More Life Lessons to Learn ...Oh Teik Bin

MORE LIFE Lessons
To Learn

MORE LIFE Lessons

To Learn

THE GIFT OF DHAMMA EXCELS ALL OTHER GIFTS

Title: More LIFE Lessons To Learn
Author: Oh Teik Bin
Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
Front and back cover by Oh Teik Bin
Email: ohteikbin@gmail.com

Printed for free distribution
ot for sale
This edition (2012) : 5000 copies

This Dhamma Dana literature is a gift, printed solely for free
distribution. Lots of other educational and Dhamma material by
the same author are available at the following Websites:

www.dhammatelukintan.blogspot.com
www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin
www.youtube.com/user/ohlifelessons
www.toondoo.com/user/bteikoh
www.scribd.com/teikbin
http://engagedbuddhists.ning.com/profile/ohteikbin
www.twitter.com/TBroh
www.facebook.com/ohteikbin

No copyright is applicable to this publication and any
organizations, societies or individuals are welcome to reprint
part or all of it. However, such reprints must be for free
distribution. It would be appreciated if the author could be
informed by email of any reprint.

Printed by

BHS Book Printing Sdn. Bhd.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CO TE TS

Dedication/Acknowledgements
Preface
1 Fate in Your Hands 1
2 16 Favorite Contentment Quotes 8
3 Coping With Stress 15
4 o Charge…A Lesson To Ponder in Life 26
5 12 Causes Of Downfall 34
6 Twisted Thinking And Mental Suffering 40
7 The Farmer’s Donkey 46
8 14 Steps To Conquer The Worry Habit 51
9 Reflections On Gratitude 58
10 Timeless TIME Quotes 64
11 Right And Wrong 71
12 A Short Course In Human Relations 78
13 The A – Z Of KIASU 85
14 Unconditional Love… A story to ponder on 96
15 Who Are The Real Outcasts? 104
16 Morning Motivation 113
17 Abraham Lincoln’s Letter To A Teacher 120
18 Fingers…A Story For Living 128
19 Enemies To Conquer 135
20 The Best Gifts To Give 141
21 Life Lessons From The Court 148
22 o Shoes… A Lesson To Learn 154
23 Forgiving Others 161
24 Good Character…Food For Thought 167
25 The Shipwreck…A Story With A Life Lesson 179
26 14 Magical Moments Of Ease And Peace 184
27 10 Life Lessons From The Japan Disaster 191
28 The Moonlight Ride…A Story To Touch Your Heart 200
29 The Benefits Of Meditation 211
30 ‘Aiyoh! Why Like That One?’ 217

PREFACE
The feedback for my previous book for free distribution, “LIFE
Lessons With PowerPoints” has been most encouraging. Many
said that the full color format, compact size, concise presentations
and points for Dhamma Reflection are very appealing. One reader
wrote in to say: “I have never read to completion any Dhamma
book but I read the whole of LIFE Lessons in one sitting! It is
easy to understand but of course it’s a challenge to practice the
Dhamma.” Some wrote, mostly through email, comments on
favorite chapters in LIFE Lessons and how the material affected
them.
* “When I read ‘Mother’, I immediately phoned my mum whom I
had not seen for some months.”
* “ ‘14 Steps To Develop Patience’ really helped me to check my
temper and impatience which had been causing me much pain.”
* “I got to learn to count my blessings from ‘Life’s Problems’ ”.
* “ ‘The Lizard’ taught me so much about love and compassion.”
* “I was inspired to practice the meditation on loving-kindness
after reading the chapter on ‘Metta Bhavana’ ”.
* “ ‘A King’s Three Wishes’ sparked some realization in me on
how foolish we can be in non-stop pursuits of material wealth.”
The positive responses to LIFE Lessons really motivated me to
write ‘More LIFE Lessons To Learn’, a sort of sequel to the
earlier book. It also has 30 chapters touching on different aspects
of the Dhamma and their applications to our present living. The
PowerPoint Presentations in this book can be viewed from my
Slideshare Space at www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin . They can be
downloaded and used as Dhamma and educational material in
Buddhist Sunday School, Dhamma Classes, Motivation, Youth
/Children’s Camps and other educational programs or activities
The author is truly grateful to BHS BOOK PRINTING SDN.
BHD. and all other sponsors who have made this book possible.

May All Beings Be Well And Happy!

OH TEIK BI

1 Fate In Your Hands 1
Buddhism does not subscribe to the belief that one’s destiny
hefty household bills of all sorts we need to pay monthly.
is fated and unchangeable. Our lives are not predestined.
When we are all burdened with unnecessary commitments, we
Our intentional doings of important things that really matter in
have little time for so may the mind, speech and body will
chart the future. It and developing thethat even in this age
life – learning about is very strange mind, showing kindness
of others, rendering services to technology and psychological
to advances in science, the needy, spending time with our
understanding cultivating our spirituality. people, including
loved ones and of the mind, so many
educated our lives as so superstitiousend; we fail to realize that
We lead ones are if they will not and gullible. They, in
life is uncertain and death is certain.
their ardent quest to change their luck, fortune, life span
and destiny, often fall parents is tremendous. We indeedhear
The gratitude we owe our victims to con men. It’s often sad
or read in the newspaper of parents orscams. I personally
that many children abandon their terrible give little attention
know of to theircases of Reason?who are in deep ‘busy-ness’.
and care many parents. people They
* paypiety and gratitude are among luckvirtues we need to
Filial huge sums of money for good the charms, talismans
and amulets in the to realize true happiness and peace.
practice if we wish false belief that their luck will change.
* consult ‘fortune experts’ to have their names altered or
modified so that their health or wealth will grow.
* run around to temples or other places of worship to get
auspicious days and times to start their business, marry their
sons or daughters, conduct last funeral rites and what-nots.
* depend so much on matters like astrology and feng shui
to live their lives to the extent that conflicts and arguments
arise and multiply among the members in the family.
The Buddha once said, “Fools wait for a luck day. For the
industrious or diligent one, everyday is a lucky day.”
Our life is in our hands. When we learn, understand,
practice and realize well the Dhamma, things will work out
naturally for us. When we take true refuge in the Triple
Gem, the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, we will stop
chasing around for false hopes, protection, security, and
unnecessary worldly things that are rooted essentially in
greed, hatred and delusion. We will strive with our own
effort towards a destiny of happiness, peace and freedom.

2

Once upon a time, there
was a general who was
leading his army into
battle against an enemy
ten times the size
of his own.

Along the way to
the battle field,
the troops
stopped by a
small temple to
pray for victory.

3
The general held up a coin
and told his troops:

I am going to
implore the gods
to help us crush
our enemy.

If this coin lands with the heads on top,
we’ll win. If it’s tails, we’ll lose.
Our fate is in the hands of the gods.
Let’s pray wholeheartedly.

After a short prayer, the general tossed the coin.

It landed with the heads on top.

4

The troops were overjoyed and went into
the battle with high spirit.

Just as
predicted, the
smaller army
won the battle.

7

The soldiers were exalted. One soldier
remarked, “It’s good to have the gods on our
side! o one can change what the gods have
determined!”

Another shouted, “Our destiny is predetermined by the
8
gods!”

5

“Really? Fate? Destiny?” the general laughed.
The general showed his soldiers the coin –
BOTH SIDES OF IT WERE HEADS!

General

9

End of Story

May The World Be Free From Wars
Which Bring Untold Suffering To Many.
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

10
For Reflections

6

One’s destiny is not fixed
or decided by the gods or ‘Fate’.
One’s destiny lies within one’s own hands.

The Law of Cause and Effect reigns
supreme – the present is conditioned to a
good extent by the past.

12

The future is uncertain and not fixed – causes and
conditions from the past and present
do influence the future.
What we do NOW is of utmost importance.

7
The outcome of a deed or action depends on
various factors and conditions… one of the most
important being one’s state of mind/attitude …
concentration, mindfulness, confidence and other
positive qualities of the mind.

‘IF WE THI K WE CA , WE CA ’
is certainly a good attitude
to cultivate.

The End

* “You are the master of your own destiny. Use your
strengths well. They are the keys to your destiny and
your success in life. Once you know yourself and take
action to realize your dreams, you can unlock the
doors to your own potential.” eil Somerville

* “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of
choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing
to be achieved.” William Jennings Bryan

2 16 Favorite Contentment Quotes 8
Some years ago, I received by email a short story with a
very good moral message of simplicity and contentment. I
reproduce the short story six, I used to some editing:
Ever since I was a child of here with ponder on the
“An American businessman exist a Harvard MBA watched
tremendous disparities that with in human conditions. It
a Mexican fisherman unload Ihis small catch andfish at a
was later on in my life, when started to learn of practise
small Dhammavillage. The businessman then asked why he
the coastal that some light was shed on these
didn't stay out issues. and catch more fish. The Mexican said
philosophical longer Some years ago, I did a Power Point
he had enough to support his family's immediate me when I
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled needs. The
was young. The objective was to help make us reflect on
rest of his time he spent with his wife and kids and playing
his guitar and taking life easy.are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things The businessman told him,
“You Five Universal Orders, The Law you Cause and Effect,
The should spend more time fishing; of could then buy a
much biggerRebirth, The Six Realmswould have a fleet of
Kamma and boat. Eventually you etc.
fishing boats. You would needrealization of these Dhamma
With understanding and some no middleman but sell your
big catch directly toto live in righteousness,Why, you could
points we can learn processing factories. harmony and
expand your business andthe Naturala cannery in ew York
peace in accordance with even own Laws.
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself and also
City. Your enterprise would reach out far and wide.”
The fisherman asked,would be long would it life.
serving those in need, “How a most worthy take?” The
businessman replied, “Oh perhaps 15 – 20 years. You
would make millions and then you could retire and live a
simple, happy life in a small village. Life would be so easy
living with your wife and playing with little kids in such a
carefree way. You could also enjoy your guitar playing.”
The Mexican fisherman was amused and smiled contentedly
at the businessman. He said, "Isn't that what I'm doing
right now?"
Today, we see so many people caught up in the game of
chasing for more and more material wealth, status and
power, thinking that somewhere, sometime in the future,
they would then attain the pleasure, happiness and peace
they yearn for. They forget that real happiness and peace are
attained in the NOW, living a simple and contented life.

9

16 Favorite

We tend to forget that
happiness doesn't come
as a result of getting
something we don't have,
but rather of recognizing
and appreciating
what we do have.
Frederick Keonig

Contentment is
natural wealth,
luxury is artificial
poverty.
Socrates

10
Health is the greatest
possession.
Contentment is the
greatest treasure.
Confidence is the
greatest friend.
Non-being is the
greatest joy.
Lao Tzu

There is no end of
craving. Hence
contentment alone is
the best way to
happiness. Therefore,
acquire contentment.
Swami Sivananda

Contentment is a
pearl of great price,
and whoever
procures it at the
expense of ten
thousand desires
makes a wise and a
happy purchase.
John Balguy

11
Man falls from the
pursuit of the ideal of
plan living and high
thinking the moment he
wants to multiply his
daily wants. Man's
happiness really lies in
contentment.
Mohandas Gandhi

Riches are not
from an
abundance of
worldly goods,
but from a
contented mind.
Muhammad

Contentment is not
the fulfillment of
what you want, but
the realization of
how much you
already have.
Unknown

12
The secret of
contentment is
knowing how to enjoy
what you have, and to
be able to lose all
desire for things
beyond your reach.
Lin Yutang

Content makes poor men rich; discontentment
makes rich men poor.
Benjamin Franklin

11

If you are
content, you
have enough to
live comfortably.
Plautus

13
My crown is in my heart, not
on my head, Nor decked with
diamonds and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen: My crown is
called content: A crown it is,
that seldom kings enjoy.
William Shakespeare

When we cannot
find contentment
in ourselves, it is
useless to seek it
elsewhere.
La Rochefoucauld,
Francois De

The greatest
wealth is to live
content with little,
for there is never
want where
the mind is
satisfied.
Lucretius

14

It is not the man who
has too little, but the
man who craves more,
that is poor.
Seneca

Be happy with what
you have and are, be
generous with both,
and you won't have to
hunt for happiness.
William E. Gladstone

The End May you find contentment
in the mind

18

3 Coping With Stress 15
I have come to know that, according to a world health
report, the main health problem by the year 2020 will be
mental illness, particularly mental depression. It is an irony
that, despite all our great scientific achievements and
technological was a child of six, I used hasponder become
Ever since I advancements, mankind to not on the
happier and more peaceful in exist in humanofconditions. It
tremendous disparities that the mind. One my Dhamma
friends, a on in my life, when I that theto learn and cases of
was later psychiatrist told me started number of practise
people with psychological problems and shed on these
the Dhamma that some light was mental illnesses
like schizophrenia, depression, neurosis did a other mental
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I and Power Point
disorders seems to on on the rise and they strike more and
presentation based be the thoughts that puzzled me when I
more young. The people inwas to help make us reflect on
was younger objective their twenties and thirties.
Stress appears the be one of are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – to Way things the chief factors triggering
mental illnesses and Orders, The Law of and this isEffect,
The Five Universal health problems Cause and even
affectingand Rebirth, The Sixhave a friend living in Kuala
Kamma young children. I Realms etc.
Lumpur whose son, a primary school student once suffered
from very severe gastroenteritis problems. The parents
brought him to consult a prominent gastroenteritis specialist.
The doctor told my friend that the causative factor for the
child’s terrible medical condition was stress and something
got to be done about this. The poor young child was leading
a most stressful life in a well-known vernacular school. He
had to leave home for school early in the morning and could
only return home past 6 in the evening. He had to cope with
lots of school and homework, additional classes and many
extracurricular activities. Not all young children can take the
stress and demands of a life like this.
When the child was taken out of the school and placed in a
private school where there was little pressure, his medical
problems were solved and no medication was then needed.
Dhamma learning and practice will certainly also help one
cope with the many stresses and problems of modern living.

16

1

Develop Right Views
• The way we see things and our attitude are very
important in determining how prone we are
towards stress. Understand important things such
as these : Nothing remains unchanged. Nobody
is perfect. Nothing is perfect. There will be always
degrees of unsatisfactoriness, conflict, problems
and pain. We can’t always get the things we
want; sometimes things we don’t want do fall
upon us.
• Right Views certainly will help us face up with the
stresses and pressures of modern life.
2

17
No two individuals are the same
and they do not have the same
DON’T SET capabilities, talents and
UNREALISTIC potentialities. Targeting goals
GOALS which are beyond us will set
undue stress upon ourselves.
Eliminate over-ambition and
unrealistic expectations. Having
set realistic goals, we just need to
do our best. It does not matter if
not all goals can be realized.
It is not the end of things. We can
always try again.
3

As long as we do our best to
realize our potential, what others
achieve or attain should not
worry or trouble us. In fact, all
feelings of jealousy, envy and
STOP enmity are indeed stressful. It
would be very good and positive
COMPARING
if we can rejoice at the success
WITH of others. Learn to share with
OTHERS them their joys of success. If we
get inspiration from others’
success and achievements ,
then it is positive.
4

18

LEARN TO It is a fact of life that sometimes
ACCEPT we meet with things we don’t
want and don’t meet with things
INEVITABLE we want. Everybody
THINGS experiences this. Learn to
accept things more wisely, with
calmness and equanimity. Of
course, this takes practice and
constant reflection. Our
thinking, reactions and attitudes
don’t just change overnight.
Have patience – allow time for
our wisdom to grow and
develop.

