Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A Walk With The Wise II

22nd Jan 2009
Penang, Malaysia

Today I saw my mentor again and I like what he shared with me. Some little piece of wisdom that I in turn will share here. *smile*

He asked me as we were chatting, "Jenn, if there is a bottle of water and a bar of gold given to you, which one will you pick?". Knowing my mentor over a decade I think for a while before answering, my mind turn complex...there were all kinds of thoughts running thru my head. Some of my fellow Dharma farers of course each made their pick - water or gold. I smile and I replied, "I don't know, Rev Sir".

What is the wisdom in it?

He smile and said to us, "If you are on a ship and the ship is sinking - grab that bottle of water. If you are well and your basic need are met - take the gold. It can serve you better or improve your life"

Ahuh! We all looked at him and nod in agreement.

Most things and object in life are of neutral value. One man's meat the other man's poison so the saying goes. At every moment we got a choice - to pick the best thing for our growth or the best thing for our down fall. Ironically, some will pick gold when the ship is sinking and some will pick water even when they do not need it because they think is 'spiritually' wrong to pick the gold. Both are not wise and they might have done the decision in the spur of the moment too.

However, some are like me *grin* at this point - so afraid of making mistake - remain staring at both items trying to rationalize and probably even by pass the opportunity of making a choice. Ended up still staring!



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The Speech of the Year by Barrack Obama

20th Jan 2009
Penang, Malaysia

Today marks an important date in history as Barrack Hussein Obama, the first African American is install into one of the most important position in the world - The President of the United States of America.

Watching the inauguration live reminds me of the time spend in Washington with Yen Wei and Dean. It was one of the best trip in my life. *wink*

Anyway, what touch my heart and the heart of most americans and the whole world I suppose is the inauguration speech. A speech delivered by the man himself with full of passion, hope, honesty and inspiration.

However, what I'll say here is that lets not get carried away with just words and admiration for this man. For no doubt he deserve all of it. Let us not just get to the stage of inspiration. Let us not just hope he will make a difference. Rather that, we should all be putting our part in - we should emulate, walk the talk and put in our fair share in building this world of ours. Lets get beyond inspiration and start the CREATION! Thus making us a true global citizen.



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No Two Consecutive Seconds Are The Same

19th Jan 2009
Bangkok, Thailand

Everything in the world is in a state of flux. Change is the only constant. If we realise our body dies at every single second (cells etc) as it is born at every seconds (tissue regeneration etc) we know who we are a moment ago is no longer who we are NOW. *smile* Do I make sense? It also means I am no longer who I am when I started this entry.

Therefore, we must realise that every single second of our life is a new moment for us. It is our chance to make a new choice - at every point we can choose a new path.

As a Buddhist one believe that a very bad man can turn to be someone good at the same point a very good man can turn to be someone very bad. The choice has always be yours!

The next time before you say. "I have go NO choice" - THINK AGAIN - you might have just chosen the NO CHOICE PATH!



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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Creating Spaces

19th Jan 2009
Bangkok, Thailand

Kahlil Gibran, my favourite poet of all time mention of this in his masterpiece
"The Prophet" - "but let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you...and stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow"

or

the famous Zen Buddhism story that talk about "being an empty tea cup in order to be able to be filled"

The similarity falls on being able to create spaces in our life - better still an empty space. When we allow this space in ourselves we created spaces for people around us to express themselves. The neutrality (without label or judgement) of a space allow for people to be who they truly are or express what they truly feels.

That is the most comforting thought!


Just for this moment:
Take a good look at your spaces. The ones you provide and the ones that people created for you. What are in those spaces?



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Monday, March 9, 2009

Friendship





18th Jan 2009
Bangkok, Thailand

We are now on our annual best friend trip in Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, I cannot think of a better way to commemorate this beautiful time together than using Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'The Arrow and The Song' to express our friendship after being together for more than a decade.


I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.
Thanks again for the nothing but the friendship! ;-)



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Searching of Our Individuality

17th Jan 2009
Bangkok, Thailand


Thus is hard to calm out the monkey mind. What is harder is that when we don't see how the mind had lead us all along. Then we'll be going around searching and searching just to find out who we are. We try looking for oursleves in the places we go, the things we buy, the things we accumulated. Can we?

