Oh Buddha

 By: ryan    11:12 AM  Dear Diary   No comments

The other day, I was doing prostrations because by just meditating, my mind still running wild, wander to La La Land, keep thinking where to go later, what to eat, what to buy and many more stupid imaginations and ideas ( I mean bad one, really bad one).

Having chanting Medicine Buddha's short mantra plus full prostrations, still my mind can think of something else and I can't fully concentrate. Half way prostration (I think about 70++) I can felt that I am sweating all over my forehead, then the sweat start dropping off as I lay my hands down onto the floor. Suddenly a car passby my house and honked. What the ......it really make me jump. From then on, my mind was empty. (So next time, if you know you will not concentrating on doing prostrations, ask someone honk for you. PS: i will not responsible if there are any heart-failure resulted from this suggestion).  Then the first thing that crossed my mind was prostrations = exercise = sweat = release toxins = SLIMMING!!

Oh no, I am so disrespectful. But maybe this is a sign from Medicine Buddha gua....hahaha. The reason why I do prostrations is not to commit into the preliminary practice or to complete a 100,000 prostrations but to make my mind more relaxing and spending time in front of my beautiful altar instead of the silent killer radiating monitor & TV (you know la, one day without FB will make your body itchy, moreover those FB's games are so addictive). You may eyeroll over on the lame and stupidity for all this nonsense...

Everyone know that its so beneficial by doing prostrations, creating good karma and receiving initiations after completing certain amount of recitation mantras, making offerings and prostrations. But I am doing it for SLIMMING? I must be kidding. Something so sacred and beneficial tasks I can turn it into such silly for-my-own-benefits thingy....tsk...tsk...tsk...no wonder people said that this is a degenerating era even good things can also become like this...

Oh Buddha, please forgive my ignorance and please grant me to have at least some wisdom to understand the Dharma more profoundly.

Read More

The Buddha Book

 By: ryan    4:01 PM  Books, Buddhism, Lillian Too   No comments

Title: The Buddha Book
Author: Lilian Too
Publisher: Gramercy
ISBN: 9780007848997


Back Cover text

"In order to find happiness and avoid suffering we should learn about those factors that bring happiness so we can practice them, and those factors that bring about suffering so we can avoid them" - Lama Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche

 "This is a very wonderful book with benefits for the mind, for finding inner peace, and generating compassion while learning how to benefit others and to love all equally. All these qualities can be gained from this book" - Khen Rinpoche Lama Khundrup, Abbot of Kopan Monastery Kathmandu, Nepal. 

"In this book, Lilian Too brilliantly introduces the path to enlightenment by introducing readers to many of the Buddhas - emanations of wisdom, compassion, power, and all other positive qualities. Based on the teachings of her guru, Lama Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, it offers us the perfect combination of spiritual authenticity and contemporary presentation" - Dr. Nicholas Ribush

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like Buddhism, you'll like this book. If you love Tibetan Buddhism, you'll more love this book. The book provides short introduction of Buddha Shakyamuni, the Five directions Buddhas, Medicine Buddha, Tara, Bodhisattvas, Jambhala and more. Beside the beautiful pictures featured inside the book, all the pictures are come with color. You'll love it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who interested in Tibetan Buddhism. Compare to the Buddha box (all the content are the same, just that the pictures are printed on card and the descriptions are separated into a little book), this book is more to a coffeetable-book, easy to read, nice to hold and again, the serene and breathtaking look on the beautiful Buddha's pictures.  

Beside the pictures, there are also mantras for each Buddha featured in the book. You may want to keep this at your altar to use it as regular daily meditation practice. (There is another similar book to this by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Faces of Enlightenment). The instructions or the rituals are simply clear and easy to understand. I am truly enjoyed reading the book.

Read More

Teohlogy

 By: ryan    3:29 PM  Books, Patrick Teoh   No comments

Title: Teohlogy
Author: Patrick Teoh
Publisher: ZI Publications
ISBN: 9789675266157

Back Cover text

If there's one truly authentic Malaysian voice expounding on all that he loves and hates in this multicultural, maddening country, it's Patrick Teoh. With his trademark razor-sharp wit, Teoh, in his aptly-named Teohlogy articles (previously published in the now defunct Off The Edge magazine from the years 2005 to 2010), shares his views on Malaysian life, tropical affairs and issues that concern the ordinary Malaysian, with a generous sprinkling of realism, humour and provocation.

