Beauty and the beast. I believe it's the best description that I have ever heard about the emotions accumulating from the experiences within the depth of our lives.
I am not talking about the drama or Disney fairy tale we used to watch during our childhood into our adolescence or even into our adulthood, I am talking about the universal beauty and darkness we all have accumulated and are still accumulating like it or not through our very own rich life experience as long as we are still breathing, till death does us apart.
Friday, 16 July 2021
A Buddhist's Reflection
Time flies and I just realized I have not been writing since 2019. I took sometimes to reflect upon what I have been doing since 2019 until now and to be honest, I couldn't recall a single thing in 2019. Perhaps subconsciously I chose to ignore something painful that could have happened? Anyway let it passes as we cannot undo whatever had happened in the past - the past causes!
However 2020 until now I realize this global pandemic has really shaken the humanity. No doubt it has taken a lot of lives unfortunately and it has a toll on most of the businesses, it also makes me realize our life can be bigger than this and we can still be happy amid the unprecedented difficulties surmounting life and livelihood of most of the world population including ourselves.
It is also an opportunity for me to reflect, to re-learn new things and to explore what I had not done in the past. I feel devasted, angry and empathy at the same time reading the news everyday and I choose to limit myself for watching the news only at night for an hour, but at the same time I realize as humans we are capable of creating something of value every single day in our life, be it to create new menu for our basic meals, or just a phone call to check on a friend or to offer mental support for someone. Words are free, in time like this kind words can alleviate someone else's suffering and offer another person the courage to move on despite the situation.
Deep down it also makes me question about the world systems at large and I am reminded of what Buddhism describes about the Saha (mundane) world, especially in this Latter Day of the Law - the third of three periods after Shakyamuni Buddha's passing, as an age of conflict, confusion and corruption, exactly the age we are living!
We can complain about anything as it is the human nature not to be satisfied. Human's hunger or greed also knows no boundary, some describe human greed as bottomless pit. It's irony we can't even take good care of our mother earth and we want to conquer the outer space and other planets, resulting in waste created in the space. Do we even think before we act? Is our ego bigger than our life?
I am sure a lot of sane people are tired and sick about the existing issues such as crony capitalism and cronyism; institutional, religious organisational, non-governmental and governmental corruption; institutionalized and systemic discrimination, environmental destruction and climate change; widening gap of wealth distribution; human right and white supremacy; and the list just go on and on and on! The moral decay and ethical issues are surfaced at large through this pandemic. Are we collectvely as human race not to be blamed?
A Buddhist sutra quotes: "If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present". Isn't all we experience today the results of the causes we collectively created in the past? Our actions or inactions, repeated over the times have created the world we are living today. If we are not happy with the world situation or in our immediate environment, do we still want to repeat the same expecting a miracle to happen? Or are we taking full responsibility from now on to create the life and the world we want? Start with our own immediate environment.
It's so convenient and easy to point fingers at others but not ourselves as we can't even see our own eye brows without a mirror. Blaming a situation on others is the most easy solution as we don't have to take any accountability. We see this in the corporate world and in the political world, hence the production of scapegoats. Let's pause and think when we are blaming someone for our misfortune, isn't that what we complain when we see the medias zoom in to the lack of coordination among the various governmental departments in handling the pandemic S.O.P and thus the blame game started? The fundamental is the same - no accountability for one's action.
Another common everyday example we know since the start of the NEP (New Economy Policy) aims at "equal" wealth distribution among "all" Malaysians. Politicians have since been playing the 2R (race and religion) games. Now with this pandemic, the people themselves are the ones who involved in the same nature of discrimination, to quote examples floating in the world wide web since the beginning of March 2021: attacks from individuals from both sides or among countries such as vaccines vs ivermectin; vaxxers vs antivaxxers; western approach vs oriental approach; vaccine war and vaccine passport, to name a few. Aren't we also creating the division among ourselves, friends and family members included due to different values? Aren't we fighting among ourselves? Why are we only see what is happening in the political arena everyday but fail to see this one great evil lies within the depth of our own life? What value are we creating? What benefit do we get by sharing all the bias information we gather we claim to be valid?
Let's realize one single truth: the impermanence of life! No one nor an entity is infallible, nothing in this world is absolute and everything is in a constant state of changing, evolving - likewise the science and the medicine. Poison used to kill rat yesteryears is the medicine to thin the blood today! Just like a quote by Nichiren: "Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law" in his Letter to Jakunichi-bo. The only absolute things are the sun will continue to rise everyday, and birth and death!
I hope with this little reflection of mine can help the readers in awakening to the law of cause and effect as I wish to see a better world and systems for our next generation. They deserve a better world; and as responsible adults, we must stop creating the same negative causes over and over again but resolves to create positive causes from this moment onwards if we want to see a miracle to happen. The ingredient we need to start with is the basic respect for life and recognize life is precious regardless of social position, wealth and status. If we can't even respect our own life, learn to respect our own life first!
Lastly, I would like to end this essay with a quote from Daisaku Ikeda, "When we change, the world changes. The key to all changes is in our inner transformation - a change of our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. when we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime, and in any situation." In short, change the way we look at things and the things you look at change! Let's all be the agents of positive change, in our own environment. Stop dividing and start uniting! The power is in our hands.
Saturday, 24 August 2019
Energy vs. Blockage
Received an enlightening audio sharing in Mandarin on ENERGY and BLOCKAGE yesterday from my cousin, listened to it many times in the car on the way to work to grasp the profound meaning in it.
I shared with a friend who felt very down yesterday, could really tell from his face and spoke few words to encourage him. Hopefully he would feel better after listening to the audio sharing too.
I have been thinking over the sharing this morning and trying to grasp the essence just a little bit better. I remember two weeks ago I met a friend and we shared about the technology and world. We lamented that our next generation will face tough time in future as technological advancement has created a new competition, human race will not only face competition with human race but also Artificial Intelligence (AI) in no time. China already has the AI broadcaster, professional jobs are replaced by AI in certain sectors. However we still believe in the beautiful human bond and human engagement on the daily basis. To be able to share even with another human being is wonderful, don't you agree?
I remember in the early 80's, the third president of the Soka Gakkai International, President Daisaku Ikeda proposed to United Nation to shift the competition from economy to humanity. Key index in the measurement is human happiness. Later, I read Finland (west) and Bhutan (east) have very high Happiness Index and rank top 10 in the world. Are we able to have a genuine paradigm shift looking at the world today?
In an ideal world, each and everyone is happy. Basic necessities are met, there is no hatred, no conflict, no war, no famine, no poverty, everyone shares the resources equally. It's a wonderful world, isn't it? Therefore if everyone is awakened to a greater good through this sharing, the good energy and vibe will also be expanded, I will explain how this is possible through my understanding and realisation.
When one is full of compassion, embrace and joy from within, energy from space-time will ceaselessly flow into one's body. When one's door of wisdom is opened, one is filled with joy and it will be emitted to the surrounding, in return one will receive unlimited energy. When one initiates true benevolent desire, one's energy is beyond one's imagination.
On the other hand when one is full of grudges, jealousy, fear, worries and helplessness, one's energy will be drained away rapidly, follows by aging and premature death. Fear especially causes the lost of energy completely in an instant and thus the lost of life. Once we are awakened to this truth, we should know how to be truly healthy. To be truly healthy we must eliminate disease (dis-ease: not at ease), this must come from our own initiative from within, not on the superficial level. When one is having vanity or when one is telling lie, one's energy is largely consumed. Therefore it's important to have self-awareness and constant reflection is a must.
Have you ever experience harmony or conflict when you are visiting a family? In a small space of a family, mindfulness of each and every member is accumulated in this space, good or bad. This is not only affecting your mood but also your health. Have you ever felt comfortable or uneasy when you meet with strangers? Some people just make you feel warmth and comfortable and you would want to spend more time getting to know them while others make you feel you want to run away instantly the moment you meet them. This has to do with the people's mindfulness too. Auspicious and peaceful energy field has healing function indeed, individual or family, first and foremost must understand the importance of mindfulness. Benevolent mindfulness attracts peace and health while unkind mindfulness attracts disaster and disease. This is similar to the law of attraction.
The quality of the energy we attract corresponds to the capacity of our mind. In other words the capacity of our mind and the capacity of the energy we attract is on par and completely in sync. The larger the capacity of mind the larger the energy is attracted. The larger the energy is attracted the larger is one's capability. There is a price to pay in term of energy to be successful in life. The process of life and how we live our life is equivalent to the process of gaining and emitting the energy.
How then can we gain energy? Besides taking food and beverage everyday, energy can be gained from the void (empty) of the space (universe). It's important to eat and drink healthily, it's also important to know how to leverage on energy in the cosmos. However I am not going into detail on how to gain energy from the cosmos as it requires high level spiritual practice which different people have different capacity. I will focus more on training ourselves to have good thoughts constantly by explaining why this is important. Good thought attracts true happiness over the time and this requires consistent practice, endurance and persistence.
Everyone wants to be happy, no doubt about this and without any discrimination regardless if one is a janitor, a manager or even a president. What is true happiness then? A person's life is determined by three aspects of energy - the mental, intelligent, physical. Mental energy is like the roots of a tree, intelligent energy is the stem of a tree while physical energy is the branches and leaves of a tree. All these will determine his or her own life and happiness. The happiness here refers to true happiness, it's unconditional and it does not depends on one's circumstance, in contrast to pleasure which most people pursue and mistakenly think as happiness, such as physical pleasure, materials, wealth, fame, status, position, promotion and etc. True happiness derives from within one's life and it is indestructible while relative happiness is conditional as it is subjected to external circumstances, such happiness is temporary and can be robbed in an instance such as when one is stripped of everything, i.e the lost of job, wealth, family, love, health and etc. this relative happiness will be gone immediately.
True happiness starts from strong desire to change, all it takes is courage to take the first step. First start from one's health and ensure the balance of yin and yang. Health here refers to both physical and mental aspects. Genuine health practice includes the practice of mastering one's blood vessel, meridian and nerve which aligns with traditional Chinese medical practice. Blood vessel is the transmission passage of power source, meridian is the transmission passage of energy while nerve is the transmission passage of information.
The mind mainly controls the information, information and energy are inseparable. Therefore if the transmission passage of energy is blocked, the transmission passage of information will be blocked too.
Any blockage in the meridian creates physical pain and suffering. In order to eliminate the pain and suffering, one needs to identify the root cause of the blockage which is mental disorder. Each and every physical pain and suffering corresponds to a sin. To remove the pain and suffering, first and foremost one has to remove the sin in one's mind (thought).
What are blocking our mind? The answer is very straight forward, they are the poisons of life, namely arrogance, selfishness, greed, anger, jealousy, ignorant, fear, grudge and worries. They are the main culprits of our blockage. Therefore it's important to spend sometimes to observe one's mind every day religiously. To eliminate the blockage it's important to be aware about one's mind, all it takes is a consistent practice, replace the poisons with a sense of gratitude, joy, embrace, selflessness and compassion. The key action here is first to be aware about one's mind only then replacement can take place. Make this a habit.
When there is no blockage there is also no missed opportunities, that explains why some people seem to be lucky all the times and others are not, some people have strong capacity to identify opportunities and make the right decision while others keep making the wrong decision. It's all in the capacity to attract the right energy.
If everyone realises and practises this in his or her daily life, I am sure all of us will live a truly happy life. Isn't this a wonderful learning and realisation? There will not be any hatred, conflict, war, famine, poverty and other negative sides. Let's keep spreading the positive energy to our surrounding and back into the cosmos.
