Everyone wants to feel good. We naturally develop attachment to people and situations that we desire and aversion to those that we resist. This natural disposition, if not skilfully investigated, gives rise to afflictions when the feel-good-factor is not sustainable. Precisely because of the vital role that feelings play in our suffering, it is the means by which we can deepen our spiritual practice. It is thus through relating to our feelings in an unconditioned manner that we can seek revelation. Through connecting with our feelings without any trace of resistance, we will realise that feelings, like thoughts, are entirely neutral in nature. They are accompanied by our thoughts and thus are also passersby. Thus we can leave them alone as they are; as after all, they are nothing but energy running in us that we have put concrete labels on. Fundamentally, we need to understand that the protagonist of the tragic story can only be "I" -- our self-centredness. The real culprit is then not our feelings. It is the egoistic mind which we identify so strongly with and leads us to produce all the judgements we have on ourselves and others, thus further strengthening the "I" -- my body and mind.
Monday, December 28, 2020
Monday, December 14, 2020
The Verb "To Be"
Trace back your memory to your elementary English grammar class when we learned the verb “to be”. Have you ever imagined that it contains the wisdom of ancient teachings waiting to be revealed? In present tense, the words “I am” implies being. The profound meaning might lie clandestinely, holding the key to our primordial presence; but this being-ness is never away from all our experiences. All experiences that are subsequently derived from “I am” also make us believe that we are the experiencers who know and are aware. In fact, everything (and literally everything) is derived from this awareness before we objectify our world through expression and manifestation. Awareness is the essence of consciousness and consciousness is all there is in the entire universe and beyond, both form and formless. It follows to say that when we can stay and abide in the root of our being, we can go into a deeper state of consciousness and return to the Source, the “I AM” -- a promise to peace and happiness.
Friday, December 4, 2020
Choiceless thoughts
Are we at the mercy of our minds? Our thoughts seem to pop up from nowhere every moment and arise of their own accord. So is it really the case that we have no control over them? Although the mind is running its own course with all its contents illusory in nature, we can nevertheless cultivate a different relationship with our thoughts. With understanding we can see where our thoughts come from and learn not to chase after them when they are desirable and push them away when they are unpleasant. Thoughts are just products of our minds which are no different from those derived from all other senses we have as a human being. Just as we will not deny the seeing or hearing function of our eyes and ears, we do not need to subdue our thoughts. They are neutral by nature, and in fact a gateway to great wisdom. The wisdom is cultivated when we no longer identify with the thoughts and can observe them from a distance. With practice, they are simply objects who are also transient with no staying power if we no longer cling onto them.
Friday, November 27, 2020
Making Friends With Impermanence
Impermanence is not a convenient term you say with a sigh when things go south, nor is it a way to console yourself when a desired situation come to an end. If you think that impermanence simply suggests a termination of a relationship or a conclusion of an event, this understanding is also incomplete. In the first place, why does impermanence exist? There is impermanence because of the empty nature of all phenomena. Everything, literally everything, that exists is empty of intrinsic existence and is therefore non-singular, dependent and impermanent. And yet everything is also in the process of creation moment by moment and changing every second, albeit so subtle that you may not realise. The "you" five minutes ago is already different from the "you" at this very minute, physiologically and mentally. Thus we are all living in the perpetual cycles of arising and ceasing.
We do not need to breakthrough this cycle though. Rather, we can see through the nature of such and know that we can leverage on the time and physical space between ceasing and arising to make the changes we want for our highest good and the expansion of self. What is really arising is only our mental formations or simply put, our thought forms. There is no need to annihilate our thoughts, but we can at least take on different thoughts and perspectives and go for those that align with our heart and soul. Let us enjoy the infinite possibilities that impermanence brings us.
Sunday, November 8, 2020
There Is Only Uncertainty
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Lost in Time and Space
Thursday, October 29, 2020
The Observer Effect
Quantum physics is finally catching up with spirituality. We now have a glimpse of the reality of all phenomenon and may be able to satisfy this who crave for a more clinical line of reasoning. In quantum physics, the observer effect is the theory that the mere observation of a phenomenon changes the phenomenon or reality. And if the outcome of an event has not been observed, it exists in a state of superposition, which is being in all possible states at once. The most puzzling fact about quantum mechanics is that the outcome one obtains is dependent on how and whether one observes the individual quanta (the smallest indivisible chunk that matter is made of) that is part of the experiment. Depending on the type of equipment and measurement used to detect, particles have the capacity to display either “particle” or "wave" features. This is the famous wave-particle duality where the true reality of a quantum system is neither a pure particle nor a pure wave.
