Question: What do they all have in common?
Answer: They are all famous to the point of being household names around the world.
Each are famous in their own right and for sure, every one of them are idols - global icons of sorts.
And it is very interesting to note how each of them has used their fame.
Mother Teresa is synonymous with compassion, loving kindness and helping those neglected children in Calcutta.
Tiger Woods was once a golf legend. Today, his name is synonymous with infidelity, Las Vegas, mistresses, sex scandals, in hiding, etc. These days, he is equated with anything but golf.
American Idol is a real testament that everyone wants to be "found" and have their "shot" at becoming a "STAR". And even if you do not become the chosen few, you'll have your 5 minutes of fame during the great search.
The world is completely griped with an inexplicable fascination over "celebrities" and "celebrity status".
It is almost reaching a point of nonsensical. If it hasn't already.
The fact that reality shows like American Idol can keep its audience glued to the tv every season validates the above statement.
So, let's take the case of Tiger Woods - he is a perfect example.
Previously, he was worshipped as a "Golf God". Women throw themselves at him, full knowing that he is (or was - one cannot be too sure now) married. Sponsors flooded him with all kinds of endorsement deals, making him the richest athlete. It seems that Tiger had the world in his hands and could do no wrong. People, young and old, men or women, all looked up to him. Well, now we know that some got more than just looking up at him.
Now, let's take a closer look at American Idol, what is it that viewers are really interested in?
Is it about watching people fail, laughing at those who can't sing to save their lives but insist that they sing so darn well, or really believing that some dreams do come true because American Idol gives everyone that fair chance? Is it all of the above?
Or may be it is because there is just really nothing good on tv these days?
Perhaps the simple truth is - we love to watch. WE are basically all VOYEURS in every sense of the word.
The dictionary defines it as An obsessive observer of sordid or sensational subjects.
We like it even more when we are allowed to vote beyond just observing, because our vote has a certain influence on the fate of their lives (within that American Idol context, of course).
Then we take someone like Mother Teresa who has practically given up her own personal life to care for others. In fact, she gives of herself so that others can become themselves, or have a better life for themselves.
But does anyone care to even glorify her as much as they honour celebrities and American Idol?
Would anyone even bother to trace her foot steps, let alone revere her foot prints left behind?
So, what does that really say about us - all of us?
Forget about pointing the 'accusatory' finger at this person or that person.
Drop it and pause for a moment.
Just take a good look at yourself for a minute.
Examine your own mind set and your fascination with a subject matter, an object or a person.
Just humour me for a second and do it.
For a change, look within yourself and your own mind.
What do you really see?
How do you see yourself?
The single most important lesson I have learnt so far -
There is no single most important lesson because it is a series, a succession of many lessons.
We gain new understanding and depth as we go along.
Sometimes we may never fully understand ourselves and our decisions even, until much later or until much older.
Complain or comment as much as you will, but you are also the one who watched the shows, bought the magazines, subscribed for it and even paid for the T-Shirt.
In our lifetime, ALL OF US have been guilty of one thing or another. Just because we haven't been found out does not mean that we are oh so innocent.
We are all still learning and struggling, because we are all students of life.
That is why Tiger Woods can screw up big time and he will most likely repeat various forms of screw-ups in his own journey in life, because he is not perfect.
No different than you and me.
This may be also why we adore watching American Idol. Because it reflects who we are, as we are NOW.
We are still finding our own ways, searching for the right answers to all the changing riddles and questions in our lives.
If we have truly graduated in any way or form - we'd all be like Mother Teresa, devoting ourselves to saving the rest.
Why?
Because if you truly understood suffering, pain, violence, hatred and misery - if you really understand the extent of cause and effect, of the grave consequences of every thing we do, say and even think, then you will never wish for anyone to experience any pain or suffering at all - ever.
You will want to commit yourself to caring for others and helping as many people as possible, because it is really scary and lonely to be out there all alone.
You will want to do all that you can to make the world a better place, because you really truly can!
We are all really blessed with different gifts and talents.
What we choose to do with our gifts and talents is what defines us.
As you can well see, how Tiger has used his fame and talents, then compare it with how Mother Teresa has used her fame and talents.
One has changed hundreds of lives and even inspired many.
The other has indulged in his own self-serving desires and also inspired many.
And I guess when you can't decide which is more important of the two, you turn on the tv and watch American Idol until you can figure it all out what is truly important to you in your own life.
If there is one thing I've learnt in this lifetime, it is that the learning never ends until we end.
Every day is a discovery and a new level of understanding.
I say it again, What we choose to do with our gifts and talents will define us, and sum up our lives.
It is probably the only things that leave a lasting effect or impact long after we are gone.
Hence, you can rise from a zero to a hero OR fall from a hero to a zero.
Anything and everything is possible, because it lies in the palm of your hands and the decisions you make on a daily basis.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
What Is The Real Value of FAITH?
Date: 10th January 2010
As my writing retreat came to a close, I was greeted by the disturbing news of "religious intolerance" in Malaysia. Four churches were torched, and two more were attacked today in two different states: Ipoh and Malacca. Some say these are a ploy to disguise a more sinister political agenda by certain parties in the Government, but the fact that so many people are affected by this is just unthinkable.
Imagine if you wake one day and you are forced to carefully plan your day to ensure that you do not 'exhibit' any religious images or items that are not recognised by the laws of that country.
Imagine when you walk into a church to pray, you have to think twice and tread with caution because anything could come at you.
Imagine you can never put any religious items in your car, because if it seen hanging on your rear view mirror, they will smash your car and windows.
NOW - Imagine the above situations enforced into your own respective faith.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?
Imagine the Muslims cannot blast their prayers five times a day anymore because it disturbs public peace and order, because a stronger or majority faith rules the country and this is the law.
Imagine the Buddhists cannot build huge structures or temples to honour their Buddhas but must enshrine their holy images within small, confined places.
Imagine the Hindus cannot walk the streets and hold religious parades every year as how they presently do during Thaipusam.
Imagine the world has looked at a particular religious group and sanctioned this specific group as 'dangerous, high risk, terrorists". Imagine the global ban on such a group.
Then the world order starts to get even more paranoid about this particular religious group and ordered all of them to be executed. In every country, they hunt them down and gather these people together no different than cattle. The portrait of all these people standing in the middle of nowhere, shaking in fear and holding onto the remnants of their faith does little to move these soldiers to compassion. Instead, the soldiers raise their arms and aim at the groups of people infront of them. Then the sounds of guns blazing and bullets flying fill the air. Finally, there is a cold silence.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL if you belong to that group?
Is this what sums up our so-called civilisation?
Is this our prime of evolution?
I cannot even begin to fathom how our human race can descend into such darkness, while they are holding the flames of progress.
It is hard to understand life and people at times. Sometimes I wonder what really goes on inside a person's head, even as we can be standing side by side. The stark and horrific difference in our mind sets is what defines a GREAT DIVIDE.
We may as well be living on different planets because there is absolutely nothing humane in the way some human beings are treating one another, and how much they truly loathe and hate each other.
This is what disturbs me and scares me about the human race.
As much as we are great inventors and humanitarians, we are also the worst killers, sinners and criminals of all time.
We may have created the very best of life, but we are also the same diabolical MURDERERS of life and people.
So, this is how our lives will play out over time, we keep destroying every wonderful thing we create?
And this is the cycle of life that each of you are happy and willing to perpetuate?
You seriously want to hand this down from one generation to the next, like it is some precious heritage?!
If so, if this is really so - then I have only these words to say -
May God have mercy on us all.
