tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84408863798866092024-03-19T11:06:28.463+08:00Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth)SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.comBlogger950125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-5559809564141783932020-02-06T12:06:00.001+08:002020-02-06T12:06:20.588+08:00We have moved! Hello friends, brothers & sisters of the dharma and all sentinel beings still checking this space out,<br />
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SBM Youth has moved over to our new home at <a href="https://www.sbm.sg/" style="font-weight: bold;">https://www.sbm.sg/</a><br /><br />Do check us out over there as it will be updated with all upcoming activities, see you are 9 Ruby Lane :)<br />
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Till then, stay woke, choose happiness ~<br />
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<img alt="Image result for see you there meme" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/35365083f7d79ba92da721e0bbf9c3c0/tenor.gif?itemid=10227314" />Ernesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11632640010723842176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-63050319438578827442017-09-18T12:25:00.001+08:002017-09-18T12:25:32.282+08:00Reflection on Jia Hui's sharing "The 5 Important Truths about Life"<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday was my first visit to SBMY, and I must conclude that it was an enriching experience. The teachings of Buddha are one where discussions are allowed, one where questions could be raised. It was through these processes that we affirmed our faith, where we acknowledged the “truth” that Buddha discovered. Unlike other theistic religion which proclaims themselves as the ultimate “creator”, Buddha made no such claims. He discovered the “truth” of this universe and decides to share the truth and the various pathways to the final enlightenment. Therefore, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our relationship with Buddha is a “teacher- student “relationship</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and as students we are proud to say, one day we can be someone like Buddha too.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jia Hui made an interesting sharing titled “The 5 Important Truths about Life”, based on <a href="http://hackspirit.com/learn-5-brutal-truths-life-youll-much-better-person-according-buddhism/" target="_blank">this</a> article. It was a thought-provoking session not because of any complex theories or ideologies, but the fact that a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">simple thought, a straightforward advice, could be the most arduous act for us</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#1-Worrying is useless</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” As another quote goes: “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” While it seems clear that worrying changes almost nothing most of the time, why do we still worry? The answer seems to point towards the fact worrying is almost an innate tendency or part of our psychological reaction. A simple chart below that I saw on the net sometime back seems to provide us with a good solution to the “worrying” problem. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="C:\Users\the_u\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\worry.png" height="256" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Y7XUFe8wJ5EDhjpVuuFy3uXRDWDoGo9VG69hwp6iz5ExfpitqrSaF1C-_fOhaQklOGWWfqeR1nukrFNMADJ6381E3uS5_OxgSVIBgVckyHtO-yLFah-1ONu3TLnQLTJOnjVn233RU5_iWTg39Q" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="370" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While Buddha provides us with the various explanations that “worrying” is futile (For example: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What we perceive with our senses are impermanent/ just a “delusion”, therefore our various attachments to these perceptions should be slowly withdrew over time</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">), these explanations will just remain as a theoretical explanation if not applied in real life. What makes Buddhism precious and unique from other philosophies is the fact that these theoretical explanations could be practically applied, slowly in due course. As the saying goes:” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One would only know if the water is hot or cold if that person drinks it personally</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#2- One must see reality in order to be happy</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jia Hui noted a good point on “avoiding avoiding negativity”. We need to be a little “scientific” here in appraising what is negativity. Firstly, is the situation truly negative or truly positive? Buddha tells us that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the things we lose might not be entirely negative, while the things we gain might not be entirely positive</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As a result, there are very few things in life that can be conclusive of being “truly negative” as negativity and positivity are ultimately relative. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As disciples of Buddha, we should not be afraid of negative situations or sufferings. Drawing back to the previous point on bridging the theoretical explanation and practical application, when a negative situation arises, it is time for us to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">face the problems and our true selves</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> courageously. For example: “Repeatedly asking ourselves why am I feeling angsty when I saw my ex with my good friend together?” Is it because of the insecurities? My ego/pride? Who or where is this person that I am feeling angsty about? Is he/she worth it? Is he/she even truly there? Why do I feel angsty then? Why is there a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tsunami in my inner self when only a breeze of wind passes by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? These self-inquiry, together with the wisdom that Buddha taught us would make us closer on the path of enlightenment. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without negative situations with just positive situations would not make us grow exponentially</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> regardless of spiritual or character development.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#3-We need to accept change</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Change is always happening. Buddha tells us that even our bodies, our cells, they are rapidly changing every second. Everything that can be observed in this world or universe, is forever undergoing a change. Therefore, even the “now” moment does not actually exist. The present moment in Buddhism refers to the state of mind where there is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no “internal” clinging to the “external” world</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the past (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The past no longer is</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">), the now (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The now is ever changing</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) and the future (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The future has yet to come</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) (from Mahayana Diamond Sutra). The teachings that we are exposed to since young is a relative form of teaching. Internal to External, Good to Bad, Positive to Negative, Past to Present etc. These relative forms of teaching allow an easier functioning of the human society as a whole, but as an individual across millenniums, these relative concepts and schemas become deeply rooted within, resulted in us encountering so much difficulty in uncovering the Buddha’s nature that are existent in everyone. The path of being a Buddhist is going through </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a process of conversion or transcendence</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a process of recycling. Aka Change!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#4-The root of suffering is pursuing temporary feelings</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emotions in psychology are sometimes referred to just neuro activities occurring in our brain. Science tells us that these neuro activities are never lasting. Neurochemicals released like dopamine could make us “feel good” when we are exercising at that moment. Beyond that moment when dopamine is inhibited, physiologically we do not “feel good” anymore. This modern-day discovery is aligned with what Buddha taught two thousand over years ago. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does that mean we stop pursuing our goals? Or even “happiness”? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No. Being a Buddhist is NOT when one become sceptical in life</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Even Aristotle strives for the state of Eudaimonia that enshrines happiness. We should continue pursuing our dreams, our goals, our girlfriends/boyfriends, our good quality of life as long it does not violate the moral and country law. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BUT at the same time, internally we possess the tranquillity, the insight and the true wisdom that surpasses and transcends ourselves whether we are in the state of “suffering” or the state of “happiness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”. An abstract metaphor here to relate is the nature of the Lotus Flower. “Where the flower </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">come out of the dirty mud unsoiled, emerged unstained from the filth.”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 佛法出世间,不离世间觉。</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#5-Meditation is the path to reducing suffering</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am still a beginner in meditation, but my few experiences in meditation tells me that meditation is incredibly important in knowing ourselves. When we do not meditate, we might not know how much thoughts are racing in our mind every second. It is almost like a crazy monkey sometimes! But when we truly meditate we realise, how far we are from attaining true tranquillity. It is like </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we do not know how dusty our table is until the sunlight shines on the table next morning</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. At least we would not be living under the delusion that the table is clean as speck and we will start cleaning the table from then on!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will end my long ranting with two Buddhist poems made by two renowned zen masters when they were asked to explain the “Buddha’s nature/heart” by their teacher.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">身为菩提树,心为明镜台。时时勤拂拭,勿使惹尘埃.</span></div>
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</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The body is the wisdom tree. Your heart is the stand of mirror bright. Frequently wipe it. Don't let it be dusty." </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">菩提本无树,明镜亦非台。本来无一物,何处惹尘</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">埃.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“There is no wisdom tree; nor a stand of a mirror bright, since all is void, where can the dust alight?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second poem made by 慧能 (Hui Neng), later become the sixth and last patriarch of Zen Buddhism in China. Their teacher 弘忍(Hong Ren), the fifth patriarch of Zen Buddhism, set this “exam” back then to decide which of the two to pass down the lineage. Food for thought: Why the second poem was considered to be the one that exemplifies the deeper understanding of Zen as compared to the first?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By Jordan.</span></div>
SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-75390381997944710512017-09-09T16:59:00.005+08:002017-09-09T16:59:59.751+08:00Reflection on Shi Xiong's sharing "Our Buddha, the hero"Last Saturday, brother Shi Xiong gave a sharing entitled "Our Buddha, the hero". He told us a few stories on Angulimala, Sunita and King Pasenadi.<br />
<br />
My personal favourite was the story of Angulimala. In my opinion it is very meaningful, the story tells us about a man who was sort of a serial killer that everyone was afraid of and one day the Buddha managed to get him to change his mindset.<br />
<br />
I find this beautiful as he managed to overcome his negative view on the human population and become a better person in the end. He understood the consequences of his actions and never made a move out of fury again. This lesson this story taught is the most memorable, it taught me that all that we do good or bad would be accountable and that however bad it may be we must accept the consequence of our action openly and learn from there. Our punishment may seem small in the eyes of others whom we'd harmed but it is a start and a chance for us to change. A second chance.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Shi Xiong!<br />
<br />
- Xuan TingSBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-73294407004142343782017-04-08T22:03:00.002+08:002017-04-08T22:03:38.613+08:00Mindfulness Reflection<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I was
tasked to take up the sharing on mindfulness with Titus, I was slightly
apprehensive. I haven’t been as involved in practicing Buddhism and its
practices for quite some time, and I felt very “rusty” with regards to the dharma.
