tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97708242024-03-14T04:43:58.074+08:00Life Of Lopsided 8LOL8 = Life of Lopsided 8 - my life. 8 in Chinese is to prosper. Why lopsided? No matter how lopsided we tilt & turn 8, it is still 8. May all sentient beings who read this blog be free from suffering & pain, may they be able to meet precious gurus in all their lifetimes until enlightenment. Om mani padme hum!!! Reading LOL8, maybe you will sometime LOL (laugh out loud!) too!STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.comBlogger2365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-87533720909981517962022-07-03T06:19:00.001+08:002022-07-03T06:19:49.271+08:00Something is seriously lacking<p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;"><img id="id_ea9e_e55e_4f7b_5d66" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5VNWebwmdXKAyCNqwDS8cnJXncvylKUYW-nkP-ctVqpLua9lGyxBafJgy3tH07_FNq4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;">It is clear that something is seriously lacking in the way we humans are going about things. But what is it that we lack? The fundamental problem, I believe, is that at every level we are giving too much attention to the external, material aspects of life while neglecting moral ethics and inner values. By inner values, I mean the qualities that we all appreciate in others, and toward which we all have a natural instinct, bequeathed by our biological nature as animals that survive and thrive only in an environment of concern, affection, and warm-heartedness – or in a single word, compassion. The essence of compassion is a desire to alleviate the suffering of others and to promote their well-being. This is the spiritual principle from which all other positive inner values emerge.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;">His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama </span></p> STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-18602731551536823042019-10-17T09:23:00.000+08:002019-10-17T09:27:10.688+08:00Fail Better<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sharing this story by Venerable Pema Chodron. Hope it
gives us a boost whenever we are down and out, feeling despondent and dejected
in life. Hope we fail better....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pema Chodron had an interview with Naropa
University’s founder, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and it was during the time when
her life was completely falling apart, and she went there because she wanted to
talk about the fact that she was feeling like such a failure and so raw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But when she sat down in front of him, he said, “How is
your meditation?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She replied, “Fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then they just started talking, superficial chatter,
until he stood up and said, “It was very nice to meet you,” and started walking
me to the door. In other words, the interview was over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And so at that point, realizing the interview was over,
Pema Chodron just blurted out her whole story:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My life is over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have hit the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don’t know what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please help me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here is the advice Trungpa Rinpoche gave. He said,
“Well, it’s a lot like walking into the ocean, and a big wave comes and knocks
you over. And you find yourself lying on the bottom with sand in your nose and
in your mouth. And you are lying there, and you have a choice. You can either
lie there, or you can stand up and start to keep walking out to sea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, basically, you stand up, because the “lying there”
choice equals dying. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Metaphorically lying there is what a lot of us choose to
do at that point. But you can choose to stand up and start walking, and after a
while another big wave comes and knocks you down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You find yourself at the bottom of the ocean with sand in
your nose and sand in your mouth, and again you have the choice to lie there or
to stand up and start walking forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“So the waves keep coming,” he said. “And you keep
cultivating your courage and bravery and sense of humor to relate to this
situation of the waves, and you keep getting up and going forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was his advice to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trungpa then said, “After a while, it will begin to seem
to you that the waves are getting smaller and smaller. And they won’t knock you
over anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That is good life advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It isn’t that the waves stop coming; it’s that because
you train in holding the rawness of vulnerability in your heart, the waves just
appear to be getting smaller and smaller, and they don’t knock you over
anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b><i>“Fail better” means you begin to have the ability to hold
what I call “the rawness of vulnerability” in your heart.</i></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fail, then fail again, and then maybe you start to work
with some of the things I’m saying. And when it happens again, when things
don’t work out, you fail better. In other words, you are able to work with the
feeling of failure instead of shoving it under the rug, blaming it on somebody
else, coming up with a negative self-image—all of those futile strategies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Fail better” means you begin to have the ability to hold
what I call “the rawness of vulnerability” in your heart, and see it as your
connection with other human beings and as a part of your humanness. Failing
better means when these things happen in your life, they become a source of
growth, a source of forward, a source of, “out of that place of rawness you can
really communicate genuinely with other people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your best qualities come out of that place because it’s
unguarded and you’re not shielding yourself. Failing better means that failure
becomes a rich and fertile ground instead of just another slap in the face.
That’s why, in the Trungpa Rinpoche story that I shared, the waves that are
knocking you down begin to appear smaller and have less and less of an ability
to knock you over. And actually maybe it is the same wave, maybe it’s even a
bigger wave than the one that hit last year, but it appears to you smaller
because of your ability to swim with it or ride the wave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And it isn’t that failure doesn’t still hurt. You lose
people you trust and love. All kinds of things happen that break your heart,
but you can hold failure and loss as part of your human experience and that
which connects you with other people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Adapted from Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better: Wise
Advice for Leaning into the Unknown by Pema Chodron. Copyright © 2015 by
Pema Chodron. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-15499866049877526662019-09-21T16:18:00.001+08:002019-10-17T09:30:16.069+08:00An Ode To The Past <div style="text-align: justify;">
Every day, Facebook is showing up all the past memories which I have posted previously. So heartwarming to remember some of those sweet memories. Let's recap...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlzkMThBN30/XYXcV8LzsyI/AAAAAAAAbQg/hEZIIdWnKowlfmYDLsz8F5GaTLAroleBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1569029530054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 1.25em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" class=" " data-original-height="664" data-original-width="960" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlzkMThBN30/XYXcV8LzsyI/AAAAAAAAbQg/hEZIIdWnKowlfmYDLsz8F5GaTLAroleBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1569029530054.jpg" title="" width="449" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">My friend Judy has left 6 years ago. I've known her only for a brief 3 years but she has shared with me so much about her life in the Dharma. She made me realised we need not necessarily live a long life if a short brief life was truly meaningful learning and practising the Dharma. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">A NG group shot. We have taken so many group photos over the years. How fun we were in the past after each event or puja.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">The constructing of the gigantic 35 Buddhas thangka in progress and it was finally ready last year. So many people came forth to make their offerings for this. #lastinitiative<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Ice cream sharing sessions on random weekday evenings after a simple fish soup dinner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">One Vesak Day 3 years ago which we spent raising funds for the building of the new centre. A meaningful day doing car wash for people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">A month long retreat made so much endearing with homecooked soup every dinner by Mama.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Numerous momo parties with monks. They made me start loving momos and appreciating the Tibetan culture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">First visit to Zong Rinpoche's house 7 years ago, the start of meeting many authentic teachers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Two years ago when we were painting, washing the new centre, I was there every single weekend and some weekdays too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">How the cleansing pujas on Sundays have benefitted those who needed it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Dhasa memories with the group, we were like monkeys at times. At least I've fulfilled HHDL's instruction to me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Hanging around and free to roam Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup's house for a few days, admiring his holy relics, proof of his practice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">How tiring each Grand Puja was but how ever-ready we were when we prepared for it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Having many makan sessions with this bunch. We used to go for supper or dinner or special occasion. Missing Annie, my senior Dharma sister who left almost 2 years ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Surprising Mari with an impromptu cake on her birthday. Surprises, sometimes not pre-planned, are so much more fun and sincere.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">The group of monks having a fun moment during a coffee break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Collecting pre-loved stuff for Haitian donation drive. We were literally on our feet the whole day guiding traffic and collecting stuff from donors, rain or shine for continuously a couple of weeks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpTz6ZDOS44/XYXcnVRQJwI/AAAAAAAAbRo/BdBlm3al8lQcaK0r3bUPCLMigSkRLLSxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1569027742904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class=" " data-original-height="508" data-original-width="676" height="339" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpTz6ZDOS44/XYXcnVRQJwI/AAAAAAAAbRo/BdBlm3al8lQcaK0r3bUPCLMigSkRLLSxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1569027742904.jpg" title="" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Surprising someone with a birthday cake. When I heard it was the first time this friend had ever received a cake for a birthday, I was very touched and humbled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Buying mixed nuts mooncake as a surprise for a Dharma friend during Mid Autumn Festival as he had just lost his wife a few months back. His wife used to buy this moon cake for him every year. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Thanking Zong Rinpoche for being here. May I in all my lifetimes be able to meet precious teachers and Dharma until enlightenment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Remembering Geshe Ngawang Longtho who was such an accomplished monk in his time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Adding potatoes to curry, so many wonderful meals and happy times in the kitchen at the old place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Singing /chanting to the lovely tunes of Rinpoche's name mantra at the Retreat House. The tune is forever stuck in my head and my guru is in my heart always. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Personal audience and offerings to a visiting teacher. May the teachers come again and again to benefit us, in this lifetime and future lifetimes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">This is ancient and precious ... Lati Rinpoche's final trip to Singapore. My niece was with me too. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">17.07.2017. Magic date of the opening of the new centre. I remember I was so exhausted that day. I was taking the photos instead of carrying holy objects like the rest during the march in. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Port Dickson trip with my guru Dagyab Rinpoche and monks. So fortunate to hang out with my teacher as he strolled along the beach, but I was so OMG shy in front of him. Thank you for guiding me, Rinpoche. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Many instinctively fell to their knees when Choden Rinpoche arrived. I might not have received that many teachings from him, but he had touched my heart deeply. He promised to guide me in every lifetime. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">At a holy place reciting the heart sutra. Thank you for being so kind to me at times when everything was against me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">At a kelong doing animal liberation. I always feel I do not do enough of this. HHDL said, if you cannot help others, at least do not harm them. So please do not eat live animals. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Six years ago, what an enjoyable pot luck party. Each volunteer brought their own food and we had BBQ which we prepared ourselves, games and performances. Everyone played a part in the food prep too. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">So many fruits for the monks. With Mama Karen around, there was no shortage of food or fruits. May I be as generous as she was. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">A few NDPs ago, the monks had a fun day experiencing NDP like a typical Singaporean, including taking a MRT ride. </td></tr>
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I'll end with this memorable pic of myself at The Arc @ The Great Ocean Road, Australia. </div>
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Way even before I got into the Dharma path, I had quite a smooth sailing childhood into adulthood. Although my family did not have much, my father paid for this Australia trip, which is probably one of the few family trips we could go together in this life time. </div>
