I finally met the guru from my dream in real life

Had a blissful weekend. I finally met the guru who appeared in my dream last year.  A few Dharma friends know how special, precious and significant this was to me.  In that dream, I did not even know who he was since I have never met him before.  After that, I only know Choden Rinpoche is the guru of my guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Since that dream, I had been praying to be able to meet 80-year-old Kyabje Choden Rinpoche in this lifetime to be able to receive his teaching and blessings, as well as planting the karmic seed to be connected with him in future lifetimes.

Choden Rinpoche of Sera Je Monastery, is one of the highest of the Gelug lamas, a yogi, a scholar. During the communist Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1959, Choden Rinpoche stayed in Tibet and went into solitary retreat for 19 years. He never left his tiny, dark room in Lhasa from 1965 to 1985, and was virtually unknown in his monastery for this reason. He neither escaped his country after 1959 nor was imprisoned; instead, he lived in a house in Lhasa, never leaving his small, dark, empty room for 19 years, even to go to the toilet, and never cutting his hair and beard. In 1985 he was allowed to leave Tibet for India, and has since taught for many years to thousands of students at Sera Je monastery in South India. At the request of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche has travelled all around the world to give teachings and lead retreats.

I took lots of photos of this Enlightened Being, and also had a couple shots with him over the weekend. :D

I made sure I welcomed Choden Rinpoche at the airport, together with some students of Amitabha Buddhist Centre. I offered khata and flower to Rinpoche. When Rinpoche blessed me, he smiled, I was almost in tears - dream came true and my body was burning hot. Rinpoche in real life seems to be very huge in size. When I had a few seconds to steal, I requested Rinpoche for a photo and managed to snap a few of him and also with him. See my single big sunflower for Rinpoche? :)  

The next day, I attended a teaching given by Choden Rinpoche in ABC. He holds many important and rare lineages of the Buddhadharma, especially in the Gelug tradition. He gave teaching of "In Praise of Dependent Origination", the well-known verses composed by Lama Tsongkhapa which pays homage to Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings on emptiness.

After the teaching, it was blessing time. When he saw the sick people or those who needed help, he closed his eyes and took a little longer time to bless them. Rinpoche's voice is deep and resonant, and reminds me of the late Kyabje Lati Rinpoche.

Many people turned up for the session and of course to receive Rinpoche's blessings. Joyous occasion!

I decided at the last minute to attend Lillian Too's spiritual talk in Suntec, just because Choden Rinpoche was to make a guest appearance and I had wanted to bask in his presence longer. This was only the second time Lillian, world-renowned fengshui master, was holding this event about the Third Dimension in Fengshui, which is everything mystical about our surroundings, and not the usual Fengshui fanfare (which is usually in Dec/Jan period). So far, in all of her 300 over books, she has revealed the secrets of only the first two out of three dimensions of feng shui – namely, space and time. Lillian feels that the world is ready to learn about the third and most powerful dimension of feng shui; the spiritual dimension.

Lillian said she was sharing what she has learned from the great masters the secrets and tips, on how we can tap into the knowledge of Ren Chai (Mankind Luck), which requires us to use the power of our own mind and sacred rituals to enlist the help of cosmic forces in the spiritual realm to overcome obstacles and bring success into our lives. She stressed that "this dimension is not religious, but it is spiritual. It is not logical, but magical". There are different realms of existence residing around us and we can co-exist with them and can also engage their assistance. We learned how to use certain sacred rituals to appease the other realms, how to invoke the higher beings, how to wear certain amulets for protection, how to recite mantras and how to empower our objects.

When it comes to empowering objects, of course we had to invite a great master to do it; blessing and consecrating holy objects. Lillian gave a moving introduction of Choden Rinpoche. The Chinese government did not allow him to meditate even in a cave, he meditated at a tiny backroom of a disciple. He did not have anything with him, no mala, no Buddha statue, no thangka, no text etc... he also ate very little, mostly absorbing the essence from the air or plants. Instead of being angry, he meditated for 19 years without leaving the room. Today, Rinpoche eats only one meal a day. Can you even sit still and quietly meditate for 19 minutes, not to mention 19 YEARS!

1000-2000 people waiting for the arrival of Choden Rinpoche. He benefited everyone present who were from all walks of life, not just Buddhists.

