robin's karma

闻，思，修，行，成

2012-02-02T16:11:00.001+08:00

When the time and karma is right, we will reach enlightenment, whether through chanting, meditation or death. This explains what works for some may not work for others. The path of enlightenment include the first path of accumulation of merits and path of preparation.

In 闻，思，修，行，成， we have to make sure that we have enough merits and karma to complete each stage. For eg, a person in a remote place in Africa may not even have the chance to hear the Dharma. Same with those who hear the Dharma will not have the chance to think and understand them.. and those who understand will not have time to practice.. those who practice did not put their practice into their daily life.. and even if they did, they did not succeed to reach enlightenment.

In our life, we plan too much, say too much, practice too little and do so little. And we think we don't have time for anything else..

We think we have done a lot, but looking back, quite a lot of the doings are silly things which we have a good laugh about them, move on and forgotten our lessons even when we made our mistakes.. thus we do the wrong things again and again and kept ourselves very "Busy".

And when we are face with failure, it sounds like the end of the world..

Every obstacle has a learning point. Suffering in life comes with wonderful lessons, which we must learn to prevent its re-occurrence.

The Bodhisattva is mindfully aware of the cause of the suffering whereas the layperson only see its consequences.

Every single steps depend on our karma and merits..

Om mani padme hum chanting at PES Singapore

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000+08:00

We first started chanting the Mantra of Guan Yin/ (Chenrezig)(Avalokiteshvara), the Embodiment of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism Mantra - "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Poh Ern Shih, Singapore on Lunar 1 Aug 2008 as a first practice session …

It was a beautiful Sunday, and we have managed 108 x 10 times x 11 people = 11880. At this practice pace, we hope to achieve One Million (good to have but not important) Recitation for the benefits of all
sentient beings.

Our first official chanting was officiated by Venerable Zhang Dao, who led the chanting sessions for a substantial period of time until he was too busy to continue due to other commitments. Volunteers, disciples and fellow dharma friends came and went, the practice went on every 15th of the lunar month, unless the organisers are travelling (2 occasions) or the premises were taken up by other groups (2 occasions). I was personally absent for a few sessions because of my heart surgery in 18 Feb 2009.

I kept a record of our activities via facebook and blogs. We have achieved 36 chanting session from Aug 2008 to Dec 2011.. Quite incredible, isn't it.

People continued to come and go and I enjoyed every session. An usual monthly practice would include Chanting of Om Mani Padme Hum (10 x 108 times), walking meditation (circumbating the Buddha 6
rounds) and a sitting meditation of about 15 mins. This is normally followed by a short Dharma talk by me on Buddhism, its Philosophy and the Sutra. On the last year, I took the opportunity
to share on my learning of the heart sutra.

On its peak, we can have up to 100 people attending the session. and on its low, I have done the practice with one person. Our vows were to achieve 1million chants… and based on the records, I am sure that we have more than achieve our objectives, since 1 person will chant at least 1080 per session.

The last practice for this project was held on 8 Jan 2012. This marked the end of this beautiful project. All good things must end as everything is impermanent.

And also, I think it is appropriate for all of us to start writing our own sutra of our heart.

A special thanks to Connie and Mr Lee for building and maintaining this wonderful temple for everyone to use and to provide a conducive place to practice. For Venerable Zhang Dao who officiated the many
sessions. For Ms Emily Lee and Lilian Chow, who assisted in the starting of the wonderful project. For those who continued attending, even when they have certainly more important thing they could do with
their time.. and all sentient beings, who patiently allowed us to continue this practice of loving kindness, compassion and wisdom.

Lets Rejoice.. Om Mani Padme Hum.
--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.
With Gratitude,
ROBIN

"Deviant" Monks?

2011-12-15T11:37:00.001+08:00

I recently saw a post in Facebook on a monk "caught" drinking a glass of Guinness stout at a public dinner.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150529835627049&set=a.10150529835577049.431576.685712048&type=1&theater

It invited a few comments on Monks, their precepts and vinaya, and what they should do and not do.

Some said that monks should never drink since it is one of the Five Precepts. Others mentioned that such monks caused disgrace to the Buddhist communities.

It is hard to draw a line and a post even mentioned about the Ming Yi incident.

We must also bear in mind...that Monks are also human, they made a vow, and like most of us, some can keep their promise but some cannot. I saw a post above Ming Yi, and when one break his vow, it is the end of merits and the beginning of Karma catching up... 火烧公德堂.. all his previous good deeds are burned by his own actions.

Monks are also in the process of practicing the Buddha's teaching and the only difference is that they make a vow to take this practice as a way of life. Some can keep their vows, some cannot and they should be judged by their own teachers or their own group and tradition and not the society, and definitely not YOU or me.

And People are very unforgiving.. and using their fault finding minds, they will continue to criticise, when everyone else can never meet the standard which they set for others.

Buddhism is also about being mindful of our own practice. Unless you claim to be a Buddhist Policeman, we should thank these monks for teaching us to be more mindful of our Noble Eightfold Path.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

My Lectures On End of Life, Palliative care and A Good Death

2011-12-09T15:42:00.001+08:00

My Lectures On End of Life, Palliative care andA Good Death

1. Invited Speaker(2009), 7th International Congresson Traditional Asian Medicine (ICTAM 09) Bhutan, September 7-11, 2009,organised by the IASTAM and the Government of Bhutan, “End of Life Care andTraditional Medicine”

2. Invited Speaker (2009), NUS-Dukeconference on Health Care Challenges for an Ageing Population: Managing HealthCare and End of Life Decisions in Singapore, 29 May 2009. “Ethical Issues in Research involvingTerminally Ill and Aging”

3. Invited Speaker (2009), Dover Park HospiceVolunteer Training Workshop, Singapore. 2 Dec 2009, 7.30 to 9.30 pm. “Ethicsand End of Life Care”.

4. Invited Speaker (2009), KasihFoundation Hospice Volunteer Training, Malaysia. 26 Sep 2009, 3 to 6 pm."What do I want in End of life care?"

5. Invited Speaker (2009), Kasih Foundation Hospice PublicLecture, Malaysia. 26 Sep 2009, 3 to 6 pm. "End of life care andEthics"

6. Invited Speaker (2010), College ofTraditional Chinese Medicine, 23 Jan 2010 2.30 to 5pm. “End of Life Care andTraditional Chinese Medicine”.

7. Invited Speaker (2010), Dover Park HospiceVolunteer Training Workshop (in Chinese), Singapore, Wednesday 10 March 2010,7.30 to 9.30 pm. “Ethics and End of Life Care”.

8. Invited Speaker (2010), College ofTraditional Chinese Medicine, 19 June 2010 2.30 to 4.30pm. “Good Life, GoodDeath”.

9. Invited Speaker (2010), Poh Ern Shih Templeof Thanksgiving, Singapore (3sessions), 3 Jul 2010 7 Aug 2010, 4 Sep 2010, 11 to 12.30pm “A Buddhistperspective on Good Life, Good Death”

10. Invited Speaker (2010), Karma KaygudBuddhist Centre Singapore (3 sessions), 22 Aug 2010, 19 Sep 2010, 17 Oct 2010,2 to 4pm “A Buddhist perspective on Good Life, Good Death”.

11. Invited Speaker (2010), Karma KaygudBuddhist Centre Singapore (3 sessions), 18July 2010, 2 to 4pm “Good Life, Good Death”.

12. Invited Speaker (2011), KasihFoundation Hospice Public Lecture, Malaysia. 19 Jun 2011, 4 to 6 pm."Living Will and Medical Directives- Can you live forever?"

13. Invited Speaker (2011), FoGuang Shan Temple, Singapore. 18 June 2011, 7 to 9.30 pm. "How do we facelife and death?"

14. Invited Speaker (2011), FoGuang Shan Temple, Malaysia. 21 June 2011, 8 to 9.30 pm. "How do we facelife and death?"

15. Invited Speaker (2011), RenCi Community Hospital, Singapore. 15 Oct 2011, 2.30 to 5 pm. "Is there aGood Death?"

16. Invited Speaker (2011), TheMinistry of Consolation, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Singapore. 12 Nov2011, 7 to 9.45 pm. "Is there a Good Death?"

17. Invited Speaker (2011), University of Western Australia,Perth Australia, 3Nov 2011, 3-5pm “Attitudesand Perceptions of Singaporean people toward Death and Dying and End of Life.”

I am conducting an online research survey on End of Life and a Good Death and need your help. It was my PhD project which I have completed the pilot study and now going into full research.

Pls Click here to take 5 mins survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/687QMT3

Thank you for your help and pls invite your friends by sharing this msg.

2011-11-30T10:56:00.001+08:00

Dear Friend,

Pls take 5 mins to think about A Good Death...

I am conducting an online research survey on End of Life and a Good Death and need your help. It was my PhD project which I have completed the pilot study and now going into full research.
Pls Click here to take 5 mins survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/687QMT3

Thank you for your help and pls invite your friends by sharing this msg.

This is the event link

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=222832181110793

Instruction on living wills and AMD in Singapore

2011-10-25T12:24:00.001+08:00

1. Making an Advance Medical Directive

http://www.hpp.moh.gov.sg/HPP/MungoBlobs/667/796/FORM1.AMD.pdf

An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that you sign in advance to inform the doctor treating you (in the event you become terminally ill and unconscious) that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment ¹ to be used to prolong your life.
http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/public/you_and_the_law/advance_medical_directive.aspx

Making an AMD is a voluntary decision. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to make one. In fact, it is a criminal offence for any person to force you to make one against your will. An AMD can be done by anyone from the age of 21 in the presence of a doctor. Only about 10,000 Singaporeans have taken it up because many do not know about it or may be uncomfortable talking about death.

2. Making a Will

http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/public/you_and_the_law/making_a_will.aspx

A person makes a Will to provide for the administration and distribution of what he owns ('his estate') among his beneficiaries after his death. This person is called 'the testator'. 'Beneficiaries' are those who inherit or benefit under the Will. The 'Executor' is the person nominated by the testator to administer and distribute his estate upon his death. Usually, the same person is appointed as executor and trustee (a person who has the power to hold the estate of the deceased on the death of the deceased).

3. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney

http://www.publicguardian.gov.sg/LPAFormMaker.aspx

You will need to do the following:

a. Complete the Lasting Power of Attorney¹ (LPA OPG Form 1 or LPA OPG Form 2).

There are two versions of LPA available to cater to the different needs of individuals:

LPA-Form 1 contains mostly checkboxes for donors to grant general powers to their donees with the option to select basic conditions or restrictions to these powers. This form can be self-completed by the donors.
LPA-Form 2 contains mostly free text spaces where individuals can give specific powers to their needs. This form is to be drafted by a lawyer.

b. Bring the LPA form to a certificate issuer who must be either one of the following:

A practising lawyer
A psychiatrist
An accredited general practitioner

http://www.publicguardian.gov.sg/PrePlan/HowCanIMakeaLastingPowerofAttorney.aspx

Hope it helps.

Is there really a Good Death?

2011-10-17T09:25:00.001+08:00

Just to share with you an incident after the talk on "Is there a Good Death?" at Ren Ci Community Hospital on 15 Oct 2011 (Sat).

During the tea break, I saw a rather young girl having a sandwich alone at a corner and was pleasantly surprise to know that she is only 14 years old. As with most people after the talk, I went forward to ask the usual questions of whether they liked the talk and what they had learnt that was useful.

I was shocked to hear that her mother was dying and the purpose of her coming to my lecture was to learn enough so that she can help to make her mother's death more comfortable. I immediately asked her what she had learnt, hopefully to help re-enforce the crucial points. She slowly took out her pink note book, open the page and closed it, as if memorizing. Then she looked into my eyes, and said, "I am going to tell her that death is natural and everyone dies. It is only a matter of time that someone is dying.. and it is ok for her to go, though I will miss her."

I held back my tears as I see her doing the same. I smiled, and gave me my name card. I wrote down my personal handphone number on the card and told her to call me if she needed any help. I didn't carry on my conversation, because I know both of us will cry if we continued.

She is a brave girl and a filial daughter. And I am sure she will be able to help her mother go through this tough times.

As a speaker, I am mindful that everyone in the audience would be different, from their religions, their cultures, their beliefs, and their reasons for coming to my talks. Grace (not her full name) would be one of the reason for me to continue this talk and continue to push this talk to those who don't want to come or don't think that death should be spoken about.

P.S. I have initially planned that this would be my last public talk, since it took me a lot of time to prepare and inviting 1000 plus only to get 23 responses was not very encouraging. But I am glad this brave young audience thought me this lesson.

Thank you Grace, may you and your mum be well and happy.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Purification of previous karma

2011-10-14T13:52:00.001+08:00

THE FOUR POWERS OF PURIFICATION

The purification practices found within Buddhism are not unlike the practices applied in many other religions. The most essential mental factor that one requires is sincerity or honesty with oneself. When one wants to purify past negative karma, one has to do some action with the correct motivation.
This is summarised in the following Four Powers of Purification:

Power of the Object: One should practice thinking of all sentient beings one may have hurt. Traditionally, one remembers all sentient beings and the Three Jewels of Refuge (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), by generating compassion for all sentient beings and taking refuge.

