The Right Path To Success
A young man was keen to find the path of success. He was told a very wise man with the clue to success was living somewhere and people who had been coached by him become successful. This excited him. He finally found the wise man he was looking for.
He asked, "Wise man, could you please tell me what to do, or what should i possess, in order to become successful?"
Wise man said, "You want to be successful? Then come with me."
Wise man then headed straight to the beach without heeding the response from the young man. In order to pursue success, the young man quickly followed the footsteps of wise man.
Wise man slowly led him into the sea, until the water reached the level of their chest. Suddenly wise man pushed young man's head into the water.
He struggled, but wise man did not let go of his head. After almost a minute, wise man eventually let go of his hands. Young man gasped heavily.
'Old man, are you trying to drown me?" he yelled.
"If your desire for success is as strong as your desire to catch your breath just now, you are already on the path to success."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Spiritual Rest Stop 1
Shine the path of others and the path will be shone unto you!
A blind man was walking along the street at night, holding in his hand a brightly-lit lantern. The others were curious, and asked him, "You can't see. Isn't it redundant to walk with a lit lantern?"
The blind man said seriously, "This lantern in my hand held up to light up others, so that they can see their way and not bump into me. While I'm helping others, I'm also helping myself."
A blind man was walking along the street at night, holding in his hand a brightly-lit lantern. The others were curious, and asked him, "You can't see. Isn't it redundant to walk with a lit lantern?"
The blind man said seriously, "This lantern in my hand held up to light up others, so that they can see their way and not bump into me. While I'm helping others, I'm also helping myself."
Monday, November 2, 2009
Havin runny nose almost every mornin?
Let me ask you one simple thing, have you ever given your slightest attention to even consider avoiding runny nose tomorrow? or in the days and years to come? Well if even if you did mangae to somehow, did you practise it over again? I GUESS NOT!
Here are a handiful practices you could apply in your everyday life to keep the annoying flu away:
1. Computer
Try not to keep in touch with your computer on near to you or use it for long hours ALMOST EVERY DAY. It lowers your immune system gradually. You could easily catch cold/flu in the morning.
2. Water
Every morning, upon getting off the bed, what would you do first? Shower, brush teeth, drink water, juice or others?
Come on, you should actually be downing 3 - 4 glasses of water FIRST. THIS comes first than any other activities, but I am sure you must have the pessimistic thought "I CANT do it" and it is meant for some weirdos.
Train yourself to drink 3 glasses before moving on to 4 glasses then. However try not to force or u will be getting an uneasy feeling. Why such amount of water? Because you rested yourself for 6 - 12 hours in the bed, without taking in any fluid. So your cells are kind of dehydrated, toxins and bacteria have accumulated up in your body. The whole motive is to flush away these nuisance before they launch war with your immune system. Usually they would win unless you make the first move.
Besides, it hydrates your cells and skin, improve your pass motion and be more alert in the morning. As you can see, water has not just these benefits and drinking such amount is only apllicable in the morning. You got the choice, either to drink it warm or at room temperature, whichever you think better after testing it out on yourself.
You can top up by drinking another glass of salt water, mildly hot temperature, but not immediately after glasses of water. Maybe like after 10 minutes or brushing your teeth later. From my experience, it improves my intestines and pass motion as well as easing the feeling of overdrinking water. Have it once or twice a week.
3. Wake-up time
If you happen to get up early, why not go for a walk or jog around an area of trees and less or no cars rooming around after drinking water and ready for your new day? Fresh air is very important and could ease your flu. It clears your lung but this cannot be done if you happen to lock up in the house. Remember house air is worse than the outisde cause pollutants have a hard time escaping out once enter.
Besides, if the sun is up, you have the chance to expose your skin to make natural vitamin D.
4. Sleep early
What are contemplating? Off to the bed early 10 to 11. Sleep early wake up early simple right? In the process, you are regenerating
your immune system.
5. Fruits
Apple in particular, has a phytochemical or something like that, which could speed up recovery form flu if you you are down or decrease your chance of getting one. Eat both red and green! Usually one apple a day is sufficient with other fruits as well. Most importantly, eat fruits when your stomach is empty like 1 - 2 hours later after meal or before meal maybe 30 minutes to 1 hour.
But some fruits you have to take in only after having meal. Not in this casse. Try to scratch away the wax enveloping the skin of apples, as most of the nutrients are located right below the skin and by skinning off, these nutrients are risked of being getting into the dustbin not your body.
SIMPLE RIGHT? Test it out throughout your life NOT JUST THESE FEW DAYS especially the water.
Ciao
Here are a handiful practices you could apply in your everyday life to keep the annoying flu away:
1. Computer
Try not to keep in touch with your computer on near to you or use it for long hours ALMOST EVERY DAY. It lowers your immune system gradually. You could easily catch cold/flu in the morning.
