In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
— Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 5, lines 17-28)
The endless knot or eternal knot (Sanskrit: Shrivatsa; Tibetan Dpal be’u) is a symbolic knot and one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It is also sometimes found in Chinese art and used in Chinese knots.
The endless knot has been described as “an ancient symbol representing the interweaving of the Spiritual path, the flowing of Time and Movement within That Which is Eternal. All existence, it says, is bound by time and change, yet ultimately rests serenely within the Divine and the Eternal.”
Yvonne Tsui and Paggie Leung
Nov 17, 2009
“It takes me more courage to survive than to die,” Lok Wai-kin, a former firefighter who has been a tetraplegic since a road accident in 2004, said outside the Court of First Instance yesterday.
Lok made the painful summation of how difficult his life was after reaching an out-of-court settlement on a HK$42.56 million claim against the driver and the owner of the car that ran into his motorcycle on Route Twisk in February 2004, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.
Lok, now 34, sustained severe injuries that left him in a coma for two days from which he awoke to find he could only move his head and shrug his shoulders, with no control or feeling over any other part of his body.
After three years in hospital, Lok still requires 24-hour care and a home that can house his bulky wheelchair and a gurney upon which he lies to shower.
“I wanted a mercy killing,” said Lok outside court yesterday, recalling days spent lying in a hospital bed. “All I could do was stare at the ceiling. You better save your tears for when someone is there because otherwise they just hurt your eyes.”
When asked if he was married, he replied: “Almost.” He said he let his girlfriend, aged 25 at the time, go because he thought a life with him would be so unfair to her. He has since lost contact with her.
Lok also lost his job.
“I wanted to be a fireman so badly that I sat for the recruitment tests twice before I was enrolled,” he said.
But he said he had not given up on life. “I can no longer save people, but I can talk to people,” he said. “I tell people my story and show them how they should treasure their lives.
“I have to live and this requires more courage [than dying]. If I died, I would not have to face so many problems. [If] I can survive like this, those who are healthy and able should treasure their lives.”
Lok filed his claim for damages against driver Chow Shing-woon and car owner Chow Shing-kai in 2007. The two defendants were adjudged liable to pay damages on February 23, 2007.
An out-of-court settlement was reached on the amount of damages yesterday but it is to remain confidential. It is, however, believed to be one of the largest such settlements in Hong Kong’s legal history.
Lok’s barrister, Andrew S.Y. Li, yesterday asked Recorder Benjamin Yu SC to approve the settlement.
“For [Lok], it has been an arduous journey to get to this point,” Li said. “Although he realises that whatever compensation he may get, he will never get his previous life back, he wants society to know that if you drive carelessly or recklessly, like the defendant in this case, it may not affect your own life but you may wreck the life of another person.”
Chow Shing-woon had been convicted of careless driving and fined HK$1,200, the lawyer said in court.
Yu approved the settlement.
Insurance firms pay at least some damages in most such cases, lawyers said, and the driver might also be liable for compensation.
Under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance, a driver must be insured for third-party death or injury. Third-party liability for such accidents in Hong Kong is capped at HK$100 million. In addition to compulsory coverage for third-party bodily injury and death, a portion of that sum may be applied to third-party property losses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-UZoRpW-d0One of the best trance songs ever, from the 1999 album, Deeper Shades of Hooj.
Embracing the Goddess energy within yourselves
Will bring all of you to a new understanding and value of life
A vision that inspires you to live and love on Planet Earth
Like a priceless jewel, buried in dark layers of soil and stone
Earth radiates her brilliant beauty, into the caverns of space and time
Perhaps you are aware of those who watch over your home
And experience it as a place to visit and play with reality
You are becoming aware of yourself
As a Gamemaster
Imagine earth restored to her real beauty
Steady trees seems to brush the deep blue sky
The clouds billow to form the majestic peaks
The songs of birds fill the air
Create a symphony on symphony
The Goddess is calling for an honouring of what she allows to be created through the form of strength and blood
Those who own our planet, are learning about love
Question: What would you recommend people do to cope with their grief and sadness in the wake of the September 11 tragedy?
