A Weekend of Spiritual Treat...
If those questions seem to strike a chord to you, then it is probably time to pause for a moment and re-address your priority in life. While we are all busy chasing our dreams, career aspirations and other goals in life, too often we overlook the importance of having a balanced spiritual and worldly life. As a result, we are less happy regardless of the mountains of achievement we have made. We give out less but take in more. We love less but judge more. We heal less but hurt more. We sacrifice less but expect more.
Facts and histories teach us that the key to being happy starts with good spiritual and physical health.
This week, we humbly present to you a Dharma Lecture by Master Halim Zen Bodhi (DCS). Throughout the years, Halim DCS is known for his ability to explain abstract Dharma with simple words that is easily digestable and complex issues with simple metaphorical examples that has helped many see through their problems and adversity.
The detail schedule is as follows:
Date: Saturday, 4th April 2009
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Xing Guang FT
Mark your calendar! Make a date with us this Saturday and get yourself ready for a Spiritual Treat…
A brand new home, A brand new spirit
Sunday, 22nd March 2009. It was exactly 6-weeks ago that the construction of Digital Home for Laomu kicked off. Today, the official launch of Xing Guang's Digital Home opens up a new chapter in the journey of Tao propagation in Singapore. A digital era of cultivation is about to begin.
"The design of XG's Digital Home reflects the high level of energy that is flowing within every member of the family", said Chairman Yeo (Yang ZhuXi). It embodies the youthful spirit and the rise of a new dawn. The launch of the Digital Home is not the end, but it is only the beginning. Just like when we move in to the newly constructed or renovated houses. Life has just begin.
As we move forward, additional features are going to be added. Just like when we shop for furnitures to fit in to our new house as and when the need arises. This home belongs to each and every single one of you. Please do not be shy to express any thoughts or feel that you might have about the site. It will be your opinions - both compliments and criticisms - that will help improve the site. Your continuous engagement is the lifeline of the journey as we move forward.
Would you help to spread this wonderful news to your friends, Tao brothers and sisters?
Now that we have a new home, let us renew the noble and enduring spirit of our Founding Father. Together, let us work together to make that little difference in the world that we are living in.
Global election - What is your vote?
We have often heard that Mother Earth is sick. The dire state of health of this planet is threatening the future of humanity. Extreme weather conditions are encountered in many corner of the globe. Weather season is no longer predictable. Ice cap is melting at a terrifying pace. Thousands of wildlife species and habitats are at risk.
The first global election is here. The choice is between Earth vs Global Warming. This Saturday, you can choose to vote for Earth. What you need to do is simply to switch off non-essential electronic equipments on Saturday, 28 March 2009 @8.30PM (localtime).
Pledging your support is easy, but its impact will be felt globally. Pledge your support now by clicking here.
Or take a moment to watch the video about Earth Hour.
Project Compassion - Yes, it is that simple...
After a month-long of preparation, Project Compassion '08 kicked off on Sunday morning - 14 December 2008. The clock read 07:30.
The team of volunteers streamed in to Jurong East Interchange. Their expressions exuberated the high spirit, jovial mood and enthusiasm - to share love, to brighten someone elses life and to spark a little happiness in the life of others.
The 45-strong contingent arrived at the Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association Centre after 3-hours long journey. Everyone get down to work immediately. There was not a moment to waste. Some get down to work on the lunch preparation. Some get down to work on the performance venue decoration. Some get down to work on the sound system set-up.
During the lunch session, our volunteers had a chance to interact with the centres residents - most of whom are suffering from mental and physical handicap or disability. Many of our volunteers took the chance to feed the residents. A small act of service that carries with it extraordinary meaning. The gentle act of kindness gives the helpless residents a feeling of being accepted. The gentle touch of care showers the helpless residents with love that they are often deprived of.
At the same time, the decoration team was getting their hands busy with the task of brightening up the performance venue and creating the joyful atmosphere that is the hallmark of a Christmas season.
