Hari Natal
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Jadikan Natal Anda dan sekeluarga sebagai momen terindah dengan berkunjung ke tempat-tempat yang mampu menciptakan kebahagiaan dan membuat Natal Anda semakin berkesan. |
Sabtu, 24 Desember 2011
10 Tempat Terbaik Merayakan Natal
Hari Natal
Kamis, 22 Desember 2011
Cara Sehat Kerja di Rumah
Jakarta, Orang yang bekerja di rumah kadang mengalami stres karena tidak ada teman diskusi dan lingkungan yang itu-itu saja ditambah dengan gabungan kerjaan rumah yang terus membayangi. Berikut tips sehat agar tetap nyaman kerja dari rumah tanpa gangguan stres.
Studi menunjukkan bahwa, orang yang bekerja dari rumah 15-55 persen lebih produktif daripada mereka yang bekerja di kantor. Namun, sebenarnya bekerja dari rumah pun memiliki gangguan yang tidak sedikit. Gangguan-gangguan tersebut dapat berupa gonggongan anjing, panggilan telepon dan pekerjaan rumah tangga yang malah bikin depresi.
Berikut adalah 7 cara untuk tetap produktif ketika bekerja dari rumah seperti dikutip dari FoxNewsHealth, Senin (19/12/2011) antara lain:
1. Membuat deadline sendiri
Para ahli menyarankan menciptakan deadline sendiri untuk mengerjakan setiap tugas dapat menyebabkan jadwal lebih teratur. Menentukan deadline sendiri juga dapat menghindarkan harus melakukan lembur diakhir waktu sehingga orang bisa menjauh dari stres.
2. Buatlah daftar pekerjaan yang harus dilakukan sehari-hari
Buatlah daftar baru setiap hari dengan perkiraan yang realistis dari apa yang dapat dilakukan dalam satu hari. Beberapa orang lebih suka untuk membuat satu daftar untuk seminggu dan dengan longgar mengikutinya.
Tetapi untuk sebagian orang mungkin kurang produktif dengan deadline yang lebih lama. Harold Taylor, seorang ahli manajemen waktu, merekomendasikan untuk bekerja selama 90 menit, dan kemudian istirahat terlebih dahulu.
3. Menghabiskan waktu istirahat dengan efektif
Cobalah untuk menghabiskan waktu istirahat dengan meninggalkan kursi kerja. Setiap 90 menit, berdirilah dan lakukan peregangan atau melakukan tugas rumah tangga yang cepat, seperti mencuci piring atau menyiram tanaman.
Atau, dapat berjalan-jalan sejenak di sekitar, melakukan beberapa kali sit up atau push up. Melakukan aktivitas fisik sejenak ketika istirahat dapat menyegarkan pikiran dan membakar kalori sehingga orang terhindar dari masalah kegemukan.
4. Menciptakan rutinitas
Paling efektif bekerja di rumah adalah dengan menciptakan rutinitas sendiri untuk mengatur pekerjaan kita sendiri. Seperti misalnya dengan mendapatkan secangkir kopi dan duduk untuk kemudian langsung mulai bekerja.
Yang penting adalah membangun rutinitas yang dapat efektif untuk menyelesaikan pekerjaan. Cobalah untuk merencanakan istirahat makan siang, dan jadwal dalam waktu terbatas untuk menyelesaikan pekerjaan.
5. Mengevaluasi keefektifan penggunaan waktu kerja
Perlu untuk menyisihkan waktu yang digunakan untuk melacak bagaimana menghabiskan waktu kerja selama ini. Hal tersebut dapat untuk mengetahui gangguan apa saja yang menyebabkan kinerja tidak efektif.
6. Tidak perlu multitasking
Kemampuan untuk fokus seringkali dikacaukan dengan kemampuan multitasking. Studi menunjukkan bahwa, orang tidak memiliki kinerja yang baik ketika mereka sedang multitasking. Beberapa ahli percaya bahwa, kemampuan multitasking seseorang seringkali mengacaukan konsentrasi yang telah terbangun.
7. Tegas dalam menjaga waktu kerja
Tegas dalam menjaga waktu kerja adalah awal dari kinerja yang baik. Kita memang harus tegas ketika harus menolak ajakan seorang teman ketika jam kerja. Atau mengakhiri telepon dari kerabat ketika jam kerja. Hal tersebut dapat menjamin kinerja yang baik dan selesainya pekerjaan tepat waktu sehingga tidak jadi beban pikiran.
RegentRenaldo
Food Landscape [Pulau Terbuat Dari Sayuran] Keren Abis gan Believe your EYES!
Ternyata sayur dan buah-buahan bila ditata dengan jiwa seni yang tinggi, maka akan menghasilkan gambaran yang sangat indah. Seperti yang dihasilkan seniman asal London, Inggris ini. Dari tangan Carl Warner terciptalah lansekap alam yang cukup menakjubkan.
Melansir Oddity Central, Kamis (14/10) ditulis, semua yang menyaksikan lansekap buah karya Warner akan berdecak kagum. Orang tidak akan menyangka semua benda yang ada dalam gambar lansekap itu adalah segala benda yang bisa dimakan.
Warner mengaku memadukan karya fotografer lansekap Amerika, Ansel Adams dengan kisah The Wizard of Oz. Selain sayur dan buah, Warner juga menyisipkan roti dan daging. pokoknya, segala yang ada dalam gambar karyanya adalah objek yang bisa dimakan.
