今天，在寻找“成人礼”的礼节时，路过这个网站。http://www.skycitygallery.com/hanfu/hanfudesign.html
看见美丽绚丽的汉服，各式各样，还有新潮样式的，就让我感到十分赞叹。中国52民族，就只有汉人没有自己的传统服饰。其实，就是汉服。这个复兴，让失去自己衣裳的汉人，找回了属于自己的东西。
不断流失的中华文化，希望会有延续的机会。遗忘自己的根的人，其实不晓得为自己祖先的成就而感到骄傲。我认为，在种种的民族文化中，汉族的文化，有自己的美，而且深具意义。
在看了香港的“麦兜”的中国文化卡通系列，让我更为自己的华族文明与文化感到骄傲。
如果新加坡的文化教育可以向“麦兜”的呈现方法学习，新加坡的小孩会了解自己的文化，而不是偏向西方现代文明。
麦兜，中国文化卡通系列的youtube连接：
《春田花花中華博物館》- 清潔! 清明! 情! Part 1
《春田花花中華博物館》- 清潔! 清明! 情! Part2
《春田花花中華博物館》- 禾! 和味! 中和! Part 1
《春田花花中華博物館》- 禾! 和味! 中和! Part 2
《春田花花中華博物館》- 庭院! 月! 團圓! Part1
《春田花花中華博物館》- 庭院! 月! 團圓! Part2
《春田花花中華博物館》- 自立! 龍! 端陽! Part1
《春田花花中華博物館》- 自立! 龍! 端陽! Part2
为什么我们要保留自己的文化？因为它饱含了道德思想和价值。现在人最缺的就是正确的道德思想。成熟之人，其德必深，其义必重。
如果现代化思想能使世界更美好，而非道德思想，那看看正在攀升的社会问题吧。破坏社会安宁的人，就是那些缺乏正确道德观念的人。道德不重要吗？思想开通固然应该，但其中不应该失去道德。我们的社会是开放得越来越有道德，还是开放得越来越下流？
传统文化，藏着华人表达情怀的方式。它有祝福，包容，感恩，崇敬，感情及思念。诗情画意，温文尔雅，不但文明，而且深具意义。可以理解，并且欣赏的人，并不多啊。反而，外国人却看上它珍贵之处。可能就是当局者迷吧。
在不断流失文化思想及习惯的中国，走向世界化的中国人，出现了回弹得状况。人们在几乎没有了“自己”(self identity) 的情况下，人们开始找寻“自己”了，那就是汉服复兴。现在的华人，应该去认识自己的文化。
否（bi3）极泰来，易经，所言不虚。
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Competition is coming
My wushu competition is near, and my physical strength is giving me obstacles in completing my moves. 5 days left only leh... die...LOLz
I'm getting nervous and worried le. Hope it doesn't affect my meditation.
So I gave a thought... on the 4 bases of success taught by the Buddha:
Desire, persistence, will and discrimination.
But they are used in the practise of concentration, and the end result is supernormal abilities lah... thus Iddhipada also called four bases of power.
I was wondering if I used this 4 methods on wushu?? Cos it is possible to succeed in anything by this 4 factors as once Mara tempted Buddha to use this on exercising worldly aims. But Buddha rejected it as it is the cause of suffering when one tune towards craving for materiality. The 4 bases are used to achieve the 4 knowledge which is necessary for Nibbana only.
Mara told Buddha:
"Exercise rulership, Blessed One! Exercise rulership, O One Well-gone! — without killing or causing others to kill, without confiscating or causing others to confiscate, without sorrowing or causing others sorrow — righteously!"
"Lord, the Blessed One has developed the four bases of power, pursued them, handed them the reins and taken them as a basis, given them a grounding, steadied them, consolidated them, and undertaken them well. If he wanted to, he could resolve on the Himalayas, king of mountains, as gold, and it would become a mountain of gold."
He replied to mara:
The entirety of a mountain of gold, of solid bullion:
even twice that wouldn't suffice for one person.
Knowing this, live evenly,
in tune with the contemplative life.
When you see stress, and from where it comes,
how possible for you to incline to sensual pleasures?
Knowing acquisition to be a bond in the world,
train for its subduing.
- SN4.20
I think, just strive on, try it out, and accept whatever the result is, not getting too worried. Worry doesn't solve the situation... haha... Buddho Buddho...
I'm getting nervous and worried le. Hope it doesn't affect my meditation.
So I gave a thought... on the 4 bases of success taught by the Buddha:
Desire, persistence, will and discrimination.
But they are used in the practise of concentration, and the end result is supernormal abilities lah... thus Iddhipada also called four bases of power.
I was wondering if I used this 4 methods on wushu?? Cos it is possible to succeed in anything by this 4 factors as once Mara tempted Buddha to use this on exercising worldly aims. But Buddha rejected it as it is the cause of suffering when one tune towards craving for materiality. The 4 bases are used to achieve the 4 knowledge which is necessary for Nibbana only.
Mara told Buddha:
"Exercise rulership, Blessed One! Exercise rulership, O One Well-gone! — without killing or causing others to kill, without confiscating or causing others to confiscate, without sorrowing or causing others sorrow — righteously!"
