Inner Journey

Round the corner

2011-09-21T23:39:00.004+08:00

We always make the mistake of not visiting or dropping by to say hellos until it becomes a tad too late. I suppose it is time to make a run to Calgary to connect with friends again. I would need to look up for apartments to rent in Calgary as it would be more convenient to staying in hotels.

It will be a trip much looked forward to as six of my friends from India are now in Canada. Apart from being my guide there will be lots of catching up too.

Will need to do a fair bit of homework here. Need to buy new sets of winter clothings as the old ones were all left in Yushu last year. And not forgetting foodstuff, gifts, toiletries, personal items etc. This will keep me busy for the next few weeks but I am not complaining. I am actually looking forward to it. Calgary here I come!

Baked mushrooms

2011-06-06T17:18:00.002+08:00

10 white button mushrooms (choose the large ones)
2 slices ham
Mayonnaise
Mozarella cheese
Pepper n salt
Dash of garlic (chopped)

1. Pull out mushrooms' stems and cut off tip. Chop them into bits. To make more room within the mushroom scrape the side of the mushroom and also chop them into bits together with the stem

2. Chop up ham

3. Fry garlic and when it browns, add in chopped mushroom. Add in pepper and salt. Add in ham and fry for about a minute or two

4. Scoop them into the hollows of the mushroom

5. Add a small teaspoon of mayonnaise on top, then top it with mozarella cheese

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 200 degrees (preheat over for 10 minutes)

I differed a little from this original recipe. Instead of ham, I substitued it with egg
Fry garlic, add in mushroom chopped stems. Add pepper and salt. Add in an egg and stir fry it together with the mushroom stem till egg browns a little. Scoop into mushroom hollows, topped wtih mayonnaise and mozarella cheese and bake.
Try it, it's really yummylicious. Got this recipe on TV when I was back in JB a couple of weeks back

A letter from Sendai, Japan

2011-03-18T17:26:00.004+08:00

Received this from my good friend, Riza, from the Philippines

A letter from Sendai
Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.

During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.

It's utterly amazingly that where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."

Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.

We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group.

There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun. People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their dogs. All happening at the same time.

Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars. No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them silhouetted against the sky magnificently.

And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on, and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom, but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.

They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking, rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country, bringing food and water. Blessed again.

Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.

Thank you again for your care and Love of me,
With Love in return, to you all, Anne

Being busy in India

2011-03-13T16:08:00.006+08:00

Today is my 28th day in India. Life had been a little on the go because of Losar (Tibetan New Year) and with my Tibetan friend’s wedding and also the wedding of the friendly neighbourhood vegetable seller. It was my first time attending a Tibetan and Indian wedding. Also took time off to attend the Graduation Day at the Shedra and yesterday was the start of the 3rd International Gongchig Conference, also at the Shedra. Samdung Rinpoche, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile, graced the occasion. Also had the company of some Malaysian friends (thanks for all the goodies you left behind Hun & Steven) who dropped by for 10 days. Lunches and dinners also were time stealers.

3rd International Gongchig Conference. Samdung Rinpoche arrival

Shedra graduation

Losar with Khenchen Rinpoche

Paldon La's house for lunch. Amarula wine from South Africa

At The Orchard

Losar with Tenzin La and family

Lhamo La's wedding (Tibetan style)

DKI had a tea party for us

Indian wedding

Teachings with Khenchen Rinpoche in his room

Tea with Khenpo Rangdol and family

This year’s spring is as cold as winter in November last year. There were 2 days where the mountains behind the Library were snow capped in the early mornings. Thunder roared and the wind howled. Dorje’s (the Library’s dog) barkings were silenced by the howling wind. Even up to last week we had to keep warm. Now the sun is out. We are enjoying Malaysian weather with cool, crisp wind (like in Cameron Highlands).

Bidding farewell to 6 Canada bound Lamas

Lunch at Lhamo La's house

This trip had been eventful – with all the above happenings plus the opportunity of meeting this little boy who is stricken with polio. I put a post in Facebook seeking sponsorship to get him a walking aid and within minutes a friend took up the full sponsorship (thanks Kong). I also received some contributions for the family to rebuild their house in Ladakh which was washed away during August 2010 mudslide

My new found friend

In another 10 days I will be heading to Amritsar, to the Golden Temple. Then I will be back into the real world – homebound. I look forward to that as I will have lots to catch up with my grandson.

We make a life by what we give

2011-02-08T19:24:00.004+08:00

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give". Sir Winston Churchill.

At the age of three and a half years old, Ryan has lived out the above quotation.

We were travelling back from Johore Bahru to Kuala Lumpur yesterday and as usual Grandma and Grandson had their usual tete a tete. We were on the topic of India and I reminded him of how he wanted to pack me a cup and spoon (he thinks India is a very poor country) to take to India during my last trip. I told him that during the winter months, which can be very cold, some of the children do not even have clothes to wear ...

Grandma : Ryan, do you know that during winter which is very cold, some of the children have no clothes to wear?

Ryan (frowning with his eyebrows pulled together) : Poor thing. Popo, I have a solution!

At this point I thought he would suggest that I take some of his clothes to India to distribute to the children but what came out from him left Mummy and Grandma with opened mouth.

Ryan : I will give them some of my Ang pow (chinese new year money) money. You bring the money to India and give to them. Ask them to use it to buy clothes.

(The usage of words are the exact conversation I had with him. No change of words at all)

Later that night, he knocked on my room door, handed me the money with a big grin. He is like his mummy, ever thoughtful, ever generous, adorable and most lovable. "Everybody Loves Ryan"

Reliving childhood in Los Angeles

2011-01-29T00:08:00.003+08:00

Three decades have whizzed by and the experience is just but a memory.

After 3 glorious days at Waikiki Beach, we headed for Los Angeles. Before then I have only heard of Disneyland and Universal Studio. We decided to rent a car and the most economical car then was the Honda Civic. We hit the streets from morning to nightfall - from LA Chinatown to Beverly Hills, the shopping malls.

The next day we hung out at Disneyland, reliving childhood dreams. We were ready to call it a day when we were told that there is a similar set up in LA - the Knotts Berry Farm. We were leaving LA the following day and we did not want to miss out on Knotts so we decided to make a quick run for it.

We had a hurried early dinner, dashed to the car, fished out the map and we were on our way. After about a hundred meters or so we noticed that the car temperature gauge was going up so we pulled the car over to the side. Being ladies and not knowing much about cars, we were like damsels in distress. I can't remember exactly what transpired in those few moments but vaguely remembered someone saying that we have a blown head gasket. And before long we had the Los Angeles auto repair attending to the car.

We had to extend our stay in Los Angeles for another day for us to cover Knotts before journeying on to San Diego.

Learning to bake and cook is fun

2011-01-15T14:56:00.004+08:00

This weekend had been very tiring for me. I am taking inventory of all my tupperware goodies (I have boxes and boxes of them) and at the same time trying my hands at baking and the likes of it.