5

Make Decisions When You Need To

Indecisiveness very often leads to states
of tension--anxiety , restlessness,
insomnia and other problems can set in.
Have the courage to decide after having
considered all aspects of the issue or
problem, the pros and cons. Of course,
there is always an element of uncertainty
and we may err. Take that decision and
be with it ! What is the worst scenario ?
We make a mistake. So what ? We can
perhaps learn a valuable lesson of life
and we can rise again ! 6

19
No one is free from problems.
Faced with a problem, take time THINK
to think and analyze the PROBLEMS
problem through. What is the THROUGH
actual problem ? What are the
causes of this problem ? What
steps can I or should I take to
resolve the problem ?
Having come out with a strategy
or plan, then we must ensure
that we ourselves implement or
execute the plan.
7

We can land ourselves into a real
mess and get stressed if we don’t
care to plan and organize the PLAN
things we do. More mishaps, AND
accidents and error are liable to ORGANIZE
occur bringing regret, remorse
and tension. When we learn to be
more neat, orderly, systematic and
organized , our work environment
becomes better and our mental
states improve.

8

20

Don’t rush, hurry and worry. TAKE ONE
The mind cannot handle so THING
many things at one go. Faced
with many tasks at hand, AT A TIME
learn to do or take one thing
at a time and doing that thing
mindfully is important. Too
many people get stressed up
because they try to do too
many things at one time.
Remember : Even super
computers can and do break
down.
9
9

Procrastinating things and
doing things at the last
moment generate
unnecessary stress. We
tense up if we have to work
against the clock to meet
deadlines. Our effectiveness
and efficiency can slide and
our physical and mental AVOID
health can be adversely PROCRASTINATION
affected. Learn to schedule
your time and work .
Procrastination is a bad habit
that needs to be got rid of.
10
10

21

When we are faced with
problems that we cannot
DON’
DON’T
resolve, it is good to talk BOTTLE UP
things over with our
parents, teachers, FEELINGS
friends and counselors.
No man is an island.
Sometimes we need to
open up or get the load
off our chests. We must
learn to let go negative
thoughts and feelings
that weigh us down. Our
minds will then become
clear and our hearts
light. 11

REST
ADEQUATELY

We are not machines. After hours of work or
study we need breaks or rests. The body that is
weary or exhausted and the mind that is
fatigued cannot function properly or efficiently.
A study program or schedule must incorporate
into it periods of rest. Rest allows the body and
mind to be recharged and be ready to take on
the coming tasks and challenges.
12

22

EXERCISE REGULARLY
Physical exercises are indeed great stress
relievers. Be it walking, jogging,
swimming or playing a game, a work-out
can work wonders to make us feel fresh,
alert, energetic and positive. People in
sedentary jobs or students who do long
hours of academic study in particular
need to do physical exercises regularly to
maintain their physical and mental health.
13

HAVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND HOBBIES
All work and no play makes Jack
a dull boy. How very true this is !
There is always a time for play no
matter how busy we are. Take
that holiday that you need and
pursue that hobby you have
always wanted. Stop making that
excuse “No Time” when in actual
fact we want to win that ‘Rat
Race’ and just cannot let go.
Beware ! There is a heavy price to
pay. We may be stressed out of
14
action.

23

TAKE A BALANCED DIET
Nutrition plays an important part for our
physical and mental health. Remember
the saying, “Health is more important than
wealth.” When we fall sick , oftentimes
we feel down, upset and depressed. We
have to ensure that we take regular meals
following sound nutritional principles.
Beware of fatty, sugary and junk food .

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR
If we develop a sense of humor, we can learn
not to take things too seriously. This can
greatly help to reduce tension. Laughter is
indeed a tremendous stress antidote. Enjoy
yourself reading a good humor book , watching
a comedy movie or video and cracking jokes
with your friends. You will be surprised that
indeed “Laughter is the best Medicine for
many an ‘illness’.
16

24

LEND A HELPING HAND
Arnold Bennett once said, “ The best cure for
worry, depression, melancholy, brooding, is to go
deliberately forth and try to lift with one’s
sympathy, the gloom of somebody else.” A
reaching out to others in need reduces self-
centeredness. The more we cut the ‘self’ the less
stress the self can feel. A great sense of peace and
happiness has come to many who devote their lives
in selfless charity work for others.
17

THINK GOOD THOUGHTS
Negative thoughts that arise in our minds
should be constantly watched and cast out.
They bring us down. Thoughts of greed,
attachment should be replaced by generosity,
charity; anger, aversion, ill-will by love and
compassion. The habit of wishing others well
and making positive affirmations such as I am
happy, I am peaceful, I can succeed, I am well
and healthy and so on can go a long way to
improve our mental health.
18

25
PRACTICE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

From time to time and particularly when we feel
stressed or pressured, the practice of good
relaxation techniques can help greatly. Learn to
watch your breath ; take deep breaths and exhale
slowly. Listening to music, reading, practicing Yoga,
Tai Chi and so on are wonderful relaxation
techniques . Meditation and visualization techniques
where we picture ourselves relaxed in peaceful,
serene and beautiful places like a beach, garden or
a mountain are proven methods to reduce stress.

19

May You Be
Free From
All Stress
When You
REALIZE
What Is
Best!

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

20

26
4 o Charge…A Lesson To Ponder In Life
On ‘gratitude' The Buddha ( in Angutara Nikaya 2.31 – 32 )
once said, "I tell you, monks, there are two people who are
not easy to repay. Which two? Your mother and father.
Even if you were to carry your mother on one shoulder and
your father Ion theaother shoulder I used to ponder onwere
Ever since was child of six, for 100 years, and the
to look afterdisparities anointing, massaging, conditions. It
tremendous them by that exist in human bathing, and
rubbing theirin my life, when I started defecate and practise
was later on limbs, and they were to to learn and urinate
right Dhamma that some light you would not in that
the there [on your shoulders], was shed on these
way pay or repay your parents…Why is did a Power Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I that? Mother and
father do much for on thechildren. They puzzled me when I
presentation based their thoughts that care for them, they
nourish them, they introduceto them make this reflect on
was young. The objective was help to us world.”
Today in this ratthe Way things are,world, we read or Truths,
the Dhamma – race, materialistic The Four Noble hear of
an increasing numberOrders, The Law of Causeor abandon
The Five Universal of children who neglect and Effect,
their aged parents. Some Six Realmsyear, a local Buddhist
Kamma and Rebirth, The time last etc.
monk asked me to put up on our notice board a newspaper
cutting of a terrible case of abandoned parents in Malaysia.
The aged parents had transferred all their property and
possessions to their married son who subsequently
abandoned them; the poor aged parents had to seek shelter
on the ground area of an old flat not inhabited by residents.
Shocking, but true. I knew of a family consisting of the old
mother who had six grown-up children. The father had died
some years earlier. Sad to say, the aged mother was ‘kicked’
around like a football from one child to another. The
children considered the mother a real burden and were most
unwilling to support or look after her. None wanted to give
financial support. I tried to speak to some of the children but
it was no easy task. They had all sorts of excuses.
Reluctantly, some of the children ‘rotated’ the mother
between their homes. Before long, the poor miserable and
dejected mother passed away. Talk about filial piety…

O CHARGE

A Lesson
To Ponder
In Life

A mother was fixing supper for the family.
Her little son came running in quite excitedly.

He handed her a paper
with words of writing.
The mother took the
paper and started
reading.

The boy had written in
big handwriting :

“$2 for doing the
dish washing.

$ 1 for making my
bed this week .
For running errands,
$ 2 I seek .

$ 2 for sweeping
the floor .
My other friends
asked for much more .

$ 5 for my good report card , Mummy !
Clearing our garden - $ 3 is due for me.

So Mummy, you can
see very clearly
You owe me quite a big
sum of money.”

The mother looked at
him standing there
expectantly.
A thousand memories
flashed through her
mind instantly.

She picked up the
paper and
turned it over.
The words she wrote
would make you think
and ponder.

For the 9 months I carried you,
growing inside me, O CHARGE.

For the nights I sat
with you, doctored
you, prayed for
you, O CHARGE.

For the time and
the tears,
And the cost
through the years,
O CHARGE.

For the nights
filled with
dread, and the
worries ahead,
O CHARGE.

For advice and
knowledge and the
cost of your
College,
O CHARGE.

For the toys, food and
clothes and for wiping
your nose,

O CHARGE.

Son, when you add it all up, the full cost of
my LOVE is , O CHARGE.”
CHARGE.”

When the boy finished
reading, tears welled in
his eyes.
He realized one lesson
in life –
Love bears no Price.

To his mother, he said,
“I sure do love you,
Mummy. I’m sorry.”
Then he took the pen
and in big letters,
he wrote
“ALL PAID FULLY.”

Brothers and Sisters :
There’re more things
There’
than just MO EY
To live life meaningfully
and joyously.

The End

May You Be Well And Happy !
With Metta,
Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

34
5 12 Causes Of Downfall
When we meet with misfortune or any negative happening,
we tend to think that the outside world or other people are
the causes. We often forget that when we extend out the
Ever since I was a child of six, I used to ponder on our
pointer finger to blamethat exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities others, three fingers are pointing
right later on in my Oftentimes,I our ‘ill-luck’ orand practise
was at ourselves. life, when started to learn downfall is
due to our own doing…sheer laziness, greed, heedlessness,
the Dhamma that some light was shed on these
unwholesome issues. Some years vices I sucha as smoking,
philosophical sensual pursuits, ago, did Power Point
drinking, gambling on the thoughts that puzzled me our past
presentation based and other bad habits. Of course, when I
kamma playsThe objective was to help make uslife. People
was young. a part in determining our present reflect on
the Dhamma – the Way things are, talents, Noble status,
come into the world with differentThe Four wealth,Truths,
health conditions and so on. But this Cause and Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of is no excuse to
complainand Rebirth, The Six Realms etc. for our lives and
Kamma and lament. We are responsible
the things we do now can and will change the Dhamma
With understanding and some realization of these course of
things. Ajahn Brahmavamso gives a very good analogy of
points we can learn to live in righteousness, harmony and
the two women out withbakeNatural Laws. first woman, a
peace in accordance to the a cake. The
wealthy one, lived all the good things to bake the cake: the
A life that is has meaningfully within oneself and also
best flour, butter, refined sugar, most worthy life.
serving those in need, would be a excellent fruits and other
ingredients. But this woman is careless and has a bad
attitude; she messes up the recipe, does a sloppy baking and
her cake turns out horrible despite having all the best
ingredients and kitchen conditions. On the other hand, the
second woman, coming from a poor background has to
make do with second - rate ingredients for her cake
baking… coarse flour, rough sugar, mediocre fruits and
cheap butter; she just has a simple oven. She sieves and
suns the flour; she pounds the sugar and puts in lots of
effort, care and love in baking the cake. Her cake turns out
to be a most wonderful one! The message is clear. We must
stop blaming external factors for our sorry state of affairs
and failure. Dhamma learning and practice entail patience,
determination and effort. Only then will we see and enjoy
the fruits when they ripen in due course of time.

Dhamrma

Must
Have!

1

PARABHAVA SUTTA
The Buddha’s
Discourse on
DOWNFALL

The 1st Cause of Downfall
Easily known is the
progressive one, Dhamma

easily known
he who declines.
He who loves Dharma
progresses; he who is
averse to it, declines.

The 2nd Cause of Downfall

The wicked are
dear to him, with
the virtuous he
finds no delight,
he prefers the
creed of the
wicked.

The 3rd Cause of Downfall

Being fond
of sleep,
fond of
company,
indolent,
lazy and
irritable

The 4th Cause of Downfall

Though being well-to-do, not to support father and
mother who are old and past their youth

To deceive by
falsehood a
brahmin or
ascetic or any
other
mendicant


To have much wealth and ample gold and
food, but to enjoy one's luxuries alone


To be proud of birth, of wealth or clan,
and to despise one's own kinsmen


To be a rake, a drunkard, a gambler, and
to squander all one earns


Not to be contented with one's own wife,
and to be seen with
harlots and the wives of others


Being past one's youth, to take a young wife
and to be unable to sleep for jealousy of her


To place in authority a woman given
to drink and squandering,
or a man of a like behaviour

To be of
noble birth,
Must
with vast be in
Charge
ambition and
of slender
means, and
to crave for
rulership

The End

Unskillful speech, action and mind
will cause a person to decline.

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

40
6 Twisted Thinking And Mental Suffering
Our local Buddhist Association is non-sectarian; what is
most important is the teaching and promotion of the
Buddha-Dhamma, be it in the Theravada, Mahayana or
Vajarana traditions. I have good Dhamma friends in the
Ever since I was aChanting, Sutta six, I and
Chinese Chanting, Pali child of Classes used
topondeonthtremendous the early 1990s, there were some
Meditation Group. In disparities that exist in human
conditions. It was later on in my life, whenthe twisted and
small nagging problems arising out of I started to learn
and practise the Dhamma that some light of the different
deluded thinking of some members was shed on these
philosophicala Committee Member, Iago, I did a Power
groups. As issues. Some years noticed uncalled for
Pointpresentation based‘Chinese thoughts that puzzled me
remarks such as: “The on the Soldiers’ only chant and
when I was young. The“The ‘English to help make us
don’t help much”; objective was Soldiers’ are
reflect on the think they –know Waythe Dhamma”; “The
proud…they Dhamma the all things are, The Four
Noble Truths, The Fiveother than sitting stillThe Law of
meditators do nothing Universal Orders, like stone
Cause and EffectJust because these critics might have
statues” etc.
Kamma and Rebirth,individuals with personal traits not to
encountered some The Six Realms etc.
their liking, they branded the whole group in a bad light.
They failed to see the good points of other people. “It’s
easy to see the faults of others but one’s own, one hides
like a fowler in disguise.” This is a saying from the
Buddha in The Dhammapada …how very true it is!
Deluded or twisted thinking needs to be checked and
corrected; it can bring much conflict and relationship
problems. Much Dukkha arises in the person and also
others. Twisted thinking oftentimes can be traced to
poor habitual conditioning at an earlier age or in
previous lives, ego, jealousy, ill-will, anger, enmity and
a sheer lack of understanding and practice of Dhamma
to see the way things really are. Through the practice of
selfless charity, loving-kindness, Dhamma study and
reflection and Vipassana meditation, one can gradually
gain insight and one’s thinking becomes clearer and
wiser and the heart grows to be more compassionate.

James Allen

James Allen

# 1 Thinking, regretting or
feeling guilty about the
past.
Reflection
Train the mind to be
more mindful of the
Present.
GUILT

# 2 Speculating and
worrying about
things in the Future.
Reflection
Watch the mind when it
runs into the Future. Bring
it back.

# 3 Thinking of and seeing
only the ‘black spots
(faults ) of another and
failing to see his ‘white
spots’ FALLpoints) Abstracts
(good 2006
Reflection
In every ‘bad’ person there is
Arial Font Family
some good and in every ‘good’
person there is some bad.

# 4 Reacting negatively
to the criticisms or words
of others.
Reflection
Why should one let
others control one’s
inner mental peace?

# 5 Thinking of and
dwelling upon one’s
mistakes or points
of weakness.
Reflection
Acknowledge the mistakes, learn
from them and move on. Let go of the
negative thoughts.

# 6 Expecting only
positive things to
happen all the time.

Reflection
Gain and loss, pleasure and
pain, praise and blame, fame and
dishonor are inevitable.

# 7 Always thinking ‘Should be
like this’, ‘shouldn’t be like that’,
‘I can’t accept this’.
Reflection
Acceptance of things positively
reduces mental suffering. Learn
to forgive and let go.

# 8 Labeling
another as ‘bad’,
‘foolish’, ‘hateful’,
‘problematic’
Reflection
It’s not the person who is ‘bad’, ‘foolish’
or ‘proud’ but it is his unskillful action.
Cultivate forgiveness.

# 9 Thinking centered
on Ego and Self-
interest
Reflection
Let us learn to think less of ‘I’,
‘My’ and ‘Mine’ but more of
‘We’, ‘Ours’, ‘Us’ and ‘Others’.

# 10 Thinking
JEALOUS

jealous thoughts
of others’ success
and happiness.
Reflection
Let us practice sympathetic or altruistic
joy rejoicing at the happiness
of others.

