Thursday, June 24, 2010

Secret, sacred..neither

There has been a lot of controversy over the last few years as to whether Reiki healing symbols should be secret, sacred or neither.

At one time, all the symbols were kept secret to the extent that the Master/teacher told the students to memorise them and destroy any written images of them.

My teacher/master do not feel that they should be secret. It makes no more sense for her to hide the symbols than it would to hide a cross, or a Hold Grail (if already found) or an APPLE logo.

A symbol *stands for* something. It is not the 'something' itself. Even if it was, universal life force energy is already everywhere... how do you hide that???

As for sacred, according to my teacher/master (Note: She heard it from another person but could not remember whom though):

"I believe in nothing, everything is sacred; I believe in everything, nothing is sacred." Sacred is, I believe, in the eyes of the beholder. And for me, I love to share and glorify sacred things by showing them."

My master/teacher only share the versions of the symbols given to her by teachers who share his/her views. She also organises regular workshops for her students(Note: Unfortunately, she is based in India). In her workshop, she shares many, many other methods and symbols with her students. How I wish I could beam myself to be in her workshop in a blink! Sigh!

According to my master/teacher, ultimately, healing is always up to the energy and the client, regardless of the practitioner's actions or lack thereof. The intent is important. If any Reiki symbols is used for bad intent then it will NOT work. Reiki is all about good intent.

Reiki can only be given with a positive intent. No one wants the bad Karma. It helps to release the negative energy trapped by the body on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.

Note: I have nothing against those masters/teachers who teaches students to keep learning method and symbols a secret. However, I sincerely feel these teachers are 'old-school' and very typical old-fashioned. They probably live in so much fear that their mind is so closed to be open. Only when you go to them, then you get the knowledge (maybe some and not all). That is why lots of valuable knowledge from the East dies with its master/teacher. Nothing in written format. Sigh!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Giving & Receiving

Giving allows others to receive. Receiving allows others to give. It is a circle, a cycle, a continuum.

It simply means that if you wish for something, and instead of expecting the receiving end, be the GIVER. Let go unpleasant emotions such as selfish, anger, annoyance, sadness, reckless & childish and somewhat erratic behaviour etc. etc.

If you want to be happy, do not seek for it. For happiness comes within. Seek inner peace. Forgive yourself, forgive others without any condition & resentment and seek spiritual rejuvenation for your soul. When the soul is truly happy and full of joy, even the most deadly disease will cease to exist. It is that simple.

When you give, give your all in good faith without any expectation, for the Universe will repay you. It is all about the energy.

You can choose to break the circle or to keep the energy flowing.

Instead of seeking others for comfort, meaningful relationship, conversation etc. etc., be humble and do the opposite. Give your time to people, to friends and do it with good faith though.

Get out of your comfort zone whether you are introvert, semi-introvert, extrovert, extreme-extrovert...Stop the sour-face, sad-face, long-face, face-in-pain and subtle & deadly resentment. Start giving your time to others even when adversity is hammering on your face.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you actually gave a hood about someone who cared about you, your health and well-being or someone who just made your day when needed most or when you were down, ill, in-pain, in-confusion, in-trouble etc. He or she may not be your best pal but nevertheless kind in nature and were there when needed most.

When one takes the other for granted, the universe does the same. When you take, you must give with complete honesty, compassion, joy, love and good-faith. The other person must feel and believe that you are doing so with such a manner too. You can lie or pretend to a person(s) but not to the universe and your inner-self.

Here's what the Dalai Lama says:-

“As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery… we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.”

Last but not least have inner peace, happiness, do good, give others your time as well and may the universe & the almighty God pour upon his blessings unto you.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Grief

My Wednesdays are on of the best day in the week. So far, it has been a ritual of going out with a friend.

The friendship with this friend developed in stages. First she was a stranger, then an acquaintance, then a casual friend, a neighbour and eventually we became good buddies/friends. It is also great that we both make an effort to make time for each other to meet up and update each-other. So, I really look forward for our weekly meet. Good friend(s) are hard to come by and I cherish the very few I have.

We both may be of different religion & background but we sure do share one religion on matters concerning spirituality, compassion, inner-peace and dogs :)

Today, we had long planned to get my new saree blouse fixed (Note: Gosh, my hubby's eye is going to pop-out when he sees me in it...wink, wink! My father-in-law definitely need his sun-glasses on when he sees me in it :P). We went to see one of the best Indian tailor in town (located in Wilayah complex). The tailor's name is Vincent. He is artistic, good in his work and darn expensive.

