Parking Lot Scam

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Hi Ladies...Wanted to share this with you b/c is actually just happened a few days ago...in Mississauga....this is not a joke and you need to know..!!

Subject: You always think it will never happen to you but it happened to me....................

Hi everyone.

You know you always get those emails with stories and cautions about things happening in parking lots and to be careful etc. and you always think that it would never happen to you? Well I also thought that until it happened to me.

Yesterday, April 27^th I decided to go to the bank at lunch to get U.S. cash for my vacation starting this Friday. I don’t get travelers cheques anymore as they are a hassle to cash and you always seem to have to keep cashing them just to have cash in your pocket. For a few years now I have only been taking cash.

I went to the branch at Rockwood Mall in Mississauga at just before 12:00 noon and purchased $3,250.00 U.S. At the time I felt uncomfortable having the teller count out all that cash right there at the wicket (and not being too quiet about it either) with customers beside me at other wickets and in line. So I thought when I went out I would carefully take note of my surroundings and immediately went to my car which was close and locked the doors. I was starting to make a quick phone call on my cell and looked up to see a guy in a car beside me honking the horn and motioning to me, I thought he wanted my ideal parking space so waived that I was not yet leaving. Well he was very persistent and kept trying to get my attention. I started to worry as I had all that money on me. He finally got out of his car and yelled to me that he saw someone just slash my passenger rear tire and keep walking. I didn’t even see this guy do that because I was probably dialing the phone. I of course got more concerned and was not going to get out of the car and decided to phone 911. I did not get out of the car until the police came (3 cruisers with the lights flashing) and this guy stayed right there so obviously he wasn’t the “bad guy”.

To make a very long story short, it was two guys working together (no not the guy who told me my tire was slashed). I guess they staked me out at the bank and one of them followed me to the car and walked by and slashed my tire and kept walking. The second guy comes along and tells you that you have a flat tire (this guy came along to the guy who saw it (his name is Tony) and asked him for some money, he was cleverly pretending to be a panhandler and was probably hoping the guy would just keep driving away and then I was a sitting duck). Tony initially wanted to follow the guy who slashed my tire but wanted me to know what happened so he didn’t leave me until he was sure I knew. If Tony hadn’t seen what happened and hadn’t stayed until the police came I would have gotten out of the car when the second guy came along and told me that I had a flat tire and who knows what would have happened, he could have just taken my purse along with my vacation money but more importantly, my identification and credit cards OR I could have been hurt. The police said that I was lucky that all that ended up happening was getting a flat tire.

I was very shaken up by the incident but mostly because I realized how lucky I was that Tony came along and cared enough to do what the did, he said it was just the right thing to do. What could have happened I try not to think about. I cannot thank Tony enough.

I am telling you this because I want you to know that it can happen to you and to be very careful, I always trusted people and think that everyone is good but after this experience I will now be very cautious. So if anyone comes up to you to tell you that you have a flat tire, be very scared and call the police or someone you trust and don’t get out of the car for anything. The police told me that they like to target women in parking lots and this was in broad daylight in the middle of the day in a very busy parking lot and I was only parked about 8 spots away from the mall door.

Please share this with your daughters, sisters, mothers, friends etc. I can happen anywhere. This is not a “story”, it happened to me yesterday.

Diane Viola

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Credit Card Scam - SCENE 3

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Credit Card Scam - SCENE 3.

Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in.

I paid by using my Visa Check Card which, of course, is linked directly ? to my checking account.

The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure.

While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing..

I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. ?Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture.

He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on.

It then dawned on me: the only thing there was my credit card, so now I'm paying close attention to what he is doing.

He set his phone on the counter, leaving it open.

About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved.

Now I'm standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card.

Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened..

Needless to say, I immediately canceled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlor.

All I am saying is, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Whenever you are using your credit card take caution and don't be careless.

Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card.

Be aware of phones, because many have a camera phone these days.

FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN THINK OF. LET'S GET THE WORD OUT!
JUST BE AWARE

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Never let your card out of your sight.....check and check again!

Credit Card Scam - Scene 2

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Credit Card Scam - SCENE 2.

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card.

