diabetes - the silent killer

Dr. Oz says the symptoms for both types of diabetes are straightforward:

Constant thirst and frequent urination: 
These are the first things doctors will ask you about. "You have [constant thirst] because you're urinating all the time," he says. "The sugar gets into your urine, and it actually drags it through your kidneys. It fools your kidneys."

Non-healing infections:
"The white blood cells that protect the immune system can't get there," he says. "And by the way, your white cells don't function normally. Your whole immune system's depressed because you're waging a constant civil war against your body, which has the sugar scraping away on the inside."

Tingling toes:
"Nerves have a cable around them," Dr. Oz says. "That cable gets broken with diabetes, so you end up with short circuits of your nerve system."

Blurred vision: 
"You're having little bleeds in the back of your eye," he says.

This is a direct quote from http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Diabetes-101-with-Dr-Oz-Dr-Ian-Smith-and-Bob-Greene/8


------------
Sounds absolutely nasty - i hope and pray that those who have it will recover, those who is yet to discover it - will be blessed with a prevention or cure, and those who are ignorant like me will take heed and be far from it. ; /


THE GOOD NEWS IS!!! ; )
Cucumber, radish and bitter gourd are beneficial in diabetes.

coach lead teach mentor counsel parent

I listened to Marcus Marsden of AsiaWorks, and this is what's defined. sensible.I reckon in some countries, these roles are clearly defined & specialized at, and respected.
but in others, u kinda do them all to service others ... is that possible, feasible, or wise?

Coach
~ always looking to win
~ not about fixing the broken
~ focus on dream/goal (not problem focused)

Lead
~ Have others (choose to) follow your vision
~ enrolment

Manage
~ Getting tasked done, execute plan

Teach
~ To pass knowledge

Mentor
~ Passing down experience (broad & can be whole life)

Counsel
~ Problem focused (past) so that they can move past it
~ Intention is to free person up



In addition, according to the dictionary.com:

Lecturer
~ one who delivers a speech before an audience, esp. for instruction or to set forth some subject

Advisor
~ one who gives counsel to; offer an opinion or suggestion as worth following

Befriender
~ one who become friendly with; act as a friend to; help; aid

Therapist
~ a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.
~ a person trained in the use of physical methods, as exercises, heat treatments, etc., in treating or rehabilitating the sick or wounded or helping patients overcome physical defects.

Psychologist
~ a specialist in psychology

Psychology
~ the science of the mind or of mental states and processes.
~ the science of human and animal behavior.
~ the sum or characteristics of the mental states and processes of a person or class of persons, or of the mental states and processes involved in a field of activity: the psychology of a soldier; the psychology of politics.
~ mental ploys or strategy: He used psychology on his parents to get a larger allowance.

Psychiatrist
~ a physician who specializes in psychiatry.

Psychiatry
~ the practice or science of diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

Phsyco theraphy
~ the treatment of psychological disorders or maladjustments by a professional technique, as psychoanalysis, group therapy, or behavioral therapy.

Psychoanalysis
~ a systematic structure of theories concerning the relation of conscious and unconscious psychological processes.
~ a technical procedure for investigating unconscious mental processes and for treating psychoneuroses.

Parent
~ One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother.

: noun
~ a father, mother, a source, origin, or cause, a protector or guardian, an ancestor.
~ Biology . any organism that produces or generates another.
~ Physics . the first nuclide in a radioactive series.

: adjective
~ being the original source: a parent organization.
~ Biology . pertaining to an organism, cell, or complex molecular structure that generates or produces another: parent cell; parent DNA.

: verb (used with object)
~ to be or act as parent of: to parent children with both love and discipline.

..before I went out into the real world

10 things I wish I'd Known before I went out into the real world
by Maria Shriver (the Kennedy, the anchor lady and Mrs Schwarnager)

1. PinPoint your Passion

Be honest with yourself about it. Really think about what you're interested in. What you enjoy, what captures your imagination and gets your brain going.
Go with your gut. Not your parents, teacher, other's gut.


2. No Job is Beneath You

Starting at the bottom builds character, makes you hungry and determined. A good way to find out you're not as smart as you think you are. Its the best way to Learn, because there's a lot to learn out there. Which is where i started, many times.
Starting at the bottom is not about humiliation, its about humility - a real assessment of where you are in the learning curve. Learn what you're not good at and appreciate those who are.

3. Who You Work For And With is As Important As What You Do

It's better for you career and for your soul to be in a lowly job working for a great boss than being the head of...........
God puts mentors in your path. They may not look, sound like you, or be what you expect. But they always know more than you, and thats the whole point. They transmit the lessons you need to learn.

4. Your Behaviour Has Consequences

Welcome to Adulthood. No one but you are responsible for how you conduct yourself. The single most important determining factor in your life is you. And its never too early to get your ethical act together. Be strong and firm in what you believe in, in who you are -plus and minus. Know what you will, won't do to get ahead. Know what you can and cannot live with. Believe me, this is a big one. Your job will test your ethics - and therefore theach you ethics - everyday.

