Buddha, a World Teacher, an aspirant must prepare himself over an inconceivably long period of time spanning countless lives. During these past lives, the future Buddha is referred to as a bodhisattva, an aspirant to the full enlightenment of Buddhahood. In each life the bodhisattva must train himself, through altruistic deeds and meditative effort, to acquire the qualities essential to a Buddha. According to the teaching of rebirth, at birth our mind is not a blank slate but brings along all the qualities and tendencies we have fashioned in our previous lives. Thus to become a Buddha requires the fulfillment, to the ultimate degree, of all the moral and spiritual qualities that reach their climax in Buddhahood. These qualities are called paramis or paramitas, transcendent virtues or perfections. Different Buddhist traditions offer slightly different lists of the paramis. In the Theravada tradition they are said to be tenfold: generosity, moral conduct, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity. In each existence, life after life through countless cosmic aeons, a bodhisattva must cultivate these sublime virtues in all their manifold aspects.
Listen to teachings; and 'renounce' (not abandon) the conventional world with its ideas, motivations etc. This includes reading books, attending Buddhist community events, browsing forums, asking questions, propitiating the religious community, the immaculate Buddha, and all the holders of the Dharma. Perfect beings don't need to teach you, so you have to ask them to teach you. Mahayana Buddhists are bound by compassion to teach you. Essentially, prepare yourself as a vessel into which the teachings can be poured. The perfect vessel to receive the teachings has 3 qualities: 1) It is not already full or upturned. One must give up pride in what one already knows in order to receive the teachings and willing to receive teachings. 2) It is not dirty. One must not try to mix the teachings with what is already in the vase. This will only lead to confusion. 3) It is not broken. Remember what is taught, otherwise the teachings fall straight through the vase.
Contemplate the teachings. Don't simply accept the teachings, investigate them thoroughly. Always consider the teachings in their context and try to clarify all doubts and misconceptions you have. This can be done, again, by reading associated material, visiting discussion forums, asking experienced practitioners, preferably ordained monks and nuns, and recognized Masters.
Meditate on the teachings. The teachings are a vehicle for you to achieve lasting peace and happiness. They are not a means for themselves. Accumulating teachings and not integrating them into your life is like baking a cake and not eating it. Without meditation, the subtle points will be missed and realizations will not arise
The Way:
Trying to spread the teachings / help sentient beings, without having a firm understanding / without being grounded in realization, is like handing another person your torch and leaving yourself in the dark. Only a realized master can light another's torch and retain his own radiance.
Another way to look at it is that we are all drowning in the sea of our past karma. A drowning man cannot save another, so just try to save yourself. When you are enlightened, there will be an endless sea of beings for you to benefit. You can dedicate your own efforts to the future enlightenment of others.
"Meditation without prior instruction is the way of the beast" - Sakya Pandita. So endeavor to learn more, whatever your capacity.
Every sentient being has Buddha Nature. The bacteria on the sole of your shoe can achieve it! If you put your mind to it, you are bound to achieve absolute peace.
The path to enlightenment takes a long time and is fraught with obstacles. Yet there is no greater achievement, and there is no greater bliss. The heavens are conditioned. As all phenomenal existence, they do not last, and residence there is lengthy, but still only temporary. Eventually, all Gods reincarnate when their merit has run dry. Therefore, the wise seek only perfect enlightenment.
It is difficult to gauge one's progress on the path, and even more difficult to gauge the realization of others. However, disinterest in the gamut of samsaric experience and an increased feeling of compassion for those who suffer are pretty good signs.
The path to enlightenment is profound, unlike any other.
Relax.
Take Note:
Take the teachings and run - don't get involved in politics. When you become a realized master, then you can dispute for others' benefit, not before.
Obstacles on the path to enlightenment can indicate progress. They would not arise if there were nothing to obstruct i.e. your intention to gain enlightenment.
Don't be bull-headed with what you learn. Understand why Buddhism is called 'The Middle Way'.
Enlightenment
Buddha, a World Teacher, an aspirant must prepare himself over an inconceivably long period of time spanning countless lives. During these past lives, the future Buddha is referred to as a bodhisattva, an aspirant to the full enlightenment of Buddhahood. In each life the bodhisattva must train himself, through altruistic deeds and meditative effort, to acquire the qualities essential to a Buddha. According to the teaching of rebirth, at birth our mind is not a blank slate but brings along all the qualities and tendencies we have fashioned in our previous lives. Thus to become a Buddha requires the fulfillment, to the ultimate degree, of all the moral and spiritual qualities that reach their climax in Buddhahood. These qualities are called paramis or paramitas, transcendent virtues or perfections. Different Buddhist traditions offer slightly different lists of the paramis. In the Theravada tradition they are said to be tenfold: generosity, moral conduct, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity. In each existence, life after life through countless cosmic aeons, a bodhisattva must cultivate these sublime virtues in all their manifold aspects.