The bill for the meal came, he signed it,and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along..

Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. ? Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person..

He called the waitress and she looked perplexed.

She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man.

All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card.

No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology.

Verdict:

Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours.

Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time.

Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, 'assuming' that it has to be theirs.

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!

--

Credit Card Scam - Scene 1

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Credit Card Scam -SCENE 1.

This is a new one. ?

People sure stay busy trying to cheat us, don't they?

A friend went to the local gym and placed his belongings in the locker. After the workout and a shower, he came out, saw the locker open, and thought to himself, 'Funny, I thought I locked the locker. ?

Hmm, ?'He dressed and just flipped the wallet to make sure all was in order.

Everything looked okay - all cards were in place.

A few weeks later his credit card bill came - a whooping bill of $14,000!

He called the credit card company and started yelling at them, saying that he did not make the transactions.

Customer care personnel verified that there was no Mistake in the system and asked if his card had been stolen. ?

'No,' he said, but then took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yep - you guessed it - a switch had been made. ?

An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in the wallet.

The thief broke into his locker at the gym and switched cards.

Verdict: The credit card issuer said since he did not report the card missing earlier, he would have to pay the amount owed to them.

How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy?

$9,000! Why were there no calls made to verify the amount swiped?

Small amounts rarely trigger a 'warning bell' with some credit card companies.

It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to big one!

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U of T seminar - May 9th 2009

In case you are interested:

The Gitche M'Qua Centre presents:

Mindful Caring: Lessons from Compassion, Neuroscience and Selflessness

May 9th, 2009, 1:30-5:30pm Multifaith Centre, 569 Spadina Ave, U of T

Joan Halifax, Roshi, PhD

$100; Student rates and scholarships available

In this afternoon Joan Halifax, PhD, will share recent scientific findings that reveal what is happening in the minds of those cultivating compassion. By exploring fundamental practices that develop compassion, we investigate how these and other positive qualities give us resilience and may help prevent burnout, so prevalent within caregiving professions. Important new studies in neuroscience are exploring the connection between the brain and compassion, empathy, altruism and other unselfish mental qualities. These studies are giving scientific credence to the fact that compassion and other positive mental states can be intentionally cultivated, and as well these wholesome states of mind seem to effect physical and mental well being. Scientists are also studying the ways in which people can train and change their brains through meditation practices.

This program will explore: what happens in the minds of those who have a great capacity for compassion; recent neuroscience research on compassion and empathy; how compassion effects our mental and physical health; how compassion and attention can be trained and strengthened; the role of relationship-based contemplative interventions in mental well-being and resilience; the application of meditation in care of the dying, work in prisons, and in addressing burnout and secondary trauma; and fundamental practices that cultivate empathy and compassion.

Roshi Joan Halifax, who works closely with the Mind and Life Institute, brings her years of experience with the application of meditation in end-of-life care, work in the prison system, and in medical settings. She is Head Teacher at Upaya Zen Center and Director of the Upaya Institute. Her latest book, "Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death," has been critically acclaimed.

A Booksigning of her latest book with follow.

To register: www.gitchemqua.org

Contact us: 416-651-1846

Email: info@gitchemqua.org

-------- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.-----------------

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Marriage humor

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Wife: 'What are you doing?'
Husband : Nothing.
Wife : 'Nothing...? You've been reading our marriage certificate for an hour.'
Husband : 'I was looking for the expiry date.'

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Wife : 'Do you want dinner?'
Husband : 'Sure! What are my choices?'
Wife : 'Yes or no.'
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Wife: 'You always carry my photo in your wallet. Why?'
Hubby: 'When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears.'
Wife: 'You see how miraculous and powerful I am for you!'
Hubby: 'Yes! I see your picture and ask myself what other problem can there be greater than this one?'
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Girl: 'When we get married, I want to share all your worries, troubles and lighten your burden.'
Boy: 'It's very kind of you, darling, but I don't have any worries or troubles.'
Girl: 'Well that's because we aren't married yet.'