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My father was a loyal clerk who worked for the same bank his entire life. My mom, too was a civil servant all her life, serving the government. They both taught me what loyalty is, whether it is to their job, their company, their friends and to each other. Both of them have known each other since primary school, and have stayed loyal and together for more than 50 years. Perhaps this 'loyalty' trait has rubbed off on me. </div>
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Maybe one day I'll post my parents' photos from their younger days. The photos are in physical albums and hard copies, so it is quite tedious to scan, sort out and organise everything together. May I be able to do so one day, as an ode to the past, their past. </div>
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As for me, I've had wonderful lovely memories I made all these years of which I've truly no regrets. </div>
<br />STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-28900200269352414022019-09-21T10:28:00.001+08:002019-09-21T10:34:10.131+08:00Are you richer than me? <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tj4vjFOGn0w/XYWKwhW9LII/AAAAAAAAbQU/-NgujWLte6gNmVlJCxa6pLGnCuQQBwjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tj4vjFOGn0w/XYWKwhW9LII/AAAAAAAAbQU/-NgujWLte6gNmVlJCxa6pLGnCuQQBwjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/images.jpeg" border="0" data-original-width="273" data-original-height="185" width="513" height="347" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Thought I had share this story about Bill Gates, which makes you ponder the meaning of real richness. <br></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Someone asked the richest man in the world, Bill Gates, “Is there anyone richer than you in the world ?” Bill Gates replied, “Yes, there is a person who is richer than me.”</div>
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<p dir="ltr"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">He then narrated a story.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It’s during the time when I wasn’t rich or famous. I was at the New York Airport when I saw a newspaper vendor. I wanted to buy one newspaper but found that I don’t have enough of change. So I left the idea of buying and returned it to the vendor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I told him of not having the change. The vendor said, “ I am giving you this for free.” On his insistence I took the newspaper.</div>
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<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">Coincidentally, after 2–3 months, I landed at the same airport and again I was in short of change for a newspaper. The vendor offered me the newspaper again. I refused and said that I can’t take it for I don’t have a change today too. He said, “You can take it, I am sharing this from my profit, I won’t be at loss.” I took the newspaper.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">After 19 years I became famous and known by people. Suddenly I remembered that vendor. I began searching for him and after about 1½ month of searching I found him.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">I asked him, “Do you know me?” He said, “Yes, you are Bill Gates.” </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">I asked him again, “Do you remember once you gave me newspaper for free?”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">The vendor said, “Yes, I remember. I gave you twice.”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">I said, “I want to repay the help you had offered me that time. Whatever you want in your life, tell me, I shall fulfill it.”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">The vendor said, “Sir, don’t you think that by doing so you won’t be able to match my help?”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">I asked, “Why?”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:1.00em;">He said, “I had helped you when I was a poor newspaper vendor and you are trying to help me now, when you have become the richest man in the world. How can your help match mine ?”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">That day I realised that the newspaper vendor is richer than me because he didn’t wait to become rich to help someone.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<span style="font-size:1.00em;"><div style="text-align: justify;">People need to understand that the truly rich are those who possess a rich heart rather than lots of money. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have a great weekend! </div></span><p></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><br></p></div>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-64657234364271132522019-09-20T21:39:00.001+08:002019-09-21T00:58:21.151+08:00Spiritual Odyssey <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjoSUk_6wXQ/XYTWdaj11nI/AAAAAAAAbPk/yXcT4u-oQ4ogP6rBUR2qmNC3gM3BQzNHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjoSUk_6wXQ/XYTWdaj11nI/AAAAAAAAbPk/yXcT4u-oQ4ogP6rBUR2qmNC3gM3BQzNHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200756.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="3648" data-original-height="2736" width="605" height="453" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">This evening is the opening of Anthony Chua's art exhibition. Anthony is a Singapore artist as well as Dharma friend. <br></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4b_quXjswKU/XYTWejGi8QI/AAAAAAAAbPo/3inOXEeSX_s088dliFf0lL-5WZudsixPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4b_quXjswKU/XYTWejGi8QI/AAAAAAAAbPo/3inOXEeSX_s088dliFf0lL-5WZudsixPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200603.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="3648" data-original-height="2736" width="603" height="452" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So a group of us went down to lend our support. Here we posed in front of the 'red robes'. Congratulations Anthony! 🎉🎉🎉</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q_-8xb5U_cw/XYTWfk_isWI/AAAAAAAAbPs/Y775zxyZIqsA8mWYoLpdE7OvqlIR_rkxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q_-8xb5U_cw/XYTWfk_isWI/AAAAAAAAbPs/Y775zxyZIqsA8mWYoLpdE7OvqlIR_rkxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_200715.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="3648" data-original-height="2541" width="601" height="419" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Titled 'Spiritual Odyssey', it showcases many bold pieces by Anthony.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWvZebqNib8/XYTWguNkw3I/AAAAAAAAbPw/CibcL3zOseA_u3EADP8F745xeftLW_wpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWvZebqNib8/XYTWguNkw3I/AAAAAAAAbPw/CibcL3zOseA_u3EADP8F745xeftLW_wpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212431.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="2736" data-original-height="2736" width="603" height="603" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Anthony's many art pieces depict stylised ink landscapes of local heritage shop houses. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJw4I-l9DRI/XYTWhrW_7zI/AAAAAAAAbP0/z4d2SEizsSA3TSL0EiDLeg6Ob9C7VDQRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJw4I-l9DRI/XYTWhrW_7zI/AAAAAAAAbP0/z4d2SEizsSA3TSL0EiDLeg6Ob9C7VDQRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212349.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="2463" data-original-height="2832" width="601" height="691" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a more colourful artwork, Singapore River. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zq3V69k1pM/XYTWijKVIwI/AAAAAAAAbP4/9GTaFi-hd2sqC3X8fQ1B-KRdIrAcsLYxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zq3V69k1pM/XYTWijKVIwI/AAAAAAAAbP4/9GTaFi-hd2sqC3X8fQ1B-KRdIrAcsLYxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_212451.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="2736" data-original-height="2735" width="601" height="601" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I especially like a piece, titled 'Celestial Palace' (not shown here). There are some others which include abstract compositions inspired by his travels to Tibet and Myanmar. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Q2uaUIgzDY/XYTWjc6ZH6I/AAAAAAAAbP8/z2cZQqTFzlYxLBu9OJSedRa3B17oYvEEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_201121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Q2uaUIgzDY/XYTWjc6ZH6I/AAAAAAAAbP8/z2cZQqTFzlYxLBu9OJSedRa3B17oYvEEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_201121.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1198" data-original-height="1600" width="604" height="806" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do catch his exhibition if you can. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">20-29 Sept 2019</div><div style="text-align: justify;">AC43 Gallery </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Carlton Hotel.</div></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-1731268842048675252019-09-20T08:22:00.001+08:002019-09-20T10:03:16.936+08:00Why I write <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fx1iRUFSrng/XYQbwWmDuQI/AAAAAAAAbPY/T6XJ32B-cGgtBD_XhmsqQjvAHW1fvScLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20190920_081813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fx1iRUFSrng/XYQbwWmDuQI/AAAAAAAAbPY/T6XJ32B-cGgtBD_XhmsqQjvAHW1fvScLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20190920_081813.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1125" width="394" height="410" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">Beautifully written by Lang Leav. My exact sentiments. </div>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-49123401732572415362019-09-19T21:28:00.001+08:002019-09-20T10:03:01.264+08:00Going low carb with a twist <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5R__9YhlvU/XYOCWrD2sqI/AAAAAAAAbN8/J4AAd4OHYHEldpXJhJxrdVPfsCGLRV1XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_211040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5R__9YhlvU/XYOCWrD2sqI/AAAAAAAAbN8/J4AAd4OHYHEldpXJhJxrdVPfsCGLRV1XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_211040.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1633" width="403" height="609" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">I've been on a detox for the past month, with low carb meals. Well, it was almost non carb all the way. I am not knowledgeable about the keto diet, hence I am not saying I'm on a keto diet, but I've been monitoring my carbs and making sure I don't do more than 50 grams of carbs each day (so that the body will turn to burning fats when there is lack of carbs to burn). So far I think it's been progressing great, I've lost about 4 kgs. Yay for small wins! </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">Besides obviously slimming down, the other part of motivating myself to stick to the diet is exploring and cooking. I love to cook but don't have much time to cook. So how to keep to low carb meals in Singapore, where all the local food are so addictively deliciously laden with high carbs? For example, char kway teow, nasi padang, hokkien prawn noodles, laksa, kaya toast, roti prata, curry and the list goes on. Almost every dish screams 'HIGH CARBS'! </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">I stick to a staple of eggs, bacon avocados in my low carb meals but there are only that many variations I can make them without getting bored sooner. Also I do not like salads which is so easy to put together. I prefer my greens cooked so I usually do a stir fry of my veggies. I also cannot do without my soups. Being Chinese, I love my lotus root soup, bak kut teh (pork bone tea soup), herbal chicken soup.... so I do have lots of soup meals. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">I used to snack before bedtime, like having biscuits, ice cream, cakes or chips. Over the past month, if I felt hungry at night, I would snack on peanuts. Gradually I found that I've lost the urge to snack too and I'm not easily hungry like before. For a treat I'm so happy to have found the brand 'Sugarless' dark choc with extremely low carbs, no sugar and gluten free. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">I am so thankful I did not have any cravings for the usual hawker fare. It was only a little inconvenient looking for non carb breakfast at the hawker centre in the morning. So I ended cooking breakfast at home and even packed lunch to the office. For dinner I still have my usual dishes at home, just without rice. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">In addition to watching my diet, I've been on a 30-day Chinese medication of detoxing too. So I'm just trying to keep healthy. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">Here are some of my low carb meals. Bon appetit! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HobbuXDjy9c/XYOCXQ-2mXI/AAAAAAAAbOA/uHmtQJ22M4kYBaz4J6NBw4E04qh2SON6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_204938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HobbuXDjy9c/XYOCXQ-2mXI/AAAAAAAAbOA/uHmtQJ22M4kYBaz4J6NBw4E04qh2SON6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_204938.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1142" data-original-height="1612" width="406" height="573" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oE3uXMEZbiw/XYOCYJ7ZxbI/AAAAAAAAbOE/22Wyz117_yI9EK1HL5L2vIgVMPUmqfX8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_210927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuwQfgTIG3A/XYOCe4hFKQI/AAAAAAAAbOo/NMLp3kf3SwAtzbajWJI8nSkAJd63GrGcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_211056.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1149" data-original-height="1701" width="407" height="602" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9tllN6U6jo/XYOCfsSoVjI/AAAAAAAAbOs/hjHwqE3IdggB92-FgKqnfXVik8XoJeYGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_211025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9tllN6U6jo/XYOCfsSoVjI/AAAAAAAAbOs/hjHwqE3IdggB92-FgKqnfXVik8XoJeYGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_211025.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1044" data-original-height="1670" width="403" height="644" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HUrvfTfeTIQ/XYOTl2a-QjI/AAAAAAAAbPM/MKHLYqkGDscxFQp5m3HkZCeNtOXMwjXHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_210842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HUrvfTfeTIQ/XYOTl2a-QjI/AAAAAAAAbPM/MKHLYqkGDscxFQp5m3HkZCeNtOXMwjXHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190919_210842.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1699" width="409" height="643" class=" " title="" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-16778771995492625102018-08-01T23:54:00.000+08:002018-08-03T14:12:08.733+08:001 August 我没白来<div style="color: #454545; 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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One year ago today I gave you these flowers for your birthday. It was my first time giving flowers to you and I never knew it would be my last. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Was busy the whole day today with guests and meetings in the office. Only when they have all left at 5pm, then I saw the video of your funeral. I broke down, again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although I had been close to you following you wherever you went, helping you to carry the stuff which you bought, I was mostly shy and you too were photo-shy, so I did not really have that many photos taken with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But I did snapped many many photos when I was with you, the places we went, the meals we had, the activities we did during Dharma work. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I only realised I have so many memories of you, with you, after your passing. When I searched through years of photos stored and backup in my laptop, I found so many photos which I took when I was with you........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time we went HK cha chan teng for lunch because you said you were very hungry. I enjoyed my yuan yang milk tea while you ordered takeaway fried rice for your son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you bought this piggy for Jamie and after posing for this photo, you said, "don't post ok?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times when you always shared with me about your Gurus, also my Gurus. It was from you I learned about guru devotion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times you would be in the centre very early everyday at about 7am plus and this was the most familiar sight to me as we chit chatted over your favorite 2-in-1 coffee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time we came back from the market and you have bought so much food for the volunteers which lasted us through breakfast, lunch and dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like you would take things upon your own hands when cleaning up the new centre</span><span style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you were so happy with your purchase of this Kipling bag and pouches, just because it was orange, your favorite colour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLeWBN6oNyo/W2PVdZnMq5I/AAAAAAAAbLE/Kb-6BXSwwt0DPZ4tkyqzLzSBcehdqmhFQCLcBGAs/s1600/28947840_10156359126693713_6003164592783405091_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="977" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLeWBN6oNyo/W2PVdZnMq5I/AAAAAAAAbLE/Kb-6BXSwwt0DPZ4tkyqzLzSBcehdqmhFQCLcBGAs/s640/28947840_10156359126693713_6003164592783405091_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time when I took this sunrise from our monastery guest house and you were so enamoured with it. You asked me to remember this 'rush' colour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you gave to the elderly street performer. You would often gave money to the poor and beggars, the tissue aunty at the hawker centre or the elderly folks selling vegetables or provisions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times when you would order so many dishes for us when we dine out. To you, there was no such thing as 'too much' when it comes to ordering food for others. The reason was, as you told me, you did not have much when you were young, so you did not want others to go hungry too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you bought necklaces in bulk in order to support an elderly street peddler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like during CNY I would go with you to Chinatown to buy decorations and snacks for the centre. You were big on decorating the centre for CNY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you searched for something for your daughter the emcee to wear every Grand Puja. Even up until days before your passing, you were still trying to find pyjamas for your daughters for the coming lunar new year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you were very serious in preparing notes before each of your Dharma-sharing and meditation classes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times you would share with us during volunteers briefing the importance of each Grand Puja.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAx4bSjAvk/W2PODr6b5CI/AAAAAAAAbJ8/6YoA8gyL4YMDbrKAHJo2BQHUnrWL7RBEACLcBGAs/s1600/29664809_10156360563393713_1279600703861080996_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1088" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAx4bSjAvk/W2PODr6b5CI/AAAAAAAAbJ8/6YoA8gyL4YMDbrKAHJo2BQHUnrWL7RBEACLcBGAs/s640/29664809_10156360563393713_1279600703861080996_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time we rushed out to buy more flower offerings in Little India for the Naga puja. I remember that was a memorable puja for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like when you commented you liked this simple nasi lemak because the chilli sauce was freshly cooked in a boiling pot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times when I attended your classes and wished I really can attain the same knowledge as you, but always realising my ignorant self still had a long way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the times you would pick and choose special crystals or accessories with good energy for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like those times when you cooked sumptuous meals for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the few times we had picnic at the beach, you would cook curry chicken for us and you were so happy to see Lhamo frolicking in the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the numerous times you always took care of our Guru and all the monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery. You loved them and was always concerned about them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the time you asked me, "do you know I love my Lhamo very very much?". Your youngest daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">photo which I took is poignant memory for me. This was 17.7.2017, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">during the opening of new GSDPL. After many months of painstaking search for a place and then going through the renovations, it was a huge relief and milestone for you. You did look tired. I could see it in your face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have wanted to write a proper tribute about you, but the pain is still raw, that I just cannot make myself do it.... yet. It is as if you are still alive. It is as if you are away on your usual retreats which normally lasted a few months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It has been almost 6 months. At the back of my mind, I still feel you are very much alive. It seems you are just away from Singapore. I am half expecting you to suddenly appear anytime, like you always did. I am half expecting you to call me any moment, "Stumpbo, where are you? Come, let's go buy durians!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Your eyes always brighten and shine when you buy/ eat durians.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At times when you were upset with me, I know you ignored me because you wanted me to learn my lesson, to transform my mind to be a better person. But the egoistic me was still stubborn. But you were patient and forgave me again and again, as if nothing had happened. When no one believed me, you did. You helped me rid of the demons in me, metaphorically and literally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I may not be your family, but the pain I felt in losing you is no less heart-wrenching. You are after all my mentor and inspiration for my Dharma practice these past 7-8 years. We had spent so much time together. Besides sharing your knowledge of the Dharma, you have also shared with me personal stories, the good and bad experiences, the people you have met and those whom you have helped, and why you made some decisio</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ns which you did. Now when I encounter certain problems, I would always think if you were around, what your advise would be and how you would have handled the situation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had little conversations here and there, and your last words to me were, </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"We must have a pure mind in Dharma. We must always check our mind and it is our job to help one another. I like to help those who like to practise Dharma. You can do it too because you are also trying your best to help others. We are working for Dharma. We must work hard. All Gurus and Buddhas will help us too. In this lifetime, if we cannot go to Buddha's Pureland yet, but if our motivation is correct, then we can still come back to GSDPL for future practices. This is because we have already planted the seed (of affinity) with the Centre. Thanks a lot for helping and please continue to serve the Monastery and Centre. I believe if a teacher has the right motivation, the student will have a good mind too. I am very happy to have met my Root Gurus in this life….. 我没白来". </span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, in Buddhism I learn about impermanence and I know I must learn to 'let go'. It is all too easy to say in theory. In practice, it is just so hard. We celebrate your life. We know who you were and your purpose in this life. However the flesh, bones and blood in me still cannot get over the changed situation now, that you are no longer around. I know time will heal but may I never forget what you have done for us. May I be able to emulate your learning spirit and to continue the path which you have shared, taught and shown us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple of months back, on the 101st day of your passing, I had a very very brief dream at dawn. It was rather misty and I did not know where I was. Suddenly you appeared a few meters away. You waved and called "Stumpbo!" as if beckoning me to you. You were wearing your usual checkered shirt, in dark blue and red checks. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Maybe I was surprised to see you, so I did not move. Instead you walked towards me and when you reached me, you extended your arms and gave me a tight hug. It was a long big hug. You did not utter any word. Me too. I dwelled in the comforting silence of your presence. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I woke up. It was 6am. The dream was so vivid and clear. It felt that you had indeed been there. I teared. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">😭</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A friend said, "Maybe Mama knows you miss her, so she came into your dream to hug you". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had mentioned to that friend shortly after your passing that I regretted not giving you a final hug the last time before we parted ways on Li Chun. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think due to your clairvoyance, you knew my thoughts. That was why you came into my dream to give me that final hug. To bid good bye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Miss you so much, Mama. Thank you for the memories and thank you for this affinity and friendship with you, having connected with you in this lifetime. May you continue your Dharma work in benefiting many sentient beings in all your future lifetimes, just as you have always aspired to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May we meet again soon. I promise I'll help you carry your stuff again and let's continue with Dharma work again. 💕</span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-5958359285266665302018-05-28T16:30:00.000+08:002018-05-28T16:30:01.932+08:00The Essence of Dharma <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Eminence Tokden Rinpoche gave the teaching on the "Essence of
Dharma" on 26 and 27 May 2018 in Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling,
Singapore. I would like to share his teaching here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The below are my own notes transcribed during Rinpoche's teachings and
if there are any mistakes, they are due to the ignorance on my own side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Part 1</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">T<i>he essence of Dharma is the three principles of the
path: renunciation, bodhicitta and wisdom. The best and most important is
bodhicitta. Whether you are practising sutra or tantra, bodhicitta must be your
main guide. This is the backbone of Mahayana teaching. Avoid causing harm to
sentient beings. Bodhicitta makes your mind more kind and noble. Your
transformation in this human life will make your life meaningful.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The most kind mind is bodhicitta, extracting the essence
of Dharma. All of us do not wish for suffering. We experience physical and
mental suffering. When we experience this, we have to ask why. Where do those
things come from? These are due to our afflictions.... jealousy, pride, ego,
those activities we do which create negative karma. We should change from the
negative to a positive mind. A noble mind results in positive karma, both
physically and mentally. Then once you have extracted the essence of Dharma,
know that we have afflictions, and think if we can remove them. Recognise that
they are only incidental and that they can actually be removed. The nature of
the mind is not polluted. So now when we have obtained the precious human
rebirth in this life, we meet the gurus... now is the time to take the essence
of Dharma into practice. We find that we are constantly engaging in worldly
activities. It is like the beard, we keep shaving yet it keeps growing. So the
thing for us is we must be aware of that and be conscious of engaging in
worldly activities.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Know the meaning of Dharma and that it is important to
practise. The Lamas and the great masters say it is the entry into the path and
the Dharma is your guide. When you are walking in the path, you will need
someone as your guide. You need something to sustain you. The path is a very
long road. We need the Dharma and it is our provision along this path. In order
to reach the goal, it is true there are many worldly activities which we have
to take care of. But we must also think about the next life. Will this activity
help me in my next life? Will this activity contribute to my enlightenment? If
there is no future life then you can be excused. It all depends on us. If we
practise positively then the result will come. As you go along in daily life,
keep this in mind what you will bring to the future.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Part 2</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>All sentient beings wish for happiness. They do not want
suffering. When you achieve the complete state of perfect happiness, there is
no other attainment, which means there will be total freedom from suffering.
This is ultimately the state of Buddhahood which is established by causes and
conditions. The state of Buddhahood does not come just like that. There is a
lot of effort but we must follow the path that leads to Enlightenment. This
includes training in the small, middle and great scope. We must have training
in both sutra and tantra. We must practise tantra. The path is very important.
The next question is which path? What is the essence of the path?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Yesterday we talked about the essence. We must generate a
kind mind which is bodhicitta. Besides bodhicitta, in order to achieve the
state of Enlightenment which is beyond great compassion, you need the 3
principles of the path. One of the 3 principles is Renunciation - the wish to
leave samsara. We must examine the faults and shortcomings of samsara in a structured
manner. Lama Tsongkhapa's method is to contemplate and to remind ourselves of
death and impermanence. We need to reflect on this preoccupation of this life.
So that we can overcome attachment in our future life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>It is important to generate renunciation. We must train
in renunciation in order to overcome attachment to this life and to overcome
attachment to future life. At the same time, we should remember death and
impermanence. The first step of how to do this is to value our precious human
rebirth. Recognize that the precious human rebirth is so valuable, like a gem.