Keep creating a better world for all human kind!
I shared with a friend who felt very down yesterday, could really tell from his face and spoke few words to encourage him. Hopefully he would feel better after listening to the audio sharing too.
I have been thinking over the sharing this morning and trying to grasp the essence just a little bit better. I remember two weeks ago I met a friend and we shared about the technology and world. We lamented that our next generation will face tough time in future as technological advancement has created a new competition, human race will not only face competition with human race but also Artificial Intelligence (AI) in no time. China already has the AI broadcaster, professional jobs are replaced by AI in certain sectors. However we still believe in the beautiful human bond and human engagement on the daily basis. To be able to share even with another human being is wonderful, don't you agree?
I remember in the early 80's, the third president of the Soka Gakkai International, President Daisaku Ikeda proposed to United Nation to shift the competition from economy to humanity. Key index in the measurement is human happiness. Later, I read Finland (west) and Bhutan (east) have very high Happiness Index and rank top 10 in the world. Are we able to have a genuine paradigm shift looking at the world today?
In an ideal world, each and everyone is happy. Basic necessities are met, there is no hatred, no conflict, no war, no famine, no poverty, everyone shares the resources equally. It's a wonderful world, isn't it? Therefore if everyone is awakened to a greater good through this sharing, the good energy and vibe will also be expanded, I will explain how this is possible through my understanding and realisation.
When one is full of compassion, embrace and joy from within, energy from space-time will ceaselessly flow into one's body. When one's door of wisdom is opened, one is filled with joy and it will be emitted to the surrounding, in return one will receive unlimited energy. When one initiates true benevolent desire, one's energy is beyond one's imagination.
On the other hand when one is full of grudges, jealousy, fear, worries and helplessness, one's energy will be drained away rapidly, follows by aging and premature death. Fear especially causes the lost of energy completely in an instant and thus the lost of life. Once we are awakened to this truth, we should know how to be truly healthy. To be truly healthy we must eliminate disease (dis-ease: not at ease), this must come from our own initiative from within, not on the superficial level. When one is having vanity or when one is telling lie, one's energy is largely consumed. Therefore it's important to have self-awareness and constant reflection is a must.
Have you ever experience harmony or conflict when you are visiting a family? In a small space of a family, mindfulness of each and every member is accumulated in this space, good or bad. This is not only affecting your mood but also your health. Have you ever felt comfortable or uneasy when you meet with strangers? Some people just make you feel warmth and comfortable and you would want to spend more time getting to know them while others make you feel you want to run away instantly the moment you meet them. This has to do with the people's mindfulness too. Auspicious and peaceful energy field has healing function indeed, individual or family, first and foremost must understand the importance of mindfulness. Benevolent mindfulness attracts peace and health while unkind mindfulness attracts disaster and disease. This is similar to the law of attraction.
The quality of the energy we attract corresponds to the capacity of our mind. In other words the capacity of our mind and the capacity of the energy we attract is on par and completely in sync. The larger the capacity of mind the larger the energy is attracted. The larger the energy is attracted the larger is one's capability. There is a price to pay in term of energy to be successful in life. The process of life and how we live our life is equivalent to the process of gaining and emitting the energy.
Everyone wants to be happy, no doubt about this and without any discrimination regardless if one is a janitor, a manager or even a president. What is true happiness then? A person's life is determined by three aspects of energy - the mental, intelligent, physical. Mental energy is like the roots of a tree, intelligent energy is the stem of a tree while physical energy is the branches and leaves of a tree. All these will determine his or her own life and happiness. The happiness here refers to true happiness, it's unconditional and it does not depends on one's circumstance, in contrast to pleasure which most people pursue and mistakenly think as happiness, such as physical pleasure, materials, wealth, fame, status, position, promotion and etc. True happiness derives from within one's life and it is indestructible while relative happiness is conditional as it is subjected to external circumstances, such happiness is temporary and can be robbed in an instance such as when one is stripped of everything, i.e the lost of job, wealth, family, love, health and etc. this relative happiness will be gone immediately.
True happiness starts from strong desire to change, all it takes is courage to take the first step. First start from one's health and ensure the balance of yin and yang. Health here refers to both physical and mental aspects. Genuine health practice includes the practice of mastering one's blood vessel, meridian and nerve which aligns with traditional Chinese medical practice. Blood vessel is the transmission passage of power source, meridian is the transmission passage of energy while nerve is the transmission passage of information.
The mind mainly controls the information, information and energy are inseparable. Therefore if the transmission passage of energy is blocked, the transmission passage of information will be blocked too.
Any blockage in the meridian creates physical pain and suffering. In order to eliminate the pain and suffering, one needs to identify the root cause of the blockage which is mental disorder. Each and every physical pain and suffering corresponds to a sin. To remove the pain and suffering, first and foremost one has to remove the sin in one's mind (thought).
What are blocking our mind? The answer is very straight forward, they are the poisons of life, namely arrogance, selfishness, greed, anger, jealousy, ignorant, fear, grudge and worries. They are the main culprits of our blockage. Therefore it's important to spend sometimes to observe one's mind every day religiously. To eliminate the blockage it's important to be aware about one's mind, all it takes is a consistent practice, replace the poisons with a sense of gratitude, joy, embrace, selflessness and compassion. The key action here is first to be aware about one's mind only then replacement can take place. Make this a habit.
When there is no blockage there is also no missed opportunities, that explains why some people seem to be lucky all the times and others are not, some people have strong capacity to identify opportunities and make the right decision while others keep making the wrong decision. It's all in the capacity to attract the right energy.
If everyone realises and practises this in his or her daily life, I am sure all of us will live a truly happy life. Isn't this a wonderful learning and realisation? There will not be any hatred, conflict, war, famine, poverty and other negative sides. Let's keep spreading the positive energy to our surrounding and back into the cosmos.
Keep creating a better world for all human kind!
Monday, 28 January 2019
Spring Cleaning
It's been such a long time since I last wrote, time flies. It's 2019 now and Chinese New Year is coming in the next couple of days. This year I decided to do a more thorough spring cleaning as it's a tradition, I started as early as from the first week of January, bit by bit... juggling between work, social and home life and spent more time these few days on cleaning the kitchen, repainting the grilles, throwing the trashes and grouping the recyclable "unwanted" items.
I came to a profound realization this morning, after cleaning the kitchen, throwing all expired foods and medications, grouping bottles, cans, food containers, plastics, aluminium wraps, cracked glass ornaments and etc yesterday; and of course a nice overnight sleep after getting my fingers ached from spraying the paint, skin on fingers peeled and bled as a result of twisting the cloths dry these few days. Spring cleaning continued this morning after my prayer, I realized that I no longer need some shoes, over the time they became hardened and they are going to hurt my feet if I wear them, so there they went in my recycling items, of course including all the shoe boxes which I wasn't sure why I kept them in the first place. Perhaps it's the clinging on to what I felt good for being able to buy branded, expensive shoes, or I naively thought I needed a reference for future shoe purchase and thus keeping them would help me memorized the shoe boutiques I went before randomly. I was shallow, I knew, but not anymore.
I realized I am also doing my own spiritual and emotional cleaning besides the physical spring cleaning. In life we just need to keep detoxing; detoxing our mind and body to keep us healthy inside out. I decided to move on with my life totally new, deleting unwanted memories, divorcing people or situations that no longer contribute to enhancing my value or serve me right and I stopped holding myself emotional hostage for years.
I stop giving excuses on their behalf and start focusing on my own needs and development. Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards (my favorite quote by Soren Kierkegaard). We just need to stop giving excuses, justifying for others about their behaviors and the reason behind why they behave like that, it's really none of our business how they want to live their lives. We are responsible only for our own lives and happiness, so do the things that make us happy and start installing new beliefs (causes) to unleash our hidden potentials that we never know we have. Remove all the negative beliefs about ourselves such as "I'm not worthy", "No body like or want me", "I'm useless" because all these are the negative causes for a guaranteed effect - failure in life. Start appreciating our own life, ourselves, our qualities, start looking into the mirror to see our true selves and start loving ourselves more and enjoying the me time more.
Also never forget to work on ourselves, take 10 minutes to reflect every morning and rehearse the positive self affirmations few times a day, if we are practicing this on the daily basis, we are installing new positive beliefs (causes) towards the goals we set for ourselves. Remember the trials and tribulations we are facing serve as springboard for us to growth not the other way. When we change the core of our lives, our immediate environment is transformed.
I am grateful that I have this realization, this Chinese New Year is truly different as it serves as a cause for my realization. I am happy that I have chosen to do a thorough spring cleaning instead of being lazy like past years. Spring cleaning continues tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I am also looking forward for my family reunion.
With this realization, I feel truly liberated for the first time after so many years!
I came to a profound realization this morning, after cleaning the kitchen, throwing all expired foods and medications, grouping bottles, cans, food containers, plastics, aluminium wraps, cracked glass ornaments and etc yesterday; and of course a nice overnight sleep after getting my fingers ached from spraying the paint, skin on fingers peeled and bled as a result of twisting the cloths dry these few days. Spring cleaning continued this morning after my prayer, I realized that I no longer need some shoes, over the time they became hardened and they are going to hurt my feet if I wear them, so there they went in my recycling items, of course including all the shoe boxes which I wasn't sure why I kept them in the first place. Perhaps it's the clinging on to what I felt good for being able to buy branded, expensive shoes, or I naively thought I needed a reference for future shoe purchase and thus keeping them would help me memorized the shoe boutiques I went before randomly. I was shallow, I knew, but not anymore.
I realized I am also doing my own spiritual and emotional cleaning besides the physical spring cleaning. In life we just need to keep detoxing; detoxing our mind and body to keep us healthy inside out. I decided to move on with my life totally new, deleting unwanted memories, divorcing people or situations that no longer contribute to enhancing my value or serve me right and I stopped holding myself emotional hostage for years.
I stop giving excuses on their behalf and start focusing on my own needs and development. Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards (my favorite quote by Soren Kierkegaard). We just need to stop giving excuses, justifying for others about their behaviors and the reason behind why they behave like that, it's really none of our business how they want to live their lives. We are responsible only for our own lives and happiness, so do the things that make us happy and start installing new beliefs (causes) to unleash our hidden potentials that we never know we have. Remove all the negative beliefs about ourselves such as "I'm not worthy", "No body like or want me", "I'm useless" because all these are the negative causes for a guaranteed effect - failure in life. Start appreciating our own life, ourselves, our qualities, start looking into the mirror to see our true selves and start loving ourselves more and enjoying the me time more.
Also never forget to work on ourselves, take 10 minutes to reflect every morning and rehearse the positive self affirmations few times a day, if we are practicing this on the daily basis, we are installing new positive beliefs (causes) towards the goals we set for ourselves. Remember the trials and tribulations we are facing serve as springboard for us to growth not the other way. When we change the core of our lives, our immediate environment is transformed.
I am grateful that I have this realization, this Chinese New Year is truly different as it serves as a cause for my realization. I am happy that I have chosen to do a thorough spring cleaning instead of being lazy like past years. Spring cleaning continues tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I am also looking forward for my family reunion.
With this realization, I feel truly liberated for the first time after so many years!
Thursday, 12 November 2015
Is Happiness Absence of Suffering?