Learning to cook, bake, etc can be fun but at the same time tiring. Not for someone who is past over half a century and one who does not know what is the difference between yeast and baking powder etc. I rely greatly on the net and what you read from the net can be quite uncomprehending, simply because it all seems "french" to me.

Yesterday I tried hand kneading the bread dough and it turned out to be a laugh. It was edible but I would not risk it for fear of indigestion. Today's turn out was a disaster. Next I tried making kaya. Oh! it tastes real good (at least by my standards) but it was a little lumpy though. Anyone who cares to try the kaya, only on one condition. You must say it is good. LOL!

I am not resigning to the fact that I cant cook and stop at it. I will be hammering at it till I get some decent bread and kaya. And I have about less than a month to semi-perfect that.

It is so much fun learning. You are never too old to learn.

Great start to a brand new year 2011

2011-01-01T09:56:00.005+08:00

Ga Xiong District, Tibet - July 2010

This morning as I sat and revisited all my thoughts of yester years I was pleasantly surprsie by Minam Rinpoche's call. He sends his new year greetings to all his Dharma friends in Malaysia, India and far and wide. He updated me on Norling Library, Wamlung Monastery and Xining Retreat Houses.

Norling is still awaiting the government's decision on whether to rebuild or ...... As for Wamlung Monastery it is now 80% completed and he hopes to have it all ready by Losar. At the moment Xining Retreat Houses is still on hold until the winter is over.

2011 is going to be a very good year. Rinpoche gave the best present of all. Thank you for starting my new year with such great joys.

To Rinpoche :

La-ma ku-kham sang-war sol-wa deb

Chog-tu ku-tshe ring-war sol-wa deb

Trin-ley dar-shing gye-par sol-wa deb

La-ma-dang dral-wa me-par jyin-gyi lob

Thank you 2010

2010-12-31T11:59:00.004+08:00

(Photo taken in Wamlung, Tibet)

The merry making and merriment is still very much in the air as evidenced by the traffic jams in and around the shopping malls. I have had my fair share of going to the shopping malls, trying to get last minute gifts and catching up with friends to seal up the year.

2010 seemed to be a not so good year for many because of some challenges to nature but as we all know, after the rain we shall see the sun and in some instances, a beautiful rainbow. For the more fortunate ones, like you and me, do not forget the less fortunate creed. Lend a hand whenever you are able to. If we are given a chance to offer a smile or do a good deed, do not lose that moment or that opportunity to help because it is not everyday that we are given that chance.

I would like to wrap up 2010 with lots of hugs and laughter to all and shall greet 2011 with more hugs and laughter, joys, good health and load of abundance. Have a great 2011.

I shall be blogging less in Inner Journey except for some musings. Do visit Cherish Wellness for more goodies.

Festivities and travels

2010-12-09T14:40:00.005+08:00

Golden Temple in Amritsar ( Picture taken by Lhamo La/Paldon La)

Christmas is fast approaching and then the new year will come around. Before long it will be Chinese Losar in February. From now till then it will be shopping for Christmas, for Chinese Losar and also for the Tibetan Losar in March. It adds a little colour to an otherwise mundane life.

I cant even remember when was the last time I took a holiday with my daughter. It must have been at least 5 years or even more. This Christmas we will be spending it out of town on a 3 day - 2 night holiday with a treasure hunt thrown in.

I will be heading down south for the Chinese Losar to celebrate with my siblings. It will be for about 5 to 7 days. That means I will be back in town on or about 10 February. That leaves me only 3 days to do my packing to India.

To let you into a secret ...... I am almost done with my packing to India whilst my other two trips remain at zero.

In all my travels to India I have never been to Amritsar. Will like to spend a few days in Amritsar this coming trip. And look out for the pictures of the Golden Temple. Promise you loads of pictures.

For now I have to take care of the cough that has bugged me since my return from Yushu in August.

2010 has only 4 weeks left!

2010-12-03T22:57:00.006+08:00

I have never given time any serious thought until I received an email from a friend - 2010 has only 4 weeks left. Time has again zipped us by. Again the same question at every year end. What have I done for this year?

What does December 2010 means:

· 4 more working Mondays

· 1 more salary cheque

· 1 more working month

· 4 weeks to plan where you will be, coming New Year

· 4 more weekends

. And time to plan for another trip :)

I am ready to welcome 2011 with love and joy.
Love, Light & Laughter to all!

Inner Journey will stay

2010-11-30T21:22:00.002+08:00

Inner Journey will be maintained for personal musings and updates on Minam Rinpoche

I am migrating

2010-11-17T22:12:00.002+08:00

I have found a new home in Cherish Wellness. It has 3 rooms (3 authors) and a huge garden with an array of beautiful blooms and flowers. Come on over to pick your bouquet

Only in India

2010-11-16T00:26:00.006+08:00

With the new airport in operation we thought our ride from Indira Ghandi International Airport to the city will be a breeze, possibly with all the ring roads in place. After years of visiting India, I still have a story to tell.
As we notoriously weave through the roads in and around Delhi the mind numbing sounds of horns, grime and filth enveloped us. Unlike most cities in the world, the comedic road scenes in India fill many a traveler’s heart with memories that last a life time. Only in India can one witness buses, cars, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, motor bikes, tractors, horse drawn carts, ox carts towed by people, buffalo carts, elephants, cows, pigs, goats, dogs, pedestrians, camels and what have you, all on the same road. Hilarously you will see crowds of traffic dodging the cows while they arrogantly make their way across the street to the nearest garbage pile or standing in the middle of the road chewing on some yesterday’s papers.

Can you see the goat at the back of the car?

Only in India will you see the entrepreneur skill of man. It intrigued me when I saw a row of entrepreneurs along an overhead bridge near Manju Tilla (Majnu-ka-tilla), each with a bathroom weighing scale. Two of my friends stood on the scales and the charges for the two of them were 3 Indian Rupees (RM0.20). The ear cleaner, shoe polisher, barber, the street girls and boys, etc make up the rest of these entrepreneurs.

On our way down from Dehra Dun to Delhi our driver pulled by the side of the road and showed a sign which I took it that he wanted to make a phone call (showing his little finger with the thumb slightly protruding). The first thing that came to my mind was “Oh no, not again.” I thought he was pulling by the side of the road to call his friends for direction to Manju Tilla. I was cracking at the sides when my Tibetan friend told me that he wanted to have a pee. The next day at the airport I asked a security officer where can I find the washroom and seeing his confused look I decided to show him the little finger sign. He immediately lit up and pointed me to the “Ladies” sign. Only in India!

All said and done, I had another memorable stay. See you again India.

Diwali In India

2010-11-06T17:29:00.004+08:00

5 November 2010

Today is Diwali. For lunch I cooked “lap cheong” (sausage) rice and the old time favourite, ABC soup. Our Tibetan friends came with Buff Momo (buffalo meat). Our lunch table crowd has grown from 5 in 2009 to 7 this year, with the addition of 2 new staff at the library. Most of the monks will have their lunch outdoor taking advantage of and basking in the warm sunlight on a cool afternoon.