# 11 Thoughts of
unreasonably high
expectations of people
or things
Reflection
Thoughts of Compassion and
Contentment bring peace and joy
to the mind

# 12 Always
thinking and
desiring things
and having little
spirit of charity
Reflection
Giving and Generosity will lead to
spiritual joy and peace.

The End

Views, Thoughts and Aspirations
of the Right Kind will lead
to Happiness and Peace of Mind
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

7 The Farmer’s Donkey 46
The life story of Helen Keller ( 1880 – 1968 ) is a most inspiring
one. At the age of 19 months, she contracted an illness that left
her deaf and I was Despite all the oddsused obstacles she faced,
Ever since blind. a child of six, I and to ponder on the
she rose above all the hardship and challenges to become It
tremendous disparities that exist in human conditions. a
prolific Americanmy life, awhen I started to learn and practise
was later on in author, political activist and lecturer. She was
the first deaf and blind person tolight a was shed Arts degree.
the Dhamma that some earn Bachelor of on these
There is a saying, “Quitters never win; winners never quit.” There
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a Power Point
is a good life lesson we can learn from this. When faced with
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled me when I
problems, obstructions and setbacks, many of us give up what we
set out to do. We lament over was ‘bad luck’ or make reflect on
was young. The objective our to help make us all sorts of
excuses and rationalizationthings are, our failure. Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way to justify The Four Someone once
said, “Failure is not failure; failure is failing to Cause after Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of get up and a fall.”
Kamma A Edison, an American inventor, held more than 1,000
Thomas and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
patents for inventions andhis name. Among his many quotes was
With understanding in some realization of these Dhamma
this: “I have notlearn to I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t
points we can failed. live in righteousness, harmony and
work.” in accordance with the Natural Laws.
peace He often commented that he started work where the last
man left off. lived meaningfully within oneself and also and
A life that is Such an attitude of patience, determination
perseverance should be would be aby us. worthy life. thinking
serving those in need, cultivated most His positive
was truly remarkable. Obstacles did not sink him into defeat.
Over the last 24 years at our local Buddhist Association, I have
seen too many of our members and devotees slacken or giving up
in their practice of Dhamma, particularly in outreach work, sutta
or Dhamma study and meditation. Intellectually, many of us
know the importance and urgency of walking with diligence the
spiritual path; we even voice out: ‘Life is uncertain; death is
certain. The Buddha urged us to strive on diligently with
mindfulness.’ But the irony is that we do not find ourselves
practicing and sacrificing. We are ever so busy and caught up in
sensual pursuits. Our mind, so defiled with ego and delusion, is so
good in giving excuses. “Oh, I can never meditate.” ( This is
dangerous negative conditioning!) “Oh, I am sorry…I am too
busy to help in the many Dana services and outreach work.” ( But
we do find time for shopping, going for tours, watching TV for
hours, hooked on the Internet, making money and so on. ) Mara is
indeed ‘laughing’ at his conquests! We need to reflect seriously.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a
well. The animal cried piteously for hours
as the farmer tried to figure out a way
to get him out.

Finally the farmer decided it
was probably impossible and
the animal was old and the
well was dry anyway, so it
just wasn't worth it to try and
retrieve the donkey.

So the farmer asked his neighbors to come
over and help him cover up the well. They all
grabbed shovels and began
to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, when the
donkey realized
what was happening
he cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's
amazement, he
quieted down and let
out some happy
brays.

A few shovel
loads later, the
farmer looked
down the well to
see what was
happening and
was astonished
at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his
back, the donkey was shaking it off
and taking a step up. (Shifting)

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel
dirt on top of the animal, he continued to shake
it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, to
everyone's amazement, the donkey stepped up
over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all
kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well
is to shake it off and take a step up.

Moral : Every adversity can be turned into a stepping
stone. The way to get out of the deepest well is by never
giving up but by shaking yourself off
and taking a step up.

Moral : In life, what happens to you isn't
nearly as important as what you do about it
or how you react to the happening.

The End

In the face of conflict
and adversity,
may we respond and
act calmly and wisely.
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

8 14 Steps To Conquer The Worry Habit 51
Most people are affected by anxiety, worry or fear. Some
worry household bills of all and one need to pay monthly.
hefty about a thousand sorts we things…their health,
studies, family, career, finance, unnecessary commitments, and
When we are all burdened with relationships, sicknesses we
have little time for so may important things that really matter in
death. Worry has driven many people to insomnia, illnesses,
life – learning about and developing the mind, showing kindness
depression and even suicide.the needy,anxiety and fear have
to others, rendering services to Worry, spending time with our
their ones and cultivating our spirituality. following factors:
loved roots in one or more of the
* A wrong habitual if they will notconditioning since young
We lead our lives as thinking and end; we fail to realize that
* Being attacheddeath is certain.
life is uncertain and to wealth, possessions and loved ones
* Having the wrong attitude andtremendous.life’s meaning
The gratitude we owe our parents is views of It’s indeed sad
* Amany children abandon their parentsfear of losing attention
that strong sense of ego leading to or give little name or
power to their parents. Reason? They are in deep ‘busy-ness’.
and care
* Having and gratitude are among the virtues we need to
Filial piety an untrained or uncultivated mind that often
dwells if the past or projects itself and the future
practice in we wish to realize true happinessinto peace.
* Being too self-centered and lacking in a concern for
others’ welfare; there is little generosity and outreach work
* Lack of spiritual development; there is strong delusion
I have found the following bits of advice and thoughts
useful in helping one to overcome anxiety, worry and fear:
1 Why worry? It saps your energy. If there is a problem and
something can be done about it, then why worry? If nothing
can be done about it, then why worry? The problem will
come and go and the wise one embraces it peacefully.
2 othing is permanent; everything comes to pass, so why
worry? What’s the worst scenario? Death? Well, everyone
of us has to die one day and we will be reborn again!
3 Worry arises when there is negative speculative thinking
about the future. The mind has to be trained to bring it more
to the OW. Let go of the past; do not let your mind get
sucked into the future. The future is uncertain for all.
The late Ven. Dr K. Sri Dhammananda, wrote a most useful
book “Why Worry!” (‘Practical advice from the Buddhist
teachings to live your life without stress and worry’)

14 STEPS
TO CONQUER
THE WORRY HABIT 1

Keep busy, so your mind doesn’t have
time to think about worrisome things.

Don’t let small things upset
you - they aren’t worth it

Accept the inevitable - don’t try
to fight or change it

Consider the real importance of the thing
you are about to worry about – nothing is
certain in life we can’t be sure
of the future

Apply these common expressions
- Don’t cry over spilt milk
- Don’t saw sawdust
- What’s done is done

Have the Right View and Attitude
- There are ups and downs in life
- Nothing is permanent
- Remember: ‘This too will pass’

Count Your Blessings –
not your troubles

Forget yourself by becoming
more interested in others

Learn and practice some good
relaxation techniques

Associate with good, wise
and positive friends

Spend more time to reach out
to others in need

Replace any negative thoughts
with positive ones

Do not allow your mind to dwell
in the past or future. Be Present.

Develop and practice mindfulness –
observe mental states that arise and fall

The End
DON’
DON’T WORRY
BE HAPPY
STAY HEALTHY
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

16

* Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what
may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
~Benjamin Franklin

* That the birds of worry and care fly over your
head, this you cannot change, but that they build
nests in your hair, this you can prevent.
~Chinese Proverb

* There are two days in the week about which and
upon which I never worry... Yesterday and
Tomorrow. ~Robert Jones Burdette

* Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in
the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.
~Author Unknown

9 Reflections On Gratitude 58
Many of us have given some help to a person in need. We
should not expect anything in return. On the other hand, it is
the duty of the receiver to have gratitude. Gratitude is an
important virtue to be taught and inculcated in the young for
their good character and self-developmentto ponder on the
Ever since I was a child of six, I used as they grow up.
During my teaching years, I exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that stood as a financial guarantor
for a later on in my life, when Iwho applied for and practise
was number of poor students started to learn scholarships
the Dhamma that some light was shed on these
or loans to help them further their tertiary education.
In the early 1980s, I Some years ago, Ipoor a Power in my
philosophical issues. had a bright but did student Point
class. I was the Form teacher. Afterthat puzzled he went on
presentation based on the thoughts his STPM, me when I
to a local university. One evening,help make us phone call
was young. The objective was to I received a reflect on
from him telling me ofthingsfinancial difficulties and his
the Dhamma – the Way his are, The Four Noble Truths,
intention to quit the university. He had already and Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause completed
the first year Rebirth, The Six Realmsasked him to see me at
Kamma and with excellent results. I etc.
my home. He came the following day and I helped him to
apply for a state study loan. His application was successful;
he got a full loan and I stood as a guarantor for him. So
everything seemed to turn out well; I got no news or contact
from the student for four years or so. I gathered from a
couple of his Form six classmates that he had graduated
with brilliant results and was then working in a good
managerial position in a private company in a big city.
A few years after the student had graduated and worked, I
started getting letters from the state government
legal officers asking that I settled the loan as a guarantor for the
student had not done any repaying and he could not be traced. His
home address had been changed; I too could not trace him. Well,
I thought I had no choice but to pay the owed amount.
Fortunately, one day I chanced upon a classmate of the student
and managed to get the contact of the ‘errant’ student. Through
phone and letters, I eventually made him see that it was his moral
responsibility to settle the loan. I did not say he had no gratitude.

Reflections On
GRATITUDE

At times our own light goes
out and is rekindled by a
spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to
think with deep gratitude of
those who have lighted the Albert
Schweitzer
flame within us.

One looks back with
appreciation to the brilliant
teachers, but with gratitude
to those who touched our
human feelings. The
curriculum is so much
Carl Jung necessary raw material, but
warmth is the vital element
for the growing plant and for
the soul of the child.

A thankful heart is
not only the greatest
virtue, but the
parent of all the
other virtues.
Cicero

If you pick up a starving dog
and make him prosperous,
he will not bite you. This is
the principal difference
between a dog and a man .
Mark Twain

Let's be grateful for those who
give us happiness; they are the
charming gardeners who make
our soul bloom.
Marcel Proust

Reflect upon your present
blessings, of which every man
has plenty; not on your past
misfortunes of which
all men have some.
Charles Dickens

Many times a day I realize how much my
own life is built on the labors of my
fellowmen, and how earnestly I must exert
myself in order to give in return as much
as I have received. Albert Einstein

Gratitude is a duty which
ought to be paid, but which
none have a right to expect.
Rousseau

o one who achieves
success does so without
acknowledging the help of
others. The wise and confident
acknowledge this help with
gratitude.
Alfred orth Whitehead

"Gratitude is a fruit of
great cultivation; you do not
find it among gross people"
Samuel Johnson

One can never pay in
gratitude; one can only
pay "in kind" somewhere
else in life.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that
thankfulness is indeed a virtue.
William John Bennett

It is another's The End
fault if he be ungrateful,
but it is mine if I do not
give. To find one
thankful man, I will
oblige a great many that
are not so.
Seneca

* "Good men and bad men differ radically. Bad men
never appreciate kindness shown them, but wise men
appreciate and are grateful. Wise men try to express
their appreciation and gratitude by some return of
kindness, not only to their benefactor, but to
everyone else." The Buddha

* "Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't
learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we
didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if
we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be
thankful." The Buddha

10 Timeless TIME Quotes 64
One of the reasons I dread attending a wedding invitation
dinner is the utter lack of respect for people’s time. Rarely
do wedding Idinners start punctually used to what is printed
Ever since was a child of six, I despite ponder on the
in the invitation card. Guests exist in human conditions. as
tremendous disparities that are made to wait for as long It
one to two hours before when I started to learn and practise
was later on in my life, the first dish is served. Many suffer
the wait in silence, some light was shed on these
the Dhamma that being unable to even carry out
meaningful conversations with friends I did asame table as
philosophical issues. Some years ago, in the Power Point
the karaoke blasts away in an atmosphere of din and dis-
ease. young. The objective was could be put to better use.
was Imagine the time wasted to help make us reflect on
Certain people have the bad habit of notFour Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things are, The being punctual for
any functions or programs. Over the yearsCause and Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of of Dhammaduta
work at our Rebirth, The Six Realms etc. same members
Kamma and Association, I noticed that the
and students are habitually late for Dhammathese Dhamma
With understanding and some realization of talks, chanting
or meditation, meetings, classes and other activities. Isn’t it
an irony that, on one with the Naturalteachings emphasize on
peace in accordance hand Dhamma Laws.
being mindful and meaningfully within oneself and also yet
A life that is lived having consideration for others, and
‘practitioners’ in need, would be a most worthy life. on time?
serving those are unmindful about being always
Bad habits are indeed difficult to eradicate but that is no
excuse. Determination, discipline and making strong
resolutions would be able to rid ourselves of bad habits.
In my community guidance classes, I always stress on the
importance or punctuality. Of course, I too have to set the
example and I usually would begin lessons punctually
according to schedules. To me, not to do so would be rather
unfair to those who practice punctuality. Why should they
waste their time on account of mindless ones who don’t
seem to have respect for the teacher or their classmates?
When one values time and manages it well, one can do so
many positive and constructive things that benefit oneself
and others. Good time management would also enable one
to have time for recreation, ample rest and breaks.
May we realize the importance of time and use it well.

1

Time is free, but it's
priceless. You can't
own it, but you can use it.
You can't keep
it, but you can spend it.
Once you've lost it
you can never get it back.
Harvey MacKay

Time is more valuable than money. You
can get more money, but you cannot
get more time. Jim Rohn

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have,
and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be
careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
Carl Sandburg

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for
those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too
short for those who rejoice, but for those who love,
time is eternity. Henry Van Dyke

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have
exactly the same number of hours per day that
were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur,
Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci,
Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Much may be done in
those little shreds and
patches of time which
every day produces,
and which most men
throw away. Charles
Caleb Colton

All that really belongs
to us is time; even he
who has nothing else
has that.
Baltasar Gracian

Time cools, time clarifies; no mood can be
maintained quite unaltered through the course
of hours. Mark Twain

This time, like all
times, is a very good
one, if we but know
what to do with it.
Ralph Waldo
Emerson

I don't think of the past. The only thing
that matters is the everlasting present.
W. Somerset Maugham

Ordinary people think
merely of
spending time.
Great people think of
using it.
Author Unknown

It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants.
The question is, what are we busy about?
Henry David Thoreau

It’s how we spend our
time here and now,
that really matters. If
you are fed up with the
way you have come to
interact with time,
change it.
Marcia Wieder

Realize that now, in this
moment of time, you are
creating. You are creating your
next moment.
That is what’s real.
Sara Paddison

Lost wealth may be
replaced by industry,
lost knowledge by study,
lost health by
temperance or medicine,
but lost time is
gone forever.
Samuel Smiles

The End
He lives long that lives well; and time
misspent is not lived but lost.
Thomas Fuller

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Time is what we want most, but what we use
worst. William Penn

* The common man is not concerned about the
passage of time, the man of talent is driven by it.
Schopenhauer

* Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste
of your life, or master your time and master your
life. Alan Lakein

11 Right And Wrong 71
During my schooldays, I used to ponder a lot on the issue of
ethics and morality. What is Right and Wrong? Is there an
innatesince I was a child us six, I is absolutely right and
Ever conscience telling of what used to ponder on the
moral? What are the consequences human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist in of breaching moral
laws…a punishment after death? I sought answers practise
was later on in my life, when I started to learn and through
booksDhamma that some and temples. I shedtaught about
the and visiting churches light was was on these
sin and the laws of a Some years ago, I did a Power would
philosophical issues. supreme heavenly Being who Point
judge us afterbased on the thoughts that puzzled me Heaven
presentation death…whether we would be sent to when I
or Hell in accordance with the sins help make us reflectThe
was young. The objective was to we have committed. on
ideaDhamma – theone life and then be eternally rewarded in
the of living just Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
Heaven or condemnedOrders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five Universal to everlasting Hell, to me, was not at
all logical, reasonableThejust. It was only when I came upon
Kamma and Rebirth, or Six Realms etc.
the Dhamma, with and some realization of these effect and
With understanding clear teachings on cause, Dhamma
conditions, can learn to live in righteousness, harmony and
points we the Five Universal Orders, Kamma, rebirth and
dependent origination thatthe Natural Laws. about ethics and
peace in accordance with all my questions
morality were resolved. In the Kalama Sutta, and also my
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself one of
favorite those in need, would be a most worthy life.
serving Buddhist Discourses, the Buddha said, “When you
know for yourselves that, 'These qualities are unskillful;
these qualities are blameworthy; these qualities are
criticized by the wise; these qualities, when adopted and
carried out, lead to harm and to suffering' — then you
should abandon them. When you know for yourselves that,
'These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless;
these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when
adopted and carried out, lead to welfare and to happiness'
— then you should enter and remain in them.”
Any action of the mind, body or speech which is rooted in
greed, attachment, ill-will, anger, hatred, ego and delusion
is unwholesome and would have its potential negative
effects. Actions motivated by generosity, a letting go, love,
kindness, compassion and wisdom would be wholesome and
would bear positive fruits in this life or lives to come.