Lillian showed this amazing photo when she was with Rinpoche at a holy site. While Rinpoche was reciting prayers, everyone was snapping photos. And when everyone's photos were developed, they found all their photos were radiating rainbow lights all around Rinpoche.  Amazing.  _/|\_

Rinpoche gave an impromptu brief teaching on the precious human life and methods of meditation. He introduced many individual Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and also gave oral transmission of their mantras. He blessed and consecrated all holy objects in the auditorium.

After that, everyone queued up to go on stage for Rinpoche's personal blessings. Those who were present were indeed very very fortunate.

Rinpoche blessed everyone patiently, and this took a long time.

Everyone offering khata to Rinpoche and also had their holy objects blessed once again, individually.

May all those present (even non-Buddhists) know that they were indeed very fortunate to have met Rinpoche in this lifetime. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has addressed Choden Rinpoche as Vajradhara.  Vajradhara is the primordial Buddha who is the same mental continuum as Buddha Shakyamuni but displays a different aspect. He appeared as Buddha Shakyamuni to reveal the stages of the path of Sutra, and as Vajradhara to reveal the stages of the path of Tantra. Vajradhara has said that in degenerate times, he would appear in an ordinary form as a spiritual master. And yes, that day, we had met Shakyamuni Buddha/Vajradhara in the human form. Thank you for coming, Choden Rinpoche!

Also thanks to the amiable and lively Lillian Too for a great event, for generously sharing lots of tips and sacred secrets.    

It really does have to come from within

A phrase I read today: "I felt helpless, to empathize so completely with her process and know that her path was her own is to know that no amount of advice or empathetic listening could help her know her worth; it really does have to come from within."

These few years have not been a bed of roses for me. In fact, it was beset with obstacles in some ways. While I believe the worst has passed, this period has taught me so many precious lessons.

It started with meeting a businessman who did not know how to do business, cunning no less. He also sort of cheated one of my loved ones. Empty promises meant nothing to me more than trust. It was a time when I also found out who my real friends were, and who were not. I have no time to get-together or update my buddies. At the same time, while I made many friends online in social media, I have no time to meet and to really get to know a handful of these wonderful people, save for a couple of blogger friends. I keep telling myself I will do it soon when I am in a better situation. I guess I am the only blogger who is reluctant to be known and be seen.

The more problems I encounter, instead of sinking deeper into self pity and being despondent, I found myself dwelling even deeper and fervently thirsty for the Dharma. I know the only way to solve any problem is to help myself first. I learned many practices and methods and also participated in retreats to rid some of the problems and obstacles. I also received so much blessings from my gurus. And I have just started a 5-year commitment to study the Middle Length Lam Rim (Stages In The Complete Path To Enlightenment) with exams too! At least I am enjoying this so far. In my previous job when I got bored, I went to take my MBA. To me, the certificate when I complete this course is going to be so much more precious to me compared to my Masters degree.

These few years, along the way, I made acquaintance with many people. I only discovered recently that I have a knack of attracting problematic people (before that, my life was so smooth sailing with plenty of benefactors). I mean, I know everyone has their own problems, but I realize some of the really problematic ones I meet tend to be on the unusual side. I always end up having to be the one providing the listening ear, suffering the brunt of their unhappiness, indirectly directed at me. There was this acquaintance who was troubled, asking me many weird questions, and whom I counselled for 3 hours straight but thereafter kept sms-ing me asking me to go out or to go church for 5-6 months! A couple of weeks ago, I had to listen to another friend who loves to gossip and also chide you at the same time. Even my mom does not speak to me in this rude manner. Just last week, there was another new friend whom I tried to help and counsel because she was suicidal, depressed and hypersensitive. I end up having to listen to her sob story every night, even though I think there is really nothing seriously wrong with her. She just needed some attention. Then last night past midnight, somebody sent me taunting childish messages in Facebook, someone whom I am not even close to, for heaven's sake. That was the last straw. This was the first time anyone behaved this way to me. Everyone just want to pour out their grievances and discontent to someone. I termed it "verbal diarrhea". They want you to listen to them but not the other way round.  I shall not elaborate details of each case because you had be shocked.  Everyone has a different mental continuum and karmic disposition. 