Unless you recognise it is a gem, you might not treat it as a gem. Likewise,
once you know the essence, you would want to extract the essence. This comes
with a full set of the 18 qualities; the 8 freedoms and 10 endowments.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>To have these 18 qualities, you have to consider what a
fortunate situation this precious human rebirth is. That state is not achieved
unless we train in the mind of renunciation. This life of a precious rebirth means
we have the ability to achieve ultimate goals by practicing. Train well in the
common path with sutra and tantra, and this precious human rebirth has the
potential to bring about one's enlightenment within one lifetime. We have the 6
elements which make up our physical basis for practising tantra and to reach
Buddhahood within one lifetime. There are many great practitioners who
actualized Buddhahood in one lifetime, such as the great master Milerapa, and
great practitioners like Lobsang Dodrup. How did they achieve that? They have a
body just like us. They have achieved the type of rebirth that we have. What
was exceptional was the amount of effort, determination and practice that they
did. We are not lacking the body, we are not lacking the opportunity. What we
are lacking in, is the effort.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The 3 conditions for a precious human rebirth are:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>1. Immaculate morality <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>2. Practice of 6 perfections<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>3. Stainless prayers<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The truth is we have found the precious human rebirth
now. We must have worked very hard in our previous life due to these necessary
causes for a human rebirth. What will happen from now if we do not practise
well? Recognise the result you have established in the previous life. The state
you have now is due to the kindness of your past life. Once you understand
this, you will want to extract the essence.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Then the next thought is we should begin practice today.
We must remember death and impermanence. Death is certain but actual day of
death is uncertain. Death can happen anytime. No one escapes death. Even the
Buddha dies. All of us have to die. Every being born will die. Depending on
what practice we did in our previous life, it will determine what we practise
in this life. At the time of death depends on the karma we created at the end
of life. If we had created good karma then we will have good rebirth. We do not
want negative karma. At the end of life, status and fame will be of no benefit
to you. Whatever happens, your experience of suffering is yours alone. It is
not transferable. We should create as many good imprints in our mind as much as
possible. Wherever we go, we will carry with us these imprints. By considering
death, we must practice the Dharma now. We must try to make this life as
positive as much as possible. Keep in mind we want a good rebirth and we want
enlightenment.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How do we achieve this? To work towards enlightenment,
the first we need is a good rebirth. Through causes and conditions, we need
more virtues than non-virtues. Do your best to establish virtues through the 4
antidotes. We must take refuge in the 3 jewels. We must engage in the training,
understand what should be done and what should be abandoned. We are talking
about the law of cause and effect. How rare it is to get this life. It is
important to arrive at our death, with as much virtues as possible.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>By observing these we can be sure of a human rebirth.
However, even if we have this human rebirth, we are still in samsara. There is
no pleasure at all in samsara. We have to contemplate on the 3 types of
suffering......<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>1. Suffering of suffering.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>2. Suffering of change. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>3. All pervasive suffering.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Aggregates are created through karma and afflictions. As
long as we have our aggregates, we are carrying a very heavy load. They are the
nature of suffering in this life and also suffering in the next life. Only you
can rid of it and be free from that suffering. By considering the third type of
suffering – pervasive suffering – renunciation becomes the essence of the path.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Lastly the third principle of the path is correct view,
which means the understanding of emptiness. What is the mechanism? It is karma
and affliction. The root of it comes from ignorance and grasping at self.
Basically, it is a misunderstanding merely imputed by the mind. We think they
exist by itself. We see them established in their own side. Thus, it is very
important that we engage in training. The 3 higher types of training are: <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>1. Higher training in Pure Morality<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>2. Higher training in Concentration <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>3. Higher training in Wisdom<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Emptiness can destroy the root of suffering. Training is
important. Recognise that emptiness is important, and that the object is
established from its own side. The self does not inherently exist. As long as
we do not recognise this, we will remain in cyclic existence. Thus, it is
important to realise emptiness.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-91451514407488712182018-05-28T16:11:00.000+08:002018-05-28T16:12:22.341+08:00Welcome Tokden Rinpoche to Singapore! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLXM-sAxvsg/WwunQyVOxlI/AAAAAAAAa4Y/BGRujqsv1KQOdqj_2-CuNsI2rNlbBkA_ACLcBGAs/s1600/33344252_1939021549465890_2050729858866085888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Long time no blog! :P</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">His Eminence Tokden Rinpoche </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tomorrow is Vesak, and I am so happy to have a great master visiting us during this period to celebrate Vesak / Saka Dawa as well as to bestow teachings for one whole month. He is Tokden Rinpoche from Dagyab. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">During the old days in Tibet, Tokden Rinpoche had
received many teachings and empowerments from H.H. Kyabje Trijiang Dorje Chang
and the H.H. Kyabje Yongzin Ling Dorje Chang, both the tutors of His Holiness
14th Dalai Lama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">74 year-old H.E. Tokden Rinpoche is the Abbot Emeritus of
Ratö Monastery, Drepung Loseling Monastery as well as the Gyütö Monastery in
India. As an ex-Abbot of Gyütö, Rinpoche is in the line of teachers who would
eventually rise to the throne of the Gelug head, becoming His Holiness Gaden Tripa
Rinpoche. Currently, there are 3 senior ex-Abbots ahead of Tokden Rinpoche in
the line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">H.E. Tokden Rinpoche used to live and give teachings in
Manjushri Center (FPMT) in London, as well as Georgia USA for a few years.
Rinpoche is a very skilful teacher and gives regular teachings in the Himalayan
regions, Thailand, Taiwan and other western parts of the world. Rinpoche is
highly-respected not only within the three great Monasteries of Drepung, Sera
and Gaden - but also deeply revered amongst the community of Rato & Tashi
Lhunpo monasteries and nunneries. Today, Tokden Rinpoche belongs to one of the
most capable teachers who has the major transmissions of the lineage, and is
known for his pure accomplished practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On and off, I receive emails from readers asking and checking with me if certain great masters / Rinpoches are practitioners of Shugden. The reason is the Shugden website usually posts many photos of great practitioners of the Gelug lineage and especially those teachers hailing from Tibet in the old days. They claim that these teachers are practitioners of Shugden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My teacher, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DagyabRinpoche/">Dagyab Rinpoche</a>, had talked about this issue in 2014 dispelling rumors regarding Shugden(you can read it <a href="http://lol8.blogspot.sg/2014/02/dagyab-kyabgon-rinpoche-dispels-rumours.html">here</a>). I feel that it was a very significant statement, and
necessary in order to stop the unhealthy and misleading information which has
been circulating by people both online and within the Tibetan Buddhist
community in Singapore. It is an important message to all Dharma practitioners,
to be mindful of their speech and conduct, to maintain religious harmony
between Buddhist centres, as well as to preserve the pure teachings of the
Buddha Dharma.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently, again there was a reader asking if Tokden Rinpoche is practising Shugden. I replied him that in the old days many of the old monks/masters did but they stopped after His Holiness the Dalai Lama's advice. However the said website still made use of the names of those masters to promote Shugden. So it misleads many people online with deception. Imagine the bad karma they are creating for themselves by this action. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">His Holiness Dalai Lama with Tokden Rinpoche, photo taken in Jan 2018.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As Dagyab Rinpoche said, "As a Buddhist practitioner, one needs to have certain
responsibility. I am quite sure those people who are talking about this must
have also taken Bodhicitta vows and Tantra vows. They need to think very
carefully the result of committing such a downfall and samaya vows. Talking
(spreading rumours) in this way, they must have certain intentions. I suspect
they just want to separate Dharma brothers and sisters. This is really not
nice. This is not the way to behave as Dharma practitioners".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hope this clarifies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Enjoy the teachings which Tokden Rinpoche is bestowing this one month. Check out his </span><a href="http://www.drophenling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TR_LowRes.pdf" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">programme</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> organised by </span><a href="http://www.drophenling.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. In my next post, I will share my notes transcribed during Tokden Rinpoche's teaching on the "Essence of Dharma" the past weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy Vesak to all! May all be auspicious! </span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-60471076542854064802017-10-06T17:00:00.000+08:002018-05-16T14:51:33.581+08:00The last place on earth (part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><b><u>Day 6</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #454545;">Super sleepy this morning. Just merely chanted the mantra with not much visualization.</span></span></div>
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My palm has healed from the bee sting. No more itchiness, numbness and being swollen. Just a little pain. Thanks to the antihistamine pill from Chris.</span></div>
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A walk in the morning enjoying the coldness. Loved it. :)</span></div>
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Silence is golden. Again. My other fellow retreatants are really very well behaved. They do not talk, they do not give you eye contact, they just go about doing their own thing. I don't mind either. We have 4 sessions each day ; 5-7am, 9-11am, 3-5pm, 7-9pm. In between intervals 7-9am breakfast, 11-3pm lunch and rest, 5-7pm dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">If we cannot finish our mantra, some stayed back during the night or in between intervals to continue. One day, a friend could not finish so she stayed back skipping lunch. The rest of us who finished lunch, brought her some noodles and an apple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I really love the meals in Kopan. Let me spam you with some of the meals. I'm truly impressed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Lunch is usually more heavy with rice and many types of dishes to choose from. For dinner, it is lighter which can be something soupy, thukpa, thentuk, thick potato tofu broth, fried noodles or fried rice. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">There are all sorts of bread too; flat bread, the hum chin peng, mantou, chips etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">After lunch and during the afternoon break, G and I stole a few minutes inside the main gompa which was out of retreat boundary. Bumped into one of the IC coming down from the office and hoped that she won't snitch on us. Haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">This evening after dinner, I went up Lama Lhundrup's room again. Stayed a long while to listen to the nuns conducting round the clock Vajrayogini puja. Elsewhere at the main gompa, the monks were conducting Yamantaka puja.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">View from the rooftop of Lama Lhundrup's room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">View from the other side of Lama Lhundrup's room, facing the retreat huts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Paying respect to Lama Lhundrup. One of the nuns Nangtong was there. She asked J and I if we wanted a drink. I wanted something cold and J wanted something hot. In the end Nangtong gave us boiled hot orange juice! Haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Again I was free to view his relics. </span></div>
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Super sleepy again during the last session. Just wanted to go back to my room, shower and sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><b><u>Day 7</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Today</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> is the 49th day of Lama Lhundrup's passing. Woke up by the sound of chanting by the monks in the nearby main gompa </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">at 4.30am.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Today we were going to skip a session to attend Lama Lhundrup Puja in the late afternoon. So frantic</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica";"> counting and rushing of chanting mantras. </span></div>