Misalnya, pada satu gambar objek gunung, Warner menggunakan roti bakar dan pepohonan dengan brokoli. Di gambar lain, cabai hijau ia gunakan sebagai pohon menguncup dan kacang-kacangan disusun menjadi satu sehingga membentuk tembok bangunan
Sumber
artisnya bray:
Selasa, 02 Agustus 2011
Will Power and Self-Discipline
By Remez Sasson
Sometimes, you wish to go for a walk, knowing how good it is for your health and how wonderful you feel afterwards, but you feel too lazy, and prefer to watch TV instead. You might be aware of the fact that you need to change your eating habits or stop smoking, but you don't have the inner power and persistence to change these habits.
Does this sound familiar? How many times have you said, "I wish I had will power and self discipline"? How many times have you started to do something, only to quit after a short while? We all have had experiences like these.
Everyone possesses some addictions or habits they wish they could overcome, such as smoking, excessive eating, laziness, procrastination or lack of assertiveness. To overcome these habits or addictions, one needs to have will power and self discipline. They make a great difference in everyone's life, and bring inner strength, self mastery and decisiveness.
Definitions of Will Power and Self Discipline
Will power is the ability to overcome laziness and procrastination. It is the ability to control or reject unnecessary or harmful impulses. It is the ability to arrive at a decision and follow it with perseverance until its successful accomplishment. It is the inner power that overcomes the desire to indulge in unnecessary and useless habits, and the inner strength that overcomes inner emotional and mental resistance for taking action. It is one of the corner stones of success, both spiritual and material.
Self-discipline is the companion of will power. It endows with the stamina to persevere in whatever one does. It bestows the ability to withstand hardships and difficulties, whether physical, emotional or mental. It grants the ability to reject immediate satisfaction, in order to gain something better, but, which requires effort and time.
Everyone has inner, unconscious, or partly conscious impulses, making them say or do things they later regret saying or doing. On many occasions people do not think before they talk or act. By developing these two powers, one becomes conscious of the inner, subconscious impulses, and gains the ability to reject them when they are not for his/her own good.
These two powers help us to choose our behavior and reactions, instead of being ruled by them. Their possession won't make life dull or boring. On the contrary, you will feel more powerful, in charge of yourself and your surroundings, happy and satisfied.
How many times have you felt too weak, lazy or shy to do something you wanted to do? You can gain inner strength, initiative and the ability to make decisions and follow them. Believe me, it is not difficult to develop these two powers. If you are earnest and are willing to become stronger, you will certainly succeed.
In this article, you will find some exercises and techniques for developing these abilities. These simple, but effective exercises, can be performed everywhere and at any time. Go slowly and gradually, and you will see how you get stronger and your life start improving.
There is a misconception in the public mind regarding will power. It is erroneously thought to be something strenuous and difficult, and that one has to exert and tense the body and mind when expressing it. It is a completely wrong concept. This is one of the reasons why people avoid using it, though they are conscious of its benefits. They acknowledge the fact that the employment of will power in their life and affairs will greatly help them, and that they need to strengthen it, yet they do nothing about it.
Will power gets stronger by holding back and not allowing the expression of unimportant, unnecessary and unhealthy thoughts, feelings, actions and reactions. If this saved energy is not allowed expression, it is stored inside you like a battery, and it becomes available at the time of need. By practicing appropriate exercises, you develop your powers the same way, as a person who trains his/her muscles in order to strengthen them.
Developing Will Power and Self Discipline
An effective method for developing and improving these abilities is to perform certain actions or activities, which you would rather avoid doing due to laziness, procrastination, weakness, shyness, etc. Doing things that you usually do not like to do. or feel too lazy to do, you overcome your subconscious resistance, train your mind to obey you, strengthen your inner powers and gain inner strength. Muscles get stronger by resisting the power of the barbells. Inner strength is attained by overcoming inner resistance.
Remember, strengthening one of these abilities, automatically strengthens the other one.
Here are a few exercises:
1) You are sitting in a bus or train and an old man or woman, or a pregnant lady walks in. Stand up and give up your seat, even if you prefer to stay seated. Act so, not just because it is polite, but because you are doing something that you are reluctant to do. This is an exercise in overcoming the resistance of your body, mind and feelings.
2) There are dishes in the sink that need washing, and you postpone washing them for later. Get up and wash them now. Do not let your laziness overcome you. When you know that in this way you are developing your will power, and if you are convinced of the importance of will power in your life, it will be easier for you to do whatever you have to do.
3) You come home tired from work and sit in front of the T.V., because you feel too lazy and too tired to take a shower first. Do not succumb to the desire to sit in front of the T.V, and go and take a shower.
4) You may know your body needs some physical exercise, but instead you keep on sitting doing nothing or watching a movie. Get up and walk, run or do some other physical exercise.
5) Do you like your coffee with sugar? If you do, then for one whole week drink it without sugar. Do you drink three cups of coffee each day? If you do, then drink only two cups a day for one whole week.
6) Sometimes, when you want to say something that is not important, decide not to say it.
7) Don't read some unimportant gossip in the newspaper, even if you want to.
8) You have a desire to eat something not too healthy. For the sake of the exercise refuse the desire.
9) If you find yourself thinking unimportant, unnecessary, negative thoughts, try to develop a lack of interest in them, by thinking about their futility and uselessness.
10) Overcome your laziness. Convince yourself of the importance of what is to be done. Convince your mind that you gain inner strength when you act and do things, in spite of laziness, reluctance or senseless inner resistance.
Never say that you cannot follow the above exercises, because you certainly can. Be persistent no matter what. Motivate yourself by thinking about of the importance of performing the exercises, and the inner power and strength you will gain.
Trying to attempt too many exercises when you are still a beginner, might end in disappointment. It is better to start with a few easy exercises at first, and then gradually increase their number and move to the more difficult exercises.
Most of these exercises can be practiced anywhere and at anytime, and you don't have to devote special times for them. They will train and develop your inner strength, enabling you to use it whenever you need it.