RIGHT
and

WRONG

When a Zen Master held a long
Meditation Retreat, pupils from many
parts of Japan came to attend.

One day, one of
the pupils was
caught stealing
by the other
pupils.

The matter was reported to the Master with
the request that the culprit be expelled.

The Zen Master chose to ignore the case.
The pupils were very disappointed.

ot long later, the same pupil was caught
in a similar act of stealing.

BAG

This angered the other pupils very much.
They drew up a petition asking for the
dismissal of the thief, stating that
otherwise they would all leave altogether.

When the
Master had
read the
petition, he
called everyone
before him.

“You are wise
brothers,” he told
them. “You know what
is Right and what is
Wrong.”

“You may go somewhere else to study if you wish,” the
Master continued, “but this poor brother does not
even know Right from Wrong. Who will teach him if I
do not. I am going to keep him here even if all the rest
of you leave.”

Zen
Master

A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the
brother who had stolen.
All desire to steal had vanished.
All the other pupils chose to stay on with the
Zen Master. They had realized a good degree of
Compassion and Wisdom.

Zen Master

Reflection 1

Great Spiritual Masters have real Compassion
and Wisdom. Learn and grow from them.

Reflection 2

Every sentient being in Samsara has the potential
to become a Buddha…when he realizes his
defilements and takes steps to remove them.

Reflection 3

In walking the Spiritual Path, one needs to
develop a non-judgmental, forgiving and
compassionate heart. o one is a ‘sinner’
beyond redemption…only his actions may be
foolish, unskillful or unwholesome.

Reflection 4

Great Dhamma teachers practise patience,
understanding, compassion and wisdom.

Reflection 5

Harbouring aversion, ill will, anger,
hatred and enmity weakens one’s mind.
The End
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Compassion is the basis of morality.
Arthur Schopenhauer

* For children to take morality seriously they must
be in the presence of adults who take morality
seriously. And with their own eyes they must see
adults take morality seriously.
William Bennett

* I reject any religious doctrine that does not appeal
to reason and is in conflict with morality.
Mohandas Gandhi

* Teach a child what is wise, that is morality. Teach
him what is wise and beautiful, that is religion!
Thomas Huxley

* The true meaning of religion is thus, not simply
morality, but morality touched by emotion.
Matthew Arnold

* Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very
important one to society.
Thomas Jefferson

12 A Short Course In Human Relations 78
One of the important factors in the Noble Eightfold Path is
Right Speech. The practice of Right Speech entails avoiding
Ever since I was a child of six, I used to ponder on the
* Lying
* Slanderingdisparities that exist in human conditions. It
tremendous
was later on in my life, when I started to learn and practise
* Using Harsh or Abusive speech
* Gossip or Frivolous Talk light was shed on these
the Dhamma that some
Being polite, issues. Some years ago, I did a Power Point
philosophical courteous and using wise speech go a long
way towards based on the thoughts that puzzled me whenis
presentation good human relations among people. This I
very important at objective school, at themake us reflectany
was young. The home, in was to help work place or on
association or – the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma society.
IThe Five case in our Orders, The Law of years ago when a
recall a Universal Association many Cause and Effect,
couple who were ourThe Six Realms etc. angry and refused
Kamma and Rebirth, members got very
With understanding and some realization of these Dhamma
to come to the Association anymore. I gathered from them
that one of our Committee members was very rudeand
sarcastic.accordance with the Natural Laws.Association and
peace in I apologized on behalf of the
explained some Dhamma pointswithin oneself and also
A life that is lived meaningfully about how people, caught
in conditioning, need, habits be a most worthy life. wrong
serving those in bad would and heedlessness, use
speech thereby causing hurt to others. The victims should
learn to forgive and let go; the offender should regret the
unskillful words, apologize and resolve to be more mindful
the next time, putting in great care and effort to practice
Right Speech in his interaction with other people.
I often come across people, from students to working adults
in Government departments and the private sector who do
not seem to know the basic etiquette and courtesy expected
of a civilized and cultured person. My greetings of ‘Good
Morning’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Excuse me’ etc have many a time
been responded with cold blank stares. Some of my students
do not even know how to say “Thank you” when a gift is
given to them or when a favor is done for them. They seem
to take so many things for granted or they are so ignorant.
May we all be more mindful and practice Right Speech.

1

The SIX most important words (1)

“I Admit
I Made A Mistake”

The SIX most important words (2)
“May You Be Well And Happy.”

The FIVE most important words (1)

“You Did A Good Job.”

The FIVE most important words (2)

“I Am Grateful
To You.”

The FOUR most important words (1)
“What is Your
Opinion?”

The FOUR most important words (2)
“Have a Good Day!”

The THREE most important words (1)

“I Am Sorry.”

The THREE most important words (2)

“Can
I Help?”

The TWO most
important words (1)

“Thank You.”

The TWO most important words (2)

“Take
Care.”

The ONE most important word (1)

“ We ”

The ONE most important word (2)

“Please”

The LEAST important word (1)

“I”

The LEAST important word (2)

“My”

The End

May Our
Patience,
Love
And
Understanding
Grow!

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

16

* Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart,
kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are
the things which renew humanity. Buddha

* The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought,
sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve. Buddha

* We do not need to proselytize either by our speech
or by our writing. We can only do so really with our
lives. Let our lives be open books for all to study.
Mahatma Gandhi

* Watch your manner of speech if you wish to
develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by
affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes
and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.
orman Vincent Peale

13 The A – Z of KIASU 85
I was a KIASU (“Afraid to lose”) type of person during my
schooldays right from my primary school until sixth form. I
did well academically…I topped in all school examinations
but that never really gave me real happiness and peace. My
mind sincefilled with anxiety,six, I used to ponder on that
Ever was I was a child of worry and fear…afraid the
someone else would beat me intoin human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist second place. Oh, how
much suffering my life, when I started to prayers in practise
was later on in I had to go through. The learn and temples
and churches didthat help. Looking back to my schooldays,
the Dhamma not some light was shed on these
Iphilosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a Power Point
prayed foolishly…to be number one academically. I was
often jealous of others’ achievements and success when I
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled meand had
even young. The objective whento help make us reflect on
was been secretly pleased was others did not do well! At
the university,– Ithe Way things wereThe Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma realized there are, others who were better
than me academically. I slowly began of learn life lessons.
The Five Universal Orders, The Law to Cause and Effect
Kamma and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
It was my ‘discovery’ of Dhamma and subsequent practice
of the Buddha’s Teachings that my life underwent a deep
transformation. My attitude towards many things changed
and I began to see the intangible things that really matter in
a person’s life. Understanding and practice of Buddhist
teachings like Dana ( Charity ), Sila ( Morality ) and
Bhavana ( Meditation ) will play a key role in bringing more
happiness, contentment and peace to one’s mind. I realized
that a KIASU type of attitude and mentality would bring
one untold mental and physical suffering. On the other hand,
the cultivation of spiritual qualities like generosity, service,
renunciation, sympathetic joy, loving-kindness, compassion,
equanimity and ‘letting go’ will bring one real peace and
freedom. Undoubtedly, walking the spiritual way of the
Noble Eightfold Path poses a challenge. Temptations to fall
into the trap of materialism and sensual pursuits are great.
However the price we have to pay by NOT walking the Way
is even greater. Immense Dukkha will await us.

The A – Z Of KIASU
Let us reflect on
how a Kiasu person
is conquered by
Greed, Anger and
Delusion

“I must Always win,
win!”
How much stress
will this bring ?

“I always Borrow
but never return!”
Life’s Principles
Life’
…When will he ever
learn?

“Wah, I have to buy because it is Cheap!”
Oh my ! She is hoarding things by the heap !

“Don’t trust
on’
anyone …that’s my
that’
philosophy.”
Ha ! He will live a
life of sheer
misery.

“Everything I must
also grab fast.”
With such craving
how long will he last?

“Free ! Free ! Free ! I
must have all these
things !”
Do you know what
suffering this brings ?

“If I don’t Grab first,
don’
very soon there may be
no more!”
You see such ‘Hungry
Ghosts’ everywhere –
Ghosts’
a real eyesore!

“I must Help myself
to everything
everywhere.”
Will he ever realize
the need to care
and share?

“I want to be FIRST
in everything.”
There’s a price to
There’
pay – real suffering.

“I can’t waste my time – I must Jump queue.”
He makes others mad with such a view.

“I must Keep
coming back for
more and more.”
more.”
There would be
pain and suffering
in store.

“I must have a life of
more and more
Luxury.”
He cares only for
himself and his
family.

“Don’t you see
that I Must never
ever lose face?”
face?”
He constantly
feeds his ego in
life’s mad race.
life’

“I ever give others a
helping hand.”
There are more such
people in every land.

“I must Outdo and
Outshine everybody.”
How can such a
person live life
peacefully ?

“I only Pay out of
necessity, not
generosity.”
Do not expect him to
perform any act of
charity.

“I will Quarrel to
make sure
I am ahead.”
ahead.”
He wouldn’t care if
wouldn’
you were alive
or dead.

“I have to Rush and
push to triumph in
the race!”
It won’t be long
before he’s crushed
he’
at this pace.

“I am always
Suspicious of each and
everyone.”
He will suffer if he
wants to be
SECO D TO O E.

“I believe in only Taking
… not giving.”
Such self-centredness
self-
will soon see him
grieving.

“Unless I get some personal
benefit, forget it.”
It must have been ages
since the last charity he did.

“I Vow that I will be
THE UMBER O E!” E!”
By hook or by crook he
would get this done !

“I am the Winner …
I take all, I take all.”
all.”
When will they know
there’s gain and loss,
rise and fall?

“This is not enough
… I must have
X’TRA!”
TRA!”
It does not pay to
be so greedy LAH!

“I will YELL to get
what I desire.”
Life’s Lessons are what
such people require.

Zebras are ‘KIASU’ ‘cause
KIASU’
they want to be black and
white at the same time.
Conflicts and problems
abound ‘cause too many
stress on ‘ME, MY
and MI E’ !
E’

The End
Peace Comes Through Wisdom And
Understanding.
May We All Attain Life’s Greatest Blessing.
Life’
With Metta,
Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Whatever we treasure for ourselves separates us
from others; our possessions are our limitations.
Rabindranath Tagore

* The greatest crimes do not arise from a want of
feeling for others but from an over-sensibility for
ourselves and an over-indulgence to our own desires.
Edmund Burke

* Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce
selfishness, Have few desires. Lao Tzu

* Every man must decide whether he will walk in
the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of
destructive selfishness. Martin Luther King, Jr.

* The human being who lives only for himself finally
reaps nothing but unhappiness. Selfishness corrodes.
Unselfishness ennobles, satisfies. Don't put off the joy
derivable from doing helpful, kindly things for
others.
B. C. Forbes

14 Unconditional Love - A Story To Ponder On 96
There is an increase in divorce cases; jealousies, revenge,
aggression and violence, murder and other sufferings arise
out of attached and self-centered love. Much of what we
know as ‘love’ is actually conditional love or love with
strongsince I was awhich of six, I used to pondera on the
Ever attachment child of course can lead to lot of
tremendous disparities that exist in human conditions. It
suffering when things do not go according to one party’s
expectations or desires. When I startedor spouseand practise
was later on in my life, when a lover to learn declares his
eternal love for his partner, actually was shed in his these
the Dhamma that some light embedded on heart
and mind is issues. Some years ago, I did a Power Point
philosophical the attachment and thought: ‘I love you
provided you based on the thoughts or you do this for me…’
presentation do not do this to me that puzzled me when I
In a young. The objective was to help makeas opposed on
was Dhamma talk on the subject of Metta us reflect to
conditional love, Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Ajahn Brahmavamso, shared a very
interesting Universal Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five hypothetical situation on what Metta really is:
‘Supposeand Rebirth,aThe Six Realms etc. blessings of your
Kamma you go for long retreat with the
spouse. At the end of the retreat you return home to find
your spouse missing. You find a note from your spouse that
reads: Dear Darling, remember you declared your undying
love for me and would want me to be always happy under
all circumstances. Well, I have eloped with your best friend;
we are now truly very happy together. Goodbye. Take care.
Now what will be your feelings? Would you be happy that
your spouse has found happiness? You would probably be
overwhelmed by negative emotions and thoughts of anger,
hatred, revenge, disappointment, sorrow, lamentation etc’
So you see, we are far from spiritual cultivation. Our
attachments are strong and can lead us to much suffering.
We need to strive on diligently in our Dhamma practice of
Sila (Morality), Samadhi (Mind stability) and Panna
(Wisdom ). Only then can we gradually reduce and cut our
attachments, clinging and grasping. True peace, happiness,
contentment and freedom will then come upon us.

A Story To Ponder On

There was a soldier who was finally coming home after
having fought in the Vietnam War. He called his
parents from San Francisco.

Mom and Dad, I'm
coming home, but
I've a favor to ask.
I have a friend I'd
like to bring home
with me.

"Sure," they
replied,
"we'd love to
meet him."

"There's something
you should know,”
the son continued,
"he was hurt
pretty badly
in the fighting.”

“He stepped on a
land mine and
lost an arm and a
leg. He has
nowhere else to
go, and I want
him to come live
with us."

“We are sorry to
hear that, son.
Maybe we can help
him find
somewhere to
live,” both the
parents said.

" o, Mom "Son, you
and Dad, I don't know
want him to what you're
live with us." asking.”

“Someone with such a
handicap would be a
terrible burden on us.
We have our own lives
to live, and we can't let
something like this
interfere with our lives,”
the father continued.

“I think you should
just come home and
forget about this guy.
He'll find a way to
live on his own,“ ”
the mother said.

At that point, the son
hung up the phone.
The parents heard
nothing more
from him.

A few days later,
however, the
parents received
a call from the
San Francisco
police.

The police told the parents that their son
had died after falling from a high rise
building. The police believed it was suicide.

13

The grief-stricken parents
flew to San Francisco and
were taken to the city
morgue to identify the
body of their son.

They recognized him, but
to their horror they also
discovered something
they didn't know - their
son had only one arm
and one leg.

How much of our love is
conditional? We find it
easy to love those who are
good-looking or fun to have
around, but we don't like
people who inconvenience
us or who do not do
what we want.

Unconditional Love is
pure love with no
strings attached …
it is patient, kind and
always positive.

METTA is the true and
pure unconditional love.

