Guilty As Charged...

Today's paper revealed that Ming Yi received a guilty verdict by the Judge for his previous acts as the Head of RenCi.

My friend mentioned that possibly it was because that Ming Yi was surrounded by ill-fitted advisors that eventually caused his downfall. Was that truly the case I wonder..

It probably is even tougher to practice as a monk but the fact that he renounced the worldly affairs means he wanted that blessed opportunity to pursue the path including ethical practice with right focus and energy. He is no longer a novice but a very experienced spiritual leader. To say he probably got diverted because of a group of advisors is lame. in fact, his responses during the trial were even laughable and ludicrous at times, not to mention contradictory.

Practicing lay buddhists and monks are concerned about cultivating and lifting the mind.

And we learn that basic cause of human suffering is greed, ill will or hatred and ignorance. These fundamental negative traits are the source of our unquenchable thirst for possessions, all of our illusions, unhappiness, unsatisfactoriness and desires. Simply because we make unskillful decisions and act unethically for self-serving and even dishonest intentions.

If one simply remains kind, loving and mindful ( which he does as evidenced by the fund raising acts and setting up the hospital for the poor and aged), one may probably still not be equipping oneself with the knowledge and expertise to uproot and remove these unfavourable tendencies ( as evidenced by his lavish lifestyle and management over the funds and his aide).

Surely, one needs to cultivate other positive values and behaviour. Meditation aside, wisdom, compassion, generosity and loving kindness can be cultivated through continuous learning and practice. When we develop these qualities and applying them in our lives, we will slowly wear away the negative stubborn habitual behaviors. With a kind loving heart and capacity to let go, we become freer, lighter, more peaceful, clear-headed and happier.

Did he learn, follow and practice the path? Only he knows.

I am but a lay person. I have even more gaps and lows. But with WY, like-minded friends, teachers, Dharma books... I am blessed to be able to learn and practice.

What the future holds, I have no idea and have no intention to know as it doesn't matter. What matters is this moment and what I do with it.

Arduous road of practice? Perhaps. But will stay focused.

Botanic Garden

I try to visit this place every Saturday morning
To breathe in the fresh air
To take in the natural beauty
To soak in the activities that go on at different spots
And to catch up with WY on matters

Of course we talk quite a fair bit whenever we manage to find time together
And it never cease to amaze me that till today
We are still able to share about anything under the sun

It feels comforting to be able to connect and love someone so dear
And it is even more comforting to have this reciprocated in the same, if not more manner..

This blessing is hard to come by for sure
And will be cherished wholeheartedly without doubt..

My Dear Friend...

I have known her for ages
She was and still is a lovely and carefree lady
Back then, she was looking forward to a life with the one she loved
But life was not what she planned to be
It was tumultuous, disappointing, hurting and at times utter despair
But she persevered
Her bundle of joy was indeed a blessing
Bringing her hope and laughter

Now she is alone
Yet so not alone
She is constantly in physical pain
Yet so not emotionally
She understands her lows and gaps
Yet will find ways to manage them
She is getting old with years (as she always claims)
Yet her lighthearted outlook and laughter remain

R, my friend, my sister
Good to have known you
There is not much to say
Just simply
I wish you well
And I wish you love and joy
Always..

My Grandma....

She is a loving, compassionate and kind lady.

She treats her friends like a family member, giving comfort, console and advice whenever they encounter troubles.

She tells her grandchildren about her past, be it happy or unhappy events. All these stories help us to know her better.

She talks to me individually sometimes to ask how my school and working life is. After that she will give me her valuable advice.

She loves yellow and bright colour flowers. When she sees them, she will then smile widely, showing only her two front teeth.

She loves yummy food and eats them with joy and laughter.

Who is she?
She is no other person but my beloved GRANDMOTHER!

Losing her is a painful experience but knowing that she is at a better place, I will always be happy for her.

Without her being here with us physically doesn’t mean losing her forever, because she will always stay in my heart for as long as I am alive.

With love....Jillian

Mum's Recipes

Mum never really cooked for us until Dad's passing.

I remember very distinctly her incessant wailing when Dad left us, spelling her pain of loss and uncertainties about life ahead. We were young and ignorant then.

Dad's illness and death had wiped out whatever little savings we had. But mum, with the help of some very dear friends, picked up the responsibility of holding the family together.

One thing that I remember well was the frequent trips to markets bargaining and buying daily groceries and food items.

Meals were simple fare. And that was also the time mum really started cooking and trying out new recipes.

It was only when things got better that mum's dishes expanded - mutton soup, curry chicken, fried kuay teow, lor bah (braised pork), fried fish with leek and special sauce.... and more..

Every dish reminds us of our meals with mum, the sharing of day's events at the dinner table, and the connection amongst the family members.

Today, both Alice and I can cook up some of her main specialties but the taste is never the same... But we are sure our younger generation is enjoying these with relish... the way we used to be..

This is call 家传菜，一代传一代，爱心满满载。。。。