At 3am, I was fuming mad at first. Why should be I bothered with a person who means nothing to me? I should just focus on the ones who love me dearly, ie. parents. Then I suddenly realized, all the recent people I met who gave me problems, they were just my obstacles ripening fast and furious right now. In my prayers just 2 nights ago, I had requested the Three Jewels' and protectors' blessings to please help me in removing the karmic debt (and unnecessary people) from my life the soonest possible. It seemed that my prayers were answered immediately. I realized our mouth, the words spoken (speech) and how we behave towards others (action), are the poisons that harm others as well as our own mind. I had to remind myself that remaining angry would just create new karmic connection with the said enemy (whom I definitely wish to cut the connection with!). I treat this episode as a precious lesson, to work towards quickest enlightenment within this lifetime so that I can then (as a Buddha) help other sentient beings. How to help others now when I am myself still struggling, suffering in samsara? I will still listen to and help people (selectively). Before I fell asleep last night, I was just elated with this realization that my obstacles had ripened and cleared, perhaps due to my recent Nyungne retreat (purification), attending Lam Rim 'Bring Ba classes (wisdom), as well as having received precious Choden Rinpoche's blessings a day ago.

I woke up this morning quite happy and light. Good riddance of the bad. Inner peace.

Holy moley, the 'beauty' of language

I was browsing in an organic shop. I got a kick out of reading the introduction of this product (walnut sesame powder) from the back of its packaging. So obviously directly translated from mandarin. I gather it is a product from Taiwan. And they should employ me lah (as translator).

Here it is. Enjoy...

"Eating is a simple action to human beings. But choosing something to eat becomes a hardest subject for modern people. Not only sale products to customers, but also provide delicious foods to people. Rich in flavors, delicate natural foods expands the outstanding target of new generation for the world. A perfectly balanced of combining nutritious and delicious.  We take it for granted that strictly select each new material an control quality for every single time. Preservatives, pesticide and artificial elements should stay away from kitchens. We concerns what you care. We care what you haven't aware. Take it, enjoy the best moment of lovely world. Be a chief at home easily and freely."

How much can you take?

It is old news but I just learnt that Lee Young Ae, one of my favourite Korean actresses, has given birth to a pair of twins, a girl and a boy. May she have happiness and bliss.

Previously I saw a video of Lee Young Ae who went on a one-night stay in a temple in her personal time to relax and learn about teachings and life. In her signature gentle and calm voice, she related what the monk told her:

The lotus flower is large, and when it rains,
It brims with water in it.
Looking at the flower, he was wondering
If it would sink into the water because of the weight.
To his surprise, however, the flower slowly tilted to the side,
and poured out some water, and gained back its balance.


Just like the flower,
We need to know the size of our own bowl
and be able to fill and empty it when necessary, but it's hard.

It's amazing how you can learn from small things like that, isn't it?

Be more man, please.

I'm sure we see this sight pretty often. I was at the MRT train station when I saw a loving couple.  Nothing unusual. Then I noticed the guy was carrying his girlfriend/wife's handbag on his shoulder.  I know it's a lovely gesture to be helping your partner. But I just like to ask, "Is the tiny handbag the weight of a few gold bars?".  

Unless your partner is carrying a huge heavy bag or a gunny sack, a tiny handbag does not look very manly for a guy to be holding on to. I'm sure when your spouse goes shopping, she doesn't mind and can manage lugging bags and bags of bargains with absolutely no problem. If you really NEED to carry that handbag for her, I suggest putting it inside a paper bag.

Just my personal opinion. Be more man, please.

How do I get to MBS?

The app, gothere.sg, has done it again. When I recently wanted to know how to get to Marina Bay Sands, the app advised that to go there by bus, alight at Collyer Quay bus stop.... and then..... SWIM across to MBS!

Explaining the inexplicable...

A New Zealand TV station filmed this short feature about a Tibetan monk who passed away and was in what they called "death meditation". They were stunned that even 20 days after his death, the body of the monk remained intact; with no smell, supple skin, no chemicals, no embalming done, no deterioration, no decay etc... 

To many, this was unbelievable and simply impossible. However, to Buddhists, it is definitely viable. Watching this documentary was hardly surprising to me. In fact, most Tibetan spiritual masters or high lamas pass away into Nirvana in similar circumstances.

