Finished Exam :)

(Souvenir from India from colleague)

Earlier this morning, I saw an old lady (probably in her late 70's fell down and knocked her head on the ground, as I was walking alongside the pavement towards KLCC. I immediately went over to help her up. She was timid (probably less than 4 feet tall) and was holding a biscuit, and a pretty much worn out plastic bag in her hand. So I thought to myself, "Could she be a beggar? Perhaps she fell down due to lack of food?" So I walked her over to Pelita (a mamak nearby) as I wanted to get her something to drink and eat that's the least I could have done right?). She requested to sit and rest for a while. As we sat down I asked if she's had her breakfast, and she said yes. So I ordered a cup of hot Milo for her. I asked her where was she going. She was speaking Cantonese in a way that it was difficult for me to interpret what she was trying to say. The Milo came but she didn't drink it though. She later on stood up, thanked me and bid farewell. Weird~

Anyway, exam is finally over! After 9 years (I never really did math back in high school) I actually sat down cracking my brain and using a scientific calculator (which I never knew how to use my whole life) to work out answers to the exam questions. Ha ha ha... I guess I did fine, but applying the right formula to the question is another story ;p. I remembered back in form 5 during the mock exam for SPM I asked for a friend's help in for add maths. He gave me the answers (secret meeting in the toilet...), but when I went back to class, I applied the answers to the wrong questions! What a fool I was.

I met up with a colleague from India as well. He was here with his wife to celebrate their first anniversary. How nice~.

Oh yeah one more thing... BURUNG!!! May you be blessed with an abundance of happiness and free from suffering ~~~

We now have this rarest of opportunities to learn Buddhism. The question is whether we truly understand. If we do not firmly grasp on to it then misery and suffering lie ahead of us ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

My New Phone...

Unfortunately, my Sony K800i which was given to my by my dear friend Kelvin, is now resting in peace. I was in the market thinking of what to buy... iPhone or Blackberry? After much thinking (like 5 minutes) I made up my mind that the iPhone would the sole successor to my previous phone. So I walked into Maxis last week, all geared up to purchase the iPhone 3Gs (32GB). As I drew neared to the sales counter, this voice within my head started asking me questions. "Do you really need this or do you just want it?... There are a lot of people who need the $ more than you..." I ended up turning around and walking out of the Maxis center. I needed a phone badly but my conscience said otherwise. In the end... I bought this...

Nokia 1208. RM120 =). I'm actually happy I bought it instead of an iPhone.

Awakened beings see with wisdom eyes, the eyes of purity, equality and awakening. Ordinary people like us see with human eyes, the eyes of emotion that give rise to love and hatred ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

I Like Law But...

Just got back from college. Law is fun but I just can't get those cases into my head!... Had a conversation with an old friend earlier today. She's running her own part time business now, and I was provided with an opportunity to help others. So good for both her and me ^_^... I've got a damn bad concussion now and there's Company event at 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM so I'll probably got at 9:00 PM. Come back and sleep later then Monday study appointment with Farida for statistics on Tuesday...

The foundation of our practice is based on the great compassionate mind, the sincere and true mind, the Bodhi Mind. It is the mind of benefiting all sentient beings ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

Hong Leong Bank

Today I got a letter from Hong Leong regarding my credit card transactions which were fraudulent. According to the Bank, I am liable for the charge... I'm now RM1800.00 poorer because of this :(

Oh well, I probably did something in the past and now it's time for me to repay it. Kamma... I accept it with an open heart. I just hope the fraudster puts the merchandise into good use... ^_^

Buddha name chanting and sutra recitation are ways to obtain a response from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

Back in Labuan

I came back for a few days, to clear my long outstanding annual leaves. Exam (Law) is this Saturday. Next Tuesday Statistics. After that I have a crash course on Accounting Principles and Management Accounting before I obtain my Diploma. What's next? Masters...

I feel like quitting sometimes, but I have to continue... I must continue...

