When you chant, chant not the words, but the sutra.
Machines can play the words, but only humans can generate the positive energy for the well being of all beings.
Friday, February 29, 2008
stories I heard - chanting of mantra
1. A person chanted Om Mani Padme Hum while warming food for his teacher. Later, his teacher "sees" that the food emits aura.
2. A person moves to a new house and places a motorised mantra wheel ( prayer wheel) in the garden. For months, family members fall sick one after another. It was later realised that the turning of the mantra wheels attract unseen beings but because no merit was transferred, the unseen beings gather around the house and cause family members to be unwell.
3. Some one recorded chanting of mantra for transforming food for unseen beings ( 变食真言) and play the recording in at home.
Later, the person always hear noise in the kitchen but cannot see , find any one or insects that cause the noise.
It was later later realised that the mantra attract unseen beings but because no food was offer, the unseen beings make noise to attract attention.
2. A person moves to a new house and places a motorised mantra wheel ( prayer wheel) in the garden. For months, family members fall sick one after another. It was later realised that the turning of the mantra wheels attract unseen beings but because no merit was transferred, the unseen beings gather around the house and cause family members to be unwell.
3. Some one recorded chanting of mantra for transforming food for unseen beings ( 变食真言) and play the recording in at home.
Later, the person always hear noise in the kitchen but cannot see , find any one or insects that cause the noise.
It was later later realised that the mantra attract unseen beings but because no food was offer, the unseen beings make noise to attract attention.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
doubts in practise
Ajahn Chah
Q: What can I do about doubts? Some days I'm plagued with doubts about the
practice or my own progress, or the teacher.
Answer: Doubting is natural. Everyone starts out with
doubts. You can learn a great deal from them. What is important is that you
don't identify with your doubts: that is, don't get caught up in them.
This will spin your mind in endless circles. Instead, watch the whole process
of doubting, of wondering. See who it is that doubts. See how doubts
come and go. Then you will no longer be victimized by your doubts. You will
step outside of them and your mind will be quiet. You can see how all
things come and go. Just let go of what you are attached to. Let go of your
doubts and simply watch.
This is how to end doubting.
Q: If putting everything together in our bowls is
important, why don't you as a teacher do it yourself? Don't you feel it is important for the teacher to set an example?
Answer: Yes, it is true, a teacher should set an example for his disciples.
I don't mind that you criticize me. Ask whatever you
wish. But it is important that you do not cling to the teacher. If I
were absolutely perfect in outward form, it would be terrible. You would all
be too attached to me. Even the Buddha would sometimes tell his disciples to
do one thing and then do another himself. Your doubts in your teacher can
help you. You should watch your own reactions. Do you think it is possible
that I keep some food out of my bowl in dishes to feed the laymen who work
around the temple?
Wisdom is for yourself to watch and develop. Take from
the teacher what is good. Be aware of your own practice. If I am resting
while you must all sit up, does this make you angry? If I call the color blue red or say that male
is female, don't follow me blindly. One of my teachers ate very fast. He made noises as he ate. Yet he told us to eat slowly and mindfully. I used to watch him and get very upset. I suffered, but he didn't! I watched the outside.
Later I learned. Some people drive very fast but carefully.
Others drive slowly and have many accidents. Don't cling to
rules, to outer form.
If you watch others at most ten percent of the time and watch yourself
ninety percent, this is the proper practice. At first I used to watch my
teacher Ajahn Tong Raht and had many doubts. People even thought he was mad.
He would do strange things or get very fierce with his disciples. Outside he
was angry, but inside there was nothing. Nobody there.
He was remarkable. He stayed clear and mindful until the moment he died.
Looking outside the self is comparing, discriminating.
You will not find happiness that way. Nor will you find peace if you spend your time looking for the perfect man or the perfect teacher. The Buddha taught us to look at the
Dhamma, the truth, not to look at other people.
Q: Could you explain a little more about karma?
Answer: Karma is action. Karma is clinging. Body,
speech, and mind all make
karma when we cling. We make habits. These can make us
suffer in the future.
This is the fruit of our clinging, of our past
defilement. All attachment
leads to making karma. Suppose you were a thief before
you became a monk.
You stole, made others unhappy, made your parents
unhappy. Now you are a
monk, but when you remember how you made others
unhappy, you feel bad and
suffer yourself even today. Remember, not only body,
but speech and mental
action can make conditions for future results. If you
did some act of
kindness in the past and remember it today, you will
be happy. This happy
state of mind is the result of past karma. All things
are conditioned by
cause--both long term and, when examined, moment to
moment. But you need not
bother to think about past, or present, or future.