But at the same time, I was thankful for an opportunity to allow myself to once
again get in touch with the Dharma, and to be reminded to apply it in my daily
life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><u>Mindfulness of the present moment.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why ruminate in the past and future when you can
simply enjoy the present moment?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That was
the main question posed to all who were present at the sharing. Essentially, we
tend to always, think of past and future scenarios. We look to good memories in
the past as a form of reminiscing good times, we look to moments we wished we could
relive so as to make different choices, fueled by regrets we have. We look to
the future, anxious of what is to come. We make up tens of different situations
that may occur, we get ourselves worried over potential failures in life, we
conjure different images of what our future may hold, but since we can’t do
anything about the future, why overthink? Why make up various scenarios that
would ultimately not unfold the way it does? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So many
questions, and so many things I’m guilty of doing. Sometimes, ruminating in the
past or the future causes undue stress, and results in unhappiness, dissatisfaction,
dukkha. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ultimately,
we can strive to live in the present moment to rid the stresses ruminating in
the past and future can bring about. And by living in the present, we are fully
involved in the activities we engage in. This allows us to enjoy the activity
so much more. Ultimately, why savour the activity and reminisce about it after
it’s over when you can enjoy it when it is happening? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course, all
of these things are easy to talk about but not easy to put into practice. I’m
however very thankful for the discussions which highlighted the importance of being
in the present moment, of being mindful of the ‘now’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is with
the hopes that next year I would be more mindful than how I am now, someone who
is able to enjoy life and appreciate life so much more. I’m looking forward to
continue this journey or learning with my kalyana mitras and excited to grow together
with all of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you too
want to improve your life through your own merits and learn more on how to be a
more joyful person, then join us Saturdays @ 9 Ruby Lane! For all who’d want to
know more about mindfulness of the present moment, this was a video that was
showed during the mindfulness sharing that I thought was quite informative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“embed
video” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSE6ZIaEFHM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Till next
time! <br />
Jessa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: start;"><br />(If any of the readers [hello you!] are interested to join us, do drop us a message at the side or follow us on Instagram @sbmyouth or like our Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/sbmyouth/ )<br /><br />May all of you be well and happy! </span></div>
<br />SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-89367842769478961102017-03-17T08:39:00.004+08:002017-03-21T21:09:43.022+08:00Breathing Meditation Sharing<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11 March 2017</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The breathing mediation sharing session conducted by Brother Titus and Brother Zeming is very </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">beneficial to say the least. At the start of the session, we shared about one personal flaw which we have. Personally for me, it is the ability to keep focus for an extended period of time – be it daily activities such as reading or keeping on track to long term goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through the breathing exercise, I learnt to develop mindfulness by focusing on and counting my breaths. At the start, I was not used to such breathing exercise and even dozed off half way through! However, subsequently, I was able to pay better attention on my counting and breathing. The entire session was very relaxing and it certainly helped to develop heightened attention. I able to apply this session to help me overcome my personal flaw by constantly be in a mindful state and re-focus myself if I diverted from my goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look towards more of such sessions in the future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Thomas</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">///</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br />Thank you Thomas for the wonderful reflection on the sharing last Saturday! It was indeed a wonderful and fruitful experience as we learnt more about the breath and the wonders of Breathing Meditation with a side dish of Mindfulness! Hope to see more of you soon for future sessions!!<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(If any of the readers [hello you!] are interested to join us, do drop us a message at the side or follow us on Instagram @sbmyouth or like our Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/sbmyouth/ )</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">May all of you be well and happy! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-65549495590367780072017-03-13T10:50:00.003+08:002017-03-21T21:08:11.202+08:00Community Service Session #1<h2>
Bright Hill Evergreen Home</h2>
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4 March 2017</h3>
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As my very first interaction experience in an old folks home, I had anticipated that all the elderly to warmly welcome our presence and be fully participative in conversations. I had neglected the fact that there could be elderly that were immobile, with dementia, and having medical issues. I had envisioned them to be in the pink of health, and as enthusiastic as my own grandmother at seeing me. however, that was not the case. upon arrival we all saw the less well known side of old folk homes. </div>
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Several aunties were shouting words that were simply indecipherable. we set to begin the day by initiating an interaction, although it was tough to hold a conversation due to either language barrier or the lack of reciprocation, we pressed on. to our surprise, quite a few of the old women replied after some effort and we began asking questions on their life and if they enjoy activities that other volunteer groups plan for them and what type of activities they enjoy participating in. </div>
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At 9 am, it was snack time and Jia Min had bought lots of pandan cake for the old folks to enjoy and it was rather heartening to see the old folks to look a little more active. several aunties could not eat solid food so a few of us had to feed them either by spoon or a syringe. I fed one old lady with a spoon from a cup and at first I assumed she was able to sip from the spoon so I placed the spoon at her lips and i realised it didn't work out so i placed the spoon inside her mouth and she seemed fine as we progressed and soon the cup was nearly empty. however, I don't know what upset her but she started to shake her head vigorously and refused to have another mouthful and nearly cried while muttering inaudibly, stunned and unsure of what to do, I looked over to a nurse and she came by and told me that I should stop feeding the auntie as she's had enough. </div>
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Soon, snack time was over and we started up conversations again. one of the old women complimented each and every one of us and it was really sweet and soon we started up an impromptu karaoke session and the whole room was filled with old Hokkien and Chinese songs, and the atmosphere felt light for what seemed like the first time that day. </div>
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Although it was a bumpy experience and it was not easy, I feel like this was a fantastic learning experience for us and a good way of giving back, and would definitely do it again.</div>
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- Carolina<br />
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I have never specifically volunteered at an elderly’s home. Personally, the volunteer experience at Bright Hill’s Elderly Home has been a rather enriching and eye-opening experience. It was indeed an experience that not only cleared up personal myths that I had regarding elderly homes, but also one that allowed me to reflect on how lucky I am to be born into this generation. The learning that I have taken out of this experience would undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to me now, even more so in future.<br />
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From this experience, I realized that elderly homes aren’t as peaceful and the environment wasn’t as light-hearted as I thought it would be. Growing up, I have always associated volunteering at elderly homes with games, performances, and generally the want to want to interact with the volunteers. However, I soon understood that that might not be so as some of the elderlies were unwilling to interact and converse with us.<br />
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Initially, I was feeling quite dejected as I was unable to get any responses from any of the elderlies that I approached. As a generally rather loud and social person, I felt out of place as I did not really know what I should say or do when someone does not respond to my greetings and questions. It was definitely a huge step out of my comfort zone and one of the many “first-times” I faced through the whole volunteering experience.<br />
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It was definitely something that I did not expect to happen. Nonetheless, I adapted along with the situation and soon became more comfortable and interacted with the elderly who were more vocal and willing to interact with us.<br />
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Other than the rejection from some of the elderlies, there also arose a problem of a pretty severe language barrier. Most of the elderlies are unable to communicate with us fluently in English nor Chinese as they grew up speaking different dialects. Personally, the pre-existing problem of a language barrier was not that severe as I grew up in a Hokkien and Teochew dominant family, where a majority of my direct and extended family members would constantly speak in both Hokkien and Teochew to each other.<br />
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Despite so, I have yet to fully master both dialects and tend to mix both up at times. However, growing up in a such an environment, I faced little problems with communicating with a fraction of the elderlies. Though I struggled in finding the correct terms at times, the elderlies that I was talking to always seemed to know what I was going to say.<br />