May the Buddhas forgive us all.
May Allah save us all.
May Lord Ganesha protect us all.
MAY every faith's leaders do their part in teaching everyone how to love one another more, and not confuse each other more.
No religion ever encourages 'killing' or demands that we go ahead and suppress others, in any way or form.
No religion ever says that it is ok to mistreat others who do not belong in our faith.
No - if any religion did, then it cannot be hailed as a religion but a premeditated murder or massacre.
Some day, if we are not careful, we will be the real cause of our own extinction.
As my writing retreat came to a close, I was greeted by the disturbing news of "religious intolerance" in Malaysia. Four churches were torched, and two more were attacked today in two different states: Ipoh and Malacca. Some say these are a ploy to disguise a more sinister political agenda by certain parties in the Government, but the fact that so many people are affected by this is just unthinkable.
Imagine if you wake one day and you are forced to carefully plan your day to ensure that you do not 'exhibit' any religious images or items that are not recognised by the laws of that country.
Imagine when you walk into a church to pray, you have to think twice and tread with caution because anything could come at you.
Imagine you can never put any religious items in your car, because if it seen hanging on your rear view mirror, they will smash your car and windows.
NOW - Imagine the above situations enforced into your own respective faith.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?
Imagine the Muslims cannot blast their prayers five times a day anymore because it disturbs public peace and order, because a stronger or majority faith rules the country and this is the law.
Imagine the Buddhists cannot build huge structures or temples to honour their Buddhas but must enshrine their holy images within small, confined places.
Imagine the Hindus cannot walk the streets and hold religious parades every year as how they presently do during Thaipusam.
Imagine the world has looked at a particular religious group and sanctioned this specific group as 'dangerous, high risk, terrorists". Imagine the global ban on such a group.
Then the world order starts to get even more paranoid about this particular religious group and ordered all of them to be executed. In every country, they hunt them down and gather these people together no different than cattle. The portrait of all these people standing in the middle of nowhere, shaking in fear and holding onto the remnants of their faith does little to move these soldiers to compassion. Instead, the soldiers raise their arms and aim at the groups of people infront of them. Then the sounds of guns blazing and bullets flying fill the air. Finally, there is a cold silence.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL if you belong to that group?
Is this what sums up our so-called civilisation?
Is this our prime of evolution?
I cannot even begin to fathom how our human race can descend into such darkness, while they are holding the flames of progress.
It is hard to understand life and people at times. Sometimes I wonder what really goes on inside a person's head, even as we can be standing side by side. The stark and horrific difference in our mind sets is what defines a GREAT DIVIDE.
We may as well be living on different planets because there is absolutely nothing humane in the way some human beings are treating one another, and how much they truly loathe and hate each other.
This is what disturbs me and scares me about the human race.
As much as we are great inventors and humanitarians, we are also the worst killers, sinners and criminals of all time.
We may have created the very best of life, but we are also the same diabolical MURDERERS of life and people.
So, this is how our lives will play out over time, we keep destroying every wonderful thing we create?
And this is the cycle of life that each of you are happy and willing to perpetuate?
You seriously want to hand this down from one generation to the next, like it is some precious heritage?!
If so, if this is really so - then I have only these words to say -
May God have mercy on us all.
May the Buddhas forgive us all.
May Allah save us all.
May Lord Ganesha protect us all.
MAY every faith's leaders do their part in teaching everyone how to love one another more, and not confuse each other more.
No religion ever encourages 'killing' or demands that we go ahead and suppress others, in any way or form.
No religion ever says that it is ok to mistreat others who do not belong in our faith.
No - if any religion did, then it cannot be hailed as a religion but a premeditated murder or massacre.
Some day, if we are not careful, we will be the real cause of our own extinction.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
REJECTION, REGRESSION, REMORSE, RETREAT & REBIRTH...
Today I feel like an episode from "Sesame Street" and so, we shall discuss the letter "R" and all the stuff that makes this letter such a deep, heavy subject matter.
Some of the words that stem from this letter: R convey many layers of meanings. It is like what happens when we cut onions - extremely stinging to our eyes and we can't help but cry. Yup, its totally against our will too. So, let's dive into the realms of "R"...and I'll even present it in 2 sides of the same coin, because it is one and the same. Don't worry, read on. You'll soon know what I mean. I promise, it is NOT going to be heavy.
First on the list - Rejection
Dharma Side: We should reject anything and anyone that stops us from pursuing more dharma knowledge. Hence, we are encouraged to de-attach ourselves from all worldly desires and pursuits. We believe that when we have achieved true realizations, we can be a source of great help and benefit to those around us and even, ourselves.
Flip Side: We reject anyone and anything that stops us from pursuing all our worldy desires and indulging in "earthly pleasures". Hence, we like to believe that "de-attachment" is a dirty vulgar word that should be abolished from the English Language altogether and be replaced by, "reckless abandonment".
So, we evolve into a species which shamelessly advocate decadence like it is a virtue, by re-labelling it as "FREEDOM". Then the whole concept becomes easier to sell, market and validate. Here lies our GRAND DECEPTION on the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
My 2 cents' worth on the 2 sides: You either choose to become someone of benefit to others, or you choose to stay as someone who leeches on others.
No, there is no 2 way about it.
You are either selfish or self-less. Yes, it is that simple.
And guess what? The very basis of Vajrayana, Tantra and Bodhichitta is to develop 'loving kindness' aka compassion aka self-lessness. That is the primary quality one must have and must uphold.
Nope, you cannot become a Bodhisattva without first cultivating the ability to care for others beyond yourself. This unique criteria is both the means and end of the whole Vajrayana path. Yes please do spend some time and dwell upon what I just wrote. I say it again, IT IS BOTH THE "MEANS" AND THE "ENDS".
My personal experience: I don't have much discipline at all in the past. Because I totally bought into the GRAND DECEPTION. I was such a regular customer of it that they were compelled to give me a special Diamond Platinum Loyalty Card to glorify me as their best customer and to keep me locked in. But do not mistake for one minute that I was held against my will like the onion story above. Nope, I ALLOWED it to occur and recur until I absolutely concurred. So, there is nothing to whine about or to feel sorry for because I was a willing and ready customer, each and every time. Well, because it felt so darn good. Little did I realise that it all comes with a very heavy price to pay at the end, or at a time when you really need something good to happen in your life to save your ass. Yes, it has that terminal gift to get you when you least expected it or when you are at your lowest of the low.
So, here comes the next word on the list - REGRESSION
This precious word: Regression is such a stone in my shoe. It is the very bane of my commitment. Who am I kidding? What commitment could I have when I have no convictions to begin with. This is why regressions happen. This is why they continued to haunt me through the 30-odd years of my life. It was like being stuck in a stomach churning roller coaster ride that would not stop and you would have to swallow your own vomit every other 5 minutes. Yes, I know I am being gross and sick! But the truth, the reality is exactly just that!
No one can ever go into relapse once they have a real understanding of the Dharma, and Karma. Most of all, they can never ever degenerate if their conscience is built on a strong and firm foundation of COMPASSION.
Ssshhhh...please just cut the B.S - if you do experience the wreckage of regression quite consistently, then you have never been commited in your so-called path to redemption - whatever title you want to give it - whether it is Salvation in the realms of Christianity or Hindu or Islam. And as clear as the day, you have zero convictions. It is as simple as that.
Let me share with you a story here. So that you can relate to it in the so-called real world and not think that all this hocus pocus I am addressing only applies to religion alone.
