Growth through pain

I guess sometimes depression makes a person grow if they can handle it properly.

Without being attack, a person won't know how to defend themselves.
Without being deceived, a person may not know how to become wiser.
Without hardship a person would not be able to test their ability.
Without suffering, a person won't seek way how to overcome it.

... That is, only if one know how to handle it the right way.

Who am I? You can't find yourself but you can be yourself.

Who am I? I don't think I can define myself since the mind, body and spirit is a complicated matter which can't be grasper conceptually. But I suppose I can just be myself, but by doing what I feel in a controlled, rational and intelligent way. Be yourself but don't cross harmful limits. But mind you, how you feel changes so is there really a fixed self?

You can't find yourself but you can be yourself!

Don't like things just because it's unique-different

Some people look for something unique-different-rare-special-weird things to feel a part of something special and different, as form of feeding their egos.

The down point of this, is that the person may be so focus on liking unique-different-special-weird that they become blind whether it is wholesome or unwholesome. A smart person would prioritize the true value of wholesomeness and true bliss and happiness over anything that is just because it is unique-different-special-rare-weird. Just like how rare it is to find a thug with a gun in the middle of the street, you should be getting out of there because it's nothing good.

Don't trade clarity, appreciation of simplicity and wholesomeness for the sake of just unique-different=rare-special-weird. Only fools do that. Keep the mind clear and see the true value of things as it is. That is smart.

Is it worth proving a point?

Sometimes I like to feel that I am strong by proving that I can face hardship and challenges, I suppose it also partly feed my ego. But then again, there are limits, and I realised it is important to know the consequences of proving a point, because what you challenge may do more harm/problems in the long run than benefits. A sign of reckless self destructive behaviour. Just like how proving a stupid point with abusive or physical abuse can risk your life. or do a last minute revision in exams to prove you are smart may risk getting low grades and ruining your whole life career.

What you try to prove should be assessed, is it worth the risk of ruining your life or health? It is important to say no and not let ego and pride take over, one must swallow pride to make the best decision. Assess the cause of your challenge and if it is pointless, than use that energy to do other important and meaningful things in your life. That is a part of growing up.

But of course if there is something worth challenging through careful decision, then go for it.

*The song "The drugs don't work" - by Verve is playing right now!*

Why close yourself from lights?

You think you are special, so you close yourself from others... until you are alone... and you think back and wonder why did you let all those good people pass by? Those people who walk with morality, virtue and a good heart, are like beacon of lights for us.

True teachers teach us how to help ourself grow

A good teacher, teaches you how to teach yourself.
A good provider, teaches your how to grow your own crops to sustain yourself.
A good psychologist teaches you to become mentally and emotionally more independent.

A part of growing is to make your more self efficient, self sustainable, more self reliable, more independent, more emotionally more independent in the pillar of lights, wiser etc...

However, it is also equally important to know when to ask for help, swallow your pride to ask for help if need be, we are all working together after all.

Growth occurs when one goes beyond one's limit

"Growth occurs when one goes beyond one's limits" ~ Itachi

Environment influence our mind

I'm not sure if we can search for our self, but we can be ourself... Be ourself in a peaceful way.

The mind changes according to environment. try to have something positive in your life to fall back on with positive environment to neutralize the negatively worldly life. For me, it happens to be temples and nature that keeps me positive.

Our actions, speech, morality, environment influence etc... our character.

Selling your dignity for image

Many people do whatever it takes to stand out of the crowd or be with the crowd, even in the cost of selling their own self respect.

Are we like puppets thinking we are free?

We are like puppets, thinking we are free.

We want to feel like we are not under-control, but self denial is a sign of a vulnerable puppet!

Mind only theory

"We live in our head,that is where all the real action is in your life. Your head is the main control centre. Its the place of plans & reality or non-reality
exists for you. All the choosing is done there. The important life choices are done there. The fear or courage is in there, how much you feed them is who you are, for now. The power you control in your head is so strong that it can totally change your existence" ~ James M Sandbrook

Growing strong is endurance

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength" ~Unknown

Want a good friend?

A lot of people wants to have a good friend.
But have they thought whether they are a good friend?
Whether people want to be with them?

Loving kindness and peace is the way of the heaven

The lnaguage of heaven is loving kindness and peace.
If you want to talk to heaven, first speak the language of loving kindness and peace from the heart.

Just wanna clear my mind

Do not cover your bad deeds with...

Do not try to use your so called good deeds that is done insincerely to cover up your bad deeds.

Do not try to use your previous good reputation and history to cover up your present bad deeds.

Listen to the content and not just how it is said!

‎Listen to the content and not just how it is said. Something that taste plain or bitter can be more wholesome than sweets and fastfood. Listen to what that croaky old man got to say, because you just might learn something!

Honour the wise and not the fool, is a way to grow

I realised that how dangerous it is to honour and admire foolish people, as it means you are accepting and approving their foolish ways. That is why most people are lost nowadays, they honour and make idol of corrupted people like celebrities and of such. Even though some people admire their power, wealth, beautiful, fame and of such, but once they are corrupted then they are corrupted and rotten, not worthy of honouring. They will stunt your inner growth.

But it is smart to honour the wise, if you honour the wise you are accepting and approving their wise ways and hence attaining some wholesomeness from it. Honouring the wise if the path of inner growth and wisdom.

Holistic approach: medicine, dietry and... psychology!

It is narrow minded to just think only about medicine and dietry as a form of healing. As time goes by and science progress, they realised that wisdom of the ancient times had truth behind it. They realised that our emotions, thoughts and behaviour has impact on our health and wellbeing.

For example, they realised that being "prolong" stress increase the release of corticol in blood that causes many negative side effects like impaired cognitive performance, blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia, bone density, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, increased fat deposited body, heart attacks, strokes higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) [ref: http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm]

So remember, to be healthy is more than just medicine and food, it's internal well being.

Acting kind is not being kind hearted

Acting kind is not being kind hearted
Acting kind is different from having a kind heart.

Principles-precepts-morality before empty mind?

A lot of people jump into an assumption that in order to find that higher spiritual state, the mind just have to automatically let go of affliction and attain that spiritual "empty mind" state, neglecting the idea that to get to that point their are some preliminary practices. Although it is true to some extend, how free-ing the mind from false thoughts is ultimately the goal, there must be realistic and practice procedures to get there. There must be a foundation before progressing into that higher spiritual state of "letting go". If it not realistic and practical to force yourself to let go of false thoughts etc... I doubt that enlightenment can be reached by just thinking about letting go of thought, but rather there it's more experiences and insight through proper spiritual practice that clenses the psyche and consciousness.

So again, it is important to set the foundation before progressing onwards, just like how we have to crawl before we can stand, stand before we can walk, walk before we can run. In this case, it's important to begin from holding on to principles, principles are like morality, precepts, and the act of keeping the action pure from corruption will keep the mind from being corrupted. If one do not keep their precepts and morality, it is easy to feel guilty as the mind is subconscious connected to each other and how you treat others reflects back into you subconscious. If the your actions and speak are pure, the mind will not be disturbed and can rest in peace. Once the mind can rest in peace without any guilts, only then can one let go of that afflictions and be mindful int their spiritual practice.

Again, some people may debate that just let go of guilt, but it is impossible to let go of guilt if one do not become remorse, repent and reform. The negative actions has a strong impact on the mind. Just like how taking alcohol will impair your thoughts, immorality will impair your mind and spiritual growth. So it is rather like how we have to work our way from earth to space in order to fly freely, our principles-precepts-morality will set the foundation before we can spiritually advance, if not it is not possible and things will collapse and become very ugly.

I am not telling you to become paranoid in everything one do, as to some extend it is not healthy to constantly think and be paranoid but just to recognize that negative actions has negative effect on the mind that stunts inner growth. Therefore, being more aware of our actions, take responsibility and to become a good human before we can think of becoming a saint or sage.

Being open minded yet critical

Bwing open minded enough to listen yet critical enough to decide whether to accept, reject or leave a question mark.

Being open minded doesn't means opening yourself and accepting or passively accepting what is given, otherwise that would be pure stupidity.

You can be open minded enough to listen to others, yet it is up to you to agree or disagree using your own mind and reasoning.

A lot of people have difficulties in exchanging views because of reactive emotional issues such as angry and tension because of difference or fear of intimidation. But one may find it useful to start learning how to discuss without using unpleasant emotional response and just take it as a mere exchange of views to discuss about.

Time to put theory into practice and live!

Sometimes I feel that we spend too much time thinking and planning excessively and un-necessarily that it becomes almost fixed into a bad habit or mind frame and we lose the habit of being pro-active and making it happen! It's not healthy to just be a theoretical textbook type of person. So this quote is rather nice:

"Do not just wish upon a star, reach for one!"


Mark: I've given it a lot of thought, and I've decided to be spontaneous.

Anger management

1. Know that the anger is not truely natural you, it's an affliction caused by disturbance and non-balance
2. Know that anger causes many problems like frustration, uncomfortableness, depression, health problems in the long run, easy to run out of blessings, life becomes darker etc...
3. Recognise the anger in you, point at it and know it was the cause of many unpleasant problems in your life
4. Learn to forgive
5. Learn to let it go, forget about it.
6. Know it's not important to you in terms of the greater good, it's a petty emotions if useless
7. Learn the reason (chain of causes) why you are being angry and is it worth it?
8. Know that other causes
9. Place less importance in self
10. Know the people causing the anger are lost, confuse and arrogant, due to a disturbing traumatic experience, and feel sorry for them but do not hate them.