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I particularly remember this one elderly woman whom I was conversing with most of the time. She shared with me, albeit in Hokkien, a dialect I was familiar with, but not quite fluent in, her many life experiences and her takeaways from her experiences. Although I knew, not personally, that life was not as easy as we have it now, I did not truly understand the pains of the life that our pioneer generation had gone through.<br />
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She told me about how she worked as a maid at someone else’s house and had to struggle with earning a living and taking care of her siblings at the same time. Not only so, even after she got married and grew old, she was unable to enjoy her life as she had to continue working and did not have any sons nor daughters. I also felt a pang of sadness in me when I heard that her husband had died a few years back.<br />
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As she was sharing her story, I felt the immense luckiness of being born in the 21st century and not having to work from a young age. Currently at 15, I have never had to work one bit to get the things that I have. Since young, I was able to get whatever I wanted just by simply asking for it or throwing a tantrum.<br />
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Her story made me feel more appreciative of what I have. When I got home that day, I felt that I have not appreciated the things and people around me enough. I realized that having such people who constantly stood by my side to support me, and having such material possessions to help and aid me in my daily life, such people and things aren’t something that everyone is entitled to. Rather, they are something I’m privileged to have, and they are some things that I need to show appreciation and be grateful for...<br />
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- Bernice<br />
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Thank you Carolina and Bernice for your thoughts & for joining us on SBMY's first community service session of the year! Thank you for taking time & courage (as it was your first time doing community service) and we hope to see more of you soon!<br />
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(If any of the readers [hello you!] are interested to join us, do drop us a message at the side or follow us on instagram @sbmyouth or like our facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/sbmyouth/ )<br />
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May all of you be well and happy!<br />
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SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-67094052802908407462017-02-14T00:18:00.000+08:002017-03-21T21:08:24.783+08:00How Deep Is Your Love?<h2>
A Valentine's Special</h2>
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11 February 2017</h3>
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It was my first time attending a sharing in SBM and to my surprise, it's a special valentine's day sharing on "How deep is your love?"<br />
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Initially, I felt a little awkward talking about this topic. However, the mature atmosphere made me feel comfortable sharing not only about love, but romantic love.<br />
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Knowing that it's a limitless lesson on how to grow and sustain a good relationship, it made me reflect on how I was in my past failed relationships. Things like ideals and perfection is not realistic in a relationship. We tend to look only on the good side of the other half at the beginning, yet rarely put in the effort on accepting or correcting their flaws. I've learn that it takes both to make a relationship work, and with the right person, time and effort, the relationship will last beyond this life last.<br />
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For this special day, not only does it remind couples to appreciate each other even more, it also reminds singles to cultivate their virtues before meeting their special someone. Lastly, after the sharing, a story I heard was brought to my mind:<br />
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There was once a monk who brought a couple to the bottom of a mountain and asked them how the mountain looked. In awe, the couple replied how huge and tall it was. When the monk lead the couple up the mountain, they mumbled and grumbled about the uneven roads and the prickly trees. After reaching the top, the monk asked them how they felt after the climb. The tired couple complained that the journey up is tough and tiring, but they admired the other mountain beside them.<br />
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Moral of the story is when you meet know someone for the first time, you'll admire and fancy that person. But after knowing them and noticing their flaws, you will be looking at another mountain. The person you once admired didn't change but your heart changed, and so does your view. The more complaints there are in a relationship, the more hurtful it becomes. The only reason why you can look at the other mountain in such a great height, is because you are on top of one.<br />
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All in all, the main thing i took away from this sharing was, with a couple that possess the same faith, virtues, generosity and wisdom, their relationship will blossom with time. With that, whether you are single or attached, I wish y'all to have a happy valentine's day with your loved ones!<br />
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- Eric<br />
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Thank you Eric for your thoughts! Just know that it was very brave of you to join us for this sharing & discussing about this topic. Thank you for taking the courage to join us - we hope to see you soon!<br />
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(If any of the readers [hello you!] are interested to join us, do drop us a message at the side or follow us on instagram @sbmyouth or like our facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/sbmyouth/ )<br />
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May all of you be well and happy!<br />
<br />SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-41600187538924662017-02-14T00:05:00.003+08:002017-03-21T21:08:50.190+08:00Basic Buddhist Practice & Aspiration Making<h2>
14 January 2017</h2>
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As someone who doesn't know very much about Buddhism, the sharing on Basic Buddhist Practices and Aspirations last Saturday was interesting, to say the least. The session was quite thought-provoking and insightful, making my first SBM sharing an enjoyable one.<br />
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We started off with a short presentation about Puja, before splitting into smaller groups and going to five stations to learn about the offerings to the Buddha, their significance, and what they represent. The first station highlighted the offering of light; light repels darkness just as wisdom repels ignorance. A fitting analogy raised: Ignorance is like clouds in the sky, partially blocking the sun so only its glow shines through. Only when the clouds are removed can the sun shine brightly, like how wisdom can only spread when not obstructed by delusion and ignorance. We also learned that wisdom differs from knowledge in that wisdom is the application of knowledge.<br />
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In addition to being a way to honor the Triple Gems, the next station, incense, represents morality and ethics. The smell of incense spreads, like how a good deed can benefit countless others around us, even without us knowing. The way the smoke rises into the air and diffuses gradually into the surroundings may also represent impermanence of life.<br />
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Speaking of impermanence, the next station was about the offering of flowers. Flowers are impermanent; even the most beautiful and fragrant flower will wither in time, reminding us of the impermanence of everything. Hence, bringing out that we should live in the present and value all we have now. Next, water symbolizes purity and clarity. When we offer water, we are reminded to have a clear and bright mind, without clouded judgement and free of the 3 poisons.<br />
<br />
Lastly, the offering of fruits symbolizes the fruits of enlightenment, as well as the reminder that all actions will have an effect, kind of like the saying "you reap what you sow". It was also mentioned that not everything that happens is due to a definitive cause, for example, it does not necessarily mean that some babies are born with deformities because of their past actions. <br />
<br />
After going round to all the stations, we gathered back together for the sharing on aspirations. We learned that aspirations are different from ambitions as ambitions is a strong desire to achieve one's goals in life, whereas aspirations are ideals, or hopes we have for ourselves in life. Aspirations are believed to be more noble desires than ambitions as ambitions may be materialistic in nature and drive some to achieve them via unwholesome means. Though aspirations may arise from desire, they are not inherently bad. While we musn't let greed overtake us, we should still set goals and aspirations for ourselves to become better people.<br />
<br />
- Shiyun<br />
<br />
///<br />
<br />
Thank you Shiyun for this reflection! It was a pleasure meeting you and it was a pleasure seeing many faces from our Camp Ehi Passiko in December 2016 join us for the first sharing of 2017! Hope to see many more faces in future!<br />
<br />
May all of you be well and happy!SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-59064767065905019642016-09-18T20:00:00.000+08:002016-09-18T20:00:50.031+08:00Dialogue in the Dark<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This opportunity to participate in Dialogue in the Dark has allowed me to better understand how it feels to have my sense of sight taken away from me. This has also taught me to properly assist visually impaired people if we come across any of them and why we should not feel bad if our help is being declined as at times our help may affect the way they have recognized the landmarks and navigation of the place itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although this is my second time participating in Dialogue in the Dark, I find myself still feeling afraid for being put in a place with complete darkness as I would not be able to see what is coming and feel rather insecure as a result." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Amanda</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"A morning start at Dialogue in the Dark with SBM Youth and had a mini realization as to how at times we may take our sight for granted in our daily lives. Really impressed with William whom guided us through the tour, sharing with us his experience and emotions when he acquired blindness 3 decades ago. Acceptance, support from his loved ones and this job opportunity helped him moved on. Really grateful to see how such meaningful franchise was created and many more initiatives to help improve lives" </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Amy</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="_47e3" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">😊ss</span></span><br />
