The Art of Being Happy

A wise quote that I like very much.

There will always be problems... not matter how hard I try or how well I do. There are too many things in the world that is beyond my control - at least, I can control my reaction, if I am wise enough. And what is life without problems and challenges? It is an opportunity to grow and to be wiser. If you do not learn from the problem/challenge, it will always be back until you learn how to handle it.

And if you are mentally prepared to handle the worst case scenario, you can handle almost anything fearlessly.

Today, a colleague asked me "Why are you still able to smile?"

My reply was "That's the best thing to do now."

Smile!

It is free!

=)

One New Experience Each Week - Sky Park

The problem with alot of people, including myself, is that we assume we have all the time in the world to visit the places of interest in our home country. Hence, we always procrastinate to visit the places of interest. For instance, I have not visited the Singapore Night Safari (The World's first nocturnal zoo) since it opened in 1994.

.

Part of my "one new experience each week" is to visit all these places in Singapore.

This week is the new Icon of Singapore - Marina Bay Sands

View of Singapore Skyline from the Sky Park

Infinity Pool with a Great View

While the view is wonderful, the best part of the visit is spending some quality time with family. And seeing my little niece getting excited and fascinated by the sights is one of the best experiences. 

Mama, Keena & Papa

=)

Inspiration: Aung San Suu Kyi - Release

Aung San Suu Kyi is recently released from her house arrest. I am extremely happy to hear that. She is such an inspiration - giving up so much in life for democracy and peace in Myanmar. She could easily lived a comfortable life outside of Myanmar, yet she chose to return to her homeland. Her strength and resilience is amazing.

.

Visited Myanmar back in 2008, and it is the best country to visit in South-East Asia. The Burmese are great people and they deserve to have peace and good life.

.

History has shown us that violence and brutality will never win the hearts of people. Tyrants (like the Burmese Junta) will never last. There are inherent flaws in using force and violence, and systems built on fear will eventually collapse. Ultimately, the good values would triumph - equality, democracy, fairness, freedom etc...

.

Aung San Suu Kyi is the beacon of hope for Myanmar.

=)

One New Experience Each Week - Buddhist Tattoo

Yes, I finally inked "Om Mani Padme Hum" on my body

The Tibetan Mantra of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

.

While I was choosing a tattoo studio, I walked past a studio with the statue of Goddess of Mercy (The Chinese manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva), and I immediately felt that it is the right place to be inked. Not surprisingly, one of the tattoo artists also has the same tattoo. 

.

This is my 2nd tattoo and it has equally deep meaning for me as my first tattoo.  And I am very happy to have this tattoo accompanying me till the end of my journey.

=)

Quotes

Some very wise quotes taken from a friend's FB:

Clementine:
What do we do?
Joel:
Enjoy it. Say good-bye.

+++

Letting go. You never really possess things, you merely hold them for a while. If you are unable to give them away, you are held by them.

Real Charity

Selected Excerpt from Real Charity 

By Ven KSri Dhammananda Maha Thera

.

"You perform real charity if you can give freely without expecting anything in return. The act of true charity is wholesome, has no strings attached, and leaves both the giver and recipient free.

Among people who practise charity, there are some who give as a means of attracting others into their religion or creed. Such an act of giving which is performed with the ulterior motive of conversion cannot really be said to be true charity.

.

There are many things which a person can give. He can give material things: food for the hungry, and money and clothes to the poor. He can also give his knowledge, skill, time, energy or effort to projects that can benefit others. He can provide a sympathetic ear and good counsel to a friend in trouble. He can restrain himself from killing other beings, and by so doing perform a gift of life to the HELPLESS BEINGS which would have otherwise been killed. He can also give a part of his body for the sake of others, such as donating his blood, eyes, kidnsy etc..."

.

.

I just realised that choosing to be a vegetarian is also an act of charity. The word "Helpless Beings" strike a chord with me. Farm animals are helpless beings. I believe everybody should understand their actions (ie. eating animals) and think about the deeper effects of their actions.