I was not successful at this method myself so I cannot tell. However, I know what works for me...I STOP. When I stop the search, end the pursuing and just BE .... I just have to rememeber, recall who I am. Ah.... that makes it all so much easier.


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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Dream Big or Being Realistic?

12th Jan 2009
Penang Malaysia

Today Kuan Yin come through with this beautiful message during a channeling session:


"What is it for one that is dreaming of a dream of building a 20 storey high building but is not even willing to find the first brick?"




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M-E-M-O-R-Y!

12th Jan 2009
Penang Malaysia

BEWARE! Notice and BE - AWARE of your so called memory.

Most of us will insist upon saying, "I am SURE, I said this, I did this" - many times I notice I come across myself and many around me mention these lines. This include a story - a real story of a life experience I have come across recently.

An aunt was on a trip with us and had a pouch on her waist at all times - of course this pouch contain her 'little' treasures which include as I know a 2 carat diamond ring, a 5 figure cost watch and some thousand USD. *smile* Almost as if you can guess what happen - the BIG SHOUT of "I LOST my pouch" will be enough of stagger any of us into a shock stage. That is exactly what happen anyway. She claim that she remove it in the toilet while she went for her bath. Her drama self insist upon she did have her pouch with her in the toilet. She remembers it very well she remove it in the toilet and now is no longer with her. Well the fact that she travels with 2 huge luggage and a small hand carry - still she is sure is not in those! ;-) More than once she argued that she did not open her luggage at all, the most beautiful things is that there was memories in her head that support that fact - the position of the luggage, the handling of the keys, the difficulty in opening the luggage and etc. It end with a "I AM SURE I DID NOT KEEP IT IN MY BAG"

However, there was a very calm and experience girl in my group. She on the other hand insist that we help aunty go through her bags again together with her before we inform everyone one and launch the great search trip.

Guess what??

The pouch is just right below the first piece of clothing inside on of the big luggage - securely locked! ( in fact the one with the position which is hardest to move and impossible to be open )

The.." I am sure" - dissolve itself quickly by the physical evident itself. However, I still wonder how did the brain convince those memories to be so true in the first place?

So are we all sure,
- she shouted at me first?
- she threw me out of the house?
- he said those words?
- he betrayed me first?
- he took my money?
- she left me?

Are you sure of your memory?




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Mastery Meditation 11-01 @ 11:11


11th Jan 2009
Penang Malaysia


Many spiritual authors written about this special day. Of course the significant is in its numerology power. Therefore I stayed at home and set aside sometime for my meditation.

Below are some pointers and channeled message from Kuan Yin herself and I have yet to fully understand the wisdom of those words. As usual things will reveal themselves as and when is divine timing to do so. ;-)


11:11am
This is the power of the Yang Personal Mastery. It means the use of the masculine energy. What is the Yang Mastery? It means we build a stable practice into our daily human life. Yang represents the 'DOING'

Awareness ------ Clarity

Discipline-------- Determination

Silence---------- Present Moment


11:11pm
This represents the power of the Yin Personal Mastery. Nurturing the heart in Karuna (Unconditional Love/Compassion). Ying Mastery is the 'BEING'


1:11am
Gift of Balance, Gift of Lights, Gift of Breathe and Gift of Personal Power


Quote:

There are certain things one must do, but what, if not to realese one by one rather than adding it on.






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Living thru the Gift of Grace


08th January 2009
Penang Malaysia

Think I have been hit hard today. I know the last few days isn't going on great. There seems to be so many questions so little answers. A lot of feelings and emotions emerge again and I felt like I am slowly slipping backwards into a space of "I don't know why these is all happening all over AGAIN!!!"

However, the universe always has its way. My mom became my earth angel this round. She was like Jenn, why not you pick on your cards and do your reading. Sometimes we move forward so fast we tend to forget the most basic tool.

So here I am doing my card readings. Most interestingly, most interestingly the angels never fail to answer one's call. I kept the question and reading simple three cards. The 'gift' card brought me thru to what I forgot or rather failed to remember:



GRACE

Living through Grace is one of the highest spiritual lesson. The simplest and easiest form of living yet so easy that I kept forgetting about it.

