"A brief moment of patience quell the storm and calm the waves. Yielding and retreating a single step clears the sky" ~ Ancient quote
"Patience is the most important of all method of cultivation and cannot be ignored or over look... This is why we say patient is a priceless jewel... " ~ Shifu Hsuan Hua
"Patient is something that the cultivators cannot be without, only with the power of patience can we cultivate, without patience all talks of cultivation is in vain. The principle I discuss today is quite ordinary and very flavourless. However it is true dharma, proper dharma, wonderful dharma and the rarest dharma. Although it is quite ordinary, the way comes forth from the most ordinary places." ~ Shifu Hsuan Hua
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Avoid bad deeds and do more good deeds no matter how small. Do not cease on the path
As the old saying goes:
"Don't assume a good deed is too small to do it and fail to do it.
Don't assume a bad deed is too small to matter and do it"
Another similar quote:
"Although a good deed maybe small, you should make a point of cultivating that deed because grain of sand accumulate over time can grow into a pagoda. Over time you will create a great deal of goodness.
If one does evil deeds, even trivial ones, they can also accumulate from from few to many and can become great evil. In such a case, one will never succeed in cultivating the way.
Cultivation is nothing more than doing no evil and respectfully performing all good deeds.
If you can avoid doing any evil deeds, your blessing will increase daily. If you can do all good deed, your wisdom will increase daily.
Even though it increases, you still must cultivate to without cease, only then can you have success" ~ Shifu Hsuan Hua
"Don't assume a good deed is too small to do it and fail to do it.
Don't assume a bad deed is too small to matter and do it"
Another similar quote:
"Although a good deed maybe small, you should make a point of cultivating that deed because grain of sand accumulate over time can grow into a pagoda. Over time you will create a great deal of goodness.
If one does evil deeds, even trivial ones, they can also accumulate from from few to many and can become great evil. In such a case, one will never succeed in cultivating the way.
Cultivation is nothing more than doing no evil and respectfully performing all good deeds.
If you can avoid doing any evil deeds, your blessing will increase daily. If you can do all good deed, your wisdom will increase daily.
Even though it increases, you still must cultivate to without cease, only then can you have success" ~ Shifu Hsuan Hua
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Inner beauty VS outer beauty
Admire inner beauty and not just outer beauty. Don't follow or accept others as superior for their physical beauty but prioritise the inner beauty.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
To find truth, we must renounce false
"If you can't renounce what is false, you can never accomplish what is true" ~ Master Hsuan Hua
If you can stop your thought, the entire universe comes into rest (quote)
A rough translation:
"As soon as the mind moves, all ten thousands things come into being; if you can stop your thought, the entire universe comes into rest". ~ Master Hsuan Hua
"As soon as the mind moves, all ten thousands things come into being; if you can stop your thought, the entire universe comes into rest". ~ Master Hsuan Hua
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Focus on the task (performance) and not the outcome
Don't think on the outcome (results), focus on the task/performance (activity).
If you think of the outcome, it'll distract your performance. If you focus on the task it will naturally lead you to a better outcome.
If you think of the outcome, it'll distract your performance. If you focus on the task it will naturally lead you to a better outcome.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Tips: letting go of attachments to thoughts
When I over think, like a non stop working machine, over worked, tired but can't stop, it was emotionally distressing and over accumulative time it could lead to a darker and confused life.
I am aware that scattered confused thoughts leads to afflicted suffering but despite knowing this, why can't I let the thought go so easily? I realised I am had this problem that i'm attached to just the process of thinking (regardless what the topic is), that I am scare of letting it go, because I felt the need to hold on to thoughts otherwise I would lose thoughts and the existence of it in my world. And losing existence becomes really scary as I was afraid of the sense of void or loneliness.
However, this is entirely not true. This complex had caused me enough problems.
So what helped me in this distressful attached to thought state?
1) Meditation: even though I just meditate for a short period of time, it really helped me to calm and still the mind, and yet focus/concentrate the mind so that scattered mind is reduced.
2) Have trust that it's alright not to think, and that "everything is ok", so that we can let go of thoughts and with a better state of mind solve it more effectively in the future.
3) Know that a cultivated (non-scattered, calm and tranquil mind set) is actually the most important thing in the world. It may not seem like it in worldly sense, but in terms of spirituality, cultivated mind is the important thing here and in the future. Note that it doesn't mean you don't have to be not practical and get on with your daily life, it means not to be engulf with thoughts.