"Happiness does not equate to the absence of suffering!" I learned this many years ago from one of my seniors. I always remind myself about this and not to let any circumstance from robbing my happiness or joy and I managed to transform a few significant life dramas into the inspiration to grow and keep growing my capacity for more.
Lately I testified my senior's statement again with my family experience and truly "felt this" again from the bottom of my heart. What else could be more definite and bigger than death! Yes it's about life and death struggle for about 2 weeks.
To cut the story short, my mom was admitted to hospital and was scheduled for an emergency operation she had to undergo. That's the beginning of our shared struggle as a family. Anything could happen during the operation and she was in critical condition after the operation. A normal bowel system operation and post-op recovery was complicated by blood infection that had the virus spread all over her body. Her heart, kidney and lung were attacked one after another. Her life was supported by a breathing machine, strong medications for her heart and antibiotics for her blood infection. Doctor sedated her for about a week to keep her from being traumatized should her wake up seeing all the machines surrounding her and needles poking all over her body.
When we were called to hospital the second day after her operation, her condition was critical, no breathing, super-duper high pulse rate (200+) like a time bomb that might have her heart exploded any time should the medical team not defibrillate her. Do we have faith that she would survive and her subsequent recovery? YES but not without any worry! Are we shaken by death? Definitely not, not even a second as we have the power of the universe - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to tap into to revive her life force. In my prayer for my mom, I had already vowed she was not fighting alone, I was with her, my family members were with her. Her survivor and recovery was not an option for us but a decision that we have vowed and made... and we had also vowed to crush the devilish function that was playing our mind out. We were on guard every second without a moment of pause, the devilish function would take advantage should we slacken in our belief. Not a chance at all!
I was with her by the bed side in the afternoon and continue sending my prayer, clear and loud, to penetrate her life, to fuse with her micro universe so as to revive her life force. Slowly and steadily by each minute, her pulse rate reduced and her breathing came back despite her body was still icy cold due to poor blood circulation. By the time I left, her pulse was reduced to 120+-, I knew she was going to be fine, she would be fine!
She was put on dialysis system for 2 days to cleanse the virus in her blood and her heart rate was brought down by half from the super-duper high on the second day after the operation. I thanked the doctor in charge in the CCU, he said he felt sorry for my mom and concluded that that was the best they could do and her condition did not improve. I thanked him again anyway and assured him my mom would be fine.
Fast forward to today, my mom now is recovering well at home, gaining her weight back and eating more than my aunt. She answered my uncle sarcastically when my uncle asked if she could recognise him. Her answer was: "I had operation in my stomach, I am not having brain damage". See how fast she reacted! (LOL)
That one week in the ward, fifteen days in the CCU and the remaining days close to a month back in the ward was full of life drama be it her own or one of her room mates. My mom couldn't be left unattended 24 hours a day 7 days a week! We were there for her from tube-feeding her to cleaning her. Opening her mouth was as difficult as moving a mountain and she could barely move her fingers and her feet. I was with her for about a week looking after her at night until my pulse rate become irregular and shot up on the 7th day morning. I truly experienced what she experienced in the CCU and fortunately I did not collapse. We got a maid to help out after a week and I got to rush to hospital two to three times a day to make sure someone was there 24x7.
Do I suffer? Yes both mentally and physically. Do I begrudge my life? Yes when my heart rate shot up and no one understood my suffering but I did not succumb to my circumstance for long. I could choose an easy way out but I didn't. I didn't know how to reduce my mom's suffering especially when a suction tube was put in her throat through her mouth. She had tears in her eyes everytime the tube went into her mouth. My presence for her was the best I could offer her.
Despite all these, I chant with great gratitude and joy...and many times I shed tears of gratitude and joy during my chanting. I am grateful for the surgeon, doctors, nurses, staff that save and serve my mom. I am grateful that they did not give up saving my mom's life during the critical moment. I am grateful for all my friends and family members who were sending prayer day and night without fail. I am grateful that my mom took this suffering upon herself. I am grateful for my mom's compassion. I am grateful my mom pull through this. I am grateful none of my family members collapse at this critical moment. I am grateful that my family members united in our own way to support my mom in this trying time. I am grateful because I am grateful...
Two days before my mom was discharged, I suddenly realized that I am joy and happiness itself, no circumstance could take this joy and happiness away from me. I felt deep satisfaction and joy well forth from my life when I was awakened to this!
Happiness is not the absence of suffering. Again my experience testifies this.
Lately I testified my senior's statement again with my family experience and truly "felt this" again from the bottom of my heart. What else could be more definite and bigger than death! Yes it's about life and death struggle for about 2 weeks.
To cut the story short, my mom was admitted to hospital and was scheduled for an emergency operation she had to undergo. That's the beginning of our shared struggle as a family. Anything could happen during the operation and she was in critical condition after the operation. A normal bowel system operation and post-op recovery was complicated by blood infection that had the virus spread all over her body. Her heart, kidney and lung were attacked one after another. Her life was supported by a breathing machine, strong medications for her heart and antibiotics for her blood infection. Doctor sedated her for about a week to keep her from being traumatized should her wake up seeing all the machines surrounding her and needles poking all over her body.
When we were called to hospital the second day after her operation, her condition was critical, no breathing, super-duper high pulse rate (200+) like a time bomb that might have her heart exploded any time should the medical team not defibrillate her. Do we have faith that she would survive and her subsequent recovery? YES but not without any worry! Are we shaken by death? Definitely not, not even a second as we have the power of the universe - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to tap into to revive her life force. In my prayer for my mom, I had already vowed she was not fighting alone, I was with her, my family members were with her. Her survivor and recovery was not an option for us but a decision that we have vowed and made... and we had also vowed to crush the devilish function that was playing our mind out. We were on guard every second without a moment of pause, the devilish function would take advantage should we slacken in our belief. Not a chance at all!
I was with her by the bed side in the afternoon and continue sending my prayer, clear and loud, to penetrate her life, to fuse with her micro universe so as to revive her life force. Slowly and steadily by each minute, her pulse rate reduced and her breathing came back despite her body was still icy cold due to poor blood circulation. By the time I left, her pulse was reduced to 120+-, I knew she was going to be fine, she would be fine!
She was put on dialysis system for 2 days to cleanse the virus in her blood and her heart rate was brought down by half from the super-duper high on the second day after the operation. I thanked the doctor in charge in the CCU, he said he felt sorry for my mom and concluded that that was the best they could do and her condition did not improve. I thanked him again anyway and assured him my mom would be fine.
Fast forward to today, my mom now is recovering well at home, gaining her weight back and eating more than my aunt. She answered my uncle sarcastically when my uncle asked if she could recognise him. Her answer was: "I had operation in my stomach, I am not having brain damage". See how fast she reacted! (LOL)
That one week in the ward, fifteen days in the CCU and the remaining days close to a month back in the ward was full of life drama be it her own or one of her room mates. My mom couldn't be left unattended 24 hours a day 7 days a week! We were there for her from tube-feeding her to cleaning her. Opening her mouth was as difficult as moving a mountain and she could barely move her fingers and her feet. I was with her for about a week looking after her at night until my pulse rate become irregular and shot up on the 7th day morning. I truly experienced what she experienced in the CCU and fortunately I did not collapse. We got a maid to help out after a week and I got to rush to hospital two to three times a day to make sure someone was there 24x7.
Do I suffer? Yes both mentally and physically. Do I begrudge my life? Yes when my heart rate shot up and no one understood my suffering but I did not succumb to my circumstance for long. I could choose an easy way out but I didn't. I didn't know how to reduce my mom's suffering especially when a suction tube was put in her throat through her mouth. She had tears in her eyes everytime the tube went into her mouth. My presence for her was the best I could offer her.
Despite all these, I chant with great gratitude and joy...and many times I shed tears of gratitude and joy during my chanting. I am grateful for the surgeon, doctors, nurses, staff that save and serve my mom. I am grateful that they did not give up saving my mom's life during the critical moment. I am grateful for all my friends and family members who were sending prayer day and night without fail. I am grateful that my mom took this suffering upon herself. I am grateful for my mom's compassion. I am grateful my mom pull through this. I am grateful none of my family members collapse at this critical moment. I am grateful that my family members united in our own way to support my mom in this trying time. I am grateful because I am grateful...
Two days before my mom was discharged, I suddenly realized that I am joy and happiness itself, no circumstance could take this joy and happiness away from me. I felt deep satisfaction and joy well forth from my life when I was awakened to this!
Happiness is not the absence of suffering. Again my experience testifies this.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Fighting Enemies From Within
Many times we feel agitated when we read about injustices done to the weak and innocence, we feel powerless for not being able to do anything to better the society and improve our social environment. Many times we may ask about the basic human right as when we open the pages be it in the newspapers, T.V news screens, social medias and many more, presented in front of our eyes are lists of negative news, you name it the news has it.
The society seems to be intoxicated by the three poisons of greed, jealousy and stupidity. Greater good in the human hearts has long seen disappeared, replaced by these three poisons. We have forgotten that we are all inter-connected, we and the environment are originally one just like the relationship inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. As a result we have all the social, political, developmental, economical and many other issues. When we probe further what is the root to these three poisons? They are all originated from one source - IGNORANCE!
We are ignorant about our greater potential which dormant within the depth of our very own life and the life of others. The potential to contribute to the greater good, to create values for oneself and others. We are so busy chasing after our mostly material dreams and many times at the expense of others and our environmental resources that we have no times to search for our soul and hunt for happiness from within. There is nothing wrong in pursuing material dreams to better our life, but when we enslave ourselves to that purpose and lose ourselves, there is a real danger that might ruin our own life and the life of others. To make things worse, we are in the age of information and communication revolution, technology has changed the way we communicate, with just one click, a touch or a swipe, we could reach for what we need within seconds. Everything is fast pace, we get distracted easily by the new technological inventions and we hunger for more; we forgot to go back to the basic, we forgot to appreciate less is more, we forgot that we owe everything in this world to our future generations. STOP! We need to ask ourselves what kind of future we want for our future generations! Are we the ones who are contributing to the deterioration of human values in the changing world or vice-verse? Are we the source for creating the causes of destruction or construction for humanity?
Whatever happened, good or bad in our surrounding environment, be it local or global, is a reflection of our inner world. We have no one to blame or to point fingers at, no one! The first step to fight enemies outside is to combat the enemies from within. It's always worth to reflect deeply to rediscover our beauty and ugly self and it's a life-long process, and not a destination. There is no short-cut in life, taking short-cut will only cut short our own life. We need to expand on our beauty, kindness and compassion towards others and our environment, it starts from one person and later it will create ripple effect to include another person and another ten people, hundreds of people, thousands of people and so on...and at the same time keep on revolutionising our mind towards a constructive direction. Only when we take full responsibility on our life, our thought, our action and our words, we are able to manifest the highest, truest, purest and loftiest expression of life that will lead to a sustainable, constructive development in all aspects in our life, in our society and in the world at large.
It all starts with one person fighting one's enemies from within and the choice is in our hand. We are the master of our mind!
The society seems to be intoxicated by the three poisons of greed, jealousy and stupidity. Greater good in the human hearts has long seen disappeared, replaced by these three poisons. We have forgotten that we are all inter-connected, we and the environment are originally one just like the relationship inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. As a result we have all the social, political, developmental, economical and many other issues. When we probe further what is the root to these three poisons? They are all originated from one source - IGNORANCE!