2. Water
Every morning, upon getting off the bed, what would you do first? Shower, brush teeth, drink water, juice or others?
Come on, you should actually be downing 3 - 4 glasses of water FIRST. THIS comes first than any other activities, but I am sure you must have the pessimistic thought "I CANT do it" and it is meant for some weirdos.
Train yourself to drink 3 glasses before moving on to 4 glasses then. However try not to force or u will be getting an uneasy feeling. Why such amount of water? Because you rested yourself for 6 - 12 hours in the bed, without taking in any fluid. So your cells are kind of dehydrated, toxins and bacteria have accumulated up in your body. The whole motive is to flush away these nuisance before they launch war with your immune system. Usually they would win unless you make the first move.
Besides, it hydrates your cells and skin, improve your pass motion and be more alert in the morning. As you can see, water has not just these benefits and drinking such amount is only apllicable in the morning. You got the choice, either to drink it warm or at room temperature, whichever you think better after testing it out on yourself.
You can top up by drinking another glass of salt water, mildly hot temperature, but not immediately after glasses of water. Maybe like after 10 minutes or brushing your teeth later. From my experience, it improves my intestines and pass motion as well as easing the feeling of overdrinking water. Have it once or twice a week.
3. Wake-up time
If you happen to get up early, why not go for a walk or jog around an area of trees and less or no cars rooming around after drinking water and ready for your new day? Fresh air is very important and could ease your flu. It clears your lung but this cannot be done if you happen to lock up in the house. Remember house air is worse than the outisde cause pollutants have a hard time escaping out once enter.
Besides, if the sun is up, you have the chance to expose your skin to make natural vitamin D.
4. Sleep early
What are contemplating? Off to the bed early 10 to 11. Sleep early wake up early simple right? In the process, you are regenerating
your immune system.
5. Fruits
Apple in particular, has a phytochemical or something like that, which could speed up recovery form flu if you you are down or decrease your chance of getting one. Eat both red and green! Usually one apple a day is sufficient with other fruits as well. Most importantly, eat fruits when your stomach is empty like 1 - 2 hours later after meal or before meal maybe 30 minutes to 1 hour.
But some fruits you have to take in only after having meal. Not in this casse. Try to scratch away the wax enveloping the skin of apples, as most of the nutrients are located right below the skin and by skinning off, these nutrients are risked of being getting into the dustbin not your body.
SIMPLE RIGHT? Test it out throughout your life NOT JUST THESE FEW DAYS especially the water.
Ciao
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Love ya--
Build a bigger, stronger upper body without lifting a weight
You'll shred fat, boost strength, stimulate new growth, and carve eye-grabbing pecs by blasting through 60-rep pushup sets.
Push Your Growth
Follow these three steps to add layers of new muscle in just 8 weeks. The first step builds your endurance, the second increases strength, and the final step adds explosiveness and speed so you can pack on more size.
Before starting the program, you should be able to do 20 consecutive pushups. If you can't, then build your strength with this 3-week prep: Three days a week, do 3 sets of pushups, resting 3 minutes between sets. (A set is as many pushups as you can complete.)
The entire workout uses variations of the standard pushup. For each movement, assume a pushup position (with your body in a straight line from ankles to shoulders) and then lower your chest to the floor. Press your body back to the starting position by straightening your arms. To add difficulty, perform the exercise with your hands on a medicine ball.
1: Weeks 1 and 2
Perform these exercises 2 or 3 days a week in the order shown, with at least 1 day of rest between workouts. Complete 3 sets of each pushup type, resting 1 to 2 minutes between sets. Aim for sets of 10 to 15 reps; if you can't reach that goal, do as many reps as you can.
A. Wide pushup
Do a standard pushup, but with your hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
2: Weeks 3, 4, 5, and 6
Perform these exercises 2 days a week. Complete 4 sets of each pushup type, resting 1 to 2 minutes between sets. Aim for 10 to 15 reps in each set. For these pushups, you'll need a 4- to 8-inch-high box or step.
Men's Health
You'll shred fat, boost strength, stimulate new growth, and carve eye-grabbing pecs by blasting through 60-rep pushup sets.
Push Your Growth
Follow these three steps to add layers of new muscle in just 8 weeks. The first step builds your endurance, the second increases strength, and the final step adds explosiveness and speed so you can pack on more size.
Before starting the program, you should be able to do 20 consecutive pushups. If you can't, then build your strength with this 3-week prep: Three days a week, do 3 sets of pushups, resting 3 minutes between sets. (A set is as many pushups as you can complete.)