The Filipino social hero that I have been documenting in the last 6 months or so. His name is Tony Meloto and he is a staunch Catholic. As he turned 40, he quit his job and gave up his corporate dreams at Unilever. Instead he chose to work with the slums-dwellers in Manila. And not just any slum, he chose the worst and biggest slum in the Philippines. At that time, it was already clocking in half a million informal settlers. He was particularly distressed about the state of poverty that was ravaging his country - from the mind, to the hearts to the streets. And he felt compelled to do something about it. So, 15 years ago, he began a youth social program in that very slum, named: Bagong Silang. In those days, the ratio was 1 in 3 families who reside in Bagong Silang was either dead, living a life of crime or in jail.
Tony Meloto wanted to work with the youth because he felt that only real change can take place with the youth as their mind and hearts were still receptive and open. He also believed that the future lies with the youth and that they needed values transformation asap in order to become great leaders while they are still energetic and young. No, he didn't believe that old foggies should rule when they can't even run fast enough to catch the bus!
His famous words are, "Do not stop hoping for your country. Do not stop caring for your people. Demand greatness from yourself as a Filipino in order to inspire greatness in all other Filipinos."
So, with that, he felt that he must embody all the qualities and attributes that would filter down to the people he worked with or came in contact with. He must walk the talk more than others because he is the one talking.
For example, he only flies budget to this day and he travels like every other day to give talks all around the world, promoting his NGO called Gawad Kalinga, but also at the same time, helping others to help themselves. Tony will be turning 60 on 17th Jan and he says, if he is lucky, he gets an upgrade to Business Class sometimes, but he does not expect it. Ever.
Today, Bagong Silang is a slum of 1 million informal settlers and the ratio is 1 in 3 families is a college graduate because of Tony Meloto and Gawad Kalinga (GK). As we speak, Tony and his legions of GK workers and volunteers are transforming 2,300 communities all over Philippines. It has evolved from a youth social program to a nation building program. And their tag line is WALANG IWANAN, which means, "No One is left behind". (I really love those words)
Tony still lives humbly and modestly in his cosy house and his entire family members, plus in-laws. They are all working in Gawad Kalinga, contributing in their own capacity, in their own unique way. And believe me when I say, they walk the talk and they do not ever use GK's money for themselves.
The whole family travels in budget and stay in small sardine-can-like motels when they are in foreign lands.The only time they get a better accommodation is when someone offers to house them for free. I know this because I had travelled and spent more than 6 months with the whole family and GK itself.
Tony explained to me that until he saw the poor as his extended family, he could not care for them in the way that he should. And until he adopted the poor as his own child, then and only then, he could care for them like a real father should.
So, what is the moral of the story here?
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."
Who said these words? None other than the other famous world changer - Mahatma Gandhi.
This brings me to the third word on the list - REMORSE
One must have some realizations of the truth as well as the fallacy before you start to feel really, really BAD about yourself, to the point that you DO NOT want to repeat the same mistakes again! Even at the cost of your life, even for another second! Because you understand what are the consequences and repercussions.
Tony shared some of his past with me. And I can safely say that this man was no Saint. In fact, his past would have made an Angel frown so sadly and God would have to re-define the words: CROWN OF CREATION as woman.
In any case, Tony said that he came into his own realization of the carnage he was causing to himself and others, when remorse sets in. And it was the return to his faith that woke him up. He told me that he could go to church every Sunday and be in communion with his Lord, but it is when he steps out of the church and work with the poor on a daily basis that he feels in complete unity with his Maker.
Without remorse, you will happily continue the way you are and you will most definitely be de-stablized like every five minutes but you'd imagine that you are experiencing an epiphany every time you break down and cry. But no, seriously, it is just a "brain-fart".
And for those who do not even feel a tinge of remorse - well, I guess this is why some people have the karma to be rapists, killers and snatch thieves, or end up becoming the victims of these very scary people.
Which brings me to the fourth word on the list - RETREAT
Retreat is when you actually remove yourself from your cycle of madness and reflect upon everything that has gone wrong in your life. You engage in a retreat in order to contemplate and shed the veil of lies and pretence. This is where you have summoned all the courage to come face to face with yourself - no holds barred.
You allow yourself to meditate so that you can sieve through the farce and find the truth. And when you do find the truth, and you keep working at it, and you stop running away in every sense of the word. Finally, one fine day, you will arise as someone quite altered in the most profound way.
Nothing may change on the outside, but inside - you've become someone so far removed from the old you. You might even have the trouble of recognising yourself at first.
You'll most definitely find that your understanding, your perception and the motions of your mind actually blossom into a beautiful flower called, REALIZATION.
This is how the last word on the list comes into being - REBIRTH.
Just exactly like Tony Meloto - in giving up himself, he actually found the best of him. And I really, really like that. This whole concept totally appeals to me.
Because Tony does not think that saving and helping others is someone else's job. He believes that he has a responsibility towards that role. Thus, he becomes that role. This is why people like him, Mother Teresa, Gandhi and my Guru inspire me so very much.
And yes, I find myself wanting to be just like them. Not just waiting around for someone else to save me. I begin, consciously and conscientiously, to save myself. In the process, I can also become the saviour of those around me. And this is exactly what I live for.
So, please contemplate on that word: REBIRTH itself and ask yourself - has anything I have just shared and described denote the essence of life and living? If not, what would you call it? A screenplay for the spiritual seekers alone but not grounded in reality?
Well, I am going to stop here because it is already 1:45am. And tomorrow I have to continue my Writing Retreat.
But before I bid you all good night, I just want to say this -
I do not want to spend the rest of my life chasing after things that only works to fulfill my own fantasies or desires, when so many around me are crying, dying and screaming in pain. They cannot wait for me to take my own sweet time. They cannot afford to linger around while I take my time to decide and do the right thing.
Hence, I want to live out the rest of my life as someone who is worthy of the name: HUMANITY.
I want to become the next Tony Meloto and the future Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Yes, that is what I want in every sense of the word.
As long as I am breathing, I want to spend all my efforts in healing as many people as possible and in caring for them, while I AM ALSO HEALING MYSELF.
THIS IS HOW I LOVE - with my whole heart, body, speech and mind.
WHY? Because my Guru says that I can. And I will.
So, my greatest fear (apart from losing my Guru because that would equate to losing my sight, entirely) will always be REGRESSION.
I never ever want to regress - ever! Not in this lifetime or the subsequent lifetimes.
Hence, the urgency to commit and to de-attach from everything that makes me delusional and all things that deepens my insanity.
No more, no more. It stops here and now.
No repeats.
Some of the words that stem from this letter: R convey many layers of meanings. It is like what happens when we cut onions - extremely stinging to our eyes and we can't help but cry. Yup, its totally against our will too. So, let's dive into the realms of "R"...and I'll even present it in 2 sides of the same coin, because it is one and the same. Don't worry, read on. You'll soon know what I mean. I promise, it is NOT going to be heavy.
First on the list - Rejection
Dharma Side: We should reject anything and anyone that stops us from pursuing more dharma knowledge. Hence, we are encouraged to de-attach ourselves from all worldly desires and pursuits. We believe that when we have achieved true realizations, we can be a source of great help and benefit to those around us and even, ourselves.
Flip Side: We reject anyone and anything that stops us from pursuing all our worldy desires and indulging in "earthly pleasures". Hence, we like to believe that "de-attachment" is a dirty vulgar word that should be abolished from the English Language altogether and be replaced by, "reckless abandonment".
