Planning to plan

Sigh, my dear assistant finally threw in the letter (for the 2nd time) today, although I was pre-empt about it 2 weeks back. The first time she quitted was 3 years ago, to become a teacher. Then she came back, re-joined my company and stay 1 and half years. So this time she is confirmed leaving. Whether the reason she gave was really the reason, I think she pretty made up her mind this time. Although she has not found another job, frankly I am happy for her, seeing she has at least made short term plans for her future. Whether they will come true doesn't matter. At least she HAS plans. Compared to me, I don't even plan what to eat the next day, what more the future, so-to-speak.

So Dian..... tot ziens!!... doe voorzichtig!!!!

And now the answer is in darkness?

And now the answer is in darkness?...No more. I found the answer to my previous posting. Excerpt from Sogyal Rinpoche in "Glimpse of the day",

"Of all the practices I know, the practice of Tonglen, Tibetan for “giving and receiving,” is one of the most useful and powerful. When you feel yourself locked in upon yourself, Tonglen opens you to the truth of the suffering of others; when your heart is blocked, it destroys those forces that are obstructing it; and when you feel estranged from the person who is in pain before you, or bitter or despairing, it helps you to find within yourself and then to reveal the loving, expansive radiance of your own true nature. No other practice I know is as effective in destroying the self-grasping, self-cherishing, self-absorption of the ego, which is the root of all our suffering and all hard-heartedness.

Put very simply, the Tonglen practice of giving and receiving is to take on the suffering and pain of others and give to them your happiness, well-being, and peace of mind."

Spongebob me?

Sometimes I feel like I am just a sponge to those I know, absorbing and soaking in their complaints and grumbles, their sorrows, their tears. Sometimes I feel like I am just a punching bag to those who want to vent their frustrations and anger on.

Maybe I am just a shoulder for those who want something to lean on...to cry on... or maybe I am a good listener. 98% of the time I am just that. But there are forlorn times when I just want to be the "taker" instead of the "giver", altruistically speaking. The remaining 2% of the time I just want to be left alone. I don't want to give any attention nor seek any attention at all.

I have a friend whom I am not that close to, within 5 minutes when we met, she was pouncing on me and promoting her MLM products without even bothering to catch up on old times. Another friend, whose business has failed, looked me up continously for a few months to pour out her grievances. Each time we met, she would be full of complaints and bitterness. When it got better for her, she was MIA for a long time, either enjoying travelling or making new friends. Another friend, whose marriage is on the rocks, just wanted to cry and sulk about her husband. When they finally patched up, it's no news from her for a year. When yet another friend was facing job woes, she called me up almost everyday talking about her future, her job possibilities. When she got a fantastic job offer, no more phone calls from her. Yet another friend, when she was out of a job for a year, I would mostly pay for her food when we go out, but when she did finally found a job, not even a treat from her. Didn't even say thank you. Then I have another friend who "accidentally" sent me her email to a Venerable saying she wanted to renounce and wanted to be ordained by the Venerable. I do not know whether she really sent me the email mistakenly or??

I actually don't mind being just a listener to friends most of the time, and I really do not expect anything in return. However, sometimes I do feel tired. Sometimes I just need to be alone. Whenever I do wish to be left alone, please do leave me alone. I am just an ordinary being. I can only absorb that much crap. Nothing more.

This shade!

Today I finally found the exact shade of nail polish colour I wanted - a very very dark maroon-brown with un-noticiable purplish hues. Very hard to find, you know.

Anyway, notice you can't see my knuckles. My mom said from young till now my hands are "soooo cute" because they looked smooth and fleshy with the "missing" knuckles. You know, the type of fingers where a 10-carat diamond ring would look just in place! Heh!

Great Terton Venerable Ganor Rinpoche

Last night was the first time I met Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche who gave me the Vajrakilaya Initiation. He is one of the most prolific and powerful Treasure Discoverers of our time. His manifestation in our world is prophesied by the Buddha Himself, Guru Padmasambhava and the great Pandita Vimalaimitra.

Ganor Rinpoche manifested His great realizations through numerous inconceivable activities including leaving His foot prints, thumb prints in solid rocks. With his unsurpassing power he could directly communicate with non-humans like the Nagas, Devas (Demi God) and local spirits. With his powerful rituals he could easily subdue the powerful evil spirits and demonic forces. Ganor Rinpoche has literally extended His blessings and protection over countless number of beings, both visible and invisible and helped them out of seemingly impossible situations.

