Annual Meditation Retreat 14-28 Dec 2009: Santi Forest Monastery (Malaysia) Part I

I would usually go for a personal meditation retreat towards end of the year every year to reflect on the current year as well as recharge and prepare myself for the coming year. This year was no exception too. Initially I was contemplating between going to Thailand as I got contacts to go to the forest monasteries there or Santi Forest Monastery in Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia where Ajahn Keng (also a Singaporean) is the abbot. Previously I have been to Ji Jing Yuan at Kajang, Selangor; Ji Jing Lin in Pahang; Dhamma Light Meditation Centre at Api Api, Johor and last year was at Batu Pahat, Johor. I like to move ard a bit for now to check out different monasteries, their style and schedule. Maybe eventually I'd settle for one that I feel would be most conducive for my cultivation=)

Eventually I decided to go Santi Forest Monastery. Save money on air fare=P. I jio another friend along this time round. Usually I like to go alone or with just a couple of friends. It is a personal preference in which I feel I would not be "distracted" by familiar faces. Wrong view??=P

As Ajahn Keng was in Thailand at the time we were to go down, I seeked permission from Bhikkhu Lee who is left in charge of the monastery. Bhikkhu Lee kindly agreed immediately.

It was a mad rush as usual before going for the 2-week long retreat in which I would switch off my mobile and be cut off from the rest of the world=) as I need to settle all outstanding issues on hand. An irony? Now rush like mad, then later in retreat, just calmness...??

I was grateful to Bro Xin Hao from Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society who gave me information on how to reach there using the public transport (which really freaks me as I do not speak malay and would not know if the bus takes me all the way to Kedah!!) as well as the latest map which proves to be extremely useful.


Basically one can take a bus (either SBS Transit 170 or the yellow Causeway Link) from Kranji mrt all the way to Larkin Terminal in Johor. From there, look for a bus with a sign indicating Ulu Tiram. Pay RM$3 and you would be on your way. Surprising the journey took abt 30 mins only. However as there is some construction going on ard that area, the bus would not turn into Ulu Tiram Terminal. Thus you need to keep a lookout for TM (I figure it stands for Telco Malaya or something like that) Building which is easy as it is quite prominent (before that, do note that you are already in Ulu Tiram area) and press the bell to stop the bus. After that, you can easily ask for directions to Ulu Tiram Terminal which is just 5-10 mins away. Take the blue-coloured cab which cost RM$14 to finally reach Santi Forest Monastery. If you are like me who don't speak malay, you can show the map to the driver, a praying sign (anjali) and say the name "Ah Ming" (apparently one of the regulars at the monastery) . The driver would understand easily.

The real formal cultivation would start very soon. Look out for the next blog=)

Thousands gathered to witness Leonid meteor showers

SINGAPORE: Thousands of stargazers all over the world gathered on Wednesday to view what was said to be a spectacular show of celestial proportions.

The Leonid meteor showers were expected to rival the massive display of shooting stars in 1833 when the entire sky was lit up by thousands of meteors.

In Singapore, stargazers gathered for the show in the wee hours of the morning.

Some came prepared with telescopes, while others came empty handed but armed with wishes.

"(We wish) for a better year ahead, probably good results for our O—levels and world peace," said one.

"We’re 16 and we just finished our O—levels... hope to make some wishes...." said another.

This year, the cosmic spectacle can be seen from all over the planet but astronomers say Asia has the best viewing spots.

But many parts of Asia, including Singapore, experienced cloudy weather.

Hence, instead of a massive fireworks display the sky gazers were expecting, there were sparklers.

Scientists in Singapore say that about 14 shooting stars were visible from 4.30am to 5.30am.
— CNA/ir

PS: I saw 4. That is abt 30%. Not bad for a sleepy beginner=)

Witness to Leonid Meteor Shower 18 Nov 2009 4.20 - 5.30am!

I finally saw a "Shooting Star"!! Hooray! Yipee!!! Woosh! (Hahaha. This joke is for my reservist mates man!! hahaha) To be more precise, I saw a total of 4!! So proud of myself hahahah (Clap! Clap!)

I read about this coming meteor shower at yahoo news (More on Leonid Meteor Shower at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonids). Ok, I thought, another meteor shower... I only started paying attention when it was reported in the news. Wow! Must be something big since it was reported in the news! I surfed online for more information and it really seemed that it IS going to be a big thing. The best part was Asia would be one of the best places to watch this time! The only drawback was it was going to peak only in the wee morn ard 3-5am...... Sian half..... But all good things are worth putting in the effort and time rite?!=P

I finally decided to put in another valiant attempt after my failed first time (pls see blog below). I set my alarm clock at 2.30am ... ZZzzzz.....