After all the residents were finished with their lunch, they headed to the performance venue. The event culminated with a Christmas party that was lined up with a series of performances. The party kicked off with the Dance of Nature that was presented by the youthful and energetic Chen Xi team. Then, there was choir performance from the Mama team, choir cum dance performance by the residents, Christmas Carol by the youth, Clown Magic show. And... Not forgetting the two Santa Clauses accompanied by Robin who had made their way from Singapore, carrying with them sacks of goodies to be distributed to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Then there was the unforgettable dance party where all our volunteers and the residents had the chance to mingle around in each others companion and pour their hearts content out. Truly, it was a moment of a lifetime for many. There was smile on every faces as we embraced in each others comfort.
That was a moment where we put aside differences of skin colors, ages and appearances.
At the end of the celebration, our volunteers took the occasion to pay tribute to all the social workers for their dedications and sacrifices in caring for our helpless brothers and sisters. Their spirit of compassion, giving and nondiscriminatory love is something that we will take with us as we head our way back to Singapore. That is the lesson that we will take with us to our family and people around us.
Project Compassion '08 is our tiny token of gratitude to Laomu - our Heavenly Mother and Mother of all creations - for the sacred life that we had. That we should do our part - no matter how small - that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper. That we should not only care for ourselves, but for those around us.
What happened that day reminds us that it is through giving that happiness is received. What happened that day reminds us that it does not take - extraordinary miracles, or mountains of wealth, or the glitter and glamor - to be happy. What it takes is a simple heart that is full of gratitude, contentment, willingness to share, serve and sacrifice.
Yes, it is that simple.
Maitreya Trainee Programme - I am touched and glad to be here...
The auspicious day began with an offering ritual followed by a mass prayer (khou shou) session. A simple proceeding but yet deep in meaning and significance. The offering symbolizes the respect that we have for Laomu, Lord Maitreya and all Buddhas. The journey for the next 5-months is not going to be easy. Afterall, we are sinners who are learning to cleanse our hearts, minds and souls. Afterall, we are debtors who are trying to repay mountains of karmic debt. Through the prayer, we are reminded by our limitations and imperfections. Through the prayer, we seek enlightenment and wisdom from Laomu. We pray not to have the hurdles and challenges removed, but that we are given the wisdom and courage to overcome and rise above them. We pray not to have the mountains removed, but that we are given the strength to conquer them.
In his opening address, Master Chen (DCS) expressed his delight at the launch of the 5-months programme. After years of vacuum, Tao brothers and sisters now have the chance to learn about Tao cultivation once again. Tao brothers and sisters have the chance to discover the true meaning of Maitreya faith - a spirit of Universal Love and Compassion.
Each and every one of the participant showed keen interest and desire to learn. Afterall, they are getting ready to be the new faces of Maitreya Love in 5-months time. By the time the adult and children classes started, energy was running high. "I am touched by what I see today and I am glad that I am here today", said one participant.
Nonetheless, this is just the first step. Certainly, there are mistakes made, oversights and areas to be improved. After classes were over, fellow coordinators and teachers gathered for a review session. Many feedback were voiced out, on things that we did right and on things that we need to improve.
One area that need immediate assistance is the children class. The initial plan was to have the child-to-teacher ratio as 1:5. Ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 is needed for learning to take place more effectively.
We need more volunteers to help educate these children. If you are passionate about children and enjoy playing with them, we need you.
Contact Linda (Fy) or Cintia (Fy) if you are ready to answer the call and help shape the future of our children.
Cherish the LOVE - Final Shots
Just to share the final product of our work during the two days’ fund raising project. All those good work done by our makeup artists and the pictures’ editor. Please take a look at them when you have spare time.
Day 1 : http://clickevin.clubsnap.
Day 2: http://
Have a great week ahead!
Cheers
The Weekend is here - what is the buzz...