The highly realised lama / Rinpoche who passed away 

Monks conducting prayers while the high lama is in thugdam

What is this that the film called the "death meditation"? As Tibetan Buddhists, we know it is called "thugdam" or "clear-light meditation". Whenever a highly realised monk passes away, he will enter the state of clear-light meditation.  His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "At the time of death, the heart beat stops, brain is dead, breathing stops. But the subtle level of consciousness of the mind is still there".  During this state (which can last for a few days or weeks), the spiritual master has the ability to transfer their consciousness into the next life. Usually these masters choose to take rebirth as a human in their next life again and again, in order to turn the wheel of Dharma. Even though they are already enlightened beings, they choose to reincarnate, come back to expound the Buddhadharma, and to benefit sentient beings, because this is what great masters do.

The dead lama is dressed in his Sambhoghakaya robes before cremation

The high lama can be in thugdam as long as they choose, and he chooses when his subtle consciousness leaves the body, the people around know, because there is sometimes sight of blood or passing of liquid from the body. Then that is when the Sangha prepares him for cremation in the fire pyre stupa. The lama is dressed in Sambhogakaya robes (Sambhogakaya symbolises the totally unconditioned quality of enlightened mind). A few days after the cremation, the fire pyre will be opened to uncover what precious relics the lama has left behind.

Buddhists believe the mental and physical states have equal claim on reality and that the mind is separate from brain, while neuro-scientists says the functioning of mind depends n the brain. While His Holiness admires Science, he has even went as far to say that he is prepared to change the Buddhist doctrine should Science be able to prove it to be false. There has been about 40 reported cases of high lamas who went into thugdam in the past 50 years.    

This is just another reminder for myself that if we practise well, we can aspire to and achieve the same level of attainment as the spiritual masters. If we train well, by conditioning our mind and our subtle level of consciousness, our spiritual achievement can definitely determine where we take our next rebirth (in the higher realms), and ultimately, Enlightenment. 

Watch the above amazing video clip. I have blogged about this amazing phenomena in a series of entries last year in April 2010 when one of my gurus, His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, passed into Nirvana.  Read about it here. 

My take on Hangover Part 2

I've a funny thing about watching movies.  I seldom catch the popular conventional movies of the moment. Nor do I watch cartoons (except if I am bringing my niece and nephew). I prefer the arty-farty types with perhaps a lousy rating. Or those that are pretty slow moving, that a normal person would have fallen asleep during the movie. And when I am stressed or just needed a break, I usually pick a comedy, because you need not think and analyse about the plot (if there is one, so to speak).  Recently I caught Hangover Part 2. Forget about the main stream ones like Pirates of the Carribean, Green Lantern or X-Men.  I have not watched Hangover Part 1 before. 

Ii is true that "Hangover 2" enjoyed one of the biggest opening weekend grosses ever in box-office history — over $150 million. It was about a bunch of guys having a bachelor party that was beyond their wildest dream. Here's the gist of the movie someone commented which I happened to find online: 

"Major plot line revolves around guys being drugged having a wild night of partying and not remembering what happened, cocaine use depicted, overdose depicted, drug trafficking depicted, monkey smokes cigarettes; and, lying, blackmail, threats, kidnapping, and a lot of racial comments. Man commits fornication with transsexual, Buddhist monks depicted meditating and lighting candles in front of shrine, and one man proudly embraces his dark side by saying he “has a demon inside”; 122 obscenities, 18 profanities and photograph of someone giving a middle finger; strong violence includes punching, kicking, wrestling, car chases, motorcycle accidents, man cuts off his finger during a drunken dare, Buddhist monk beats up guys with a staff for speaking in the monastery, adult man recalls wild night while envisioning himself and his friends as teenagers experiencing all the crazy antics, vandalism, riot, man shot in arm, car slams into a pig and it explodes on the car, monkey is shot in chase, man gets tattoo on his face; men in strip club with transvestites...etc.."

Despite its absurd sickening plot and profanities used, I did have a good laugh, for it's overall, a silly comedy with tasteless humour. The only thing I found ridiculous was that the monks depicted in the movie which was filmed in Bangkok, were wearing Tibetan monks' robes.  If they wanted to involve monks, at least get what they wear right.  Thai monks wear yellow saffron robes, and not the maroon robes, which are worn by Tibetan monks, and which I am most familiar with... the maroon robes worn by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Thai monks in yellow saffron robes. 

