The purpose of Mosquitoes

The purpose of Mosquitoes



About a year and a half ago, I met a Caucasian lady at a meeting.

Everyone at the meeting was in awe of her capabilities.

Honestly, I too, thought she must be pretty good since the 3 masters who were there were very impressed and full of praise for her.

We went for lunch.

After lunch, while everyone was sitting around chit chatting, she asked to sit next to me. And, started a conversation.

"I believe God created mosquitoes for the purpose of balancing the human population," she said.

Curious, I asked her why she said that.

She replied that with just a sting, mosquitoes can spread diseases like malaria and dengue etc, killing people.

"But I thought mosquitoes are only carriers, right? Unless they bite a person infected with the disease, then they can spread it to the next person, no?" I asked.

"No, mosquitoes are the ones that kill. So many people have died because of them," was her reply.

"Perhaps it's meant to be," I said.

"No, it's the mosquitoes. So many of my friends and family were bitten by mosquitoes and I've visited them in the hospitals and see them suffering. I even lost a few of them. All because of the mosquitoes," she said, with bitterness and indignation in her voice.


Sensing her increasing agitation and rising tension between us, I decided to douse the flaming anger and resentment (for mosquitoes) with a little loving-kindness.

So, I asked her, "Which comes first : Chicken or Egg?"

"Egg" she replied without hesitation.

"Without the chicken, how did the egg come about?" I asked.

She looked at me, stumped.

And quickly replied, "Then chicken."

I smiled and said again, "But without the egg, how did the chicken come about?"

She stared at me, dumbfounded.

Seeing that I have her full concentration and awareness now, I continued.

"Perhaps there's a purpose for mosquitoes. But maybe it's not to kill. Just like the knife. I'm sure when they first invented the knife, it was not meant to harm or kill. But over time, things changed. Evolve. People abused it. But don't you have more important things in your life to worry about, than to worry and think about the purpose of mosquitoes?"



How often is it that we get hot and bothered about the insubstantial things and trivialities of life, when there are more important and pressing things which we should be concerned about -

Such as, Freedom from the cycle of samsara (death and rebirth) before death comes knocking on our doors.

"You talk much, you get blame.

You talk little, you get blame

You keep quiet, you also get blame.

There's no one in this world who doesn't get blame." (Even the mosquitoes! :) )

- The Buddha

"Anger can never dispel anger,

Hate can never dispel hate.

Only Love can dispel anger,

Only Love can dispel hate.

- The Buddha

"One who checks rising anger is like a skillful charioteer who handles a chariot gone out of control. Others are like those who merely hold the reins."

- The Buddha

We Never Know

We Never Know


2 years ago when I first started dropping classes, I thought letting go of a particular class was hard.

I also thought that with the letting go of that particular class, I'll have no problems letting go of any other classes. (Read "Letting Go vs Holding On).

I was wrong.



In June this year, due to certain circumstances, I had to let go of one of my classes.

Boy! It was tough.

It was hard. So hard.

I never knew that it will be so hard or that I love them so much.

It was a very strong class.

The synergy and energy there was great.

Not forgetting their playfulness.

In the words of a participant, "We were like one big happy family."



Even after the class had stopped, it took me a while to get used to it. To not think about them, or miss them.

That experience taught me that we may think that we know something, we assume that we know something, that we understand something. Realised something.

In actual fact, we don't.

So never jump to conclusion, never be too sure .....

Cos we never know.

"An 'open' mind is an enlightened mind."

Endlessness

Endlessness



I remember a story a monastic used to tell in his talks about his days as a monk in Thailand.

There was once the monastic helped a Thai man with his problem.

As a show of appreciation and gratitude, the man offered the monastic some money, which he politely declined.


(As an act of simplicity and letting go, monks and nuns are NOT allowed or supposed to take, accept or receive money. This is part of the Vinaya - rules for monastics, set down by Gautama, The Buddha, some 2500 over years ago. This is to encourage NON-attachment and contentment, and to discourage greed and craving.)

However, the man was insistent on giving the monastic something.

Since monks are allowed to accept simple gifts of requisites from the lay people as a form of offering of Dana (giving/generosity), the man asked the monastic what he could get for him for the amount of 500 baht.

It was usual to quote the amount in some countries when making such an offering, so as to avoid any misunderstanding.

As the monastic can't think of anything at that moment, they came to an agreement that the monastic would think of some of the things that he needed and tell it to the man when the man comes round the next day.

With a pen and paper, the monastic started to think about what he needed.

After much pondering and scratching of head, he started to make a list.

As time passes, one item became 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, 10 ........ the list didn't stop.

It couldn't stop. It just grew and grew.

Before long, the monastic had come up with a whole list of items with more coming to his head that one piece of paper is just not enough.

As a matter of fact, even the amount (500 baht) that the man offered was no longer enough.

However, hard as he try, neither could the monastic take away any of the items he had listed.

Cos' each seemed like a necessity. Urgent even.

That's when the monastic saw and realised what's happening.

He took the piece of paper and threw it away.

The next day, as promised, the man came and asked if the monastic has made his decision.

The monastic's reply was, "Don't you do that to me ever again!"