We are ignorant about our greater potential which dormant within the depth of our very own life and the life of others. The potential to contribute to the greater good, to create values for oneself and others. We are so busy chasing after our mostly material dreams and many times at the expense of others and our environmental resources that we have no times to search for our soul and hunt for happiness from within. There is nothing wrong in pursuing material dreams to better our life, but when we enslave ourselves to that purpose and lose ourselves, there is a real danger that might ruin our own life and the life of others. To make things worse, we are in the age of information and communication revolution, technology has changed the way we communicate, with just one click, a touch or a swipe, we could reach for what we need within seconds. Everything is fast pace, we get distracted easily by the new technological inventions and we hunger for more; we forgot to go back to the basic, we forgot to appreciate less is more, we forgot that we owe everything in this world to our future generations. STOP! We need to ask ourselves what kind of future we want for our future generations! Are we the ones who are contributing to the deterioration of human values in the changing world or vice-verse? Are we the source for creating the causes of destruction or construction for humanity?
Whatever happened, good or bad in our surrounding environment, be it local or global, is a reflection of our inner world. We have no one to blame or to point fingers at, no one! The first step to fight enemies outside is to combat the enemies from within. It's always worth to reflect deeply to rediscover our beauty and ugly self and it's a life-long process, and not a destination. There is no short-cut in life, taking short-cut will only cut short our own life. We need to expand on our beauty, kindness and compassion towards others and our environment, it starts from one person and later it will create ripple effect to include another person and another ten people, hundreds of people, thousands of people and so on...and at the same time keep on revolutionising our mind towards a constructive direction. Only when we take full responsibility on our life, our thought, our action and our words, we are able to manifest the highest, truest, purest and loftiest expression of life that will lead to a sustainable, constructive development in all aspects in our life, in our society and in the world at large.
It all starts with one person fighting one's enemies from within and the choice is in our hand. We are the master of our mind!
Tuesday, 7 October 2014
The True Spirit of Endurance
The last time I saw Daisy in my balcony was 3 days ago. She was struggling since the day I brought her home from my dad's garden slightly more than a month ago. She was struggling to adapt to the new soil, new environment, new air at its worst due to the continuous haze that polluted the air that all living beings inhale.
Despite all these, she continued to bloom in her thin stems, as if to encourage me "in life we must not give up hope despite whatever circumstance we are in. No matter what, you must continue to live your life to the fullest, just like me (Daisy)."
I recalled, a week after she was living in the new environment, new leaves started growing although some existing leaves were becoming brown and dry. Still the new leaves grew. A few days later a new bud started growing and finally bloomed to its fullest despite the environment she was in. I was amazed at her resilience as at that point of time I really thought she could barely survive looking at the condition even though I continued watering her and fed her with insect repellent boost. She BLOOMED!
Last week, a second bud appeared and later she bloomed again. I was even more amazed at her endurance this time as more leaves were becoming brown and her stems were also starting to show sign of deterioration despite me continuously ensured she had sufficient water. she bloomed to its fullest 3 days ago and that was the last time I witnessed her strength and her stubbornness to express life in her own way to the highest, fullest, truest and loftiest. If a tiny plant like Daisy in my balcony could truly express life this way, so do we as a more sophisticated species!
She completely surrendered to her circumstance when I reached home last night but she left behind that last flower for a continuation of her life. A NEW LIFE! Isn't it a time for celebration?
I celebrate her life this morning by burying her petals in the soil she used to live, even for a brief moment. I celebrate her life as she had fulfilled her mission to give me the strength and hope to advance in life. And lastly I celebrate her life because I am convinced her new life will begin soon in a week time. Let the time witnesses this, let the time tells us the story.
I am grateful for what I witnessed for she teaches me a very important lesson in life, "NO MATTER WHAT, NEVER GIVE UP TO BLOOM TO THE FULLEST, JUST LIKE ME". And most importantly SHE TOUCHES MY HEART!
Despite all these, she continued to bloom in her thin stems, as if to encourage me "in life we must not give up hope despite whatever circumstance we are in. No matter what, you must continue to live your life to the fullest, just like me (Daisy)."
I recalled, a week after she was living in the new environment, new leaves started growing although some existing leaves were becoming brown and dry. Still the new leaves grew. A few days later a new bud started growing and finally bloomed to its fullest despite the environment she was in. I was amazed at her resilience as at that point of time I really thought she could barely survive looking at the condition even though I continued watering her and fed her with insect repellent boost. She BLOOMED!
Last week, a second bud appeared and later she bloomed again. I was even more amazed at her endurance this time as more leaves were becoming brown and her stems were also starting to show sign of deterioration despite me continuously ensured she had sufficient water. she bloomed to its fullest 3 days ago and that was the last time I witnessed her strength and her stubbornness to express life in her own way to the highest, fullest, truest and loftiest. If a tiny plant like Daisy in my balcony could truly express life this way, so do we as a more sophisticated species!
She completely surrendered to her circumstance when I reached home last night but she left behind that last flower for a continuation of her life. A NEW LIFE! Isn't it a time for celebration?
I celebrate her life this morning by burying her petals in the soil she used to live, even for a brief moment. I celebrate her life as she had fulfilled her mission to give me the strength and hope to advance in life. And lastly I celebrate her life because I am convinced her new life will begin soon in a week time. Let the time witnesses this, let the time tells us the story.
I am grateful for what I witnessed for she teaches me a very important lesson in life, "NO MATTER WHAT, NEVER GIVE UP TO BLOOM TO THE FULLEST, JUST LIKE ME". And most importantly SHE TOUCHES MY HEART!
Friday, 18 January 2013
Buddha Nature
Neither does it has form, nor colour
Neither does it has taste, nor smell
Still it does exist
Neither could we see it, nor hear it
Neither could we touch it, nor feel it
Still we can't deny its existence
Neither does it judge, nor discriminate
Neither does it disparage, nor bias
It's the light of hope for humanity
Courage is its name, like the roar of a lion king
Wisdom is its name, profound and immeasurable
Compassion is its name, like the love of a mother
Life force is its name, strong and vigorous
It cannot be comprehended by intellectual mind
It needs faith to believe in it
Just like when you switch on the television
You will enjoy your favorite program on the screen
It cannot be explained by academical classes
It needs life to be tested again and again
To forge that faith to believe in it
And to believe it is in you and others
Neither does it has taste, nor smell
Still it does exist
Neither could we see it, nor hear it
Neither could we touch it, nor feel it
Still we can't deny its existence
Neither does it judge, nor discriminate
Neither does it disparage, nor bias
It's the light of hope for humanity
Courage is its name, like the roar of a lion king
Wisdom is its name, profound and immeasurable
Compassion is its name, like the love of a mother
Life force is its name, strong and vigorous
It cannot be comprehended by intellectual mind
It needs faith to believe in it
Just like when you switch on the television
You will enjoy your favorite program on the screen
It cannot be explained by academical classes
It needs life to be tested again and again
To forge that faith to believe in it
And to believe it is in you and others
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Special Dedication
Like a candle burning selflessly to dispel darkness
Like a star in the night sky releasing energy traverses its interior to shine
Like a lotus flower blooming to its fullest regardless of the circumstance
Like the cheerful sun of happiness giving hope to the despairs
Your selfless dedication to work for others' happiness is beyond imagination
Your trust in others' greatness is projected in your behaviour
You are a great inspiration to many, both locally and abroad
You are a great friend, sister, comrade and teacher
Looking at the world population exceeding 7 billion
Meeting you in this beautiful land full of natural resources
Our encounter is truly fated, phenomenal and mystical
Like the Chinese proverb "the right time, right place and right people"
I am truly blessed to have met you
I am truly thankful for the trust you have in me
I am truly grateful for your presence and encouragements when I needed most
I am truly appreciative for your strict yet compassionate lectures when I was in darkness
All I want to say is long live to you!
Like a star in the night sky releasing energy traverses its interior to shine
Like a lotus flower blooming to its fullest regardless of the circumstance
Like the cheerful sun of happiness giving hope to the despairs
Your selfless dedication to work for others' happiness is beyond imagination
Your trust in others' greatness is projected in your behaviour
You are a great inspiration to many, both locally and abroad
You are a great friend, sister, comrade and teacher
Looking at the world population exceeding 7 billion
Meeting you in this beautiful land full of natural resources
Our encounter is truly fated, phenomenal and mystical
Like the Chinese proverb "the right time, right place and right people"
I am truly blessed to have met you
I am truly thankful for the trust you have in me
I am truly grateful for your presence and encouragements when I needed most
I am truly appreciative for your strict yet compassionate lectures when I was in darkness
All I want to say is long live to you!
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World
Have you ever thought how would life be if you could travel back to more than two thousands years ago? How did the people live? What would be their past time? What did they do for a living? What did they study?
From the history that we learned, could we really tell the complete story of the people who lived more than two thousand years ago? We learned about the dark ages, industrial revolution, flourish and decline of various civilizations in the world, the born of world great philosophers and thinkers, major world events that took place such as world wars, mass massacres of certain races or religions, economy depression and recessions, etc.
Fast forward to today, it is an age of fast pace, with great advancement in technology, science and medicine. We talk about high speed in basically anything and everything. Information could be obtained in split second, high speed train, gigabytes broadband access, entertainment program in demand (without having to wait for the program), express delivery, 5-min hair cut and the list goes on.
On the other hand of the unprecedented progress which seems to be a positive development, there are some dark sides behind the development as it could be abused by some socially irresponsible individuals. Technology could be abused for some selfish purpose such as the invention of nuclear power which was initially aimed for a clean energy and later turned into mass killing weapons. There are other issues derived from development such as global warming, environmental issues and yet there are still issues such as racism, poverty and religious conflict could not be tackled by the development.
Then we may ask, what is the ultimate solution to all these pressing issues? When we analyse all these issues from a standpoint of Buddhism, all these derive from the three poisons in life which are greed, hunger and stupidity. Greed is behind irresponsible, lopsided development at the expense of natural resources and environment. When profit making is the only goal and purpose, other basic values are compromised. Hunger and greed are closely related like siblings, when there is always not enough, more development will be created and lead to more resources to be exploited, nations are competing to create something deem 'great' such as tall towers (which most of the times were built at the expense of others' life) just to prove to the world that they could do it and to cover up the weaknesses. Sense of insecurity of losing power motivates world powerful countries to control and suppress the weak ones. How about stupidity? Ignorance of the inherent greatness in oneself and others, disregards and disrespect life such as what is being portrayed through discrimination, slavery, various wars and conflicts that we have seen in the history and even up to now.
We need to develop the wisdom and ability to see beyond whatever we see on the surface in order to tackle the real issues that are threatening human existence and robbing sanctity of life. It is everyone's responsibility to make this world a better place to live for ourselves and for our future generations. We need to compete in term of humanism, not just merely competing in the areas we have already done in a century that no doubt have improved our life tremendously but with the sad fact that we are losing our humanity.
Therefore, it's important to look within our life for answers and take full responsibility of our life instead of seeking real happiness from outside or blame something or someone when we are in unfavourable circumstances. When we are able to take charge of our life we are able to change our community, society and the world at large.
From the history that we learned, could we really tell the complete story of the people who lived more than two thousand years ago? We learned about the dark ages, industrial revolution, flourish and decline of various civilizations in the world, the born of world great philosophers and thinkers, major world events that took place such as world wars, mass massacres of certain races or religions, economy depression and recessions, etc.
Fast forward to today, it is an age of fast pace, with great advancement in technology, science and medicine. We talk about high speed in basically anything and everything. Information could be obtained in split second, high speed train, gigabytes broadband access, entertainment program in demand (without having to wait for the program), express delivery, 5-min hair cut and the list goes on.
