal cortex function.

c）當一個人承受精神壓力後，一旦緊張鬆弛，時會造成猝死，稱為潛在性副腎皮質機能不全症。

4. Physical Stress

4.肉體的緊張

a) Before any operation it would be necessary to check to see if the renal cortex does function normally. If the adrenal cortex is lacking, or if the stress imposed by the operation exceeded the ability of adrenal cortex to cope, it could lead to death or other undesirable impacts.

a）動手術之前應先檢查腎上腺皮質機能是否正常。如果副腎皮質機能較差，或手術壓力遠超過副腎調整功能，則可能造成病人死亡或其他不良影響。

b) If it noted that patient's face is puffy, it would be necessary to inquire in detail the patient's medical history and medication status, for patients taking adrenal cortical hormone, extra care should be exercise when administering acupuncture.

b）若發現病患臉部浮腫，需詳加詢問病史及服藥狀況，為長期服用腎上腺皮質賀爾蒙者，施以針灸要特別注意反應。

c) Stress due to physical labour or exercise in excess, whole night card games, driving etc should be avoided as much as possible

c）勞動或運動過度，通宵打牌、開車等壓力都應盡量避免。

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Appendix: Acidity/alkalinity of Common food stuff

附錄：常見食物的酸鹼性

1. Strongly acidic food: egg yolk, cheese, cake make with white sugar or persimmon, mullet fish roe, dried cod.

1強酸性食品：蛋黃、乳酪、白糖做的西點或柿子、烏魚子、柴魚等。

2.. Mildly acidic food: ham, bacon, chicken meat, squid, pork, eel, beef, bread, wheat, butter, horse meat etc

2.中酸性食品：火腿、培根、雞肉、鮪魚、豬肉、鰻魚、牛肉、麵包、小麥、奶油、馬肉等。

3. Weakly acidic food: white rice, peanut, beer, alcohol, oil fried tofu, sea weed, clam, octopus, catfish

3.弱酸性食品：白米、落花生、啤酒、酒、油炸豆腐、海苔、文蛤、章魚、泥鰍。

4. Weakly alkaline food: red bean, radish, apple, cabbage, onion, tofu etc.

4.弱鹼性食品：紅豆、蘿蔔、蘋果、甘藍菜、洋蔥、豆腐等。

5. Mildly alkaline food: dried radish, soya bean, carrot, tomato, banana, orange, pumpkin strawberry, egg white, dried plum, lemon, spinach, etc.

5.中鹼性食品：蘿蔔乾、大豆、紅蘿蔔、蕃茄、香蕉、橘子、南瓜、草莓、蛋白、梅乾、檸檬、菠菜等。

6. Strongly alkaline food: grape, tea leave, grape wine, kelp sprout, kelp, etc. Especially natural green algae which contain rich quantity of chlorophyll are very good alkaline health food, but tea should not be drunk in excess, and best to drink in the morning.

6. 強鹼性食品：葡萄、茶葉、葡萄酒、海帶芽、海帶等。尤其是天然綠藻富含葉綠素，是不錯的鹼性健康食品，而茶類不宜過量，最佳飲用時間為早上。

Passing this on is also a Blessing!

轉寄亦是一種福報

---------------------
You may also like: http://sunnyslove.blogspot.com/2009/06/cancer-curing-sutra.html

1 Day Mani Recitation Retreat -

2011-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Attended 1 day Mani Recitation Retreat on 11 Sep 2011 led by His Eminence Nubpa Rinpoche.

No longer the long book, now the reciting text is printed as a small handy booklet and also bilingual as well.:-)

The day started with an empowerment ceremony and Rinpoche teaches that the motivation for receiving empowerment should be with the recognition that samsara is suffering and with the understanding that sentient beings suffering has been our past parents and had cared for us in the past as per our current life parents, hence it is for the motivation of all sentient beings that we want to renounce from suffering.

(Imagine how our current parents cared for us in this life & imagine the many many lives of parents who had cared for us in the past and our foes and friends in the current & past lives the suffering beings...)

The Motivation Prayer is really aspiring:
"I vow to attain the most perfect and precious Buddhahood quickly
so that all sentient beings, boundless as the sky,
And especially those who hate me,
those who harm me, and those who create obstacles on my path
may attain liberation and all-knowingness,
may experience happiness,
may be separated from suffering and
may attain Buddhahood" :-)

OM MANI PADME HUM

Beware of radiation from PC!

2011-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

Health tips from Email!
Beware! If you want to take a nap near the pc and position your head towards it, the risk of brain cancer is much higher so remember to switch the pc off instead of just offing the monitor screen and avoid positioning your head towards it.

*記得關電腦*-- 胸廓出口症

請轉知關心你的好友們記得關電腦
沒想到鍵盤的輻射量最高 ,大家記得中午時要關上電腦
別再讓它摧殘你們了 ......
據醫學報告指出 ,每天使用電腦4-6小時，
三年後得到癌症的機率比正常人多26﹪
你是否常覺得頭重重的或記憶力衰退呢 ?
趴著睡覺的時候要記的把電腦關機，不只是把螢幕關掉而已，因為只把螢幕關掉是無法杜絕輻射線的，而且我們都是趴著睡，頭直接對著電腦，哪天得了老人癡呆症或腦瘤就來及了！
輻射線真的很可怕的！！

常坐在電腦桌前的你，是否一坐就是好幾個小時而且坐姿不正確，總感到莫名肩頸疼痛，甚至於無心工作？
現在請你作個小測驗，請你將你的頭向左側方向望去，然後將你的頭４５度朝下慢慢彎下去，動作做到這裡,你的脖子頸肩是否感到不正常的酸痛？對假使你有上述症狀，你可要小心了，因為你很可能得到現代電腦文明病「胸廓出口症候群」的受害者。
殺手原來是\'電腦 \'據醫學報告指出每天使用電腦 4-6小時，三年後得到癌症的機率比正常人多26﹪。
你和癌症有個約會，殺手原來是電腦
電腦一族的您或許 \常納悶為何常常感到腰酸背痛，身體抵抗力越來越弱，精神常常無法集中，您絕無法想像原因出在電腦 ,所散發出的輻射電波往往為人們所忽視，防輻射安全規定，在 50c m 距離內必需少於25V/m的輻射曝露量，
但您知道電腦的輻射量是多少嗎？
告訴您：
Ⅰ、鍵盤1000V/m
Ⅱ、滑鼠 450V/m
Ⅲ、螢幕 218V/m
Ⅳ、主機170V/m
祝您健康

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Puja

2011-08-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

It's the 3rd year that I participated in the temple's Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Puja but this year has so rejoicing feel that I told my family and close friends that they must remember to help write a blessing prayer tablet for me at their annual Liang Emperor Repentence Puja and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Puja should I pass away before they do.

It's a wonderful feel that with the great compassion of the Sangha (Venerables & devotees), all beings present would receive blessings and dedication of merits that would help one's lotus grade be improved even at Pureland. (my personal feel :P)

Like the praise portion at the end that mentioned:
"Earth Store Bodhisattva, wonderful beyond compare;
Gold-hued in his transformation body he appears.
Wonderous Dharma sounds throughout the Three Paths and Six Realms;
Four Births and Ten Kinds of Beings gain from his kindly grace.
His pearl, shining brightly, lights the way to heaven's halls;
Six-ringed golden staff shakes open wide the gates of hell.
Leads on those with causes garnered life and life again;
To bow at the Nine-flowered Terrace of the Honored One.
Namo Earth Store Great Vows and Compassion
Bodhisattva of the dark and dismal worlds;
On Nine Flower Mountain, Most Honored One,
With Ten wheels of power you rescue all the suffering ones.
Homage to Earth store Bodhisattva"

(English translation extracted from "Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva"~translated by the Buddhist Text Translation Society")

Amituofo, final Recommended places for beings is still to Amitabha Buddha's Pureland!
And especially inspired by the mention of the Nine Flower Mountain, I was instantly inspired to visit China's Nine Flower Mountain (Jiuhuashan) and the swiftest tour decision ever made.
Amituofo, may it be a rejoiceful trip.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

2011-08-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Singapore!
How Time flies, 9 Aug 2011 already!!!

I didn't feel any festive mood until today when tuned to the radio that all the old favourite
National Parade theme songs such as

"Stand Up for Singapore":

Stand up for Singapore, do the best you can
Reach out for your fellow man
You've got to make a stand
Recognise you can play your part
Let it come right from your heart
Be prepared to give a little more
Stand up, stand up for Singapore

Stand up for Singapore, do it with a smile
If you stand up for Singapore
You'll find it all worthwhile
Believe in yourself, you've got something to share
So show us all you really care
Be prepared to give a little more
Stand up, stand up for Singapore

Singapore our home and nation
Together with determination
Join in like we've never done before
Stand up, stand up for Singapore ( X 3 )

"Count on Me Singapore":

We have a vision for tomorrow, just believe, just believe
We have a goal for Singapore, we can achieve, we can achieve
You and me, we'll do our part, stand together, heart to heart
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be
We can achieve, we can achieve

There is something down the road that we can strive for
We are told no dream's too bold that we can't try for
There's a spirit in the air, it's a feeling we all share
We're going to build a better life, for you and me
We can achieve, we can achieve

Count on me Singapore, count on me to give my best and more
You and me, we'll do our part, stand together, heart to heart
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be
We can achieve, we can achieve

Chorus:
Count on me Singapore, Count on me Singapore
Count on me to give my best and more, count on me Singapore

( Repeat Chorus )

Together Singapore Singapore ( X 2)

and

"We are Singapore" :

There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it, but we did
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, but we did
We built a nation, strong and free, reaching out together
For peace and harmony

Chorus 1:
This is my country, this is my flag
This is my future, this is my life
This is my family, these are my friends
We are Singapore, Singaporeans

Singapore our homeland, it's here that we belong
All of us united, one people marching on
We've come so far together, our common destiny
Singapore forever, a nation strong and free

( Repeat Chorus 1 )

( Sung )
We the citizens of Singapore
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or religion
To build a democratic society
Based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness
Prosperity and progress for our nation

Chorus 2:
We are Singapore, we are Singapore
We will stand together, hear the lion roar
We are Singapore, we are Singapore
We're a nation strong and free forevermore

( Repeat Chorus 1 & 2 )

We are Singapore, Singaporeans ( X 2 )

[ Above Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/singapore_national/count_on_me_singapore.html ]

came buzzing. ..

Memories of good old school days when we learnt to sing, transiting from the classic to the remixed versions. Ah... Good old days...

Late evening, caught a snapshot of the helicopters with the National flag flying past the housing estate.

Spectacular firework scenes captured via TV screen at comfort of home.:-)

Viewing the National Parade at the comfort of our home, S & I being long out of school, did the now once a year event: Singing "Majulah Singapura" and took our pledge at the comfort of our home with the nation. :-)

Majulah Singapore (Onward Singapore)

May we continue to progress peacefully towards prosperity and happiness :-)

Impermanence

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

For a while, the intolerable seems unending, finally my main portion of project completed with some remaining touch-up jobs to be done. Finally could take some breather ...
What a blessing it is to be able to leave office before night falls & have an early relaxing dinner!

Recently, kmspks printed a series of bookmarks for free distribution with theme of quotes by Master Thich Nhat Hanh and personally felt 2 of them are very reflective of life.

Thanks to Impermanence, everything is possible.

We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realise.

Amituofo
May All Be Well
May All Be Happy

Right Time for Organs Detox

2011-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

More Health tips from Email :-)
----------------------------------

主旨:五臟排毒！請選對方法和時間

經絡拳學校寫於 2011年6月9日 9:10

導讀身體健康排毒的最佳方式，不僅僅是日常生活中良好的
生活習慣和懂得用一些小小的竅門，更重要的是，瞭解不同
部位的毒素對身體發出了怎樣的信號，並依照不同部位，
分時段排毒。

胃部排毒
胃部排毒--腹式按摩

毒素表情：舌苔發黃、口臭夏季天氣乾燥，由於體內缺少津液
，胃火上升，好多人都感覺“吃不飽”，除了一日三餐之外，
零食不離手，下午茶、宵夜一個也不能少！如此一來，胃部的
壓力增加，其工作效率也在不斷下降，當食物在胃中得不到充
分咀嚼，就會影響其營養吸收，使毒素上升，從而出現有口
氣、舌苔發黃等問題。

掃毒行動：腹式按摩
最佳排毒時間：7～9 點

清晨起床時，先別急著穿衣、做早餐。深呼吸，進行腹式呼吸-
-採取跪坐姿勢，用雙手的中指按壓肚臍3 ～4 次。將雙手的
中指放在肚臍上，慢慢向前彎腰至45 度。將雙手的中指用力
按壓肚臍，其餘手指垂直頂住腹部，將腰再向前彎45 度直至
貼近地板，同時用嘴和鼻子慢慢向外呼氣。放鬆手指，慢慢
直起腰。在上體即將恢復為起始狀態時，迅速用嘴呼氣，
同時挺胸，結束動作。用同樣的方式重復2～3 遍。每天堅
持，可以促進胃部血液迴圈，改善新陳代謝，增強胃部的
咀嚼能力，順利排出毒素。

脾臟排毒
脾臟排毒--“點”到為止

毒素表情：面部長斑、白帶增多當身體的濕氣過大時，脾臟
的功能就會受到威脅，導致脾臟的消化排泄功能不佳，讓毒
素沉積於此。常進食生冷味厚的食物，更容易傷害到脾胃的
消化系統，讓沉積在脾臟的毒素不能順暢排出，容易出現面
部長斑、白帶增多等現象。

掃毒行動：上午打氣小腿運動最佳
排毒時間：9～11 點

上午9～11 點間是脾經時段，在這個時候做一些健脾的運動，
便可以增加脾臟的鈍感力。此時，一般都是剛剛進入工作狀
態，為此，既不耽擱工作，還可以提升健康的小動作最為合
適，那就試試輕打氣小腿運動吧--蹺起二郎腿，任意一隻手
攥起拳頭輕輕打氣小腿處，連續打氣5 分鐘。因為脾經經過
於此，對此處的輕輕打氣可以刺激脾經運動，提升脾功能，
讓長期淤積於此的毒素順利排出。

小腸排毒
小腸排毒--飲品催化劑

毒素表情：下巴出現痘痘小腸分清濁，將水分分給膀胱，而
身體垃圾分給大腸，而精華就供給脾臟。而當人體飲水量不
足時，小腸的蠕動能力就會降低，這種“分類”工作就不會
做到最佳。不但營養無麗及時輸送，連糟糠也無麗及時輸送
給大腸，排便也就成了每日的最大問題，從而使下巴出現痘痘。

掃毒行動：午後可以後蹬腿
最佳排毒時間：13～15 點

在午後的這兩個小時裏，小腸經開始“值班”，此時是強健
小腸的“最佳時期”，大量喝水固然重要，還有一個小竅門
--午餐後20 分鐘，用力地後蹬腿，就可以刺激小腸經，讓
小腸有效蠕動。而且，還可以解決午後的春困問題，讓下午
的生活、工作更加清醒。

腎臟排毒
腎臟排毒--雙腳抓地打氣大腿內測

毒素表情：面部或者身體水腫、疲倦感增加腎臟管理著身體
的液體運行，當液體在體內無麗正常運行時，身體排出濁液
的能力也會降低，身體就會出現水腫現象。長此以往，就會
出現腎臟排毒不利的現象，而身體的排毒也會消耗腎臟的能
量，當腎臟負荷過大，還會使人感覺四肢無力，體倦思睡。

掃毒行動：收工之前雙腳抓地
最佳排毒時間：17～19 點

在這個時段，很多人都是開始為一天的工作收工，以便儘快
享受家庭生活。而在此時，卻是腎經最忙碌之時。為此，採
取點行動激發它的潛力，並消除腎臟疲倦才是為腎臟排毒的
首選。放下手中的工作，在活動區脫下鞋子，讓腳面緊貼地
面，全身向上提拔的同時，讓雙腳抓地，堅持3 分鐘。此時
就可以有效地刺激腎經穴位，讓身體內的液體迴圈達到通暢
，毒素也不會在腎臟中成為“合理公民”。

心臟排毒
心臟排毒--做點家務
毒素表情：氣溫漸漸攀升，人的心火隨著天氣慢慢攀“升”
。中醫認為，舌與心臟相通，如果潰瘍長在舌頭上，則是
心火旺的表現，而當心火旺盛變為火毒之時，更會在額頭
上出現痘痘。當這種毒素無麗排除時，會影響睡眠，並出
現胸悶、刺痛的現象。

掃毒行動：沒事兒吃點“苦”
最佳排毒時間：19～21 點

當心包經開始工作的時候，你正在享受著Family time，這
當然少不了小吃的助興！或許，你可以在此期間試試吃點
“苦”哦！這裡首推蓮子心，雖然味苦，但可以散發心火
；雖然屬寒性，但並不會損傷到人體。可以用蓮子心泡茶
，可以再加入一些甘草，這樣就會增加其排毒功效。另外
，試試苦瓜沙拉也不錯，沙拉的甜味可以遮擋苦瓜的澀苦
味道，而又不會失掉苦瓜的排毒能力，可謂一舉兩得。

肝臟排毒
肝臟排毒—經絡拳手指操(多喝水)

毒素表情：習慣性熬夜，到需要休息的時候也在忘我地工作
或者娛樂著，此時肝臟由於被迫工作，導致肝臟無麗製造
足夠的酵素，這些酵素在生理上用於幫助食物的消化、吸收
、利用，各種酵素分泌不充足時，毒素也隨之越來越多，從
而進一步造成身體營養的嚴重缺乏。專家指出，“肝主筋”
，指甲是“筋”的一部分，所以毒素在肝臟蓄積時，指甲上
會有明顯的信號。

掃毒行動：安睡
最佳排毒時間：1～3 點

在淩晨1～3 點是肝經的值班時間，此時需要人體處在深睡眠
階段才能給肝臟提供良好的環境。為此，懂得放鬆自己，並
在11 點時關掉臥室的燈才是最佳選擇。另外，在日常生活中
還要懂得：哭作為排泄液的淚液，同汗液和尿液一樣，裏面
確實有一些對身體有害的生化毒素。所以，難受時、委屈時
、壓抑時就乾脆哭出來吧。定期讓自己看看感人的電影，並
隨著劇情盡情流淚。這樣一來也可以提升肝臟的排毒效率。

自求心安就有平安,關懷他人就有幸福.

Correct Time To Drink Water

2011-07-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hmm, more health tips from email
------------------------------------
Correct Time to Drink Water....Very Important...
This is interesting!! I knew you need your minimum water to

Flush the toxins out of your body, but this was news to me.

Correct Time to Drink Water....Very Important
From A Cardiac Specialist!

Drinking water at certain time maximizes it's effectiveness on the body:

2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

Please pass this to the people you care about.......I DID!!!!

Outdoor Zen Meditation by Dharma Drum Singapore

2011-06-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

Had a meaningful weekend starting with a Basic Meditation class at Dharma Drum Mountain (S'pore branch) followed by the next day Outdoor Meditation retreat at Labrador Park.
It is a crushed course but a good one that taught us about the basics for application the next day.
The relaxation care for your body massage before and after meditation, the 8 Form Moving Meditation that combined Yoga, Tai-Ji and exercise movements devised by late Master Sheng Yen, the water-carrying meditation, slow jog meditation, blindfold activity, the sharing of experience, the indulgence into the nature.

Meditating under the trees on the straw mats, listening to voices of nature orchestra ~ birds and insects' singing, swaying sound of tree leaves like rain drizzling, sound of the waves, such breezy wind (good weather) with natural slope and under the shades of the trees that is conducive as a meditation ground, we are fortunate to enjoy a meaningful day under the guidance of Venerable.
(oh, a straw mat is a necessity as the grasses are not the soft type and the fragrant smell of the straw mat blends in with the environment and acts as a nature aroma. One must also be prepared to be real close to the insects such as the different species of mosquitoes, ants and any species of insects you may not had seen before in the city. Be mentally prepared to live in harmonyly with them for the day:P...)