Power of Regret: This should not be senseless guilt or self-recrimination, which are said to be useless emotional torture. What is intended here is to examine oneself and one's actions and to recognise that negative actions done in the past were very unwise.

Power of Promise: As a logical consequence of the above, one should promise not to repeat these negative actions. It is good if one can promise to avoid a negative behaviour for a specific time, or at least promise that one will put effort in avoiding repetition. Not being honest at this stage makes the practice useless or even harmful to oneself.

Power of Practice: Basically any positive action with a good motivation can be used as practice. Traditionally in Buddhism, one can practice e.g. making prostrations (throwing oneself to the floor - as a means to destroy pride), making offerings (to counteract greed), reading Buddhist texts (to counteract ignorance and negative thoughts), reciting mantras etc.

It is often explained that one needs to clear a field by purifying it from rocks and weeds, then planting seeds by study and meditation, giving water and fertiliser by doing positive actions, and automatically new harvest will grow.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

The ' L I T T L E ' Things

2011-09-26T11:32:00.001+08:00

The ' L I T T L E ' Things

As you might remember, the head of a company survived
9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.

One of them
Missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.

One's
Car wouldn't start.

One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
a blister on his foot.

He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today..

Now when I am
Stuck in traffic ,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...

All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where The universe wants me to be
At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong ,

You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
It May be just that
Love and the universe is at work watching over you.

May Good luck continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

The Dash

2011-09-21T09:30:00.001+08:00

The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matter not, how much we own,
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

A tribute to a scientist and a good friend - 24 June 1954 to 12 Sep 2011, 1638hrs

2011-09-13T14:00:00.005+08:00

She knew that she would not live long once she knew she had cancer that had spread. She did not openly acknowledge the dreadful disease nor wish to talk about it. She wanted to play the low key mode, not to upset her loved ones too much, to finish her unfinished relationship, and not to give additional trouble or extra work for others.

In her own way, she refused painful treatment or treatments which would cause her suffering. She knew chemotherapy was a dead end for her terminal condition as she was her own expert in this field and her chance was too slim and she did not want to suffer the side effects and still had to die the painful way. She decided TCM, herbal and alternative medicine and even when such treatments got too aggressive and the alternative drugs had side effects, she decided to take the medicine home and put them in the house without consuming it. In a way, this action managed the expectation of the friends and doctors and others concerned.

She didn't bother to explain much to her family. Perhaps she thought that they could never understand and in her usual self, and also she did not want to trouble people.

All her life, she spent teaching and coaching students and her research. She is a true scientist and is indeed professional in both mind and practice. But like all successful professionals, she also didn't put her family and loved ones higher than her work most of the days. She knew she needed more time with her family at this final stage of the journey and she planned for it.

I always laughed at her priorities during our conversation at the many lunches that we had, not in a disrespectful manners. I once asked and was shocked that she had never watched a movie with her family. Her free time was used up to do mundane things like grocery shopping and hopping from one house to another to clean and tidy them. And work, work and work... and work..

In the last few months, her husband supported her decision and decided to spend the rest of the final days taking care of her every minutes of the days. He tried to fulfill her wishes to let her eat whatever food she wanted despite those foods were considered "taboo" and not advised by the TCM to take. For example, she suddenly missed eating bak ku teh, something that she would never take when she was well and would have never allowed me to take too, because she said "it was too oily dirty fatty and sinful". But In her last days, she wanted to eat it for every meal. And this behavior shocked every one in the family except her husband who continued to buy her the food she wanted to eat. This, in the Chinese way, is the true expression of unconditional love, support and care.

So many time her friends and family thought the couples had gone crazy. But like two young lovers madly in love with each other, the husband supported her every wishes. And when she did not wish to let others know she was dying (perhaps too fast even to her) her husband helped to block them but saying that she was sleeping or meditating whenever they called or wanted to see her.

She probably knew that True friends will understand eventually that to be good friends mean to support and respect another friends wishes. And not to impose your personal expectation and preference to others.

In her own way, she managed this drastic disease very well and I salute another hero of a good death.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

A tribute to a Cancer Fighter – Mr Steven Lee (06 Dec 1955 – 27 Aug 2011)

2011-08-29T16:56:00.003+08:00

Steven was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC-Cancer of the Nose Ear and Throat) Stage IV in September 2006. The cancer cells had spread to the brain and at the base of skull, despite the fact elsewhere in the body was cleared of tumor.

He was given multiple treatments rounds of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in 2006 to 2010.

He had struggled to seek treatment everywhere (for proton treatment, even to Loma Linda and Harvard) but was rejected by most centres. He then turned to all alternative and complementary medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic, Gerson Diet, Chi Gong and spiritual healing. Anyone who suggested any new treatments will be taken up by Steven and his family of 10 brothers and sister. They pooled their resources to help finance expensive and painful treatment which did not seem to have any effects and the least… a cure.

Meanwhile Steven health and general conditions deteriorated. When he was finally referred by me to see the palliative care consultant in June 2010, he was extremely reluctant to receive palliative care, as he wanted to fight on and did not believe that he cannot be cured. He also refused to take morphine to relieve his pain as he believed that it will make his condition even worst.

He thought that morphine was poisonous, addictive and dangerous. He also knew that by starting on morphine, it was an end for him. He is a fighter and wants to continue to "fight till the end" (in his own words). Death seems like an unspeakable word and I can only use all my knowledge on counseling to make sure he makes the right decision.

The Oncologists were definitely supportive of his fight for survival. At this time, they continued to recommend chemotherapy and radiotherapy as if it was like murder (due to the side effects) and profiteering. Palliative radiotherapy or chemotherapy was the oncologists' offer for such terminally illed patients. When will they ever give up and hand the patient to a palliative care physician to managed quality of life issues and pain management? I must say I am not impressed by some of the doctors Steven had consulted in the private hospital, who insisted that 3 more dose of radiotherapy should be given even at the last stages of his life at S$10,000 each.

Steven's condition deteriorated in 2011. He could hardly hear from his left ear (due to the treatment) and his right ear was deaf by Jan 2011. He was completely blind (both eyes) in early Mar 2011. In May 2011, he could not swallow and have to be tube-fed through the nose. It was extremely uncomfortable for Steven. Soon, he could no longer walk. In June 2011, he could not longer hear nor speak nor walk, nor swallow, and remained in his room most of the time.

Steven was alert, in his own world, with no sound, no sight and no speech. He would response if you shouted near his ear, touch his hand and call out his name. I continued to see him weekly, whenever possible, except when I have a flu, or when I was too tired to see him in this condition. He recognised that it was me when he touch my hand and felt my mala.

His family's support also went down with his condition, perhaps with compassion fatigue, or caregiver fatigue. Care for Steven was entrusted to the Burmese maid, who placed a TV in Steven's room and watches the TV by the bedside while keep a lookout on him. On many visits, the children were watching TV in the living room as I walked up the stair alone to sit next to Steven. I gave instructions on tube-feeding and physiotherapy to exercise the muscle to the maid and the children. Everyone seemed to be so exhausted from the daily bed care.

As a counselor, the most difficult part for me was the final phone call from the family informing that the patient was dying. I received an SMS sent by his wife from Steven's handphone at 4.41pm on 27 Aug 2011. I was driving at the time and once I could get off the steering wheel, I called Steven's wife. She asked for my opinion as they were considering whether they should call the ambulance and send Steven to the hospital. He had fever and his breathing was rather slow. His urine was also very little and was brown in colour. I was aware that similar situations of high fever had occurred in May and in June 2011, and the family sent Steven via ambulance to Changi General Hospital. He then stayed in the ICU for a few days and then discharged back to home in one or two weeks.

I spoke to the family, who this time thought that it would be a futile effort to send Steven to the hospital. His eldest son had agreed since they had all the required medicined at home and they would be administering the same medicine at the hospital. Since they asked me for my opinion, I told them that Steven would prefer to die at home in the company of his loved one and families. If they called for the ambulance, he could die in the ambulance or the hospital. I suggested to let him feel comfortable and informed all his families members to come and say their final goodbyes. I told them that they could call me again if they need further assistance and I would come the next morning to see Steven.

Steven passed peacefully at 11.45pm on that night 27 Aug 2011.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Why 108 beads ?

2011-08-18T15:12:00.002+08:00

There are numerous explanations why there are 108 beads, with the number 108 bearing special religious significance in a number of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Some holds that the numerology of the decimal numeric system was key to its inception. 108 is therefore founded in Dharmic metaphysical numerology. One for bindu; zero for shunyata and eight for ananta.

In traditional Buddhist thought, people are said to have 108 afflictions or klesas. There are six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness) multiplied by three reactions (positive, negative, or indifference) making 18 "feelings." Each of these feelings can be either "attached to pleasure or detached from pleasure" making 36 "passions", each of which may be manifested in the past, present, or future. All the combinations of all these things makes a total of 108, which are represented by the beads in the mala.

Another explanation could be our six sense organs (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind) combined with our six sensory perception (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and thoughts) linking with our 3 bodily function (body, speech and mind). 6x6x3...108

In addition, practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism, use the number 108 for a different purpose. After reciting 100 mantras, eight extra mantras are done to compensate for any errors.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

2011-08-16T12:24:00.003+08:00

This Life is about:

1. Impermanence – that all composite things will change

2. Non-Duality – that all composite thing is neither pleasant nor unpleasant, likes nor dislikes

3. Equanimity – that all students being calm and even-tempered with blissful composure

AND that this life is hard to come by,

.... so find happiness in every chapter of this life, even dying.

Letting go and Enlightenment

2011-08-15T10:31:00.002+08:00

Letting go need practice and then putting the practice into your daily activities.

It takes a while for everyone to accept that nothing is impermanence and holding on to anything will cause suffering..

Emotions and all materials things are like a ball on fire, you feel warm by getting near, but holding on to it for too long burns your hand and cause more pain.

Even our own children, .. too controlling or too worried would not solve the problem... let it go, and each will have their own destiny (or Karma as Buddhists would have said).

We try our best.. and leave the rest to God (or Karma)..

Enlightenment need efforts... one must first have some trust to what we are sharing (faith).. then try it out (practice).. and then put it into her activities (livelihood).. and then change .. in order to reduce her suffering..

2011-07-28T11:50:00.001+08:00

Everything is a test
To see what you will do.
If you fail to recognize what is before you,
You will have to start anew!

一切是考驗
看爾怎麼辦？
覿面若不識，
須再從頭煉。

~Bhikshuni Heng Je

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

No Blind Faith?

2011-07-15T11:28:00.001+08:00

While faith in Buddhism does not imply "blind faith", Buddhist faith (as advocated by the Buddha in various scriptures, or sutras) nevertheless requires a degree of faith and belief primarily in the spiritual attainment of the Buddha.

Faith in Buddhism centers on the understanding that the Buddha is an Awakened being, on his superior role as teacher, in the truth of his Dharma (spiritual Doctrine), and in his Sangha (community of spiritually developed followers).

Faith in Buddhism is better classified or defined as a Confidence in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and is intended to lead to the goal of Awakening (bodhi) and Nirvana.

Volitionally, faith implies a resolute and courageous act of will. It combines the steadfast resolution that one will do a thing with the self-confidence that one can do it.^[7]

As a counter to any form of "blind faith", the Buddha taught the Kalama Sutra, exhorting his disciples to investigate any teaching and to live by what is learnt and accepted, rather than believing something outright.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

「面對生死與善生善終」佛學講座

2011-07-11T14:57:00.002+08:00

馬來西亞八打靈佛光文教中心　

「面對生死與善生善終」佛學講座

【人間社記者陳玉苗馬來西亞八打靈報導】

http://life.fgs.org.tw/content/culture_art_news.php?ArticleNo=60889&news_class=SS02

圖說 1：「面對生死與善生善終」佛學講座，獲得逾200名信眾到場聆聽，陳醫生的分享令大家獲益不淺。

圖說 2：陳德威講師說，許多人看到天災人禍時，都會感覺別人很可憐，除了生起慈悲心外，大家更應該惜福自己還活著，可利用有限時間為他人作出貢獻，人生要活出有價值的生命，才能活得有意思。人間社記者張仁德攝
　　　
　　馬來西亞八打靈佛光文教中心於6月21日邀請陳德威講師主講「面對生死與善生善終」，逾200名信眾到場聆聽。陳德威講師是律師，亦是一名藥劑師，簽過無數死亡證書，他覺得華人最怕談死，但不管你有沒有準備好，隨時都要面對死亡。

　　人其實是很脆弱的，不管你是馬拉松健將、或世上最強的人總是怕死甚至是有錢的人都要死，因財富並不能幫助我們，許多人看醫生也好比六道輪迴一樣，從新加坡看到中國，再到美國又到大馬，其實現在醫學昌明到那裡都一樣。因此，也是從事臨終關懷的陳德威講師表示，人在還清醒時，最好能立下遺囑及授權書，讓別人知道你的意願，醫生才會知道你的選擇。

　　另外，要以什麼儀式來處理也應該寫清楚，火化是最環保的方法。許多人看到天災人禍時，都會感覺別人很可憐，除了生起慈悲心外，大家更應該惜福自己還活著，可利用有限時間為他人作出貢獻，人生要活出有價值的生命，才能活得有意思。

佛光文教中心举办 佛学讲座来源：星洲日报点击： 6

主办：佛光文教中心
日期：21/06/2011
地点：八打灵再也佛光文教中心
时间：晚上8时
主题：面对生死与善终善生
主讲：陈德威医生
详情：陈德威医生是一位新加坡注册的药剂师，曾获美国旧金山金门大学工商管理硕士学位，他也是亚洲首
个获得美国应用研究伦理协会认证的内部专业人员。
生死学专家表示，人生的三大事莫过于生得健康、活得快乐和一定要好死。懂得死亡，我们才懂得如何
生活。一个人临终前也要保有尊严，让他舒适和没有痛苦地走完人生的最后旅程。
备注：佛光文教中心诚邀大家一起前来共沾法益
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洽询：03-7877 6533
地址：No 2 Jln SS3/33 Taman University 46300 PJ.