On the other hand of the unprecedented progress which seems to be a positive development, there are some dark sides behind the development as it could be abused by some socially irresponsible individuals. Technology could be abused for some selfish purpose such as the invention of nuclear power which was initially aimed for a clean energy and later turned into mass killing weapons. There are other issues derived from development such as global warming, environmental issues and yet there are still issues such as racism, poverty and religious conflict could not be tackled by the development.
Then we may ask, what is the ultimate solution to all these pressing issues? When we analyse all these issues from a standpoint of Buddhism, all these derive from the three poisons in life which are greed, hunger and stupidity. Greed is behind irresponsible, lopsided development at the expense of natural resources and environment. When profit making is the only goal and purpose, other basic values are compromised. Hunger and greed are closely related like siblings, when there is always not enough, more development will be created and lead to more resources to be exploited, nations are competing to create something deem 'great' such as tall towers (which most of the times were built at the expense of others' life) just to prove to the world that they could do it and to cover up the weaknesses. Sense of insecurity of losing power motivates world powerful countries to control and suppress the weak ones. How about stupidity? Ignorance of the inherent greatness in oneself and others, disregards and disrespect life such as what is being portrayed through discrimination, slavery, various wars and conflicts that we have seen in the history and even up to now.
We need to develop the wisdom and ability to see beyond whatever we see on the surface in order to tackle the real issues that are threatening human existence and robbing sanctity of life. It is everyone's responsibility to make this world a better place to live for ourselves and for our future generations. We need to compete in term of humanism, not just merely competing in the areas we have already done in a century that no doubt have improved our life tremendously but with the sad fact that we are losing our humanity.
Therefore, it's important to look within our life for answers and take full responsibility of our life instead of seeking real happiness from outside or blame something or someone when we are in unfavourable circumstances. When we are able to take charge of our life we are able to change our community, society and the world at large.
Friday, 31 August 2012
The Power of Mind
Believe it or not? When you send out positive energy into the universe, it will response in the way you wish and it is vice-versa. So just be aware of the energy you are sending out!
This happened to me quite a number of times, from finding parking to rains stopped when I reached my destinations. It makes me wonder what would I be if I realised this much more earlier and who I had become today and many other possibilities.
The recent 'miracles' happened when a group of us drove up to Cameron Highlands located in between two big states in Penisular Malaysia - Perak and Pahang. On our way there, there was a heavy down pour when we were half way through our destination. It was very dangerous as we could hardly see the road in front. By sending out positive energy, it did not only relax the driver who was so stressed out because our life were in his good hand. I responded to the heavy down pour by telling everyone in the car that the rain would definitely stop when we reached our destination and we would see double rainbow in front of us.
When we settled our stuffs in our rented apartment and left to Brinchang town to do marketing in the Pasar Malam (night market), the rain stopped miraculously. Although the floor was wet, it did not bother us at all as strolling along the street enjoying the cool air (15 degree Celsius) was just fantastic. We enjoyed the spiritual freedom that we hardly had when we were in the city, it was a total breakaway. We managed to get some bargained vegetables, flowers and the famous pearl corns (which you could eat raw).
After the marketing, everyone was so excited looking for a highly recommended steamboat restaurant, Cactus View Steamboat Restaurant, with its unique steamboat pot that I never saw in my life. (see the photo, picture speaks louder than words). It had both soup boiling and BBQ functions (in the middle of the pot) and it was charcoal operated, simply the best of the best!
However there was a price to pay for this irresistible dinner, it was a long way to go as we were not sure where exactly the restaurant was located. We went to all the wrong places and just before we saw the restaurant, we made one last wrong turn. It was really a blessing in disguise! The double rainbow was miraculously greeting us, it was particularly large and we could only saw one end but not the other. The curve was so huge from a highland and it was phenomenal. Immediately we took a few photos with our handy iphone. (better than nothing). At that moment I really felt that I was fused with the universe, I was one with the universe and such was a powerful feeling beyond words. The weather complimented this further as having steamboat dinner in this weather was simply the best, not smelly, no sweat - perfect!
It was really a memorable trip even it was a short one! Even though everyone did not sleep well and did not rest enough, but we were still in high spirit as if we were still in our teens.
One last miracle we witnessed was happening just before we made an exit to Sungkai on our way back to Kuala Lumpur the next day. There was a heavy down pour again and we thought about canceling our plan and headed to Kuala Lumpur straight without stopping at Sungkai for hot spring. The rain suddenly stopped 500 meter before the exit. My friends asked were we still going for hot spring and I immediately told them that the universe again responded to our wish and since we got the support from the nature, why not? Another surprise, we even bought the entrance passes at a discounted price.
Everything was in rhythm, our life was in rhythm and our environment responded and in sync with our life. So let us continue sending the positive energy and beware of what is on our mind.
This happened to me quite a number of times, from finding parking to rains stopped when I reached my destinations. It makes me wonder what would I be if I realised this much more earlier and who I had become today and many other possibilities.
The recent 'miracles' happened when a group of us drove up to Cameron Highlands located in between two big states in Penisular Malaysia - Perak and Pahang. On our way there, there was a heavy down pour when we were half way through our destination. It was very dangerous as we could hardly see the road in front. By sending out positive energy, it did not only relax the driver who was so stressed out because our life were in his good hand. I responded to the heavy down pour by telling everyone in the car that the rain would definitely stop when we reached our destination and we would see double rainbow in front of us.
When we settled our stuffs in our rented apartment and left to Brinchang town to do marketing in the Pasar Malam (night market), the rain stopped miraculously. Although the floor was wet, it did not bother us at all as strolling along the street enjoying the cool air (15 degree Celsius) was just fantastic. We enjoyed the spiritual freedom that we hardly had when we were in the city, it was a total breakaway. We managed to get some bargained vegetables, flowers and the famous pearl corns (which you could eat raw).
However there was a price to pay for this irresistible dinner, it was a long way to go as we were not sure where exactly the restaurant was located. We went to all the wrong places and just before we saw the restaurant, we made one last wrong turn. It was really a blessing in disguise! The double rainbow was miraculously greeting us, it was particularly large and we could only saw one end but not the other. The curve was so huge from a highland and it was phenomenal. Immediately we took a few photos with our handy iphone. (better than nothing). At that moment I really felt that I was fused with the universe, I was one with the universe and such was a powerful feeling beyond words. The weather complimented this further as having steamboat dinner in this weather was simply the best, not smelly, no sweat - perfect!
One last miracle we witnessed was happening just before we made an exit to Sungkai on our way back to Kuala Lumpur the next day. There was a heavy down pour again and we thought about canceling our plan and headed to Kuala Lumpur straight without stopping at Sungkai for hot spring. The rain suddenly stopped 500 meter before the exit. My friends asked were we still going for hot spring and I immediately told them that the universe again responded to our wish and since we got the support from the nature, why not? Another surprise, we even bought the entrance passes at a discounted price.
Everything was in rhythm, our life was in rhythm and our environment responded and in sync with our life. So let us continue sending the positive energy and beware of what is on our mind.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Do We Really Care?
"Treat the earth well. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children." This is a famous ancient Kenya proverb that is used in different part of the world to create awareness that each and every single individual living on earth is responsible to take care of the earth, cultivate it and ensure the entire environment is taken care of.
First woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova spent a total of 2.95 days in space and orbited the Earth 48 times in June 1963, giving Tereshkova more time in space than all of the American Mercury astronauts combined. She quoted the followings.
"Once you've been in space, you appreciate how small and fragile the Earth is."
"Again the pressure pushes me in the chair, shuts my eyes. I notice the dark red tongues of the flame outside the windows. I'm trying to memorize, fix all the feelings, the peculiarities of this descending, to tell those, who will be conquering space after me."
"Anyone who has spent any time in space will love it for the rest of their lives. I achieved my childhood dream of the sky."
Fast forward to 2012, despite the human race has achieved tremendous development in science, medicine, technology and economy, we are struggling to build a sustainable environment and to tackle the progressively trying and complicated environmental issues. There are so many natural disasters being reported in various parts of the world in the recent years, such as volcanic eruptions, earth quakes and tsunamis that have taken millions of lives and left many homeless. These caused tremendous climate change, combined with human-induced alterations of the natural world, these effects are currently causing global warming.
Lately, the sky is enveloped by thick layer of haze throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore as a result of forest burning in the neighbouring country, the air quality of some areas in Selangor are even declared to be at dangerous level and many are advised to stay indoor to avoid health hazards. To make the situation worse, some ignorant and irresponsible people are still doing open burning to clear the rubbish at their own convenient.
The temperature has also increased and the heat is unbearable, this leads to more usage of air-conditioners at lower temperature. As a result more chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are released into the air and further deplete the ozone layer that serves to prevent the ultraviolet light (UV light) from entering the earth's atmosphere. This might lead to a series of undesired consequences such as increases in skin cancer, cataracts, damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean. Do we really want to live in this vicious cycle? No! Thanks to the advancement of technology, now we could opt to buy eco-friendly or green air-conditioners (where manufacturers phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants in their air-conditioners to meet new government regulations) from the stores.
The list of environmental issues could go on and on, have we ever thought how could we best contribute as individuals to preserve our environment? To name a few, let's begin with recycling our waste. First, we could segregate our domestic waste into a two groups, recyclable and non-recyclable. We could then put the recyclable waste such as papers, plastics, aluminiums and glasses into the dedicated bin respectively.
Second, we could reduce the domestic waste by producing garbage enzymes that could be used as cleaning agents later. Instead of throwing away the orange rinds, pineapple skins, lemon rinds or vegetable leafs and stems (basically anything organic), let's learn the process in fermenting these waste. Three months later, we could use the enzymes in cleaning the floor, cutlery, kitchenware, or even removing the stains in the toilet bowl and washing basin. You will be amazed about the outcome! We could also reduce the use of air-conditioners, if we couldn't at least we could increase the temperature to 24 degree Celsius and above instead of lowering the temperature to 16 degree Celsius. We could also set timer to a few hours instead of switching on the air-conditioners through the night till morning.
Third, we could reuse the items found at home for different purposes. Before throwing away those items, let's think how they could be reused. To name a few, we could reuse carrier bags as bin bags around the house and nice paper bags could be reused as wrapping paper while twist ties can be used to secure loose items together, such as computer wires. We could use envelopes by sticking labels over the address or scrap paper to make notes on. By cleaning glass jars and small pots, we could use them as small containers to store odds and ends. Pringles containers are just nice to hold spaghetti as the height could fit spaghetti completely.
Interestingly some items could be reused to create decorative lamp. We could use one-liter plastic bottle and plastic spoons to create a hanging lamp. The plastic bottle could be cut at the bottom so that a bulb could be inserted from the bottom. The plastic spoons could be cut so that only the spoons could be reused while the sticks could be sent to the recycle bin. Use superglue to paste the spoons around the plastic bottle row by row until the end of the opening. There it is the decorative lamp hanging from the ceiling. Creative?
Besides doing all these ourselves, we could encourage others to do the same and to create awareness in our circle to respect and to treat the environment right. Let the change starts from within so that it will create an impact outside to affect our environment in a positive manner. Let's show that we really care!
First woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova spent a total of 2.95 days in space and orbited the Earth 48 times in June 1963, giving Tereshkova more time in space than all of the American Mercury astronauts combined. She quoted the followings.