The sweets (desserts) I bought from Kumar Sweet Shop was nothing short of being delicious. It kind of tastes the same but then again each piece tastes a tad different. I like the little green round ones the best. Not too sweet and not too milky too.

At Kulhan, the whole night, starting from around 7.00pm to way past midnight, was filled with colourful lights and thunderous sound from the fireworks and crackers. From my room looking towards hilltop Mussoorie, this honeymoon resort came alive with most abodes lighted up and fireworks displaying various colours in their outbursts.

Though I did not get into the bazaar I am sure it must have been filled with much gaiety and abundance as they welcome Lakshimi to bless their homes

My days in Kulhan

2010-11-04T17:05:00.004+08:00

This year my cooking utensils, electric stove have changed. I have a new rice cooker, new bowls and new mugs (with compliments from our Tibetan friends) minus ladles and a real classic gas stove. Using this stove was fun. I had to squat down to do the cooking and it made me laugh so much. This egg has a big load of great laughter and happy energies. The only "set back" is when you squat down to cook, it gives you the feel of wanting go to the toilet hahahaha.

The stove actually sits on top of the gas tank and it comes in one piece. Very convenient. Filling in gas for this tank costs only Rupees 150 (RM10.00).

Hello from India

2010-11-03T17:05:00.002+08:00

Arrived Delhi on 30 October. The new airport is up and running and it gives India a fresh outlook. But once you get out of the airport, you get back into "India" again. Despite of the recent Commonwealth Games, nothing has really changed in India.

Stayed the night at MT. Next day caught the train to Kulhan. Holiness will be away till May next year and that leaves some kind of a vacuum at Songtsen.

Diwali is on Friday (5 October) and we may be going to town to join in the celebrations which will last whole night long. And by then I hope to be able to upload some pictures (the internet connection at Songtsen has improved greatly so uploading of pictures should pose no problem now).

Till next update - cheers!!

Norling Library is still standing

2010-10-26T19:47:00.002+08:00

Norling was suppose to be demolished some weeks back but the latest news from Rinpoche is that the library has yet to come down. It is because of the thousands of library books that need to be brought down from the second floor of Norling and the storage space involved. Until then Norling still exists.

ISETAN sales versus METROJAYA - I felt RIPPED

2010-10-24T15:37:00.004+08:00

(Colour may seem different because of photography but they are exactly the same colour, same cut, same size, same brand)

I feel RIPPED.

I bought a three quarter length pants at Isetan yesterday (23 October) at the Midvalley outlet. I thought it was a good buy as they were offering 50% discount off RM83.00 (RM41.50). WOW! good deal, right?

Not until I went shopping at The Curve today (24 October) and consistently I picked up a pair of three quarter pants. I paid RM24.90 for it. There was no big hoo-hah, no sales price. Just simply RM24.90.

When I got home I took out both the purchases and what shocked me was I have bought EXACTLY the same pants that I bought at Isetan yesterday. SOUTH CHINA SEA

ISETAN RM83.00 less 50% = RM41.50

Metrojaya RM24.90 nett

Know why I feel ripped now. Never again will I shop at Isetan!!!

India - pre departure (Grandma & grandson)

2010-10-23T11:10:00.004+08:00

Ryan's comfort zone - a cardboard box

This morning as I was going downstairs with my “food bag” to India, Ryan came out from his room after his shower, and asked to be walked down the stairs. Grandma and grandson had a classic conversation as we held hands and walked down the stairs

Ryan : Popo, just now where were you?
Grandma : Downstairs loh
Ryan : What you doing downstairs?
Grandma : Popo doing packing
Ryan : Go where?
Grandma : India loh
Ryan : AGAIN! (with a drag in his voice)

Minutes later …..

Ryan : Popo, what is this?
Grandma : Ikan bilis (anchovies)
Ryan : For what?
Grandma : Make soup loh
Ryan : Popo, India got no cups and spoon. You better bring your own, (what gave him the idea that India is so backward)

He ran to the kitchen to tell and ask his mummy to get Popo a cup and spoon. Mummy hinted that soup should be taken from a bowl but he insisted it’s from a cup. We adjourned back to the living hall where Ryan sat down and posed me this question

Ryan : Popo, you go to India to sit like this ah ? (in a meditative pose)

How on earth does a 3 year old boy know that his grandma goes to India to sit like this? I thought mummy must have told him that in answer to his many questions but mummy vouched she had never made any mention before.

I await more questions from Ryan from now to my departure.

I Was Upset

2010-10-18T21:37:00.001+08:00

A rare thing happened today. I felt upset, really, truly upset! I am still human after all. After talking to a close friend about my “upsetness” and laughing over it, I am back to being me again.

Live A Life That Matters

2010-10-12T09:14:00.007+08:00

I do not know exactly who are the people who came up with the script as well as the powerpoint creation. I enjoy it so much and would like to share with all of you.

Credits to Author: Michael Josephson and Nidokidos

Summer Whisper

2010-10-01T23:37:00.002+08:00

When you are in the mood for shopping you will have a thousand and one reasons for buying what you least need. Included in my shopping list today was Summer Whisper. The reason I gave myself, to justify owning Summer Whisper is that it will come into need when I do my travelling. But who was I trying to kid? No other than myself. I definitely do not need it on any of my travels. My trips to India will see me there during the winter months and during summer when I visit Tibet I still need to bring my Long Johns.

Summer Whisper is a little fan, half the size of my palm. Don’t be deceived by the size. It works wonderfully. This neat little gadget runs on 2-AAA batteries. You can be sure it will be in my bag wherever I go to justify this purchase.

Norling Library Will Be Demolished

2010-09-27T18:52:00.003+08:00

Norling Library 100% damaged

The pre-fab houses

The demolition authorities have reached Norling Library area. Norling is going to come down. Rinpoche went back into Yushu a couple of days ago to attend to the moving down of the 50,000 over library books. The rebuilding of the library remains uncertain. The books will be temporary stored in the 6 pre-fab houses which Rinpoche built just before I arrived Yushu in July.

Though the library is gone, the mission and vision of Rinpoche live on. Your contributions will go a long way towards Rinpoche’s projects. Apart from cash contributions, you can also shop at Himalaya Hearts (click on link) “Charity Fund Raise”. 100% of profits or proceeds from this category goes towards Rinpoche’s projects.

Retreat Center In Xining

2010-09-03T19:38:00.003+08:00

Something is brewing, something is in the grapevine. Apart from the good news that Wamlung Monastery is under construction, Rinpoche informed that a retreat center in Xining is also planned for completion by July 2011.

This place is about half an hour from Xining, away from the hustle and bustle of life but yet near enough to amenities. Since the winter months are just round the corner, this project will only begin in spring next year. It will consist of retreat rooms for lay people as well as for monks. It has not been decided whether these rooms will be in single units or built in a row. Rinpoche favours the former as it allows privacy and quietude versus the latter which may not be suitable for those who are on solitude retreat. This greatly depends on the fundings available.