Merely watch the body and
mind. You must figure karma out for yourself. Watch
your mind. Practise and
you will see clearly. Make sure, however, that you
leave the karma of others
to them. Don't cling to and don't watch others. If I
take a poison, I
suffer. No need for you to share it with me! Take what
is good that your
teacher offers. Then you can become peaceful, your
mind will become like
that of your teacher. If you will examine it, you will
see. Even if now you
don't understand, when you practise, it will become
clear. You will know by
yourself. This is called practising the Dhamma. When
we were young, our
parents used to discipline us and get angry. Really
they wanted to help us.
You must see it over the long term. Parents and
teachers criticize us and we
get upset. Later on we see why. After long practise
you will know. Those who
are too clever leave after a short time. They never
learn. You must get rid
of your cleverness. If you think yourself better than
others, you will only
suffer. What a pity. No need to get upset. Just watch.
Q: A lot of times it seems that many monks here are
not practising. They
look sloppy or unmindful. This disturbs me.
Answer: It is not proper to watch other people. This
will not help your
practice. If you are annoyed, watch the annoyance in
your own mind. If
others' discipline is bad or they are not good monks,
this is not for you to
judge. You will not discover wisdom watching others.
Monks' discipline is a
tool to use for your own meditation. It is not a
weapon to use to criticize
or find fault. No one can do your practice for you,
nor can you do practice
for anyone else. Just be mindful of your own doings.
This is the way to
practice.
Q: What about other methods of practice? These days
there seem to be so many
teachers and so many different systems of meditation
that it is confusing.
Answer: It is like going into town. One can approach
from the north,from the
southeast, from many roads. Often these systems just
differ outwardly.
Whether you walk one way or another, fast or slow, if
you are mindful, it is
all the same. There is one essential point that all
good practice must
eventually come to--not clinging. In the end, all
meditation systems must be
let go of. Neither can one cling to the teacher. If a
system leads to
relinquishment, to not clinging, then it is correct
practice. You may wish
to travel, to visit other teachers and try other
systems.Some of you have
already done so. This is a natural desire. You will
find out that a thousand
questions asked and knowledge of many systems will not
bring you to the
truth. Eventually you will get bored. You will see
that only by stopping and
examining your own mind can you find our what the
Buddha talked about. No
need to go searching outside yourself. Eventually you
must return to face
your own true nature. Here is where you can understand
the Dhamma.
Q: Is it necessary to sit for very long stretches?
Answer: No, sitting for hours on end is not necessary.
Some people think
that the longer you can sit, the wiser you must be. I
have seen chickens sit
on their nests for days on end! Wisdom comes from
being mindful in all
postures. Your practice should begin as you awaken in
the morning. It should
continue until you fall asleep. Don't be concerned
about how long you can
sit. What is important is only that you keep watchful
whether you are
working or sitting or going to the bathroom. Each
person has his own natural
pace. Some of you will die at age fifty, some at age
sixty-five, and some at
age ninety. So, too, your practice will not be all
identical. Don't think or
worry about this. Try to be mindful and let things
take their natural
course. Then your mind will become quieter and quieter
in any surroundings.
It will become still like a clear forest pool. Then
all kinds of wonderful
and rare animals will come to drink at the pool. You
will see clearly the
nature of all things (sankharas) in the world. You
will see many wonderful
and strange things come and go. But you will be still.
Problems will arise
and you will see through them immediately. This is the
happiness of the
Buddha.
Q: I still have very many thoughts. My mind wanders a
lot even though I am
trying to be mindful.
Answer: Don't worry about this. Try to keep your mind
in the present.
Whatever there is that arises in the mind, just watch
it. Let go of it.
Don't even wish to be rid of thoughts. Then the mind
will reach its natural
state. No discriminating between good and bad, hot and
cold, fast and slow.
No me and no you, no self at all. Just what there is.
When you walk on
alms-round, no need to do anything special. Simply
walk and see what there
is. No need to cling to isolation or seclusion.
Wherever you are, know
yourself by being natural and watching. If doubts
arise, watch them come and
go. It's very simple. Hold on to nothing. It is as
though you are walking
down a road. Periodically you will run into obstacles.
When you meet
defilements, just see them and just overcome them by
letting go of them.
don't think about the obstacles you have passed
already. Don't worry about
those you have not yet seen. Stick to the present.
Don't be concerned about
the length of the road or about the destination.
Everything is changing.
Whatever you pass, do not cling to it. Eventually the
mind will reach its
natural balance where practice is automatic. All
things will come and go of
themselves.
Q: Is it necessary to be able to enter absorption in
our practice?