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Son: ' Mom, when I was on the bus with Dad this morning, he told me to give up my seat to a lady.'
Mom: 'Well, you have done the right thing..'
Son: 'But mom, I was sitting on daddy's lap.'
____________________________________________________________

A newly married man asked his wife, 'Would you have married me if my father hadn't left me a fortune?'
'Honey,' the woman replied sweetly, 'I'd have married you, NO MATTER WHO LEFT YOU A FORTUNE!'

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Girl to her boyfriend: One kiss and I'll be yours forever .
The guy replies: 'Thanks for the early warning.'

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A wife asked her husband: 'What do you like most in me, my pretty face or my sexy body?'
He looked at her from head to toe and replied: 'I like your sense of humor.'


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A Buddhist Joke?

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A Buddhist Monk, visiting New York City for the first time in twenty years, walked up to a hot dog vendor, handed him a twenty dollar bill, and said, “Make me one with everything.”

The vendor pocketed the money, and handed the Buddhist monk his hot dog. The monk, after waiting for a moment, asked for his change.

The vendor looked at him and said, “Change comes from within.”

With a wishful smile, the monk walked away.

--

Where is the happiness?

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One day, the young lion asked his mom: "Mom, where is the happiness?"

Mom replied: "It's on your tail."

So the young lion keeps on chasing after his tail. But after a whole day of trying, he failed to get the happiness that was on his tail.

Then he told his mom about this, his mom smiled and said: "Son, you don't really need to chase after your happiness, as long as you keep going and moving forward, your happiness will always be with you."

Wish everyone of you find your happiness.

Please do forward to all your friends and wish the happiness is with them always.



You can't decide the length of life, but you can control how you want to live it.

You can't control the weather, but you can control your mood.

You can't change your look, but you can smile.

You can't control others, but you can control yourself.

You can't foresee tomorrow, but you can utilize today wisely.

You can't win everything, but you can try your very best to achieve that.

Hope everyone can face the daily life positively and always happy...

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Condolence to the Choi Family

One of our Dharma sisters Ahnui Yum （力燕師兄-任燕琴又名任阿女 老居士）, the mother of Laurel Choi, passed away at Toronto Sunnybrook Hospital on April 19, 2009 8:30pm.

Our condolence to Laurel and the Choi family.

May Madam Yum be reborn into a realm that is full of Bodhisattvas and Dharma.

May the Triple Gems be with her always.

Boundless blessings...



Her funeral service details:

April 28, 2009 Tuesday

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (地藏經 Sutra Recitation lead by 慎修法師)
Place: Jerrett Funeral Home at 6191 Yonge Street under the name "Ahnui Yum".
Telephone: (416-223-6050)

Everyone is welcome to attend the Sutra Recitation.


April 29, 2009 Wednesday

Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am Visitation
10:00 - 10:45 am Services by 慎修法師
11:00 - 11:15 am Passing to Cremation Centre at Yonge & Sheppard.
11:15 am Cremation
Lunch - 解穢酒 Details to be follow later.
Place: Jerrett Funeral Home at 6191 Yonge Street under the name "Ahnui Yum".
Telephone: (416-223-6050)


For further information please call Laurel.

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My 1 minute speech

I have given the following one minute speech on my running for the President of HYBCO:

"Good afternoon everyone.

My name is Ling Zhi. I am a dedicated follower of Master Haiyun. I have been practicing Buddhism for over 20 years and Huayen for 8.

HYBCO is the result of many years of hard works and dedication of my colleagues and I.

I am now running for the president of HYBCO as I believe at this infancy stage of our organization we need to build a SOLID foundation so that a strong empire can be built onto it.

At present, HYBCO has limited resources and therefore we should stay focus on the Bodhi path and not have big DREAMS.

Dreams are for wanderers. In our Chan class, we are taught to

"Focus your mind
Still your mind
If it wanders
Bring it back".

So our priority for now should stay focus on the studying and practice of the Huayen Dharma, to provide an opportunity for others to come into contact with this marvelous world of Huayen.

The vote you cast for me is not for Lung Zhi, but for the dharma and your own Dharmakaya live.

Please vote for me so that I can serve you.

This comes from the very bottom of my heart."

I am recording this down so as to remind myself...

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A test for you...

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There was a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals,
a Lion, a Chimpanzee, a Giraffe, and a Squirrel, who pass by.