"Lord, the Blessed One has developed the four bases of power, pursued them, handed them the reins and taken them as a basis, given them a grounding, steadied them, consolidated them, and undertaken them well. If he wanted to, he could resolve on the Himalayas, king of mountains, as gold, and it would become a mountain of gold."
He replied to mara:
The entirety of a mountain of gold, of solid bullion:
even twice that wouldn't suffice for one person.
Knowing this, live evenly,
in tune with the contemplative life.
When you see stress, and from where it comes,
how possible for you to incline to sensual pleasures?
Knowing acquisition to be a bond in the world,
train for its subduing.
- SN4.20
I think, just strive on, try it out, and accept whatever the result is, not getting too worried. Worry doesn't solve the situation... haha... Buddho Buddho...
Friday, July 27, 2007
A taxi driver became my teacher
How does it happened?
It was on Thursday, 26 of July 2007.
I was rushing to my wushu training from SP as I just finished attending an architecture forum at 6.40pm. I decided to catch a Cab... if I took train, I'll reach paya lebar at 7.20pm and reach sino wushu at 7.35pm... with the bus waiting time and travelling time. By cab i can reach Sino at 7.25pm if I catch one at 6.55pm.
So after some waiting, finally I got a cab. It was an lady. After I got in and tell her where I'm heading, she say... she dunno how to go to PIE from SP. So I say... erm ok..I try to guide you, cos I also not sure. So 2 blur sotongs started their journey.
I tried to guide her by recalling my friend, jaclyn, the way she took last time she drove us to ang moh kio. I was right partially, but later, we end up at Orchard road. Supposingly, after turning into holland road from buona vista, should turn into adam road. But we went straight.
So how? she decided to ask her husband. So her husband suggested to go from AYE cos nearer. At first I avoided AYE and choose PIE cos, sure got jam at such a peak period at keppel road. But no choice, cos if we got lost again, i'll get very late. So, I'm ok.
I was like thinking, "Did she got a license? I thought taxi drivers are trained. She should practised sure le than drive ppl around mah."
she way apologising on the way, cos she is new and inexperienced. So I thought, aiyah, nevermind la, everyone has his first time, so let me help her to accumulate experiences. But i was checking the time and meter. Cos I only had $19... if she round too much wrong route, I'm afraid I just can't pay her the full fare.
As expected, PIE was jammed, when we reached. it was 7.20pm. Moving slowly, and finally we reached at the destination at 8.40pm. If I took a Train, I'll pay less and less late. Now is pay more still late and more late. LOL. But, I'm well within la... no unhappiness. Thanks, I'm a more happier person.
She taught me something. Give chance to people. Because, she made me think, if I can give chance to a person who I first met, and willingly to let her learn ah, why can't I give chance to my juniors in the BS, who are also inexperienced and new to the tasks?
I think maybe because we are more familiar, that's why I have high expectations for them. But now I learn that, people make mistakes. Pushing too hard makes people perform worse sometimes.
I think the taxi aunty was abit stress cos she quite worried I will get angry, but I didn't add on to that as I was smiling and making things easy for her as far as possible. Sense of fear in mistakes, and moral shame, keeps people improving from mistakes and imperfections. Too much stress become fear and nervous already, can't perform well. So...not only I must forgive, but also give chance to people.
In the path of being a good person, balancing the different factors become an important skill, and it is hard. Too much love becomes affection and attachment. Too much compassion becomes passionate grieving. right amount of effort, not too strenuous, right amount of desire, right amount of love and compassion. The is knowing the moderation, said the Buddha. Using the factors rightly at the right time is call "Yoniso Manasikaro" (Appropriate attention).
So experience allows me to know the moderation of each factors, thus putting their benefits to the fullest.
It was on Thursday, 26 of July 2007.
I was rushing to my wushu training from SP as I just finished attending an architecture forum at 6.40pm. I decided to catch a Cab... if I took train, I'll reach paya lebar at 7.20pm and reach sino wushu at 7.35pm... with the bus waiting time and travelling time. By cab i can reach Sino at 7.25pm if I catch one at 6.55pm.
So after some waiting, finally I got a cab. It was an lady. After I got in and tell her where I'm heading, she say... she dunno how to go to PIE from SP. So I say... erm ok..I try to guide you, cos I also not sure. So 2 blur sotongs started their journey.
I tried to guide her by recalling my friend, jaclyn, the way she took last time she drove us to ang moh kio. I was right partially, but later, we end up at Orchard road. Supposingly, after turning into holland road from buona vista, should turn into adam road. But we went straight.
So how? she decided to ask her husband. So her husband suggested to go from AYE cos nearer. At first I avoided AYE and choose PIE cos, sure got jam at such a peak period at keppel road. But no choice, cos if we got lost again, i'll get very late. So, I'm ok.
I was like thinking, "Did she got a license? I thought taxi drivers are trained. She should practised sure le than drive ppl around mah."
she way apologising on the way, cos she is new and inexperienced. So I thought, aiyah, nevermind la, everyone has his first time, so let me help her to accumulate experiences. But i was checking the time and meter. Cos I only had $19... if she round too much wrong route, I'm afraid I just can't pay her the full fare.
As expected, PIE was jammed, when we reached. it was 7.20pm. Moving slowly, and finally we reached at the destination at 8.40pm. If I took a Train, I'll pay less and less late. Now is pay more still late and more late. LOL. But, I'm well within la... no unhappiness. Thanks, I'm a more happier person.
