The following message is taken from one of the teaching sessions of Oprah and Deepak 21 days Manifest Grace through Gratitude. This session is about why we should not be judgmental against another human being.
Intrinsic connection between gratitude and compassion. Compassion is about knowing that you are human, I am human; we are all connected with similarity outweigh the difference. When we judge another human being, we deny the connection that tie us all. If we refrain from judgement, we become a conduit for peace and happiness.
There is a hidden link between gratitude and compassion. When we feed kindness in our heart, we are compassionate. This has been taught both by Jesus and Buddha. However, for most of us, compassion seems to be impossible when we are judgmental or someone had committed evil deeds. Judgement is fueled by sense of rightfulness. Our ego enjoy the judgement to the fullest. It is like nothing is better than the feeling that we are the in the right. The problem with the judgement is that if we are in the right, then we put someone else in the wrong. Judgement provides a powerful sense of separation. On the other side of the gulf, the person we judge against, they will also be judging us as harshly as we do to him. Being thankful is the opposite of being judgmental. When we are thankful for something or for someone, we cannot be judgmental at the same time. This part has a great healing power. So, next time, if we have to be judgmental against someone, always find reasons to be thankful for that person is in your life. Getting down the judgmental chair, it completely shift our attitude. Instead of condemning, try to help the person, and offer forgiveness. In the absence of judgement, there is nothing to resent. Grudging begins to lose ground. When we forgive, our awareness becomes more inclusive that opens up the door of compassion linking every human being together with empathy. This shared empathy deepens our humanity. When we stop judging someone else, we stop judging ourselves. If we get to that state, we are then in the state of grace and awakening.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Loving with gratitude
The following is a recording message from Oprah and Deepak's "Manifest Grace through Gratitude".
According to Marianne Williamson, there are only 2 emotions in life: love and fear. When we open up love with gratitude, something miraculously happen. Fear starts to melt away. Love is life's great teacher. Through love, we experience joy, acceptance and freedom. Gratitude is not someone receives or responds to us, but rather about how we connect the true expressions of ourselves. When we choose to love everything around us, we send to clear message to the Universe: My love transcends fear, anger, and rejection. I love you even to those who hurts me because they are the persons who really need love most. I thank you for the experience, good or bad, which has shaped me who I am today. Loving fearlessly through gratitude is one of the greatest thing a human being can do.
Grace has been connected to love in every wisdom tradition. Sages and spiritual guides teach us that divine love doesn't have to be deserved. To a modern person, this seems to be unreasonable, because for most of us, we withdraw love when we are displeased. God, or whatever name applied to the 'High Power' seems to love bad people too. This is the central part of grace. The reason is that grace is not a choice. Whether or not, we believe in the Higher Power, grace exists in infinite field of consciousness. It is the supporting principle behind everything in nature. Including our lives. Clearly we can choose to think whatever we like, without nature's support, our body cannot exist for more than a few minutes. Spiritually, this support is called the divine love. We don't have to accept the word or the idea of divine to accept the basic idea here. Love is already a part of our awareness. We can choose to express it or not. To give a little love, or a lot. If we choose to give a lot, something magical happens. We become who we really are. This is one of the most joyful aspect of love, but also the most frightening for most people. We hold back the expression of love for fearing of being rejected, of seeming needy or weak, or exposing us our own insecurity or vulnerability. But nothing stops us from giving thanks to someone sharing our life. This act of gratitude gladdens the heart and awakens the grace in our life. Love is active when it is expressed. Gratitude simplifies love by removing the ego. The mother's love for a child with fearless appreciation of the child is the template for merging love with gratitude. Love is an expression of unity that we share with other people. Love means overcoming the feeling of separation. It brings us for completion that denies to the ego.
According to Marianne Williamson, there are only 2 emotions in life: love and fear. When we open up love with gratitude, something miraculously happen. Fear starts to melt away. Love is life's great teacher. Through love, we experience joy, acceptance and freedom. Gratitude is not someone receives or responds to us, but rather about how we connect the true expressions of ourselves. When we choose to love everything around us, we send to clear message to the Universe: My love transcends fear, anger, and rejection. I love you even to those who hurts me because they are the persons who really need love most. I thank you for the experience, good or bad, which has shaped me who I am today. Loving fearlessly through gratitude is one of the greatest thing a human being can do.
Grace has been connected to love in every wisdom tradition. Sages and spiritual guides teach us that divine love doesn't have to be deserved. To a modern person, this seems to be unreasonable, because for most of us, we withdraw love when we are displeased. God, or whatever name applied to the 'High Power' seems to love bad people too. This is the central part of grace. The reason is that grace is not a choice. Whether or not, we believe in the Higher Power, grace exists in infinite field of consciousness. It is the supporting principle behind everything in nature. Including our lives. Clearly we can choose to think whatever we like, without nature's support, our body cannot exist for more than a few minutes. Spiritually, this support is called the divine love. We don't have to accept the word or the idea of divine to accept the basic idea here. Love is already a part of our awareness. We can choose to express it or not. To give a little love, or a lot. If we choose to give a lot, something magical happens. We become who we really are. This is one of the most joyful aspect of love, but also the most frightening for most people. We hold back the expression of love for fearing of being rejected, of seeming needy or weak, or exposing us our own insecurity or vulnerability. But nothing stops us from giving thanks to someone sharing our life. This act of gratitude gladdens the heart and awakens the grace in our life. Love is active when it is expressed. Gratitude simplifies love by removing the ego. The mother's love for a child with fearless appreciation of the child is the template for merging love with gratitude. Love is an expression of unity that we share with other people. Love means overcoming the feeling of separation. It brings us for completion that denies to the ego.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
The more grateful I am, the more my life is supported
The following is Deepak's words in "Manifest Grace through Gratitude", Day 11 recording message. Enjoy the reading.
In the moment of grace, we feel safe and worthy. The atmosphere of love is all around us. These 'privileged' moments are beautiful. But if we look through this on the moment, we will see nature is generous and supportive. We are supported all the time because we are unique in the cosmic universe. No one like us has ever existed and we can not be replaced. It takes inner growth to see this truth and own it. Every time we meditate and express gratitude, we move one step closer to this truth. This is not the fulfillment we must postpone. We can live right now with the perspective that Nature is supporting us. Abundance and generosity fills the Nature's Law. The only separation comes from our own imposition through our old conditioning and wrong beliefs. The more we appreciate,the more we realize the extent that Nature has done for us. Feeling unworthy or feel victimized, these are symptoms of constricted awareness. We become 'someone' standing on a river and are able to drink from a symbol. If we realize these symptoms are our current situation, we need to take actions to correct the situation. Meditation and gratitude allow us to correct the situations.
The reason that Nature is generous is because its constant replenishment keeps the lives going and growing. Without this generosity, a rose bud cannot grow into a bloom neither can a human being. Once we are aware of this truth, we can be more generous in our life. Giving isn't a loss anymore; but a passing of gift that is always renewed. Expanding on the inside is reflected on the greater success of the outside. Gratitude links these 2 domains of life, the inner and the outer.
In the moment of grace, we feel safe and worthy. The atmosphere of love is all around us. These 'privileged' moments are beautiful. But if we look through this on the moment, we will see nature is generous and supportive. We are supported all the time because we are unique in the cosmic universe. No one like us has ever existed and we can not be replaced. It takes inner growth to see this truth and own it. Every time we meditate and express gratitude, we move one step closer to this truth. This is not the fulfillment we must postpone. We can live right now with the perspective that Nature is supporting us. Abundance and generosity fills the Nature's Law. The only separation comes from our own imposition through our old conditioning and wrong beliefs. The more we appreciate,the more we realize the extent that Nature has done for us. Feeling unworthy or feel victimized, these are symptoms of constricted awareness. We become 'someone' standing on a river and are able to drink from a symbol. If we realize these symptoms are our current situation, we need to take actions to correct the situation. Meditation and gratitude allow us to correct the situations.
The reason that Nature is generous is because its constant replenishment keeps the lives going and growing. Without this generosity, a rose bud cannot grow into a bloom neither can a human being. Once we are aware of this truth, we can be more generous in our life. Giving isn't a loss anymore; but a passing of gift that is always renewed. Expanding on the inside is reflected on the greater success of the outside. Gratitude links these 2 domains of life, the inner and the outer.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Gratitude flows in every loving relationship
The following messages are from Oprah and Deepak in their "Manifest Grace through Gratitude" Day 10 recording. Enjoy reading it and welcome your comments.
Gratitude expands every relationship. When we feel gratitude at the moment, we cultivate up acceptance and openness to the person we are relating to. We accept everything 'as is'. We connect what really matters. This is the most powerful gift to the person in our life. In this way, we dissolve the difference that separates us from one another, and open a way for deeper connection.
Whatever relationship needs is a touch of grace which is triggered when we show gratitude to the other person. Gratitude is magical as it dissolves differences and removes obstacles. But the magic really comes down to the basic facts: To have a fulfilling relationship, we must relate. There is an unbroken flow between us and the person we are relating to. The things we give and the things we receive are the life of the relationship. Giving is most powerful at the emotional level. If we express gratitude to our partners, our words are metabolized in the brain of both the giver and the receiver that manifest mental and physiological changes on both the giver and the receiver. Think about the difference you would feel when someone is thankful to us in their life. It soothes the heart and dissolves all the grievance and resentment. Relationship flourishes when we are able to offer ourselves to one another with unlimited love,compassion, kindness and understanding. This idea is hard to reach without our expanded awareness. Our own desires and ego needs stands the way. But our true-self knows better. Grace accomplishes what ego cannot. We are not loaded up when we express gratitude. Instead, we are opening up for infinite awareness which can accomplish everything. The reverse is true when we stop giving and receiving, the flow of the grace is constricted. Grace through gratitude can keep this flow to open even when the relationship is constricted. Be grateful here and now; don't indulge in the illusion of the old dream. The real potential is waiting to be awaken. When we allow ourselves to be grateful, we form a bond with our partners that heeds separation. This is how the relationship enable a couple to accomplish any difficult tasks when two are one.
Another story I read from Shamhala Publisher Sampler is about a couple seeking help from a marriage councilor. The councilor advises the couple to do each other a random kindness and express gratitude each time your partner practice kindness. These mutual 'kindness' and 'gratitude' help the couple to save the broken relationship.
Gratitude expands every relationship. When we feel gratitude at the moment, we cultivate up acceptance and openness to the person we are relating to. We accept everything 'as is'. We connect what really matters. This is the most powerful gift to the person in our life. In this way, we dissolve the difference that separates us from one another, and open a way for deeper connection.
Whatever relationship needs is a touch of grace which is triggered when we show gratitude to the other person. Gratitude is magical as it dissolves differences and removes obstacles. But the magic really comes down to the basic facts: To have a fulfilling relationship, we must relate. There is an unbroken flow between us and the person we are relating to. The things we give and the things we receive are the life of the relationship. Giving is most powerful at the emotional level. If we express gratitude to our partners, our words are metabolized in the brain of both the giver and the receiver that manifest mental and physiological changes on both the giver and the receiver. Think about the difference you would feel when someone is thankful to us in their life. It soothes the heart and dissolves all the grievance and resentment. Relationship flourishes when we are able to offer ourselves to one another with unlimited love,compassion, kindness and understanding. This idea is hard to reach without our expanded awareness. Our own desires and ego needs stands the way. But our true-self knows better. Grace accomplishes what ego cannot. We are not loaded up when we express gratitude. Instead, we are opening up for infinite awareness which can accomplish everything. The reverse is true when we stop giving and receiving, the flow of the grace is constricted. Grace through gratitude can keep this flow to open even when the relationship is constricted. Be grateful here and now; don't indulge in the illusion of the old dream. The real potential is waiting to be awaken. When we allow ourselves to be grateful, we form a bond with our partners that heeds separation. This is how the relationship enable a couple to accomplish any difficult tasks when two are one.