如何面對生和死

2011-06-23T15:26:00.003+08:00

新加坡醫學講座-如何面對生和死

100/06/21
http://www.fgs.org.tw:81/gate/gb/life.fgs.org.tw/content/culture_art_news.php?ArticleNo=60422&news_class=SS06

http://www.fgs.org.tw/news/news_content.aspx?news_no=20110621000024

【人間社記者辜天財新加坡報導】談死向來是華人的禁忌。但是死亡?是必須面對的結局，因此所有人都應該學習如何面對死亡。理想的人生境界莫過於生得健康、活得快樂及死得安詳。
　　
6月18日晚上，新加坡佛光山邀請新加坡國立大學臨床研究中心醫學倫理委員會（NUS Institutional Review Board，IRB）高級經理陳德威藥劑師來到現場，大家來場別開生面的死亡探討和對話；有佛光會新加坡協會溫會長及西區分會劉主彬、南區分會林玉蘭會長等逾300人聆聽。
　　
陳藥劑師指出無論是慢性病或老年、癌症抑或是猝死，善終的定義或是俗話說的「好死」應該是有充分準備的死亡。但是沒有人知道死亡何時何地會出現。因此平時，無論是自己還是身邊的人都要積極學習擁抱活著、臨終和死後的智慧及慈悲。
　　
他向聽眾指出善終有好些原則是應該遵守的；比如說獲得宗教的精神支援從而瞭解及接受死亡，平復恐懼的情緒，可以選擇死亡的地點又或是獲得專家的意見，周圍的人也應儘量維護臨終者的尊嚴；最後臨終者可以自己?定如何渡過生命最後的旅程，甚至留下預先醫療指示，決定是否在無可挽留的彌留之際繼續接受醫療拯救，這樣就可以減少痛苦及負擔。
　　
也是一名律師的陳德威也舉例一些牽涉到法律的死亡前後所面對的問題，老一輩的人都不喜歡先立下遺囑(Last Will)，認為不吉利。殊不知在倉促離世後，留給家庭法律煩惱甚至引起家族糾紛。因此，他鼓勵上了年紀的人士甚至是年輕人，應破除不必要的禁忌趕快立下遺囑，以保衛家人的安寧。陳德威律師的主講詼諧有趣、深入淺出，一場本來嚴肅及沉重的話題變得輕鬆及容易被聽眾接受，現場提問的觀點非常踴躍。陳德威律師也趁機向大家介紹另一種類似遺囑的持久授權書(Lasting Power of Attorney)，它是當事人自願委任一名人士在自己失去決定的心智慧力時，代替當事人處理個人福利和財務的法律文件；在彌留或是昏迷時，遺囑還派不上有場，這時持久授權書就可以解?很多麻煩，比如動用當事人的財務來進行治療。
　　
陳德威律師還提到臨終病人的心理變化，從一開始的否認到變得憤怒，怨恨到什麼是自己而不是別人，這時周圍的人應該給與支援及諒解。過後是來到磋商期，希望可以等到某某事達成後才放心離世。不過死亡豈會等待？最後希望破滅後臨終病人變得非常沮喪逐漸失去生存意志。接著病人明白死亡無可避免，會開始想要好好規劃身後事，接受事實。

在面對臨終病人時，交流是個關鍵，病人和照顧者可以互相瞭解彼此的需要和想法，患者必須學會放下，以便能安詳地離開。最後，陳德威律師強調人生最後甚至是當下最重要的四句話；第一句：請原諒我、第二句：我原諒你。寬恕別人也寬恕自己。第三句是謝謝。要有感恩的心。最後一句話就是，我愛你，再見！

陳德威律師的母親也來到現場幫兒子打氣給與支援。短短一小時半的死亡課題，主講及分享就在聽眾意猶未盡之下結束了；出席者都學習到了一些臨終及死亡的知識及態度，這個週末晚上真的獲益匪淺。

圖說：陳德威藥劑師指出無論是慢性病或老年、癌症抑或是猝死，善終的定義或是俗話說的“好死”應該是有充分準備的死亡。人間社記者鄭萬聯攝

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

A Buddhist's view on SIN-gapore Election

2011-05-06T11:43:00.004+08:00

Like the author below, I am never a "politically" inclined person. After all, being a Singaporean, most of the elections were walkover with no opposition contesting my area or GRC, and election day was just one more extra holiday in every 4 years.

As Buddhist, I also understand that all these are impermanent.

Most Politicians think they can rule the world, but only some of them did. Election period and the months building up for elections, are the "goody" weeks where the reigning "Gods" descend from the god realm and throne of governance, and start to offer the hungry ghosts and human on earth some extra money or sudden pay-out from the hell bank. Such Gods also start to become humble and start to descend to the human and hungry ghost realm to preach how good they are, so that they can gain the same power to control them for the next five years.

Singapore ruling party will face their biggest challenges since independence in this coming election. By tomorrow & May 2011, Singapore Citizen will cast their votes. Except the few who dare to make a difference, I believe the majority will take the "Dun rock the boat" or "kia-si" mentality to vote the ruling PArty. And there is nothing wrong with that, since Singapore has been the most prosperous and progressing country since the step down of our mentors.

This time, however, a new group of voters have entered the scene. Being the society of endless complaints, the younger Generation Y for Why and Generation W for "Whatever", will make their voice heard. And I am sure the proud Gods will fall to the lower opposing Asura realm, whilst the Asura will exert their jealousy more in the campaign and manifesto, as a form of dream yoga.

This is a time where the proud Gods must repent for all the past mistakes and openly admit and accept the criticisms. Whether it is an escape of a hell being due to lack of control, a over-spillage of public funds to create an international disgrace at the run of the Gods, or a wrong investment of hard earned tax-payer money on some hell papers or a casino to help the greed hatred and ignorance, the proud Gods remain un-regrettable and not sorry nor apologizing. Perhaps, they should learn from the Buddhist repentance prayer. They should acknowledge the mistakes, make good and amend of whatever wrong they have created, double their compassion practice and use their wisdom to prevent the re-occurrence of such unfortunate mistakes. Instead, we see the Gods being defensive, aggressive, tit-for-tat, struggle to fight their opponent or even try to dig up the revealer mistakes and argue their way through.

Self reflection is important for all sentient beings.

Buddhists believe in Karma, and that karma will run out one day. Like a pen that runs out of ink, Gods' karma will run out too, and they too will have to enter into another lower realms of samsara. But like all sentient being who have not reach enlightenments, our Gods choose to continue to err and let their karma run out and facilitate their own descend. Hope their next realm is not the hell realm, like the Taiwanese or Korean fallen ex-presidents.

They never listen and they never had, perhaps they may listen now.

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

My take on the Singapore General Elections.
by Daphne on April 29, 2011
I've been mulling a long time over whether or not to do a post on the General Elections seeing how politics is such a contentious issue and this is after all a happy family blog.
The truth is, I've never been this interested in local politics in all my 28 years and this political awakening (if you can call it that) is a big deal for me. Not that I don't like politics as a whole because I spent days camped out in front of the TV watching CNN during the last few American Presidential elections and my entire Final Year Thesis was on the topic of American politics. I've just never been interested in local politics because it seemed like such a lost cause to me. It was always just a bunch of disgruntled old men yelling at other less disgruntled old men – something I had very little interest or time for.
This time though, I'm excited because not only do we finally have a chance to vote (instead of being told we have no options), we're also seeing young voters being interested in the voting process. I've been reading so many political opinions of late that it didn't seem right to just sit this one out.
For starters, here's what I'd really like to see in government.
1. I want a government that knows how to man up and say "I'm sorry" when they've made a mistake. For example, a mistake on the scale of busting the YOG budget by 3 times needs to be addressed with a decent amount of compunction rather than dismissiveness. With this current crop of PAP leaders, sorry really does seem to be the hardest word. Hey here's a thought, people are more forgiving when you take responsibility and say "I'm sorry, I messed up big time." You see, only after I hear the apology, I'll be ready to hear about all the wonderful things you've done in your 5 years in office, not the other way around.
2. I want a government that really listens. The only defense that the PAP constantly falls back on these days is "I know better so just sit down and shut up." Even if you genuinely believe that your Cambridge degrees and life of entitlement makes you better and smarter than everyone else, it would still do you a lot of good to listen to the struggles of your people. And by listening, I don't mean walking around a week before election wearing flowers and doing your presidential wave.
3. I want a government that's accountable. Ok, that's my beef with a one-party system right there, a complete lack of checks and balances. It may have worked 57 years ago when you were ruling a country who didn't know any better but we do know better now and one of the pitfalls of such a system is beginning to manifest itself in the form of disconnected, arrogant leaders who assume they have a right to lead just because they have kissed enough bottoms and made the right political connections. Connections like um say, marrying the private secretary of the Prime Minister.
4. I want a government that rises above the need to resort to threats in order to get votes. It's insulting that you think our votes can be bought by shiny new lifts and a fresh coat of paint. If the price to pay for upgrading is my integrity and sense of justice, I'd much rather walk up that extra flight of steps and carry both my kids to run in the rain, thankyouverymuch. Also, what about your supporters living in these opposition constituencies? It's a tad mercenary that you would sacrifice them as collateral damage just to prove a point, isn't it?
5. I want a government that understands the value of humility and servitude. Often, it's not just what you do but the manner in which you do it that counts. It bugs me that our Ministers talk down to the very people they are supposed to serve just because they don't share the same opinions. You don't get to be all high and mighty and demand that Singaporeans kiss the very ground you tread on. After all, we were the ones who put you in office and we will take you out if you alienate enough voters.
To all the people who think that voting the PAP means voting for stability, my only question is this, stability for who? If I were an incompetent Minster drawing $1.4 million of taxpayer's money annually, I'd be yelling about stability too. I mean, it'd be mighty unstable for me if I had to one day *gasp*, take a ride on a crowded train like all my minions. And then I'd actually have to walk from point to point because where will I ever find the money to have people carry me around on their shoulders while I wear this ridiculous garland around my neck. I can't be certain but even if Desmond Choo did momentarily lose the use of both his legs, there's a whole range of fancy motorized wheelchairs that can serve as perfectly good modes of transportation. There's really no need to rely on a human sedan these days. Last time I checked, you guys were supposed to BE public servants, not HAVE a lot of public servants.
Now lest you think that I'm dissing all the good work our government has done in years gone by, I'm not. I have a lot of respect for MM Lee, SM Goh, PM Lee (Jr) and a select handful of Ministers. I'll be the first to say that I'm terribly proud of how far Singapore has come with all that was going against us so props to y'all. On my recent flight back from Florida, I was seated next to an elderly American gentleman who was thrilled to be sitting next to a "tiny Asian girl who didn't take up too much arm room" (exact words, I promise) and decided to reward my lack of size with a spirited discourse about our Minister Mentor's awesomeness the moment he heard that I was from Singapore. He went on and on about MM Lee's political acumen, sharp thinking and fabulous policy-making skills. I have to admit that it was nice to know how much respect people all over the world have for one of us. Finally, he asked me "so what do you think of him?" To which I replied, "I agree with everything that you've said and even though we sometimes don't like him very much, he is the single most respected man in all of Singapore."
That said, I just have a teensy weensy problem with the argument that just because they've had a proven track record, we should blindly cast our vote for all the subsequent leaders that they pick out for the sake of stability. First of all, we all know that past successes don't necessarily guarantee future success. Second, for all their success in ruling the nation with a tight fist, the leaders in PAP don't seem to be particularly adept at picking the next generation of leaders. If you're saying that after scouring the entire list of under-30 Singaporeans and the best you can come up with is a Tin Pei Ling, that tells me all I need to know about your selection skills. I have nothing against Pei Ling as a person and I'm sure she's every bit as saccharine sweet as her photos suggest but I have a lot against her ability to serve the needs of the people. Underneath the hollow-sounding rhetoric she dishes out, I see no substance or even real desire to better the needs of Singaporeans. It seems to me that the only criteria to be selected as a future leader in the PAP is to be able to memorize and regurgitate the party's rhetoric (that is starting to sound as empty as a big fat black hole of emptiness).
I'm also not surprised by the popularity of her direct opposition candidate, Nicole Seah. After hearing her various speeches and interviews, I am suitably impressed. Yes, I get that she's even younger, has no track record or experience, gets a little nervy during some of her speeches and is probably this popular only because of the seeming incompetence of Tin Pei Ling. All fair criticisms, but if if I could vote in that constituency, she would still definitely have my vote for the very fundamental reason that she's got heart – something that's sorely missing in our incumbent party. I respect the fact that with all her inexperience and practically zero chance of drawing a $13,000 monthly salary, she was willing to offer her candidacy simply because she wanted to make a change for the benefit of the people. Her agenda is not a fat paycheck but to put right the things that have gone so very wrong in our government. I'd go as far as to say that even if she made it into parliament and doesn't accomplish all the things she set out to, that's ok because damnit, she tried.
I'm growing tired of hearing the PAP say that change can only come from within. After 57 years as the ruling party, the most notable change I see is in relation to how their paychecks are getting larger. The only way to show that Ministers don't have to draw an obscene salary from taxpayer's money is to have brilliant Ministers who are not in it for the money and yet no less committed or capable than those who demand to have their coffers padded.
This is definitely going to be a watershed election and I'm proud to have candidates like Sylvia Lim (in my opinion, the best public speaker in the local politics scene), Low Thia Khiang and Chen Show Mao offering their services to the nation. For the first time, I feel like there's a chance we as the people have the power to effect change. Instead of sitting around and complaining that things aren't right and we can't do anything about it, we see candidates who are willing to step up to the plate to make a difference. And more importantly, we see voters (especially younger ones) who aren't ignorant or apathetic.
On this note, I'd like to point out that identifying certain glaring faults in the incumbent party does not make one anti-PAP or pro-opposition. Voters are a lot more discerning these days and just because they question some facets of your leadership does not make them the enemy. The bottom line is that I vote for progress and if that comes in the form of non-PAP politicians, that gets my vote. And I can honestly say that if the PAP can indeed bring change from within and address all the issues that have been raised, I'd be happy to be called pro-PAP.
For now though, there are several PAP candidates that don't deserve a seat in parliament. A lot has been said about the GRC system and for all its merits, it doesn't seem right that mediocrity is rewarded just because the right alliances are made. To be more precise, it would be a great disservice to Singaporeans if Tin Pei Ling gets a parliamentary seat and Sylvia Lim doesn't.
In any case, this election is going to be more exciting than an episode of 24.
PS. Also, PAP, just cut it out with the comrades thing. The only people I know who went around calling everyone comrades were perpetrators of genocide. Seriously, just stop it.
{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }

84000 ways to reach enlightenment

2011-05-04T11:59:00.002+08:00

We have the same teacher.. the Guatama Buddha - Shakyamuni.

It is said that the Buddha offered 84,000 teachings during the years after his awakening. He offered 84,000 ways for students to move toward enlightenment.

It wasn't that the Buddha created 84,000 lesson plans from which to learn, but rather, it is symbolic of the fact that the Buddha acknowledged there are as many ways to move toward happiness,
goodness, love and peace (enlightenment) as there are people trying to move in that direction.

All the teachings is from the same Buddha..

And even when it is not from the Buddha, you can also learn about other religions and practice them if you prefer or like. You will also reach enlightenment.. just that you will not reach it via the Buddhist way.

For example, a good friend who is a Muslim by birth asked if he can also take refuge and learn from the Buddha, his Dharma and the Sangha too. And of course he can, and he need not give up his practice for Buddhism at all. Buddhism does not need conversation, as practicing wisdom and compassion is in all religions too.

To me, it is not just two directional views, but 84000 views.

Karma does play a part on how you look at things. If you don't have the karma to see an enlightenment being, it does not mean that such beings does not exist. Just like if you haven't seen God, can you dare conclude that God does not exist?

The best teaching is to respect all the 84000 views and ways, rather than to jump at it and say it is wrong. Once you start to criticize, because of your own lack of karma to understand or your own lack of knowledge and wisdom or exposure, then you are like a frog in a well thinking that the whole world is just your well and not that there is a bigger world outside.

Once you think you know everything, your learning of wisdom have ended. And when you think you know nothing, your wisdom is developing.

Remember, a full cup can never hold anymore fresh incoming water.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Buddhism and Buddhist Policeman

2011-04-08T11:01:00.002+08:00

Buddhism is so wonderful, it is a lesson for all of us to remind ourselves as a self restraint and self practice... and yet it should never be used as a corrective comment to point out the mistake of others, unless the person is your student or under your linage of care.

As I have always said, whenever you see others' practice different from yours, observe and keep quiet. Do not add a commentary, and do not "advise" OR CRITICIZE, because there are 84000 ways and no one should be A Buddhist Policeman, patrolling at "wrong practice".

People may be insulted and may challenge back your practice and your teachers' practice.

My teaching comes from my various teachers, and tested out by them and subsequently myself personally, before I even dare to teach my students. Of course, I can teach, but how much the student can learn depend of his own karma. Many a times, a teacher can repeat the teaching a hundred times, and the students still make the same mistake. Is it because he is a bad teacher or is it the students own karma?

同桌吃饭，各自修行。

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Life Liberation - A Profitable Buddhist Business?

2011-03-09T11:07:00.002+08:00

'Release of life' religious practice spurs big business: group

Central News Agency, Taiwan News 2 Oct 09;

Taipei, Oct. 2 (CNA) In Taiwan, religious groups spend more than NT$200 million (US$6.19 million) annually to engage in "release of life" rituals, which they practice 750 times on average each year, according to the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) Friday.

People usually practice "fangsheng, " or "release of life, " when they fall ill, have a miserable marriage or want to pray for wealth in their next life, the EAST said in a statement on a recent survey on the practice in Taiwan.

Some Buddhism followers believe that setting animals free increases their own merit, which translates into a better rebirth.

This has sparked a new profit-making business in the religious market in Taiwan, the EAST said.

The business is supported by a complete demand and supply system that operates on the "symbiosis" between religious believers and hunters, breeders and vendors, it added. However, this business not only hurts the animals that are hunted or bred for sale to fangsheng adherents, but also causes damage to the ecological system, it added.

In the 2009 survey, EAST interviewed operators and staff of 484 local Buddhist and Taoist temples and other groups that follow the teachings of esoteric Buddhism.

It found that 256 of the 388 respondent groups maintain the fangsheng practice, while 98 have given it up, and 34 have not practiced it in a long time and are not sure whether they will do so again.

Seven of the groups that still practice fangsheng said they do so in foreign countries, including China, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal and India.

Notably, an organization run by a Buddhist monk named Hai Tao was found to have engaged in a total of 89 instances of fangsheng in Taiwan and 35 abroad in 2008, according to the survey. This year, it has so far engaged in ritual freeing of animals 75 times in Taiwan and 22 times overseas, the survey found.

On average, it organized 10 rounds of activities a month for its members to free animals, the EAST said, describing the Hai Tao group as a"super fangsheng organization." Based on the survey, the EAST estimated that more than 200 million creatures are used in Taiwan each year in the religious ritual and at least NT$200 million is spent annually on such activities.

Birds, fish, frogs, turtles and snakes are the most commonly used animals, according to the survey.

Turtledoves, sparrows, scaly-breasted munia, and Japanese white-eye are the most popular birds in the "release of life" activities because they are cheap and can be easily caught in large numbers in the wild in Taiwan, the EAST said.

It noted that the birds are often kept in tiny wooden cages before being transferred to bird shops and that some of them usually die from shock in captivity.

(By Elizabeth Hsu)

Groups release 200 mil. animals annually: study
China Post 3 Oct 09;

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- According to a recent study conducted by the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, Taiwan's religious groups performed practices to release animals up to 750 times annually, or 2.1 times daily.

The statistics show a significant amount of the animals are being released into an ecological environment different from their origins.

In a press release, the animal society released the findings of their 2009 study on Taiwan's free-the-animal practices. Spots for freeing fishes include several popular tourist sites such as Tamshi Fisher's Wharf or Sun Moon Lake. For freeing birds, common sites were Yangmingshan National Park or Yushan National Park.

The director of the society, Chen Yu-min stated that Taiwanese conduct these practices in rivers, reservoirs, and mountains. Furthermore some have taken the ritual internationally such as China, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Indonesia, or Malaysia.

The top animal choices for freeing include the sparrow and Lonchura Punctulata (black-colored bead), due to their cheaper price. Although the White-Rumped Shama is also among the top picks, it creates a danger to Taiwan ecological environment since it originates outside of the country.

The study found there were a total or 256 groups conducting free-the-animal ceremonies, one third less than 2004. Regardless, 32 of the groups practice it monthly. The study estimated the cost of the rituals to be at least NT$200 million a year with over 200 million animals being freed annually.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

No Choice

2011-02-15T10:11:00.002+08:00

Quite often, I hear people mentioned the word "No Choice" as if he is resigned to fate, circumstantial limitations and something that they cannot get out.

When asked further, to these people, it is like "the fishes must be in the water" ; "that birds must learn to fly" ; "that termites will have to eat up all the books"... No Choice, that's life.

I took a different look recently on my life and the things that I can do. Actually, if we think carefully, we have a lot of choices. But we shut ourselves and resign to fate.

The whole medical profession is about choices, the type of food you eat is about choices, and the way you lead your life and your next action is about choices too. Then when it is "No Choice'?

It comes back to our GHI;

Greed and desire already limits our choice, we want the best but lose out on all the second best or better; Hatred completely close our minds and stop any incoming of new information where we can make better decision with a means to an end; and

Ignorance sums up all our stupidity and laziness to move forward.

Someone told me that this is intrinsic in Buddhism, the belief in Karma, the lost of action (as we are always sitting and meditating), and our belief of rebirth. But this is not the correct understanding (8NP).

The belief in Karma makes us do the right things right; meditation is not about just sitting down and watch your mind at a retreat centre - but it is a daily practice every minute in our mind to understand the true nature of our issues and how we can handle our suffering better; and rebirth is a choice, and we can control it through our understanding of the four noble truth (4NT) and our practice of the eightfold noble path (8NP).

So try it. You have choices, just because you choose to close your eyes, it doesn't mean the choices are not there.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Is Buddhist animal liberation a merit collecting exercise?

2011-01-27T16:29:00.001+08:00

The Pali canon identifies three bases of merit (Pali: puññakiriyavatthu). In the Puññakiriyavatthusuttaṃ ("Meritorious actions discourse," AN 8.36 or A 8.4.6),^[1] the Buddha identifies these three bases:

giving (dānamayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)
virtue (sīlamayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)
mental development (bhāvanāmayaṃ puññakiriyavatthu)

In the "Sangiti Sutta" ("Chanting together discourse," DN 33), verse 38, Ven. Sariputta identifies the same triad:dāna, sīla, bhāvanā.^[2]

In the Khuddaka Nikaya's Itivuttaka (Iti. 1.22),^[3] the three bases are defined as: giving (dānassa), self mastery (damassa) and refraining (saññamassā).^[4] Later in this same sutta, the triad is restated as: giving (dāna), a life of mental calm (sama-cariya)^[5] and a mind of good-will (metta-citta).^[3]

Is Buddhist animal liberation a merit collecting exercise?

Again it is important to practice right intention with the right effort. If one's purpose of deliberately doing a good deed is to collect merits, the intention is wrong, and thus little merits are generated. One such form is the Animal Liberation exercise that Buddhists got entangled into.

I have seen Buddhists buying farm cultured fishes and releasing them to the ocean or reservoir, only to be served as some other animals' dinner. Worst still, after the animal liberation exercise, this same group of people will go to a restaurant for seafood where live fishes, prawn and crabs are immediately killed for their pleasure.

Buddhists should refrain from killing intentionally. Liberating animals for the sake of self merits is not a recommended practice as it may increase suffering to the animals.

Buddhists earn merit through mindfulness, meditation, chanting and other rituals.

A post-canonical commentary (Atthakatha) , elaborating on the canonically identified meritorious triad of dana-sila-bhavana (see D.III,218), states that lay devotees can make merit by performing these seven more specific acts:

honoring others (apacayana-maya)
offering service (veyyavacca-maya)
involving others in good deeds (pattidana-maya)
being thankful for others' good deeds (pattanumodana-maya)
listening to Teachings (dhammassavana-maya)
instructing others in the Teachings (dhammadesana-maya)
straightening one's own views in accord with the Teachings (ditthujukamma)^[6]

Merits is generated for pure action with no hidden agenda and definitely not an intentional stamp collecting exercise. But there is no one size fits all answer and it is up to you to be mindful of your own actions.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Goodbye, Tiffany (Tiffy) as you cross the rainbow bridge this morning

2011-01-12T12:09:00.002+08:00

Tiffany - in her own class

Originally uploaded by Robin3388

Tiffy came to our home as a little puppy from the pet shop. She was an imported pedigree American Cocker Spaniel and we had her when she was 8 months old.

As she was our first dog in the new house, we were afraid that she was lonely as a puppy and bought a cross Cocker Spaniel (we called him Gucci) to keep her company.

After having her for half a year, she was diagnosed with hereditary Juvenile Glaucoma and became blind in both eye at the age of 18 months old. Gucci then became her blind guide dog as she will follow Gucci whenever he goes.

Tiffy passed away and crossed the rainbow bridge this morning 12 Jan 2011 at 5.28am.