Jois: Take calmness. Pray God. That’s all. God will help your mind.
Question: Did you consider leaving New York when the attacks happened?
Jois: No, no, no. Many people going — always going. Where? Same place is staying, praying God.
When examining medieval literature, chivalry can be classified into three basic but overlapping areas:
1. Duties to countrymen and fellow Christians: this contains virtues such as mercy, courage, valor, fairness, protection of the weak and the poor, and in the servant-hood of the knight to his lord. This also brings with it the idea of being willing to give one’s life for another’s; whether he would be giving his life for a poor man or his lord.
2. Duties to God: this would contain being faithful to God, protecting the innocent, being faithful to the church, being the champion of good against evil, being generous and obeying God above the feudal lord.
3. Duties to women: this is probably the most familiar aspect of chivalry. This would contain what is often called courtly love, the idea that the knight is to serve a lady, and after her all other ladies. Most especially in this category is a general gentleness and graciousness to all women.
Taleb’s exposition of the Ludic fallacy:
“We love the tangible, the confirmation, the palpable, the real, the visible, the concrete, the known, the seen, the vivid, the visual, the social, the embedded, the emotional laden, the salient, the stereotypical, the moving, the theatrical, the romanced, the cosmetic, the official, the scholarly-sounding verbiage, the pompous Gaussian economist, the mathematicized crap, the pomp, the Academie Francaise, Harvard Business School, the Nobel Prize, dark business suits with white shirts and Ferragamo ties, the moving discourse, and the lurid. Most of all we favor the narrated.
Alas, we are not manufactured, in our current edition of the human race, to understand abstract matters — we need context. Randomness and uncertainty are abstractions. We respect what has happened, ignoring what could have happened. In other words, we are naturally shallow and superficial — and we do not know it. This is not a psychological problem; it comes from the main property of information. The dark side of the moon is harder to see; beaming light on it costs energy. In the same way, beaming light on the unseen is costly in both computational and mental effort.”
The 10 Levels of Healing
1. Awareness: Identifying with victim behavior.
2. Commitment to change old patterns and begin to practice healing tools.
3. Step by step, you begin to see results of using the tools.
4. You are now processing and integrating new insights while releasing old patterns.
5. The determination becomes stronger to create more balance in your life.
6. Increased awareness of your ability to manifest the life you deserve.
7. Self-worth expands and grows significantly.
8. You have stopped creating dramas and have drawn in mentors.
9. Confidence in handling life’s lessons.
10. Experience more pleasure, happiness, delight, clarity, and peace, in your daily life now.
Vedanta is a spiritual tradition explained in the Upanishads that is concerned with the self-realisation by which one understands the ultimate nature of reality (Brahman) and teaches the believer’s goal is to transcend the limitations of self-identity and realize one’s unity with Brahman. Vedanta which implies “the end of all knowledge” – by definition is not restricted or confined to one book and there is no sole source for Vedantic philosophy. Vedanta is based on immutable spiritual laws that are common to religions and spiritual traditions worldwide. Vedanta as the end of knowledge refers to a state of self-realisation, attainment, or cosmic consciousness. Historically and currently Vedanta is understood as a state of transcendence and not as a concept that can be grasped by the intellect alone.
In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna, “It is better to follow your own calling imperfectly than follow another’s perfectly. If death should come while following your own path, this is surely better than living with the fear and anguish of following a false path.” (3:35)
(10) One moment, they’re friends;
In an instant, they’re enemies.
At a time for being delighted, they fall into a rage:
Ordinary beings are so difficult to please.
(11) Told what’s of benefit, they get enraged
And cause me to turn from what’s of benefit too.