METTA = Loving-Kindness
+ Goodwill + Friendliness +
Love + Benevolence

18

To develop Unconditional
Love, practise
Metta Bhavana,
the Meditation on
Loving-Kindness

The
End

May our Hearts
be filled With Metta,
with boundless Bro. Oh Teik Bin
Loving-Kindness

* To give and not expect return, that is what lies at
the heart of love. Oscar Wilde

* The greatest gift that you can give to others is the
gift of unconditional love and acceptance.
Brian Tracy

* The ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is
unconditional love, which includes not only others
but ourselves as well. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

* Love expects no reward. Love knows no fear. Love
Divine gives - does not demand. Love thinks no evil;
imputes no motive. To Love is to share and serve.
Swami Sivananda

104
15 Who Are The Real Outcasts?
I used to ask the Form 5 and 6 students in my community
guidance classes whether they knew of some great people in
the past and present who contributed a lot for the welfare of
others, names like Florence Nightingale, Albert Schweitzer,
Martin Luther was a Mother Teresa, The Dalai lama, Nelson
Ever since I King, child of six, I used to ponder on the
Mandela anddisparities others. Sadly,humanof the students
tremendous a host of that exist in most conditions. It
did not knowin my life, when I started to their sacrifices for
was later on about such people let alone learn and practise
the sake of society and humanity. It is a shed and shame
the Dhamma that some light was pity on these
indeed that today, among many youngI ones,a the idols and
philosophical issues. Some years ago, did Power Point
role models are ‘famous’ singers, movie puzzled me when I
presentation based on the thoughts that stars and sportsmen
whose personal lives are wasblemished…people who on
was young. The objective so to help make us reflect do
drugs, lead highlyWay things are,sex lives, Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the promiscuous The Four show violent
temper, aggression and violence and thoseCauseflout Effect,
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of who and moral
principles and the laws ofSixcountry. etc. great heroes are
Kamma and Rebirth, The a Realms Real
forgotten whereas personalities who blatantly display
immoral or unwholesome actions are admired and placed on
the pedestal of gods. I once had a Form 5 student who used to
lapse in his nominal donation to our Association for the lessons in
our community classes. He did not belong to the category of poor
and deprived students…such students did not have to make any
contributions. On the contrary, they could apply for welfare aid
from our Association. I found out that this student ‘worshipped’
a few notorious pop singers; he would spend lots of money on
this ‘hobby’ of his. To attend some of the singing concerts, he
was willing to dish out hundreds of dollars for the tickets but
when it came to any charitable donations, he was most unwilling
to part with even a small sum of money. This is very sad indeed.
There are various factors contributing to a loss of values among
the young. Are parents, teachers and other adult members setting
themselves as good role models for the young? Are the young
ones receiving proper moral and religious education at home, in
school, temples and other places of worship? Parents play a vital
role to ensure their children receive good spiritual education.

1

From The
VASALA SUTTA
The Buddha’s
Discourse on
OUTCASTS

Whosoever is angry, harbors
hatred, and is reluctant to
speak well of others
(discredits the good of
others), perverted in views,
deceitful — know him as an
outcast

Whosoever in this world
kills living beings, once
born or twice born, in
whom there is no
sympathy for living
beings — know him
as an outcast

Whosoever destroys
and besieges villages
and hamlets and
becomes notorious as
an oppressor — know
him as an outcast.

Be it in the village,
or in the forest,
whosoever steals
what belongs to
others, what is not
given to him —
know him as an
outcast

Whosoever having
actually incurred a
debt runs away when
he is pressed to pay,
saying, 'I owe no debt
to you' — know him as
an outcast.

Whosoever coveting
anything, kills a
person going along
the road, and grabs
whatever that person
has — know him as
an outcast.

He who for his own
sake or for the sake of
others or for the sake
of wealth, utters lies
when questioned as a
witness — know him
as an outcast.

Whosoever by
force or with
consent
associates with
the wives of
relatives or
friends — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever being
wealthy supports not
his mother and father
who have grown
old — know him
as an outcast.

Whosoever strikes
and annoys by
(harsh) speech,
mother, father,
brother, sister or
mother-in-law or
father-in-law —
know him
as an outcast.

Whosoever when
questioned about
what is good, says
what is detrimental,
and talks in an
evasive manner-
know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever having
committed an evil
deed, wishes that
it may not be
known to others,
and commits evil
in secret — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever having
gone to another's
house, and partaken of
choice food, does not
honor that host by
offering food when he
repays the visit — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever deceives
by uttering lies, a
brahman or an
ascetic, or any other
mendicant — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever when a
brahman or ascetic
appears during
mealtime angers him
by harsh speech, and
does not offer him
(any alms) — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever in this
world, shrouded in
ignorance, speaks
harsh words
(asatam) or
falsehood expecting
to gain
something — know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever
debased by his
pride, exalts
himself and
belittles other —
know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever is given to
anger, is miserly, has
base desires, and is
selfish, deceitful,
shameless and
fearless (in doing
evil) — know him as
an outcast.

Whosoever reviles the
Enlightened One (the
Buddha), or a disciple
of the Buddha, recluse
or a householder —
know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever not
being an arahant,
a Consummate
One, pretends to
be so, is a thief in
the whole
universe — he is
the lowest of
outcasts.

Not by birth is one an
outcast; not by birth is
one a brahman. By
deed one becomes an
outcast, by deed one
becomes a brahman.

The End

“

”
This is The Teaching
Of All Buddhas

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

16 Morning Motivation 113
Over the last 24 years, as a Committee member at our
local Buddhist Association and an ordinary Dhamma
practitioner Istriving child of six, I used to ponder I have
Ever since was a to cross the sea of Samsara, on the
seen so many of our that exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities members who started Dhamma
learning and in my life,quite well but unfortunately, it did
was later on practice when I started to learn and practise
not last. After a that someyears, they more or less ‘gave
the Dhamma couple of light was shed on these
up’… coming issues. Some years ago, any voluntary work,
philosophical less and less often for I did a Power Point
chanting, Dhammaon the thoughts that puzzled me when I
presentation based talks and discussion, meditation and
Dhamma-based events. They got help make in their usual
was young. The objective was to caught up us reflect on
worldly affairs the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – and Dhamma practice took a real backseat.
IThe Five Universal IOrders, The Law of Causein a private
remember a friend had years ago, a manager and Effect,
companyand Rebirth, The showed very great interest and
Kamma who initially Six Realms etc.
seriousness in learning somepracticing the these Dhamma
With understanding and and realization of Dhamma. He
once told me, Life isto liveand uncertain… we must realize
points we can learn short in righteousness, harmony and
the urgency to practice the Natural Laws. and Bhavana
peace in accordance with well Dana, Sila
(Charity, Morality meaningfully within oneself and also
A life that is lived and Mental Cultivation ). Unfortunately,
Dhamma did in need, would be a most worthy a year, I did
serving those not ‘last’ for him…after hardly life.
not see him any more at our Association. His words just
remained words. He lacked good motivation and effort.
I feel that for one to keep at Dhamma learning and practice,
the following things play a most important role:
* Constant self-motivation and reflection
* Great determination and perseverance
* Good spiritual friends and strong aspirations
* Good conditioning with ‘programmed mindfulness’.
Personally, I find my daily morning routine over the years
has helped me to keep on striving in the Dhamma:
An early waking up, a morning walk where I do solitary
Dhamma reflection and contemplation, some chanting,
scriptural reading, Metta Bhavana ( Meditation on Loving-
kindness ) and Vipassana Meditation. I think this sort of
‘good conditioning’ gets embedded into my heart and mind.

1

The Happiness &
Success Secrets
lie in your
bedroom.

When you
wake up in the
morning,
listen
carefully

The Door said…
Open the Door
of your heart

4

The Ceiling said… Set oble and High Goals

The Fan said…
Be Cool. Watch
your temper.

The Telephone said… Watch your Speech

The Calendar said Don’t Procrastinate

The Clock said… Be Mindful moment to moment

The Window said… Learn to see things as they are

The Mirror said… Reflect before and after you act

The Floor said… Be humble. o honest work is too lowly.

The Chair said…
Remember to sit back
and relax

The Plant said… Remember to seek
ature’s Peace and Bliss

The Lamp said… Develop the Light of Wisdom

May you grow in LOVE and WISDOM

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well,
neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it
daily. Zig Ziglar

* Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what
keeps you going. Jim Rohn

* Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation
determines what you do. Attitude determines how
well you do it. Raymond Chandler

* One very important aspect of motivation is the
willingness to stop and to look at things that no one
else has bothered to look at. This simple process of
focusing on things that are normally taken for
granted is a powerful source of creativity.
Edward de Bono

* Motivation is when your dreams put on work
clothes. Author Unknown

17 Abraham Lincoln’s Letter To A Teacher 120

I cannot help but feel that something is not quite right about
the subject of moral education that is being carried out in
school. It is taken as another academic subject and many
studentssince Ito was ana‘A’ … the moral values are not
Ever strive get child of six, I used to
caught or inculcated into the hearts and minds human
ponderonthtremendous disparities that exist in of the
students. They memorize many things like the moral virtues
conditions. Iwas later on in my life, when I started to learn
or values and regurgitate them out in examinations that test
andpractisthe Dhamma that some light was shed
the contents of the syllabusSome years ago, I actual Power
onthesephilosophical issues. rather than the did a moral
values presentation based on the There maythat some project
Point practiced by the students. thoughts be puzzled me
course Iwork but to my mind, it is was really effective us
when was young. The objective not to help make in
inculcating the Dhamma – values. I remember some years
reflect on genuine moral the Way things are, The Four
back, aTruths, of students from a school in a nearby town
Noble group The Five Universal Orders, The Law of
came to our local Buddhist Association with the intention of
Cause and Effec
carrying and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc. some sort of a
Kamma out a moral education project…
‘Gotong Royong’ ( ‘Group cleaning-up’ ). We could not
help but noticed that the primary aim of the students was to
take photos of they ‘doing the cleaning’ work. They posed
in various situations… sweeping with brooms, holding pails
in the toilets, holding up feather dusters, mops and brushes.
They were more concerned with getting the best photo shots
for their portfolios in the moral education project rather than
a sincere wish to help in a welfare or outreach work.
I remember vividly the moral science education we had in
schools in the 1960s. There was no examination but our
dedicated moral science teachers inculcated good values and
virtues in us through inspiring stories and teaching with
practice. Values or virtues like honesty, self-control, honour,
integrity, humility, compassion, kindness, effort, patience,
generosity, sacrifice, justice, benevolence, loyalty,
persistence, altruism and wisdom were inculcated and
nurtured in and out of the classroom.

Abraham Lincoln supposedly wrote a letter to
his son’s teacher. Lincoln’s authorship of the
letter has been refuted.
However let us reflect on the
wonderful advice in the letter.

He will have to learn,
I know,
that all men
are not just,
all men are not true.

But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish politician,
there is a dedicated leader
Teach him for every enemy there is
a friend,

Steer him away from envy, if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that
the bullies are
the easiest to lick
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books

But also give him
quiet time
to ponder the
eternal mystery of
birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on
a green hillside.

7

In the school teach him
it is far honorable to fail
than to cheat

Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong

Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough
with the tough.

Try to give my son
the strength not to
follow the crowd
when everyone is
getting on the band
wagon

Teach him to listen
to all men
but teach him
also to filter
all he hears on a screen
of truth,
and take only
the good that
comes through.

Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when
he is sad
Teach him there is no
shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff
at cynics
and to beware of too
much sweetness

Teach him
to sell his brawn
and brain to the
highest bidders
but never
to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.

Teach him
to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand
and fight
if he thinks
he’s right.

Treat him gently,
but do not
cuddle him,
because
only the test
of fire makes
fine steel.

Let him have
the courage
to be impatient
let him have
the patience
to be brave.

Teach him
always
to have sublime
faith in himself,
because then he
will have
sublime faith in
mankind.

This is a big order,
but see what you
can do
He is such a fine
little fellow,
my son!
~ Abraham Lincoln

The End

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

May we live virtuously and act mindfully. 20

* An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it
teaches young people how to make a living but
doesn't teach them how to make a life.
Author Unknown

*Education is the movement from darkness to light.
Allan Bloom

18 Fingers – A Story For Living 128
For the success of any organization, team work is very
important. Every member plays an important role, each
contributing Iwhatever he can to the well-being and strength
Ever since was a child of six, I used to ponder on the
of the society. However,that one should ever feel that he It
tremendous disparities no exist in human conditions. is
indispensable. my life, when I started to learn and practise
was later on in
In Dhammaduta that some light was no comparison or
the Dhamma work, there should be shed on these
measurement as to how much one ago, done. a Power Point
philosophical issues. Some years has I did That would be
a sort of ego based on the thoughts this is detrimental to us.
presentation or conceit arising and that puzzled me when I
Iwas young. Theexecutive committee memberus reflect on
have been an objective was to help make in our local
Buddhist Association for more are, twenty years. Much as
the Dhamma – the Way things than The Four Noble Truths,I
would like Universal Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five to retire but due to a lack of volunteers ready to
serve in and committee, I Six Realms etc.
Kamma the Rebirth, The found myself drawn in again and
again understanding and some realization of had not refused.
With to serve. For the cause of Dhamma, I these Dhamma
In the early years ofto live in righteousness, harmony and
points we can learn our Association, we did not have any
paid staff member. with the Natural Laws.
peace in accordance All the office administrative work,
running ofis the community library, gardening also the
A life that lived meaningfully within oneself and and
housekeeping in need,were carriedmost worthy life.
serving those duties would be a out by some committee
members and committed members. We had a duty roster
drawn out and everything generally went on smoothly.
I remember on one occasion when I was on duty cleaning
the toilets, a few chanting members came looking for me.
When they found me, they appeared to be quite surprised at
the work I was doing. One of them even blurted out,
“Aiyoh! Must a vice president clean toilets?” I gave a
spontaneous reply, “Well, even the president of any
Buddhist organization must die!” We should not look down
upon any honest work or duty as too lowly for any member.
Over the years in Dhammaduta work, I have come to realize
that members who happen to play the role as leaders must
lead by good example and Dhamma practice. Dictatorial and
arrogant ways and feelings of self-importance do not work
for the good and effective running of the organization.

FI GERS
A
Story For
Living

There was a war between
the four Fingers
and Thumb of a Hand .
Each was hot arguing :
“I am the most important
and grand.”

The Thumb said, “I am
the Anchor …
you know my might ?”
“Without ME, can you
ever hold a pen
to write?”
write?”

“You give the
‘Thumbs-Up’ when
things go on well.”
well.”
“I’m really LORD
over you,
need I tell ?”

The Index Finger
disagreed and
shouted loudly,
“I am the KI G … I am
the Pointer, don’t you
don’
all see?”

“I’m The Finger
that shows
authority.
“I point and
command …
people obey ME !”

The Middle Finger yelled,
“I’m the tallest of you all !”

“Standing beside ME, you all
look so lowly and small.”
small.”

“I am most elegant,
dignified and
majestic in look.”
look.”
The Middle Finger had
never felt so
important and good.

“Hey ! Don’t forget an
Don’
Engagement or
Wedding !”
The Ring Finger
thundered amidst the
great din.

“Rings, a Symbol of
Importance, are
worn on ME !”
“ME, the Ring Finger
is UMBER O E
certainly.”

ot to be outdone,
the Little Finger
shot out :
“I am the most
important,” it
important,”
gave a loud shout.

“When we all pray,
who is the nearest
to God ?”
?”
“You can see now
who is closest
to the Lord.”

The Hand got annoyed with all this talk.
“Why are you all so petty?”
petty?”
he scolded the lot.

“Everyone of you,
small or big,
short or long
Is important
in every way,
Right or Wrong ?”

Brothers and Sisters of Humanity
What Lesson can you learn from
this Story ?

