After abandoning his old life behind him (the palaces, his father, his wife and his son), Siddhartha began to beg for alms everyday for living like other monks while making his journey to enlightenment. He was determined to find the truth of life and suffering, and ways to end all the sufferings. He wanted to do it for himself and for all everyone.
Siddhartha spent six years on the quest of knowledge, truth and answers. First, he made his way to two Hindu masters to study with them, hoping to learn how to end suffering. From them, he learned the concepts of Rebirth (輪迴) - the cycle of birth/death/rebirth, and Karma (因果) - the philosophy of cause and effect; and the arts of Meditation (冥想) - a technique of deep concentration in a relaxed state where the mind can be freed from all distractions, and Yoga (瑜伽) - a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body and the mind for deep concentration. While he had learned much from the two masters, Siddhartha found that he was unable to find ways to end suffering from them. Next, he turned his attention to asceticism (苦行) - the practices of self-denial and self-mortification in order to attain a high spiritual and moral state. He joined five ascetics in search of the understanding of suffering. The ascetics were very strict. They starved themselves and denied themselves of all physical comforts. They tried to master suffering by making their minds so strong that they forgot their bodies.
For a long time, Siddhartha only had water from the rain and a grain of rice for food while he did meditation all of his time. He became very thin and weak, and was close to death. Until one day during meditation, he heard a voice of a boat people saying to another when they were trying to pull up the sail of the boat in the river, "If you tighten the string too much, it will snap. If you leave it too slack, it won't play." Suddenly, Siddhartha realized he had been wrong all the time. Starving could not help to clear his mind, and neither was asceticism. Siddhartha now discovered the only path to enlightenment was the 'Middle Way' - a line between the two opposite extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial. So he went down the river and drank the water. A young girl passing by gave him a bowl of rice and he began to eat. The five ascetics saw him and felt he was not strong enough in the pursuit of truth. They were disappointed and left him in disgust.
Siddhartha did not bother. He knew firmly that he had already found the right path to enlightenment and was very close in finding the answers. On a pleasant night in May, he seated himself under a Bodhi tree (菩提樹) and began his meditation on the final process to enlightenment. He seated firmly in his posture of the Lotus Position (蓮花座) and overcame distractions of all sorts - crime, greed, fear, ignorance and desire. There he stayed in deep meditation the whole night until at last he understood everything. His final process was completed in three stages. In the first stage, he reviewed all his past existences and understood the laws of cause and effect. In the second stage, he reviewed death and rebirth of all living creatures and understood the laws governing the cycle of birth and death. In the third stage, he identified the Four Noble Truths - the prevalence of suffering, the cause of suffering, the solution to suffering and the ways to end suffering. It was at this point Siddhartha attained enlightenment. He now understood the true nature of life, death and suffering. At the age of 35, Siddhartha became a Buddha.
Buddha's approach to the answer to end suffering resembles very much the modern systematic problem solving methodology, viz:
. identify the problem,
. determine the cause of the problem,
. find solution to the problem,
. develop plan to resolve the problem.
The Four Noble Truths can be presented in a simplistic way as follows:
1. The Truth of Suffering - Life is filled with suffering.
People are happy or unhappy for various reasons. But neither happiness nor unhappiness is permanent. Even when people are happy, they fear old age, sickness and death. They fear losing the people and things they have. Therefore, suffering is always present. even at the moment of happiness.
2. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering - The cause of suffering is desire.
People are not satisfied with what they have or what they are. Their minds are filled with greediness and desire, and suffering will automatically follow. The attitude of selfishness and greediness is the cause of dissatisfaction, resulting in suffering.
3. The Truth of the End of Suffering - Suffering stops when desire stops.
This part is relatively simple. Knowing suffering comes from desire, if we can end desire, we can end suffering.
4. The Truth of the Path to End Suffering -The way to end desire and hence suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path (八正道).
Like a medical doctor prescribing treatment to illness, here the Buddha laid out in a very logical, systematic and precise manner the ways to end suffering. Following the eight-step Eightfold Path is difficult but achievable. It would lead ultimately to the liberation of all sources of desire and hence suffering, enabling people to attain nirvana (涅槃) - the state of being freed from all sufferings.
The Four Noble Truths, together with the Eightfold Path, built upon the concepts of Rebirth and Karma, constitute the main essential theories of Buddhism. Buddha further explained the Eightfold Path in details .............................