They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree.

Who do you guess will win?

Your answer will reflect your personality.

So think carefully ... ... Try and answer within 30 seconds

Got your answer?








Now scroll down to see the analysis.




















If your answer is:

Lion = you're dull.
Chimpanzee = you're a moron.
Giraffe = you're a complete idiot.
Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid.

A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.

Obviously you're stressed and overworked.
You should take some time off and relax!
Try again next year.

Take more breaks, laugh, laugh some more, and pass on laughter to others. It gets us through our days!

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DDMBA - May 14-18 Fashis Visit

In case you are interested:

DDMBA Ontario-May DDRC Fashis Visit
When: Thursday May 14 – Monday May 18, 2009
Where: See calendar listing on DDMBA Ontario Website for event details…

Dear Friend,

DDMBA Ontario is pleased to announce that Dharma Drum Retreat Center monastic teachers, DDRC abbot Venerable GuoXing Fashi and resident teacher Venerable Chang Wen Fashi, will be returning to Toronto to give a series of teachings from Thursday May 14 to Monday May 18.

May is Vesak month, a celebration of the birth and life of the Buddha. As such, May’s events have been designed to give everyone ample opportunity for Meditation… Education…and Celebration! The Fashis’ Toronto trip is sure to have something for everyone, whether they are new to Chan Buddhism, curious about Chan, or are experienced practitioners.

Meditation….

• Two Hour Group Sitting and Guided Meditation Session, including guided relaxation and massage techniques.
• One Day Chan Retreat. Ideal for practitioners to deepen their meditation practice under a Sangha teacher.

Education….
• Dharma Lecture Talks and Lectures
 Heart Sutra
 You Too Have Supernatural Power
 The Four Great Vows/Offering of Vows
 Stress Management: A Chan/Zen Perspective

Celebration!!!

• Buddha’s Birthday Event Learn more about the significance of the Buddha’s birthday, and celebrate his legacy by participating in the Great Compassion Repentance ceremony.

…and much, much more!! please check DDMBA Ontario website for event details. http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca/

We hope you and your family and friends will join us for this rare opportunity to learn Dharma under two ordained DDM Sangha teachers.

Amitofu!

DDMBA Ontario
Website: http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca

Condolence to the Wong Family

Mr. Wong （王澤深老先生）, the father of Frenda just passed away today at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.

Our condolence to Frenda and the Wong family.

May Mr. Wong be reborn into a realm that is full of Bodhisattvas and Dharma.

May the Triple Gems be with him always.

Boundless blessings...

--

Fifty Years of Math 1959 - 2009

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Fifty Years of Math 1959 - 2009 (in the USA )

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $ 2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters , but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?


2. Teaching Math In 1960s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?


3. Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?


4. Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.


5. Teaching Math In 1990s

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )


6. Teaching Math In 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80.. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

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This explains the current crises...

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This explains the current crises...

Linda is the proprietor of a bar. In order to increase sales, she decides to allow her loyal customers - most of whom are unemployed alcoholics - to drink now but pay later.

She keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers loans). Word gets around and as a result increasing numbers of customers flood into Linda's bar.

Taking advantage of her customers' freedom from immediate payment constraints, Linda increases her prices for wine and beer, the most-consumed beverages. Her sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic customer service consultant at the local bank recognizes these customer debts as valuable future assets and increases Linda's borrowing limit. He sees no reason for undue concern since he has the debts of the alcoholics as collateral...

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert bankers transform these customer assets into DRINKBONDS, ALKBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These securities are then traded on markets worldwide. No one really understands what these abbreviations mean and how the securities are guaranteed. Nevertheless, as their prices continuously climb, the securities become top-selling items.

One day, although the prices are still climbing, a risk manager (subsequently of course fired due to his negativity) of the bank decides that slowly the time has come to demand payment of the debts incurred by the drinkers at Linda's bar. However they cannot pay back the debts. Linda cannot fulfil her loan obligations and claims bankruptcy.