Another story I read from Shamhala Publisher Sampler is about a couple seeking help from a marriage councilor. The councilor advises the couple to do each other a random kindness and express gratitude each time your partner practice kindness. These mutual 'kindness' and 'gratitude' help the couple to save the broken relationship.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Being the author of our life story
The following message comes from Chopra in his 21-day manifest grace through gratitude.
Reality is always personal. Every experience is filtered through our own attitude and core values. Our mood also affects how the reality really looks. Our emotion is always responding even they are not visible. Therefore, no two people exists in the same reality. We are unique on how we see the world. The wisdom teaches us everything starts with our own awareness. Therefore, this is the place that we can take control of our personal reality. Are we beautiful, intelligent, creative, loyal? we don't need reassurance from outside sources or other persons. We are the true sources of all the qualities who we really are. Only we can be our own author of our life stories. The unique thing is that we still can change our life story outcomes at any moment; possibilities do not have an expiration date. Everyday is a day for a new world. Even we see the same people everyday, eat the same breakfast and watch the same TV show, it is a different 'self' who does these things. We will never be the person we were yesterday; or the same person we will be tomorrow. Gratitude connects us to today's reality. If the 'self' from our 'thought' is constantly changing, holding the reality to our thought is an illusion. When we let go the illusion, what remains are real which is our true-self. Begin to experience life based on the freshness of every moment. This is how grace constantly renew itself. This is how we become the author of our own life stories.
Reality is always personal. Every experience is filtered through our own attitude and core values. Our mood also affects how the reality really looks. Our emotion is always responding even they are not visible. Therefore, no two people exists in the same reality. We are unique on how we see the world. The wisdom teaches us everything starts with our own awareness. Therefore, this is the place that we can take control of our personal reality. Are we beautiful, intelligent, creative, loyal? we don't need reassurance from outside sources or other persons. We are the true sources of all the qualities who we really are. Only we can be our own author of our life stories. The unique thing is that we still can change our life story outcomes at any moment; possibilities do not have an expiration date. Everyday is a day for a new world. Even we see the same people everyday, eat the same breakfast and watch the same TV show, it is a different 'self' who does these things. We will never be the person we were yesterday; or the same person we will be tomorrow. Gratitude connects us to today's reality. If the 'self' from our 'thought' is constantly changing, holding the reality to our thought is an illusion. When we let go the illusion, what remains are real which is our true-self. Begin to experience life based on the freshness of every moment. This is how grace constantly renew itself. This is how we become the author of our own life stories.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Gratitude enriches present moment
Every present moment has its own energy, its own feeling and has its own signature. This brings something very practical. Grace can only be found at the present moment and no where else. When we feel alive, we are at the present moment. The connection happens automatically. However, living at present is always a challenge living in this consumption-oriented society. Everyday we are bombarded with the message that we always have something we don't have and we have to 'buy': there is an ideal beauty to strive for, and expensive symbols for perfect life. No one is supposed to have a perfect life right at this moment. 'Getting one' involves constant postponement. But whatever we postpone, we are not experiencing here and now. The feeling of living at present is always lacking. 'Life right now' is not enough.
Gratitude turns this around. We learn how to appreciate what we have been given right at this moment. We are not stuck in the past or in the anxiety of the future. Gratitude shifts our attention from what do don't have to what we have at the present moment. It changes our empty habits of constant anxiety getting something else to feel complete.
Spiritual leaders taught us, "Say Yes to the present moment" and "Say Yes to life." Both Oprah and Deepak want us to change the phrase from 'Say Yes' to "Thank you." This is the message from Oprah and Deepak's "Manifest Grace through Gratitude" Day 6 message.
Any comment?
Gratitude turns this around. We learn how to appreciate what we have been given right at this moment. We are not stuck in the past or in the anxiety of the future. Gratitude shifts our attention from what do don't have to what we have at the present moment. It changes our empty habits of constant anxiety getting something else to feel complete.
Spiritual leaders taught us, "Say Yes to the present moment" and "Say Yes to life." Both Oprah and Deepak want us to change the phrase from 'Say Yes' to "Thank you." This is the message from Oprah and Deepak's "Manifest Grace through Gratitude" Day 6 message.
Any comment?
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Gratitude awakens trueself
According to Deepak, each person has many 'self'. The one shown at the work place; the one shown in the family; with a lover; or with the person we dislike. But all of these are temporary. We identify with them when they are needed. But deep inside our heart is our "true self". The "true self" is silent but not passive. The "true self" can be brought to active role by practicing gratitude. Once "true-self" is awaken, everything you see, you hear, you taste, etc. is all wonderful. When you see a beautiful flower or butterfly, you will say, "that is me". There is no separation between you and the universe. You are in a state of grace. It is like still water deep in the ocean. On the surface, there are waves, schools of life or emotion. But the water in the deep ocean is still. It is called "Still water runs deep" waiting to be awakening to take an active role for our life.
This message to me is a diversion between Buddhism (or what Deepak preaches) and Christianity. Deepak believes that true-self is a grace and it can be awakened through practicing gratitude. In Christianity, all human beings are sinners. They can reach the state of grace only through repentance.
What is your opinion?
This message to me is a diversion between Buddhism (or what Deepak preaches) and Christianity. Deepak believes that true-self is a grace and it can be awakened through practicing gratitude. In Christianity, all human beings are sinners. They can reach the state of grace only through repentance.
What is your opinion?
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Expressing gratitude, grace is flowing back to us
The more we discover about body, mind and spirit is connected, the more we see that everything flows naturally. Once we awaken the gratitude, there is a response that close the circuit: we are heard, we are understood, and we are appreciated. That is how life is going on by a continuous feedback between gratitude and grace.When we take a moment to be grateful, grace responds. It tells us that we are in the flow which keeps the life evolving. But how do we know that grace responds to our gratitude? Some signal comes from within. We feel a sense of calm and peace. There will be moment of joy. Our perception will also change. Suddenly, a bare tree becomes magnificent with beautiful shape and harmony, a perfect creation instead of a bare skeleton. Some are from external. Someone we did not know much before suddenly shows us at our doorsteps and expressing appreciation; a difficult task becomes easier;and an unexpected answer arrives. What connect inner and outer, it means that we have joined the flow of wholeness. Everything will appear more effortless, more enjoyable and more vibrant. Grace is like a rain, it falls everyone alike. Grace is a nurturing element of life just like water and air. Grace comes from within, grace is creative and intelligent; it knows what we want in our life.
When I was in the Christine church, I was also taught to practice prayer expressing gratitude. But Deppak's explanations as shown in the previous paragraph makes me understood why we should continuous express gratitude at any moment; it is the only way that we can join the flow of the wholeness.
When I was in the Christine church, I was also taught to practice prayer expressing gratitude. But Deppak's explanations as shown in the previous paragraph makes me understood why we should continuous express gratitude at any moment; it is the only way that we can join the flow of the wholeness.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Gladden our heart for gratitude
Gratitude, according to Oprah, is an energy that expand and elevate us. It turns chaos into order, denial into acceptance, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend. Nothing has changed. It is 'You' have changed. When you change the attitude, everything surrounding you also changes.
Yet, gratitude requires a joyful heart. We simply cannot feel gratitude if we are bitter, or angry at somebody or distress, or feel not safe or welcome deep in our heart. Gladden our hear implies recharge 'our battery for this energy to flow into heart. Buddhists' view of gladden our heart, or in plain English, recharge our battery is through deep meditation for awakening to regain our joyful heart.
During meditation, it is not the totally 'manicured lawn' or shining car that will awaken us. You can justly simply gaze a light from the sun and observe a 'dancing' particle in the light beam and realize that 'You' are part of this abundant universe dancing like the dust particle in the light; connecting with all members of the universe.. When you and I feel that we are not abandoned by this abundant universe, you and I are gladdening our hearts and are ready to feel gratitude for life transformation and miracle.
In Christianity, this abundant universe is God. The Bible also teaches us no matter what situation we have encountered, we are not abandoned by God. By realizing that we are ready to feel gratitude and experiencing life transformation.
In the sense, both Buddhism and Christianity teach the same thing.
Yet, gratitude requires a joyful heart. We simply cannot feel gratitude if we are bitter, or angry at somebody or distress, or feel not safe or welcome deep in our heart. Gladden our hear implies recharge 'our battery for this energy to flow into heart. Buddhists' view of gladden our heart, or in plain English, recharge our battery is through deep meditation for awakening to regain our joyful heart.
During meditation, it is not the totally 'manicured lawn' or shining car that will awaken us. You can justly simply gaze a light from the sun and observe a 'dancing' particle in the light beam and realize that 'You' are part of this abundant universe dancing like the dust particle in the light; connecting with all members of the universe.. When you and I feel that we are not abandoned by this abundant universe, you and I are gladdening our hearts and are ready to feel gratitude for life transformation and miracle.
In Christianity, this abundant universe is God. The Bible also teaches us no matter what situation we have encountered, we are not abandoned by God. By realizing that we are ready to feel gratitude and experiencing life transformation.
In the sense, both Buddhism and Christianity teach the same thing.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Miracles only come to the grateful person not to the person with grievance
Gratitude leads to miracle and life transformation. The practice is not new. Ancient people practices this either daily, or monthly. Taiwanese women fasts every 1st and 15th of the month and offers incense, food to god! goddess, and ancestors expressing gratitude. Our national holiday, Thanksgiving Day, has the same 'expressing gratitude' significance. They offered thanks to god; the god responded with more good things to the people.
The reason for this life transformation, according to Depaak Chopra, is because once a person shows feeling of gratitude to any good things in life, it begins to change the wiring of the brain so that we will be paying more attention to what we have, less attention to what we don't have. Thus a close-loop cycle starts: when we show the feeling of gratitude to someone, or something good in our life, the 'source' responds with more 'good' things, and we will be more perceptive to the 'good' things in our life. This happy 'brain' brings about life transformation. Chopra suggests that we express gratitude with our heart at every moment, not just to God, but to every situation that deserves to be grateful.
How do we practice 'gratitude to miracle' daily? According to Chopra, find 3 good things in the morning. These 3 things do not have to be 'very important' or 'significant'. For example, when we get up in the morning, we see the sun light, we hear the bird singing, and we see the flowers blossom. Those are three good things. Offer gratitude to all of them with our 'feeling' . According to Chopra, 'feeling' is mostly important in leading to miracle and life transformation.
Any more suggestions?
The reason for this life transformation, according to Depaak Chopra, is because once a person shows feeling of gratitude to any good things in life, it begins to change the wiring of the brain so that we will be paying more attention to what we have, less attention to what we don't have. Thus a close-loop cycle starts: when we show the feeling of gratitude to someone, or something good in our life, the 'source' responds with more 'good' things, and we will be more perceptive to the 'good' things in our life. This happy 'brain' brings about life transformation. Chopra suggests that we express gratitude with our heart at every moment, not just to God, but to every situation that deserves to be grateful.
How do we practice 'gratitude to miracle' daily? According to Chopra, find 3 good things in the morning. These 3 things do not have to be 'very important' or 'significant'. For example, when we get up in the morning, we see the sun light, we hear the bird singing, and we see the flowers blossom. Those are three good things. Offer gratitude to all of them with our 'feeling' . According to Chopra, 'feeling' is mostly important in leading to miracle and life transformation.