THE E D
May You See All Things
As They Truly Are
Be They Within Or
Without, ear Or Far.
With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an
ocean. Ryunosuke Satoro

* Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together
is progress. Working together is success. Henry Ford

* Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is
what makes a team work, a company work, a society
work, a civilization work. Vince Lombardi

* There is no such thing as a self-made man. You
will reach your goals only with the help of others.
George Shinn

* Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence
wins championships. Michael Jordan

* I never did anything alone. Whatever was
accomplished in this country was accomplished
collectively. Golda Meir

* Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the
success. Author Unknown

19 Enemies To Conquer 135
In the Dhammapada, there are two verses which touched on
the great importance of self-conquest. One should
contemplate on the verses to motivate oneself to practice
diligently the Dhamma to conquer the ‘devils’ inside us.
Versesince Self-Conquest Is The Highest Victory
Ever 103. I was a child of six, I used to ponder on the
Though thousand times a thousand in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist
was later on in my life, when I started to learn and practise
in battle one may conquer,
yet should one conquersomeoneself was shed on these
the Dhamma that just light
one is the greatest conqueror.
Verse 104. Victory Over Oneself Is Unequalled me when I
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled
Greater the conquest of oneself to help make us reflect on
was young. The objective was
thanDhamma – the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the subjugating others,
that one who’s alwaysOrders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five Universal self-restrained,
that one who’s tamed The Six Realms etc.
Kamma and Rebirth, of self.
We hear of corporate bosses who wield great power over
hundreds of their subordinates and employees but cannot
overcome their terrible defilements of covetousness, anger
and ego. During my childhood days, we had a family friend
who had an uncontrollable temper. He was the manager in a
private company and suffered a lot because of his temper.
Whenever he quarreled with his wife, his bad temper
and aggression knew no bounds. He would even tear or
burn the dresses in his wife’s wardrobe. Of course he had
to replenish the wardrobe later when his temper cooled!
In our Association we also meet with ‘devils’ of greed with
very unbecoming behavior. During certain functions when
free food is offered buffet style to members and the public,
these people would sometimes come ‘armed’ with plastic
bags to pack loads of food away even before others have
eaten. It is sad that so many are conquered by sheer greed.
The way out of suffering is to conquer the many defilements
in us - greed, attachment, jealousy, hatred, ego and delusion.

He who is tempted
by GREED
Will soon feel sorry
indeed

He who is filled with COVETOUSNESS
Will before long lose his happiness

He who is associated with DECEIT
Will sooner or later get badly hit

He who is ruled by great ANGER
Will in body and mind suffer

He who is crushed by JEALOUSY
Will feel mental pain certainly

He who is overwhelmed by HATE
Will be in a suffering state

He who is troubled by WORRY
Will always be in misery

He who is overcome by FEAR
Will know no peace, freedom or cheer

He who is attacked by NEGATIVITY
Will not realize his own potentiality

He who is covered with EGO and PRIDE
Will soon steer away
from what’s good and right

He who falls into HEEDLESSNESS
Can do things of real foolishness
I AM REALLY HEEDLESS

He who is clouded by DELUSION
Can go into unwholesome action

The End
Conquer all the
Defilements
of the mind
And we will attain
Nibbana Sublime

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* For one who is a learner and who has not yet come
to mastery of mind, but who dwells aspiring for
peace from bonds, making it a matter concerning
himself, I know of no other thing so helpful as giving
close attention to the mind. The Buddha

* By defilement of mind, beings are defiled; by
purification of mind, beings are purified.
The Buddha

20 The Best Gifts 141
When we talk about gifts, we usually only think of physical
and material things or even cash. The most important thing
about since I is the a child of six, I used to appreciation to
Ever giving was sincerity and gratitude or ponder on the
another person. Unfortunately today we hear conditions. It
tremendous disparities that exist in human of gifts being
given with ulterior life, when I started to to win a favor, to
was later on in my motives like a bribe learn and practise
buy over a person’s romanticlight or to boost one’sthese
the Dhamma that some love was shed on ego.
Gifts should not be expected in returnI for work or duties
philosophical issues. Some years ago, did a Power Point
done. Some years ago,theheard the complaints from when I
presentation based on I thoughts that puzzled me a niece
with young. Thethe celebration to help make us reflect her
was regard to objective was of Teachers’ Day in on
primary school.the Way things are, The Four Noble whether
the Dhamma – When she asked her class teacher Truths,
she should Universal bag and The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five bring her Orders, books on Teachers’ Day, the
teacher said, Rebirth, The Six Realms to bring great gifts for
Kamma and “No need but remember etc.
the teachers”. How unbecoming! And there was competition
among we can learn toto bring the most expensive and
points the children live in righteousness, harmony gifts!
A gift in accordance on a the Natural Laws. should be quite
peace to a person with special occasion
meaningful. It is not the monetary value that matters. I have
A life that is lived meaningfully within oneself and also
come across cases where the parents worthy life.
serving those in need, would be a most of the newly weds
complained and cursed about the ‘small ang pows’ given by
some invited guests to the wedding dinner. Well, not all the
guests are financially well-off. On certain ‘auspicious’ lunar
months, many ‘curse’ when they receive too many wedding
dinner invitations. As for me, I decline many invitations but
I always remember to give the marrying couple a small Ang
Pow and a meaningful gift with a message of Metta and best
wishes.
We forget that oftentimes the best gifts to give to others are
intangible ones like one’s kindness and compassion, one’s
patient understanding, selfless charitable acts and good
advice and empathy. The Gift that surpasses all other gifts is
Dhamma. When we share with a person Dhamma teachings
that help to transform his mind into greater happiness,
peace, wisdom and freedom, this treasure is his for all lives.

To yourself – Mindfulness
and Self-Acceptance

To your mother– Love and
Gratitude

To your father – Love and
Filial Piety

To your grandparents – Care
and Patience

To your teacher – Wise
obedience and Appreciation

To every child – Education
and A Good Example

To your friend – Understanding
and an Open heart

To a customer – Courtesy and
Service

To your opponent – Respect
and Tolerance

To your enemy – Kindness and
Forgiveness

To all people in need – Charity
and a Helping Hand

We need a helping hand.

To all suffering ones – Love
and Compassion

To all animals –
Loving-Kindness

To our Planet Earth –
Non-Harm and Protection

To The Buddha – Practice of
His Teachings, The Dhamma

The End
Helping Others To Grow In
Compassion and Wisdom and to
see things as they truly are
is THE GIFT of all gifts.

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* You give but little when you give of your
possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you
truly give. Kahlil Gibran

* You can give without loving, but you can never
love without giving. Author Unknown

21 Life Lessons From The Court 148
I was never good in sport and games during my schooldays
but my school friends and I had wonderful times on the field
and basketball and volleyball courts. We enjoyed ourselves
tremendously having much fun, laughter and relaxation. We
learnt since I important valuessix, I used to ponder on the
Ever many was a child of like patience, co-operation,
team spirit, disparities that exist in human conditions. It
tremendous focus and concentration, fairness, discipline,
determination, my life,and perseverance.learn and practise
was later on in effort when I started to We had good
understanding that some light was shed onanother.
the Dhamma and consideration for one these
Today, not many students and youths have any Power Point
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I did a keen interest
in sport and games.on the are caught up puzzled me when I
presentation based They thoughts that in too much tuition
and distractions like the Internet,help make us phone and
was young. The objective was to the mobile reflect on
computer stuff. Going hand in hand The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things are, with all these pursuits is
an increaseUniversal aOrders, The Law of Cause and loss of
The Five in stress, decline in general health and a Effect,
many virtues and values Six Realms etc.
Kamma and Rebirth, The which are nurtured outside the
academic and sensual world. The situation does not appear
to get better…students have to be forced to participate in
school sport and games and truancy is a common problem.
How much sportsmanship has been lost today? We read of
* unruly behavior among sports players and their fans
* sportsmen, driven by great greed, resorting to corruption
* spite, jealousy and revenge arising out of the grasping and
craving to win at all costs to boost the ego self
* the growing materialistic outlook and attitude of many a
sportsman…competitiveness has thus turned ugly at times.
It is kind of sad that the objectives and noble goals of sport
have been cast aside. So much of sport has been abused.
We need to do an overhaul in our educational system where
there is a better balance. More emphasis should be given to
the training and development of civic-consciousness and
moral character of the students through extra-curricular
activities, sport and games. And religious bodies should also
play their role in imparting a proper spiritual education.

“I have learned much about myself from the game of
racquetball. In fact, I have learned a great deal over the
years about all aspects life and living
on the racquetball court.”
Steve Goodier

Contents of Presentation from
Steve Goodier in This is Your
Life Support System, a free e-
newsletter

1. People play better when they are encouraged. It's
true in life, too. People do better when they are
encouraged, rather than
criticized, condemned and judged.

2. When two or
more people
occupy a small
space, they
should learn to
share. It goes for
planets, too.

3. The only way to get better is to practice.
And in life, the only way to improve
relationships, learn courage or be happy
is to practice.

4. Pay attention. Those
who lose their focus, lose
games. And those people
who are too distracted by
yesterday or tomorrow will
never live today fully
and joyously.
Focus on the present.

5. There are always
people who will do
better than you. But
your job is not to be
the best,
it is to do your best.

6. Attitude really is
everything. When
you believe in your
success, visualize it
and work toward it,
you are more likely
to succeed.

7. Losses are lessons.
When I lose a game so
badly that I am humiliated
on the court, I thank my
opponent for the free
lesson. Failures are not
endings;
they are valuable
opportunities to learn.

8. It isn't over until the
last point is scored.
Many victories are
snatched after one
comes back from almost
insurmountable odds.
So it is with life.

9. Work can be
fun, but fun
should never
become merely
work. Life is to
be enjoyed.

10. The only way to score is to serve. Individuals and
institutions that make a difference find ways to serve
others. Additionally, those people who are happiest
and most satisfied with their lives have learned to
serve. Great lives are built on service.

The End

When we observe, reflect and see,
life is lived more meaningfully.

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* I would advise all youths aspiring to athletic fame
or a professional career to practice clean living, fair
play and good sportsmanship. Major Taylor

* You win some, you lose some. But you always try
again. Unknown

* It does not matter how many times you get
knocked down, but how many times you get up.
Vince Lombardi

* He who conquers others is strong; he who
conquers himself is mighty. Lao-tzu

* We want the kids to be physically fit and learn
good behavior, sportsmanship, respect for
themselves and for others. Chris Laramore

* The only way you can truly control how you are
seen is being honest all the time. Tom Hanks

22 o Shoes…A Lesson To Learn 154
I find that many of the children and young teens I have
encountered are indeed very fortunate and blessed compared
to some of thewas a child have visited in poor rural villages
Ever since I children we of six, I used to ponder on the
in Cambodia, Myanmarthat exist in Some years ago, in It
tremendous disparities and India. human conditions. a
Buddhist Pilgrimage to India, we visited a learn and practise
was later on in my life, when I started to village of beggars
in north rural India. We went light was shed goods and
the Dhamma that some to distribute some on these
gifts to the children ofSome years ago, The classroomsPoint
philosophical issues. the rural school. I did a Power were
in a terrible condition…the floor was just plain natural soil
and there were noobjective was or chairs. The children wore
was young. The proper desks to help make us reflect on
poorDhamma – the Way things are, The ManyNoble Truths,
the tethered clothes and had no shoes. Four suffered from
malnutrition. What Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
The Five Universal really touched me was the great
appreciation Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
Kamma and and gratitude shown for just little gifts we
presented to them…pencils, rulers, erasers, these Dhamma
With understanding and some realization of exercise books,
ballpoint pens,learn to live in righteousness, harmony and
points we can other stationery items and some sweets.
Over here in our Buddhistthe Natural Laws. meet with many
peace in accordance with Sunday School, I
children wholived not know how to count their blessings.
A life that is do meaningfully within oneself and also
Probably they come would be a most worthy life. parents,
serving those in need, from homes with doting
grandparents and maids. Some don’t even appreciate the
little gifts we give them…they are strewn all over. They are
more concerned with expensive gadgets like mobile phones,
handheld electronic toys and quite costly junk food.
I believe young children should not be pampered with
luxurious material goods; they must be taught to appreciate
proper values and be more sensitive to the plight and
suffering of so many unfortunate people in the world. They
should be guided and led to render services and do Dana
wherever possible…helping to sweep and mob the floor,
water the plants, serve the Sangha, parents and elders
during functions, and so on. Buddhist Sunday Schools and
Dhamma classes for the young should incorporate more of
such activities into the usual academic-based program.

O SHOES A Lesson
To Learn

There was once a little
boy named
La Lo Li.
He was in a way, a spoilt
brat, you can see.

He was so lucky to get so many toys.
But he remained one of the
most grumpy boys.

“I want this and that,” he
would nag his mother
most constantly.
To his poor mother, he
was a headache
and an agony.

One day he told his
mother
demandingly,
“I must have a pair
of shoes – Reebok
or ike !”
!”

“You have so
many pairs of
shoes already.
You should not be
so demanding
and greedy!”

But the bad boy kept
on complaining.
You would think
he was
good for nothing.

One evening his
mother took
him for a stroll.
It was at the
beach where
you could see
waves roll.

La Lo Li suddenly heard someone singing.
The melodious voice was a most lovely thing.

“Who is singing so happily Mummy ?”
?”
“Well Lo Li, walk on and we
will soon see !”
!”

They came upon a boy
with a smile so sweet.
He had sparkling eyes,
lovely hair and pure
white teeth.

There he was singing happily –
so carefree and meek.
When Lo Li looked down, he was shocked –
the boy had no feet.

Misty tears flowed out of Lo Li’s little eyes.

He realized that
to him, Life had
been so nice.

He kissed his mother
with these words
flowing :
“Mummy I’m sorry
I’m always wanting.”

Dear Boys and Girls :
Think of this carefully .
Appreciate
what you have happily.

So many suffering ones need our love and care.
Count our Blessings – it is time to give and share.

The End.
May You Be Well And Happy !
With Metta,
Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* The hardest arithmetic to master is that which
enables us to count our blessings.
Eric Hoffer

* Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses. Count your
joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead
of your foes. Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Unknown Author

* The secret of happiness is to count your blessings
while others are adding up their troubles.

23 Forgiving Others 161
Our local Buddhist Association has been conducting
hefty household bills of all sorts we need to pay monthly.
wake services and Buddhist funeral rites for the last 18
When we are all burdened with unnecessary commitments, we
have little time Ifor so may important cases where death doesin
years or so. have come across things that really matter
life – learning about and developing the terminally ill person
not come easily; the very sick or mind, showing kindness
others, rendering on, not being able spending time with I
toseems to ‘drag’ services to the needy, to die peacefully. our
loved ones and from someour spirituality.very often, when a
have learnt cultivating monks that
We lead person has ifstrongwill not end; we to people and
dying our lives as they attachments fail to realize that
life is uncertain or when ishe harbours anger, ill-will, or
possessions and death certain.
The gratitude we owe our parents is tremendous. It’s indeed to
hatred towards himself or others, then he can cling on sad
that many children abandon theirable to let giveOf course this
life very strongly, not being parents or go. little attention
and care to their pain and suffering to himself and others.
brings much parents. Reason? They are in deep ‘busy-ness’.
Filial piety and gratitude are among the virtuesof enmity,
Holding in the mind and heart strong feelings we need to
practice if we and revenge will happinesslot of painful
resentment wish to realize true cause a and peace.
burden not only in this life but in future lives to come.
One, through Dhamma understanding and practice must
learn to forgive whatever ‘wrongs’ others might have
done to him. Before that, he must also forgive himself
for whatever unskillful things he might have carried out.
Thoughts and feelings of guilt, regret and remorse must
be dispelled…acknowledge, learn from the mistakes, do
good and then move on. The mind will then feel free.
When one realizes that every unenlightened person has
at one time or other done a ‘wrong’ to himself and
others, understanding and compassion arise and
forgiving others and being able to forget and let go
become much easier. Reflect: in every so-called ‘good’
person, there is some ‘bad’; likewise, in every ‘good’
person, there is some ‘bad’. We too are not saints. We
might also out of ignorance, have harmed or hurt others.
Thinking this way, the heart is open to forgive others
and we are on the upward path to good spirituality.