When I was in Yushu, Rinpoche tried to arrange for a place for me to go in for a week but faced the challenges of amenities, safety measures, basic “creature comforts” etc. In Xining he thought it can be made possible. We went to a monastery in Kumbum and we faced the same tune. I know of many friends in Malaysia who has the want of doing a retreat but such places are few and far between.

This area is sprawled over many acres of land with a stream running in between the high and the low plains. Cool in summer and cool in winter as well. This makes it a splendid place the whole year round.

If anyone of you wish to play a part in getting this up, please drop me a note. I do not have the cost projection of this set up but it will cost approximately RM15,000 to RM20,000 for a single unit room (it will be cheaper if they are built in rows). You can either sponsor a unit or just simply make a contribution towards the building of the retreat center. Will update on progress once available.

With gratitude

Unusual Durians

2010-09-01T00:08:00.003+08:00

The durian fruits grow at the foot and on the trunks of the plant. They belong to the Orang Asli and are not grown commercially. Wonder how they taste? Can the taste match their 'urban friends" - "red prawn" (hung har) or the "mountain cat king" (mau sarn wong).

Ryan's Birthday At Genting Highlands

2010-08-31T22:07:00.000+08:00

A city of blue tents

2010-08-30T01:10:00.001+08:00

A city of blue tents. It isn’t a place I have visited before. All the landmarks and reference points that I have put so much effort in remembering – the great steamboat restaurant, the market places, Yak Square where trading of cordyceps was like buying and selling of ikan bilis, Princess Hotel the place I used to stay, the little family shops along the main road near to Norling Library – are all gone, replaced by rubbles, cleared land and an ocean of blue tents. Many buildings are cordoned, awaiting demolition. Almost everyone is either living or doing business in blue tents.

When I left Yushu I left my sleeping bag, winter jacket, warm clothings, thermal wear, socks and everything that will help clothe someone warm for the coming winter. In Yushu there are only 3 months of cool weather, leaving the other 9 months biting, freezing cold. They are expected to live in this condition for the next 3 to 5 years.

Nomadic Children near Wamlung Monastery

2010-08-25T21:57:00.001+08:00

A test of driving skills - trip to Wamlung

2010-08-25T21:51:00.001+08:00

Yushu July 2010 - Journey Into Wamlung

2010-08-24T18:08:00.010+08:00

Double rainbows

The next part of the journey took me to Nangchen town and into the Ga Xiong District which is well over 5000 meters above sea level. The truck departed at 5.00am on 11 July. At 6.00am my alarm jingled me out of bed to a cool, crisp morning. We left Yushu at 7.30am, heading to Nangchen town. After a 2 hour ride, we made an R&R stop, where the men were seen heading in one direction and me heading a different direction. It is a common rule that one does not follow someone on a stroll during such an R&R stop. It is a call of nature stop!

An hour later we reached Nangchen town. Clusters of mud dwellings dotted the outskirts of this town. We made a 3 hour stop; lunch and a short wait for 2 units of 4-Wheel Drive that will take us across peculiar variety of scenes and huge ranges of pristine mountains.

The drive from Nangchen to the hot spring near Wamlung averages on an altitude of about 5,000 meters. This 5 hour journey takes you through breathtakingly spectacular landscapes which helps take one’s mind away from the numbness of the rocky, harsh ride. We caught up with our truck which broke down soon after Nangchen town.

We reached the hot spring around sevenish and Rinpoche immediately made arrangement for the night’s accommodation. On Rinpoche’s request one tribal family gave up their tent for me to put up for the night while Rinpoche camped out on that cold, raining night. Next morning after a hurried breakfast, we left for Wamlung Monastery foothills, another hour from the hot spring.
Rinpoche's tent for the night at the hot spring

My room for the night at the hot spring

Local tribes

Had to hike up

The welcoming at Wamlung foothills was warm and we were immediately ushered in for another round of breakfast – tsampa and butter tea. I had to politely decline and resorted to my Iko biscuits. My abode for the next few days was a little blue “suite” in a garden (Ling-kha Doe-khang) with sofa and coffee table, 2 mattresses complete with TV. Toilet was yonder and don’t even bother to think about having a bath. Staying up at Wamlung Monastery was out of the question because of the high altitude and even at the Wamlung foothills one has to battle with the thin air.

The monks and some lay people were trying their best to cater to my taste buds and even came up with porridge (with milk!!!!!!!). I tried to compromise my taste buds but failed miserably. I lost much weight. After 2 days the truck arrived and along with them were vegetables, fruits, noodles, etc. My cravings were delightfully spoilt. I saw light again.
Blue tent my room and colourful tent Rinpoche's. Notice the satelite dish and solar panel outside my tent

My room in the garden or garden in my room

With TV set too

My room with sofa and table
The next day I was taken up to Wamlung Monastery. Construction was underway and hopefully by next summer the 4 storey building complete with separate monks’ quarters and retreat houses will be ready. Wamlung Monastery had been in a dilapidating state and the shrine hall finally gave way in September 2009.

Artist Impression of Wamlung Monastery

My blue tent & Rinpoche's tent

Wamlung Monastery's kitchen

Main shrine hall that collapsed in 2009

Cracking walls - Monks' quarters
To sum it up, a trip to Wamlung Monastery and to the Ga Xiong District is no ordinary adventure. The high altitude and thin air, maneuvering dangerous stretches of road, the inconveniences or absence of basic “comfort stations” are deterrents to many a traveler but if one has enough conviction and determination, you can even move the many majestic mountains and be rewarded with many masterpieces of nature.

Long and winding road

Dro-ma plant

Cordyceps

Tsampa plant

Yushu July 2010 - Update 1

2010-08-22T01:20:00.007+08:00

Landed at Chengdu airport on 3 July at 1.30pm. Rinpoche arranged for a friend to pick me up. After checking into the hotel I took a much needed shower as Chengdu was hot. I explored Jinli Street during dinner time but had some problem with the Chinese language and at times had to resort to sign language. Had an early night to rest my body for the great assault over the next one month. Next morning I was back at Chengdu airport for my onward journey to Xining.

Xining by night

Dinner prepared by Rinpoche's caretaker

Arrived Xining at 3.30pm and Rinpoche was there waiting. Stayed the next two days in Xining to acclimatize before setting foot into Yushu. The flight to Yushu on 6 July took an hour versus by road which took me 18 hours in 2009. As the plane descended I had tears in my eyes, remembering the old Yushu and not knowing what to expect of the now devastated Yushu. Thupa and Ganyuk were there to pick us.

My eyes were blurred as we drove into town, passed Rinpoche’s completely flattened family house and a few meters away, Thupa’s badly damaged house. I could not snap any pictures as a part of me was numbed by what I saw (write up and pictures over next few articles)

Reached Norling Library, proud and majestic amidst all flattened buildings. The school behind Norling was down. About 80 school children perished on that fateful day. Norling, though standing, is 100% structurally damaged and will be pulled down at a later date. The 2 guestrooms, showers and toilets were undamaged. The guestrooms though undamaged were unsafe to stay. The clinic now serves as a temporary store and kitchen.