So, we evolve into a species which shamelessly advocate decadence like it is a virtue, by re-labelling it as "FREEDOM". Then the whole concept becomes easier to sell, market and validate. Here lies our GRAND DECEPTION on the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
My 2 cents' worth on the 2 sides: You either choose to become someone of benefit to others, or you choose to stay as someone who leeches on others.
No, there is no 2 way about it.
You are either selfish or self-less. Yes, it is that simple.
And guess what? The very basis of Vajrayana, Tantra and Bodhichitta is to develop 'loving kindness' aka compassion aka self-lessness. That is the primary quality one must have and must uphold.
Nope, you cannot become a Bodhisattva without first cultivating the ability to care for others beyond yourself. This unique criteria is both the means and end of the whole Vajrayana path. Yes please do spend some time and dwell upon what I just wrote. I say it again, IT IS BOTH THE "MEANS" AND THE "ENDS".
My personal experience: I don't have much discipline at all in the past. Because I totally bought into the GRAND DECEPTION. I was such a regular customer of it that they were compelled to give me a special Diamond Platinum Loyalty Card to glorify me as their best customer and to keep me locked in. But do not mistake for one minute that I was held against my will like the onion story above. Nope, I ALLOWED it to occur and recur until I absolutely concurred. So, there is nothing to whine about or to feel sorry for because I was a willing and ready customer, each and every time. Well, because it felt so darn good. Little did I realise that it all comes with a very heavy price to pay at the end, or at a time when you really need something good to happen in your life to save your ass. Yes, it has that terminal gift to get you when you least expected it or when you are at your lowest of the low.
So, here comes the next word on the list - REGRESSION
This precious word: Regression is such a stone in my shoe. It is the very bane of my commitment. Who am I kidding? What commitment could I have when I have no convictions to begin with. This is why regressions happen. This is why they continued to haunt me through the 30-odd years of my life. It was like being stuck in a stomach churning roller coaster ride that would not stop and you would have to swallow your own vomit every other 5 minutes. Yes, I know I am being gross and sick! But the truth, the reality is exactly just that!
No one can ever go into relapse once they have a real understanding of the Dharma, and Karma. Most of all, they can never ever degenerate if their conscience is built on a strong and firm foundation of COMPASSION.
Ssshhhh...please just cut the B.S - if you do experience the wreckage of regression quite consistently, then you have never been commited in your so-called path to redemption - whatever title you want to give it - whether it is Salvation in the realms of Christianity or Hindu or Islam. And as clear as the day, you have zero convictions. It is as simple as that.
Let me share with you a story here. So that you can relate to it in the so-called real world and not think that all this hocus pocus I am addressing only applies to religion alone.
The Filipino social hero that I have been documenting in the last 6 months or so. His name is Tony Meloto and he is a staunch Catholic. As he turned 40, he quit his job and gave up his corporate dreams at Unilever. Instead he chose to work with the slums-dwellers in Manila. And not just any slum, he chose the worst and biggest slum in the Philippines. At that time, it was already clocking in half a million informal settlers. He was particularly distressed about the state of poverty that was ravaging his country - from the mind, to the hearts to the streets. And he felt compelled to do something about it. So, 15 years ago, he began a youth social program in that very slum, named: Bagong Silang. In those days, the ratio was 1 in 3 families who reside in Bagong Silang was either dead, living a life of crime or in jail.
Tony Meloto wanted to work with the youth because he felt that only real change can take place with the youth as their mind and hearts were still receptive and open. He also believed that the future lies with the youth and that they needed values transformation asap in order to become great leaders while they are still energetic and young. No, he didn't believe that old foggies should rule when they can't even run fast enough to catch the bus!
His famous words are, "Do not stop hoping for your country. Do not stop caring for your people. Demand greatness from yourself as a Filipino in order to inspire greatness in all other Filipinos."
So, with that, he felt that he must embody all the qualities and attributes that would filter down to the people he worked with or came in contact with. He must walk the talk more than others because he is the one talking.
For example, he only flies budget to this day and he travels like every other day to give talks all around the world, promoting his NGO called Gawad Kalinga, but also at the same time, helping others to help themselves. Tony will be turning 60 on 17th Jan and he says, if he is lucky, he gets an upgrade to Business Class sometimes, but he does not expect it. Ever.
Today, Bagong Silang is a slum of 1 million informal settlers and the ratio is 1 in 3 families is a college graduate because of Tony Meloto and Gawad Kalinga (GK). As we speak, Tony and his legions of GK workers and volunteers are transforming 2,300 communities all over Philippines. It has evolved from a youth social program to a nation building program. And their tag line is WALANG IWANAN, which means, "No One is left behind". (I really love those words)
Tony still lives humbly and modestly in his cosy house and his entire family members, plus in-laws. They are all working in Gawad Kalinga, contributing in their own capacity, in their own unique way. And believe me when I say, they walk the talk and they do not ever use GK's money for themselves.
The whole family travels in budget and stay in small sardine-can-like motels when they are in foreign lands.The only time they get a better accommodation is when someone offers to house them for free. I know this because I had travelled and spent more than 6 months with the whole family and GK itself.
Tony explained to me that until he saw the poor as his extended family, he could not care for them in the way that he should. And until he adopted the poor as his own child, then and only then, he could care for them like a real father should.
So, what is the moral of the story here?
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."
Who said these words? None other than the other famous world changer - Mahatma Gandhi.
This brings me to the third word on the list - REMORSE
One must have some realizations of the truth as well as the fallacy before you start to feel really, really BAD about yourself, to the point that you DO NOT want to repeat the same mistakes again! Even at the cost of your life, even for another second! Because you understand what are the consequences and repercussions.
Tony shared some of his past with me. And I can safely say that this man was no Saint. In fact, his past would have made an Angel frown so sadly and God would have to re-define the words: CROWN OF CREATION as woman.
In any case, Tony said that he came into his own realization of the carnage he was causing to himself and others, when remorse sets in. And it was the return to his faith that woke him up. He told me that he could go to church every Sunday and be in communion with his Lord, but it is when he steps out of the church and work with the poor on a daily basis that he feels in complete unity with his Maker.
Without remorse, you will happily continue the way you are and you will most definitely be de-stablized like every five minutes but you'd imagine that you are experiencing an epiphany every time you break down and cry. But no, seriously, it is just a "brain-fart".
And for those who do not even feel a tinge of remorse - well, I guess this is why some people have the karma to be rapists, killers and snatch thieves, or end up becoming the victims of these very scary people.
Which brings me to the fourth word on the list - RETREAT
Retreat is when you actually remove yourself from your cycle of madness and reflect upon everything that has gone wrong in your life. You engage in a retreat in order to contemplate and shed the veil of lies and pretence. This is where you have summoned all the courage to come face to face with yourself - no holds barred.
You allow yourself to meditate so that you can sieve through the farce and find the truth. And when you do find the truth, and you keep working at it, and you stop running away in every sense of the word. Finally, one fine day, you will arise as someone quite altered in the most profound way.
Nothing may change on the outside, but inside - you've become someone so far removed from the old you. You might even have the trouble of recognising yourself at first.
You'll most definitely find that your understanding, your perception and the motions of your mind actually blossom into a beautiful flower called, REALIZATION.
This is how the last word on the list comes into being - REBIRTH.
Just exactly like Tony Meloto - in giving up himself, he actually found the best of him. And I really, really like that. This whole concept totally appeals to me.
Because Tony does not think that saving and helping others is someone else's job. He believes that he has a responsibility towards that role. Thus, he becomes that role. This is why people like him, Mother Teresa, Gandhi and my Guru inspire me so very much.