In spirituality, we know that all phenomenon is fundamentally empty of any intrinsic existence, and is impermanent, non-singular and dependent arising. Like in an experiment, when we observe something (whether it is a person, event or object), we first put our focus and attention onto it. Then through our conscious awareness, we put our own labels and interpretation on them. A natural corollary to such definition and perception will be the birth of feelings and sensation. Whether they are positive or negative, it then gives rise to craving, attachment or resistance. The final product? Suffering.
Not all of us are science-minded, but the understanding of the mechanics that constitute the fabrics of the universe does provide some understanding for us to make the right choice for ourselves; and knowing that the right choice will create a more desirable outcome and potential happiness.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Understanding the Ego
Since it is the ego which has brought us here to have this human experience, it may appear to be an inescapable fact that we will identify with our body, mind and thoughts. This is, of course, only true if we are referring to the attachment to our dreamy existence prior to waking up to the realisation of our true nature -- the non-dualistic oneness.
It thus makes sense for us to understand how the ego behaves in order to recognise that we are acting out of it so that we can be the kind observer. It is predominant to know that the ego always leads us to a sense of separation the very moment we start to see “me” as the subject and an individual entity. This naturally gives rise to “others” from which all the suffering comes. There will be comparison and differentiation, and hence judgement and the need for validation. There will be an urge to be superior and important, and hence inadequacy and the feeling of vulnerability. Let us look at the ego with courage, see through it and embrace it with space and open-heartedness. With practices to stabilise in our true Self where stillness is in the background, the ego will naturally dissolve by itself.Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Knowing Ego
Most people have a negative connotation of ego. It implies a sense of self-importance that most often come at the expense of others. When you describe someone being egoistic, there is even a suggestion of someone being selfish and preoccupied by oneself. Though the word ego plays the most important in the human psyche and is widely studied in spirituality studies, there is an irony. When we are asked to examine our ego, a lot of us will shy away from the word fearing that we will be perceived as self-centred people who do not care about the well-being of others.
This is because we do not have the right understanding of the word ego in spirituality. Here ego means our innate identification with our self and our thoughts. With its roots in Latin, ego literally means "I". We are all susceptible to this identification as we believe that we are the "I" in this body with this mind. The letting go of this ego can only happen when we can give up such identification. This is not to say that we need to vanish form the surface of the Earth before we can transcend our ego. But we need to develop a deeper understanding that we are beyond just "me" and "my thoughts". With attachment to "me" and "my thoughts", there will always be separation and judgement which bind us to this dualistic world. Being humans, this is a phenomenon that we cannot escape. But is this really a Catch 22? It will not be when we go deeper into our awareness and can see there is a much bigger "I" beyond this human body, in which there is only infinite wisdom, light and abundance.
Saturday, September 26, 2020
The Tiny Space
Overwhelmed by incessant thoughts, we seldom notice the space in between our thoughts. As if put into an automatic gear, our minds are too used to filling any space up with yet another thought. Even when we are asleep, activities still take place as dreams when we try to come to terms with experiences in our waking lives through our unconscious minds. Yet magic happens when we can rest in this tiny space in between where there is nothing but stillness. It may last only for a nano second, but when we can just be aware of it we are led to our awakened Self where there is a promise of peace, wisdom and compassion.
The interesting thing is, whether we focus on it or not, this stillness is hovering in the background. If you cannot capture that space in between thoughts, try to notice the gap in between your inhale and exhale. When you really investigate, you will find quietude that opens the door to pure awareness.