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_b9a8_8ac_7e06_ba1f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lQHNvS_rbfg/Wdcz5fibQLI/AAAAAAAAav8/Y7KtEi26TwATcIaz5i_p1ieoU2Ah58A6gCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">It was a grand grand Heruka lama chopa puja for Lama Lhundrup. All 900 monks and nuns and visitors attended. Kunkhen offered mandala and offerings to all gurus and sangha. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_1e50_f7f4_9317_c393" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BGbgxdVZvoc/Wdcz5wO16PI/AAAAAAAAawA/lREK6oTbOswN6y_XPeKRWYxBRIgSvEunwCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 410px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I teared when I offered khata and angpow to Lama Lhundrup throne. In death then I know he was supposed to be a close guru. How very sad to find out too late. I left 2 angpows on his throne, just like the dream I had a few months ago during his cremation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Kopan was so crowded today with many visitors. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="" height="479" id="id_4ffe_4396_27d6_2aa7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JP-BNE3fRoM/Wdcz6ppURpI/AAAAAAAAawI/dBCRYAnjcKclyT0qVX_wUhZgwIVHHRmIgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Kopan nuns were seated on the grass outside the gompa during lunch and dinner break while the monks ate inside the dining hall. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Had a nice intimate sharing with someone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Saw all the 3 little reincarnate lamas, Phuntsok, Kundol, Rinzin. Phuntsok Rinpoche was very shy and turned to face to the wall when devotees greeted him. But at least he turned around, tapped and blessed my head. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_2019_24f7_ff82_628b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xZd0HnnwzwM/Wdcz_c5IOGI/AAAAAAAAawU/6nyHRYk9bPEn4AFANS0-dkfkWmaYRwCQwCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Had a photo taken with Rinzin Rinpoche who was so smiley and friendly, very mature and wise for his age, probably 10 years old. I really like him, very good natured. In his past life he was the good friend of the Lawudo Lama, who was Lama Zopa Rinpoche's previous life. Cave friends, yogi friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><b><u>Day 8</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Continued with our retreat. I have grown to love this gompa. It's so full of blessed energy and cosy.</span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_a6da_8f07_64b_1b0c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9SnRvQpwYOU/Wdcz7yGrQkI/AAAAAAAAawQ/Sr7_0CfsJXEvihSl_T05V1lkhA_xEVx9QCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 410px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica";">Did I mentioned we have been taking turns in groups for daily karma yoga? We took turns and each is us was put on roster to clean and mop the gompa as well as changing the water bowls and to put up new offerings each day. We had to do it during our break time. Quite fun actually.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica";">Today was my turn. Got up extra early at 4am because needed to change water bowl offering. :O</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Then after that was laying out the food offering. We brought boxes of snacks and chips and biscuits from Singapore. We also brought a big box of orchids too. We also needed to sweep and mop the gompa floor. Very busy!</span></span></div>
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_91e0_7159_c7a4_bf12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4KpEaJc_nXg/Wdc8MSv9sAI/AAAAAAAAaxA/Iu8zkcyOhd82ZULEmHIzH1S7V2yswPetwCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">At a corner of the gompa there was a small photo of LZR and Phuntsok Rinpoche which I offered my mala to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><b><u>Day 9</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Finally we have completed the retreat around lunch time! Khenrinpoche asked us to prepare for the fire puja in the late afternoon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">We were so relieved and happy and rejoicing at the same time. We took a group photo in the gompa and we each went up to offer khata to Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi and received blessings. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_d191_b2d1_b452_84d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0RTS346tl4/Wdc8Lj5d3PI/AAAAAAAAaw8/WdjtuKCqjKUWk7aVwER-j8X-eZWort6qACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="" height="427" id="id_6eb5_aba1_e85f_2b36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Jf7aYwpdxs/Wdc8McAWW-I/AAAAAAAAaxE/ZruBVmCNkecZL7bKUit4KcIUXM9dr0yewCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;">Late afternoon we gathered outside the gompa for the fire puja</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;">Khenrinpoche and 7 monks conducted the fire puja</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I've attended fire puja many times but to experience it in chilly weather was the first. Sitting on the grass on the hill overlooking Kathmandu valley below it was so memorable. Rejoiceful mood! Super elated considering that a number of the retreatants had encountered some obstacles before or during this retreat. Some got sick /injured even before the trip and couldn't come. So I was truly happy everyone pulled through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Day 10</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Super excited because we were finally getting out of Kopan monastery and going down the hill to Kathmandu valley! We were going to the Bodhanath Stupa today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Khenrinpoche treated us buffet lunch at the Hyatt Hotel. So luxurious after so many days in retreat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We finally reached Bodha Stupa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We circumambulated the huge stupa, the biggest stupa in the world. We were basically left to roam around the area, for shopping and to eat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My friends went missing and I was with J. We walked around the shops. I was busy snapping away. I love street photos. I fed the pigeons. I look at thangka paintings. I bought water bowls to bring home. I bought gifts and souvenirs for friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">J suddenly had a tummy ache and was frantically looking for a toilet but there was none nearby. Finally a Nepalese man asked us to go into an empty shop as there was a toilet there. J rushed into the toilet which has no door. I waited inside the dusty shop which was dark and in a sad state. The man came in with a monk and sat down, seemed to be waiting for us. He closed the shop door too. I felt uncomfortable and shouted in Teochew to J if she was done with her business. We thanked the man and quickly left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we finally reached Kopan, J asked if I wanted to go to visit Phuntsok Rinpoche. Of cos I want! Together with JY we walked to Phuntsok Rinpoche house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were so many photos of Rinpoche and his past life Geshe Lama Konchog. They were many relics of Geshe Lama Konchog too. I felt so blessed to be there to browse. We waited a while because Rinpoche was having his meal as he just came back from school. I was so excited. This was the second time I was seeing him, the first was when he came to Singapore at the age of 4-5. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Phuntsok Rinpoche gave us blessings as I presented to him some sweets and offering. He was polite, with his elderly Amala and Anila his aunt looking after him. Wish I had brought him some Lego to play with. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Kopan Nunnery offered us dinner. So we walked down the hill to the Nunnery. Took about 20 minutes. The evening was cold and I absolutely loved it.</span></span></div>
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_6391_496e_c43d_aba6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTBQ-qM9gUQ/WddDqkc09FI/AAAAAAAAaxg/RvuWLYo3puMLKpvxC-DCufA2y3v-7skkQCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a new gompa still under renovation. Khenrinpoche showed us the gompa, the ceiling had many mandalas of different deities already painted. Great energy! When many photos came out there were so many orbs. There were also new rooms which would be available soon for retreat. We also saw some nuns having debate at the courtyard. I was so happy to be there. </span></div>
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<b><b><u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 11</span></u></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last day of this trip and we drove all the way up Nagarjuna Hill. It was bumpy and at times the path was narrow as we meandered slowly up the hill. It was said the hills were holy because many enlightened beings like Nagarjuna and masters meditated here in the caves eons ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We finally reached after 2 hours drive. What a great view! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had some prayers and meditated here for a while before our stomach were calling. Kopan Monastery had prepared a picnic for us, we brought food and had a thoroughly enjoyable lunch up on the mountains. Also bonding time to get to know each other better, some of us were strangers for the past 10 days during the retreat because no talking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We shared some ideas for future retreats. So fun and heartwarming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a little house which had Guru Rinpoche statue inside. I was so happy i quickly offered khata and lights. I even offered my turquoise mala to Guru Rinpoche. Can you see it ? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another reason we were up Nagarjuna Hill was to hang prayer flags. So colourful and delightful seeing the flags moving with the cool wind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Made offerings everywhere to the holy objects. There is always that something so appealing going on pilgrimages and retreats. I returned home the next day, full of gratitude and bliss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"One instant of total awareness is one instant of perfect freedom and enlightenment."</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>- The Wisdom Deity, Manjushri. </b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This Nepal trip was years ago when I became a Tibetan Buddhist for only about 5-6 years at that time. I had always prayed that I would be able to go on such a retreat from Day One. The opportunity came after much hardship, difficulties and obstacles on my part, because it is not everyday that such an retreat is made available, and it is not everyday I could go to a place which I have always wanted to. They say, when the time is right, the teacher will appear. I would like to add that, if the student is not ready, the teacher will never appear. We have to create the causes and conditions to continuously plant the karmic seed to meet the holy beings in our future lives. May I be wise and wiser like the wisdom deity, Manjushri. </span></i></span><br />
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-39471640442149199912017-10-03T16:18:00.000+08:002017-10-04T20:21:21.298+08:00The last place on earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiwJH24VlUo/WdNHVI7FASI/AAAAAAAAasc/IGFDezpltGMzj1QOscpUpKTYa9mrT7xvACEwYBhgL/s1600/wallpapersxl-nepal-kathmandu-computer-hd-161531-1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #2979ff; font-family: "helvetica";"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" id="id_3e2a_8dd5_d36f_52cc" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiwJH24VlUo/WdNHVI7FASI/AAAAAAAAasc/IGFDezpltGMzj1QOscpUpKTYa9mrT7xvACEwYBhgL/s640/wallpapersxl-nepal-kathmandu-computer-hd-161531-1280x720.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640"></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Prologue: </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Sometimes I thought of leaving everything behind and go somewhere where I can just live in peace for the rest of my life in practice.
One place came to mind frequently is Nepal. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Some years ago, I was on a retreat at Kopan Monastery for a couple of weeks. It was a wonderful and liberating experience. I had just arrived in Nepal for the very first time, and I had a very strange thought that I would die there. It was a pretty intense feeling, like an urge. Nepal was new to me yet it felt quite familiar at the same time. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Kathmandu valley was beautiful. Kopan was beautiful. The mountains were beautiful. The people were beautiful. It is definitely more laid back than Singapore and I am not sure if I can get used to the lifestyle there.
I just had this intense urge that it will be the place I want to be when I die. So morbid, I know. I don't even know if I can survive a month there yet I had this strong feeling. I wonder if I will have the same feeling when I next visit. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">During that previous time, every night before I went to bed, I penned down my feelings and thoughts of the day on my mobile. I've actually forgotten all about it until I saw the notes on my mobile again. So maybe I'll post all my scribbles and random babblings of each day of my stay there in different posts. </span></i></span></div>
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<font face="Helvetica" size="2">Arrived at Kopan Monastery finally. Loved the drive from the airport and then uphill to Kopan, along the dusty and slightly bumpy roads. But as we drove uphill, the air became cooler and I felt refreshed. At the same time, excited.<br>
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There was a little commotion when we got onto our respective vans, as our friend J was missing from the group. When we reached Kopan, it was confirmed she was not in all the vans. One of the in-charge had to go back to the airport to look for her. She was found sobbing, as she claimed she could not find all 50 of us after she retrieved her luggage. My drama friend J! All is fine now. </font></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My retreat bedroom was quite bare with 3 beds although there are only me and my friend JY. It is above the Chenrezig gompa. Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup's room is at the top floor above us and the gompa. He had just passed away and the entire Kopan Monastery and Nunnery are now conducting 24/7 prayers for the entire 49 days.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am very touched and elated that I made this trip here which coincided within his 49 days of passing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So first thing first, after we checked in and settled into our room, in the late afternoon we went to Lama Lhundrup’s room to pay our respects. His relics were so many! Kunkhen showed and explained each relic to us. Offered khata to Lama Lhundrup. Felt so immensely happy I am finally here to 'see' Lama Lhundrup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway after a delightful dinner at the dining hall and a brisk stroll back to the room, I totally knocked out for the night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Day 2</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next morning, back at the dining hall, I was happy to see hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Dipped them with light soya sauce which J brought along from home. The view in Kopan was so beautiful as we are on top of the hill, and surrounded by the valley below.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the first session, a lot of explanation before we start. I was reading Lama Zopa Rinpoche's commentary of a teaching. Felt like he himself was present giving the teaching. Some words made me tear. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going to have no connection to internet for 2 weeks and I think I can still survive. My phone is in airplane mode. I think I can survive doing a solitary retreat in a cave or something. Haha, very ambitious! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Someone wanted to bring me to Phuntsok Rinpoche's house which was here in Kopan itself. I said no because feel guilty breaking retreat rule but at the same time regret missing the opportunity. Hope I will get the chance before I leave Kopan. Can't wait for him to grow up and to receive his teachings. I think I'll be 60 by then. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Phuntosk Rinpoche is the reincarnation of Geshe Lama Kunchog.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway I sighted him from my bedroom window early this morning walking up the hill. His house is a little further down the hill. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know why but I have sudden thoughts that I want to die here next time, if I've the good karma to. And it is only the first night here. Shall I make a living of writing and travelling to holy places? Can I survive? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first time, I saw random big drops of rain in Kopan with thunder but no rain came eventually. No sunset either.