Any more suggestions?
Friday, August 7, 2015
Old folks are as bad as young folks in terms of pride and ego
We often assume as we get older, we get wiser; at least we are better and easier of letting-go the ego than the younger folks. This may not be true as I can see in my eyes with our senior tennis games today at the tennis club.
I was playing at Court #2; we had a great and enjoyable matched. On Court #1, two teams were playing a double-match. One teams were Rodney (Age 92) and Dick (Age 88). The other team were Ruth (age 86) and Marianne (Age 85).
30 minutes after the game, these two teams began to argue about a call (whether a good call or a bad call). The argument were so heated that one player, Rodney (Age 92) stomped out of the court leaving the other players not able to continue to play.
One of the players in my court commented, "Win or lose, does that matter in this tennis social? "
Having fun and enjoyable life ? Or having the 'pride and ego' and lose all the friendship, relationship, or enjoyment?
We might laugh at those old folks 'silly'. However, if we look closely to ourselves we might not much better off. How many couples went to divorce courts due to those 'silly moment'. Microwave not working, blame the spouse. Computer papers flying off the printer, blame the spouse. When the sump-pump not working, "if you don't help me now, I divorce you. The ego, the pride, and the blaming culture cultivated in our society contributes to many broken relationship and friendship in our society.
We must continuously remind ourselves about the purpose of life and don't lose sights in 'ego' or 'pride'. As we get older, we don't necessarily get better in this perspective.
I was playing at Court #2; we had a great and enjoyable matched. On Court #1, two teams were playing a double-match. One teams were Rodney (Age 92) and Dick (Age 88). The other team were Ruth (age 86) and Marianne (Age 85).
30 minutes after the game, these two teams began to argue about a call (whether a good call or a bad call). The argument were so heated that one player, Rodney (Age 92) stomped out of the court leaving the other players not able to continue to play.
One of the players in my court commented, "Win or lose, does that matter in this tennis social? "
Having fun and enjoyable life ? Or having the 'pride and ego' and lose all the friendship, relationship, or enjoyment?
We might laugh at those old folks 'silly'. However, if we look closely to ourselves we might not much better off. How many couples went to divorce courts due to those 'silly moment'. Microwave not working, blame the spouse. Computer papers flying off the printer, blame the spouse. When the sump-pump not working, "if you don't help me now, I divorce you. The ego, the pride, and the blaming culture cultivated in our society contributes to many broken relationship and friendship in our society.
We must continuously remind ourselves about the purpose of life and don't lose sights in 'ego' or 'pride'. As we get older, we don't necessarily get better in this perspective.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Old life, New life
A week ago, we sent off a friend who has relocated his job to Taiwan. To relocate, he sold off everything he had in Wisconsin, cars, houses, even bicycles, furniture store, etc. This was how he prepared to end an old life in Wisconsin and entering a new life in Taiwan.
In 2009, when I finished my sabbatical in Taiwan, I did exactly the same thing. I even donated most of my earning in Taiwan to my host university. When I left Taiwan, I had almost nothing as I finished my old life in Taiwan and starting a new life in Wisconsin.
Every time, we reach a life stage change, this cleansing will continue. These are metaphors for life and death. The biggest life stage change in our life is death as our soul detaches our body and never return. The souls never vanish: they either go to heaven/hell (according to Christianity or Jewish religion ), paradise/hell (Islam religion), or reincarnate to become a worm, or butterfly, or another human form (Buddhism religion). All our egos, money, possessions, cars, houses, are gone in this life change event. The only thing we carry over is our karma, and the soul; no much difference our past experience of many life- change events.
In 2009, when I finished my sabbatical in Taiwan, I did exactly the same thing. I even donated most of my earning in Taiwan to my host university. When I left Taiwan, I had almost nothing as I finished my old life in Taiwan and starting a new life in Wisconsin.
Every time, we reach a life stage change, this cleansing will continue. These are metaphors for life and death. The biggest life stage change in our life is death as our soul detaches our body and never return. The souls never vanish: they either go to heaven/hell (according to Christianity or Jewish religion ), paradise/hell (Islam religion), or reincarnate to become a worm, or butterfly, or another human form (Buddhism religion). All our egos, money, possessions, cars, houses, are gone in this life change event. The only thing we carry over is our karma, and the soul; no much difference our past experience of many life- change events.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Strawberries
Mr. Yang was suspending at the edge of a cliff holding on a vine that was tied to the root of a gigantic tree on the cliff. One tiger was waiting on the top of cliff for his 'fine dinner' should Mr. Yang climbed up the cliff. Another tiger was also waiting for his dinner should Mr. Yang fall to the bottom of the canyon. Meanwhile a chipmunk was busy chewing away the vine that Mr. Yang was holding to.
Then Mr. Yang spotted a strawberry bush that he could reach. Each time the vine swing by the bush, he picked a juicy strawberry and enjoyed the taste of the strawberry.
Suddenly, all his fear of being eaten by tigers was gone. He threw one juicy strawberry to the cliff, the chipmunk ran after the strawberry then the tiger ran after the chipmunk. Mr. Yang was able to recover himself and climb up the cliff and walked away the danger.
Living at present, enjoy the strawberries even there are dangers lurking in our life.
Then Mr. Yang spotted a strawberry bush that he could reach. Each time the vine swing by the bush, he picked a juicy strawberry and enjoyed the taste of the strawberry.
Suddenly, all his fear of being eaten by tigers was gone. He threw one juicy strawberry to the cliff, the chipmunk ran after the strawberry then the tiger ran after the chipmunk. Mr. Yang was able to recover himself and climb up the cliff and walked away the danger.
Living at present, enjoy the strawberries even there are dangers lurking in our life.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
In God we trust
Ann was busy giving away pennies to those friends who visited her at the hospice, forgetting about the fact that she was dying from terminal cancer. Just about 2 weeks ago, she asked her doctors to stop all her treatments, including chemo, radiation, or surgery. Instead, she turned spiritual and giving away pennies. Why pennies ? Because, at each penny, there was an ingraved letters, "In God we trust".
Each religion can have different interpretation of God. However, the essence of God remains the same irrespective of religion. God is the Universal Divine Intelligence. It is this Intelligence that direct an embryo to grow into a man or a woman, flowers will blossom in spring and leaves will fall in autum. The Divine Intelligence also directs us wake and sleep cycle each day, alive or dead for each individual.
If we trust God, we will not be afraid of being dead. Each night when we sleep, our souls detach from our body. The souls return to our bodies when we are awake. When we are dead, our souls also detach from our body but they do not return to our body. In Christine religion, this soul either goes to hell or to heaven. In Buddihist religion, this soul will attach to a different living being, a butter fly, or a worm, or a human body, 'reincarnate' to start a new life.
In God we trust, because this Divine Intelligence knows what to do with our souls once they detach our bodies. Just like falling asleep, the best medicine to overcome insomnia is to completely 'let go' or surrender. Similarly, when the time comes that our souls will detach our bodies forever is to completely 'let go' and 'surrender' to the Intellengence greater than what we can imagine or attempt to control.
Each religion can have different interpretation of God. However, the essence of God remains the same irrespective of religion. God is the Universal Divine Intelligence. It is this Intelligence that direct an embryo to grow into a man or a woman, flowers will blossom in spring and leaves will fall in autum. The Divine Intelligence also directs us wake and sleep cycle each day, alive or dead for each individual.
If we trust God, we will not be afraid of being dead. Each night when we sleep, our souls detach from our body. The souls return to our bodies when we are awake. When we are dead, our souls also detach from our body but they do not return to our body. In Christine religion, this soul either goes to hell or to heaven. In Buddihist religion, this soul will attach to a different living being, a butter fly, or a worm, or a human body, 'reincarnate' to start a new life.
In God we trust, because this Divine Intelligence knows what to do with our souls once they detach our bodies. Just like falling asleep, the best medicine to overcome insomnia is to completely 'let go' or surrender. Similarly, when the time comes that our souls will detach our bodies forever is to completely 'let go' and 'surrender' to the Intellengence greater than what we can imagine or attempt to control.
Friday, July 10, 2015
About Balkan
I have participated in Door County Folk Dance Festival (DCFF) in the last 4 years. This year, DCFF introduced something new and unique--The Culture Session, specifically with a presenter Marti Koenig from NY.
Marti used to be a history instructor at New York City. Due to his interest in Balkan culture, he became a Balkan dance and culture instructor at a college in New York City. He secured a Smithsonian grant to visit Balkan countries several times in the past 15 years. He produced books, CD and DVD through his culture research at Balkan countries.
He presented his research in consecutive 3 days: Day 1, general description; Day 2, photo and audio clips. Day 3, video clips and films.
What makes Balkan unique? What makes Balkan dances interesting?
Balkan countries includes Macedonia,Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Bosnia. The people there are Europeans. However, these countries have been occupied by Turks as part of Ottoman Empire. Thus, there is a culture cross fertilization between Western and Eastern cultures making their music unique flavor. Additionally, this is the region where three major faiths, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim intersects. Culture interactions or cross-firing is inevitable. They reflect in their music and dance as well.
Balkan dances are earthy, i.e. there is a strong identification between the people and the land. The dance is for farmers, peasants and for common ordinary dance unlike court dances which are for royal or for noble people.
All those reasons making Balkan dances the most popular dance in DCFF.
Marti used to be a history instructor at New York City. Due to his interest in Balkan culture, he became a Balkan dance and culture instructor at a college in New York City. He secured a Smithsonian grant to visit Balkan countries several times in the past 15 years. He produced books, CD and DVD through his culture research at Balkan countries.
He presented his research in consecutive 3 days: Day 1, general description; Day 2, photo and audio clips. Day 3, video clips and films.
What makes Balkan unique? What makes Balkan dances interesting?
Balkan countries includes Macedonia,Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Bosnia. The people there are Europeans. However, these countries have been occupied by Turks as part of Ottoman Empire. Thus, there is a culture cross fertilization between Western and Eastern cultures making their music unique flavor. Additionally, this is the region where three major faiths, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim intersects. Culture interactions or cross-firing is inevitable. They reflect in their music and dance as well.
Balkan dances are earthy, i.e. there is a strong identification between the people and the land. The dance is for farmers, peasants and for common ordinary dance unlike court dances which are for royal or for noble people.
All those reasons making Balkan dances the most popular dance in DCFF.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
San Jose Reflection-Japan Town
After one week intensive training of computational chemistry, I am now waiting for a flight at San Jose airport. Besides professional materials that I have learned, I also witnessed many other things which I will write as part of my reflection.
Here is reflection #1. History of Japan Town T San Jose.
Japan Town in San Jose had a history more than 100 years. Japanese immigrants replaced Chinese labors (for railroad constructions as well as other western frontier development projects) in 1888 as the Congress enacted a law to prohibit hiring of Chinese labors. Chinese labors were initially imported to work on many dangerous railroad construction projects. However, as Chinese populations exploded, the white settlers felt Chinese as a threat. The 1888 law reflected the fear and the distrust of white settlers on Chinese.
The Japanese were not treated as nicely as the white settlers promised. Initially, only Japanese men were allowed to immigrated, hoping without Japanese women to marry, those Japanese men would eventually die out and would not present a threat to White settlers. That idea did not completely work out as Japanese men can always find Chinese women, or American Indian women to marry. As a result, the Congress gave up that idea and allowed Japanese women to immigrate in U.S. After the Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Japanese American were evicted from their home and were sent to a concentration camp to endure hardship.