And yes, I find myself wanting to be just like them. Not just waiting around for someone else to save me. I begin, consciously and conscientiously, to save myself. In the process, I can also become the saviour of those around me. And this is exactly what I live for.
So, please contemplate on that word: REBIRTH itself and ask yourself - has anything I have just shared and described denote the essence of life and living? If not, what would you call it? A screenplay for the spiritual seekers alone but not grounded in reality?
Well, I am going to stop here because it is already 1:45am. And tomorrow I have to continue my Writing Retreat.
But before I bid you all good night, I just want to say this -
I do not want to spend the rest of my life chasing after things that only works to fulfill my own fantasies or desires, when so many around me are crying, dying and screaming in pain. They cannot wait for me to take my own sweet time. They cannot afford to linger around while I take my time to decide and do the right thing.
Hence, I want to live out the rest of my life as someone who is worthy of the name: HUMANITY.
I want to become the next Tony Meloto and the future Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Yes, that is what I want in every sense of the word.
As long as I am breathing, I want to spend all my efforts in healing as many people as possible and in caring for them, while I AM ALSO HEALING MYSELF.
THIS IS HOW I LOVE - with my whole heart, body, speech and mind.
WHY? Because my Guru says that I can. And I will.
So, my greatest fear (apart from losing my Guru because that would equate to losing my sight, entirely) will always be REGRESSION.
I never ever want to regress - ever! Not in this lifetime or the subsequent lifetimes.
Hence, the urgency to commit and to de-attach from everything that makes me delusional and all things that deepens my insanity.
No more, no more. It stops here and now.
No repeats.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Flip Side of Shirley Maya...
Current ADDICTION
Music Of Choice: Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor for Classical, Jay Z and Alicia Keys's Empire State of Mind, and I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas for Hip Hop/Rap.
Elgar's Cello Concerto is hauntingly beautiful - from the very first strike of the bow to the strings, I feel my soul unravelling.
I have always enjoy BLASTING classical music to the point that it DROWNS every single sound into oblivion. And all that I hear is the crisp, clean waves of the instruments wailing through the talented touch of the player. And then I give myself over to a fantastical swoon....
There are many versions and cellists who are featured in different albums, but my fave for this particular piece is Jacqueline Du Pre. She is, however, another famous tormented soul, yet divinely gifted in bringing music to the listener's heart. She lives in the same district of highly gifted women but emotionally precarious such as Camille Claudel, Anne Sexton, Georgina O'Keefe and Frida Kahlo. Each brilliant in their craft, but a complete wreck in their personal lives. Amazingly though, their masterpieces have touched so many lives and have stood against the test of time.
It always baffles me to this day - do all exquisitely gifted women have to lead such tragic lives? WHY?
Do they have to suffer so much for their art or is it their art that deepens their misery even more?
One thing for sure, these women have always yearned to be loved and adored by their men. And their choice of men ... well, let's just say that the men they chose have been both the cause of their pain as well as the core of their art.
What can I say, they could not live with their men, nor could they live without them. I guess, MISERY does love company.
Whenever I get a little carried away by the cello's melancholy tunes, I change the melody to something that brings me back to the reality of today's music. Like Hip hop and rap. Then I'd be tapping away - it starts with a twitch on my ankles and I begin to wiggle my feet. Before I know it, I am getting up from the chair or sofa, and moving my butt, boogey-ing to the BEAT, BEAT, BEAT, BEAT, BEAT....
See, I am not just some Taliban Tibetan Buddhist nun-wannabe.
I am a very hip and funky Tibetan Buddhist who is fanatical about becoming a better human being.
I do have my light hearted moments and my serious moments. And I definitely have my very, very BAD moments that continue to DAYS. Thankfully, they do not last very long these days, and are getting shorter and shorter.
Yea, I do so wish that I had thought about Buddha all day and night, and every moment in between. Then may be I'd be enlightened already by now. But sad to say, I am not.
Not yet, at least.
I am still working on that bit.
This week, yet another guy asked me if this is why I am single - because I've suddenly found the path and am going all holy-goosey about life with Buddha, Dharma & Guru.
Gosh, I didn't even know what that whole sentence meant.
Was that his way of asking if I am single, really single and not seeing anyone on a regualr basis apart from the Buddha statues?
Or was that his way of asking if I am single and not available because he thinks that I have pledged to become a nun?
Is it just because I talk a great deal about spirituality and use BIG, HEAVY words like Dharma, Buddha and Guru?
And here I thought men were more intimidated by women who are powerful, successful and ambitious and who earns more than they do.
Another person commented that I am like a 'desert island', because I have seemingly closed myself off to romance and love.
Ok, let me just spell this out for you and not waste your time ya.
Just because I am not dating you does not mean I am closed off to every guy on the planet.
Actually, it is immaterial - me being single, available or otherwise.
Dating me is not going to make you feel any better, and MOST definitely, you are not going to get the chance to be sleeping with me either - because these days, I hardly even stay in bed long enough for a fore-play to get properly warmed up.
Hell, my bed does not even recognise me anymore!
I do not even have time to sit down with the old newspapers and do my number two with ease and luxury.
Yea, NO SHIT.
In any case, let's be very clear about one thing - I cannot plug in all the missing pieces in your life. I cannot heal you in any way that you do not want to be healed.
No, I do not have all the answers.
And just because I am a Dharma Student does not mean that I am MARY SUNSHINE 24/7.
The key operative word here is STUDENT. I am still very much a work-in-progress and a cause of my Guru's headaches at times.
I am not the one who can compensate for all that is lacking in your life. That's your job!
No, I won't be agreeing to everything you say.
Well, then we would both be wrong and how would that constitute to any progress?
And if you are just looking for something cute and cuddly to hold, please go buy yourself a teddy bear.
Or a Barbie doll works too. You can change her clothes every time you get bored.
No, I stress again, I do not hate men and I am not running away from love, marriage or relationships.
No, I am not a lesbian - but I may be open to that.
( Hahaha - is Shirley really serious about that or did she just add that in for a dramatic effect?)
naughty, naughty Shirley Maya...
Yea, I am playful to the point of being a mischievous flirt.
But make no mistake, I am playful, mischievous and DEEPLY SPIRITUAL.
So, SPANK ME.
Book Of Choice: "CALL ME PARIS" by Jamie Khoo
Because she is shamelessly open about her desires, and her commitment to her spirituality.
She also has no qualms about saying the words, 'F*&k-ing Good" with Buddha in the same breath.
This is "Spirituality with Bite" and I ain't referring to Vampires or Werewolves either, ok.
Now, let's get back to my current addiction and let me totally immerse myself in it before the next one arrives and completely overcomes me.
Right, moving onto page 35 .... and Black Eyed Peas are singing, I Gotta Feeling in the background....
On Monday 4th January, I'll be starting my "Writing Retreat" for 3 to 4 days.
Happy, happy, Joy, joy me.
p/s This particular post is designed to deliver a "deliberate" effect.
Did you get it in the end? Oooh, I am soooo naughty today.*Bad, Shirley, bad*
Music Of Choice: Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor for Classical, Jay Z and Alicia Keys's Empire State of Mind, and I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas for Hip Hop/Rap.
Elgar's Cello Concerto is hauntingly beautiful - from the very first strike of the bow to the strings, I feel my soul unravelling.
I have always enjoy BLASTING classical music to the point that it DROWNS every single sound into oblivion. And all that I hear is the crisp, clean waves of the instruments wailing through the talented touch of the player. And then I give myself over to a fantastical swoon....
