Friday, January 21, 2011

Meeting him for the first time...

At dinner tonight, I mentioned to my other kids that it was very unusual for their sister not to bring home her boyfriend whom she has been going out with for months.

Ten mintues ago, he showed up inside my house. I met him for the first time.

My daughter said "You summoned him and he got the message."

I wish that he will bring much happiness and joy into her life.

Best of wishes to you both.

--

Thursday, January 20, 2011

When Mom gets sick...

I have been sick for the past few days.

My daughter jokes around and says: "The world is coming to the end. Mom never gets sick. It is a sign the the end of the world is near..."

I appreciate her sense of humor. Yes I hardly get sick, even when I get sick, I recover within 24 hours. This time I am sick for 3 days already. What a luck woman I am!

I thank all the Buddhas from the ten directions for that...

---

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

DDMBA: Dharma Lecture by Dr. Jimmy Yu (Guo Gu)

In case you are interested:

Dharma Lecture by Dr. Jimmy Yu (Guo Gu)
Chan Buddhism: Life, Intimacy, and Awakening (Jan 28 @6:30pm)


Dear Friend,

Dharma Drum Mountain (Ontario) Buddhist Association, in collaboration with University of Toronto’s Buddhism and Psychology Student Union, is proud to announce that, from Friday, January 28 to Sunday, January 30, 2011, Chan Teacher Dr. Jimmy Yu (Guo Gu) will be in Toronto to deliver a series of activities related to the fundamental practice and teachings of Chan.

Dr. Jimmy Yu is Assistant Professor of Religion at Florida State University. He received inka (affirmation of Chan experience) from the late Chan Master Sheng Yen (1930-2009) in 1995, and is one of the senior lay teachers in the Dharma Drum Chan lineage.

We hope you will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to refresh your mind, gain insights, and learn Dharma in the company of U of T’s diverse population!


Chan Buddhism: Life, Intimacy, and Awakening
Introductory Dharma lecture, followed by Q&A. Admission is free and all are welcome. Sponsored by New College.


We hope to see you at this event, and please visit our website for more information and other information regarding our regular activities visit www.ddmba-ontario.ca or email us at contact@ddmba-ontario.ca.


Peace and Harmony,

DDMBA Ontario



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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Silent Illumination Weekend Retreat - Jan 29-30 2011

In case you are interested:

Silent Illumination Weekend Retreat
Saturday and Sunday, January 29-30, 2011
0.5 Day Retreat or 1.5 Day Retreat


Dear Friends,

We hope you will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to refresh your mind, gain insights, and learn Dharma with Dr. Jimmy Yu and in the company of U of T’s diverse population!

Silent Illumination* Weekend Meditation Retreat

Instructor: Dr. Jimmy Yu
Time: January 29 to 30, 2011 (Sat and Sun)
Location:
Main Activity Hall 208, U of T Multi-Faith Centre (located in the Koffler House)
Address:
569 Spadina Ave at Harbord St. Toronto, ON M5S 2J7


Saturday Half Day Retreat
  • Saturday, January 29, 1:30 to 6pm (half day)
  • $10 for students or $15 non-student
  • Light snack provided
  • Beginners welcome

Sat and Sun 1.5 Day Retreat
  • Saturday, January 29, 1:30 to 6pm (half day)
  • Continues on Sunday, January 30, 9am to 4pm (full day)
  • $20 for student or $25 non-student
  • Sunday vegetarian lunch provided
  • Beginner and advanced practitioners welcome

To Register:

Directions for the U of T Multi-Faith Centre


Download retreat application, click here.

Peace and Harmony,

DDDMBA Ontario

-------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The best and most beautiful things in the world...

The best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched -
they must be felt with the heart.
- Helen Keller -

Another well said quotation. Similarly, the Diamond Sutra (Chapter 26 - translated by Red Pine) says:

"Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Tathagata be seen by means of the possession of attributes?"

Subhuti replied, "No, indeed, Bhavagan. As I understand the meaning of what Buddha says, the Tathagata cannot be seen by means of the possession of attributes."

The Buddha said, Well done, Subhuti. Well done. So it is as you claim. The Tathagata cannot be seen by means of attributes. And why not? Subhuti, if the Tathagata could be seen by means of the possession of attributes, a universal king would be a tathagata. Hence, the Tathagata cannot be seen by means of attributes."

The venerable Subhuti said to the Buddha, "As I understand the meaning of what the Buddha says, the Tathagata cannot be seen by means of attributes.

On that occasion the Buddha then spoke this gatha:

"Who looks for me in form
who seeks me in a voice
indulges in waste effort
such people see me not."
--


May I ask: Tathagata must be felt with the heart?

--

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Happiness is ...

Happiness is when
what you think,
what you say,
and what you do
are in harmony
- Mahatma Gandhi -


What a well said quotation.


Our vexations (or problems) lie in
we do not know what we think,
we do not mean what we say,
and we are not aware of our actions.
The end result...chaos...and sufferings...


--


Monday, January 10, 2011

Our magic marriage of convenience by K. Hadley

Keith's article got published in Globe and Mail today....I'm so proud of him (and his fabrication...haha)!

/N

It's been edited slightly (including having the title changed and the synopsis removed), but here it is:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/our-magic-marriage-of-convenience/article1864102/

K.
--