She taught me something. Give chance to people. Because, she made me think, if I can give chance to a person who I first met, and willingly to let her learn ah, why can't I give chance to my juniors in the BS, who are also inexperienced and new to the tasks?
I think maybe because we are more familiar, that's why I have high expectations for them. But now I learn that, people make mistakes. Pushing too hard makes people perform worse sometimes.
I think the taxi aunty was abit stress cos she quite worried I will get angry, but I didn't add on to that as I was smiling and making things easy for her as far as possible. Sense of fear in mistakes, and moral shame, keeps people improving from mistakes and imperfections. Too much stress become fear and nervous already, can't perform well. So...not only I must forgive, but also give chance to people.
In the path of being a good person, balancing the different factors become an important skill, and it is hard. Too much love becomes affection and attachment. Too much compassion becomes passionate grieving. right amount of effort, not too strenuous, right amount of desire, right amount of love and compassion. The is knowing the moderation, said the Buddha. Using the factors rightly at the right time is call "Yoniso Manasikaro" (Appropriate attention).
So experience allows me to know the moderation of each factors, thus putting their benefits to the fullest.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Searching for true love? What is it?
I saw a friends Blog, who seems to be confuse and don't know what is love. This was my reply, which I feel, it is long enough and able to express my thinkings... So I decided to post it in my blog too:
Love is a pure intention of wishing someone to be well and happy. This is love in its purest state, where it is boundless and sustainable. Why boundless? Because it does not have a condition, it can be anyone, anywhere. Why sustainable? Because it is not conditioned. You can call it unconditional love if you like.
We love ourselves, because we hope that we can be well and happy.
We love others, because we hope the same for others.
It becomes conditional love when it is polluted by self and craving. This is simply understood, when you ask yourself, why you feel differently for different people? The most obvious levels are parents -> partner -> Friends -> stranger -> enemy.
Because you got different levels of craving to them mah. =) So... such love is not sustainable... and is ever-changing...sometimes love you, sometimes hate you. because, conditioned things changes.
True Love is simple, but to have it is not simple. Learn to love people with pure love, and you will be free from many disatisfactions and pain.
Think in a way, that may I be well and happy, and may you be well and happy. Then you will start to do things which brings both you and other's happiness.
True Love is about giving. Giving and granting happiness. Not getting or taking.
How much you love? Ask yourself how much can you give for him/her?
Pure love gives unconditionally. Who you are, what you have done, isn't an issue already.
Those who are desprately getting a partner or wanting a partner back, think again.
You want him/her, or you want to love him/her?
That's how I see it.
Love is a pure intention of wishing someone to be well and happy. This is love in its purest state, where it is boundless and sustainable. Why boundless? Because it does not have a condition, it can be anyone, anywhere. Why sustainable? Because it is not conditioned. You can call it unconditional love if you like.
We love ourselves, because we hope that we can be well and happy.
We love others, because we hope the same for others.
It becomes conditional love when it is polluted by self and craving. This is simply understood, when you ask yourself, why you feel differently for different people? The most obvious levels are parents -> partner -> Friends -> stranger -> enemy.
Because you got different levels of craving to them mah. =) So... such love is not sustainable... and is ever-changing...sometimes love you, sometimes hate you. because, conditioned things changes.
True Love is simple, but to have it is not simple. Learn to love people with pure love, and you will be free from many disatisfactions and pain.
Think in a way, that may I be well and happy, and may you be well and happy. Then you will start to do things which brings both you and other's happiness.
True Love is about giving. Giving and granting happiness. Not getting or taking.
How much you love? Ask yourself how much can you give for him/her?
Pure love gives unconditionally. Who you are, what you have done, isn't an issue already.
Those who are desprately getting a partner or wanting a partner back, think again.
You want him/her, or you want to love him/her?
That's how I see it.
Being an Architect...
Recently reading up on a book call "Becoming an Architect", by Lee W. Waldrep.
It contains a collection of interviews on different people in this architectural field.
It seems that basic morality such as being humble, able to work as a time, hardworking, listens to others well, and able to communicate and express your ideas is important almost in all professions. Thus, having basic moral discipline and maturity is something we cannot have without, if you want to be successful. But I see the younger generations are lacking in it greatly and see no big deal on such morality issues.
I've taken note some of the comments meant for architecture field, by different expertise such as lecturers, principals, architects, managers and designers, which I find it helpful for myself:
To be successful in architecture you must have:
1. Skill in problem solving, with the ability to see the not obvious solution. (Analytical Mind/attention to both macro and micro.)
2. Able to see things in a different way
3. Have passion/courage to create/ability to listen,communication, collaborative spirit and preservarance.
4.Self knowledge/self learning. Observe, travel
What catches my attention was:
5.Want to succeed faster? Accelerate your rate of failure! (Have to courage to take risks.)
6.Capacity to lead, compassion and imagination.
7."You don't need to reinvent the well with every design..."We don't need to create something unique everyday. We can be creative, but we must learn from the past and try to make it better.
Advice to people who want to be an Architect:
1. Have passion and paitence. It cannot be done casually.
2.Draw, read and write about architecture everyday. Create!
3.Have fun with architecture
4.Enlightened clients seek the conscious architect, rather than a trained architect.
5.Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Recognise that your architecture, in most instances, is serving others.
