Overcoming Negative Emotions Talk by Ajahn Brahm (Mar'12)

Yesterday, I attended the talk by Ajahn Brahm on "Overcoming Negative Emotions". 

As usual the talk was packed with people and it was held in a new location. There was a complaint that the talk was disorganized and people had to sat on the floor (I sat on the floor despite arriving 15mins earlier).

Ajahn Brahm's was asked by Angie (the President of the Buddhist Fellowship) to respond to the complaint. Ajahn Brahm pointed out that there was a gap in expectation. People always assume that "we should have this or that" or "things should be like this or like that". However in life, you do not always get what you want. This is LIFE. 

Some key takeaways from the talk:

- Limits the expectation of Life to reduce negative emotions. (My interpretation: It would be a wrong interpretation to assume that we should not work hard. Instead, we should work hard and be at peace with whatever outcome. We tried our best, and that is good enough. Be at peace.)

- How to handle guilt? 

Feeling the guilt of the past does not solve the problem. Learn from it and do something good.

- I like Life as it is

- It is good enough

- Allow it (negative emotions/situations) to be. 

Learn to be at peace.

Things will change.

- How to handle difficult people (ie. Boss/Colleague/Parent)?

Call those difficult people Teachers, as they will teach you a lot of things about Life.

=)

Talk by Ajahn Brahm (Dec'11)

Ajahn Brahm

Recently, Ajahn Brahm celebrated his 60th birthday. I really hope that I have the good fortune to listen to him for many years to come. I have been to many talks, and it is rare to find a teacher as good as Ajahn Brahm.

Below are some of my take-ways: 

 - Put the cup (worry) down and be Still

- During meditation:

 Let go of things that make you move -

The Past and The Future.

-We miss out a lot of things in life because we are moving too fast.

Be Still and appreciate the beauty around you.

-Stillness is the medicine we are looking for.

-When people shout at you, give yourself 5 seconds of Silence before you react.

- When surrounded by enemy. Drink a Tea. 

Life is always changing

- In Silence, you see more.

Ajahn Brahm on Osama Bin Laden's Death

Osama Bin Laden (March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011)

Attended a talk by Ajahn Brahm last evening. One audience asked Ajahn on his view on Osama Bin Laden's death, and how we (as Buddhists) should look at it. Definitely, we could not agree with Osama's terrorism and his behavior is not Islamic. It is extremism. A True Muslim is peace loving and kind. 

Then, Ajahn Brahm reminded us that even Osama has Buddha-Nature (The intrinsic, immortal potential for reaching enlightenment). Unfortunately, Osama believed in radical ideas and lost touch with the inner self.

Ajahn encouraged us not to focus on religious text, but look into ourselves. What really makes sense deep inside our heart? I strongly believe that if Osama had spent enough time looking deep inside himself, he would discover his own intrinsic nature. He would have more compassion and love for all beings (including his enemies). He would realize that we are all the Same. Then, why do we need to inflict pain and suffering onto others?

Words of Wisdom from Ajahn Brahm

The Humorous, Wise and Compassionate Ajahn Brahm

(Got this picture of Ajahn Brahm from another website, but this is the feeling of listening to his talk)

Below are some of my key takeaways from the talk:

If there is problem in a relationship/family/organization, it is not my problem, and it is not the other person's problem. It is OUR problem. 

Loving your enemy is the only way to prevent them from hurting you. Loving your enemy is preventing them from taking away a sense of peace, love and compassion from you.

How to deal with an angry/jealous person? Be compassionate towards them. You only have to deal with them for a short while, but they are suffering from their anger/jealousy 24/7.

If people are giving negative comments, don't take their words seriously.

Love and be compassionate to yourself. Expand this love and compassion to your family, then to your friends, then to your community, then to your enemy and then to the whole world.

One New Experience Each Week - Photo with Ajahn Brahm

Yes!! Finally, I managed to get a Photo with Ajahn Brahm, who is one of the Best Dharma Teachers I ever met. The first time I attended his talk was in early 2009, and since then, I try to attend all his talks. I always leave his talk in peace, happiness and laughters. Yes, he jokes quite a lot.