After the we headed to Royal Selangor club for lunch with another friend whom I met for the first time. Let's just refer to this new friend as A. So sad, A's husband just passed away couple months ago. She's got three girls. The eldest two in college and the youngest being nine years. Her husband died due to cancer (relapse, 4th stage of prostate cancer and also tumour in the head.....) He hubby was only 54 years of age when he died!

A has many friends but not one is free to listen or just have a decent conversation...Poor woman is in grieving stage and no one to speak to until today.

Though I didn't get to do my many other more important errands that I had scheduled for, I am truly happy and at peace and grateful that I had the opportunity to be there for a complete stranger in need (well, she is a friend now). All three of us had lovely lunch and one of the best teh-tarik kurang manis in town! Of course my diet 'kaput'/busted! Oh well... I hope to see her again sometime soon.

My day is truly complete even though I am down with a bad sore-throat and building up a fever too... Giving A a good hug too feels good.

I am far from perfect but by being a giver feels as good as being a receiver too.

Last but not least, I end today's entry with this quote:-

“Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there, so by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect.” ~ by Swami Vivekananda quotes (Indian Spiritual leader of the Hindu religion (Vedanta). Disciple of the famous 19th century mystic-saint Sri Ramakrishna of Calcutta. Founder of the Ramakrishna Order of Monks. 1863-1902)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Mother's Love

This poem is by Helen Steiner Rice. Dedicated to all mothers.

A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

Mommy


Dear Mommy,

Thank you for your kindness
Thank you for your compassion
Thank you for your caring
Thank you for your prayers
Thank you for feeding
Thank you for cooking
Thank you for teaching about the good, bad & ugly
AND above all
Thank you for your unconditional love & believing in me

Of all my crystals & jewellery pieces that I own, mommy dearest, you are the rarest gem in the world and no amount of wealth/money can replace you.

Happy mother's day.

Love, hugs and kisses

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Life

Oh blimey, it is only the month of May and I am overwhelmed with bezillion stuff. Some are tough, some do not seem to be encouraging but life goes on. I am grateful that I still have the courage and ability to go through my daily task (however mundane it can be), put up with trying & tiresome plus ever so crappy characters and those darn KL traffic!!! Essentially, I was reading something that Dr. Maya Angelou wrote. As a fan and admirer of her, I wanted to share her write-up/poem.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked, what she thought of growing older. And, she said:-

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn"

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Thursday, April 22, 2010

AM

I have not posted an entry for the longest time and here I am writing about something rather sticky...

Why? I just feel like I should...like letting go... It is about AM (Pseudo name).

AM recently wrote to me that her second marriage is heading towards spiltsville. By now, both husband & wife's respective lawyers would be finalising on who gets what etc. etc. I will not get into details, just that the tendency of AM getting into series of massive & some notorious relationships whenever she breaks up with a partner...The tendency is there and has been since our university days and yes, it has started now. It is sad when a child is involved...Imagine the kid having to like someone so much ..and having to restart everything again...Sigh!

I only know AM's side of the story and do not know what her soon-to-be ex has to say. I will not take sides when her soon-to-ex eventually has to say something... It takes 'two to tango'. I will always be there for AM (as I used to when her numerous relationship broke apart).

AM earns decent amount of money and works overseas and is a PR abroad. AM can provide all that money can for her child's education and daily needs and more. However the most frustrating and disappointing thing is that AM is unable and incapable to nurture not only her previous marriage(s) BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY her child's upbringing & well-being...(In fact, anyone close who has tried to advise AM about her one and only child's upbringing, has had been strike off from AM's list of friends).

At the moment AM's kid is being brought up by maternal grandparents. Poor kid...Her current partner (in the process of being an 'ex') maybe a lousy husband but he sure was the best step-father so far for AM's only child.

Why am I still her friend? It goes way back and I still care for AM and will be there for AM. No one's perfect. However, I must take off my hat for AM and despite her short-comings, she is an extremely kind person. Very generous and good with animals too.

In essence, marriage is not just a mere agreement and can be fixed like gadgets when issues arise. A marriage (be it good or not so good) needs nurturing, care, time etc. etc. Marriage is a long term investment and the returns differs from one another. Lots of give and take. Need to forgive and let go (Easily said ... nevertheless it is doable if one is willing to let go 'ego' which engulfs each and everyone of us...). Am not saying that mine is perfect but as we grow and mature, we should more or less be a lot more compassionate & kind and a lot less egoistic in handling matters of the heart. Enough said...