I love Cheryl Richardson's defination of Grace "...comes from the Latin word gratia, meaning favor, charm, or thanks. Spiritual traditions from around the world share a similiar understanding of this word. In Sanskrit, grace is akin to the word grnati, which means He praises, and to call or invoke. In Christian terms, grace is defined as the infinite love, mercy,favor, and goodwill shown by God to humankind. In Judaism, the concept of Grace is expressed by the Hebrew word hesed, meaning mercy, or loving-kindness." My understanding of Buddhist teaching leads me to define grace as 'true nature of things', 'the flow of life itself where we are all connected as one' or the Buddha nature in us.

Living thru Grace means allowing everything to unfold itself to perfection of time, place and people through the arrangement of the divine intelligience. Life in Grace flows effortlessly into itself, completing each piece of its puzzle to the bigger picture.

On the other end of the spectrum is living through our ego-self. The ego-self is concern about doing things and completing the 'to-do-list' of the day with great difficulties to just give it a sense of achievement in the end. It heightens the suffering and cost to prove its goodness.

I guess my ego came out to play!

So now I am back to re-membering that "Grace means I understands something is done through me not by me. As grace take hard work out of it and accomplish". As each time it accomplish everything better than I could have done it myself!




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Love in your Heart and Sweet Peace of Mind


07th January 2009
Penang Malaysia

I cleared my drawers today. Somehow I kept getting into this habit of clearing it every half year. The process is always an interesting one. I enjoyed it. ;-) Anyway I pick up a birthday card from G.Hong for my '08 birthday and inside the card is inscript with:

"May you have love in your heart and sweet peace of mind"

I was just contemplating on this line and find how one line of prayer, wishes or greetings can be so meaningful. Is the essence of life itself - love in the heart and peace in the mind. So today I made prayers for everyone that once crosses my path and coming into my path -



May you have love in your heart and sweet peace of mind



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Reclaiming Your Authentic Self

06th January 2009
Penang, Malaysia

This topic comes right out of the book, 'Wild Love' by Gill Edwards. A book I kept because it has transform me during a certain stages of my life also a book I have given out to dozes of people. Recently somehow I been giving out this book again - to both my friends therefore I took some time off to read it thru again. Somehow this chapter took all my attention away.

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come" Joseph Campbell.

There is another joke I read somewhere - you want to humour God - tell him about your plans! ;-)

Most of the time we do not dare to shift from our comfort zone to become who we are. In spite of being in mediocrity or life of stuckness we do not dare to journey to the unknown. We are more worried of what people would think of, what our religion or parents allow or not allow, we worry about meeting of bills and paying our rent more than we dare to own up to be ourselves. We look for safety and security. However, I have learn the bad news. There is no security in owning up to your soul - to your authentic self. Soul like Gill puts it ".....is wild and untamed. It soars above the crowd. It is not concerned with safety or security or predictability." Therefore, it is willing to topsy turvy your world just to let you be who you are. Just so that you answer your calling and open your heart and be a true living being.

One must be willing to let go of all things to be walking this path.



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Lesson One of Listening to the Soul




















Written on 14 Jan 2009 for

05th January 2009
Penang Malaysia

I came home today, little more irritated and frustrated than my usual energy.

Can't believe after my contemplation yesterday my first test would emerge so quickly. These days in Penang I got to endure a series of sarcasm about my current life style. ;-)

I admit the irritation and upset feeling linger a while more than a night and I thank God for always reminding me to follow my heart - my soul path. A friend from Australia return and we had a jolly good afternoon sitting down and repairing my computer for one and taking a long chit chat as the other. We talked about our lives in Melbourne and how much we enjoyed the laid back-ness of the country, the freedom of choice, the respect for each other's privacy and most of all the support system. Is something till today I find it hard to replicate also hard to let go. Is truly a place where one can be one self and your dreams will be support thru and not question. The moment I return to Penang things started to change.

I talked to my friend and he is telling me his idea of taking a career break because of the bad ecomony to do some world travelling with his now fiancé. We talk about the Australians I meet in Europe who spends like 1-6 months travelling around and we not talking about university students but bankers, dentist, teachers, nurses etc. That is the Australian way, they believe that the world is filled with so much more and it a waste to leave it unseen. That why in Australia, companies give out career breaks or sabbatical leaves to one to do something they want to do to fulfill that soul's path.

