Saw this interesting explanation on the above verse on the Eight Winds article here. This is a story of how one of my favourite Chinese poets, Su Dongpo was upset by his friend's reaction to his poem ..read more

I like to share this book, Messages from the Masters by Dr Brian Weiss, a Jewish American who served as a chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in Miami Beach, Florida. Initially he didn't believe in reincarnation until he met a patient, Catherine who inexplicably recalled her many past-life memories.   Some people could recall their past lives through past-life regression, near-death experiences (for example Duane here) or deep meditation.  In the book, he shared about karma and lessons. Karma is not just Buddhism concept. It is the universal l ..read more

I felt happy when I finally understand some verses from the Heart sutra and Diamond sutra after some personal experiences and shared the previous post on Five Skandhas here with five of my Buddhist friends. I also have many Christian friends and relatives but don't think it's appropriate to share with them. I received only one feedback from a wise friend and I am grateful that she shared her perspective. Another of my friend who is following Theravada path (traditional) said that he will refrain from commenting on Mahayana sutras as he follows Theravada teaching. To me I read bo ..read more

Recently I realised that my practice was not so good. I was shocked that I was still affected by other people's action . The greatest test to your practice is when you encountered someone who had hurt you and unreasonable people. When my colleague was talking about ignoring people's insult, that I kind of had a sudden realisation on what I have been reading and writing. I actually wrote about the Heart Sutra five skandas and Diamond Sutra but has not been as diligent in reading it recently. I went back to read again and can now better understand my earlier translation after experiencing vexati ..read more

I found this really informative channel on Buddha's teaching. The youtuber dsl is able to explain with his own experience in investigating and experiencing Buddha's teaching.  In the video, from 14:25, Buddha told the three men that yesterday she had stolen your valuable, now she is still stealing away your present moment. Would she be upset with them at the present moment? Instead of carrying the burden of the past and always trying to change the unpredictable future, you are losing the present moment.  Buddha advised them to be present at the moment so that they can discover themse ..read more

Recently when I went to the popular Kuan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo street, I saw a group of monks standing outside the temple. Real monks don't solicit for money. Please read the following by the Palelai temple on Theravada practice.    ..read more

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I believe what you give, you will get it back (karma). Good action leads to good results and vice versa. Thus, now I like to donate to Buddhist temples for dharma material printing. When I was a student with not much money, I used to take free Buddhist books and it helped to clarify my doubts.  It has helped me to overcome some challenges in life and I learnt to let go and not be so affected. Though I might be angry for a while but then I will let go after some time. Even though I forgive, I will never forget the lesson and will take necessary precaution. Hopefully other people can benefi ..read more

I'm very happy with my new book purchase at Orchard Road today by Jet Li LianJie, Beyond Life and Death, Jet Li looking for Jet Li. Jet Li is a Chinese-born Singaporean who is successful actor, former 5-time Wushu champion.  I hope there is a book signing event in Singapore. Even though this book is in traditional Chinese and has to be read from right to left instead of the usual left to right and Simplified Chinese, I decided to buy as I wanted to read immediately and the bookstore staff are not sure when the Simplified Chinese version will arrive in Singapore. Anyway, I can recognise t ..read more

Yesterday was the first day of Chinese lunar month of  August. I decided to go to Kwan Im temple at Waterloo street to pray since I haven't visit the temple for many months. Luckily the temple opening hours is from 7am to 6.30 pm and I managed to pray at the temple after work.  This temple started in 1884 and was last renovated in 1983. From Wikipedia, "The temple's main worship is Cundi, a manifestation of Kuan Yin. It also worship Damo and Hua Tuo. A statue of Tathagata Buddha is also placed behind Kuan Yin. On top of the altar there is also the Four Heavenly Kings ..read more