"Once you've been in space, you appreciate how small and fragile the Earth is."
"Again the pressure pushes me in the chair, shuts my eyes. I notice the dark red tongues of the flame outside the windows. I'm trying to memorize, fix all the feelings, the peculiarities of this descending, to tell those, who will be conquering space after me."
"Anyone who has spent any time in space will love it for the rest of their lives. I achieved my childhood dream of the sky."
Fast forward to 2012, despite the human race has achieved tremendous development in science, medicine, technology and economy, we are struggling to build a sustainable environment and to tackle the progressively trying and complicated environmental issues. There are so many natural disasters being reported in various parts of the world in the recent years, such as volcanic eruptions, earth quakes and tsunamis that have taken millions of lives and left many homeless. These caused tremendous climate change, combined with human-induced alterations of the natural world, these effects are currently causing global warming.
Lately, the sky is enveloped by thick layer of haze throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore as a result of forest burning in the neighbouring country, the air quality of some areas in Selangor are even declared to be at dangerous level and many are advised to stay indoor to avoid health hazards. To make the situation worse, some ignorant and irresponsible people are still doing open burning to clear the rubbish at their own convenient.
The temperature has also increased and the heat is unbearable, this leads to more usage of air-conditioners at lower temperature. As a result more chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are released into the air and further deplete the ozone layer that serves to prevent the ultraviolet light (UV light) from entering the earth's atmosphere. This might lead to a series of undesired consequences such as increases in skin cancer, cataracts, damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean. Do we really want to live in this vicious cycle? No! Thanks to the advancement of technology, now we could opt to buy eco-friendly or green air-conditioners (where manufacturers phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants in their air-conditioners to meet new government regulations) from the stores.
The list of environmental issues could go on and on, have we ever thought how could we best contribute as individuals to preserve our environment? To name a few, let's begin with recycling our waste. First, we could segregate our domestic waste into a two groups, recyclable and non-recyclable. We could then put the recyclable waste such as papers, plastics, aluminiums and glasses into the dedicated bin respectively.
Second, we could reduce the domestic waste by producing garbage enzymes that could be used as cleaning agents later. Instead of throwing away the orange rinds, pineapple skins, lemon rinds or vegetable leafs and stems (basically anything organic), let's learn the process in fermenting these waste. Three months later, we could use the enzymes in cleaning the floor, cutlery, kitchenware, or even removing the stains in the toilet bowl and washing basin. You will be amazed about the outcome! We could also reduce the use of air-conditioners, if we couldn't at least we could increase the temperature to 24 degree Celsius and above instead of lowering the temperature to 16 degree Celsius. We could also set timer to a few hours instead of switching on the air-conditioners through the night till morning.
Third, we could reuse the items found at home for different purposes. Before throwing away those items, let's think how they could be reused. To name a few, we could reuse carrier bags as bin bags around the house and nice paper bags could be reused as wrapping paper while twist ties can be used to secure loose items together, such as computer wires. We could use envelopes by sticking labels over the address or scrap paper to make notes on. By cleaning glass jars and small pots, we could use them as small containers to store odds and ends. Pringles containers are just nice to hold spaghetti as the height could fit spaghetti completely.
Interestingly some items could be reused to create decorative lamp. We could use one-liter plastic bottle and plastic spoons to create a hanging lamp. The plastic bottle could be cut at the bottom so that a bulb could be inserted from the bottom. The plastic spoons could be cut so that only the spoons could be reused while the sticks could be sent to the recycle bin. Use superglue to paste the spoons around the plastic bottle row by row until the end of the opening. There it is the decorative lamp hanging from the ceiling. Creative?
Besides doing all these ourselves, we could encourage others to do the same and to create awareness in our circle to respect and to treat the environment right. Let the change starts from within so that it will create an impact outside to affect our environment in a positive manner. Let's show that we really care!
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Isn't She Phenomenal?
Selina was born deaf and mute. She was having chicken pox when she was four-month old in her mother's womb. At the age of four, she was still unable to speak and her family doctor confirmed that she was deaf and mute after a visit to his clinic.
Selina's mother was a hair dresser, she quit her job to take care of her and learned sign language to communicate with her. She accompanied her from her primary school to secondary school to assist her in her education. Selina was not only deaf and mute, she was also a slow learner and she needed to put extra-ordinary effort than her peers in her study. She was not doing well when she was in her primary and secondary school. However that did not stop her from pursuing her dream in graphic design.
She never stopped believing in her greater self as her mom never stopped giving up on her and believing in her. Despite feeling unfortunate from time to time, Selina kept encouraging herself that she must not be defeated by her own weakness. The support given by her parents had also kept her moving on, her dad would fetch her every Friday without fail regardless of rain or shine from her University to her hometown in his motorbike which was approximately a two-hour ride through and fro.
She studied in Lim Kok Wing University, a university with excellent quality in providing high standard education and only accept students who passed the exam with flying colours. Studying in the university was also very costly for her. Based on her result, Selina was quite unlikely to be accepted by the university. However for some reason, she was offered a full scholarship to study a Diploma in Graphic Design and later another scholarship to further her Degree in Graphic Design. She worked extremely hard in producing her art works with excellent quality and many times she was scolded in a harsh manner by her strict foreign lecturer. There were times her art works were thrown outside the classroom by her lecturer. However she never gave up, she picked up her art works and determined to work even harder in producing art works that met the expectation of her lecturer. She never succumbed to her destiny and she was grateful for having such a strict lecturer as she knew it was for her own good.
All her hard work was finally paid off, she was the winner for two highest awards - Excellent Graphic Design Award and the Best Lim Kok Wing Student Award. She graduated in both Diploma and later Degree with flying colours. Her disabilities in speech and hearing did not stop her from achieving her dream but served as driving force to propel herself in a field that she was passionate about.
However, life was not a bed of roses for her. Later she received a bad news that her dad was killed in a road accident. Her world was shattered and she could not accept that her dad was dead. It was a painful experience losing one's loved one, only those with the same experience could understand the agony she had to go through. She did not let this incident defeated her, instead she was resilient and determined to accomplish whatever her dad did not accomplish when he was still alive. She knew her dad would be glad and at ease if she could move on with life and gave her mom her best support.
She is now working in a company that she was having internship before she graduated. Despite there are a lot of obstacles in producing art works which are relevant and meet her boss's expectation, she never fails to challenge herself. She always greets her peers and boss with a bright smile and she is constantly in high spirit. As a result her peers and boss like her very much and always give her the best support whenever she needs it.
She is a phenomenal young lady, isn't she? I am really moved by her story. Are you?
Selina's mother was a hair dresser, she quit her job to take care of her and learned sign language to communicate with her. She accompanied her from her primary school to secondary school to assist her in her education. Selina was not only deaf and mute, she was also a slow learner and she needed to put extra-ordinary effort than her peers in her study. She was not doing well when she was in her primary and secondary school. However that did not stop her from pursuing her dream in graphic design.
She never stopped believing in her greater self as her mom never stopped giving up on her and believing in her. Despite feeling unfortunate from time to time, Selina kept encouraging herself that she must not be defeated by her own weakness. The support given by her parents had also kept her moving on, her dad would fetch her every Friday without fail regardless of rain or shine from her University to her hometown in his motorbike which was approximately a two-hour ride through and fro.
She studied in Lim Kok Wing University, a university with excellent quality in providing high standard education and only accept students who passed the exam with flying colours. Studying in the university was also very costly for her. Based on her result, Selina was quite unlikely to be accepted by the university. However for some reason, she was offered a full scholarship to study a Diploma in Graphic Design and later another scholarship to further her Degree in Graphic Design. She worked extremely hard in producing her art works with excellent quality and many times she was scolded in a harsh manner by her strict foreign lecturer. There were times her art works were thrown outside the classroom by her lecturer. However she never gave up, she picked up her art works and determined to work even harder in producing art works that met the expectation of her lecturer. She never succumbed to her destiny and she was grateful for having such a strict lecturer as she knew it was for her own good.
All her hard work was finally paid off, she was the winner for two highest awards - Excellent Graphic Design Award and the Best Lim Kok Wing Student Award. She graduated in both Diploma and later Degree with flying colours. Her disabilities in speech and hearing did not stop her from achieving her dream but served as driving force to propel herself in a field that she was passionate about.
However, life was not a bed of roses for her. Later she received a bad news that her dad was killed in a road accident. Her world was shattered and she could not accept that her dad was dead. It was a painful experience losing one's loved one, only those with the same experience could understand the agony she had to go through. She did not let this incident defeated her, instead she was resilient and determined to accomplish whatever her dad did not accomplish when he was still alive. She knew her dad would be glad and at ease if she could move on with life and gave her mom her best support.
She is now working in a company that she was having internship before she graduated. Despite there are a lot of obstacles in producing art works which are relevant and meet her boss's expectation, she never fails to challenge herself. She always greets her peers and boss with a bright smile and she is constantly in high spirit. As a result her peers and boss like her very much and always give her the best support whenever she needs it.
She is a phenomenal young lady, isn't she? I am really moved by her story. Are you?
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Five-year-old's Quotes
On global warming: "Teacher said our earth is having fever, we cannot switch on fan and air-conditioner." (but she is still switching on air-conditioner and fan all the times! When I remind her, she will give me her innocent look or she will argue that it's extremely hot)
On making batik: "Aunt Mary helped me to put the melted candle on my drawing so that when I put colours on it the colours could not run out." (I could hear her innocence over the phone)
On differentiating the address of grannies: "Yeye is daddy's daddy, Nainai is daddy's mummy; Gonggong is mommy's daddy, Popo is mommy's mommy." (I was amazed by her serious expression)
On acknowledging she understood her mom: "If I want to get angry, I cannot play with Didi (her younger brother); If I want to play with Didi, I cannot get angry."
On acknowledging her cooperation to do chore: "Ok ok..." and immediately she carries out the chore. (that acknowledgment is short but very sweet!)
These are the five quotes that top my list, looking forward for more quotes to come from her ; )
On making batik: "Aunt Mary helped me to put the melted candle on my drawing so that when I put colours on it the colours could not run out." (I could hear her innocence over the phone)
On differentiating the address of grannies: "Yeye is daddy's daddy, Nainai is daddy's mummy; Gonggong is mommy's daddy, Popo is mommy's mommy." (I was amazed by her serious expression)
On acknowledging she understood her mom: "If I want to get angry, I cannot play with Didi (her younger brother); If I want to play with Didi, I cannot get angry."
On acknowledging her cooperation to do chore: "Ok ok..." and immediately she carries out the chore. (that acknowledgment is short but very sweet!)
These are the five quotes that top my list, looking forward for more quotes to come from her ; )
Friday, 15 June 2012
Arts, an Expression of Life
Years ago I went to an arts exhibition featuring a few young local artists. The arts being showcased were contemporary arts and they were unconventional like what I usually saw in the exhibition hall.
I remember something I saw, an artist adopted "heart series" as his theme and produced a series of arts related to heart. What was more interesting was sugar was the main ingredient besides the colours used in the arts pieces. It was very interesting as the series included "sweet heart", "perfect heart", "dark heart", "broken heart", "bleeding heart" etc. I could really feel my emotion changed according to the painting I saw right in front of me. "Sweet heart" and "perfect heart" brought up the "feeling good" emotion in me while the others brought up the negative feeling from within.