6.Be open, do not limit yourself to traditional definations and boundaries of the practice of architecture. Learn to observe and to be a good listener. Understand the design process and become the master of your own process.
My favourites, and most applicable currently:
7. DO NOT look at buildings; Instead, look at the way people react to them and move through them.
It contains a collection of interviews on different people in this architectural field.
It seems that basic morality such as being humble, able to work as a time, hardworking, listens to others well, and able to communicate and express your ideas is important almost in all professions. Thus, having basic moral discipline and maturity is something we cannot have without, if you want to be successful. But I see the younger generations are lacking in it greatly and see no big deal on such morality issues.
I've taken note some of the comments meant for architecture field, by different expertise such as lecturers, principals, architects, managers and designers, which I find it helpful for myself:
To be successful in architecture you must have:
1. Skill in problem solving, with the ability to see the not obvious solution. (Analytical Mind/attention to both macro and micro.)
2. Able to see things in a different way
3. Have passion/courage to create/ability to listen,communication, collaborative spirit and preservarance.
4.Self knowledge/self learning. Observe, travel
What catches my attention was:
5.Want to succeed faster? Accelerate your rate of failure! (Have to courage to take risks.)
6.Capacity to lead, compassion and imagination.
7."You don't need to reinvent the well with every design..."We don't need to create something unique everyday. We can be creative, but we must learn from the past and try to make it better.
Advice to people who want to be an Architect:
1. Have passion and paitence. It cannot be done casually.
2.Draw, read and write about architecture everyday. Create!
3.Have fun with architecture
4.Enlightened clients seek the conscious architect, rather than a trained architect.
5.Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Recognise that your architecture, in most instances, is serving others.
6.Be open, do not limit yourself to traditional definations and boundaries of the practice of architecture. Learn to observe and to be a good listener. Understand the design process and become the master of your own process.
My favourites, and most applicable currently:
7. DO NOT look at buildings; Instead, look at the way people react to them and move through them.
What people are looking for when hiring a new designer:
I look for:
1. passion and problem solving ability
2.Excellent listener who has experience designing and planning
3.Inpsiring portfolio, solid experience and excellent references.
The one which inspires me the most:
4. People who think like an architect - that is, can solve problems architecturally. It mean that they can look for unexpected solution and solve them poetically. Pragmatic concerns must be resolved. In addition, I look for a good work ethic, good people and leadership skills, commitment to excellence in architecture, creative problem solving capabilities and the potential to develop technical skills.
*********
I still remember, an architect commented when I was in NUS attending the introduction about their Architecture Degree, he said, we should design for others and not ourselves.
I was pretty impressed, because I find many classmates are pretty attached to their ideas and refuse to change. They just want to get what they want implemented, and not according to what was suitable and satisfactory for the client's objective.
Well, I have some difficulties resolving things poetically enough to satisfy the lecturers... And don't know where the problem lies within me. Maybe I have not seen enough, as I am not creative enough.
But the Book gives me great encouragement and set me a direction on how I should learn and deal with my design. Maybe I can apply principles of Buddhism into my design... = )
Monday, July 16, 2007
Some flashback...and reflections
Yesterday night, someone actually came into my memory. Long time no see Jon! =)
Now he is in army. I didn't notice it until I saw his nick. "Last day as a civilian".
It just flow back.... right till the time where we are in DP Architects doing our ITP training. It was one of the few devastating weeks during the 6 weeks of ITP. I didn't say anything, but he knew it. I was trembling and very unmindful. Alot of times, I can't work. But he did his best to make me feel better, telling me alot of things.
One of the night, i think it's after a long OT. we was seating at somewhere between one raffles link and raffles city, above citylink, having bread, brought from Breadtalk. But I forget the conversation.
He is good in the past, but all of us are curious about his change of attitude. Or is he like that all the while?
Once I asked, "I just one to know something. If I need help, will you be willing to offer your help?" He said, "Yes"... and I am satisfied with the answer.
Even till the very last time he met me, he showed his concern and wished me to do well, though that was the the time, ppl think, he had changed...etc. Maybe he has his reasons. I treated what he did and said was out of sincerity. I trusted, and I don't doubt. Please don't let me doubt. LOL.
Someone asked Ajhan Keng,"How to be forgiving and understanding?", Ajhan Keng says, "Think of his good points. Is he really that bad?"
I would say, he is good. We all have imperfections, and none of it does not deserve forgiveness.
It was out of anger, out of pride, jealousy, out of fear, out of ignorance, out of greed and selfishness, people do wrong to others. He cannot be in a good state either.
To be a good person i think, that's the foremost things one should be aware within and make sure I do not act out of the sake of anger...etc.
The King of Deities, Sakka(or Ti Kong in hokkien) asked, "Why even though they think, 'May we live free from hostility, free from violence, free from rivalry, free from ill will, free from those who are hostile', but they yet live in hostility, violence, rivalry, ill will, with those who are hostile?"
The Buddha replied: "Due to envy & stinginess, which is why — even though they think, 'May we live free from hostility, free from violence, free from rivalry, free from ill will, free from those who are hostile' — but they yet live in hostility, violence, rivalry, ill will, with those who are hostile"
Here i can see the point. It is not the changing of others, but ourself which makes a better world.