Anyway, being home, I've decided to embark on a new chapter in my life... One which reads "Amitabha" everyday...

Q: Do you believe a man can change his destiny?

A: I believe a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed to him...

Buddha name chanting and sutra recitation are ways to obtain a response from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

One More to Go...

Yes! Finally I finished both my individual and group assignment for statistics. One more to go... Law... then exam...

Oh yeah, my dear friend 'burung' will be starting the new job tomorrow. Trust that you will do well and get along. If things don't go as plan... well... we'll see how it goes ;)

The ancient sages told us to practice humility to reduce the arrogance that we have accumulated over uncountable lifetimes ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

Dreams...

I had a very weird dream last night. I wouldn't have thought that I would meet him in my dreams, but I did. In reality, I was told that he was a compassionate being who cared for all the living beings around him. I am who I am today, partly because of his teachings (indirectly).

So back to the dream...

This time, he was at an aquarium buying fishes. I approached him and bowed down with respect. He gave me a sincere smile in return. I asked, "Uncle, why are you buying these fishes?" "Look at them", he said. "What do you see?" I was puzzled.

I was awaken by my computer alarm at 5:45 AM.

According to Yahoo Answers:-

Dreams aren't visions of the future. They are simply the result of what you see in your head when you sleep. Dreams tell you what you want, either literally or figuratively. If you dream of winning the lottery, it's because that's something you want to do. Dreams can affect our lives because they can inspire us because everyone wants to make their dreams come true, but just because you dream something, it doesn't mean it will actually happen.

Do I really want to meet him? Do I want to learn his ways? Perhaps I will... one day... when it is time...

It is our responsibility to care for all beings because we are all one entity. There is no why to it. Only confused and deluded beings ask why ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

You (Dedicated to Burung)

As I lie down on my bed, all I can think of is you...

That moment in time...

The way you look me in the eye and say, "I Love You"...

No words can describe, the misery I am in...

The day you went away, leaving me behind...

To pursue your future.

I understand yet emptiness is all I feel

I cried that night... Hoping that I could've gone with you..

To a place where we both belong.. Our 'Sanctuary'...

I promise to be strong,

I will wait for your return

Because you are a part of me,

And I am a part of you.

I Love You...

copyright Burung Productions 2009... All rights reserved.

A Gift & A Remedy (Hopefully...)

I got this from my 'new' barber downstairs. He said that it'll make the zits on my forehead go away. I wanted to pay him for it but he refused to accept. What a kind person=). I hope it works...

We need to not simply treat all others as parents and future Buddhas, but rather to make them our parents. As filial piety and respect are fundamental to our self-nature practicing in this manner will help us to uncover this self-nature ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

Saturday...

I went to the association to hand in my assignment (inputting data for college students) and did my normal routine - downloading and recording audio books. Later on, I joined a DeepaRaya open house event organized by the association, and after that, I accompanied my friend back to his place before heading over to the gym.

Before hitting the treadmill, I felt a sudden urge to 'unload'... Probably due to food which I took earlier, so I did. I placed my locker key together with my towel on the compartment behind me. After concluding my 'business deal' I flushed the toilet, and as I was doing that I pulled my towel (without thinking that the key was in it)... "Plop"... I suddenly heard something fell into the toilet bowl. OMG... MY KEY!!! I was stunned for a moment there as I thought to myself "I have to go down with my boxers to the receptionist and tell them what happened??? NO WAY!!!" As the toilet finished flushing, I decided to become "Indah Water" with hopes that my key was probably down there (the toilet bowl was clean okay...). LUCKILY, the keys wasn't flushed down. What a relief :)

I headed on to KLCC after that where I did a little grocery shopping before going home. It was pouring heavily outside.

Well, I reached home about 5 PM +, took my shower, and went straight to bed. The feeling of lying down on my beloved mattress after being awake for more than 24 hours... euphoric! He he he...