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Hedonic Treadmill
While we all say we want to be happy, we do not always take the option to experience joy. Happiness is more than a birthright or a prerogative, it is also a choice. Yet when we make this choice, though often unconsciously, we make it with strings attached. "I will be satisfied if I can make X amount of money...I will be so content if I find the love of my life...If only my family is happy and in good health, I will have nothing else to ask for..." This is called bargaining and doomed to be a lose-lose situation. When you cannot achieve these goals, you call them unfulfilled dreams. But even when you have met these life "objectives", you may be happy for a while only to learn later that you need to fill the vacuum inside you with other new goals to get excited again. In other words, this is a moving target or what is coined as the hedonic treadmill by researchers Brickman and Campbell in 1971. It is the tendency of a person to return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or changes in life. Human beings are wired this way as a species so as to adapt to changing external events and environment for survival. While this may have served us in our evolution, the meaning of our existence is not simply to prolong our life span. It is up to us to make the conscious choice to be happy unconditionally no matter what the outside circumstances are. It is not a promise to ecstasy 24/7 nor a desensitisation agent, but a knowing that happiness is from within when you have a deep faith that abundance is an attitude.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Boundary-free
Friday, August 28, 2020
Awareness Aware of Awareness
There is only ONE consciousness, when we can reside in it and not anything else, we are merging with everything and everyone else where there can no more separation but only love.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Thoughts and Karma
What arises in the mind are thoughts
Thought is the real plane of action
Manifested with a lag on the physical plane
As activities appearing external and solid
Formed and formulated on the mental plane
Potency is in the inner self
Everything one sees is nothing but a reflection of thoughts
From past or present and as a continuum
No outer world but a personal mind only
With thoughts there will be karma
Also with no intrinsic existence
-impermanent, non-singular and dependent
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
The Lifespan of an Emotion
The neurologist Jill Bolte-Taylor has mentioned in her book My Stroke of Insight that the physiological lifespan of an emotion in the brain and body is 90 seconds. When you are engaged in a fight with someone and in a rage, the sensation of adrenaline rush, faster heart beat, heat in the face and stiffness in the neck are all supposed to take 90 seconds for it to set off and dissipate on its own. Likewise, when you are on stage giving that speech the first time, the butterflies in your stomach, light-headedness and palpitation are only there for a minute and a half. So why is it that when we are emotional it feels like we are stuck in a rut and cannot escape? It is the narrative that we are holding onto that makes our thoughts linger on and hence the associated emotions. The breakthrough lies in the ability of residing in the present moment and not assuming that the situation and environment should be otherwise. After all, would you rather experience a 90-second chemical process or stay in an emotional loop?
Monday, July 27, 2020
Is Karma Overrated?
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
The Tiny Space
Inhale...exhale...
You may realise that you are inhaling before you have fully exhaled
For a moment exhale fully until your diaphragm has totally relaxed
And that your rib cage is sinking downwards and inwards
Now notice that tiny space in between your inhale and exhale
Pay attention to it without holding your breath
Let this space expand and rest in it
This is stillness, your true nature -- the gateway to bliss
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Believe, Trust and Faith
Do not compromise with half belief
For that means doubt and hesitation
A deterrent and an obstacle to all practices
Turn this belief into deep trust
That the original purity is always present
Reinforce your trust that pure awareness is boundless
With us right here right now
Have unwavering faith that this is the force that manifests life
And all our thoughts, emotions and perceptions
Let them arise and let them dissolve back into it
Recognize and comprehend until it is who you are
Perfect and just as you are
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Evocation or Creativity
Monday, June 15, 2020
Being Human
Friday, June 5, 2020
Quest For Reasons
Acquiring knowledge or skills to improve ourselves is definitely commendable, but maybe we need to let go of the myth that everything happens for a reason. This is not to discount its validity, but finding the reasons can only be part of the tale at best. It is way more constructive to find meaning out of life's disappointments than rationalising failure and losses, or you will be falling into the trap of creating another story out of a story.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Paradox of Giving
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Letting Go of I
But I can see my body
What can be seen cannot be the seer
So I cannot be my body
Am I my feelings?
But I can feel my emotions
What can be felt cannot be the feeler
So I cannot be my feelings
Am I my mind?
But I can notice my thoughts
What can be known cannot be the knower
So I cannot be my mind
Am I a subject or an object?
Am I neither a subject nor an object?
Am I not neither a subject nor an object?
So who am I?