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Warmth of 1°C
A couple was facing a sudden financial disaster. That winter, the husband's career hit a snag, and the couple lost most of their fortunes. To pay the debts, the couple had to move out from their warm and beautiful house in the city and rent a simple and ugly unit in the remote rural area. The unit was cold and grim like their feelings. The husband said to the wife, "Believe me. Things will soon be alright." The wife agreed in confidence.
During the day, the husband worked tirelessly outside in order to earn as much as possible. He was so busy that he couldn't make a single phone call to his wife in the entire day. During the night, the husband spent most of the time at home finishing his work on the computer, and making phone calls to clients. He seldom had time to talk with his wife.
As days passed, the wife gradually noticed that her husband was no longer the same as before. In the evening, the husband always wanted to take the bath first which in the past, he always let the wife to take it before he did. The wife asked the husband if she could have the bath first as before. But the husband insisted that after a hard day's work, he needed to take the shower first to clean up and refresh himself. At night, the husband always got into bed before the wife, which again in the past, it was the wife who usually got into bed first. As the wife asked, the husband replied that he was so tired everyday that he had to get to sleep as soon as possible. The wife was very sad, thinking that not only had she lost the house and fortune, but also the love from her husband.
One day, when the husband was out at work, the wife saw her husband's diary lying in the drawer. Out of curiosity, she opened and read it. Tears began to fall as the wife read on, " Today, she asked me why I always took the bath before she did, and why I always got into bed first. I said to her that after a whole day's work, I had to wash and rest as soon as possible. But I didn't tell her, and I didn't want to tell her, that our situation was so bad. The bathroom was so cold. If I took the bath first, the bathroom temperature might increase a few degrees, 3°C, 2°C or at least a 1°C. When she next took the bath, she would feel a bit warmer. The unit was so cold. If I got into bed first, I could warm up the bed for a few degrees, 3°C, 2°C or at least a 1°C. When she next got into bed, she would feel a bit warmer too. In these difficult times, I think that's the very least I can now give her, 1°C .................................."
Love prevails in different forms and in different styles. Sometimes, we just don't appreciate the good fortune when in good fortune. At times (especially difficult ones), we might lose our faith in love, despite love is already around us without our knowing.
During the day, the husband worked tirelessly outside in order to earn as much as possible. He was so busy that he couldn't make a single phone call to his wife in the entire day. During the night, the husband spent most of the time at home finishing his work on the computer, and making phone calls to clients. He seldom had time to talk with his wife.
As days passed, the wife gradually noticed that her husband was no longer the same as before. In the evening, the husband always wanted to take the bath first which in the past, he always let the wife to take it before he did. The wife asked the husband if she could have the bath first as before. But the husband insisted that after a hard day's work, he needed to take the shower first to clean up and refresh himself. At night, the husband always got into bed before the wife, which again in the past, it was the wife who usually got into bed first. As the wife asked, the husband replied that he was so tired everyday that he had to get to sleep as soon as possible. The wife was very sad, thinking that not only had she lost the house and fortune, but also the love from her husband.
One day, when the husband was out at work, the wife saw her husband's diary lying in the drawer. Out of curiosity, she opened and read it. Tears began to fall as the wife read on, " Today, she asked me why I always took the bath before she did, and why I always got into bed first. I said to her that after a whole day's work, I had to wash and rest as soon as possible. But I didn't tell her, and I didn't want to tell her, that our situation was so bad. The bathroom was so cold. If I took the bath first, the bathroom temperature might increase a few degrees, 3°C, 2°C or at least a 1°C. When she next took the bath, she would feel a bit warmer. The unit was so cold. If I got into bed first, I could warm up the bed for a few degrees, 3°C, 2°C or at least a 1°C. When she next got into bed, she would feel a bit warmer too. In these difficult times, I think that's the very least I can now give her, 1°C .................................."
Love prevails in different forms and in different styles. Sometimes, we just don't appreciate the good fortune when in good fortune. At times (especially difficult ones), we might lose our faith in love, despite love is already around us without our knowing.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Story of Buddha (1 of 3) - The Four Signs (四跡象)
I recently read some stories about Buddha. Although I'm a Catholic, I found these stories very interesting and inspirational.