DRINKBOND and ALKBOND drop in price by 95 %. PUKEBOND performs better, stabilizing in price after dropping by 80 %. The suppliers of Linda's bar, having granted her generous payment due dates and having invested in the securities are faced with a new situation. Her wine supplier claims bankruptcy, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor.

The bank is saved by the Government following dramatic round-the-clock consultations by leaders from the governing political parties (and vested interests). The funds required for this purpose are obtained by a tax levied on the non-drinkers.

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DDMBA - April 25 High Park Event

In case you are interested:


DDMBA Ontario April Community Event: Outdoor Month

When: Saturday April 25, 2009, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: High Park, across from Grenadier Restaurant
Website: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/highpark/map_highpark.pdf.pdf


Dear Friend,

With Spring finally here and flowers starting to bud, DDMBA Ontario is going outdoor this month to enjoy the wonderful nature.

For this event, we will venture to High Park, one of the most popular parks in Toronto and home to many wildlife species. The day will begin with some warm up stretching exercises, then a stroll along some of the most scenic routes in High Park. If the timing is right, we may even see cherry blossoms in full bloom!

Right before lunch, we will have a game with some yummy prizes to give away!

Lunch will be potluck style. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share. Also, please bring your own plates, mugs and utensils.

This event is open to everyone. Please feel free to invite all your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you!

In case of rain, please call DDMBA @ 416-855-0531 on the event day for information on alternative plan. Thank you.

Amitofuo!

DDMBA Ontario
Website: http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca

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Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche Toronto Visit from August 18–23, 2009

In case you are interested:

Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche Toronto Visit from August 18–23, 2009

The Program of Teachings and Empowerments

Padampa Sangye's "The Hundred Verses of Advice"

Padampa Sangye known as Kamalashila in India was born in the twelve century. He was an accomplished scholar and a highly realized yogi in India. He traveled to Tibet on three occasions and spent a considerable amount of time in the region of Tingri on the boarder of Tibet and Nepal.

The Hundred Verses of Advice is a spiritual testament of Padampa Sangye. These teachings were given a year before he passed into nirvana in Tingri at the request of one of his close disciples. These teachings offer great guidance to people of all walks of life, whether Buddhist or not, for trying to a make the best out of the ordinary daily life in accordance with the dharma.

Chod practice

Every one whether Buddhist or not can receive immense benefit by being present or participating in the chod practice led by the lamas during the visit of the Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche's visit in Toronto. Brief teachings will be given by the lamas before the practice. Chod is a vajrayana method to practice the essence of the "Heart Sutra" with the ultimate aim of attaining the realization of emptiness. Relatively, chod practice is an efficient way to dispel the obstacles caused by evil spirits or demons and to accumulate merits by offering one's own body.

Red Chenrezig Empowerment

Red Chenrezig is the embodiment of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the three times and ten direction carrying out compassion enlightened activities. His youthful emanation on a standing posture signifies his commitment and readiness to act on eliminating the sufferings of all the sentient beings in the six realms. He is the "stirrer of the pit of samara" The sadhana of this particular practice of Red Chenrezig is a relatively new discovered terma without any doubt of maintaining the purity of the unbroken lineage.

84 Mahasiddi Empowerment

This is the first time that 84 Mahasiddi Empowerment ever held in the West. The Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche is the main teacher of His Holiness The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje and other lineage masters of the Karma Kagyu. With the advancement of his age, the activities and traveling of the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche in the West will be limited accordingly in the coming years. It is therefore extremely fortunate and auspicious for people to treasure the chance of receiving this kind of empowerment.



AUGUST 18

10AM - 12 PM. TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
2.30 PM - 4 PM TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM - CHOD



AUGUST 19

10AM - 12 PM. TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
2.30 PM - 4 PM TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM - RED CHENREZIG EMPOWERMENT



AUGUST 20

10AM - 12 PM. TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
2.30 PM - 4 PM TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM - CHOD



AUGUST 21

10AM - 12 PM. TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
2.30 PM - 4 PM TEACHINGS ON PADAMPA SANGYE'S "THE HUNDRED VERSES OF ADVICE"
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM - LONG LIFE AND PUJA FOR THE DECEASED