There are many versions and cellists who are featured in different albums, but my fave for this particular piece is Jacqueline Du Pre. She is, however, another famous tormented soul, yet divinely gifted in bringing music to the listener's heart. She lives in the same district of highly gifted women but emotionally precarious such as Camille Claudel, Anne Sexton, Georgina O'Keefe and Frida Kahlo. Each brilliant in their craft, but a complete wreck in their personal lives. Amazingly though, their masterpieces have touched so many lives and have stood against the test of time.
It always baffles me to this day - do all exquisitely gifted women have to lead such tragic lives? WHY?
Do they have to suffer so much for their art or is it their art that deepens their misery even more?
One thing for sure, these women have always yearned to be loved and adored by their men. And their choice of men ... well, let's just say that the men they chose have been both the cause of their pain as well as the core of their art.
What can I say, they could not live with their men, nor could they live without them. I guess, MISERY does love company.
Whenever I get a little carried away by the cello's melancholy tunes, I change the melody to something that brings me back to the reality of today's music. Like Hip hop and rap. Then I'd be tapping away - it starts with a twitch on my ankles and I begin to wiggle my feet. Before I know it, I am getting up from the chair or sofa, and moving my butt, boogey-ing to the BEAT, BEAT, BEAT, BEAT, BEAT....
See, I am not just some Taliban Tibetan Buddhist nun-wannabe.
I am a very hip and funky Tibetan Buddhist who is fanatical about becoming a better human being.
I do have my light hearted moments and my serious moments. And I definitely have my very, very BAD moments that continue to DAYS. Thankfully, they do not last very long these days, and are getting shorter and shorter.
Yea, I do so wish that I had thought about Buddha all day and night, and every moment in between. Then may be I'd be enlightened already by now. But sad to say, I am not.
Not yet, at least.
I am still working on that bit.
This week, yet another guy asked me if this is why I am single - because I've suddenly found the path and am going all holy-goosey about life with Buddha, Dharma & Guru.
Gosh, I didn't even know what that whole sentence meant.
Was that his way of asking if I am single, really single and not seeing anyone on a regualr basis apart from the Buddha statues?
Or was that his way of asking if I am single and not available because he thinks that I have pledged to become a nun?
Is it just because I talk a great deal about spirituality and use BIG, HEAVY words like Dharma, Buddha and Guru?
And here I thought men were more intimidated by women who are powerful, successful and ambitious and who earns more than they do.
Another person commented that I am like a 'desert island', because I have seemingly closed myself off to romance and love.
Ok, let me just spell this out for you and not waste your time ya.
Just because I am not dating you does not mean I am closed off to every guy on the planet.
Actually, it is immaterial - me being single, available or otherwise.
Dating me is not going to make you feel any better, and MOST definitely, you are not going to get the chance to be sleeping with me either - because these days, I hardly even stay in bed long enough for a fore-play to get properly warmed up.
Hell, my bed does not even recognise me anymore!
I do not even have time to sit down with the old newspapers and do my number two with ease and luxury.
Yea, NO SHIT.
In any case, let's be very clear about one thing - I cannot plug in all the missing pieces in your life. I cannot heal you in any way that you do not want to be healed.
No, I do not have all the answers.
And just because I am a Dharma Student does not mean that I am MARY SUNSHINE 24/7.
The key operative word here is STUDENT. I am still very much a work-in-progress and a cause of my Guru's headaches at times.
I am not the one who can compensate for all that is lacking in your life. That's your job!
No, I won't be agreeing to everything you say.
Well, then we would both be wrong and how would that constitute to any progress?
And if you are just looking for something cute and cuddly to hold, please go buy yourself a teddy bear.
Or a Barbie doll works too. You can change her clothes every time you get bored.
No, I stress again, I do not hate men and I am not running away from love, marriage or relationships.
No, I am not a lesbian - but I may be open to that.
( Hahaha - is Shirley really serious about that or did she just add that in for a dramatic effect?)
naughty, naughty Shirley Maya...
Yea, I am playful to the point of being a mischievous flirt.
But make no mistake, I am playful, mischievous and DEEPLY SPIRITUAL.
So, SPANK ME.
Book Of Choice: "CALL ME PARIS" by Jamie Khoo
Because she is shamelessly open about her desires, and her commitment to her spirituality.
She also has no qualms about saying the words, 'F*&k-ing Good" with Buddha in the same breath.
This is "Spirituality with Bite" and I ain't referring to Vampires or Werewolves either, ok.
Now, let's get back to my current addiction and let me totally immerse myself in it before the next one arrives and completely overcomes me.
Right, moving onto page 35 .... and Black Eyed Peas are singing, I Gotta Feeling in the background....
On Monday 4th January, I'll be starting my "Writing Retreat" for 3 to 4 days.
Happy, happy, Joy, joy me.
p/s This particular post is designed to deliver a "deliberate" effect.
Did you get it in the end? Oooh, I am soooo naughty today.*Bad, Shirley, bad*
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Better Beginning but not necessarily new...
Today is the first day of the New Year: 2010
I finally finished the book: "There Is No Way But Up", written by David Lai.
This has been a real personal labour of trials and tribulation for David. He is a fellow Dharma student of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. In some way, this was his way of coming to terms with himself.
I was really looking forward to reading this book eversince David has submitted it to the publisher. The completion was his own piece of liberation.
This book kept me up until 3am and I was quite frustrated that I could not finish it and had to really go to sleep. I had to actually force myself to go to bed because I was not sleepy at all and wanted to continue reading. I could not wait to flip to the next page.
I only managed to finish it on 30th Dec night.
James Bryce once said, "The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it."
And this is what I carried away from David's book -
I have gained a better understanding of David as a person, as a friend, and especially as a fellow spiritual student. Or better yet, as a close student of Rinpoche.
Also, his own personal experiences in Kechara and with Rinpoche shed a great deal of light into what I did not really know or understand. Especially about how Kechara came into being and the details of Rinpoche's life/childhood.
What began as an easy, light reading became something much more profound in a rather delightful way.
I am pretty sure that different people will carry different things from this book, especially someone who has no idea about David, or Rinpoche, Kechara or Buddhism.
But for me, it was truly better than reading the TWILIGHT SERIES or Harry Potter.
I'll explain WHY.
For one, both Twilight and Harry are fictional works designed to entertain or distract us.
David's book is a biography and he has chosen to open up in order to share with us all, young or old, how one can change one's life for the better, just by changing the attitude of one's mind.
The engaging bits and entertaining bits just happened to be part of his writing skill, or part of his own journey so far.
In truth, his book is yet another new way for me to see 'transformation' in action and understand Dharma through another person's eyes/mind and view our Guru through another perspective.
I would not say that I know David that well, nor did we have a chance to get to know each other better eventhough we are both students of the same Guru. So, it is indeed an eye-opening experience to be able to read how our Guru employed different methods for him, in order for David to truly blossom. And of course, David had to be a willing student in the first place. As they say, the Guru only appears when the student is ready and willing to learn.
As David's personal journey unfolded, I could see mine being mirrored.
Soon, his laziness became mine and his restlessness and indecisiveness also became all too familiar.
I could not help but think of how many people have come into Kechara and left. How each of them have started and how some of them may have appeared as well. Like David, I have always thought that everyone else was much more devoted than me, and much much closer to Rinpoche than me.
In short, everyone was just better than me in every way. Especially within the realms of our Kechara and in their spiritual practice.
Yet, the most important thing will always be - those who remained, despite everything and inspite of themselves.