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zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-22950077150092762052016-06-20T20:40:00.000+08:002016-06-20T20:43:19.538+08:00Wisdom from a Mayan Nobel Peace Laureate<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX82535799" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX82535799" paraeid="{75ddc6e3-f679-4779-ba94-1f049ba08a97}{176}" paraid="1010000019" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Imagine being born into a poverty stricken village in the mountains of G</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">uatemala. Imagine having your fam</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ily torn apart by the civil war. Imagine your life being stripped down to nothing at the tender age of 23. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">All these make up just a</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> sliver of the ordeals </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigobert</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> had been put through</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and the </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">extent</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> of grief and emotional torture she has experienced is </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">certainly</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> unimaginable to all of us. Yet, through it a</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ll, she </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">refused to be a victim. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Instead, s</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> chose to be cour</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ageous and</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> aspired </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to ignite the goodness </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in others</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and be the change</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCX82535799" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">One of most h</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">umbling </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">moments during </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> keynote address was when she shared </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">about her family and village which were destroyed in the civil war and how she managed to recover from the traumatic experience. Her siblings and father were tortured and killed; her mother was raped f</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">or three months, killed and </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her body strewn into the wild for animals to feed on. But what cou</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ld she do? Avenge by</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> kill</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ing</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> those who murdered her family? No</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, she never </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ever </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">harbored such thoughts</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rather than trying to solve hatred and violence with even more hatred and violence, she took </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">on </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a more </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">peaceful</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> approach. She </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">reminded herself that there were many others in the world</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> experiencing greater suffering and</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> that</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> she should remain strong </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">so as to help them</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">hence </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">emerged from the emotionally torturous tragedy as an even stronger individual and aspired to create a more beautiful future for the rest of the world. </span><span class="EOP SCX82535799" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX82535799" paraeid="{75ddc6e3-f679-4779-ba94-1f049ba08a97}{228}" paraid="1941993299" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was extremely touched by the </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">optimism and positivity </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she displayed </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in t</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he face of adversities. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Indeed, the best way to approach </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">unhappiness and negative feelings in life </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">is to neutralize it </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">with a positive attitude and </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">translate</span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> the negative feelings into a powerful force that compels you to change the world into a better place. </span><span class="TextRun SCX82535799" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She acted on her suffering, became a catalyst for positive change and continues to inspire others to do the same.</span><span class="EOP SCX82535799" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX88921403" paraeid="{75ddc6e3-f679-4779-ba94-1f049ba08a97}{248}" paraid="2097836688" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Ostensibly, one of </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> greatest motivating factors could be the Mayan wisdom that was passed down from her ancestors.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She was a person who stuck extremely close to the Mayan</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> teachings and had strong faith</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in the sanctity of nature and life. In her address, she elaborated greatly</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> on</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> the three essential pillars of human life – the social, material and spiritual di</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">mension</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. She belie</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ved that one would live a fulfilling life if they achieved a balance in</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> these three attributes.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX88921403" paraeid="{4331eebc-0b61-43de-80ab-b66916a968e3}{1}" paraid="1598465688" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Firstly, the social dimension. The Nobel peace laureate shared that in all the projects that she has undertaken, she has always worked in a team, never alone. She emphasized heavily on the social nature of humans and the importance of teamwork. No one is ever able to survive independently. By working in a team, we allow experiences to be shared collectively and it allows us to approach the problem through different lenses and </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">also </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">generate </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">highly diverse and creative solutions. Teamwork allows every individual’s strengths and talents to be maximized and their weaknesses to be compensated. </span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Secondly, the </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">material dimension</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She believes that no country is so poor that it does not have the financial capability to provide basic amenities for its citizens. The problem lies in how a country makes use of their available financial resources and whether money </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">actually </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">trickles down to the </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">lower tiers of society. She substantiated her point with an example of intense corruption. A corrupt official could embezzle funds for personal use hence depriving the community of sufficient money to purchase necessities and fulfill their basic needs. Mayans believe in the concept of abundance, that be</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ing sons of earth, we inherit an abundance of wealth</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and reso</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">urces. However, if such acts continue to be</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> condoned, it would be impossible for everyone to </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">meet their basic needs, let alone </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">enjoy a materially wealthy life.</span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX88921403" paraeid="{4331eebc-0b61-43de-80ab-b66916a968e3}{48}" paraid="553505166" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Lastly, </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the spiritual dimension.