Mum's Hundred Day's Rite...

This is long delayed post but the memory of which etched very deeply in mind.

On 20 August 09, the family gathered at mum's place and temple for offering of prayers. Energy and thoughts were channeled towards mum in a good and happy realm.

And it was this special day that brought us to Sri Lanka to conduct the rites for mum in Theravada tradition.

Bhante Indasara is a compassionate and learned teacher. He brought us to an ancient holy temple Kelaniya for the rites. The spot on which this temple stands was exactly where Buddha visited the third time round with 500 Arahants during the Buddha era 2531. The temple exudes an elegant magnificence with positive and calming energy. The mural arts within the prayer hall was life-like with intricate details and colours.

The temple abbot Bhante Mahinda is an equally learned and compassionate senior monk. He readily shared Dharma views with us in his inner chambers.

The rites were simple yet encompassing - covering the holy ground - from Bo tree, stupa to the prayer hall and inner chamber. The whole ceremony was carried out in a calm, mindful and elegant manner. The emotions were overwhelming but positively fullfilling.

Thanks to the kindness of Bhantes that we were able to conduct such beautiful rites for mum..

We are blessed.

Sunday Morning...

It's a beautiful day today. And I woke up feeling every bone, every muscle, every vein within my body crying out loud to be massaged to get the blood start flowing a little...

I managed to do some simple stretching exercises for 30 minutes and that helped to keep my mind clear a tiny bit..

Ah.. health hasn't been the best of condition for years and it remains pretty much so..

But this is my body. Just gotta accept and take good care of it..

Maybe I should just stop by the beach for a gentle stroll.. Maybe..

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..