Am always in gratitude that there are so many bustling Buddhist activities for us to choose to attend in Spore that we are spoilt for choices.
However, even so, one needs to earn enough merits to be able to attend.
For past month, had been missing the activities that had originally planned to attend for various reasons...
Makes one realise one really must treasure all the opportunities,
We must not take for granted the existing conditions and
must continue to earn more merits and cleanse to reduce obstacles that prevents us to get in touch with Dharma...
So much so too to treasure our current rebirth of human life to be able to live in a country that allows easy access to Dharma...
Amituofo, may there be no obstacles for those who wish to get in touch with Dharma to be able to "enjoy" Dharma... Amituofo
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Fruit that increases calcium absorption
More health tips received from email
---------------------------------------------
Read up more on www.healthexchange.com.sg
Lemon - Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there is good reason for this. Firstly, lemons are packed with antioxidant vitamin C, which is great for the skin and for fighting disease-forming free-radicals. Furthermore, the citrus fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, meaning that it can help restore the body's pH balance, benefitting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.
Ginger - If too much fatty food or alcohol has caused problems for your digestive system, it may be worthwhile adding some ginger to your diet. Ginger is not only great for reducing feelings of nausea, but it can help improve digestion, beat bloating and reduce gas. In addition to this, ginger is high in antioxidants and is good for boosting the immune system. To give your digestion a helping hand, try sipping on ginger tea or adding some freshly grated ginger to a fruit or vegetable juice.
Garlic - Garlic has long been known for its heart benefits, however the pungent food is also good at detoxifying the body. Garlic is not only antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, but it contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Garlic is best eaten raw, so add some crushed garlic to a salad dressing to boost its flavour and your health at the same time.
Artichoke - If you have recently been overindulging in fatty foods and alcohol, adding some steamed globe artichoke leaves to your meals is a great way to help get your body back on track. Globe artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fibre and can also help the body digest fatty foods. On top of this, globe artichoke is renowned for its ability to stimulate and improve the functions of the liver - the body's main toxin-fighting tool.
Beetroot - For those needing a quick health-boosting shot of nutrients,you can't do much better than beetroot. Packed with magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, the vegetable has recently been hailed as a superfood due to its many reported health benefits. Not only is beetroot great for skin, hair and cholesterol levels, but it can also help support liver detoxification, making it an ultimate detox food. To enjoy its benefits, try adding raw beetroot to salads or sipping on some beetroot juice.
Green tea - While it's not technically a food, no detox plan would be complete without regular consumption of essential liquids. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, and drinking green tea is a great way of boosting your intake. Green tea is not only a good weight-loss drink, but it is extremely high in antioxidants. Research has also suggested that drinking green tea can protect the liver from diseases including fatty liver disease.
Cabbage - Many celebrities have resorted to the cabbage soup diet to help lose weight and get in shape quickly before a big event, however cabbage is not only good for weight loss - it is also an excellent detoxifying food. Like most cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli and sprouts), cabbage contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which helps the body fight against toxins. Cabbage also supplies the body with glutathione; an antioxidant that helps improve the detoxifying function of the liver.
Fresh fruit - Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre and are also low in calories, making them an important part of a detox diet. If you're after brighter eyes and skin, shinier hair and improved digestion, try boosting your intake of fruit and eating from a wide variety of different kinds. The good news is fruit is easy to add to your diet, so try starting your day with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie and snacking on pieces of fruit throughout the day. Brown rice If you want to cleanse your system and boost your health, it is a good idea to cut down on processed foods. Instead, try supplementing your diet with healthier whole grains such as brown rice, which is rich in many key detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous.
Brown rice is also high in fibre, which is good for cleansing the colon, and rich in selenium, which can help to protect the liver as well as improving the complexion.