If in the past others have done me wrong,
I sincerely forgive them and let go
of all my grudges.

I forgive, remembering how often
I too have been at fault.

I forgive, realizing how quick I am to take
offence while expecting my faults to be forgiven.

I forgive, knowing that to hold ill-will is to
cause myself greater harm
than others can do to me.

I forgive, resolving not to speak
about this wrong to any other being.

I forgive, knowing that desire for revenge only
brings the heart turmoil and agitation.

I forgive because this is the way
love and detachment
blossom in the heart.

I forgive, knowing that this forgiving will
lighten and bring peace to my heart.

I forgive, knowing that like me, that
person is still burning with greed,
hatred and delusion.

May my forgiving now help me
to forgive again tomorrow.

May my forgiving encourage others
to forgive me.

May my forgiving foster
detachment and kindness and
help in the freeing of the heart.

The End

“The weak can never forgive.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Mahatma
Gandhi

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with
the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the
one who gets burned. Buddha

* Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely
find peace. Buddha

* It takes a strong person to say sorry, and an ever
stronger person to forgive. Unknown

167
24 Good Character…Food For Thought
I think that too many parents and teachers today place
too much emphasis on the academic achievements of
their children and students at the expense of character
and moral development. Inculcating moral and ethical
Ever since I was abe lacking. Look at to ponder on the
values seems to child of six, I used the moral and social
tremendousthat prevail that exist in human conditions. It
problems disparities today especially among the young:
wasIncreasing indiscipline in school, juvenile delinquency
* later on in my life, when I started to learn and practise
the Dhammaof aggression and violence among teenagers
and cases that some light was shed on these
philosophical issues. Somelaw (Think I did a really terrible
* Lack of respect for the years ago, of the Power Point
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled melack of
rise of accidents on the roads because of a when I
was young. Thefor others was bad habits not checked on
consideration objective and to help make us reflect and
the Dhamma – the young age through proper education.)
corrected at the Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
The Rising Universal sexual crimeLaw other immoral Effect
* Five cases of Orders, The and of Cause and acts
* Cigarette, alcohol and drug addiction among the young
* Cheating, corruption and other acts of dishonesty
* A breakdown in the family unit; increasing divorces
* Thefts, robbery, homicides, murder and terrorist acts
This is the price we have to pay in this materialistic age
where we do not pay serious and enough attention to
impart and embed good moral values and virtues in the
young. Of the 4 Q’s, we overstress the ‘AQ’ ( Academic
Quotient ) and the IQ ( Intelligence Quotient ) and forget
the importance of the EQ ( Emotional Quotient ) and SQ
( Spiritual Quotient ) in the development of the child. It
is no surprise then to find lesser and lesser number of
people willing to help, do volunteer work, practice the
cardinal virtues and grow in compassion. From my
observation, today there seems to be more self-centred,
restless, impatient, and materialistic people …willing to
cast aside virtues for personal gain. For the happiness
and peace of the future generation, we need to take
measures in educating the young morally and spiritually.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Good character is more
to be praised than
outstanding talent.
Most talents are, to
some extent, a gift.
Good character, by
contrast, is not given to
us. We have to build it,
piece to piece -- by
thought, choice,
courage, and
determination.
H. Jackson Brown

Character is like a tree and reputation like a
shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the
tree is the real thing.
Abraham Lincoln

You can tell more about a person by what he says
about others than you can by what others say
about him. Leo Aikman

We aim to develop physique, mentality, and character
in our students; but because the first two are menaces
without the third, the greatest of these is character. -
Joseph Dana Allen

Any fool can criticize,
condemn, and complain, but
it takes character and self
control to be understanding
and forgiving.

Dale Carnegie

The qualities of a great man are "vision, integrity,
courage, understanding, the power of articulation,
and profundity of character”. Dwight Eisenhower

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.
Author Unknown

Character is power, it
makes friends, draws
patronage and support
and opens the way to
wealth, honor and
happiness. J. Howe

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; When health
is lost, something is lost; When character is lost,
all is lost! Anonymous

A good character is the best tombstone. Those
who loved you, and were helped by you, will
remember you when forget-me-nots are
withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not
on marble. Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Good is good and bad is bad, and
nowhere is the difference between good
and bad so wide and so fateful as in
human character. For character makes
destiny in the individual and in the race.
Edward O. Sisson

Character isn't something you were born with and
can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something
you weren't born with and must take
responsibility for forming. Jim Rohn

Parents can only give
good advice or put them
on the right paths, but
the final forming of a
person’s character lies in
their own hands.
Anne Frank

In the stormy current of life characters are
weights or floats which at one time make us
glide along the bottom, and at another
maintain us on the surface.
Hippolyte Taine

Let us not say, “Every man is the architect
of his own fortune; but let us say, ‘Every
man is the architect of his own character.’ ”
George Dana Boardman

Actions, looks, words and steps form the
alphabet by which
you may spell character.
Johann Kasper Lavater

“Most people say that is it is the intellect
which makes a great scientist. They are
wrong: it is character.”
Albert Einstein

“Character is doing the
right thing when nobody's
looking. There are too many
people who think that the
only thing that's right is to
get by, and the only thing
that's wrong is to get
caught.”
J.C. Watts

“One of the most important lessons that
experience teaches is that, on the whole,
success depends more upon character
than upon either intellect or fortune.”
William Edward Hartpole Lecky

Character is the indelible mark
that determines the only true
value of all people
and all their work."
Orison Sweet Marden

The End

Character and personal force are the only
investments that are worth anything.
Walt Whitman

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

179
25 The Shipwreck - A Story with a LIFE Lesson
Many of us, because of a poorly cultivated mind and a
lack of wisdom, are filled with negative mental states
Ever since I was a child of six, I used to anxiety on the on
like worry, fear, anguish, frustration, ponder and so
tremendous disparities that exist in human conditions. It
when ‘negative’ happenings arise or when things do not
was later on in mywe expect. I started torealizeand practise
turn out the way life, when When we learn that certain
the Dhamma that some light was shed on we may be more
things occur for reasons we don’t see, these
accepting of the situation. Some good may even come
presentation based on the thoughts that puzzled me whenis
out of it. The proverb ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ I
was young. The objective was to help make us reflect be a
good food for thought; things may turn out to on
the Dhamma disguise. I remember one Four Noble from a
blessing in – the Way things are, The good story Truths,
The Five Universal Orders, The Lawaofking who had a
Dhamma Talk :‘There once lived Cause and Effect
personal physician tending to all his medical needs. One
points on a hunting to livethe righteousness, accident that
day, we can learn trip, in king had an harmony and
peace in accordance fingers badly. The physician gave the
injured one of his with the Natural Laws.
Abest that is lived meaningfully within oneself the injured
life medical treatment but unfortunately, and also
serving those in need, would be a most worthy life. had to
finger turned gangrenous and the physician
amputate the finger. The king was very mad with the
physician and had him put in jail. Some weeks passed
before the king went out alone to hunt again. He got lost
in the forest and was caught by some members of a cult.
The cult leader wanted to burn the king on a stake as a
sacrifice to the gods. Just as he was about to torch the
king, he noticed that the king had a missing finger. “We
cannot offer to the gods a deformed creature,” the cult
leader declared. So the king was set free. When he
returned to his palace, he set his physician free. The
king was most grateful to his physician for amputating
his finger. Otherwise he would have been killed in the
sacrifice. The physician told the king, “Thank you my
Lord for jailing me. Otherwise I could have been the
poor victim of the sacrifice in the hunt with you.”
‘Unlucky’ incidents? Who can really tell the outcome?

The Shipwreck
A Story With A Life Lesson

Washed up on a deserted island was Jack.
He was the only survivor of a shipwreck.

On the island Jack was fearful
and lonely.
For a rescue he prayed so feverishly.

Jack scanned the horizon everyday.
Sadly, no help seemed to come his way.

Tired, Jack finally built a hut of wood
To protect himself and store his little food.

One day Jack went out
searching for food
and a drink.
When he returned, he
found his little hut
burning!

Smoke from the fire was rolling up the sky.
Poor Jack…he was stunned
Jack…
and he started to cry

Everything was
lost in this
‘tragedy’.
Jack wailed,
“God, how could
you
do this to me?”
me?”

That cold night Jack slept
on the beach by the sea.
ext day, a ship came by unexpectedly.

Jack asked his
rescuers, “How come
you knew I was here?
The rescuers said,
“We saw your smoke
signal my dear.”
dear.”

A ‘Tragedy’, a ‘Blessing’…can we really tell?
Things you think are hopeless and down may
turn out well!

The End.
May You Be Well and Happy!
When we learn
to accept the
inevitable
mindfully,
we can live more
peacefully.

184
26 14 Magical Moments Of Ease And Peace
During the 1960s, primary and secondary students had
hobbies like reading, collection of stamps, coins, postcards
and badges,I was a child of six, I used to ponder on the
Ever since playing traditional games like tops, kites,
marbles, skipping, boardthat exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities games, writing to pen pals, playing
simple musical instruments, painting, and learn and practise
was later on in my life, when I started to craft work. Some
pursued games and sport withlight was Cyclingon these
the Dhamma that some a passion. shed was very
popular. Today, things have years ago, I did a Power Point
philosophical issues. Some changed tremendously. It is the
world of computeron theonline games, puzzlednetworking,
presentation based and thoughts that social me when I
was young. The objective was to help make us reflect on
discos, hanging out at shopping complexes, motor racing,
metal music, the mobile things are, The Four Noble Truths,I
the Dhamma – the Way phone and other hi-tech gadgets.
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
observe that the recreational activities of teenagers today are
more fast-paced and The Six Realms etc.
Kamma and Rebirth, they titillate the senses extensively. I
believe these have and someconsequences these Dhamma
With understanding adverse realization of on the young.
They become less patient, in righteousness, harmonybored,
points we can learn to live more restless and easily and
lack focus and attention and Natural Laws. and more new
peace in accordance with the crave for more
things that is lived meaningfully within time, they develop a
A life to stimulate their senses. Over oneself and also
serving those in need, would be a most worthy life.
rather materialistic outlook and there is less sensitivity to the
plight and suffering of the unfortunate ones. They get too
caught up in the pursuit of sensual pleasures and fun which
are very fleeting. Many are not able to see the importance
and value of contentment; the ‘happiness’ and pleasures
they chase after do not give them the peace they need.
Psychological problems grow rapidly in the minds of these
young ones who never seem to be able to settle down.
I have noticed that the Sunday School children in our
Association today are getting more restless and the attention
span in class is atrocious. Many cannot even sit still for a
minute or two. Some teachers refer to them as the ‘Super
Milk Powder’ children. But we have to do our best to turn
them around. Simple meditation is introduced to them; we
involve them in hands-on activities, outdoor trips, cookery
and traditional games. We aim to tame the ‘monkey’ mind.

Silent
reading and
reflecting
is certainly
soul-
enriching

Yoga
postures
relax your
body.
Benefits are
many
certainly.

A walk in
mindfulness
can bring
great
peacefulness.

Listening with
compassion to
one in need
is most
spiritually
uplifting
indeed.

Music can
sooth the
tired mind.
The mind
refreshes
in no time.

Constant
Meditation
practice
is the key to
real peace
and bliss.

Dhamma
sharing and
teaching
is a
meritorious
thing.

Drawing or
painting
silently
settles the
mind
effectively.

Gardening is
a Therapy
that
nourishes
mind and
body.

Listening to
Talks that
inspire
brings the
profound peace
you require.

Doing an act
of Charity
helps you to
grow
spiritually.

Writing a
diary or
poetry
exercises the
mind
healthily.

Praying or
doing good
Chanting
brings
positive
effects within.

Spending
time in
Nature’s
Greenery
can lead the
mind to
serenity.

The End May Peace Sublime
Live In Your Mind

With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin 16

* Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy
others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of
mind. Buddha

* Success in highest and noblest form calls for peace
of mind and enjoyment and happiness which comes
only to the man who has found the work he likes
best. apoleon Hill

* Human beings are of such nature that they should
have not only material facilities but spiritual
sustenance as well. Without spiritual sustenance, it is
difficult to get and maintain peace of mind.
Dalai Lama

* You can have peace of mind, improved health and
an ever-increasing flow of energy. Life can be full of
joy and satisfaction. orman Vincent Peale

191
27 10 Life Lessons From The Japan Disaster
Some years ago, I had a very intelligent Form five student
who asked me a most challenging question: “How do you
know that there is this ‘Enlightened State’ and that the
Buddha is a Fully Enlightened One?’ I knew that I could not
just quote anywas a child of six, forusedwould doubt them.
Ever since I scriptural writings I he to ponder on the
What I told disparities something like this: ‘Well, we can
tremendous him was that exist in human conditions. It
experience our ownlife, when I mental to learn and practise
was later on in my mind…our started states and emotions,
feelings and reactions. ot lightminds are at on these
the Dhamma that some all was shed the same
spiritual level…some Some years overwhelmed Power Point
philosophical issues. are easily ago, I did a by negative
mental statesbasedanger, ill-will, sorrowpuzzled me when I
presentation like on the thoughts that and so on. Others
are more calm, objective was to help make us reflect on
was young. The content, peaceful and more free from
negative reactions Way things are, The Four Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the towards things that happen to them.
ThreeFive Universal Orders, Thewith the same calamity do
The people A, B, and C, faced Law of Cause and Effect,
Kamma and Rebirth, The Six Realms etc.
not experience the same mental states…A may sink into a
mental turmoil that drives him to suicide; B’s mind is filled
with worry, fear, frustration and falls into depression. On
the other hand, C, because of his good spiritual and mental
cultivation, remains more calm, more peaceful, able to
understand and accept the worldly conditions that are ever
changing. Wouldn’t we say C is ‘more enlightened’ and is
more free from Dukkha or pain or suffering? The learning,
understanding, practice and realization of the Dhamma will
lead one to less anger, less hatred, less craving, more
peace, more happiness, more freedom and equanimity of the
mind. You can test out and see for yourself. Practice good
charity, observe morality and do meditation. One day you
will have a glimpse of ‘The Enlightened State’…the
perfectly peaceful, happy, blissful unconditioned state. o
more doubt will then be in your mind for now you K OW
there is such a mental state. The Buddha is such a realized,
Fully Enlightened Being, free from all mental defilements.’
The student was quite happy with what I said.

10 LESSONS FROM THE JAPAN DISASTER

1

10 LIFE
Lessons from
the Japan
tragic Disaster

1. THE CALM
Not a single visual
of chest-beating or
wild grief. Sorrow
itself has been
elevated.

“In the face of any
adversity or
calamity may our
mind remain calm
and composed.”

2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined
queues for water
and groceries.
Not a rough
word or a crude
gesture.

“May we, with self-discipline, train
the mind to greater spirituality.”

3. THE ABILITY
The incredible
architects, for
instance. Buildings
swayed but
didn’t fall.

“May we put our ability to good use for the
well-being and happiness
of others.”

4. THE GRACE
People bought only
what they needed for
the present, so
everybody could get
something.

“May we have a
thought for those
in need and not be
overwhelmed by
Greed.”

5. THE ORDER
No looting in
shops. No
honking and no
overtaking on the
roads. Just
understanding

“May we
always show
understanding,
kindness and
compassion
to others.”

6. THE
SACRIFICE
Fifty workers
stayed back to
pump sea water
in the N-reactors.
How will they
ever be repaid?

“May we not be
self-centred but
sacrifice to
relieve others’
suffering.”

7. THE
TENDERNESS
Restaurants
cut prices. An
unguarded ATM
is left alone. The
strong cared for
the weak.

“May we have
honesty, integrity
and a
caring heart.”

8. THE TRAINING
The old and the
children, everyone
knew exactly what
to do. And they did
just that.

“May we train the
mind to be always
alert, heedful and
mindful.”