Answer: No, absorption is not necessary. You must
establish a modicum of
tranquillity and one-pointedness of mind. Then you use
this to examine
yourself. Nothing special is needed. If absorption
comes in your practice,
this is OK too. Just don't hold on to it. Some people
get hung up with
absorption. It can be great fun to play with. You must
know proper limits.
If you are wise, then you will know the uses and
limitations of absorption,
just as you know the limitations of children verses
grown men.
Q: Have you ever looked at the Altar Sutra of the 6th
Patriarch, Hui Neng?
Answer: Hui Neng's wisdom is very keen. It is very
profound teaching,not
easy for beginners to understand. But if you practise
with our discipline
and with patience, if you practise not-clinging, you
will eventually
understand. Once I had a disciple who stayed in a
grass-roofed hut. It
rained often that rainy season and one day a strong
wind blew off half the
roof. He did not bother to fix it, just let it rain
in. Several days passed
and I asked him about his hut. He said he was
practising not-clinging. This
is not-clinging without wisdom. It is about the same
as the equanimity of a
water buffalo. If you live a good life and live
simply, if you are patient
and unselfish, you will understand the wisdom of Hui
Neng.
Q: What can I do about doubts? Some days I'm plagued with doubts about the
practice or my own progress, or the teacher.
Answer: Doubting is natural. Everyone starts out with
doubts. You can learn a great deal from them. What is important is that you
don't identify with your doubts: that is, don't get caught up in them.
This will spin your mind in endless circles. Instead, watch the whole process
of doubting, of wondering. See who it is that doubts. See how doubts
come and go. Then you will no longer be victimized by your doubts. You will
step outside of them and your mind will be quiet. You can see how all
things come and go. Just let go of what you are attached to. Let go of your
doubts and simply watch.
This is how to end doubting.
Q: If putting everything together in our bowls is
important, why don't you as a teacher do it yourself? Don't you feel it is important for the teacher to set an example?
Answer: Yes, it is true, a teacher should set an example for his disciples.
I don't mind that you criticize me. Ask whatever you
wish. But it is important that you do not cling to the teacher. If I
were absolutely perfect in outward form, it would be terrible. You would all
be too attached to me. Even the Buddha would sometimes tell his disciples to
do one thing and then do another himself. Your doubts in your teacher can
help you. You should watch your own reactions. Do you think it is possible
that I keep some food out of my bowl in dishes to feed the laymen who work
around the temple?
Wisdom is for yourself to watch and develop. Take from
the teacher what is good. Be aware of your own practice. If I am resting
while you must all sit up, does this make you angry? If I call the color blue red or say that male
is female, don't follow me blindly. One of my teachers ate very fast. He made noises as he ate. Yet he told us to eat slowly and mindfully. I used to watch him and get very upset. I suffered, but he didn't! I watched the outside.
Later I learned. Some people drive very fast but carefully.
Others drive slowly and have many accidents. Don't cling to
rules, to outer form.
If you watch others at most ten percent of the time and watch yourself
ninety percent, this is the proper practice. At first I used to watch my
teacher Ajahn Tong Raht and had many doubts. People even thought he was mad.
He would do strange things or get very fierce with his disciples. Outside he
was angry, but inside there was nothing. Nobody there.
He was remarkable. He stayed clear and mindful until the moment he died.
Looking outside the self is comparing, discriminating.
You will not find happiness that way. Nor will you find peace if you spend your time looking for the perfect man or the perfect teacher. The Buddha taught us to look at the
Dhamma, the truth, not to look at other people.
Q: Could you explain a little more about karma?
Answer: Karma is action. Karma is clinging. Body,
speech, and mind all make
karma when we cling. We make habits. These can make us
suffer in the future.
This is the fruit of our clinging, of our past
defilement. All attachment
leads to making karma. Suppose you were a thief before
you became a monk.
You stole, made others unhappy, made your parents
unhappy. Now you are a
monk, but when you remember how you made others
unhappy, you feel bad and
suffer yourself even today. Remember, not only body,
but speech and mental
action can make conditions for future results. If you
did some act of
kindness in the past and remember it today, you will
be happy. This happy
state of mind is the result of past karma. All things
are conditioned by
cause--both long term and, when examined, moment to
moment. But you need not
bother to think about past, or present, or future.
Merely watch the body and
mind. You must figure karma out for yourself. Watch
your mind. Practise and
you will see clearly. Make sure, however, that you
leave the karma of others
to them. Don't cling to and don't watch others. If I
take a poison, I
suffer. No need for you to share it with me! Take what
is good that your
teacher offers. Then you can become peaceful, your
mind will become like
that of your teacher. If you will examine it, you will
see. Even if now you
don't understand, when you practise, it will become
clear. You will know by
yourself. This is called practising the Dhamma. When
we were young, our
parents used to discipline us and get angry. Really
they wanted to help us.