How often do we, just like the monastic, fall into the trap of craving and wanting.

It may start with a humble HDB, then a HUDC (oh, it's bigger!), followed by a condo (there's the swimming pool, gym, BBQ pit, we can invite friends over!), a terrace (so that we can have our own space!), a bungalow (our own swimming pool, gym, BBQ pit, garden!), blah blah blah ......

We may make excuses that it's for our family, friends and loved ones. It may even seem that way.

In Reality, it's our ego playing tricks on us, camouflaging our vanity and attachments, and greed, craving, lust and desires in its many guises trying to fool us, and to cloud our already deluded minds.

And if we're not careful and mindful, before we know it, it'll snowball to the point of no return.

As 'drivers', we need to be alert and mindful of the dangers that's lurking in front of us; waiting to trap and ambush us.

It's up to us to step on the brakes, and pull up the hand brakes before we drown ourselves in the deep sea of craving.

For there is no end to craving.


For the case of the monastic, he told the benefactor to give the 500 baht to the monastery building fund, or some other good cause.

He didn't want it.

What he wanted was to regain the rare contentment he had had the day before.

In the words of the monastic,

"When I had no money, nor the means to get anything, that was the time when all my wishes were fulfilled. Wanting has no end. But freedom from wanting has an end. It is when you want for nothing. Contentment is the only time you have enough."

"Contentment is the greatest wealth."

- The Buddha

"From craving springs grief;

From craving springs fear.

For one who is wholly free from craving,

There's no grief, much less fear."

- The Buddha

"It is in the nature of greed to be dissatisfied with what one has - whether a little, or a lot.

The more obtained, the more desired -

Until the cycle of greed becomes the cycle of pain."

Religion, or Label Marketing?

Religion, or Label Marketing?


Why do we have to label?

Maybe to make things easier.

For convention.

But why do we attach meaning to it? (Read "Good or Bad" - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/04/good-or-bad.html)

Be it inter-religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc)

Or intra-religion (within a particular faith eg. Buddhism : Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen , Pureland, etc)


In "What is, What is not" - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-is-what-is-not.html, I wrote that Love and Education play a very important part in many aspects of our lives, including religion.

As a matter of fact, if you think about it, Religion is about Love and Education.

It is about Acceptance - accepting others as they are;

Living Morally;

And, as a cultured people in Peace and Harmony, and service to the whole world.

Religion is not blindly accepting,

Or conditioned by views, opinions, beliefs, ideas,

Which although passed down from generations,

But may be outdated, misinterpreted over the ages, by now.

Neither is it control or the imposing of views and values (eg. "You must do this, you can't do that")

Religion is Freedom.

Religion is NOT segregation or separatism.

Religion is ONE.

It is not competitive or being best (we are the Supreme one).

Nor is it labelling (I'm Greater, You're Lesser).

Most important of all,

Religion is NOT about Money, Power, Control and/or Status.

"Do NOT blindly believe anything that's said by the teachers, or those in authorities;

Or that has been spoken or rumoured by many; Or that has been written in scriptures and passed down through many generations.

Only upon careful observation, investigation, and analysis.

If the teaching when practised, do no harm, and brings more Love, Peace, Harmony and Wisdom to the world;

Is for the good and benefit of one and all.

Do you then practise it and abide by it."

- The Kalama Sutta, The Buddha

PS ... In short, "Use your brain! Use your brain!"

"One should not accept anything with mere faith;

But one should use one's common sense and intelligence before accepting anything."

- The Buddha

.

.

"There is an inherent problem in trying to intermingle religion with politics.

The basis of religion is Morality, Purity and Faith, while that of politics is power."

(Sadly), in the course of history, religion has often been used to give legitimacy to those in power and their exercise of that power and also to justify wars and conquests, persecutions, atrocities, rebellions, and the destruction of works of art and culture."

- Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda.

.

"The purpose of religion is to guide mankind, to develop unity and a harmonious life and to cultivate humane qualities.

Today however, religion is being used to discriminate against other religions and to develop jealousy.

Actually man is not using religion to maintain peace BUT to disturb and hate others.

This hostile attitude and unhealthy religious competition has even created blood-shed in many parts of the world."

- Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.

.

"If Muslims really follow the concept of Brotherhood,

If Christian live by the Sermon on the Mount,

If the Hindus shape their lives in oneness, and

If Buddhists follow the Noble Eightfold Path,

Definitely there will be Peace and Harmony in this World."

- Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda

.

"Let us live happily,

Not hating those who hate us.

Among those who hate us,

Let us live free from hatred."

- The Buddha

"Religion is Not a law, but a disciplinary code which should be followed with understanding."

- The Buddha

To be Enlighten

To be Enlighten


Once, a yoga master visited Maitreya and displayed his prowess.

At the end of the beautiful and awe-inspiring display of poses, Maitreya cheered and applauded the master saying, "Very good! Very good! Well done!"

The yoga master, swelling with pride, challenged Maitreya arrogantly, "Can you do that?!"

Now, we all know (or rather perceive) Maitreya to be this huge, fat guy with an enormous belly to match.