We need to care for all beings as we care for our family. When they suffer, we suffer. When they are happy, we are happy ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

Graduation Day

To all my friends who graduated today, congratulations to you! I wonder when will it be my turn~~~

Buddhism is an education, not a religion. When this is understood, then this education will be accepted by religions ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

A Love Letter

(excerpt from "The Notebook")

My dearest Ally,

Couldn't sleep last night because I know that it is over between us. I'm not bitter anymore because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent our summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our heart and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me, and that's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you, I'll be seeing you ~ Noah

When we are mindful of the Buddha, with every thought to benefit others, we are Buddhas for that moment. When we are mindful of Mara, with every thought to benefit ourselves, we are Maras for that moment ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

You Naughty You!

That's what I used to call her. Her given name was "Mei Mei". She was a female rabbit who was fluffy and playful. She would hop around playfully when taken out of her cage. When the floor was being swept she would play with the broom. When she sees someone going into the toilet and coming out with a pail of water to wash the floor, she would so call escort the person by leading the way. If you ask me, I would think she resembles a dog. I still remembered one day when her cage was left opened, she came into the house at night when everyone was asleep.

Unfortunately, due to my carelessness and her curiosity to explore what's beyond, she leaped off the balcony of the 6th floor. The house door was shut and she had no where to go but within the area of the balcony. So she decided to hop on her cage and then to the handrail of the balcony. The next thing I knew when I went out to look for her, she was gone. That was indeed one of the saddest day of my life!

But I know that she is in a place far better than I am right now. I trust that she will live better and no longer be brought back to this cycle of suffering.

Both the seeking of good karma and the creating of bad karma keep us in the six realms. Good karma will result in our going to the three good realms and bad karma will result in our going to the three bad realms. Instead, we can accumulate pure karma from diligently doing kind deeds while not asking for any rewards. We can then dedicate the merits from these kind deeds to being born into the Pure Land ~ Venerable Master Chin Kung

What a day...

It's been 2 days since I got a good night's sleep. I'm so waiting for class to be over so that I can go home to my beloved bed.

Working and studying is indeed becoming more difficult... After this semester 2 more subjects and I'm done with my Diploma! But then again, I need to continue studying after that :(... Oh well, that's the price I have to pay for slacking during my teenage years. But then again, it is my destiny, is it not?

Back to class again now... Please Mr Low, end the class earlier ~~~

Am I Good Person or Bad Person?

Robin Hood... That is precisely who I am. Of course, I do not rob the rich to feed the poor (I would be locked up in prison for doing that). Instead, I use certain 'skills' that I have acquired through time, to help those in need. However, Robin Hood is still an outlaw no matter how much the people of Nottingham love him. Does that make me one too? As noble as the cause may be, the methods are still deemed incorrect.

Helping others achieve happiness nourishes my soul, but am I truly happy within?

"Everything is formed by a harmonious combination of elements" - Venerable Master Chin Kung

The Chant of Metta (Loving Kindness)

May I be free from enmity and danger

May I be free from mental suffering

May I be free from physical suffering

May I take care of myself happily

May my parents

teachers, relatives and friends

fellow Dhammafarers

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May all yogis in this compund

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May all monks in this compound

novice monks

laymen and laywomen disciples

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May our donors of the four supports

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May our guardian devas

in this monastery

in this dwelling

in this compound

may the guardian devas

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May all beings

all breathing things

all creatures

all individuals

all personalities

may all females

all males

all noble one

all worldings

all deities

all humans

all those in the four woeful planes

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May all beings be free from suffering