To Jon, a friend whom I've met, i'll be his friend regardless he is good or bad. If he is successful, I'll be happy for his achievements. If he is in selfish states, I shall guide him towards selflessness. If he is kind, I'll support such acts. If he is down, I'll be there as far as I am able to.
Let me be free from envy and stinginess.
Now he is in army. I didn't notice it until I saw his nick. "Last day as a civilian".
It just flow back.... right till the time where we are in DP Architects doing our ITP training. It was one of the few devastating weeks during the 6 weeks of ITP. I didn't say anything, but he knew it. I was trembling and very unmindful. Alot of times, I can't work. But he did his best to make me feel better, telling me alot of things.
One of the night, i think it's after a long OT. we was seating at somewhere between one raffles link and raffles city, above citylink, having bread, brought from Breadtalk. But I forget the conversation.
He is good in the past, but all of us are curious about his change of attitude. Or is he like that all the while?
Once I asked, "I just one to know something. If I need help, will you be willing to offer your help?" He said, "Yes"... and I am satisfied with the answer.
Even till the very last time he met me, he showed his concern and wished me to do well, though that was the the time, ppl think, he had changed...etc. Maybe he has his reasons. I treated what he did and said was out of sincerity. I trusted, and I don't doubt. Please don't let me doubt. LOL.
Someone asked Ajhan Keng,"How to be forgiving and understanding?", Ajhan Keng says, "Think of his good points. Is he really that bad?"
I would say, he is good. We all have imperfections, and none of it does not deserve forgiveness.
It was out of anger, out of pride, jealousy, out of fear, out of ignorance, out of greed and selfishness, people do wrong to others. He cannot be in a good state either.
To be a good person i think, that's the foremost things one should be aware within and make sure I do not act out of the sake of anger...etc.
The King of Deities, Sakka(or Ti Kong in hokkien) asked, "Why even though they think, 'May we live free from hostility, free from violence, free from rivalry, free from ill will, free from those who are hostile', but they yet live in hostility, violence, rivalry, ill will, with those who are hostile?"
The Buddha replied: "Due to envy & stinginess, which is why — even though they think, 'May we live free from hostility, free from violence, free from rivalry, free from ill will, free from those who are hostile' — but they yet live in hostility, violence, rivalry, ill will, with those who are hostile"
Here i can see the point. It is not the changing of others, but ourself which makes a better world.
To Jon, a friend whom I've met, i'll be his friend regardless he is good or bad. If he is successful, I'll be happy for his achievements. If he is in selfish states, I shall guide him towards selflessness. If he is kind, I'll support such acts. If he is down, I'll be there as far as I am able to.
Let me be free from envy and stinginess.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Buddhist’s ridiculing themselves with things thought to be Wise
“Ridiculing themselves” is the phrase I would say, for many modern youth Buddhist organizations and movements in Singapore. Unknowingly, they are speeding up the decline of Buddhism. In conclusion, they are befuddled and lost to their own defilements.
Are we walking towards the Buddha’s teaching in terms of Generosity, Morality and Mental development? Or are we moving towards our own defilements, more towards sensual pleasures?
If we say, due to changes and adaptations, Buddhist today is more developed, that is certainly untrue. Buddhist fundamentals such as ‘Uposatha Days’ was unknown to many modern Buddhist in Singapore, they only know Vesak Day, is to do temple tours and praying. Buddhist, who thought they knew anything, would go to “3 steps 1 bow”, but not knowing the real significance of Vesak. Other than that, they are ignorant to important dates such as the Asalha Puja and Magha Puja as well.
Currently in the modern era, many Buddhist Communities were pretty stress up by the unpleasing membership and participation rates as compared to the religion of Christianity.
I would wonder why we Buddhist, would want to compare with Christianity in terms of memberships or the number of converts. Are we having a competition for members? Or Buddhist is going to have one?
Well, some would say, “if everyone believes in Christianity, and numbers of Buddhist are dropping, very soon the religion of Buddhism will become a history.” So, humble Buddhist starts to take actions by studying and learning how the Christians do it.
Many Buddhist reports came in …Christians are more successful in presenting themselves and attracting youths into the religion …Christians are more lively, hippy and funky… Christian are more bonded together… Buddhism as compared might be old-fashioned in terms of impression as compared to them, thus it does not attracts the attention of youths.
The conclusion was, to change the views of people about Buddhism and to change the methods of doing things.
Other than thinking that “these methods work”, could it possibly be wrong?
Had you ever asked, what kind of impression are you imposing? Is that really what Buddhism was? Do you even know what Buddhism was in the first place?
If we say, by attracting people in, we create the opportunity for them to learn to teachings of the Buddha. But the facts tell us that they practice what we practiced. If we do not practice the original teaching, how do they practice and learn about it?
When Buddhist goes around celebrating or singing like any pop stars does, does it trying to say, this is Buddhism? When craving and indulgence in the sensual pleasures are the cause of dissatisfactions.
The beautiful objective of Buddhism, to be free from all suffering and pain, thus gaining true happiness, was directly opposed by the current way of doing things. The Buddha explained the cause of our suffering and the cause to happiness, but sadly, we as disciples do not ponder about these teachings deeply, and we do things which the Buddha proclaimed as “Cause of Suffering.” So, when will the people you had attracted really be free from suffering and gain happiness?