He is indeed a very wise, compassionate, kind and humorous monk. I felt grateful towards Ajahn Brahm for sharing so many wisdom and great stories, and also inspire us to be kind and compassionate.

The purpose of this photo is to remind me to be grateful for his wisdom, sharings and teachings. 

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Last week's talk was on "Creation vs Evolution" - he did present his view on this topic based on his scientific background and Buddhist training, however, he also emphasized that such a topic is creating so much division and tension in the present world. Every religion is trying to argue and establish its own claim.

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Is it really that important to argue this topic?

Isn't it more important to have harmony in this world?

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Below is a classic story of a poison arrow shared by Buddha:

The Buddha always told his disciples not to waste their time and energy in metaphysical speculation. Whenever he was asked a metaphysical question, he remained silent. Instead, he directed his disciples toward practical efforts. Questioned one day about the problem of the infinity of the world, the Buddha said, "Whether the world is finite or infinite, limited or unlimited, the problem of your liberation remains the same." Another time he said, "Suppose a man is struck by a poisoned arrow and the doctor wishes to take out the arrow immediately. Suppose the man does not want the arrow removed until he knows who shot it, his age, his parents, and why he shot it. What would happen? If he were to wait until all these questions have been answered, the man might die first." Life is so short. It must not be spent in endless metaphysical speculation that does not bring us any closer to the truth.- Thich Nhat Hanh, in Zen Keys

Unconditional Love & Compassion

About 6 months ago (while I was serving my reservist), I was moved to tears when I pondered about the deeper meaning behind the story shared by Ajahn Brahm in his book -  Opening the door of your heart. I never forget the story since then...

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Taken from his book:

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What's in a name?

When one becomes a Buddhist monk in our tradition, one receives a new name. My monk's name is 'Brahmavamso', which, being so long, I usually shorten to 'Brahm'. Everyone calls me by that name now, except for my Mum. She still calls me Peter, and I defend her right to do so.

Once, during a phone call inviting me to an interfaith ceremony, I was asked to spell my name.

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I answered:

B - for Buddhist

R - for Roman Catholic

A - for Anglican

H - for Hindu

M - for Muslim

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I received such a positive response that I usually spell my name that way now, and also that's what it means.

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+++

That's a mark of a True Buddhist Monk

Story about invisible cracks in a glass

(Ajahn Brahm - the monk on the left)

Recently, I went to a talk by Ajahn Brahm again. I have become a fan of his. He never failed to impress me with his wisdom and kindness. Below is my recollection of a story about an invisible crack in a glass told by him.

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There are invisible cracks in every glass.

These cracks are so small and microscopic that they are naked to the eyes.

Some chose to believe it (“Believer”); while some chose to ignore or not to believe it (“Ignorance”).

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For the believer, because they are aware that there are invisible cracks in the glass, hence, they took good care of the glass and making sure that the glass was not placed in a compromised position where it could be broken easily. Because of his care, the believer is able to use and enjoy the glass longer. At the same time, the believer is aware that the glass would eventually be broken, just like any other things in life.

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On the other hand, the “Ignorance” felt that the glass can be used forever and will be there forever. Hence, the “Ignorance” did not treasure or take care of the glass, and abuse it at times. Naturally, the lifespan of the glass shorten and was broken. Inevitably, the “Ignorance” was devastated, as he assumed that the glass is there forever.

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When the glass is broken, just let it go.

Nothing in this world is permanent.

Have the wisdom to let it go.

Be glad that you have treasured it.
=)

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Apply this to your life, your health, your relationship and everything in life.

If you are alive, treasure it while it last.

If you are in a good relationship, treasure it while it last.

If you are in a good health, treasure it while it last.

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When these things in life are gone, have the wisdom to smile – knowing that you have treasured them (That's the best effort), as nothing is permanent.

Learn to let go and make peace.

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One of my favourite quotes:

"Don't Cry When It Is Over
Smile That It Happened"

=)