A very different experience to meditate outdoor, a great experience that one could not describe in words but must experience for oneself.

Very refreshing that one feels recharged and no longer craves for a quick get-away for oversea recharge.

Thankful to the guidance of Venerable, all the volunteers and the conducive environment...

Looking forward to next session...

A Rare Relaxing Sunday

2011-06-05T09:04:00.001-07:00

Had not touched the ball for a long time, and now finally my nephews had grown up enough to challenge me to the game. Started panting & sweated just after a short game ( stamina all gone with the long hours of office work :-P)

But the reunion with the long lost touch game is good, the sweating is healthy sign and brings back good old memories of old school/younger days...

Good therapy after burning out from work, maybe I should start to resume ball games with my old "kakees"...

煮糙米飯變好吃的小秘訣

2011-06-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Received this email on how to make Brown rice more delicious
=========================

煮糙米飯變好吃的小秘訣

食用糙米的人少，主要是因為一般人為糙米的口感不好，其實糙米也可以變得好吃又營養，只要多經過一個小小的步驟。

糙米是可以發芽的，發芽的米養分更多。由於糙米可以發芽，所以是一種「活的米」，而白米則是死的米。

糙米在煮食之前先將米泡水四至八小時，稱為「催芽動作」。而在煮的時候，於電鍋裡放一小茶匙的油及鹽巴，因為油會使得米的纖維軟化，口感會變好，而鹽巴則可增加甜度，糙米也就變得好吃了。

催芽動作催養分
糙米的浸泡過程其實很重要，因為在過程中，稻米內的養分會開始活化、轉換，通過浸泡，所有養分都會成倍數增加。經過「催芽動作」的發芽米，養分又比糙米本身多出許多，其中的「r-氨基丁酸」養分，就是白米的十一倍之多。

其實糙米像是睡著了的米，需要「被喚醒」。一旦喚醒，養分就會因為轉換而變得更高。不僅如此，經過浸泡催芽之後的糙米，吃起來也是一樣的柔軟可口。

好吃的糙米有方法
如果預算足夠的話，不妨買一個具有「催芽動作」的電鍋，這樣會比自己浸泡的口感更好，而且不用自己花時間浸泡。
煮糙米時，要多放半杯水。譬如說四杯的米，就放四杯半的水。一般來說，用電子鍋煮的糙米比較好吃；如果是用大同電鍋來煮，則必須在電鍋跳起來之後，要再倒半杯水下去再煮一次。要吃到好吃的糙米飯其實並不難。

Simple Pleasures

2011-05-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Having a freshly baked just out of oven bun/bread for a start of a busy day...

Having a bowl of warm soup with loving kindness after a tiring day at work...

Having a healthy body & mind...

HAPPY VESAK DAY!!!!

2011-05-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Received this SMS which I find it very meaningful...

生命中有佛，感觉光明，
生活中有法，感觉自在，
人生中有友，感觉实在，
迷惑中有戒，感觉坚毅，
散乱中有定，感觉踏实，
欢喜感恩！
祝您节日快乐，
法喜充满 :-)

HAPPY VESAK DAY!!!

Meditation

2011-05-08T09:25:00.001-07:00

As if answering prayer search for a meditation teacher, I heard from a friend that Dharma Drum Singapore (DDS) is hosting a 3 evening Dharma talk on Meditation ( 信心銘讲座会) by Ven Changhui from DDM(Malaysia) from 6-8 May 7.30pm.

After attending the 2nd nite's talk, I began to Regret missing the 1st nite's talk which is Venerable's start of 6th attempt to give the talk on the topic ever since invited by the late Master Shengyen to introduce it to the final year Meditation class graduates of DDM University.

Using powerpoint and many simple illustrations, Venerable managed to share with us on the practice of meditation in simplified manner (to me it is somehow difficult to read alone :P) on the work believed to be by China's 3rd Zen Great Master.

Heard that there are plans to invite Venerable to conduct a meditation class soon, this blog entry is to remind me to keep a lookout for it:-)

http://www.ddsingapore.org/main.htm

Amituofo!

VESAK@ORCHARD 2011

2011-04-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Some Snapshots of Vesak@Orchard 2011 (VESAK 2555 CELEBRATION!)

Serene Buddha with beautiful water pond surrounded by flower offerings

Simpler Theme decoration this year: "Universal Love Peaceful Living" and Fun Artwork corners for children...

And Not to forget to bring a recycled bag to bring back Gems at the Free Dharma Books/CDs/DVDs distribution corner located just outside the hugh tent (right corner facing the road) :-)

The popular bilingual magazine "awaken" by kmspks (May-Aug2011 issue) is out just in time. The English section's topics on Loving-kindness is just what I need as reminder for practice in face of many recent unhappy events at work. ;-P
And the article to ponder on pg 57, "Why Do You Go To Work Everyday?" is really a good article for reflection.
Do get a copy when you are there...

From 30 April 2011 9am-9.30pm, 1 May 2011 9am-5pm
VESAK 2555 CELEBRATION!
Universal Love Peaceful Living
http://vesakcelebrations.sg/

Snapshots of past years' Vesak @ Orchard:
http://sunnyslove.blogspot.com/search/label/Vesak%20at%20Orchard

A Teaching of Great Master Yin Guang

2011-04-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Email extraction from
[Amituofo] 29.04.11 : A Teaching of Great Master Yin Guang
Very meaningful, some goals to work towards:
====================================

A Teaching of Great Master Yin Guang

Whether one is a layperson or has left the home-life, one should respect elders and be harmonious to those surrounding him.

One should endure what others cannot, and practice what others cannot achieve.

One should take others' difficulties unto oneself and help them succeed in their undertakings.

While sitting quietly, one should often reflect upon one's own faults, and when chatting with friends, one should not discuss the rights and wrongs of others.

In every action one makes, whether dressing or eating, from dawn to dusk and dusk till dawn, one should not cease to recite the Buddha's name.

Aside from Buddha recitation, whether reciting quietly or silently, one should not give rise to other improper thoughts. If wandering thoughts appear, one should immediately dismiss them.

Constantly maintain a humble and repentful heart; even if one has upheld true cultivation, one should still feel one's practice is shallow and never boast.

One should mind one's own business and not the business of others.

Only look to the good examples of others instead of bad ones.

One should see oneself as mundane and everyone else as Bodhisattvas.

If one can cultivate according to these teachings, one is sure to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

印光大师开示

无论在家出家必须上敬下和
忍人所不能忍行人所不能行
代人之劳成人之美
静坐常思己过闲谈莫论人非

行住坐卧穿衣吃饭
从朝至暮从暮至朝
一句佛号不令间断
或小声念或默念除念佛外不起别念
若或妄念一起当下就要教他消灭

常生惭愧心及忏悔心纵有修持
总觉我功夫很浅不自矜夸
只管自家不管人家
只看好样子不看坏样子
看一切人都是菩萨唯我一人实是凡夫
果能依我所说修行决定可生西方极乐世界！

Amituofo!

Fire of Anger

2011-04-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

It had been a series of recent events that led me to be aware of my imperfection.

Stressed by existing load of work and frustrated over the quality of services and support provided by counterparts, I too flared up and lost my patience. Now, I understand the sayings that the "the fire of anger can burn away the forest of merit". I think being in the project over the past few months, the harsh tone that I started to pick up would have created enough negative karmic links to burn away my whatever minor pool of merits if any.:-((

By having to display anger to get things done over a series of dissatisfactory events had caused me to unmindfully develop the habit of not controlling my anger and words, and quick earning a new reputation as a quick-tempered person.

As I start to become aware that it is not right way in the long run and wondering how to handle it, the weekly Dharma class again offers wise advice.

Venerable touched on the cause of emotions:

6 senses bases --> contact --> feeling --> craving

Desire arises from thinking. We think because we have perception.
Perception recognizes things as the 6 senses come into contact with external world.
Feeling is an aggregate with no karma. Feeling can be pleasant or unpleasant or no pleasant or unpleasant.
With Mental formation of anger or unhappiness then karma arises.
Being uninstructed, we react to situation via our senses.

Why do I get angry?
I had developed an expectation level on how things should be done developed from past similar project handling experience. And when one has a basis to compare past & now and when the present did not meet the expectation formed, together with additional time and effort required that added further to existing stressful workload, that resulted in anger being developed. In comparison, one without the previous experience could accept the current situation better without comparison.

The Buddha sees and He know but He does not react with feeling.
There is perception but craving does not arise. Why not affected by perception?
He is completely eradicated of all underlying tendency.

Sigh, actually the Counterparts also have to cope with normal operations on top of handling the projects just like us and they too do not have the resources hence keep pushing the responsibilty to us. Hence, Whose fault? Maybe the management for not willing to employ more resources? Why do I have to take on so personally on the project? Too much "I" involved...

Only the weekly Dharma classes always have some wise tips to offer to cool me down and remind me on practice.
Amituofo, May I develop more wisdom & compassion in handling life. Amituofo...

(Pardon is sought for any misinterpretation/misunderstanding of Teachings)

Right Postures to maintain while using Computers

2011-04-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

More tips:-)
-----------------
很多電腦族酸痛的問題多半來自姿勢不良，這部動畫鉅細靡遺呈現正確的標準姿勢，請大家根據自己的環境和條件，盡量朝正確的標準姿勢調整吧!
Nice Animation to teach you Right Postures! :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbV5dGvJWyo&feature=channel

癌細胞怕熱白湯排毒法

2011-04-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

More Health tips from email :-)
----------------------------------------
癌細胞怕熱 Cancer Cells are afraid of Heat!
最近我看了數本日本石原結實醫師寫的書，書中常提及「癌細胞怕熱」的觀念，覺得蠻有意思的，把它記下來跟大家分享，也算是我的讀書筆記。石原醫師認為，現在醫學已非常進步，醫師也愈來愈多，癌症卻依然有增無減，其中一個很大的因素，就是現代人普遍體溫低下，因人體體溫降至35度時，正是癌細胞最活躍繁殖的時候，
反之，當體溫達到39.6度以上時，癌細胞就會全部死掉。

高溫可治好癌症
19世紀時，德國有位布許（Busch）醫師，發表多例自然治癒的癌症，也就是有罹癌病人，分別得到肺炎和丹毒（一種皮膚感染症）等疾病，連續發高燒1－2星期，沒想到意外治好癌症。此外， 1900年美國紐約市立醫院的科萊醫師，同樣發表有癌症病人因肺炎和丹毒引起持續高燒後，治癒癌症的實例。換句話說，西洋醫學也已明白癌細胞很怕高溫。

癌症是一種從頭到腳都有可能發病的疾病，但心臟、脾臟、小腸（十二指腸）是發生癌症機率較小的器官。那是因為心臟雖只有體重的1/200，卻負責提供1/9的體溫；脾臟則是紅血球集中的地方（※註：脾臟的功能係破壞老舊的紅血球，將紅血球的血紅素與鐵分離，被分離的鐵可再度被吸收到血液中），同樣屬於高溫器官；而小腸要負責消化，必須經常活動，自然會比較溫熱，從這些事實可知，癌症並不容易發生在溫度高的器官上。

人體容易罹癌的器官如食道、肺、胃、大腸、直腸、卵巢、子宮………等都是中間呈空洞的器官，有空洞的器官，細胞會比較少，體溫也比較容易下降，所以比較容易罹癌；至於乳房因突出身體外面，也是溫度比較低的器官，故乳癌發生率也較高。一般而言，癌症是因免疫力下降而形成，當然與血液有關連，也可以說它的發生與血液循環不佳有密切關係。
東洋醫學認為「萬病之源來自髒血」，所以，身體為了燃燒並排出體內的廢物，讓血液變乾淨，才會出現發燒的反應。就某個層面來說，發燒其實能提高免疫力，而免疫力就是白血球的運作能力，實際上只要體溫上升1度，免疫力就能提高5－6倍。一旦身體冰冷，血液循環會變差，體內細胞的代謝也會變差，體溫每下降1度，代謝就會減少約12％，免疫力也會降低30％。

通常人體體溫最低的時候，也是死亡率最高的時候，一天當中，凌晨3－5點的體溫最低，這時也是最容易引發氣喘、潰瘍性大腸炎的激烈腹痛、異型狹心症等疾病的時候。
現代人體溫低下的原因人體平靜時的體溫約有1/4來自肌肉，但現代人卻不像從前的人一樣常走路，也沒有以前的人勤快，開始用機器來取代雙手打掃和洗衣，這種運動不足的的結果，就是體溫降低的ㄧ大原因。加上現代人常見壓力問題，壓力一大，腎上腺就會分泌腎上腺素，使血管收縮，造成血液循環不良，長期持續下去，自然會讓體溫降低。一到夏天多數人會整天躲在冷氣房裡，及平常攝取過多造成體質寒涼的食物，都是造成體溫低下的原因。

高體溫的方法 不只是癌症，要同時預防罹患生活習慣病（包含高血脂、高血壓、高血糖、高尿酸等病症），一定要設法提高體溫，其方法如下：
運動－肌肉約佔全身體重的45％，是人體最大的器官，所以只要運動，肌肉所產出的熱量就會愈大，甚至達到體溫的一半。體溫上升有助於促進新陳代謝，白血球的運作也會活躍，運動過後身體會覺得很輕，就連心情都覺得舒爽，主因就是體溫上升，促使體內的廢物和血液中的多餘養分被燃燒，甚至被轉換成汗水和尿液排出，以及透過吐氣被排出，等於在體內做ㄧ次大掃除。要解忙碌現代人運動不足的煩惱，最簡單的方式就是「走路」。

泡澡－日常生活中最簡單又有效的溫熱身體方法，就是泡澡。採用全身泡在浴缸的入浴法，使水溫幫助擴張血管，促進血液循環，使得內臟和肌肉得以補充到氧氣和養分，進而促使腎臟和肺排出廢物。此外，流體靜力平衡（或稱靜水壓平衡）具有讓肌肉緊實的效果，且這種流體靜力平衡會壓迫血管和淋巴管，促進血液和淋巴液的循環，讓全身代謝跟著活躍起來，尤其位在下半身的腎臟血流也會變好，自然會增加排尿量，改善水毒狀況，進而除去水腫和冰冷現象。

食用溫熱食物－石原醫師鼓勵大家，平常應食用可溫熱身體的食物如乳酪、蕎麥麵、黑麵包、糙米、根莖類蔬菜、海藻、薑、蒜、蔥、味噌、蘋果、櫻桃、葡萄、黑糖、紅茶………等。想要讓身體溫熱的快速方法，就是喝生薑紅茶。
生薑最大的功效就是溫熱身體，而住在寒冷地區的歐洲人習慣喝紅茶，藉以溫熱身體，如將紅茶加入生薑，就能發揮更大的效果，使身體熱起來。中藥的古籍就記載著「生薑能去百邪」， 16世紀時，英國爆發黑死病大流行，至少有1/3的倫敦市民因而喪命，卻意外發現平時常吃生薑的人，都倖存下來，因此，當時的英王亨利八世，大力提倡多吃生薑，現在英國坊間到處可見的薑餅，就是當時留下來的深刻影響。
2006年密西根大學綜合癌症中心研究人員，在美國癌症學會上發表「將市面上販售的生薑粉泡開後，投入培養中的卵巢癌細胞裡，結果癌細胞全死了，足見發生了細胞凋亡與細胞自噬的作用」，雖然這項實驗所用的癌細胞是「卵巢癌細胞」，但相信這個實驗對所有癌細胞都具有同樣效果。看了石原醫師的書，才知人體發燒正是自體提升免疫力的機制，更重要的是體溫達到39.6度以上，可以熱死癌細胞。我常在想，要是我開刀前也能發燒，癌症也許就不藥而癒，就可少挨那一刀，也免受化療之苦。

前一陣子，有家人感冒發燒了，我特地恭喜他自體悶燒，大概把不少體內癌細胞給熱斃了！自從罹癌後，有很多人告訴我，這不能吃，那不能吃，讓我很困擾我該吃什麼呢？但現在的我肯定會把以前不愛吃的蔥、薑、蒜，統統吞下肚，希望藉此提升自己的免疫力，達到自癒的效果。

白湯排毒法一天五杯熱水，完全排毒! 現在日本的藝能界流行一種“白湯”排毒法! 日文的“湯”就是熱水, 而“白湯”就是什麼都不加的熱水! 這種療法源自於印度的阿育吠陀(Aa yu rveda) , 藉由喝溫熱的水讓身體熱起來, 達到和用芝麻油按摩讓身體熱起來同樣的效果! 由於實行起來非常簡單，每個人都做得到, 也不用花錢, 因此由藝人千葉麗子推薦之後, 許多藝人紛紛仿效, 成為一股風潮!

先說說喝熱水具備哪些效果吧:
1.促進新陳代謝 喝熱水不僅能夠刺激腸胃蠕動, 也能促進腎臟肝臟等器官的活動! 維持擔任排毒重責大任的器官的活性, 讓血液能夠更輕鬆的運輸氧氣與養分到全身, 促進新陳代謝!

2.調整味覺開始喝熱水,會感覺到溫水的甜味! 慢慢的你會對於食物的味道越來越敏銳! 稍微吃一點就會有吃了東西的實感, 進而避免暴飲暴食!

3.排出毒素熱水能夠溫暖內臟器官, 促進消化,讓囤積在體內的毒素排出體外! 利尿作用之外,因為體內水分的調節, 更能夠改善便秘! 此外也能加速排汗, 達到良好的排毒效果!

4.賦予滿腹保足感和一般的水比起來, 喝熱水需要花時間一口一口慢慢喝, 因此更能夠獲得滿腹感! 在吃飯的時候搭配食物一起喝, 更能夠增加飽足感!

5.幫助消化經常暴飲暴食會影響消化, 並讓無法消化的食物開始囤積在體內! 熱水可以刺激胃的蠕動,幫助消化, 並幫助囤積的老廢物質順勢排出!

6.沉澱心情除了身體機能的調整之外, 喝熱水也具有精神層面排毒的功效! 慢慢的喝杯熱水, 能夠緩衝一下忙碌的工作, 消除壓力, 讓你神清氣爽! 根據阿育吠陀(Aa yu rveda)的說法, 影響人類身體與精神健康的元素可以從風,火,水三種元素來看!
頭痛,肩頸酸痛,失眠,肌膚粗糙,便秘等都是因為火的元素失調的關係，追究原因就是身體“太冷”!
夏天經常吹冷氣,吃冰的東西,內外夾攻, 這時候喝熱水就是一種均衡的消化劑! 雖然喝熱水排毒非常簡單, 但也不是隨便喝喝就能達到最好的效果喔!

在喝法上還是有些講究的:
1.早上起床喝一杯熱水早上起床喝一馬克杯的熱水, 水溫在不要燙口,能夠順順喝下的溫度最好! 能夠溫熱內臟器官, 溶解體內的老廢物質,加速排出! 讓一天有個神清氣爽的開始!

2.一天喝1.2~ 1.5公升的熱水任何東西過量都不好! 雖然喝熱水沒有副作用, 但是以為這樣而狂飲的話, 反而會造成多餘的水分在體內囤積, 新陳代謝惡化,成為寒冷體質, 進而容易肥胖! 一天1.2~ 1.5公升的量最適中!

3.一次一點點慢慢喝, 不要牛飲不要在渴的時候咕嘟咕嘟狂飲, 最好是每次半杯小口小口慢慢喝! 1~2個小時喝一杯左右的量! 不要燙口的熱水, 溫熱就可以了!

4.入浴後水分補給洗完澡後, 喝一杯溫水(和體溫差不多的溫水), 補充流失的水分!

Lemon kills Big-C cells

2011-04-03T00:36:00.000-07:00

Another Natural Healing Wonder received via Email:-)
"Just cut 2-3 thin slices of lemon in a cup/container and add drinking water will become "alkaline water", drink for the whole day, just by adding drinking water. Take it as drinking water everyday is good for everybody. "

"Lemon's really good, when I had sore-throat or cough, just taking the juice of one lemon mixed in a little water improved my throat condition...within an hour or so!!!"