If this was no convincing, just simply ask who had been truly freed from bondage of dissatisfaction, pain and unhappiness. Who had felt fullness and contentment in his heart? Have your desires been totally fulfilled and no longer desires? Looking at how we compare with Christianity, or even within Buddhist Organizations, the answer is clear. Buddhist promoters are psychologically imbalance, unsatisfied, what makes its follower psychologically balance, satisfied and their hearts at ease?
It is ridiculous to do something contradictory to Buddhism as a solution and many religions are doing similar things, which cause their religion to lose its essence and spiritual standards. You might see that Christians are very much popular, but their understanding to God is simply shallow as compared to their past elders and brethrens.
Is that what you are trying to learn?
Filling up the emptiness in their heart, youth find ways their ways in companionship, in dreams, sensual enjoyment, or thrills. The Buddha compare this people as thirsty man who ease their thirst by drinking salt water, they will never be find satisfaction but craves for more. More music, more fun in Buddhism.
As householders, we are allowed to sing and dance, but in the eye of Buddha, this stuff is “dust”. Buddhist groups should promote Buddhism and its spirits, keeping the training systems according to the Buddha’s system of training.
In the scriptures, we see Deities such as Gandabhas, and householders honoring the Buddha with music and songs, these are allowable for householders. It is welcoming for music composers and singers to express their respect and commitment to the Buddha’s teaching through their professions or interests, but Buddhist organizations, which are places for people to learn and practice Dhamma, should not do such things, but promote a better alternative for the masses.
It was not about what was done, but how it was done. The Buddha taught about the sense of time, the sense of Dhamma, the sense of occasions and etc, in the Dhammaññu Sutta. We ought to do appropriate things in the appropriate time. The famous female household disciple, Visākhā, walked pasted the monastery when she was in her dowry. Thinking that it is inappropriate to see the Buddha in such manner, she requested her maid to bring her some normal clothing for changing as she desire to visit the Buddha.
During the era of science, the Christian often used their western scientific knowledge to win converts from less develop country. When Science proves that the existence of living beings is from evolutions, how do you think they will feel?
There is story about Somdet Phra Budhacariya (Toh Brahmaransi), where the Christian missionaries had ridiculed themselves.
Some Christian missionaries came to visit the Somdet Toh. One of their strategies in those days was to show off their knowledge of science. With Somdet Toh so closely associated with the king, perhaps they thought that if they could convert him, the king might be converted as well. So they discussed various scientific topics with him, and finally touched on the fact that they had proof that the world was round. The Somdet, instead of being surprised, said, "I know. In fact, I can show you where the center of the world is." This surprised the missionaries, so they asked him to show them. He got up, took his staff, went out in front of his hut, and planted the staff firmly on the ground, saying, "Right here." "But how could that be?" they asked him. He answered, "If the world is round, it's a sphere, right? And any point on the surface of the sphere is as central as any other point on the surface." After that, the missionaries left him alone.
This was an example out of countless examples which displays the wisdom of our elders.
There is nothing for Buddhism to learn from the world, the truths always win as it will always be the truth. It lies in us, whether did you really understand Buddhism before you start to compare and make remarks. On the other hand, did you practice Dhamma according to the teachings so that you gain knowledge about the truth?
Luckily, there are Buddhist groups and organizations who still keep up to the teachings of the Buddha. Thanks to them, anyone who is interested about the original teaching and wish to practice under the teachings of the Buddha are still possible. Other than making comments here, all it serves is to remind and provoke reflection on masses of Buddhist youths, “Are we deviating from the Buddha’s teachings, or are we moving towards the Buddha’s teachings?” But all I can do is to keep up the original teachings myself by practicing it with understanding.
Personally, I feel, it is not about changing anything here, but putting the attention on the right things to get right results. It was because, we change things and that’s why problems surfaced.
How Buddhism had became a religion about praying to Buddha, ‘to accumulate merits is to be vegetarian’, all about chanting and meditation, when originally Buddha taught about generosity, morality and development of the mind is the source of merit and happiness? Think about it.
In the past, Chinese Buddhism had become a salvation based religion to adapt to the needs, now this doesn’t work as life is better and more advanced. Praying becomes low class and old-fashion, now we turn towards the trends of the world. So after this, what changes are we going to pursue future?
The problem lies where there are very few people practicing the Buddha’s teaching accordingly and masses are ignorant about it. If we carry on practicing our own inventions, not in line with the teachings of the Buddha, Buddhism will simply be left with a shell with no substance left and the original face of Buddhism will be replaced by inventions of later people according to their ideas about Buddhism.
Just like languages and cultures, if it was no longer being practiced, it is dead. Similarly, if what the Buddha had taught was not practiced, it will be dead. It was those who keep up to practice, keeps Dhamma alive, and people who are interested can still access to it. But if Buddhism was left with its shell ‘Buddhism’, but there was no Dhamma left, ‘Buddhism’ no longer exists and those who strive to make Dhamma “simpler”, no doubt becomes murderers of Buddhism, Unknowingly.
By Buddho Savaka, 03 July 2007, Tuesday
Are we walking towards the Buddha’s teaching in terms of Generosity, Morality and Mental development? Or are we moving towards our own defilements, more towards sensual pleasures?