You must see it over the long term. Parents and
teachers criticize us and we
get upset. Later on we see why. After long practise
you will know. Those who
are too clever leave after a short time. They never
learn. You must get rid
of your cleverness. If you think yourself better than
others, you will only
suffer. What a pity. No need to get upset. Just watch.
Q: A lot of times it seems that many monks here are
not practising. They
look sloppy or unmindful. This disturbs me.
Answer: It is not proper to watch other people. This
will not help your
practice. If you are annoyed, watch the annoyance in
your own mind. If
others' discipline is bad or they are not good monks,
this is not for you to
judge. You will not discover wisdom watching others.
Monks' discipline is a
tool to use for your own meditation. It is not a
weapon to use to criticize
or find fault. No one can do your practice for you,
nor can you do practice
for anyone else. Just be mindful of your own doings.
This is the way to
practice.
Q: What about other methods of practice? These days
there seem to be so many
teachers and so many different systems of meditation
that it is confusing.
Answer: It is like going into town. One can approach
from the north,from the
southeast, from many roads. Often these systems just
differ outwardly.
Whether you walk one way or another, fast or slow, if
you are mindful, it is
all the same. There is one essential point that all
good practice must
eventually come to--not clinging. In the end, all
meditation systems must be
let go of. Neither can one cling to the teacher. If a
system leads to
relinquishment, to not clinging, then it is correct
practice. You may wish
to travel, to visit other teachers and try other
systems.Some of you have
already done so. This is a natural desire. You will
find out that a thousand
questions asked and knowledge of many systems will not
bring you to the
truth. Eventually you will get bored. You will see
that only by stopping and
examining your own mind can you find our what the
Buddha talked about. No
need to go searching outside yourself. Eventually you
must return to face
your own true nature. Here is where you can understand
the Dhamma.
Q: Is it necessary to sit for very long stretches?
Answer: No, sitting for hours on end is not necessary.
Some people think
that the longer you can sit, the wiser you must be. I
have seen chickens sit
on their nests for days on end! Wisdom comes from
being mindful in all
postures. Your practice should begin as you awaken in
the morning. It should
continue until you fall asleep. Don't be concerned
about how long you can
sit. What is important is only that you keep watchful
whether you are
working or sitting or going to the bathroom. Each
person has his own natural
pace. Some of you will die at age fifty, some at age
sixty-five, and some at
age ninety. So, too, your practice will not be all
identical. Don't think or
worry about this. Try to be mindful and let things
take their natural
course. Then your mind will become quieter and quieter
in any surroundings.
It will become still like a clear forest pool. Then
all kinds of wonderful
and rare animals will come to drink at the pool. You
will see clearly the
nature of all things (sankharas) in the world. You
will see many wonderful
and strange things come and go. But you will be still.
Problems will arise
and you will see through them immediately. This is the
happiness of the
Buddha.
Q: I still have very many thoughts. My mind wanders a
lot even though I am
trying to be mindful.
Answer: Don't worry about this. Try to keep your mind
in the present.
Whatever there is that arises in the mind, just watch
it. Let go of it.
Don't even wish to be rid of thoughts. Then the mind
will reach its natural
state. No discriminating between good and bad, hot and
cold, fast and slow.
No me and no you, no self at all. Just what there is.
When you walk on
alms-round, no need to do anything special. Simply
walk and see what there
is. No need to cling to isolation or seclusion.
Wherever you are, know
yourself by being natural and watching. If doubts
arise, watch them come and
go. It's very simple. Hold on to nothing. It is as
though you are walking
down a road. Periodically you will run into obstacles.
When you meet
defilements, just see them and just overcome them by
letting go of them.
don't think about the obstacles you have passed
already. Don't worry about
those you have not yet seen. Stick to the present.
Don't be concerned about
the length of the road or about the destination.
Everything is changing.
Whatever you pass, do not cling to it. Eventually the
mind will reach its
natural balance where practice is automatic. All
things will come and go of
themselves.
Q: Is it necessary to be able to enter absorption in
our practice?
Answer: No, absorption is not necessary. You must
establish a modicum of
tranquillity and one-pointedness of mind. Then you use
this to examine
yourself. Nothing special is needed. If absorption
comes in your practice,
this is OK too. Just don't hold on to it. Some people
get hung up with
absorption. It can be great fun to play with. You must
know proper limits.
If you are wise, then you will know the uses and
limitations of absorption,
just as you know the limitations of children verses
grown men.
Q: Have you ever looked at the Altar Sutra of the 6th
Patriarch, Hui Neng?