------------------------------------------

This is the latest in medicine, effective for cancer! Read carefully & you be the judge Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells.
It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.
Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.

You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy.
How many people will die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to jeopardize the beneficial multimillionaires large corporations?

As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc...
It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types.
Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.
The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that:
It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas ... The compounds of this tree is effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells... And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.

~Institute of Health Sciences, 819 N. L.L.C. Charles Street Baltimore , MD 1201.

The Power of Self Centredness ~ Ajahn Brahm

2011-03-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, Ajahn Brahm at S'pore Buddhist Lodge on 29th Mar 2011. As usual, seats are almost taken up by 7.30pm. Just back from Indonesia with a bad cough, Ajahn was still as jovial. No complaints on sickness but Dying... to give another nice talk...

Are you Ready to Go???

2011-03-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

This is the textbook recommended for use in the Sutra Discussion class ~ In the Buddha's Words ~ An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon ~ Edited & introduced by Bihkkhu Bodhi. Well translated discourses with good theme organisation.:-) Enhanced further with Venerable's selection of discourses to discuss in the class.
---------
Sutta Discussion Lesson 3:

Are you Ready to Go? :-) .....

The 3 Divine Messengers

2011-03-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

Sutta Discussion lesson 2:

What is suffering?
the cyclic existence of Birth, Ageing, Sickness and Death.

-------------------------
An extraction from AN:3:35;I 138-40
...~~~~
King Yama questions a man, examines him and address him concerning the first divine messenger:"Didn't you ever see, my good man, the first divine messenger appearing among humankind?"

And he replies:'No , Lord, I did not see him."

Then King Yama says to him:"But, my good man, didn't you ever see a woman or a man , eighty, ninety, or a hundred years old, frail, bent like a roof bracket, crooked, leaning on a stick, shaily going along, ailing, youth and vigor gone, with broken teeth, with gray and scanty hair or bald, wrinkled, with blotched limbs?"

And the man replies:"Yes, Lord, I have seen this."

Then King Yama says to him:"My good man, didn't it ever occur to you, an intelligent and mature person, "I too am subject to old age and cannot escape it. Let me now do noble deeds by body, speech and mind?"

"No, Lord, I could not do it. I was negligent."
....
---------
King Yama again questions, examines, and addresses the man about the second divine messenger:"Didn't you ever see, my good man, the second divine messenger appearing among humankind?"

"No, Lord, I did not see him."

"But, my good man, didn't you ever see a woman or a man who was sick and in pain, seriously ill, lying in his own filth, having to be lifted up by some and put to bed by others?"

"Yes, Lord, I have seen this."

"My good man, didn't it ever occur to you, an intelligent and mature person, "I too am subject to illness and cannot escape it. Let me now do noble deeds by body, speech and mind?"

"No, Lord, I could not do it. I was negligent."
....
---------
King Yama again questions, examines, and addresses the man about the third divine messenger:"Didn't you ever see, my good man, the third divine messenger appearing among humankind?"

"No, Lord, I did not see him."

"But, my good man, didn't you ever see a woman or a man one, two or three days dead, the corpse swollen, discolored and festering?"

"Yes, Lord, I have seen this."

"My good man, didn't it ever occur to you, an intelligent and mature person, "I too am subject to death and cannot escape it. Let me now do noble deeds by body, speech and mind?"

"No, Lord, I could not do it. I was negligent."

"Through negligence, my good man, you have failed to to do noble deeds by body, speech, and mind. Well, you will be treated as befits your negligence . That evil action of yours was not done by mother, father, brothers, sisters, friends or companions, nor by relatives, devas, ascetics, or brahims. But you alone had done that evil deed, and you will have to experience the fruit."

------------------------------

Are we also been negligent?
The Buddha being shaken by the 3 Divine Messengers~old age, sickness and death, renounced the world. They are termed Divine messengers as the 3 signs are legendary believed to be manifested by the heavenly beings to WAKE the Buddha up despite efforts made to conceal the signs from him.

Then came the discussion on
How do we prepare ourselves for the ageing, sickness and death of our loved ones?

1) Contemplate that we too may fall sick or die anytime.
Sickness may also not come in sequence after old age. It can be without warning.
Ask yourself if you are diagnosed with cancer, how do you react?
Contemplate that we will grow old someday and our actions not as agile, hearing not that good, one will have to spend more energy communicating with us, so be patient and understanding towards them.

2) Appreciate our loved ones Now and show appreciation.
Don't wait til they are no longer around then you regret not spending more time with them.

3) Fulfill our duties
Don't use the excuse that you are busy when they need your help to bring them to the doctor or trying to communicate to you.
Be glad that you are able to take care of them when you can.
Don't have the attitude that why it is me to take care of them when I have other siblings or why I as daughter or son-in-law is taking care instead of their own daughter or son.
Be happy that you have a chance to take care of them.
Don't, bec of taking care of a long ill patient, think why they haven't move on....
Imagine yourself in their position, you would also like someone to take care of you when you are old and not to just put you in an old folk's home unless in extreme cases when medical/professional care is needed.

4) Knowing and understanding Dharma
aids in achieving calmness in handling situations with understanding of impermanence, etc.

----------------
How do we prepare ourselves for ageing, sickness and death?

1) Contemplate that we may fall sick or die anytime, sickness is nothing to be afraid of. Illness may not cause one's death but fear may be the cause. Hence, a calm mind is important.

2) Take the 3 Refuge and 5 precepts
With faith in Triple Gems, security is in our mind.

3) Giving
Giving merits generates merits, with merits, there is less likelihood of much suffering and higher possibility of meeting good doctors...
(example of a temple volunteer who suffers from a terminal illness and undergoes chemo but does not feel the side effects that most others experience;
I think this can be quite true, S has always been a kind hearted generous person, though she underwent a surgery recently and had some obstacles initially, she was recovering well)

pt 2 & 3 are also conditions of good rebirth.

4) Practise loving kindness and compassion
It helps to calm our mind, be purified of negative emotions and develop the mind.

5) Whatever not done properly get it done properly!

6) Make Aspirations for our rebirth.
E.g. for those who aspire to be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Pureland to practrise chanting and dedicate merits to that destination.

For those who may not adorn Pureland, the following aspiration ia a wonderful one taught by the Venerable:

In all my lives until I attain Enlightenment/Buddhahood,
May I not be separated from the Triple Gems and pure spiritual masters,
and may I be able to continue with my spiritual practice
until Enlightenment.

~aspiration for good rebirth:-)

-----------------
Above is just brief recall on discussion in the class which may not be reflective of the enthusiasiam shown by the Venerables in incorporating a lively learning environment for us to learn Dharma with relevance to our daily lives.
(Pardon is sought for any misinterpretation/misunderstanding of Teachings)

http://kmspks.org/download/poster/2011%20EBC%20Poster.jpg
http://kmspks.org/download/poster/2011%20CBC%20A3poster.jpg

I am certainly glad that I had managed to meet good teachers over the past few years:-)

other related links: http://sunnyslove.blogspot.com/search/label/Dharma%20class

老花及近視有救了‏

2011-02-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

Healthy tips from email received
================================

老花及近視有救了‏

明眼穴 - 重要又好用
防疲勞∕白內障∕好睡眠–別忘告訴朋友哦！！

這是一位60多歲的師兄和我分享他原有老花及近視，做這個穴道按壓半年後去驗視力已達1.2，
現在他已不帶眼鏡有空就按明眼穴。工作離不開電腦的人需要這個妙方！祝您健康！

明眼穴、鳳眼穴、大空骨穴
上了年紀，容易老花眼，試試看明眼穴的按摩，保證您會耳聰目明。
作離不開電腦的人，需要這個妙方！假如我們常常會感到眼睛會疲勞，
但又不是睡眠的時間，這時我們可以利用穴道的按摩法，來舒緩眼睛疲勞的症狀。
在我們的姆指上有三個相鄰接的穴道分別是明眼、鳳眼、大空骨，
明眼、鳳眼能夠改善眼睛疲勞和急性結膜炎，大空骨則可改善一切有關於眼睛的症狀。
平時眼睛容易疲勞的人，每天要刺激這三個穴道兩次。
刺激的方法是，用另一手的拇指和食指夾住，以拇指的指甲分別對這三個穴道施予刺激，
只要以稍微感覺到疼痛程度的力氣來指壓即可。

這是項簡單的按摩方法，當工作的休息時間、或是通車的空檔，均可自行操作。
眼睛疲勞往往不容易入睡的人，如果施予上述的刺激來消除眼睛的疲勞，便可輕易地入睡，
以上的方法還可以抑制老人性的白內障。

希望大家天天健康！

祝你健康快樂

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A Bucket Measure of Food

2011-02-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hurray, back to the Dharma class season and start of my blues-chaser classes again.

And what a relevant topic on the 1st lesson for Glutton me:P
Sliming advice by the Buddha...

A Bucket Measure of Food (Samyutta Nikaya,Kosalasamyutta, Sutta No. 13)

At Savatthi, Now on that occasion King Pasenadi of Kosala had eaten a bucket measure of rice and curries. Then, while still full, huffing and puffing, the king approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him and sat down to one side.

Then, the Blessed One, having understood that King Pasenadi was full and was huffing and puffing, on that occasion recited this verse:

"When a man is always mindful,
knowing moderation in the food he eats,
His ailments then diminish:
He ages slowly, guarding his life."

Now on that occasion the brahim youth Sudasana was standing behind King Pasenadi of Kosala. The king then addressed him thus:"Come now, dear Sudassana, learn this verse from the Blessed One and recite it to me whenever I am taking my meal. I will then present you daily with a hundred kahapanas as a perpetual grant."

"Yes, sir." the brahim youth Sudassana replied. Having learned this verse from the Blessed One, whenever King Pasenadi was taking his meal the brahim recited:

"When a man is always mindful,
knowing moderation in the food he eats,
His ailments then diminish:
He ages slowly, guarding his life."

Then King Pasenadi of Kosala gradually reduced his intake of food to at most a pint-pot measure of boiled rice. At a later time, when his body had become quite slim, King Pasenadi of Kosala stroked his limbs with his hand and on that occasion, inspired utterance:"The Blessed One showed compassion towards me in regard to both kinds of good - the good pertaining to the present life and that pertaining to the future life."

(extracted from pg1 of reading material of PKS Sutta Discussion class)
(Pardon is sought for any misinterpretation/misunderstanding of Teachings)
------
What a wise advice on Quantity and Balanced diet.
Wish someone is there always to remind me when I take my meal too...
though no rewards will be granted...:P

Besides above, there are also wealth management advices being discussed, I look forward to more life tips in coming lessons...:-)

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

MAY ALL HAVE A PROSPEROUS YEAR AHEAD
MAY ALL BE WELL
MAY ALL BE HAPPY!!! :-)

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

It had been a challenging year at work last year, too much changes perhaps...

so new year resolution is :

Healthier Lifestyle via:

to learn how to say : NO to new job challenges
unless old loads cleared, new resources provided :-P

to let go and leave office in time
not to be the champion to stay late again :-(

to travel (grounded for a year!)
fortunately many good retreats and talks by visiting Dharma teachers to Singapore in 2010 :-)

to exercise :P
to resume sunday walks & morning/evening targets

to continue attending Dharma classes, talks and retreats and
more regular meditation practice (not only when feeling unwell:P)

Enough for now...

Mani Recitation Retreat 2010

2010-12-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Initiated by the Late Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche, this is the 10th Annual Mani Retreat in Singapore! and the 3rd year being held at Suntec.

This year, it is led by
His Eminence Thritsab Rinpoche & Drikung Kagyu Lamas.
There is a change in the team of Sangha on stage leading the chant.
The same hugh picture of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
(Somehow, on the 2nd day afternoon, there was a mixed feeling of touch moments when glancing at the picture that I just couldn't resist photographing the same picture again)
Quite a number of familar faces among the participants...

And no more red chanting books as they project the Tibetian, Mandarin and English translated chants and praises on screen
Which I somehow miss flipping of the physical pages:-p

Om retreat at Suntec convention hall 6 timetable
25-28Dec
8am Rinpoche teachg followed by Mani recitation (1st session)
10.30am Break
11am Mani recitation (2nd session)
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Mani recitation (3rd session)
3.30pm Break
4pm Mani recitation (4th session)
6pm Dinner
7pm Teaching by Rinpoche then Mani recitation (5th Session)
9.30pm Dedication of merits
10pm End of session

Partimers are welcome
More info at:
http://maniretreat.org/

Om Mani Padme Hum !
Another successful accomplishment of 100 million!
[From Participants during the retreat: 100,985,550
(after the deduction of 5 % due to sleepiness, missing, omissions, unclear chanting etc); and From Online pledged participants: 24,174,000: The total Mani count: 125,159,550 ]

A cake was baked in celebration of 10th Annual Retreat accomplishment. Wished we could have a piece of the cake to try...:P

Anyway, greatly appreciate the organiser, volunteers, Rinpoche & Venerables/Lamas who led us through another wonderful retreat.

We wish they could organise the 11th retreat back at Bright Hill Temple which many participants who started their retreats there spoken to, still prefered the energy there.

Celebration Day of Amitabha Buddha

2010-12-21T21:46:00.001-08:00

Every 17th of Lunar month of November is the Celebration day of Amitabha Buddha.

Had a quick visit to S'pore Buddhist Lodge during lunch today.

I like the serene tall stature symbolising Amitabha Buddha welcoming beings.

Standing near to the tall Buddha stature near the right hand, one feels like been comforted and given a pat on the head by the Buddha. :-)

Amituofo! :-)

Received following sms:
今天是农历十一月十七，让我们庆祝《阿弥陀佛圣诞》。 
《阿弥陀佛》一句名号具足了无量光明无量寿命，圆满包括了一切诸佛的大功德，大智慧与大慈悲。  
因此，若净心的念《阿弥陀佛》，就能帮我们消除业障，离苦得乐，福慧增长，往生极乐净土，圆满佛道。  
《南无阿弥陀佛》

Playmobil

2010-12-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Had a rare relaxing weekend to visit Vivo City and at a Mega Toy store, saw great figurines of Playmobile. Couldn't resist taking a snapshot. :-) Seems like Playmobil has started its promotion efforts again as it can now be found in numerous toy sections of shopping centres & shops with increasing themes. Fond memories of childhood days... :-)

Here is a link to its website:
http://store.playmobilusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Link-Page?cid=GAMES_OVERVIEW

Blues Chaser

2010-12-04T02:07:00.000-08:00

Feeling Blues, stressed from work datelines that caused me to miss my weekly blues chaser Dharma talk sessions.
Perhaps I am really relying Too much on compassionate Venerables who often would highlite Words of Wisdom so relevance to help expel any displeasure thoughts developed.
Reflecting, I should rely more on myself to develop wholesome thoughts to counter unwholesome ones.:P

Anyway, went shopping with S but was still blues that I do not have the spirit uplifted until I chanced upon this shop at Chinatown Point that sells Burmese Scandal wood products.
The serene smile of the Buddha miniatures caught my attention.
The polite salesperson was very kind to show me several until I finally decided on one (per picture) and hopefully always seeing the serene smile, I could also develop the same in time.

May All Be Well, May All Be Happy...
Amituofo:-)

Dharma Master Heng Sure in Singapore

2010-11-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

Finally had a chance to see him in person, Ven. Heng Sure was invited by Buddhist Union to give Dharma Talks in S'pore on 19-21 Nov 2010.

Attended his 20 Nov session, not disappointing to the audience, he slanged his Mandarin, played his guitar and sang Buddhist hymns.
Addressing the topic: he related Dukka to stress and gave brief illustrations on the 8 modes of stress.
Contentment was cited as one way to cope with stress as being able to wait and be patient, one's heart will be in peace.
" One who knows contentment is always happy, one who learns patience always know peace"

For those who loves his songs, he recommended the web: http://www.dharmaradio.org/,
click on Paramita/Acts of kindness and find out how to download his album for free.
Alternatively, you may pay & download from iTunes via search for his name. :-)

He also has his own blog: http://paramita.typepad.com/ (Dharma Forest)

For the parents....

2010-11-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

A Food for thought...from an email received ...

------------------------

Pencil: I'm sorry
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.

Pencil: I'm sorry because you get hurt because 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.

-------------------------------------------------------

Robe Offering Event 2010 at Foo Hai Monastery

2010-11-10T05:13:00.000-08:00

Rejoicing to see the compassionate Venerable Hai Tao again at the Robe offering event held at Foo Hai Monastery. Caught a picture of him sitting beside the pillar with inscriptions of what I deemed as right description of his acts. Arrived late just in time after joining bro Benny's life liberation event at Marina Bay before Venerable is to give a Dharma talk on benefits of robe offering. The event is to allow devotee participation to offer 7500 robes to Venerables to India, Sri Lanka etc places.

Interested parties could still contact Buddhist Life Mission at 6836 9088 (after 12 pm) for more information.

Venerable Thubten Chodron's 2010 Teaching Program

2010-10-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

We are really fortunate in Singapore to have so many Dharma events in 1 weekend that we are spoilt with choices. A delay in registration for another event & a change of mind when notified of of Ven. Chodron's retreat.
As Venerable put it, she used to have to travel half the Earth to India to seek Dharma in the 1970s as well as the ancient Chinese Masters risking lives in ancient times walking across deserts to seek Dharma from India & return to China, we are really fortunate to be in retreats within an hour's travel, however, we should not take such good karma for granted.

I have decided to quickly pen down some points to share and serves as a reminder of what's learnt from the talk/retreat before I forget & have no time later, just like retreat a month ago which is still in draft with no momentum to complete it.:P
Pardon is sought for any misinterpretation or incorrect remembrance.

22 Oct 2010 7.30pm At Tai Pei Buddhist Centre -
"Our Precious Human Life"

We seek to become Buddha for benefit of all beings.
Our Enlightenment depends on each & every being, if we leave anyone out, our Bodhisattva motivation is incomplete.
Our Enlightenment also depends on every person we don't like. we must learn to like them.
Who hurts most? Ourselves by bearing the thought of dislike.

What is meant by Precious Human Life?
What is Precious?
The human life is Precious because we have the intelligence and good opportunity to meet the Buddha's teaching and apply it to nurse our own spiritual hearts.

Venerable gave a few examples that we should not take our present circumstances for granted.
Relating to a visit in Denmark to a defective ability children's home, the children benefited from the country's welfare scheme that they have all the good environment and overwhelmed by colorful lively toys and environment but ....
During the Soviet union days or China in just after Cultural revolution, the people had much difficulties to get in touch with Dharma.
Hence, we should not take our current conditions to be in contact with Dharma for granted.

We also always have the mindset to demand Others to be Perfect and that meant they have to do what we want them to do but when defending ourselves to be imperfect, we have the excuse that we are still practising.

In comparison to others who may not have the right conditions, we have the precious human life and should be appreciative of what we have and practise towards path of Enlightenment.

There is an interesting Q&A that as Buddhists, we are always striving towards practising compassion, would that become a point that would be abused by people of other religion?
We should be wise in avoiding unnecessary advantage taken of and the fundamental decision to help should be is the act benefiting anyone positively?
Most religion teaches us to be good so what had been claimed as practitioner of another religion, that person may had misinterpreted the basis of the religion just as a lot of us pray-pray Buddhist may proclaim ourselves as Buddhist but may not have understood/practise the true Dharma.

23 & 24 Oct 2010 10am -5pm At Tai Pei Buddhist Centre -
Skies of Merit Retreat

Retreat is the time for us to reorient strong friendship with ourselves.

Dharma is the salvation of suffering from real life understanding.

The Buddha is the Perfect Excellent Teacher of Experience. He was once like us but figured how to cut root of confusion, ignorance in his own mind and gain Nirvana. His Teaching is reliable as He did not make up the path. For those who had been to India pilgrimage trip, we know that it is not easy to walk and teach Dharma in India for 49 years.