Some may have started so well, but they may eventually fade away and leave. Some may have begun quite late in their life or with seemingly a lot of fuss and obstacles, but they may just transform quite dramatically. And some may be very new but they change in the most amazing way, very quickly.
So, we may never know who is really ready and commited until they are thoroughly 'tested'. Hence, the words, "ready and willing" are not mere adjectives. They are the very necessary criterias for one to possess in order for one's learning and journey to begin.
Ultimately, it is those who STAYED with Rinpoche, and continue to commit themselves in Kechara are the very ones WHO will benefit from everything that Rinpoche has taught and given us all. And they, in turn, will benefit others and many more.
THIS IS THE REAL BEAUTY in this CIRCLE OF LIFE.
And all these are already taking place and happening before my very eyes. It is not only inspiring but it becomes the very proof that we need to see, feel, taste and touch for ourselves - to bear witness so that we will also persevere and not give up so easily.
Human beings need real hard evidence before they can surrender their faith, belief and trust into someone or something. So, our Guru employs different methods in order to make us see, wake us up and open up our mind.
For instance, our Guru already knows full well the answers to all our riddles and questions. Well, simply because our Guru has seen and counselled so many different people of various walks of life. Our Guru does not need to be clairvoyant to tell us what our results will be when we are so conditioned and habituated. If we do not change our ways, and our whole thinking process - how can there be different results in the first place? Hence, there is a repeated pattern. It is not black magic, or rocket science. It is pure logic.
And this is something our Guru has stressed over time and time again.
We are, undoubtedly, creatures of comfort and habits. This is why a set of patterns are formed in our lives.
Yet we find it hard to accept what our Guru tells us because the truth hurts and slits like a paper cut - not fatal but still stings.
So, we sometimes go against our Guru's advice and we requests that our Guru performs DIVINATION for us so that we can become more convinced. In actual fact, the words of Guru and the Divination results will not differ in the slightest bit.
THEY WILL BE THE SAME BECAUSE THEY ARE THE SAME. Please reflect upon this.
For these reasons and more, I do value David's book immensely. It deepens my understanding and it clarifies further.
And I will also look forward to reading Jamie Khoo's book, "CALL ME PARIS" with same enthusiasm and passion. And I already know that I will treasure it just as much.
BECAUSE - they are all chapters of the same spiritual story. The ones we ourselves will embark or have embarked upon. They are no different than the Kechara Paradise outlets - masking the 'spiritual temple' in a modern retail shop's outfit. These are some of Rinpoche's VISION to make Dharma available and accessible to more people, so that more people can benefit from it. It is the teachings that will truly help people in the ultimate sense.
Similarly, these books become, in a way, modern day "gospels" of the Dharma in order to show us what a spiritual path looks like and what it really means.
In the end, the real reward, as in the true gift of our lives, lies in us remaining in our own spiritual path because the 'spiritual success' becomes ours when we attained it. The progress becomes ours and no one can ever take it away from us. ONLY then can we make that great leap from just being 'beneficiaries' to 'benefactors' for others.
A religion by any other name or label is immaterial. What's the best religion for you is simply what enriches you and what helps you to become a better person. If that religion can do all that for you, then it is definitely the best religion for you. And this is how we all become better people and attain greater spiritual realizations in the end. This is what our Guru tells us so very often. Our Guru is not out to exclude anyone or convert everyone - but merely just guiding each person to blossom into their very best potential.
The deepest realisation I have gathered from David's book lies in finally understanding how a Tulku manifests life after life just to benefit all sentient beings. And I do say this with much reverence.
In my daily battles or struggles with my own spiritual journey, I have complained incessantly about how hard it was or is, how tiring and draining and challenging it was and is, all the things you have probably heard of many times over, but to read about Rinpoche's own pursuit just to learn the Dharma and how he venerates his own Gurus was mind-blowing.
There is no doubt in my mind that Rinpoche uses his entire Body, Speech and Mind to teach us all and send us crucial lessons. Rinpoche has had to endure such tremendous difficulties from his childhood alone to his existing life in Malaysia just to learn and practice the Dharma. Rinpoche's own journey and personal challenges make ours look like child's play. And yet I have so much to complain, huff, puff and discern against or excuse myself from. I was truly astounded by how much Rinpoche has gone through in this lifetime alone and yet has remained ever faithful and so deeply rooted in his commitment to Dharma and his Gurus.
There is simply no comparison.
I am very grateful that people like David and Jamie did not give up, and they both strive to stay. Because in their own progress and results, they become a real source of teaching, motivation and inspiration to the rest of us.
This applies to everyone else who persevere in their own spiritual journey, because they in turn become teachers, great masters and ultimately, the true Dharma heroes of our times. Be it in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and so forth.
So, I truly look forward to seeing many more Kechara heroes and heroines arise in due time, and I am confident that there will be many more. Each presenting and sharing Dharma through their own unique way and in their own signature style. No different than the 84,000 different ways that all the Buddhas have taught since beginningless time. And each will continue to appeal and attract their own audience and 'fan-base'.
Even if their writing styles may differ, their dressing and hairstyles may contrast and even if the way they communicate may seem like polar axis of one another, BUT we are all united in one common cause and groomed by one great Guru.
No one is better or greater or any less than the other. There is really no need to compare and nothing to compete for. We are all the different sides of the same story, and we wear the personas of these very "necessary differences" in order to manage these degenerate times. They are tools we use to unite and harmonize, NOT divide and demonize.
This is living Dharma as it has always been and always will be.
I feel very much blessed to have this precious opportunity to be a witness and student of it all. I am very grateful for Kechara's existence and everyone in it. After reading David's book, I made a vow to do even more and work even harder. No more whining and whinging. I will complete what I must do. I must honour all my promises and vows to my Guru.
Although I understand and accept that I can never wipe my slate clean and begin each new year with zero karmic debt, I can definitely work much more devotedly to ensure I do not incur more wrongs and hurt others. I can give myself the chance to get it right, with each moment and each minute until it becomes my completely new natural reflect. Hopefully at some point, the rights will outweigh the wrongs and then I can finally say with humility that I've fully redeemed myself.
This is a great way to start every new year.
This year of 2010 I start with two great new books: "There is no way but Up by David Lai" and "Call me Paris by Jamie Khoo" - how very, very auspicious indeed.
I finally finished the book: "There Is No Way But Up", written by David Lai.
This has been a real personal labour of trials and tribulation for David. He is a fellow Dharma student of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. In some way, this was his way of coming to terms with himself.
I was really looking forward to reading this book eversince David has submitted it to the publisher. The completion was his own piece of liberation.
This book kept me up until 3am and I was quite frustrated that I could not finish it and had to really go to sleep. I had to actually force myself to go to bed because I was not sleepy at all and wanted to continue reading. I could not wait to flip to the next page.
I only managed to finish it on 30th Dec night.
James Bryce once said, "The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it."
And this is what I carried away from David's book -
I have gained a better understanding of David as a person, as a friend, and especially as a fellow spiritual student. Or better yet, as a close student of Rinpoche.
Also, his own personal experiences in Kechara and with Rinpoche shed a great deal of light into what I did not really know or understand. Especially about how Kechara came into being and the details of Rinpoche's life/childhood.
What began as an easy, light reading became something much more profound in a rather delightful way.
I am pretty sure that different people will carry different things from this book, especially someone who has no idea about David, or Rinpoche, Kechara or Buddhism.
But for me, it was truly better than reading the TWILIGHT SERIES or Harry Potter.
I'll explain WHY.