The entire workout uses variations of the standard pushup. For each movement, assume a pushup position (with your body in a straight line from ankles to shoulders) and then lower your chest to the floor. Press your body back to the starting position by straightening your arms. To add difficulty, perform the exercise with your hands on a medicine ball.
1: Weeks 1 and 2
Perform these exercises 2 or 3 days a week in the order shown, with at least 1 day of rest between workouts. Complete 3 sets of each pushup type, resting 1 to 2 minutes between sets. Aim for sets of 10 to 15 reps; if you can't reach that goal, do as many reps as you can.
A. Wide pushup
Do a standard pushup, but with your hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
 |
B. Alternating shuffle pushup
Start in pushup position. Move your right hand to the left until your two hands are next to each other. Now slide your left hand farther left until your hands are shoulder-width apart again. Do a pushup and repeat the process, this time moving to the right and doing another pushup. That's 1 rep.  |
C. Diamond pushup
Do a pushup with your hands close enough for the tips of your thumbs and index fingers to touch, forming a diamond shape.  |
2: Weeks 3, 4, 5, and 6
Perform these exercises 2 days a week. Complete 4 sets of each pushup type, resting 1 to 2 minutes between sets. Aim for 10 to 15 reps in each set. For these pushups, you'll need a 4- to 8-inch-high box or step.
A. One-arm pushup
Do a pushup with your right hand on the floor and your left hand on the box. Switch arms and repeat. That's 1 rep.  |
B. Crossover box pushup
Do a one-arm pushup with your left hand on the box. Then, from the starting position, lift your right hand and place it beside your left hand on top of the box. Then move your left hand down to the floor so your hands are shoulder-width apart again. Perform a pushup. That's 1 rep.  |
C. Hands-on-box diamond pushup
Perform a diamond pushup, but with both hands on the box.D. Dynamic box pushup
Place your hands on a box in the diamond pushup position. Lower your body and press explosively off the box, your hands landing on the floor with the box between them. Immediately lower your body and press explosively up so your hands land back on the box in the starting position. That's 1 rep.  |
3: Weeks 7 and 8
Complete the exercises in step 2 as a circuit, performing one exercise after the other with no rest. Try to perform 10 reps of each exercise. Do this twice a week, and allow 3 or 4 days of rest.Men's Health
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Milestones of Success
Each time before a race, a marathon champion would always study the route carefully and memorize the prominet landmarks all the way to the finishing line. After the race has begun, he would sprint in full force towards his first target. After reaching the first target, he would then sprint at the same speed towards the second target, and so forth.
In this way, he is able to easily complete the entire race by splitting it into various segments each with a target to meet.
In fact, these landmarks are the milestones that he has to pass through, each acting as a spiritual fuelling station that energizes him further so that he could emerge the champion at the finishing line...
Success is a kind of outcome, experience, as well as target that people are pursuing. We must identify our own milestones of success. With these milestones serving as refrence points, we will then be able to clearly see our progress at each stage of our life, and march towards the finishing line with renewed confidence and energy!
In this way, he is able to easily complete the entire race by splitting it into various segments each with a target to meet.
In fact, these landmarks are the milestones that he has to pass through, each acting as a spiritual fuelling station that energizes him further so that he could emerge the champion at the finishing line...
Success is a kind of outcome, experience, as well as target that people are pursuing. We must identify our own milestones of success. With these milestones serving as refrence points, we will then be able to clearly see our progress at each stage of our life, and march towards the finishing line with renewed confidence and energy!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
MILK
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/dairy_products/Skim_or_Whole.php#
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/stay_fit_during_travel/
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/Chemical-Free-Mood-Boosters/
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/mental_skills_for_endurance/index.php?cm_mmc=BellyOffNL-_-2009_10_07-_-HTML-_-1
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/stay_fit_during_travel/
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/Chemical-Free-Mood-Boosters/
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/mental_skills_for_endurance/index.php?cm_mmc=BellyOffNL-_-2009_10_07-_-HTML-_-1
Sunday, October 11, 2009
First Love
Saigou no KISU wa
TABAKO no flavor ga shita
NIGAkute setsunai kaori
Ashita no imagoro ni wa
Anata wa doko ni iru n darou
Dare wo omotteru n darou
You are always gonna be my love
Itsuka dareka to mata koi ni ochitemo
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
Ima wa mada kanashii love song
Atarashi uta utaeru made
Tachidomaru jikan ga
Ugokidasou to shiteru
Wasuretakunai koto bakari
Ashita no imagoro ni wa
Watashi wa kitto naiteru
Anata wo omotteru n darou
You will always be inside my heart
Itsumo anata dake no basho ga aru kara
I hope that I have a place in your heart too
Now and forever you are still the one
Ima wa mada kanashii love song
Atarashii uta utaeru made
You are always gonna be my love
Itsuka dareka to mata koi ni ochitemo
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
Mada kanashii love song
Now & forever...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Healthy Cooking Methods For Fruits and Vegetables
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt and soil. Remove any bruised outer leaves or spots. If the fruits and vegetables are to be eaten raw, then extra care must be taken in washing and rinsing with clean, safe water.