Those are the history reflecting human's fundamental fault: fear and suspicion. I hope all of us will learn this part of the history, learning about mindfulness to have a peace on Earth forever.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Young man, you should get married
"Young man, you should get married."
This is the advice Socrates gave to his student who asked the teacher if he should get married. Here is the story behind that advice.
This was a typical gathering in which crowds of his students jammed inside Socrates' tiny house. The crowds were enthusiastic and participative. The discussions, arguments, and debate got louder and louder.
Meanwhile, Socrates' wife was working on the chores in the kitchen. She was annoyed and displeased.
She took a bucket of water, walked quietly behind her husband's back and poured the water onto her husband's head.
The crowds were stunned and suddenly went into silence.
Socrates broke the silence and answer the question a young man asked him before.
Socrates said,
"Young man, you should get married. If you have a good marriage, you will be happy."
"If not, you become a philosopher." Socrates continued.
This is the advice Socrates gave to his student who asked the teacher if he should get married. Here is the story behind that advice.
This was a typical gathering in which crowds of his students jammed inside Socrates' tiny house. The crowds were enthusiastic and participative. The discussions, arguments, and debate got louder and louder.
Meanwhile, Socrates' wife was working on the chores in the kitchen. She was annoyed and displeased.
She took a bucket of water, walked quietly behind her husband's back and poured the water onto her husband's head.
The crowds were stunned and suddenly went into silence.
Socrates broke the silence and answer the question a young man asked him before.
Socrates said,
"Young man, you should get married. If you have a good marriage, you will be happy."
"If not, you become a philosopher." Socrates continued.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Self Love by David Hamilton
The following stories were from David Hamilton, one of the Hay House Summit speakers. David is a Ph.D in organic chemistry. He is speaking about 'Self-Love'
I grew up in Scotland working family. We were poor. One night, while I was going to sleep, I overheard that my mom was weeping and begging my dad to buy Christmas presents for me and for my sister. That night, I also wept, partially felt empathy to my mom; partially felt guilty because my mom spent all her money for the family while I spent all the money for myself.
When the school field trip came (in 1976), and all students needed to bring 5 cents to school for a bus ride, I did not ask my mom to give me money.
I was reprimand by the teacher for not bringing 5 cents to school. The teacher said to the class asking all other students to come forward to receive a yellow badge except me. The teacher said that David Hamilton was not good enough.
As a school child, I did not understand the complexity of the adult decision. To me, the yellow badge was a sign of belonging; and I did not belong.
Before the incidence, I was who I was. I had no problem of self-love. After the incidence, I became overly concerned what I have. Because 'What I have' can come and go, I never felt 'self-love' for myself. I am sure, most people feel the same. When we identify ourselves as what we have, we never feel 'self-love' for ourselves. Unfortunately, we have been per-programmed one way or another by our environment, teachers, peers, siblings, and parents.
Thus, to get out this trap for 'self-love' is to mentally believe ourselves that we have enough and we are enough.
Standing tall and having the confidence is relevant to self-love and is important for a life transformation. Harvard had a clinical studies which consisted two groups of volunteer: One group was instructed to stand like a 'Wonder Woman'; while the other group volunteers were instructed to have a weak pose. After 15 minutes, saliva samples were taken from each volunteer and hormone levels were analyzed. Those volunteers with a confidence pose had higher level of dopamine. Thus, a mental attitude of confidence even a fake one is useful.
Being authentic and show our vulnerability are often considered as a no-no in our society especially for men, is contrary useful to help us connect with other human beings I learn this hard lesson from fearing about losing my faithful companion, my dog, Oscar One day, my 12-year old dog, Oscar, was diagnosed as having a terminal cancer. I was devastated so was my partner, Elizabeth. However, since I grew up in Scotland, and Scottish men never cry, I never showed up my emotion in public. Quite contrary, Elizabeth, freely expressed her emotion. I observed that people had more connections and empathy with her than with me. A week later, I visited my mom and my dad. I broke up into tears telling my fear of losing a faithful companion. My mom hugged me. My dad did not say anything; however, he opened the door for me, a gesture of kindness, when I was about to leave. My dad never did that before. The message I would like to convey is that showing vulnerability and being authentic helps us to connect and to love ourselves.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Prayer, Dreams, and Healing
The following are summaries from the audio tape of Hay House 2015 Summit experts--Larry Dossey, David Hawkins, and Wayne Dyer. I add my comments at the end of the summary
Larry Dossey, David Hawkins, and Wayne Dyer.
Both Dossey and Hawkins are medical doctors who believe spirituality is an important part of being healthy. Dyer is a psychology doctor.
Dossey: Being trained as a medical doctor, initially, I was very skeptical about the effectiveness of prayer in healing. I thought those practices were simply just waste of time. This view changed when I began to review clinical data.
The first clinical studies I am aware of was 1988 clinical trial conducted at San Francisco General Hospital. The results were stunning. After that, there were 143 clinical trials conducted world-wide. The positive effects of prayer are beyond doubt.
The reason that prayer works, according to my (Dossey) interpretation is that within each of us, there is the Universe (God) or Soul. When we have a connection through this Universe, the Universe heals us. Prayer is a way to connect through this Universe (one mind).
Each day, when we go to sleep, our Universe detaches our body. This Universe is not confined to our 3-dimensional world. The detached Universe could meet our ancestors in our dreams. Often these dreams can be very revealing for our present 3-dimensional world. Clinically, a radiologist told me that a woman patient visited his office and told the radiologist that in her dream, her ancestor told her in her dream that she had a tumor in her breast at a certain location. A mammogram was conducted and revealed nothing. However, the woman insisted to have a biopsy done on her breast cell. Surely, the biopsy revealed she did have a tumor at the exact location that her ancestors revealed to her in her dream.
Dyer: The prayer works in my case of leukemia. I had leukemia several years ago. A Peru healer promised me through his prayer remotely from Peru. Surely, my leukemia was healed through his prayer and some other things. (Note from Chen: I am still skeptical about this statement. This seems to be too good to be true. I do need to verify this statement by conducting more research. Whether I miss-understand Wayne's disclosure, or are there other things I had missed.)
Hawkins: Each entity in Universe has an energy; with the energy scale of 100 for body (Note from Chen: any object with a positive absolute temperature will emit light or energy. In physics, this is called the black-body readiation.). The mind (our per-programmed subconscious mind) has an energy scale of 400. It over-powers our body. Thus, our body seeks expressions of our subconscious mind. Clinically, one can see subjects can become allergic to whatever objects simply by making suggestions during a hypnotic state. In kinesiology, a patient can suddenly lose muscle strength simply by engaging in negative emotion or thought. Thus, healing an illness cannot be successful without re-programming a patient’s subconscious.
Chen:
About re-programming subconscious mind
Subconscious mind is stubbornly difficult to change. Subconscious mind is useful; it allows us to walk, to bike, to drive, to eat which we do every day without giving a second thought. However, per-programed subconscious also prompts us to react with negative emotion when someone is pushing our button. Re-programming can succeed through affirmation, meditation. If we engage our thought in consciousness by paying attention to the present moment, we can detach ourselves from reacting emotionally when someone is pushing the button on us.
About subconscious, conscious, and vibration
Since each entity is an energy entity, it can be expressed as a wave with a frequencies. The body has low energy, thus a low frequency. On the other hand, the mind has a higher energy, it has a higher frequency. The wave has not only the frequency but also phase. A positive emotion is often associated with a wave in phase (or in sync) with our body energy. It therefore contributes well-beings and good health. On the contrary, a negative emotion is out-of-phase with the wave from our body energy. Negative emotions lead to illness. Mindfulness, and active conscious mind can gear us to engage in-phase mind-body connection.
About Law of Attraction, Honey-Moon Effects, and Relationship
When two persons engage each other with in-phase energy (vibration), their waves reinforce each other. Their energies amplifies. They attract each other to create a synergistic effect for emotional and healthy well-beings. The opposite of this synergism is that when two persons with out-of-phase energy waves (vibration), two waves cancel each other creating pains in both persons.
When two persons engage each other, and if each person allows his or her partner to push their buttons so that their subconscious minds respond each other. These responses are often out-of-phase interference of two energy waves (vibration) and therefore pains and suffering for each person.
On the other hand, if each person engages his or her conscious mind by listening mindfully, such out-of-phase interference can be avoided because our conscious mind can often gear us to create resonance of two waves. This is so-called the honey-moon effect on the relationship.
Larry Dossey, David Hawkins, and Wayne Dyer.
Both Dossey and Hawkins are medical doctors who believe spirituality is an important part of being healthy. Dyer is a psychology doctor.
Dossey: Being trained as a medical doctor, initially, I was very skeptical about the effectiveness of prayer in healing. I thought those practices were simply just waste of time. This view changed when I began to review clinical data.
The first clinical studies I am aware of was 1988 clinical trial conducted at San Francisco General Hospital. The results were stunning. After that, there were 143 clinical trials conducted world-wide. The positive effects of prayer are beyond doubt.
The reason that prayer works, according to my (Dossey) interpretation is that within each of us, there is the Universe (God) or Soul. When we have a connection through this Universe, the Universe heals us. Prayer is a way to connect through this Universe (one mind).
Each day, when we go to sleep, our Universe detaches our body. This Universe is not confined to our 3-dimensional world. The detached Universe could meet our ancestors in our dreams. Often these dreams can be very revealing for our present 3-dimensional world. Clinically, a radiologist told me that a woman patient visited his office and told the radiologist that in her dream, her ancestor told her in her dream that she had a tumor in her breast at a certain location. A mammogram was conducted and revealed nothing. However, the woman insisted to have a biopsy done on her breast cell. Surely, the biopsy revealed she did have a tumor at the exact location that her ancestors revealed to her in her dream.
Dyer: The prayer works in my case of leukemia. I had leukemia several years ago. A Peru healer promised me through his prayer remotely from Peru. Surely, my leukemia was healed through his prayer and some other things. (Note from Chen: I am still skeptical about this statement. This seems to be too good to be true. I do need to verify this statement by conducting more research. Whether I miss-understand Wayne's disclosure, or are there other things I had missed.)
Hawkins: Each entity in Universe has an energy; with the energy scale of 100 for body (Note from Chen: any object with a positive absolute temperature will emit light or energy. In physics, this is called the black-body readiation.). The mind (our per-programmed subconscious mind) has an energy scale of 400. It over-powers our body. Thus, our body seeks expressions of our subconscious mind. Clinically, one can see subjects can become allergic to whatever objects simply by making suggestions during a hypnotic state. In kinesiology, a patient can suddenly lose muscle strength simply by engaging in negative emotion or thought. Thus, healing an illness cannot be successful without re-programming a patient’s subconscious.
Chen:
About re-programming subconscious mind
Subconscious mind is stubbornly difficult to change. Subconscious mind is useful; it allows us to walk, to bike, to drive, to eat which we do every day without giving a second thought. However, per-programed subconscious also prompts us to react with negative emotion when someone is pushing our button. Re-programming can succeed through affirmation, meditation. If we engage our thought in consciousness by paying attention to the present moment, we can detach ourselves from reacting emotionally when someone is pushing the button on us.
About subconscious, conscious, and vibration
Since each entity is an energy entity, it can be expressed as a wave with a frequencies. The body has low energy, thus a low frequency. On the other hand, the mind has a higher energy, it has a higher frequency. The wave has not only the frequency but also phase. A positive emotion is often associated with a wave in phase (or in sync) with our body energy. It therefore contributes well-beings and good health. On the contrary, a negative emotion is out-of-phase with the wave from our body energy. Negative emotions lead to illness. Mindfulness, and active conscious mind can gear us to engage in-phase mind-body connection.