If we say, due to changes and adaptations, Buddhist today is more developed, that is certainly untrue. Buddhist fundamentals such as ‘Uposatha Days’ was unknown to many modern Buddhist in Singapore, they only know Vesak Day, is to do temple tours and praying. Buddhist, who thought they knew anything, would go to “3 steps 1 bow”, but not knowing the real significance of Vesak. Other than that, they are ignorant to important dates such as the Asalha Puja and Magha Puja as well.
Currently in the modern era, many Buddhist Communities were pretty stress up by the unpleasing membership and participation rates as compared to the religion of Christianity.
I would wonder why we Buddhist, would want to compare with Christianity in terms of memberships or the number of converts. Are we having a competition for members? Or Buddhist is going to have one?
Well, some would say, “if everyone believes in Christianity, and numbers of Buddhist are dropping, very soon the religion of Buddhism will become a history.” So, humble Buddhist starts to take actions by studying and learning how the Christians do it.
Many Buddhist reports came in …Christians are more successful in presenting themselves and attracting youths into the religion …Christians are more lively, hippy and funky… Christian are more bonded together… Buddhism as compared might be old-fashioned in terms of impression as compared to them, thus it does not attracts the attention of youths.
The conclusion was, to change the views of people about Buddhism and to change the methods of doing things.
Other than thinking that “these methods work”, could it possibly be wrong?
Had you ever asked, what kind of impression are you imposing? Is that really what Buddhism was? Do you even know what Buddhism was in the first place?
If we say, by attracting people in, we create the opportunity for them to learn to teachings of the Buddha. But the facts tell us that they practice what we practiced. If we do not practice the original teaching, how do they practice and learn about it?
When Buddhist goes around celebrating or singing like any pop stars does, does it trying to say, this is Buddhism? When craving and indulgence in the sensual pleasures are the cause of dissatisfactions.
The beautiful objective of Buddhism, to be free from all suffering and pain, thus gaining true happiness, was directly opposed by the current way of doing things. The Buddha explained the cause of our suffering and the cause to happiness, but sadly, we as disciples do not ponder about these teachings deeply, and we do things which the Buddha proclaimed as “Cause of Suffering.” So, when will the people you had attracted really be free from suffering and gain happiness?
If this was no convincing, just simply ask who had been truly freed from bondage of dissatisfaction, pain and unhappiness. Who had felt fullness and contentment in his heart? Have your desires been totally fulfilled and no longer desires? Looking at how we compare with Christianity, or even within Buddhist Organizations, the answer is clear. Buddhist promoters are psychologically imbalance, unsatisfied, what makes its follower psychologically balance, satisfied and their hearts at ease?
It is ridiculous to do something contradictory to Buddhism as a solution and many religions are doing similar things, which cause their religion to lose its essence and spiritual standards. You might see that Christians are very much popular, but their understanding to God is simply shallow as compared to their past elders and brethrens.
Is that what you are trying to learn?
Filling up the emptiness in their heart, youth find ways their ways in companionship, in dreams, sensual enjoyment, or thrills. The Buddha compare this people as thirsty man who ease their thirst by drinking salt water, they will never be find satisfaction but craves for more. More music, more fun in Buddhism.
As householders, we are allowed to sing and dance, but in the eye of Buddha, this stuff is “dust”. Buddhist groups should promote Buddhism and its spirits, keeping the training systems according to the Buddha’s system of training.
In the scriptures, we see Deities such as Gandabhas, and householders honoring the Buddha with music and songs, these are allowable for householders. It is welcoming for music composers and singers to express their respect and commitment to the Buddha’s teaching through their professions or interests, but Buddhist organizations, which are places for people to learn and practice Dhamma, should not do such things, but promote a better alternative for the masses.
It was not about what was done, but how it was done. The Buddha taught about the sense of time, the sense of Dhamma, the sense of occasions and etc, in the Dhammaññu Sutta. We ought to do appropriate things in the appropriate time. The famous female household disciple, Visākhā, walked pasted the monastery when she was in her dowry. Thinking that it is inappropriate to see the Buddha in such manner, she requested her maid to bring her some normal clothing for changing as she desire to visit the Buddha.
During the era of science, the Christian often used their western scientific knowledge to win converts from less develop country. When Science proves that the existence of living beings is from evolutions, how do you think they will feel?
There is story about Somdet Phra Budhacariya (Toh Brahmaransi), where the Christian missionaries had ridiculed themselves.
Some Christian missionaries came to visit the Somdet Toh. One of their strategies in those days was to show off their knowledge of science. With Somdet Toh so closely associated with the king, perhaps they thought that if they could convert him, the king might be converted as well. So they discussed various scientific topics with him, and finally touched on the fact that they had proof that the world was round. The Somdet, instead of being surprised, said, "I know. In fact, I can show you where the center of the world is." This surprised the missionaries, so they asked him to show them. He got up, took his staff, went out in front of his hut, and planted the staff firmly on the ground, saying, "Right here." "But how could that be?" they asked him. He answered, "If the world is round, it's a sphere, right? And any point on the surface of the sphere is as central as any other point on the surface." After that, the missionaries left him alone.
This was an example out of countless examples which displays the wisdom of our elders.
There is nothing for Buddhism to learn from the world, the truths always win as it will always be the truth. It lies in us, whether did you really understand Buddhism before you start to compare and make remarks. On the other hand, did you practice Dhamma according to the teachings so that you gain knowledge about the truth?