Ring!!!!!!!!!!! I woke up. I struggled. My dad just returned home. My mum was resting in the living room. What would they think if I said I were going to catch some stars?!! Siao?!!! Ok, I reset the alarm clock to 4am. See how.... zzzz

Ring!!!!!!! Again. I woke up. I struggled. I struggled some more. What if cant catch any again? Waste of time?!! Heck! I went to the washroom, changed and off I went!

I drove to NUS' stadium which is pretty near my house. The sky was full of clouds. Fortunately I managed to find a part of the sky which was not overcast, not too affected by the artificial lights ard and where I can lie down, not affected by the wet grass etc.

As the mins ticked past, I could not help but wonder if this was going to be another waste trip. I always got the idea that places like East Coast and Changi would be more ideal for viewing. But I'm just too lazy to drive all the way east... The sky was with stars. I recalled how I was first awed many many years ago when I was training overseas dring NS. I happened to look up at the nite sky and Gosh! It was FULL of stars (easily trashed Singapore sky...). It was really a sight to behold!

All of a sudden, I saw IT!!! It happened so fast and unexpectedly that I don't know how to react?!!? Then... my heart rejoiced!!! Yes!! Yipee!!! Hooray!! Woosh?! (hahahah) It really took my breath away! It it really a feeling that cant be described easily. Priceless! Ok, I would keep my eyes open.

Some time past again. I was wondering if that would be the only fruit I gathered tonite when as suddenly & unexpectedly as the first one, the second one flashed ard the sky in a twinkle of an eye!! The same effect took over me...=)

The style in which the first two "Shooting Stars" happened were quite different. The first one moved in an arc and I got the first impression that God is littering (no offence meant pls=) and the second one was the standard striaght line flash across the sky.

The third and fourth one came close to each other.

Then I realised I did not make the standard wish upon a shooting star! Ok, I'd be well-prepared when the fifth one comes. Unfortunately, it did not come before I decided to pack up and went home.

It was definitely an experience and I'm so so glad I managed to pull myself out of bed=) I think I shld join some forums or clubs so that we can enjoy and rejoice together next time=) I wonder wat'd the effect be if it is really a Meteor Shower (as shown in the pic)....=)

Halloween Nite Out at Clarke Quay 31 Oct2009 Ooooooo......

This was my first time celebrating or rather participating in Halloween=) I decided last min to join my sis who was going to Clarke Quay with her frens after hrs of staring at notes for my coming exam... Besides I've always wondered how Halloween is celebrated. A little traffic jam was there as I neared the place.

When I reached at ard 11pm?, it was already quite HAPPENING!! I was treated to an Eye Feast as I walked towards the pub to meet my sister and her frens. A place called Canary which was so crowded with lotsa ppl queueing to go in that I missed it.

I could not help but were amazed by all the crowd, sight and dressing. Lotsa of Devils and Witches abound (Yawn... Boring...). Quite a few Jasons and killers from Scream "terrorised" the walkway too. Then there were also Japanese schoolgirls (my pervert fren's favourite hahahah), ladies in mini cheongsam (nose bleeding...), lolitas (nose continue bleeding...), Mario bro (took a pic with one), Chung Lis, demons, warriors, white & dark angels (their wings were a nusisance though as they walked ard).

A few were very "special" and "innovative". There is a gigantic Orange Juice drink (I wonder how the person inside can take the heat and see?!!). Another as a kissing booth (one caucasian lady really stopped the lady in "Kissing Booth and kissed her!). There was another dressed as a pageant contestant in swimsuit (literally haha). There was this weird guy or gal??? that just got a few pieces of cloth on her/him. I thought was a gal until my sis' fren told me to stop drooling cos he was a guy!!! Ok my excuse is I couldn't really see clearly in the crowd hahaha

However my favourite is ... ... a little girl dressed as Snow White. She was so excited by the sights ard her tat she was jumping up and down. So cute! Unfortunately din manage to grab her to take a photo before she was off somewhere with her parents to other adventures=( Since dun have the real one, a pic would suffice=P

I finally met up with my sis and her frens. The gals were basically witches, not scary but funny ones by the way hahaha. Then another guy colleague was dressed up as Jason. In pic above, he was caught killing one of the witches in cold blood...