During performance of Great Accomplishment Practices with Drikung Ontrul Rinpoche, inconceivable accomplishments include the boiling of the contents of the Pantza and Rakta, multiplying of the nectar pills, flowing forth of nectar from the Torma and many other such holy accomplishments are witnessed by all.
Signs of Ganor Rinpoche's attainment: 
1. Rinpoche discovered the water treasure stone from the Brahmaputra river where the oil comes out automatically from this treasure stone. 
2. Rinpoche left a foot print while conducting the rituals of Chöd and 100-fold changbu. 
3. Rinpoche rolled a knife, starting from its tip, between his palms during a group recitation. 
4. Rinpoche left a thumb print on a pebble on July 6 1983. 
5. Rinpoche revealed the Vajra Kilaya Terma. 
6. Rinpoche revealed Terma of The Very Wrathful Achi Chökyi Drolma.


Last night I got a souvenir from Ganor Rinpoche, a framed picture of the 4-Arm Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin). Rinpoche personally blessed the picture and left his thumbprint on the front (right at the heart of Avalokiteshvara) and back. Rinpoche is sought after by countless for His great healing powers. This holy picture is said to offer powerful protection and blessings. Thank you!

Miracles abound - Healing Lama Kangyur Rinpoche

Excerpts from Drophenling's newsletter "In The Loop Of Bliss" - Testimonials from members on Healing Lama Kangyur Rinpoche's pujas and healing powers:

Lim Hui Chin

"About 2 months back, I was in China and suffered from a stroke there. Then, the whole of my left body could not move, my legs and arms had no strength to walk or move at all. But I was lucky because Rinpoche was in Singapore and I went to see him.

Rinpoche's blessing was amazing, he blew blessings onto my arms twice, I didn't tell but I guess maybe he knew that my arms had a big problem. My doctors and therapists told me that arms always recover much slower than legs in stroke cases, they didn't have much hope for my case and said my arm could be permanently disabled already.

Anyway while Rinpoche gave me blessings and blew on my hand, there was this incredible force of energy that flowed through my arm and caused it to move and tremble on its own. It was as if the energy was unblocking the channels in my arm. My sister beside me thought I was shivering but I wasn't! After the blessing, about a few days later, my arms started to react and my fingers could start moving. it was really a miracle. Usually the doctors say shoulders start to move first and then finally down to the fingers but in my case it was so rare and special. For one month since my stroke, my legs didn't even have strength to lift itself up. But after 2-3 days from Rinpoche's blessings I could actually move them, I was really surprised!"

Chua Zhi Ming

"The first time I consulted Rinpoche, he did a divination for my illness, and told me "You once dreamt about something entering your ear". I was really surprised because indeed, I had this dream a long time before. Rinpoche told me I had been a victim of black magic via the dream, and this person had also taken my clothes to do black magic, and I also ate food from this person.

It became very clear to me when Rinpoche said all these, it was all too accurate. I previously worked in Indonesia, and I knew the person whom Rinpoche described was my ex Boss. It was also when I left Indonesia to return here that my health started deteriorating and it has not been good since.

Rinpoche advised me to do a few pujas and also gave me blessings. The next day when I woke up, my ear felt a little itch, so I put my finger in to scratch... and a small and round black thing (which is the same thing that entered my ear in the dream) came out! I was so amazing! Since that black thing came out, I feel much better and more energetic."

Very special healing puja

The Healing Puja I participated last week was very special which helped not only in subduing black magic and curses, but also very beneficial for alleviating health problems such as anxiety, depression or people who are prone to suffer from nervous breakdown. Kangyur Rinpoche explained before that when others bear grudges or hatred against you secretly, and after a prolonged period of time, it naturally forms into a negative energy against us (even though it may not be deliberate or intentional). This negative force is akin to a curse and is harmful to us because it makes us feel listless and weak in body and mind.

In one particular procedure of the puja, the Lamas tied each participant with 5 different colour of threads, which signifies 5 different types of obstacles and problems we are entrapped in. These include health problems, black magic spells, curses, witchcraft as well as negative karma we have accumulated since beginningless time. And it is also precisely due to the vicious cycle of accumulation of negative karma that sentient beings are trapped within this endless cycle of uncontrolled existence.

During the puja, the Lamas then cut broken the 5 colour threads, symbolic of freeing us from all of our problems, worries, illnesses and negative conditions. At that time, Yamantaka (who is the emanation of Manjushri Buddha) uses Manjushri's Sword of Wisdom to liberate from the suffering of the 5 colour threads.