May whatever they have gained not be lost

All beings are owners of their kamma

In the eastern direction

in the western direction

in the northern direction

in the southern direction

in the southeast direction

in the northwest direction

in the northeast direction

in the southwest direction

in the direction below

in the direction above

May all beings

all breathing things

all creatures

all individuals

all personalities

may all females

all males

all noble one

all worldings

all deities

all humans

all those in the four woeful planes

be free from enmity and danger

be free from mental suffering

be free from physical suffering

May they take care of themselves happily

May all beings be free from suffering

May whatever they have gained not be lost

All beings are owners of their kamma

As far as the highest plane of existence

to as far down as the lowest plane

in the entire universe

whatever beings that move on earth

may they be free from mental suffering & enmity

and from physical suffering and danger

As far as the highest plane of existence

to as far down as the lowest plane

in the entire universe

whatever beings that move on water

may they be free from mental suffering & enmity

and from physical suffering and danger

As far as the highest plane of existence

to as far down as the lowest plane

in the entire universe

whatever beings that move on air

may they be free from mental suffering & enmity

and from physical suffering and danger

May you be well and happy

Heart Sutra (translated by Zuio H. Inagaki)

Adoration to the Omniscient!

When Holy Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva performed the deep practice in the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom, he contemplated that there were five aggregates but observed that they were devoid of essential nature.

In this case, Shaariputra, form is voidness and voidness is itself form; voidness is not different from form, and form is not different from voidness; that which is form is voidness, and that which is voidness is form

So it is for perception, conception, volition and consciousness.In this case, Shaariputra, all things have the characteristics of voidness; they neither arise nor perish; they are neither defiled nor pure, neither deficient nor complete.

Therefore, Shaariputra, within the voidness, there is no form, no perception, no conception, no volition, nor consciousness.

Neither is there eye, ear, nose, tongue, body or mind.

Neither is there form, sound, smell, taste, touch nor concepts

Neither is there realm of sight, etc., until we come to the non-existence of realm of consciousness.

Neither is there wisdom, nor ignorance, nor extinction of wisdom, nor extinction of ignorance, etc., until we come to the non-existence of old age and death and the non-extinction of old age and death. Neither is there suffering, cause of suffering, extinction of suffering, nor the path leading to extinction of suffering. Neither is there wisdom nor acquisition because there is no grasping.

Depending on the bodhisattva's Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom, one dwells without any mental hindrance. Because of the absence of mental hindrance, one is fearless; freed delusive thoughts, one will reach Nirvana.

All Buddhas dwelling in the three periods realize the highest, perfect enlightenment depending on the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom.

For this reason, know that the Great Mantra of the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom is the Great Wisdom Mantra, the Unsurpassed Mantra, and the Unequaled Mantra. It extinguishes all suffering, and is true and real because it is not false. It is the Mantra proclaimed in the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom.

Namely, "Gone, gone, gone to the other shore;

Gone completely to the other shore.Svaha."

Thus ends the Essence of the Transcendent Wisdom Sutra.

Assignments... Tests... Exams...

What am I to do??? Law & Statistics... Tired~~~

It's going to be a long night today...

This always happens after returning from my off day because I need to change my body clock from day to night again. I work night shifts by the way, simply because the allowance offered is the best* in the industry and it fits my study time. Yes, I kind of diverted into doing odd jobs after high school, dropped out of college, and finally, ended up in this SUPERB company... American Express. And now I'm back on track. I view life as a journey and not a race.

The 2 things I enjoy most about my work are my team members (ups and downs but still they're special in their own ways, and that's what makes it interesting and fun working with them) and my other colleagues whom I work with (that's where I adopted my fake US accent... Ho ho ho).

父母教 When your parents instruct you

须敬听 Listen respectfully

父母责 When your parents reproach you

须顺承 Obey and accept their scolding; try hard to change and improve yourself and start anew

Happiness

"I believe our purpose in life is to seek happiness" - Dalai Lama

This is... my atonement for all the pain and suffering that I have caused every sentient being. The past cannot be changed, the future can be shaped. It is called changing destiny, and this is how I came about. I have met many good people in this place. People who learn with patience, and see things with their heart.

I came here searching, and now I found what I was looking for.

New Blender

Bought a blender today for grinding soy beans (couldn't afford a soy bean maker... sigh). I hope it works.