The way to practice is taught by Ven. Chodron via introduction to:

Seven Limb Prayer

Reverently I prostrate with my body, speech and mind,

And presents clouds of every type of offering, actual and mentally transformed.

I confess all my negative actions accumulated since beginningless time,

And rejoice in the virtues of all holy and ordinary beings.

Please remain until cyclic existence ends,

And turn the wheel of Dharma for sentient beings.

I dedicate all the virtues of myself and others to the great enlightenment

Brief reasons for the Seven limbs & detailed illustration via the 1st few paragraphs of King of Prayers: The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra

Why bowing or prostration?

This act of Humble overcome our pride and train our minds to see good qualities of Triple Gem.

Ven. taught us Tibetan style of full prostration:
Put our hands together, the right hand represents compassion and the left hand represents Wisdom. The hands clasp with thumbs in hand symbolises holding the jewel of our Buddha nature and the space between our palms symbolises emptiness.

The hand will touch the 4 points:
Crown (one of the 32 signs of Buddha) to symbolise "I want to create merit";
Forehead, Throat, Heart (chest area) to symbolise purifying of our body, speech and mind.
Visualise
White light emit from the Buddha's forehead to ours & purifies our act of killing, stealing and sexual misconduct;
Red light emit from the Buddha's throat to ours & purifies our act of harmful speech;
Deep Blue light emit from the Buddha's heart to ours & purifies our mental negatives.
(A big poster of Amitabha Buddha was there to help us better visualise)

The prostration can be quick or slow with hands flat on ground & knees down , touch our head on the ground and push up quickly which symbolises coming out from Samsara quickly.

Why offering?

This act purifies our stinginess, creates merit & train our mind to give delight in giving.
Visualise the ordinary flowers transformed into Sparkling flowers and delicious food & fruits being offered to the Buddha.
A unique offering is to offer our loved ones to be under care of the Buddha versus one's care of attachment;
Offerings of protection helps beings who are lost or in danger;
Offerings of Love provides emotional support e.g. praise, encouragement or hug;
Offering of Dharma is the best as by guiding them to the path of liberation, they can practise & save themselves, one may also read the mantra & prayers aloud and pass Dharma books to friends;
It is important to offer irregardless of whether one is wealthy.
The motivation of giving & delight of giving...
Little bit with Big Heart example given where there was a king who imagined sand as gold dust & offered to Buddha and gained much merit.

Why confession?

This act of acknowledging our harmful actions, making repentance to not to repeat them reduces opportunities for bad karma to materialise.
Regret does not equate Guilt.
Regret is when one make a mistake , regret & move on (just like when one touches a hot surface, pain, regret the touch, and withdraw hand,
whereas guilt is when one makes mistakes & feel no one will forgive you... )

Remedial action e.g. making offerings to Buddha, prostration, meditation on Bodhicitta purifies and negates negative karma or reduces impact.
Harmful action arises because of overwhelm by attachment, anger & confusion.
Action is mistaken and need purification (just confusion) and not makes one an evil person.
Should have compassion fir yourself too.
Light from Buddha purifies one, cleans out fumes in one.
It is important to repent, to die without regrets and no fear.

Why rejoicing?

This reduces envy, jealousy and increases merit in delight of virtue of others.
See our good qualities and balance with confession.
Long term happiness depends on good karma.
Rejoicing increases more good karma & amplify virtue, counters jealous mind.

Why requesting Buddha to stay & teach?

We value all and do not take things for granted. There is usually practice of repeating the request to ask for teaching 3 times so as to show sincerity.

Why Dedication of merit?

Practice of generosity for sake of all sentient beings.

The more detailed form of the Seven Limb Prayers are being illustrated via the 1st few paragraphs of "King of Prayers":
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/PrayersAndPractices/the_extraordinary_aspiration.html

I am really grateful for the compassion of Venerable to travel to S'pore to give the Teachings and the organisers and volunteers for organising the event in the comfort of an air-conditioned hall with good lunch provided. :-)

A Living Bodhisattva: Teresa Xu

2010-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another touching person by the name of Teresa...story source from email fwded
===================================

111歲的年輕人______ 許哲

　第一次聽到許哲的故事大約是在七年前了，已經忘了是從那裡得到的一個錄音帶，標題是“一個101歲的年輕人！”，講的就是許哲的故事。錄音帶中講到了許哲的人生才是真正的大富大貴，因為她從不求自己的財富，生活卻從不缺乏。一年到頭，總有人往她那裏送油，送米，送錢。當然她又將錢米送出去給困難的人；她一生不求尊貴，卻受到大眾和社會的真正尊重和敬仰；一心只想如何服務他人，從不想被服務；生活十分的簡樸，卻擁有健康長壽。當時聽完她故事，心中好生歡喜和愛慕，從此101歲的年輕人便在我心中留下了深刻的影響。沒想到這麼多年過去了，許哲已是111歲，卻依然年輕。前段時間與一個朋友在電話中聊起生食和瑜伽的話題，又不由自主地想起了這位已經是“111歲的年輕人”。今匯集了這位年輕人的一部分文字和圖片資料，在新年之際以此自勉及共用。

　許哲居士，身材瘦小，行動敏捷；銀絲如雪、耳聰目明；心懷大愛，一生助人。一世紀的漫長歲月，她無私地奉獻，無條件地愛人，尤其是窮、病、老、苦的人，更是她心裡最關心的對象。她說：「我不是單獨來此世界，我有許多同伴，幫助他們是我的責任，我愛他們，沒有條件，因為我們都是一家人。」
　以下是許哲居士，於一九九九年一月二十九日應新加坡佛教居士林李木源林長之邀，為大家講述她的生活與修學理念。

食
我的飲食很簡單，早上喝一杯牛奶，中午吃一些青菜和水果。有時青菜用水燙過，不煮不炒，不加油、鹽，切了就吃。生吃能完全保持蔬菜的養分，水煮過養分就少了一半。晚餐喝一杯優酪乳（優酪乳），若不餓就不吃。我從小吃素。 (許哲的母親一生吃素，活到104歲，許哲是胎裡素）我覺得人不需要吃很多東西，吃東西很浪費時間，先要去買，還要煮、洗，吃完了又要洗碗。假如吃生的，只要洗乾淨，吃了就算了，節省的時間，可以看書，可以做有益他人的事情。
　淨空法師告訴我，阿羅漢心地清淨七天吃一餐，我聽到就說：「我來學學看。」淨空法師教我要慢慢的學，現在一天吃一餐，可以學兩天吃一餐，再一段時間，三天吃一餐，這樣時間就更多了。

衣
我從來不買衣服，穿的衣服都是從垃圾筒撿回來的。能穿的，洗一下就穿；不能穿的就修改。我看到世間還有很多窮人沒有飯吃，沒有衣穿，我要去買一件新衣服太浪費了，覺得對不起那些苦難的人。

住
我自己住一個房子，我除了在書桌及床頭櫃上放一張母親的相片，其他的什麽擺設都沒有。廚房多半是燒水用的。有些社會人士送紀念品表揚我，有的收起來，有的丟掉。有人跟我照相，照了就撕掉，留這個沒有用，這些東西是累贅。

運動
我每天早上四點鐘起床，第一件事是靜坐，其次做瑜珈運動，然後到外面散步，練腳力，下雨天就拿著雨傘行走，從不間斷。現在一星期有兩天出去教人靜坐，我的生活就是這樣簡而有序。

閱讀
我每天一定讀書，有時晚上看到一、兩點，或三點多，如果好看就忘了睡覺。我讀書是有取捨的，好的內容就留下來，不好的就當作陌生人走過一樣，完全不為所動。

修身
我從來不發脾氣，因為發脾氣，第一、傷害自己，第二、傷害對方，第三、其他人聽到也受影響，這個不好。生氣害自己，也害很多人，發一分鐘的脾氣，要三天才能恢復得過來，浪費時間，浪費精神，所以不要生氣。
在養老院裡，如果跟同事們處不好，我總認為是自己不會做人、不會做事，做得讓別人不歡喜。決不說別人的過失。
看到社會上有惡人惡事，就像平常在馬路上看到一些陌生人一樣，完全不落印象。看到好事善人，我會記住，向他學習。

服務
我常講我是一百零一歲的年輕人，我不帶眼鏡，眼不花，耳不聾。我們想老就會老，想年輕就會年輕。假如你腦筋不要想老，一百多歲還是可以做很多事情。我每天都在為眾生做事，我自己不需要照顧自己，我只要照顧別人，我相信老天會照顧我。我這個身體是為一切老人、病人、苦難人服務的工具，天天要利用這個工具。今年一百歲了，還是利用這個工具，這個工具還很好，還沒有壞。
有時人家會給我錢，我自己不需要錢，我就拿這些錢去做好事。我現在照顧二十幾個很窮的老人，每個月送一些米、油、糖和罐頭給他們。如果有人捐錢給我，我就拿這些錢，替這些老人付房租、電費、水費，甚至付醫藥費。我對待每一個窮人，就像對待總統一樣的恭敬。
他們送錢不是給我用的，送這些米、糧食也不是給我吃的，是叫我替他們幫助一些苦難的貧窮人、老人、病人，我是善心人的義工，我替他們送，替他們佈施。

慈善事業
我五十歲到英國去學護士，可是年齡太大了，我打了一次妄語，把年齡報小了十二歲。學成之後，幾十年來全心全力照顧病人、老人，把他們都看作是自己的父母，自己的親人。目前在南非、印度、馬來西亞及尼泊爾等地，已有十多所老人院。我目前希望辦一個家庭式的老人院，不是機關、醫院的性質。來到這裡的老人，我們照顧他，就像照顧自己的婆婆、母親、父親一樣，讓每個老人都感到像在自己家裡一樣的溫暖。

進修
我從小受英文教育，中文程度不是很好，但我仍堅持看中文佛經。我讀了佛經以後，認為佛的教誨很好，值得學習。目前正在看淨空法師講述的《認識佛教》。

信仰
我的宗教是「愛」的宗教，永遠愛世人，大家都是兄弟姊妹，這是我的宗教信仰。天主教的教友們，看到我看其他宗教的書，問我為什麽看魔鬼的東西？我說：「我看世界上所有的宗教都是一片光明」。

苦難的童年生活
清光緒二十四年，一八九八年，許哲誕生在在廣東汕頭的一個荒僻小鎮。中國彌天蓋地的戰火似乎延燒不到這個山野荒僻的小村落，小村莊的人們依然過著寧靜的農耕生活，日出而做，日落而息。
在這個務農維生的窮苦家庭，許哲的誕生並未帶來多少的歡樂氣氛，雖然增添一雙操作家務的手，卻也多了一張吃飯的嘴。她每天要幫忙做許多家務，清晨到河邊去洗衣服，洗完衣服再到山上野地採藥草，採好藥草回到家裡，還要幫忙做手工，賺取微薄的工資以貼補家用。乖巧、懂事的許哲雖然每天忙著做家事，依然不得父親的歡心，常常為了一點小事，就換來一頓責罵毒打。悲慘的童年印記，即使在一百年後，許哲仍感到不堪回首。
後來，因為家中發生變故，母親帶著她和姐、弟、妹四人離開廣州到馬來西亞檳城投靠親戚。

二十七歲念小學
當時，許哲已經二十幾歲，卻還是一個文盲。
一百多年前，中國社會的傳統觀念重男輕女，女孩子根本沒有地位，更別說受教育。沒有讀書的許哲，只能從事打掃的清潔工作，上進心強的她，一直在尋求就學的機會。
當時，檳城附近有一個天主教姑娘堂(修女會)辦的小學，每次經過學校，聽到小學生琅琅的讀書聲，她就不禁駐足，凝視著教室內那一張張童稚的臉龐，正專心聽老師講課。她心中十分羨慕：「我一定要讀書識字，我不能一輩子給人家掃地。」
　
有一天，她鼓足勇氣走進學校，告訴姑娘堂的修女們：「我想要讀書，可是我沒有錢，我可以幫你們打掃，洗衣服，請你們讓我讀書。」　
修女們很仁慈，答應許哲的要求，並且讓她住到教會後面的房子，每個月四塊錢的房租，則是以打掃、拖地、洗衣服，做家事來抵償。就這樣，許哲開始了她人生第一個階段的求學，當時她已經二十七歲。
盼了二十多年的求學夢，終於實現，許哲像一塊缺水的海綿大量吸取知識之洋，她每天認真地讀書，雖然放學後還得做許多事情，但是，她內心有著前所未有的充實與快樂。

在傳統的保守社會裡，女孩子到了二十多歲還沒結婚，就會被稱為是「老姑婆」。一般人認為，女孩子養大了，沒有男人來提親，只有兩個原因，不是脾氣太壞沒人要，就是身體有病才嫁不掉。
年屆三十的許哲，又是小姑獨處，不禁引來一些多事者的關心，每天都有人上門說媒，家裡的門檻被這些三姑六婆踏進踏出，都快踏平了。
「媽媽，下次這些人再來，我就把大門關起來。」看到母親為了應付這些人而煩惱，許哲也覺得十分心煩。
「這些人都是我們的親戚朋友，不能這樣子。」母親說。
「如果這樣，那我就只好逃走。」許哲這樣告訴母親。
母親以為她說說算了，沒想到，她為了逃避那些令人不勝其擾的事，真的一個人悄悄離開檳城來到香港。

初到香港，許哲依舊做清潔工作。有一天，她看在香港報紙上一則「徵聘啟示」，有人要徵一位能夠手寫速記的秘書。許哲一看到這消息，立即前往應徵。
她回憶說：「那次的應徵很特別，老闆是德國人並沒有給我考試，就叫我明天來上班。原來他是研究字體的，看應徵信就知道這個人能不能用。」
因為能流利地書寫中、英文，許哲順利地獲得了這份工作。
避難到重慶

一九三七年，二次世界大戰爆發，全球捲入一場野心掠奪的攻防之戰。一九三九年，日本攻打香港，許哲的老闆將香港的辦公室移到重慶，許哲也因此來到重慶。
避難到重慶，許哲依然得心應手地工作。當時，蔣介石的國民黨政府遷都重慶，因為老闆的關係，許哲還曾經替蔣介石和宋美齡發英文新聞稿給當時在重慶的英、美報館。那一段日子，許哲過著富足優越的生活，當時，一般人平均月薪是二十元，許哲卻已經領取一百五十元的高薪。
有一天，她和朋友到一家高級餐館吃飯，那是一家裝璜華麗的餐廳，柔美的燈光配上悠揚的古典音樂，晶瑩剔透的高腳杯盛著香醇美味的葡萄酒，使人的用餐情緒格外浪漫、愉悅。
吃完飯走出餐館，突然有一個人趨向前擋住她的去路。
「請你好心給我一分錢買麵包，我已經好幾天沒吃飯了。」那人伸出又黑又瘦的手，向許哲乞討。
當下，許哲心頭一震，「這世上，還有這麼可憐的人，餓好幾天沒飯吃。我剛剛那一餐飯，可以讓好多窮人吃好幾天了。」望著那可憐的人，許哲告訴自己：「從今以後，我不再多花一分錢在自己的吃喝穿著，如果我再多花一分錢在自己身上，我就是掠奪窮人的錢。」
　
捨棄高薪為助人
戰火蔓延到重慶，原本寧靜的山城，出現許多的流民傷兵。
當時，有一個英國的救傷隊來到重慶，這是一個反戰的和平組織，成員裏大都是一些十七八歲，正在服兵役的男孩。這些初次離家的大孩子置身在一個語言不通，人生地不熟的異國山區，生活相當不適應。因為許哲能說英語，他們便希望許哲能到救傷隊幫忙。
許哲瞭解到，這是一個反戰的救難組織，於是，毫不猶豫地辭去原有的高薪的工作，加入他們的行列。在救傷隊裡，許哲扮演起「母親」的角色，為那些離鄉背井的大孩子們充當翻譯，並且為他們打掃、煮飯、洗衣，照顧他們的生活起居。
抗戰結束後，在重慶住了四年的救傷隊返回英國。
一九四五年，許哲希望進入護校學習，因為，她的內心對貧苦、病弱的窮人有一份很深的牽掛，她希望自己能學會護理工作，將來才能為老人、窮人、病人服務。
當時，護校的學生的年齡限制是十七歲到二十五歲，許哲的年齡已經四十七歲，學校怎麼可能收她這個「老學生」。許哲並不氣餒，她寫信給護校校長，表明自己學護理的心意，信中提到：「我不是為自己，而是為了幫助更多的窮人。」這一句話感動了護校校長，破例准許她入學研習護理課程。
　
護校八年，許哲用心學習，她學習到從小孩至老人，從出生到死亡，從身體到心靈，各種不同層面的照顧與養護，她默默許下心願，要將所學的一切知識與技能，完全奉獻給需要的病人、老人與窮人。