Chopping v & f into small pieces and sieving/grating them destroys vitamin C by exposing the cut surfacces to air. Cut/peeled veges should never be soaked.
Cook v & f in their skins. Remove the skins just before serving. This helps to retain nutritive elements as well as colour and flavour. If food is to be peeled, remove the thinnest layer possible.
Use the liquid used for cooking or soaking vege in making soups or gravy. When soaking/cooking vege, part of the minerals and B vitamins dissolve in the water. So, the liquid should not be thrown away.
Prepare raw salads and cook vege just bef meal time. This avoid reheating and prolonged exposure to air.
F & v should be cooked in a covered pan with as little water as possible and also with as little stirring as possible.
Do not overcook. Cook until the vege are tender. Do not keep hot hot for a long time / reheat before serving.
Chopping v & f into small pieces and sieving/grating them destroys vitamin C by exposing the cut surfacces to air. Cut/peeled veges should never be soaked.
Cook v & f in their skins. Remove the skins just before serving. This helps to retain nutritive elements as well as colour and flavour. If food is to be peeled, remove the thinnest layer possible.
Use the liquid used for cooking or soaking vege in making soups or gravy. When soaking/cooking vege, part of the minerals and B vitamins dissolve in the water. So, the liquid should not be thrown away.
Prepare raw salads and cook vege just bef meal time. This avoid reheating and prolonged exposure to air.
F & v should be cooked in a covered pan with as little water as possible and also with as little stirring as possible.
Do not overcook. Cook until the vege are tender. Do not keep hot hot for a long time / reheat before serving.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Goodness Of Aloe Vera Juice
Symtoms range from bloating, indigestion, lower back pain, exhaustion and constipation to extreme abdominal pain, diarrhea and excessive wind. While prescription drug is available, more and more people nowadays, prefer to use the natural health food to prevent and cure indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Help has come from an unexpected place - inside the Aloe Vera plant, the Inner Gel!
Lifestream Aloe Vera Inner Gel Juice (a product) enjoys a reputation that goes back centuries, as a remedy for many digestion and gastrointestinal disorders. Through the years many people have reported that taking Aloe Vera Inner Gel Juice have provided relief from IBS leaky guts, gastritis, acid reflux, ulcers, gas, heartburn, belching, flatulence, stomach over-acidity, constipation, and other disorders related to the gastroinintestinal system.
It helps restore balance in the digestive system in several ways
- Reduces bloating after meals and reduces flatulence
- Its alkalizing effect appears to reduce stomach acidity thus reversing the effects of indigestion and heartburn. AVIG is an "amphoteric" as it can treat opposite conditions by either raising or lowering levels of stomach acid required
- AVIG coats the lining of the gastro-intestinal track and bowel, very effective for people suffering from stomach ulcers.
- Its soothing properties bring great relief for those suffering from IBS
- AVIG improves bowel regularity and decreases the unfriendly bacteria and yeast in our gut
Free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Lifestream is the no. 1 selling aloe in NZ and Australia
http://www.lifestream.co.nz/Home/MenuId/14.aspx
http://www.lifestream.co.nz/Export_Distributor/International_Distributors/MenuId/51.aspx#Malaysia
Symtoms range from bloating, indigestion, lower back pain, exhaustion and constipation to extreme abdominal pain, diarrhea and excessive wind. While prescription drug is available, more and more people nowadays, prefer to use the natural health food to prevent and cure indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Help has come from an unexpected place - inside the Aloe Vera plant, the Inner Gel!
Lifestream Aloe Vera Inner Gel Juice (a product) enjoys a reputation that goes back centuries, as a remedy for many digestion and gastrointestinal disorders. Through the years many people have reported that taking Aloe Vera Inner Gel Juice have provided relief from IBS leaky guts, gastritis, acid reflux, ulcers, gas, heartburn, belching, flatulence, stomach over-acidity, constipation, and other disorders related to the gastroinintestinal system.
It helps restore balance in the digestive system in several ways
- Reduces bloating after meals and reduces flatulence
- Its alkalizing effect appears to reduce stomach acidity thus reversing the effects of indigestion and heartburn. AVIG is an "amphoteric" as it can treat opposite conditions by either raising or lowering levels of stomach acid required
- AVIG coats the lining of the gastro-intestinal track and bowel, very effective for people suffering from stomach ulcers.