Last week, volunteers like yourself, set aside some of your weekend time to gather and discuss the preparation for the Parents' Day Concert 2009. Many of you have suggested many good ideas. One thing was clear - this year concert will have to be different. Through this concert, we aim to spread one basic value of humanity that has been neglected and seen as insignificant - Filial Piety. The theme for this year will be: The Unsung Heroes - A tribute to all loving parents.
The planning itself is still in its early stage. Many details are yet to be worked out. Many many roles are yet to be filled up. We are counting on your participation to make this year's concert a success. If you have a few hours to spare on Saturday, do come down and join us for the meeting. The meeting will be held at 12:15PM.
The weekend is here again. FT is buzzing with activities. It is your participation that fueled the buzz and it will be your continuous support that will keep it alive. Have a great day and a great weekend!
This is your chance...
In Buddha Maitreya, we see the highest level of wisdom that one can attain. A wisdom that transcends across all limitations and boundaries. A wisdom that is timeless and eternal. In Buddha Maitreya's big tummy, we see the greatness of a man. The big tummy symbolizes the big heart that one should possess. A heart that is always ready to forgive the mistakes of others. A heart that is always ready to listen and understand the pain and suffering of others. A heart that is always ready to accommodate the needs of others. In Buddha Maitreya's smile, we see hopes in humanity. Day after day. Time again and again. We, human, say our regret for past mistakes, but yet continue to commit new sins, hurt one another and destroy the earth. While vows and promises are broken and state of humanity is deteriorating, Buddha Maitreya sees that there is still hope in humanity and better days are ahead of us.
This year, we are gearing up to take Tao development in Singapore to a new level. It is time for us to make a difference into the life of ordinary people, like yourself. It is time for us to be a positive sphere of influence to the people around us. It is time for us to care and love those in need.
With this, we are excited to announce the launch of Maitreya Trainee Programme. The 5-month long programme is designed to teach us - step by step - on how to be a Love ambassador in your community. The programme is designed to impart basic fundamental knowledge about our teaching - from Buddha Etiquette to noble traits that one should cultivate in order to make the world a better place to live in.
The programme will kick off this Sunday, 8th March 2009. For a start, seats are limited to 20. If you have been wanting to make an impact to your community, this is your chance. The next step is yours to take. Register now!
Registration contact
Weihao - 91579580
Cherish the LOVE - The Completion
A Home for the Digital Generation
Superpoke your Tao brothers and sisters! Digg that blog entry that inspires your life! Share as you Stumble Upon your favorite site! Send that motivational Youtube video to someone in need! Flickr photos from that Charity trip!
Indeed, those are just some of the wondrous possibilities. The Journey of Self-Cultivation and Self-Discovery is about to take on a new era. A Digital Home for the Digital generation is on its way.
The Web Team has been hard at work. We can't wait but to share the excitement with everyone. Join us as we are counting down to the launch of our new Home. (click here to go to the countdown site)
Something is brewing... Stay tune for more update!
Cherish the LOVE - We are almost there
Cherish the LOVE - the Studio Photography project entered its high gear just a few days ago. Now, 2 days away from that special day of the year, we are happy to report that we are left with only two slots for 14th February and we are FULLY-BOOKED for 21st February. To meet the overwhelming response, our volunteers have decided to put in additional efforts. We have decided to open up 2 additional morning slots for 21st February.
As of now, the remaining available slots are:
- 14th February 2009 - 6.00PM & 6.30PM
- 21st February 2009 - 11.00AM & 11.30AM
With all your sincere prayers, wishes and hard work, we have almost come to the end of the first part of the project. It is now time for our brothers and sisters - who volunteer to help, be it photographer, make-up artist, choreographer, scheduler etc - to finish up the job.
Yes, we are almost there. But No, work is not over yet.
Cherish the LOVE - Can you feel it?
In the west, it is a traditional day when everyone expresses their love to their loved ones. An expression that can be in many different forms - from ready-made greeting cards to personal hand-made cards, from sweet roses to sweet chocolate candies, from special heart-shaped balloon to giant postcards - the choices are endless.