前往巴拉圭
一九五三年，許哲自護校畢業。有一天，她收到一封寄自南美洲巴拉圭的信函，那是一個由二十一個國家成員（加上許哲是二十二個國家）所組成的「兄弟協會」。這個組織源自一九三三年，猶太人為逃避希特勒的迫害而來到了南美洲，在這片廣漠的土地上自力更生、自給自足，等他們生活安定，行有餘力，他們決定籌辦一個收容所，主要收容淪落他鄉的白人，後來也為當地貧病無依的人看病。這個組織裡的一位成員，曾在中國見過許哲，知道她發願要無條件為窮苦的病人奉獻，便寫信邀約她前往巴拉圭。
許哲得知這個「兄弟協會」是一個專門收容窮人的慈善機構，其秉持著「世界一家」的理念與自己的想法不謀而合，她便毅然前往巴拉圭。
「兄弟協會」很簡陋，裡面只有三位醫生，卻要照顧很多病人。許哲的到來成了收容所裡唯一的護士，因此，她的工作格外繁重。在收容所工作，是沒有薪資的發給，雖然忙、累，但她內心始終是愉快的，能將自己所學奉獻在窮人身上，為他們減輕病苦，她感到很安慰。
一九六一年，已離開母親三十多年的許哲，突然收到母親的來信。
八十四歲的母親在信中說到：「世界各地，到處都有窮人，媽媽只有一個，我老了，你回來吧！」就這樣一句話，把遠在巴拉圭的許哲拉回到檳城。
　
自離開檳城到香港，輾轉到了重慶、英國、巴拉圭，闊別三十餘年，許哲又回到母親的懷抱，母親幾十年來思女之情終於獲得了慰藉。
在檳城待了兩年，因為妹妹罹患心髒病，要到英國就醫，許哲便帶著母親到新加坡與姊姊同住。
　
一心照顧窮人
來到新加坡，許哲從姊姊口中得知有一個窮人醫院，從一九一O年創辦至當年，沒有一個護士。當時裡面三百八十個病人，因為醫療人員不足，無法得到適當的照料，她便自己推薦到醫院來照顧病人。
　
許哲這一生，除了為當秘書那段時間有領薪資之外，其餘工作都是無薪職。
「我之所以到那個醫院是因為他們沒有錢，請不到護士，這正是我要去的條件。」這是許哲異於常人的思考模式。
許哲的想法是，如果一家醫院有錢，可以很輕易地花錢請到護士來照顧病人，可是這家窮人醫院，因為沒有錢，沒有人要去，所以她去。
「並不是我特別喜歡照顧窮人，而是他們需要，窮人也需要照顧，需要有人愛他們。」許哲說。
　
在醫院服務了兩年七個月又19天，許哲決定自己辦「老人院」，其中一個重要的原因是，不忍老人受飢餓。
在那所醫院的老人，一日只進食兩餐。早晨七點一杯咖啡，十二點吃午餐，下午一點兩塊餅乾，下午四點吃晚餐，晚上八點再給一杯咖啡。從下午四點到隔日中午十二點，整整二十個鐘頭，對那些身體病弱、行動不便的老人們來說，漫漫長夜裡，躺在床上沒有別的事，就是想著肚子餓。
　
許哲看了非常不忍，她為老人們向院方爭取多一餐飯，得到的答復卻是：「他們在這裡，已經比他們在自己家裡好多了。」　
經過多次溝通，得不到院方善意回應，許哲感到很失望。當時她得到姐姐財務上的支援，每天買麵包給三百八十位病人吃，親手派送，樓上樓下的跑。姐姐深受感動，決定支持許哲辦老人院。
　
創辦「養老病院」
「我的姐姐是新加坡的一所學校的教長，她有一點積蓄，當我把辦老人院的想法告訴她，她馬上將自己存款提領出來，買下一塊地，準備建造老人院。」
一九六八年，許哲的「養老病院」成立，完全免費地收容了兩百五十位的貧病老人。
　
初期，養老病院的一切開銷，都由姐姐承擔。許哲說：「姐姐的生活非常節儉，對我的想法相當支援，只要我需要錢，她二話不說就拿錢給我。」
其實，許哲姐妹照顧窮人的心，是來自童年時期母親的身教。當時，雖然家裡很窮，但是，只要有窮人到家裡來要飯，母親總是會想辦法分一些給他們。耳濡目染下，母親的慈悲善行深深影響許哲姐妹，使她們擁有一顆仁慈博愛、歡喜佈施的心，無我無私地去幫助真正需要幫助的人。
後來，姐姐去世，她把所有遺產都給了許哲，許哲拿這些錢，幫助窮人購買房子。
「有一天，我夢見姐姐在天上，穿了一身白衣，全身發光，對著我微笑。我告訴她，『姐姐，我也要上去。』姐姐說：『不行不行，你還有很多事情要做』。我知道，她一定很高興，我把她的錢都花光光了。」許哲笑著說。
許哲對老人的照顧無微不至，待自己，卻過著如修行人般的「安貧」生活。她的飲食極為簡單，一天只吃一餐，通常是一份生果蔬菜或是一杯鮮奶。她說：「我從小就吃素，因為我對魚、肉過敏。」她也不曾花錢在自己的衣著上，她都是穿別人不要的衣服，有時從垃圾堆裡撿來，洗乾淨再穿。許哲認為，「穿衣服是為了保暖和蔽體，無所謂好看不好看。」
許哲照顧窮病老人的善行，漸漸被社會大眾所肯定。
　
「我的工作，有很多很多好心的人在幫忙。」許哲說，「常常，一些好心的人載了一大堆的米和蔬菜來，有時多到吃不完。我就問他們，我可不可以把這些米和菜，分送給其他的窮苦人家？」
　
在徵求贊助者的同意，許哲把多餘的米糧分贈給其他貧窮家庭，最高紀錄曾同時照顧二十六戶人家。
許哲不僅在新加坡蓋養老病院，她還到馬來西亞、泰國、緬甸去協助當地的慈善機構設立養老院。她的時間、精神完全給了世間苦難的人，忘了自身，忘了今夕是何年。
六十九歲學瑜珈
111歲的許哲，從外貌上看來像是六七十歲，她一頭銀白短髮，皮膚光滑、耳聰目明、手腳俐落，每天靜坐、閱讀、運動、佈施、做瑜珈，她的精神、體力不輸一般年輕人，尤其她柔軟的肢體示範著瑜珈動作時，令人屏氣稱嘆。
　
她透露她的長壽之道是，今天起來今天做工，不停地做工，做人間的義工。同時，她不惡口、不生煩惱心、不猛火煮食、不吃肉、不沾咖啡、茶、酒。所以，身心能常保平靜、喜悅。
六十九歲才學瑜珈的許哲，提到學瑜珈那一段「心想事成」的奇妙經歷。
有一天，喜歡讀書的許哲，在書中讀到學瑜珈的好處，但什麼是瑜珈？她卻是一知半解。「哎呀！真希望有個人來解釋瑜珈給我聽，而且教我學瑜珈。」她在心裡發出這樣的祈求。
奇妙的事發生了。當她發願要學瑜珈，過幾天有一個人來參觀她的養老病院，那人身著橙色長衫，頭上戴著橙色帽子。　
「你是出家人嗎？」許哲問。
「是的。」　
許哲又問：「你教瑜珈嗎？」
「是的，我的工作就是教瑜珈。」
彷彿是上天聽到了許哲的祈求，特地派這位瑜珈老師來到她面前。就這樣，許哲開始跟著老師學習瑜珈和靜坐。
原本身體就相當硬朗的她，學了瑜珈之後，精神體力更好。當然，她將身心奉獻給貧病老人的無畏佈施，自然能得到健康長壽的果報。

她的手心有我的溫暖　
除了照顧養老病院的老人，她隨時隨地都在關心周圍需要關心的人。
一九九四年，許哲已經九十六歲。
有一天，她經過一位她曾經照顧過的106歲的老婆婆的家。那是黃昏時刻，天色已暗，許哲看到老婆婆家的門扉半掩，她覺得很奇怪。心想，如果人不在家，門應該是關上的；如果有人在家，門應該會打開，為什麼會半開半關？　
於是，她推門進去，看見老婆婆躺在地上。
「婆婆，你怎麼躺在地上？」許哲趨前，關心地問。
「我三天前跌倒，不能起來。」老婆婆說。
許哲趕緊扶起老婆婆，倒水餵她喝下。因為老婆婆已經受傷三天，動彈不得、無法梳洗，身上發出異味。許哲幫老婆婆洗淨身子，換上乾淨的衣服，然後到外面買了一碗稀飯餵老婆婆吃。
隨後，許哲聯絡紅十字會的救護車，送老婆婆到醫院。許哲幫老婆婆辦好住院手續，老婆婆不讓她走，她便留在醫院陪伴老婆婆，一直到夜晚十點半才回去。
第二天一早，許哲又趕到醫院探望老婆婆，護士小姐告訴她：「老婆婆昨天半夜兩點已經去世了，她走得很平靜、很安詳。」
許哲一聽，心裡感到很欣慰，因為，婆婆走時幹乾淨淨，而且吃過了稀飯。許哲很感恩地說：「婆婆給我最好的「禮物」，就是她在臨終前讓我握著她的手兩分鐘。」
那真誠的愛，透過手心的溫暖，陪伴著老婆婆平平靜靜地離開人間。

無條件愛人
許哲的關懷之心不僅限於老人，她希望開辦一個不分種族，不分老少，不分男女的家庭式的「心連心之家」收容中心。
「許多獨居老人，沒有親人或是被遺棄的，他們的食品缺乏營養，三餐不繼，沒有家庭的溫暖關懷。還有一些帶著孩子的棄婦，她們的丈夫或男友，有些在坐牢，有些在戒毒所，有些移情別戀。她們沒有家可以回，被人遺忘在某些角落。我們希望提供他們一個溫暖家，好好的，恭恭敬敬地愛他們，照顧他們。」

[心連心之家」也將收容一些離家的青少年，許哲認為，沒有壞的孩子，只有需要愛的孩子，孩子因為沒有愛才會變壞，所以，對於那些需要愛的孩子，「心連心之家」也將會給予他們真心的溫暖與照顧。許哲說：「我不是單獨來此世界，我有許多同伴，幫助他們是我的責任，我愛他們，沒有條件，因為我們都是一家人。」
未來，「心連心之家」將為那些被遺棄的老人、棄婦、兒童提供一個中途站，給予他們家庭成員般的關愛，以恭敬心對待，建立他們的自信心和尊嚴。
每當有人將許哲與德雷莎修女相提並論，她總是謙卑地說：「我只是一個會掃地，喜歡做工的女人。我來到這個世界沒有別的責任，就是愛，時時刻刻都去愛人。只要我們的心中有愛，這個世界就是一個愛的世界。」

當有人問她是什麼秘訣讓她活這麼久，又這麼有生氣有活力！她說：“太陽照給我看，小鳥唱歌很好聽，樹葉跳舞很好看，所以我想多呆會兒！” 有人說她的牙齒很好,聽說都是自己的真牙沒有假牙，問她是真的還是假的？她說這個沒辦法都是媽媽給的！

一百年來，這個默默為貧病困苦奉獻心力的善女人，無私無我地付出，那愛的能量彷彿來自天地之間，以源源不絕的慈悲心念去愛每一個需要愛的人。

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SINGAPORE!

2010-08-09T02:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thanks to all who contribute to make Singapore a conducive environment to stay.
I am always glad to return to Home Sweet Home Singapore
when I am back from abroad, whether from a more modern or rural country. :-)

With gratitude and I hope Singapore will continue to be or become an even better nation to live in! :-)

Natural ways to handle insects 不杀生又能驱赶蚂蚁、蚊子、蟑螂的妙法

2010-08-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

央视推荐驱赶蚂蚁、蟑螂而不杀生的方法

蚂蚁怕酸，蚊子怕辣，蟑螂怕香。夏天来了，小生命们马上就要出洞了，供养给师兄们一个不杀生又能驱赶蚂蚁、蚊子、蟑螂的妙法。

(Ants are afraid of sourness, mosquitoes of spiciness, cockroaches of fragrance, following are great ways to dispel the insects)

蚂蚁怕酸味

家里的甜食摆没几分钟，蚂蚁大军立即来袭，让人又气又厌，以我以从事糕饼业的经验，献给各位一项无毒无污染又安全有效的妙招－－整粒的新鲜柠檬，对切成两半，在看得到蚂蚁的地方及其动线，挤出柠檬汁，并拿着切半有果肉的那一面，沿途涂抹，神奇效果让您再一次验证大自然的奥妙！

(Cut a fresh whole lemon into half, squeeze the juices at where the ants and their trails are,
use the half with meat & rub around the area, you will find workings of Nature miracle!)

蚊子怕辣味，蒜头呛退

花多蚊子也多，叮咬得我肿包累累。一天，友人送了一袋蒜头，妈妈留下够用的量，其余的分植于花坛四周，其特殊的辛辣味隐隐飘散。令人讶异的是，平日凶猛的蚊子不见了，连下雨过后会出现的超大只蚊子，也销声匿迹了！所以，驱蚊除了打扫环境、清除枯枝烂叶，试植蒜头绝对是上上之策！

(Flowers attract mosquitoes, plant some garlic around the flower plants, with its unique choking spiciness' smell, one will find mosquitoes disappearing:P)

蟑螂怕香味

神出鬼没的蟑螂，最爱隐身于掌管我们民生大计的厨房里。面对「打不死的蟑螂」我的办法是－－将一块浴用香皂切成数小块，置于容器内注入清水，摆放在蟑螂出没的橱柜内，不出数日，打开橱柜将令您讶异于蟑螂的无影无踪，橱柜内还多了怡人的香味。想要效果持续，仅须定期补充香皂容器内的清水。

(Cockroaches are afraid of Fragrance
Use a bathing soap & cut it into tiny pieces, put them into a container with clear water and place it into the cupboards where the cockroaches frequent. Within a few days, you will only find an enticing fragrance but no traces of the cockroaches. To maintain the effect, one needs to regularly refill the clear water.)

不用打杀蚊子的办法

一：把几粒维生素C和维生素B2泡在水里, 将药水涂抹在皮肤上, 会产生一种让蚊子不敢接近的气味.

(Try puting a few Vitamin C & B2 tablets in water & apply the dissolved solution on your skin. The developed smell of the solution is a good mosquitoes repellant)

二：在室内挂上橘色的窗帘 ,或在灯罩上罩上橘色的玻璃纸 ,由于蚊子害怕橘红色的光线, 能产生很好的驱蚊效果.
(Mosquitoes are afraid of Orange Red lightings hence it is advisable to put put up Orange colored curtains in-house or cover the light bulbs with orange colored paper)

三：在灯下挂一把葱 ,或用纱布包几根葱段 ,各种蚊虫都不会飞来 ;或在房内摆放一两盆茉莉花, 米兰, 玫瑰, 夜来香等花卉,也可以驱除蚊虫 .
( 由于葱为五荤中的一类如果有三宝弟子或者是受戒弟子请勿用)

当你不想与蟑螂共处时

蟑螂不喜欢黄瓜的味道 ,当你不想与蟑螂共处时 ,不妨将一两段掰断的黄瓜放在它们经常出没的地方 .
(Cockroaches do not like the smell of cucumbers so you may try putting a few sliced cucumbers at their frequent hideouts.)

以上是如何躯赶蚊子及蟑螂的办法大家可以去试一下 .很管用的 .以免造成不必要的杀生。

CCTV提供的驱赶蚂蚁、蟑螂而不杀生的方法！央视里曾经讲过的方法，供大家参考：

蚂蚁是很讲规矩的，如果是其他动物已经占领的地盘，蚂蚁是不会侵入的。拿柠檬切片挤汁，把汁液撒在蚂蚁经常出没的地方，这样蚂蚁闻到柠檬汁，就会误以为是其他动物胃液消化的东西，就会撤退，而不再来。

蟑螂的腹部有一层油脂，最忌讳肥皂这类去除油脂的东西。用肥皂切块，和水拌成汁，撒在蟑螂经常出没的地方。这样蟑螂别说是碰到，就是闻到肥皂的味道就会逃走了。

以上方法简单易行，还不杀生，大家可以试试。不过既是这类小生命打搅，必有其因果，别忘了诵经念咒！（笔者以为用心念佛、回向即可）

不杀生赶蟑螂的办法

在拖地的水中加入几滴熏衣草精油，做两三回之后，蚂蚁就会在家中绝迹。30平方米以下的房子（以上就2倍的份量）用四颗马铃薯和半包硼酸（到药房买），马铃薯煮熟压成泥，和半包硼酸和匀在一起，捏成樟脑丸大小，放置在蟑螂出没处即可。成分不具毒性（比例很重要），但蟑螂就是不喜欢那个味道，所以会远离。此法一年炮制一次即可。大约春天来临时就是好时机了。朋友说她用了十年，家中非常非常偶尔看到一、两只，但也很快就不再来，那是一个医生朋友告诉她的，家有蟑螂者不妨试试。

不杀生赶蚊子的办法

夏天蚊子很多，只要在阳台上养几盆夜来香，蚊子的数量就会大大减少。因为夜来香浓郁的花香味是蚊子讨厌的。另外，水沟中最好不要有积水，这是蚊虫孳生的温床。

(This is quite effective & worth trying,
Try soaking raw pepper in warm water, use it to wet a cloth & wipe it around the ant prominent area. Talk to the ants like giving them grace period of 2 days to move over the weekend. The combination of the pepper & communication method worked well. :-))

The Chinese version is extracted from 佛教在线 http://fjbbs.fjnet.com/hb/200906/t20090601_122923.html
A big Thank you to Venerable Chun Qing to provide above article to class for reference during discussion on Precept on not killing and providing reference to this link.
Apology for poor Chinese to English translation.:P

Art at HDB Hub

2010-07-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

When you passby the Coffee bean to POSB bank at Toa Payoh HDB Hub, do you notice these art pieces?
Calligraphy with very appropriate Chinese poem to be hung on the wall of HDB Hub.

Take a closer look! This mural art piece that presents a historical showcase of HDB developments, portraying the evolvement of design of HDB flats over the decade, are actually made up by these personalised clay tiles by HDB staff (as shown below). How interesting!

Search for them next time you visit the Hub, you could had passed by many atimes & just missed them!

普贤菩萨行愿品 The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra

2010-06-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Rejoice, found the chinese version at Amituofo Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amituofo/message/112) to share with more

<普贤菩萨行愿品>

尔时，普贤菩萨摩诃萨，欲重宣此义，普观十方，而说偈言：

'所有十方世界中，三世一切人师子，我以清净身语意，一切遍礼尽无余。

普贤行愿威神力，普现一切如来前，一身复现刹尘身，一一遍礼刹尘佛。

于一尘中尘数佛，各处菩萨众会中，无尽法界尘亦然，深信诸佛皆充满。

各以一切音声海，普出无尽妙言辞，尽于未来一切劫，赞佛甚深功德海。

以诸最胜妙华鬘，伎乐涂香及伞盖，如是最胜庄严具，我以供养诸如来。

最胜衣服最胜香，末香烧香与灯烛，一一皆如妙高聚，我悉供养诸如来。

我以广大胜解心，深信一切三世佛，悉以普贤行愿力，普遍供养诸如来。

我昔所造诸恶业，皆由无始贪嗔痴，从身语意之所生，一切我今皆忏悔。

十方一切诸众生，二乘有学及无学，一切如来与菩萨，所有功德皆随喜。

十方所有世间灯，最初成就菩提者，我今一切皆劝请，转于无上妙法轮。

诸佛若欲示涅槃，我悉至诚而劝请，唯愿久住刹尘劫，利乐一切诸众生。

所有礼赞供养福，请佛住世转法轮，随喜忏悔诸善根，回向众生及佛道。

我随一切如来学，修习普贤圆满行，供养一切诸如来，及与现在十方佛。

未来一切天人师，一切意乐皆圆满，我愿普随三世学，速得成就大菩提。

所有十方三世刹，广大清净妙庄严，众会围绕诸如来，悉在菩提树王下。

十方所有诸众生，愿离忧患常安乐，获得甚深正法利，灭除烦恼尽无余。

我为菩提修行时，一切趣中成宿命，常得出家修净戒，无垢无破无穿漏。

天龙夜叉鸠槃茶，乃至人与非人等，所有一切众生语，悉以诸音而说法。

勤修清净波罗密，恒不忘失菩提心，灭除障垢无有余，一切妙行皆成就。

于诸惑业及魔境，世间道中得解脱，犹如莲华不着水，亦如日月不住空。

悉除一切恶道苦，等与一切群生乐，如是经于刹尘劫，十方利益恒无尽。

我常随顺诸众生，尽于未来一切劫，恒修普贤广大行，圆满无上大菩提。

所有与我同行者，于一切处同集会，身口意业皆同等，一切行愿同修学。

所有益我善知识，为我显示普贤行，常愿与我同集会，于我常生欢喜心。

愿常面见诸如来，及诸佛子众围绕，于彼皆兴广大供，尽未来劫无疲厌。

愿持诸佛微妙法，光显一切菩提行，究竟清净普贤道，尽未来劫常修习。

我于一切诸有中，所修福智恒无尽，定慧方便及解脱，获诸无尽功德藏。

一尘中有尘数刹，一一刹有难思佛，一一佛处众会中，我见恒演菩提行。

普尽十方诸刹海，一一毛端三世海，佛海及与国土海，我遍修行经劫海。

一切如来语清净，一言具众音声海，随诸众生意乐音，一一流佛辩才海。

三世一切诸如来，于彼无尽语言海，恒转理趣妙法轮，我深智力普能入。

我能深入于未来，尽一切劫为一念，三世所有一切劫，为一念际我皆入。

我于一念见三世，所有一切人师子，亦常入佛境界中，如幻解脱及威力。

于一毛端极微中，出现三世庄严刹，十方尘刹诸毛端，我皆深入而严净。

所有未来照世灯，成道转法悟群有，究竟佛事示涅槃，我皆往诣而亲近。

速疾周遍神通力，普门遍入大乘力，智行普修功德力，威神普覆大慈力。

遍净庄严胜福力，无著无依智慧力，定慧方便威神力，普能积集菩提力，

清净一切善业力，摧灭一切烦恼力，降服一切诸魔力，圆满普贤诸行力。

普能严净诸刹海，解脱一切众生海。善能分别诸法海，能甚深入智慧海。

普能清净诸行海，圆满一切诸愿海，亲近供养诸佛海，修行无倦经劫海。

三世一切诸如来，最胜菩提诸行愿，我皆供养圆满修，以普贤行悟菩提。

一切如来有长子，彼名号曰普贤尊，我今回向诸善根，愿诸智行悉同彼。

愿身口意恒清净，诸行刹土亦复然，如是智慧号普贤，愿我与彼皆同等。

我为遍净普贤行，文殊师利诸大愿，满彼事业尽无余，未来际劫恒无倦。

我所修行无有量，获得无量诸功德，安住无量诸行中，了达一切神通力。

文殊师利勇猛智，普贤慧行亦复然，我今回向诸善根，随彼一切常修学。

三世诸佛所称叹，如是最胜诸大愿，我今回向诸善根，为得普贤殊胜行。

愿我临欲命终时，尽除一切诸障碍，面见彼佛阿弥陀，即得往生安乐刹。

我既往生彼国已，现前成就此大愿，一切圆满尽无余，利乐一切众生界。

彼佛众会咸清净，我时于胜莲华生，亲睹如来无量光，现前授我菩提记。

蒙彼如来授记已，化身无数百俱胝，智力广大遍十方，普利一切众生界。

乃至虚空世界尽，众生及业烦恼尽，如是一切无尽时，我愿究竟恒无尽。

十方所有无边刹，庄严众宝供如来，最胜安乐施天人，经一切刹微尘劫。

若人于此胜愿王，一经于耳能生信，求胜菩提心渴仰，获胜功德过于彼。

即常远离恶知识，永离一切诸恶道，速见如来无量光，具此普贤最胜愿。

此人善得胜寿命，此人善来人中生，此人不久当成就，如彼普贤菩萨行。

往昔由无智慧力，所造极恶五无间，诵此普贤大愿王，一念速疾皆消灭。

族姓种类及容色，相好智慧咸圆满，诸魔外道不能摧，堪为三界所应供。

速诣菩提大树王，坐已降服诸魔众，成等正觉转法轮，普利一切诸含识。

若人于此普贤愿，读诵受持及演说，果报唯佛能证知，决定获胜菩提道。

若人诵持普贤愿，我说少分之善根，一念一切悉皆圆，成就众生清净愿。

我此普贤殊胜行，无边胜福皆回向，普愿沉溺诸众生，速往无量光佛刹。'

-----------------------------------------------

无量光佛刹: Amitabha Buddha's Pureland!
Amituofo! :-)

More related articles can also be found at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amituofo/message/110

The Extraordinary Aspiration Of The Practice of Samantabhdra

2010-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

My first encounter with this "The King Of Prayers" was years ago in a retreat, introduced by Venerable Thubten Chodron. Personally, I feel that it is very well written/translated & Inspiring in both the Chinese & English language version (the blue booklet being distributed to us in the retreat contain both version). Via the internet, I was glad to be able to find it in Internet site well initiated by the Buddhist Action Team: http://www.thubtenchodron.org/PrayersAndPractices/the_extraordinary_aspiration.html

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I bow down to the youthful Arya Manjushri.
You lions among humans,
Gone to freedom in the present, past and future
In the worlds of ten directions,
To all of you, with body, speech and sincere mind I bow down.