And also, the strange thing is the elderly Thai monk depicted in the movie has supposedly taken a Vow of Silence for decades, which means he could not talk nor help the bunch of lunatic guys (otherwise known as the wolfpack) who got drunk. Yet they disrespectfully managed to ridicule him with nonsensical acts. 

The rowdy bunch nosily barged into a temple where a group of monks clad in maroon robes were supposedly in meditation.  The leading monk was so enraged that he flogs the guys with a bamboo stick, for being insensitive and disrespectful to the monks and for disrupting the serene temple.  

The funny thing is, Buddhists are encouraged/supposed to be non-violent, yet the monk's actions are so non-Buddhist. It shows a total lack of the movie maker's respect for privacy and religion.  Most of the time, comedies are excused because they are supposed to be outlandish, so whether they are political correct or not, or if the racial stereotypes are wrong, it does not matter. However, I find Hangover Part 2 has stepped over the line, for no matter how mindless entertaining a comedy is, it should not insult people and encourage racial / religious prejudice.  So it is not funny in the end. At least to me. 

Life is not.....

Taken at The Central, Clarke Quay.

The unlucky Miss Lucky

Just a week ago, I snapped a pic of my EZ-link card and posted it at my LOL8 photoblog.  My EZ-link card has a sticker from the Little Miss and Mr Men series. Mine was "Little Miss Lucky".  I like my Little Miss Lucky, together inside my bright red leather card holder from Radley.   

However, just a couple of days ago, I lost Little Miss Lucky.  I think I might have dropped it after I got down from the bus. I was rushing home as I was having a tummy ache.  I could not find it the next morning when I was leaving the house. I searched high and low in my house and my bag. It isn't because of the amount inside the EZ-link card (probably less than $20). I'm a little sad as it has become somewhat a sentimental item to me.  If anyone finds it and happened to read about it here, please email me.  If I don't get to see it again, I think the universe is trying to teach me about impermanence.   

Looks like Little Miss Lucky isn't that lucky after all. 


Post note: 
I HAVE FOUND MY LITTLE MISS LUCKY!!!  4 days after, I found her in the gap behind my printer where I usually put my bag. She must have somehow slipped out of the bag.  So, she is really MISS LUCKY after all!

Smile. You are on camera.

I find these signs quite cute and mildly amusing. I chanced upon them in a very packed computer accessories shop. On one hand, one sign says, "Smile. You are on camera". I thought it is a nice gentle hilarious reminder to those who have the intention to shoplift.

On the other hand, the next sign says, "Do not leave a crime record. Shoplifting videos will be uploaded to Youtube". The funny thing is, while it vaguely hints that shoplifters will be reported to the police, it goes a step further to say their shoplifting act is being captured on camera and will be uploaded to Youtube. Whilst the first sign is friendly, the second sign borders on threatening and shaming any potential shoplifters. Such an irony. The shop owner thinks that threatening to expose any shameful acts on Youtube will deter shoplifting. And obviously, we now know that "face" (ie. reputation) is sometimes more important than the act of committing the crime itself.

Happy Saka Dawa, tashi delek!

Today, 15 June is Saka Dawa, the Tibetan Vesak Day, which falls on 15th of 4th month of Tibetan calendar and its the most auspicious day. The date coincides with three important events in the life of Buddha; the birth, the Enlightenment and Parinirvana. It is the holiest month and believed that all good deeds or virtues or prayers are multiplied by 100 milllion times. In general most people observe a vegetarian diet, take the Mahayana 8 Precepts, refrain from killing domestic animals and give out alms during the month. Be good! 

Here's a cute portrait of 75 faces of His Holiness Dalai Lama. Happy Saka Dawa!

Nyungne, a great purification practice

This weekend I will be attending a Nyungne Retreat and I am very excited about it, because the meaning behind it is so simple yet so profound. This also coincides with the Saka Dawa month (2 June to 1 July) on Tibetan calendar, which is the most auspicious time for Dharma practice. This period any virtuous actions and merits is multiplied by 100,000 times. And on the 15th of Saka Dawa (15 June) itself, all merit is multiplied by 100 million times! 