If you practice weight lifting, running or aerobics, you strengthen your muscles, so that when you need to move or carry something heavy, for example, you have the strength for it. By studying French each day, you will be able to speak French when you travel to France. It is the same with will power and self-discipline; by strengthening them, they become available for your use whenever you need them.
If for the sake of an exercise, you stop doing something that you usually do, and overcome the inner resistance concerning it, you may resume doing it, if it is not harmful. For example, if you love drinking orange juice, and for the sake of an exercise you switch to drinking apple juice, after doing so for some time, and after it makes no great difference to you, you may go back to drinking orange juice, if you still like it. The point here is to develop inner strength, not making life difficult for you or continue doing things you don't like to do.
Benefits of Possessing Strong Will Power and Self Discipline
You need these skills to control your thoughts, improve your concentration, and to become the boss of your mind. The stronger these skills are, the more inner strength you possess.
Being the master of your mind you enjoy inner peace and happiness. External events do not sway you, and circumstances have no power over your peace of mind. This might sound too unreal for you, but experience will prove to you that all the above is true.
These skills are vital for achieving success. They give you more control over your life, help you change and improve habits, and are essential for self improvement, spiritual growth and meditation.
Practice the exercises presented here earnestly and persistently, and your life will start changing.
Minggu, 31 Juli 2011
The Unexplainable Store
Hello,
Today I'd like to talk about the basic steps of meditation. In essence, meditation is a general term that has many different applications. It's an activity where the participant quiets the mind and embraces the power and mystery of the universe in an attempt to reach a higher state of enlightenment. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Jainism, and Taoism are just a few of the religions that practice meditation, but non-religious applications are practiced worldwide as well.
Let's take a look at the aspects of meditation that are accepted by all traditions.
Step One: It's likely your environment is at constant risk of being disrupted by distractions. Turn off the television, shut down your phone, and try to do what you can to reduce jarring noises. If you're in a shared space with people who will likely disrupt your meditation be sure to talk to them ahead of time.
Alternately, you can find a place outside of your home to practice meditation. Parks commonly have the perfect place to find inner peace. Some Universities and Community Centers have places specifically set up for the purpose of meditation. You'd be surprised how common but hidden good peaceful places are. Just be sure to plan ahead and know the location you're going in to. Comfort is key when finding a location. Once you've found your spot, sit in a comfortable position (close your eyes if you wish) and begin step two.
Step Two: Control your breathing. You've probably heard it before, but breathing is one of the absolute most important aspects of meditation. Breathe in slowly and rhythmically letting air fill your lungs. Feel the life essence of the universe drawn into your body as you bring it in. And as you exhale, understand that each exhalation is an opportunity to feel the joys of inhaling more life. Goal oriented people may find it more difficult to meditate at first, and that will manifest in quicker breathing. Understand there is no rush, and that the very activity you are performing is the goal in itself. After understanding this your deep slow rhythmic breathing will fill you with a sense of life and joy.
Step Three: This step is the next level of meditation. Detach yourself from your mind, by observation of your own thoughts. Do not judge your thoughts or try to change them. Just observe. As you observe your thoughts you gain insight into who you really are. You cease to be the mind observing the mind. Your conscious elevates out of the subconscious so you can see what is really going on behind it all. This step is one of the most difficult for some people, who must always be in control of what they're thinking.
Step Four: After observing the mind and becoming detached, you may find some form of inner peace and understand that you are immovable like a young tree in the wind. Though larger trees will be snapped over by great gusts of a tornado or a hurricane, the sapling bends and remains rooted to the ground unmoving. In this way you too you will feel unmoving and solid. Around this sensation you will feel serenity and peace.
These basic steps should take you far on your journey. Additionally, we have several helpful entrainment programs that can take you through the meditation process. Our meditation entrainment therapy actually focuses your brain waves in a way that makes meditation both easier and more rewarding. Be sure to check it out at: http://www.store. unexplainable.net/products/ meditation.php
These are powerful basic steps that will lead you on the path to serenity and oneness with the whole universe. Next time we'll take a look at a few steps toward deeper meditation, and look at some of the more ritual aspects such as the classic and sacred "Ohm" sound.
Thank you for taking the time to read our presentation on Meditation. We're looking forward to tackling the next subject and bringing you closer to inner peace.
See you then,
Today I'd like to talk about the basic steps of meditation. In essence, meditation is a general term that has many different applications. It's an activity where the participant quiets the mind and embraces the power and mystery of the universe in an attempt to reach a higher state of enlightenment. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Jainism, and Taoism are just a few of the religions that practice meditation, but non-religious applications are practiced worldwide as well.
Let's take a look at the aspects of meditation that are accepted by all traditions.
Step One: It's likely your environment is at constant risk of being disrupted by distractions. Turn off the television, shut down your phone, and try to do what you can to reduce jarring noises. If you're in a shared space with people who will likely disrupt your meditation be sure to talk to them ahead of time.
Alternately, you can find a place outside of your home to practice meditation. Parks commonly have the perfect place to find inner peace. Some Universities and Community Centers have places specifically set up for the purpose of meditation. You'd be surprised how common but hidden good peaceful places are. Just be sure to plan ahead and know the location you're going in to. Comfort is key when finding a location. Once you've found your spot, sit in a comfortable position (close your eyes if you wish) and begin step two.
Step Two: Control your breathing. You've probably heard it before, but breathing is one of the absolute most important aspects of meditation. Breathe in slowly and rhythmically letting air fill your lungs. Feel the life essence of the universe drawn into your body as you bring it in. And as you exhale, understand that each exhalation is an opportunity to feel the joys of inhaling more life. Goal oriented people may find it more difficult to meditate at first, and that will manifest in quicker breathing. Understand there is no rush, and that the very activity you are performing is the goal in itself. After understanding this your deep slow rhythmic breathing will fill you with a sense of life and joy.