We finally settled for a pub where my sis and new made frens (Jason's scythe was confiscated by the bouncer at the entrance) started dancing away while I just stood there like a block of wood (as my sis' fren said). Disco dancing is not my cup of tea.

Instead I was flirting with my eyes haha. Well since not dancing, may as well make full use of my time while tere. rite? Catching other gals' look and see if got any reaction from them haha. No luck though=/ Just for fun lah

I left at ard 2am but my sis and her frens stayed till 5am++??!!! and they still got work to do the next day!!!

Har I'd participate in next yr Halloween. Maybe something like a Huggable Bear or something so I can get to hug all the chiobus heheheee=P

Ok, some photos for yr enjoyment. Courtesy of my sis and her fren, Ceco=)

Somali centenarian weds 17-year-old!!!

MOGADISHU (AFP) - – A man claiming to be 112 married a 17-year-old at a ceremony in central Somalia, his sixth wedding in total but his first in three quarters of a century, he said Thursday.

"My wife is ten times younger than me but we love each other so much and I believe that I can give her the kind of love that not any young man can offer," Ahmed Mohamed Dhore told AFP.
"Married life is about love and passion rather than age and beauty," said the centenarian, whose wedding ceremony in the town of Guriel was attended by hundreds on Wednesday.

"The first time I got married was so long ago I cannot remember and the last time must have been about 75 years ago, I was still a young man," he said.

Dhore would have already been an adult when the nationalist leader "Mad Mullah," Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, who fought the British empire and created the Dervish state died in 1920.
He said the secret to a longevity spanning three different centuries was "healthy food when he was young".

"I'm 112 and can live the life of a youngster... The idea to get married again came from my children and grand-children," he said, explaining that his only other surviving wife was 90 and ailing.

According to statistics by international aid and development agencies, the average life expectancy of a Somali male is 47.

Extracted from http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20091030/tts-somalia-marriage-offbeat-c1b2fc3.html


PS: Love crosses all ages??!

A Fresh New Start After The Repeated Cycle 30 Oct 2009

The Cycle has completed
Despite various Attempts at breaking It
But The Man is Reborned
With Enlightening Insights
(Hopefully) To Succeed this Time
He may fail Again
But what else can he do?
Only to Keep on Trying
Till The Day He Claims Victory As His Own

(An attempt at constructing a poem for my thoughts=P)

Tracking Adventure at Pasir Gudang

On 11 Sep 2009, 3 tracking enthusiasts (2 Suzuki Swift Sports and 1 Subaru WRX) and 1 blur beginner (Chevrolet Aveo SS) drove from Singapore to the racing track at Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. It did not bore well that it rained heavily before we set off (you would understand why soon enough...). The whole journey from Tuas Checkpoint to Johor Racing Circuit (http://www.johorcircuit.com.my/) took approximately about 1.5hrs. Do prepare about total RM 28 for toll. Fortunately for us, there were no other groups vying with us for the circuit when we reached. In fact, it was quite deserted. Cost was RM60 for one hour circuit plus we needed to sign an indemnity form.

I put on my borrowed helmet (from my colleague) and was ready to roar. The feeling was both apprehensive and excited! Finally we were off! I drove as if I were on Singapore expressway initially (ie 90km/hr lah... and saw my friends disappearing over the horizon), trying to get a hang on the circuit before it was show time. I rammed hard on the accelerator. Clumsily I managed to maneuver my car through the circuit with its straight stretches and corners. We stopped briefly and one of my new-made friends, Han Lin, gave me some tips which I tried to digest quickly, so I would not be left picking up the dust their cars kicked up again! I could smell burning "aroma" from my car too. A result of revving my engine and braking too much. Definitely not pleasant for a person who just got his car 4 months ago. During the course, I was so focused on controlling the speed of my car that I only took notice of the RPM of my car and forgot about the speed. Irony? So I got absolutely no idea what my top speed was. Another friend, Jason, told me his was about 160-185km/hr (take a look at his previous glorious result http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-2n5XdmGXE).