Luckily, there are Buddhist groups and organizations who still keep up to the teachings of the Buddha. Thanks to them, anyone who is interested about the original teaching and wish to practice under the teachings of the Buddha are still possible. Other than making comments here, all it serves is to remind and provoke reflection on masses of Buddhist youths, “Are we deviating from the Buddha’s teachings, or are we moving towards the Buddha’s teachings?” But all I can do is to keep up the original teachings myself by practicing it with understanding.
Personally, I feel, it is not about changing anything here, but putting the attention on the right things to get right results. It was because, we change things and that’s why problems surfaced.
How Buddhism had became a religion about praying to Buddha, ‘to accumulate merits is to be vegetarian’, all about chanting and meditation, when originally Buddha taught about generosity, morality and development of the mind is the source of merit and happiness? Think about it.
In the past, Chinese Buddhism had become a salvation based religion to adapt to the needs, now this doesn’t work as life is better and more advanced. Praying becomes low class and old-fashion, now we turn towards the trends of the world. So after this, what changes are we going to pursue future?
The problem lies where there are very few people practicing the Buddha’s teaching accordingly and masses are ignorant about it. If we carry on practicing our own inventions, not in line with the teachings of the Buddha, Buddhism will simply be left with a shell with no substance left and the original face of Buddhism will be replaced by inventions of later people according to their ideas about Buddhism.
Just like languages and cultures, if it was no longer being practiced, it is dead. Similarly, if what the Buddha had taught was not practiced, it will be dead. It was those who keep up to practice, keeps Dhamma alive, and people who are interested can still access to it. But if Buddhism was left with its shell ‘Buddhism’, but there was no Dhamma left, ‘Buddhism’ no longer exists and those who strive to make Dhamma “simpler”, no doubt becomes murderers of Buddhism, Unknowingly.
By Buddho Savaka, 03 July 2007, Tuesday
Monday, July 02, 2007
Unusually plain-spoken truths
"May I have nothing to do with honor, Nagita, and honor nothing to do with me...
Whoever cannot obtain at will, the pleasure of renunciation... seclusion... peace... self-awakening, let him consent to this slimy-excrement-pleasure, this torpor-pleasure, this pleasure of gains, offerings, & fame.
"When one eats & drinks & chews & savors, there is excrement & urine: That is the result one will get.
"When one loves, there arises the state of change & aberration, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair: That is the result one will get.
"When one is committed to the theme of the unattractive, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of the theme of beauty: That is the result one will get.
"When one remains focused on the inconstancy of the six media of sensory contact, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of contact: That is the result one will get.
"When one remains focused on the arising & passing away of the five clinging aggregates, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of clinging: That is the result one will get.
Seldom I saw Buddha using very crude terms. But here I see description such as "this slimy-excrement-pleasure."
It is direct, to the point and simple truths that many had missed, and thus deluded, fall into illusory happiness. Chasing after an imrage, something which cannot satisfy one's desire.
Recently, I got a friend, heartbroken and distressed with love and relationship. This friend did did not see that, in the mist of chasing after something, which was believed to bring happiness to him, in fact causing him pain and distress.
"When one loves, there arises the state of change & aberration, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair: That is the result one will get.
Even I see couples suffer from sorrow and distress because of his or her partner, due to changes(change of heart, death, illness, change in attitude, change in perception of the other... etc)
and yes, all this distress arises from the love ones.
I hope he can go beyond it, and wake up his idea. Foolishly clinging and trying to stick anything doesn't benefit. May he put his attention rightly on appropriate matters.
May I go beyond this nature of unsatisfaction and attain happiness.
Whoever cannot obtain at will, the pleasure of renunciation... seclusion... peace... self-awakening, let him consent to this slimy-excrement-pleasure, this torpor-pleasure, this pleasure of gains, offerings, & fame.
"When one eats & drinks & chews & savors, there is excrement & urine: That is the result one will get.
"When one loves, there arises the state of change & aberration, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair: That is the result one will get.
"When one is committed to the theme of the unattractive, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of the theme of beauty: That is the result one will get.
"When one remains focused on the inconstancy of the six media of sensory contact, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of contact: That is the result one will get.
"When one remains focused on the arising & passing away of the five clinging aggregates, one takes a stance in the loathsomeness of clinging: That is the result one will get.
AN 5.30, Nagita Sutta
Seldom I saw Buddha using very crude terms. But here I see description such as "this slimy-excrement-pleasure."
It is direct, to the point and simple truths that many had missed, and thus deluded, fall into illusory happiness. Chasing after an imrage, something which cannot satisfy one's desire.
Recently, I got a friend, heartbroken and distressed with love and relationship. This friend did did not see that, in the mist of chasing after something, which was believed to bring happiness to him, in fact causing him pain and distress.
"When one loves, there arises the state of change & aberration, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair: That is the result one will get.
Even I see couples suffer from sorrow and distress because of his or her partner, due to changes(change of heart, death, illness, change in attitude, change in perception of the other... etc)
and yes, all this distress arises from the love ones.
I hope he can go beyond it, and wake up his idea. Foolishly clinging and trying to stick anything doesn't benefit. May he put his attention rightly on appropriate matters.
May I go beyond this nature of unsatisfaction and attain happiness.
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