The Nyungne practice is based on the practice of 1000-Armed Chenrezig (千手观音) who is the embodiment of the love and compassion of all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. He is a great Bodhisattva who continually benefits beings. Hence, he is regarded as the source of all blessings.

The fasting practice of Nyungne is a well known, highly popular, and profound purification practice. One set of Nyungne consists of 2 days of practice. The first day is the preliminary day, and the second day is the actual fasting day. One takes the Mahayana 8 Precept vows, and on the preliminary day one eats only one meal with drinks for the entire day. The meal is completely and purely vegetarian, free from meat, onions, garlic, eggs, etc. The next day is a complete fast with no meals or drinks, and one must also be silent.

Anyone can do this important fasting practice. The only requirement is that if you are not a Buddhist, you must take the refuge vow as well as the bodhisattva vow, and you must receive the empowerment for 1000-Armed Chenrezig. 

The Mahayana vehicle consists of 2 paths; sutrayana and tantrayana. In tantrayana, there are 4 levels; action tantra, performanace tantra, yoga tantra and anuttara yoga tantra. The practice of Nyungne belongs to both action and performance tantra.  Action tantra here means that practitioners try to develop insight mainly through physical actions such as fasting, washing ourselves, and many other things that need to be done if the doctrine is to be followed strictly and precisely.

SOURCE OF NYUNGNE

The source of this practice is a revered historical Buddhist figure known as Gelongma Palmo (or Lakshminkara) who is one of the 84 mahasiddas. She was actually an Afghani princess who hailed from Oddiyana during a time when Afghanistan was a great Buddhist nation. Padmasambhava (otherwise known as Guru Rinpocche or 莲花生大士), who is considered second only to Shakyamuni Buddha, is also known to have come from Oddiyana, which is now in northwest India. 

Gelongma Palmo was a very learned, fully ordained Buddhist nun. However, her previous negative karma ripened and she was striken terribly with leprosy. In a dream her father appeared and told her to pray to the 1000-Armed Chenrezig. On awakening, she felt slightly better, and was able to chant Om Mani Padme Hung. She continued her practice for 6 months when Manjushri 文殊菩萨 appeared in a dream and told her to go to the temple of Shenpal and meditate on Chenrezig there. She did so and by the end of a year she had visions of Tara, Amoghapasha, and all the dieties of action tantra, and eventually 1000-Armed Chenrezig. Through this practice, her leprosy was cured and all 84,000 samadhis associated with all varieties of Dharma arose within her. She returned to Oddiyana, became a yogini and attained the 10th level of a Bodhisattva. From her the lineage of this extraordinary Nyungne practice tradition began.

BENEFITS OF NYUNGNE 

The benefits of this practice are extensive. To give an indication of the benefits of doing just one Nyungne, the Tantra of the 1000-Armed Chenrezig states that the practice can overcome the obscurations and wrongdoing accumulated throughout 40,000 eons of continuous samsara. Specifically, the fasting of body (food and drink) purifies the obscurations of body.The fasting of speech (silence) purifies the obscurations of speech. And the fasting of mind (meditation etc.) purifies the obscurations of mind.Those who wish to make their human life meaningful must do one Nyungne practice at the very least. One practice is just two days, but those two days go a long way as far as your unending future is concerned.

In the Sutra of Great Liberation, one of the most profound purification prayers, Buddha Shakyamuni mentions that if someone were to recite this sutra, such enormous purification could take place that even if they had the karma to be born in the hell realm, they might only experience a little headache instead. The benefits of Nyungne practice are very much like that, meaning that if you suffer at all, it goes a long way toward your own karmic purification. Nyungne practice is very effective and brings quick results, temporarily perfecting Dharma conditions. So this lifetime, one can have long life and good health, fulfilling the need for Dharma practice, especially developing Loving Compassion and Bodhicitta from the heart. 

Doing full prostrations, fasting and be silent

During practice some people may feel a little bit of hunger and thirst. But a little bit of hunger and thirst is absolutely worth going through when it is for the purpose of truly overcoming one’s own future pain and suffering and that of all other sentient beings in the world. Some people are willing to climb mountains or sky-dive or bungee-jump for momentary exhilaration, which are just minute and short-lived, but still they are willing to go through such moments. In comparison, I feel the enormous benefits of the Nyungne practice outweigh the hardships that one goes through.