Answer: Hui Neng's wisdom is very keen. It is very
profound teaching,not
easy for beginners to understand. But if you practise
with our discipline
and with patience, if you practise not-clinging, you
will eventually
understand. Once I had a disciple who stayed in a
grass-roofed hut. It
rained often that rainy season and one day a strong
wind blew off half the
roof. He did not bother to fix it, just let it rain
in. Several days passed
and I asked him about his hut. He said he was
practising not-clinging. This
is not-clinging without wisdom. It is about the same
as the equanimity of a
water buffalo. If you live a good life and live
simply, if you are patient
and unselfish, you will understand the wisdom of Hui
Neng.
Law of attraction - you ask for it
this powerful Law of Attraction, the evidence of it, which surrounds
you will be easily apparent, for you will begin to recognize the exact c o r r e l a t i o n
between what you have been thinking about and what is actually coming into your
experience. Nothing merely shows up in your experience. You attract it, all of it, no exceptions.
You get what you think about, wanted or not.
You are attracting the essence of your thoughts.
Decide what pleases you and then focus on that.
You understood the powerful Law of Attraction and the fairness and accuracy
with which it responds to the free will of all creators.
By reaching for the best-feeling thought you can find, you reconnect
with that perspective, and you shiver with exhilaration as you reconnect
with your purpose, with your zest for life—and with You!
Practise and change your life.
you will be easily apparent, for you will begin to recognize the exact c o r r e l a t i o n
between what you have been thinking about and what is actually coming into your
experience. Nothing merely shows up in your experience. You attract it, all of it, no exceptions.
You get what you think about, wanted or not.
You are attracting the essence of your thoughts.
Decide what pleases you and then focus on that.
You understood the powerful Law of Attraction and the fairness and accuracy
with which it responds to the free will of all creators.
By reaching for the best-feeling thought you can find, you reconnect
with that perspective, and you shiver with exhilaration as you reconnect
with your purpose, with your zest for life—and with You!
Practise and change your life.
Thus have i read
Milarepa 'My religion is to have nothing to be ashamed of when I die.'
=============
Poverty is like childbirth. You know it is painful. But you only know how painful it is when you have gone throught it .
J.K. Rowling ,author,Harry Porter book series
In this age of world wide web, instant noodle, etc, , You still need time and pain to grow.
------------------
On caning in schools,
It is better to be caned in schools than to be caned in the prisons.
--------------------
=============
Poverty is like childbirth. You know it is painful. But you only know how painful it is when you have gone throught it .
J.K. Rowling ,author,Harry Porter book series
In this age of world wide web, instant noodle, etc, , You still need time and pain to grow.
------------------
On caning in schools,
It is better to be caned in schools than to be caned in the prisons.
--------------------
Life's like that
I was staying at a hut in Sri lanka where there are rats in the ceiling and snake around the compound.
One morning, I was sitting at the door , where there was some in the roof of the hut and the rats just fly down from the roof , followed by the snake with a thump when landing. the rats went into hiding and the snake just slide into the vegetation - thus has no lunch.
After our lunch, My friends and i contuine our meditation sitting.
At about 4 pm, my friend packed his sitting mat and realised that the rat was under the sitting mat and is dead.
So we buried the rat with some chanting.
Well, Life's like that . When your time is up, it's up ( you go ) .
I think the rat was lucky in the sense that he/she has prayers for send off rather than 被那个eaten by a snake.
June 1997
One morning, I was sitting at the door , where there was some in the roof of the hut and the rats just fly down from the roof , followed by the snake with a thump when landing. the rats went into hiding and the snake just slide into the vegetation - thus has no lunch.
After our lunch, My friends and i contuine our meditation sitting.
At about 4 pm, my friend packed his sitting mat and realised that the rat was under the sitting mat and is dead.
So we buried the rat with some chanting.
Well, Life's like that . When your time is up, it's up ( you go ) .
I think the rat was lucky in the sense that he/she has prayers for send off rather than 被那个eaten by a snake.
June 1997
Some thoughts -good and bad.
I cannot stop people from doing evil,
neither can i force people to do good.
1997.
10 years later, I think I am right - Just Let go - let it be, let it be, let it be - music, please
===========
We spent time preparing for examination, in which only a small percent of the syballus is asked during the examination.
After over a decade studying, after we graduate with degree,Master, we utilise less than 10 percent of what we learn.
Singaporean male spent two and a half year of National service for the defence of Singapore, preparing for war so that it will not happen.
We spent time worrying about the future, worrying about this, about that.
We spent time preparing for things that might never happen.
The only thing certain is this life is death.
Why don't you spend some time preparing for it ?
---------------------------------
Death is the most liberating moment of your life.
