It is sad, but true, that some teachers (monastics or laity), having gathered some fame and status, become less active in participating in Dharma retreats, talks and classes, especially those conducted by others (monastics or laity) with less fame and status than them, even if the Dharma they share is more than that they know. Could it be an ego problem?

Perhaps they are busy teaching themselves? Perhaps. Perhaps they really think they already know enough? The best teachers are active students too – in one way, another, or more. Perhaps they have other ways of learning? In some cases, as teachers, they become less active in conducting Dharma retreats, talks and classes too. Perhaps they are busy practising? Let’s hope so. May all be ever more diligent in learning, practising, realising and sharing the Dharma.

Happy belated Valentine’s Day!

Unique Valentine’s Day flower offering from Depeche Mode’s Facebook group, a virtual rose from the Enjoy the Silence single’s cover. Beats real flowers any time. (I noticed the flowers getting bigger in bunches this year.)

If we love flowers so much, why pluck them? It is more romantic not to give flowers than to do so, to love nature, especially if your partner understands and agrees with the above, and appreciates the thoughtfulness.

P: Agree… if we love flowers, please leave them to bloom in their natural environment, nourished by the soil.

Related to ‘A Vegan Challenge’:
http://moonpointer.com/new/2011/12/a-vegan-challenge,
this got reflected in VSS’s (Vegetarian Society Singapore) latest newsletter -
‘So Frail and Weak’:
http://www.vegetarian-society.org/node/1658#06

D: Meat-eating is considered an act of cruelty by vegetarians. For non-vegetarians, meat-eating is generally considered a social norm and even a form of enjoyment. Therefore, I think it depends on which mindset you are looking at, to determine whether both acts are at odds with each other.

G: If a tiger rips your family members apart for food, as a tiger’s ‘social norm’, and even as a ‘form of enjoyment’, is this mindset of the tiger okay for you? We are not tigers or such.

Just as we appreciate not being killed and eaten by tigers, we should minimise or abstain from killing and eating sentient beings when the power of supply and demand is controlled by us consumers. Since meat-consumption in the market definitely requires cruelty in breeding, enslaving, torturing and killing. This holds true whatever way you look at it. How about having a more humane social norm towards all beings?

H: Overheard – ‘Arlow! Have you read my email ? Can you read and reply me?’ Why not just ask answer if already on the phone?

S: Sometimes, workplace folks prefer documentation of communication, even if by email, for backup, in case there is miscommunication or going back on one’s words. The sad truth is, even with documentation, the two problems can still happen. Maybe you can try replying directly by phone or when you walk by. I’m sure the person can’t insist that the reply doesn’t count. But here’s the tricky bit – you might need someone to witness that you did reply!

H: *Faint*
S: Better get email documentation from the witness, affirming the witnessing, in case the person goes back his or her word! *Double faint!*

H: Haha… No wonder so busy!
S: So the moral of the story is… to save time and more trouble, it might be simpler to just give the person the wanted emaill reply! To save even more time, give very short and sharp replies. Eg. ‘Ok!’ Haha!

Detail from Segantini’s ‘The last task of the day’. Reminds me of the Dukkha of life’s routine burdens and dreariness, and the setting sun signifying it’s time to go home at the end of the day. Towards the Western Pure Land for me. Amituofo

Ironic that the picture of calm was painted while Van Gogh was in an asylum. Perhaps the stars helped ease his troubled mind, as they still do, somehow, as we gaze upon them. But if real stars flicker, would peace of mind not be fickle too, if it was dependent on them? How different they are, these worldly lights, fascinating as they are, from the eternally bright and blissful light of Amituofo’s Pure Land. (Birth in Pure Land alleviates all troubles in mind and body, offering spiritual and physical bliss.)

Colour was my visit-long obsession and joy too,
gazing upon Monet’s works,
learning about his hard life,
which makes his works all the more amazing and inspiring.

And the sight of stars on his paintings make us dream on too.
And look…
Stars in the darkness above his starry night and starry words…
Spotlights!

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