- Its soothing properties bring great relief for those suffering from IBS
- AVIG improves bowel regularity and decreases the unfriendly bacteria and yeast in our gut
Free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Lifestream is the no. 1 selling aloe in NZ and Australia
http://www.lifestream.co.nz/Home/MenuId/14.aspx
http://www.lifestream.co.nz/Export_Distributor/International_Distributors/MenuId/51.aspx#Malaysia
Handy Herbal remedy for colds
Rates of infection and colds increase with the increase of psychological stress.
A cold can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, which can result in complications, like a middle ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia or a sinus infection
The first four days of the onset of symtoms are highly contagious for people around. So a contagious virus will be passed around, even more when incidences of cold infection is higher during the exam period.
What is the solution?
German medical doctors have been prescribing an effective herbal remedy for the prevention and therapy of colds for the past 50 years. It contains 2 strong immune boosters - Thuja herb (white cedar) and Baptisae (wild indigo) that can overcome the beginnings of a cold. Its fast action, for example, can dry up a runny nose in a couple of hours and hasten recovery.
Sold throughout the world, this herbal supplement is a handy medication to have in your home
This formulation can be taken as a preventive measure throuhghout the exam poriod. It is important to be vigilant however, to take this herbal supplement at the first sign of a cold - runny nose, sore throat or cough
Prevent the cold and the student will be both physically and mentally fit to concentrate on his or her studies
+This article is courtesy of Quanstar Biotech
http://www.quanstarbiotech.com/index.asp
Rates of infection and colds increase with the increase of psychological stress.
A cold can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, which can result in complications, like a middle ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia or a sinus infection
The first four days of the onset of symtoms are highly contagious for people around. So a contagious virus will be passed around, even more when incidences of cold infection is higher during the exam period.
What is the solution?
German medical doctors have been prescribing an effective herbal remedy for the prevention and therapy of colds for the past 50 years. It contains 2 strong immune boosters - Thuja herb (white cedar) and Baptisae (wild indigo) that can overcome the beginnings of a cold. Its fast action, for example, can dry up a runny nose in a couple of hours and hasten recovery.
Sold throughout the world, this herbal supplement is a handy medication to have in your home
This formulation can be taken as a preventive measure throuhghout the exam poriod. It is important to be vigilant however, to take this herbal supplement at the first sign of a cold - runny nose, sore throat or cough
Prevent the cold and the student will be both physically and mentally fit to concentrate on his or her studies
+This article is courtesy of Quanstar Biotech
http://www.quanstarbiotech.com/index.asp
Tips to GA GIONG the quality of your sleep:
1- Regular exercise may help you to fall asleep faster
2- Do not miss the best timing to sleep. Our body will show SIGNS of sleepiness at a specific time at night, such as frequent yawning or tears running down from the eyes. When that happens, it is the best time to go to bed
3- Expose yourself to more sunlight, such as involving yourself in gardening activities, or take a leisurely afternoon stroll. This will help regulate your biological clock, thus helping you to sleep undisrupted
4- A short nap has the effect of clearing the mind. An afternoon nap is EQUIVALENT to a few hours of sleeping time. A nap need not to be long, about 10 - 15 minutes will SUFFICE. On the other hand, a prolonged nap may cuase drowsiness and fatigue
5- Avoid the intake of caffeinated drinks after MIDDAY. Caffeine will remain in your body, making it hard for you to sleep.
While alcohol may induce sleepiness, it will also disrupt the normal sleep sequence, hence promoting shallow, unrestful sleep.
6- Cultivate good sleeping habits. Go to bed and get up at aboutthe same time every day. If you are unable to fall asleep, get up and stretch your muscles. Only retire to bed when you are feeling sleepy. alternately you can go for mental silence.
1- Regular exercise may help you to fall asleep faster
2- Do not miss the best timing to sleep. Our body will show SIGNS of sleepiness at a specific time at night, such as frequent yawning or tears running down from the eyes. When that happens, it is the best time to go to bed
3- Expose yourself to more sunlight, such as involving yourself in gardening activities, or take a leisurely afternoon stroll. This will help regulate your biological clock, thus helping you to sleep undisrupted
4- A short nap has the effect of clearing the mind. An afternoon nap is EQUIVALENT to a few hours of sleeping time. A nap need not to be long, about 10 - 15 minutes will SUFFICE. On the other hand, a prolonged nap may cuase drowsiness and fatigue
5- Avoid the intake of caffeinated drinks after MIDDAY. Caffeine will remain in your body, making it hard for you to sleep.
While alcohol may induce sleepiness, it will also disrupt the normal sleep sequence, hence promoting shallow, unrestful sleep.