Situational ethics just don't cut it. The end (dream job) does not justify the means (screwing a collegue).
I believe all of us rise when we work with principles we believe in consistently - when we work with people who believe and behave the same way.
When you cut corners with what you know is right, you're risking your good name, your reputation. Its bigger than the promotion, the money or the deal. Its who you are. Don't give it away..

5. Be Willing To Fail

Many of you will experience failure in pursuit of your passion. but FAILING IS PART OF LEARNING. Fear of failure can paralyze you. Avoiding failure, is also avoiding life's richness. And what happens if you fail?It can be liberating. Most people who've achieved great success have experienced great defeat.

Before I fail, my work was the focus of my life. It's where I put all my intensity, intelligence, and effort. Never again will I make that mistake. I quit identifying myself through my career. Today my work is a big fulfilling part of my life, not who I am. Who I am is far different from who I was before I failed, and I'd never trade the experience. Which doesn't mean it didn't hurt.

6. Superwoman is Dead and Superman May Be Taking Viagra

You do not have to do it all. You can't have an exciting, successful, powerful career and at the same time win the mother-of-the-year award and be wife and lover extraordinaire. No one can.

Perfectionaism doesn't make you perfect. It makes you feel inadequate. You are not worthless because you can't do it all. You are human. You can't escapte that realisty and you can't expect to. Self acceptance is the goal. If Shakespeare were a Superwoman, she might have said, "To be or not to be - takes time and wisdom."

7. Children Do Change your Career (not to mention your Entire Life)

Once you have children, you not only can't do it all, you can't do it the same way you were doing it before. If you think your children are suffering, the guilt will make your work suffer. Parenting has turned out to be a far bigger challenge than anything my career has dealt me.

Children do change your career. But they also open you up in ways you never imagined. Kids teach you things about yourself you couldn't learn on your own - lessons about patience and selflessness, love and letting go. My children have taught me to let things roll off my back, flexible, to accept them even when they don't think, act, feel exactly as I do. I cannot control them, but I can guide and lead, honor and respect them. And believe me, they're much more fun than Boris Yeltsin.

8. Marriage is a Hell of a Lot of Hard Work

Oh my God, is that true. If any of you is worried that you haven't run into 'Right', don't be in such a hurry. Chill, relax, and enjoy your freedom, because you don't have that kind of freedom anymore. After being in such a rush to meet their soul mates, so many people complain about being married to them. It's nuts. I'm happy in my marriage, and we've been in love for more than 20 years. I married a man who recognized I was an individual first and foremeost and that my life apart from him was as important to me as our life together, otherwise I'll be writing about how divroce being a hell of a lot of work, instead of marriage. Which isn't to say my marriage has been easy.

Across the years that I've worked in newsrooms, so many of my coworkers have been divorced - and to tell you the truth, that has scared me. An all consuming career often doesn't leave room for a spouse. Today I spend a lot of time on my marriage. I pay attention to it. I make it a priority to conntect and nurture the relationship. Please focus on your marriage. Don't take it for granted. Choose to spend time toegher when you can, even on days you don't want to. Our lives are so busy, we can't let too many opportunities to be together slip by. That's the 'work' part - working it in.


9. Don't Expect Anyone Else to Support You Financially

Maybe you're lucky rich. Or marry into Money. But please don't rely on it. Work for your money. Live within your means. There's nothing better for building genuine self-worth and self-respect.

It doesn't do you any good to make the money if you don't know what to do with it other than spend it. Money management - especially women, don't assume that a man will take care of this for you. If you take time off from your career or leave it entirely to take of your children - the hardest work for no pay, you never know if you'll be blindsided by life and be thrown into a situation where you will have to know how to take care of yourself. Learn about money and talk openly.

I work because I love it. It makes me feel strong and independent to know I can make my own way financially. I don't want to ask my husband for money, and I don't. And there will come a time when we want to help our parents financially.

Money gives you options, but only if you don't fritter it away. Pay attention to where you money is going, so it can help you get where you're going. And remember: You may never be able to have it all - but it's good for the soul to give away some of what you do have. I believe it comes back to you tenfold in spiritual gifts - like gratitude, self worh and peace of mind.

10. Laughter

Gotta have laughter. It's the one that mkaes the first nine on the list doable. Life isn't smooth, but you can survive the kinds and curves by laughing at them - and yourself.

People always ask me what attracted me to my husband. it was his sense of humour. Pick your partner not only for the lust, but for the laughter. Trust me, you'll need a humor much more than you'll need money, a great job, fabulous wardrobe, or even being thin. He helped me take myself, my heritage, and my "destiny" far less seriously. Of course life isn't only fun, but he's got a wonderful ability to turn it off and go play.
He surrounds himself with people who make him laugh, immerses himself in hobbies he enjoys. He's done a better job managing his time and being able to say no to things he doesn't want to do. (this one is a big issue for most women.)