What makes one mature?

Immaturity is based on disrespect, selfishness, aggression, ego and of such (the attributes of the fools)

Maturity is based on respect, responsibility for self and others, calm and in control, humility and of such (the attributes of the wise).

Growing up is being selective

teenage years was an all out experiment, later years is "ideally" a process of continuous re-evaluation and implementation to get that "right balance" and selectivity.

Antisocial causes and possible solutions

So far the following factors contributes to anti-social behaviour:

1. Bad parenting (not teaching morality)
2. Bad education (not teaching morality)
3. Bad media (showing and glamorizing anti-social behaviour)

Of course there are other factors which may contributes to anti social behaviour, although these 3 are major issues which have been frequently bought up. The following possible solutions are:

1. Establishing parenting help group and society as well as mentoring system. Making social worker more effective and efficient in their duty. Breaking barriers of inappropiate to ask parent help.
2. Teaching morality, virtue, humanity and being a good citizen in education system.
3. Monitor media, not showing anti-social material in public advertisement due to exposure to youngsters, and anti-social or explicit material before 9pm strictly. There should be reinforcement in this field as media company are more likely breach these regulation.

Of course society is not likely to be completely free from anti-social behaviour but at least it will reduces the impact through education and awareness. It is also important to have an official established organization body in which people can refer to.

Immaturity

Childish minds in adults body, what is the world coming to?

Do you truely hear me?

You hear, but you do not hear... You hear the voice but you do not hear the voices of the heart.

Brief outline of spiritual path

Here is a brief outline of what I personally think spiritual path is involved:

• Awareness of problems: recognise that one is suffering due to the corrupted materialistic worldly life which does not bring true inner happiness, peace and future security.
• Seclusion (in positive environment): knowing the danger of corrupted materialistic life, seclude yourself from it (or at least for a while) to avoid exposing your mind and emotions to corruptions, giving time for your mind to rest and heal. Selusion means avoiding negative media, TV, bad influences from friends, bad habits etc...
• Morality: Reframe from corrupted actions (precepts) which will have negative effect on mind, outcome and karma. Nuture positive wholesome actions (good deeds) which will have positive effect on mind, outcome and karma.
• Positive character: Understand that it is not just wholesome actions and precepts to live by, but also mind and intention which should be kept in positive pure manor, as karma is determine by action, speech and mind. This is living a life to lessen the internal afflictions of greed, anger, hatred, ignorance, scattered mind, ego, arrogance, doubts, etc...
• Spiritual practice: Spiritual practice generally involves recitation, various meditation methods, fasting and what not. Spiritual practice are to directly purify ones inner self. With good guidance, one should progress and unlock ones innerself, wisdom and perhaps spiritual power or facilities.
• Wisdom: wisdom here various, as there are "insight wisdom" that is gain naturally through spiritual practices, "applied wisdom" as the ability to apply right principles to the right situation and "wisdom of doctrines" is the wisdom discussed and taught from doctrines.
  

What is strength? Inner strength VS Outer strength

When I was young, defining what is strength was probably easy, I would imagine a muscular man from an action movie who beats up his enemies with brut. Pretty much simple minded I'll say. But as I grow up, the definition of strength changes. It is so simple no more. Here are some food for thoughts:

Sometimes being gentle is true strength as it enables one to succeed in something such as archery, being a good teacher or even winning a debate.

Sometimes being flexible and subtle is true strength to win, such as being witty.

Patience and forebearance is true strength.

What a woman can be strong at, a man can be weak at and vice versa. So as you can see, the definition of strength changes according to the situation. Such as physical strength, mental strength, emotional strength, strength in flexibility and wits etc...

But as I believe that spirituality is ultimately the path to go, inner strength and virtue is the greatest strength of all.

Molding into persona (role acting); a psychological problem

We are living in a time now when media is ever so more influential. I mean, being subjected to media constantly, we more or less expose our mind and meditate on these media.

And due to the media, there is a evolving role of cultural identity. How people feel that they need to become a known social archtype persona inorder to fit in and become "someone". This means, they will act a role and end up believing they are that role, such as one of the character from Sex in the City, Desperate Housewives, celebrity wannabes, kawaii girls, rock-hiphop and such. To act and molding their own inner character and emotions into that sort of type of social Persona. In other words, they are imitating their idol in a emotion and subconscious level, which I find extremely dangerous and manipulative for oneself. If a person continue to act, they will lose themselves, they will become paranoid and forget to be natural, be themselves, act how they honestly feel without being influence or manipulate by other social persona.

I think it is time for many of us to start evaluating ourselves, and see if we are being honest or just subconsciously following a icon because of insecurity of being no body. Stop labelling yourself, and start being natural and not paranoid!

Of course, there is always a certain level of persona we have to put up once we are dealing in society, but there is an extend which it becomes an obsession and a self manipulative lie to oneself.

I think this is a major topics which needs to be investigated properly, since a lot of people I know are victims of this psychological problem.

The best thing is to be our self.

Are we free?

Are we free? A question that sounds stupid but rather interesting. A lot of people are fighting for freedom, fair enough. But are we really free? To answer this question, I will ask the following questions:

• Are we free from social laws and regulate? No
• Are we free from the social influence such as how we think? No
• Are we free from physical suffering such as aging, disease and eventually death? No
• Are we free from emotional suffering such as addiction, rage, depression, broken heart, frustration, disappointment etc...? No

So in regards to these questions, it shows that us humans aren't really free as we might think we are. We are more of less trap in the world of inevitable suffering. OK, enough with being pestmistic. One good news is that at least there is inner freedom, if one becomes more in touch with themselves and know how to remove psychological pain, I believe that is one freedom worth fighting for!

Too much freedom is dangerous

We are living in modern times, when freedom is regarded as a demand for everyone. Freedom and human rights. I more or less support democracy.

However, if freedom is used excessively without responsibility and controlled discipline, it becomes problematic. Many people who have not learn responsibility yet demand freedom which creates a lot of social problems ranging from binge drinking, drug abuse, antisocial behaviour, problems with employment etc...

We should recognised that being too spoilt and having freedom without discipline will cause a lot of harm to us. Our generation, including me need to learn responsibility, discipline and hardwork.

In addition to a less related topic, are we really free? Free from our bad untamed nature?

Mental-emotional defense system

If someone attacks us, it is only natural to block and manuver out the way to safety. If a disease attacks our body, it is natural for our immune system to build natural defensive mechanism and against the disease so our body maintain healthy. The idea is that there is a defense mechanism against the unhealthy negativity to maintain a healthy state. Sadly, it is not always the case for the weak, especially for the mind and emotions of the untrained when being under attack or exposed to negative factor. The trained mind differentiate the wise one from the foolish ones.

The wise one have a trained mind of mindfulness, patience and concentration. When others throw negativity at the wise one, one is mindful that the attack is pointless and especially not to lower the standard to the foolish person, so one put a mental defense barrier, reject the unplesantly gift, ignore the person, let go of any afflictions or negative response and maintain a healthy calm, peaceful and "unaffected" mind. Ones heart is safe guarded from the posion of afflictions such as shock, anger, resentment, low esteem etc... In other words, the wise one do not mindlessly react to the action of others, but maintain in control of self.

On the other hand, non-trained people do not have mental barrier and mindlessly react to the actions of others, even if it is pointless or emotionally unhealthy. They are easily expose and are like muppets, easily manipulated and controlled by others, including deviant, evil or foolish people. Because of the lack of mental defense mechanism, many people suffer and get hurt needlessly. Sadly, it is normally the timid and innocent sincere people who get the rude awakening and traumor from harsh individual, but this is when they should realised the importance on protecting their mind and emotion, instead of reacting to their level and lowering their standard into an hurtful, aggressive, manipulative and harsh individual.

So a part of the this spiritual path, is to build a mental defensive mechanism. To say no, reject negativity and rubbish people give you, maintain a healthy heart and mind, and continue walking through life happily.

There is an eastern parable, of a man who went to insult a wise man. The wise man said if a person offer him a present but he do not offer, where does the gift return to? The foolish man replied, to the person who gives the gift. So the wise man said, likewise, he is not accepting the irratonal insult from the foolish man, so the gift goes back to the foolish man. What is mean, is that it is up to the wise man to accept or reject the gift, if a person attempts to bring insult to a wiseman, it is up to the receiving end to accept it or not, so a a wiseman can reject and maintain clear and calm hearted unaffected.

With the defensive control barrier, you have the control to accept or reject whatever comes on your way. If it is positive, you can accept it, if it is negative you can reject it. You become the master of you mind and no longer a puppet controlled and manipulated by others.

True master is egoless

Some may conceive masters to be superior and highest rank people, so they think it is something to feel superior, be egotistic and arrogant about.

In matter of fact, it is the opposite. True masters do not feel superior, but is egoless and not arrogant. In stead of feeling like the king, a true master is like a servant to everyone, that is the only way a master can serve and benefit everyone. A true master have humility, so they can be like a ground where people can walk on safely. True master is like water, which never tries to fly higher than others but stream down humbling and only serve to refresh those suffering from thirsy without wanting anything in return. True master has empty the heart, so it can serve as a hallow cup for people to use it as a drinking tool to grow.

Only through selfless, egoless and humility can a master truely help other and attain such title without attachments. How I sincerely respect such masters.

It is ironic how in reality, the one who is humble enough to be the lowest rank is the greatest spirited people and the one who egotistically seeks the highest rank are the lowest spirited people.

Is greed for spiritual power good?