It is recorded in the scriptures that every single person has 424 subtle illnesses in the body and 80,000 different obstacles that we may encounter. This is a fact that no human being can avoid. However because we are ordinary beings, we are unable to detect any problems in our body until the sickness manifests before us.

It was a special healing puja attended by a few thousand people in Suntec Convention Hall. Whether they were first timers or Buddhist practitioners, weak or abled people, everyone wished to be liberated from suffering.

Nina Wang mentality?

If I will ever be as rich as HK businesswoman, Nina Wang, who passed away recently, would I leave my entire fortune to a fortune teller, just as she supposedly did????? NO WAY. I think she got duped. What love affair so to speak? Talking about being at the right place at the right time...this fella!

For me, if I will ever be as rich as Nina, I will give 60% of my wealth to my family - parents, husband, kids, sis, niece and nephew, whoever that is alive before me. 10% will go to charities like children cancer society, orphanages, and old folks home. The remaining 30% I will donate to Dharma causes such as the buddhist centers I know, and all the Rinpoches and Gurus to continue the spreading of the Dharma in order to benefit many sentient beings in this lifetime and future lifetimes. And before I kick the bucket, I must build a temple or stupa or the building of Buddha statues.

And I will leave to friends close to me all my precious tangible belongings for memories' sake. I most probably won't need to give my friends money because they are most likely to be richer than me!

So... are you leaving a will? To me perhaps?

Are you one?

From Shen Shian:

The sutras describe the existence of many Bodhisattvas among us in various guises, manifesting various ways to assist us. That is less far-fetched than imagined. For instance, have you ever come across an online forum with many helpful participants eager in giving advice, who might at times argue or agree, who nevertheless teach you invaluable lessons through their discussions? These are “faceless” folks, but their advice need not be any less helpful or real. These can be Bodhisattvas in disguise? Bodhisattvas can “lurk” everywhere - online and offline!

Even if you don't believe in the manifestations of Bodhisattvas, what you cannot deny is that there are those with the Bodhisattva spirit of wanting to help you. Anyway, truly skilful Bodhisattvas don't easily reveal their identities. At the end of this life, you still might not know who are the Bodhisattvas who manifested in your life. If so, as long as we can learn something worthy from each other, why not see each other as Bodhisattvas? With this sense of gratitude and humility, we will learn even more.

Can u feel?

"When you first meet a man or a woman, that person’s energy will flow to you……..if you feel good and calm it means that person’s energy is good. If you feel irritable it means that person has bad energy”.

Things people write ...

Some of my friends' daily changing nicks on MSN made me C.H.U.C.K.L.E.

YW: I need to start screwing up on my own

Mantou: 你好,我是日本人,叫西北度兰,请多多指教

Lamb: Think of all the things we've shared and seen - don't think about the things which might have been..

Mr Mad: Ass Fire-station. Any emergency asses can look for me.

Fuzzy_Butt: Battered wife syndrome, wandering free, wish I could be.

Me: I injudicious

Azabu Sabo

At least this ice cream from Azabu Sabo is shiok. They are famous ice cream from Hokkaido. I tried the Black Sesame flavour. Not too sweet with a tinch of slight bitterness and a smooth creamy combination. Shiok. Another must try, the Green Tea flavour. Azabu Sabo is at Marina Square. This is not sabo, for sure.

Hard balls?

Finally I thought I can satisfy myself with the meatballs I couldn't eat in Ikea yesterday, in the form of Secret Recipe's Spagetti with Chicken Meatballs. Was I wrong. The spagetti was overcooked and a bit soggy. And the Chicken Meatballs, my god, were so hard that it seemed I was chewing on Chicken Bak Kwa. I mean, if I wanted Bak Kwa, I would have bought Bak Kwa instead, right? NO... wait.... it's EVEN harder than Bak Kwa. And considering it was not that crowded at that branch, I don't see why the food was so bad. Don't ever order this dish in Secret Recipe. Thumbs Down. Boo!

Ikea day

In the continuing weekend-babysitting-because-exams-fever, I brought my nephew out to Ikea Tampines Superstore today. Have not been there since it opened because heard about THE CROWD. Yes it is huge. We had lunch at its famous cafe. Ordered the kids spagetti for him, the poached salmon for myself. Actually I used to love the meatballs alot alot, but ever since I abstained from beef, never touched those balls for a long time. Anyway the food is passable and the chicken wings are juicy. My nephew ate everything up.