About Law of Attraction, Honey-Moon Effects, and Relationship
When two persons engage each other with in-phase energy (vibration), their waves reinforce each other. Their energies amplifies. They attract each other to create a synergistic effect for emotional and healthy well-beings. The opposite of this synergism is that when two persons with out-of-phase energy waves (vibration), two waves cancel each other creating pains in both persons.
When two persons engage each other, and if each person allows his or her partner to push their buttons so that their subconscious minds respond each other. These responses are often out-of-phase interference of two energy waves (vibration) and therefore pains and suffering for each person.
On the other hand, if each person engages his or her conscious mind by listening mindfully, such out-of-phase interference can be avoided because our conscious mind can often gear us to create resonance of two waves. This is so-called the honey-moon effect on the relationship.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Expanse Consciousness
The following story is from Lisa Garr about her near-death Expanse Consciousness experience.
I am an enthusiastic mountain bike riders. In fact, I met my husband in a mountain bike race. We dated for a while then we broke up. However, since we both were enthusiastic mountain bikers, and when we knew that there was a race in Los Angelas of one summer, we decided to race together.
The day of the race was very hot. It was about 90 F in the morning. The bike route was very treacherous and challenging with many hills and ravines.
I was at a top of the hill and saw a woman biker ahead of me on the down slope. I knew I could overtake her with my downhill biking techniques which I have learned over many years. But that was the last thing I was aware of.
Suddenly, I saw myself floating around in a cloud and saw my bike tumbling all the ways down to the bottom of the ravine. I saw a group of emergency medics rushed down to the injured biker--my body; Floating in a cloud, I was wondering what was going on. At that time, I (my soul) felt no pain, but I was fully aware of everything happening to my body and all the conversation of those medics around my body. I saw John (my ex-boy friend) rushed to my side trying to work on my breadth and heart beat. I also felt I shot out a bright light to John (Later, John and I are married. It turns out the most fantastic and wonderful marriage for both of us.)
In the end, a helicopter lifted me up to a hospital where they found I had a severe brain damage that has impaired my short term memory. I had gone through many sessions of therapy to gradually regain my memory.
In summary, I had a near-death experience. In that experience, my soul had detached from my body and I was in an expanse conscious state.
Later, as I was studying psychology, I found that there were already many documented near-death and expanse-conscious cases. What I also found out we do not need to go through such 'near-death' experience to reach such expanse consciousness state. Athletes when they reach 'zone states', they had reached a state of expanse conscious. Monks who meditate can also reach such a zone state of expanse consciousness with meditation.
I am an enthusiastic mountain bike riders. In fact, I met my husband in a mountain bike race. We dated for a while then we broke up. However, since we both were enthusiastic mountain bikers, and when we knew that there was a race in Los Angelas of one summer, we decided to race together.
The day of the race was very hot. It was about 90 F in the morning. The bike route was very treacherous and challenging with many hills and ravines.
I was at a top of the hill and saw a woman biker ahead of me on the down slope. I knew I could overtake her with my downhill biking techniques which I have learned over many years. But that was the last thing I was aware of.
Suddenly, I saw myself floating around in a cloud and saw my bike tumbling all the ways down to the bottom of the ravine. I saw a group of emergency medics rushed down to the injured biker--my body; Floating in a cloud, I was wondering what was going on. At that time, I (my soul) felt no pain, but I was fully aware of everything happening to my body and all the conversation of those medics around my body. I saw John (my ex-boy friend) rushed to my side trying to work on my breadth and heart beat. I also felt I shot out a bright light to John (Later, John and I are married. It turns out the most fantastic and wonderful marriage for both of us.)
In the end, a helicopter lifted me up to a hospital where they found I had a severe brain damage that has impaired my short term memory. I had gone through many sessions of therapy to gradually regain my memory.
In summary, I had a near-death experience. In that experience, my soul had detached from my body and I was in an expanse conscious state.
Later, as I was studying psychology, I found that there were already many documented near-death and expanse-conscious cases. What I also found out we do not need to go through such 'near-death' experience to reach such expanse consciousness state. Athletes when they reach 'zone states', they had reached a state of expanse conscious. Monks who meditate can also reach such a zone state of expanse consciousness with meditation.
My Kindness Journey
The following essay is a testimony of Michael Chase kindness journey. Michael Chase is one of the speakers of the Hay House Summit, 2015.
When I was young, my dad did not treat me well. After I grew up, my dad and I are always at odd. Even he lived only an hour from my house, we did not see each other often. Occasionally, we got together. The awkward situation did not change.
One day, he came to my house, speaking in a hurry tone.
"Mike, this is a legal document that authorizes you to pull the plug for the life support system when I am at emergency situation. Can you look over the document and sign the document?"
I felt dad was pushing my button again because my son was also present at the moment.
"Dad, let us not talk about this, especially when Jeff (my son) is around"
Despite a thorny relation between me and my dad, my son, Jeff, had wonderful relationship with my dad. Jeff was excited to see his grandpa visiting us.
"Dad, can grandpa stay with us tonight?" Jeff begged.
I was quiet, and did not say a word. Dad saw my uneasiness, and made an excuse not to stay.
"Thank you, Jeff. But grandpa needs to go. I have many other things to take care."
This is not true; because I know dad already retired. He would stay overnight with Jeff if I would open my heart.
I saw dad left with a body language of sadness and being deserted. Deep in my heart, I would have to rush to him to ask him to stay. But my head said that I would not like 'this jerk' to stay inside of my house.
Three weeks later, a door bell rings in middle of night. A state trooper came him and deliver a bad news about my dad.
"I am sorry to tell you that your dad had committed suicide"
I was stone-shocked. My resentment to dad had led me to very unkind to dad. From that moment, I told my wife that I will devote the rest of my life to kindness.
When I was young, my dad did not treat me well. After I grew up, my dad and I are always at odd. Even he lived only an hour from my house, we did not see each other often. Occasionally, we got together. The awkward situation did not change.
One day, he came to my house, speaking in a hurry tone.
"Mike, this is a legal document that authorizes you to pull the plug for the life support system when I am at emergency situation. Can you look over the document and sign the document?"
I felt dad was pushing my button again because my son was also present at the moment.
"Dad, let us not talk about this, especially when Jeff (my son) is around"
Despite a thorny relation between me and my dad, my son, Jeff, had wonderful relationship with my dad. Jeff was excited to see his grandpa visiting us.
"Dad, can grandpa stay with us tonight?" Jeff begged.
I was quiet, and did not say a word. Dad saw my uneasiness, and made an excuse not to stay.
"Thank you, Jeff. But grandpa needs to go. I have many other things to take care."
This is not true; because I know dad already retired. He would stay overnight with Jeff if I would open my heart.
I saw dad left with a body language of sadness and being deserted. Deep in my heart, I would have to rush to him to ask him to stay. But my head said that I would not like 'this jerk' to stay inside of my house.
Three weeks later, a door bell rings in middle of night. A state trooper came him and deliver a bad news about my dad.
"I am sorry to tell you that your dad had committed suicide"
I was stone-shocked. My resentment to dad had led me to very unkind to dad. From that moment, I told my wife that I will devote the rest of my life to kindness.
Friday, January 30, 2015
When Pope Committed a Cardinal Sin, Helping Pope is Also a Sin
Excerpt from Dante's "The Divine Comedy".
As Dante and The Poet Virgil descended into Inferno 27, The Circle 8 of the Hell, where the sinners were tormented by locking their heads inside the holes of rocks, a familiar voice of Italian tone coming out the Inferno.
Torment of sinners at Inferno #27.
"I was a man of arms, and then I was a cordelier," trusting, thus girt, to make amends; and surely my trust had come full but for the Great Priest, whom ill befall! who set me back into my first sins; and how and where fore, I will that thou hear from me. While I was that shape of bone and flesh which my mother gave me, my works were not leonine, but of the fox. All wily practices and covert ways I knew, and I so plied their art that the sound went forth to the end of the earth. When I saw me arrived at that part of my age where every one ought to strike the sails and coil up the ropes, what before was pleasing to me then was irksome to me, and I yielded me repentant and confessed. Ah wretched, alas! and it would have avail . " The Prince of the new Pharisees having -war near the Lateran,'-and not with Saracens nor with Jews, for every enemy of his was Christian, and not one of them had been to conquer Acre, or a trafficker in the land of the Soldan,-regarded in himself neither his supreme office, nor his Holy Orders, nor in me that cord which was wont to make those girt with it more lean; but as Constantine besought Sylvester within Soracte to cure his leprosy,' so this one besought me as master to cure the fever of his pride. He asked counsel of me, and I kept silence, because his words seemed drunken. And then he said to me: 'Let not thy heart mistrust; from tills time forward I ab solve thee, and do thou teach me to ac·t so that I may throw Palestrina to the ground. I can lock and unlock Heaven, as thou knowest; wherefor the keys are two, which my predecessor held not ..." Canto 27
Guido da Montefeltro, the military strategist who helped Pope sack the Colonna family, thus also committed a cardinal sin.
The voice came from Guido (c. 1220-98), a military strategist who had led many victories for the ghibelline (pro-emperor party and army) military campaigns in central Italy. In the 1270s and the early 1280s he scored decisive victories over guelph and papal forces before suffering defeat in 1283 at Forlà (in Romagna). Excommunicated, he later captained the forces of the Pisan ghibellines against Florence (1288-92); in 1296 Pope Boniface VIII rescinded the excommunication as part of a political strategy to remove the dangerous Guido from the scene. Guido later retired and became a Franciscan friar hopping that he would relieve all his sins against the church in his earlier career. Pope told Guido that he (The Pope) could pardon Guido's sin if Guido could help Pope a military campaign against the Colonna family to whom the Pope had already made a promise of amnesty. Pope Boniface did not keep his promise; with Guido's help, the Pope sacked his enemy and killed all members of the Colonna family. Because of this, Dante condemned both the Pope and Guido to Inferno 27.
Pope Bontiface committed a cardinal sin by breaking his promise of amnesty and sacked his enemy, the Colonna family. Dante also condemned the Pope to Inferno #27.
Dante's writing on this part had a great influence on Protestant Reformation movement. It inspired Martin Luther (1483-1546) to reject teaching and practice of Roman Cathodic Church that freedom from punishment because of sin could be purchased with money; or could be redeemed by serving the Pope for the wrong cause.
Martin Luther (1483-1546) influenced by Dante's writing, started a church reform movement in the 16th century. The Europe began the Renaissance since the movement.
As Dante and The Poet Virgil descended into Inferno 27, The Circle 8 of the Hell, where the sinners were tormented by locking their heads inside the holes of rocks, a familiar voice of Italian tone coming out the Inferno.