One can be rich, beautiful, lucky, wonderful etc. etc. However not many are kind. To have a friend who is genuinely kind is like locating 'Pandora's Box' in the deep ocean or even finding the Holy Grail.

So, AM, you are and will be my friend (no buts here). Whatever you have decided and even if I may disagree, it is your life and your choices. May God bless and hope that you will find that one true love.

I also very much hope and pray that you will EVENTUALLY learn to nurture your relationship with your one and only little precious child. You may shower your kid with material goods, holiday trips abroad etc. However, when a child grows up, he/she will ONLY remember the time spent with his/her parent/s. So invest in 'time' with your child while you still have got some (before it gets too late). Good luck and May God Bless.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Arrival of Black Rajah of Borneo

Today has been one heck of a day.

Why? Our little fury fella's first trip to Kay-el. MAS personnel both in Miri and KLIA have been excellent in handling live animal...Well, I can only speak for my little fella and he came out fine and well. (Note: We did give AL-E some mild sedatives. Amazing he did not bark at all....)

We were expecting our little fella via the excess luggage carousel but instead a KLIA personnel wheeled him to us. Then we had to sort some 'discharge' fee and forward all the 'import & export' documents. Then off to HERTZ counter. Rented a 4WD.

Finally, we got all our luggages loaded and little AL-E released from his crate. He was so excited and was slobbering us with kisses inside the car. Unconditional love as usual.

Reached home pretty fast and without any traffic issues considering today is Thaipusam.

AL-E had quite an adventure on his first day at our Kay-el home...That's story for another day.

Last but not least, I must thank the girl at MAS counter in Miri Airport as well. She was so considerate and she made sure that AL-E is wheeled by ground MAS staff instead of putting him on the carousel. We didn't expect this but it was really nice that our little fella's first trip had been smooth sailing.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Prepare, Pack, Party

Tall order... To organise move, doing a list, pack for couple of trips and organise a party...

End result have to good, lots of fun and organised. Now I really wish I was born with powers of a 'genie-in-a-bottle'.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Two to the Bank

A week ago, I was doing couple of chores for my dear mom. One of it happened to be banking.

It was around 3.30pm and there were a huge crowd in the bank on a Wednesday afternoon. As usual for any transaction done over the counter, one needs to take a number. So mom took a number, while I go look for parking.

The minute I got inside the banking hall, my mom was making a huge fuss about she knowing some officer over the counter and perhaps we could cut queue and get our transaction done sooner.

Note: I can't believe my mom's attitude. She used to be one those disciplinarian and taught us to be patience and here she is being an opposite of all those and above all mom being a 'kiasu'. I was gob-smacked. I told her to wait for her turn just like everyone and just sit back and relax (it won't be long).

Based on our queue number, we probably need to wait for at least ten people to clear their respective transactions.

I have worked in a bank for the past 12 years and even I do not dare to cut queue once a number has been taken. All you do is wait unless prior arrangement has been made a day earlier with an officer over the counter (which most bankers do - all bankers do favors for each other but that is a story for another day).

And now back to my mom, to my dismay (even after I had informed her to just relax and wait), she started to ask couple of people sitting behind a desk in the banking hall if they could help out with her banking transaction. Guess what... let me spill the beans (as to the exact words exchanged):

Mom: Excuse me, you kerja kat sini kan? Boleh tolong auntie?

The person behind the desk: Oh Auntie, sorry lah, saya pun datang buat transaction dan sedang menunggu giliran.

Mom: Oh, sorry lah. Auntie ingat you kerja kat sini

The person behind the desk: Tak palah Auntie. Saya duduk sini sebab tak ada tempat lagi kat depan tu.

It was so funny, like a script from a comedy show. I couldn't help myself (bursting with laughter inside) but I controlled my laughter and told my mom with a 'poker face' to kindly be quiet and sit on her seat till our turn comes up.

In no time (within 15 minutes), we got our transaction done. And the bank (a small branch)were full with people (at least 40 people or more).

Out of curiosity, I asked the female guard at the bank if this is a norm or one off situation. The guard replied that the day before there were people queueing up till outside the banking hall - outside the bank (perhaps about 70 people or more).

After dropping mom off home, I just blurted out laughing all the way back to Bangsar. I was smiling and shouting with laughter like some crazy person (even when I had to pretty much crawl back due to back-to-back peak after office hours jam).

What a day..... Mom dearest, you are the champion of the day! Mommy dearest can definitely make us all laugh. As they say, "Laughter is the best medicine".