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Merit vs Virtue
People pay tribute to meritorious conduct, something that can often be displayed and deserves praises and rewards. After all who does not want to be acknowledged and appreciated? But this is at best part of the equation. The righteous path to realisation has a long incubation process and both merit and virtue are necessary. Merit without virtue may be a wish-fulfilling jewel that will bring you satisfaction to your mundane desires and bless you with health and wealth, but it will never truly alleviate your suffering. Virtue requires courage and curiosity from which will lead us to introspection. It is the deep reflection that probes you to look beyond mere appearances and see the reality of our existence -- to gain the insight into our divine nature. It is the will and determination to change our belief system that has led us to encumbrance and affliction. Life will still have its predicaments, of course, but the awakening to reality will help you to orient and be peaceful along the process.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Words Are Token
Supreme consciousness or oneness can only be attained through non-duality. But from a pragmatic standpoint, we do need language for the normal functioning of a human being. How we can use it as an expedient mean to free ourselves from all boundaries is the real practice. In other words, language is the finger pointing to the moon but not the moon itself. We are not trying to negate existence though but rather using language as a gateway to gain non-conceptualisation, non-differentiation and non-discrimination. Paradoxically, the objective is to drop conceptual contrivance through first gaining wisdom from words and creating the space for direct experience so that we can reap the fruit of liberation. As we have emphasised, words are boundaries. Some levels of connection can only be felt but not understood and expressed in words.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Hidden Karma of Snakes and Ladders
Let us dive deeper into the fundamental concept. Without a cause, a result cannot happen. What you are experiencing are obviously results from the causes created in the past. But conditions (things and events) are also required to actualise a phenomenon. The karma that we are continuously creating can serve as causes or conditions, and the intricate and complicated workings and mechanism are way beyond human apprehension. The focus for us, however, is not to decipher the cause or condition but to plant healthy karma seeds by doing good deeds and adopting a kind and loving attitude. Then let go of any expectations of results.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
A Hypothesis of Non-duality
There will be no reference, hence no differentiation, no relativity
No regrets, no worries, no doubt
If the concept of space vanishes, there will be no self, no others, no sentient beings
There will be no comparison, hence no judgement, no discrimination
No greed, no hatred, no attachment
Realize the limitations of life but live it to the fullest
Obliterate the ignorance
Eliminate the obscuration
Eradicate the suffering
Saturday, March 28, 2020
The Function of Plans
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Spiritual Immunity
Friday, March 6, 2020
Empathy, Compassion and Altruism
Simply put, empathy is the ability to be in someone else's shoes. When we are able to take the perspective of another individual and see where that person comes from, we will be able to recognise, understand and feel his or her emotions. Compassion goes one step beyond. It comes with a moral intent. It involves the wish for someone to be happy and the desire to alleviate the suffering of the other. While a person may be empathetic and compassionate, he or she may not be altruistic; though the former two qualities are bedrock for the latter. With altruism, there is a sense of selflessness associated and a genuine belief that the well-being of others is equally or more important than that of the self. It involves selfless acts or behaviour that will benefit another individual at a cost to oneself. Often, the incentive comes from the emotional reward from kind undertakings that render the beholder gratification and fulfilment.
The idea of expecting everyone to be altruistic may be a very utopian concept. But we can at least practise empathy and compassion on ourselves, expand to our loves ones and eventually on other precious beings in our lives.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
A Foolish Consistency Is the Hobgoblin of Little Minds
Life is fluid, unstable and impermanent, that is just the nature of it. The same goes with our thoughts and beliefs. There is no chance to have a fixed and consistent of thinking as you will be deviating from the Truth. Going with the flow requires the courage of introspection. When one can re-discover the inner self, then there will be ample space for harmony, authenticity and hence, happiness.
Friday, February 14, 2020
The Other Shore
Drop prejudice and judgement
Give up a fixed and deluded view-
Of an objective reality with intrinsic existence
As all phenomena in their own being are empty
Free the self and remove mental afflictions
Rejoice in the endowment of wisdom, bliss and compassion
Step ashore oarless and rudderless
And forgo the awakening upon disembarkation
Monday, February 3, 2020
Tikun
Monday, January 20, 2020
Gains and Losses
In times of loss, it is challenging to move out of emotional captivity. Yet this is a world of duality after all, and behind every loss there is always a gain. And of course, whether you wish or not, the opposite is true. This gain might not be material or be at a level that we can experience with a narrow viewpoint that we adopt habitually. It can only be said that the gain is always a promise that will make you more appreciative, authentic and whole as a person. Whilst busy rejoicing your gains and lamenting your losses, it is up to you to identify their counterparts and turn them into something empowering with an open mind and an open heart.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Intention
But the tenet of our spiritual practice rests on our mental consciousness. The mental consciousness requires an anchor for it to develop, or put it differently, a resting place. This anchor is our intentions. Without intentions, there is no room for the mental and physical components to function and there will be no action and speech to follow. And it goes without saying that there will no medium for our sense organs and mind to interact with external objects and people.
Perhaps it is worth us making the pause and bring more awareness to our own intentions before we become the puppets of our own action and speech.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Individuality vs Relationship
But at the end of the day, true individuality involves seeing from another person what is happening within you. For without a screen, what is the use of a projector?