AUGUST 22 - 84 MAHASIDDI EMPOWERMENT

10AM - 12 PM - TEACHINGS ON THE EMPOWERMENT / PREPARATION
2.30 PM - 4 PM -TEACHINGS ON THE EMPOWEREMT/ PREPARATION
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM - EMPOWERMENT



AUGUST 23 -84 MAHASIDDI EMPOWERMENT

10AM - 12 PM - TEACHINGS ON THE EMPOWERMENT / PREPARATION
2.30 PM - 4 PM -TEACHINGS ON THE EMPOWEREMT/ PREPARATION
4.30 PM - MAHAKALA PUJA
7 PM – EMPOWERMENT


For further information, please go to
http://www.ktzl.org/content/view/56/


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Happy Easter

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Happy Easter everyone!!


Everything I Need to Know,
I Learned from the Easter Bunny...

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.


Walk softly and carry a big carrot.

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.

There's no such thing as too much candy.

All work and no play can make you a basket case.

A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.

Some body parts should be floppy.

Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans.

Good things come in small-sugarcoated packages.

The grass is greener in someone else's basket.

An Easter bonnet can cover the wildest hare.

To show your true colors, you have to come out of your shell.

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

--

People you NEED

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God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED.

To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

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More on gratitude

Dear Stephen,

Thank you so much for sharing your learning experience with us. Yes we can all benefit by being more truthful to one another.

Talk is cheap. Practice is the only way to convince yourself that you can walk the walk. I am with you on this part.

Action is stronger than words. The problem is our actions can be very deceiving, in order to cover up our 3 poisons (greed, hatred and ignorance).

We can learn to be grateful, pretend to be grateful... The most important essence is "gratitude has to come from our heart"...

Those who recite the name of Amitabha everyday is not guaranteed a place in the Pureland. "How you do" it is more important than "What you do".

I am not challenging your statements, instead I am contributing my supports.

Am I making any sense?

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How to practise "gratitude"

Stephen wrote to me:

Talk is cheap. Practice is the only way to convince yourself that you can walk the walk.

Here is what I do:

In order to cultivate this habit, one must 'force' oneself to identify things/people around you that you really feel grateful about.

I started by dropping down on my journal at least 2-3 items per day that you are thankful of (and explain why).

Review your collections every week/month and put some after-thought or comments about them.

Track your own milestones. In a year's time, you'll accumulate over a couple of hundred gratifications.

Keep recording, refreshing & reflecting(3Rs). Until you become empowered, as if it's your second nature.

Hope this method will be helpful to you and others who are serious about this practice.

--

I am thankful

Sharing the following email with you:

I AM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT、 BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME、AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO、BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS. FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME、NOT ON THE STREETS. FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED . FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTYBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT. FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME . FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION . FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM. FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR. FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE. AND FINALLY、FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME. SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. I JUST DID. Live well、Laugh often、& Love with all of your heart! --

Condolence to the Chan Family

One of our Dharma brothers, Mr. Sing Chan, the father of Irene just passed away today at 10:45am in Toronto Grace Hospital.

Our condolence to the Chan family.

We are dedicating our upcoming Wednesday practice to Mr. Chan.

May Mr. Chan be reborn into a realm that is full of Bodhisattvas and Dharma.

May the Triple Gems be with him always.

Boundless blessings...

--

Computation Earth Week Event 2009

Computation Earth Week Event 2009

presented by: Computation Ltd.

Starts: April 18, 2009 10:00 AM
Ends: April 24, 2009 07:00 PM

Cost: Free

Looking for an environmentally sensitive and privacy ensured method to dispose of your unwanted computer equipment? Leave it with Computation for FREE.

Hours:
10am-7pm Monday through Friday
10am-6pm - Saturday and Sunday.

Businesses and individuals with large quantities and those that require a pick-up should contact us. All information present on systems will be securely destroyed.