Laughter infuses life with joy. Life's awesome responsibilities have a way of creeping up on you, wearing you down, making you dead serious, robbing you of laughter and joy. Don't let the joy go. Put some of the joy back in.

I felt i was missing the fun I'd experienced in my twenties and fitured I needed an attitude adjustment. sprots and family vacation, school reunion. I've been reminding myself about humility, to have an accurate picture of myself and accept, appreciate where I am in my life and where I still want to go. To enjoy myself and have a good laugh.

The love and the laughter are what you need most in your life. They'll fill out all the potholes in the road.

In short:

10 Things I wish I'd Known - Before I Went Out into the Real World

by Maria Shriver

1. First and Foremost: PinPoint Your Passion

2. No Job Is Beneath You

3. Who You Work For and With Is As Important As What You Do

4. Your Behavior Has Consequences

5. Be Willing To Fail

6. Superwoman is Dead ... and Superman May Be Taking Viagra

7. Children Do Change Your Career (Not to Mention Your Entire Life)

8. Marriage Is a Hell of a Lot of Hard Work 

9. Don't Expect Anyone Else to Support You Financially - especially for women.  

10. Laughter - this makes the first 9 doable, and helps life get through all life kinks and curves.

Having the ability to have humor is more important than money, job or fashion taste etc.

Afterword, a List of Other Things I Wish I'd Known from there:

1. A big expensive wedding is a waste of time, money and angst

2. Try not to lose touch with your college friends as time will fly..

3. Computers will rule the world, master it sooner

4. How creative, crucial, consistent sex would have to be

5. Take a year off to have fun with no responsibility before diving into a serious long career path 

6. Health first!

7. Simplicity Movement - Simplify life. Clean out. Cleanse out. Quiet Corners. Be Clutter Free.

8. Say more NO to have better time management. Less the guilt.

9. Kinder, more sharing, more open to parents 

10. My sibilings would end up being the backbone of my life, my best friends, be kind to them and clear up resentments.

11. The importance of saying "I love you". Many don't really know how much they're loved, respected, needed, appreciated, and adored.

12. To remember the faith and strength in God through though times and be less afraid through all the trying times.

13. In every phase, there's a naturally phase to reinvent ourselves even if we have peaked. Over and Over Again. Renewable, Fresh, Growing.

14.  Be at peace with myself sooner. To give recognition to oneself for being myself and my hardwork, not for roles recognized for family, for being a spouse, or for looks.

My Poem ~ Perfection

Perfection can be a state of mind.
Prefection can be a training ground.
Perfection can be a tool for mastery.
Perfection can come from intention.
Perfection can be excellent.
Perfection can be excellence.
Perfection can be habitual.
Perfection can be a choice.
Perfection can be a livelihood.
Perfection can be a daily practice.
Perfection can be an observation.
Perfection can be a pause.
Perfection can be in relation to.
Perfection can differ from different eyes.
Perfection can be a form of integrity.
Perfection can be momentary.
Perfection can be what is.
Perfection can be acceptance.
Perfection can be forgiveness.
Perfection can be imperfection.
Prefection can be transcended.

N.

10 tots on confidence

I wrote this for Students going for internship but it probably applies for similar contents in different context ; )

Be SIP-ed - 10 Tots on Confidence

As the SIP fever continues...

1) Confidence DOES DOES DOES matters. (Breathe 10 counts if nervousness is in the way.)

2) No one will give you a job if you keep selling yrself short. Stand/ Sit up, speak tall of yourself!

3) FACT: If you don't have confidence on yourself, who will? STARTS FROM WITHIN. Sympathy is not gonna work.

4) Every body has its uniqueness. WHAT IS YOURS?

5) if you have it, flaunt it! (probably can avoid being arrogant with good humour)

6) if you don't have it, fake it! (well, Celebrities do it!) or SMILE like a millionaire..

7) Know the difference between confidence and arrogance. Humility goes a long way.

8) Practice & feed worthy words - kind/ positive /confident words to your brains - its a great HABIT!

9) How to build core confidence? KEEP YOUR COMMITMENTS TO YOUR WORDS / SELF. it will self build! Avoid broken promises = lowers confidence.

10) Everything takes time. Very important to celebrate your gifts, and Give yourself pats on your back along your journey.

Lastly, an exercise: Write a list of your strengths, values, uniqueness. And before u write that, first write a page of blessings in your life from childbirth (lol), then do the list.

U probably wont need more than half hour.. no matter how difficult. ; D

N.

Yasmin Ahmad

in her own words - tribute to Yasmin Ahmad


In Her Own Words is an art exhibition that pays tribute to the late Yasmin Ahmad, an award-winning Malaysian film director and writer. Her immortal words will serve as a reminder for us to celebrate humanity and universal love.