Listen to teachings; and 'renounce' (not abandon) the conventional world with its ideas, motivations etc. This includes reading books, attending Buddhist community events, browsing forums, asking questions, propitiating the religious community, the immaculate Buddha, and all the holders of the Dharma. Perfect beings don't need to teach you, so you have to ask them to teach you. Mahayana Buddhists are bound by compassion to teach you. Essentially, prepare yourself as a vessel into which the teachings can be poured. The perfect vessel to receive the teachings has 3 qualities: 1) It is not already full or upturned. One must give up pride in what one already knows in order to receive the teachings and willing to receive teachings. 2) It is not dirty. One must not try to mix the teachings with what is already in the vase. This will only lead to confusion. 3) It is not broken. Remember what is taught, otherwise the teachings fall straight through the vase.
Contemplate the teachings. Don't simply accept the teachings, investigate them thoroughly. Always consider the teachings in their context and try to clarify all doubts and misconceptions you have. This can be done, again, by reading associated material, visiting discussion forums, asking experienced practitioners, preferably ordained monks and nuns, and recognized Masters.
Meditate on the teachings. The teachings are a vehicle for you to achieve lasting peace and happiness. They are not a means for themselves. Accumulating teachings and not integrating them into your life is like baking a cake and not eating it. Without meditation, the subtle points will be missed and realizations will not arise
The Way:
Trying to spread the teachings / help sentient beings, without having a firm understanding / without being grounded in realization, is like handing another person your torch and leaving yourself in the dark. Only a realized master can light another's torch and retain his own radiance.
Another way to look at it is that we are all drowning in the sea of our past karma. A drowning man cannot save another, so just try to save yourself. When you are enlightened, there will be an endless sea of beings for you to benefit. You can dedicate your own efforts to the future enlightenment of others.
"Meditation without prior instruction is the way of the beast" - Sakya Pandita. So endeavor to learn more, whatever your capacity.
Every sentient being has Buddha Nature. The bacteria on the sole of your shoe can achieve it! If you put your mind to it, you are bound to achieve absolute peace.
The path to enlightenment takes a long time and is fraught with obstacles. Yet there is no greater achievement, and there is no greater bliss. The heavens are conditioned. As all phenomenal existence, they do not last, and residence there is lengthy, but still only temporary. Eventually, all Gods reincarnate when their merit has run dry. Therefore, the wise seek only perfect enlightenment.
It is difficult to gauge one's progress on the path, and even more difficult to gauge the realization of others. However, disinterest in the gamut of samsaric experience and an increased feeling of compassion for those who suffer are pretty good signs.
The path to enlightenment is profound, unlike any other.
Relax.
Take Note:
Take the teachings and run - don't get involved in politics. When you become a realized master, then you can dispute for others' benefit, not before.
Obstacles on the path to enlightenment can indicate progress. They would not arise if there were nothing to obstruct i.e. your intention to gain enlightenment.
Don't be bull-headed with what you learn. Understand why Buddhism is called 'The Middle Way'.
Empty Mind
Soothe and replenish your spirit.
Quiet your mind.
Sit quietly.
Empty your mind of thought.
Rest frequently.
Breathe.
Keep everything simple.
Experience the current moment.
Be open to experience.
Let go of bias and expectation.
Be happy.
You are who you are.
Take pride in your individuality.
Be content.
Find contentment in where you are.
Take responsibility.
Relieve your mind.
Be pleasant.
You live.
Life So Far
We have lived so far, we have come so far, we have seen so far, we have experienced so far, we have heard so far, we have felt so far, we have thought so far, we have dreamt so far, we have strived so far, we have bear so far, we have cried so far, we have laughed so far, we have run so far, we have walked so far, we have been hurt so far, we have laughed so far, we have tried so far, we have failed so far, we have gained so far, we have lost so far, we have won so far, we have regretted so far, we are not remorseful so far, we have felt the pain so far, we have seen lives lost so far, we have seen the world changed so far, we know our limits so far, we have know our good points so far, we have our doubts so far, we have choosen the right choice so far, we made wrong move so far, we have reached where we want so far and just how far more do you think you can continue from where you are so far...