This year, as we share our affection with the loved ones, we need to remember that love is not meant to be shared only between two persons. It is meant to be shared with people around us - with our parents, with our brothers and sisters, with our friends and of course with our fellow Tao brothers and sisters.
This year, we have to especially remember our brave young boys and girls in the Chen Xi team. As their preparation enters the mid-gear, it is time for us to show our love for them, our support for them. One way is to share with them some burden, in this case relieving the cost issue that is involved in their preparation.
The Studio Photography project is kicking off this Saturday and will last for two weeks. It is not too late for us to start talking to our friends, neighbors, colleagues and tell them about the exciting offer that we have. Thanks to all of you who have lent your support in spreading the news, good slots are going fast. Encourage early booking confirmation to avoid disappointment.
We are more than half-way from our goal. Would you help us meet that goal? Or even exceed it?
There is still time for everyone to do their parts. This is the least thing that we can do - to show our love to Chen Xi team - at least without burning that hole in our pockets.
As we are approaching this special occasion, can you feel that love is in the air?
A Day of Heavenly Joy
Faces beaming with smiles, joy and happiness were seen in every corner of the Holy House. Outside, the economic cloud might be dark and forecast might be gloomy. But together under the embrace of Laomu and in the Loving spirit of Buddha Maitreya, we took shelter, seek protection and guidance. As we sang the new year song (Tao version of course), wish and pray for a good year ahead, the spirit of hope and optimism infected everyone present. A testament clearly spoken by every smiling face. In youthful spirit and togetherness, everyone moved and grooved along to the tunes of Happiness to all. A rare and beautiful sight indeed - like every members of the family coming to union and enjoy everyone else's presence. The celebration culminated with the traditional Yu Sheng - the toast of prosperity, fortunes, good lucks, happiness, health and of course progression in self-cultivation.
Dr Tan reiterated that 2009 is going to be a year of great challenges and economic stumbles. In such difficult times, spirituality and religious values - that promote gracious and balanced living - becomes all the more important. No doubt, there will be job losses and we can only expect the unexpected. But that does not hinder one from living out each day happily. One just need to be modest, content and re-look at the meaning and purpose of life. That is the spirit of Buddha Maitreya. That is the spirit of cultivation.
For a day, we felt and experienced Heavenly Joy. Take example from the OX. Let us all work hard for our families, society and country.
As we usher in the OX...
I remember it was June 2008. The global financial market was charging at full-throttle speed. Global economic outlook appears rosy across all sectors. From banking to tourism. From manufacturing to IT. Influx of foreign talents streaming in to Singapore. Property prices soar to historic high. Prices of goods - from food to clothings, from basic staples to luxury items - continue to climb.
Economic projections were all nothing but rosy. Economists and companies are predicting record profits, record surpluses and record growths. These pictures still remain vivid in our mind. As if they were just yesterday.
All of a sudden, reports surfaced that the Wall Street financial giants are facing credit crisis. Financial empires with the likes of Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Citibank etc crumble one after another. The economic tsunami has arrived. In just one night, billions of dollars are swept away. Millions of ordinary people are losing their investments and forced to give up their homes.As we mark the passing of one year to the other, let us understand that time waits for no man. Every single day, single hour, single minute and single second passed is another opportunity gone. We cannot turn back time.
Things happened with such extraordinary pace and magnitude. Everyone is clueless and not knowing what actually had hit them. Panic and fear of the uncertainty consumed everyone's mind.
The rosy pictures and projections are all gone. Suddenly, everyone is talking about the worst financial crisis in the history of mankind. Instead of record profits, companies are now talking about record losses. Instead of record surplus, countries are now talking about record deficits. Instead of record growth, companies are now talking about record retrenchments and layoffs.
There is only ONE thing for sure - nobody has expected this and nobody has any idea of where things are heading. No economic experts dare to say for certain when things would get better or at least when things would stabilize. Governments across the globe are frantically doing everything in their capacity just to halt the down ride.
While no one is able to offer any concrete theory on what brings us to this state and at which point things actually gone wrong, there is one thing we can say for certain.