Had the Nepali equivalent of our hum chim peng again. So good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Helped
an old monk with walking stick down the steps to the holy stupa. He sat on
the stone seat next to the stupa and pray. Captured shots of him. He
reminds me of the old Geshes of Gaden Shartse Monastery. </span></span></div>
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circumambulated the holy stupa of Geshe Lama Kunchog after the last
session late tonight. Made my wishes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss my guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche too. Disappointed he's not in Kopan during my first trip here. I know I don't have enough merits to see him as I wish. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still searching for my calling in this samsaric world, although I think I've already found my calling in my future lifetimes. Irony much!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Day 3</u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Woke up at 4.30am because our first session starts at 5am. Vincent is the designated morning call IC, he goes around with a real copper bell, ringing it slowly. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_ef51_8807_abee_728e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-36rxsXgiWDk/WdOTH26oriI/AAAAAAAAatc/OK0xOBp0scAP4bZebKEbCfZATPrQwFfXACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The gompa is freezing cold in the morning yet I love the fresh air which flows into the gompa which was not brightly lit but very cosy. Everyone saunters into the gompa and we start the session at the same time. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0);">Continued reading my book during session, and besides going through the prayer text there is nothing to do except to meditate. A few people are chanting. I'm praying we can finish 1,2 days earlier so we can do something else. Hehe. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pretty uneventful day. Still trying to meditate. Still trying to do visualization. The Buddha in my mind 24/7.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trying to read and absorb the teaching on emptiness. Brain went on strike. Fascinated by the meditation of the method taught though. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_cc93_3112_b15c_4d8b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N05B5sqHXVc/WdOklJSeZiI/AAAAAAAAauE/ypb9Qzit23AWbDBAqdjMbu1t7gHLGhT_wCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Highlight of the day: Bumped into Sangpo, LZR's personal attendant, when I was up on the hill catching the beautiful sunset. Chatted with him for a while and took a photo with him. He looked happy. His sisters were here to visit him. Gave him an angpow although he refused at first but I insisted.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A thin and friendly monk talked to me up on the hill too. His name is Namdol and he has been in Kopan for only 8 months. Gave him an angpow too. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_1fa1_93f0_83fc_cff5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CsZebhoJ4cs/WdOTKotB79I/AAAAAAAAatk/Vs3Q9nJnbuU1YRGYffWBdQHE0A2QSHnPgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My friend J is the heart of our 'makan gang' of 4, making us laugh during meal times although we are supposed to be silent during this retreat. -__-</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But really meal times are our happiest. I have never felt vegetarian food is that appetising until now. Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi has kindly asked the kitchen to take special care of our meals; we have so many fresh dishes with different variety every day. I especially love the deep fried cauliflowers and cheese and momos.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now I’m full and happy that tomorrow we are starting smoothly with the next target. A day earlier according to schedule. Gambatte, retreatants!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>Day 4</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0);">Confirmed I'm quite fast in chanting mantras. I have no other talent. I’m joking. This is my first time officially doing a retreat and I happened to love the deity very much. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="479" id="id_96c7_4b42_c4cf_739c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T7luU91u9cg/WdOkg1b6MoI/AAAAAAAAat8/HXxDhHX9GCocljXXRsBJyb0utUFiCRwsACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span></div>
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<br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We have quite a long break after lunch, about 4 hours of free time each day. It is also ‘me time’’ because we are supposed to be on silence mode so each of us is doing our own thing; sleeping, taking bath, roaming the garden grounds where it’s within retreat boundary. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Searching for a place to do my prayers as I prefer the outdoors than being in my room. Sat on the stone seat next to the holy stupa but before I could begin, Ram the Kopan driver, came and talked to me. Within a couple of minutes, made my escape. Ended on the steps of main gompa doing my prayers. It is so peaceful and quiet here.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Decided to write a letter to LZR since Sangpo is leaving in a couple of days to meet up with LZR. Had no decent paper. Went to the admin office to ask for paper. Met Namdol again at the main gompa. Excused myself before he can talk to me. Not in the mood to chat and I am not supposed to talk! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finally found a spot to write my letter... Inside my retreat gompa. Next, to find Sangpo. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_d868_31d2_3dc9_94a1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-91kQV5DK1hw/WdOklWv_zjI/AAAAAAAAauI/bv_J-sNisx0Fb8NfGWMPnvNLvELRO9XRwCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Noticed Jambhalas in the pond in front of the main gompa, threw some coins into it and made my wish. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visited the Kopan clinic down the hill because a friend was sick. Nice buildings sprouting within Kopan. Ventured a little further and passed by the monks' quarters, communal living. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="427" id="id_7f8c_113b_5515_3ebe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMgjok7fzUA/WdOkkxLH_BI/AAAAAAAAauA/5sBsp6SRLEcGZQFOTTB7i48VAg1QAUGOACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tenzin, the monk in charge of the library/shop was very helpful. Asked him to help me change to smaller rupees. He said he could close the Kopan shop later for me to shop if I do not have enough time before I leave. The library/shop is out of bounds during retreat. I also passed my letter and money offering for LZR to Tenzin to pass to Sangpo since they are good friends. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This trip I get a 'high' feeling. I always get this kind of 'high' feeling which is all too familiar but like the rest, I know it is just futile. Just dwell in the moment and let it pass. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>Day 5</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0);">Got up slightly late. Didn't hear the alarm. Because I was having a long dream and also something seemed stuck inside my ear. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Contemplating on impermanence.... om....</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_ae56_37b8_3b64_4ecb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyU8TBzg48c/WdOsvhJP1EI/AAAAAAAAaus/yedGg3ov4lk13TkX_1YxU319aXkcpSJAgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Had 2 hard boiled eggs, 2 hum chin peng, a bowl of cereal for breakfast. Really love the meals here. Delicious and I have no tummy ache issues. I also love the view everyday from the dining hall, the monks' school building is just below. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="426" id="id_ba1c_2fc7_812d_32e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H453N-eGrgM/WdOsv3KW0lI/AAAAAAAAauw/1tgoz8Pt7kQvftt9ztgKv8S7U66jyyHtQCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My friend G helped the old Geshe with walking stick down the steps to the stupa again. We notice he always go to the same spot next to the stupa.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="479" id="id_92db_6eba_806c_37d1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tGiCBhNBZ-8/WdOstQrKj8I/AAAAAAAAauo/HeKL6BD_VQ4mxmfH7Aqu-_Su4TswyreCQCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">G also saved an earthworm on the steps. She has saved a drowning butterfly from the pond, ants and earthworms. I think she will be the future Buddha who liberates beings in lower realms. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My body is burning hot when chanting the mantra after a few malas. Liking every session now that I am in momentum and enjoying myself. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="480" id="id_7954_807f_4c77_f7c4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-trlGdgt3B2Y/WdOstXpzqkI/AAAAAAAAauk/V2kZtI2aCwkjGsmGpFeQP0MzP0ukMllTgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Got stung by a bee in the gompa. It flew right inside of my right palm and died immediately after giving me its venom. My hand is painful and numb now. Wonder why it sacrificed its life just to sting me? Someone gave me painkiller and cream on my wound. I still find this strange. What was a bee doing inside our gompa? 🤔</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Went to Lama Lhundrup's room again. Kunkhen and 2 monks were still sorting more relics from his ashes. Took photos of them and paid respect to Lama Lhundrup again. Felt so at home and Kunkhen let me roam around the whole apartment. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Went to the roof top where light offerings are being lit 24/7 with a few nuns monitoring round the clock.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="479" id="id_8cf7_4eb6_570a_ae62" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZ_23LNpJSA/WdOvgnt1-8I/AAAAAAAAau8/Qp_N8VE3QSMxj3hJU680wnCLCQSsjWB_wCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They have put up cascading lightings covering the whole building getting ready for Lama Lhundrup's 49th day passing into nirvana.</span></span></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-31561202375332361672017-08-29T21:44:00.001+08:002017-09-02T12:31:25.924+08:00Two baos<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WMFD6JV8RYA/WaVvpO9Xe7I/AAAAAAAAaro/QgZCSuNIWRQqp7t2oPx31Q87aqDvSmNcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1389385366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WMFD6JV8RYA/WaVvpO9Xe7I/AAAAAAAAaro/QgZCSuNIWRQqp7t2oPx31Q87aqDvSmNcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1389385366.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';">This morning before I left for work, I asked my Pa if he had taken breakfast. He said yes. I asked what he ate. He replied, "2 bao". This is how I create a conversation with him.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';">Then after a pause of a minute, he asked me if I had any breakfast. I said yes, our helper had packed for me '2 bao' too. He asked again if I had breakfast to eat. I repeated the same reply. So touched he still remember to show concern to me even though he has slight dementia. His mind is still somewhat clear.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';">Last night when I came home, he wobbled into my room with his walking stick and asked if I had taken dinner.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Display'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIDisplay';">I think my parents are the only ones concerned for me in this lifetime. No one else will bother. </span><span style="font-family: '.AppleColorEmojiUI';">❤️😭</span></p></div>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-51447137687284685702017-08-17T09:42:00.001+08:002017-08-17T09:47:05.922+08:00Lati Rinpoche is back!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just received news that the reincarnation of Lati Rinpoche has been found! Finally, after 9 long years since the last time I saw the previous Lati Rinpoche. Can't wait to hear more about him! Rejoice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Read about my old posts on Lati Rinpocher <a href="http://lol8.blogspot.sg/2013/04/remembering-khensur-kyabje-lati.html">here.</a> </span><br />
<br />STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-59361824509959072462017-03-08T09:22:00.000+08:002017-03-08T09:22:21.127+08:00The natural scheme of life<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few months ago, someone I know from social media passed away. She was a school teacher. She was 33. I got acquainted to Amy almost 10 years ago. We both followed each other in social media. We are both Tibetan Buddhists although<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>she belongs to the Nyingma tradition and me <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gelugpa</span>. However she <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">had </span>attended the Grand Puja events organised by Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling a few times before, especially those conducted by Dagyab Rinpoche. She liked Dagyab<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>Rinpoche's teachings. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was only in early Decem<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ber</span> 2016 from her updates in Instagram, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I</span> realised she was very sic<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">k</span>. It was bone cancer and it was at terminal stage. I messaged her privately to send my regards. She only had one request<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....</span>.. She hoped to meet Dagyab Rinpoche for the last time before she dies. She told me she probably had a few more months left so she could wait until CNY period when Rinpoche would be in Singapore. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She had scheduled a visit to Taiwan to see her own guru for the last time in December 2016 but she was too weak to travel by then. She was pretty devastated her own guru also could not come Singapore in the next 6 months either. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On 6 Jan 2017, she passed away. It was faster than <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">what she had thought "<i>a few more months left'</i>. </span>Another lesson on impermanence for me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I would like to share some excerpts of Amy's posts on her thoughts /experience when she was dying<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, which I feel <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is </span>useful for the rest of us who are clinging to this life dearly. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Tired again from having to deal with people's resistance to death. Why is it seen as such a terrible thing?