Watercress - Like most green herbs and vegetables, watercress is an excellent health-booster and detox food. Firstly, watercress leaves are packed with many vital detoxifying nutrients,including several B vitamins, zinc, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Secondly, watercress has natural diuretic properties, which can help to flush toxins out the body. To reap the benefits of this nutritious food, try adding a handful of watercress to salads, soups and sandwiches.
---------------------------------------------
Great food you don't want to miss
- Bananas
- Celery
- Avocado
- Almond
- Brocoli
- Brightly colored fruits - berries, dragon fruits
- Yogurts
- Green tea improve agility in old folks
- Tomatoes
- Jasmine tea - 花茶
- 燕麦
- Flaxseed
- Sunflower seed
- Wolfberry - detoxify the liver
- Apricot - potassium, bone growth and formation of red blood cells
Read up more on www.healthexchange.com.sg
Lemon - Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there is good reason for this. Firstly, lemons are packed with antioxidant vitamin C, which is great for the skin and for fighting disease-forming free-radicals. Furthermore, the citrus fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, meaning that it can help restore the body's pH balance, benefitting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.
Garlic - Garlic has long been known for its heart benefits, however the pungent food is also good at detoxifying the body. Garlic is not only antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, but it contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Garlic is best eaten raw, so add some crushed garlic to a salad dressing to boost its flavour and your health at the same time.
Green tea - While it's not technically a food, no detox plan would be complete without regular consumption of essential liquids. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, and drinking green tea is a great way of boosting your intake. Green tea is not only a good weight-loss drink, but it is extremely high in antioxidants. Research has also suggested that drinking green tea can protect the liver from diseases including fatty liver disease.
Fresh fruit - Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre and are also low in calories, making them an important part of a detox diet. If you're after brighter eyes and skin, shinier hair and improved digestion, try boosting your intake of fruit and eating from a wide variety of different kinds. The good news is fruit is easy to add to your diet, so try starting your day with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie and snacking on pieces of fruit throughout the day. Brown rice If you want to cleanse your system and boost your health, it is a good idea to cut down on processed foods. Instead, try supplementing your diet with healthier whole grains such as brown rice, which is rich in many key detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous.
Top 5 cancer causing food
1.Hot Dogs. Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.
2.Processed meats and Bacon Also high in the same sodium nitrates found inhot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.
3.Doughnuts Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, andhydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.
4.French fries Like doughnuts, French fries are made withhydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries.
5.Chips, crackers, and cookies All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Amitabha Buddha Celebration Day
Lunar mth of Dec 17th is Amitabha Buddha Celebration Day.
Rejoice this year to fall on weekend and many centres have activities on the actual day including this one at Spore expo by ABS: http://www.amtb.org.sg/amtb/images/amtb_images/2012-dec-poster.jpg
My wish to join as full-timer this year did not materialise but will join as part-timer again...
Dropby if you are available...
Bring a jacket or shawl along as it is real real cold there...
Some snapshots from there...
Partimers warmed by the surrounding Amituofo images...
Beautiful Lotus paintings put up for purchase to contribute to ABS New Building fund, worth considering for a good cause...
Interested parties may visit their centre after the event ends on Sun if you miss it.
Rejoice this year to fall on weekend and many centres have activities on the actual day including this one at Spore expo by ABS: http://www.amtb.org.sg/amtb/images/amtb_images/2012-dec-poster.jpg
My wish to join as full-timer this year did not materialise but will join as part-timer again...
Dropby if you are available...
Bring a jacket or shawl along as it is real real cold there...
Some snapshots from there...
Partimers warmed by the surrounding Amituofo images...
Beautiful Lotus paintings put up for purchase to contribute to ABS New Building fund, worth considering for a good cause...
Interested parties may visit their centre after the event ends on Sun if you miss it.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Complement of Meditation Techniques to Chanting Practice
Managed to do a quick read on the free Distribution book "The Significance and Benefits of Six-Syllable Mantra Recitation" based on His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche's Teachings at the 2004 Mani Recitation Retreat held at kmspks before the Mani Recitation 2012 retreat.