"I was a man of arms, and then I was a cordelier," trusting, thus girt, to make amends; and surely my trust had come full but for the Great Priest, whom ill befall! who set me back into my first sins; and how and where fore, I will that thou hear from me. While I was that shape of bone and flesh which my mother gave me, my works were not leonine, but of the fox. All wily practices and covert ways I knew, and I so plied their art that the sound went forth to the end of the earth. When I saw me arrived at that part of my age where every one ought to strike the sails and coil up the ropes, what before was pleasing to me then was irksome to me, and I yielded me repentant and confessed. Ah wretched, alas! and it would have avail . " The Prince of the new Pharisees having -war near the Lateran,'-and not with Saracens nor with Jews, for every enemy of his was Christian, and not one of them had been to conquer Acre, or a trafficker in the land of the Soldan,-regarded in himself neither his supreme office, nor his Holy Orders, nor in me that cord which was wont to make those girt with it more lean; but as Constantine besought Sylvester within Soracte to cure his leprosy,' so this one besought me as master to cure the fever of his pride. He asked counsel of me, and I kept silence, because his words seemed drunken. And then he said to me: 'Let not thy heart mistrust; from tills time forward I ab solve thee, and do thou teach me to ac·t so that I may throw Palestrina to the ground. I can lock and unlock Heaven, as thou knowest; wherefor the keys are two, which my predecessor held not ..." Canto 27
Guido da Montefeltro, the military strategist who helped Pope sack the Colonna family, thus also committed a cardinal sin.
The voice came from Guido (c. 1220-98), a military strategist who had led many victories for the ghibelline (pro-emperor party and army) military campaigns in central Italy. In the 1270s and the early 1280s he scored decisive victories over guelph and papal forces before suffering defeat in 1283 at Forlà (in Romagna). Excommunicated, he later captained the forces of the Pisan ghibellines against Florence (1288-92); in 1296 Pope Boniface VIII rescinded the excommunication as part of a political strategy to remove the dangerous Guido from the scene. Guido later retired and became a Franciscan friar hopping that he would relieve all his sins against the church in his earlier career. Pope told Guido that he (The Pope) could pardon Guido's sin if Guido could help Pope a military campaign against the Colonna family to whom the Pope had already made a promise of amnesty. Pope Boniface did not keep his promise; with Guido's help, the Pope sacked his enemy and killed all members of the Colonna family. Because of this, Dante condemned both the Pope and Guido to Inferno 27.
Dante's writing on this part had a great influence on Protestant Reformation movement. It inspired Martin Luther (1483-1546) to reject teaching and practice of Roman Cathodic Church that freedom from punishment because of sin could be purchased with money; or could be redeemed by serving the Pope for the wrong cause.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Francesca and Paolo; Do they deserve punishment in Hell?
Francesca and Paolo. Excerpt and Story from Dante's "The Divine Comedy". Did Francesca deserve
punishment to endure the torture?
Dante was guided by the poet Virgil (70-17 BC) on a tour of Hell. On the stop of Circle-II where all the 'lustful' sinners were tormented by violent storm, blowing the souls of those sinners all over the place. One of them was Francesca who had been an acquaintance of Dante. Seeing him touring her tormenting place, she made a comment and complaint to Dante.
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321 AD)
Poet Virgil (70-17 BC)
Francesca and Paolo was in love. The jealous husband Gianciotto (in the background) took the sword and killed both of them. Dante condemned both Francesca and Paolo to Hell for lustful love.
"...Love, which quickly lays hold on gentle heart, seized this one for the fair person that was taken from me. Love, which quickly lays hold on gentle heart, seized this one for the fair person that was taken from me, and the mode still hurts me. Love, which absolves no loved one from loving, seized me for the pleasing of him so strongly that, as though seest, it does not even now abandon me. Love brought us to one death. Caina awaits him who quenched our life."
Francesca was married to Paolo's brother, Gianciotto ("Crippled John"). Francesca's soul told Dante that her husband should be destined for punishment in Cain--the infernal realm of familial betrayal named after Caina, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8)--for murdering her and Paolo.
Dante's view on Hell
Here is the romance and punishment story between Francesca and Paolo.
Francesca was engaged to Gianciotto for political reasons. Gianciotto was a crippled, ugly looking-man. Giaciotto's brother, Paolo, on the other hand, was a very good looking, handsome young man. On the day of meeting face-to-face, (The dating of the Dark Age Era.), Gianciotto afraid of being rejected by Francesca, asked his brother, Paolo, to meet her instead. Looking at this handsome, good looking man mistaking Paolo as her fiancee, she was very happy that she would eventually marry to such a good-looking person.
On the night of wedding, the truth was eventually revealed; Francesca felt deeply deceived and betrayed. Meanwhile, Paolo fell in love with Francesca, who also loved Paolo in return without any restraint.
One night Gianciotto caught both of them in bed. Gianciotto was very angry. He took his sword and was trying to kill his brother. Francesca attempting to save Paolo's life, stood in between Gianciotto and Paolo and was killed.Gianciotto then killed his brother Paolo. Both Francesca and Paolo's souls were condemned and were sent to Hell, Circle -II for eternal torment of the violent blowing winds.
Francesca told Dante, the one who should be brought to Hell was her husband, not her or Paolo. The punishment for Caina (Biblical story, Caina killed his brother Abel) should also reserved for her husband who killed his brother.
Who should be punished? The story-teller would like to hear the opinion from you.
Dante was guided by the poet Virgil (70-17 BC) on a tour of Hell. On the stop of Circle-II where all the 'lustful' sinners were tormented by violent storm, blowing the souls of those sinners all over the place. One of them was Francesca who had been an acquaintance of Dante. Seeing him touring her tormenting place, she made a comment and complaint to Dante.
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321 AD)
Poet Virgil (70-17 BC)
Francesca and Paolo was in love. The jealous husband Gianciotto (in the background) took the sword and killed both of them. Dante condemned both Francesca and Paolo to Hell for lustful love.
"...Love, which quickly lays hold on gentle heart, seized this one for the fair person that was taken from me. Love, which quickly lays hold on gentle heart, seized this one for the fair person that was taken from me, and the mode still hurts me. Love, which absolves no loved one from loving, seized me for the pleasing of him so strongly that, as though seest, it does not even now abandon me. Love brought us to one death. Caina awaits him who quenched our life."
Francesca was married to Paolo's brother, Gianciotto ("Crippled John"). Francesca's soul told Dante that her husband should be destined for punishment in Cain--the infernal realm of familial betrayal named after Caina, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8)--for murdering her and Paolo.
Dante's view on Hell
Here is the romance and punishment story between Francesca and Paolo.
Francesca was engaged to Gianciotto for political reasons. Gianciotto was a crippled, ugly looking-man. Giaciotto's brother, Paolo, on the other hand, was a very good looking, handsome young man. On the day of meeting face-to-face, (The dating of the Dark Age Era.), Gianciotto afraid of being rejected by Francesca, asked his brother, Paolo, to meet her instead. Looking at this handsome, good looking man mistaking Paolo as her fiancee, she was very happy that she would eventually marry to such a good-looking person.
On the night of wedding, the truth was eventually revealed; Francesca felt deeply deceived and betrayed. Meanwhile, Paolo fell in love with Francesca, who also loved Paolo in return without any restraint.
One night Gianciotto caught both of them in bed. Gianciotto was very angry. He took his sword and was trying to kill his brother. Francesca attempting to save Paolo's life, stood in between Gianciotto and Paolo and was killed.Gianciotto then killed his brother Paolo. Both Francesca and Paolo's souls were condemned and were sent to Hell, Circle -II for eternal torment of the violent blowing winds.
Francesca told Dante, the one who should be brought to Hell was her husband, not her or Paolo. The punishment for Caina (Biblical story, Caina killed his brother Abel) should also reserved for her husband who killed his brother.
Who should be punished? The story-teller would like to hear the opinion from you.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
An Ape and A Firefly
An Ape and A Firefly
A Philippine folk tale.
Background: Pope Francis made a historic trip to Philippine, January, 2015. To celebrate this historical event, I searched and found a folk tale of Philippine. I am sharing this folk tale with friends. Enjoy the story.
Long ago, an ape, weighing approximately 400 pounds, met with a firefly, weighing less than an ounce in a forest. This ape is notorious about his bully habit to other creatures. In meeting with the firefly in the forest, he sneered at her, purposely lowering his voice to show off his authority over her.
"Hey, you, firefly.", said the ape.
"Hello, Sir. What can I do for you?", answered the firefly politely.
"Why do you always carry a lantern wherever you go?" , challenged the ape.
"Because I do not want to bump into a mosquito in the forest" , said the firefly.
"No. You carry the lantern because you are scared of the darkness. Firefly, Firefly, Scary fly." , the ape, sneered and laughed with a menacing manner and walked away.
The sneering of the ape did not stop there. He went to the village and told everyone he knew that the firefly he met was a scary fly.
One day, the firefly visited the village and found out everyone in the village sneered at her.
"Firefly, firefly, scary fly."
The firefly was furious; she went directly to the ape's hut. The ape was asleep. The firefly flew over to the front of the ape's eyes, flashing her light over ape's eyes, waking up the ape.
"What are you doing here? Don't you see I am asleep?", asked the ape.
"Because you told everybody that I am a scary fly. It is bad when you say bad things about me behind my back; besides it is not true at all", said the firefly.
"Oh, yeah." , the ape sneered at her again and said, "Do you want to fight?"
"Yes, I will fight you to restore my reputation." , said the firefly.
"Ha, ha, ha. You, tiny creature want to fight me; ha, ha, ha. You better have million of your friends to help you." , said the ape, "by the way, where and when do you want to have a fight?"
"I will fight myself; you better to have hundreds of your friends to help you." , said the fly, "Tomorrow, we fight on the open area in front of the forest when the clock strikes 3.
On the next day, 10 minutes before 3 PM, the firefly presented herself alone, while the ape had assembled hundred of his friends, each one brought a club to help.
"Hey, the scary fly. Do you still want to fight?" , sneered the ape.
"Yes, when the clock strikes 3.", said the fly.
When the clock struck 3, the fight began. The firefly flew to a nose of the first ape. The 2nd ape, lifted up his club, aiming at the fly, and took all his strength to hit the fly. He missed the fly. The fly flew away. The club hit the first ape so hard that the first ape collapsed and became unconscious.
Then the fly flew to the nose of the ape who had just knocked down the first ape. The 3rd ape saw that fly sitting on the nose of his friend. Again, he lifted up his club high in the air and used all his strength to hit the fly. He missed again. However, the 2nd ape could not absorb all the pain from the hitting, he collapsed too and became unconscious.
This went on for a while until the only ape standing, was the one who had bullied her The ape knelt down and asked for mercy.
"All right, I forgive you.", said the fly, " Listen, from now on, you should not bully other fellows You should not say bad things behind other people's back. You should not underestimate other fellows. Even a small creature like me knows how to defend herself."
After giving the ape the lesson, she flew back to the forest with her lantern.
A Philippine folk tale.
Background: Pope Francis made a historic trip to Philippine, January, 2015. To celebrate this historical event, I searched and found a folk tale of Philippine. I am sharing this folk tale with friends. Enjoy the story.
Long ago, an ape, weighing approximately 400 pounds, met with a firefly, weighing less than an ounce in a forest. This ape is notorious about his bully habit to other creatures. In meeting with the firefly in the forest, he sneered at her, purposely lowering his voice to show off his authority over her.
"Hey, you, firefly.", said the ape.
"Hello, Sir. What can I do for you?", answered the firefly politely.
"Why do you always carry a lantern wherever you go?" , challenged the ape.
"Because I do not want to bump into a mosquito in the forest" , said the firefly.
"No. You carry the lantern because you are scared of the darkness. Firefly, Firefly, Scary fly." , the ape, sneered and laughed with a menacing manner and walked away.
The sneering of the ape did not stop there. He went to the village and told everyone he knew that the firefly he met was a scary fly.
One day, the firefly visited the village and found out everyone in the village sneered at her.
"Firefly, firefly, scary fly."
The firefly was furious; she went directly to the ape's hut. The ape was asleep. The firefly flew over to the front of the ape's eyes, flashing her light over ape's eyes, waking up the ape.