Step Three: This step is the next level of meditation. Detach yourself from your mind, by observation of your own thoughts. Do not judge your thoughts or try to change them. Just observe. As you observe your thoughts you gain insight into who you really are. You cease to be the mind observing the mind. Your conscious elevates out of the subconscious so you can see what is really going on behind it all. This step is one of the most difficult for some people, who must always be in control of what they're thinking.
Step Four: After observing the mind and becoming detached, you may find some form of inner peace and understand that you are immovable like a young tree in the wind. Though larger trees will be snapped over by great gusts of a tornado or a hurricane, the sapling bends and remains rooted to the ground unmoving. In this way you too you will feel unmoving and solid. Around this sensation you will feel serenity and peace.
These basic steps should take you far on your journey. Additionally, we have several helpful entrainment programs that can take you through the meditation process. Our meditation entrainment therapy actually focuses your brain waves in a way that makes meditation both easier and more rewarding. Be sure to check it out at: http://www.store. unexplainable.net/products/ meditation.php
These are powerful basic steps that will lead you on the path to serenity and oneness with the whole universe. Next time we'll take a look at a few steps toward deeper meditation, and look at some of the more ritual aspects such as the classic and sacred "Ohm" sound.
Thank you for taking the time to read our presentation on Meditation. We're looking forward to tackling the next subject and bringing you closer to inner peace.
See you then,
Senin, 25 Juli 2011
meditation
There's lots of different ways to meditate. Each is a different system with broadly the same effect. Check out these different meditation methods to see which suits you best.
Walking meditation
This is of the simplest ways to meditate, although obviously it is not as separate from the remainder of the world as you require to be aware of your surroundings. With a running meditation you pay attention to your feelings & your surroundings. Permit yourself0 minutes or so & if feasible pick a place where you are away from traffic. A local park is lovely. Then go for a delicate walk & take in the area. Notice the smells & sounds & pay attention to what you see.
Breathing meditation
At its simplest, you discover a calm place where you won't be disturbed & start to take deeper breaths than you'd normally take. Breathe in a long, slow, deep breath. If feasible hold it for a second or before releasing it, again slowly. Repeat this over again, at least times & ideally more. You'll find that this is a fast way to bring about a more relaxed state in your body.
Binaural beats meditation
Cosmic meditation
This is the "modern" way to meditate & is the system I personally use regularly. You can purchase this type of meditation & then play it on your CD or MP3 player. You require to discover a place where you won't be disturbed for the length of the track, which is usually 30 to 60 minutes. The track will play a background noise - usually rainfall or music - as well as binaural beats. These beats play slightly different tones, in to each ear. Your brain then tries to resolve the small difference between the tones & it is this which brings out a meditative state with next to no work on your part. This type of meditation is powerful - don't get taken in by its simplicity!
Guided meditation
similar to the binaural beats meditation, this is usually linked to Cosmic Ordering which is a structured type of Napoleon Hill's ideas from Think & Grow Rich. A cosmic meditation usually takes the type of a guided meditation which will get you relaxed & then let you send your current wish or goals list on to the cosmos.
There is a lot of of these obtainable on the net. They usually last between0 & 60 minutes. Usually a guided meditation will start with a relaxation procedure so that you are relaxed & receptive for the main part of the meditation. It will then move on to the actual aim of the meditation, whether this is deep relaxation, healing your body, contacting your higher self or any other aim you have chosen. You can pick a single guided meditation or they are often sold in bundles of several guided meditations.
Whichever way of meditation you pick to make use of, you'll find that it helps to relax you & relieve the stresses & strains that appear to accompany our modern lifestyle.
Editorial Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1048105
Sabtu, 16 Juli 2011
Debt Collecting Spirit
Book 127 Unveiling the Spiritual World
Chapter 4 Debt Collecting Spirit
By: Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu.
Translated by: Xiaocao
Edited by: May Kwan
Proofread by: Mimosa
Team members of Padmakumara Translation Team
Chapter 4 Debt Collecting Spirit
As the master of the ceremony, I sat on the Dharma Throne. The back of the Dharma Throne was adorned with carved auspicious objects. Both armrests had carvings of dragons on them and the seat was covered with a thick blanket. A crossed vajra was hung above the throne and under the throne laid a picture of eight good fortune lions.
The throne was placed under a magnificent parasol, with Dharma banners on the right side and Dharma flags on the left side.
In addition, there were stacks of rice all neatly arranged. Plaques with the names of the deceased (spirits) were erected in the rice. The altar was filled with offerings such as flowers, incense, candles, tea, fruits and many valuables. The offerings were arranged and placed like a mandala. My Reverend students were responsible for reciting the sutras and sprinkling the blessing water. I visualized three golden Dharma Boats descending and delivering the spirits to the Pure Land.
I chanted the Amitabha Mantra while forming various mudras to invoke Deities, render offerings, emit lights, purify, deliver, teach and liberate the spirits.
I sprinkled rice and water
With the offerings, I visualized them multiplying to fill up the mountains, oceans and universe.
I was concentrating deeply.
At that moment, a Dharma Protector appeared before me to report a matter. He said, "There is a spirit standing outside the protection boundary wanting to meet with Grand Master urgently"
I opened my eyes and looked towards the boundary. Among the smoke and fire, there stood a blurry figure of a young man's spirit. His spirit appeared and disappeared and he seemed to be quite restless. It seemed that there was an important matter. The spirit tried to go through the protection boundary but he couldn't get through.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"There is a very important matter". Actually the Dharma Protector was also unclear of the matter. "But the young spirit has the initiation certificate from Grand Master".
