Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Peace of mind - by Ven. Ajahn Brahmavanso

Sharing the following article with you:


'RIP now while you can still enjoy it'

WORDS OF WISDOM from Ven. Ajahn Brahmavanso on his 60th Birthday

Achieving peace of mind is a lovely way of describing the meaning of life. It is something that everyone aspires to. However, peace of mind is often like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - it tends to be elusive for most people. I would like you to reflect on the times when you were the happiest. You would probably find that your happiest times were when you experienced a deep sense of contentment or peace of mind. But when you reflect on these experiences, you realize they didn't occur because everything around you was perfect. On the contrary, you realized that peace of mind occurred, in spite of your surroundings not being perfect, in spite of difficulties problems and imperfections of life.

That is my first important point. Don't think peace of mind only comes once you have fixed up all your problems and finished all your business. All your worrying, all your striving and struggling.., has it ever got you where you really wanted to be? You can't control the world and change it the way you would like it. Therefore, you can only find peace of mind and achieve the meaning of life by embracing the imperfections of life. How do you do that?; by knowing that imperfection is the nature of the world. So make peace with imperfection. Another thing you can't change is the past and yet lingering on the past, people worry about and feel guilty and angry about it, but since you can't change it, the only wise thing to do is to make peace with it. But how do you do that when there is so much unfinished business? You make it finished.

One of my favourite stories is about the abbot who was building the main hall for his monastery. It takes a lot of time and effort to make such a big building, and the building work was still in progress when the time came for annual rains retreat. The abbot told the builders to go home and come back in 3 months. A few days later, a visitor came to the temple and asked when the hall was going to be finished the abbot replied '' It is finished '' the visitor was quite stunned and said '' What do you mean it is finished? There is no roof are you going to leave it like that? There is no glass in the windows, there are pieces of wood and cement bags all over the floor''. To which the abbot unforgettably replied: "What is done is finished."

What a beautiful response that was. It is the only way to find peace in life. If you want all your building work to be finished before you stop to find peace, all your jobs out of the way, all your letters and emails replied to, you will never find peace of mind, because there is always more to be done. As I have often said, the only place in our modern societies where you find people resting in peace, is in the cemeteries, but then it's too late to enjoy it. So I say RIP now, while you can still enjoy it. I'm making the observation that you only find peace, when you realize that what's done, is finished. The past is gone; let it go. One of the signs of true spirituality - of whatever tradition - is forgiveness and letting go. I was once asked how many times you should forgive, and I replied, ''Always one more time," that is, forever.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful acts that humans are capable of. In South Africa, Just after apartheid had been dismantled and Nelson Mandela had been made president, instead of seeking revenge, instead of punishing all those people who punished him, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Anybody who had done a crime was able to go to this commission and confess, what they'd done. As long as they were truthful, no matter how horrendous their crimes, they would be given amnesty and forgiveness. It was a brilliant way of dealing with the past. One of the moving events of that commission was a policeman recounting, in the presence of the man's widow, how he had tortured and killed her husband, a black African activist from the ANC. Can you imagine this scene? There was a woman whose husband had disappeared..., probably in the middle of the night, and she suspected what had happened, but didn't know the true story. Now she was facing a man who was confessing in detail, how he had tortured and killed her husband, the father of her children, the man she loved. Apparently this white police officer was shaking and trembling as he recounted the details of what had happened. At the end of her testimony the widow rose from her seat and went towards him. The guards were supposed to stop her but they froze. She went up to him put her big black arms around him and said "I forgive you."

Not just the two of them wept, but apparently the whole room.

This sort of beautiful act is one of true spirituality. Both the victim and the perpetrator would move on and become better people. They would learn real compassion, gain real wisdom, and find a real way of moving forward. Now if that woman could forgive the murderer of the man she loved, then each one of us - if we really put our minds to it - is capable of forgiving anything.

I was once counselling a woman who was dying of cancer. I asked her what was the worst thing she'd ever done, an act she might carry to her grave and feel terrible about. She told me she had kissed a man who was not her husband. I said " If that's the worst thing you've done, you’ve lived a pretty good life." When she saw my reaction, she realized for the first time, that it wasn't all that bad. To me it seemed like a small thing, but she had been eaten up inside. It was such a release for her to tell someone.