9. THE MEDIA
They showed
magnificent
restraint in the
bulletins. No silly
reporters.
Only calm
reportage.

“May we always act
with truthfulness,
responsibility and
wisdom.”

10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power
went off in a store,
people put things back
on the shelves and left
quietly!

“May we always
practice morality,
virtue
and
righteousness.”

The End
“May our mind be calm, strong,
steady and mindful in the face of
changing fortunes.”

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Happy the man who can endure the highest and
the lowest fortune. He, who has endured such
vicissitudes with equanimity, has deprived
misfortune of its power. Seneca

* ever be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a
calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for
anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems
upset. St. Francis de Sales

* A modern definition of equanimity: cool. This
refers to one whose mind remains stable and calm in
all situations. Allan Lokos

200
28 The Moonlight Ride …
A Story To Touch Your Heart

The beautiful quote ‘There is no art to find the mind’s
construction in the face’ from Shakespeare’s Macbeth,
has a good degree of truth. We often find it difficult to
be sure if another person is lying, just from his outward
behaviour and speech. There are so many sex and
corruption scandals where one or more parties lie to
protect their self-interests. Such dishonesty will lead to
suffering.
I once had a Form 5 student in a Community guidance
class who really fooled me with his lies. He was quite an
impressive student, a prefect and was active in school
extracurricular activities. I used to ask him why he was
absent so many times for class. He lied, saying he was
involved in many school activities. The truth came out
when, one afternoon the student’s father came to the
classroom and gave me a ‘lecture’ saying I was not alert
enough to catch his son playing truant in snooker
centers. I had to apologize for my ‘oversight’. The
student had also been misusing the money his father
gave him for donation to our Buddhist Association.
Children, from a very young age have to be taught to tell
the truth. Honesty and integrity have to be inculcated.
This is lacking in today’s education. Someone once gave
me this joke: ‘A teacher told his class to read Chapter 11 of
their History book as an assignment. The following week,
when the teacher asked if the class read the Chapter, every
hand was raised and the class roared, “Yes, teacher, we
did.” The teacher told the class, “You all need a lesson on
honesty. Your History book has only 10 Chapters!’ What a
shame! Today many adults and the young lie…they
don’t realize that lying is a breach of a moral precept.

The Moonlight Ride

A Story To Touch
Your Heart

Jenny was so happy about
the house they had found.
For once in her life it was
on the right side of town.

She unpacked her
things with such
great ease
As she watched her new
curtain blow
in the breeze.

How wonderful it was to
have her own room.
School would be starting;
she’d have friends
over soon.

There’d be sleep-
There’ sleep-
overs, and parties;
she was so happy
It’s just the way she
wanted her life to be.

On the first day of
school, everything
went great.
She made new friends
and even got a date !

She thought, “I want to be popular
and I’m going to be,
I’
Because I just got a date with
the Star of the Team !

To be known in this
school you had
to have a clout,
And dating this guy
would sure
help her out.

There was only one
problem stopping
her fate.
Her parents had said
she was too young
to date.

“Well, I just won’t tell
won’
them the entire truth.
They won’t know the
difference, what’s
what’
there to lose ?”
?”

Jenny asked to stay
with her friends
that night.
Her parents frowned
but said, “All right.”
right.”

To her parents, Jenny had simply lied and lied.
She went for a party
and hoped for a moonlight ride.

Her boyfriend Jeff was
half-drunk already.
half-
But Jenny wanted that
moonlight ride badly.
Soon an accident
happened, a tragedy.

She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble
And heard “Call an ambulance!
These kids are in trouble!”
trouble!”

Voices she heard … a few words at best
But she knew there were two cars
Involved in the wreck.

She awoke in the
hospital to faces so sad
“You’ve been in a wreck
You’
and it looks
pretty bad.”

Jenny wondered to
herself if Jeff was alright
And if the people in the
other car were alive

Soft voices echoed
inside Jenny’s head.
The nurse gently told
her that
Jeff was dead.

They said, “Jenny,
we’ve done all we
we’
can do.
But it looks as if we’ll
lose you too.”

“But the people in the
other car ?”
?”
Jenny cried
“We’re sorry, Jenny,
We’
they also died.”
died.”

Jenny prayed, “God,
forgive me for what
I’ve done.
I only wanted to have
just one night of fun.”

“Tell those people’s
family, I’ve made their
I’
lives dim.
And wish I could return
their families to them.”

“Tell Mom and Dad
I’m sorry I lied.
And that it’s my fault
it’
so many have
died.”
died.”

“Oh, nurse, won’t you
won’
please tell them
that for me ?”
?”
The nurse just stood there –
she never agreed.

But took Jenny’s hand
Jenny’
with tears in her eyes.
And a few moments
later Jenny died.

A man asked the nurse,
“Why didn’t you
do your best
To bid that girl her one
last request ?”
?”

She looked at the man
with eyes so sad.
“Because the people in
the other car were her
Mom and Dad.”

This story is sad and unpleasant but true
So young people take heed,
it could have been you.

May You Lead The End
A Mindful And
Compassionate Life
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson

* Truth is the most valuable thing we have, so I try
to conserve it. Mark Twain

* Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.
Henry David Thoreau

211
29 The Benefits of Meditation
There are medical and health reports about the many
benefits of meditation. However, the primary purpose of
Buddhist meditation is not of cure Ia used to ponderimprove
Ever since I was a child to six, sickness or to on the
one’s health.disparities that exist in aims at conditions.the
tremendous Buddhist meditation human purifying It
mind, to on in my life, mental started to learn and practise
was later remove the when I defilements of greed and
attachment, anger and some light ignorance andon these
the Dhamma that hatred and was shed delusion.
The medical and health benefits come as did a Power of the
philosophical issues. Some years ago, I by-products Point
constant and based on the thoughts that puzzledisme when I
presentation ardent practice of meditation. It important
that one hasThe objective was to motivation us reflect on
was young. the right view and help make of practicing
Buddhist meditation. Many give up after aNoble Truths,
the Dhamma – the Way things are, The Four short period
The Five Universal Orders, The Law of Cause and Effect,
because they have ulterior motives to meditate…to cure an
illness, to acquire some Six Realms etc. or material gain.
Kamma and Rebirth, The psychic power
In theunderstanding and was a realization came one night to
With late 1990s, there some man who of these Dhamma
our meditation session wanting to learn harmony and
points we can learn to live in righteousness, and practice
peace in accordance with the Natural Laws.
meditation to cure his insomnia and other medical problems
and to that is lived meaningfully within oneself and also to
A life prosper in his business dealings. I advised him
serving those in need, would be a most worthy life.
learn and understand some Dhamma but he was not really
keen. Well, his ‘meditation practice’ did not last…after a
few weeks, there was no sign of him. His expectations of an
‘instant mee’ type of solution to his problems were not met;
I heard that his suffering remained or even intensified. Until
and unless a person learns, understands, practices and
realizes the Dhamma and the role of meditation, one will not
be able to remove or reduce physical and mental suffering.
Over the years at our local Buddhist Association, many have
come and left or given up on their meditation practice. I feel
this is due to having the wrong views or motivations,
expecting ‘overnight’ results, being too goal-oriented and
lacking in patience, determination and perseverance. Wise
meditation practice with right and good effort will lead one
to real mental happiness and peace through a ‘letting go’.
The
The ultimate goal is Nibbana, the supreme Bliss and Peace.

The Benefits Of Meditation
Based on a Blog Post / Twitter Link
By Jennifer Howard, Ph.D.
An American Psychotherapist

Meditation
relieves stress,
which leads to
a deeper level
of relaxation.

Meditation
reduces
anxiety
attacks

Meditation
decreases
muscle pain
and
headaches

Meditation
lowers heart
rate and
blood
pressure

Meditation
decreases
respiratory
rate

Meditation
helps balance
brain chemistry,
which aids
in stabilizing
mood

Meditation
helps with
depression

Meditation enhances the immune system.
(Research has shown that meditation increases
activity of ‘natural-killer cells’, which kill
bacteria, funguses, parasites and cancer cells.)

Meditation
helps in dealing
with personal
issues

Meditation helps align us with
higher/deeper realms

Meditation creates
new neuronal tracks
in both the prefrontal
cortex as well as the
mid-insular regions
of the brain,
which helps us
change and learn

Meditation aids in our
connection with God,
Spirit, Absolute or
the Universe

The End

May the practice of
Meditation
lead us to
Peace and
Liberation

With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin
15

30 ‘Aiyoh! Why Like That One?’ 217
It is shocking that people can do the most stupid things.
Even so-called ‘educated’ ones and professionals fall
victims to cheating scams through the internet and mobile
phone. Their loss can go into tens of thousands apart from
the great mental suffering of anger, used to ponder sorrow.
Ever since I was a child of six, I frustration and on the
Drug smugglers even that exist in human conditions. It
tremendous disparities swallow capsules or condoms
containingonvery deadly chemicals. to learn andspending
was later in my life, when I started Gamblers practise
continuous days that some lose hundreds of thousands and
the Dhamma in casinos, light was shed on these
end up under the clutches of loan sharks (‘Ah Longs’).
Many lonelybased on the thoughts married, throughwhen I
presentation women, single or that puzzled me social
networking become victims of to help make us reflect on
was young. The objective was swindlers. They lose their
hearts and loads of Way things are, The men. Noble Truths,
the Dhamma – the money to ‘dashing’ Four We now have
depression Universal Orders, The appearing in and Effect,
The Five and suicide cases Law of Cause Facebook.
In the 24and Rebirth, The2011Realms etc. safety and careful
Kamma th Ops Sikap of Six ( A road
driving campaign ) during the Hari Raya period, there was a
record of 19,606 cases of accidents with 289 deaths. This
occurs despite all the measures taken by the authorities.
In Buddhist teachings, we do not speak of the sinful actions
of people. What happens is that people do stupid, unskillful
or unwholesome actions due to causes and conditions like:
* Greed, craving for money, worldly possessions and power
* Impatience, anger, restlessness, boredom, sensual pursuits
* A strong sense of ego, conceit, pride and self-importance
* A lack of mindfulness ( Many are careless and heedless.)
* A lack of inculcation of proper moral values and ethics
* A lack of correct spiritual practice that leads to wisdom
We will suffer the ill-effects of our foolish actions unless
and until we grow in compassion and wisdom through a
continuous understanding and practice of the Dhamma. This
has to start right from the time a child is born. Once the tree
trunk or inculcatehas virtue ofand stiffened, it’s hard to bend
harder to branch the grown gratitude among the young.
it. So you see we cannot wait to educate before it is too late.

The Stupid Things That People Do

1

Throwing rubbish
everywhere is most
unbecoming.
The Law has to step in
stop this
terrible thing.

What has
happened to our
moral education?
It is time to stop
this type of
dangerous action.

Mum & Dad
still
shopping?
I’m in
danger.
Kidnapper

When parents are careless and heedless,
they’ll pay a price for being mindless.

Humans are
Help, I can’t breathe
Now I’m a
murdering
us!
Out of Greed, we
black
bird! have done lots of
harmful action.
Oh! Poor Mother Earth
is crying! Where is the Law to
check industrial
pollution?

Fighting over a
parking lot!
Just fancy that!
Unruly and
shameful action is
on the rise.
Ego and
selfishness
that’s where the
If humans are more
patient and kind, there’ll root cause lies.
be more peace on Earth.

Stupid actions can
cause much pain
and misery.
Beware! Take heed
before there
is a tragedy. Such mindlessness and foolishness.
Don’t you know that it’s sheer madness?

Mindlessness
When drivers park No concern for others

indiscriminately,
they’re cursed and
others suffer
seriously.

Don’t they know that even Einstein cannot do
two things at one time?
When will they grow in the mind?

People who litter are
simply heedless
or stupid.
When I see this terrible rubbish all around,
Don’t they know the I doubt that human intelligence can be found!

danger of this
mindless deed? Where can I find a
clean spot?

What are
When has ‘Hair Beauty’ helmets
for?
become
more important
than safety?
When will people learn
to think and act wisely?
Vanity and Stupidity heading for a Calamity

DANGER Beating traffic lights is
a most
dangerous thing.
So many drive
recklessly and don’t
seem to think.

Places of Places of
Worship Worship
Improper Dressing
Many don’t seem to know
that at places of praying,
it’s respectful to have proper conduct
and dressing.

Unruly way in
boarding a bus

When will people learn
to be more orderly?
We can’t progress with
a bad mentality.

LateLate nights at hawkers’/mamak stalls
nights at hawkers’ & mamak stalls

Don’t we know this?
Don’t we know this:
“Early to bed, early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

When foolish bikers
ride recklessly,
they will soon end up
in misery.
‘Daredevil’ Motor Bikers
Mat Rempit Riders

Wedding
Reality
Invitation
: Dinner
‘Dinner starts one
at 7.00 hour late
pm
sharp’
What
A
Mockery!

Don’t people know that unpunctuality amounts
to stealing others’ time?
It is time we stand up
and check this terrible ‘crime’.

Foul Language – Abusive, Vulgar and 4-letter Obscene words

Using vulgar speech reflects
poorly on one.
It sets you back despite all the good you’ve done.

Stop violence, aggression, greed, selfishness,
environmental pollution and suffering from wars!

Stop anger, ill-will, hatred, destroying our fauna &
flora, wasting our resources
& harming other creatures!

May We Grow
in Wisdom and
The End Compassion.

With Metta
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

* You may fool all the people some of the time, you
can even fool some of the people all of the time, but
you cannot fool all of the people all the time.
Abraham Lincoln

* A fool may be known by six things: anger, without
cause; speech, without profit; change, without
progress; inquiry, without object; putting trust in a
stranger, and mistaking foes for friends”
Arabian Proverb

THE BUDDHIST CHARTER OF FREE INQUIRY
* Do not believe in anything through revelation.

* Do not believe in anything through tradition handed
down from the past.

* Do not believe in anything through hearsay.

* Do not believe in anything because it accords with the
scriptures.

* Do not believe in anything through logic.

* Do not believe in anything because it is a point of view.

* Do not believe in anything through having considered
the reasons.

* Do not believe in anything because one is convinced of
some theory.

* Do not believe in anything through the testimony of
some reliable person.

* Do not believe in anything thinking, “This person is a
respected preacher.”

‘Kalamas, when you yourselves know what is bad,
blameworthy and censured by the wise, abandon those
things.
When you yourselves know that these things are good, not
blameworthy, but praised by the wise, accept and practice
them.’

* Thousands of candles can be lit from a single
candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.

* An idea that is developed and put into action is
more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.

* However many holy words you read, However
many you speak, What good will they do you If you do
not act on upon them?

* A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a
good barker. A man is not considered a good man
because he is a good talker.

* The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.

* All things appear and disappear because of the
concurrence of causes and conditions. othing ever exists
entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else.

* The secret of health for both mind and body is not to
mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate
troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and
earnestly

* Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that
brings peace.

* Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care
for people will hear them and be influenced by them for
good or ill.

* Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your
own unguarded thoughts.

* Develop the mind of equilibrium.
You will always be getting praise and blame,
but do not let either affect the poise of the mind:
follow the calmness, the absence of pride.

* Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth.

* The virtuous man delights in this world, and he
delights in the next; he delights in both. He delights and
rejoices, when he sees the purity of his own work.

* Fools of little understanding have themselves for their
greatest enemies, for they do evil deeds which must bear
bitter fruits.

THE GIFT OF DHAMMA SURPASSES ALL GIFTS

May all beings rejoice in this Dhamma Dana
and attain the Bliss of ibbana

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Dhamma Dana for the balance cost of Printing this book

REJOICI G A D SHARI G
OF MERITS

May the merits of this Dhamma Dana be shared
with family members, relatives, friends and all
beings. May they be well, happy and peaceful!
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Oh Teik Bin
Teluk Intan, Perak
February 2012

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