Can we live like the birds?
Can we fly away from the nest once we are able to do so without turning back for support?
I wonder! Humans are different from birds. Our homing instincts are stronger to say the least. Without the family unit, what are we?
But great men and women of the past became great teachers because they dared go where others feared.
Showing posts with label courage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label courage. Show all posts
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Did Yasodhara Sleep?
The Buddha stole away quietly one night with no one any the wiser. That is the popular account.
There is somewhere in the basket of teachings where the Buddha said that when he left, his father was weeping. Would that mean that he left in the presence of the royal court? Or is it a translation glib?
The popular account is that before he mounted his horse with faithful Channa beside him, he stole a look at his sleeping wife, Yasodhara.
Was Yasodhara asleep?
Yasodhara was a most kind woman and from the Buddha’s lips we learn that she in a previous life during the time of Dipankara Buddha, was destined to travel the path to Buddhahood with the Buddha. It seems she knew that the Buddha was leaving that night and had instructed Channa to prepare the prince for the journey.
Would she be able to sleep on a night like this? Or was she only pretending, knowing that to face a parting would make it more difficult for the prince?
There is somewhere in the basket of teachings where the Buddha said that when he left, his father was weeping. Would that mean that he left in the presence of the royal court? Or is it a translation glib?
The popular account is that before he mounted his horse with faithful Channa beside him, he stole a look at his sleeping wife, Yasodhara.
Was Yasodhara asleep?
Yasodhara was a most kind woman and from the Buddha’s lips we learn that she in a previous life during the time of Dipankara Buddha, was destined to travel the path to Buddhahood with the Buddha. It seems she knew that the Buddha was leaving that night and had instructed Channa to prepare the prince for the journey.
Would she be able to sleep on a night like this? Or was she only pretending, knowing that to face a parting would make it more difficult for the prince?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Yvonne Foong
Yvonne Foong needs money for her surgery. She is leaving for the states December14 and right now is short of airfare and board expenses. (post update ..she flew off today i heard on short funds. pray the good doctors will stabilise her failing eyesight.)
A dear friend has been actively, directly and indirectly helping out, praise to her. When we met up a few days ago, I made a small contribution. I feel a little bad that I am only offering so little but then this friend told me that someone we both know also made a contribution. It is not the size of the contribution but the spontaneity of that gesture which is most touching. For I know that this person is in need of whatever dollars he has and his generosity is most touching. It speaks volumes of the man.
I am again reminded that it is not the amount but the thought. a dollar may seem a little but many dollars add up.
Generosity comes in many forms. The effort puts in is a generosity and that becomes the biggest contribution since without that effort, whatever amount collected would never materialise.
I have heard of the remark, "how do I know that the money goes where it should go?" Sadly, this is commonly heard. I believe that if we are giving then that thought should never arise at all because if evryone thinks like that, then nothing would materialise. Giving should come as something that I want to do. I should put that thought and energy into knowing that help is offered and it will get to the right place. If a drowning man is shouting for help, no debate should be made as to whether he deserves help.
Back to Yvonne. I know her as a plucky little lass, barely 22 but she has come a long way. In fact, I would be proud to have her courage and strength. Her malady has battered her so much and yet she remains a sweet girl without any trace of misgivings nor anger. I learn a lot from her. Grace her be blessed.
A dear friend has been actively, directly and indirectly helping out, praise to her. When we met up a few days ago, I made a small contribution. I feel a little bad that I am only offering so little but then this friend told me that someone we both know also made a contribution. It is not the size of the contribution but the spontaneity of that gesture which is most touching. For I know that this person is in need of whatever dollars he has and his generosity is most touching. It speaks volumes of the man.
I am again reminded that it is not the amount but the thought. a dollar may seem a little but many dollars add up.
Generosity comes in many forms. The effort puts in is a generosity and that becomes the biggest contribution since without that effort, whatever amount collected would never materialise.
I have heard of the remark, "how do I know that the money goes where it should go?" Sadly, this is commonly heard. I believe that if we are giving then that thought should never arise at all because if evryone thinks like that, then nothing would materialise. Giving should come as something that I want to do. I should put that thought and energy into knowing that help is offered and it will get to the right place. If a drowning man is shouting for help, no debate should be made as to whether he deserves help.
Back to Yvonne. I know her as a plucky little lass, barely 22 but she has come a long way. In fact, I would be proud to have her courage and strength. Her malady has battered her so much and yet she remains a sweet girl without any trace of misgivings nor anger. I learn a lot from her. Grace her be blessed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