When you keep things to yourself, even the smallest things can become huge. When you acknowledge them, especially if you tell a good friend, you can see that they're no big deal and you can let them go. The way to forgiveness is to realize that you're worth forgiving and so is the other person. That realization is step number one. That black woman in South Africa saw something in that policeman who had killed her husband, something she could respect, something worth saving, so she forgave. Remember, there's no such thing as a murderer; no such thing as a thief; only a person who has stolen; no such thing as a cheat, only a person who has cheated. If you understand that, you understand why forgiveness is possible: there's something more to any person than the bad acts. And that's true of each of one of you. No matter what you've done, there's always something inside of you, that is worthy of forgiveness.

Worrying about the future

Another thing which stops inner peace is worrying about the future. People often think they need to worry about global warming, the credit crunch, the wars, the natural disasters, AIDS, and the cancers. But it's only worthwhile thinking about things you can do something about. If you can't do anything, why worry? In addition, you can't predict the future; It's totally uncertain.

On one occasion when I was just a school kid, my mother told me I was going to the dentist the following morning. I told my mum " Mummy don't send me to the dentist; you don't love me; you're sending me to the torturer." But try as I might, I couldn't get off it. When I went to bed that night, I was worried and didn't sleep well. The following morning my mother had to drag me to the dentist, and I was screaming and crying. But I eventually got to the surgery, my appointment had been cancelled. All that worry, all that crying for no reason. That was a very important experience for me. I learnt, there's no point worrying about the future, when you don't know what’s going to happen. Life is completely unpredictable. When you understand that, you can have peace of mind in the present moment.

You can have peace of mind, even when you're dying. Why not? No more worries about taxes, global warming or anything else, because you're soon, about to depart, The problems of the world become irrelevant. When there are no problems, you become peaceful. And because you never know how much time you've got left, you might as well be peaceful now. This was Ajahn Chah's great teaching to me, when I was sick in hospital. He came to visit me and gave me the sort of teaching you remember for the rest of your life. He told me " Brahmavamso you're either going to get better or you're going to die." That really didn't hurt at first, because it wasn't what I had expected. It wasn't the usual bedside manner of your best friend. But when I started to think about it, I realized that it meant the sickness wasn't going to last. That was such a relief. Sometimes, you meet people who have understood this; They are dying and supposedly in agony, but they still tell jokes. They're happy and peaceful.

You must also make peace with whatever you have to do in life, with your duties and responsibilities. Peace of mind is not achieved by always trying to do what you like. On the contrary, you find peace of mind, by making peace with whatever you are called to do. Whatever your role, whatever your duties, you can always have fun, enjoy it, put happiness into it and make peace with it. You can make peace and have fun with anything, anywhere. Peace of mind is not found by searching for a deep cave, in a perfect monastery; in a wonderful place high in the Himalayan Mountains. If you're looking for peace that way, you are looking for what Ajahn Chah called, a tortoise with a moustache. People look for the impossible and of course, they can't find it. There is no such thing as a tortoise with a moustache.

You find real peace of mind, by accepting your life as you have it now, even in the midst of great tragedy. What a wonderful thing that is. How do you find this peace? Let go of all the past and guilt, by forgiving, don't worry about the future, and learn to appreciate the moment. Do your duty and put fun into whatever you have to do.

Peace of mind is as free as the air: Drink it, enjoy it, and take it with you. It's always there, if only you look in the right place.

Ven. Ajahn Brahmavanso


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Monday, November 28, 2011

DDMBA Ontario December Dharma Events

In case you are interested:


DDMBA Ontario December Dharma Events


DDMBA Ontario is pleased and honored to welcome Chan Teacher Venerable Guo Ming to Toronto to oversee a series of public events related to Chan practice from December 9 to 11, 2011


Dharma Instrument Training and Sharing Round Table

  • Friday, December 9, 7 – 9 pm
  • Location: 148 Fred Varley Drive, Unionville, ON, L3R 1T4 (Hwy 7 and Village PWY)
  • An opportunity to learn about Dharma Instruments and how they are used in various services and purposes. Open to all newcomers.
  • Followed by a round table sharing with Venerable Guo Ming.