It is HUMAN GREEDS, OBSESSIONS WITH MATERIALISTIC POSSESSION, OBSESSIONS WITH WEALTH PURSUITS, SELFISHNESS AND IRRESPONSIBILITY.
One after another, banks and financial companies are pleading for government support, begging to get a slice of the public money. They are cashing on the fear of the people - claiming that if no money is injected, all these giant institutions are on the brink of collapse.
YET... top executives of these institutions are walking away with hefty bonuses - in record amounts. Even when people are fearing to lose their jobs, homes or even the next meal for many, these executives spend lavishly - millions and millions of taxpayers' money - for personal holidays, enjoyments or luxury decorations of their offices. It was exactly these extraordinary intellectually-gifted executives who brought us to this mess - their irresponsible act to win at all cost, compromising all ethic values to feed their insatiable hunger for power and wealth.
What has happened to humanity? Where have we put our conscience? How did we end up like this? Where is the value of morality? Where is our compassion for people around us? Look at what we have done to ourselves. This is the result when greed triumphs over generosity, selfishness triumphs over common good, materialistic insanity triumphs over gracious living.
Let us be very clear that we, human is the root cause of this epic economic and most major environmental catastrophe.
Let us start putting 1.. 2.. 3.. into practice. 1. LOVE - Live each day with a loving heart. Love your parents, love your families, love your friends, love your enemies. 2. Conscience living - Live each passing day as according to our conscience. Let our conscience speaks in all our actions and undertaking - for ITS voice has been drowned for far too long. 3. Live Naturally - Let us lead a simpe but gracious life. Let us learn from Nature - we shall give without expecting anything in return, and no discrimination in our giving. We shall help others with sincere intention, not for some ill-agenda or for personal benefits. Remember 1. LOVE 2. CONSCIENCE 3. LIVE NATURALLYAs we enter the new year, let us make a promise to ourselves. As we enter a period of uncertainty, we can still live each day happily. The key is to live a modest life, be thankful for every meal that we can still afford - for there are many who are dying of hunger, be caring to people around us - for happiness is in giving instead of receiving. Let our conscience be the candle that brightens the darkness of people around us.
Though we are in no position to change where we come from, we can chart our future. Destiny is not written for us, but it is written by us. Think about what we want to leave behind for our future generations.
We can change our course. We can stop polluting the earth and destroying millions of lives. At least, that's the least we can all play a part. Let us go back to our conscience. We can start caring for others - at least people around us - our closest friends, families and relatives. Let us revive the angelic side of humanity. Let us LOVE, PROTECT and GLORIFY all lives. Let us be thankful for each passing day, for every breath that we take. Let us be thankful and be content for what we have and what we do not have. For the true beauty of mankind does not lie - in how much we have, or the size of our house, or the cars that we drive, or how many credit cards we possess, or how much money we have in the bank.
The true beauty of mankind lies within us and not outside us. The true beauty of mankind does not discriminate the rich from the poor, the able from the disable, the beauty from the ugly, the old from the young. We are all created equal. Within everyone of us is the same emanation of Laomu. Within everyone of us is the same conscience - the ability to love and to care for one another.
Together, let us welcome the year of the Ox with renewed sense of hope, optimism and rejoice. Let us turn to Laomu and Buddha Maitreya for the serenity to accept the things that we cannot change and the courage to change the things that we can. Let us pray for our families. Let us pray that everyone will live to care for one another. Let us pray for our parents. May they be blessed with good health. Let us pray for all our Tao brothers and sisters - even those who are not with us today - and people around us. Let us pray that we are blessed with good health and good fortunes - and that we continue to serve and help propagate the Mission of Buddha Maitreya. Let us pray that everyone will make continuous progression in terms of - career, business and cultivation. Let us pray that Xing Guang will continue to grow and brings positive impact to our family, society and country. Let us pray for our most respected Yen QR, Wang QR and our beloved Fu QR. Let us pray for our TCS to be blessed with the wisdom in leading us through this difficult time. Let us for world leaders - that they are given the wisdom and strength to lead the world through this trying time.