"i have never believed that race was ever a real issue when people hated one another. I have always found, without fail that racism was just surface stuff. When I scratched that surface and went just a little deeper, I invariably found that prejudice was rooted in more basic human weaknesses like fear or greed."

details:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Her-Own-Words-A-Celebration-Of-Humanity-Universal-Love/112826205423463?v=info

... in my own words - when i scratch a lil deeper, it is human instinct to the fear of death or dying which manifests as greed to hoarding, insecurities which comes in different manner...
in embracing death is when we start to truly live.

N.

The STERN Review

OCTOBER 2006: THE STERN REVIEW (on global warming)

On October 30, respected economist Sir Nicholas Stern delivered a 700-page report, ‘The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change’, commissioned by the British government.

Exploring the effects of climate change and global warming on the world’s economy, the report concluded that 1% of global gross domestic product (GDP) per annum must be invested in mitigating climate change. Failure to do so could risk global GDP being up to 20% lower than it otherwise might be, representing the widest-ranging market failure ever seen.

Nobel prize-winning economist James Mirrlees stated of the review, "The Stern report shows us, with utmost clarity, while allowing fully for all the uncertainties, what global warming is going to mean; and what can and should be done to reduce it. It provides numbers for the economic impact, and for the necessary economic policies. It deserves the widest circulation.”

Retrieved 24 April 2010 from The Burning Season Website:http://www.theburningseasonmovie.com/storyline/october-2006-the-stern-review/249

For the report - google search: [ARCHIVE CONTENT] Stern Review Report

My Poem ~ Attachment & Identity

Choose, 
to be a witness of the story,
or be the story


~ by Si-Y

Sadhana

The Ten Perfections Buddha (Parami)

Dana - Perfection of Charity
Sila - Perfection of Morality
Nekkhamma - Perfection of Renunciation
Panna - Perfection of Wisdom
Viriya - Perfection of Preserverance
Khanti - Perfection of Forbearance
Sacca - Perfection of Truthfulness
Adhitthana - Perfection of Resolution
Metta - Perfection of Loving Kindness
Upekkha - Perfection of Equanimity

THE PRISON of LIFE
Freedom is salvation from prison
~ this is  a discourse on non-attachment from a booklet from Wat Palalei - a translation from Than Achan, Surat Thani Province.


Life itself is prison
The instincts are prison
The senses are prison
Superstition is prison
Sacred institutions are prisons
Teachers are prison
Holy things are prison
Goodness is prison
Views are prison
Purity is the highest prison
Voidness is no prison

Never Give Up ~ H.H.DL

Never give up
No matter what is going on
Never give up

Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Develop the heart

Be compassionate

Not just with your friends
But with everyone

Be compassionate

Work for peace
In your heart
And in the world
Work for peace

And I say again
Never give up
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up

~ His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama

My Poem ~ Life is Precious ~ H.H Lati Rinpoche

This is written to honour His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche

Life is Precious

Once in a lifetime i meet a sage
humble, wise, in simple robes, perhaps like i imagined

being around your presence was humbling, forgiving, a blanketing warmth
alike an unconditional open heart waiting for me to come home

since the day we met, the trust was well-founded
your presence moved me, silently, subtlely, absolutely

when the last prayers were done, i could sense
your Eminence's committment to Great Compassion

life is fragile, life is precious
every moment every second

i can only try to do my best
and never give up

this is my promise
for having the greatest loss deep within

if there is a wish I know for sure, it is
to be in your presence to be blessed by you again, my dearest teacher.


I reverently prostrate with my body, speech and mind,
to the Buddha, Dharma and the Supreme Assembly.

May I quickly attain the state of Enlightenment,
for the sake of all sentient beings.

I am deeply grateful that I have the good fortune to have met His Holiness Lati Rinpoche within this lifetime, to receive his teachings and blessings. May this connection and affinity with Lati Rinpoche, a great practitioner, continue for many more future lifetimes.




His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche went into Nirvana (passed away) at the age of 88 years old on 12/04/2010 in the morning at 5:25am(india time), in Dharamsala India. His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was full of Dharma Wisdom and a very Compassionate Greatest Highest Lamas of Gaden. He had benefited the Monastery and all sentient beings during his existence.

Rinpoche’s contribution towards teaching and spreading the Dharma was widely recognized by all, and was deeply respected by many devotees all over the world.

Lati Rinpoche was recognized as a reincarnation of a great practitioner and became a monk at the age of 10. He was the Abbot Emeritus of Gaden Shartse Monastery in Mundgod, South India. Belonging to a very rare class of scholar, saint and high practitioner who completed his training in an independent Tibet, Rinpoche continued to spread the Dharma by teachings at various monasteries and schools, after he followed His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama into exile in 1959. In 1964, Rinpoche arrived in Dharamsala, and was subsequently appointed as Spiritual Advisor to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Rinpoche served His Holiness faithfully till today. Rinpoche’s contribution towards teaching and spreading the Dharma was widely recognized by all, and was deeply respected by many devotees all over the world.