But, if their words aren’t listened to,
They fall into a rage and go, then, to a worse rebirth state.
(12) They’re envious of superiors, competitive with equals,
Arrogant toward inferiors, conceited when praised,
And hateful when told what they don’t want to hear:
When is there benefit from infantile beings?
(13) If I associate with infantile people,
Then destructive behavior inevitably arises among infantile folk,
Such as praising myself and belittling others,
And prattling on about the pleasures of samsara.
(14) From entrusting myself to others in this way,
Nothing but loss comes about in the end,
For they’ll be, in fact, no-good for me
And I’ll be, in fact, no-good for them.
(15) So let me flee far away from infantile folk;
But if encountered, I’ll please them with pleasantries,
And without becoming overly familiar,
I’ll conduct myself nicely, merely as an ordinary person would.
“For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are.”
– Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)
After waiting for more than 10 years, I finally attended a class at Jivamukti today. Jivamukti appears true to nature and the founders, Deva Das (David Life) and Tripura Sundari (Sharon Gannon), actually teach yoga. The word “Jivamukti” is derived from Sanskrit for “living liberation”. Madonna, Uma Thurman, William Dafoe, Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Keaton are regulars.
Jivamukti have basically taken traditional yoga and adopted it to modern times, by using current music and trends. While it is true that we need to stick to tradition, some minor adaptations are useful to improve the teachings. For example, I got a good dose of aromatherapy (peppermint at the start and Ylang Ylang at the end) during the session. And guess what music they played when the vinyasas began? Sounds from Thievery Corporation.
Lakshmi or Mahalakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from its elemental form “lakS” meaning to “perceive”, to “observe”. This is synonymous with “lakSya” meaning “aim” or “objective”. Lakshmi is thus goddess of the means to achieving objectives including prosperity in the life of mankind.
She is the consort of Vishnu and married Rama (in her incarnation as Sita) and Krishna (as Rukmini and Radha).
Lakshmi is the embodiment of Love, from which devotion to God or Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti or Lakshmi that the atma or soul is able to reach God or Vishnu. She is also the personification of the Spiritual energy within us and universe called Kundalini. Also, She embodies the Spiritual World or Vaikunta; the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered Heaven in Hinduism. She is also the Divine qualities of God and the soul. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God’s superior spiritual feminine energy or the Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual. Hence, She is called the Goddess of Fortune.
And he went back to meet the fox.
“Goodbye,” he said.
“Goodbye,” said the fox. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
“What is essential is invisible to the eye,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.
“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
“It is the time I have wasted for my rose–” said the little prince, so that he would be sure to remember. “I am responsible for my rose.”
“Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose…“
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32
Eternity isn’t some later time. Eternity isn’t a long time. Eternity has nothing to do with time. Eternity is that dimension of here and now which thinking and time cuts out. This is it. And if you don’t get it here, you won’t get it anywhere. And the experience of eternity right here and now is the function of life.
Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth (2001)
gyong kha rang gis len pa dang/ /
rgyal kha gzhan la ‘bul bar shog /
I will take defeat upon myself,
And give the victory to others.
~ Langri Thangpa, Eight Verses of Training the Mind ~
bsam pa bzang na sa dang lam yang bzang/ /
bsam pa ngan na sa dang lam yang ngan/ /
thams cad bsam pa dag la rag las pas/ /
rtag par bsam pa bzang la ‘bad par bya/ /
If the intentions are good, then so will be the levels and paths.
If the intentions are bad, then the levels and paths will be too.
Since everything depends on one’s intentions,
Always strive to make sure that they are positive.
~ Je Tsongkhapa, A Literary Gem of Poetry ~
bla ma’i mchog mtshang la rgol ba yin/
gdams ngag gi mchog mtshang thog tu ‘bebs pa yin/
The best guru is one who attacks your hidden faults
The best instructions are the ones that target those faults.
Atisha (982-1054)
The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.”
~ Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi ~
“You have told me about your dreams… And I am a part of your dream, a part of your destiny, as you call it.
That’s why I want you to continue toward your goal. If you have to wait until the war is over, then wait. But if you have to go before then, go on in pursuit of your dream. The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes. That’s the way it will be with our love for each other.
“Maktub,” she said. “If I am really a part of your dream, you’ll come back one day.”
If life throws you a bitter lemon, make it into a caipirinha.
~ Brazilian proverb ~
Fix your posture
Align it with heaven and earth
You are a lightning rod between them
Relax everything
Let your past dissolve into the earth
Let your future dissolve into space
Let the present moment dissolve into your breath
And then,
Forget everything you just did
Stare directly into space and relax your mind
Whatever happens don’t be concerned
The absence of deliberate action is the real message
We make too big a deal of practice
Relax
If something occurs, fine
If nothing occurs, fine
The moment is empty
– Vajra Regent , Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago
Being a Christian in the Working World
Kwek Mean Luck, Cambridge 1992-1995
Channel, Easter 2006
When I was in the CCCF, we had a number of post-graduates, who would share with us the difficulties of keeping the faith out in the working world. Imbibing from their experience, one of the things we consciously sought to do was to prepare ourselves for entering the workforce as Christians.
It has been many years since Cambridge, and the Lord continues to teach and to guide. These are some of the lessons I have learnt:
1. Cambridge is wonderful, but I must give other experiences a chance – When we came home, we missed Cambridge and the fellowship we had there terribly. For some, our experiences in Cambridge seemed like the peak of our Christian experience. We felt like we were now in the valley in the working world. It takes time, but we must move on. Clinging to what was wonderful does no good for the present. For those of you who have years in Cambridge still, continue to make the most of your years there, as I am sure you are, and store for yourself wonderful memories. When you leave, give the other experiences a chance.
2. I have graduated but I still need teachers and mentors – I learnt much from the many people around me, some of whom played particularly strong roles in my life as teachers and mentors of what it means to be a Christian in the working world. Some of them were not Christians, but they served as examples of how a Christian should be living. Some were Christians, who also gave me Christian perspective on different things and shared with me their experiences. Find teachers and mentors to guide you in different aspects of your walk with God.
3. Living out our faith – I recall a story told at a conference. A new and young pastor was asked a question about a passage in Romans on predestination during a sermon. He mulled through what answer he should give on a difficult and delicate subject and decided to reply along the following lines: ‘Well you know, there are four gospels before the book of Romans, read through them and put into practice what is said there. When you have done that, we will be ready to discuss the answer to your very pertinent question.’ To deepen our walk with God, at some point we need to move beyond knowledge and start living out our faith.
4. Small things count – There is a saying that talks about how we need to be careful of our thoughts, for they turn into actions, then into habits and then becomes part of our character. It is trite but true. A constant struggle for us is how we are to maintain integrity of our Christian beliefs and faith throughout all seven days of the week. It is easier whilst in church on the weekends, but what are we supposed to do as Christians during Mondays to Fridays when we are working? We each need to find the answer ourselves, but it helps to start with the small things: how we react to a piece of work, how we treat people who serve or work for us at work, how we relate to our bosses, how we react when under pressure or criticism. It is not easy to be a Christian in the workplace, but it is easier if we start by practising a few small things, and build from there. Small things count.
5. He will never let you fall – Most importantly, know that He will never let you fall. I have gone through valleys in my walk with Him. There were times when I felt I was in the desert. Yet, He is also the one who said that He will bring streams to the desert and I have seen Him do so. I used to wonder if I am any less a Christian today than I was in university, since I feel less palpable passion in my heart. Yet, I am heartened that over time, he has replaced that passion with a calmer and stronger fire that has withstood the blowing winds. I do not know about tomorrow, but I know He walks with me. So too will He with you.
“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.”
Joseph Campbell
“Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”
– Joseph Campbell