Some call him a cynic (or an old grump, or a ...never mind, it's a long list!) but Teohlogy is all about telling it as it is, warts and all. Be it the farcical antics of politicians or the perils of public transport, Teoh's candid, no-holds-barred perspectives will not only have readers chuckling in recognition but also realising the obstacles of a young nation like Malaysia. 

From his hilarious catch phrases dunked in Malaysian sirap bandung to his digs at the powers-that-be and Malaysians themselves, Teohlogy presents a Malaysia with all its flaws but hopes that we will not give up trying to understand the idiosyncrasies of this beguiling country. Can-ah?

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

By looking at the book cover already give you some hint that this must be some funny reads. Damn like the cover. Eh, not many can pose for such face expression, some more used it as a cover on book provided you will not cursed by others. 

Patrick's articles seem to be some sarcastic tok-kok stuffs but there are indeed truth in them. Last time, I only purchased Off The Edge (OTE) when there are some famous figures person or some articles seem interesting but also the reason I bought OTE  is mainly to read Patrick's articles. Even though his articles is feature only in a page (last page of the magazine) but buying and read it on my own bed instead of standing in the magazine stall or bookstore do make out more laughter. There is a time where I got into his article so much I wanted to get back all the back issues of OTE. But now, thanks to ZI Publications, wahllaa!! all are in a book.

I know that the book launching is in Ikano Popular last Saturday but  I just can't make it. there Sigh. Anyway, happy enough cause I have grab a copy of this marvelous book for only RM38. Worth it all.

Here are some chapters I liked the most:

You Give Me Now

Membeli-Boleh

A Day at the Zoo

We, the People

Dayung Sampan

Is That You, Santa?

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

For more info about the book or about the author, visit: Niamah

Read More

The Ten Gods by Joey Yap

 By: ryan    10:38 AM  Books, Joey Yap   No comments

Title: The Ten Gods - An Introduction To The Ten Gods In BaZi
Author: Joey Yap
Publisher: JY Books
ISBN: 9789675395833


Back Cover text

An Introduction To The Ten Gods In Bazi
The Ten Gods are the interpretation and analysis tools that must be deployed in order to truly begin to decode a person's Destiny, as contained in their BaZi chart. as such, the Ten Gods are an integral and core component of the study if BaZi. A detailed and thorough understanding of the Ten Gods is necessary for anyone seeking to master BaZi beyond the beginner level.  

This ground-breaking Reference Book is designed to provide a thorough and comprehensive introduction to the subject matter of the Ten Gods and presents the information in a form that has not been attempted by any English or Chinese reference books on the subject matter.

This book has been written with novice and intermediate students of BaZi in mind, thus every effort has been made to amply illustrated with numerous complete BaZi charts the key basics and important principles relating to the Ten Gods. Advanced students of BaZi will also find the text useful as in each chapter, a number of advanced concepts and analysis methods are included.

• A thorough introduction to the concept of the Ten Gods
• A detailed and thorough introduction to the traits and characteristic of each of the Ten Gods, and extends to cover people and relationships as well as matter represented by each of the Ten Gods
• Incorporated both classical/traditional and modern interpretations and viewpoints of each of the Ten Gods
• Each chapter on the Ten Gods includes multiple examples to illustrate the key basic principles relating to the Ten Gods
• Each chapter on the Ten Gods includes analysis techniques utilising each of the Ten Gods
• Explains how to build on basic BaZi principles like Favourable and Unfavourable Elements and the Strength of Individual Elements to gain better analysis and interpretation accuracy

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

As you can see from the pictures, this book is quite thick and the price is not cheap too.

"An Introduction to the Ten Gods has largely explored the concept of the Ten Gods in an isolated manner, with the focus being on a basic understanding of the qualities, attributes and traits, as well as relationships and matter that are associated with each of the Ten Gods" -  The Ten Gods by Joey Yap

For more info, click this link MasteryAcademy

More BaZi series by Joey Yap
Ten Profiles
Five Structures
Ten Day Master

Read More

Great Day 天天好天 (2011)

 By: ryan    11:48 AM  Movies   No comments

Even if it's sunny day, rainy day, happy or unhappy still everyday would be a great day if only you change the way you look at something.

Went to watch this at cinema last night and decided to comment this here. Great Day (天天好天) is  on a comedy side and family oriented production by Astro Malaysia. Directed by Chiu Keng Guan with collaboration of MyFM DJs and Astro's casts. This is the second Chinese New Year movie after Big Day WooHoo 大日子 (2010) where once resembles again Malaysian cast from MyFm having Jack Lim, Wan Wai Fun (i like the most), Vivian Tok, Royce Tan, Mei Yan, Jeff and Jason. Maybe Phoebe is in but I didn't notice that. Hahaha. Well from Astro side, there are plenty of them but not sure what their names are as I am not a big fan of Astro.