For more information contact:
Phone: 416-629-5667

Address:
Computation Ltd.
Jane & Ardagh Street
Map to this event

TTC: From Jane subway station, take the #35 Bus north to Ardagh Street.

www.computation.ca

April 18, 2009 Free Computer Recycling Drop-off for GTA Residents

Dell Free Computer Recycling Drop-off for GTA Residents

presented by:
Dell Canada

Starts: April 18, 2009 10:00 AM
Ends: April 18, 2009 03:00 PM

Residents of the GTA can drop off any make or model of computer, notebook, monitor, printer as well as peripheral devices including computer speakers and mice to be recycled free of charge. Only computer-related equipment will be collected at this event. This is a safe and secure way to recycle electronics.

For more information contact:
Phone: 416-758-2365

Address:
Dell Canada
155 Gordon Baker Road
Highway 404 and Finch
Map to this event

TTC: From Don Mills station, take the #25 Bus to McNicoll Avenue, then take the #42 Bus to Gordon Baker Road.

www.dell.ca

April 18 & 19, 2009 Conference on "Buddhist Training in Japan"

In case you are interested:

The University of Toronto/McMaster University Numata Buddhist Studies Program
invites you to a conference on

"Buddhist Training in Japan"

University of Toronto
Trinity College, 6 Hoskin Avenue, Combination Room

April 18-19, 2009

This conference will explore the issue of Buddhist training in Japan. “Training” will be taken in its broadest sense, including, but not limited to, formal monastic training, sectarian University education, ascetic practices, growing up in a temple, parishioner study groups, and meditation retreats. We will consider a variety of texts and practices across a wide range of historical periods with an aim to move past categorical distinctions such as elite/popular, doctrine/practice, text/ritual, and monk/layperson. For example, in the formal and informal training of a Japanese priest in the present day, we can see the ways that doctrine is “practiced” as well as the specific texts that form the basis of that practice. A focus on training provides an excellent opportunity for comparative work both within Buddhist studies and within the larger field of Religious Studies. Participants will be encouraged to consider aspects of training that could be seen as uniquely Buddhist and those that would be more fruitfully viewed in broader cultural and political contexts.


CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Saturday April 18

Breakfast 8:30 - 9:15

9:20 - 11:00 Panel One - Codification, Orthodoxy, and Training

Michel Mohr (University of Hawai'i) - Spiritual Energy in Action: The Dynamics of Training According to Tōrei

Mark Blum (SUNY at Albany) - Revisionism or Revitalization? The Rebirth of Jōdoshū Samādhi Training in the Edo & Meiji Periods

John LoBreglio (Oxford Brookes University) - Standardizing Lay Training in Meiji Sōtō Zen

Discussant: Duncan Williams (UC Berkeley)

11 - 11:15 Coffee Break

11:15 - 12: 30 Panel Two - Training as Context and the Context of Training

Heather Blair (Stanford University) - Burying the Dharma in the Southern Mountains

David Quinter (University of Alberta) - The Mother of Awakening and Buddhist Training: An Investigation of Jōkei’s and Eison’s Monju kōshiki

Discussant: Juhn Ahn (University of Toronto)

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch

1:30 - 2:45 Panel Three - Monastic Regulations, Training, and Identity in Japan

Gina Cogan (Boston University) - The ‘Kanbun 4 Regulations:’ Morals and Manners at a Seventeenth-Century Imperial Convent

Paul Groner (University of Virginia) - Jitsudō Ninkū (1307-1388) and the Education of Monks through Debate

Discussant: Griffith Foulk (Sarah Lawrence College)

2:45 - 3:15 Coffee Break

3:15 - 4:30 Panel Four - Buddhist Training and the Marginal

Mikael Adolphson (University of Alberta) - Menial Workers or Monks? Dōshu in Japanese Medieval Monasteries

Lori Meeks (University of Southern California) - Women’s Monastic Training at Thirteenth-Century Hokkeji

Discussant: Ian Reader (Manchester University)


Sunday, April 19th

Breakfast 8:30 - 9:15

9:20 - 11:00 Panel Five: Education and Buddhism in Modernity

Steve Covell (Western Michigan University) - Training Little Buddhas? Buddhist Kindergartens in Japan

Mark Rowe (McMaster University) - Producing Expertise in Post-War Japanese Buddhism

George Tanabe (University of Hawai'i) - Training for America, Americans in Training: Priests and Ministers in Japanese-American Buddhist Temples

Discussant: Victor Hori (McGill University)