This maybe a topic in some spiritual discussion and is nevertheless important. From my research, here is the answer.

No. It is spiritually unhealthy and dangerous for the practioner to carry out spiritual practice for the sake of just having spiritual powers, fame etc...

Why? Because the main essence and purpose for spiritual practice is to purify the heart from the poison of afflictions including greed, anger, hatred, delusion, scatterness. ego etc... That is true cultivation and the right way to go. However, seeking spiritual powers with the wrong intentions such as greed, fame etc... will only cause more afflictions of greed, ego, arrogance and of such, causing more danger to one self and goes opposite from the purpose of purification and true enlightenment. That is why masters do not teach to ego and greedy people with muc afflictions.

Spiritual powers are regarded as sideline that naturally comes with spiritual practice, however the main point is purifying the heart and nuture one virtues. That is true practice. In fact, it is regarded as breaking precepts if one use their spiritual powers to show off or for wrong purpose. If one start off crooked, one will end up crooked. If one start of truthfully, one will bear true fruits.

People also say that spiritual powers could be temporary borrowed with the help of other spirit entity such as ghost and demons, however this is regarded as dangerous practice, as one may end up subjected to them, manipulated, controlled and end up as slaves for who they borrow from. Such practices are like suicidal.

Karma in a nutshell

According to my limited understanding, I have summarise what I know about Karma.

Good deeds (in actions, speech and thoughts) leads to good results
Bad deeds (in actions, speech and thoughts) leads bad results
Pleasurable life use up your good karma (which is not good)
Unpleasant experience repay bad karma (which is good, especially if you don't add more bad deeds)

Understand it is complicated as karma is a collectively a mixature of past lives of both good and bad deeds (in action, speech and thoughts). Karma is also determined by various factors, which changes constantly due to our current and previous deeds (in action, speech and thoughts).

So here are some useful tips regarding karma:

1. Best to avoid overly luxury life and comfort, otherwise good karma burn out. A simple life is the best, the middle way.
2. Best to nuture, harnest and create more good karma by good deeds (in action, speech and thoughts)
3. Instead of using all your good karma by living a luxury life, use your energy to grow spiritually, as it will be with you in the next life and enlightenment is eternal.

Examples of creating good karma are:

• Offering, giving and helping people in need like alms giving. The blessing increase if you give sincerely, without wanting anything in return. Inferior giving has less blessings, such as reluctantly giving, giving with the intention of something in return etc...
• Saving animals and lives.
• Up holding precepts,

Low self esteem management

From my own personal experience, I collected a few pointers I think would be healthy for you self esteem.

1. Seclusion: I find that it is useful to retreat from worldly life once a while, especially from the media orientated life which invoke superficial expectation and demand which may not be fulfilled. In time when not provoke and overly exposed by negative views, your heart will calm down and heal it self.
2. Believe in mutual respect for all: You should change your belief system from discrimination to equality in term of mutual respect. How everyone has the right to be respected, every living beings. Only through respecting others can you feel you have the right to also be respected. If you begin to discriminate and disrespect otherwise, it is in due time that the disrespectful mentality will engulf you.
3. Base your values on inner qualities and not superficialness: Do not base you values on superficialness such as beauty, fame, wealth etc... but base them on inner qualities and true virtues. This is clarity, wisdom and justice, for if you have done nothing wrong you have nothing to feel worthless about. For the shallow world, the winner is the best looking, the most successful, the most rich etc... where those superior in a superficial sense are considered greater than the inferior. This is the wrong belief system which will leads to inequality and low self esteem. Believe that greatness is measure from inner qualities and virtues such as fairness, honesty, clarity, kindness, compassion, wisdom, sincerity, nobility etc... This is the noble and correct way of seeing the greatness in people. In that way, you are not subjected to feel inferior nor intimidated to people who possess empty, shallow and superficial qualities. In that way, you feel you are holding a sense of values, respect and dignity, something to be confident and please about.
4. Do not seek approval from others for your values: a lot of people measure their values and self worth by the opinions of others, which is dangerous, misleading and not true. No one have the rights to label you and give you value, as it is their own business. If someone don't like your ways, then it is their business, as long as you are not harming others and yourself. If you believe that everyone should have respect, dignity and values, then you are indeed entitled for values, as you are a human!
5. Know unwholesomeness reduce values: if you act, speech and think in a unwholesome and harmful way, then you know yourself that you have less values in virtues. A sense of remorse is useful for reforms, improvement and self development.
6. Avoid negative influences: If you could, try to avoid certain individual that is not healthy for your self esteem, this may include people who is overly arrogant and egotistic who tries to prove a point that they are better than others due to their insecurities. They may behave by looking down at others with regards to superficial aspect like beauty, status, wealth and what not. Or there are people who tries to gain superficial status by acting like funny clowns and jack ass, to degrade themselves since they are scare of failing and prefer forfeiting without a challenge, which is ironically the same as failing.

The greatest philosophy is no philosophy

"The greatest philosophy is no philosophy.
The greatest philosophy is way of life.
The greatest philosophy is practicing of emptying the heart (of afflictions)".

Why is the greatest philosophy no philosophy? Because philosophy is only confine to our own conceptual and intellectual capacity which is only limited. Philosophy is as far as our intellect can go. The higher truth is beyond the intellect, it is spiritual and self mastery and awakening.

Greatest philosophy is way of life, because it is experience and not just mere intellectual thoughts. it is self understanding, the understanding of the mind.

The greatest philosophy is emptying of heart from afflictions, attaining the spiritual awakening and experiencing the higher truth.

This is what I have been investigating upon.

Teachers should teach virtue

"I believe a teacher's job is to enhance a student's virtues"

Hardwork quote

Whatever you do, do it good.

Whatever you do, give it everything you've got ~ Mitaka

Through hardwork comes the sweet reward

"Through the bitter hardship comes the sweet reward"

This is self explanatory! Other flowery quotes are...

"Only through enduring the bitter coldness can the cherry blossom bloom so sweet"

"Rain makes the ground firm" ~ Akemi

Priority in life

When working, especially in the business field, it is where people think of profits. But don't forget the reason why you are working, which is to live. And don't forget to live is to be alive, alive in mindfulness, being present and also cherishing the blessings of love ones, nature etc...

Know the priority in your life, and the true meaning behind your existance, may it ultimately be for spiritual growth and developing the right relationship between each other.

Better to do than worry

As they say, it is easier to do it than worry about it ~ Ambulance man

This reminds me of some cases, like when I pointlessly worry extensively about the exams when I should just study and prepare for it. Or the time when I sit on my desk wasting hours worrying about getting my loan student application sorted out, when I could just get it done out of the way.

Sometimes we fall into the habit of worrying pointlessly when we just need to do it!

"Just do it" ~ Nike slogan!

Of course, it doesn't mean we can't psych ourself up with inspiration and aspiration to encourage you to take action! And of course, worry can be a good motivator as long as it helps, but if it doesn't help, then it's pointless worrying!

"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry." ~ Dalai Lama

Too busy to be depress

"I'm so busy that I don't have time to get depressed" ~ Kyoto

I guess being busy does have it's advantages!

Control VS Influence

I had a dream about this quote, I remember reading about it ages ago, but it came back into my dreams last night. Roughly and inactually speaking:

"In time, you can't go on feeling you have control over people. Because you really have not no control over others, you will be left disappointed, hurt and stress. You can only advise, encourage and influence other, but not control them, otherwise you end up stressed for no reason."

Don't know why it came in my dream?

I mean, "we can't even control ourselves let alone controlling others"

Learning from our elders and ancestors

I feel that our current generation is generally lost. There is a lot of lost knowledge and wisdom we can learn from our old ancestors. I think it is partly due to the changes in the social system and technology that changes our generation to way of life and way of thinking, where although there are gain, there are loses.

I don't know exactly what our generation have lost? Maybe it's trust that is built through loyality and being non-promiscuous that set a stable happy home? Maybe it was appreciation the mild and little things in life (since life wasn't too luxurious) that makes one more content and happy? Maybe there weren't communication technology to replace the real interaction between humans which makes real interaction more to cherish? Maybe back then people weren't bombarded with too many knowledge (including corrupted ones) that makes them more innocent and pure minded? Maybe there were more sages or saints back then!? Who knows!?

In any case, we should investigate our ancestors way and see what we could learn from then. A quote I just heard:

"When a new one is born... the older disappear. That is the natural process. But we musn't forget the lost ones" ~ Mitsukoshi

Being Kind VS Acting Kind

There are difference between actually having a kind heart and just acting kind. I am aware we are living in a social community where people would have to act kind or likely to be socially accepted at some case, but it is only through acting and not from the genuine. Just like to make clear of the difference for timid individuals.

"I miss you!" "I love you", I <3 you!" yeah yeah.... but do you really mean it? Get the drift?

Anyways, it is smart to ignore the whole acting and just be honest and genuine. Being sincere and honest is a very important attribute to have as a good human.

It is hard, but harder without

"It may be hard, but it is harder without (in the long run)".

That goes to student, growing up, spiritual development and what not. Just how it is hard to get a qualification but it is harder without qualification to get a job.

It is hard to discipline our character, but is it harder without discipline in the long run because without discipline we would get into more trouble such as alcoholic or drug addictions, being fired. It is hard to take the bitter medicine but it is harder without because the illness would harm you. It is hard to spiritually grow but it is harder in live without spirituality/morality, as darkness follows the non-spiritual and non-moral path.