The word 'Buddha' (菩薩) means 'the awakened one' or 'the enlightened one' - one who discovers the truth of life. As such, anyone who reaches the stage of understanding the true nature of life (awakens or attains enlightenment in Buddhism terms) can be called a Buddha. Our stories are about Gautama Buddha (釋迦牟尼) who was the founder of Buddhism more than 2500 years ago. He is generally regarded as the Supreme Buddha (佛祖) or simply called 'The Buddha'. Like Jesus, Buddha was a real person.
Siddhartha Gautama was born in about 563 BC (exact date not known) as a prince, son of King Sudhodana and Queen Maya in ancient India. His mother, Queen Maya died just a week after his birth. His father, King Sudhodana loved him very much. The King was determined to have his only son to become the future king of the country, and provided all the best things possible to prepare him for this role. So Siddhartha grew up in a very comfortable environment. He was handsome and intelligent. At the age of 16, he was married to Princess Yasodhara whom he loved. In order to keep all the unpleasant things away from Siddhartha so he could concentrate on becoming a great ruler, the King built three palaces for the couple; one for summer, one for rainy season and one for winter. Siddhartha was kept in these beautiful palaces, surrounded by luxury and happiness but separated from the rest of the world.
When Siddhartha was 29 years old, one day an idea suddenly came to his mind that he wanted to go out of the palace and have a look of the world outside. The King, still wanting to surround him with only happiness, ordered the streets to be swept and decorated, and any ugly and sad sights to be removed. Despite the King's effort, there were four incidents Siddhartha encountered as he was traveling through the streets with his servant, Channa.
First, he saw a man among the crowds. The man's face and body was withered. His eyes were clouded and his mouth was toothless. Siddhartha was shocked by the man's appearance. He asked Channa, "What's wrong with him?" Channa replied, "Nothing. He's just old, my lord. Old age destroys beauty, memory and strength." Siddhartha shook his head sadly and walked on. That was the First Sign - OLD AGE.
As they walked further, they saw a woman lying in a shelter. The woman was pale, very weak and had an expression of great pain. Siddhartha asked, "What's happening to her?" Channa answered, "She's sick, my Lord. When reaching the moment of death, everybody has to fall into sickness at least once." That was the Second Sign - SICKNESS.
Siddhartha said to Channa, "Show me death. I want to see death." Channa then led him to a funeral place where a corpse was lying on the ground, and people were beginning to cremate it with fire. Channa said to Siddhartha, "Death is the moment of separation, my Lord. It happens to every person and every family." Siddhartha looked at the cremation with awe. That was the Third Sign - DEATH.
Siddhartha was very depressed as he walked on slowly. He was contemplating the scenes he saw before finally running into a monk along the road. "Who are you?" he asked the monk. "I'm a seeker of truth. I'm looking for freedom from pain and unhappiness." replied the monk. "And do you think you can find it?" asked Siddhartha eagerly. "Is it possible?" The monk replied, "I can but try. It is for that I live." The monk bowed to the prince and continued to walk on. That was the Fourth Sign - SEEKER OF TRUTH.
That day, Siddhartha realized things beyond happiness for the first time. He now knew everybody would grow old and become ill even one was still young like himself. Death was unavoidable. No matter how happy one might be today, such happiness would not and could not last for ever. That day, he learned much about suffering and discovered compassion. The Four Signs had aroused in him the thought that an answer must be sought about life and suffering. He too needed to become a seeker of truth. He had to take up the task of finding ways to end all these sufferings, and he wanted to do it for himself and for everyone. As Siddhartha walked slowly back to the palace, he had already made up his mind.
That very night, his son, Rahula was born. In spite of his love for the family, he was determined to free himself from them so that he could begin his quest for answers. He knew his work would take the rest of his life. He would have no time to spare for his family and for becoming a ruler of his country. Very late that night while everyone was asleep, he took a final look of his wife and his son, and to the palace. He rode off with a white horse and with his servant Channa, and left the palace. When they reached to the wilderness, Siddhartha cut off his hair and bid farewell to Channa and the horse. He then went into the forest alone by himself, for his quest of knowledge, truth and answers of life and suffering.
There and then, Siddhartha's long journey to enlightenment had so begun ..........................