For one, both Twilight and Harry are fictional works designed to entertain or distract us.
David's book is a biography and he has chosen to open up in order to share with us all, young or old, how one can change one's life for the better, just by changing the attitude of one's mind.
The engaging bits and entertaining bits just happened to be part of his writing skill, or part of his own journey so far.
In truth, his book is yet another new way for me to see 'transformation' in action and understand Dharma through another person's eyes/mind and view our Guru through another perspective.
I would not say that I know David that well, nor did we have a chance to get to know each other better eventhough we are both students of the same Guru. So, it is indeed an eye-opening experience to be able to read how our Guru employed different methods for him, in order for David to truly blossom. And of course, David had to be a willing student in the first place. As they say, the Guru only appears when the student is ready and willing to learn.
As David's personal journey unfolded, I could see mine being mirrored.
Soon, his laziness became mine and his restlessness and indecisiveness also became all too familiar.
I could not help but think of how many people have come into Kechara and left. How each of them have started and how some of them may have appeared as well. Like David, I have always thought that everyone else was much more devoted than me, and much much closer to Rinpoche than me.
In short, everyone was just better than me in every way. Especially within the realms of our Kechara and in their spiritual practice.
Yet, the most important thing will always be - those who remained, despite everything and inspite of themselves.
Some may have started so well, but they may eventually fade away and leave. Some may have begun quite late in their life or with seemingly a lot of fuss and obstacles, but they may just transform quite dramatically. And some may be very new but they change in the most amazing way, very quickly.
So, we may never know who is really ready and commited until they are thoroughly 'tested'. Hence, the words, "ready and willing" are not mere adjectives. They are the very necessary criterias for one to possess in order for one's learning and journey to begin.
Ultimately, it is those who STAYED with Rinpoche, and continue to commit themselves in Kechara are the very ones WHO will benefit from everything that Rinpoche has taught and given us all. And they, in turn, will benefit others and many more.
THIS IS THE REAL BEAUTY in this CIRCLE OF LIFE.
And all these are already taking place and happening before my very eyes. It is not only inspiring but it becomes the very proof that we need to see, feel, taste and touch for ourselves - to bear witness so that we will also persevere and not give up so easily.
Human beings need real hard evidence before they can surrender their faith, belief and trust into someone or something. So, our Guru employs different methods in order to make us see, wake us up and open up our mind.
For instance, our Guru already knows full well the answers to all our riddles and questions. Well, simply because our Guru has seen and counselled so many different people of various walks of life. Our Guru does not need to be clairvoyant to tell us what our results will be when we are so conditioned and habituated. If we do not change our ways, and our whole thinking process - how can there be different results in the first place? Hence, there is a repeated pattern. It is not black magic, or rocket science. It is pure logic.
And this is something our Guru has stressed over time and time again.
We are, undoubtedly, creatures of comfort and habits. This is why a set of patterns are formed in our lives.
Yet we find it hard to accept what our Guru tells us because the truth hurts and slits like a paper cut - not fatal but still stings.
So, we sometimes go against our Guru's advice and we requests that our Guru performs DIVINATION for us so that we can become more convinced. In actual fact, the words of Guru and the Divination results will not differ in the slightest bit.
THEY WILL BE THE SAME BECAUSE THEY ARE THE SAME. Please reflect upon this.
For these reasons and more, I do value David's book immensely. It deepens my understanding and it clarifies further.
And I will also look forward to reading Jamie Khoo's book, "CALL ME PARIS" with same enthusiasm and passion. And I already know that I will treasure it just as much.
BECAUSE - they are all chapters of the same spiritual story. The ones we ourselves will embark or have embarked upon. They are no different than the Kechara Paradise outlets - masking the 'spiritual temple' in a modern retail shop's outfit. These are some of Rinpoche's VISION to make Dharma available and accessible to more people, so that more people can benefit from it. It is the teachings that will truly help people in the ultimate sense.
Similarly, these books become, in a way, modern day "gospels" of the Dharma in order to show us what a spiritual path looks like and what it really means.
In the end, the real reward, as in the true gift of our lives, lies in us remaining in our own spiritual path because the 'spiritual success' becomes ours when we attained it. The progress becomes ours and no one can ever take it away from us. ONLY then can we make that great leap from just being 'beneficiaries' to 'benefactors' for others.
A religion by any other name or label is immaterial. What's the best religion for you is simply what enriches you and what helps you to become a better person. If that religion can do all that for you, then it is definitely the best religion for you. And this is how we all become better people and attain greater spiritual realizations in the end. This is what our Guru tells us so very often. Our Guru is not out to exclude anyone or convert everyone - but merely just guiding each person to blossom into their very best potential.
The deepest realisation I have gathered from David's book lies in finally understanding how a Tulku manifests life after life just to benefit all sentient beings. And I do say this with much reverence.
In my daily battles or struggles with my own spiritual journey, I have complained incessantly about how hard it was or is, how tiring and draining and challenging it was and is, all the things you have probably heard of many times over, but to read about Rinpoche's own pursuit just to learn the Dharma and how he venerates his own Gurus was mind-blowing.
There is no doubt in my mind that Rinpoche uses his entire Body, Speech and Mind to teach us all and send us crucial lessons. Rinpoche has had to endure such tremendous difficulties from his childhood alone to his existing life in Malaysia just to learn and practice the Dharma. Rinpoche's own journey and personal challenges make ours look like child's play. And yet I have so much to complain, huff, puff and discern against or excuse myself from. I was truly astounded by how much Rinpoche has gone through in this lifetime alone and yet has remained ever faithful and so deeply rooted in his commitment to Dharma and his Gurus.
There is simply no comparison.
I am very grateful that people like David and Jamie did not give up, and they both strive to stay. Because in their own progress and results, they become a real source of teaching, motivation and inspiration to the rest of us.
This applies to everyone else who persevere in their own spiritual journey, because they in turn become teachers, great masters and ultimately, the true Dharma heroes of our times. Be it in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and so forth.
So, I truly look forward to seeing many more Kechara heroes and heroines arise in due time, and I am confident that there will be many more. Each presenting and sharing Dharma through their own unique way and in their own signature style. No different than the 84,000 different ways that all the Buddhas have taught since beginningless time. And each will continue to appeal and attract their own audience and 'fan-base'.
Even if their writing styles may differ, their dressing and hairstyles may contrast and even if the way they communicate may seem like polar axis of one another, BUT we are all united in one common cause and groomed by one great Guru.
No one is better or greater or any less than the other. There is really no need to compare and nothing to compete for. We are all the different sides of the same story, and we wear the personas of these very "necessary differences" in order to manage these degenerate times. They are tools we use to unite and harmonize, NOT divide and demonize.
This is living Dharma as it has always been and always will be.
I feel very much blessed to have this precious opportunity to be a witness and student of it all. I am very grateful for Kechara's existence and everyone in it. After reading David's book, I made a vow to do even more and work even harder. No more whining and whinging. I will complete what I must do. I must honour all my promises and vows to my Guru.
Although I understand and accept that I can never wipe my slate clean and begin each new year with zero karmic debt, I can definitely work much more devotedly to ensure I do not incur more wrongs and hurt others. I can give myself the chance to get it right, with each moment and each minute until it becomes my completely new natural reflect. Hopefully at some point, the rights will outweigh the wrongs and then I can finally say with humility that I've fully redeemed myself.
This is a great way to start every new year.
This year of 2010 I start with two great new books: "There is no way but Up by David Lai" and "Call me Paris by Jamie Khoo" - how very, very auspicious indeed.
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