"He is my student, let him come inside the boundary".
At an instance, the young spirit was inside the altar boundary. He immediately bowed in front of me and paid his respect. His breath was heavy. He said, "Grand Master, the ceremony is almost over, I come here as fast as I can and I am almost late."
"Is there an important matter?"
The young spirit answered, "Grand Master, you have many students so it is not surprising that you do not recognize me. My name is Zhan Wu, a college student. Two years ago, I came with my parents to visit you. At that time, Grand Master praised me and said that I will pass my exams and attend the Harvard University. A promising future is ahead of me."
"And now?"
"Now, I am dead"
"How did you die?"
"Saving a person from drowning"
"Saving who?"
"Saving a friend"
"Do not worry. I will deliver your spirit"
"I am very grateful for Grand Master's kindness". Zhan Wu continued, "My intention here today is not about deliverance. It is about my parents coming to Seattle tomorrow."
"Let them come then!"
"From the conversation that I have heard between them, it appeared that they are very upset. They are here to question your prediction and I am worried for Grand Master."
Zhan Wu said, "Grand Master has once said that my future is bright and boundless. But now I am dead. What is the meaning of a bright and boundless future?"
I sat on top of a very high Dharma Throne. Upon hearing what Zhan Wu had told me, my inner being was shocked. What Zhan Wu had just said was true. Two years ago, he came with his parents. I saw that he was well built and had a handsome face and both his eyes were alert and bright. I am a person who can read faces. I was sure that he had good fortunes. I touched his head with my palm and praised him deeply. This kid was very talented. His face was rarely found. His affinity with Buddha was very strong and his future would be successful.
At that time, Zhan Wu's parents were very happy with what I have told them.
His father said, "Zhan Wu is a very brilliant and filial son".
His mother said, "Since Zhan Wu was a child, he has always being very obedient and very respectful. Everyone loves him. He is also very diligent in his cultivation".
Now, Zhan Wu's parents would be coming to Seattle. I have met them before. I wondered whether we would have an argument. Would there be awkward feelings between us? Would they question their faith after this event? Would they lose their confidence in me?
Sitting on the Dharma Throne, I contemplated the path of my life. When I first started my mission, I come across lots of disasters even though I never harmed anyone. A religious sect had attacked me aggressively. I had experienced many misfortunes. I did not just experience minor sufferings but I have experienced all kinds of sufferings known to man.
My name, besides showing my identity, is cursed.
My name is well known but just see what reactions it has stirred up.
"Who is he?"
"Sheng-yen Lu!"
"Oh, he is actually misleading, charlatan, medium, fake, bastard, liar, Satan?"
Moreover, my name has become a laughing stock.
Because of these, I have to be very careful and vigilant in my conversations and actions.
For example, in Dharma ceremonies, I never asked for any monetary gains. Everything is up to the discretion and sincerity of the giver.
In addition, I am very careful when interacting with my students, especially female students.
Do not ever become the gossip of the communities.
Naturally I have protected myself as much as possible but still there can some carelessness. Once that carelessness is apparent, some people will take advantage. Nevertheless, I know in advance and therefore perform armor protection before it occurs. Once there was a group of people who intended to harm me but they failed in their quest.
From Zhan Wu's incident, a lot of students who have taken refuge and received empowerment in Tantrayana would have doubts.
Once our past patriarchs have said, "Initiation in Tantrayana is extraordinary. As soon as one received empowerment initiation, there will be thirty-six Virtuous Gods protecting oneself."
Zhan Wu have received one initiation empowerment and he was very diligent in his cultivation so how could he die so tragically? How could he die in an accident?
I contemplated over and over again as to how I could protect my reputation? How could I protect my name from being tarnished again? But the truth had occurred before my eyes, I could not deny the fact that my student who received the initiation empowerment died in an accident. A noble-looking Buddhist student had to go without any logical explanations.
With this incident, I couldn't offer any logical explanation. Tears began to flow and my eyes became red.
Zhan Wu cheered me up, "Grand Master, do not think too much of it."
"That is all I can do", I answered.
"This incident is due to cause and effect."
"Cause and effect is very profound. It is taught by Shakyamuni Buddha." I answered.
Zhan Wu said, "After I died, I finally realized the karma of my own existence."
"You know all of it?"
"Yes."
"Please tell me."
Zhan Wu told me, "It is because of destiny that a family consisting of a father, mother and siblings can come together. If someone in the family who is there to seek revenge then it will result in unfortunate destiny. On the other hand, when one seeks to repay kindness then that is fortunate destiny. Some destiny can last a long time while others are short lived."
In Zhan Wu's past life, he had a surname of "Wan".
Wan was an old man who had lent all his savings to a person for opening a business. That person was Zhan Wu's father in this present lifetime. Zhan Wu's father never repaid his debt. Eventually the old man died because of hunger and depression.
After Wan died, he was reincarnated as Zhan Wu in this present lifetime.
Zhan Wu said, "My destiny here with my parents is a short one. The purpose of my reincarnation is to collect the debt, which has now been repaid. I have finished spending all my parents?money and it is time for me to leave."
"Ah, the incident now makes sense!" I was really surprised with what I had heard.
"That is the truth", Zhan Wu said.
"Do you miss your parents?" I asked.
Zhan Wu said, "Now that I have left this mundane world, the affinity with my parents has also come to a closure. At moments, I do miss them but there is nothing I can do about it. However, my destiny with Grand Master will never end. I will never forget the kindness of Grand Master. I will reincarnate again into this world. When I come back, I will still be your student."
"Where will you go?"
"To a family with the surname 'Lim?"
I took a breath and nodded my head.