6- Cultivate good sleeping habits. Go to bed and get up at aboutthe same time every day. If you are unable to fall asleep, get up and stretch your muscles. Only retire to bed when you are feeling sleepy. alternately you can go for mental silence.
Seize the moment
the great Sun Tzu once said that "Opportunites multiply as they are seized"
But many did not seize an opportunity in the first place although it often stares them in the face.
Many of us hesitate to step out of our comfort zones to grab that opportunity. Fear of making a wrong step leaves us trailing behind those who have already seized the moment
Let us remember that time and tide wait no man
A a Chinese saying goes, "Hard work of pioneers benefits future generations "
the great Sun Tzu once said that "Opportunites multiply as they are seized"
But many did not seize an opportunity in the first place although it often stares them in the face.
Many of us hesitate to step out of our comfort zones to grab that opportunity. Fear of making a wrong step leaves us trailing behind those who have already seized the moment
Let us remember that time and tide wait no man
A a Chinese saying goes, "Hard work of pioneers benefits future generations "
GHOSTS dun't haunt... they suffer
We provide them with sumptuous feasts, burn large amounts of joss paper for their benefit, entertain them with shows and stay out of their way in the hope that they steer clear of ours too.
but to have fear as the driver for the celebration is perhaps the most misunderstood part of Hungry Ghost Festival.
We give the hungry ghosts food and offer them a lot of things not because we are afraid of them, but because we sympathise with them.
Sympathy? Sounds like a foreign concept at a time when people avoid throwing parties for fear of attracting unearthly "gatecrashers" and the young are advised to stay home at night to minimise contact with denizens of the netherworld
For the longest time the festival, which is widely celebrated by Chinese the world over, has been associated with ghosts being released from the lower realms to roam the Earth throughout the seventh month
Sympathy would come easily if people understood "the sufferings of a hungry ghost"
A hungry ghost, an insatiably hungry creature who leads a miserable existence, is what a greedy and selfish person becomes when he dies
Contrary to popular belief, hungry ghosts do not haunt. They suffer
In effigy form, the spirit is depicted with a bloated belly, a narrow neck and a hanging tongue.
The hungry ghost is full, its stomach is filled. And yet, its tongue is hanging out, showing how much it wants to eat
But it can't. It doesn't have a throat, its neck is narrow and everything that it tries to eat turns into fire.
This is greed - to be full and unable to eat and yet have the desire for food
This is why a hungry ghost suffers
But if they cannot eat, why do the chinese offer food to them?
This is the reason material offerings to these spirits should be accompanied by the chanting of mantras which help to enlighten and free them of their suffering.
The festival is not all about fearing and pleasing the spirits, but to help them.
According to Buddhist beliefs, all sentient beings revolve within the 6 realms of existence - the celestial asura, human, hungry ghost, animal and hell realms - until they are liberated from samsara, the endless cycle of death and rebirth
One needs to escape from the sufferings of the 6 realms. We cannot escape from samsara until we are devoid of attachments
back in the old days of the agrarian society, valus like filial piety were widely observed as a means to rid oneself of attachment to materialism
people who had filial piety cared not only for their parents, but everone, too
They treated everyone the way they treat their parents which included the sharing of possesions
During autumn, not everyone was blessed with a bountiful harvest, so this charitable act of giving surplus clothes and food to others means that one is not controlled by attachment
The Hungry Ghost Festival emphasises sympathy, mercy and charity
Transcribing the Heart Sutra helps to release the souls of the departed from suffering
When you do this with a clear mind, you transfer merits and virtues to them and, at the same time, these good deeds are reflected back to you
One can also transfer these merits to loved ones who are still alive
The ceremony is far removed from the hurried manner in which many families burn piles of jossp paper offerings by the roadside
This ceremony is to transfer merits. There's nothing scary about it at all. It's something very pure and beautiful that you want to do for your loved ones, alive or dead
It is also a gathering of sorts for families, where the young observe filial piety in action
So how did those creepy stories about vengeful ghosts and haunting spirits develop?
Through forklore
The Hungry Ghost Festival takes place during the transition period from summer to autuumn, a time when diseases tend to spread more easily because of the rapid and dramatic weather changes
Back ih those times, people did not know about things like bacteria or virus. The only way to explain the unusally high death rate was that the month was haunted
BY NST
We provide them with sumptuous feasts, burn large amounts of joss paper for their benefit, entertain them with shows and stay out of their way in the hope that they steer clear of ours too.
but to have fear as the driver for the celebration is perhaps the most misunderstood part of Hungry Ghost Festival.
We give the hungry ghosts food and offer them a lot of things not because we are afraid of them, but because we sympathise with them.