"When the mind is still, everything falls back into it's right place"
I am aware that scattered confused thoughts leads to afflicted suffering but despite knowing this, why can't I let the thought go so easily? I realised I am had this problem that i'm attached to just the process of thinking (regardless what the topic is), that I am scare of letting it go, because I felt the need to hold on to thoughts otherwise I would lose thoughts and the existence of it in my world. And losing existence becomes really scary as I was afraid of the sense of void or loneliness.
However, this is entirely not true. This complex had caused me enough problems.
So what helped me in this distressful attached to thought state?
1) Meditation: even though I just meditate for a short period of time, it really helped me to calm and still the mind, and yet focus/concentrate the mind so that scattered mind is reduced.
2) Have trust that it's alright not to think, and that "everything is ok", so that we can let go of thoughts and with a better state of mind solve it more effectively in the future.
3) Know that a cultivated (non-scattered, calm and tranquil mind set) is actually the most important thing in the world. It may not seem like it in worldly sense, but in terms of spirituality, cultivated mind is the important thing here and in the future. Note that it doesn't mean you don't have to be not practical and get on with your daily life, it means not to be engulf with thoughts.
"When the mind is still, everything falls back into it's right place"
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Tips to over come anxiety and depression
Most people are anxious or depress because of negative habitual thinking. So the idea is to amend negative thoughts into positive or at least neutral thought pattern, where by the mind can achieve a sense of peace, calmness and a more natural undisturbed state.Here are some useful tips although it may or may not help:
Changing negative thought patterns:
1) Stop regretting once repented: Stop regretting (saying what if) and holding on to the past, as long as you learn from your lesson you can move on. Everyone makes mistakes, that's a part of being human, but as long as their is a will to change there is hope. Don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't help, it's OK to let go.
2) Remove inferior or superior complex: Let go of the sense of low self worth. Do not overly compare to others (especially those with lower standard) and feel inferior. At the same time, do not feel superior than others and become arrogant. "You are not inferior". Everyone has potential and light within which is special as everyone else's, yet do not feel arrogant. Stay true as humble. NB: feeling superior/inferior of the bases of physical appearance or materialism will only confuse the mind more, as greatness should be based on the persons' noble character.
3) Remove failure complex: Past failures are just events, they are not our identity, it doesn't mean you are a failure as a human. Failure belief which is consolidated by failure events is a dangerous cycle which strengthen the false belief. Everyone has their own strength and weakness, everyone have failed and succeed in something, which is perfectly normal. Most importantly, try not to fail in being a good human.
4) Don't be "self" consumed: Stop thinking about yourself and your pain or hardship as it will intensify your own suffering. Help "others", like get involve with charity or helping others in whatever ways you can, in that way, when the sense of selfishness cease the self pain also cease, and the mind would feel more happier and fulfilled knowing you did something helpful, positive and meaningful to others.
5) Be less/remove paranoid or self conceited: Do not concern your mind in what others think of you, be less self conscious, less conceited and less egotistic. If other people have some constructive criticism to make, then take on board as it would help, but not react to their negative and irrational emotional behaviour. Being concern by what other people think will bring unwanted pressure and emotional baggage.
6) Be less passive to yourself: passive mind puts the mind in a confuse and uncertain state, sometimes uncertainty brings nervousness. Be honest and direct to yourself, as it will help having a clearer thought process and become less nervous uncertainty. Yet do not get confuse between being honest to yourself and being bluntly expressive or trying to prove a point to others.
Positive thinking:
1) Learn to let go: With the help of meditation, mindful practice and positive thinking, it would help to let go of negative thoughts, phobia or traumatic experiences. Let go of negative emotions and be free in spirit.
2) Acceptance of past mistakes/problems and non-concluded decision: sometimes problems can't be fixed so the mind would have to let go. Sometimes decision can't be made straight away, no matter how we analyse or think it still is blurry. Learn to let go and come back to it later, time will reveal in the future, for now just accept and move on until the time is ready. Let go and be patient until the time is right.
3) Simplicity and prioritizing reduce scattered confused mind: from seeking and greed lead to many options, with many options the mind becomes scattered, indecisive and confused; basically confused.The Zen/Chan Buddhist got it right, simple life will lead to happiness and contentment. If you are anxious and stressed over with many thoughts, decision or task in your daily life, perhaps you may need to consider simplifying your life and options. Consider prioritising what it important, take the best action you could think of, start weighing the pros and cons and eliminating options which you do not need to do. Start from basic and simplicity again.