Time = Life
Most of us have inspirations on what we want to be or the kind of lifestyle we wants to lead. However as we are worrying and thinking hard about the next step in life, we are actually floating along with time without realising it. That is just how fast life can be. We look forward to new things, new events, happy occasions but as we move towards the day, we have to exchange current time to leave it behind us within the next second. So before you harp on the bad experience with someone, before you plot your revenge on someone, before you think of hating someone, THINK again. Do you want to exchange your time on all these pointless emotion? Of course sometimes we do feel we are being judged unfairly or injustice treatment but at the same time, these unhappy event happened to those who actually spent time of their own to cause such grief on us. That's their time lost not ours so we move on fast and real fast. So today before you sleep, just be glad you have lived a life today. See you tomorrow...and tomorrow and tomorrow and....well...will there be always another tomorrow?
The Significance of Vesak - Buddha Day
Extract from: http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm
The significance of Vesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.
As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.
During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples of them .. . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on.... As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another. Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of unsatisfactoriness paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realisation dawned in him together with all psychic powers.
This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2500 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness.
May you be blessed with enlightenment and happiness :)
Time & Us
By the time you read this post, look at your clock, another second has gone, another minute has passed, your surrounding seems motionless but your clock is ticking away. Life have just gone in the next few moment without us knowing. So fast, without us knowing, we aged, without us knowing, people come and go, without us realising, the world is never the same as yesterday. Sometimes I wonder...just wonder, what have you really achieve before you leave this world that can bring along...I have only one answer; virtue...gain it while you still can...
What is Life
What is life about? Life Is Forever Eternity? Well in real life it doesn't seems so easy and straight forward. We experience joy, sadness, anger, disappointment, hurt, fear, anxiety etc etc...none of these ever spell forever eternity and just how these eternity comes about in our world? To me, it means finding peace and happiness in ourselves. Its not easy but believe me, we are going to face all these till the day we leave this world. So the word LIFE to me means; Life Is Forver Experienciing...
The Making Of All Successful & Power Man
I read in the internet the history of many successful people we ever know on earth till this day and I can't help but to record this extract here!
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face.... You must do the thing you cannot do. And remember, the finest steel gets sent through the hottest furnace"
"A winner is not one who never fails, but one who NEVER QUITS!"
Life Vs Life
What do i mean by life vs life? We have a life in this world and we claim we lead our own life, just how often do people realise by pursuing their life while living in this life they actually have to spend more lifetime to achieve it? Some born to have every material needs that others are seeking, then what is the next thing these people wants to pursue for the rest of their lives? Some are born with nothing much to exclaim about and have to slug their way to achieve as much life satisafaction as possible. Well end of the day, we have 2 simple group of people, one who has the world of fortune but spending the rest of the life wondering why other people have to struggle in life and why not just enjoy life and another group having to use their lifespan trying to achieve what the other group already have. Of course many times people can be caught in the middle and some gave up half way to declare self-satisfied in the way things are. Well, think about this while you have the luxury sitting on the toilet bowl waiting for life to pass, all of us have a limited lifespan in this world, after all the struggle to convince yourself what you want, half of our life has passed us, therefore, let's not worry ourselves too much at every moment in our day, just ask ourselves will we have many tomorrow. Stay contented and happy to be breathing. Cheers~
Love Everyday
We are always surrounded by different kind of people everyday, everyone has a different story to tell someone out there, but i have only one story to tell to my baby, "My love for you never will change, thank you for walking into my life"
Building Our Castle In The Air
No more ERP gantries, no more traffic jam, only minutes to Orchard, minutes to work, walking distance to Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus showrooms, my VW service center...you name it, they are all there. Above the earth, unblocked high rise city view, superior cosy full condo style interior, romantic dining by the window bay, newest estate...no i am not building castle in the air, it is our new lovey dovey Kingdom, waiting anxiously for its new King and Queen ;) We are on top of the world!
We Are One - Jan 2009
I am Mr Tan & she is Mrs Tan! With the shower of blessings from our family, relatives, friends and colleagues, we celebrated our wedding in the most freestyle and cosy way by the beach! Not to forget our very own Bug above, smart in his ribbons, cheers from Mickey and Minnie Mouse in front, its a dream wedding comes true! Thank You Everyone For Your Blessings..We wish all of you happiness always....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