With the energy of aspiration for the Bodhisattva way,
With a sense of deep respect,
And with as many bodies as atoms of the world,
To all you Buddhas visualized as real, I bow down.

On every atom are Buddhas numberless as atoms,
Each amidst a host of Bodhisattvas,
And I am confident the sphere of all phenomena
Is entirely filled with Buddhas in this way.

With infinite oceans of praise for you,
And oceans of sound from the aspects of my voice,
I sing the breathtaking excellence of Buddhas,
And celebrate all of you Gone to Bliss.

Beautiful flowers and regal garlands,
Sweet music, scented oils and parasols,
Sparkling lights and sublime incense,
I offer to you Victorious Ones.

Fine dress and fragrant perfumes,
Sandalwood powder heaped high as Mount Meru,
All wondrous offerings in spectacular array,
I offer to you Victorious Ones.

With transcendent offerings peerless and vast,
With profound admiration for all the Buddhas,
With strength of conviction in the Bodhisattva way,
I offer and bow down to all Victorious Ones.

Every harmful action I have done
With my body, speech and mind
Overwhelmed by attachment, anger and confusion,
All these I openly lay bare before you.

I lift up my heart and rejoice in all positive potential
Of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in ten directions,
Of solitary realizers, hearers still training and those beyond,
And of all ordinary beings.

You who are the bright lights of worlds in ten directions,
Who have attained a Buddha's omniscience through the stages of awakening,
All you who are my guides,
Please turn the supreme wheel of Dharma.

With palms together I earnestly request:
You who may actualize parinirvana,
Please stay with us for eons numberless as atoms of the world,
For the happiness and well-being of all wanderers in samsara.

Whatever slight positive potential I may have created,
By paying homage, offering, and acknowledging my faults,
Rejoicing, and requesting that the Buddhas stay and teach,
I now dedicate all this for full awakening.

May you Buddhas now living in the worlds of ten directions,
And all you gone to freedom in the past, accept my offerings.
May those not yet arisen quickly perfect their minds,
Awakening as fully enlightened ones.

May all worlds in ten directions,
Be entirely pure and vast.
May they be filled with Bodhisattvas
Surrounding Buddhas gathered beneath a bodhi tree.

May as many beings as exist in ten directions
Be always well and happy.
May all samsaric beings live in accord with the Dharma,
And may their every Dharma wish be fulfilled.

Remembering my past lives in all varieties of existence,
May I practice the Bodhisattva way,
And thus, in each cycle of death, migration and birth,
May I always abandon the householder's life.

Then, following in the footsteps of all the Buddhas,
And perfecting the practice of a Bodhisattva,
May I always act without error or compromise,
With ethical discipline faultless and pure.

May I teach the Dharma in the language of gods,
In every language of spirits and nagas,
Of humans and of demons,
And in the voice of every form of being.

May I be gentle-minded, cultivating the six paramitas,
And never forget bodhicitta.
May I completely cleanse without omission
Every negativity and all that obscures this awakening mind.

May I traverse all my lives in the world,
Free of karma, afflictions and interfering forces,
Just as the lotus blossom is undisturbed by the water's wave,
Just as the sun and moon move unhindered through the sky.

May I ease the suffering in the lower realms
And in the many directions and dimensions of the universe.
May I guide all wanderers in samsara to the pure bliss of awakening
And be of worldly benefit to them as well.

May I practice constantly for eons to come,
Perfecting the activities of awakening,
Acting in harmony with the various dispositions of beings,
Showing the ways of a Bodhisattva.

May I always have the friendship
Of those whose path is like mine,
And with body, words and also mind,
May we practice together the same aspirations and activities.

May I always meet a spiritual mentor
And never displease that excellent friend,
Who deeply wishes to help me
And expertly teaches the Bodhisattva way.

May I always directly see the Buddhas,
Masters encircled by Bodhisattvas,
And without pause or discouragement for eons to come,
May I make extensive offerings to them.

May I hold within me the Buddha's genuine Dharma,
Illuminate everywhere the teachings that awaken,
Embody the realizations of a Bodhisattva,
And practice ardently in all future eons.

While circling through all states of existence,
May I become an endless treasure of good qualities -
Skillful means, wisdom, samadhi and liberating stabilizations-
Gathering limitless pristine wisdom and positive potential.

On one atom I shall see
Buddha fields numberless as atoms,
Inconceivable Buddhas among Bodhisattvas in every field,
Practicing the activities of awakening.

Perceiving this in all directions,
I dive into an ocean of Buddha fields,
Each an ocean of three times Buddhas in the space of a wisp of hair.
So I, too, will practice for an ocean of eons.

Thus I am continually immersed in the speech of the Buddhas,
Expression that reveals an ocean of qualities in one word,
The completely pure eloquence of all the Buddhas,
Communication suited to the varied tendencies of beings.

With strength of understanding I plunge
Into the infinite enlightened speech of the Dharma
Of all Buddhas in three times gone to freedom,
Who continually turn the wheel of Dharma methods.

I shall experience in one moment
Such vast activity of all future eons,
And I will enter into all eons of the three times,
In but a fraction of a second.

In one instant I shall see all those awakened beings,
Past, present and future lions among humans,
And with the power of the illusion-like stabilization
I will constantly engage in their inconceivable activity.

I shall manifest upon one single atom
The array of pure lands present, past and future.
Likewise, I shall enter the array of pure Buddha fields
In every direction without exception.

I shall enter the very presence of all my guides,
Those lights of this world who are yet to appear,
Those sequentially turning the wheels of complete awakening,
Those who reveal nirvana - final, perfect peace.

May I achieve the power of swift, magical emanation,
The power to lead to the great vehicle through every approach,
The power of always beneficial activity,
The power of love pervading all realms,
The power of all surpassing positive potential,
The power of supreme knowledge unobstructed by discrimination,
And through the powers of wisdom, skillful means and samadhi,
May I achieve the perfect power of awakening.

Purifying the power of all contaminated actions,
Crushing the power of disturbing emotions at their root,
Defusing the power of interfering forces,
I shall perfect the power of the Bodhisattva practice.

May I purify an ocean of worlds,
May I free an ocean of beings,
May I clearly see an ocean of Dharma,
May I realize an ocean of pristine wisdom.

May I purify an ocean of activities,
May I fulfill an ocean of aspirations,
May I make offerings to an ocean of Buddhas,
May I practice without discouragement for an ocean of eons.

To awaken fully through this Bodhisattva way,
I shall fulfill without exception
All the diverse aspirations of the awakening practice
Of all Buddhas gone to freedom in the three times everywhere.

In order to practice exactly as the wise one
Called Samantabhadra, 'All Embracing Good',
The elder brother of the sons and daughters of the Buddhas,
I completely dedicate all this goodness.

Likewise may I dedicate
Just as the skillful Samantabhadra,
With pure body, speech and mind,
Pure actions and pure Buddha fields.

I shall give rise to the aspirations of Manjushri
For this Bodhisattva practice of all embracing good,
To perfect these practices
Without discouragement or pause in all future eons.

May my pure activities be endless,
My good qualities boundless,
And through abiding in immeasurable activity,
May I actualize infinite emanations.

Limitless is the end of space,
Likewise, limitless are living beings,
Thus, limitless are karma and afflictions.
May my aspiration's reach be limitless as well.

One may offer to the Buddhas
All wealth and adornments of infinite worlds in ten directions,
And one may offer during eons numberless as atoms of the world
Even the greatest happiness of gods and humans;

But whoever hears this extraordinary aspiration,
And longing for highest awakening
Gives rise to faith just once,
Creates far more precious positive potential.

Those who make this heartfelt aspiration for the Bodhisattva way
Will be free of all lower rebirths,
Free of harmful companions,
And will quickly see Amitabha, Infinite Light.

And even in this very human life,
They will be nourished by happiness and have all conducive circumstances.
Without waiting long,
They will become like Samantabhadra himself.

Those who give voice to this extraordinary aspiration
Will quickly and completely purify
The five boundless harmful actions
Created under the power of ignorance.

Blessed with supreme knowledge,
Excellent body, family, attributes, and appearance,
They will be invincible to vast interfering forces and misleading teachers,
And all the three worlds will make offerings.

Going quickly to the noble bodhi tree,
And sitting there to benefit sentient beings,
Subduing all interfering forces,
They will fully awaken and turn the great wheel of Dharma

Have no doubt that complete awakening
Is the fully ripened result - comprehended only by a Buddha -
Of holding in mind by teaching, reading or reciting
This aspiration of the Bodhisattva practice.

In order to train just like
The hero Manjushri who knows reality as it is
And just like Samantabhadra as well,
I completely dedicate all this goodness, just as they did.

With that dedication which is praised as greatest
By all the Buddhas gone to freedom in the three times,
I, too, dedicate all my roots of goodness
For the attainments of the Bodhisattva practice.

When the moment of my death arrives,
By eliminating all obscurations
And directly perceiving Amitabha,
May I go immediately to Sukhavati, Pure Land of Great Joy.

Having gone to Sukhavati,
May I actualize the meaning of these aspirations,
Fulfilling them all without exception,
For the benefit of beings for as long as this world endures.

Born from an extremely beautiful, superlative lotus
In this joyful land, the Buddha's magnificent mandala,
May I receive a prediction of my awakening
Directly from the Buddha Amitabha.

Having received a prediction there,
May I create vast benefit
For beings throughout the ten directions,
With a billion emanations by the power of wisdom.

Through even the small virtue I have accumulated
By offering this prayer of the Bodhisattva practice,
May all the positive aspirations of beings
Be fulfilled in an instant.

Through creating limitless positive potential
By dedicating this prayer of Samantabhadra's deeds,
May all beings drowning in this torrent of suffering,
Enter the presence of Amitabha.

Through this king of aspirations, which is the greatest of the sublime,
Helping infinite wanderers in samsara,
Through the accomplishment of this scripture dazzling with Samantabhadra's practice,
May suffering realms be utterly emptied of all beings.

Thus, The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra, also known as The King of Prayers,
from the Gandavyuha chapter of the Avatamsaka sutra
(translated by Jinamitra, Surendrabodhi and Yeshes-sde circa 900c.e.), is complete.

-------------------------------------------------------
A big Thank you to Sister Jesse for an excellent translation!
It's always refreshing & aspiring to read & recite, especially when one feels down. :-)

And I am also impressed with the well created website where more English translated prayers and practice could be found:
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/PrayersAndPractices/index.html :-)

Ven. Chodron is likely to visit Singapore during 15-26 Oct 2010! :-)

May All Be Well & Happy!

Life

2010-06-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

More from email received...

IF AN EGG IS BROKEN BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE..A LIFE ENDS.
IF AN EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN...... LIFE BEGINS.
GREAT THINGS ALWAYS BEGIN FROM WITHIN.

IT'S BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE.
THAN TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ....... BECAUSE OF EGO

WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES , IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE ?

A WISE MAN SAID :
AIR IS EVERYWHERE,
BUT WE STILL NEED A FAN TO FEEL IT.

WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT
ANY DOUBT....... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE TWO :
EITHER A LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON

LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUE TO YOUR FACE ........
IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO REMAIN TRUE BEHIND YOUR BACK

SOLDIER : SIR, WE ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES,
MAJOR : EXCELLENT ! WE CAN ATTACK IN ANY DIRECTION.

THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT" IT HURTS WHEN YOU LOSE IT. THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS "LONELINESS"
BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND, WHEN YOU LOSE IT, YOU GET EVERYTHING.

“I HEAR AND I FORGET.
I SEE AND I REMEMBER.
I DO AND I UNDERSTAND.”
- Chinese proverb

Every moment, every situation, every issue and every concern has a positive side……. Find it and bring it to life. :-)

A smile that brightens up both's day

2010-06-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

During Lunch hour, when I passed by the traffic light near 313 Somerset before crossing opposite to Centrepoint, there was a girl on a wheelchair promoting something.
I walked nearer & realised that she was selling a $2 Donation Draw ticket for Handicaps Welfare Association.
She was kind of shy but one can see that she is putting on her courage, trying her best to market the tickets.
There was quite a traffic of people moving past her but not much people had paid attention to her.
When I approached her, she was smiley & really broke into Sunflower smile when she realise that I intended to buy a ticket from her.
Her smile brighten up my day too & I would say the scene then was just like those stories often read, a small act brighten up both the giver & recipent's day.

If you do pass by Orchard to 313 Somerset, do look up for the girl & with $2, you not only get a chance to win the cash prizes from the HWA donation draw, a free coffee from Delifrance with minimum purchase of $10 but also giving hope to the girl and other recipients who benefit from the services provided by the Handicaps Welfare Association. :-)
(She and fellow fundraisers could be found in different parts of Spore too)

For more details on the draw & society, you may click on the link:
http://www.hwa.org.sg/content/hwa-all-cash-dd-2010

Chinese Book Fair 2010

2010-05-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

The Chinese Book Fair at Suntec Convention Hall level 4. From now until 6 Jun 2010.

Located near the entrance is the Commercial Press PL (Shang Wu ). It has a good variety of books, all neatly organised. It has a good section on children's book. The range below is along the theme that I am looking for, teaching young children safety via colourful characters and stories.

It also has a good range of pocket-sized motivational books with 60 meaningful short stories grouped into various themes like above. Attractive to catch my attention & successful in making me become a buyer!:P (hey, also available on-line: Story60.mysinablog.com)

Most shops are now offering ave of at least 20% discount. So, don't wait lah...

Light Transference Ceremony 传灯 2010

2010-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

This year, I changed venue again for the Light Transference Ceremony. :-)

Every temple has its own culture of conducting the ceremony.
To cool the excited lot, Venerable Bodhi wanted us to start the ceremony with 3 deep breathe to settle down our mind &
Yes, we were led by the Venerables to sing the all favourite tune of Om Mani Padme Hum & Namo Shakyamuni Buddha using the Liang Huang Bao Chan's lively tune. :-)

Next, Venerable explained the meaning of the ceremony (Pardon is sought for any incompleteness or wrong recall) :

Besides what we always know that Light represents Wisdom that dispels darkness of ignorance, a lighted lamp also gives out Warmth just like Warmth that we experience from the Compassion of the Buddha.

Light & Warmth from the Lamp/candle radiates just like Wisdom & Compassion of the Buddha.

They remind us of the qualities of Buddha & again, we are to learn from Him & apply in our daily lives.

How? One with wisdom & compassion will try to achieve Win-Win situation in our daily tasks.

Without wisdom, we may just always think that our views are always the best & ignore others';
Without compassion, we do not put ourselves in others' situation & may just carry out things only to our advantage & harm others to achieve our objectives.

However, it doesn't mean we have to be submissive & give way everytime without thought as that is just suppressing ourselves and unhappiness will eventually erupt.

A person with wisdom & compassion will strive to always review the situation and be receptive to ideas for evaluation & to put oneself in another 's shoes to evaluate what's the best way that objectives are achieved & both sides are happy.

Another valuable lesson learnt!
May All have the Wisdom & Compassion to live our daily lives.
May All Be Well & Happy! :-)

More Dharma Animations from ABS!

2010-05-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Another good Dharma Publication model of Buddhist societies is Amitabha Buddhist Society (ABS) which had also quite a number of Educational Animation DVDs produced for the young. One of which is on the "Codes of Conduct Expected from a Student (弟子规)" and another I had come by previously but forgotten the title name that also emphasis on teaching of ethics and etiquette for the young.
I went ABS in search of the title I had forgotten as my colleagues are looking for something educational that teaches moral education for their kids & I recall watching the unrecalled title and remembered it being publicated from ABS. That was not found but I found the new animation 弟子规 which has quite good quality drawings & examples though I would had preferred the pace taught to be faster.

Another surprise is this drama animation about a teenager : "Jane's enlightenment of the six perfections". Strongly recommended to watch! Good story-line! Just pick up from the society & watch it & you will know why!

ABS is located at Lor 35 Geylang,
Map could be found here:
http://www.amtb.org.sg/amtb/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=15

Dharma in Comics for Adults too!

2010-05-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

With Gratitude! (Gan En!)

I had a few questions in mind recently and they were resolved and my faith reinforced after reading... yes, the FaHuaJing in comics form.

It is with rekindled interest to visit the Buddhist Life Mission, Venerable Hai Tao's Dharma Centre in Singapore after getting a Buddhist story-book published by the Chung Hua Sutra Printing Association from Taiwan during a recent retreat.

It must be with much blessings that I was given this set by the volunteer during the visit to the centre.

I was told that this was just returned to the centre and most likely the volunteer must had noticed my excitement in discovering the other story-book/comics Gems at the centre that he offered them to me amongst other visitors.:P

With good and easier to understand explanation of the Sutra (I believe is just parts of it) incorporated into comics, I found the answers to a couple of queries that I had and appreciate this introduction to FaHuaJing as a sutra recommendable to all by the Buddha. I pray for the opportunity to be able to appreciate the actual text in the near future.

May more sutras be re-translated into easier to understand mode to reach out to more and printing of more such publications could be supported by all.

Amituofo!

The Buddhist Life Mission is located at 19-B Lorong Bachok (Off Geylang Lor 19) Singapore 387788.
It often organises life release activities and if you are interested, you may call their centre at 6836 9088 (after 12pm) for more details of their activities.
And just discovered they have a blog: http://buddhistlife2006.blogspot.com/ :-)

The Common Endeavor of Buddhists

2010-05-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

Visited Dharma Drum Singapore recently and found some additions in their Free Book Distribution Shelves.
I like their new card (right bottom of picture) with the Buddha on the background with following phrases:

The Common Endeavor of Buddhists

Have Faith in the Buddha, Follow the Dharma, Respect the Sangha;
The Three Jewels are a bright lamp shining throughout eternity.