Tried hard to practice what's taught in the book such as :
Reciting the mantra out of wish for all beings' negative karma, non-virtuous deeds, defilements to be purified and eradicated from root,
Generating bodhicitta, loving-kindness and compassion to all beings,
May All be Well & Happy
May All be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering
May All have happiness and the causes of happiness
Repent on my past deeds that causes my present situation and wish for all beings and my obscurations to be eradicated,
Gratitude to those who had made me "unhappy" to let me realise the imperfection of the samsara, arise the aspiration to want to get out of it, meet good Dharma teachers, know more about Pureland practice and aspiring towards rebirth in Amitabha Buddha's Pureland...
However, distraction thoughts also arise often and really have a good time fighting them as well as the restlessness.
Then, I recall the recent meditation techniques learnt and reflect:
How would Rinpoche & Venerables advise one?
~ Try different tune of chanting or methods of visualisation
~ Practice awareness of the thoughts arising and just watch them without drifting along
~ Tired of generating the visualisation?
Take a step back and just relax and chant in a relax manner without visualisation or
just enjoy the chant...listen to the chant by others, let the mind rest for a short while
---> return with energy later...
Aspiration to attend more retreats in 2013 to tune one's mind.
Blessing required to attend more retreats without Physical, Mental or any obscurations.
Longing for a good long one after Apr.
Let go....
Om Mani Padme Hung
Amituofo
Tried hard to practice what's taught in the book such as :
Reciting the mantra out of wish for all beings' negative karma, non-virtuous deeds, defilements to be purified and eradicated from root,
Generating bodhicitta, loving-kindness and compassion to all beings,
May All be Well & Happy
May All be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering
May All have happiness and the causes of happiness
Repent on my past deeds that causes my present situation and wish for all beings and my obscurations to be eradicated,
Gratitude to those who had made me "unhappy" to let me realise the imperfection of the samsara, arise the aspiration to want to get out of it, meet good Dharma teachers, know more about Pureland practice and aspiring towards rebirth in Amitabha Buddha's Pureland...
However, distraction thoughts also arise often and really have a good time fighting them as well as the restlessness.
Then, I recall the recent meditation techniques learnt and reflect:
How would Rinpoche & Venerables advise one?
~ Try different tune of chanting or methods of visualisation
~ Practice awareness of the thoughts arising and just watch them without drifting along
~ Tired of generating the visualisation?
Take a step back and just relax and chant in a relax manner without visualisation or
just enjoy the chant...listen to the chant by others, let the mind rest for a short while
---> return with energy later...
Aspiration to attend more retreats in 2013 to tune one's mind.
Blessing required to attend more retreats without Physical, Mental or any obscurations.
Longing for a good long one after Apr.
Let go....
Om Mani Padme Hung
Amituofo
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Mani Recitation Retreat 2012
Mani Recitation Retreat 2012 in Singapore ~ 21-25 Dec 8.30am-9.30pm
A change of venue this year to Toa Payoh Sports Hall.
The capacity for Full-timers for chair-seating became only about a third? of that in Suntec but plenty for part-timers at the top level bench seats with good "scenic" view.
A New image of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) as shown above.
The retreat is again led by His Eminence Thritsab Rinpoche &
Drikung Kagyu Lamas.
It took me a while to get used to the new environment and looking around I don't see as much familar faces but the chant of the Universal mantra brings us warmly together:-)
Positive energy generated as we chant "Om Mani Padme Hung" ...
As per past practice, part-time participants are welcome to join the retreat:
One-day ticket: $35
Morning session (8.30am-12.30pm): $15
Afternoon session (1.30pm-6pm): $15
Evening session (7pm-9.30pm): $10
*Christmas night Blessing session starts from 6pm...