If i had no body, i had less suffering.
--------------
From a monk :
Imagining you had to take care of a person, spoon feeding him, washing him, etc, day in , day out.
Will you feel tired ?
Now think,
Ain't you doing the same thing - taking care your body , day in , day out ?
Think,
Isn't this tiring ?
------------------------
Some people are interested in opening their third eye, to see " things" .
For me, super natural senses are just a by product of your practise. it should not be the aim for your practise.
-------------
Service with Honour - motto of National Junior college
In serving, serve
In killing, kill.
==================
Unlearn to learn.
Die to live.
Empty to be full.
----
Are you aware of your heart beat ?
Are you aware of your breathing ?
Are you aware that this earth is buddha land ?
=================
early
Early birds catches the worm.
Early worms got caught by birds.
===================
good and bad.
To a fisherman, the net is his livelihood.
To a fish, the net is a killing field.
neither can i force people to do good.
1997.
10 years later, I think I am right - Just Let go - let it be, let it be, let it be - music, please
===========
We spent time preparing for examination, in which only a small percent of the syballus is asked during the examination.
After over a decade studying, after we graduate with degree,Master, we utilise less than 10 percent of what we learn.
Singaporean male spent two and a half year of National service for the defence of Singapore, preparing for war so that it will not happen.
We spent time worrying about the future, worrying about this, about that.
We spent time preparing for things that might never happen.
The only thing certain is this life is death.
Why don't you spend some time preparing for it ?
---------------------------------
Death is the most liberating moment of your life.
If i had no body, i had less suffering.
--------------
From a monk :
Imagining you had to take care of a person, spoon feeding him, washing him, etc, day in , day out.
Will you feel tired ?
Now think,
Ain't you doing the same thing - taking care your body , day in , day out ?
Think,
Isn't this tiring ?
------------------------
Some people are interested in opening their third eye, to see " things" .
For me, super natural senses are just a by product of your practise. it should not be the aim for your practise.
-------------
Service with Honour - motto of National Junior college
In serving, serve
In killing, kill.
==================
Unlearn to learn.
Die to live.
Empty to be full.
----
Are you aware of your heart beat ?
Are you aware of your breathing ?
Are you aware that this earth is buddha land ?
=================
early
Early birds catches the worm.
Early worms got caught by birds.
===================
good and bad.
To a fisherman, the net is his livelihood.
To a fish, the net is a killing field.
passing clouds -Berkelah Fall on 8 Aug 1992.
We skip lecture to go to Berkelah Fall on 8 Aug 1992.
As it was public holiday and there are a number of other groups from Singapore , Guan Soon and George? was relieved of their heavy back pack and tasked to be advance party to "chop" the camp site.
After a few hour hike, we apporoach the camp site and Guan Soon was sitting relax over a rock,
saying
" All the good sites are taken"
we pulled our long face.
Then he said cheekily
" But We got the best site "
When the other groups arrives, they are packed into a same area like refugee camp, While ours is like chalet.
Heaven and earth.
-------------------
It was rainy season and there are rain clouds flying down the valley.
George joked Passing clouds. and i think there is only a slight drizzle on one of the afteroon
So, "passing clouds" become the word of that trip
As it was public holiday and there are a number of other groups from Singapore , Guan Soon and George? was relieved of their heavy back pack and tasked to be advance party to "chop" the camp site.
After a few hour hike, we apporoach the camp site and Guan Soon was sitting relax over a rock,
saying
" All the good sites are taken"
we pulled our long face.
Then he said cheekily
" But We got the best site "
When the other groups arrives, they are packed into a same area like refugee camp, While ours is like chalet.
Heaven and earth.
-------------------
It was rainy season and there are rain clouds flying down the valley.
George joked Passing clouds. and i think there is only a slight drizzle on one of the afteroon
So, "passing clouds" become the word of that trip
A Thousand Paths to Zen - book
Make a nice big fire, chuck all your Buddhism on it, and warm yourself in its glow
Sound of one hand clapping.
"Rather than bother with that", she said, " Clap both hands and get on with it"
181
---------------
Religions control people to made them behave in a certain way. Zen sets people free to behave just like people.
It is dangerous to let people be themselves ? Won't they steal, rape and murder ? But they do that ( often in the name of religion) anyway.
231
Don't struggle to be a someone , Just realise you are no one.
242
The world does not need improvement.
You does not need improvement.
When you understand that,
both you and the world will be much improved.
301
People feel threatened and rush to the defence of their God, as if god wasn't big enough to take care of himself.
308
Zen won't make you walk on water or fly, but who need it ?
A bit of grass can float and any bug can fly.
330
Meet a devil and pat his head -
How will he stop being a devil without your help ?
