Economy of shape Economy of lines Economy of face But still expression But still compassion But still gracefulness (Picture of abstract Guanyin Bodhisattva statue at Mahaprajna Buddhist Society)

While anticipating Coldplay’s March concert here, I re-listened to the song ‘Viva La Vida’ from their international bestselling album (of 2008) by the same name. It’s really a terrifically uplifting and catchy radio-friendly song. However, if its jubilant high-spiritedness urge you to check out the lyrics, be ready for a big surprise. The words really [...]

Wrathful flames of Wisdom burning away raging passions, Acala is the Immovable Wisdom King. (不动明王) The fearsome Destroyer of Delusion.* The compassionate Protector of Dharma.* * The Immovable Dharma is the Truth and path of Wisdom that destroys Delusion.

Previously (link: Walking : With Mindfulness), we discussed about us city folks having the tendency to walk while doing something else. We have become so accustomed to the hectic pace of life that it’s often habitual to do more than one thing at a time. The already fragmented mindfulness* we have is further split into [...]

The Cintamani*… fulfills any wish in concord with the Dharma, represents the boundless power of the Dharma, reminds us to perfect practice of the Dharma. *Wish-fulfilling jewel Lotus Shadow The lotus** and its shadow… Are we basking in the light of purity, or still in its contrasting darkness?*** **The lotus is symbolic of purity, as [...]

The first picture… the Buddha at rest (with eyes closed?) The Awakened One… always in peaceful repose. The second picture… the Buddha still awake (with eyes open?) The Enlightened One… forever with compassionate vigilance. (The two pictures are different perspectives of the same image.)

Click to enlarge We booked a lunch date with Enso Kitchen on Sunday. The place wasn’t very hard to find but probably a poster or some more prominent signage at the entrance would be better. It would not only create publicity but might bring in more bookings? (They only do pre-orders.) The restaurant is a typical [...]

In ‘Superman: Camelot Falls’ by Kurt Busiek, Superman resists a spell by repeating a ‘mantra’ (taught by J’onn Jones) that tries to overpower his will – ‘I know who I am. I know where I am. I think for myself.’ To that, illusory avalanche rocks become more solid and resistible, as he pushes them aside, [...]

The super weight of ‘The (Daily) Planet’ on his super shoulders daily? [This article is somewhat on evolution, and somewhat in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin.] In ‘Superman: Camelot Falls’ by Kurt Busiek, Superman receives a grave warning from Arion the time-traveller, who gives him a stark vision of how humanity will [...]

Three Perspectives of a Fatherly Buddha Image From Chapter Three of the Lotus Sutra: I tell you, Shariputra, I am like this, too, The honored among many sages, The father of the worlds. All living beings Are my children; Deeply attached to worldly pleasures, They have no wise thoughts at all. In the Three Realms [...]

Rock steadiness Vajra perseverance Bodhidharma’s Bodhi Dharma

Skanda Bodhisattva faces the Buddha in the main shrine, because he guards the Buddha. Skanda Bodhisattva faces the last page of the Sutras, because he guards the Dharma. Skanda Bodhisattva faces us when we face him, reminding us to guard the Buddha/dharma too. Notes: Skanda (Weituo) Bodhisattva images are usually placed to face the Buddha [...]

Kindly Guanyin Homely Chenrezig Motherly Avalokiteshvara ‘My mother is Guanyin to me when she prays to Guanyin for me.’ – Stonepeace (Painting by Feng Zikai)

Eyes glaring. Fists clenched. Brows frowning. Muscles rippling. What are the Vajrakumaras ‘mad’ at? Not you, or me, or himself, for there’s no self. Just a strict outer reminder, to be unrelenting, To not give way to our inner defilements. When you guard your mind, You guard your Dharma practice. When you guard the Dharma, [...]

In a bus… Where to? For what conventional reasons do you journey? So what when you get there? In a life… Where to? For what ultimate reasons do you journey? So what when you get there? Notes: Mahayana Buddhists see the conventional journeys in life as part of the larger ultimate journey to transcend life [...]