In ‘Chickens with Plums’ by Marjane Satrapi is this recounted story where Azrael, the angel of death was commanded by God to take the life of a man in India. But the day before, he bumps into him in Jerusalem. Terrified, the man runs to King Solomon to ask that he be sent far away [...]

Hem: Should I go for a pilgrimage to ‘Buddha’s India’ or attend a Pure Land retreat?  Haw: Both are excellent! Why not go for both? Hem: I would love to, but I have limited annual leave to spare! Haw: Then you should decide based on your priorities. Hem: How should I do that? Haw: Do you prefer [...]

At 2 am of new year’s day as part of a post ‘Spiritual Countdown’ to 2009 celebration program, I helped to lead a chanting session at the largest temple in Singapore. We practised mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo) by reciting his name. For the occasion, I wrote a short aspiration prayer, which was read for [...]

Tit: Why does the Buddha image have blue hair? Tat: It symbolises the blue light of universal compassion that radiated from his hair when he attained enlightenment.  Tit: Thought it was strange to portray him with blue hair. Tat: Look at the image’s body. Tit: Aha? Tat: Do you think it’s appropriate that his body [...]

Riff: Look at that poorly painted picture of the Buddha! Raff: What picture? Riff: That one! Raff: What Buddha? Riff: That one in the picture! Raff: Who said that is supposed to be the Buddha? Riff: Looks like it’s supposed to be! Raff: But you said it’s poorly painted. Riff: So? Raff: It’s poorly painted but [...]

Q: We’re working on our 2553 Spiritual Journal. Need to check with you the meaning of 2553 on the Buddhist calendar cos we’ll be including the meaning in its intro. A: 2553 is the calculation of Buddhist year beginning from the physical passing of the Buddha. Come 19th May 2009, Vesak Day, the Buddhist calendar will be [...]

Me: You’ll find me weird… only if you don’t understand me. He: But what if you still seem weird after I try to understand you? Me: Well, like I said, ‘You’ll find me weird… only if you don’t understand me.’ He: As in… don’t really understand you fully yet? Me: Yup. Food for thought… The Buddha [...]

Jinx in ‘Die Another Day’ says, ‘Most artists are only truly appreciated after they are dead.’ Yes, this is a sad truth known by many, artists included. When they die, it’s official that the artists can produce no more masterpieces. Suddenly, even their less masterful pieces become masterpieces. Those who treasured their works the most [...]