Rinpoche, with the help from an organization, had 6 rooms erected just before I arrived. These rooms were intended as storage rooms for the 50,000 over library books that will be brought down later from the first floor. Meantime it was home for Rinpoche and me.
In my room were two mattresses laid on a carpeted floor, with 3 floor tables. It was made homely with 2 “sofas” and a coffee table. Thupa and his 2 siblings, Kush and a few others live in the 3 government tents erected in front of these 6 new rooms.

The showers have no doors or curtains

It was a non-activity day/acclimatization day on the day I arrived. Over the next 4 days Kush brought me to Lepa Gou, Mani Pile, Princess Wen Cheng Stopover, Thrangu grounds, etc. One morning when I awoke I saw a big truck with a few lamas and a handful of workers loading things into the truck. I knew it was time to make the trip to Wamlung.

Wamlung monks loading mattresses, floor cushions, vegetables, pots & pans and building materials for next day's trip into Wamlung Monastery

I was both excited and apprehensive about making this trip to Wamlung which is more than 5,000 meters above sea level. Will I be able to take the altitude? What if I have altitude sickness and it becomes severe? Will they be able to transport me down in time (the roads are hopelessly bad)? Rinpoche mentioned there are bears and wolves at Wamlung. What if they decide to visit me at my tent? There will be no baths for the number of days that I am there. No toilets. Sleep in tents. Freezing cold at night. There is no backing out. This trip is definitely on. This is the first time that Rinpoche is taking any visitor up to Wamlung and I cannot chicken out. After all I am going with Rinpoche and with his blessings everything will be alright.

More to come …. The journey into Wamlung and the devastated Yushu …

Cyclone Earthquake in Yushu..What's next?!

2010-07-06T12:14:00.005+08:00

A cyclone struck the Yushu area recently and about 200 people were killed. It is so sad.

Tents are providing temporary shelter but it seems the rain and strong winds are adding to the sufferings. Especially the wind. Temperatures can drop and with inadequate warm clothes and proper shelter....

The next stage of the journey will take me on to Yushu and Nangchen. Will know the situation once there.

Inner Journey Will Be In Yushu Starting 3 July

2010-07-02T22:33:00.002+08:00

Hello friends,
I will be away in Yushu for an indefinite period and may not have updates until I return. But if I have a chance to get onto a computer, I will do some posts of pictures of Yushu after the quake.
Cheers, stay well and happy always

Yushu's New Hotels After The Earthquake

2010-06-30T23:17:00.002+08:00

Who says there is no hotel accommodation in Yushu? At least 2 outfits have started providing accommodation to tourists with the concept of “Tent Inns”. How ingenious!

Each tent measures 15 square meters and has 2 beds with TV and facilities of a normal hotel room. The only downside to these “Tent Inns” is that there is no bath and toilet attached. Surrounding these 100 over rooms (180 beds) are restaurants, which can house 300 people, and entertainment outlets. These “Tent Inns” are natural 5-star hotel sitting on a vast stretch of grassland with magnificent sceneries. What more can one asks for. Three more “Tent Inns” are expected to be ready in the near future and a pre-fab hotel is expected to be completed by 1 July (that is tomorrow). This pre-fab hotel is able to accommodate at least 400 people

Update on situation in Yushu

2010-06-19T00:02:00.006+08:00

Norling Library Opening Ceremony in July 2007

Norling Library after the earthquake.

Though standing proud, it is structurally damaged 100%

I read in one of the blogs that electricity has yet to be restored in Yushu and I was a little worried. That means to say my handphone will not get charged once the battery runs out and I will be out of communicado with my family members in Malaysia. I quickly went in search for my “portable phone charger”, a gift from Hong Kong Bank. This charger has multiple adaptors to fit any Nokia phones and it runs on 4 AAA batteries. I excitedly fix the batteries and put my phone to charge but ALAS, it isn’t working. The red indicator light is on but the bars on the phone isn’t moving. Da ga-re je-go yo-na (now what shall I do).

I was informed by Minam Rinpoche today that I will be living in a tent in Yushu on the grounds of old Norling Library. I quickly checked the temperatures – night temperature is around 7 degrees Centigrade. And living in a tent! I rummaged through my home collections to get my sleeping bag out. And some long johns too. And a good Pashmina shawl. In all my travels to winter-lands I never had to pack so much.

All done and with a pat on my back I decided t o check if the Chengdu travel agent has confirmed my flight from Chengdu to Xining and also the hotel accommodation too. Yes, all in place. And I spent some time browsing through the net when I chance upon this article. So there will be electricity after all and my handphone batteries will get charged and the camera batteries too. Minam Rinpoche is one of the beneficiaries of the Catholic Social Services and he now has a generator at the library grounds

HONG KONG (UCAN) — Catholic relief workers are cooperating with Tibetan Buddhist lamas to bring relief aid to the earthquake victims in Qinghai province.

By the end of April, the joint operations had delivered five electricity generators and 30 tons of fresh vegetables to Yushu county, the center of the damage from the quake.

One of the beneficiaries of the aid, Venerable Minam Rinpoche, 44, a lama who runs a four-story library near the epicenter of the quake said he was touched by the interreligious cooperation.

It was “opening a new page in history,” he told Hebei Faith Press, a sister organization of Catholic social services group Jinde.

He hoped to see further cooperation that would enhance friendship between Catholics and Buddhists as well as between ethnic Han and Tibetans.

“As the disaster area has no electricity yet, we have encountered difficulties in daily life such as using mobile phones and computers. The generator can really help our library a lot,” Rinpoche said.

His library, which opened in 2007, was severely damaged when 90 percent of the town’s buildings were collapsed. However, all 50,000 books and scriptures of Buddhist, Christian and other religions remained intact, he said.

Even before the joint work with the Buddhists, Catholic social service groups were banding together to bring relief to survivors of the April 14 quake.

The Relief Office, jointly set up by the Shijiazhuang-based Jinde Charities and the Catholic Social Services Center of Xi’an diocese, sent a 2,000-kilowatt electricity generator to a resettlement zone on April 28 to solve the survivors’ lighting problem.

After discussions with Buddhist lamas and workers, the office donated another four generators to Buddhist institutions in Yushu – the library, a temple, an orphanage and an institute for higher education.

Lama Dance - Deer Dance

2010-06-12T23:35:00.001+08:00

Cham or Lama Dance was started by Guru Rinpoche in Tibet. It is said that anyone who watches this dance with great devotion will be protected during their bardo state. It also helps remove negative karma and obstacles. This dance is the emanation of Heruka which is the reincarnation of Samantabhadra, the guru of Guru Rinpoche

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche at Ratnashri PJ, Malaysia

2010-06-05T21:13:00.001+08:00

Ratnashri Buddhist Center, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Committee Members doing Mandala Offering

I am going to Yushu with about 15 companions

2010-06-01T22:18:00.005+08:00

I was feeling a little apprehensive with my forthcoming trip to Yushu but my heart tells me - the trip will be great. I am actually getting ready for the trip. Got all my Long Johns out for a wash, cleared my lightest and smallest luggage bag. I have to travel as light as I possibly can since there will be no one to give me a hand and no feet to stand by me.