Tips on praying/recitation

I gathered some pointers on praying or recitation in which I think might be useful. Firstly, I want to differentiate praying, invoking and reciting. Praying is similar to invoking, it has an mental state of mind of calling out to be heard or to build a deeper connection to the unseen. Recitation is more base of a meditative state of mind through words.

Elements:

• Mindful: Sincerity is very important, truelly and honest recite and pray whole heartedly. It is more likely to be responsive under sincerity. Another word of putting it is "single mindedly" or "undivided attention". To focus it 100% without scatter mind thinking of other things other than the task.
• Concentration:
• Faith: when invoking or making prayers, it is important to have faith, since only through faith can one become sincere and hence attain a single minded concentration for responsive rsponse. Having faith in who you are praying to and the power of the prayer. And do not demand or expect the results but just pray sincerely and accept the outcome, as it may be for the best.
• Sense of need: As for invoking (calling out) or praying, it is more effective with a sense of "need", since response is more effective when one is sincere.
• Pure intentions. The intention should be pure and innocent. Unwholesome thoughts arises afflictions (scatterness, greedy, hatred etc...), or guilt which prevent the mind from focusing.

Methods:

• Continue audio flow, coming out from the mouth, through the ears and into the mind.
• To be reciting from the heart
• To use visual aids (images or imagination) along with recitation/praying.

If you have any other tips, please let me put it under the comment! Cheers!

Intelligence without virtue leads to destruction

I feel that some of us in society over rate purely intelligent people without regarding character and nobility. Why? Because even intelligent people may be powerful or successful to some degree, but without morality it would leads to potential corruption. I believe in this quote:

"Try not to become a man of success but a man of value" ~ Albert Einstein

It is actually dangerous to be intelligent (sly and cunning) like a fox and without having morality. With the brains, they can actually carry out corruption in a larger scale, take for instance Hitler, with his cunning tactic he was temporary successful but caused destruction. Although corrupted and immoral people may seem like they are currently winning, in the long one they are only destroying themselves. In what sense? Well, firstly, they are selling their soul and darkness will follow sooner or later and there after. They would live in affliction, where no inner peace is attain and their heart will not rest in peace. And most people just don't like immoral people, since they are smart enough not to trust immoral people who have the potential to backstab them, where sooner or later opposition will meet the sly ones. At the end, they foolishly harm themselves and others. That is the danger of being intelligent without good principles and good character.

Intelligent people are good with manipulating, debating and rationalizing, but without good character and principles, they could easily deceive others and even themselves, inorder to get what they want. They can rationalize their evil deeds to get away with it, which makes the situation more complicated! There will be a lot of truth distorted if lacks of honesty and integrity.

What is considerably important is a person heart and character, how kind and virtueous they are. These should be the bases of thing. Only then, can intelligence be used to help goodness to prevail and to understand how potential evil things can manipulate them. Good "intentions" and "heart" are important facators for wisdom and spiritual well being, and "intelligence" should tools used to over come problems and create goodness.

Intelligence, is like power. As a quote from spider man "With great power comes great responsibility". So possessing intellectual skills requires responsilbility. I'll rather be a simple good hearted man than a corrupted intelligent powerful person, in that way, at least my heart is safe. But if I do possess an intellectual mind, may it be use for overcoming suffering and create goodness in a well careful manner without becoming arrogant and egotistic from possessing it's mental power.

Priority & selectivity leads to success

As mentioned before from my previous blog, priority and selectivity are elements of success.
In many times, even though there are many good points, too many points will lead to scatterness and less effective specialised performance. For example, if there are too many goals, it is less likely to achieve them successfully as specialised effort are scattered. If there are too many courses to study in, there won't be any advancement in a specific course. If there are too many moves in martial art to learn, one won't master any effectively. What is the point of learning thousands of moves if you won't be able to master any of them? The mind work best if few goals or task are set. So as the ancient quote goes:

"The man who chases two rabbits catches neither" ~ Confucious

So for success, I would advise to organise what is the "main" important points to focus on, and be aware of the minor points that has less priority.

It is the same with making speech, if you 100 points, the listener would be loss and not much gained. But if there are a few points made and emphasized, it is more likely to get that point across successfully.

"The Empty Mind" - Eastern Fundamental Ways

One of the fundamental aspect that stands out in the east is the notion of the "Empty Mind" which can be found in the Shaolin Temple, Wu Dan, Karate, Zen school, Kung fu, Tai Chi, way of the tea and so on.

What is this "empty mind" idea? Well, it is not really an idea but rather a state of mind gain through meditation and a certain way of way of life. It is from "Chan" (Zen in Japanese) which means "no thing". When the false delusional thoughts, afflicted emotions etc... are gone, the true original self or enlightened nature found. It is gradually gain through one minded concentration through doing meditation or meditative activities until there is no thoughts but just our true original nature. Meditative activity could involve standing, walking, yoga, tai chi, chi kung, drinking tea etc...

When one reach this state of Chan (no thing, or empty mind), one is connected with the whole world as everything in this world are actually made from the same spiritual emptiness or void of energy. It is everything yet nothing. Again, something which is difficult to grasper conceptually or intellectually but only through meditative experienced.

This spiritual emptiness should not be mistaken for the affliction of false emotional/conceptual emptiness. Many people confuse true emptiness with the negative emotions or concepts of emptiness, hallowness, annihilation, repulsion and of such which may leads of implication such as loneliness depression, rejecting physical world and principle etc.. As these are no the true spiritual "empty mind" but just emotional and conceptual misunderstanding of it which many people fall into the trap of.

The meditative exercises may involve the energy of "Chi"or "Qi" (also known as "Panna" or "Chakra" in india and "Ki" in japanese). The Chi is gain through meditative exercise and channeling the flow of energy in harmony around the body, which has many physical and spiritual benefits. But they best way to experience proper "Chan" is by Chan meditation, although a proper instructor should be there to guide one.

NB: I am not qualified to talk about it but thought it is worth mention about it briefly, so one can further their investigation or/and practice on this matter of "empty mind". If there is any mistake in this blog please inform me.

Positive environment = Positive mind

Environment influences our mind, emotions and actions.

One of the major factor in life which a lot of people underestimate is our environment and how our environment significantly influence our minds, emotions, mentality, thoughts, actions and outcome.

If we are in an unpleasant environment, we would naturally feel uncomfortable, repulsive and traumatized. If we are in a pleasant environment, it is easier to indulge, relax and slack. If it is in a messy room, it's easy to feel scattered, confused, frustrated and perhaps close off the mind from our environment and escape into your own thoughts. If we are in a simple and harmonizing room it is more likely for us to feel calm, peaceful and have a clearer thoughts.

Positive environment leads to positive mind, emotions and actions
Whether we like it or not, it is the undeniable truth that majority of us fall prey to the influence of our environment. Knowing this, we should take advatnage and learn how to use the environment in order to make our experience more positive. For example, keeping the room simple and neat helps the mind to become more clear, less distracted and more focus. The light colours of the wall can make you feel more refreshed and lighter. The spaceous environment may make us less clustrophobic and more breathable etc...

Environment includes TV, music, people etc...
Environment may not just mean the room setting, but also sounds, music, people around us, smell, TV, internet, posters etc... TV and media is also a major factors, since people constantly watch it and get exposed to ideas, concept, what to buy, what to do. Our current generation literally learn and see the world through television. So it is important to be aware of the danger of that.

Guarding our senses and mind (a more macro interpretation)
Ven. Heng Sure mention a story about his visit to a talk. There, many people had deep philosophical and intellectual discussion over dinner, and there was a quiet cleaner or helper. So some teased the helper and told him to give some wisdom. Not in the exact words, these were his words:

"Be careful what you eat". (Then everybody began to laugh).
"Be careful not just what you eat with your mouth, but also your eyes, ears, skin, nose and mind".

And this quiet helper managed to shock others with his simple but yet profound words. And it is true. If we are exposed to poison and mentally accepts the poison, it will poison us. Likewise, if we are exposed to wholesomeness, mentally accepts it, then it will make us wholesome.

However, ultimately we should guard and control our senses and mind, as it will affect us. Highly wise, concentrated and spiritual person have the ability to be exposed yet unaffected in mind and heart.

But, if we are currently not internally strong enough to maintain unaffected by what goes into our senses and into our minds, then we need control what we are exposed to, and avoid negative messages.

Exposure affects the subconscious mind
Even though some may take it lightly or may not see a direct impact of the expose in our mind and emotions, it certainly do have an major impact on our subconscious mind which we may not be aware of. Psychology research have proven that a lot of subliminal message actually have impact on other people and thereby used the techniques on commerical and corrupted media. So there is this quote (not accurately worded quote):

"Stay near black ink, one is likely to be stain black.
Stay near yellow ink, one is likely to be stain yellow"

So what we are exposed to, we are influenced by it consciously or/and subconsciously, therefore be smart what you are exposed to.

Misunderstanding the term "Emptiness"

The teaching of emptiness is probably mind boggling to many of us. I personally do not properly understand this, but I do have a few pointers regarding it.

The english terminology of emptiness may be viewed different from the word where it originates from, sunyata (a sankrit word). The interpretation of emptiness from ordinary person would be like a hallow, void or nothingness which may trigger an afflicted sense of alienation (I call these false emptiness). On the other hand, the actual interpretation is more spiritual, and refers to impermance, selflessness, non-independent and various other spiritual insight which cannot be conceptually graspered. It is something I currently cannot comprehend nor explain.

Difference between "true emptiness" and "false emptiness"

I think it is appropiate to say that this "true emptiness" can only be "experienced" through spiritual practices. It cannot be understood in concepts or merely thinking about it or just emotionally feeling it without spiritual practice.

