the ART of reBIRTH

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Indeed, it's apt to call it such; it's only early summer/late spring and it's already bright at 4.30am. Just as well as I woke up earlier than most of my 40 friends for a early morning workout almost daily (apart from a couple of mornings when it was raining). JP was my jogging companion for most of the sessions as we explored the surrounds of Shiba Park, Kyoto River, sleepy fishing village at Toba and i got very lost in Nagoya snapping photos on my new toy that morning. I was a little surprised that i actually missed the Food back home despite being chinese. (I guess my genes has been mutated to more south east asian than my chinese genes i gotten from my grandparents). For example, my first experience eating Natto was something i will not forget for a long time. The experiences learnt and shared during the 2 weeks we were together is timeless; something that shows there's hope for the ill-health of our environment; ie if we all start campaigning more action in our re...

Akan Datang - 5th Jun (World Environment Day) You may download/view the entire movie here

Today is the much talked about Earth hour ; Singapore is finally taking more concrete steps; as opposed to last year when our authorities actually tested the F1 race lights along the padang that very same time we were urge to switch off the lights!( read my previous blog on our very first F1 ); coincidentally, i was recommended this very insightful website of intelligent people talking and here's one for Earth Hour

A friend sent me this clip on McCruelty.com recently.... I'm sure this is just the tip of an ice-berg; behind the colours and gleamours of shopping malls and excessive consumerism of the modern human society lies all these "dirty laundry" kept away from the public eye. Another example i can think of is the BIG LIE where we are being programmed that we can just go about our daily lives concentrating on the "Consumption bit" and ignore the Extraction, Production, Distribution that came before that and Disposal that comes after that....It's time we wake up from Truths like "Perceived Obsolescence" and "Planned Obsolescence" McCruelty: I'm Hatin' It--Learn More.

"Yoga(optional)-6am, Breakfast(compulsory)-7.30am" lolz; these were the words from Ven Varado as he dictated out our pre-planned super light schedule; my first ever encounter with a sangha from the Forest Tradition; i was very much looking forward to my first "proper" meditation retreat. Here are the other "1st" 1)observing the 8 precepts 2)finding out that meditation doesnt neccessary have a "standard" posture (i always though sitting meditation is only for people with back problems but i had some of my "best" sessions while sitting at the departure hall at the deserted colombo International airport with all the background annoucements and travellers walking past) 3)discovering the 3rd word assoc with dukkha - PAIN 4)metta bhāvanā 5)re-discovering on the 4 Noble Truths (cattārī ariya saccāni) 6)contemplating on the 3 characteristics of existance Anicca(impermanence) Dukkha (unsatisfactory state) Ānattā(no self) 7)Ven Varado's ...

wat was originally a 3.5hour flight to colombo turned how to be a "joyride" at the wrong time of the day. As the cabin lights dimmed; i tot i might as well take a quick nap on board my flight yesterday evening for my first "proper" meditation retreat. As a typical spoiled city dweller mumbling to myself over the over-cooked vegetables on my inflight vegetarian meal; i was too restless to cat nap; let alone sleep even though i was given one of the bext seat ever on a flight! i call it the "excutive economy class" with no seats in front of me and just behind the business class. About 30mins more to go before the decend; i went to the toilet umpteen times and ask the stwardress "how much longer" (i never liked taking flights; the confined space, the noise, the cabin pressure and the dry air). She cooly replied 1 more hour...Mmmm...i tot we are already been in the air long enough...so i went back to my seat..turn on the cute gadget below my seat(as t...