The next day, Zhan Wu's parents arrived. Their faces showed immense sorrow. I did not know what to say but to let them lead the conversation.
"Grand Master should know everything! A person like Grand Master is very rare in this world."
I smiled.
Zhan Wu's parents said, "Zhan Wu has passed away."
I nodded my head.
"Grand Master has mentioned that Zhan Wu's face is very special and flawless and that his future will be boundless but now he has died young."
Zhan Wu mother continued, "Every day Zhan Wu cultivated, chanted the Guru's Heart Mantra and formed the Guru's mudra. He has always worn the Fu (charm) to protect himself. The only time he took it off was when he went swimming so that the Fu would not get wet."
I listened carefully.
Zhan Wu's mother asked, "Where were all the Dharma Protectors?"
Without feeling insulted, I pondered on some issues.
If I were a Dharma Protector who could travel freely, would I save a True Buddha student who was in danger? Then I asked myself again. This good student was a debt collecting spirit who was reincarnated to collect debts from his parents. As his Dharma Protectors, what should we do?
Save him?
Where is the law of karma?
Don't save him?
Where is my responsibility as a Dharma Protector?
Finally the Dharma Protectors could only bite their lips, closed their eyes, and leave. They would not dare to save Zhan Wu from danger.
Zhan Wu's parents saw me contemplating.
They asked, "Grand Master, what could have caused all these to happen? We trusted Grand Master and took refuge in Grand Master but now all our friends and family are laughing at us. They said that we have taken refuge in a Satan misleading cult. Because of Zhan Wu's incident, they are now laughing at us even more. They said that our Guru is a liar and those who believed in him will be unfortunate and meet with disasters. A Guru as such should not be trusted. Grand Master, how can we face them?"
"I?" I couldn't give them an answer.
"Grand Master doesn't know any of these? Can you not see it before?"
"Eh?" I said. "All these are karma" My mouth felt bitter.
"Would you please tell us?"
"I don't want to tell you." I felt that they would suffer more if I told them. If I kept silent then their beautiful memory would not be destroyed. Even if I told them, I was not sure whether they would understand.
My conclusion is that this world has many problems and incidents, which are impossible to be analysed with human logic. The subject on cause and effect is extremely profound.
"Will it still be necessary for us to chant Buddha's name and mantra?", they asked.
"Chanting Buddha's name and mantra is very good." I answered.
"Should we still continue with our cultivation?"
"Cultivation can elevate our consciousness of our soul thus becoming more spiritually matured."
"How do we face our friends and family?"
"It is indeed a big problem. I have been through this before. No matter how you explain to them, they have already made up their mind not to believe you. Assume that you can answer them but they will not understand you. Just let things flow naturally."
Zhan Wu's parents cried sorrowfully.
I sat there immobilized.
This world is really strange.
We are crying while others are laughing.
We are laughing while others are crying.
Crying and laughing.
Oh world! It is so difficult to understand.
"Alright, we are leaving. However, we have one question we need to ask Grand Master. Where will Zhan Wu be reincarnated?"
I could offer them an answer, "I personally guarantee that there will be nothing unfortunate happen to Zhan Wu. He is still my student. I will definitely transmit Buddha Dharma to him!"
Quite some time has passed by.
A woman from the Lim family, who lived near the temple, gave birth to a baby girl. Zhan Wu was a man so why did he reincarnate as a girl?
After thinking it over, that could be possible. When I spoke to Zhan Wu earlier, I only asked him where he would be reincarnated. I did not ask him whether he would be reincarnated as a boy or a girl. Whether one is born as a boy or girl, one is still a human being. Males and females are physically different and karma plays an important role in affecting the aspects of Ying and Yang. Reincarnating from male to female or vice versa is not foreign to me.
Zhan Wu died at a young age because the purpose of his life was to collect debts. From the karma point of view, it is natural that he has now reincarnated as a girl.
I named the baby girl and helped her took refuge in Triple Jewels and Grand Master.
Two weeks later, the mother was taking a stroll around the temple. She was pushing the pram with the baby girl inside.
I approached them and took a closer look at the baby girl.
The baby had a round and full forehead, curved eyebrows, beautiful eyes, thick earlobes and a solid chin. Her face resembled that of Zhan Wu's. However, the feminine features now replaced the male features of her previous life.
I rubbed her face and pointy nose.
She smiled at me.
I called her gently, "Zhan Wu, Zhan Wu, Zhan Wu."
She suddenly became very cheerful and was laughing happily.
Then, her silky smooth and round fingers pointed at the sky. Her fingers slowly formed a mudra. She finally formed the Padmakumara Mudra.
Her mother was elated, "Look! She formed the Padmakumara Mudra!"
"Yes, it is indeed the Padmakumara Mudra."
With excitement, she asked, "Is she the reincarnation of Padmakumara?"
I replied softly, "She is Zhan Wu."
Chapter 4 Debt Collecting Spirit
By: Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu.
Translated by: Xiaocao
Edited by: May Kwan
Proofread by: Mimosa
Team members of Padmakumara Translation Team
Chapter 4 Debt Collecting Spirit
As the master of the ceremony, I sat on the Dharma Throne. The back of the Dharma Throne was adorned with carved auspicious objects. Both armrests had carvings of dragons on them and the seat was covered with a thick blanket. A crossed vajra was hung above the throne and under the throne laid a picture of eight good fortune lions.
The throne was placed under a magnificent parasol, with Dharma banners on the right side and Dharma flags on the left side.
In addition, there were stacks of rice all neatly arranged. Plaques with the names of the deceased (spirits) were erected in the rice. The altar was filled with offerings such as flowers, incense, candles, tea, fruits and many valuables. The offerings were arranged and placed like a mandala. My Reverend students were responsible for reciting the sutras and sprinkling the blessing water. I visualized three golden Dharma Boats descending and delivering the spirits to the Pure Land.