False emptiness is not true emptiness, as it is still emotionally, conceptually or subconsciously "attached" to the idea of "void", "hallow", "nothingness" etc... And it may be followed by a form of attachment to afflictions of repulsiveness, alienation and depression. This feeling is not emptying the heart from afflictions and therefore not true emptiness.

True emptiness is something that can only be reached through successful spiritual practice, and not mere academically rationalising, conceptualising and talking and about it.

Problems with false emptiness: alienation, depression and rejecting wise practical advice.

Being attached to this "emotional hallow state", may leads to repulsiveness, alienation and depression. Emptying means letting go of afflictions, but ironally, "false" emptiness leads to more attachment to this afflicted hallow and alienated feeling. True emptiness let go of emotional afflictions, which false emptiness fails to see.

Another danger of misunderstanding emptiness, is rejecting whatever we perceive, even if it means good wise advice. As a result barrier is built and rejects help, reject wise and practical advice given. As wise advice are rejected, foundation cannot developed for proper spiritual progress to occur, and the the person may be trapped in the state of affliction (concept of void, repulsiveness, alienation and depression etc...).

For example, they may reject upholding moral conduct, meritorious deeds and creating positive karma, as a result creating a darker and dangerous path for themselves. They fail to develop good foundation of morality and proper conduct, so they cannot be spiritually ready to progress and develop further. So remember having a good foundation is a smart move to make.

Emptiness should be taught to those who are ready
Emptiness is often not taught until the teacher decides the student is ready. This is probably why in some tradition, such as the Tibetan tradition, it is breaking the precepts for teachers to teach emptiness to those who are not ready.

But as this Sunyata, emptiness, can only be experienced, I'll keep my mouth close and let you do the experiencing. There may be errors or confusion in my writing, so please inform me. Wish you all the best!

It takes great effort to become effortless

"...it takes tremendous, tremendous amounts of effort to become effortless" ~ Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

"And we miss a point. It is not a quick and easy fix. Geninue spiritual path is not easy. Because our lower nature is like a force of gravity, you know, it keeps pulling us back down. And it's very very hard to get beyond that. And to be like an eagle sawing. You know, mostly at the very best, we are like little sparrows, newly hack, just trying to flap our wings to get a few inches above the ground and then down we go again. It's very hard to really saw. And it takes tremendous, tremendous amounts of effort to become effortless" ~ Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

It's better to becareful and say no

Sometimes "initially" saying "no" or "wait as I have to assess" is much more better than saying "yes" straight away. Why? Because it is careful, gives you time to assess what is going on and take make proper decision. There is also a sense of control, to make better and repsonsible decisions. It is just like having a security lock on your door, so you can monitor who is safe to come in and who to reject. There is pretty much what naturally intelligent people do.

It is more easier to start from no to yes, than yes to no. From from yes to no is rather like building expectation and remove it which can be rather harsh, but nevertheless, somethings must be made clear. On the other hand, starting from no to yes maybe harsh to begin with but at least it doesn't leave false expectations.

There is this idea where one should venture into the world and do everything and experience everything and not to be a party pooper. From my point of view, this is a ridiculous, childish and childish approach to life. Some things in life shouldn't be risked otherwise one would have to pay greatly. We can use our intelligence to know what it is like. It doesn't require touching the sun to know it is hot. It doesn't require shooting ourselves to know that it'll kill us. One shouldn't sell their bodies just to experience losing virginity, thereby to ruin their history and chance of being with a partner looking for someone physically pure. The so called, "you must experience everything" is just a childish and immature mentality.

Don't be affraid of saying "no" even under pressure, because it will only show that you are not a "puppet" "undercontrol" by others and peer pressure, and that you are "strong" to stand your ground, thereby gaining "respect" for having "your own mind". Do not be weak by letting your own arrogance control you by saying yes to prove a point when it is really not what you want. It only shows you are a weak puppet desperate to be accepted and approved of them.

Children can afford to make mistakes, but adult should not. Being an adult where your actions and decisions determines the fate of others, requires great responsibility and leadership. Be careful, and know when to say no, when to turn from a dangerous path (knowing that you must shallow your pride for the best) differentiate a mature person from an immature person.

Inner self VS ego (afflictions)

Introduction:

We are living in a time where many people "act" out confident as though they know it but do not really know it. Extreme unhealthy "arrogance" and "egotism" blinds them from greater reality and true self until they only see themselves in false illusion. This so called self labelled superior being look down upon others closing the door of true self, wisdom, reality, and humility.

Inner self and Ego Model

I am mot specialised in this field, but I would like to give you a brief mechanism of ego, which is comprehendable through self experienced:

1) Inner self: a state of unconditioned inner self, experienced through successful meditation practice. The inner side is direct own experiences so definite definitions are not giving, but brief examples of word such as light, clear, peaceful, wisdom, compassion etc... are usually use to discribe this inner self state. However, it is only through self experienced so people do not tend to say fix what it is, but what it is not.

2) Primitive Defensive Ego: this ego is in primative state which arise to defensively protect one self when under disturbance, danger or traumaic experiences.

3) Developed Delusional Ego: when ego are left to grow, it develops into it's own accord, trying to become independent. In turns it blind you from your true inner self. It is proud of it's self as it saved you from attacks, so thinks it is a leader and arrogance affliction grows and dominants over your true inner self. It cause various implication, delusion from truth, anger, aggression, such as blinding you from your true inner self, it brings dishonesty as it does not want to face the truth of it's weakness.

(Note: Transitional Ego: is a transition between fully developed delusional ego and primitive defensive ego, as there are various levels of ego)

Problems of the "Developed delusional ego"

1. It confuses and blinds you from your inner self, trying to take over and dominate your true self. It is trying to cover your inner true self.
2. It blinds you from the bigger reality of what is happening around you and confines you to just yourself and your own wishful delusional thoughts.
3. It is too arrogant to admit faults and to see the truth, so it covers the truth and it's weakness. As a result of unresolved weakness and problems, it grows into an ever bigger problem, until you self destruct or break down. It is like an undetected disease, which fails to be recognized, so the disease get's worser until you die. Likewise, the ego is too proud to admit the truth of weakness and disease. Without honesty and recognizing your faults, there won't be room for any improvement and recovery, therefore, make sure the ego is reduced, be honest and admit your weakness and to fix it. To face your weakness will make you stronger.
4. It does whatever it takes to win in order to fulfill it's own ego satisfaction, therefore it results to harming and hurting themselves and people around them. For instance, cause you to bully others just to win and feel good about yourself.
5. Ego arise from or developed from insecurity too etc..

Difference between pride and arrogance

Having pride are more based on being happy with something, which is acceptable. Arrogance is more based on belittling others, feeling more superior than others and more special.

Method of reducing "Developed Delusional Ego"

1. Being respect and humble towards other people, especially our elders, yet not losing our honesty
2. Meditation
3. Helping others selflessly

Focus & sacrifice for success

I already have mentioned this in my "key to success" blog where you might want to check it out but I thought it is worth while to expand on this point.

Sometimes to reach success, one must eliminate unimportant things, so that the mind won't be distracted, or scattered by the unconscious thoughts of having to do something not important. Therefore it is worth while to know what you are going to eliminate and to actually make it clear that you are not getting involve with it, or you could make it clear that you will come back to it later. The lesser distraction you have, the more successful it is to focus and achieve your goals.

Another approach is to just focus on your goals and forget about the rest, this surely will maximise your success rate. This is a more direct approach. Bare in mind to also be aware of other important things in your life such as family, friends, perhaps you religious obigation, learn more about yourself etc...

Or one may to do both sacrificing other things and focus on the goal.

Wish you success!

Thinking & Doing

Sometimes purely thinking about it and not taking action is fruitless.

Especially when it comes to therapy, sometimes the more we over think to rationalise things, the more saturated and scatter our mind becomes, causing stress, frustration and anxiety. Of course there is time for thinking, there are time for doing, there are time to clear & rest the mind. Just make sure you know when to stop thinking and start doing.

Just as thinking of food will not keep your stomach full, one must eat. Likewise, thinking about bath will not clean you, one must bath!

As I have said, there are time for thinking, planning, reflecting etc... and there are time for doing, action etc... Just know the difference, as there are some who dream their whole life away and some who just live but never have a dream.

Having a clear perspective

For me, I think it useful to be clear about things in various aspect of my life. Such as to be clear where I stand, to be clear of the situation I am in, to be clear about what I want, to be clear how to get to where I want, to be clear about the risk, to be clear about my weakness and even to be clear that I am unclear about something etc... To have this clarity of the situation, really helps things to be kept in perspective.

Why is it important to have clarity in perspective?
Why is being clear and honest about our situation really important? Some people may feel it is only natural to be honest and not live a lie, it is naturally a healthy state of mind to have. it just feels good to breath the air reality.

It is important to be clear about the situation so that we know our position and what action to take. If we are honest about our problems, then there are chance we can fix the problem. If we do not recognise or come to terms with the problem, we won't be able to fix it. Simple as that. If we want to improve, we have to be honest and look at our weakness, our strength, where we stand, and only from there can we make appropiate dicisions.

For example, when we visit a doctor, we expect a "true/clear" diagnosis so we could take the right treatment for it, otherwise there won't be a true diagnosis and none appropiate medication will be given therefore harming to patient. Say if we want to have cancer screening test, we expect to know the true test results, so we can take appropiate action to prevent it. If we fail to find the truth by clouded test reading, than we are putting ourselves at risk and danger.