Later he was deciding for the next one hour about going into Smaland, the place where the kids were left to play while the parents shop. He is that timid and indecisive in that sense, but once he made up his mind, he was nagging me every minute while we were inside shopping. One hour later, he emerged, happy and thrilled of his newfound playground, with the ballroom, and the climb, the drawing area and the tv area. He made me promise to bring him again.

We ended spending half the day in Ikea. We didnt quite made it to the huge Courts Superstore in the next building and the giant Giant Supermarket across the road. Next time.

Best of both worlds?

You can see that my nephew has single eyelid on one eye and double eyelids on the other. Just as he can be an angel or rascal almost at the same time, sometimes!

Nephew: Do you know A stand for what fruit?
Me: Apple
Nephew: No, Ang Moh Tan!!! (Hokkien for Rambutan)

Nephew: B stand for what?
Me: Banana
Nephew: Noooo....Baluku !!!! (Malay for fruit Buah Duku)

Nephew: C stand for what?
Me: Cempedak !!
Nephew: Noooooo...C-kway (Hokkien for watermelon!)

Nephew: D stand for what?
Me: Durian!
Nephew: Nooooooooo.....D24!!! (superior grade of Durian!) HAHAHAHA!!!

His Holiness 101st Gaden Tripa Rinpoche

The public grand pujas and initiations conducted by my guru, His Holiness 101st Gaden Tripa Lungri Namgyel Rinpoche began today. I was there for the 3 sessions; the 400 Offerings Puja, the Special Healing Puja and the Manjushri Buddha Initiation.

I always have an unusual special feeling whenever I meet His Holiness. Two years ago when I first met him, when he arrived, as he was walking slowly towards the stage, tears welled up in me, and my pores were all standing, as I clasped my palms in respect. Even though His Holiness has a serious demeanor, I was nevertheless still moved when I see him. No other lamas (besides His Eminence Lama Zopa Rinpoche) have created such a reaction from me. Since then I knew I had found my guru.

Today when I saw him again, I have the same reaction. This time, again I was almost in tears, my hair was standing, my pores were standing and my whole body was feeling very hot (even though the aircon was freezing just a few seconds ago). Many thousands people present bowed in respect and many kneeled down to welcome him as he strolled slowly up the stage in Suntec Convention Hall. All his 18 lamas were in attendance to give him a warm welcome.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama appointed Rinpoche as the abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery and Rinpoche was subsequently appointed the position of the 101st Gaden Tripa - the supreme head of the Gelug lineage and literally the throne holder of Tushita. Contrary to widespread belief that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the Leader, the actual Head of the Gelug lineage is the Gaden Tripa, who is the throne holder to the seat of Lama Tsongkhapa. And the founding of the Gaden Monastery by Lama Tsongkhapa was prophesied by Buddha Shakyamuni. In the Manjushri Root Tantra, Buddha said : "After I have passed away from this world, when the earth becomes desolate, you will take the form of a child and enact the deeds of a Buddha. At that time there will be a great monastery called RabGa in the Land of Snows." "Ga" is the first syllable of "Gaden" which means "great bliss".

I am grateful for having the good karma to meet my guru, and I hope this connection will leave a karmic imprint in my mental continuum to create the necessary conditions for future blessings and bliss.

Re-arranged

I didn't really like the state of things these 2 weeks (because I almost broke my back!). Hence last night I re-arranged my room again! You must know that I have a habit of re-arranging my home furniture whenever I feel it's time for a change. And it can be rather impromptu.

Last night within 3 hours, I pushed my king-sized bed back to the wall so that I have more walking space. And stacked up all my Ikea boxes (20 to be exact) high up instead of pushed aside on the floor. And "recreated" a table for my laptop using my tall Ikea shelf. Currently I had put my laptop on a tiny computer table and the height of it, plus the fact I am sitting on my bed when I am surfing, didn't help in my sitting posture! Also again, I discovered more junk which I do not want. Within 3 hours I shifted 20 heavy boxes and the major furniture, vacuumed the dust, throw my 2 weeks' unwashed laundry to the kitchen, tidied up all the books, and pack all the knick knacks lying around.

Anyway, if I didn't do anything, was afraid I might hurt my back again. Hopefully its better fengshui!