301
Zen buddhism ( as opposed to Zen) has sutra, prayers, candles , drum and incense.
But all these are just props. The play can be performed without them.
374
Would you have a water fight with your friends if people are dying of thrist?
On receiving a stupid answer, Huang po give his student a slap.
" How uncouth you are !" shouted the student.
" What a fool to distinguish between couth and uncouth" and he gave him another slap.
Birth & rebirth
" Why aren't they enjoying a world of birth, renewal, youth and beauty"
409
In a synagogue, I was asked to cover my head, in a church to bare it, in a temple to remove my shoes. Is god so free to care about my head or feet ?
easy going man of tao, abondoned learning and does not strive.
neither avoid false thoughts nor seek true.
ignorance is the reality of buddha nature.
And this illusory, changing, empty body is the dharma body.
People like to get rid of bad ideas and attached to good ideas like love, trust, loyalty.
http://www.bokkilden.no/SamboWeb/produkt.do?produktId=1050718&rom=MP
Sound of one hand clapping.
"Rather than bother with that", she said, " Clap both hands and get on with it"
181
---------------
Religions control people to made them behave in a certain way. Zen sets people free to behave just like people.
It is dangerous to let people be themselves ? Won't they steal, rape and murder ? But they do that ( often in the name of religion) anyway.
231
Don't struggle to be a someone , Just realise you are no one.
242
The world does not need improvement.
You does not need improvement.
When you understand that,
both you and the world will be much improved.
301
People feel threatened and rush to the defence of their God, as if god wasn't big enough to take care of himself.
308
Zen won't make you walk on water or fly, but who need it ?
A bit of grass can float and any bug can fly.
330
Meet a devil and pat his head -
How will he stop being a devil without your help ?
301
Zen buddhism ( as opposed to Zen) has sutra, prayers, candles , drum and incense.
But all these are just props. The play can be performed without them.
374
Would you have a water fight with your friends if people are dying of thrist?
On receiving a stupid answer, Huang po give his student a slap.
" How uncouth you are !" shouted the student.
" What a fool to distinguish between couth and uncouth" and he gave him another slap.
Birth & rebirth
" Why aren't they enjoying a world of birth, renewal, youth and beauty"
409
In a synagogue, I was asked to cover my head, in a church to bare it, in a temple to remove my shoes. Is god so free to care about my head or feet ?
easy going man of tao, abondoned learning and does not strive.
neither avoid false thoughts nor seek true.
ignorance is the reality of buddha nature.
And this illusory, changing, empty body is the dharma body.
People like to get rid of bad ideas and attached to good ideas like love, trust, loyalty.
http://www.bokkilden.no/SamboWeb/produkt.do?produktId=1050718&rom=MP
health & wealth
When we are young, we forgo our health to earn monies.
When we are old, we use monies to buy back health.
-------------
Some companies pay employee way above market median.
But the employee work 12 or more hours a day, and including weekends.
If you do some simple calculation, the hourly rate (pay) is less , and i think they are less productivity.
But some people just cannot forgo the pay and "prestige" in working in MNCs.
People Like to cling to things, when at the death bed, there is nothing that you can cling to, only your practise.
It is extremely difficult to let go.
--------------
If people just work for monies, all be be bankers and lawyers.
There will be no engineers.
-----------------------
A man, who was diagnosed with some illness, went to see a monk.
He say " I will fight to win, I will overcome, I will recover "
The monk say coolly:
" Why must you fight? Why must you always win ? Why can't you live peacefully with the disease ? "
When we are old, we use monies to buy back health.
-------------
Some companies pay employee way above market median.
But the employee work 12 or more hours a day, and including weekends.
If you do some simple calculation, the hourly rate (pay) is less , and i think they are less productivity.
But some people just cannot forgo the pay and "prestige" in working in MNCs.
People Like to cling to things, when at the death bed, there is nothing that you can cling to, only your practise.
It is extremely difficult to let go.
--------------
If people just work for monies, all be be bankers and lawyers.
There will be no engineers.
-----------------------
A man, who was diagnosed with some illness, went to see a monk.
He say " I will fight to win, I will overcome, I will recover "
The monk say coolly:
" Why must you fight? Why must you always win ? Why can't you live peacefully with the disease ? "
般 若 心 经 - 心无挂碍 Heart sutra
心无挂碍
无挂碍
无心
无
------------------
心无挂碍
Heart sutra
The mind has no worries
No worries
No mind
No
Nothingness
If the water is too pure, there will be no lotus
Lotus rise beyond mud and is not stained by the dirt.
If there is no mud, there is no lotus.
Is is the dirty mud of this samsara world that make the lotus plant grow and blossom.