It is mentioned that being able to complete 8 sets of Nyungne in this lifetime should bring us more joy and happiness than receiving all the wealth in the entire world. As happy as you might be to receive all the wealth in the whole world, it would still be for a short period of time. The benefit of true practice has no limitation. It is planting good karmic seed for your future as well.

I was asked why I wanted to attend this Nyungne retreat. I did some research and upon learning about all the beneficial results of this practice, I decided immediately to participate without qualms.  In time to come, if the opportunity arises, I would like to do a complete set of 8 Nyungne.  Consider... 16 days out of a lifetime is NOTHING considering the immense benefits. The sacrifice and discomfort of 16 days of prayers, prostrations and fasting is so minute when you can reap the benefits of the practice for your future liberation. It's like buying insurance for your future lifetimes, not just this lifetime.

The girl and her sugar daddy

I was at a bus stop in Orchard recently. Just before I reached the bus stop, something caught my attention.

There was a young PRC lady, presumably in her early 20s. She was throwing a tantrum and stamping her feet, scolding an old man loudly.  The old man was quiet and allowed her to rant at him for quite a few minutes, while at the same time fiddling with his mobile phone or staring down at the floor.  After a few minutes, the PRC girl threw her handbag into a big paper bag, folded her arms and faced the wall, fuming.  The old man continued to fiddle with his mobile phone, not uttering a word.  In a few seconds, the girl was on the phone, talking angrily to someone, as if complaining.  

Witnessing this scene, I could not help but wondered what was happening. I, together with those other passer-bys, would have made many assumptions in our minds.  I wondered what this PRC girl was doing with a man old enough to be her grandfather. Well, he could not possibly be and did not looked like her grandfather. The quarrel seemed more like a couple's tiff. And in public too. At that moment, I guessed it was yet another common scene we see often in Geylang, the old men with their sweet young girlfriends/mistresses from China.  In this instance, I think the old man probably did not pay for the "services rendered". Hence, the commotion.  And I think the "girlfriend" would not let the matter rest until he settled the amount. In my mind, I thought, "Uncle, 要偷吃,也要有钱!" (ie. "you better have money if you want to fool around!").

May all these dirty old men who may be lonely, or looking for some excitement and thrill, or who have too much money to spare, be wise enough to realise their foolishness and to spare a thought for their family.  May all these young foreign "talents" also wise up, may they be able to find a decent job here, and not just relying on finding a sugar daddy.  

Randoms @ Esplanade

Was passing by the Esplanade one day and snapped these random pics. There is really nothing much there unless you want some peace and quiet and browsing books..... didn't know there is a library there...... Library @ The Esplanade.

2D VERSUS 3D

SPERM+EGG = CREATION?

A DUCK STORY

WHERE'S THE LORD OF THE JUNGLE?

KACANG PUTIH MAN IS HERE

IT'S JUST A POSTER!

 

LEVITATING HOUSE

Yaki Yaki Bo Teppanyaki

On a weekday night, I was with a friend in NEX for late dinner.  She suggested Yaki Yaki Bo Teppanyaki in Shokutsu 10.  Thanks to her for the nice treat and chit chat. I enjoyed myself very much, thank you! :D

Here was my seafood teppanyaki dinner set.  The dinner set was beautiful and value for money. We were so full we had to forgo our original plan of having dessert after dinner.

The salad.  I've always like fresh salad ala Japanese style - tangy crunchy goodness.

I'm not a fan of tau-gay (beansprouts) especially in soup. However, beansprouts in Teppanyaki style, I'm still ok. Here, beansprouts stir fried with dou miao and tiny strips of carrots was crunchy and delicious.

Here's the main side of this seafood dinner. There were big prawns, squid and scallops. I love scallops! The piping peppery seafood turned warm by the time we really started eating, because we were too busy taking photos.

A generous dish of broiled Salmon in addictive teriyaki sauce.

Chawanmushi inside a huge half onion skin looked cute, but tasted so-so, not particularly smooth. We ended a nice dinner with slices of cut orange.  

In fact, give me just a small bowl of Tamago rice or garlic rice, with a plate of stir fried garlic scallops anytime, and together with wonderful company, I will be equally, blissfully happy.