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Spirituality is to lead a morally upright life, to achieve inner peace, to radiate happiness from our vessels into the world. When </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> was young, she used to play basketball with a bunch of friends. They did not have the best of resources or training yet they went out to compete with other stronger </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">teams which</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> have received proper training. Undoubtedly, they were thrashed in terms of scores. For every one goal that </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> team </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">had </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">put in, the other teams put in ten. Even so, her tea</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">m took</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> great pride and triumph in every single goal that they put in. This </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">example </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">mirrors how humans should focus on the good things in life and celebrate all the small little joys we experience. Through developing</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her spiritual self</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she gained a vision and also a more positive</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> outlook in </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">life</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">thus sowing the</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> seeds of goodness</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> inside her</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX88921403" paraeid="{4331eebc-0b61-43de-80ab-b66916a968e3}{83}" paraid="2101448613" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">It </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">was inspirational to witness </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> motivation to be a catalyst of change instead </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of wallowing in </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">self-pity</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and sinking into a downward spiral </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">af</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ter all the ordeals </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she had undergone. The compassion she exudes is incredibly inspirational. </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">There was an instance where</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> she recounted an experience about losing sleep over the thought</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> that a neighboring village could be suffering or even dying from starvation as she sleeps. Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her face as she told us the story. </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">In that instance, the overwhelming empathy pouring</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> out</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> from her </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">heart really made my heart ache. It truly affected me even though a language barrier existed between us and I could barely understand the Spanish she was speaking.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She was not afraid or embarrassed about being vulnerable </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">when </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">speak</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ing</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to us about it</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and her emotions were so raw and genuine. </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was extremely </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">moved by her empathy and</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> really</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in awe of her selfless</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ness.</span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX88921403" paraeid="{4331eebc-0b61-43de-80ab-b66916a968e3}{110}" paraid="498472430" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">All in all, i</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">f I were to sum</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> what I have learnt </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in two words, they would be ‘respect’ and ‘gratitude’</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. An admirable </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">leader </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">who wishes to change the world for the better should embody th</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ese values as these values lays</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> the foundation </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">and paves the path </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to doing greater good in the future.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">With respect, one will list</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">en closely to other’s opinions as well as maintain</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> an open mind</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and receptive attitude</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">when talking to their opposition.</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> With gratitude, one will be able to form healthy</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> relationships </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">with others and be able to connect with the community </span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">so as to</span><span class="TextRun SCX88921403" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> reach out to them. </span><span class="EOP SCX88921403" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I personally feel that most</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> of </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> teachings are very relatable as a Buddhist. Her advice corresponds to </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a lot of </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the Buddhist teachings that we have been exposed to, from simple things like gratitude to more complex </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">concepts</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> like practicing compassion and searching for inner pe</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ace. </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> suggests </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">that </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">we avoid conflicts in life and exercise our right to not participate in destructive acts</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. By doing this, we can actually reduce our </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">dukkha</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">In addition, </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">we </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">often </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">find ourselves </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">harboring negative intentions and feelings. </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">That is why</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> we should learn to cultivate good habits and values </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of respect and gratitude to prevent these negative thoughts and actions from arising in the future. W</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">hen negative feelings arise, we w</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ill be mindful enough to stop them</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> from proliferating and we can choose to translate the negative energy into a positive one. As </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> reminds herself every morning when she wakes up: “Today is a good day and I will not fight with anybody”. </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Ultimately, happiness and peace is a choice, so choose to be happy and peace loving! </span><span class="EOP SCX102119251" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX102119251" paraeid="{4331eebc-0b61-43de-80ab-b66916a968e3}{158}" paraid="2021232819" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">So dear readers, </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">please </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">allow me </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to set you a challenge. Regardless of how difficult y</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">our current circumstance may be and how insurmountable the fears and challenges before you may seem,</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I implore you to TRY and act on the advice that </span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rigoberta</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> has shared. I implore you</span><span class="TextRun SCX102119251" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to treat every person you come across with respect and gratitude. I implore you to be THE change and engage in an act of peace today. </span><span class="EOP SCX102119251" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX102119251" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="EOP SCX102119251" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jia Min :)</span></span></div>
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zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-13965371892038231592016-05-13T22:17:00.003+08:002016-05-13T22:17:50.018+08:00Music Musings Month Vol 4: The Musical Offering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm04bjrrOzaeUI55ISv7LgAt8XoMoQI7xDtA1savDGqXKX-Gjed7MIPkMM6fk_I4lONp5EeUNVV0Dzmi9wyYZMarR8DWiZyNIeXwrJ2j2CopI2urA-NnOUOfBSbizKbRKhJTX1lKoIw/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm04bjrrOzaeUI55ISv7LgAt8XoMoQI7xDtA1savDGqXKX-Gjed7MIPkMM6fk_I4lONp5EeUNVV0Dzmi9wyYZMarR8DWiZyNIeXwrJ2j2CopI2urA-NnOUOfBSbizKbRKhJTX1lKoIw/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The musical offerings was an interesting sharing that taught me more about Tibetan Buddhism.</div>
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It was interesting to find out that there were 8 different kinds of offerings (including perfume and music!) Tibetan Buddhism practitioners also use special hand gestures to signify each offering and I found that to be really interesting and new. </div>
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Tibetan throat singing and the Tibetan Horn were two of the things in the culture that captivated me the most. It was amazing to see how they were able to manipulate this voices and produce such wonderful sounds. It was also really interesting to see the differences in the types of instruments used in Mahayana and Vajrayan Buddhism (Mahayana Buddhism uses more of the traditional Chinese instruments)</div>
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This section was short because this was a rather foreign topic to all of us and even to our Bhante (teacher) that lives in the temple. So this section was not so deeply touched on but it broadened my knowledge and basic understanding of Vajrayana Buddhism.</div>
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All in all, I really enjoyed the sharing and I feel that it should be given a solid 10/10 for being well prepared and well organised!</div>
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Nicholas </div>
zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-58125368860105905102016-04-24T11:35:00.001+08:002016-04-24T11:35:34.284+08:00Music Musings Month Vol 3: The Jamming Monks<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Sharing today was mainly about Mahayana Buddhism and music. It was a rather insightful sharing as even though I grew up in the Mahayana background, most of the time I was just going to the temple because my parents told me to. Hence, I was not really familiar with the culture and the reasons on why we do certain things. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">For example in the sharing today, Tessa talked about venerable Heng Sure's actions of 三步一拜( 3 steps 1 bow) and how it was to seek for world peace. As a kid I also did 3 steps 1 bow on a yearly basis during Vesak as my mum dragged me along. However, I never understood the rationale behind it and I was always very reluctant to do it as I felt that it was very tiring. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Tessa also shared how Mahayana Buddhism would sometimes incorporate music in their teachings to spread the Dharma, for example Venerable Heng Sure's album "Varamita" which consists of 15 American Buddhist folk songs. She also mentioned about Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk in Vietnam and the Plum village where they used music for meditation, chanting and to reach out to the masses. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">The sharing ended with Brother Kang Kee sharing of his secular songs which I found was really meaningful! Overall it was a insightful sharing!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Cheow Hong</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;"><br /></span>zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-18614427773562572212016-04-17T14:26:00.001+08:002016-04-17T14:28:58.546+08:00Music Musings Month Vol 2: Was There Music At All<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'segoe ui', 'segoe ui web regular', 'segoe ui symbol', 'helvetica neue', 'bbalpha sans', 's60 sans', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'segoe ui', 'segoe ui web regular', 'segoe ui symbol', 'helvetica neue', 'bbalpha sans', 's60 sans', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Today we had a sharing by Tessa Tang as part of the month Music Musings - in which we learn more about music and how it is related to buddhism. This week's sharing focused on Theravadan Buddhism. </span><br />
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">I thought it was very interesting that Tessa opened up the session with an activity/experiment, which was to ask us to do a short meditation after receiving various stimulus, like listening to calming music and watching a funny video. It showed me how our 5 senses can affect our "sixth sense", which in Buddhism is believed to be our mind.</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">Next we talked about the eight precepts, focusing on the 7th one which is to abstain from listening or playing music, songs, wearing flowers, jewellery and other ornaments. This brought us to the question if monks were allowed to listen to music / watch performances, and if followers of Buddhism should respect this practice. Bhante shared with us that this depended on the nature of the performance - if it were for a good cause such as introducing Buddhism to newcomers, it would be welcomed by monks.</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">We also talked about chanting and how it tends not to be very melodic. However, it works in helping us understand the text, memorise the text and also for protection.</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">This session gave me insight into the role of music in Buddhism - whilst everyday-style music may serve little purpose, its uses in relaxation of the mind and in preserving Buddhist texts like suttas are invaluable.</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">Thank you Tessa for the insightful sharing! :)</pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;"><span style="line-height: 21.3px;">Jia Hui</span></pre>
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SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-23977643535237395632016-04-16T12:39:00.001+08:002016-04-16T12:39:05.505+08:00Music Musings - A Buddhist Reflection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-13668899180295011892016-04-16T12:33:00.000+08:002016-04-16T12:33:26.750+08:00Music Musings Month Vol 1: Colours of Music<br />
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This sharing by Tessa is very interesting and made me realize there are even music made by Buddhists long time ago. I have been attending Sunday classes when I was younger, and this topic was not touched on before. I look forward to the Month of Music Musings sharing by Tessa as I am sure she will cover this in more detail.<br />
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Xida<br />
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Practicing for music puja </div>
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Musical puja to start the session</div>
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Tessa sharing her musical journey with us</div>
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Meditating under the red lanterns</div>
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Wefie for the day</div>
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Group picture with Bhante</div>
zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-38726786733958862012016-03-21T23:23:00.000+08:002016-03-21T23:23:05.692+08:00Reflection from Volunteering at Bright Hill Evergreen Home<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">What a well spent Saturday with SBM Youth at Bright Hill Evergreen Home! After a day here, it strike me that we will all grow old one day. Impermanence - what you have today, you may not have tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Spoke to an Uncle there and he was telling us that his brother died, his sister died, and his parents died. However, it was really touching to hear him sharing with us in a cheerful state regardless. All I can say is he must have learnt the art of letting go and understand the truth that nobody could be there throughout their life. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">So, it is important and essential to appreciate everyone around us. Most of the old folks spoke largely of their family. It just goes to show one thing that family is important. So, please treasure the time together because clock is ticking every sing</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">le moment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Don't take it for granted. Appreciate your blessed life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Hwan Ling</span></span><br />
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<br />zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-11504682067873567992016-03-01T23:24:00.001+08:002016-03-01T23:24:56.153+08:00SBMY Pop Quiz - Learning with So Much Fun!<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; white-space: normal;">This sharing is a new concept and I think it should be carried on as it was fun and engaging, allowing us to also learn more about sbm and buddhism along the way. It also covers a wider range of topics in 1 sharing, eg. Noble 8 fold path, 5 precepts and 4 noble truths, revising our existing knowledge about buddhism that we had already shared about before. The pop quiz also made me realised I do not actually know that much about buddhism and sbm and had to actually take a wild guess for several questions and there were hardly any questions where I had a sure answer of. I definitely feel that this pop quiz has helped me gain new insights into buddhism as well SBM. By researching on some of the information for some questions, it also allows me to learn and read up more about buddhism through an interesting and memorable experience. </pre>
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zenhorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06560236940332066902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-70152275216663963742016-01-27T22:18:00.002+08:002016-01-27T22:19:41.587+08:00Reflections on 3484 SharingIt is a new year and like what everyone says: a new year, a new beginning. Last Saturday, I was glad to have spent the first month of this new year with my spiritual friends and Bhante Chandiman, learning more about the basics of Dharma!<br />
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We had the privilege of having Wu Feng share about 3484 despite his busy schedule. Although what Wu Feng went through were the basics that everyone should always know and remember, I felt that it was a good chance for me to better understand more about 3484. It was very refreshing to attend this sharing because of the opportunity to refresh my memory on 3484 and the little details of it (like how intention always makes a difference to whatever action we do, speech we say and thought we have.)<br />
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I’ll write a summary of what was discussed and shared during the sharing (incase we forget or we weren’t able to attend!) :-)<br />
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3 - Triple Gems<br />
Buddha - our teacher<br />
Dharma - cosmic truths / teachings of the Buddha<br />
Sangha - followers of Buddhism / Buddhist monks<br />
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4 - Four Noble Truths<br />
There is dukka - suffering / dissatisfaction<br />
There is a cause for dukka - cravings / attachment / expectations<br />
There is a solution to dukka<br />
The solution to dukka is the Noble Eightfold Path<br />
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8 - The Noble Eightfold Path<br />
Right Speech - avoid lying, idle talk, vulgarities etc esp if it hurts others<br />
Right Action - do what is morally right<br />
Right Livelihood - avoid jobs that kill or sell intoxicants<br />
Right Effort - to resist evil<br />
Right Intention - to always have good intentions<br />
Right Concentration - practice meditation to have clarity of mind<br />
Right Mindfulness - to always be mindful of your thoughts<br />
Right View - to see the truth<br />
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4 - Four Immesurables<br />
Kindness - being generous, friendly<br />
Compassion - to care for others in their suffering<br />
Empathetic Joy - to find joy from other’s gains/happiness<br />
Equanimity - to treat everything equally (includes all sentient beings), without judgement<br />
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With the help of Wu Feng’s explanations and Bhante Chandiman’s stories (like stories of the Buddha’s life/encounters), the group of us youths sat in a circle & got into a couple of discussions.<br />
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Firstly, how to we have goals without being attached to them? We can think of it as trying hard but not being upset if we fail - we can try again and again that way. If we succeed, we should not get overly attached to our success either. In other words, we focus more on the process and putting in our best.<br />