Anyway we were off again. I improved or at least I thought so until at Turn 3, I did not braked enough and as I rounded the corner, my car literally flew off the track and into the sand pits! Luckily that was all to it. No car overturning or crushed bonnet or more spectacular stunt. It took a while for me to calm down and started to notice my breathing again. I tried driving off and heard some weird sound similar to a flat tyre. In my mind, I was like Oh Shit! I got off the car to take a look. No such luck=)

Back at the pits, I salvaged the damage done to my car. Small stones stuck to the gaps between the tyres and rims. Scratched rims (damn!!! I just got them about 2 months ago! sian...). White car becoming brown car on the right side partially. Engines probably "damaged" as well plus probably lotsa "internal injuries" which are not known to me now until they take their toll on the car as it ages... While I was driving back to Singapore, I kept on hearing strange noises coming from my car. Even the Singapore custom officer couldn’t help but stick his head out to see what the problem was… (The noises have since disappeared. Must be some stones stuck somewhere in my rims, tyres, below my car…) It wasn't until night time that the full physical damage was made 100% known to me after I washed it. Besides mentioned above, there are scratches to the white paint work at area between bottom corner of right rear door and the car main body. My pain "ached" as I looked at the damage but well... It was definitely an experience though!=)

I went to consult 2 tyres specialists and they said the only way is to spray it and still the effect may not be homogeneous for all. Not to mention that the cost of the colour of my rims is not cheap. Ok next. The stones were taken out easily by paying $10 for labour. The paint work shouldn't be too much of a problem. Just some money to solve it. I checked with a few workshops and my heart sank when they told me it would cost about $140-$150…Well, no choice cos the rust are starting to appear=/

So till the next tracking adventure! (I need to recover from the pain first=/)

PS: My dear sister, if you are reading this, pls do not tell mama=)

Finally... A Post on My New (Oops! not so new anymore) Car

I got my car sometime in early May this year but eerrrrr... as usual it's a delayed post=P Some of my frens commented I'm quite a slow coach (cockroach?!!) haha. Ok will do my best to overcome this bad habit=)

Eversince I got my car, I ganna 2 minor accidents: 1 was while turning down a narrow multi-storey carpark near my office. I scratched as well as dented the right rear wheel arc. Tat costed me $120 to got it repainted and knocked back into shape=( Ironically I parked tere cos I wanted to save on some parking charges at my office's carpark but... Now I got a phobia of tat carpark though my driving skills r much much better now=/

The 2nd one occurred while both a taxi driver and I were making "illegal" lane changes. We were moving towards each other. Luckily juz some minor rub at the front left bumper which I took care of easily with some removal=)

Not to mention some reckless driving initally=P

Taking care of a new and white car is really no easy feat. While I want it to be spotlessly clean, sometimes it's beyond my capability and patience haha. But I'm proud to say it's overall still a very decent, clean, neat and tidy car=) Thanks to my fren, Kelvin who taught me quite a bit abt cars.

I've also learnt to drive more effectively. Initially my fuel consumption is like 10-12km/l which for a new manual car is like sh*t!!! haha. Now it shld be abt 13-14km/l. Woohoo!

As for modifications, all just comestice so far. I've changed the lights to white light: Phillips Crystal Vision (still legal!) and also from tiny 14" rims to 16" rims. This costs me $1K+ even after trading in my quite new tyres (only worth $250...) But they look great man!

Ok enuff talk. Some pics taken at East Coast yester=) Ok can u can finally buy 4Ds liao (Apparently my dad has bought and won a few times!! The winning numbers r a bit jumbled up though=)

PS: Bear (in pic) courtesy of my fren, Win. Thanks!

Back with a Vengeance & First Attempt at catching a Meteor Shower!

Hihi It's been quite a while! hahaha. I'm back! Hopefully for long...=P

First topic after return would be ... (tata) Perseid Meteor Shower! Ok, Perseid 101:

What are the Perseids? Every year in August, the Earth passes through rock and dust fragments left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, last time it came near the Sun. As these small particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn-up, often creating a startling streak of light across the sky.It is one of the most famous of all meteor showers due to its consistency to provide an impressive display.
(Extracted from http://www.sgclub.com/singapore/coming_up_perseids_187794.html)

I went on wed ard 2130hrs to Changi Beach hoping to catch a glimpse of this spectacular sight (though I have heard comments that it is very hard to see in Singapore)... When I reached there, the beach was virtually empty! Thus I started to have doubts if I am at the correct place (this venue was told to me by my fren's who is in NUS Astronomical Club). I hanged ard for a while and looked at the dark sky for any "unidentified flying objects" but dun have leh...

Ok, I finally decided to drive down further to the other side (cos maybe I was at the wrong place). There were more people at this part of the beach but none seemed to be here to ctahc any meteor showers... sian half... Anyway I hanged ard again and glued my eyes to the sky but was disappointed to announce that still no luck!