If we are constantly and honestly recognizing our problems and fix them, it will gradually lead to the truth and success! For example, when the objective is to send a space shuttle into the moon, it was impossible to predict and plan the journey as there were too many unpredictable obstacles that constantly changes the outcome. Therefore, they adopted a smart idea of just being aware of their location and return back to due to course right direction. The obstacles lead the them to be misdirected, and they just have to recognised they they are redirected and change their ship into the right direction. Disregarding the time, this process will eventually allow the ship to reach it's target. Just how we should recognise where we stand, so we could make changes toward the direction we want. Or at least to understand the situation to begin with.

Our character contributes to our clarity in perspective
In order to reach to this clarity of perspect, our character has a major role in it. For example, if we are more honest and truthful we are able to see clearer, but if we are deceitful and in scare of the truth, it is most likely we would be in self denial and and lack clarity. It also takes courage and strength to admit our weakness, than it is likely to know where we stand, but if we are too weak to face our weakness, we will not know where we stand. if we are egotistic, we will be too arrogant to admit and see our weakness thereby be clouded from reality, where as we are less egotistic and more humble, we will be able to see our weakness and where we stand. If we are too attached, we would have difficulties letting go of our fantasy and won't face reality, where as if we are less attached, we will be less emotionally bias and see things clearly. Those are just some examples

Managing angry & distressed people

In life, it is useful to handle to learn how to handle people under stress anf frustrations. There are a few tips taken from a few talks I heard whcih I thought would be useful:

Remove or relief the stressful factor
Anger and frustration is created under stressful situration, which arise from fear, defensiveness, tiredness and other negative factors. We can start by looking at practical ways of removing of reducing the stress factor. For example, if it is due to encountering a stressful situation or environment, than reduce the stressful situation or avoid the encounter. If the stress is due to being tired than have some rest and relaxation therapy to reheal ourself etc... Find practical ways to avoid, reduce and manage stressful situation.

Understand the reason behind anger with a compassionate heart
It is important to understand that there is a reason why people become angry and treat us unpleasantly, how negative traumatic experiences lead to them to be this way, so it isn't completely their fault but just a mere reaction to stressful stimulus. So instead of a narrow minded reaction to the abuse given, we should step back and have a more open minded, compassionate and sympathic their their pain. Be more understanding instead implusively judgement. As a quote goes: "Those who are the hardest to love, need it the most". Handle it being a more mature person.

Learn to be calm, patient, let go and forgive
Whilst we handle angry stressful people, it is most likely we get verbally abused by them, such as insulted, not feeling appreciated for our work and efforts etc... So under pressure we have to have this mental barrier of not taking the negative abuse personally, to not emotionally get captured and react to their negative emotions, otherwise we get caught in their state. It is important to maintain a calm, cool and collective composure, keeping your mind in a healthy state instead of reacting in rage. With a calm mind, the anger person will in time naturally be incline to the calmness. It is important to be patient and not get angry whilst abuse are given, of course it is easier said than done! The anger will not solve the problem but in fact could escalate the tension and the stressful people to become closed. We have to learn to let go of the harshness given, so it is outside your system. If you hold grudges, it will mess up your mind and you won't be in able to rest in peace. We have to let it go and forgive. If you learn to forgive, it heals the pain. Forgiveness is a healer.

Loving kindness and compassion is the treatment
Loving-kindness and compassion is a very powerful and important thing in life. Loving kindness destroy the hatred and anger and convert it into loving kindness and heal the heart in ourselves and others. Everyone wants to be loved, cared, accepted, respected and acknowledged. If we learn to forget about their negative side and look straight into their hearts, there is still goodness in living being, and we give them love, care, acceptance, respect and acknowledgement, they will feel better and happy, and awaken their goodness inside. No one wants to be hated, mistreated, rejected, disrespected and ignored. If we learn to respect them unconditionally, they will open their hearts and grow too.

Tiredness brings anger, rejuvenation brings good mood.
One of the main factors for anger and frustration is tiredness. If we are tired, it is easy to be in a bad mood, which result to angry and hatred others. It is not entirely our fault to blame, but tiredness is the major factor in hatred and anger, and it applies to most of us. Everyone needs some time alone to rest, heal and rejuvunate. As the quote goes: "resting is as important as training". So for just to be at our best, it is important we be in good form, and good form comes in resting and recovering as well. If we recover and feel good, it would do others a great deal as well. So remember, to have time to relax, recover, go for a walk, meditate, watch landscape etc...

Peace out!

Life is complicated enough as it is...

A person trying to find themselves or that inner peace is hard enough as it is, and adding more problems and obstacles like negative and ignorant views from media doesn't help!

Building and simplifying

I notice in life, it begins with learning and collect many things and then over time, simplify it by removing the unessential, leaving the raw essential (without over simplifying or removing any essentials). Just as an artist add the clay together and then sculputure it. A process of building and simplifying.

Having a home, a base

In this blog, I would like to emphasize on having a base, a home where you can return to when you get lost. If you have this reference point, you are less likely to be lost in the midst of the chaotic worldly life. This place is not just a place to retreat, but it serves and a place were you can rest, heal and grow in mind and spirit.

This place could be a peaceful home, it could be a relaxing garden, it could be a sacred sanctuary, a tranquil temple, a hut in a mountain, an imaginary place, an inspirational icon/symbol, it could be words from the wise that brings peace and happiness etc...

Whatever the base is, it should ideally have some of these elements:

• Some where that have a sense of home, inner peaceful, calm, refreshing, tranquility, clarity light, radiant and sacred.
• Some where you can rest in peace, feel safe and not worry.
• Some where you can recover and heal from the wounds of the harsh foolish world.
• Some where you can learn and grow positively, in terms of wisdom, compassion, loving-kindness, virtue, courage etc..

With a base, whether it be in mind, in home, in a sacred place etc... it is somewhere you can come back to when you are lost in the midst of this crazy messed up world, in order to rest, heal and grow in mind and spirit.

Once you have a base to come home to, then you are in a safer shoe to explore the other worldly life without being totally lost without a good reference point to come back to.

May we all find a home, a base.

Different types of confidence

I have come to find there are various types of confidence, namely:

1. Confidence in your ability: This is a form of feeling confident in your ability, through being competent and successful in what you do. Knowing how to is the key for this type of confidence. Hark work, effort, focus, concentration, doing it whole heartedly (not half heartedly) and patience are usually the elements to success and being confident in your ability. Those who are lazy, not hardworking, scattered mind and neglects their work leads to failure, and failure leads to losing confidence in your ability and in turn low self esteem, regrets, depression and other psychological implication, work hard and be good at what you ment to do.
2. Confidence in your way of life (path): Some people are confident because they have faith in their way of life, it could is a spiritual life, religious life etc... and they gain confidence in the path they are walking.
3. Confidence in wisdom and clarity: confidence may come in the ability to be aware of the situation and what is doing on, having good judgements and reasoning. Sense of security arise when you are ready and prepare what is to come. Insecurity is when you are confuse what is to come or what is going on. Clarity is like when there is light in the room you know your way around. Clouded mind is like a dark room, you do not know what is going on, you are confuse, insecure and perhaps scare of what is around you, what's going on or what is to come.
4. Confidence in self acceptance: Sometimes when you are at peace with yourself, confidence naturally arise. This confidence usually comes when you believe that everyone, including you should be treated with respect and dignity. When you believe that you should accept yourself for who you are (as long as you are not commiting immoral things). Be at peace with yourself...
5. Confidence in courage: sometimes you can use your courage to face your fears. And with courage and controlling your fear. confidence naturally grows. With courage, it feels like you are ready to take anything to come, no matter what the outcome or how big the challenge is.
6. Confidence in survival necessity: Some people may feel more confident in themselves once they have the stability to survive, whether a house for shelter, food to survival, clothings to keep warm or medicine to heal illness.
7. False confidence by acting or emotional manipulation: this is when people may not be competent but only act confident and manipulate or lie to themselves that they are confident. These are usually egotistic or arrogant people who are insecure in honestly seeing their weakness and having to lie or manipulate to themselves in false confidence to give them the boost. Sometimes they may even act confident in order to deceive and manipulate others for their own advantage. Such behaviour is dishonourable and will lead to corruption and eventually lost and confuse as honesty and clarity is not there, their minds and lives beings clouded each time.

Becareful! Thoughts manifest into reality

Our thoughts creates our reality

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought" ~ Dhammapada

Here is a very powerful quote that I have encountered. It states how our reality and destiny is really shaped by our very own thoughts. There is no doubt to say that our thoughts play a major factor in our decisions and responses to our actions and hence directions of life. A clear correlation between where our thoughts and the direction we head in life. As this is a some what a useful knowledge, champions and successful people us this technique of mental reflection or meditating on their goals to help reach their goals. The mind is a powerful thing if use properly.

Mechanism of thoughts to reality

"The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as deed. The deed develops into habits. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings
" ~ Dhammapada

One could say, the mind is the master mind behind the chain of events that occur to us. It is the controller, the initiator, the king who set the command. Of course there are other factor influencing our life as well, but one must not neglect that the mind is the driving force behind it.

Mind you mind (thoughts)

Our thoughts determines our decisions of actions and our actions determines our destiny. The mind is something wise people do not over look, they are very careful as it is the core system that controls our very lives. Knowing that negative thoughts will eventually leads to negative outcome and positive thoughts will eventually leads to positive outcome, wise people transform the negative thoughts into positive thoughts, so that the action, decision and destiny will be positive.