I checked one of my entry in my journal - a good day in May'08 I wrote my desire and decision to take my one year sabbatical and I remember reading this in wikipedia and I quote:

"A sabbatical (from the Latin sabbaticus, from the Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbathon, i.e., Sabbath) is a rest from work, a hiatus, typically 2 months plus. In the strict sense therefore, a sabbatical lasts a year. In recent times, a sabbatical has come to mean any extended absence in the career of an individual. In the modern sense, one takes a sabbatical typically to merely take a break from work or to fulfill some goal, e.g., writing a book or travelling extensively for research. Some universities and other institutional employers of scientists, physicians, and/or academics offer a paid sabbatical as an employee benefit, called sabbatical leave. Some companies offer an unpaid sabbatical for people wanting to take career breaks — this is a growing trend in the UK, with 20% of companies having a career break policy, and 10% considering introducing one."

Now I cannot help it but take a little laugh at myself. When I first return from my Europe trip, a friend ask me "so now you know what you suppose to do already?" and while I continued on flying and travelling many brand and labeled me with many words and names.

However, after today's conversation with my friend I was brought back once again to the life of dreams in the Aussie way of life I believed in and treasured.

Sweetest of all my attention was brought back to this message I received from a friend somewhere middle last year -
"you will never guess where i have just been... under the stars eating india food in tuticorin india. if you had told me i would be in india in now and vietnam the week after when we met at the beginning of this year i would have said you were crazy but things have turned out as they have.."
and of course he did not stop there - he went another round to Europe! ;-)

A New Year card that came in from America that says, "Wishing you another year of 'around the world in 80 days' Haha"

and most of all a long written card from Dublin filled with words that brought me joy.

I am happy now, laughing back at myself - is nice that some shared my passion and experience this year, a friend even have the photos I taken printed framed and decorated her house, some take my travelling as inspiration and did the same. Some will go on disagreeing with me. However that is the world and this quote came in timely:

'You must learn one thing, the world was made to be free. Give up all other worlds except the one to which you belong'

Thank you to those whom today I finally look back and see that in this non-working 8 months I did not make any financial gain, I was being a liability and not an asset. However, I get to live my soul's path, learn and experience from the world, be an inspiration to some and let some inspired me all the same. Most of all with those I travelled with, the deepen relationship and understanding - especially you mom, the openness after Europe, I admire and respect that leap. Of course like Yen Wei says "Because you are special!!" The many new friends I made around the world especially the Irish Group. You all are such blessings!!

And for my mentor because you never gave up on me or my dreams.You never rushed me to find my path but you kept the lights on for me all the way.Because and simply because you are the only one who will sit through every single pictures with me and listening to my every tales all day long!

Thank you all for just being in my life.


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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Compassion with Wisdom

4th Jan 2009
Penang, Malaysia

According to the book 'What the Buddha Taught' by Gordon Fraser

There are two qualities that one should develop equally : Compassion (Karuna) & Wisdom (Panna). Here compassion he include represent love, kindness, charity, tolerence and such noble qualities on the emotion side, or qualities of heart. While wisdom would be represented by intellectual side or qualities of the mind.

He said, "if one develops only the emotional neglecting the intellectual, one may become a good hearted fool; while to develop only the intellectual side and neglecting the emotional may turn into a hard-hearted intellect without feelings for others. Therefore, to be perfect one has to develop both equally. That is the aim of the Buddhist way of Life: in it wisdom and compassion are inseparably linked together"

2009 talks a lot about bring the heart energies out therefore at the same time we will have to face a period of time before the heart and mind starts to sync. Along this time we will notice our mind speaks of one thing while our heart speaks of another. It can happen to us or even the people around us. Don't take that to heart as we are all on this learning curve together.

Patience helps as always. Awareness of self and also of others is required. Most of all always always stay true to your words - be it heart or mind - try to keep them on the same track. Take stock - let go of the old ways that no longer serve you.

Always always always remember - when all things fail -

THE SOUL DOES NOT THINK - NO - IT FEELS!