(Meals unless has excess from full-timers will not be provided to part-timers (but I see there is always extra and organiser will announce before meals if there are sufficient for part-timers as well), no worries, just cross over the bridge to Toa Payoh Central and you will find at least 3 vegetarian choices at:
Online Pledge
(So touching to read the email that Garchen Rinpoche just pledged his on-line counts and advocate his disciples to support the retreat)
THANKS TO ALL, 108,612,012 Chants with assistance from Online pledges. :-)
*There is kmspks free Dharma books distribution booth on the left of the Hall facing the stage, Valuable Gems are there such as the recommended book to read for the retreat: "The Significance and Benefits of Six-Syllable Mantra Recitation" based on His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche's Teachings at the 2004 Mani Recitation Retreat held at kmspks (Oh, how I miss the old venue for the retreat, participants, let's pray for better karma to resume future retreats at kmspks).
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Gar Quotes Message
Some useful tips on meditation emailed to me by friend who knows my recent rekindled interest in meditation but still poor at practice :P
----------------------------------------------
You must train the mind like a muscle.
If you want to train your body you must practice exercise regularly.
Likewise, if you want to train your mind, you must practice meditation on a day to day basis. You will not be able to carry a heavy load with weak muscles.
Training is a gradual process.
You must persistently and constantly train your mind on a day to day basis if you wish to overcome difficulties and become stronger.
Every time you recognise a thought, your mindfulness has become that much stronger. Slowly you will gain in inner strength.
In the beginning it is not easy to overcome very powerful emotions.
If the emotions are too overwhelming and you are unable to overcome them with mindfulness, you must apply a different method.
You should then think of a deity, like Tara, immediately without allowing yourself to indulge in the bad feeling.
In the beginning you do recognise the emotions but they still won't go away.
That is because your mindfulness is not strong enough.
Therefore you must train the mind in all circumstances,
not only when you encounter problems.
You should train the mind first by recognising the less intense thoughts.
And if you train consistently with diligence, then eventually you will be able to overcome even more powerful thoughts.
And later, no thought or emotion can trouble you anymore.
Everything becomes the same.
Then even though the body is in samsara, the mind is liberated.
You have to make an effort to liberate your mind rather than your body. "Consciousness the guest, will cast aside the guesthouse of the body." (37 Bodhisattva Practices)
When your mental grasping diminishes, you will see how everything is so fleeting and doesn't truly exist.
This life is like a dream.
Nothing ever stays, suffering and happiness come and go.
You must be able to let go of your fixation to the things that cannot last. Thoughts of desire and attachment are the delusion of a confused mind.
Best is if you need nothing.
>
>
>
> Reminders of Kindness, Compassion, and Your Own True Nature by Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche
>
> Translation copyright © 2012 Ina Bieler. All rights reserved.
> The quotes may be forwarded to friends, but all other uses are reserved.
>>
> You can help spread the teachings of Rinpoche by distributing the sign-up
> link to others:
>
> http://www.garchen.net/gar-quotes.html
>
> Archive of past Gar Quotes:
>
> http://www.garchen.net/gar-quotes-archive.html
>>
> German Translation:
>
> http://garchen-rinpoche-zitate.blogspot.com/
>
> Chinese Translation:
>
> http://jangchubdrolma.blogspot.com/
>
> Spanish Translation:
>
> http://drikungcusco.wordpress.com/
>
> Vietnamese Translation:
>
> http://www.vietnalanda.org/Translations/GAR%20Quotes/tchnghatgionggiacngo.Garquotes.html
>
> Russian Translation:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/gar-quotes-in-russian
>
> Hungarian Translation:
>
> http://stupa.hu/zalaszanto/category/idezetek/
>
> Ukrainian Translation:
>
http://www.facebook.com/l/3b84dqE_wa3W1_H4pTkzbyy1OXA/groups.google.com/group/gar-quotes-in-ukrainian
>
> Estonian Translation:
>
> http://budism.weebly.com/gar-quotes.html
>
> Japanese Translation:
>
> http://garchenrinpoche.blog.fc2.com
----------------------------------------------
You must train the mind like a muscle.
If you want to train your body you must practice exercise regularly.