11 - 11:10 Coffee Break

11:10 - 11:30 Concluding Remarks

Helen Hardacre (Harvard University)


Event Organizers: Juhn Ahn, University of Toronto; Mark Rowe, McMaster University

Event Hosts: Juhn Ahn, University of Toronto; Mark Rowe, McMaster University; Frances Garrett, University of Toronto; Amanda Goodman, University of Toronto; Neil McMullin, University of Toronto (Emeritus); Shayne Clarke, McMaster University


For more on the Numata Buddhist Studies Program, see http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/buddhiststudies/numata/index.html

For more on Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto, see http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/buddhiststudies/

----- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.-----

What does one TRILLION dollars look like?

Sharing the following email with you:

What does one TRILLION dollars look like?

All this talk about "stimulus packages" and "bailouts"...

A billion dollars...

A hundred billion dollars...

Eight hundred billion dollars...

One TRILLION dollars...

What does that look like? I mean, these various numbers are tossed around like so many doggie treats, so I thought I'd take Google Sketchup out for a test drive and try to get a sense of what exactly a trillion dollars looks like.

We'll start with a $100 dollar bill. Currently the largest U.S. denomination in general circulation. Most everyone has seen them, slighty fewer have owned them. Guaranteed to make friends wherever they go.

A packet of one hundred $100 bills is less than 1/2" thick and contains $10,000. Fits in your pocket easily and is more than enough for week or two of shamefully decadent fun.

Believe it or not, this next little pile is $1 million dollars (100 packets of $10,000). You could stuff that into a grocery bag and walk around with it.

While a measly $1 million looked a little unimpressive, $100 million is a little more respectable. It fits neatly on a standard pallet...

And $1 BILLION dollars... now we're really getting somewhere...

Next we'll look at ONE TRILLION dollars. This is that number we've been hearing about so much. What is a trillion dollars? Well, it's a million million. It's a thousand billion. It's a one followed by 12 zeros.

You ready for this?

It's pretty surprising.

Go ahead...

Scroll down...

Ladies and gentlemen... I give you $1 trillion dollars...

(And notice those pallets are double stacked.)

So the next time you hear someone toss around the phrase "trillion dollars"... that's what they're talking about.

--

How many is a billion?

Sharing the following email with you:


This is too true to be funny...

The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,

but one advertising agency did a good job of

putting that figure into some perspective in

one of its releases.

A.

A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B

A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C

A billion hours ago our ancestors were

living in the Stone Age.

D

A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E.

A billion dollars is only

8 hours and 20 minutes,

at the rate our government

is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain...

let's take a look at New Orleans ....

It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator,

Mary Landrieu (D)

is presently asking Congress for

250 BILLION DOLLARS

to rebuild New Orleans .. Interesting number...

what does it mean?

A

Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans

(every man, woman, and child)

you each get $516,528.

B

Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in

New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C.

Or... if you are a family of four...

your family gets $2,066,012.

Imagine, now $700 billion bailing out banks in the US . That's enough to fund complete medical care for every man, woman and child currently alive in the US for 11 years!!

$50 billion to bail out the auto industry???

Washington , D.C.

&

Ottawa ON.

<>

Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL License Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Federal Income Tax , Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax

Fuel Permit Tax

Gasoline Tax

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax

IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)

IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)

Liquor Tax

Luxury Tax

Marriage License Tax

Medicare Tax

Property y Tax

Real Estate Tax

Service charge taxes

Social Security Tax

Road Usage Tax (Truckers)

Sales Taxes

Recreational Vehicle Tax

School Tax

State Income Tax

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)

Telephone Federal Excise Tax

Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax upon Tax

Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax

Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax

Telephone State and Local Tax

Telephone Usage Charge Tax

Utility Tax

Vehicle License Registration Tax

Vehicle Sales Tax

Watercraft Registration Tax

Well Permit Tax

Workers Compensation Tax

Income Tax

Everything Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY???

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...

and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt...

We had the largest middle class in the world..

and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened?

Can you spell 'politicians' ?

And I still have to

press '1'

for English.

I hope this goes around the

US & CANADA

at least 1 billion times