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LOVE


2nd & 3rd January 2009
Penang, Malaysia


A quote from the Bible visited me twice, once on the 2nd and again on the 3rd. I thought it is interesting to contemplate upon again because my first time getting to know this quote was when I was 16 years old - one day I was reading the bible in my school library and I spend the whole afternoon contemplate upon this passage.


“Though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Love suffereth and love is kind.
Love envieth not.
Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things.

But now abideth faith, hope, love… these three. But the greatest of these is LOVE.”
-L
-O
-V
-E
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2009 A New Year to be Remembered

1st Jan 2009
Penang Malaysia

A New Beginning

Year 2009 ( 2+0+0+9 = 11 ) carries the vibration energy of Number 11. A number associated with Mastery. Mastery in the way of new high vibration energy that carries the energy of transformation, choice, leadership, personal power with some splash of etherical and magical touch in it! It is said to be a great time for healing and personal growth. It is since 1910, that anyone in this planet experiences this energy.

Why is it so important? Simply because these are the characters of 2009 -

Transformative
Reconfiguring
Revamp

C-H-A-N-G-E

Solaras, “During 2009 everything false, that is based on selfish, greed under illusion of separation or the lack of integrity will be ultra magnified until it fails.”

We see the crumble in our entire old paradigm - in our economy, financial systems, political systems and even religions. The old duality method is falling into null-zoning. Linear time give way to fluid time therefore heightens the process of manifestation.

Therefore even we like it or not, we have now come to a crossroad – and we are empowered with the freedom of choice – the freedom to choose.

Our soul speaks the language of ‘feeling’ therefore it is time to connect to your heart and ask some serious questions. The thinking only helps contribute to the mind energy which no longer supports the current vibration energy.


2009 is a year to be more loving to yourself or others. It is time to re-evaluate old belief systems and goals. Is a time to answer a heart’s calling. To look for a job or relationship based on truth, honesty and love rather than fear, competition and dominance. Is a time for second chance to do things differently.

I look forward to it so much!! Welcome 2009!!!


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An Ending signifies and A New Beginning


31 December 2008
Penang, Malaysia

Is funny how simple life is. An ending always signfies with a beginning. We are always in a constant movement - therefore the books always say 'change is inevitable'. However tonight I love to share how my mentor taught me to see impermanence. Is something he says you can replace with anything at all, and it stays the same :

" Something is here now. It was not here before and it will never be here forever "

so lets try with this

" I am here sitting at this chair now. Just now I was not here and I cannot sit here forever "

" The glass of wine is here at my table now. It was not here before and it cannot be here forever"

CHEERS!!
I'll leave with these words of a Vietnamese Dhaya Master Huong Hai
" A Silver bird
flies over the autumn lake.
When it has passed,
The lake's surface does not try
to hold on to the image of the bird "

May all of you be blessed with the compassion of your heart and the wisdom of your mind!

FAREWELL 2008 & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!


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Celebrating Christmas


25th December 2008
Singapore

Christmas is one of my favourite festive season of the year. I still have one Christmas dream/wish yet to be fulfilled so maybe that why I kept looking forward to Christmas.

Anyway Christmas been an outside-the-country affair for me the last few years. I was in New York in '06, Bangkok/Hongkong in '07 and this year in Singapore. Been a long long time since we spend Christmas in Singapore.

However, for me this year's Christmas is special not because of the event but more because of the people I spend with. I had half a day alone with dad, mom and Jojo. I get to share with them what Christmas meant to me - family get together, laughters, joy, love, happiness and sharing. The other half of the day was spend with Uncle Tau Pui and his family. They are one of the family we traveled together since young. Is great to be spending time together over simple meals, shopping and sitting at 'kopi tiam'. Besides that I got to share Christmas with Angeline and Samuel, with my best friend Magda, Rusma and Yunisa & sisters, with Sha Lin, Jason and Baby Ryan and most of all with my two little sister Joanna and Grace!

I love Christmas because is always about family and loved ones and I have it all!! *wink*
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Beingness


24 December 2008
Bugis Junction Singapore


Being - NOT adding or subtracting anything to the person, experience or thing but merely being aware.

How often we request to be more off or less off? However, in this festive season how nice it is if we just be? Accept people around us as they are or like in the situation like this - make no plans just be spontaneous. The trip was not plan - even what we do is not plan. Yet we are having so much fun.

