Wednesday, July 6, 2011

One of the best ads...

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THIS IS REALLY REALLY GOOD.. STAY FOR THE END......
Warning: Don't watch this alone in the dark !...
Try and guess what this commercial is for … BEFORE it ends....…
It's one of the best ads I've ever seen

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Three idiots

Here is the link of 三个白痴.3.Idiots.2009.
http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/l4b6dY8o5Jg/

Comment from A.K.:

Hi,
Thank you for sharing a good movie.
It has a bit of everything. Funny, entertaining: there are some Bollywood songs and dances-how can you make an Indian movie without them-, scenes that bring tears to your eyes, beautiful love story with gorgeous lead man and lady, and yet an attempt to tackle some serious issues facing modern society.
I had a great time watching the movie, but then a little later questions started to arise in my mind. How is it possible that a person who challenges the established order of society and its prevailing values could survive so easily, win over friends and foes, not only excel in it but also be successful both materially and spiritually, and most of all, score so well with a gorgeous babe? This is every young man's dream, and no wonder the movie is so successful.
As we grow older, we realize that stories do not always have happy endings. People who challenge the prevailing values of society are often treated with disdain, if not scorn and ostracism. The movie succeeds by giving us a fantasized version of reality-you can go your own way, assert your individuality and be highly successful in the world.
This is the spiritual path with the difficult part taken out. This might happen to a rare few who are extremely lucky(有福報), but for most, the path is laden with hard work, pain and sacrifice. This is the realm of religion, and we must be able to tell the difference between religious practice and entertainment.
But all in all, I enjoyed the movie. It does attempt to address some central themes in modern commercial society: efficiency as a supreme value, man as an appendage to the machine, alienation of young people in the System, fierce competitiveness of society, etc. It reminds me of Charlie Chaplin movie about automation in the 30's.
The final thought is: what would Buddha say about it?
A.K.

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Monday, July 4, 2011

2011 Chan Family Camp at DDRC 7/27 - 7/31

In case you are interested:

Dear DDM Friends,

I am forwarding an exciting family camp offered by DDRC from July 27 to 31. Please see camp details and registration below.

2011 Chan Family Camp at DDRC, July 27 to 31, 2011



Please help distribute to your family and friends.
Thank you.

With palms joined,
Angela Chang

Sunday, July 3, 2011

DDMBA: July 10 One Day Chan Meditation Retreat

In case you are interested:

DDMBA Ontario July One Day Chan Meditation Retreat


Event: One Day Chan Meditation Retreat 一日禪坐共修
Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011
7月10日星期日
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
上午九點半至下午四點半
Location: DDMBA Ontario, 154 Poyntz Avenue, Toronto, ON, M2N 1J4 法鼓山安省分會


This is a gentle reminder of the upcoming DDM One Day Retreat which will be taking place at our 154 Poyntz Avenue Centre on Sunday, July 10, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

This form of practice is very beneficial for everyone; it gives us the chance to practice with a group over a longer period of time. Furthermore, the One Day Retreat is an excellent opportunity for deepening one's practice. Participants for the One Day Retreat should ideally have practiced meditation for a considerable length of time, preferably with some formal meditation training.

Sitting meditation periods are followed by walking meditation, gentle stretching exercises and mindful work periods. The environment of the retreat is designed to promote mindfulness in everything we do.

To receive the full benefits of this form of group practice, we encourage you attend the entire event.

Also, be sure to wear loose, warm and comfortable clothing suited to the long sitting periods. DDM provides cushions, sitting mats, towels and a light vegetarian lunch. While a conducive and relax atmosphere is maintained in the retreat, participants should understand that it is still a serious occasion dedicated for practice. In the interest of respecting your own and others’ practice, please provide advance notice should you be arriving to the retreat late or leaving early without valid reasons.

In the spirit of sharing with the community of Chan practitioners, participants of this retreat are also encouraged to contribute a vegetarian dish or snack for the retreat lunch.Please note that dishes contributed should not contain any form of onions (including green onions), any form of garlics, chimes as well as egg products. If you would like to submit a dish, please send an email tomeditation.dharmadrum@gmail.com, no later than Thursday, July 7.

Kindly RSVP meditation.dharmadrum@gmail.com by July 7 should you plan to attend the retreat and, if you plan to bring a dish, inform us about the dish that you would bring.

The event is offered free of charge while any donations to support events like this are greatly appreciated.


With Palms Joined,
DDMBA Ontario
www.ddmba-ontario.ca

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

A message to young women

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What will you do if you aren't afraid?

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

Share this with your daughters and young female friends. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook - speaking to Barnard 2011 Graduates. Wish someone had talked to me like this when I was in my twenties!

S.

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

21 Small Habits That Will Help You to Live a Simpler Life

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1. Breathe.

2. Do one thing at a time.

3. Write it all down.

4. Do all your food shopping once a week.

5. Stop doing what you don’t like doing anymore.

6. Stop trying to please everyone.

7. Stop trying to do things perfectly.

8. Pack your bag before you go to bed.

9. Throw out the things you haven’t used in 1 year.

10. Ask yourself simplifying questions every day.

11. Keep everything in its place.

12. Cook more food than you’ll eat.

13. Write shorter emails.

14. Ask instead of guessing.

15. Use a minimalistic workspace.

16. Check everything just once a day.

17. Choose small daily acts of kindness.

18. Don’t make mountains out of molehills.

19. Spend 15 minutes each Sunday to plan the next week.

20. Cancel subscriptions for things you rarely get around to watching or reading anyway.

21. Spend more time with people that help you to keep things simple.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Condolence to the Capawan & Lu Family

Miss Kristen Capawan, the daughter of my good friend Erin passed away in Chicago yesterday.

Our deep condolence to the Capawan & Lu family.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in memory of Kristen directed to Loyola University Health System, Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center through the Giving to Loyola tab at www.loyolamedicine.org.

Here's link to Kristen's obituary

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

May the Triple Gems be with her always.

Boundless blessings...

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