</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. If your belief system scares you about your afterlife even though you're essentially a good person, change it. </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. If the way you live your life scares you about your afterlife, change yourself. </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. If your belief system makes you judge good people for being different from you and convinces you that they're going to a bad afterlife, you probably need to examine and change yourself and your way of thought. </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. If you fear the afterlife because you don't know what will happen, find out about it.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. If you lack faith, find it."</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I have been a good person mostly, and I know what to expect when in the bardo (the 49 days after death), so I am not afraid of death. In fact I'm excited about it. So I don't understand why people are calling me pessimistic and scolding me when I'm ready for death. I am taking supplements and medication, and am going for treatment. I'm not suicidal. It's not my dying that is giving me anxiety, but people's behaviour."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"To me, a fear of death is silly. It's like people who insist on not visiting a country they've not been to because of media misrepresentation. Or, if they have been a rotten person, then they deserve where they are going to."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I'm living in pain and with disability. Even if the tumours are miraculously all rid of, I will be living in fear and paranoia after it. That would be hell to me, and I honestly do not think that I deserve it. A quick death would be mercy, and it's good that I still have the time to tie up loose ends."</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Saying goodbye is hard but we all need to, eventually. And if we have been good to each other, we will meet again, as old wine in new bottles :) "</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"So if you can't handle your own fears and choose to inflict them on me, please leave me alone. If you find it hard to say goodbye and can't get over yourself to treat me with kindness and respect, please leave me alone. I already have more than enough loved ones who know and respect me enough to fill my remaining days with love and joy, because that's what happens when you have lived striving to be the best person you can be to others."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Am feeling more calm and collected now that I'm finishing up with both, so that I can go into retreat to study. Seeing all those friends from different parts of my life once again helped me to piece together who I was as a person while we reminisced about old times -- the chemo erased many good memories. I led a full life, and am loved by many around me. If I could I would want to see a longer list of friends but that would compromise on my study time, so I'm really sorry to the ones I have left out."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"This is the most perfect way to die, with me able to tie up loose ends, and have a Tibetan Buddhist death at home in my bed. I'm extremely blessed to be able to go this way. Most of all I'm excited about the next destination -- it's like I'm traveling! "</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"And all this time I have the feeling that the purpose of my life is to show others how to live a meaningful life of no regrets, and more importantly, that death isn't a scary thing at all, and that one can choose to die gracefully with dignity."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"The breathlessness continues to worsen and we're controlling it with drugs. My nurse assures me that I'm barely taking enough to have any effect, so I shouldn't be hesitant to up the dosage. But the thing is the breakthrough drug (funnily, same one for pain and breathlessly for me) makes me incredibly drowsy and I'll end up sleeping lots."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Finally got to see my palliative doctor today and it made me extremely happy to hear him say that I'm his most unique patient because I'm so ready and unafraid of death. It's an assurance that I'm on the right track doing the right thing."</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at that time. May Amy have a good rebirth.</span></span></div>
STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-88836298966444887122017-03-06T23:30:00.000+08:002017-03-08T09:28:21.278+08:006 March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">💛 6 March 2017 💛</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two enthronements, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One auspicious day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two teachers<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One big celebration<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May the Wheel of Dharma turn infinitely.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today was really a rejoiceful day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and it was </span>8th day of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Losar (the T<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ibet</span></span>an <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">new year)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. During this period it is the 15 days of mir<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">acles. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the peak of Kathmandu Valley, where Kopan Monastery stands, the reincarnation of my former teacher, 'Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup' was being enthroned. The little boy is now Tenzin Rigsel Rinpoche. Welcome back, Khenrinpoche (he will always be 'Khenrinpoche' to me). Your return has very special significance to me. Thank you for letting me know that even as you took your last breath on the last day of your previous life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the snowy mountains of Dharamsala, yet another teacher of mine, Thupten Tenzin Rinpoche (former Lama Omze), was being enthroned too, as the 126th Abbot of Gyuto Tantric Monastery. I'm thankful to have made the connection with you when you visited Singapore late last year, and I was truly impressed and blessed by your teachings. Hope to see you again very soon, Rinpoche.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can't wait to see both my teachers real soon, somewhere....</span></span><br />
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-75120917980225461682017-03-05T20:03:00.000+08:002017-03-07T10:14:22.631+08:00A popiah and porridge party<div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mom cooked this Teochew mee kia (white noodles) which is naturally salted hence no need to add condiments. And my concoction of sambal belachan with tiny chopped lime skin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hokkien styled popiah consists of many types of veggies and not the usual radish (mang guang). I helped mom fry each type separately. There were cabbage, carrot, chives, long beans, short beans, coriander, fried chopped tau kwa and strips of pork belly. Again no need any condiments as the combination of all the ingredients made the popiah tasty enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The final product all mixed! There was so much that I had to split them into 2 batches.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our beautiful spread... ready to wrap the popiah! Other ingredients include strip<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s of fried egg<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s, small steamed prawns, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">boiled beansprouts,</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">peanut pow<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">der, black sweet sa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">uce, lettuce, garlic paste<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and chilli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> paste. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wrapping my popiah with prawns, lettuce, egg with sweet sauce and chilli and pound garlic and peanut powder. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So beautiful like wrapped salad. So tasty and shiok! Each person can usually eat 2-3 popiah at one go. My father us<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ed to be able to eat about 4 huge burst<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ing popiah he wraps himself. Now he can only manage one popiah at on<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e go.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Last time, h</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e would eat his popiah with peel<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ed <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">crunchy g<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">arlic,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> exactly the way my late grandfather <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">used to eat his popiah. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then we finished off our little popiah party devouring plain porridge with these typical sides, the way Teochews like it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm half Hokkien and half Teochew, by the way. Happy to be able to enjoy Hokkien popiah which reminds me of my late paternal grandma and the Teochew porridge reminds of my maternal grandma who came to join us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here she is, my beautiful 93 years old grandma. ❤️</span></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-20446630007076802042017-02-26T14:28:00.001+08:002017-03-06T09:15:29.499+08:00Beauty is in the eye of the beholder<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recently my eyes have been feeling dry that they are difficult to open, as if there are millions of miniscule dirt particles stuck inside. If I happen to wake up in the middle of the night, the eyes would be hard to pry open. I had to apply lubricant eye drops frequently. I wonder if I should get them treated or if this is due to age.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am born with a lazy eye. I've never broach on this before as I assume it is obvious to people. I discovered this when I was a child, maybe 6,7 years old. One day when I came back from school I was sitting on the floor in front of the mirror. Then I realised my eyes looked weird. I remember I was feeling sad and kept asking myself why I did not have normal perfect eyes like others. I asked myself why I did not have big beautiful eyes like others. I guess this made me a little self conscious of my looks. If I was not pretty conventionally, my eyes made me felt even worse. So I lived the rest of my childhood feeling inadequate, shy and 'not pretty'. I feel sad whenever anyone comments on my looks, even though no one has ever mentioned about my eyes. No one was that unkind. It didn't get to the point of me being depressed or anything drastic. But it remains just a bane in my subconscious mind. Haha. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over the years, I've come to accept that that's the way I look. I've not talk<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> to anyone about this and see no point in doing so. There's nothing I can do about how I'm born with. My eye sight is good without having to wear glasses. On hindsight, if I had been to the doctor when I was a kid and had it treated I might have improved my eyes and thus my looks. But with our family background then, we probably could not have afforded it anyway. And in these days of medical advances, cosmetic surgery can probably help. However I don't think I'll ever do it. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As long as I can see and my eyes are not blind, I think I should count my blessings. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Those who love me accept how I look. Those who care about me, love me beyond looks. I'll still continue taking selfies, the 'not pretty' me with loved ones and friends. Creating beautiful memories is more important than how unbeautiful I look physically. I guess we are beautiful in our own ways. </span></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-31553384434092815372017-01-30T09:42:00.001+08:002017-01-30T10:46:36.198+08:00Gong Hei Fatt Choy!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Chinese New Year, the Rooster has arrived! COCKADOODLEDOOOOO!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes all monkey business has ended, let's hope everybody will not start talking cock! </span></span> 😜</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our reunion dinner a few days earlier than the actual CNY Eve, as always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our
reunion dinner at home, we had Auspicious Yusheng, Treasure Pot with
Abalone (peng cai), Prosperity Pig's Trotter, Happiness Sea Cucumber
with Broccoli & Chestnuts, Fortune Deep Fried Chicken with Almonds,
and Harmony Radish Pork Bone Soup! So yummy! (OK, I gave the dishes
their auspicious names). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spruced up the house for a bit before guests arrive on the first day. Love my new layout for <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the living room</span>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bumped into the God of Wealth! Huat ahh!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It has been a rainy Chinese new year. Let's hope the rest of the year will not be stormy. But hey, without the storm you won't get to see the rainbow 🌈😄</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chinatown is spectacular as usual during CNY.... welcoming the Rooster in its glory and splendour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BTW my niece turned sweet 18 a couple of weeks ago and we sprung a surprise party for her. So fun! Love you always, girl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I thought it is significant to show my bed, as memories of CNY 2017. My sanctuary, haha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's all for now, folks! Have a great year ahead!</span> </div>