4) Kindness and compassion matter: Under stress, depression or anxiety, interacting with someone who is kind and compassionate helps bring peace, calm and settle the heart. Wise one says compassion is like a light that dispel darkness or the warm of sun light which melts the frozen winter ice. It is understandable that we may not always be surrounded by kind and compassionate individual, but we can always become one ourselves and be more kind and compassionate to yourself, being your own good friend!
5) Will power and the right to be at peace: It is important to remind yourself not to be consume by negative thoughts and inferior projection of self. That everyone has the right to be at peace which is what the heart really wants, that is the natural state. Have the will power to escape from the negative cycle of depression and anxiety as you have the right like everyone else to be at peace.
Psychological therapy:
1) Learn to relax: Relaxation is related to the state of our body and breathing Take a few slow and deep breath and learn to relax your muscle. Relaxation therapy may includes tai chi and yoga helps.
2) Meditation and mindfulness; Don't let the mind drift off mindlessly into the negative cycle. Meditation is a good practice draw the mind back into the present or mindfulness, away from negative emotion. If you can focus the mind in the present moment or a meditation topic (breathing, Buddhist mantras, awareness of body etc...) the mind won't wonder off into the painful regretful past or the anxious worried future, nor would it dwell on negative emotion. When the mind is still, peace arise.
3) The dispassionate observer: Know that the stirred up afflicted mind and negative emotions are not the true mind and not the true you; it is just a state triggered due to external stimulation and internal distress mechanism. Many people mistake their emotional reaction to be their true self which is not the case. Do not cling on and embrace these emotional states, yet do not be repulsed, reject and feel bad when these states arises. Just watch these negative states from a distance, without passion nor embrace it, then watch it come and go like passing clouds of illusion. In time, the mind stills down and peace arise.
4) Mindfully recognise negative states ends negative state: When the mind recognise negative thoughts, the thought often disappear, which is one strange thing about the human mind. Not knowing what is bothering you would generally let the state continue unnoticed.
5) Positive distraction: The idea is to keep the mind from dwelling into the negative cycle of thoughts by distraction it with something positive. Exposure to positive stimulate or setting will naturally make the mind positive. Change of scenery helps to take the mind of, go to different places, especially see nature and beautiful landscape. People say how nature speaks our inner tranquil heart. Other positive distraction may includes relaxation calm music, positive films or documentary and so forth.
Positive lifestyle changes:
1) Healthy eating: Improve lifestyle by eating healthily so the body isn't malnutrition or over eating. Malnutrition can affect nerves systems and metabolism, generally cause anxiety or depression.
2) Avoid excessive caffeine: as it will contribute to anxiety.
3) Exercise: is probably one of the best way to over come depression as it stimulate endorphins hormones which makes us naturally happier, as well as more relaxed and calm.
Changing negative thought patterns:
1) Stop regretting once repented: Stop regretting (saying what if) and holding on to the past, as long as you learn from your lesson you can move on. Everyone makes mistakes, that's a part of being human, but as long as their is a will to change there is hope. Don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't help, it's OK to let go.
2) Remove inferior or superior complex: Let go of the sense of low self worth. Do not overly compare to others (especially those with lower standard) and feel inferior. At the same time, do not feel superior than others and become arrogant. "You are not inferior". Everyone has potential and light within which is special as everyone else's, yet do not feel arrogant. Stay true as humble. NB: feeling superior/inferior of the bases of physical appearance or materialism will only confuse the mind more, as greatness should be based on the persons' noble character.
3) Remove failure complex: Past failures are just events, they are not our identity, it doesn't mean you are a failure as a human. Failure belief which is consolidated by failure events is a dangerous cycle which strengthen the false belief. Everyone has their own strength and weakness, everyone have failed and succeed in something, which is perfectly normal. Most importantly, try not to fail in being a good human.
4) Don't be "self" consumed: Stop thinking about yourself and your pain or hardship as it will intensify your own suffering. Help "others", like get involve with charity or helping others in whatever ways you can, in that way, when the sense of selfishness cease the self pain also cease, and the mind would feel more happier and fulfilled knowing you did something helpful, positive and meaningful to others.
5) Be less/remove paranoid or self conceited: Do not concern your mind in what others think of you, be less self conscious, less conceited and less egotistic. If other people have some constructive criticism to make, then take on board as it would help, but not react to their negative and irrational emotional behaviour. Being concern by what other people think will bring unwanted pressure and emotional baggage.
6) Be less passive to yourself: passive mind puts the mind in a confuse and uncertain state, sometimes uncertainty brings nervousness. Be honest and direct to yourself, as it will help having a clearer thought process and become less nervous uncertainty. Yet do not get confuse between being honest to yourself and being bluntly expressive or trying to prove a point to others.