Rinpoche passed away peacefully in his residence unexpectedly. He was not hospitalized. This morning when Rinpoche woke up, he did his usual prayers and told his personal assistant, Sopon-la, he wanted to take his bath. This was unusual as Rinpoche normally had his breakfast before his bath each morning. Prior to that, he had also circumambulated His Holiness the Dalai Lama's temple.

After his bath, Lati Rinpoche instructed Sopon-la to leave his room, and said: "it is time for me to go". With that, Rinpoche entered into clear light meditation. Rinpoche's body is currently still warm and in the meditative state. This is a sign of an Enlightened being. We do not know how long Rinpoche will be in this state, can be 3 days, 7 days, 21 days etc... As and when his consciousness leaves him, Rinpoche's body will then be brought back to Mundgod, his monastery, for the fire puja (cremation). Arrangements are in the process to construct Rinpoche's stupa which is expected to house his relics when the time comes. Rinpoche's monastery, Gaden Shartse, will be making offerings to the 3 great monasteries on behalf of Lati Rinpoche's name, which will be to Gaden, Sera and Drepung monasteries. The number of Sangha in these 3 monasteries alone totals 10,000 monks. Lati Rinpoche was a great, deeply respected Gelug master and one of the most senior Buddhist teacher in these 3 monasteries. All the Sangha will be conducting prayers for Rinpoche in their respective monasteries and many more are expected to attend his fire puja as well as to pay their last respect to Rinpoche.



Copyright reserved. All text in italics & pictures belong to online sources.

May Thy love shine forever from the sanctuary of my devotion and may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts ~ Paramahansa Yogananda.




Prayer for the Quick Return of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche,
specially composed by HIS HOLINESS 14TH DALAI LAMA
by Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 10:57pm

Dear Dharma Brothers & Sisters,
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has specially composed the below QUICK RETURN Prayer for us all to recite and pray for our precious teacher's swift return. Please continue to unite in prayers and make strong dedications.

Here is a note (attached with the prayer) from His Holiness:

"The students of Lati Labrang, the assembly of Gaden Shartse monastery, Trijang Labrang, Zong Labrang, Dro-Phen Ling Center Singapore, Phende Lekshe Ling Center Malaysia, Buddhist Center Taiwan, Gaden Shartse Education Committee, Phukhang Khangtsen, as well as Thepo Khangtsen approached me with a request to compose a prayer for the quick return of the late Lati Rinpoche. As I have had close association with this authentic spiritual teacher for over fifty years and have enjoyed a bond of pure faith and commitment, I have written this aspiration prayer. May the aims of this aspiration be fulfilled as prayed for.

This was composed by the Buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on the 5th day of the 3rd month in the seventeenth Rabjung cycle of the Tibetan calendar, namely, on 19, April, 2010."

PRAYER FOR THE QUICK RETURN OF KYABJE LATI RINPOCHE

O peerless savior and supreme Teacher, Shuddhodhana’s son,
O the seventeen masters and adepts, Nagarjuna and Asanga, and so on,
O Dipamkara as well as sovereign father Tsongkhapa,
Gloriously appear here today to grant auspiciousness.

On the great path leading to the heart of Enlightenment,
You’ve traversed by means of the perfect threefold discipline,
And have enhanced ever higher the realizations of enlightened qualities –
O glorious Guru, we offer our supplications at your feet.

Pray return gloriously to propagate the teaching of Lobsang,
By tying well the sash of monastic disciplinary precepts,
And, generating the altruistic intention to free all beings,
Engage in the tantric yogas of the two stages.

Think of the unbearable pain of the sentient beings
Who’re enveloped in the forces of five degenerations;
And to open wide the lotus grove of the Buddha’s teaching,
May your reincarnation appear soon as a source of merit for us.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Translated by Thupten Jinpa, student of the late Kyabje Lati Rinpoché.
May the sun of H.E Lati Rinpoché’s reincarnation shine soon.

- - - - - - - -

Om Mane Padme Hum

---------------

Cittaviveka

Teachings from the Silent Mind by Ajahn Sumedho

THis chapter titles 'Letting Go'.

Truly, wisdom springs from meditation;
without meditation, wisdom wanes;
having known these two paths of progress and decline,
let one conduct oneself so that wisdom may increase.
- Dhammapada 282


...if u fill your mind with more concepts and opinions, you are just increasing your ability to doubt. it's only through leaning how to empty the mind out that you can fill it within things of value - and learning how to empty a mind takes a great deal of wisdom.

... meditation is a skilful letting go, deliberately emptying out the mind so we can see the purity of the mind - cleaning it out so we can put the right things in it.