Uplift the character of humanity
And build a pure land on earth.

Being grateful, repaying kindness,: this is first;
Benefit others and you benefit yourself.

Foremost is to exert your wholehearted effort
Without measuring more or less.

Kindness and compassion have no enemies,
And wisdom engenders no vexations.

The busy make the most of time;
The diligent enjoy the best of health.

In broadly sowing the fields of merit,
Why fear any any hardship or rebuke?

Those who give selflessly are blessed;
Those who do good deeds are happy.

In every moment feel the joy of the Dharma,
And abide in the bliss of meditation.

Recite "Guanyin Bodhisattva" everywhere
And chant "Amitabha Buddha" without end.

Amituofo! :-)

Vesak@Orchard 2010 Leshan Buddha

2010-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

During the last trip to Leshan, I was at quite a distance away from the actual Leshan Buddha in China so I couldn't really see the facial features. But the miniature of the Leshan Buddha at this year's Orchard@Vesak against the building seems to give a strange contrast.

The look of the Eyes??? do visit and let me know what's your feel...

VESAK@ORCHARD 2010

2010-05-07T23:01:00.001-07:00

Some Snapshots of Vesak@Orchard 2010 (http://vesakcelebrations.sg/)

Above are some miniatures of the replicated Famous Buddhist sites around the world.

Concerts for the music lovers...

Lastly, crowd drew by the Delicious Vegetarian Food Fair :-)

Don't wait any more, join the crowd in the Vesak Celebration @ Orchard 2010 , just outside Ngee Ann City , Orchard Rd: 8-9May 2010 ! (Sun to 5pm only!)

And Don't forget to visit the every year popular Free Book Distribution Booth located just beside the Leshan Buddha this year to get new priceless Gems! And Always be prepared to bring your own recycled bags to carry the Gems back!:-)

Cheers! :-)

Fish Liberation

2010-05-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

Received sms from my India trip buddies that they are joining bro Benny's May Fish liberation and I gladly accepted the invitation to join them.

Weather in Singapore is getting unbearably hot in the afternoon & it is really Sunny this few days. This round, there is no boat ride but release of fishes at a sea-sports club with a man-made slide for the fishes to swim into liberty.

Pictures from left top:

Bro Benny giving speeches and leading in the chant under the hot sun to us in the shade:P

Long queues of people under the heat, excited for their turn to release the fishes personally

4 hugh cartons of fishes, hundreds of them waiting for their turns to liberty

Volunteers helping adults and children to release the fishes safely

Simple Man-made slide to liberty for the fishes.

Saving for the boat ride this round, Bro Benny is hoping to charter for the hugh cruise ships during future trips which would cost much more than the $12 per person boat fare that he is collecting so that the events would be affordable to more especially to those who wanted to attend with family.

Rejoice also that he had just published a book on QnA on Life liberation which will be good reference to clear the myths that people usually has on Life Liberation. Having attended his explaination of myth clearing during his events, I am sure his books would be beneficial to all.

Was impressed with the quality of book which is hardcover (limited edition) and really salute him for his effort to print such a wonderful book.

Amituofo! May All be Well & Happy! :-)

Let's appreciate life and enjoy what we have .....

2010-05-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Meaningful phrases on Contentment from email forwarded

Let's appreciate life and enjoy what we have .....

這條短信，實在很好 !

錢多錢少，夠吃就好
人醜人美，順眼就好
人老人少，健康就好
家窮家富，和氣就好
老公晚歸，回來就好
老婆嘮叨，顧家就好
孩子從小，就要教好
博士也好，賣菜也好
長大以后，乖乖就好
房屋大小，能住就好
名不名牌，能穿就好
兩輪四輪，能駕就好

老板不好，能忍就好
一切煩惱，能解就好
堅持執著，放下最好
人的一生，平安就好

不是有錢，一定會好
心好行好，命能改好
誰是誰非，天知就好
修福修慧，來世更好

天地萬物，隨緣就好
很多事情，看開就好
人人都好，日日都好
你好我好，世界更好
總而言之，知足最好

講這麼多，明白就好
這條短信，真的很好
不發給你，是我不好 :-)

Buddhist Story-books for the Children

2010-04-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

While attending a retreat at a temple, I found Gems! at their free distribution book booth.

They had a number of "Storytelling by Ven Hai Tao" which the books are dedicated to tell the stories in simplistic way to the children (and adults too!). They are simple to read to understand the morale behind the stories. However, there is one major setback in that they are printed in the more complex Chinese characters utilised by Taiwanese which may not be readable by children of other countries who are generally being taught the simpler version of Chinese characters. If they could be printed in the simpler Chinese Characters, it would make the reading easier and benefit more. Hopefully, they could reprint in the simpler Chinese character version to benefit more who read Chinese in future.

The 7 Dangerous Act After Meal

2010-04-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

More tips received from emails

I only heard about tips 5 & 7 but not sure about the rest :P
======================================================
DON'T ACT THE 7 ACTIONS BELOW
AFTER YOU HAVE A MEAL

1. * Don't smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

2. * Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

3. * Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

4. * Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause
the intestine to be twisted & blocked.

5. * Don't bathe - Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease.
This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6. * Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps
and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause
the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. * Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly.
Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Persimmon

2010-04-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

More tips from email :-)

------------------------------------------
Those who like to eat persimmon please take note!
Although there are many benefits of eating persimmon, but there are a few points that we must be aware of:

1. Persimmons Cannot Be Eaten On An Empty Stomach.

Contains more tannin and pectin, in an empty stomach under the effect of gastric acid, lumps of various sizes will formed, if these lumps can not reach the pyloric intestine, it will remain in the stomach to form gastric persimmon stone. The stone original is as small as apricots and persimmon seeds nu, but will tend to get larger if naturally expelled from the stomach, it will cause diospyrobezoar the digestive tract obstruction, resulting in upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and even vomiting blood and other symptoms. During surgery, persimmon stone as big as a fist was found in the stomach. If the's food in the ! stomach then the persimmon stone formation in the stomach can be avoided .

2. Persimmon Skin Should Not Be Eaten

Some people feel that eating persimmon fruit together with the skin taste betten than just eating the flesh by itself. Scientifically this is not advisable because the vast majority of persimmon tannin in concentrated in the skin. If eaten toegether with its skin the formation of gastric persimmon stone is easier, especially when the astringent proc! ess is incomplete, as its skin contains more tannic acid.

3... Do not eat pesimmon together with high-protein crabs, fish, shrimp and other foods

In Chinese medicine, crab and persimmon are considered "cold foods", therefore they cannot be eaten together. From the perspective of modern medicine, crab, fish and shrimp contains high level of protein and thus under the effect of the tannic aci! d, it is easy to solidified into blocks, namely, stomach persimmon stone.

4. Diabetics Should Not Eat Pesimmon

Persimmon has 10.8% sugars content, and most are simple pairs of sugar and simple sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose is such), which can easily be absorbed by our body after eating which may result in hyperglycemia. For diabetic people, especially those with poor glycemic c! ontrol, it is even more harmful.

5. Enough is enough

The tannic acid in persimmon together with dietary calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and other minerals form compounds that cannot be absorbed by the body so that these nutrient! s can not be used and therefore eating persimmons can easily lead to a lack of these minerals. And because there is more sugar in persimmon, eating the same amount of pesimmon compared to apples or pears will make one fill full faster hence will affect one's appetite, and reduce the intake of meals.! Generally, with an empty stomach, it is advisable that not more than 200 grams of persimmon should be taken.

6. Mouthwash after eating

Persimmon has is high in sugar and contains pectin. After eating persimmon there will be some of the fruits remaining&! nbsp;in the mouth, especially in between the teeth. With the acidic properties of the high tannic acid it is easy to cause tooth decay, the formation of dental caries. Therefore after eating persimmons it is advisable to drink some water or to rinse our mouths.

吃柿子雖然有很多好處，但有幾點需要提醒：

1. 空腹不能吃柿子
因柿子含有較多的鞣酸及果膠，在空腹情況下它們會在胃酸的作用下形成大小不等的硬塊，如果這些硬塊不能通過幽門到達小腸，就會滯留在胃中形成胃柿石，小的胃柿石最初如杏子核，但會愈積愈大。如果胃柿石無法自然被排出，那麼就會造成消化道梗阻，出現上腹部劇烈疼痛、嘔吐、甚至嘔血等症狀，曾在手術中發現大如拳頭的胃柿石。如果胃“有底”的話，就可避免胃柿石的形成。

2. 柿子皮不能吃
有的人感到吃柿子的同時咀嚼柿子皮比單吃柿子更有味道，其實這種吃法是不科學的。因為柿子中的鞣酸絕大多數集中在皮中，在柿子脫澀時，不可能將其中的鞣酸全部脫盡，如果連皮一起吃更容易形成胃柿石，尤其是脫澀工藝不完善時，其皮中含的鞣酸更多。

3. 不要與含高蛋白的蟹、魚、蝦等食品一起吃
中醫學中，螃蟹與柿子都屬寒性食物，故而不能同食。從現代醫學的角度來看，含高蛋白的蟹、魚、蝦在鞣酸的作用下，很易凝固成塊，即胃柿石。

4. 糖尿病人勿食
柿子中因含 10.8% 的糖類，且大多是簡單的雙糖和單糖 (蔗糖、果糖、葡萄糖即屬此類)，因此吃後很易被吸收，使血糖升高。對于糖尿病人而言，尤其是血糖控制不佳者更是有害的。

5. 適可而止
柿子中的鞣酸能與食物中的鈣、鋅、鎂、鐵等礦物質形成不能被人體吸收的化合物，使這些營養素不能被利用，故而多吃柿子容易導致這些礦物質缺乏。又因為柿子中含糖較多，所以人們吃柿子比吃同樣數量的蘋果、生梨更有飽腹感，從而會影響食欲，並減少正餐的攝入。一般認為，不在空腹的情況下，每次吃柿子不超過 200克為宜。

6. 吃後漱口
柿子含糖高，且含果膠，吃柿子後總有一部分留在口腔裏，特別是在牙縫中，加上弱酸性的鞣酸，很易對牙齒造成侵蝕，形成齲齒，故而在吃柿子後宜喝幾口水，或及時漱口。

Never rotate your head 360 degree

2010-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Another extraction from email received...

Beware.... by trying to rotate your head 360 degree to relax strained muscles around your neck area, you could risk suffering a stroke.

For a stiff neck, the following exercise is recommended:
1)
Lift your head & expand your chest area
Lower your chin

2)
Slowly tilt your head left and right or lower your head

3)
Shrug your shoulder

These could all help relax your strained muscles around the neck & shoulder area.
------------------------------

舒筋甩頸轉啊轉…他中風

苗栗縣六十歲廖姓男子覺得脖子僵硬，每天都習慣性三百六十度旋轉頭頸，日前他連轉六圈後左上肢無力，認為是血脈未通，又反向轉了六圈，隨即全身癱軟。醫師診斷是「脊髓中風」，治療復健後目前已恢復八成。「以後不敢了，告訴大家千萬不要這樣轉！」廖姓男子昨天現身說法，提醒和他有同樣習慣的民眾，小心不要轉傷了頸椎。頭份鎮為恭紀念醫院神經內科主任林日暉說，「脊髓中風」在臨床少見，他行醫十五年第一次收治到病例。廖男子在消防器材業任職，工作須仰頭，脖子常感覺緊繃僵硬，幾年來他習慣三百六十度旋轉頭頸舒筋，而且要扭得聽到「卡、卡、卡」的聲音才過癮。

上月十四日下午他在工廠準備上工時，又習慣性做了一段頸部大扭轉，轉了六圈突感左上肢無力，認為是血脈未通，又反向轉六圈，結果雙腿也癱軟，連想拿起放在口袋裡手機的力氣都沒有，還好同事發現，十五分鐘後他被送到醫院，已經全身癱瘓。廖姓男子接受頸脊椎核磁共振檢查後，林日暉發現他第三、四節頸脊髓有中風現象，再加上他「麻花式! 」扭轉頸部，致脊髓動脈內膜受傷，造成血管栓塞，是脊髓中風的主因。林日暉表示，脊髓中風不至於致命，仍可造成終身殘障，許多人都有這種扭脖的習慣，其實隨著年紀增長老化，只能容許牽引式的動作，就是頭部前後或是稍往側邊，而且要慢速、輕緩的動作，切忌快速大動作。

繞圈、仰頭、扭喀喀都不健康－－－不少人因感到脖子痠痛，以繞圓圈或搖頭晃腦來紓解不適，但專家指出，以脖子繞圈反而增加頸椎的摩擦，容易增生骨刺；正確的方法是縮下巴，或以頸部側彎的動作，就能紓解頸部疼痛。物理治療師公會全聯會理事長簡文仁指出，人體的脊椎就像一節一節的竹子，而頸椎因承受頭部的重量，尤其是固定某一姿勢過久，脖子就會感到痠痛。對於有人以頸部繞圓圈的方式，或習慣讓脖子歪一側，甚至發出「喀」一聲，他認為，這都是不健康的方式。簡文仁說明，人體的頸椎是彼此推疊起來的，若以繞圓圈方式來紓解痠痛，也許初期有效，但「此舉就如同一塊塊積木以三百六十度旋轉」，只會使得頸椎關節的周圍互相摩擦，一旦過度刺激，反而促成骨刺增生，提早造成頸關節老化。至於刻意讓脖子歪一側，甚至發出「喀」的聲響，簡文仁表示，這種來自關節的聲音，有一說是關節腔囊內負壓現象，如同開香檳時瞬間「啵」一聲，也有一說是關節旁←帶滑動的聲音。但他強調，以非自然的方式來扭轉頸部，就像有些人閒來無事會按指頭關節，事實上，它對骨頭和關節無異是一種刺激，「不值得鼓勵」。另外，有人以為長時間埋首工作或讀書，在休息時以反方向的仰頭方式來緩解脖子痠痛，也是錯誤的作法。

簡文仁說，由於頸部往後仰就會壓迫到椎動脈，這條掌管血液進到腦部的血管若受到擠壓，自然會影響腦部血液供應，「就像有人看天花板過久，頓時會感頭昏眼花」。

簡文仁表示，如果有人感到頸部痠痛，比較正確的紓解作法有三種，一是抬頭挺胸，縮下巴，則頸椎自然就拉直，一是輪流以頭部向左、向右側彎，以及低頭俯視的動作，三是聳聳肩的動作，這都可讓肩頸肌疏解。

Wonders of Parsley

2010-03-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Another discovery through an email received :

CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS WITH LESS THAN $1.00

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments.

How are we going to do this?
It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley and wash it clean

Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.
Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination. Also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

===============

Amazing and a quick search on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley
do support above email , however there is health risk warning posted for its consumption to take note of:

Health risks:
Parsley should not be consumed as a drug or supplement by pregnant women. Parsley as an oil, root, leaf, or seed could lead to uterine stimulation and preterm labor.
Parsley is high (1.70% by mass) in oxalic acid, a compound involved in the formation of kidney stones and nutrient deficiencies.
Parsley oil contains furanocoumarins and psoralens which leads to extreme photosensitivity if used orally.
Parsley seeds contain a high level of oil and are a diuretic.

Hence, take care when consuming anything. Too much of anything is not good, moderation is always recommended.

Serene Stone Carving

2010-02-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

Every time I pass by this corner shop at Chinatown to Yi Xin Vegetarian, I am always impressed by the stone carvings that it displayed. Especially their Bodhisattva sculptures, such as the one in picture, which one couldn't resist to stop for a moment to silently pay respect to.

Lofty Peaks in Little Sayings - Part2

2010-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

More quotes:

If you are not influenced by states when you are moving, then your movement is the same as stillness.
If you are not disturbed by idle thoughts when you are still, then your stillness is just like movement.
If you can cultivate to the point where movement and stillness are the same, then your skill is mature and there is neither movement nor stillness, neither emptiness nor existence.
That is the Middle Way.

Why is the world in such trouble?
It is because of fighting.
People have let their tiger-like tempers and fiery ignorance get the best of them.
People fight with each other, families feud with families, and on a greater scale,
nations battle with nations.
Such fighting will surely be the end of us.
But even when we die, we still will not have realized what happened.

Holding the precepts means watching for and correcting your own mistakes at all times.
It does not mean minding others' mistakes and not doing anything to correct your own.
That would be like doing other people's dirty laundry.

What is the Way?
It is just the truth.
The truth is such that no one can overturn it.
The truth is absolute, not relative.
There is only one truth, not two.
The Way is common to all true cultivators.
It can be explained in Confucianism, in Taoism and in Buddhism as well.
The Way is the Truth, and any religion can teach it.
When the Buddha became enlightened, he exclaimed in surprise at what he had discovered,
"How strange! How strange!
All living beings have the Buddha nature."

Lofty Peaks in Little Sayings

2010-02-07T06:40:00.001-08:00

My 1st encounter to Teachings by Master Hsuan Hua was about 2 years ago when their branch in Singapore set up a free book distribution booth at the book fair at Bras Basah Complex and as then I just read about Rev. Heng Sure, hence the booth attracted my attention. There are many wonderful books.

Recently, they are reducing their operations in Singapore and distributing their collection of books and this small pocket-sized booklet is one of the treasures I have got.

Below are some of the quotes compiled in the booklet.:-)

When you seek nothing, you find true happiness.

Your nature will be steady, you will be at peace.

Wishing to climb high, we start low.

wishing to go far, we begin with what is near.

Parents are living Buddhas right in your home so do not neglect what is near to seek afar.

Everything is made from the mind.

If your mind is not true, even the true becomes false.

If your mind is true, then even the false can change.

A great response can happen.

If we do not look within ourselves to find our own mind,

then we will miss the chance to see things clearly.

For the sake of momentary pleasure, we may do things that we will regret for the rest of our lives. There is an old saying: "Content with what we have, we are always glad.

Being patient with what comes, peace is always with us."

How true that is!

First of all, we should work on not fighting, not being greedy, not seeking, not being selfish, not pursuing personal advantage, and not lying.

These principles are very simple. we should start from what is simple, moving from near to far, and from shallow to deep.

You cannot just get angry when you feel like it, you cannot think, "This is wrong. This is not right." Do not be so negative. Things are not always going to go your way, so take a step back and think, "Patience! Patience!Got to have patience!" Then things will turn out fine.

The effect fits the cause. Do good and good will come to you.

Do evil and you will get evil back.

This is natural law.

Create a perfect result and get a perfect result.

Plant a haphazard cause and get a haphazrd effect. Be clear about this.

Do not let it go in one ear and out the other.

Do not fight. If we do not fight with people, then people will not fight with us.

Even if people do fight with me, I will not fight back. If we can be like that, then disputes would just not happen.

Whatever is in our minds will also exist outside.

If there are no wars going on in our minds, there will be no wars outside.

A Relaxing Sunday

2010-02-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is one of the rare days that mum wanted to visit Bright Hill Temple (kmspks) and of course I have to make time to accompany her.

A beautiful sunny Sunday and blessed to enjoy a hearty breakfast at their canteen which served delicious porridge. A simple dish with lots of love inside. :-)

Passed by the side of the Hall of Great Strength and saw that there is Foot & Shoulder massage each at $12 for 30mins. It is service performed by the blind.

Having a stiff shoulder (stress from work?) & a tired & slightly sprained feet from new sandals worn, with the consent of my impatient mum who surprisingly was willing to wait for me, I decided to give it a try.
In the windy environment, enjoying the breeze & enduring the occasional pain by the professional hands, it is relaxing moments amidst chanting music played by the uncle selling CDs behind the Hall of Great Compassion.