Blessed few days in Singapore

Excerpts of letter to Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, from a new found Buddhist:

Dear Our Holy Child, Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche,

I cannot begin to describe the tremendous gratitude and appreciation I have for you for giving the best 3 days in Ashton’s and my life! The honour of having all of you holy ones to visit the island, allowing me to chauffer and bring you around the island and most importantly, you have treated me like part of the ‘family’. It is indescribeable, the greatness of your hearts and generosity with all the blessings and karma you have created and generated to/for so many people in such short time. To give me the chance to share a meal with you, for the devotees and members of Amitabha Buddhist Centre welcoming me as part of them. For them to open up their doors to all who would like to visit Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche and seek blessings - with no questions asked, just warmth and welcome and serving and treating everyone who walked in with drinks and food.

I am ashamed. I am ashamed that I have not been able contribute to this Holy cause, not finding out earlier nor pursuing Buddhism further than the occassional visit to the temples. I am regretful that I am not able to do more than what I can to contribute to the visit for all of you and Lama Rinpoche.

How you fill my heart with happiness and calmness! Now, I can see evidently why the great Guru Geshe Lama Konchog has chosen you as the One. It is written all over your face, your behaviour and most of all, your character. At this tender age, you elude firmness and presence….the firmness of a leader of teachings and the presence of a strong mind with a task to fulfill and to spread Buddhism in the ways that you know how. I cannot find words to describe your generosity for allowing me to receive your blessings, for allowing Ashton to be part of your play time and spiritual world and just to be a part of you.

How you have blessed the many animals you met, the Dolphins, butterflies, fishes, turtles, Kois, Stingrays etc. and how you have brought with you the sense of calm and blessings that many seek to find - its priceless! Your happiness in your face, the seriousness when in prayers and the countless generous blessings you have given are immeasurable and I believe in the times ahead, you will be the one who will give many, the teachings of Buddha and lead them in the path to seek enlightenment, this, we are thankful. In you, we will seek the opportunities to spread the words and wisdom to all, the teachings of the great Geshe Lama Konchog and of course, Buddha. I wish you abundance blessings in your quest in the learnings in Kopan Monastry and may we have the pleasure of your Holy presence in Singapore, in Amitabha Buddhist Centre and all the other homes for children and the sickly to be blessed again, soon. May you live the most fulfilled long life and while doing so, share with us your teachings and wisdom that we all so long.

The past days have opened a whole new world for me, I have learnt more about giving unconditionally…for what I have experienced, I realised what I have done (not like alot!) is NOTHING compared to what ABC and the Sanghas have and are still doing. You have given up your life to the teachings of Buddha, to spread the word and to help others and this I am sincerely thankful for…for the fact that I am allowed to witness and be a part of your unconditional love for anyone and everyone. I have learnt and yes, what a Blessed few days we had!

With a heavy heart, I bid you all a safe and great journey to the other parts of the world to spread your goodness and a restful trip back to Kopan. Peace be with you always.

Note : At the time of writing, I am not a member of ABC nor have I known or met Geshe Lama Konchog. But in the short span I have had the honour of meeting Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche and the Sanghas, I have read and researched all I could to learn about them and their relentless quest and teachings. I am only too far from what many devotees are at but I guess it is a start. So for the nonchalant and ignorant way I may have phrased or described the greatness of the people above, I seek forgiveness.

In the new phrase I have learnt,
Om Mani PadMe Hum.

Sincerely,

Catherine
Sentosa, Singapore

In pain!

Dragged my nephew to the sinseh for his bad cough. He was given a massage by the therapist as well. Don't worry, he was not wailing in pain. He was screaming in laughter, as he felt very very ticklish. The therapist almost gave up in exasperation!

I was also dead painful these few days. My back, that is. Apart from an inflamed sore throat that came back, my back near the hips are aching badly that I have problem getting up from bed each time. So decided to see the sinseh myself, since the western medicine didnt seemed to be working, as my throat was getting swollen by the minute.

The sinseh was recommending I go for the massage (tui na) - Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy. So for one hour, the therapist did everything on my neck and backache, giving me the "electric" therapy, followed by hard massage, and followed by the cup thingy. He pushed 4 cups on my back to suck uout all the bad qi. Then it ended with him distorting and twisting my legs and neck and arms in all directions. End of it ... shiok.... I felt so much better. I think I need more tui na.

The TCM clinic is at:

Yu Guo Chinese Physician Acupuncture & Physiotherapy

398 Changi Road #01-08/11 Singapore 419845. Tel: 64474761

The Rainbow Body

The late 16th Karmapa helped foster the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. He established Dharma centers and monasteries in various places around the world in order to protect, preserve, and spread the Buddha's teachings.