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<br />STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-35983895244678472752017-01-14T09:56:00.001+08:002017-03-06T09:16:57.156+08:002016 in a nutshell<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is it a little late to round up 2016? Anyway not going to. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a sombering 2016. It has not been an easy Monkey year but I thank my loved ones for being so understanding with me, my bosses for being kind and magnanimous to me, and to all who matters to me for believing in me. Most importantly I'm grateful to my Gurus and Sangha community and Dharma friends for teaching me what's the most important in Life. I may not grasp it all still, but I'll try. Good bye 2016! 👋</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This by Lang Leav quite fits the bill I guess. Looking forward to 2017.</span></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-5232093989797129532016-11-22T10:20:00.000+08:002016-11-22T10:20:10.609+08:00人生如戏,笑看人生<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Sharing a meaningful article:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">人最怕,深交后的陌生,认真后的痛苦,信任后的利用,温柔后的冷漠,亲朋间的误解!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">所以说有些事情不要太计较,睁一只眼闭一只眼,就会过去的</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">。</span>遇到爱你的人,学会感恩</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">。</span>遇到你爱的人,学会付出</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">。</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">有个懂你的人,是最大的幸福,总不能流血就喊痛,怕黑就开灯,想念就联系。人生就像蒲公英,看似自由,却身不由己。有些事,不是不在意,而是在意了又能怎样。自己尽力了就好,人生没有如果,只有后果和结果。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">站在山顶和山脚下的人,虽然地位不同,但在对方眼里,同样的渺小。每个人都喜欢简单的人,简单的事,不喜欢勾心斗角,不喜欢被算计,不喜欢假假的友情。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">没有人会懂你到底有多痛,没有人会懂你到底要怎么继续生活下去</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">。</span>没有人知道你经历了怎么样的生活,也没有人知道你微笑背后所隐藏的伤痛要怎么激烈</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">。</span>更没有人知道你在悲伤的时候却发现原来没有了眼泪。你必须坚强,你若不坚强,谁替你勇敢?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">人生,有许多事情无法言说。有些快乐,别人未必能理解;有些悲伤,别人未必能感受。有些累,疼在身上,累在心上;有些泪,挂在脸上,伤在心上;有些痛,无伤无痕,痛在心中。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">人最怕:深交后的陌生;认真后的痛苦;信任后的利用;温柔后的冷漠;爱有天意,是否会眷顾自己;心有灵犀,为何总让人无语。有声的,亦累;有形的,也苦;有伤的,还痛。原来,看不见的伤痕最疼,流不出的眼泪最冷。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">当你对自己微笑时,世上没烦事能纠缠你;当你对自己诚意时,世上没人能欺骗你。活在别人的掌声中,最易迷失自己;处在别人的关爱中,最易弱化自己。敢于面对困境的人,生命因此坚强。要感谢给你提意见的人,他使你成熟;要感谢给你造困境的人,他使你坚强。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">再好的东西,也有失去的一天,再美的事物,也有淡忘的一天。如果不能拥有就放手,如果舍不得就痛苦,该珍惜就珍惜,该放弃就放弃,走得轻松,活得才顺心。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">别问谁的行为伤了你,谁的感情苦了你。生活就是这样,有人痛疼,有人笑,有人哭泣,有人叫。伤了揉一揉,苦了忍一忍,谁的人生都有伤,哪种生活没有苦。有些总是难免的,有些总是难躲的,人生并不怕伤过痛过,也不怕苦过哭过,关键是面对痛疼,你想不想,能不能站起来。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">生活已经摊开在你面前,是屈服地背道而行,还是坦然地积极行事,生活会告诉你不同的答案。生命,有长短;生活,有苦乐;人生,有起落。学会挥袖从容,暖笑无殇。快乐,不是拥有的多,而是计较的少;乐观,不是没烦恼,而是懂得知足;人生无完美,曲折亦风景,看开,想通,就是完美。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">人和人相处,都要以一个平常的心态来对待,要时刻想到,这个世界上离了自己照常运行,谁离了我都能活;反过来,自己离了别人就难以生存,日复一日年复一年的重复内容,面对的是我所有的朋友,与他们相处,我很开心。所以我们要想快乐生活,开开心心过好每一天,就应该与人和睦相处,多一点宽容,多一分理解,多一分关怀。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">没有一个人,不是在相交中慢慢理解的,没有一份情,不是在相处中渐渐认同的。相交就要比心,相处就要凭情,情始于交往,心在于认同,好不好在来往中体现,行不行在相处间感受。真心付出,即使没有得到真情,也不要伤心。</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">这个世界上,没有什么能够糊弄到最后,谁好谁坏,早晚都会明白。只要你问心无愧,就算什么也没有得到,也不必太过看重。人生,在心重情,活着自会安宁。</span></div>
STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-9122441023494468652016-11-14T11:44:00.003+08:002016-11-14T15:28:57.870+08:00Anything is possible<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdQYFjcV0Qw/WCkbArZoaeI/AAAAAAAAaj4/mw81GzgM5SM/s640/blogger-image-316704680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdQYFjcV0Qw/WCkbArZoaeI/AAAAAAAAaj4/mw81GzgM5SM/s1600/blogger-image-316704680.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess most of the world is still reeling and recovering from the shock of Donald Trump becoming the most powerful man in the most powerful country in the world. My first reaction when <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I read the news was<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, "<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">world is crazy!"<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then someone posted,"<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>This is a nation that has grown up on day time trash talk TV. Why would we expect anything different? Suddenly it's all become very clear. Those seeds were planted long ago". </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Were these seeds planted long ago? Maybe. In Buddhism<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, we beli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eve in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he law of causality (ca<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">use and effect). You <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">reap what you sow. Everything is dependent on one another. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">collective karma of a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>coun<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">try and its p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eople which create the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">karma for the type of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">leader who will <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lead them. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other recent pieces of news I heard were also shock after shock, surprise after surprise. It is a strange phenomena, a strange period of changing times. And perhaps it is no coincidence that today 14 Nov 2016 happens to be the Supermoon. This full moon will be not only the closest and brightest supermoon of 2016 but also the largest since 1948 (68 years ago). <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What we do <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to Planet Earth,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> we receive<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in re<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">turn, its triggering<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>effects<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and energ<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ies</span>, the good and bad. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things which we thought was status quo wasn't. Things which we least expected happened. Business partners become competitors. Close friends become enemies. Enemies become buddies. Lovers become strangers. Things which were so dear to us become just.... an object overnight. Memories which we thought were beautiful become like something stuck in the throat. Things that we view with so much love and excitement are now just indifference. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, on the other hand, at the same time, whatever we view as terrible, has inadventently become, well, better. This morning when I woke up, I felt an overwhelming sense of calmness sweeping over me. I guess it is <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n</span>ot a bad feeling after all, experiencing some calm and happiness despite being in prickly situatio<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ns. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The journey never ends, it's a continuing process<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, from <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">good to bad, from worst to better<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">etc..</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
me, the only one good thing we get out of this Donald Trump ep<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">isode </span>is.... it
made me realise that anything everything is possible. Yes, there is HOPE!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> Perhaps it will egg me
on to achieve what the society or I once tho<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ught to be </span>utterly impossible.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Maybe this notion is not so cra<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">zy a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fter all. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, we</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">re these seeds planted long ago? Definitely. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everything can change in a split second, everythi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ng is changing </span>at e<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">very moment</span>. How dearly we pay to learn the lesson of impermanence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anything is f**king possible. </span></span></div>
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STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-81330677928183291592016-11-01T10:12:00.001+08:002016-11-01T10:26:07.293+08:00Thank you, readers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's strange. Although I've not been blogging regularly anymore, I still get emails from readers. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rece<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nt</span>ly t</span>here was Libby <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">who chanced upon my blog and read my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">earlier post </span></span></span></span>"有你的祝福, 没有过不去的苦" <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and introduced herself as a Buddhist and semi vegeta<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rian<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and hoped to connect with me<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a couple of days ago I received an email from a lady named Veronica who wanted to meet up with me. She said she is new in Tibetan Buddhism and wanted to learn from me over lunch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the same day the past Sunday, which was the last day of our grand puja event, a devotee named Lynn approached me at my booth. She said she found my blog and has been reading it. I'm so touched. I've seen her before on and off during special events but didn't know she is my reader. This is my selfie with her. Thanks for introducing yourself Lynn! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was another devotee who introduced herself as Miss Lam, also approached my booth to make donations and to say hi. She said she is my reader too. Wow I'm beyond speechless and touched they still remember my little low profile blog here. I'll try to blog more<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, hehe...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over the years since I s<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tarted my blog more than 10 years ago</span>, I have made <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">friends<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with my blog readers and fellow bloggers,</span> especially D<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">harma friends, who have become friends.</span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">🌷🌷🌹🌼🌼💐☘🌳🌲🌷🌷🌺💐🌼🌹🌹🌹🍀☘🌵🌷🌸🌼🌼🌻🌻🌼🌺🌹🌷🌷🌼🌻💐🌺🌹🌸🍀☘💐🌼🌹🌷🌹🍀🌼🌻🌺☘🍀🌵🌹🌹🌷🌸🌸</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers for my readers. Thank you for your friendship.</span></span></div>
<br />STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-23065485590581582702016-09-14T11:33:00.001+08:002016-09-14T12:15:16.383+08:00有你的祝福, 没有过不去的苦<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over the weekend, I spent a meaningful morning visiting the residents of a community hospital with a group of volunteers and choir Mudita from Amitabha Buddhist Centre. The purpose was to celebrate and spread some Mid-Autumn Festival cheer to them. We chit chatted with the residents while the singers went around every section of each ward<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> singing songs and mantras <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">continuously to the residents for 3 hours.</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I passed by one of the isolation rooms, I recognised a man inside. Two years ago, my father had a fall and was admitted to this community hospital and he stayed 2-3 weeks for rehabilitation and physiotherapy. During that time, this man who is a long term resident staying in the isolation room was still mobile. Whenever I visited my father, I remember the man was walking around the ward making a fuss here and there. Today he could not move anymore. He was just lying there with tubes connected to him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the chronic unit ward, I was trying to talk to an old lady whom the nurse called Mama Bear. She could not move and her hands are twisted. They told us as most of the patients in this ward are not able to move and some could not see, so they are unable to respond or interact with us. However they can still hear us. So it is good to try to talk to them. I saw her chart and realised she is a Hokkien, so I spoke to her in Hokkien. Her eyes were closed but tears were flowing down. I did not know what else to say except to let her listen to music and mantras playing from my mobile phone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May
all who are suffering physically and mentally be at peace, no matter
what circumstances they face. My deepest respect and appreciation to all
the admirable health care professionals and care providers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a wonderful, thought-provoking and humbling experience for me. I recorded videos of the songs which the singers sang to the residents (so that I could replay the songs to whoever needs it<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in future</span>). Whenever I replay the songs now or see the photos we took, I cannot help but to control my tears.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>I seriously be<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lieve that music can sooth and comfort o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ne's </span>soul/heart. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How wonderful it would be <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that during <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one's </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">weakest moments<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to have someone to comfort the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">m, to stand <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">up for them<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, or even just <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">having</span> someone<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s presence<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, is enough</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is one song </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "microsoft jhenghei" , sans-serif;">让爱传出去 </span>which I recorded. Love the meaningful lyrics. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 爱是看不见的语言 <br /> 爱是摸不到的感觉 <br /> 爱是我们小小的心愿 <br /> 希望你平安快乐永远 <br /> 爱是仰着头的喜悦 <br /> 爱是说不出的感谢 <br /> 爱是每天多付出一点点 <br /> 双手合十不在乎考验 <br /> 让爱传出去 <br /> 它像阳光温暖我和你 <br /> 不管有多遥远 <br /> 总有到的那一天 <br /> 让爱传出去 <br /> 那前方漫漫人生路 <br /> 有你的祝福 <br /> 没有过不去的苦</span>STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9770824.post-23541668796616223132016-09-11T09:13:00.001+08:002016-09-14T12:03:08.735+08:009/11<div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today is the first anniversary since Choden Rinpoche's parinirvana on 9/11 last year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Choden Rinpoche said, "Throughout your life, take heartfelt refuge in the Three Jewels. Always remember one's mind is the guru..... is the Buddha... in your heart. Whenever you have great fear or happiness, always think of all the objects of refuge in your heart. This will greatly help you to overcome the fears. Whatever experience you are going through, if you think all these within your heart, you can overcome all obstacles and leave the grudges of samsara behind." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May my teacher return very soon. 🙏</span></span></div>
STUMPBOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346716035518701618noreply@blogger.com0