Ok, back to Home Sweet Home!

The next day I decided to go online to c if other people had better luck. Apparently they did! Chekc out their response man! (envy! Envy! ENVY!) http://www.sgclub.com/singapore/coming_up_perseids_187794.html

One valuable lesson learnt while waiting to catch any meteor: Be patient! (I'll do just that the next time). Anyway still got time before the shower ends! So I'll try my luck again but most pro somewhere near my home heehee (Tat day while driving home from Changi to Clementi, I was so sleepy! Lucky I din got into any accident phew!=)

For sale: nagging wife, very high maintenance

LONDON (AFP) - - A British man fed up with his wife's complaints advertised her for sale -- and got a number of offers.

"Nagging Wife. No Tax, No MOT. Very high maintenance -- some rust," wrote Gary Bates, 38, in a small ad in Trade-It, more usually used to buy and sell cars or household goods.

Bates, a self-employed builder from Gloucestershire, southwest England, snapped after his wife Donna on got on his nerves while she was watching television and decided to place the ad as a joke.

"She was nagging me for doing something small, while she was watching some rubbish on TV. So I just thought I'd put an ad in to get rid of her.

"I didn't think anyone would ring up but I've had at least nine or 10 people calling about her. It's gone mad. There was no one I knew -- just people asking, 'Is she still available?'"
The couple only married last year, and Bates said his 40-year-old wife -- whom he advertised in the magazine's Free to Collect section, along with some of his fishing tackle -- initially gave him "a bit of an ear-bashing."

But he said: "She's seen the funny side of it now though!"

Extracted from AFP Friday, March 13

2 men from S’pore in Top 50 list for "Best Job in the World"

SINGAPORE: Two men from Singapore have made it to the top 50 candidates who are shortlisted for what is touted as the "Best Job in the World". They beat more than 34,000 applicants ranging from scientists, chefs and students from around the world.

The two Singaporeans will be up against each other and 48 others for the job of a caretaker of Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef in a tourism promotion by the Queensland state government.

The successful candidate will be paid US$100,000 for six months to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and report his experiences via blogs, photos and video diaries.

For Greg Reynen, a teacher at the Singapore American School, the news that he was shortlisted was a timely birthday present as he has just turned 31.

He said: "I was at my computer and I couldn’t believe it, I just screamed and I went running down the hallway. It’s an amazing opportunity. It totally fits my personality and I get to go out, meet new people and interact with the locals and tourists. I also get to try new things and be adventurous."

For 24—year—old Jimmy Wong, a freelance diver and photographer, it was a total surprise as well.

He said: "At first, I was definitely in a state of shock, but after that I realised if you do something out of passion and the love for it, you can go far."

The judges were impressed with the duo’s video clip submissions.

Leong Pik Yin, manager, Marketing Communications, Tourism Queensland, said: "They were quite creative and their applications were quite out of the box and they met all the five selection criteria." These include being proficient in English and IT savvy.

Tourism Queenland received about 224 applications from Singapore. Besides the two successful applicants from Singapore, two other regional applicants, from Malaysia and Indonesia, made the cut.

The 50 shortlisted applicants will be narrowed down to a final 10. An 11th applicant will be chosen by popular vote via a "wild card" round. You can go to this website to vote.

They will then fly to Hamilton Island in early May to take part in the final selection. The winner will be made known on May 6 and he or she will start work or play on July 1.

Extracted from CHANNEL NEWSASIA.

PS: Check out http://www.islandreefjob.com/ now! Currently Clare from Taiwan is STILL leading the pack, way ahead of the next closest competitor. I haven't decided who to vote for... but it must be a hot babe=P

How to become a Millionaire - The Slumdog Way

1) I must be an expert in cheating.

2) I must be a real lucky guy.

3) I must be born a genius.

4) I must be destined.

Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle and starred by Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor and Madhur Mittal (who are these actors??! Maybe they are very famous in Bollywood=), has caught the world attention by winning 8 oscars. The most for any film in 2008. They are Best Achievement in Cinematography; Best Achievement in Directing; Best Achievement in Editing; Best Achievement in Music written for Motion Pictures, Original Score; Best Achievement in Music written for Motion Pictures, Original Song; Best Achievement in Sound; Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Writing, Screenplay based on Material Previously Produced or Published (typing all these make me tired too... phew).

It is an adaptation of the Boeke Prize-winning and Commonwealth Writers' Prize-nominated novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.