During the 7 weeks between his death and his cremation, Karmapa's body spontaneously shrank to the size of a small child. During the cremation a circular rainbow appeared around the sun in a clear blue sky. While his body burnt, an object rolled from the flames to the edge of the stupa to Lopon Chechu Rinpoche. This object was quickly recovered and proved to be the Karmapa's eyes, tongue and heart. This indicates that the body, speech and mind have come together to be saved as relics for the future and is common in only the highest of accomplished Buddhist yogis.

A yogi who has acquired the highest forms of accomplishment can manifest what is called "the rainbow body" or "body of light." Usually this happens after death, but it has been known to happen at other times. HH the 16th Karmapa was observed by many people as he temporarily dissolved in this way.

High Lamas & Their Reincarnations

Many high lamas and Rinpoches have come into our lives again and again by taking rebirth again and again to benefit all sentient beings. May all have the good karma to meet all these Living Buddhas lives after lives. OM AH HUM BENZA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM!

I not the shoulder to cry on!!!

These are my numerology numbers.....how true... but..

Soul Number 9

Those born with a Soul Number 9 have a great desire to transcend all karma by using humor. Many are witty writers, public speakers and filmmakers. They are also great teachers as they have a way of transforming spiritual messages and philosophies into entertainment for the masses. Most of them are gentle souls who have made it their life mission to make the world into a kinder place. Many of them are also liberal thinkers who support the right of each individual to make their own mistakes. Their motto is "Remember to take time out to smell the flowers."

Personality Number 6
You radiate understanding and compassion. People sense your warmth and fairness. For this reason, you attract many people who are in need of comfort, including the disadvantaged. People tend to come to you to unload their burdens. You inspire confidence. You have a fine sense of justice. You do everything in your power to keep the harmony and are even willing to sacrifice your personal desires for the good of others. You can take this too far, however, sometimes playing the role of the martyr. You have to guard against being taken advantage of. You are not always a very good judge of character. You tend to see the best in others. You also can become too involved in the lives of others, to your own detriment. (This aspect can be balanced by other numbers in your chart.) You are hospitable and domestic. You love children and are a good parent. You are romantic, faithful and very protective. You are artistic. You love music, flowers and gardening. You are a natural interior designer. You have an excellent sense of color and taste. You are more concerned with the content of your personality than your appearance, which causes you to be less conscious of the style of your clothes. You are more interested in comfort and the utility of clothing than the statement it makes. Six Personality Numbers are exceedingly generous. You are not particularly logical when it comes to finances. You are very vulnerable to praise and criticism. You tend to worry a lot, causing stomach problems. People see you as a maternal or paternal figure. They want to relax in your presence and unburden themselves. You are the safe port in the crowd.

Life Path Number 3

You possess a great talent for creativity and self expression. Many writers, poets, actors and musicians are born under the 3 Life Path. You are witty, possess a gift for gab, and savor the limelight. Your talent for the expressive arts is so abundant that you may well have felt drawn to becoming an artist while still very young. Your artistic abilities can only be developed, however, through discipline and commitment to the true development of your talent. Commitment, concentration and hard work are the only means of bringing forth your talent. Thanks to your gift for self expression, you can be the life of the party, and the center of attention. However, you could easily squander your talent by becoming a social butterfly. Your creativity is the gift that can give you the comfort and luxury you desire, but not without continual focus and discipline. You are optimistic and possess the resilience to overcome many setbacks. You are socially active, popular, and inspire people with your sunny "happy go lucky" attitude. You can be generous to a fault. Many people born under the 3 Life Path have difficulty handling money because they can be disorganized and not particularly serious about their responsibilities. You are emotional and vulnerable. When hurt, you withdraw into a cloud of silence, eventually emerging from your reticence with jokes and laughter that cover up your true feelings. You can become moody and cynical when depressed. You can succumb to sarcastic remarks, which can be painful to those around you. When used positively, your talent for self expression can be a great inspiration force in the world, uplifting others, and bringing much success and happiness to you.