父母乎 When your parents call you

应勿缓 Answer them right away

父母命 When they command you to do something

行勿懒 Do it quickly

Change is Happening Bit by Bit

My thoughts are evolving... Somehow, there is peace when the "right thinking" is applied...

凡出言 When you speak

信危先 Honesty is important

炸与妄 Deceitful words and lies

奚可焉 Are not allowed

话说多 Rather than talking too much

不如少 It is better to speak less

Goodbye Pandi...

Today, my barber, also my friend leaves this country for his homeland. I'm happy to see him return to his homeland where he will be reunited with his family after 2 long years. . He was working in the barber shop below our condo unit. He packs a damn good massage after cutting your hair.

All the best to you my friend, and may you continue to lead a happy and prosperous life with your family there :)

Tired...

It's been a long day. I was at a blood donation campaign yesterday - came face to face with the Health Minister of Malaysia, and I didn't even know it was him! Ha ha ha. He said, "All of you come to donate blood yeah..." I was like, "Yeah..." Then the person beside me said that the person in the black suit was the Health Minister. Well, I could not be bothered much as I was there to donate blood, and head home to Zzz.

I had to wait for almost 2 hours as the process took place in a bus which was converted into a mobile clinic...(sorry I did not brought my camera so I could not take a photo of it). But anyway, when it came my turn to check my BP (blood pressure)... the first reading was 169/120.. Oh no... The normal rate for me should have been around the range of 120-135/80-90.. The doctor then took the second reading... 149/89... borderline... phew... Luckily otherwise the 40-minute wait would be a waste.

What a day~

勿自暴，勿自弃

Wow, it's been almost 2 weeks since I wrote anything, so I thought I'd post something in a different way. The above reads... "Neither be harsh on yourself, nor give up on yourself".

Breakfast - The most important meal of the day...

This is what I have for breakfast - everyday :)

250ml of soybean;

2 green apples;

2 bananas;

4 pieces of Tiger biscuit (trust me... it tastes better);

1 scoop of GNC Lean Shake;

1 scoop of GNC Soy Protein

Blend it all and this is what you get...

A Brighter Tomorrow :)

Last Saturday and Sunday was a really long one for me because I had classes during the day and I had work through the night. The worst part was, it's statistics and there were so many formulas to deal with. Sometimes I wonder, would I better off today if I had studies harder in my early years. I guess I'll never know, but I'm happy as I am today so I guess that's what matters. Another 4 more subjects to obtaining my Diploma in Management, and that will happen by Jan 2010. After that... most likely Masters.

When I got home at 5:00 PM, I took a cold shower and immediately slept after that until 9:00 AM Monday morning. It was such a relief because it has been a while since I've gotten an actual 8 hours of sleep!

As I was sleeping, a text message from a friend came that read, "Hi.i'm ok dy lo.this time i'm very sure.haha.wow i took 2 weeks time only.unbelievable." That was the very first message I read on Monday morning and it made my day:) This friend of mine went through some challenging events and finally manage to pull through in such a short period of time. I'm proud of you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Oh well, the moment you decide on something, you just do it and don't look back...

Remember the Kindness of Others: Repay the Kindness with Gratitude

Sitting down quietly, I started to venture into my mind. In it, I saw my past, my present, and towards the end of the road, there was a little boy... drawing pictures... Pictures of events that I cannot recall seeing. Who is that little boy? Is it me? Are those drawings my future?

Then the boy wrote...

Thank you for showing me the way,

When all I saw was darkness.

I see a bright light now,

Forming the path ahead.

I now devote myself to helping others,

As I was once helped upon before.

In doing this I find peace within me,

Bringing joy to others brings joy to me.

This is the path I choose,

This is my destiny.

The Mind

While sipping through my glass 33 stories high up into the sky, I thought to myself... "What does it feel like to be really happy?" Bits and pieces of this feeling started to appear before me. Bells of joy started ringing within me. I remember this feeling! For a moment I felt as if I were walking in the clouds. As I reach out to grab hold that happiness, it started to distant itself from. The closer I tried moving in, the further it went away.