Sympathy? Sounds like a foreign concept at a time when people avoid throwing parties for fear of attracting unearthly "gatecrashers" and the young are advised to stay home at night to minimise contact with denizens of the netherworld
For the longest time the festival, which is widely celebrated by Chinese the world over, has been associated with ghosts being released from the lower realms to roam the Earth throughout the seventh month
Sympathy would come easily if people understood "the sufferings of a hungry ghost"
A hungry ghost, an insatiably hungry creature who leads a miserable existence, is what a greedy and selfish person becomes when he dies
Contrary to popular belief, hungry ghosts do not haunt. They suffer
In effigy form, the spirit is depicted with a bloated belly, a narrow neck and a hanging tongue.
The hungry ghost is full, its stomach is filled. And yet, its tongue is hanging out, showing how much it wants to eat
But it can't. It doesn't have a throat, its neck is narrow and everything that it tries to eat turns into fire.
This is greed - to be full and unable to eat and yet have the desire for food
This is why a hungry ghost suffers
But if they cannot eat, why do the chinese offer food to them?
This is the reason material offerings to these spirits should be accompanied by the chanting of mantras which help to enlighten and free them of their suffering.
The festival is not all about fearing and pleasing the spirits, but to help them.
According to Buddhist beliefs, all sentient beings revolve within the 6 realms of existence - the celestial asura, human, hungry ghost, animal and hell realms - until they are liberated from samsara, the endless cycle of death and rebirth
One needs to escape from the sufferings of the 6 realms. We cannot escape from samsara until we are devoid of attachments
back in the old days of the agrarian society, valus like filial piety were widely observed as a means to rid oneself of attachment to materialism
people who had filial piety cared not only for their parents, but everone, too
They treated everyone the way they treat their parents which included the sharing of possesions
During autumn, not everyone was blessed with a bountiful harvest, so this charitable act of giving surplus clothes and food to others means that one is not controlled by attachment
The Hungry Ghost Festival emphasises sympathy, mercy and charity
Transcribing the Heart Sutra helps to release the souls of the departed from suffering
When you do this with a clear mind, you transfer merits and virtues to them and, at the same time, these good deeds are reflected back to you
One can also transfer these merits to loved ones who are still alive
The ceremony is far removed from the hurried manner in which many families burn piles of jossp paper offerings by the roadside
This ceremony is to transfer merits. There's nothing scary about it at all. It's something very pure and beautiful that you want to do for your loved ones, alive or dead
It is also a gathering of sorts for families, where the young observe filial piety in action
So how did those creepy stories about vengeful ghosts and haunting spirits develop?
Through forklore
The Hungry Ghost Festival takes place during the transition period from summer to autuumn, a time when diseases tend to spread more easily because of the rapid and dramatic weather changes
Back ih those times, people did not know about things like bacteria or virus. The only way to explain the unusally high death rate was that the month was haunted
BY NST
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1/9/09
1/9/2009
fervently believe in transparency
If I do not subscribe to there principles
brushed aside dissenting views in the party
stocking racial intolerance
a platform to rabble-rouse
fervently believe in transparency
If I do not subscribe to there principles
brushed aside dissenting views in the party
stocking racial intolerance
a platform to rabble-rouse
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Today's Word
30/8/2009
in the same breath
innocuous ones
unsavoury website
flicks
US bungling Muslim ties
squandering goodwill
political mould
well-heeled
offers stratospheric levels of passenger comfort
RAV4 is certainly a darling
29/8/2009
charade
he was whisked away
attend functions
psychologically break him down
have a cuppa for old times' sake
interrupted my reverie /daydream
Kenedy was to be eulogised by B before buried
Serena to start against wildcards
tingling with excitement
28/8/2009
took advantage to chalk the upset win over them
flogging him to Madrid
his affability and capability to span the partisan divide
outpouring of superlatives
precariousness of his own health
go for arbitration
out of respect to PM
ethereal look
27/8/2009
lending her celebrity to causes such as AIDS awareness
in punitive damage
slap on the wrist for sb
Selangor bigshots
Federer in perfect frame of mind for US Open
gleefully said
yet to come to grips with her repaired shoulder
turned the corner in her comeback by reaching the final
26/8/2009
ultra vires
a low-key first half
dirty, dishevelled and unkempt
lie in an euphorie/euphoria state after shooting themselves up with heroin
nightspots or discotheques
in the same breath
innocuous ones
unsavoury website
flicks
US bungling Muslim ties
squandering goodwill
political mould
well-heeled
offers stratospheric levels of passenger comfort
RAV4 is certainly a darling
29/8/2009
charade
he was whisked away
attend functions
psychologically break him down
have a cuppa for old times' sake
interrupted my reverie /daydream
Kenedy was to be eulogised by B before buried
Serena to start against wildcards
tingling with excitement
28/8/2009
took advantage to chalk the upset win over them
flogging him to Madrid
his affability and capability to span the partisan divide