Destiny Number 6

Number 6's are born diplomats who can restore balance to any disharmonious situation. Many of them are natural healers and excel as doctors, nurses, psychologists, counselors, babysitters and any occupation that involves taking care of the elderly, the sick or the poor. These exceptional individuals are born with an innate talent of uplifting the spirits of others, especially during hard times. Some of them do this through service and others accomplish this through art, music or writing. Whether they are conscious of it or not, their destiny is often to restore faith in hearts that are broken. Number 6's are very concerned with family and children, and many of them feel unfulfilled in life if they don't get the chance to raise a family. If you are a Number 6 you have a lot to offer the world in terms of the often-unappreciated task of parenting. No other number understands the mind of a child better. Number 6's can sabotage their success by being too demanding of themselves. Many of them have bad childhoods that cause them to grow up with a severe inner critic that constantly tells them that they are not good enough. The key to a number 6's success is to be as loving, caring and respectful of themselves as they are too others. Yes, 6 can be a confusing path to walk at times; a path of changing realities, duties, and loyalties. But it can also be the most beautiful journey of all if your intent is to protect and beautify life. Remember that intent is such an awesome power. It is the fuel that drives you through life, and the gauge that sets your direction. No matter how many wars or misunderstandings you encounter, or even partake in, if your firm intent is for peace and understanding, the necessary lessons will be learned and the 6 destiny will take you wherever you want to go. 6 is the path of LOVE. It contains far more reward than you may have judged it to have.

R&R day

What a leisurely end to the long weekend. Brought mom to run her errands ie. bakery shop Phoon Huat in Bencoolen and walked down to Bead Hub further down where she got her supply of beads. In one of those crystal shops, I bought a Green Phantom bracelet which I like. Then we strolled leisurely down to City Hall for lunch.

Was at Bakerzin, ordered the Aglio Olio Spagetti with mushroom, the Pumpkin Soup as well as the Caesar Salad with Chicken. I must have my Passion Fruit soda. Mom loved the chilli padi and chunks of garlic that came with the Aglio Olio, with a tinch of spicyness. My Mom may be a typical Chinese aunty, but she loves her salad, focaccia and wholemeal multigrain bread anytime! After lunch I went to meet the guy who bought my old Motorola handphone. For $200 bucks, its worth the deal. Heh!

Mom also finally found her baking book from Chef Wan in MPH. Then we went to Bugis to get her Kipling bag repaired. Wanted to buy her a new one, but she was fussy over the other Kipling bags' designs. I think she didnt want me to spend too much. Anyway, so rest and relax day, yah!

Ching Ming

Since it's Ching Ming period, went with parents to Brighthill Kong Meng San Temple to pay respect to my paternal grandma. Her ashes are there. I have not been there for one or two years I think.

It began to drizzle as soon as we reached. And by the time we were done, the drizzle became heavier, the skies turned darker, but it made a nice melancholic landscape with the nearby Bishan and Sin Ming. When we were on the way, the rain got heavier.

Anyway, back to my Ah Ma. I remember my Ah Ma passed away when I was 16, the year when I was having my O levels. She left just 3 days before my birthday. She had been weak for about one year then, when she was finally admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. By then she was already in a semi conscious state. However, I remember she kept muttering my name throughout, in between her laboured breaths. I didnt know why she was callng my name, and dont know still. Hope she is ok now, wherever she is... hope she has a good rebirth.

Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche's blessings

Today almost couldn't wake up to meet Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche! Set my alarm at 7.30am, but couldn't wake up till 8.30am when I jumped out of bed. Although the puja supposed to start at 10am, I knew it would be crowded, so I had wanted to go earlier. Anyway by the time I reached ABC (Amitabha Buddhist Center), the main hall upstairs was already full. So I had to settle for downstairs. It was ok as there was a projector screen to watch and aircon. Compared to the throngs of people that came later they could not come in, and had to stand by the roadside under the hot sun to wait for their blessings. I was wondering why didnt the organisers get a bigger place as about 1000 people were expected today, given the wide media publicity.

When young Rinpoche arrived at about 9.45am, there was a moment of hush as he crept in quietly. He was slightly frowning, maybe at the sight of so many people reaching out to him. Or maybe he was shy. When he sat at his throne, he was yawning a few times, he was visibly tired. But when the puja began, he sat still. There were a few moments when his head turned and looked up at the ceiling and he kept staring up quite a few times. He was full of expressions. But he is mostly happy when he is sucking on a lollipop. He is but a 4 year old still.

The puja was short, about an hour as prayers were read. Downstairs and the people outside were quite noisy, given the incessant ringing of handphones and people talking loudly and moving about. I was trying hard to concentrate. Anyhow, I remained calm. Finally it was our turn for blessings and we were led upstairs. Rinpoche blessed me by tapping his small hand on my head lightly. I presented Rinpoche with a red packet and a gift, I bought him a pair of small black Clarks shoes which I think is still too big for his age, after a glimpse at his foot. I also offered him karta. We were given a pack of dharma pills, Rinpoche's photo as well as the yellow blessed string. I left quickly after that.