All of a sudden, I find myself, sitting down in the same place where I sat 1/2 hour ago, sipping halfway through my glass. Though that feeling was gone, I somehow had some sense of fulfillment. Then came the time for me to leave, and return to where I came from.

The mind is powerful, yet very few manage to cultivate it. If you control your mind, you control your destiny...

Lost...

As I search deeper within myself for answers, I find myself at a junction with a thousand paths to choose, but which one? I cannot deny that I am sometimes a slave to my emotions, it's called being human. But the unconscious side of me is starting to knock on my door saying, "WAKE UP Vernon!!! It is time." Time for what? I am starting to feel that I am lost... Lost within myself. Is this the path to freedom, or is it not? Is this life a dream, or is it reality?

Okay so I promised earlier that I would share the reason why I became a vegetarian and why I am I still one till this very day. This was over 2 years back. Back then, I was meat lover. I remember those days when me and my friends would visit Jogoya (a superb buffet joint in Starhill Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur) and eat like it was nobody's business. After dinner I would come out of the restaurant burping with joy:)

Then I met this person who changed my life completely. I was told a whole lot of history about this and that and in the beginning I became a vegetarian because I wanted that person to be happy. However, as time passed by, I felt it becoming a part of me and eventually I turned into a vegetarian by my own will. Some say, when the change comes from within, it'll be everlasting compared to it being forced upon, and I totally agree to that.

Okay, so enough with me for a while and here's today entertainment. We (Darren, myself, Shu Chaen, Shu Yan, Kun Liang, Kelvin, Jeremy and Johnson) went to Genting for Merdeka Day's celebration. We were hoping to take some great shots of fireworks display, however we were kind of on the wrong side of the view. Still, I reckon the shots were okay. We'll get better ones next time.

We came down about 5:00 AM and Darren and me sent Shu Chaen and Shu Yan back to their place in PJ. We went through hell trying to locate their residence. Ha ha ha. Asked for directions all over and eventually we found it after 1-1/2 hour(s). These are times when I am really tempted to buy a GPS (probably end of the year when I get my license and buy a car).

12:15 AM taken from Genting View Resort

Johnson

From left: Johnson, Jeremy, Kelvin, Kun Liang

Shu Chaen

Shu Yan

They were both our models for the night ;p

"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

The change is more difficult that I expected... It takes a whole lot of time and patience + a strong focus. The mind is very powerful, and if taught correctly, it can achieve wonders. This is where I am heading. Being patient and embrace whatever that comes with an open heart + mind. Things will fall into place as they should be, and destiny will reveal itself.

So I started off my day by having breakfast with Darren and Angeline at a "Pan Mee" shop somewhere in Genting Klang. To my suprise, they had vegetarian food on their menu (by the way... I'm a carnivore turned herbivore... He he he... I'll tell you why in my next post) and it tasted great!

Later on, I adjourned to Zoo Negara as I wanted to spend some time with my friends disguised in a different form. I reached the zoo at about 12:45 PM and spent about 3 hours there before I went home. Here are some of the pictures I took...

I reached home about 5:00 PM and rested for a while. Later on, went for second round to the Curve with Mr Goh and Ms Tan again (since they didn't mind me being a light bulb??? ;p). It's been a while since I went out on a Saturday night, and there were so many people! We had dinner at a place called "Just Desert"... The food wasn't so great but I still enjoyed every bit of it:)

Puasa Month

This was where we had dinner

The view downstairs

After dinner we went on ahead to take some more pictures before heading over to Pets Safari (Sigh~~~The cats and dogs were already off duty when we went).

The pedestrian between the Curve and Ikano

Mr Goh

Ms Tan

Another version of Petaling Street? Only more high class~

So that pretty much sums up my day. Time to do a little self reflection on today's events. I feel like there's just things in life that I can't control. I just can't... However what I can control is what these things mean to me and how I react towards them. Got to work at 1:00 PM tomorrow. Good night folks!