I remember in year 2000 when I went to Nepal I had an entourage of about 12 companions travelling with me. And with this bright idea, I decided to search for my 'friends'. I rummaged through my store rooms and these are what I found ......

and many more too. But I have decided on these few as they are small and cuddly and fits into my luggage bag. So to speak, they were all hand picked for this trip. Like in year 2000 to Nepal, these toys will be distributed in Yushu. I wish I can bring more so that more children can have something to call their own. But take a look at my bag .... my clothes are not in yet and it is almost packed to the brim.

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche Bathing The Buddha Ceremony

2010-05-31T11:55:00.001+08:00

Life Release on Wesak Day withDrikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche(2)

2010-05-31T11:53:00.001+08:00

Life Release on Wesak Day with Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche in Malaysia

2010-05-31T11:50:00.001+08:00

Saga Dawa And Wesak Day With Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche

2010-05-31T11:43:00.001+08:00

Another Disaster

2010-05-22T14:09:00.003+08:00

It is another sad day this morning as a plane crashed in Southern India, killing about 160 people on board. The plane was arriving Mangalore airport from Dubai when it over shot a hilltop runway, crashed and burst into flames.

Mother Earth needs healing. For all healing practitioners, let us all spend some moments each day to send healing energies back to Mother Earth. Let us all put our hearts together to say a prayer every morning when we rise and every evening before we retire.

For those who are familiar with the Twin Heart Meditation, let us humbly request the Universal Supreme Being to invoke Its divine blessings for light, love, illumination and protection. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Despair … hope. Where there is darkness … light. Sadness … YOU. With thanks and in full faith, so be it!

Yushu Here I Come

2010-05-19T16:28:00.004+08:00

Plans are brewing, the date has been set. 2nd July I will be heading to Yushu. I do not know what is in store, where I will live, how I will cope both physically and emotionally when I next see Yushu.

To prepare for this trip, I am at the moment brewing Rose Roots (Hong Jing Tian) to consume daily for the next one month plus. This herb helps in both chi and blood circulation. It helps to keep our body in better condition thus aiding in minimizing altitude sickness. I cant say it will eliminate altitude sickness as some of my friends who went with me to Yushu last year were also on Rose Roots but they had some minor challenges with the thin air.

This year’s travel is made easy with the new airport in service. Last year I spent 18 hours on the road from Xining to Yushu. It was certainly a very arduous and perilous journey but, believe me, it was worth all the discomforts and anxieties (narrow, winding roads). The sceneries were breathtaking. Stretching out into the horizon were multitudes of mustard fields, green mountains on one stretch of road and black mountains on another stretch. All these were real and yet seemed so very unreal. It was like driving through some illustrations in a fairy tale book. For any first timers into Yushu I would strongly encourage them to take the road instead of flying into Yushu.

I will need to do a lot of homework before I go. I have to make sure I have many many camera batteries, all fully charged, because I may end up staying in tents with no electricity to do the charging. More than anything else I have to be prepared for the unprepared.

Song dedicate to the victims of Kyegudo Earthquake

2010-05-19T00:12:00.000+08:00

2012 ???

2010-05-14T21:40:00.003+08:00

Today is 14 May, a month has gone by since the Yushu Earthquake. It may seem a long time and many have put this quake behind them and the people of Yushu are picking up their pieces and getting back into their life. My friend, Kunsang, has gone cordyceps harvesting about 10 days back. Life goes on.

I watched the movie “2012” this morning. It brought torrents of emotions as it brought my imagination to live of what the people of Yushu experienced. For the past month I only heard the news, read the papers, saw all the horrid pictures on the internet and listened to the Tibetan songs dedicated to all the earthquake victims. All these were filtered news i.e. we did not see the actual collapse of buildings, we did not see the fear on their faces, we did not see the grief of these people seeing their loved ones perished.

This morning I lived through the sorrows and nightmares of our friends in Yushu as I watched “2012”. Because the Yushu earthquake is still so fresh, there had been times during the day that I mistook the show “2012” as something real and I would go into the ‘sad mode’ once again. It’s time I pick up the pieces and go into gear of how and what we can do to help the people of Yushu.

Song dedicated to the children of Yushu Earthquake Tibet_Yangchuk Tso

2010-05-08T10:23:00.003+08:00

"Small legs lost between the stones

Mother`s lap suddenly got cold

Weeping, shouting to father and mother

I fear, I tremble

FATHER/MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER

My black hair coverd by the dust

My small body squeezed by the wall

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Search me once with your eyes

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Hold me once with your hands

Small flower destroyed by the storm

Mother`s song suddenly got cut off

Suffering pain, hopelessly

I feel cold, i feel hungry

FATHER/MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER

My little playground is destroyed

My brethern, friends are pushed seperated

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Call my name once

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Kiss me once

MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER"

With thanks to: Gangthuk Tibet Boedpa for posting it into his Facebook.

Translation from Tibetan to English by JIGDO

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=572356653#!/profile.php?id=100000750113271&v=wall&story_fbid=124564594225855

Yushu - After The Quake - What Next!

2010-05-06T22:02:00.001+08:00

Three weeks into the Yushu earthquake and as news disappear from the world’s front pages, survivors’ needs increase. Temperatures are still at sub zero. They still lack the very basic necessities of warm clothings, blankets, fuel for cooking etc. They are living on meager food supplies and are driniking water from unsafe sources.

Those who survived the quake are psychologically traumatised. When they are awake they are nervous and when they fall asleep nightmares haunt them. Many of them are suicidal. They face an uncertain future after losing all that they have – family members and their homes.

No amount is too small as a gift to the people of Yushu. For every dollar you will be able to provide a bowl of warm meal, a bottle of clean water or even something to keep them warm. Below is an estimate of what your contributions can do for them :

* A jacket costs : 2 USD.
* A blanket costs : 2.40 USD.
* A toothbrush costs : 0.15 USD.
* One ton of coal costs : 51 USD.
* 20 * 500ml bottled water : 2.20 USD.
* Flashlight : 2.90 USD.

An orphanage, a clinic and library will be built on the grounds of former Norling Library. Norling Library was the brain child of Minam Rinpoche. It was a four storey building which stood proudly in the town of Yushu. Many people, especially children, thronged this library daily.

If you wish to be part of the Norling Library – Orphanage – Clinic project, let’s join hands with Minam Rinpoche to make Yushu a better place for the people of Yushu.