Positive thoughts are thoughts of virtue, there are many virtue, from loving-kindness, compassion, generousity, letting go of afflictions, rejoicing the goodness of other etc... I know it may not always be easy, but it's well worth it.

Peace!

Attraction = Desire = Anger!

A very wise and interesting quote from the Dhammapada:

“When a man dwells on the objects of sense, he creates an attraction for them; attraction develops into desire, and desire breeds anger.”

I couldn't say it better!

Treat others how you want to be treated

"Treat others how you want to be treated"

Is a quote I have often heard before. In fact, the strange thing is that, even though it sounds common, it is probably one of the most profound quotes I've heard in my life.

I have learn in later life, that how we treat others is how we really treat our self (subconscious/psyche - inner self). What does this means? Well, it basically mean, how we treat others actually manifest into our (subconscious/psyche) inner self.

For example, if one have hatred for others, the element of hatred goes into one's own pysche and in times, it manifest consciously resulting to the person naturally hating themselves. As quote from the Dhammapada:

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burnt"

Another example is when one belittle others, again the prejudice discriminative thoughts enters one's own subconscious psyche and will cause the person to belittle themselves leading to paranoid, low self esteem, lack of self acceptance and other psychological and emotional implication.

However, if one learn to treat others with kindness and respect, the element of kindness and respect will enter the person's subconscious psyche and will in time naturally make one feel at peace with kindness and respect at heart.

So treating others is really how you are treating your inner subconscious self. It reflects into your subconscious psyche. If you treat others negatively, than negativity will follow you. If you treat other people positively, then positvity will follow you. Therefore it is fair to say, treat others how you want to be treated. The better you treat others the better you treat yourself. So for a better life, treat others well and positive changes will come around. In some what ways, I find that it self is justice.

Speaking is easier said then done. but I guess it's one step at a time.

Who am I? what is true self?

This topic is probably one of the most complicated and confusing topic for most of us, I don't really know how to appraoch this. In fact, I don't really know that right answer to it neither. But what I do want to share is my limited experience or insigt of this question "who am I?".

Self labelling is not the true self
Firstly, I am aware that there is a clear difference between the "labelling" (defining, naming, conceptual thoughts) self and the "actual" self. This is probably what is tricky about it, some people label and view themselves a certain way in their mind, however that may not be true reflection of their true self. Just like how some people like to label themselves as a pious and spiritual person but in reality their heart and action is still impure. So thinking you are somethng may be a self manipultive delusion.

I learnt you can't really be yourself if you start labelling yourself, as it put barriers and structure to you from freely being how you are naturally are. It confines you.

Why do they label themselves this and that? It could be due to many reasons, maybe insecurities, maybe they are confuse their persona as the real them, maybe they just want to fit into society, maybe ego drives them to become someone else in order to win? who knows?

Afflicted emotions is not the true self
Secondly, I am aware that some people confuse their true self with their afflicted disturbed emotions. Or perhaps they react to an act of others which may not really be them if less afflicted. Anyways, according to some people experiences and ancient knowledge there is a difference between the afflicted emotions (due to trauma) and the natural spirit self (enlightened state). It is like a diamond covered in mud, people think they are mud when it is only an impure affliction and not their true self. So again, people think they are that negative emotional experiences when it is not their true self but just an experience.

Pure intellect (discriminative consciousness) is not true self. It is the heart (not literally!)
One cannot find themselve or be themselves with just mere intellectual reasoning, analytic thinking or being an academic scholar (although it does serve a good initial platform to work from). The true self is the heart (spirit?). To go beyond just concepts and thought to reach the true self through experience, practicing and purification. it is about being intune to our hearts. One can't think their way to enlightenment, as it is very much the process of doing and experiences that transform the hearts (true mind).

Beyond the intellectual conceptual thoughts approach lies a more non-thoughts approach. I heard it is a state that is unconditional, natural and innate. Where once in this state, possibly a subconscious deep meditate state/trance, one may not be thinking he is in that state as there is no thinking (perhaps just knowing). For example, it is sort of like falling into a dream, you won't be able to be aware that you are sleeping in your dreams. Another nice analogy is about a caterpilla who were asked how he could walk with so many legs, then he thought about it and tripped. In that sense, to walk is a natural instinctive state and not an analytical defining state. To think of it in a analytical conceptual way ruin yourself from being natural. But again, I have not experience such state so right now it is just take it as collective words from others.

Inner journey
One must overcome the many internal obstacles in order to reach the true state (the unconditioned). I am not a person who can tell you about this internal journey because I am in no position to. I heard there are many obstacles you have to over come such as afflicted, conceptual obstacles etc... Perhaps in true state there is no self? Something to look into.

Mindfulness, being present, natural and non-thinking activity helps to gain inner peace
I have not reach to a true self state, so I can't tell you how. But from what i heard, it would be meditation, where the mind enters one thought and then zero thoughts is the truer state I heard. Anyways, in terms of being more at peace with yourself, I may have some tips. Firstly, be more comfortable by making sure you are not in a disturbed state (in terms of environment, health, psychological state etc...) and just being "mindful" of the experience and responding to it naturally (hopefully as long as it isn't immoral). In life, watch it and experience it naturally, mindfully and be present at the moment, that's when you are really living (at the same time not attached or emotionally afflicted). Not trying to disturb the naural flow within by discriminative consciousness, self false labelling or afflicted emotions running wild. Especially doing a neutral none thinking task helps the mind "be" instead of dwelling in other afflicted states. Task like tai chi, yoga, sweeping, taking a walk, whatever that stop the mind from thinking and really experience it in a calm manner without internal turbalance.

As for the question what is the true self? I leave this question with a big question mark, well maybe at least for now. Just working with what I am now, perhaps it's something I can't grasp right not.

Well, have a good day and remember to sometime be in the present moment and not get lost in thoughts too much!

Respect is the foundation of peace

As I grow older, I have discovered how important respect is, for both our self and the whole society. I heard how people talks about respect and code of honour a lot. How humans as well as animals wants to be left alone in peace and not be intruded or attack. Again, mutual respect is a form of not intruding or attacking others. What happen if there is no respect? The strong will easily prey upon the weaker, and the weaker deceive the duller, society will be chaotic, full of attacks, revenge and retaliation occuring. Society will fall back into the babaric times when there are no laws and order, many people will kill/steal/rape each other due to anger from others disrespecting and harming them, it's a cynical cycle.

Therefore, I understand how important respect is now. For a peaceful society, people must learn to respect each others first. Respect is the foundation for a peaceful, stable and functional society. That is why in some culture they made the special occassion of "respect the elderly days" where younger people actually learn to respect their elders, and through this respect, it set a foundation for inner personal growth and maturity. From that, they learn to respect and cherish life and others. Through respect, love grows.

In addition, how we treat others is what we usually get in return. So if we disrepect others, they will disrepect us back. Likewise, if we respect others, people will respect us back. Treat others how you want to be treated is a good moto. Furthermore, if we belittle and disrespect ourselves, than we would be growing prejudice and disrespect in our hearts/psyche/subconsciousness, and that will manifest many implication from disrespecting ourselves, low self esteem, lack of self acceptance etc...

The other day, I had written "Respect yourself and respect others. For if there are no respect and code of honour, everyone will be stabbing each other with words and blades. Mutual respect is the seed of many great things."

Enjoy!

Focus and respect your own life

Don't feel dispair and disregard your life when you see others living a more colourful life, every life is precious in different ways although many people do not see it. Don't fall into the celebrity wanna be trap, for every breath is precious and everyone has their own road to walk on.

You got to look at your road ahead of you and not just staring at the road of others. You got to count your blessings and not idolize the blessing of others. You got to live your own life!

Therapy

When it comes to therapies, I got a few approaches that may be of some use. These are:

1. Acknowledge and dealing with the task
A lot of worries can be dealt with just will, effort, hard work and patience. Dealing with the problem directly.

2. Acceptance and letting go of the problem (that can't be fixed)
There are times when nothing can be done and it is time to let go and be free again. There must be acceptance, in order to acknowledge the subject, followed by mentally letting go of it. It is important to accept it and comes to term with it first, otherwise we do not know what we are letting go of, and it will be in our mental system, so it is vital for acceptance.

3. Tempory distraction or breaks to clear the mind.


4. Approaching afflictions with kindness and gentleness
Sometimes affliction arises and your mental approach towards it may worsen it. For instance, you are trying to manage your own anger but you approach it in an upset and strict manner, which cause your afflicted anger to not go. So you become angry because you are angry of yourself being angery. Sounds complicated, I know, but that's how human minds work. However, if you approach angry afflictions with loving kindness and gentleness manner, in times your afflicted anger lessen and disappear and become loving kindness and peaceful.

There are activities that are therapeutic to the mind, which helps the mind and emotions clear, calm and reheal it self. These are as followed:

• Meditation
• Non thinking activities: like Tai Chi, Chi Kung, jogging, drinking herbal tea, watching the sky-stars-moon or even throwing pebbles into the lake! Whatever activies that is calming and isn't emotionally straining or tense.
• Listening to mellow music that calms the heart like enya etc.. or watch a positive inspirational movies to take you mind off in other positive visions or reading an inspiration positive book
• Talking about the problem may help to get it out of your system and to understand the situation better, inovate ideas and solutions.

Is spirituality needed?

I heard how spirituality is needed to nourish the soul, just like how food is needed to nourish the body. So I have been looking into it.

I have been walking around in circles, and I have noticed a pattern. Whenever a person is too consumed by worldly external life, sooner or later the person would become incontent, break down and self destruct. Some sort of inner development or spirituality is need to maintain a healthy mind. I realised that spirituality is important to nourish the spirit, just as how food is need to nourish the body.