Love the sight of my best friend Magda and my sister Jojo lining up at Starbucks from my seat through the window. I can see them laughing to a joke they are sharing with one another. That little moment looking at both people I love very much it reminds me of the true spirit of Christmas : SHARING

I did not do any Christmas shopping this year. No presents for anyone I am afraid. Don't know just don't feel like doing it. I just felt that I love the sharing to be unique - sharing my time, giving my attention, sharing a part of me with all of you and it hard to put it in a physical gift form.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

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Bodhi and the 4 levels of Wisdom


22nd December 2008
Penang, Malaysia

My mentor reinforce this in me today:

Four Levels of Wisdom

(1) Cleverness - where one utilise his/her skills to benefits himself or herself only. Until the part when everyone starts to find out and dislike him/her they will be force to learn the next level.

(2) Wisdom - the most basic wisdom when one is able to use his/her skills or knowledge to help another being. However, one will be stuck at this level with many judgements about others. One create labels here of what is right or wrong. There will be so much labels that only in meditation one can clear one's mind and move to the next level of wisdom.

(3) Panna - Wisdom withOUT I. Wisdom that is not based upon subjective views. That is selfless of the good of all. Being able to use one's knowledge on a neutral level. Able to use his/her skill and knowledge for the good of all humanity.

(4) Bodhi - Defines as "absolute noble wisdom that sees the true nature of things leading to the extinction of all dukkas(suffering) and opens the door to absolute freedom (nibbana)"


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Friday, January 2, 2009

Keeping Vows II


20 December 2008
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We was having lunch at MircoBiotics Bukit Bintang today and a very interesting question came up.

As we were discussing about my up-coming pilgrimage trip to India. My light body teacher asked me, "Jenn, why do you want to do that trip?". Takes a while for me to ponder that question before answering. I know is not going to be an easy, relax, touring vacation - but the question is why do I want to do it?

My first answer was, "I don't know. I feel like is fulling a vow I put in the past.". The energy makes me feel as such. Something I want to do for the longest time ever (since Australia in '04) and I am just answering the call. However, the universe is always intelligent, it wants me to ground in depth till my intention is pure. Can't just do with a "I feel like doing it" - *smile*

Then my lightbody teacher look at me and smile, his tone however was serious, he said this to me, "You know that the universe just want you to be happy. You know that everything is in support of your growth with joy. It has nothing to do with a Vow. If you want to do it you got to be clearer than that. If you don't like the vow then renouce it with sincerity. A vow is the word you give to the universe because you felt deeply about it but the universe will not want you to fulfill something you said in the past with unhappiness of with fear."

He then jokingly mention, "Like for some people who put a chastity vow in a previous life is wondering why he/she cannot find his/her soulmate this life - because they still been bounded by their previous vow. However this may not be their pick this life"

I also learn that, a wise man once told me, "Becareful with the Vow you make. Don't make them just out of a spur of the moment"

I did just that the afternoon, I release that vow, went deeper into my meditation and clear my intention for this coming trip. I am proud to say, I found it however is mine secret to keep but now I do know why I want to do it. Is a pure intention from my heart and has nothing to do with just a Vow I want to keep.

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Some simple observation and learnings

December 2008
Seoul, Korea

Some simple observation and learnings:

1) All is suffering or I am suffering is not the only basis of Buddhism. It starts from this Premise but ends at the other 3 Premises - (ii) there is a cause to suffering, (iii) in acknowledging the cause we see the cessation of suffering and therefore (iv)if we walk the noble eightfold path we walk the path of liberaton from suffering. However, if one stick only at premise one therefore one is motivated by sadness and feeling of doom. There is no power in those spaces.

2) Some people read more, know more - a lot of time to imprison ourselves in the philosophical wisdom rather than facing the simple truth. Is like what my mentor told me the other day. "If your reading does not change your life for the better. Than is just like the 7 wonders of the world, it can exist there for thousands of years yet it has nothing to do with me or you"

3) To find true enlightenment is to journey on the Path of the Heart not thru the Greatness of the Mind.


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A Message from the Angels


10th December
On Board Seoul- Hongkong - Penang

Dearest One,

Learn to break down the jumble thoughts into simple pieces. Do not leave pieces unattended as it will not bring forth clarity of mind.