I gave her a warm bath after silent chanting for 1 hour and performed her last offices before sending her for cremation. She was cleaned and dried and rolled up in a new yellow towel with sandal wood. Chrysanthemum flowers were laid in a new colourful IKEA box for friends from the pet cremation service to collect her. Her ashes will be scattered to the sea.

(This is probably the same last office and funeral arrangement that I have arranged and planned for myself.)

Go well Tiffy, and be reborn as a Human in the next life..

OM MANI PADME HUM _/!\_

N。I。K。E。 in Buddhism

2010-12-21T13:38:00.004+08:00

Last nite, I spoke on Buddhism's NIKE - the Four Dharma Seals of Buddhism namely,

N ot-self,
I mpermanence,
K arma,
E nlightenment.

Buddhism is distinguished by four characteristics, called the Four Dharma Seals.

The Four Seals are:

All compounded things are impermanent.

All stained emotions are painful.

All phenomena are empty.

Nirvana is peace.

Any religion or philosophy that contains these four foundation beliefs is Buddhism. Since the death of our Teacher, The Buddha aka Prince Siddhartha Gautama, aka Gautama Buddha, aka Sakyamuni, Buddhism has developed in diverse schools and sects. But the Four Dharma seals remain to be the same.

I recently read a book on the confession of a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, who gave up her 23 years of being a nun and became a Christian. With a full crown of white hair, she mentioned that even the Buddha, no matter how big and beautiful, cannot express the love as Christ did when he died for her sins. She also confessed that she spent years of chanting without meaning, and working for free at temple as part of free labour as she was actually a teacher in a Buddhist school.

I wondered if she had misunderstood the Four Dharma Seals.

Even God is impermanent.

There was never a "self" and she is taking things too personal.

Does she understand the true meaning of cause and effects? and that she will remain in samsara with her attachement of greed, hatred and ignorance?

How can attachment brings End of suffering?

I have no answers for her. Only she will know what she is doing.

I have been a practicing Buddhist for a while now (well since 5 years old).

Day by day, I know that using the four seals of Buddhism has helped me sail through life like a lotus leaf floating in a pond. I am in the pond, but that doesn't mean I need to get dirty.

I support and wait for the lotus flower to come out and make this world a better place.. and that too is impermanence.

I just do my part.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2011.

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Words of an imperfect "teacher"

2010-11-25T09:33:00.003+08:00

My teacher recently asked me if people with me during the trip were my students. I hesitate to say yes.. and just told him that some have learned meditation from me, and may be they could be my "students", others had only attended one or two of my meditation class, and thus cannot be classified as my students. After the explanation, he looked at me and said :" Whatever, but u better know what you are doing"

I can understand that, on one hand, I can teach my teachings and help the "so-called students" to reduce suffering through teaching them to reduce their greed and desire, hatred and anger, ignorance and stupidity, on the other hand, it saddens me to see people continuously never learn and make the same mistakes, increasing their karma of suffering again and again, and not even mindful of it at all.

I looked back and realised that my teaching too is a waste of time as people will never learn when their karmic time is not right. They did not listen, they did not know how.

I am thus always mindful that I am not their "teacher" since there is nothing they can learn from me.

Just like watching the lily bulbs growing everyday, I cannot pull them higher to help them grow faster, or else the green shoots will be de-rooted. I am learning that EACH individual will have their own speed of reducing their suffering and if they need 100 more lives to reach enlightenment, it is not my problem and they can choose to do it themselves... thus the Theravada approach is so correct.

Which is why in Lam Rim (in Words of the perfect teacher), some teachers have to pick up their students karma if they have not teach them well. But luckily, even these are impermanence or else no one will want to be a teacher.

haha.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

A note to a dear friend

2010-11-09T12:03:00.004+08:00

Everyone dies, and we just have to live a meaningful life before we go...

Well, everyone met someone in this life... and through their actions and reactions, linked emotional, psychologically and physically at some point in time... Such linkage may cause joy, happiness and may also cause hurt and pain. We can choose to remember all the pain and torture ourselves with such emotions... but I would choose to have good memories of good times, and grateful that such good things happened. And it is not about going to the sad part of wanting more or wishing that the good things will continue...

All things, good or bad will end one day. Life is like that, we just have to accept this fact and find meaning in this balance of our life.

My lecturing and research on death and dying have help me understand more about things... it is important that I understand what is happening to me and the people around me...

Live your life with meaning... help anyone who needs helps, the old lady in the hospital, the friends and anyone who come your path... volunteer to help out in charity organisation, make your life beneficial to everyone around u.

Be kinder today, for everyone u meet is fighting their own battle in life.

U can see that, everyone has something to be unhappy about... and if u gives more kindness, u will get tons back...

And nasty things limits its own use... after a while, who will suffer if u are sad or angry. U?

So cheer-up. Have some fun, meet your family members and go somewhere, makes new kind friends, or keep your existing good and kind friends. And stay away from harmful people

Keep smiling.

Today is a new day.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

My PhD on death and dying

2010-10-21T12:07:00.002+08:00

During my class yesterday, my professor and teacher shared on Dr Carmen Zammit, one of her student who was awarded her PhD posthumously.

I specifically asked her why a dying person would wish to do a PhD. Deep inside, I know it is actually a personal question.

I see resemblance of her in my own PhD in this aspects.

I was diagnosed with heart problems when I was deciding on whether I should do my PhD. Afterall, it was absolutely not about more fame, status, salary or anything physical that matters and everyone was worried that I should be resting more rather than taking up more work.

I decided against all my friends well thought advices and went ahead.. and of course during the first year of my study, I needed a heart surgery and it affected quite a bit of my course work when I was on medical leave for three months after the surgery.

I frequently asked myself why I am doing this PhD, and have found peace in this… and yes, it is about hope, motivation to share with others, and learning something so that I can help others better. Besides, it gives me reason to work hard on some aspects to improve myself and my wisdom practice.

I took this phD journey with joy and is enjoying my journey of learning and balance of life.

For me, the importance in what you are doing is constantly asking yourself "is this for PUBLIC GOOD" and my professor just told me a resounding "YES !"

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

LETTING GO TAKES LOVE

2010-09-16T14:55:00.001+08:00

To let go does not mean to stop caring,

it means I can't do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off,
   it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,
   but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means
   the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
   it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,
   but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
   but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
   but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
   but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,
   it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,
   but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
   but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
   but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate anybody,
   but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past,
   but to grow and live for the future.

To let go is to fear less and love more
      Remember: The time to love is short

------ author unknown

--
Have a nice day
ROBIN

Are u attached?

2010-09-13T18:21:00.002+08:00

Yes, attachment is painful. 55% of marriages in Sweden end up in divorce (http://www.darndivorce.com/divorce-rates-around-the-world/)

Blind attachment is the worst... and "till death do us part" is so so so painful and suffering for the one left behind.. I know some one who is dying sometimes could not go peacefully if there is too much attachment.
And also, once a person got married (thus committing to an attachment) the whole world rotates around someone and people really think that their spouse will live forever and suffer again when they divorced or died earlier than expected.

hmmm.. I have no answer this form of suffering.. But only share what I believed

All compounded things are impermanent.

All emotions are pain.

All things have no inherent existence.

Nirvana (the end of Suffering) is beyond concepts.

So if I choose to be attached.. I will be mindful of this four above-mentioned foundations of Buddhism and live as happy as I can. Living life using the principles above and realising this truth can help in handling suffering

After a while (not sure if it is an aging thing), I just got sick trying to FIT someone in my life, and sharing my little world with that someone, unless the person is Super Super Excellent to be worth all the efforts of trying and giving and suffering. And then that is me... you can choose your desires.

The biggest wedding ring in life is Suffer Ring.
--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Why do u fear death?

2010-08-14T10:20:00.001+08:00

We all fear death.

But what exactly do we fear on death? Death is an event and dying is the process.

Perhaps it is fear of pain and suffering , which can be very real if we have cancer. But nowadays medical advancement can tailor pain management to the needs of every patients. So that shouldn't be fear.

Perhaps it is the fear of uncertainty. Where do one go after death？. It really depends on what is your belief system. Understand and learn about it can over come this fear.

Perhaps it is the fear of leaving everything and everyone behind. We won't give up and we can't let go. This attachment to our material illusion is a daily cause of our constant suffering. We can be our own master of our destiny but not to be attached to anything too much. Everything is impermanent and so are our body.

So why do u fear death?

Our Three Animals

2010-07-22T10:43:00.007+08:00

Our 3 animals:

Pig - Delusion, ignorance

Rooster - Greed, desire

Snake - Anger, hatred

Transforming the Three Poisons:
Greed, Hatred, and Delusion

In Buddhist teachings, greed, hatred, and delusion are known, for good reason, as the three poisons, the three unwholesome roots, and the three fires. These metaphors suggest how dangerous afflictive thoughts and emotions can be if they are not understood and transformed. Greed refers to our selfishness, misplaced desire, attachment, and grasping for happiness and satisfaction outside of ourselves. Hatred refers to our anger, our aversion and repulsion toward unpleasant people, circumstances, and even toward our own uncomfortable feelings. Delusion refers to our dullness, bewilderment, and misperception; our wrong views of reality. The poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion are a byproduct of ignorance—ignorance of our true nature, the awakened heart of wisdom and compassion. Arising out of our ignorance, these poisonous states of mind then motivate nonvirtuous and unskillful thoughts, speech, and actions, which cause all manner of suffering and unhappiness for ourselves and others.

Greed, hatred, and delusion are deeply embedded in the conditioning of our personalities. Our behavior is habitually influenced and tainted by these three poisons, these unwholesome roots buried deep into our mind. Burning within us as lust, craving, anger, resentment, and misunderstanding, these poisons lay to waste hearts, lives, hopes, and civilizations, driving us blind and thirsty through the seemingly endless round of birth and death (samsara). The Buddha describes these defilements as bonds, fetters, hindrances, and knots; the actual root cause of unwholesome karma and the entire spectrum of human suffering.

Although this teaching may appear negative or unpleasant, indeed, a wise understanding of the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion is ultimately positive and empowering. With this sublime understanding we can clearly see and feel the factors that are causing confusion, unhappiness, and suffering in our lives. And with this clarity and insight, we can make the choice to eliminate those factors! The teaching of The Four Noble Truths clearly explains that when we embrace and understand the exact causes of our suffering and dissatisfaction, we can then take the necessary steps to extinguish those causes and liberate ourselves. This is certainly positive and empowering. In addition, it is important for us to realize that the Dharma teachings regarding defilement and purification are not just rigid, restrictive, or authoritarian theories regarding morality, but are real and solid facts essential to our correct understanding of reality and eventual awakening.

Greed

Our greed is a burning desire, an unquenchable thirst (tanha), craving, and lust; we want the objects of our desire to provide us with lasting satisfaction so we feel fulfilled, whole, and complete. The poison of greed creates an inner hunger so that we always seem to be striving towards an unattainable goal. We mistakenly believe our happiness is dependent upon that goal, but once we attain it, we get no lasting satisfaction. Then once again, our greed and desire will arise, looking outside of ourselves for the next thing that will hopefully bring satisfaction. Influenced by greed, we are never content. Another common face of our greed shows up as a lack of generosity and compassion toward others. Even a moment of honest and mindful introspection will reveal how deeply-rooted our greed can be. We can experience the symptoms of our greed appearing in even the most trivial instances, and of course, greed can manifest itself in even more compulsive and destructive ways as well. We always seem to want more, we want bigger and better, we want to fulfill our insatiable inner hunger and thirst (craving). This type of greed affects our personal lives, our professional lives, and the domain of international business and politics. Global conflict and warfare, as well as the destruction of our precious environment are obvious symptoms of our corporate and political greed. Our greed, craving, and thirst affects each of us on a personal and global level. Our greed is an endless and pernicious cycle that only brings suffering and unhappiness in its wake.

Hatred

The symptoms of hatred can show up as anger, hostility, dislike, aversion, or ill-will; wishing harm or suffering upon another person. With aversion, we habitually resist, deny, and avoid unpleasant feelings, circumstances, and people we do not like. We want everything to be pleasant, comfortable, and satisfying all the time. This behavior simply reinforces our perception of duality and separation. Hatred or anger thrusts us into a vicious cycle of always finding conflict and enemies everywhere around us. When there is conflict or perceived enemies around us, our mind is neurotic, never calm, we are endlessly occupied with strategies of self-protection or revenge. We can also create conflict within ourselves when we have an aversion to our own uncomfortable feelings. With hatred and aversion, we deny, resist, and push away our own inner feelings of fear, hurt, loneliness, and so forth, treating these feelings like an internal enemy. With the poison of hatred, we create conflict and enemies in the world around us and within our own being.

Delusion

Delusion is our wrong understanding or wrong views of reality. Delusion is our misperception of the way the world works; our inability to understand the nature of things exactly as they are, free of perceptual distortions. Influenced by delusion, we are not in harmony with ourselves, others, or with life; we are not living in accordance with Dharma. Affected by the poison of delusion, which arises from ignorance of our true nature, we do not understand the interdependent and impermanent nature of life. Thus, we are constantly looking outside of ourselves for happiness, satisfaction, and solutions to our problems. This outward searching creates even more frustration, anger, and delusion. Because of our delusion, we also do not understand the virtuous, life-affirming actions that create happiness, nor do we understand the nonvirtuous, negative, and unwholesome actions that create suffering. Again, our delusion binds us to a vicious cycle where there does not appear to be any way out.