You respect your mind, so you are more caferful what you put in it. If you have a nice house, you don't go out and pick up all the filth from the street and bring it in, you bring in thingfs that will enhance it and make it a refreshing and delightful place.

.. when you are suffering - 'why am i miserable?' because you are clinging to somethin! Find out what you are clinging to, to get to the source. 'I'm unhappy because nobody loves me.' That may be true, maybe nobody loves you, but the unhappiness comes from wanting people to love you. Even if they do love you, you will still have suffering if you think that other people are responsible for your happiness of your suffering. Someone says "You are the greatest person I've met in my life!' - and you jump for joy.

Someone says "You are the most horrible person I've met in my life!' - and you get depressed." Let go of depression, let go of happiness. Keep the practice simple: live your life mindfully, morally, and have faith in letting go.

it's important for you to realise that none of us are helpless victims of fate - but we are as long as we remain ignorant. As long as you remain ignorant, you are a helpless victim of your ignorance. All that is ignorant is born and dies, it is bound to die - thats all, its caught in the cycle of death and rebirth. And if you die, you will be reborn - you can count on it. And the more heedlessly you lead your life, the worse the rebirth.

So the Buddha taught a way to break the cycle, and thats' through awareness, trough seeing the cycle rather than being attached to it. When you let go of the cycle, then you are no longer harmed by it. So you let go of the cycle, let go of birth and death, let go of becoming. Letting go of desire is the development of the Third Noble Truth which leads to the Eight Fold Path.

---------

THis chapter titles 'The 5 Hindrances'

Just as, 0 King, the bhikku, so long as these five hindrances are not put away within him, looks upon himself as in debt, diseased, in prison, in slavery, lost on a desert road. But when these 5 hindrances have been put away within him, he looks upon himself as a freed form debt, rid of disease, out of jail, a free man and secure ....
- Digha Niaya II - 73

In meditation one develops an understanding of the 5 hindrances - how, when one of them is present, you investigate it, you understand it, you accept its presence and you learn how to deal with it. Sometimes you can just tell it to go away and it goes; sometimes you just have to allow it to be there till it wears out.

We have subtle ways of being averse to that which is unpleasant and we tend not to be very honest about our intentions. Our habits are that as soon as something unpleasant arises we try to move away from it or destroy it. So long as we are doing this, we don't have any samadhi or concentration. It is only when these 5 hindrances are absent, or we are no longer attached to them, that we find any peace of mind or a concentrated heart.

It is only in the moment when a hindrance actually arises that we can really penetrate it and have insight. If you have noticed, you may go to some of these lectures and gain profound understanding of the Dhamma, but you can still get angry or feel desire for things. When the actual situation arises, you are not mindful; you tend to resist or resent or just judge.

The Buddha spoke of "5 Hindrances" on the spiritual path:
1 - sense desire (greed, lust)
2 - ill will (anger)
3 - dullness (sloth/torpor)
4 - restleness and worry (agitation)
5 - sceptical doubt

... In life, wisdom arises within us when we understand the things that we are experiencing here and now. You don't have to do anything special. You don't have to experience all kinds of extreme pain in order to transcend pain. The pain in your ordinary life is enough to be enlightened with. All these feelings of hunger or thirst, or restlessness or jealousy or fear, of lust and greed and sleepiness - all these we can regards as teachers. Rather than resenting them, saying, "What did I do to deserve this?" you should say, 'Thank you very much. I'll have to learn this lesson some day; I might as well do it now, rather than put it off."

R ~ Smile like a Millionaire

i remember one of my many precious lessons in Sept 2005 ~ "smile like a millionaire".

its free, it makes me happy and it brings joy to others.

and i remember my college crush - because the guy had a very sunny smile.

the most difficult thing i find is smiling at those who do not like to smile, or do not smile back. when i'm in my smiling mode however, no long face will stop the smile from being contagious!

oh, how wierd that even a person is usually not sincere, but when one smiles, there will be a gradual growth in sincerity. ; D becos its contagious, its a blessing to oneself and others.

oh, how is it that many tries to achieve so much in life - spiritual, mental, physical, wealth, etc etc.. but with such a painful face! haha.

and also in my himalayan yoga experience, there was a repeat of words i loved - remember to tell my forehead to smile!

and i must always remember to smile more so others will smile with me. even when i have stuffy nose!

my highest service and offer to those around me is to keep smiling. so if u see me not smiling, pls smile at me! thank you in advance for doing so.

N.

Patience, Kind Awareness

...
Take all the time in the world to endure the unendurable. What seems to be unendurable is endurable if you are patient. Remember the world happens to be as it is, and right now that's the only way it can be. The only thing we can do is to be patient with it. It doesn't mean that we approve, or like it any the more ... it means we can exist in it peacefully, rather than complaining, rebelling and causing more frictions and confusion, adding more confusion through believing in our own confusion.

We can allow conditions to be just as they are, because they come and go - their nature is to go away, so we don't have to make them go away.