Updates from Minam Rinpoche - Xining

2010-04-30T21:12:00.005+08:00

(Rinpoche's sister who perished in the quake)

Hong Kong entertainment industry is concerned about Norling Library. Hong Kong Film Director, Alan Mak and actor Mo Shaocong spoke with Rinpoche on the future of the people in Yushu. Rinpoche stressed that the immediate needs of the homeless people, the orphans and prayers for the deceased must be addressed with utmost priority. Rinpoche so far has personally come out with 300,000 yuan (excluding funds that are being sent) to buy tents, 215 solar energy system and also the basic necessities as in food and water.

Rinpoche has taken on the responsibility of looking after 20 orphans and he intends to build an orphanage - “Norling Orphanage”. He hopes that charitable organizations will join hands in this project.

Yushu Earthquake - Before & After

2010-04-27T22:59:00.008+08:00

BEFORE : Yushu town

AFTER : Yushu Town

BEFORE : Overlooking Jiegu through the Chortens of the Ga Kye Gu Monastery, a popular place of worship for Jiegu's Tibetan community

AFTER: Tibetan monks are helping with the relief efforts.

BEFORE: Gesar Square on Jiegu's main street

AFTER: Gesar Square is now being used as a quake relief camp for survivors.

BEFORE: Woman sitting outside the markets on Jiegu's main road amid Tibetan mastiffs collars displayed for sale on the motorcycle handles.

AFTER: A roadblock stops motorcyclists in Jiegu in anticipation of Hu Jintao's visit on April 18, 2010.

BEFORE: The winged horse symbolizes things beautiful and wild celebrated in the horse festivals of the Khampa for which this town is famous. This statue still stands but the buildings around this major intersection are mostly gone.

AFTER: The building still standing in the upper left hand corner of this photo can be seen in in the previous photo of the township.

BEFORE: Pilgrims would spin prayer wheels, click rossaries, recite mantras, and add stones carved with prayers as they circumambulate the Jiana Mani temple, also known as the world's largest Mani stone pile.

AFTER: The Mani stones still remain, but the atmosphere is decidedly different.

BEFORE: Kids take a break from holy circumambulations for a fairy floss break amidst painted mani stones.

AFTER: Hunger is now a problem for the children

Kilung Earthquake Relief 2010

2010-04-27T09:35:00.003+08:00

This article is extracted from an email that I received in my mailbox this morning.

Thank you one and all!

The outpouring from around the world was tremendous. Kilung Rinpoche’s vision fulfilled: Our friends in the wide world did become one warm heart to help raise the hopes of the devastated people of Kyekudo for their future. We exceeded our goal! (see below)

Our team of Kilung monks, community members, and friends from China tirelessly brought Tibetan food and goods to Kyeku, distributing relief in three days to over 2,000 striken individuals, including Tibetans, Chinese, and Muslims. The milk products, tsampa, and tea were enough to feed each person for 12 days. We also gave out ceramic bowls, lighters, candles, water, teakettles, soap, and first aid supplies.

The recipients were more than thrilled to receive healthy Tibetan food. Many of them pleaded for extra packages for those who couldn’t leave their tents. There were many grateful reports that our trucks were the only going to the far corners of the encampment grounds, serving folks who had previously received fewer supplies and food than others in the camp. While there was some other tsampa being distributed in Kyeku, we heard there were no other milk products, and so ours were received with resounding joy. When other NGOs heard about our butter and cheese packages, they were inspired for the future.

See more compelling photos by team member Trindar Getse showing the process from packing up food in Dzachuka, to delivery to outstretched hands and hearts in Kyeku.

The day after the earthquake, as Kilung Rinpoche and i were conceiving this plan, we gulped at the thought of raising the $32,000 needed, wondering if enough donors would answer the call. But the emergency nature of the situation required us to take a leap of faith…and did you ever deliver! In one week, we not only made the goal, but exceeded it: Over $38,000 was sent or pledged. We just can’t thank you enough!

Some of the surplus money will make possible a second trip to Kyeku with additional tsampa (barley flour), already ordered and milled for us. Another buying trip is needed to Ganze for the small camping stoves on our original delivery list.

The Kilung Foundation is planning to extend the relief effort to needy Kyeku earthquake victims for the next two to three years. Government relief has provided tents, packaged food, water, and most recently, the start of electricity and temporary housing in the form of metal huts. But we know that individual families are still in need of much to get them over the hump until Kyeku has been put back together again.

Our plan: To provide essential, nutritious milk products from Dzachuka to 50 Kyeku families for the next two to three years. We will do this in a sustainable way: by buying 100 yaks, grazing them on land provided by Kilung Monastery, cared for by several Kilung nomad families.* Milk products will be trucked over to Kyeku twice a year, and delivered to the 50 families that our monastery team has identified as most needy, with the advice of Kyeku community leaders and elders.

How you can help: Sponsor a Kyeku Family for $36/month for two years.

This will buy the two yaks (dri) needed for each family. 48 sponsors are needed, because Kilung Foundation has already sponsored two families with surplus money. Sponsors are needed by May 30 to purchase 100 yaks before start of the summer milking season. First delivery to Kyeku: mid-summer 2010!

To sponsor:
1. Send a check to Kilung Foundation, PO Box 622, Langley, WA 98260, or,
2. Go to our website to use your credit card, including automatic donations, or,
3. Email us for more information, including about automatic bank payments.

All donations tax-deductible. We will send tax receipts.

In addition to helping the earthquake families, our plan will benefit Kilung community in several ways — by helping to restock the yak population which still hasn’t completely recovered from the snowstorm of 2008; by encouraging the traditional Tibetan way of life; after Kyeku families are on their feet again, the milk products will go to Kilung community and monastery; and as backup resource for future emergencies in the area.

Deep gratitude to everyone, for the myriad of ways that you have made a difference for the people of Kyeku in time of dire need.
Sincerely,
Diane Berger
Kilung Foundation
Whidbey Island, Washington

*Note: Milk products coming from the high grasslands of Dzachuka, where Kilung is located, are famous for being extra-nutritious and rich. The yaks there graze on an amazing amalgum of fragrant medicinal and flowering herbs at an altitude of 14,000 feet. Kyeku, on the other hand, is located at 12,000 feet, in a different climate and growing zone. Bringing the cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt from Dzachuka is a high-essence and nourishing gift indeed!

http://www.kilung.org/
Letters on the Kilung website: Kilung Earthquake Relief Appeal .
On Facebook: Kilung Foundation Earthquake Relief Effort on FACEBOOK

Minam Rinpoche's Pledge

2010-04-22T20:42:00.002+08:00

The quake came, showed its vicious strength and left. It left many homes devastated, claimed many lives and created many orphans. It will never be the same again for all the Yushu-ians.

Today Minam Rinpoche is in Xining town, a 12-15 hour drive from Yushu. He has gone there to withdraw the funds that has been sent by Ms Seetoh from Johore Bahru and myself. He leaves for homeless home in Yushu tomorrow.