-----------------------------------------------------
Avoid Evil, do Good, purify the mind.
Avoid Evil so that you have a quiet mind.
Do Good so that you have a strong mind.
There is no good, no bad.
no mind.
No.
nothingness
================
Since all is void, Where do the dust alight ?
=================
We avoid evil.
We cling to goodness -fame, wealth, family, justice, freedom, good friends, good dharma, good teacher
Clinging so hard until we cannot live without the goodness , and will fight and die for it.
Cling so hard until we do not know how to let go.
-----------
Babies come to this world clinging their fists.
Adults leave this world with open palms.
-from a article
------------------------------
Stage 1. you are attached to other's evils deed, You hate them.
Stage 2. you are attached to your righteousness. Thing should be done this way, I am right, they are wrong.
Stage 3. You are angry.
Stage 4. You are frustrated.
Stage 5. I am practising, they are not. Let them suffer their own karma.
Stage 6. You are depressed.
Stage 7. You are struck.
struck
struck
struck
Stage 8. Buddha was hurt by his disciple, Jesus was crucified on a cross. Grandhi was assassinated.
Stage 9. If the water is too pure, there will no fish - 水清无鱼 Chinese saying
Stage 10. Bingo.
End of game.
=======================
If the water is too pure, there will no lotus
=====================
If there is no mud, there is no lotus.
Is is the dirty mud of this samsara world that make the lotus plant grow and blossom.
-----------------------------------------------------
Avoid Evil, do Good, purify the mind.
Avoid Evil so that you have a quiet mind.
Do Good so that you have a strong mind.
There is no good, no bad.
no mind.
No.
nothingness
================
Since all is void, Where do the dust alight ?
=================
We avoid evil.
We cling to goodness -fame, wealth, family, justice, freedom, good friends, good dharma, good teacher
Clinging so hard until we cannot live without the goodness , and will fight and die for it.
Cling so hard until we do not know how to let go.
-----------
Babies come to this world clinging their fists.
Adults leave this world with open palms.
-from a article
------------------------------
The mind game
Stage 1. you are attached to other's evils deed, You hate them.
Stage 2. you are attached to your righteousness. Thing should be done this way, I am right, they are wrong.
Stage 3. You are angry.
Stage 4. You are frustrated.
Stage 5. I am practising, they are not. Let them suffer their own karma.
Stage 6. You are depressed.
Stage 7. You are struck.
struck
struck
struck
Stage 8. Buddha was hurt by his disciple, Jesus was crucified on a cross. Grandhi was assassinated.
Stage 9. If the water is too pure, there will no fish - 水清无鱼 Chinese saying
Stage 10. Bingo.
End of game.
=======================
If the water is too pure, there will no lotus
=====================
Saturday, February 9, 2008
engaging compassionately with the world
' Life beyond the cloistered walls of ritual and religious formality offers me
infinite possibilities for engaging compassionately with the world."
Even buddha and his sangha had their share of competitive clashes. In fact, one of buddha's disciple tried to poison the buddha.
The appointment of the sixth ancestor as dharma scucessor was so resented that he
had to flee the monastery for his life.According to legend, a mob of monks ran
after him, prepared to kill him.
Imagine, Buddhist monks who devote their entire lives to "the Dharma" - the first
law is to do no harm - running after a brother monk with the intention of killing
him.
Clearly, dharma and karma are a piece, and it's our task, to learn how to swing back and forth with their ever changing play.
pg 79, Grassroots Zen.
http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=pK-3LntvcsQC&dq=grassroots+zen&pg=PP1&ots=sMQ_VagWPS&sig=t2OPagb9aN0-ccAUJ-l7mN_67t8&hl=en&prev=http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=grassroots+zen&btnG=Search&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnail#PPP7,M1
infinite possibilities for engaging compassionately with the world."
Even buddha and his sangha had their share of competitive clashes. In fact, one of buddha's disciple tried to poison the buddha.
The appointment of the sixth ancestor as dharma scucessor was so resented that he
had to flee the monastery for his life.According to legend, a mob of monks ran
after him, prepared to kill him.
Imagine, Buddhist monks who devote their entire lives to "the Dharma" - the first
law is to do no harm - running after a brother monk with the intention of killing
him.
Clearly, dharma and karma are a piece, and it's our task, to learn how to swing back and forth with their ever changing play.
pg 79, Grassroots Zen.
http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=pK-3LntvcsQC&dq=grassroots+zen&pg=PP1&ots=sMQ_VagWPS&sig=t2OPagb9aN0-ccAUJ-l7mN_67t8&hl=en&prev=http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=grassroots+zen&btnG=Search&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnail#PPP7,M1
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