The word 'Buddha' (菩薩) means 'the awakened one' or 'the enlightened one' - one who discovers the truth of life. As such, anyone who reaches the stage of understanding the true nature of life (awakens or attains enlightenment in Buddhism terms) can be called a Buddha. Our stories are about Gautama Buddha (釋迦牟尼) who was the founder of Buddhism more than 2500 years ago. He is generally regarded as the Supreme Buddha (佛祖) or simply called 'The Buddha'. Like Jesus, Buddha was a real person.
Siddhartha Gautama was born in about 563 BC (exact date not known) as a prince, son of King Sudhodana and Queen Maya in ancient India. His mother, Queen Maya died just a week after his birth. His father, King Sudhodana loved him very much. The King was determined to have his only son to become the future king of the country, and provided all the best things possible to prepare him for this role. So Siddhartha grew up in a very comfortable environment. He was handsome and intelligent. At the age of 16, he was married to Princess Yasodhara whom he loved. In order to keep all the unpleasant things away from Siddhartha so he could concentrate on becoming a great ruler, the King built three palaces for the couple; one for summer, one for rainy season and one for winter. Siddhartha was kept in these beautiful palaces, surrounded by luxury and happiness but separated from the rest of the world.
When Siddhartha was 29 years old, one day an idea suddenly came to his mind that he wanted to go out of the palace and have a look of the world outside. The King, still wanting to surround him with only happiness, ordered the streets to be swept and decorated, and any ugly and sad sights to be removed. Despite the King's effort, there were four incidents Siddhartha encountered as he was traveling through the streets with his servant, Channa.
First, he saw a man among the crowds. The man's face and body was withered. His eyes were clouded and his mouth was toothless. Siddhartha was shocked by the man's appearance. He asked Channa, "What's wrong with him?" Channa replied, "Nothing. He's just old, my lord. Old age destroys beauty, memory and strength." Siddhartha shook his head sadly and walked on. That was the First Sign - OLD AGE.
As they walked further, they saw a woman lying in a shelter. The woman was pale, very weak and had an expression of great pain. Siddhartha asked, "What's happening to her?" Channa answered, "She's sick, my Lord. When reaching the moment of death, everybody has to fall into sickness at least once." That was the Second Sign - SICKNESS.
Siddhartha said to Channa, "Show me death. I want to see death." Channa then led him to a funeral place where a corpse was lying on the ground, and people were beginning to cremate it with fire. Channa said to Siddhartha, "Death is the moment of separation, my Lord. It happens to every person and every family." Siddhartha looked at the cremation with awe. That was the Third Sign - DEATH.
Siddhartha was very depressed as he walked on slowly. He was contemplating the scenes he saw before finally running into a monk along the road. "Who are you?" he asked the monk. "I'm a seeker of truth. I'm looking for freedom from pain and unhappiness." replied the monk. "And do you think you can find it?" asked Siddhartha eagerly. "Is it possible?" The monk replied, "I can but try. It is for that I live." The monk bowed to the prince and continued to walk on. That was the Fourth Sign - SEEKER OF TRUTH.
That day, Siddhartha realized things beyond happiness for the first time. He now knew everybody would grow old and become ill even one was still young like himself. Death was unavoidable. No matter how happy one might be today, such happiness would not and could not last for ever. That day, he learned much about suffering and discovered compassion. The Four Signs had aroused in him the thought that an answer must be sought about life and suffering. He too needed to become a seeker of truth. He had to take up the task of finding ways to end all these sufferings, and he wanted to do it for himself and for everyone. As Siddhartha walked slowly back to the palace, he had already made up his mind.
That very night, his son, Rahula was born. In spite of his love for the family, he was determined to free himself from them so that he could begin his quest for answers. He knew his work would take the rest of his life. He would have no time to spare for his family and for becoming a ruler of his country. Very late that night while everyone was asleep, he took a final look of his wife and his son, and to the palace. He rode off with a white horse and with his servant Channa, and left the palace. When they reached to the wilderness, Siddhartha cut off his hair and bid farewell to Channa and the horse. He then went into the forest alone by himself, for his quest of knowledge, truth and answers of life and suffering.
There and then, Siddhartha's long journey to enlightenment had so begun ..........................
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Kung Hei Fat Choy - Year of the Rabbit
Rabbits are active, cheerful, pure, honest and elegant. They have sharp observations, vigilant and cautious. They enjoy freedom and the nature.Wish you a happy, healthy, wealthy and wishful Year of the Rabbit.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
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