outpouring of superlatives
precariousness of his own health
go for arbitration
out of respect to PM
ethereal look
27/8/2009
lending her celebrity to causes such as AIDS awareness
in punitive damage
slap on the wrist for sb
Selangor bigshots
Federer in perfect frame of mind for US Open
gleefully said
yet to come to grips with her repaired shoulder
turned the corner in her comeback by reaching the final
26/8/2009
ultra vires
a low-key first half
dirty, dishevelled and unkempt
lie in an euphorie/euphoria state after shooting themselves up with heroin
nightspots or discotheques
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Words Today
colossal
--->ADJECTIVE = extremely large
MJ interred somewhere
--->place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb
exponential growth
--->ADJECTIVE = (of an increase) becoming more and more rapid
bargains galore
--->ADJECTIVE = (after noun) in abundance
takes cognisance of an offence
--->IDIOM = (formal) attend to; take account of
triable issues
--->ADJECTIVE = (of an offence or case) liable to a judicial trial
motion for summary judgement
---> a formal proposal put to a legislature or committee
--->(Law) an application for a rule or order of court
Bolt romped down the home straight
--->IDIOM = to easily win a race or competition romp home/to victory
given the mantle of future
--->an important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another
paradigm shift
--->a typical example, pattern, or model of something
--->ADJECTIVE = extremely large
MJ interred somewhere
--->place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb
exponential growth
--->ADJECTIVE = (of an increase) becoming more and more rapid
bargains galore
--->ADJECTIVE = (after noun) in abundance
takes cognisance of an offence
--->IDIOM = (formal) attend to; take account of
triable issues
--->ADJECTIVE = (of an offence or case) liable to a judicial trial
motion for summary judgement
---> a formal proposal put to a legislature or committee
--->(Law) an application for a rule or order of court
Bolt romped down the home straight
--->IDIOM = to easily win a race or competition romp home/to victory
given the mantle of future
--->an important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another
paradigm shift
--->a typical example, pattern, or model of something
Confucious
Great Master Kung-Fu-Tzi
There are 9 things which a new graduate should be mindful -
1----to see clearly as he uses his eyes
2----to hear distinctly when he uses his ears
3----to be gracious in expression
4----to be respectful in demeanour
5----to be sincere in speech
6----to be serious in execution of his duties
7----to seek advice when in doubt
8----to consider the consequences when he is angry
9----to think of what is right and just when he is faced with advantage and gain
to be ethical and act with utmost integrity when dealing with the enterprise and society in which he serves
Great Master Kung-Fu-Tzi
There are 9 things which a new graduate should be mindful -
1----to see clearly as he uses his eyes
2----to hear distinctly when he uses his ears
3----to be gracious in expression
4----to be respectful in demeanour
5----to be sincere in speech
6----to be serious in execution of his duties
7----to seek advice when in doubt
8----to consider the consequences when he is angry
9----to think of what is right and just when he is faced with advantage and gain
to be ethical and act with utmost integrity when dealing with the enterprise and society in which he serves
Saying
Motivation
When one door closes, another will somehow open.
Barisan wanted to treat them as squatters and wanted to chase them out. And now they are going back to seek assistance from the robbers who robbed their land.
When one door closes, another will somehow open.
Barisan wanted to treat them as squatters and wanted to chase them out. And now they are going back to seek assistance from the robbers who robbed their land.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saying
It's not just how much you save but how much remains saved....
A healthy and happy person glows with halo
A healthy and happy person glows with halo
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Happiness is not something to be achieved, but to be, and comes before success.
Happiness includes being contented, grateful and passionate for what one has. Knowing this, it should be no surprise that happy people are more able to succeed. Because of their optimism and positive energy, they live life with passion, dedicate themselves to what they love, and achieve tremendous success.
So let us celebrate this happiness we have found, and share it with even more people!!
Happiness is not something to be achieved, but to be, and comes before success.
Happiness includes being contented, grateful and passionate for what one has. Knowing this, it should be no surprise that happy people are more able to succeed. Because of their optimism and positive energy, they live life with passion, dedicate themselves to what they love, and achieve tremendous success.
So let us celebrate this happiness we have found, and share it with even more people!!
Saying
It takes time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.
A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity,
an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.
A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity,
an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.
Saying
From departure, may one gain closure.
From its seeming, may one learn that life goes on, after all.
From confronting mortality, may one learn to live well.
From its seeming, may one learn that life goes on, after all.
From confronting mortality, may one learn to live well.
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