It does not constitute 'waiting for the right moment' because in 'waiting' where is the present? Anticipation is a word for the future.

Prepare yourself, and prepare at all times with MINDFULNESS. In there it will be an automatic recognition when the moment happens. Just like the trip to Seoul or the 'snowing' moment in Seoul - you prepared so you 'took' the moment to its fullest.

This is true being. That is being able to answer the universe's call at all times - not attach to one's outcome. Therefore, why not be mindful of the conditions you put in? Why not prepare and be ready as there is always a time for everything and a reason for its happening. Be open to the suprise as then that is true being.

Take care and be love my dearest one.


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First Snow of Winter - A Romantic Moment


08 December 2008
Seoul Korea

Can’t help staring out of the window as this piece is written. Seoul is not exactly what I pictured it to be. Yet it continues to surprise me in every way. I got to admit I did not fall in love with the city immediately. Maybe because I was a little exhausted from all the fun of Shanghai and Hong Kong. I was really sleepy the day I flew into Seoul. Yet the moment we went to Myeondong – the lights, the colors and little streets bring me back to life. Of course not forgetting to mention the food and shopping. They a-w-e-s-o-m-e in like really really AWESOME. The shopping is 24 hours literally. At the least one we went to opens till 5am.. Yes - 5 in the morning… can’t find shopping like that anywhere else huh? Apparently not only one mall in Korea opens till those hours. I remembered during my days in Australia we are excited if we get to shop till Midnight. Obviously we did not give the opportunity away this time and followed the Koreans in shopping till wee hours in the morning.

I was woken up this morning with the news of snowing in Seoul. Can’t resist but to rush up to the window panel in my room and truly it was snowing a little. I wrote a piece about it this morning. I was very excited about the whole scene. It is so peaceful just to stare out of the window. I sat there for the longest time ever.

However, the universe is always so kind and generous to me. As we were walking along Insa-Dong the artsy area of Seoul it started to snow – like really really snow. I swear I was so happy I want to dance on the street itself – maybe I was dancing. Haha. In fact everyone around us was. We were all busy snapping pictures recording the moment it happened. For us non Koreans I can understand why I we are so excited about seeing snow because it is just such an unusual sight for us. I was surprise though why are the Koreans themselves so excited about snowing?? Later only did I find out from my Korean friend when she took us out for dinner that tonight was the first snowing night in Seoul for this winter. So tonight is actually a very special night for them. It is also considered to be a very romantic night in Korea. Maybe that is why I felt a very loving feeling around me. Sitting by the cafĂ© sipping my tea looking at couples laughing and enjoying the snow falls outside those huge window panels.

Got to admit it makes me gave a romantic encounter a thought. Travelling from one place to the other, not being in a place for more than two weeks this year makes falling in love or a romantic relationship quite impossible. Despite the many advice to settle down, consider a relationship or the many ‘match making’ out of goodwill of friends I was so in love with my own freedom. The freedom of being in Bangkok this weekend and HongKong next. The freedom to just lived two months in Europe or just hop the plane to Seoul without any prior plan or in this case worse – without winter clothes. *wink**wink*

However, just as all these thoughts went by – another deeper thought slip into my heart and bring me a big smile. I actually achieved the goal I set for myself about two years ago. I believe Oscar Wilde wrote this “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance”. This year I been filled with many many romantic encounters with myself – fireworks by the Blue Danube, the rainbow by river Seine in Paris, sunset in Rome, the night lights of Big Ben in London, the bright azure blue of the sea in Nice, the gorgeous port in Monaco, lunch by the port in Barcelona, the night neon lights by Shanghai, the view of the Peak in Hongkong on New Years, the breathe taking moment in Sirocco Bangkok now the sight of the first snow in Seoul. God’s kinder than that because in some of these moments are shared with people whom I have learnt to love many many years now. My parents – especially mom who did part of Europe with me, being in Shanghai with Godma Jackie and Bangkok with my Thai godparents, my sister Joanna, Best friends – Yen Wei whom did some of Europe with me, Joanne whom did Bangkok and HongKong together, Magdalena whom decided to spend a few days in Penang with me and Vanessa whom I am now in Seoul with. I am looking forward to the next one PeiLing, Joanne and Yen Wei is doing together – our annual best friend trip!! Also the trip to Spain with Mei Che Che where old friendship renewed and we get to know each other all over and deeper. *smile* Many trips that I found new friends, catch up with the olds and having some great moments of serendipity. Most of all being with me at all times, getting to know myself deeper than before.