"What are you doing here? Don't you see I am asleep?", asked the ape.
"Because you told everybody that I am a scary fly. It is bad when you say bad things about me behind my back; besides it is not true at all", said the firefly.
"Oh, yeah." , the ape sneered at her again and said, "Do you want to fight?"
"Yes, I will fight you to restore my reputation." , said the firefly.
"Ha, ha, ha. You, tiny creature want to fight me; ha, ha, ha. You better have million of your friends to help you." , said the ape, "by the way, where and when do you want to have a fight?"
"I will fight myself; you better to have hundreds of your friends to help you." , said the fly, "Tomorrow, we fight on the open area in front of the forest when the clock strikes 3.
On the next day, 10 minutes before 3 PM, the firefly presented herself alone, while the ape had assembled hundred of his friends, each one brought a club to help.
"Hey, the scary fly. Do you still want to fight?" , sneered the ape.
"Yes, when the clock strikes 3.", said the fly.
When the clock struck 3, the fight began. The firefly flew to a nose of the first ape. The 2nd ape, lifted up his club, aiming at the fly, and took all his strength to hit the fly. He missed the fly. The fly flew away. The club hit the first ape so hard that the first ape collapsed and became unconscious.
Then the fly flew to the nose of the ape who had just knocked down the first ape. The 3rd ape saw that fly sitting on the nose of his friend. Again, he lifted up his club high in the air and used all his strength to hit the fly. He missed again. However, the 2nd ape could not absorb all the pain from the hitting, he collapsed too and became unconscious.
This went on for a while until the only ape standing, was the one who had bullied her The ape knelt down and asked for mercy.
"All right, I forgive you.", said the fly, " Listen, from now on, you should not bully other fellows You should not say bad things behind other people's back. You should not underestimate other fellows. Even a small creature like me knows how to defend herself."
After giving the ape the lesson, she flew back to the forest with her lantern.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air. --Shakespeare, Measure for Measure
Be right, or be kind? If we have to choose, choose 'being kind'. --Deepak Chopra
Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounced, you will be judged and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Mathew 7: 1-2
2014 is the 450 year anniversary of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Although not as educated as the other literature scholars (Shakespeare only received grammar school education in England), he had published 38 plays, numerous poetry, and other well-respected literature work. He was very keen in observing human's mind- a very complex mind. Thus he said, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'. Because of the complexity of a human mind, it is better not to judge. The Bible teaches us with the same message. So are the contemplative spiritual guru; when we have to choose between being right or being kind, choose being kind. The play, Measure for Measure, illustrates the importance of this basic philosophy.
William Shakespeare, 1564-1616
Measure for Measure-the plot
Vienna was in chaos- crime, prostitutes, gambling were rampant. The City had earned a reputation of a number 1 sin-city during the Dark Age of Europe. The Duke decided to ask his lieutenant, Angelo, to clean up the city.
Lieutenant Angelo had a reputation of being righteous, incorruptible, and religious; a disciple of God. The Duke told Angelo to be in charge while he was traveling to other cities. In reality, he did not travel at all. He just disguised to be a friar observing how Angelo cleaned up the City.
Angelo was determined to crack down irresponsible sex, he arrested Julieta and Claudio for having sex without marriage and condemned Claudio to death. This was too severe and out-of-proportion a punishment even by the Dark Age standard. Lucio, the jail keeper was sympathetic with Claudio, and informed Claudio's sister Isabella who was going to become a nun, to 'stay away from filthy human kind.' Isabella came to Angelo asking for mercy on Claudio. Claudio spoke highly on her sister, Isabella. " a prone and speechless dialect. Such as move men; besides, she hath prosperous art, when she play with reason and discourse and will she can persuade."
Angelo could not resist Isabella intellect and overall Isabella's sensual attraction. He asked Isabella to surrender her love to Angelo to save her brother's life. Isabella refused. She went to Claudio to tell him what was going on. Initially, Claudio praised his sister for refusal. After a while, thinking about his death was immediate, asking Isabella to think twice about Angelo's request. Isabella became very angry, scolding her brother, " O, you beast, faithless coward. Dishonest wretch. Wilt thou be man out of my vice? From thine own sister's shame?" " Die, perish. I will pray a thousand times for thy death. No word to save thee." She stormed out and swore never to see her brother again. Isabella showed no sympathy for her brother.
Isabella pleaded for mercy on Claudio
Angelo asked Isabella to surrender her love to him.
Isabella scolded her brother and showing no mercy for her brother.
The Duke was aware of what was going on. He came to Isabella and offered a 'Bed for Bed' trick on Angelo. Angelo has a out-of-favor girl friend, Mariana with body, face, and voice similar to Isabella. To this offer, Isabella agreed and said, " Show me how, Good Father. The images already gives me content." Isabella showed no concerns for possible shame of other woman.
Bed for Bed trick went well. Did Angelo released Claudio as he had promised? No. "Claudio will take revenge on me if he is released", Angelo said. Angelo ordered immediate execution on Claudio and he wanted to see Claudio's head the next day.
Lucio told The Duke about the execution; and the Duke, disguised as a friar offered another trick, Head for Head; using a dead man Ragzine's head substituting for Claudio's head. Lucio and the friar hid Claudio.
The Duke finally returned; all witnesses came out forward to reveal Angelo's cruelty and wrong doing. When Mariana came out to reveal the truth behind, Bed for Bed trick, Angelo finally confessed. The Duke first ordered Angelo to marry Mariana, then condemn Angelo to death. The Duke declared, "The mercy of law cried out most audible, even from his proper tongue. An Angelo for Claudio, Death for Death. Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; like doth quit like, and Measure still for measure. "
In the end, both Mariana and Isabella pleaded for mercy for Angelo, the tragedy became a comedy. Claudio appeared and was ordered to marry Julieta. while the Duke proposed to Isabella. No head was lost while everyone was either married for being proposed.
Measure for Measure --Character Analysis
Angelo: The religious, self-proclaimed righteous person was actually a heartless hypocrite. He sentenced Claudio's death for an irresponsible sex; yet he asked for sex with Isabella, then ordered immediate execution on Claudio. He is a bad guy by everyone's standard. Let's reflect what was his actions. Initially, he did show determination to 'clean up the city of Vienna'. However, he was not able to resist the lust over a very intelligent woman, and eventually committed a crime by his own definition. Afraid of being revenged by Claudio, he ordered immediate execution on Claudio. Thus one crime piled up on another, like a snowball. After committing the crime,he did show remorse about his action in his prayer. " What is this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? The temper or the tempted ? Ha, not she, but I. O, fie, fie, fie, what are thou, Angelo? You want to exert your lust on someone who is good? ". When all the witnesses came up forward, he asked for death sentence from the Duke. " Good Prince. No longer session hold my shame. But let my trial be my own confession. Immediate sentence and sequent death is all the grace I beg." This is what Shakespeare had said, "Fair is foul and foul is fair."
Isabella: She first appealed to Angelo for mercy on Claudio and then pleaded to the Duke, mercy on Angelo. Is she completely a good person? Well, how little compassion she had on her brother, " O, you beast, faithless coward. Dishonest wretch. Wilt thou be man out of my vice? From thine own sister's shame?" " Die, perish. I will pray a thousand times for thy death. No word to save thee". When the Duke revealed Bed for Bed trick to Isabella, she did not show compassion for Mariana. " Show me how, Good Father. The images already gives me content." Again, Shakespeare said, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair".
The Duke: The Duke's Bed for Bed and Head for Head trick saved Isabella from being shameful and saved Claudio's life. Is he a good person ? Well, Vienna was in a state of Chaos under his rein for the past 14 years. Who was at fault ? This chaotic state forced him to release his duty to his lieutenant. But at the end, he punished his lieutenant for his wrong doing. Again, Shakespeare said, "Fair is foul and foul is fair".
The Duke twisted the plot from tragedy to comedy. No one was dead. But he was not flawless.
Conclusion: Human being is complex; and no one is perfect. It is not our duty to judge; but to have compassion, for we cannot love and judge at the same time. Choosing between being right, or being kind, let us choose being kind.
This essay was originated from Dr. Ting-Kai Chen's presentation on New Year's Day at New Jersey Taiwanese Pen Club Meeting.
Be right, or be kind? If we have to choose, choose 'being kind'. --Deepak Chopra
Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounced, you will be judged and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Mathew 7: 1-2
2014 is the 450 year anniversary of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Although not as educated as the other literature scholars (Shakespeare only received grammar school education in England), he had published 38 plays, numerous poetry, and other well-respected literature work. He was very keen in observing human's mind- a very complex mind. Thus he said, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'. Because of the complexity of a human mind, it is better not to judge. The Bible teaches us with the same message. So are the contemplative spiritual guru; when we have to choose between being right or being kind, choose being kind. The play, Measure for Measure, illustrates the importance of this basic philosophy.
Measure for Measure-the plot
Vienna was in chaos- crime, prostitutes, gambling were rampant. The City had earned a reputation of a number 1 sin-city during the Dark Age of Europe. The Duke decided to ask his lieutenant, Angelo, to clean up the city.
Lieutenant Angelo had a reputation of being righteous, incorruptible, and religious; a disciple of God. The Duke told Angelo to be in charge while he was traveling to other cities. In reality, he did not travel at all. He just disguised to be a friar observing how Angelo cleaned up the City.
Angelo was determined to crack down irresponsible sex, he arrested Julieta and Claudio for having sex without marriage and condemned Claudio to death. This was too severe and out-of-proportion a punishment even by the Dark Age standard. Lucio, the jail keeper was sympathetic with Claudio, and informed Claudio's sister Isabella who was going to become a nun, to 'stay away from filthy human kind.' Isabella came to Angelo asking for mercy on Claudio. Claudio spoke highly on her sister, Isabella. " a prone and speechless dialect. Such as move men; besides, she hath prosperous art, when she play with reason and discourse and will she can persuade."
Isabella spoke to Angelo, "...go to your bosom. Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know. That's like my brother's fault; if it confess a natural guilt such as his. Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue against my brother's life."
Angelo could not resist Isabella intellect and overall Isabella's sensual attraction. He asked Isabella to surrender her love to Angelo to save her brother's life. Isabella refused. She went to Claudio to tell him what was going on. Initially, Claudio praised his sister for refusal. After a while, thinking about his death was immediate, asking Isabella to think twice about Angelo's request. Isabella became very angry, scolding her brother, " O, you beast, faithless coward. Dishonest wretch. Wilt thou be man out of my vice? From thine own sister's shame?" " Die, perish. I will pray a thousand times for thy death. No word to save thee." She stormed out and swore never to see her brother again. Isabella showed no sympathy for her brother.
The Duke was aware of what was going on. He came to Isabella and offered a 'Bed for Bed' trick on Angelo. Angelo has a out-of-favor girl friend, Mariana with body, face, and voice similar to Isabella. To this offer, Isabella agreed and said, " Show me how, Good Father. The images already gives me content." Isabella showed no concerns for possible shame of other woman.
Bed for Bed trick went well. Did Angelo released Claudio as he had promised? No. "Claudio will take revenge on me if he is released", Angelo said. Angelo ordered immediate execution on Claudio and he wanted to see Claudio's head the next day.
Lucio told The Duke about the execution; and the Duke, disguised as a friar offered another trick, Head for Head; using a dead man Ragzine's head substituting for Claudio's head. Lucio and the friar hid Claudio.