Cherish the LOVE
This Valentine's Day, Cherish the Love that you have with your loved ones. Be it with your best friends. Or that special someone. Or even your family members.
This is the day to put aside your busy work schedules and appointments. This is the day to free up some of your time and spend quality time with your loved ones.
This Valentine's Day, you can ask your friends, that special someone or family members to come together for a photo-taking session in the photo studio. Let your imagination run wild. Create those funny, bizarre and candid postures. Share those finest moments with your loved ones. Capture those moments and let the memories last for a lifetime.
This is a non-profit project. All proceeds from this project will be used to support our youth dance team. This contingent will carry the flag representing Singapore in the upcoming International Nature Dance Festival. The Festival will be held in Beijing in August 2009 and organized by International Nature Loving Association (INLA). The Festival is part of the effort to promote nature-loving spirit and harmonious living in order to save the Earth.
That Brief Encounter - with Her Holiness
It was 9.30AM. The ferry that carried Her Holiness Grandmaster Yen, His Holiness Grandmaster Wang and their contingents touched down at Harbour Front's pier. Our Tao brothers and sisters who were stationed at both Harbour Front and Changi Airport was set abuzzed. The excitement and eagerness was clearly reflected on everyone's face. We were like those children longing for the homecoming of their beloved Parents.
During the session, His Holiness took a bit of time out to talk to the youths. His Holiness reiterated that youths have always been and will always be playing an important part in the propagation of Tao and realizing the mission of Buddha Maitreya. It is time for Singapore youths to rise and answer the call. The responsibility of Tao development in Singapore is on our shoulders. Important tasks are waiting for us.
A few of us had a rare opportunity to take photographs with Her Holiness and His Holiness. We are the lucky ones indeed! Those pictures and memories will stay with us forever. Every time we see both Her and His Holiness, we cannot help but feel profoundly remorseful and consciencely guilty. A feeling so strong that it sweeps away all hatreds, jealousy, arrogance and selfishness that reside within our hearts. A feeling so strong that it overwhelms our deprived souls with a renewed sense of optimism, humility, warmth, happiness and joy.
Such is the immense energy that one radiates when one lives out the true Beauty of Mankind.
Our Mantra - 1... 2... 3...
This time round, His Holiness brought along with him a gift for all of us - the secret to success and a future where happiness belongs to all is - 1. LOVE 2. CONSCIENCE 3. NATURAL LIVING. A simple but yet powerful mantra. Just remember 1... 2... 3... Practice them in our daily life. Bright future awaits you.
Last night, His Holiness reminded us the importance of balancing knowledge and wisdom. In our pursuit for higher knowledge, scientific discovery and truth around us, we must remember the noble purpose behind such pursuit. LOVE should be our source of motivation. Matched with LOVE, possession of Knowledge is acquired for the benefits of humanity. Matched with LOVE, discovery of scientific advancement and innovation is made for the betterment of others. Matched with LOVE, truth discovery is for helping the world around us.
This is a timely reminder for many of us. The global financial meltdown has affected millions. Scandals of unimaginable magnitudes are revealed one after another. The actors behind the current economic catastrophe are - the cream of the crop - scholars with intellectual capability that surpassed the average persons. This is a tipping point. A point where humanity is at its worst. Possession of Knowledge that is driven by sheer greed and selfishness. Let this be a lesson to all of us.
By practicing 1.. 2.. 3.., together we can bring out the other side of humanity.
What practicing 1.. 2.. 3.. means that we take lesson from Mother Nature. It is what it is. Plain. Unhidden. Genuine. Unpretentious. Lead an ordinary live. What is the point of splurging on excessive materialistic possessions? At the end of the day, when everything is striped away from us. What is left of us? Nothing. Except our worthiness as a child of Laomu, the true beauty of mankind.
Radiating true beauty of mankind is what we should strive for.