We 're free and patient and enduring enough to allow things to take their natural course. In this way we liberate ourselves from the struggle, strife, and the confusion of the ignorant mind that has to spend all its time evaluating and discriminating trying to hold onto something, trying to get rid of something.

... taken from Cittaviveka (Teachings from the Silent mind) by Ajahn Sumedho

excitement
fascination
enjoyment
revulsion
aversion
dullness
fear
doubts
opinions
concepts
chaos
likes
dislikes
principles
beliefs

N.

Salad Recipe

Mango Salad
Red Cabbage sliced
Mango
Cilantro
Lime
Cider Vinegar
Sugar
Pepper


Kale Salad

* 1 bunch kale (ribs removed), chopped
* 4 scallions, chopped
* 3 carrots, shredded
* 1/2 cup toasted almonds
* 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 cup cubed baked firm tofu or fried tempeh
* 1/4 cup Veganaise
* 1/4 cup nut butter (I like almond)
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1-2 tablespoon rice vinegar
* several tablespoon water

Directions:
Combine Veganaise, nut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Thin to dressing consistency with water. Toss with vegetables. This is a very versatile recipe, and you can add any additional veggies, fruit, or nuts that you like.

==========
Zucchini patties

5 - 7 cup peeled, grated, drained zucchini or
mixed zucchini (green, yellow, any shape)
1/2 Cup flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs or flour
1/2 Tsp salt
1 beaten egg
5 - 7 tbsp. olive or salad oil

1. Grate zucchini very finely and pour off the juice.
2. In a bowl, combine together flour, grated, drained
zucchini, salt, beaten egg.

3. Make patties from this mixture. Roll them in the bread
crumbs or flour coating them completely.

4. Add oil to skillet; Heat oil in skillet over medium heat,
rotate skillet to coat with oil. Add patties. Place over a
medium- high heat and when hot fry the patties for approx.
5-6 minutes per side or until done to suit your taste, or
until zucchini begins to brown and is tender-crisp. When
all patties will be fried, return zucchini patties to
skillet, heat through.

5. Serve with Tomato sauce, or Soy sauce. Very good with
sour cream on each patty.

==========

Refreshing Fruit Salad

* 1 green apple
* 1 red apple
* 1 orange
* a bowl of grapes
* raisins
* peanuts
Directions:

Peel the green apple and grate it into a bowl. Peel the red apple and chop it up. Peel the grapes and chop them up. Mix all of them together. Squeeze the orange juice onto the mixture. Crush the peanuts and add them into the mixture with the raisins. VERY refreshing.

Green Salad

* 1 carrot, finely diced or grated
* 2 cucumber, finely diced
* 2 onion, finely chopped
* 3 green chillies(depends on u), finely chopped
* 1 tomato, finely diced
* coriander leaves, a small bunch-finely chopped
* mint leaves (optional)
* ginger, optional
* a few lettuce leaves, finely cut
* a few cabbage leaves, finely cut
* juice of one lemon
* sea salt to taste

Directions:
Mix all the chopped items with salt and lemon and use as a good salad.

==========

Cucumber Salad

* 3 medium cucumbers, peeled if waxy, and thinly sliced
* sea salt
* 5 tablespoon (or less) vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup raw vinegar
* freshly ground pepper

Directions:
Toss cucumber slices with salt and set aside to "sweat" for an hour or two. Drain liquid. Combine oil and vinegar, and add to cucumbers. Grind black pepper over top, toss, and serve.

This goes well as a side dish on the rijstaffel.

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes


====================
Italian Recipe

SALAD "DEL PREVOSTO"

Boil in their skins three good-sized potatoes, peel them and slice
them, then put them into a salad bowl, and pour over them one-half a
glass of white wine. Do this about two or three hours before they are
wanted, so the potatoes will have time thoroughly to absorb the wine.
From time to time mix them with a fork and spoon to let the wine
permeate. A few minutes before the meal make a good French salad
dressing, add some pickled peppers cut up, some capers, and some
chopped-up parsley, pour on the French dressing, mix up well, and
serve.

"ALLA POLLASTRA" SALAD

Chop up six lettuce-leaves and three stalks of celery, cut up the
remains of a cold fowl in small pieces, and mix with one tablespoon of
vinegar and salt and pepper in a salad bowl. Pour a cup of mayonnaise
sauce over, and garnish with quarters of hard-boiled egg, one
tablespoon of capers, six stoned olives, and some small, tender
lettuce-leaves.

Recipe!