Transforming the Three Poisons

For countless eons we have been influenced and motivated by our greed, hatred, and delusion. Therefore, this work of purification and transformation cannot be effected hastily, in obedience to our impatient demand for quick results. This work requires patience, care, persistence, and deep compassion for ourselves and others. The Buddha taught us that the poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion, which cause so much suffering, can indeed be purified and transformed. We can break the chain of suffering and negative karma and live a happy, fulfilling life. The Buddha's excellent teachings tell us that enlightenment is our true nature, and will naturally shine forth through the purified mind and heart. Therefore, the goal of our spiritual practice is to liberate ourselves from the defilements that obscure the natural clarity, radiance, and joy of our enlightenment. So how do we encounter the three poisons and transform them in a way that leads to genuine liberation?

We must begin this work of purification in the precise place where the poisons originate—in the mind itself (the conditioned ego or personality). This purification and transformation begins with the challenge of calming the mind and seeing deeply into ourselves. In other words, to eliminate the poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion, we must first learn to recognize them when they first appear. Being mindful and aware, we can then discern how these deep-seated poisons influence our everyday thoughts, feelings, speech, and actions. This mindful awareness, this seeing deeply into ourselves, is the beginning of understanding; the beginning of our ability to transform these defilements. To accomplish this awareness, we train our mind through meditation. We learn to concentrate on our breathing at the tip of the nose (or the abdomen in Zen training), allowing all thoughts and feelings to arise and pass without reacting to them or evaluating them. Through this practice, we become much more aware of ourselves in everyday situations. We are able to notice when thoughts and emotions arise and begin to disturb us. In this way, we can be conscious of these thoughts and emotions and work with them skillfully before they get out of control, causing harm to ourselves and others.

The Antidotes

In addition to meditation practice, there are also the antidotes or alternatives to the three poisons. For every defilement, the Buddha has given us the antidote, the method whereby we eliminate unwholesome mental attitudes and replace them with virtuous, wholesome attitudes which benefit ourselves and others. Therefore, the entire aim of spiritual practice is to gradually subdue the poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion by cultivating the alternative mental factors that are directly opposed to them. These antidotes are called the three wholesome roots: non-greed, non-hatred, and non-delusion.

To antidote and overcome greed, we learn to cultivate selflessness, generosity, detachment, and contentment. If we are experiencing greed, strong desire, or attachment and we want to let it go, we can contemplate the impermanence or the disadvantages of the objects of our desire. We can practice giving away those things we would most like to hold onto. We can also practice acts of selfless service and charity, offering care and assistance to others in any way we can, free of all desire for recognition or compensation. In truth, there is no objection to enjoying and sharing the beauty, pleasures, and objects of this material world. The problems associated with greed and attachment only arise when we mistakenly believe and act as if the source of our happiness is outside of ourselves.

To antidote and overcome hatred, we learn to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, patience, and forgiveness. When we react to unpleasant feelings, circumstances, or people, with hatred, anger, or aversion, we can use these sublime antidotes to counteract the poisons. Here we learn to openly embrace the entire spectrum of our experiences without hatred or aversion. Just as we practice meeting unpleasant experiences in the outer world with patience, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, we must also practice meeting our own unpleasant feelings in the same way. Our feelings of loneliness, hurt, doubt, fear, insecurity, inadequacy, depression, and so forth, all require our openness and loving-kindness. Our challenge in spiritual practice is to soften our habitual defenses, open our heart, and let go of hatred, aversion, and denial. In this way, we can meet and embrace ourselves, others, and all inner and outer experiences with great compassion and wisdom.

To antidote and overcome delusion, we cultivate wisdom, insight, and right understanding. Learning to experience reality exactly as it is, without the distortions of our self-centered desires, fears, and expectations, we free ourselves from delusion. Deeply sensing and acting in harmony with the interdependent, impermanent, and ever-changing nature of this world—realizing that all living beings are inseparably related and that lasting happiness does not come from anything external—we free ourselves from delusion. As we develop a clear understanding of karma, knowing the positive, wholesome actions that bring happiness and the negative, unwholesome actions that bring suffering, we cultivate the wisdom, insight, and right understanding that free us from delusion.

By studying the Dharma and applying the teachings properly in our lives, we will gradually wear away even the most stubborn habitual behaviors, fully liberating ourselves from stress, unhappiness, and suffering. The Buddha calls this the "taintless liberation of the mind." The sublime peace, wisdom, limitless awareness, unity, and bliss of Nirvana shines forth as our essential nature when the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion have finally been extinguished.

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Excuse me, how much is your lecture?

2010-07-14T21:05:00.004+08:00

I recently started another round of public lectures (my third wave) and this seem to be a common question.

People asked me if it was free of charge to attend my lectures; organiser asked how much I would charge them for giving the lecture; and even a temple asked me my charges and expenses for giving a course there.

Every time such questions are raised, I really dun know how to answer.

If I say it is free, do I look cheap? or will they think it is of less value, or will they register and not turn-up at the last minute thus depriving someone else a chance to attend?

To set the record straight, I usually do not charge anything unless the organiser imposed a hefty fee on the audience. I understand that commercial company organising a talk incurred expenses, but it is quite normal that someone must pay the extra manpower, electric bill, aircon bill, rental of premises, etc. Even going to the wash room involved water and electric charges for the sensor and the lights. Just an estimation, the cost per trip for an elevator up and down is 50cents, and the toilet is about 20 cents depending on number of flushes.. hahaha

But some of the audiences would expect to attend talk for free. Hmmm, the last talk held at the temple, out of curiosity again, with free lunch provided, got a donation of $245 from 60 participants combined in the 3 donation boxes (no records of course, so no identifiers).

Buddhists are quite different from Christians in this sense.. Christians are more than happy to give tithe to their church (which do not provide free food), but some Buddhists can go to the temple, donate $2 and bring along the whole family for free lunch. Trust me, managing a temple is a tough business.

How many Buddhists give tithe or regular donation to help maintain their temple.. Whilst some pastors own sport cars and condos, most monks (except one) and nuns would need to get donation for doing a task... but then, this is another story..

So coming back to my lecture, it is free, and if you are kind and generous after listening to my lectures, please donate to any charity that you like and send me the receipts, or donate to the premises owners, because they didn't charge me for the rental of the aircon rooms.

For those who know me, I donate all my honorarium as a invited speaker or asked the organisation to donate a charity on my behalf, as it is cleaner. Most of the tem, I even absorbed travelling charges and accommodations, since the organiser for this talks may be short of funds. I count this as my contribution and moral duty as a person.

To those who have attended my lecture, how much are you willing to "pay" for my lectures (again out of curiosity).. of course, all proceeds goes to charity?

P.S my next lecture is in KL-17 Jul 2010 at 3pm, 18 Jul 2010 at KKBC Singapore at 2pm.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Meditation

2010-07-03T11:23:00.007+08:00

Some people meditate to get "things". Some went Astral traveling. Some thinks that power can be "improved by meditation.. some thinks that meditation can improve one's "luck".

Meditation has many forms. Some use it for pleasure and fun. Some use it for Relaxation and sleep.

And Buddhists use it for ending our sufferings.

Meditation is a tool and the intention to practice meditation is important.

Buddhists do meditation, not with desire, but with letting go.

Remember we don't get anything from meditation.
We get "rid" of things during meditation by learning to let go.

Friends Always?

2010-06-24T10:31:00.004+08:00

So often we received emails from friends that today (as in everyday) is an international friendship day.

I always wonder why we have friends?

The most common type of friendships are friends of Utility.

Look around you. We want to have friends who can help us in our career (business acquaintance), our lifes, our cores and our work. Once they are not longer useful, we hardly keep in contact until we see them in the newspapers (either giving a talk like me, I found a few long lost friends last week attending my lecture just to see if it is really me) or in the obituary. haha.

This is the reason why tit-for-tac, an eye for an eye, you not nice to me and I will not be nice too, will result in divorce and breakup.

The other type of friendship is one of convenience, just like office colleagues, being in the same boat at the same time and once off the boat, no more contact.

The third one is unconditional friendship, which doesn't have an hidden agenda and accept whatever we are. The element of respect and loving kindness is the key to this type of friendship. Everyone claims to want a friend like that, but if you look carefully at all your friend now, how many are unconditional friend and how many are mainly behaving like the friend of utility.

This applies to relationship too.

And I recently heard that a religious organisation is providing some of its funds to education, provided that the beneficiaries must come for their Sunday service. This must be considered conditional charity?

Life is full of hidden agendas.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Kalama Sutta

2010-06-23T11:37:00.001+08:00

Do not believe in anything (simply)
because you have heard it.

Do not believe in traditions because they
have been handed down for many generations.

Do not believe in anything because it is
spoken and rumoured by many.

Do not believe in anything (simply) because
it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority
of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis
when you find that anything agrees with reason
and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all
then accept it and live up to it.

Buddha
(Anguttara Nikaya Vol. 1, 188-193 P.T.S. Ed.)--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Finger and the moon

2010-06-22T12:28:00.001+08:00

One of the most used metaphors in Buddhism (especially Zen Buddhism) is that of the finger and the moon. It warns against mistaking the finger which points to the moon, i.e. your teacher, guru, teaching, religion, etc, and the moon, i.e. that towards which the finger points (enlightened state, Buddha-nature, God-consciousness, etc). Another popular metaphor for it is the river and the raft: once you have crossed to the other shore, you don't need the raft anymore.

As the Buddha said, "it is the finger that points to the moon," The finger is not the moon but indicates the direction of the moon. So many people get confused thinking that the finger is the moon (truth).

As I start to mingle with "spiritual circles" (especially Buddhists), I am actually surprised at how many of them do not seem to have integrated this most basic teaching, which says: do not cling to the teaching! To my amazement, a number of the Buddhists I meet, from this or that particular flavor of Buddhism, seem convinced that their particular chosen path (not only Buddhism but their particular school, or teacher!) is the only path -- and do not understand what I mean with my finger and moon parable.

You can't learn anything about the moon by looking at the finger.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Reincarnation and Happiness

2010-06-17T08:44:00.003+08:00

A friend read a chapter which explained how one can practice the Buddha Dharma to decrease suffering in the next lives, and not just this one.

She like this bit 'compared to the suffering we will have to endure then, this life's suffering no longer seems so unbearable".

The faith of reincarnation does relief suffering for many people, and the Buddha saw this in India especially in the caste system.

At that time, life as a farmer or a slave as compared to the life of royal and rich...

People seem to think that they are destined to suffer for this whole entire life.. Thus the idea that practice of the Dharma will relief suffering in the next life has benefited and attract people to practice the Dharma.

Actually, like I have explained before, happiness has nothing to do with whether you are rich or poor... or royal or normal... happiness is a state of mind, happiness is certainly achievable even if you are extremely poor, handicap, retarded ...

If happiness depend on anything external, money, wealth children, lovers, friends, then you are bound to suffer .. because everything is impermanence.

Happiness must be generated from the bliss and joy from our mind.

The practice of compassion, loving kindness, gratitude, contentment, and peace of mind are all the values that will generate happiness.

Try it...

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

The reality of death

2010-06-09T14:04:00.002+08:00

Most of us don't face the reality of impermanence or death.

This is because we forget that our lives are transitory and impermanent,

When we quarrel with each other, we fight as if we are going to live for ever.

But, when we face the reality of death, our quarrels will cease and we should have peace of mind.

We will then realize the folly of fighting when we ourselves are doomed to die.

Excited by emotions and the greed and the fame, our thoughts being clouded, we cannot see the truth about life.

When we see the truth, however, our thoughts become free of emotions.

Only when we see the truth, however, our thoughts become free of emotions.

The essence of Buddhism is facing the reality of death and impermanence. Why we suffer is because we run away from reality, carried away by emotions. Emotions are in conflict with reality; therefore, they are bound to be thwarted by reality. Not only anger but all self-centred emotions come to an end when we face the reality of death. It is a realistic thought that ends all unhappiness. Those who do not face reality in this Buddhist way, continue to be frustrated and angry, and suffer in consequence.

One who beauty contemplates,
whose faculties are unrestrained,
in food no moderation knows,
is languid, who is indolent:
that one does Màra overthrow
as wind a tree of little strength.

Subhànupassim viharantam
indriyesu asamvutam
bhojanaühi amattannum
kusitam hinavãriyam
taü ve pasahati màro
vàto rukkhaü'va dubbalam

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

We all fear death?

2010-06-05T20:22:00.002+08:00

We all fear death.

Some people even tried to avoid mentioning the word death and dying. We used words and phrase, like the person has passed away; I lost my brother: he is gone with the lord: he has crossed the rainbow bridge, etc.

We live in a death denying society. In our pursue of excellence, fame and fortune, we think we are invincible and will live forever. The search for excellence lifted our greed for wealth and success and ignorance of death.

Everyone knows that they will die, but nobody is sure of when and how they will die. Even a terminally ill patient cannot be sure that he will die of the condition that he is diagnosed with.

