Somewhere in the world..

This is a very meaningful song.  Somewhat powerful I would say,,.

Altiyan Childs - Somewhere In The World

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Somewhere in the world, someone was leading the way...


In his span here on Earth, Jobs defined the computer as something more than a tool. He made it personal. He founded a company, was forced to leave it behind and brought it back from the edge of disaster on his return. It is now the most valuable in the world...http://thenextweb.com

I believe there is a place, where rich & poor can walk side by side, 

Somewhere in the world tonight...everything’s alright....



Rest in peace Steve Jobs..everything's gonna be alright now.

On the other hand....

Somewhere in the world tonight, someone’s holding their first child

  

And a very lucky child has found love for the first time, you will not be alone anymore...

Meanwhile, I find this very true and useful..

What it means to be Free by tiny buddha.

• When you choose to forgive instead of seeing the world through bitter eyes, you are free.
• When learn from your mistakes instead of letting them define or cripple you, you are free.
• When you love yourself regardless of what other people think, you are free.
• When you accept uncertainty instead of stressing about what you don’t know, you are free.
• When you embrace chaos, instead of struggling for control, you are free.
• When you recognize that we are all imperfect, and then resist the urge to fight that, you are free.
• When you choose to appreciate what you have instead of lamenting what you’ve lost, you are free.
• When you plant yourself in this moment, and do what you can to make the most of it, you are free.

I 'think' I can do most of it..but yet..I don't feel Free yet.

Religions and such

Sri Lanka is a very religious country.
We were told that Buddhism was originated from here and even the Chinese came here to study the history of Buddhism.

Alcohol and beef is not advisable is most public places.  If I'm not mistaken most of the local guides that we interacted with do not consume alcohol nor beef.

We did see some liquor shops in the streets though, the guide says the consumers are the less religious. mostly blue collar workers.

Locals performing prayers at Temple of Tooth Relic @ Kandy

Inside the Temple of Tooth Relic 

Outside the Temple of Tooth Relic 

Jetavanaramaya - the tallest structure in the ancient world.  Some says it is still the largest and tallest structure  on earth that is made from bricks 

I feel very peaceful here.

I was very impressed with the guide who took us around.  He speaks very well and knows alot of the history and the religion itself.  But when I asked if he is Buddhist, he said "I'm trying to be one"

So humble.

I'm a Buddhist supposedly but I don't have much in-depth knowledge about the religion and practice.  I only have one basic principle...do more good, do no harm, have a good heart.

The Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi - preserved and supported by golden structures

Normally, I don't pay much attention to tour guide stories..but some of the things that this guide said caught my attention.

For instance, he said that humans will only turn to religion for 5 main reasons -:

..for health
..for money
..when we are lonely
..during old age
..and lastly but very rarely to seek wisdom

Golden Dambulla Rock Cave Temple

After completing our laborious climb to Adam's Peak, Carine asked me if I will ever do it again.  The locals do it very often for religious purposes.  My answer to Carine was.."if I were to do it again, I'd want it to be for religious purpose - the 5th purpose that is"

Sleeping Buddha in the Rock Cave 

The guide also said another point that stuck on to my mind, can't remember in detailed...but the fact that I still cling on to it after five months says something isn't it?

So...he was saying..that when someone kneels down to pray to the Buddha...to be able to do it sincerely..one's mind has be free, let go of all thoughts..it should be just one self and Buddha.  No thinking about what's at home..who's behind you, what people may say about you, all the what ifs and what if not.

That's why ...I always say that I don't know how to pray. Cos I can't do that.

Deep ...huh?

There are many structures inside the cave

Have a nice day =)

When it's nobody's fault..we just gotta accept it

I was deeply saddened when I learnt about the tragic death a friend's dog.  Sad that he has to go so tragically.  Sad that his owners had to deal with such sudden tragic loss. Sad that the other dog that attacked him had to be given away.

I can't bear to think how would I react if it's my dog who died.  Or what if it is my dog who killed?? My dogs are loggerheads with my neighbours chihuahua. omg.

