An Interesting Prayer

May He Who is the Father in Heaven of the Christians, Holy One of the Jews, Allah of the Muhammadans, Buddha of the Buddhists, Tao of the Chinese, Ahura Mazda of the Zoroastrians and Brahman of the Hindus lead us from the unreal to the Real, from darkness to light, from disease and death to immortality. May the All-Loving Being manifest Himself unto us, and grant us abiding understanding and all-consuming divine love. Peace, Peace. Peace be unto all.

Swami Akhilananda, Bangladesh 1894-1962

--------

A walk with the Wise

I took a walk with my mentor today. I got to admit I ask him a rather peculiar question today.

The story started this way, my mentor requested for me to study the Quran (Islam) as well as the Torah/Talmud (Judaism) for my own progress and growth. He says these books including the Dharma and the Bible are some most wonderful literature written thru the passage of time. Of course as always being a 'good' (hahaha) student I went on to read and read. As I read I of course indulge deeper into the books. *smile*

However, one of the condition of Buddhism is 'letting go' in the end including the Dharma itself. So after a few days I got somewhat really 'lost'. So when we were taking our walk I asked him,
"Venerable Sir, how does one reads as well as letting go at the same time?"

As usual he gave me a huge heartily laugh, "Hahaha, he says, interesting - how do one reads as well as let go at the same time... hahaha"

Then this was his answer to me:

Jennifer, a good mind is a mind that works like a sieve, it is able to retain the things it needed and sieve away the ones it does not need.

More importantly, a good mind - is one that is able to remember what it wants to remember and forget what it wants to forget.

A photographic memory is not excactly that good to have as many old people suffer at their ending days because of their 'good' memory.

Is indeed a wise answer. It makes me laugh at myself still it once again brings me to another level.



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

Dharma Talk

"Buddhism as the 8th Wonder of Life"

Today, I was invited to speak by the University student on this topic. I will say, I am thankful for this opportunity as it is indeed a precious opportunity even to get near to listen to the Dharma what more an opportunity to spread the Dharma.

However, there is never a one way traffic. I too learn from today's session.

My mentor reminded me again, " To only know the Dharma without penetrating it and geting the intrinsic value of it, then Buddhism remains like the Pyramid standing in Eygpt. It has nothing to do with you and me. Is remains only Buddhism by name"

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

After Contemplation on the 2nd Noble Truth 18/11/08

Cease to exist (It is in dying we find the eternal self)

That's why we practice from humble self to no self. Entering Emptiness - the place where pure understanding (free from ignorance) therefore stop the effects of karma. Because in this space it (karma) does not exist.

An Arahat is not reborn because he is 'free' from the continuous cycle of good and bad.

*smile*

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu


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

The Wise and the Other-Wise ;-)

There was once a big bully living in a small island. He always wanted to win in life and never knew how to share or give in life.

The island and the mainland is connected only by a small little wooden bridge. One day the big bully was trying to cross to the mainland. Upon reaching the middle of the bridge he came face to face with an old fragile man.

Standing right in the middle of the bridge, crossing his arms, he announce loudly "I will never ever allow an idiot to pass through me."

The old man smiled and reply softly, "Ah, but I will". He then turn around and walk back.

-------

Becareful with what you wish for!

I spend half a day with my mentor today, as usual it is nothing less than interesting and inspiring... however this story is just so good I can't resist not to share it.

Two men make a vow each during their current lifetime.

Man A says, "I wish for everyone to help me in my next life"

Man B says, "I wish to help everyone in my next life"

-----------------Wish Granted-------------------------

Man A was born a begger.

Man B was born a millionaire.

So beware with what you are wishing for.

*Cheers*

--------

Commitment thru Understanding the Dharma

"I would never, for the sake of one lifetime of enjoyment, plunge into aeons of misery.People all over the world are mired in these kinds of suffering. If one desires to be free of them, the only option is to leave the secular world and enter the gate of Buddhism." ~ Kuan Yin
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/

This quote 'caught' me about a week ago during one of my night studying sessions.

As usual nothing is by coincidence in my life anymore, this week my mentor told me he wants me to speak during this year's university dharma camp on "how precious the dhamma is in our daily life".

Obviously, a lot of people ask - what is the Dharma? Dharma is a mere word use for the teachings of Buddha. Maybe similair to what 'ayat' in Quran is to the Muslim, or what the Bible is to the Christian or the Torah to Judaism.

The Dharma is not hard to read at all - in summary is call the 'Four Noble Truth' and 'The Eight Noble Path'. Yet having studying it for 10 years now - I wonder if I even got into 1/10 of actually understanding the depth of it.

It is probably not the easier route but I am sure that is what Kuan Yin wanted me to understand in the first place. Where do I really want to go from here? My answer to her is simple : Nirvana.

--------

Soul's Inspiration

13 Nov 2008 -
I have been getting many messages on starting my own path blog.. guess many things in life always got caught up with me. 




--------