One Day Meditation Retreat

· Saturday, December 10, 10am – 4:30pm

· Multifaith Centre, Main Hall (on 2nd floor), 569 Spadina Ave at Harbord St. Toronto, ON M5S 2J7 (inside Koffler House)

· Cost: $15 non-student, $10 per student (including vegetarian lunch)

· Email meditation.dharmadrum@gmail.com to register by Wed. December 7.

· The One Day Meditation Retreat includes periods of sitting meditation, exercise, walking meditation, and Dharma talks from the Venerable to encourage your practice. No prior meditation experience is required to participate in this retreat. Beginners welcome


Dharma Talk

Great Compassion Repentance Service* and Precept Taking Ceremony

All are welcome!

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With palms joined,
DDMBA Ontario @ Toronto

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Dec 3: 1 day mindfulness retreat at Mahavihara Temple

Bhante Kovida is conducting a one-day mindfulness retreat at Mahavihara Temple, 4698 Kingston Rd...on Sat., December 3rd...9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be provided, also bring a cushion in case there are not enough cushions. You can inform your friends. There will also be chi gong exercises for stress and emotional stress.

From 401, exit on Morningside going south, keep on your left, then turn left on Military Rd. and go to Kingston Rd...past Old Kingston Rd...turn right and go over the ravine, the temple is on the right...easy to find.

For more information about the retreat please email Bhante at buddhadipa@yahoo.ca or call Mahavihara Temple at 416-208-9276.

4698 KINGSTON RD, Toronto, Ontario (416) 208-9276

Map: http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Mahavihara+Temple,+Toronto&hl=en&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=42.975245,112.587891&vpsrc=1&hq=Mahavihara+Temple,&hnear=Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario&t=m&z=11


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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Beware: Always install your 2 new tires on the rear.

Sharing the following information with you:


For safety sake,

Don't install your new tires on the front.

A note from Michelin - Please watch this video :


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pXiWuCtE3cE

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Friday, November 25, 2011

To Monica with Love...

Monica is another long time tenant of mine.

Reluctantly I had to increase her monthly rent in the coming year. I sent her an email as notice for the the rent increase. She replied to me that the increase is okay to her as I have not done that for many years. She said she would try to maintain herself in good health so I can rely on my investment!!!

I answered back: "Yes I am very grateful that you are in good health, less for my investment sake and more because I care about you very much."

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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Having tea with Bill & Charlotte yesterday...

Bill and Charlotte have been my talent for 15 years, how time flies.

We usually meet once a year for 5 seconds to give me the post dated cheques. Yesterday I requested to go into their apartment to check on the broken faucet. I had 45 minutes before the start of my yoga class nearby so they invited me to have a cup of tea.

We socialized and talked about what have been happening in our lives for the past 15 years. We have a pretty good relationship and now Bill agrees to go to the condominium AGM for me. Yes, he has a better interest in the well-being of the condominium than I have.

Thank Bill & Charlotte for your tea. It is not easy to maintain a good relationship for a long time, even though, or especially, it is a landlord and tenant relationship .

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

November 26: CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS

In case you are interested:

CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS
flightpath Presented by Scotiabank
Saturday, November 26

This spectacular 45-year tradition features the lighting of the city of Toronto's official Christmas tree, fireworks and live musical performances. This year's show features award-winning artists Jarvis Church, Kellylee Evans, JRDN, rising star Justin Hines and singer Victoria Duffield.

Full schedule

Cavalcade of Lights is produced by the City of Toronto.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Diana Recites Poetry on Ukraine's Got Talent

Sharing the following You Tube Link with you:

The Six years old girl's recitation that made tears came out of your eyes...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idnhApATqlg




For Chinese subtitle: http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/CtCd8JmeeaY/



Enjoy......

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Friday, November 18, 2011

It's a boy...

Sharing some (actually quite a lot) of good news with you.

Tony's wife, Lulu, gave birth to a healthy baby boy last night. Both the mother and the son shared the same birthday. So happy for the Zeng family...

My good friend, Eva, will be a grand mother for the first time next Summer. Also her second daughter will be married in 2012 too, in Jamaica. I am positively jealous...

Amy, my cousin, will be married in February 2012 and moved to New Zealand. Congratulation to Ken and Amy...May you two live happily ever after...