Why is this film such a success professionally and also so popular among the masses? I'd be playing an amateur critic here=)

First of all, it actually portrays life in India (though I'm not sure if it is a true representation??) but I suspect it may not be that far off as we've heard rumours of such hardship. That day I watched the film was also Oscar Day and thus I already know the results. So I tried my best to notice how the movie was being filmed such that it won so many awards. However being an amatuer, besides having a good feeling overall, I cannot tell the difference between another film=P

The plot was very refreshing too. How every part of Jamal's life provides an answer to the next question asked in the game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Indian Version of course). And behind all these is his dedication to his one and only Love, Latika. His real purpose on the game show is his hope that Latika would be watching so that they can reunite again. Such pure love!

Other things which make an impression on me is how Salim, Jamal's brother, eventually changes his evil ways to help Latika and Jamal to be together again, though he uses his life in exhange for that. Karma strikes.

How Prem Kumar, the game show host, attempts to give Jamal the wrong answer to the next question but Jamal believes in himself and his destiny more than anything (or evil nature of humans?).

Lastly, this movie has a fantastic good ending which could not be said of so many other great films out there, making the audience having the feeling of imperfection when the show ends! I think the scriptor is smart to give The Three Musketeers question at the end. We already know Jamal clearly do not know the answer, so he can only really count on his destiny and yet at the same time, the audience (we) would most probably know cos this is very common (which means we know he would win the 20 rupees even before the show ends!). Unfortunately for me, I don't know haha.

So the answer to the above question is (D) with a twist: You must be destined to have a scriptor willing to write the story for You!

The universe may one day perish, yet my vows are eternal

The Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen let go of his physical body and left behind great compassion and great vows in this world:

What I am unable to accomplish in this lifetime,

I vow to push forward through countless future lives;

What I am unable to accomplish personally,

I pray for everyone to join forces to promote

Busy with nothing, growing old.

Within emptiness, weeping, laughing.

Intrinsically, there is no "I."

Life and death, thus cast aside. ~ Venerable Master Sheng Yen.

The Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, passed away at 4:04pm of the afternoon of 3 February, 2009, at the age of 80.

The Master has dedicated his whole life in promoting the idea of "uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth" through the manifestations of his own physical body and actions. The Sangha community and followers of Dharma Drum Mountain around the world will uphold and fulfill the Master's wishes so that great compassion and great vows will continue in this world.

The Most Venerable Master, who humbly called himself "a monk amidst the rain and snow", was voted as one of Taiwan's fifty most influential people in the last four hundred years. A review of the Master's life depicted a life of drifting from place to place, facing endless trials and dramatic turnarounds. As a child the Master was always sick and frail. After receiving monastic ordination in Wolf Hill, Jiangsu Province, China, and throughout the period of performing chanting rites for the deceased, serving in the military, studying in Japan for his PhD degree, propagating the Dharma in the United States of America, the founding and establishment of Dharma Drum Mountain, the Master always found a way out of all difficulties. In times of hardship we can witness his compassion, through his unswerving determination we can witness his wisdom through Chan practice. To the Master, life is a journey of practicing the Dharma.

In 2004, the Master, well aware of his poor health, made a will and instructed that after he passed away; instead of a traditional funeral ceremony, a Buddhist memorial rite should be held. It should be simple, solemn and economical, all flowers and wreaths are to be declined, just the chanting of "NAN MO A MI TUO FO" (Homage to Amitabha Buddha) so that we will all be joined in the Pure Land. Since he fell sick, the Master's attitude to life and death is not to wait for death, fear death or seek death. Instead he followed his vow "The universe may one day perish, yet my vows are eternal" and continued to lead everyone forward on the path of building a pure land on earth.

In September 2006, the Master handed over the position of Abbot President to his disciple Venerable Guo Dong, symbolizing the transmission of the Dharma Drum Mountain lineage from generation to generation. In regard to the issue of selecting the Abbot President, the Master had clearly stated that regardless of whether a bihikkshu or bhikshuni was elected from within Dharma Drum Mountain or engaged from outside, when the person takes up the position of Abbot President, he/she also receives the transmission of the Dharma Drum Mountain lineage and will not abandon the vision and direction of Dharma Drum Mountain.

Under the leadership of Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, the Sangha community and followers of Dharma Drum Mountain throughout the world will inherit the past and continue forward in carrying out the practice of "Four Insistence" - to insist upon the ideas of Dharma Drum Mountain, to insist upon the Three Types of Education, to insist upon the Four Kinds of Environmentalism and to insist upon the practice of orthodox Chinese Buddhism – to support the vision of Dharma Drum Mountain as they had done in the past and to jointly fulfill the will of the Master in the building of the Dharma Drum University.