As I proceeded to watch the exhibits on the second floor, slowly my heart became heavy and gloomy after I saw a few pieces of sculptures. I really disliked what I saw in front of me and strange enough I suddenly felt angry and suffocated. I could no longer stay there, my thought at that time was I wanted to get out from there immediately and I left.
Later I reflected on why I reacted in such a strange way as I have been to many arts exhibitions but I never felt that way before. I realized that I was being judgmental and my non-acceptance on something I did not approve. It was the condition that I had preset before I walked into the hall which meant my mind was pre-conditioned to what I thought what arts should be. When I looked back I could only laugh at my narrow-mindedness and my attachment to perfection.
Last year I went to an International Arts Expo, I told myself I was going to learn from the previous experience not be judgmental and be open minded to what I was about to see. I cleared my mind and I wanted to appreciate what I see. After all arts is an expression of life of its creator and it is being expressed out as a piece of arts.
I remember I enjoyed watching the art pieces presented in front of me and I could even imagine the story behind some of the paintings and sculptures I saw. When come to the painting or sculpture I disliked, I just acknowledge that I did not like the painting or the sculpture and I just walked away without bringing out the negative emotion anymore.
Everyone has the freedom and right to express oneself, I choose to respect his/her greater self regardless of the kind of arts he/she produces. Arts is a crystallization of his/her life experience and I am not in any position to judge.
I remember something I saw, an artist adopted "heart series" as his theme and produced a series of arts related to heart. What was more interesting was sugar was the main ingredient besides the colours used in the arts pieces. It was very interesting as the series included "sweet heart", "perfect heart", "dark heart", "broken heart", "bleeding heart" etc. I could really feel my emotion changed according to the painting I saw right in front of me. "Sweet heart" and "perfect heart" brought up the "feeling good" emotion in me while the others brought up the negative feeling from within.
As I proceeded to watch the exhibits on the second floor, slowly my heart became heavy and gloomy after I saw a few pieces of sculptures. I really disliked what I saw in front of me and strange enough I suddenly felt angry and suffocated. I could no longer stay there, my thought at that time was I wanted to get out from there immediately and I left.
Later I reflected on why I reacted in such a strange way as I have been to many arts exhibitions but I never felt that way before. I realized that I was being judgmental and my non-acceptance on something I did not approve. It was the condition that I had preset before I walked into the hall which meant my mind was pre-conditioned to what I thought what arts should be. When I looked back I could only laugh at my narrow-mindedness and my attachment to perfection.
Last year I went to an International Arts Expo, I told myself I was going to learn from the previous experience not be judgmental and be open minded to what I was about to see. I cleared my mind and I wanted to appreciate what I see. After all arts is an expression of life of its creator and it is being expressed out as a piece of arts.
I remember I enjoyed watching the art pieces presented in front of me and I could even imagine the story behind some of the paintings and sculptures I saw. When come to the painting or sculpture I disliked, I just acknowledge that I did not like the painting or the sculpture and I just walked away without bringing out the negative emotion anymore.
Everyone has the freedom and right to express oneself, I choose to respect his/her greater self regardless of the kind of arts he/she produces. Arts is a crystallization of his/her life experience and I am not in any position to judge.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Sweet? Not so sweet!
As a girl I used to like fairy tales in particular Cinderella and Snow White and the happily ever after with their princes charming. These female characters were always projected as pure, innocent, weak and they were bullied all the times.
After I watched "Mirror Mirror" and "Snow White and the Huntsman", I sort of change my mind how all the female characters in the fairy tales should be, indeed they should change according to time. It makes more sense this way... *evil grin*
No more weak Cinderella who always got bullied by the step mother and step sisters! No more innocent and pure Snow White who always waited for her prince charming to save her life from dangers plotted by the evil Queen! In fact it is interesting to see the "Mulan" character in them.
I like the Snow White version in "Mirror Mirror" better, she really 'learned' from her fairy tale past where she trusted others easily and as a result she was harmed mercilessly numerous times. More interestingly in the movie, she receives training from the dwarfs about the art of fighting and master the art in such an unbelievable short time especially where she was raised in the castle without any tough physical training. It's interesting to see her fighting all the awful looking creatures in the jungle and the soldiers sent by the Queen to take her life.
At the end of the movie, I am even more entertained by her smartness cutting a piece of the apple to 'share' with the witch (the Queen's exemplification) who gives her the apple and her sharp and merciless expression looking in the eyes of the witch. This totally defeats the evil Queen who claims this is a story of herself not Snow White. It's so satisfying to watch this movie!
Whereas in the "Snow White and the Huntsman" I like her fighting spirit in the name of justice for her late father and her people who live in fear and darkness since the evil and powerful Queen grabs the throne. You should watch her passionate call to her people to be with her in the war against the Queen after she becomes alive as a result of her true love kiss (by the Huntsman) and the subsequent scene of her leading her troops to the castle and defeating the Queen with her own hand. Another interesting version of Snow White.
Well time changes, Snow White changes and I have also changed! "another evil grin*
After I watched "Mirror Mirror" and "Snow White and the Huntsman", I sort of change my mind how all the female characters in the fairy tales should be, indeed they should change according to time. It makes more sense this way... *evil grin*
No more weak Cinderella who always got bullied by the step mother and step sisters! No more innocent and pure Snow White who always waited for her prince charming to save her life from dangers plotted by the evil Queen! In fact it is interesting to see the "Mulan" character in them.
I like the Snow White version in "Mirror Mirror" better, she really 'learned' from her fairy tale past where she trusted others easily and as a result she was harmed mercilessly numerous times. More interestingly in the movie, she receives training from the dwarfs about the art of fighting and master the art in such an unbelievable short time especially where she was raised in the castle without any tough physical training. It's interesting to see her fighting all the awful looking creatures in the jungle and the soldiers sent by the Queen to take her life.
At the end of the movie, I am even more entertained by her smartness cutting a piece of the apple to 'share' with the witch (the Queen's exemplification) who gives her the apple and her sharp and merciless expression looking in the eyes of the witch. This totally defeats the evil Queen who claims this is a story of herself not Snow White. It's so satisfying to watch this movie!
Whereas in the "Snow White and the Huntsman" I like her fighting spirit in the name of justice for her late father and her people who live in fear and darkness since the evil and powerful Queen grabs the throne. You should watch her passionate call to her people to be with her in the war against the Queen after she becomes alive as a result of her true love kiss (by the Huntsman) and the subsequent scene of her leading her troops to the castle and defeating the Queen with her own hand. Another interesting version of Snow White.
Well time changes, Snow White changes and I have also changed! "another evil grin*
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
An Expedition to Mount Kinabalu
After months of intensive bone cracking training
Enduring muscles pain and physical exhaustion
'd' day has finally come
Checking in to Pine Resort in Kundasang
Enjoying the cool weather at the foot of Mount Kinabalu
Connecting my life with the serene nature
Pine trees are everywhere, my thought goes to Alpine countries
Complemented by the signature fern trees
Synonymous to the highland area
Waking up in the morning is so refreshing
Standing tall right in front of me is the gigantic Mount Kinabalu
The view painted from the wooden door of my chalet is simply breathtaking
Seizing the moment without any hesitation
As if the amazing view of the mountain would be stolen if I did not act fast
I press the shutter instantly to capture the unforgettable, magnificent view
Our expedition begins with tracking up using the long Mesilau trail
Having the luxury of time, I slowly track up while enjoy the scenery along the trail
Reaching Laban Rata after 8 long hours as stopping and pressing the shutter is simply irresistible
Temperature drops drastically to minus in the middle of the night
Hiking with only a headlight and the guiding rope, I gasp for air from time to time
Resisting the extremely cold air and fighting for the scarce oxygen
From time to time I stop for a short break and lie on my back
Gazing up at the stars in the night sky, expressing my wildest wish to them
My life fuses with the great cosmos and time freezes for a moment
I wish to stay on there forever and I must witness the legendary, beautiful sunrise
Pressing forward one step after another in total exhaustion
I tell myself it is one step closer and I cannot give up at that moment
The magical moment happens when you least expect it
I witness the first ray of sunlight from South Peak right in front of me
The amazing reflection of the peak is vividly and beautifully reflected onto the clouds
The sunlight shines on South Peak breaking the cold darkness of the night
The red and orange colours reflect on the peak cause it to shine in gold
The clouds are also painted with light orange and yellow above the toned blue layers
20 minutes later I reach the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu - Low's Peak (4095m)
Standing on top of the 'world' I am totally exhausted and fulfilled
"Mount Kinabalu, I am here" I shout my lung out!
I see clouds surrounding me, like infinite numbers of white cottons
Arranged in different tiers expanding outward
I feel as if I were in the heaven
What a memorable highland experience!
Enduring muscles pain and physical exhaustion
'd' day has finally come
Checking in to Pine Resort in Kundasang
Enjoying the cool weather at the foot of Mount Kinabalu
Connecting my life with the serene nature
Pine trees are everywhere, my thought goes to Alpine countries
Complemented by the signature fern trees
Synonymous to the highland area
Waking up in the morning is so refreshing
Standing tall right in front of me is the gigantic Mount Kinabalu
The view painted from the wooden door of my chalet is simply breathtaking
Seizing the moment without any hesitation
As if the amazing view of the mountain would be stolen if I did not act fast
I press the shutter instantly to capture the unforgettable, magnificent view
Our expedition begins with tracking up using the long Mesilau trail
Having the luxury of time, I slowly track up while enjoy the scenery along the trail
Reaching Laban Rata after 8 long hours as stopping and pressing the shutter is simply irresistible
Temperature drops drastically to minus in the middle of the night
Hiking with only a headlight and the guiding rope, I gasp for air from time to time
Resisting the extremely cold air and fighting for the scarce oxygen
From time to time I stop for a short break and lie on my back
Gazing up at the stars in the night sky, expressing my wildest wish to them
My life fuses with the great cosmos and time freezes for a moment
I wish to stay on there forever and I must witness the legendary, beautiful sunrise
Pressing forward one step after another in total exhaustion
I tell myself it is one step closer and I cannot give up at that moment
The magical moment happens when you least expect it
I witness the first ray of sunlight from South Peak right in front of me
The amazing reflection of the peak is vividly and beautifully reflected onto the clouds
The sunlight shines on South Peak breaking the cold darkness of the night
The red and orange colours reflect on the peak cause it to shine in gold
The clouds are also painted with light orange and yellow above the toned blue layers
20 minutes later I reach the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu - Low's Peak (4095m)
Standing on top of the 'world' I am totally exhausted and fulfilled
"Mount Kinabalu, I am here" I shout my lung out!
I see clouds surrounding me, like infinite numbers of white cottons
Arranged in different tiers expanding outward
I feel as if I were in the heaven
What a memorable highland experience!