When I first started public speaking on this topic, I tried to invite all my friends to come to the lecture. One reason is to share collectively to them what I have leant and the other is hopefully to fill up the hall just in case no one shows up. Fortunately the second reason never happened as most of the talk had full attendance.

What was interesting was the reply of my friends. Some said they are not ready to think about this topic. Some said that they may be depressed by the talk and don't dare to attend. The best reply was from a relative of a dying patient who mentioned that he thinks it is not appropriate to attend my lecture at this time when a family member is diagnosed terminally ill.

Since when death is just a topic of discussion? Some people find death a subject too taboo to even think about it although it's true we are nearing death every seconds of our life here on earth. By not discussing death, can we postpone or avoid it. When is the right time to learn a new skill to help yourself and you love ones who is suffering?

May be you can tell me more...
--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Brutal Death?

2010-06-02T11:37:00.002+08:00

Saw news of an acquittance death:

SINGHEALTH'S group chief operating officer, Dr Wong Yue Sie, died on Friday 28 May 2010, after suffering a massive stroke a week earlier. Dr Wong, 49, who underwent emergency surgery, had not regained consciousness.

Death will come, whether brutal whether sudden, whether real, when prepared.

Buddhism has a lot to say about the role of death in human life, as well as its true nature. Death can be a teacher of impermanence, emptiness, karma, four noble truth and eightfold noble path. By just thinking and understanding our death, one may attain enlightenment in this life time.

From a Buddhist point of view, the actual experience of death is very important. Although how or where we will be reborn is generally dependent on karmic forces, our state of mind at the time of death can influence the quality of our next rebirth. So at the moment of death, if we make a special effort to generate a virtuous state of mind, we may activate a virtuous karma, & bring abt a happy rebirth. THE DALAI LAMA

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

God and emptiness

2010-05-18T10:46:00.003+08:00

The worst moment for any atheist is when he feels grateful for something and has no-one to thank!

I heard of this before and so disagree with it. Why should one focus his gratitude to an object or subject?

The concept of god always existing is hard enough to try to understand.

And so is the emptiness which had to be there along with god.

If there was a beginning it would have had to be emptiness first then god. Not the other way around, the reason being is that for god to exist he would have needed a place to exist in. \to me it is alot easier to see thare was always emptiness but to see that there always was a god is much harder to see. Could it be some how the emptiness crreated god?

Some says, God came first, since he always existed, but what your question is attempting to do is apply YOUR logic to God...

This ain't gonna work...God is way beyond human logic and/or understanding.

The Bible STARTS OUT with the words "In the beginning, God created..." This tells us there WAS a beginning, and God was there BEFORE the beginning, or he couldn't have created.

Some people like to have little gods on their fireplace mantel or in a garden in their backyard,

God is bigger than yours or my imagination, the Bible says: Act 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

To me, the status or virtues of god must be achievable by all man when we do good and thus bring us closer to god or be like him.

"The best religion is the one that gets you closest to God.

It is the one that makes you a better person."~ Dalai Lama

Karmic and Choice

2010-05-16T20:53:00.004+08:00

No one is above the law of karmic cause and effect....NO ONE!

When one is afflicted by greed, anger and ignorance, unwholesome actions arise.
When one is freed from greed, anger and ignorance, unwholesome actions cease.
Thus, follow the teaching of the four noble truths and eightfold noble paths to free yourself from greed, anger and ignorance, and all unwholesome actions will cease.

Such is the state of nirvana (enlightenment) that has been realized by Buddha and his saint disciples.

What exactly is karma? To me, it is merely your decision or choice and the cosequences of this choice we made. Nothing fancy, nothing mystical or religious.

If you make a right choice, naturally you will great good returns otherwise you will suffer the consequences of a bad decision.

It's that simple.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

How perfect r u?

2010-05-14T20:03:00.005+08:00

In the Pali Canon's Buddhavamsa the Ten Perfections (dasa pāramiyo) are (original terms in Pali):

1. Dāna parami : generosity, giving of oneself

2. Sīla parami : virtue, morality, proper conduct

3. Nekkhamma parami : renunciation

4. Paññā parami : transcendental wisdom, insight

5. Viriya (also spelt vīriya) parami : energy, diligence, vigour, effort

6. Khanti parami : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance

7. Sacca parami : truthfulness, honesty

8. Adhiṭṭhāna (adhitthana) parami : determination, resolution

9. Mettā parami : loving-kindness

10. Upekkhā (also spelt upekhā) parami : equanimity, serenity

Two of the above virtues, Metta and Upekkha, also comprise two of the Four Immeasurables (Brahmavihara).

Are you the candle afraid of the wind

2010-05-14T11:45:00.003+08:00

A candle, a wind

opposing force, equal strength

Too strong, too weak

to end in a storm

Perhaps the wind

is the strength

to test the candle

and make a brighter light

Perhaps we are all candles our obstacles the wind

it gives us strength

and meaning to our brightness

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Wisdom and Compassion

2010-05-13T16:21:00.002+08:00

修福不修慧。象身挂璎珞。

修慧不修福。罗汉应供薄。

In the Buddha's phrase above, If you practice compassion without wisdom, you will be re-incarnated as an elephant full of jewels. And if you practice wisdom without compassion, you will be re-incarnated as a monk who has no public support.

It takes both wisdom and compassion to achieve enlightenment. Action is important too. The daily practice is putting all that we have learnt from Buddhism into our life through right efforts and right intentions, to create positive result for public good.

Good intention is not good enough.

Right intention must be followed by right speech, right action and right understanding.

文而不化

2010-05-13T16:18:00.001+08:00

The Chinese language is very rich in wisdom practice.. if you know it well.

文化 mean culture in the Chinese language.. but the Character used is very interesting..

The first word is 文 (wen) means language or knowledge... whereas the second word 化 (hua) means dissolve or mixed.

Thus culture is the mixing of languages and knowledge into the society.

Culture after all is an integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning. Thus I am saying that Chinese language, through the use of combination of this 2 words explained that essence of what is culture, with lots wisdom.

文而不化... is derived from the word 文化..

Many a time, after we acquire some information, we tend to forget about it. The power of such information is like a drop of water falling into an ocean and has no impact. Once we apply the knowledge that we have learned into our life, it makes a difference in our life and thus make us a better person.
--
With Gratitude,
ROBIN

The Wheel of Life

2010-05-05T09:36:00.004+08:00

The Wheel of Life (illustrated here as a Tibetan Thangka) is an important Buddhist symbol.

This illustrates the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (Samsara.)

The wheel is held by a demon king called Yama. He represents impermanence.

In the centre there are a cock, a snake and a pig. These symbolise the evils of greed, hatred and ignorance respectively, which obstruct the way to enlightenment. Around them are 6 different sections. These are the six realm of existence or suffering. These range from the carefree state of the gods (Devas) to the torments of hell.

The outer most cycle show the 12 different circumstances into which one can be reborn depending on ones past acts (Karma) which is represented by the outside ring.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Why Death?

2010-05-03T17:03:00.006+08:00

Why do people know that the end of life is Death and yet attached to all this samsaric actions. Is it "when you are in this world, you have no control of your own fate? 人在江湖，身不由己 " as people always say.

We can't let go of anything.. thinking that we own them and we established so much and worked so hard to get them.

Coupled with anger, hatred and greed, I have seen the most intelligent people dying a terrible, fearful and regretful death in my course of work. If only, they are aware of life and death early…. But even if they are aware, they cannot accept this fact.

It is very difficult and need a whole life of cultivation.

I also dun know what will happen if I die, but I am starting to learn that it will come one day and I am learning to prepare for it. One day at a time.

Which remind the teachings which I received from a Rinpoche from the Sakya tradition, which I will forever be grateful for this .

"If you are attached to this life, you are not a true spiritual practitioner.

If you are attached to samsara, you do not have renunciation.

If you are attached to your own self-interest, you have no bodhichitta.

If there is grasping, you do not have the View."

May I rudely ask you... Are you afraid of DEATH?

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Biostats Exam Fever

2010-04-30T16:22:00.002+08:00

I finished my Biostats exams on 29 April. Since I have shared on the blog before( http://robin33.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-biostats.html) , I should give an update on this suffering.

The night before the exam, I had the same nightmare that I have arrived at the wrong exam hall, at the wrong time and wrong date and sat for the wrong paper. Strange, a lot of friends told me that they have the same dream before too.

It was a very strange feeling. The feeling of being familiar with the same fear and stress.. I called the exam office an hour before and guess what, the hall is really changed and I could have really got into the wrong hall if I did not double check.

The exam was very different from what was taught. None of the questions that I expected came out.. and I guess everyone has the same chance of passing … or failing

After the exam, I was a little tired (with all the excitement of being the oldest student in that class) and went home to sleep.

Before I went to bed, I took out my study bag and re-read one of the unfinished chapters of the Biostats book and realized that it is very nice (not more hatred)… which makes me conclude that it is under the exam fever and the timeline and deadline to complete that makes this book rather uneasy reading..

I will still finish my Biostats book tonite and wait for my re-exam.. if I qualify…

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

With gratitude everyday..

2010-04-19T09:25:00.001+08:00

If you woke up this morning
with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the
million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced
the danger of battle,
the loneliness of imprisonment,
the agony of torture or
the pangs of starvation,
you are ahead of 20 million people
around the world.

If you attend a church meeting
without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death,
you are more blessed than almost
three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof over
your head and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet, and spare change
in a dish someplace, you are among
the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive,
you are very rare,
especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile
on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can,
but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them
or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can
offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over
two billion people in the world
that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways
you may never even know.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Is God the essence in Buddhism?

2010-04-10T11:44:00.003+08:00

Buddhism when spread to China took a fusion with Taoism and thus the tools of worship.

Buddha did not say there is no GOD, but that GOD and heaven is also part of the 6 realms of existence. Even if u find a being call GOD, you will not be able to get Enlightenment, and end all the sufferings for the world.

Don't expect God to do things for u, or the angels and guardian deities to purify u, or auspicious days to help u. If u believe in such incidences, u will suffer. You will always be waiting for the right day, right month, right year, the right angels, the right deities and the right GOD. You will only suffer that way. Look into your own action and speech, into your own karma.

Doing good, u inherit goodness, doing bad u inherit badness.

Planting Seeds of kindness, love, compassion and joy helps us ride the waves of change without drowning...... Planting seeds of anger and hatred brings suffering. And even God cannot make a difference in the consequences of your actions.

But Buddha said there are 84000 ways to reach enlightenment and all you need is to follow one... thats simple. rite?

Do you agree? :)

BTW:

If you talk to God, you are religious..

If God talk to you, you are psychotic..

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Don't give up on yourself

2010-03-24T15:30:00.003+08:00

A kind friend was thinking of my last quiz and thought that since giving up any animal would cause suffering, one should sacrifice yourself to save other animals.

I have earlier mentioned that it is not what we think.. but how we think.. and why it is like that we are thinking... that makes a difference. If everyone spare a thought for someone else when making a decision, this world would be a better place.

I remember my teacher said that everyone in life has a purpose and we need to find the purpose and find that meaning of our existence. Once u find it, dun give it up so easily.

I am sure u have found your purpose, whether as a wife to your husband (peacock), parent to your children (elephant), friend to your friend (dog), sister to your sibling, daughter to your parents (monkeys) or just a person in this world.

Dun give up on yourself...

And Yes, always keep that peacock, which needed your protection, close to you. For one day, you know this peacock will radiate its beauty and joy for all sentient beings.

As for me, I recently need to go for a medical check up to see if my illing heart is failing.. I was indeed upset for this new development... Since I have done everything I could and comply and find all treatment possible.

I accepted my illness whole heartedly, understanding that karma works in a strange way and in fact enjoying the journey, despite people think that I should be suffering..

Afterall, why should birth, illness, aging and death be suffering, when they are all natural process of this life? I can't change any of these developments, but I can certainly change my perception to them.

I realised that what I am going through must be a effect of the past (this life or previous) and how I react to it, will be the cause of my future happiness, which is within my control. Whether happy or sad, I will still have to face this situation.

I choose to be happy and enjoy my journey of medical treatment.. haha.

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

A Meaningful Psychological Test

2010-03-19T16:23:00.002+08:00

I have always dislike Psychological test and thought that it is meaningless and normally not accurate. So bear with me as I share this test with you.

One day, you need to go to a jungle, and you bring along 5 animals with you:

Tiger

Peacock

Elephant

Monkey

Dog

As danger approach, please list down which animal (in order sequence) will you release to the jungle. (just play along and write down your list)

If you choose peacock, it represent your lover, tiger represent money, elephant represent parent, monkey represent children, and dog represent friend.

Most of the people will choose peacock, since to them, the peacock is the most useless and cannot help them when in danger.

I will, however, choose to release the tiger first and the peacock last... Why, my thinking is that if I release the tiger, he will be able to defend himself and if I release the peacock first, he will die.

haha.. whether this psychological test is accurate or not, it really does not matters. What matters is how did you come to your conclusion, is it all about you and how useful is this animal to you.... or is it about others, and how others will feel and survive through your decision. If we take others welfare into consideration when we make a decision, I am sure it will cause less suffering.