DONNA HAY
SPICED COCONUT PRAWNS


Cheemy Chewy Argentinian & Fresh Oregano
Sherry Wine
Cloves
Salt
Lemon
Red Pepper
Unsalted butter (room temp)

soda lime & tequila
grapefruit, oranges, lime (all quartered)

Shivani's Recipe! Yellow Daal

Boil 2 cups yellow daal with about 4 cups water. Cook in pressure cooker – after first whistle, turn down fire. Ready after another 3 whistles. (about 10 mins)

Put mustard seed (abt 2 teaspoon) in hot oil till it starts popping, then add cumin seeds (abt 2 tspn)
Add chilli
Turn down fire and add asafoetida (this burns easily)

Pour in cooked daal
Add mango powder (1 tspn), salt
Add water for desired consistency
Turn off fire

Add coriander leaves.


Brinjal and potato dish

Put mustard seed (abt 2 teaspoon) in hot oil till it starts popping, then add cumin seeds (abt 2 tspn)
Turn down fire and add asafoetida (this burns easily)

Pound the following together and then add to the hot oil above:
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Coriander
• Chilli


Then add large portion of chopped onions to the above

Add diced tomato

Add dry mango (1 tspn)

1 tspn garam masala

add salt

Pour in potato and bringal pices

Add water and simmer for about 15 mins.

-end-


Naked Chef's Recipe!

Coriander Dip

To blend:

Natural Yoghurt
garlic
ginger
green chilli (de-seed)
coriander
salt


Lemon Zesty Dip

To stir fry in order:
Oil
Mustard seed
Curry leaves
Lemons (small quarters)
Chilli powder
Black dhal (some)
White vinegar
salt

(lemon becomes sweet when heated)


====

Pineapple with Sweet Mint Sauce

Sliced thin ripe pineapple
Mint leaves pounced with sugar (to dehydrate)
Sprinkle over pineapple to serve!


=====

Curry

Oil
1 tsp Mustard seed
Curry leaves
* garlic bits
onion (finely diced)
ginger (2 thumbs)
6 tomatoes (diced)
1 tsp turmeric
1 cup water
coconut milk
salt to taste


=====

Sauce for Basmati Rice

Oil
Mustard seed
Black dhal
curry leaves
lemon skin (scrapped in slices)

Squeeze lemon juice on steamed basmati rice
salt to taste
coriander


=====
Green Mango & Beans Salad


Garlic
Dried shrimps
Green chilli (de-seed)
Lime juice
Fish sauce
raw Green Mango thinly sliced
Palm sugar
raw long Beans (in 1 inches)
raw Tomato

+++++++++++++++++++

Thai Recipe!

THAI STIR FRY RICE NOODLES - very quick dish

Fry together in order:

Dried prawns
Shallots
Beancurd (strips)
Preserved radish
Egg
Rice Noodles
Stock Water
Lime Juice
Fish Sauce
Sweet Tamarind
Spring Onions
Bean Sprouts
Crush peanuts
Dried Coconut
Coriander Leaves

====

Thai SPICY CRAB

Stir fry in order:

Shallots & Onions (pounced and crushed for juice)
Crab pieces
Roasted chilli paste & eggs & light soya sauce & chilli oil
Chillipadis
Chinese celery
Spring onion

======

Refreshing Beans

Stir fry In order hot Peanut oil:

Garlic & Chilli chopped & Fish sauce & paste (pounced)
Green Beans 1 inch
Prawns (de-shelled) (optional)

++++++++++++++++++

My Lesson In This Life

I have asked myself this question off and on. Ad hoc. I check up. See if its real. See if its influenced by fear whatsoever. If its ego self centered. If its solid. If its true to me.

At this moment, i'm repeatedly told that my lesson in this life is to remember that Change is the Only Permanence.
I'm here to remember that attachment can come in every form.

Sense emotions
Family ties
Friendships
Relationships
Opinions
Beliefs
Superstitions
Dislikes
Wanting to live
Worry Thinking
Things Stuffs
Knowledge
In control
Security
Love
Joy
Fear

When death comes knocking, it seems only then, I will truly breath, truly live, truly love, truly have urgency.
So i must remember that the death bird is sitting on my shoulder, anytime, anytime, anytime. I may even be living on borrowed time.

When I die, my wish is that my breath pace, my mind focus, my heartbeat, is all at peace and unshakable within. No fear.
I need to maintain my practice to gain this peace.

N.

Whenever you miss me

Whenever you miss me, kiss the rain

My Poem ~ Being You, Being Me

In life, no matter what age, rank, situation or experience...

We grow with each other,
We learn through each other
We teach each other.

We are channels to deliver Truth.
We are also here as a witness.
Joy will be in us, just being us.

Let us fully embrace with courage
All our adversity and challenges,
Knowing this.

If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when?
~ Rabbi Hillel

Quotes

The goal of life is to manifest that Divinity within by controlling nature internal and external. Do it by Work or Worship or Philosophy or Psychic control, by one or more or all of these and be Free.

Come out into the universe of Light, Everything in the Universe is yours, stretch out yr arms and embrace it with love.
- Swami Vivekananda

Desire for truth removes all other desires;
then it dissolves and what remains is bliss.
- unknown