The story starts with two uncles who staying in an old folks home in Perlis. who always quarrel over something to create disputes. Till the extend, they challenge each other to escape from the old folds home  to find their children just to compare whose's better. The opportunities comes when Ah Hock, the cooking gas seller, is going to Kuala Lumpur in a pick-up truck to visit his ailing mother.

Uncle Lam (Cantonese fried) pretend that his leg is hurt leaving Uncle Lim (Hokkien fried) continue his journey alone. When both Uncle Lim and Ah Hock reached Kuala Lumpur, everything are not what it seems. All in all, all ends well and you may surprise by the unexpected ending. 

Here are the cast's characteristics you will not forget them:

Ah Hock : a hard working widower who have a very fond relation with his son and mother.

Uncle Lim : even though he is tough on the outer side but he is understanding, forgiving, and a caring father, grandfather and also as a friend. 

Duo Hou :a very funny and loving character in the movie. Very considerate and caring mix-rice seller. 

Some scenes from the movie: 

What I like about the movie:
1) Good message being sent out. Love your parent and the elderly.
2) Fair share of humors and not very lengthy
3) Beautiful scenes around Malaysia

What I don't like about the movie:
1) Too much in-house promotions
2) Some scenes are just time-dragging and unnecessarily
3) Not a very good storyline

I personally still preferred Big Day WooHoo (大日子) over this one. Seriously Great Day (天天好天) is more on "copy and paste" parts from others advertisement and movies. Even there are parts where previously well liked by others, it doesn't mean that they have to keep repeating it. Too much of repetition, it just creates uneasiness and boredom to viewers. Same goes to their Chinese New Year music album, predictable, bored and repetition. 

 You can said that I am a bit too particular but hey, aren't we looking for something new when we fork out money to purchase movie tickets and their album? So they should at least do something more creative. And not forgetting, this movie has a bad title, if you had watched it, you can see  there is no linkage between the movie and the title. 

Overall. it's still a movie worth watching. I mean, not because I am Malaysian I should support local production or give good credits on it, but movie like this we should support more by bringing families member or your love's one to watch together in cinema as each of us has some roles to play in a family,  regardless you're a son, a daughter, a parent, or even as a grandparents, the movie will definitely brings out some messages to remind us that some of the responsibilities where we might forgotten to fulfill. As said in the movie, "Sometimes, things are not judge by you can or can't but are always by you want or don't want".  Good eh?

Read More

6% GST

 By: ryan    5:24 PM  Ranting   No comments

First of all I want say thank you to our lovely government. Thanks for becoming such a grinch that take away our happiness at the very beginning of the year 2011. We Rakyat really "didahulukan" with sucking more money from our wallet. Got a text message from Digi saying starting next month we need pay for 6% of Government Service Tax (GST). And also all the GST has increase from 5% to 6%. 

Last year announcing the 2011 budget, you-know-who said that buying handphone will lot more cheaper where now are all craps to me after they raised 6% of GST. Then every Chinese New Year, for damn sure prices of food and everything also increase. Then some more the Minister in charge of domestic things and stuffs for sure come out as hero saying "I gurantee with my fat *** that there will be no increment of prices on this festive season". Does your words brings any different? Still everything is expensive!! Who believe what you said la, we all still remember you said price for RON95 would not increase in year 2010 but end? Don't talk kok please. Now even as for our salary has increased but due to high living cost, the increament means nothing to us The slogan "Rakyat didahulukan, pencapaian diutamakan "  really reflect what it mean. 

Since CNY is just around the corner, what we need to do is to adjust our spending. Hopefully this coming Rabbit year will bring good CHANGES to us. You know what I mean. To our lovely government, see what you have done, you made us so unhappy yet suffering. Thank you so much!! We all "love" you!!

Read More

Unmistaken Child

 By: ryan    2:52 PM  Buddhism, Movies   No comments

Want to recommend this documentary called Unmistaken Child. The documentary tells the true account about the search of the reincarnation of a Lama, Geshe Lama Konchog. When he (Geshe Lama Konchog) died at the age of 84, the task offinding his reincarnation fell to his long serves attendant. Tenzin Zopa. And the journey starts as he searches for the Unmistaken Child.