So for now I’ll be contented with my present moment. Staring out of the window waiting for it to snow again so that I can make a wish – a wish I hope will come true. ;-)


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Purifying Our Mirrors

4th December 2008
HongKong






Why are we afraid of letting people be who they are? Have you ever paint your friends 'more' than what they are to another friend prior an introduction? Or be careful with whom you are associated to? Find excuses for your friends behaviour?

Why can't we accept them as who they are? Because we all know deep inside us everyone's the deep reflection of our mirror. If our mirror is anything but clean and clear we will then doubt it, as we know it reflects our own true nature.

*smile*

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Buddhist Quote for Contemplation

3rd December
On Board Shanghai - HongKong

Conditions in life are unpredictable, ever-changing, and impermanent in nature. The presence of one event is often matched by the absence of its parallel event...

Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Karma - Place of Birth

30 November 2008
Shanghai Bund, Shanghai China

I was at the Bund today, one of my favourite spot in Shanghai. I seems to spend a lot of time here each time I visit Shanghai. As usual I am taking my own quiet stroll and this 'artist' incident unfold in front of my eyes.

I am not too sure what actually happened but when I reach the point of the event I saw the policemen chasing an artist. They actually caught him by hand just a few feets away from me. The snatch his art and force his hands down and took him to their 'cart' (something like a golf cart). The artist tried to explain or argue at some point but the policemen ignore his protest. They then let him walk away but confiscates his art work. The artist mumble something and then walked away but quickly turn back and beg the policemen to let him have his things back. Instead of letting him have the artwork back the policemen destroy, like tearing and cutting his art work into pieces. They were all gone in those seconds of destruction. Dissapointed the man I can see in his broken spirit walked away.

I am not a Saint in this situation therefore I am not judging who is right or wrong. Like I say I don't know what actually happen in the first place or did the artist deserve this kind of treatment? I am not here to cry out about fairness or human rights but at that very moment I just mumble to myself this is China.

To me the revelation for me is that your doing (karma) decides your place of birth and that play a role on your living standards. Some people are born to 'good' countries and some 'not so good'. Countries with opportunity, equality, good education system or good health care they all shape our lives. Some children are born in Africa but they are adopted and grow up in a luxury of Beverly Hill in America. Surely life would be different in these two places. If is not karma I don't know what it is.

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Life Destiny

30 November 2008
Hangzhou, China

Love this piece but the time has not come for it to be shared.

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Romantic West Lake

29 November 2008
West Lake, HangZhou, China

This infamous lake records the many romantic tales of Chinese history and this is my 2nd visit to the lake. The last time was a winter and this time autumn. The feel of the boat ride on West Lake is romantic just like strolling of the Yarra River in Melbourne or walking by Eiffle in Paris. I once again wonder where is the romantic feeling in me? How did I get myself so busy through the year with so many things and exciting stuff that romance seems to elude me?

I wonder how do I capture this feeling again? Do I want to walk down this road of romance again? I'll say the answer is YES, for I always believe the hopeless romantic in me never dies. I just wonder how will the romantic story of my life writes? The lights of Paris or the glamour of New York? Even the depth of Taj Mahal or the long last of the West Lake?

Then again, the West Lake with its four season scenery reminds me that life is in stages and it will continously change. Therefore, I shall wait for my life to take a new season. *smile*

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Keeping Vows I

26 November 2008
Pu Tho San, China





I made a vow today in front of the Goddess of Mercy. Somehow I was brought back to a place I was in the past. Is a vow I made, staying in this retreat island makes me feel so natural like is my 'job'. As if is something I am always doing.

Makes me contemplate further of the meaning of VOW - a spiritual promise. One have to be very careful about making a VOW.

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Heart and Mind

24 November 2008
Pu Tho San, China

Combine the Heart (Emotion) + Mind (Memory)

How much time do we spend on dwelling on past events or people? Where is our concentrated energy slipping too?


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