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The conversation led to talk about karma and how we may take away lives unknowingly - would that create bad karma for us?<br />
For example, if we accidentally stepped on a snail, would it be our fault?<br />
We concluded that it boils down to our intentions. Intentions always make a difference to our actions. - for eg. if you turn on the shower when you see ants on the floor, you know that you will be killing the ants and hence in this case, it incurs bad karma on your part.<br />
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At one point, we talked about how to react if someone were to get angry at you. Some shared that we should ignore them and be thankful that the hate was spread to you and you can stop it from passing on and continuing the cycle. Others shared that we should try to understand the person who’s angry and see if we can help them out.<br />
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In any case, I hope that we can all practice some meditation / reflection and make sure to think before we act. :)<br />
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Now that we know the basics of Buddhism, we can look forward to a good 2016 having started off on the right foot! :)<br />
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Hope to see you at SBM soon!SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-54719962881915155452015-11-17T01:18:00.001+08:002015-11-17T01:18:26.063+08:00Reflections on "Developing Metta" talk by Ven. Bodhicitta<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; widows: 1;">
Last Saturday, I was really grateful to be in the presence of a really happy, calm and peaceful Venerable Bodhicitta and surrounded my spiritual friends. <span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Venerable Bodhicitta came down to our temple to share about Developing Metta immediately after she touched down in Singapore from Sri Lanka. Her peaceful and selfless self changed the entire atmosphere of our temple and it really calmed everyone down; from their busy work schedules, camp meetings, exams etc. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">A few pointers she shared was that:</span></div>
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1. Selfishness (only caring about ourselves) leads to ignorance towards others (insensitivity)<br style="line-height: 19.88px;" />2. Ignorance will lead to the 3 poisons (Greed, Hatred & Delusion) and will eventually lead to Dukkha.<br style="line-height: 19.88px;" />3. Loving Kindness is the state of mind, resonating with others.<span class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.88px;"> <br style="line-height: 19.88px;" />4. One way to develop Metta is through Metta Meditation, cultivating a more mindful attitude towards ourselves and others.</span></div>
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<span class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.88px;">One of the stories that I found really meaningful was the spoon story. Two separate tables filled with people who have long wooden sticks attached along their arm and a spoon at the end for them to hold (In a way that they cannot bend their arms). & the task was to eat food, on the table, with these restrictions. Whilst people on one table was struggling to feed themselves without bending their elbows, the people from the other table were feeding each other. </span></div>
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<span class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.88px;">This story made me realize that sometimes, it doesn't hurt to help others because when you help others, you help yourself too. This story also shows an aspect of selflessness - in a sense that you help others eat first before thinking about feeding yourself.</span></div>
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<span class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.88px;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Simple actions like ignorance and selfishness leads to Ignorance and the 3 Poisons. Although these actions may arise when we are too caught up in something, I personally have been learning to take a second to pause, think and process my feelings, something like; "is this worth my effort to feel angry", "if i feel angry now, how long more will i be dragged down by this unhappiness" or "are we suppose to feel sad that things change? If I feel sad about it, does it mean I was unconsciously expecting something?" etc etc. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.88px;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">These questions make me think more and emotionally and mentally, makes me think thrice about my actions and how they affect me and the people around me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">I really enjoyed this talk and Im rly glad I got the chance to hear her views on Developing Metta and how everything is interlinked with each other although we talk about these topics as separate subjects. Thank you SBMY for organizing this!</span></div>
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SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-57827846929325125812015-06-23T22:35:00.002+08:002015-06-23T22:35:53.019+08:00VESAK 2559 - SBM celebrations (throwback)<div>
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1st June 2015 marked a very important day for Buddhists in Singapore - it marked the birth, enlightenment, and pari nibbana of the Buddha. As early as 7am in the morning, both youths and adults of SBM were already busy with the last preparations for the very important occasion. </div>
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The day started off with puja, where we offered Light, Incense, Flower, Water and Fruits. After that held numerous chanting programmes and talks from bhantes that were scheduled timely throughout the day. </div>
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Lunch time; with our youths serving devotees food lovingly prepared by the adults. (Food=happiness:D)</div>
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This Vesak was similar to previous Vesak celebrations, with our signature coconut booth, and programmes like the bathing of the Buddha. On top of all this, the youths decided to initiate a new project this year, with an aspiration to fold 2559 Paper lotuses. </div>
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Seemingly an easy task, folding a paper lotus actually requires immense levels of concentration and mindfulness, for a lack of concentration may cause a tear in the paper lotus, a wrong step may prevent one form folding the perfect lotus. The youths engaged the devotees, challenging them to fold the lotuses mindfully. Even though 2559 lotuses was a seemingly "impossible" task with a slow progress at the beginning, our youths devised the "factory specialization of labor" method and managed to complete the folding before the night programmes on 1st June! It was a historical moment and everyone was very heartened and overjoyed as our efforts paid off. </div>
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The night programme was highlighted by the candlelight procession. Each armed with a lotus in our hands, we headed to do a walk in the vicinity of SBM. Repeatedly chanting a mantra as we walk, we made aspirations for the year. </div>
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And there, we are at the end of our vesak celebrations! Definitely a joyful day for us to remember. Look forward to Vesak next year!</div>
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SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-42963752734192948172015-06-23T01:05:00.001+08:002015-06-23T01:05:48.150+08:00Write-up on Super Powers sharing<span id="docs-internal-guid-331f88da-1c3a-054e-391f-2d1d83602de8"><h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4727272727272727; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On 6th June, Titus and Fuzhong did a sharing on the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jhanas</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">super powers</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in relation to Buddhism. Starting off, they made the disclaimer that obtaining super powers should not be the goal when we learn the Dharma. In fact, the chase for super powers would only impede our cultivation of the mind (which is what gives us superpowers as pleasant side-effects).</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s no wonder so many super powers have to do with the mind:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mind-reading (Telepathy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moving things with your mind (Telekinesis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seeing the future in your mind (Psychic/Precognitive dreaming)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seeing people, that are not in your presence, in your mind (Clairvoyance)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Controlling other’s minds...with your mind. (Mind control)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...I could go on forever...or see </span><a href="http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Search?search=mind&fulltext=Search" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moving on, they asked the youth sitting in a circle to guess which super powers we think the Buddha had. Suprisingly, the Buddha had almost, if not all, of these powers(!!). That we never knew the Buddha had all these powers, shows a lot: they play little part in aiding us towards Nibbana.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="IMG-20150607-WA0006.jpg" height="468px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aswUWpyr6axUUhsCPQgi2i9_IkRrrwkRK_3Wj1SfIl250TKOIJSed-ncWy6s5QMrKLgq57YboCNk3K3eClQ9CC88OMp-kuWdbSshlcBhaL7izyGAcFcNNYy2AqXWdz19U86vbD4" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Titus and Fuzhong then shared on the 9 Jhanas. Being something none of us have attained, it was quite a hard concept to explain - it’s similar to when your parents tell you “when you grow up, you will understand” - only those who have experienced it know for sure to tell the tale. </span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nevertheless, I personally feel that they did a very good job explaining it with the use of analogies and examples and I found it fascinating! For example, here is a simple (hopefully) diagram:</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><...--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1st Jhana 3rd Jhana 2nd Jhana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Delightful sensations Contentment Joy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(As you can see, it narrows down to the middle.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4th Jhana is no longer on this scale because contentment has elements of ignorance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From 5th Jhana onwards it becomes a lot more intense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Their sharing was punctuated with anecdotes, stories of the Buddha’s experiences, and jokes - not only from Titus and Fuzhong, but from Bhante and the rest of us sitting in a circle. :)</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was personally one of my favourite sessions because it cleared many of my misconceptions about Buddhism -- through dialogue with Bhante, Titus and Fuzhong who have so much to share in a humble, yet inspiring manner. ^^</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hopefully, you, reader, are not discouraged that super powers seem unattainable. The first step is just to </span><a href="https://thebuddhistcentre.com/text/mindfulness-breathing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">breathe</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">See you soon!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jia Hui</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-32077970507350664932015-05-14T23:29:00.001+08:002015-05-14T23:29:24.383+08:00Vesak 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear all, we sincerely welcome you to join us in this year's Vesak Day Celebration. </div>