It's just sad that these things had to happen.  Things that had to happen and we can't understand why they have to happen.  You know what I mean?  It's really nobody's fault here.  Not the owners.  Not the dogs.  Nobody.  Nothing.  It could have been more serious if the victim is a human being.

Well..it's Life isn't it?  Sometimes..things just happen.  Life has its ways.  We just gotta go through and learn along the way.  Sweet. Bitter. Sour.  We just have to walk the journey. 

When will we see light ?  Ocassionally..we do ...yes.  God is fair :-)

The pain passes, but the beauty remains

Specially dedicated to a great man, a wonderful father to a great friend:

God looked around his garden

And He found an empty place.

And then He looked down upon the earth,

And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you,

And lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful,

He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering,

He knew you were in pain,

He knew that you would never Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough,

And the hills were hard to climb,

So He closed your weary eyelids,

And whispered"Peace be thine."

It broke our hearts to lose you .

But you didn't go alone,

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

Anon

Source: http://www.love-of-poems.com/sympathy-poems.html

Fan Tai Sui 2009

Been told about this Fan Tai Sui thingy over and over again..think I must really go pray pray since I was born in the year of Ox. Other animal signs that are in conflict (FTS) are the Goat , Horse and the Dragon.

For more info...read bnelow:

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Chinese-Astrology-and-Feng-Shui-2009-Year-of-the-Grand-Duke-Ox&id=935685

Every year, the Grand Duke Jupiter will move into a different sector in the house and the palace in which it occupies for the year will be afflicted with negative energies. In the year of the Earth Ox (2009), the Grand Duke Jupiter flies into the Northeast 1 sector of a house and its direction is northeast 1.

If you were born in the year of the Ox, you are said to be offending the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year. What it means is that the energy in you or qi (the energy you were infused with at time of birth based on Chinese Astrology) is tuned in the same direction with the energy of the year and such an alignment of energy creates negative outcomes for the person. You will face with many setbacks and obstacles in the year relating to wealth, health and relationship....


According to Wikipedia: Tai Sui (太岁) refers to stars directly opposite of Jupiter. They influence the Chinese zodiac, and are also a theory in religious Taoism and Feng Shui.

In the Chinese zodiac, there are sixty heavenly generals who assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World. Each of them takes turn to be in charge for a year.

Due to most of them having a military background, they are normally known as the Military Generals, or as the Cycle Gods. Each of their features and weapons signifies the well-being of that year. For example, if the Tai Sui of the year is one who holds a pen, it signifies political unrest for that particular year. On the other hand, if the Tai Sui of the year holds a spear or sword it signifies the need to work hard and excel for that year.

In Taoism, those whose Chinese Zodiac is offended, or by their sign conflict or clashes with the Tai Sui of the year are advised to go through a prayer session with a Taoist Priest to ask for blessing in obtaining Peace and Good Fortune throughout the year.

A Smal Request

A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.

Even if it's to one more person - in loving memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

World Meatless Day (25 November)

25 November was declared The World Meatless Day. According to http://www.meatlessday.com/ :


In 1986, it was proposed that November 25, Sadhu Vaswani's Birthday be celebrated as an International Meatless Day. The campaign has met with considerable success in that, lakhs of individuals send their pledges to the Mission to go meatless on this day. Four state governments in India - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh - have issued instructions for the closure of slaughter-houses as well as butchers' shops on 25th November every year, in their respective states.
In order to create an awareness in the minds of citizens about the Meatless Day campaign, peace marches are held in Pune and other cities in November, every year. Thousands of students from city schools and colleges march through the streets propagating the idea of Meatless Day and reverence for all life, as the first step to World Peace. Meatless Newsletters are also issued between August and November every year to propagate vegetarianism and the Meatless Day.

I read this - 7,500 Malaysians to go meatless for a day on the newspaper the other day and totally forgot about it! Some interesting facts from the article:

Last year, 7,637 Malaysians joined over 89.2 million people worldwide in observing International Meatless Day, started by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in India, named after its founder who advocated non-violence.