I chanted the Amitabha Mantra while forming various mudras to invoke Deities, render offerings, emit lights, purify, deliver, teach and liberate the spirits.
I sprinkled rice and water
With the offerings, I visualized them multiplying to fill up the mountains, oceans and universe.
I was concentrating deeply.
At that moment, a Dharma Protector appeared before me to report a matter. He said, "There is a spirit standing outside the protection boundary wanting to meet with Grand Master urgently"
I opened my eyes and looked towards the boundary. Among the smoke and fire, there stood a blurry figure of a young man's spirit. His spirit appeared and disappeared and he seemed to be quite restless. It seemed that there was an important matter. The spirit tried to go through the protection boundary but he couldn't get through.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"There is a very important matter". Actually the Dharma Protector was also unclear of the matter. "But the young spirit has the initiation certificate from Grand Master".
"He is my student, let him come inside the boundary".
At an instance, the young spirit was inside the altar boundary. He immediately bowed in front of me and paid his respect. His breath was heavy. He said, "Grand Master, the ceremony is almost over, I come here as fast as I can and I am almost late."
"Is there an important matter?"
The young spirit answered, "Grand Master, you have many students so it is not surprising that you do not recognize me. My name is Zhan Wu, a college student. Two years ago, I came with my parents to visit you. At that time, Grand Master praised me and said that I will pass my exams and attend the Harvard University. A promising future is ahead of me."
"And now?"
"Now, I am dead"
"How did you die?"
"Saving a person from drowning"
"Saving who?"
"Saving a friend"
"Do not worry. I will deliver your spirit"
"I am very grateful for Grand Master's kindness". Zhan Wu continued, "My intention here today is not about deliverance. It is about my parents coming to Seattle tomorrow."
"Let them come then!"
"From the conversation that I have heard between them, it appeared that they are very upset. They are here to question your prediction and I am worried for Grand Master."
Zhan Wu said, "Grand Master has once said that my future is bright and boundless. But now I am dead. What is the meaning of a bright and boundless future?"
I sat on top of a very high Dharma Throne. Upon hearing what Zhan Wu had told me, my inner being was shocked. What Zhan Wu had just said was true. Two years ago, he came with his parents. I saw that he was well built and had a handsome face and both his eyes were alert and bright. I am a person who can read faces. I was sure that he had good fortunes. I touched his head with my palm and praised him deeply. This kid was very talented. His face was rarely found. His affinity with Buddha was very strong and his future would be successful.
At that time, Zhan Wu's parents were very happy with what I have told them.
His father said, "Zhan Wu is a very brilliant and filial son".
His mother said, "Since Zhan Wu was a child, he has always being very obedient and very respectful. Everyone loves him. He is also very diligent in his cultivation".
Now, Zhan Wu's parents would be coming to Seattle. I have met them before. I wondered whether we would have an argument. Would there be awkward feelings between us? Would they question their faith after this event? Would they lose their confidence in me?
Sitting on the Dharma Throne, I contemplated the path of my life. When I first started my mission, I come across lots of disasters even though I never harmed anyone. A religious sect had attacked me aggressively. I had experienced many misfortunes. I did not just experience minor sufferings but I have experienced all kinds of sufferings known to man.
My name, besides showing my identity, is cursed.
My name is well known but just see what reactions it has stirred up.
"Who is he?"
"Sheng-yen Lu!"
"Oh, he is actually misleading, charlatan, medium, fake, bastard, liar, Satan?"
Moreover, my name has become a laughing stock.
Because of these, I have to be very careful and vigilant in my conversations and actions.
For example, in Dharma ceremonies, I never asked for any monetary gains. Everything is up to the discretion and sincerity of the giver.
In addition, I am very careful when interacting with my students, especially female students.
Do not ever become the gossip of the communities.
Naturally I have protected myself as much as possible but still there can some carelessness. Once that carelessness is apparent, some people will take advantage. Nevertheless, I know in advance and therefore perform armor protection before it occurs. Once there was a group of people who intended to harm me but they failed in their quest.
From Zhan Wu's incident, a lot of students who have taken refuge and received empowerment in Tantrayana would have doubts.
Once our past patriarchs have said, "Initiation in Tantrayana is extraordinary. As soon as one received empowerment initiation, there will be thirty-six Virtuous Gods protecting oneself."
Zhan Wu have received one initiation empowerment and he was very diligent in his cultivation so how could he die so tragically? How could he die in an accident?
I contemplated over and over again as to how I could protect my reputation? How could I protect my name from being tarnished again? But the truth had occurred before my eyes, I could not deny the fact that my student who received the initiation empowerment died in an accident. A noble-looking Buddhist student had to go without any logical explanations.
With this incident, I couldn't offer any logical explanation. Tears began to flow and my eyes became red.
Zhan Wu cheered me up, "Grand Master, do not think too much of it."
"That is all I can do", I answered.
"This incident is due to cause and effect."
"Cause and effect is very profound. It is taught by Shakyamuni Buddha." I answered.
Zhan Wu said, "After I died, I finally realized the karma of my own existence."
"You know all of it?"
"Yes."
"Please tell me."
Zhan Wu told me, "It is because of destiny that a family consisting of a father, mother and siblings can come together. If someone in the family who is there to seek revenge then it will result in unfortunate destiny. On the other hand, when one seeks to repay kindness then that is fortunate destiny. Some destiny can last a long time while others are short lived."
In Zhan Wu's past life, he had a surname of "Wan".
Wan was an old man who had lent all his savings to a person for opening a business. That person was Zhan Wu's father in this present lifetime. Zhan Wu's father never repaid his debt. Eventually the old man died because of hunger and depression.