The Duke finally returned; all witnesses came out forward to reveal Angelo's cruelty and wrong doing. When Mariana came out to reveal the truth behind, Bed for Bed trick, Angelo finally confessed. The Duke first ordered Angelo to marry Mariana, then condemn Angelo to death. The Duke declared, "The mercy of law cried out most audible, even from his proper tongue. An Angelo for Claudio, Death for Death. Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; like doth quit like, and Measure still for measure. "
In the end, both Mariana and Isabella pleaded for mercy for Angelo, the tragedy became a comedy. Claudio appeared and was ordered to marry Julieta. while the Duke proposed to Isabella. No head was lost while everyone was either married for being proposed.
Measure for Measure --Character Analysis
Angelo: The religious, self-proclaimed righteous person was actually a heartless hypocrite. He sentenced Claudio's death for an irresponsible sex; yet he asked for sex with Isabella, then ordered immediate execution on Claudio. He is a bad guy by everyone's standard. Let's reflect what was his actions. Initially, he did show determination to 'clean up the city of Vienna'. However, he was not able to resist the lust over a very intelligent woman, and eventually committed a crime by his own definition. Afraid of being revenged by Claudio, he ordered immediate execution on Claudio. Thus one crime piled up on another, like a snowball. After committing the crime,he did show remorse about his action in his prayer. " What is this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? The temper or the tempted ? Ha, not she, but I. O, fie, fie, fie, what are thou, Angelo? You want to exert your lust on someone who is good? ". When all the witnesses came up forward, he asked for death sentence from the Duke. " Good Prince. No longer session hold my shame. But let my trial be my own confession. Immediate sentence and sequent death is all the grace I beg." This is what Shakespeare had said, "Fair is foul and foul is fair."
Isabella: She first appealed to Angelo for mercy on Claudio and then pleaded to the Duke, mercy on Angelo. Is she completely a good person? Well, how little compassion she had on her brother, " O, you beast, faithless coward. Dishonest wretch. Wilt thou be man out of my vice? From thine own sister's shame?" " Die, perish. I will pray a thousand times for thy death. No word to save thee". When the Duke revealed Bed for Bed trick to Isabella, she did not show compassion for Mariana. " Show me how, Good Father. The images already gives me content." Again, Shakespeare said, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair".
The Duke: The Duke's Bed for Bed and Head for Head trick saved Isabella from being shameful and saved Claudio's life. Is he a good person ? Well, Vienna was in a state of Chaos under his rein for the past 14 years. Who was at fault ? This chaotic state forced him to release his duty to his lieutenant. But at the end, he punished his lieutenant for his wrong doing. Again, Shakespeare said, "Fair is foul and foul is fair".
Conclusion: Human being is complex; and no one is perfect. It is not our duty to judge; but to have compassion, for we cannot love and judge at the same time. Choosing between being right, or being kind, let us choose being kind.
This essay was originated from Dr. Ting-Kai Chen's presentation on New Year's Day at New Jersey Taiwanese Pen Club Meeting.
Monday, January 5, 2015
THE WAY
Andy is a worker ant. Being a worker, his duties are to search and carry food back to the Queen from dawn to dusk; 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. His father and his grandfather did that; so are his cousins, friends, and sons. This is THE WAY. No one questions about THE WAY. It is considered as the universal truth for all worker ants to follow: THE WAY.
Andy was happy about THE WAY just like any other worker ants until one day, he noticed that there were more number of ants went out to work while fewer and fewer ants came home at dusk.
Andy stops another fellow worker ant and said,
"Something is wrong. Didn't you notice that there were more ants went out from the nest than returning?"
"No. You must be dreaming. Everything is well and sound. Besides, one of our friends has found a big pool of honey. It is a gold for us as ants. If we carry honey home, our Queen will be very, very happy.", said Andy's friend and walks off to find the honey.
After few days, he found that those ants who carried honey all collapsed on the way home; then there is a funnel descended from heaven and sucks them off and sending them to death.
Andy stops another ant who happens to be a soldier ant.
" Please stop other ants from rushing to carry honey home; for I see the DEATH with my own eyes. I saw a funnel coming down from heaven and sucking them to DEATH."
" You must be very, very crazy and disgusting.", said the soldier ant.
" It is your duty according to THE WAY as a worker ant to carry the honey back to the Queen. If you disrespect your duty, death will be upon you."
Here it goes. Andy saw the danger; yet no other ants saw it. Andy cannot stop THE WAY, even THE WAY leads them to death.
Andy was happy about THE WAY just like any other worker ants until one day, he noticed that there were more number of ants went out to work while fewer and fewer ants came home at dusk.
Andy stops another fellow worker ant and said,
"Something is wrong. Didn't you notice that there were more ants went out from the nest than returning?"
"No. You must be dreaming. Everything is well and sound. Besides, one of our friends has found a big pool of honey. It is a gold for us as ants. If we carry honey home, our Queen will be very, very happy.", said Andy's friend and walks off to find the honey.
After few days, he found that those ants who carried honey all collapsed on the way home; then there is a funnel descended from heaven and sucks them off and sending them to death.
Andy stops another ant who happens to be a soldier ant.
" Please stop other ants from rushing to carry honey home; for I see the DEATH with my own eyes. I saw a funnel coming down from heaven and sucking them to DEATH."
" You must be very, very crazy and disgusting.", said the soldier ant.
" It is your duty according to THE WAY as a worker ant to carry the honey back to the Queen. If you disrespect your duty, death will be upon you."
Here it goes. Andy saw the danger; yet no other ants saw it. Andy cannot stop THE WAY, even THE WAY leads them to death.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Karma-what goes around, comes around
A Miserable Angel
Ikay was an angel sent by the heaven; but he did not look like an angel. He did not have wings; naturally, he could not fly. His body was made of ice; he could float on water, but could not swim. He did not have any magic. His body was covered with rugged clothes. He was seen bare-foot all the time walking on the ice and snow. He did not have parent. In fact, he looked clumsy, and awkward. He occasionally showed up at school and often he was bullied by other kids. He was a miserable angel.
One day, Ikay was bullied again by a group of 5-6 kids. They teased and verbally insulted him, threw rocks, ice at him and was physically rough on him until an old gentleman, O-Li-San came by to stop the abuse of Ikay from other kids.
O-Li-San Came to Rescue
"You rough kids should be ashamed of yourself. If you don't stop harassing, just wait to see what I will do to you." said the O-Li-San and showed off with few Martial Art movement. The kids retreated and left.
After the bullying kids retreated, O-Li-San asked the bare-foot kid,
"What is your name? Where do you live?"
" My name is Ikay. I don't have a home." said Ikay.
" Why don't you come to my house? I have a place for you to stay in my house."
Ikay followed the old man and walked into his small hut. The old gentleman lived by himself. Although the hut was small, it was quite clean. O-Li-San cleaned up a place for Ikay to sleep and gave Ikay a warm meal to which, Ikay happily enjoyed the meal.
The old gentleman made a living by making and selling masks. His hut was cold. O-Li-San burned the firewood inside a stove to make the hut warm.
"Come to the fireplace. You look cold." Said the old gentleman.
"I am quite ok with the cold. My body will melt if I come near the fire." Ikay confessed to the old gentleman that he was made of ice.
Ikay and the old gentleman lived happily together. O-Li-San prepared meals for Ikay while Ikay played beautiful flute music to entertain. Ikay was a gifted musician after all.
Snow Storm
One day, the old gentleman said to Ikay,
"The firewood is getting short. I should go to the wood to pick up more to warm the hut."
After O-Li-San left for the firewood, the weather suddenly changed to the worse. First, the black clouds appeared; the howling wind followed; then there was a blizzard so bad that Ikay had never seen before.
Five hours had passed and O-Li-San did not come back. Ikay got worried. He decided to trace the old gentleman's routes to find him.
Ikay called out 'O-Li-San' as hard as he could; and found no responses. He walked through bushes, snow piles, in hope finding the gentleman. After 2 hours, he found the gentleman collapsing on a pile of snow.
Ikay Gave His Life to Save O-Li-San
Ikay secured the gentleman on his back and slowly walked back to the hut. The gentleman suffered severe hypothermia, but was still alive.
Quickly, Ikay made a fire and brought the gentleman close to the fire to warm up the gentleman.
The gentleman finally woke up and said,
"What a dream! Where am I?"
Then he found out he was in the hut. Then he called out Ikay, and found no trace of Ikay. Ikay was made of ice; once he touched the fire, he melted. Ikay was gone. He went back to the heaven.
The old gentleman rescued Ikay from the misery. Ikay paid him back with his own life to save the old gentleman from being frozen to death.
What goes around, it came around; this is the universal truth. This is Karma.
Ikay was an angel sent by the heaven; but he did not look like an angel. He did not have wings; naturally, he could not fly. His body was made of ice; he could float on water, but could not swim. He did not have any magic. His body was covered with rugged clothes. He was seen bare-foot all the time walking on the ice and snow. He did not have parent. In fact, he looked clumsy, and awkward. He occasionally showed up at school and often he was bullied by other kids. He was a miserable angel.
One day, Ikay was bullied again by a group of 5-6 kids. They teased and verbally insulted him, threw rocks, ice at him and was physically rough on him until an old gentleman, O-Li-San came by to stop the abuse of Ikay from other kids.
O-Li-San Came to Rescue
"You rough kids should be ashamed of yourself. If you don't stop harassing, just wait to see what I will do to you." said the O-Li-San and showed off with few Martial Art movement. The kids retreated and left.
After the bullying kids retreated, O-Li-San asked the bare-foot kid,
"What is your name? Where do you live?"
" My name is Ikay. I don't have a home." said Ikay.
" Why don't you come to my house? I have a place for you to stay in my house."
Ikay followed the old man and walked into his small hut. The old gentleman lived by himself. Although the hut was small, it was quite clean. O-Li-San cleaned up a place for Ikay to sleep and gave Ikay a warm meal to which, Ikay happily enjoyed the meal.
The old gentleman made a living by making and selling masks. His hut was cold. O-Li-San burned the firewood inside a stove to make the hut warm.
"Come to the fireplace. You look cold." Said the old gentleman.
"I am quite ok with the cold. My body will melt if I come near the fire." Ikay confessed to the old gentleman that he was made of ice.
Ikay and the old gentleman lived happily together. O-Li-San prepared meals for Ikay while Ikay played beautiful flute music to entertain. Ikay was a gifted musician after all.
Snow Storm
One day, the old gentleman said to Ikay,
"The firewood is getting short. I should go to the wood to pick up more to warm the hut."
After O-Li-San left for the firewood, the weather suddenly changed to the worse. First, the black clouds appeared; the howling wind followed; then there was a blizzard so bad that Ikay had never seen before.
Five hours had passed and O-Li-San did not come back. Ikay got worried. He decided to trace the old gentleman's routes to find him.
Ikay called out 'O-Li-San' as hard as he could; and found no responses. He walked through bushes, snow piles, in hope finding the gentleman. After 2 hours, he found the gentleman collapsing on a pile of snow.
Ikay Gave His Life to Save O-Li-San
Ikay secured the gentleman on his back and slowly walked back to the hut. The gentleman suffered severe hypothermia, but was still alive.
Quickly, Ikay made a fire and brought the gentleman close to the fire to warm up the gentleman.
The gentleman finally woke up and said,
"What a dream! Where am I?"
Then he found out he was in the hut. Then he called out Ikay, and found no trace of Ikay. Ikay was made of ice; once he touched the fire, he melted. Ikay was gone. He went back to the heaven.
The old gentleman rescued Ikay from the misery. Ikay paid him back with his own life to save the old gentleman from being frozen to death.
What goes around, it came around; this is the universal truth. This is Karma.
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