Anthony's daughter will be married in September 2012 (if I remember the date correctly) in Toronto. I was so happy for Anthony when he told me that he had just found out this good news on her daughter's facebook; and we were travelling in China at that time.

I guess there are more good news to come, just that I have not found them out yet...

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Keep up the good work...

I just went for my dental check-up today. The dentist said my gum and teeth were exceptionally in shape this time. He asked whatever I had been doing, kept it up.

I have returned from a two months trip few weeks ago. The trip inspired me to see things differently and had a better attitude towards life, which made me happier.

Also having Tony Zeng, my Chinese herbal physician, to give me Chinese Massage Therapy (推拿) on a regular basis surely helps.

With good attitude and healthy body, I received a good dental report (even though I still do not floss enough).

Everything and everyone are interrelated, when you do well, I do well too...

Karma......

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Dhamma: The Buddha's Words

Sharing the following email with you:

Words of wisdom...

On a certain day when the Blessed One
dwelt at Jetavana, the garden of Anathapindika,
a celestial deva came to him in the shape of a Brahman
and wearing clothing as white as snow.

The deva asked,
What is the sharpest sword?
What is the deadliest poison?
What is the fiercest fire?
What is the darkest night?"

The Blessed One replied,
The sharpest sword is a word spoken in wrath;
the deadliest poison is covetousness;
the fiercest fire is hatred;
the darkest night is ignorance.

The deva said,
What is the greatest gain?
What is the greatest loss?
Which armour is invulnerable?
What is the best weapon?

The Blessed One replied,
The greatest gain is to give to others;
the greatest loss is to greedily receive without gratitude;
an invulnerable armor is patience;
the best weapon is wisdom.

The deva said,
Who is the most dangerous thief?
What is the most precious treasure?
Who can capture the heavens and the earth?
Where is the securest treasure-trove?

The Blessed One replied,
The most dangerous thief is unwholesome thought;
the most precious treasure is virtue;
the heavens and the earth may be captured by the mind's eye;
surpassing rebirth locates the securest treasure-trove.

The deva asked,
What is attraction?
What is repulsion?
What is the most horrible pain?
What is the greatest enjoyment?

The Buddha replied,
Attraction is wholeness;
repulsion is unwholesomeness;
the most tormenting pain is bad conscience;
the height of bliss is redeemed awakening.

The deva asked,
What causes ruin in the world?
What breaks off friendships?
What is the most violent fever?
Who is the best physician?"

The Blessed One replied,
Ruin in the world is caused by ignorance;
friendships are broken off by envy and selfishness;
the most violent fever is hatred;
the best physician is the Buddha;

The deva continued,
Now I have only one doubt to resolve and absolve:
What is it fire cannot burn,
nor moisture corrode,
nor wind crush down,
but is able to enlighten the whole world.

The Buddha replied,
Blessing!
Neither fire, nor moisture, nor wind
can destroy the blessing of good deeds,
and blessings enlighten the whole world.

Hearing these answers,
the deva was overflowing with joy.
Then clasping hands, bowed down in respect and
disappeared suddenly from the presence of the Buddha.

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Basic Risk Management

Sharing the following email with you:


A naked and drunken woman boards a cab in London one night.

The Indian driver keeps staring and does not start the cab.

Woman: Haven't you ever seen a naked woman before???

Indian Driver: I am not staring at you lady..... just wondering where you kept money to pay me!


Moral:

That is what most of the American and European banks failed to do (i.e.)
Assessing repayment capacity before taking in the exposure!!!

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Warning on taking pics from your cell phone and posting them !

Sharing the following email with you:


Your children/grandchildren can be tracked right to their bedrooms. If you didn't know this, please watch!

Please watch before deleting, and pass it on!! This is unbelievable
PLEASE PASS THIS INFO TO ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO TAKES PICTURES WITH THEIR CELL OR SMART PHONE AND POSTS THEM ON LINE.

I want everyone of you to watch this and then be sure to share with all your family and friends. Its REALLY important info, about what your posting things on your cell phones can do TO YOU!!! So much technology out there these days so beware............. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS VIDEO, AND TAKE THE RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS.

If you have children or grandchildren you NEED to watch this. I had no idea this could happen from taking pictures on the blackberry or other smartphone. It's scary.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY

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