After Wan died, he was reincarnated as Zhan Wu in this present lifetime.
Zhan Wu said, "My destiny here with my parents is a short one. The purpose of my reincarnation is to collect the debt, which has now been repaid. I have finished spending all my parents?money and it is time for me to leave."
"Ah, the incident now makes sense!" I was really surprised with what I had heard.
"That is the truth", Zhan Wu said.
"Do you miss your parents?" I asked.
Zhan Wu said, "Now that I have left this mundane world, the affinity with my parents has also come to a closure. At moments, I do miss them but there is nothing I can do about it. However, my destiny with Grand Master will never end. I will never forget the kindness of Grand Master. I will reincarnate again into this world. When I come back, I will still be your student."
"Where will you go?"
"To a family with the surname 'Lim?"
I took a breath and nodded my head.
The next day, Zhan Wu's parents arrived. Their faces showed immense sorrow. I did not know what to say but to let them lead the conversation.
"Grand Master should know everything! A person like Grand Master is very rare in this world."
I smiled.
Zhan Wu's parents said, "Zhan Wu has passed away."
I nodded my head.
"Grand Master has mentioned that Zhan Wu's face is very special and flawless and that his future will be boundless but now he has died young."
Zhan Wu mother continued, "Every day Zhan Wu cultivated, chanted the Guru's Heart Mantra and formed the Guru's mudra. He has always worn the Fu (charm) to protect himself. The only time he took it off was when he went swimming so that the Fu would not get wet."
I listened carefully.
Zhan Wu's mother asked, "Where were all the Dharma Protectors?"
Without feeling insulted, I pondered on some issues.
If I were a Dharma Protector who could travel freely, would I save a True Buddha student who was in danger? Then I asked myself again. This good student was a debt collecting spirit who was reincarnated to collect debts from his parents. As his Dharma Protectors, what should we do?
Save him?
Where is the law of karma?
Don't save him?
Where is my responsibility as a Dharma Protector?
Finally the Dharma Protectors could only bite their lips, closed their eyes, and leave. They would not dare to save Zhan Wu from danger.
Zhan Wu's parents saw me contemplating.
They asked, "Grand Master, what could have caused all these to happen? We trusted Grand Master and took refuge in Grand Master but now all our friends and family are laughing at us. They said that we have taken refuge in a Satan misleading cult. Because of Zhan Wu's incident, they are now laughing at us even more. They said that our Guru is a liar and those who believed in him will be unfortunate and meet with disasters. A Guru as such should not be trusted. Grand Master, how can we face them?"
"I?" I couldn't give them an answer.
"Grand Master doesn't know any of these? Can you not see it before?"
"Eh?" I said. "All these are karma" My mouth felt bitter.
"Would you please tell us?"
"I don't want to tell you." I felt that they would suffer more if I told them. If I kept silent then their beautiful memory would not be destroyed. Even if I told them, I was not sure whether they would understand.
My conclusion is that this world has many problems and incidents, which are impossible to be analysed with human logic. The subject on cause and effect is extremely profound.
"Will it still be necessary for us to chant Buddha's name and mantra?", they asked.
"Chanting Buddha's name and mantra is very good." I answered.
"Should we still continue with our cultivation?"
"Cultivation can elevate our consciousness of our soul thus becoming more spiritually matured."
"How do we face our friends and family?"
"It is indeed a big problem. I have been through this before. No matter how you explain to them, they have already made up their mind not to believe you. Assume that you can answer them but they will not understand you. Just let things flow naturally."
Zhan Wu's parents cried sorrowfully.
I sat there immobilized.
This world is really strange.
We are crying while others are laughing.
We are laughing while others are crying.
Crying and laughing.
Oh world! It is so difficult to understand.
"Alright, we are leaving. However, we have one question we need to ask Grand Master. Where will Zhan Wu be reincarnated?"
I could offer them an answer, "I personally guarantee that there will be nothing unfortunate happen to Zhan Wu. He is still my student. I will definitely transmit Buddha Dharma to him!"
Quite some time has passed by.
A woman from the Lim family, who lived near the temple, gave birth to a baby girl. Zhan Wu was a man so why did he reincarnate as a girl?
After thinking it over, that could be possible. When I spoke to Zhan Wu earlier, I only asked him where he would be reincarnated. I did not ask him whether he would be reincarnated as a boy or a girl. Whether one is born as a boy or girl, one is still a human being. Males and females are physically different and karma plays an important role in affecting the aspects of Ying and Yang. Reincarnating from male to female or vice versa is not foreign to me.
Zhan Wu died at a young age because the purpose of his life was to collect debts. From the karma point of view, it is natural that he has now reincarnated as a girl.
I named the baby girl and helped her took refuge in Triple Jewels and Grand Master.
Two weeks later, the mother was taking a stroll around the temple. She was pushing the pram with the baby girl inside.
I approached them and took a closer look at the baby girl.
The baby had a round and full forehead, curved eyebrows, beautiful eyes, thick earlobes and a solid chin. Her face resembled that of Zhan Wu's. However, the feminine features now replaced the male features of her previous life.
I rubbed her face and pointy nose.
She smiled at me.
I called her gently, "Zhan Wu, Zhan Wu, Zhan Wu."
She suddenly became very cheerful and was laughing happily.
Then, her silky smooth and round fingers pointed at the sky. Her fingers slowly formed a mudra. She finally formed the Padmakumara Mudra.
Her mother was elated, "Look! She formed the Padmakumara Mudra!"
"Yes, it is indeed the Padmakumara Mudra."
With excitement, she asked, "Is she the reincarnation of Padmakumara?"
I replied softly, "She is Zhan Wu."
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