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Below are the respective details:</div>
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<br />Puaytsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05631909639025250019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-83797474745495665522015-05-05T01:08:00.000+08:002015-05-05T01:13:14.194+08:00SBM's newsletter for June-September 2015<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can view the newsletter here</span><br />
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<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5fydVvAqHJqcnlweFVGaUdOWmc/preview" width="640"></iframe>hang qihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01767011180837129297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-90608791963860293562015-04-29T17:52:00.004+08:002015-04-29T18:03:57.993+08:00Food Distribution with Shan You <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few days back, some of our youths volunteered with Shan You Counselling Centre to help with their monthly Food Ration Distributions to the elderly and less fortunate citizens of Singapore. It was a meaningful experience to be able to send the food ration packs to the residents around the Ang Mo Kio estates as we manage to catch a glimpse into the lives of those who are not as well off and fortunate as we are. </div>
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We started the day off at the Shan You Wellness Community Centre located at Eunos where we had a briefing from the kind lady in charge, Elaine. </div>
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Splitting off into different vehicles, our youths set off to different locations around Ang Mo Kio, making sure that all the food rations were delivered to its designated household. Each food ration pack consisted of the basic daily necessities - rice, toilet rolls, bread, milo and biscuits just to name a few.<br />
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It was definitely an eye-opening experience for our youth and we did enjoy a fulfilling Saturday morning last week! Do look out for future events like this and feel free to join us :)<br />
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<br />Puaytsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05631909639025250019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8440886379886609.post-65585173077764052722015-03-31T10:54:00.004+08:002015-03-31T11:06:25.165+08:00Reflections on Combined Sharing at Buddhist Fellowship (BF)<div>
Just last Saturday 28th March, Buddhist Fellowship (BF) Youths held a combined sharing in their own compound. Due to the recent passing of our honorable MM Lee, SBMY's attendance was slightly affected. In the end, we managed to gather five of our girls to attend the sharing, including Yenteng, Wanlynn, Sabrina, Jia Hui and myself. Honestly, it was the first ever combined sharing I have attended and I could remember being extremely extremely excited for this event, which would include not only youths from SBM and BF, but also youths from Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF) as well. The whole idea of meeting other members of the Buddhist community, sitting down together and discussing Buddhist teachings sounded really interesting and fun to me.</div>
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Buddhist Fellowship, undeniably, had a much larger compound than SBM. We were one of the first to arrive and I remember being instantly swept into a deep sense of tranquility the moment I stepped into the activity room. In a phrase, I would describe the area as white and bright, clean and neat. The floor was occupied with immaculately arranged pillows and basically the spacious room was very well-maintained to welcome arriving guests. Nicola, one of the youths from BF, immediately greeted us upon our arrival and guided us to take a seat. Beside the Buddha statue sat the photo frame of our beloved Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, which was honored with a number of flower offerings. Once again, I felt more connected to them through the common grievance we share towards the loss of our nations father. </div>
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After the arrival of all youths, we started with Nicola leading Puja. Followed by Puja, another member, Harry, led meditation. It was the usual breath meditation (<i>Anapanasati</i>), but it lasted longer than those conducted in SBM. Frankly speaking, there were moments when I could not help but doze off! I guess it was time for me to practice meditation more frequently. </div>
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The sharing was kickstarted by Brother Vincent Chua's sharing about the recent passing of MM Lee and also his personal experiences serving MM Lee as a cabin crew member when LKY was on board with The Singapore Airlines. He talked about how MM Lee was the biggest inspiration to him and how he read almost every single of his publications. He shared insights to MM Lee's thrifty, humble character and how the latter was a man of fairness. He also shared his experience of serving Mr. Lee a glass of water on a particular flight, which he felt was very symbolic and meaningful. Overall, I found the sharing of Brother Chua an excellent tribute to our late MM, to remind us youths of the contributions he made to Singapore, and the lessons we could learn from this upright and capable leader.</div>
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After his insightful sharing, the time was passed over to the youths, and to get to know one another better, each of the youth groups sent a representative to introduce themselves. The atmosphere was very lively and high and most of us had a good laugh by the humorous representatives from other youth groups.</div>
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Here comes the main part of the sharing session: Sutta youth discussion!!! Eventually we splitted into four groups to head on with the discussion on the fire sermon, which was about suffering derived from our senses. Slowly we opened up and many of us shared some of our past experiences and feelings that could relate to suffering. These are some of the reflections:</div>
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"I've learnt about pleasant, unpleasant and neutral feelings, how people can have different feelings about the same situation." --- Wan Lynn</div>
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"I learnt what causes our suffering and how to minimize it. From our six senses, we tend to identify whether things are pleasant, unpleasant or neutral to us, and from that, we tend to have different feelings such as anger, hatred, desire and all these leads to suffering. I feel that this is a really interesting session and a good way to teach dharmma. Look forward to more of these sessions!" </div>
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--- Yen Teng</div>
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"I learnt about how things are all impermanent and it is important to let go of our cravings sometimes to prevent further suffering." --- Jia Hui<br />
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"We had a sutta discussion and we discussed about the fire sermon from adittapariyaya sutta. Harry told us how suffering and cause of suffering comes about and Dhika (group leader) used examples to explain how our feelings can lead to the 3 poisons, namely greed, hatred and delusion. I found it a very enjoyable experience!" --- Sabrina</div>
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To summarize, from our six senses, our brain will process situations and things around us as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. When one classifies something as pleasant, for example going to a KPOP concert, he or she will want, crave and desire to go for more and more concerts, and in the period when one cannot attain what he/she wants, one undergoes suffering. When one classifies something as unpleasant, such as being scolded by a teacher, he/she develops hatred and anger towards the teacher, which manifests into suffering because one cannot let go of this unhappiness he/she feels. Likewise, neutral feelings are encouraged, but that does not mean that we should be ignorant to the things around us. For example when I sit on a floor, I should not classify it as a "a cold floor" or "a smooth floor", "a comfortable floor" or "an uncomfortable floor". But neither should I be ignorant of the fact that I am sitting on a floor. Hence, the most appropriate way is for me to just acknowledge that I am sitting on "a floor" and to appreciate the presence of it. This way of thinking can be practiced through meditation which trains mindfulness.</div>
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Overall, we girls felt that it was an interesting and insightful session. Everyone was friendly and outgoing, and some youths even went all out to include people that tends to be more shy. The surprise birthday cake and mini party planned by the BF youths for Huiyan, who is also one of their members, was particularly heartwarming, and they eventually included other March and April babies (Jiahui went!) to join Hui Yan in the celebration. They also enthusiastically gave out the cakes not just to their own members but also to us and SBFY as well which we found was a very amicable and lovely act. A truly enjoyable experience indeed! (though a more dharmmic way is to take "enjoyable" out of the sentence :D) </div>
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The next combined sharing will be on 9th May, and so for those that are interested to come for the next one, please do make the time because it will be worth it! Thank you :)<br />
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--- Layshuen, SBMY member </div>
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SBM http://www.blogger.com/profile/02725749761884562909noreply@blogger.com0