Likewise, if you want to train your mind, you must practice meditation on a day to day basis. You will not be able to carry a heavy load with weak muscles.
Training is a gradual process.
You must persistently and constantly train your mind on a day to day basis if you wish to overcome difficulties and become stronger.
Every time you recognise a thought, your mindfulness has become that much stronger. Slowly you will gain in inner strength.
In the beginning it is not easy to overcome very powerful emotions.
If the emotions are too overwhelming and you are unable to overcome them with mindfulness, you must apply a different method.
You should then think of a deity, like Tara, immediately without allowing yourself to indulge in the bad feeling.
In the beginning you do recognise the emotions but they still won't go away.
That is because your mindfulness is not strong enough.
Therefore you must train the mind in all circumstances,
not only when you encounter problems.
You should train the mind first by recognising the less intense thoughts.
And if you train consistently with diligence, then eventually you will be able to overcome even more powerful thoughts.
And later, no thought or emotion can trouble you anymore.
Everything becomes the same.
Then even though the body is in samsara, the mind is liberated.
You have to make an effort to liberate your mind rather than your body. "Consciousness the guest, will cast aside the guesthouse of the body." (37 Bodhisattva Practices)
When your mental grasping diminishes, you will see how everything is so fleeting and doesn't truly exist.
This life is like a dream.
Nothing ever stays, suffering and happiness come and go.
You must be able to let go of your fixation to the things that cannot last. Thoughts of desire and attachment are the delusion of a confused mind.
Best is if you need nothing.
>
>
>
> Reminders of Kindness, Compassion, and Your Own True Nature by Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche
>
> Translation copyright © 2012 Ina Bieler. All rights reserved.
> The quotes may be forwarded to friends, but all other uses are reserved.
>>
> You can help spread the teachings of Rinpoche by distributing the sign-up
> link to others:
>
> http://www.garchen.net/gar-quotes.html
>
> Archive of past Gar Quotes:
>
> http://www.garchen.net/gar-quotes-archive.html
>>
> German Translation:
>
> http://garchen-rinpoche-zitate.blogspot.com/
>
> Chinese Translation:
>
> http://jangchubdrolma.blogspot.com/
>
> Spanish Translation:
>
> http://drikungcusco.wordpress.com/
>
> Vietnamese Translation:
>
> http://www.vietnalanda.org/Translations/GAR%20Quotes/tchnghatgionggiacngo.Garquotes.html
>
> Russian Translation:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/gar-quotes-in-russian
>
> Hungarian Translation:
>
> http://stupa.hu/zalaszanto/category/idezetek/
>
> Ukrainian Translation:
>
http://www.facebook.com/l/3b84dqE_wa3W1_H4pTkzbyy1OXA/groups.google.com/group/gar-quotes-in-ukrainian
>
> Estonian Translation:
>
> http://budism.weebly.com/gar-quotes.html
>
> Japanese Translation:
>
> http://garchenrinpoche.blog.fc2.com
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Fantastic Animation on Amitabha Buddha's Pureland
Good links
-----------------------------
Just like someone who had heard about beauty of Japan or Bhutan, if one had seen pictures of it, one may be further inspired to visit it.
-----------------------------
Just like someone who had heard about beauty of Japan or Bhutan, if one had seen pictures of it, one may be further inspired to visit it.
Similarly, just by reading the text, one may not be able to visualize and develop as great aspiration but these animations have helped me to better understand the Amitabha Sutra, the state of Pureland and hence enforced my Aspiration to Pureland.
View them on laptop for better effect.
Amituofo
1) 极乐世界之美
2) 佛说阿弥陀经上集(动画)
3) 佛典故事 - 佛说阿弥陀经 (全集)
this older version has better explaination
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn759B0FGoU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn759B0FGoU
4) 佛典故事 大願 佛說無量壽經 ( 上 )
5) 佛典故事 大願 佛說無量壽經 ( 下 )
May you be aspired as well.
Amituofo
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