Am happy enough I got connected to Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche finally. Om vajra sattva hūm!

Jolly good friday

Wishing all my Christian and Catholic friends a holy Good Friday. Most importantly today is a holiday. The man who bought my bed came and collected (moved) it impressively within less than 5 minutes.

Brought my mom and nephew Raegan out shopping. We have to babysit him so that he wont disturb his sister, my niece Raee, at home studying. She is having mid year exams soon, and my dear kiasu sister has started her exam fever. *roll eyes*

We window-shopped awhile and then brought Raegan to Haagan Dazs Cafe for ice cream. Nothing in the world can give him a bigger excitement than ICE CREAM!!! He chose from the menu the Chocolate Decadence, while mom and I order the Macademia Nut something.... Looking at the evidence all over his mouth and mess he made, we know he enjoyed it!

Bought my poor niece a little toy from the Winx Club. Raee's favourite Winx character is Bloom and I bought Bloom's little flying pixie called Lockette (pronounced as Lock-kert-ti). Gawd ... am I out of touch ....

These people

To person A, hope today will be the last I ever see you again.
To person B, why are you so highly paid for doing nothing?
To person C, why you get so sensitive about your good friend?
To person D, all I said was lets eat something nice.
To person E, why I hang around when my presence is not felt?
To person D, you light up my day today.. long weekend.
To person F, you are getting cuter as you grow older.
To person G, you are getting louder each day, control yourself!!
To person H, move on to your new job, why wait!
To person I, why must it be always me suggesting makan?
To person J, 我祈祷只愿你听得到

Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche arrives!

Two, three months ago, after I came back from Bangkok, I dreamt of the late Geshe Lama Konchog, and wished that I would meet his reincarnation, the 4 year old Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche soon. I think my wish is coming true.

Last night Singapore welcomes the return of the precious teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog, now reincarnated as Tenzin Phunstok Rinpoche. There are about 600 people at the ariport all waiting for his blessings. When little Rinpoche appeared, there was a moment of upheavel and excitement. Everyone bowed down, some kneeled down and offered kata to him. He patiently, albeit tired, blessed all those who went to welcome him.

I will meet young Rinpoche at this Saturday puja and also to receive his blessings, as well as to make a connection with him, as well as Geshe Lama Konchog, a great master whom I never managed to meet in this lifetime. Through that dream, I feel we are somehow already connected from previous lifetimes.

Mee mee mee mee....

I don't know why. Nowadays I have craving for fried noodles every other day. And being in Singapore, the makan haven, we have noodles in so many different forms, cooked in so many different ways, it's hard not to be sucked in.

It can be like Hokkien Prawn Mee with prawns and slices of sotong and bean sprouts with a dash of chilli and lime. Or Stir-fried Hokkien Noodles with dark sauce, with caixin, mushrooms, slices of fishcake and pork. Or it can be the Chinese Mee Goreng, fried with prawns and sotong and fish (the one difference its fried together with chilli added in). Then there is the Ee Fu Noodle found in many Chinese restaurants. The dish is quite plain with just mushrooms and veggie but taste heavenly.

My mom's version of Ee Fu Noodle is also nice, with plain mushrooms and pork. Another is the one I have since childhood, available only in the wet markets or hawker stalls, its the stir fried dark sauce noodles with very little beansprouts and slices of fried chips. I have it almost every Sunday morning and it costs just 70cents per pack.

Other times I will crave for the Indian Mee Goreng, with green peas and tiny pieces of mutton, and carrots and veggie with slices of cucumber topped with ketchup and with occasional sunny side up egg. Last but not least there is the Seafood Spagetti I like too, with either prawns, crayfish, mussels or sotong. I guess its the different taste of each noodle dish, and the tangy bite of the noodles itself that make up this craving.

Perhaps its close-to-home comfort food to me, all these noodles.

Distance

The furthest distance in the world

Is not between life and death

But when I stand in front of you

Yet you don't know that I love you.

Sold!

Yippee! I have just sold off my guest room's single bed online. It's not April Fool's Day joke. Managed to clear the big burden in that room. Actually I have tons of accessories which I can sell, some I have bought which I don't wear anymore and some my Mom made for fun. I have a huge beautiful conch shell which I bought from Phuket more than 10 years back. Its got a nice shape. And there are so many things which I want to sell but no time to find them and take a pix. Anyhow, I will get to it soon.....

Hmm ...... what else can I sell ? Myself? ;P