Monday, 4 June 2012
Refugee Camp
Walking up the tired looking staircase
My heart is very heavy and gloomy
Thinking about the internal strife of that country
I empathize the innocent precious children
With uncertain future laying ahead of them
The youngest age 5 or 6 and the eldest age 12 or 13
The 5 to 8-year old children in my group look petite than the usual size
Due to the lack of nutrients and poor health
I could smell the bacteria and virus flying in the air
In the stuffy room with poor air ventilation
They learn to play games, to spell, to draw and to colour
Some of them will fight for the stationery or games
Then forget about the fight minutes later and become friends again
Just like the childhood that I had been through
They are innocent and pure just like white papers
There are some caretakers of the same nationality
Working behind the scene to care about the children
Trying hard to cook nutritious meal within their limited resource
Taking care and maintaining the place for the children to use
Their selfless efforts are respect worthy
There are also teachers who volunteer to teach for free
Despite their busy schedule running their own families
They are the expatriate wives who follow their husbands to Kuala Lumpur
They try their best applying their expertise
Teaching the children various subjects to prepare them for their future education elsewhere
Their spirits are truly noble and applaudable
They care for the children with love, kindness and patience
As some of these children come from broken families at very young age
And some parents had lost their lives when they tried to escape from their country
What they need most is empathy and to feel secure and being cared for
My prayer go to these children and their family
Hoping that they will be blessed with good health and security
And the situation in their country could take a positive change
May these precious children have the strength and undefeated spirit
To live on courageously and to soar high for a better future
Take care, children!
Bravo, children!
My heart is very heavy and gloomy
Thinking about the internal strife of that country
I empathize the innocent precious children
With uncertain future laying ahead of them
The youngest age 5 or 6 and the eldest age 12 or 13
The 5 to 8-year old children in my group look petite than the usual size
Due to the lack of nutrients and poor health
I could smell the bacteria and virus flying in the air
In the stuffy room with poor air ventilation
They learn to play games, to spell, to draw and to colour
Some of them will fight for the stationery or games
Then forget about the fight minutes later and become friends again
Just like the childhood that I had been through
They are innocent and pure just like white papers
There are some caretakers of the same nationality
Working behind the scene to care about the children
Trying hard to cook nutritious meal within their limited resource
Taking care and maintaining the place for the children to use
Their selfless efforts are respect worthy
There are also teachers who volunteer to teach for free
Despite their busy schedule running their own families
They are the expatriate wives who follow their husbands to Kuala Lumpur
They try their best applying their expertise
Teaching the children various subjects to prepare them for their future education elsewhere
Their spirits are truly noble and applaudable
They care for the children with love, kindness and patience
As some of these children come from broken families at very young age
And some parents had lost their lives when they tried to escape from their country
What they need most is empathy and to feel secure and being cared for
My prayer go to these children and their family
Hoping that they will be blessed with good health and security
And the situation in their country could take a positive change
May these precious children have the strength and undefeated spirit
To live on courageously and to soar high for a better future
Take care, children!
Bravo, children!
Monday, 28 May 2012
School of Life
It's a hot and beautiful sunny morning
The pool in front looks extra-ordinarily welcoming
Calling to me "come my dear, let me chill you out"
After a few relaxing laps
I feel refreshed and I decide
It's time to work, not confine in a room but by the pool
Recalling the midnight movie I just watched hours ago
The story is beautiful and touching
Commenced with a school scene with Mr. Norman collapsed
At the Teacher of the Year Award assembly
Survived by his son Mr. Warner and family
Mr. Warner who was also a teacher in the same school
Aspired to be the next Teacher of the Year
But faced stiff competition against Mr. D who was a new comer
The stress was beyond imagination
Transformation took place with Mr. D's magical presence
Conventional class room turned alive
History used to be boring and dull
Became his and her story which happened just yesterday
Dramas unfolded where the teacher became Indiana Jones
Riding on his adventures with his fellow students
Classes were no longer constrained in the class room
But also in the field where interesting props were set
With the matching costumes and sound effect
Students once did not pay attention to class
Were transformed under Mr. D's creativity
They were interested in and idolizing their teacher
Highly looked up to him for his jovial nature and positive attitude
Even teachers and principals applauded and adored Mr. D
The once 'not doing well' students
Passed history tests with flying colours
It was unprecedented in the history of the school
Even the basket ball coach admired Mr. D
Who persuaded Mr. D to coach the students
Who had no confidence and timid
Not only in the basket ball game
But who were also stuttering in speech
Who could ever expect them to win in the basketball tournament
Mr. D's popularity not only won the students's heart
But also all his peers except Mr. Warner
Mr. Warner decided to stalk Mr. D
Hoping to find something evil so that Mr. D could be expelled from the school
Instead he discovered the life and death struggle behind Mr D's glamourous appearance
And the inspiration that kept him moving forward despite his struggle
Was indeed Mr. Warner's late father
Who was the Teacher of the Year for more than 40 years
He was loved and highly respected by his peers and students
He always encouraged them to relax and take the chance
And be more receptive about unconventional ideas than making judgement
Mr. Warner finally understood his late father's wisdom through Mr. D
He made the effort to change his way of teaching
He even motivated the students in the basketball tournament
When Mr. D was going through chemotherapy for leukemia
He motivated the students that Mr. Norman and Mr. D were parts in them
And they must not give up and must take the chance
Just like Mr. Norman and Mr. D
Regardless of the circumstances they were in
Mr. D showed up just before the final moment of the tournament
Despite fragile but he was in high spirit
Showing the 'V' sign he was not succumbing to his physical illness
He was the inspiration of everyone even though he was gone
The movie ended with Mr. Warner sat in the middle of the class in a rotating chair
Surrounded by his students who now admired him dearly
First time in his biology class
His students excelled with flying colours
He asked students to look at the person next to them
And told them they were the miracles of the universe
Isn't this a beautiful and touching movie
I learn that
Life's greatest lessons are taught outside the classroom
I learn that
When we believe in life, miracles happen
I learn that
Life itself is beautiful
The pool in front looks extra-ordinarily welcoming
Calling to me "come my dear, let me chill you out"
After a few relaxing laps
I feel refreshed and I decide
It's time to work, not confine in a room but by the pool
Recalling the midnight movie I just watched hours ago
The story is beautiful and touching
Commenced with a school scene with Mr. Norman collapsed
At the Teacher of the Year Award assembly
Survived by his son Mr. Warner and family
Mr. Warner who was also a teacher in the same school
Aspired to be the next Teacher of the Year
But faced stiff competition against Mr. D who was a new comer
The stress was beyond imagination
Transformation took place with Mr. D's magical presence
Conventional class room turned alive
History used to be boring and dull
Became his and her story which happened just yesterday
Dramas unfolded where the teacher became Indiana Jones
Riding on his adventures with his fellow students
Classes were no longer constrained in the class room
But also in the field where interesting props were set
With the matching costumes and sound effect
Students once did not pay attention to class
Were transformed under Mr. D's creativity
They were interested in and idolizing their teacher
Highly looked up to him for his jovial nature and positive attitude
Even teachers and principals applauded and adored Mr. D
The once 'not doing well' students
Passed history tests with flying colours
It was unprecedented in the history of the school
Even the basket ball coach admired Mr. D
Who persuaded Mr. D to coach the students
Who had no confidence and timid
Not only in the basket ball game
But who were also stuttering in speech
Who could ever expect them to win in the basketball tournament
Mr. D's popularity not only won the students's heart
But also all his peers except Mr. Warner
Mr. Warner decided to stalk Mr. D
Hoping to find something evil so that Mr. D could be expelled from the school
Instead he discovered the life and death struggle behind Mr D's glamourous appearance
And the inspiration that kept him moving forward despite his struggle
Was indeed Mr. Warner's late father
Who was the Teacher of the Year for more than 40 years
He was loved and highly respected by his peers and students
He always encouraged them to relax and take the chance
And be more receptive about unconventional ideas than making judgement
Mr. Warner finally understood his late father's wisdom through Mr. D
He made the effort to change his way of teaching
He even motivated the students in the basketball tournament
When Mr. D was going through chemotherapy for leukemia
He motivated the students that Mr. Norman and Mr. D were parts in them
And they must not give up and must take the chance
Just like Mr. Norman and Mr. D
Regardless of the circumstances they were in
Mr. D showed up just before the final moment of the tournament
Despite fragile but he was in high spirit
Showing the 'V' sign he was not succumbing to his physical illness
He was the inspiration of everyone even though he was gone
The movie ended with Mr. Warner sat in the middle of the class in a rotating chair
Surrounded by his students who now admired him dearly
First time in his biology class
His students excelled with flying colours
He asked students to look at the person next to them
And told them they were the miracles of the universe
Isn't this a beautiful and touching movie
I learn that
Life's greatest lessons are taught outside the classroom
I learn that
When we believe in life, miracles happen
I learn that
Life itself is beautiful
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Karma or Choice
Life is so kind and compassionate. Think about it, have you ever been in a situation that is repeating probably with some interval of time? Do you blame it on your karma?
Many times I have heard people saying that it is their karma that they keep on experiencing similar life situation with different person or people in the situation, but is that really so? To elaborate, Mary was with her previous company for the past three years and she was not happy working in the company as she had a very unreasonable lady boss. So she decided to find another job and resigned from the company. Yet each time when she was landed with a new job, her problem did not stop there - she faced similar boss problem. This happened a few times in her jobs.
When something happen, it is natural we point finger at our situation or blame others instead of looking into our lives. If this continue we will be in the vicious cycle, turning round and round, because we never learn. Life keep throwing the similar situation until we learn our lesson and it will stop. It is similar to having to complete our primary education by passing different tests and examinations before we could proceed to secondary school and tertiary education. If we failed at any level we need to resit for the test or examination in order to proceed to the next level. What do we do if we fail our test? Do we blame the teacher for making us fail or do we blame the school for setting such a high standard? Or do we access ourselves, study harder, work harder, practice with more past year papers? If we choose the later, why can't we apply the same 'formula' in life? Why do we have to give all kind of excuses instead of taking full responsibility?
When we face with another similar situation again, ask ourselves what we have not learn from our previous situation? Look deeply into our lives and reflect on things we have done that cause our boss to pick on us (such as in Mary's situation) instead of pushing all responsibilities to our boss and blame our boss for our unhappiness. Take our 'difficult' boss as a challenge to improve ourselves. How others treat us is not our business as it is beyond our control, our business to keep on improving ourselves and instead of reacting to our situation choose to take a deep breath, reflect and response to it instead.
Ultimately it is our life. We choose to learn or to blame. It is our choice.
Many times I have heard people saying that it is their karma that they keep on experiencing similar life situation with different person or people in the situation, but is that really so? To elaborate, Mary was with her previous company for the past three years and she was not happy working in the company as she had a very unreasonable lady boss. So she decided to find another job and resigned from the company. Yet each time when she was landed with a new job, her problem did not stop there - she faced similar boss problem. This happened a few times in her jobs.
When something happen, it is natural we point finger at our situation or blame others instead of looking into our lives. If this continue we will be in the vicious cycle, turning round and round, because we never learn. Life keep throwing the similar situation until we learn our lesson and it will stop. It is similar to having to complete our primary education by passing different tests and examinations before we could proceed to secondary school and tertiary education. If we failed at any level we need to resit for the test or examination in order to proceed to the next level. What do we do if we fail our test? Do we blame the teacher for making us fail or do we blame the school for setting such a high standard? Or do we access ourselves, study harder, work harder, practice with more past year papers? If we choose the later, why can't we apply the same 'formula' in life? Why do we have to give all kind of excuses instead of taking full responsibility?
When we face with another similar situation again, ask ourselves what we have not learn from our previous situation? Look deeply into our lives and reflect on things we have done that cause our boss to pick on us (such as in Mary's situation) instead of pushing all responsibilities to our boss and blame our boss for our unhappiness. Take our 'difficult' boss as a challenge to improve ourselves. How others treat us is not our business as it is beyond our control, our business to keep on improving ourselves and instead of reacting to our situation choose to take a deep breath, reflect and response to it instead.
Ultimately it is our life. We choose to learn or to blame. It is our choice.
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