The film follows Tenzin Zopa, on his search for his teacher reincarnation. Tenzin had been a close attendant to his beloved teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog. After Lama Konchog passed away, Tenzin has a sense of lost and lonely because having spent most of his life with Lama Konchog since young. Tenzin emotional state is so shattered where in a scene, Tenzin breaks down when he is back to visit his teacher's meditating cave and also where he first meet Lama Konchog.

Since he's been selected for the task on searching the unmistaken child, Tenzin got unsure whether or not he has the ability to find the rebirth, but he also knows that it's important for him to search for his teacher's reincarnation. He consulted many high lama's and astrologer for advises. The astrologer who based in Taiwan, drawn up an astrological charts, studied, and examined to determined Lama Konchog’s rebirth may be in a certain area, making the process of finding the Lama's rebirth a little bit easier. Throughout his journey, Tenzin interviews numerous children, villagers and visited many families who has children age within a specific age group.

This film is visually stunning, beautifully filmed and emotionally gripping. Throughout the film, you will not only see how Tenzin in search for his reincarnated teacher but will also exposed to the Tibetan's lifestyle, aw by the beautiful and majestic scenery of The Land of Snow. Apart from these, if you're a Buddhist, you may see also how relics are collected, the process of recognition of a reincarnated Lama and how Tibetan's highly respect and practices Buddhism. Unmistaken Child is the first real time documentation of reincarnation and rebirth that will make you understand the whole process. 

I truly recommend watching this film if you haven’t. Here are some pictures and also trailer for the film.

 Tenzin Zopa

Tenzin Zopa and Phuntsok Rinpoche (a new name given by The Dalai Lama to the child)

HH Dalai Lama giving recognition to little rinpoche

 

 Poster of the film

Read More

This Is Your Problem!!

 By: ryan    11:04 AM  Ranting   No comments

Over the weekend, I was stuck in doing cleaning. So called Spring's cleaning. Took about half day to finish all the wiping, sweeping, and thrashing. Never know the dusts can clogged up can be up to 1mm thick. See how lazy I am...Kakakaka.... When finished all the cleaning, as usual, FB time. Load to my FB's game and all of the sudden my laptop hang... then I try to refresh, kills some processes and still it was so lag. The reason why it was slow was the stupid P1 Wimax. Nowadays their services is getting bad to worst... damn it! 

The internet was so slow and it was always down... I had made dozens of complaints but they only able to provide me all those rubbish solutions like performing disk cleanup, off antivirus, hard reset the modem and worst of all, reposition the damn modem. Many times I comments on the FB pages about my problem and they will forever throws me the same quotes like "Please perform speedtest every 3 hours and sent to our email" or "We will look into your problem very soon, TQVM" or "Sorry for the inconveniences caused" and "Have u reset your modem and try reposition the modem to different directions?" As you can see, they are not proving any solutions at all but only pointing problem to us, the subscribers as though as this is OUR problem. When I request for service termination, they even want to charge me for penalty as the contract haven't end. WTF!! 

 Right to the point!!

You see, not only me who're experiencing their suck up service as you can simply go to their FB page (click HERE) and see how many are complaining over their turtle connection. I simply believe there is only a reason why their connection is getting slower by days and it's all because they wanted us, the existing customer to upgrade our plan. To make more money la. Then only we can get a "better" connection speed. Bear in mind, is Better only and it's not til we can praise them with very good.  

Yeah, they even cut your speed!!

 Don't ever try this if you ask me about them, 100% not worth.

Malaysia's Internet service providers are all money-suckers. Providing throttled and super slow connection. I vowed not to subscribe to Streamyx because of their customer services are a nightmare where you don't want to experience it. They will ask you so many unrelated nonsense where initially you only want to know how to set up some simple stuffs. Damn stupid. That why Streamyx is not on my list at all. I dunno you'll got heard of Izzi or not. but this one is the most stupid provider ever. Whole year long bad connection and worst of all, bad customer services. Then now hooked up with this Michael Lai's stupid thing. I am not a good "investor" as I always invest on something that brings bad return. Where else, in other countries, when you subscribe onto their Internet services, they gives you tons of goodies like thumbdrive, TV and even notebook. Here, not even a pencil as if really they do, they will said, "Sorry out of stock!!

When you talk about Izzi, you'll crazy, talk about P1, you'll get high blood pressure, talk about Streamyx, you'll curse your self on why on earth I go subscribe to them. My contract with P1 only going to end on this May. So apa boleh buat? Makan sendiri lor!!

So what do you think? Have you face lots of issue with P1, Streamyx or other service provider? Or do you happy with their services? 

Read More