In accordance with the Master's will, his ashes will be returned to the earth and buried in the Life Memorial Garden.

The Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen once said, "Where there is life, there must be death. If one cannot face this reality it will become one’s greatest barrier in life, if one can regard death merely as a fraction within the eternal time and space then death is not an end to life but the beginning of the next."

Extracted from http://www.ddm.org.tw/

Australian Open 2009 - Dawn of A New Era of 2 Champions!

The curtains finally closed on the stage of Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the New Year aka The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific - Australian Open 2009. It was my first time chasing after any tennis competition. Maybe it is cos I just returned from backpacking in Australia?!! haha. Another possible reason is cos I am waiting (or hoping?!) to see if Roger Federer can have a good start to this year and regain his World No 1 title?

What a final! One can only experience it by watching it Live! Current World No 1, Rafael Nadal, persevered to win in a 5 set thriller: 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 over World No 2, Roger Federer (who was World No 1 till August 2008) in 4 hrs and 23 mins. And just one day plus ago, he was being pushed by an on form countryman, Fernando Verdasco (seeded 14th) till the wee hours! This man is really made of steel (just look at his bulging muscles)! On a separate note, gosh! tennis is a tiring game!

As you can deduce from above, I am for Federer but as I continued to watch, I could not help but feel worried for him as he was being stretched by Nadal. After all, before this match, he was 6-12 against Nadal! Then these thoughts came to my mind: to be a real champion or regain his World No 1, he must overcome all odds. Even his nemesis -Rafael Nadal. Otherwise, he does not deserved the title.

The match could go either way eventually. Federer entertained with his brillant skills while Nadal, not wanting to be left behind, countered with his speed, strength and accuracy. But Nadal was the more consistent one with Federer making a lot of unnecessary errors. I applaused when Nadal won as he fought hard with determination. The rest of the tennis players (the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray) still have quite some way to go to catch up with them. In the past, the tennis era belonged to Federer but now, it belongs to Federer AND Nadal (with Nadal having the upper hand now). May the best man win! Cheers!

ABT Part II - First Stop: Melbourne City

I did ZERO planning for this backpacking trip except for getting the air tics and borrowing a Lonely Planet Guidebook from the library. And I'm going alone. Brave or just pure recklessness?!! This is of course due to my busy work schedule and ... some laziness... haha. I spent abt half a day doing planning whenever I reached a new destination and as such, I'd say I wasted some precious time. However there are really interesting attractions which I discovered at their Visitors' Centre, listed outside the guidebook. Thus even if one does planned beforehand, be prepared to change some of your itinerary along the way=)

I paid about S$1500 for the air tics. It's considered ex as january is still Australia's holiday season. Not to mention I got it quite last min too. Lesson No 1 learnt: Book way in advance! You can also look out for special deals but usually condition like "2 to go" is applicable to enjoy the discount (I saw one at abt S$800. Almost half the price!!).

I took Qantas. I like to try different airlines to have different inflight experience. I'm proud to say that Singapore Airlines still ranks top on my list (but it can be more ex...). I definitely felt quite "special" sitting among the ang mos as I was the minority on the plane. This was also my first trip to a Caucasian country. So excited! Maybe with some luck, I can bring a Caucasian gf home!!! haha

The timing of the plane was quite nice in that it was an overnight flight. When it landed in Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport after about 7hrs (gosh! tiring...), it was morning and Melbourne was all ready for me to explore! Except for a problem: I did not book any accomodation in advance! Luckily I found a saviour in Rob Hussey! (he's the hot guy right in front in the photo).

Meditation Retreat 15/12/08 - 29/12/08

This is really a long overdue blog that I should have written even before my Australia Backpacking Trip (which unfortunately is still stuck...). However I really got interested and committed to starting a blog only after my Australia trip, so well...

I usually try to go for a meditation retreat at the end of every year to reflect as well as revigorate myself to prepare for the coming new year. In 2007, I opted for a trip to Hanoi to visit my friend who was working there instead. It was quite an experience but I did not exactly like Hanoi, not to mention I had serious diarrhoea while out in the sea at Halong Bay! So in 2008, I told myself I must resume my annual retreat practice at the end of the year.