If there is no positive development from within, one become like a empty vessel or a vessel filled with dirt. If there is positive changes within, the whole aspect of life would improve.

A lot of people are in anti-depressant pills, they feel depress because they see and feel no light, no light within, they are usually brought up in society that concerns material riches and external life, they feel incomplete inside.

The word spirituality is very vague, some may be more than others, some may define it differently... but it all begins with becoming a better person, to not harms others and treat others with mutual respect. Character and morality sets the foundation for an inward spiritual journey.

Hope people find light, growth, contentment and peace within :)

Climbing up the social ladder?

I have come to realised not too long ago, that most people are not simple to pleased than others.

I have noticed that there is this social ladder that some people climb. The social ladder consist wealth, status, types of career, fame, speeches, image, beauty, class, manipulative intelligence reputation, materialistic etc... I too notice this trend at university, when student tries to dominate, out shine and step over others to have a piece of the pie, to higher their social status.

However, this does not fall well on me. There is something that bothers me when seeing people craving for such superficial things that will leads to many psychological problems, such as anxiety, aggression, esteem problems, concietness etc... To walk into this pscyhological dog eat dog world mentality is dangerous to the heart and should be observed cautiously.

One things a wise person would not do is to trade the good values and virtue for worldly desires and social status. Though, easier said than done.

Let me give you some examples. When a fool intimidate and dominant others (whether psychologically, verbally, physically. intent via using beauty etc...) in order to feel more superior and higher than others, they have lost true good values. Values of respect and code of honour is lost, values of loving kindness and thoughtfulness is lost, values of self dignity and virtue is lost, humility is lost, the ego blinds a person to only see themselve and not the bigger scope of reality and not being aware they are killing their own heart. Wisdom and much great values are lost when one tries to bully others.

Likewise, some competitive girls dress up and powder their face with tonne of make up to outshine other girls and give ugly bitchy throwns at other girls. These psychological battles hurt others and themselves, the survival of the fitness? But at what cost? It leads to jealousy, low self esteem, anxiety, a lost of peaceful heart, lost of humility and modesty, and they may not attract good heart company with such mentality.

It is a blessing for those who are strong to not bully the weak, the manipualtive intelligent people not to deceive others. Respect, code of honour and honesty is what makes the heart and society functional, without those society and the heart will crumble and beig chaotic.

The wealth of virtue is worth immeasurable more than with of money and status. Wise one would not trade the bright path for the dark path.

Key to success!...

I've been looking into a topic regarding success and thought I would jot a few pointers here:

Be focus on "specific" goal and to sacrifice lesser priority

You need a specific goal and aim. The goal should be something that you want or is inspired to. The goal should also be specfic, since if it is unspecific it is difficult to comprehend, visualise and be inspired to accomplish. Goals should also be specific in the sense there it is focused on one (or a few) and not too many, otherwise you won't be able to focus and put your mind whole heartedly into. If we bite more than you can chew, the food won't be properly digested if not chewed properly. That is why mastering a few will be more better than skimming many. A single punch is more effective if you put all your mind and energy into it, rather than combos that have no power into it.

Believe you can do it

For success, it is more effective to have a clear belief that you have the ability to achieve it for it to happen. Reality in our life usually manifest from thoughts. If we believe it is possible, then it is more likely to be possible. To believe opens doors. If you do not believe, you have already let yourself fail before it even begins.

Visual motivator

You can motivate yourself by thinking of the reward of your goal or the consequence of not fulfilling your goals. If not the reward, than you can think about the consequence of failing to not work hard.

Hard work and patience

You need to put hardwork, effort and determination into it for it to manifest. You need patience, because it may be something in the long run and dedication and patient is required to reach the end, as giving up half way you cannot accomplish (note that sometimes you must prioritize whether the goal is worth what you are sacrificing)

Being mindful (presnent) of your task and not dose off into delusional thoughts or thoughts of the outcome

Mindful. When carrying out your task, don't think of anything else a part from the task you are doing. Even thinking about the outcome whilst performing the task will affect your performances.

Have some rest and breaks to recover.

Resting is as important as working, as resting recovers you and helps you work more productively. Make sure you get enough good rest.

Sly manipulative people will get tangled

Last night, I was watching Dragon Ball, and there was a scene when a giant snake was chasing after Goku and Goku out smarted the giant snake by flying around until the snake tied it self into a knot. I could not help but to consider using this as a good metaphor to describe how deviant, sly and manipulative people will one day fall prey to their own deceit.

If the mind is constantly manipulative, thinking of twisting, turning and tricking, it will one day confuse and blurred itself. The emotions and subconscious mind manifest in what it usually experience and see, and if what it see is full of twist, turns and confusion, the mind will end up twisted, turned and confused.

Just like if a person build strong hate for others, the hatred builds inside the mind and soon one will find one hating one self.

If one constantly feed others with falsehood, falsehood will grow in one's mind and will oneday engulf the person.

If one twist and manipulate others, their twisted mind will twist themselves.

Like wise, if one try to slyly manipulate and confuse others, the mind becomes complicated and scattered, and oneday that will create confusion and the people will manipulate themselves.

Avoid using your intelligence to rationalize the wrong you have done. Many intelligent people fall prey to their own petty intellgence, harming themselves if they do not have virtue and wisdom. Intelligence with out virtue and wisdom leads to the path of destruction. Virtue and wisdom is the road to a bright path.

Honesty, straight forward thinking and sincerity is the way to go for a bright path. If you are true to yourself, then clarity, wisdom and light grows.

Implication of diversity

I am aware we are living in a world that is nolonger simple like the old days. We are living in the age of vast exposure of information via TV, internet, media etc. Furthermore we are living a globalized age, where we all exposed to different cultures, beliefs and mentality. Whether it is ultimately a good or a bad thing, I cannot conclude. But one thing that may be certain is that over exposure and stimulation may lead to various psychological or social implications.

What happens if we are exposed to a few dozens of different cultures? Do we accept it all and take it into our lives? Do we mix those cultures together? Do we respect it and leave it alone?

What happens to our mind when it is overly exposed and stimulated? There is little stability in a mind that is overwhelmed by so many cultures and ways of life. In fact, it may leads to scatterness and confusion. So sanity would naturally favour humans to dwell in a very few selected culture or way of life.

Yet, I have not drawn any conclusions yet.

Creating your own life

I have discovered that in this world we live, there are so many cultures, ideas etc... that

The power of simplicity

Why we need simplicity in our complicated world:

We are now living in a modern age unlike before, where we constantly get exposed and stimulated by countless of informations, ideas and experiences. Although having access to majority of the information is needless to say, a useful thing, on the other hand it has it's disadvantage, involving the over exposure and stimulation of the mind, that it sort of become over whelmed, stressed and potentially confused. The negative impact it has on the mind is evident amongst many of us.

The purpose of this article is not to promote seclusion but rather more, to promote ideas to relief the negative effect of living a "complicated life" as it is already. There had been times when I felt frozen and lost by the numerous things I had to do and was exposed to, I describe it as "million of thoughts that clogs and impairs my mind". Hence, I began to work on my "simple life" or ideology of "simplicity" to improve a healthier life in this complicated age.

Advantage with simplicity?

Here are some advantage sof simplicity:

• The mind function properly when it is not overwhelmed, scattered, confused and stressed, which potentially leads to anxiety and depression. However, with a more simple mind set, it is emotionally more healthy and less stressful for the mind.
• The mind attain a more peaceful, clear and calmer state with simplicity, instead of a over whelmed distorted mind.
• When the mind is not scattered, but clear and simple, the mind will be able to function more effectively. It helps the mind to "focus", "concentrate" and be "mindful".
• These positive attributes are key to success in whatever realistic task you set. Being more focus and less distracted, you'll be able to put more energy into the specific task and therefore more likely to achieve your aims. Success follows simplicity, a key to many successful people other there. On the other hand, multi-tasking or having too much to bare will reduce energy in avhieving your aims.
• When the mind become simple and aware, it can appreciate things more profoundly and actually live a more happier life. When are you aware and present, you are truely living! Otherwise, being confused and scattered, is like you are not there even when are you.

A few tips to simplify your life:

1. Focus on essential tasks or goals you need to do. You need to know which to prioritise.
2. Eliminate on the none-essential task or goals (or at least for now - making notes for future reference can help and put your mind at ease knowing you won't forget it).
3. Create a structure, time table or routine habit out of the essential task, to keep it on going.

As Bruce Lee have said, "It is not daily increase but daily decrease; hack away the unessential".

Another nice discription Bruce Lee described "In building a statue, a sculptor doesn't keep adding clay to his subject. Actually, he keeps chiselling away at the inessentials until the truth of its creation is revealed without obstructions. Thus, contrary to other styles, being wise in Jeet Kune-Do doesn't mean adding more; it means to minimize, in other words to hack away the unessential."

Other tips that could help you

• Get into the habit of thinking straight to the point.
• Einstein have said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." So remember not to overly simplify things in the sense that you lose what is essential. Sometimes complication can be a good thing depending on the circumstance.
• Keep your living environment simple: a clear room helps to clear the mind and reduce being over whelmed and retreating into complicated thought mode.
• Meditation effectively helps to clear and empty the trash from the mind, with plenty of more advantages!

A little quote I made up:

"Many people fail to see the power of simplicity
and fail to appreciate it's greatness.
Some things can be so simple yet so profound.
Some things can be so simple yet so true. "