For the price, and the professionalism, it is indeed value for money. I definitely felt my strained muscles relaxed & was it psychologically, I seem to have a better sleep that nite & my prolonged flu & cough that did not seem to have recovered completely for long was gone the next day.
Wonders... haha, mum who usually don't like such session was somehow impressed by their professionalism from observing them and asked for their operation hours.
( I think she is tempted to try during next visit:-))

So next time if you visit the temple on Sundays & 27th of each lunar month (celebration day of the temple), maybe you could consider their service too. :-)

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

2010-01-14T06:38:00.002-08:00

At the suggestion of Crystal, an extract of what I had summarized from the Dharma talks given by His Eminence , the 12th Nubpa Rinpoche, ( also greatly appreciate the translator who did a great job translating from Mandarin to English ) during the Mani retreat 2009 shall be posted.
Pardon is sought if there is any wrong remembrance or misinterpretation.

25/12/09 Morning
Sadness is a nature of life where they appear & disappear, therefore, we should treat sadness as a form of practice.
We should develop a Renunciation mind. (Chu Li Xin)
It is important to recognize that nature of samsara is suffering and the root of samsara suffering is: our ignorance!
We see an “I” or ego, the clinging to the idea of “My” friend /foe gives rise to attachment, greed & hatred.
With karma & karmic results, cause & effect relationship gives rise to samsaric rebirth of the 6 realms.
We know the lower 3 realms consist of sufferings, even the 3 higher realms with human realm also facing suffering of Birth, death, sickness, and old age.
Look at our body, we have to take care of this body that gives us problem and trouble.

Our mind and body is constantly being tormented by suffering.
To eradicate suffering, we must find a way, similarly as finding a good doctor to heal the sick.
Sick is not just body pain but great illness of birth and death and who could be the doctor for that?
--> The Buddha!

First of all, we need to take refuge in the Triple Gem.
The Buddha is the doctor; the Dharma (Teachings of the Buddha) is the appropriate medicine necessary to cure the illness. Taking refuge to Dharma is like taking medicine to liberate suffering. During treatment process, friends, nurses’ support help one to cure, hence, good companion (Sangha) to practise the Dharma is important too.
Refuge in the Triple Gem helps one to accomplish greatly.

Today we are here to visualize the 6 syllabuses & refuge is also important & inseparable.
Out of Compassion, Guanyin manifest as Bodhisattva form but He had already attained Buddhahood.

Taking refuge before Him is as good as taking refuge in the Buddha.
Reciting the 6 syllabuses is as good as taking refuge in the Dharma.
Understanding the Dharma helps to remove emotion and bad karma and allow inherent wisdom to arise.
By practicing together in this retreat, is as good as taking refuge in the Sangha (Community).
Therefore, in this practice today, we have incorporated taking refuge in the retreat.

Renunciation mind is important and Refuge naturally arise.
Be Relax & at ease with what you are doing and you will have a good experience. :-)

Continuing ~ part2

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

2010-01-14T06:38:00.001-08:00

Part2

Below is extract of what I had summarized from the Dharma talks given by His Eminence , the 12th Nubpa Rinpoche, ( also greatly appreciate the translator who did a great job translating from Mandarin to English ) during the Mani retreat 2009.
Pardon is sought if there is any wrong remembrance or misinterpretation

25/12/09 Evening
To attain Buddhahood, it is necessary to generate Bodhicitta.
There is Relative Bodhicitta and Ultimate Bodhicitta.

Relative Bodhicitta requires training the mind to give rise to the thoughts of 4 Immeasurables.
All sentient beings are our fathers and mothers who protect us till we grow up.
We should develop Equanimity towards all beings, as they could be parents of our past lives.
We should think of sufferings of beings in lower realms & generate compassion towards them.
To save all sentient beings, we must become Buddha and this is Bodhicitta --> Bodhisattva.

26/12/09 Morning
The Ultimate meaning of all traditions is to be liberated from sufferings.
There are 2 kinds of accumulation: merits & wisdom.
We should practise the 6 Paramitas and Mahayana tradition has more methods:
1) Generation stage;
2) Completion stage.

Under generation stage, there are many methods but among all, easiest to visualize is Avalokiteshvara.
For ordinary beings, easiest way is to do Mani recitation.
It is the embodiment of all Buddhas.
Every sentient being has this inherent Buddha nature and through this recitation, it can bring out our Buddha nature.

State of emptiness - Our body is not physical but form of emptiness (rainbow like state of Avalokiteshvara).
We are sentient beings with karma and visualization could purify our karma.
Within our heart center, imagine light emit to all directions into all sorts of offerings to make to all the Buddhas.
When light returns & dissolves in us, we receive blessings from Buddhas of all directions& purify ourselves.
While reciting with great compassion, visualize with lights to all directions and purify all obscurations of all sentient beings who turn into Guanyin.
Visualization helps enhance our Bodhicitta.
It helps purify own body, speech & mind and all beings.
It enhances our practice. Even if short time using this method, every individual would have their own experience and it is a beneficial practice.

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

2010-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Part 3

Below is extract of what I had summarized from the Dharma talks given by His Eminence , the 12th Nubpa Rinpoche, ( also greatly appreciate the translator who did a great job translating from Mandarin to English ) during the Mani retreat 2009.
Pardon is sought if there is any wrong remembrance or misinterpretation.

27/12/09 Morning
We are fortunate to be human among the 6 realms and have the opportunity to meet & have trust in the Dharma.
Few people have such opportunities to practice and fewer to gain attainment & achievement.
Especially in such a developed nation of Spore that we took time to practice in accordance of Dharma.
We are always working hard but when we are about to leave the world, what follows us?
The positive and negative karmic deeds follow us like shadows.

3 most important steps of practice (not quite sure if this 3 identification header is right)

1) Take Refuge & Motivation
As Buddhist, we take refuge; without good motivation, we could not label ourselves as Mahayana practitioner.

2) Generation of Avalokiteshvara: accumulation of merits & wisdom are the causes & conditions for Perfect Buddhahood.
When practicing, we see our body as Avalokiteshvara, our mind in terms of Loving-kindness, our speech into 6 syllabuses.

3) Purify Body, Speech & Mind.
While reciting, visualize the 6 Syllabus to all ten directions to make offerings to All Buddhas & also light to all sentient beings who convert to Avalokiteshvara. All beings are Avalokiteshvara and all our thoughts Bodhicitta.

Visualize oneself as Avalokiteshvara and on crown of our head:
Amitabha Buddha --> our Root Guru and visualize always having blessings.
We receive Guru’s blessings, progress on to recognize own nature of mind.

Methods: 1) Gather accumulation; 2) Guru’s blessings
Root Guru dissolve into light to our heart & hence mind of Guru and us is the same. As we rest in this state, Relative & Ultimate Bodhicitta is generated.

Today is 3rd day & best opportunity to accumulate merits and benefit all beings.
Practice is long run.
From now on, we should try all ways & means to generate Bodhicitta.
It is only with Bodhicitta that we can truly practise & not make mistakes in our practice.

27/12/09 Evening Closing Speech
Dedication is important. Why we had not become Buddha?
It is because we do not know how to dedicate our merits.
When practise along the path, we gathered good deeds and accumulation but because we do not dedicate enough, merits exhausted & greed, jealousy, etc generated affect the merit.

Therefore, while dedicating merits, we need to have a goal & having done good deeds we should be dedicating to all sentient beings (past parents). This helps generate Bodhi & accumulate merits to Buddhahood. This way to dedicate with goal is with Form.

What goal? The Goal to liberate all sentient beings to Buddhahood.

Ways to dedicate from Ultimate Bodhicitta ---> Emptiness of 3 Spheres.

Concept of “I” & “Others” not existing --> Dedicate

Finally, Rinpoche wishes all of us Good Health, Progress in Practice, Always watch our mind, develop Loving-kindness & Compassion within us, and open up our personal wisdom.
Wisdom and Compassion is together. (Like bird with 2 wings)
Wisdom is knowing what to do & not to do, and then one will not lose direction..

----------------------------------------------

Amituofo

May All Beings Be Well & Happy

May All Progress along the Right Path

Om Mani Padme Hung

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

2009-12-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

OM MANI PADME HUNG

Thanks to all, we made it again! :-)

>100 million recitation :-)

Why 100 Million??? (Pls Click on question or here for answer) :-)

3days of chanting which from it, one can understand oneself better.

Really appreciative of the leading Rinpoches and Lamas on stage. Comparing to them who sit throughout the chanting sessions on stage, I was fidgeting all the way, swaying from side to side, having own self-declared toilet breaks:P, trying hard to fight my restlessness especially after an hour... :P

Also thanks to the volunteers who had help make the event a success, and to the Perfect who tour around the hall to wake us up. :-)

The wonderful lunches which the portion being much more than last year's that gave me no excuse to have 2nd round at the foodcourt. :P

Om Mani Padme Hung

May we all purified our body, speech & mind through the retreat & see you in Pureland...:-)

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

2009-12-25T07:52:00.001-08:00

OM MANI PADME HUNG

Yes, it is the time of the year again. At Suntec City again, similar setup with a small difference: the addition of special effect of rays of light emitting from the Bodhisattva.

This year, the retreat is led by His Eminence, the 12th Nubpa Rinpoche and Rabsang Rinpoche. it is held from 25-27 Dec09 8.30am-10pm at Suntec City Conventional Hall 603.

Part-timers are welcome, may just register and attend any session on the spot.

Details, pls refer to
http://maniretreat.org/

Hope to see you there... :-)

oh, though we will experience spiritual warmth there, the protection for the body is still required as the hall is real cooling so strongly encouraged to bring a jacket along and wear long pants & socks...:-)

Some nice Om Mani Padme Hum recitation tunes found for reference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ5cJLWyuIU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJX0S3m1om0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG_lNuNUVd4&feature=related

天然了不起的食物 Amazing Natural Food Nutritions!

2009-12-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

More Health tips received from email...

蘆筍了不起

天熱來盤蘆筍沙拉、蘆筍手捲，恭喜你，不僅嘗到蘆筍的清甜多汁，還吞下了比一般蔬菜多2至
5倍的營養素，且這些養分有助提高免疫力以抵抗病菌等。女生更要多吃，蘆筍可以補充鐵質，想生寶寶的太太也可藉其所含的葉酸，防止生出畸型兒。但有痛風的老爸老媽請節制。

●自製蘆筍汁：纖維質多、不太好嚼的蘆筍頭，全部切下來，丟進一鍋水中，放進電鍋燉煮約 20 至 30 分鍾，待水色轉綠，以蜂蜜或冰糖調味即可。

芋頭了不起

「嗯嗯」不太順，請多吃芋頭！它的纖維素含量是白飯的七倍，它還能讓老爸的膽固醇及高血壓都往下掉，制服老媽亂飆的血糖。夏天想減肥，也可拿芋頭當減肥餐，中醫師補充：芋頭有美白效果哦。

●福肉甜芋：芋頭削皮洗淨，切成小塊，丟進煮滾的一鍋水中，熬煮約 25 分鍾，再加入龍眼乾，煮 5 分鍾或至香味釋出，再以糖調味即成。

蒜頭了不起

蒜頭是「土生土長的抗生素」，連老外醫師都把它列做「最具抗癌潛力的蔬菜」，提高免疫力、降低膽固醇、防治心血管疾病、抑制腫瘤，功效族繁不及備載，而且每天吃飯時吃一瓣生蒜、或幾瓣熟蒜即

山藥了不起
SARS 當道，很多餐廳的「提升免疫力料理」便拿山藥當主角，醫學還證明它對防治高血壓、糖尿病、抑制癌症都有益處，它黏黏的汁液，則能補中益氣助消化，號稱「窮人補品」，但吃多不會胖，小孩轉大人、老人補元氣，吃它準沒錯。還是沒興趣？嗯，山藥還是種天然植物荷爾蒙，養顏美容勝過
SKⅡ，又別名「天然威而鋼」，要不要多吃？嘿、嘿、嘿。

● 山藥沙拉：山藥削皮洗淨，用稀釋的檸檬水泡 2 至 3 分鍾，
取出以保鮮膜包好，冷藏透涼後，切成細條，放在生菜葉上，灑上松子、芝麻、海苔絲、枸杞子與原味優酪乳即可。

番茄了不起

茄紅素可抗癌防癌，保護心血管系統，也能中和人體內易致病的自由基，抗氧化、防老化，淡斑瘦身、緊實肌膚。不過吃前請注意，傳統醫學認為番茄較寒，腸胃不好的不宜空腹吃；而且吃煮過的番茄料理，會比生吃番茄收到更多的茄紅素。

●番茄湯：番茄洗淨切塊，用果汁機打成汁備用。起油鍋炒香去皮的馬鈴薯塊、芹菜段、洋蔥，再倒入番茄汁，熬煮 20 至 30 分鍾，至熟爛濃稠即可。

菇類了不起

不論是大朵小朵、胖的圓的菇，只要是能吃下去的菇、就是對健康有益的好菇。菇類普遍含有多量維生素、蛋白質、礦物質，豐富到被營養師視為「蔬菜牛排」，還有抗癌、預防腫瘤生成的作用。以最家常的香菇為例，就是降血壓血脂、防骨質疏鬆及防癌的神奇食物。

●白灼杏鮑菇：選較粗壯的杏鮑菇，放在微波器皿上，淋一小匙沙拉油，用保鮮膜包好，放入微波爐以強微波 4 分鍾，取出放稍涼後切成薄片，沾沙拉醬或山葵醬油，口感媲美鮑魚。

絲瓜了不起

美白、消炎、保濕、退斑……這不是推銷美容保養品，這是絲瓜的能耐。研究也顯示，絲瓜黏液有豐富養分，可提升免疫力。所以除了絲瓜肉，吃絲瓜葉可補充維他命Ｃ，絲瓜藤煮茶可去熱止渴清肝，炸絲瓜花美味退火，轉成黑色的絲瓜子、炒過磨粉食用，則據說有助減肥。

● 絲瓜粥：起油鍋，炒香油蔥酥，再放入去皮洗淨的絲瓜片，煮到呈透明狀，再加入乾飯、適量的水，改小火滾煮 10 分鍾即可。

Animal Paradise

2009-12-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

Next Animal liberation related event is today's tour of the Animal Protection farm, Animal Paradise, started by ex-Mediacorp actor, Xie Shao Guang, in JB, Pekan Nanas, . I think it started with a place for abandoned/ill-treated cats & dogs to today's operation to include horses, cows, goats, pigs, monkeys, guinea pigs, porcupines and even deers is impressive.

I was surprised that mum was interested in the trip when I just briefly mentioned about the activity organised by the temple as mum is not one who will encourage her children to touch animals. I believe it must be with blessings of Buddha & Bodhisattvas that my parents were interested and hopefully with brief contact of the Dharma teachings involved, that will lead them to more future Dharma events and also subconsciously reduce their intake of meat.

Guanyin at entrance of farm.

I was originally expecting the farm to be like a safari with all animals roaming freely but the animals are in enclosed area depending on their nature and receptiveness to human.

All the saved animals there have a story of their own.

Turkeys saved from being served on dining table during Christmas

Although the facilities are primitive, the liberated/saved animals are at least in a home under the love and care of the compassionate care-takers.

The farm does not accept just any animals but has their criteria of entry, hence the animals are there, each with a story of their own. It is still not easy to maintain the farm by one's own effort hence Donations are always welcome to support the operations of the animal protection farm and you may also opt to support any species of animals you like. :-) The farm is not open to public except on special/pre-arrangement so pls do not venture on your own without informing them of your visit. :P

More info can be found at
http://www.noahsarklodge.com/
http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.com/

May All Be Well & Happy....Amituofo.

Fish Liberation

2009-12-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

This seems to be a month of affinity with animal liberation, 1st attended bro Benny's fish liberation at the open sea using a cruise ship from Harbourfront. It is a more convenient place to meet for me compared to Changi which is his more frequent meeting venue for his monthly life liberation, and the cruise ship will be a better arrangement to invite my family along. When received sms abt the event, I immediately ask my parents if they are interested & glad to know that they were and so was my sister who surprisingly didn't refuse the invitation.

One point I like bro Benny's session is I can be ensured he will try to find the best place to release the animals of the day depending on their nature/requirement of habitat. Another point is I like his leading of the group in chanting and helping the fishes/animals take the Three Refuge to not only benefit their physical life but spiritual life, and we sincerely wish for the liberated animals not to be reborn into lower 3 realms after this life. He will also has a Q&A session to highlight frequent myths people have abt fish liberation which I think is useful, especially for 1st timers.

If one is not available to attend the event and would like to particpate in his monthly life liberation event, one may just transfer money to his designated life liberation account, inform him to confirm receipt and by end of day, he will inform of donors how many life had been liberated for the event and let all rejoice which I think this sms info is important so that people know what the money had been spent on and will rejoice & be motivated to support future events for the many lives saved thru combined effort.

May All be Well & Happy. Amituofo.

Snap-shots of other species

2009-12-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

No Problem to take on more load....

Little Calf sleeping soundly under the shade protection of its mother

Prostrating doggie at Bodhgaya

Guardian of the temple who is on constant alert to invaders

Tamed deers at Deer Park welcoming feeds

Proud species of monkeys at Sri Lanka, preferred to be left alone

Energetic Monkeys who won't mind trying new snacks: chocolate rolls

Hugh Squirrels only interested in nature fruits, No to chocolate rolls !

Sunny's Corner

Jade Buddha for Universal Peace in singapore

Amitabha Chanting Retreat by ABS

Letting Go Of The Past, Embracing The Future

Mani Recitation Retreat 2011

STILLNESS - MEDICINE FOR THE MIND

Meaningful Phrases

Ven. Chodron in Spore 2011

人生智慧 WISE WORDS OF LIFE

Natural Pain-killers in your kitchen

100Million Ami Dewa Recitation Retreat

HAPPY SLING SHOT

VERY WISE ADVICE (关于人性)

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Can Cancer be cured?

1 Day Mani Recitation Retreat -

Beware of radiation from PC!

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Puja

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

Impermanence

Right Time for Organs Detox

Correct Time To Drink Water

Outdoor Zen Meditation by Dharma Drum Singapore

A Rare Relaxing Sunday

煮糙米飯變好吃的小秘訣

Simple Pleasures

HAPPY VESAK DAY!!!!

Meditation

VESAK@ORCHARD 2011

A Teaching of Great Master Yin Guang

Fire of Anger

Right Postures to maintain while using Computers

癌細胞怕熱 白湯排毒法

Lemon kills Big-C cells

The Power of Self Centredness ~ Ajahn Brahm

Are you Ready to Go???

The 3 Divine Messengers

老花及近視有救了‏

A Bucket Measure of Food

Happy Chinese New Year

New Year Resolutions

Mani Recitation Retreat 2010

Celebration Day of Amitabha Buddha

Playmobil

Blues Chaser

Dharma Master Heng Sure in Singapore

For the parents....

Robe Offering Event 2010 at Foo Hai Monastery

Venerable Thubten Chodron's 2010 Teaching Program

A Living Bodhisattva: Teresa Xu

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SINGAPORE!

Natural ways to handle insects 不杀生又能驱赶蚂蚁、蚊子、蟑螂的妙法

Art at HDB Hub

普贤菩萨行愿品 The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra

The Extraordinary Aspiration Of The Practice of Samantabhdra

Life

A smile that brightens up both's day

Chinese Book Fair 2010

Light Transference Ceremony 传灯 2010

More Dharma Animations from ABS!

Dharma in Comics for Adults too!

The Common Endeavor of Buddhists

Vesak@Orchard 2010 Leshan Buddha

VESAK@ORCHARD 2010

Fish Liberation

Let's appreciate life and enjoy what we have .....

Buddhist Story-books for the Children

The 7 Dangerous Act After Meal

Persimmon

Never rotate your head 360 degree

Wonders of Parsley

Serene Stone Carving

Lofty Peaks in Little Sayings - Part2

Lofty Peaks in Little Sayings

A Relaxing Sunday

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

Mani Recitation Retreat 2009

癌細胞怕熱白湯排毒法