Positive thinking:
1) Learn to let go: With the help of meditation, mindful practice and positive thinking, it would help to let go of negative thoughts, phobia or traumatic experiences. Let go of negative emotions and be free in spirit.
2) Acceptance of past mistakes/problems and non-concluded decision: sometimes problems can't be fixed so the mind would have to let go. Sometimes decision can't be made straight away, no matter how we analyse or think it still is blurry. Learn to let go and come back to it later, time will reveal in the future, for now just accept and move on until the time is ready. Let go and be patient until the time is right.
3) Simplicity and prioritizing reduce scattered confused mind: from seeking and greed lead to many options, with many options the mind becomes scattered, indecisive and confused; basically confused.The Zen/Chan Buddhist got it right, simple life will lead to happiness and contentment. If you are anxious and stressed over with many thoughts, decision or task in your daily life, perhaps you may need to consider simplifying your life and options. Consider prioritising what it important, take the best action you could think of, start weighing the pros and cons and eliminating options which you do not need to do. Start from basic and simplicity again.
4) Kindness and compassion matter: Under stress, depression or anxiety, interacting with someone who is kind and compassionate helps bring peace, calm and settle the heart. Wise one says compassion is like a light that dispel darkness or the warm of sun light which melts the frozen winter ice. It is understandable that we may not always be surrounded by kind and compassionate individual, but we can always become one ourselves and be more kind and compassionate to yourself, being your own good friend!
5) Will power and the right to be at peace: It is important to remind yourself not to be consume by negative thoughts and inferior projection of self. That everyone has the right to be at peace which is what the heart really wants, that is the natural state. Have the will power to escape from the negative cycle of depression and anxiety as you have the right like everyone else to be at peace.
Psychological therapy:
1) Learn to relax: Relaxation is related to the state of our body and breathing Take a few slow and deep breath and learn to relax your muscle. Relaxation therapy may includes tai chi and yoga helps.
2) Meditation and mindfulness; Don't let the mind drift off mindlessly into the negative cycle. Meditation is a good practice draw the mind back into the present or mindfulness, away from negative emotion. If you can focus the mind in the present moment or a meditation topic (breathing, Buddhist mantras, awareness of body etc...) the mind won't wonder off into the painful regretful past or the anxious worried future, nor would it dwell on negative emotion. When the mind is still, peace arise.
3) The dispassionate observer: Know that the stirred up afflicted mind and negative emotions are not the true mind and not the true you; it is just a state triggered due to external stimulation and internal distress mechanism. Many people mistake their emotional reaction to be their true self which is not the case. Do not cling on and embrace these emotional states, yet do not be repulsed, reject and feel bad when these states arises. Just watch these negative states from a distance, without passion nor embrace it, then watch it come and go like passing clouds of illusion. In time, the mind stills down and peace arise.
4) Mindfully recognise negative states ends negative state: When the mind recognise negative thoughts, the thought often disappear, which is one strange thing about the human mind. Not knowing what is bothering you would generally let the state continue unnoticed.
5) Positive distraction: The idea is to keep the mind from dwelling into the negative cycle of thoughts by distraction it with something positive. Exposure to positive stimulate or setting will naturally make the mind positive. Change of scenery helps to take the mind of, go to different places, especially see nature and beautiful landscape. People say how nature speaks our inner tranquil heart. Other positive distraction may includes relaxation calm music, positive films or documentary and so forth.
Positive lifestyle changes:
1) Healthy eating: Improve lifestyle by eating healthily so the body isn't malnutrition or over eating. Malnutrition can affect nerves systems and metabolism, generally cause anxiety or depression.
2) Avoid excessive caffeine: as it will contribute to anxiety.
3) Exercise: is probably one of the best way to over come depression as it stimulate endorphins hormones which makes us naturally happier, as well as more relaxed and calm.
Sometimes there's just current no solution, time will tell...
As I have spoken to my friend, she gave me a very good advice I would like to share.
Sometimes, only time will tell.
No matter how we analyse it
It's still a blur at this point
And no conclusion can be found.
Sometimes we just have to wait,
To find out.
Sometimes, only time will tell.
No matter how we analyse it
It's still a blur at this point
And no conclusion can be found.
Sometimes we just have to wait,
To find out.
Reality is present
The past an illusion; a manipulated memory.
The future is a phantom; speculation and guesses.
The present moment is reality; what really is happening.
The future is a phantom; speculation and guesses.
The present moment is reality; what really is happening.
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