“In fact, by going meatless one day a week, each person could save 170kg in carbon dioxide emissions in a year"

Missed the date wor.
Can replace tomorrow? Today I already ate fish and chicken :)

Helpless

I discovered that my heart aches most when I am helpless...when there is absolutely nothing I can do to help. A close friend of mind is in distress watching her dearest mom slowly losing her battle to sickness. It is most painful to learn that life is slipping away and there is absolutely nothing we can do. At this juncture, money is not important anymore..one will be willing to spend any amount to drive away the pain. Unfortunately, money doesn't buy life & health.

Having gone through the experience myself, I felt quite indifferent when I heard the latest development cos I know that there is nothing left to be done, one just have to be strong to face the rough journey. And hopefully time will heal the pain quickly. Nevertheless, I sent an sms offering our support in any kind i.e. finance, moral, anything that she may need - just to make sure that she knows we are here for her. Her reply as follows:

"Thanks. Jus need you all to pray for her. Wish her in comfort and happy.."

I teared when I read the reply. I wondered why I did. I thought I was indifferent. I thought I was prepared. Eventually, I realised that I teared because of Helpless-ness. I sent the sms offering my help...hoping that there is something that I can offer...money? companionship? advise? But her reply asked for Prayers instead. That is one thing that I don't really know how to do.

Thank God

Today is one day that I felt lucky and would like to thank god that I am fortunate and not as Sui as I'd always thought so. Thank you to you up there for giving me this reassurance!

No..I didn't get any spritual growth from the handsome monk yet. And..no..I didn't survive a deadly accident.
Today at about 5pm..after leaving my car in mid valley megamall's car park for 1.5 hours followed by another 2.5 hours at Puchong Jaya...I suddenly remembered that I left the company's notebook on the backseat!!! I was so so sure that the notebook will be gone by now...judging by the numerous unfortunate incidences that i had experience before. I rushed t0 the car...expecting the window broken and notebook gone.

I was wrong. Window & notebook both in good order. I asked my colleague how I should thank god. She said.."just say a quiet pray in you heart"

THANK YOU...

Monk

As I mentioned in my previous entry...I read about this monk in an article from The Starmag (Sunday, June 3rd). Ok..I shall be HONEST..the catchy title that says "Model Monk" caught my attention and of course..the good looks. I did not believe that such a handsome monk exists.

As I read on..I find the article more & more interesting. His life story, his believes, his styles, etc. I did mention in my previous entry about his life story. The part where his guru said this - "...you need to let I go. You need to look at the positive things and not just the negative...." - this part really touched my heart.

The article introduced his website at http://www.tsemtulku.com/ and his centre's website at http://www.kecharahouse.com/rinpoche.htm.

A while ago, I entered the sites with the intention learn more about his teachings. But his good looks caught my attention more wor :p You tell me la..how can a monk be so handsome. I may drop by the centre one day, it's in Sunway Mas Commercial Centre - one of my favourite makan place, who knows I may bump into him ler. ANd then, I will be torn between learning dharma and his good looks - DUH!

Looking At The Other Side

I was telling the urologist about my history with transverse myletis and he made this statement - "oh..so you are one of the lucky ones who recovered with no major complications" My respond was..."or rather I was one of the very unlucky few who have it?"

It is all a matter of how you look at things isn't it? The negative side or the positive side. I pulled out an article about a young monk (but I forgot to bring it to the office). This young monk was treated very badly by his adopted parents when he was a child. After running away..he ended up with his master a tibetan monk. His master encouraged him to call up his adoptive mother to 'apologise'. He asked WHY..since she is the one who made him suffer??

The master said something like this (based on my memory) - "it is your karma. you may have done something very wrong to her in your previous life. If you continue hold this grudge against her you wil not be 'free from this..."

Hmm..what am I trying to say here? It is all about how you are able to accept things and move on. Istead of asking why and being angry at certain events...we should just accept it, learn and move on.

Today I read a chain email about Maya Angelou who was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on her 70th birthday, and pulled out two of my favourite quotes:

• "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

• I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."