Given Maitreya perceived physique, it's not hard to understand that Maitreya can't perform those acrobatic asanas.

So, naturally, Maitreya replied honestly and humbly, "Oh no no no ...... of course not ......"

The audience and the students of Maitreya were shocked, sad and disappointed at the inability of their teacher.

In the background, someone was heard whispering, "But Maitreya's a Buddha! Surely a Buddha can do anything?"

At this point, the yoga master was so pleased with his 'power', he proclaimed smugly and loudly, "I won! I won! Maitreya, the Great Buddha-to-be is below me!"

Some of Maitreya's students and the audience were seen getting up and moving towards the yoga master.

Smiling gently and kindly, Maitreya quietly continued,

"But I'm sure if I practise hard enough, one day I will. It's just that I don't want or wish to. Poses are very nice to look at, but they are all physical ...... In which way do they benefit the world ...... in which way do they help me to be enlighten?"

"He who perform miracles (or psychic/supernatural powers) to gain followers are like tradespeople who employ dancing girls to sell their wares."

- The Buddha

"There is only one real magic - The magic of the Dhamma,

The teachings that can liberate the mind and put an end to suffering.

Any other magic is like the illusion of a card trick - it distracts us from the real game - our relation to human life, to birth and death, and to Freedom."

- Ajahn Chah

We have a choice

We have a choice



I have a friend who made promises to me, and did not deliver.

The first time, there was a phone call.

The second, an sms.

The third, nothing at all.

After the third deception, I was sad, hurt and disappointed.

I watched as my disappointment grew to upset to anger ......

Which led to my suffering.

" * 1st Noble Truth ... There is Suffering"

As I kept watching and reflecting.

I realised that my friend is just as my friend is.

It was my expectation and perception of my friend that led to my suffering.

With the understanding, I became at peace.

How often was it that we want to control and/or change things, people, events, and even our bodies, to suit our liking.

" * 2nd Noble Truth ... The Cause of Suffering"

And more often than not, we can't.

And so we get frustrated, become angry etc and therefore, we suffer.

The truth is, we can't control and/or change things, people, events that happen in our lives, or even our bodies.

But what we can control and change is our mindset, attitude, thoughts, feelings, response to it.

" *3rd Noble Truth ... The Cessation of Suffering"

We can choose to suffer;

Or, we can choose to be happy and peaceful.

" * 4th Noble Truth ... The Path to the Cessation of Suffering - Happiness"

For whatever reason my friend chose the path of deception on the 3 occasions, my friend did it out of Ignorance.

And all that I feel for my friend is Compassion, Forgiveness and Loving-Kindness.

To me, my friend will always be a friend.

"To be free is to love;

To love is to let go;

To let go is to forgive;

To forgive is to know it does not matter."

"Evil doers are not wicked by nature; They do evil because they're ignorant."

- The Buddha

"The more evil that comes to me, the more good will radiate from me."

- The Buddha

What's The Point?

What's The Point?



Many many years ago, Emperor Alexandra the Great was travelling towards India on his favourite horse, Busiphallus.

It was such a splendid and glorious event that everyone rushed to catch a glimpse of it.

Except one.



By the side of the road where the entourage marched, was a man clad in yellow, who slept through the whole commotion.

The emperor's attention was immediately turned to this one man who was unperturbed by the emperor's triumphant march.

Curious, The emperor rode up to the man.

When the emperor came near, that man calmly got up and sat down cross-legged.

The emperor asked, "Do you know who I am?"

The robed person replied, "No, I do not know you."

"I am Emperor Alexandra the Great," said the emperor.

The robed person calmly replied, "All right, What about it?"

"I possess all the land from Macedonia to India." said The Emperor.

The robed person asnwered, "So?"

"I am the lord of 9 great rivers in the land from Macedonia to India. All the fields, orchards and houses on this vast area of land belong to me."

The robed person said, "Emperor, may I ask a question or two?"

The emperor replied, "Yes, go on."

"Emperor, do you get hungry sometimes?" the robed person asked gently.

The emperor answered, "Why, yes of course!"

"When you are hungry, do you eat all the produce of the fields, orchards and lands you own?" he questioned.

The emperor replied, "No, of course not! I eat only a little food."




"Emperor, do you feel thirsty sometimes?" the robed person continued.

"Certainly!" the emperor replied.

"Do you then drink all the water in all the rivers you own when you are thirsty?" the robed person prodded.

"No, I only drink a little, enough to quench my thirst." was the emperor reply.



"Do you feel sleepy at times?" the robed person went on.

The emperor answered. "Yes, of course!"

"When you are sleepy, do you sleep on all the land from Macedonia to India?" the robed person queried.

The emperor replied, "No, of course not!"



To that, the Venerable finally asked, "Emperor, then what on earth is the meaning of all the material gains you have acquired?!"

"Better than absolute sovereignty over the earth,

Better than going to heaven,

Better than even lordship over all the worlds is the Fruit of a Stream-Winner. (First realisation of Nibbana)"

- The Buddha

"You can win all the battles,

You can win all the wars.

But there's no real victory until you conquer yourself."

- The Buddha

"Spiritual wealth is more important than physical/material wealth."