The choice is yours.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

My Biostats...

2010-03-17T14:19:00.004+08:00

Saying about examination.

I just had a class test yesterday. It was on biostatistics and was something that I have extreme dislike.

I am never a Maths guy.. I dropped Advance Maths when I was in "O" level and never picked it up again. I swam through my undergrads days by just memorizing formulas and vomiting it all over my exam paper whenever possible. Afterall, I did have some good memory in the past and this pulled me through the basic exam in undergrads and post grads.

As I am revisiting my PhD now, I have to start all over again and boy, biostatistics remains to haunt me like a Casper or a fungus on the wood.

I know nuts about statistics, graph, standard deviation, probability and odds ratio, and now end up having to apply all these Greek in biomedical research. If you dun know the rules of the game, how can u apply the rules in your game.

Call it karma or what, but yesterday exam tell me how number dumb I was and how silly I thought I could pull through this time.

Luckily, in life, there is a second chance and I better start understand more, than relying on my aging memory.

haha.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Living in NOW

2010-03-14T18:16:00.002+08:00

One day while walking through the wilderness a man stumbled upon a vicious tiger. He ran but soon came to the edge of a high cliff. Desperate to save himself, he climbed down a vine and dangled over the fatal precipice. As he hung there, two mice (one white and one black) appeared from a hole in the cliff and began gnawing on the vine. He looked down and saw a lion waiting for him below. Suddenly, he noticed on the vine a plump wild strawberry. He plucked it and popped it in his mouth. It was incredibly delicious!

The tiger is our sufferings in life, the lion is our death, the mice are our day and night and you can figure out the rest.
--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Thoughts after my lecture (2)

2010-03-11T18:12:00.002+08:00

I gave a talk in mandarin last night at Dover Hospice at Jalan Tan Tock Seng. It was a continuation of a series of lectures that I have delivered to help the palliative care volunteers and staff understand some of my works on this subject.

Because of the last English lectures which was oversubscribed so much so that some of the volunteers could not get into the hall, the organiser has restricted it to only volunteers and my registered guest this time.

So sorry for those who suddenly turned up without reservation and got rejected for this lecture. I promise that my next lecture will be held in a bigger space and less retain. I sincerely apologised and do write to me so that I can send you my slides.

As for yesterday's learning experience, I am forever grateful to the volunteers for sharing and teaching me, especially during the questions and answers.

One elderly lady stood up to tell how she became someone else "mistress" for 3 days before the patient's death, as he yearned for companionship and wish that she be with him during the last hours. Another discussed about whether we should or should not tell the patient about their actual medical condition (of which I mentioned that they should ask the patient whether s/he wants to know in the first place). One even mentioned that I should continue to teach and reach more people, (he even suggested that I teach school children) on this topic.

I am forever grateful to all these suggestions. All of this volunteers had at least many years of experiences helping the dying.. and this makes me really warm thinking that they like my talk.

In fact, I was so surprised that my broken mandarin and my attempt to translate all my slides (which almost killed me, since my Chinese typing skill is zero).

I have listed some of their comments below for your reading.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

===========

some comments:

尊敬的xxx大�：

昨晚在托福园(Dover Park Hospice)听你的讲座，收获不少。

很希望有份资料作为参考，同时与志工们分享。正如你所说，把这个生死课题的

信息传达出去，让更多人了解生命, 尊重生命。

请把资料电邮我。

感恩你！

Hi Dr,

I was enlightened by your talk yesterday and it inspired both my friends and myself. Would like to see if you can email me the materials you shared yesterday to this email address so that we can reference upon this?

Thanks alot

Hi Robin,

Thanks for the talk…I have learned a lot from it especially while attending to old folks.

Another suggestion that came into my mind is that can we sing to them their favorite song (not the difficult ones) but some simple songs which make them happy.

Like if for other religions, we can sing some simple spiritual songs which lift up their spirit so that they are not afraid to death or take the load off their chest.

Death deal with the mind and if it is calm everything will be ok if not then the person get confused and it is difficult to handle.

I hope you send me the presentation on the talks.

Sadhu x 3

Don't Abandon Your Dream

2010-03-10T17:57:00.002+08:00

The stairs of Life

There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. On coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they have to climb the stairs home.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed on. When they have struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they have only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open the door.

And they realized that the key was in their bags which was left on the 20th floor!

This story is reflecting on our life...many of us live under the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like and love and are under so much pressure and stress so that by the age of 20, we get tired and decided to dump this load.

Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and dream ambitious wishes.

But by the time we reach 40 years old, we start to lose our vision and dreams. We began to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live life as a misery as we are never satisfied. Reaching 60, we realize that we have little left for complaining anymore, and we began to walk the final episode in peace and calmness.

We think that there is nothing left to disappoint us, only to realize that we could not rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream ...... a dream we abandoned 60 years ago.

So what is your dream?

Follow your dreams, so that you will not live with regrets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUMecishY3k&feature=related

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Buddhism and Social Justice

2010-03-02T11:53:00.002+08:00

For Buddhists "justice" often seems too much of an unending revengeful tit for tat, a totally samsaric entity structured by human pride and anger, an endless balancing of rival claims and "rights."

This disposition is expressed in a well-known passage in the Dhammapada:

"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me," the hatred of those who do not harbour such thoughts is appeased. Hatreds never cease by hatred in this world; by love alone they cease. [7]

Retaliatory emotions and actions however "justified" are, but one link in the ongoing chain of cause and effect that drive samsaric futility and sa.msaaric rebirth forever onward.

While these two factors are important in explaining the general lack of concern for justice in the Buddhist world of past and present, there is a more basic and fundamental reason for this disposition.

Its name is karma. In the schema of time-space structured existence embodied in sentient existence at all levels and in all forms (human, sub-human, super-human) the karmic principle of justice rules without exception or hindrance.

There is no such thing as unexplained, causeless suffering, Job to the contrary. Every state of existence, good or bad, animal, ghostly, hellish or heavenly is caused by ethically good or evil deeds. Karmic justice, like the mills of the Greek gods, may grind very slowly but grinds exceedingly fine.

The only genuine escape from karmic justice is not into a better life or better world but into Nirvana. There is an endemic disdain for the samsaric world that has persistently haunted Buddhism.

~ Prof Winston King
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4 stories for yourself

2010-03-01T17:44:00.001+08:00

Buddhists need to tell ourselves 4 stories at the end of every day:

1. For any good things we did to help others during the day (or anytime in the past for that matter), we should sincerely rejoice.

2. For anyone who has done good things in this world think, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Accumulating the energy of "thank you" is the root of wealth. Even regarding someone who has done many negative things in his life, we need not delete our gratitude for the good things he did manage to accomplish. Both the energy of gratitude energy and the good things people have done in the past do not disappear.

3. For any bad things we've done, regret these acts for a little while, but not for an excessive amount of time. Next, promise never to do these things again. Keep in mind that simply forgetting our past negative actions is in no way equivalent to this combination of regret and commitment; just because we forget negative situations does not mean we no longer harbor any resentment.

4. For anyone who has done bad things to us or others, we should pray, thinking, "May this being be free from suffering and causes of suffering." We should in this way cultivate compassion for those who have done wrong.

--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

My Lotus Sutra

2010-02-28T14:40:00.002+08:00

Our mind work in the most mysterious way.

words.. although important, has its duality of faults.

here - there, inside - outisde, within - without

terms which are all based on the 5 skandas

A person is viewed as made up of five different aspects called the 5 Skandhas or Five Aggregates. These are not physical components, but rather an agglomeration or coming together of subliminal inclinations or tendencies.

Suffering and the Skandhas

"Everything is suffering [Skt. dukkha, pron. dook-ha]" is the 1st 'Noble' Truth (aryasatya) Noble> arya which here means supreme, ultimate.)

Suffering = un-satisfactoriness, not OK, and much of that has to do with the impermanent nature of phenomena [things, events and states] due in part to the fact they are composed of temporary assemblages or skandhas.

Impermanence

Existence is suffering primarily because, by its very nature, it is impermanent. That is, people, animals, things, circumstances ("life-style") and all the components that go to make them up - good health - are transitory. Often the word chosen to translate dukkha is 'unsatisfactoriness'.

Though they say in French, "Plus ça change, plus ç'est la mème chose" [The more things change, the more they remain the same] that sameness is never permanent but always changing, uncertain, often risky and creating of stress].

The doctrine of why and how this is appears in the MahaNidana Sutta or The Great Causation Sutra.

The Buddhist view is that every individual is an entity composed of five categories of phenomena or qualities that may be thought of as aggregates, skandhas in Sanskrit; sometimes translated as heaps or accumulations.

The Five Skandhas, also called Formations are:

form (rupa)
apperception or sensibility
perception
volition, will
consciousness

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Buddhism and Tit for Tat for Rony Tan ?

2010-02-22T21:52:00.004+08:00

Tit for tat is an English saying meaning "equivalent retaliation". This approach to interactions can be seen as a parallel to the "eye for an eye" approach from Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, where "giving" an eye is reciprocated just as quickly as "taking" an eye.

In Chinese, there is a saying :

你做初一我做十五

~ Which means retaliating a bad action with another bad action. As if for revenge, as if for hatred, we go into a spiral download curve of moral and ethics and at the same time not resolving the core problems.

Should Buddhist practice "Tit for Tat" when they are faced with a bad experience from someone?

Perhaps the story below can help to explain when the Buddha taught.

Your Turn, Our Turn

One day, when Buddha was out travelling with his monks, they came to a river where a fight was about to take place. The stream was a boundary between the lands of two tribes, the Sakyas and the Koliyas, and the farmers of both wanted to use the water. So heated the argument had become, that bands of armed men had gathered, shouting, on both sides of the river. Seeing this, Buddha walked among them and the men honored him and became quiet. "Send me," said Buddha, "six of your chief men from either side."

These came and he said to them, "you have lived as neighbors for centuries, for all the history of India; why are you going to wage war now?"

"Because it is the hot season and there is drought, and these robbers (each pointing to the other) want all the water of the river for their fields."

"Where does the water of this river come from?" Buddha asked.

"Sir, it gathers together from the slopes of the Himalaya mountains." "Who owns those mountains?" said Buddha. The men scratched their heads and said, "Ah, who can say that ? The mountains are God's. No man can claim or even climb them." "And if war begins between your two peoples," Buddha continued, "what will become of the crops? Will not your farmers lie dead in the mud, the rice not sown, your wives and children going hungry?" Buddha had good reason to think about this: he himself was from the Sakya clan, and Yashodhara, she who had been his wife, was a Koliya!

"Tell me," he said to the angry farmers, "Can you hold back the water of this river, the way men tether a goat?"

"Of course not, sir, it flows and stops nowhere." Then the Buddha made his judgment. It went like this:

"Let the Koliyas have freedom to draw the water today, and let the Sakyas dig their channels to the fields for them. Tomorrow let the Sakyas draw water and the Koliyas dig the channels. Thus working together you will bring life to your fields and fruition to the harvest."

~~~

Just because someone has treated you badly or say something ridiculous, it does not mean that you need to retaliate. By not retaliating, you show the practice of peace, loving kindness, compassion and wisdom.

In the recent incident of Paster Rony Tan of Lighthouse Evangelist Church, many Facebook, Youtube and Temasek review users retaliated and wanted a piece of him for what he said in the various occasions in his Church. I wondered how many of these people are true practicing Buddhists, who understood the Dharma of the Buddha on non-violence and forgiveness.

While it is perfectly appropriate to explain and clarify the mistakes of his speech, it is not wise to speak ill of his dishonorable conduct or Christianity and falling into the same trap that he did. What Buddhist need to do is to support more Dharma teachings and organize proper inter racial discussions for the removal of such ignorance and hatred.

We should be grateful for people like him to wake up the Buddhists on their own practice, as well as their interactions with the community.

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Sand and Stone

2010-02-15T12:34:00.004+08:00

Sand and Stone

This story tells of two friends walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.

The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone. Why?"

The other friend replied, "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. When someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone, where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOieG9_ufo&NR=1

May you be well, happy, peaceful.

With Gratitude,
ROBIN

Goodbye Snowy Goodbye

2010-02-10T15:25:00.002+08:00

Snowy cross the rainbow bridge this morning on 10 Feb 2010 at 5am.
I remembered the day when Snowy was rescued from the Pet Shop in Frankel. He was sold as a pedigree white Persian kitten for $2000 but was returned to the pet shop a few weeks later when he was very sick and dying. By the time I saw him, he had severe diarrhea and malnutrition due to mishandling as the previous owner fed him with milk and he had lactose intolerance.

He came with a fur ball on the head and because of severe diarrhea, he lost all his fur from head onwards. He was not longer eating well and the staff of the pet shop was more than happy to give him to me to nurse it, or sweet disposal.

HE was nursed back to health, scratched me whenever I clean his wound, bit me when I force- feed him with medicine, and hand fed with goat milk until he can eat again. He was subsequently foster out because of circumstance beyond my control. He had a few wonderful years with Len (his new mistress), helping her passed her exams by staying close to her during the stressful time.

He is a good boy and may he be re-incarnated to higher rebirth in his next life.

Om Mani Padme Hum.