I usually like to go for mediation retreat alone (or at most just a few) as compared to going together with a group of people I know because I feel I would be more focused with no familiar faces around. Maybe a wrong view? But this is just a personal preference=)

This time round, I decided to go to Bhaddekaratta Hermitage (http://www.bhaddekaratta.org/index.html) which is located at Batu Pahat in the state of Johor in West Malaysia, about 2 hours by car from Singapore, after hearing good feedback from friends who have been there. As I got no car, I have to get there by public transport. I contacted the Hermitage for direction instructions and was extremely lucky to find out that another Dhamma friend from Singapore, John, would be going there on the same day. As he was a regular there, I basically just followed him=) For those who are keen to go, you can look up the relevant contact at the website and called to enquire about availability of hermitage (there may not be enough lodgings due to overwhelming number of yogis) as well as instructions to get there.

It's been quite a way, so I cannot remember the full details. I remembered meeting John at Clementi MRT station platform at 6+am (...) and we proceeded to Kranji station where we took a bus to the customs and subsequently to Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. From there, we got tickets through another bus company to Batu Pahat. As there was still some available time, we grabbed a quick breakfast and kopi=) The journey took about 1.5 hours or 2? Cannot exactly remember. We alighted at a bus stop outside the Japanese company, Sharp Roxy and John gave a call to his wife who was helping out at the Hermitage on a long term basis. We were picked up and drove through an oil palm plantation to eventually arrive at the Hermitage.

When we arrived at 11.30am, we were just right for lunch (this was calculated precisely by John). Then I was given a kuti as my resting place for the next 14 days. I took some time to clean the place as it was quite dirty. Then it was to start my meditation practice as according to the timetable. My retreat has officially started!

Retreat Timetable 禅修时间表
04:00 AM
Rising & Walking meditation
起身和行禅
05:00 AM
Sitting meditation
坐禅
06:30 AM
Breakfast & Hermitage's chores
早餐,禅院义务
08:30 AM
Walking meditation
行禅
09:30 AM
Sitting meditation
坐禅
11:30 AM
Meal, Clean Dining Hall/Kitchen & Others
用餐,清理食堂
01:00 PM
Walking meditation
行禅
02:00 PM
Sitting meditation
坐禅
03:00 PM
Walking meditation
行禅
04:00 PM
Sitting meditation
坐禅
05:30 PM
Meditation Discussion
禅修报告
06:30 PM
Walking meditation
行禅
07:30 PM
Sitting meditation
坐禅
08:30 PM
Chanting (group or personal)
诵经

AND I almost "died" there!!! hahaha. I woke up at 3.30am in the morning to wash up before starting my meditation practice of anapanasati (awareness of in breath and out breath). At first, I got difficulty pulling myself out of bed (who wouldn't??!). As I haven't been meditating at home, my mind was all over the place except the one place it should be ie my breath and it was a "torture" sitting cross-legged even for 15 mins. It was especially hard to pass the stretch in the afternoon of 4 hours. Ok what have I got myself in this time?

Pls follow closely as to how my practice progressed as the days passed. To be continued...=)

Australia Backpacking Trip 8/1/09 - 23/1/09 (Part I)

This was my first backpacking trip and it was really quite an experience! Here's a summary of the hits and misses:

Hits: Visit Melbourne city and its attractions (eg Queen Victoria Market), Make new international friends, Experience backpacking lifestyle, Know more about Australia culture, See kite surfing at St Kilda, Visit The Dandenongs and sit in Puffy Billy, Visit Phillip Island, See the Penguin Parade, Feed kangaroos, See koala bears sleeping (they sleep 20hrs a day!), Cycle round the island, Watch seals colony, Stay at Torquay (Gateway to Great Ocean Road), Visit Great Ocean Road (eg Twelve Apostles), Try surfing, Visit Sydney and its attractions (eg Museum of Sydney, Paddy's Market), Watch Circus at Sydney Opera House, Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, See a Dugong! at Sydney Aquarium, Visit Blue Mountains (eg The Three Sisters), Try abseiling and canyoning, Try caving at Jenolan Caves, Do some bushwalking etc

Misses: Catch a match of Australian Open in Melbourne (damn!), Cuddle a Koala, Watch dolphins swimming in the sea, Sky diving, White water rafting, Hot air ballooning, Visit a Buddhist Temple, Visit a nude beach!, Know more about Aboriginal culture in Australia, Do a Farm Stay etc

It can be quite lonely travelling alone and I was fortunate to make new international friends PLUS bump into a Singapore friend and her colleague who are working there!