He suddenly found himself as a "father" to 20 orphaned children. He has pledged to take them under his wing, providing them accommodation, food, education, personal needs, care and whatever their needs may be. Rinpoche himself now has no roof over his head and is living in tents alongside with his fellow mates. Does your heart cringe?

Rinpoche intends to distribute the money he received to the people of Yushu so as to enable them to buy food, clothing, necessities. Money will also be spent to do pujas for those who perished. Rinpoche said it is very important that pujas be held for the deceased.

RHB Bank, Damansara Jaya Branch - Thank You For Helping The Yushu Earthquake Victims

2010-04-20T14:18:00.003+08:00

Yesterday (19 April) morning I was at RHB Bank, Damansara Jaya to send the first batch of money to Minam Rinpoche for the Yushu Earthquake victims. Since Rinpoche has requested that I send by Western Union, I enquired on the commission that the bank charges and found that it was too exhorbitantly high. For RM20,000 the charge is around RM880 so for RM40,000 I will have to pay RM1700 plus. They advised me to send by TT which will take 2 days to reach.

I filled in the necessary forms and submitted it to the person attending to me. In less than 10 minutes everything was done. Left the bank with the carbon copy of the TT form. Whilst in the car, I took out the carbon copy form and tears filled my eyes. RHB has given me a special rate. Because of that the people of Yushu will have more money. Thank you RHB Bank !!!!!!

Yushu Earthquake -Darkness, the darkest hour

2010-04-17T13:13:00.005+08:00

Everyday as night falls I go about like a zombie. My heart aches and reaches the people in Yushu as they prepare for another bitter cold night. Our friends in Yushu are brazing the cold at night and here as we lay in bed, we turn on our air conditioner and at the same time cuddle up in our warm duvet. Isn't that an irony?

Many people have responded to this urgent cry but many are still nonchalant to this situation. It is made more sorrowful when you hear friends talking about this unfortunate event as a great conversational topic and disdaining others of their empathy for the people of Yushu.

I can no longer be a judge of who is what, as I wrap myself in spreading the plight of the Yushu-ians.

Yushu Earthquake

2010-04-14T23:40:00.005+08:00

I received an early morning call from a friend asking me to check if Minam Rinpoche is OK. I called and called and with each failed call, I trembled. I knew that with the earthquake, telecommunication will be disrupted but my fingers kept pressing the call sign on the mobile. I did not give up, I persisted. Through my muddled mind a little spark emerged. I searched for Rinpoche's Xining center and with splattering and very broken Chinese I bombarded Yang Lau Sir with loads of questions and I only needed him to tell me Rinpoche is OK. In that moment I found myself understanding the Chinese language - that Rinpoche is safe in Chengdu. I broke down, I wept, I sobbed, I cried.

Half an hour later I was on the line with Rinpoche. He informed that he is actually in Shanghai and not Chengdu (anywhere it does not matter). He is making arrangement to go back to Yushu tomorrow and is not sure if it can be done as flights are fully booked and the airport in Yushu is not passable to traffic. Two members of his family perished. Other than that he has no other news of anyone else or his library or monastery.

I launched a "Yushu Earthquake Fund" on Facebook. The response I got was really immense. People across the globe who did not even know I existed before came forward with words of kindness and in monetary contributions. Throughout the whole day I was a little fragile. The faces of the Tibetan people in Yushu, the scenic town embraced by mountains all round, the Yak Square where Tibetan men and women gather to sell their wares and for the daily gossips were video played in my mind. Children with rosy red cheeks and 'dragon' mucus running down their nostrils. Tashi Deleks filled the air. Will it be the same again when I next visit?

For names of contributors please go to Norling Library

Tserkarmo Monastery

2010-04-09T18:51:00.003+08:00

The Universal Laws

2010-04-08T23:26:00.004+08:00

Law Of Abundance

In this universe there is no scarcity. Every element that exists will always exist. There is no limit to the resources of the human mind and soul. Only humankind creates lack.

Law Of Infinity

Everything exists in infinity, therefore what you need can be created with your thoughts without taking from others. What you manifest may come from dimensions of time and space that you cannot perceive of at present.

Law Of Limitations

There is no such thing as a limited income, only a limited outlook. Abundance comes in many forms and by several unexpected means.

Law Of Vacuum

The Universe abhors a vacuum. Whenever you make a space, it will create a motion to flow inwards. Make room for abundance and put out positive attractive thoughts.

Law Of Giving

To receive abundance, you must first be prepared to be generous but with wisdom.

Law Of Receiving

In order to receive, you must open yourself to the bounty of the universe. You must also allow others to make way for abundance in their own lives by giving to you.

Law Of Tithing

In giving something away, you create room in your life for new abundance to flow in. Give away your time, energy, knowledge out of unconditional love to create a space for abundance to return to you.

Enjoy!

Herkimer Diamond

2010-04-03T23:18:00.004+08:00

Herkimer bracelet with inclusions (carbon)

Facilitating soul retrieval and core soul healing, Herkimer Diamond creates a powerful soul shield when journeying or undertaking spiritual work and is a powerful attunement crystal. It stimulates metaphysical abilities, linking into guidance from higher dimensions and promotes dream recall. Accessing past life information so that you recognise blockages or resistance to your spiritual growth, Herkimer gently releases and transforms, bringingyour soul's purpose to the force and activating the light body. Herkimer Diamond is one of the strongest crystals for clearing electromagnetic pollution or radioactivity. Herkimer Diamond is a high vibration stone and is the happiest stone in the mineral kingdom

Amber

2010-04-03T23:09:00.004+08:00

SOLD

Strictly speaking, amber is not a crystal, being tree resin that solidified and became fossilised. With strong connections to the earth, it is a grounding stone for higher energies. A powerful healer and cleanser that draws dis-ease from the body and assists tissue revitalisation, amber cleans the environment and chakras. It absorbs negative energies and transmutes them into positive forces that assist the body to heal itself. This stone provides a protective shield to prevent healers on client's pain and protects against psychic vampirism.

Put A Smile On Your Face

2010-03-29T00:25:00.002+08:00

A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked,

"Son, Can You tell me where the Post Office is?"

The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a couple of blocks and turn to your right."

The man thanked the boy kindly and said,

"I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get To Heaven."

The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on... You don't even know the way to the Post Office."

Aquamarine

2010-03-27T13:09:00.003+08:00

Aquarmarine - lots of lustre. SOLD

Aquamarine is most powerful as a meditation stone, as it brings a great peace and serenity. Some people can meditate on an Aquamarine to receive the wisdom to see truth, but this is a very advanced meditation.

Healing properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is often associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace. Healers use it to help reduce fluid retention. It has been used to calm the nerves.

The Romans used the aquamarine for diseases of the stomach, and believed it could cure liver and throat troubles.
(Credits : http://crystal-cure.com/aquamarine.html )

Gemstone Grade Tourmaline Up For Grabs

2010-03-26T22:03:00.004+08:00

( Very pretty gemstone grade tourmaline. Up for grabs. Only 1 piece available - SOLD)

The most fundamental property of tourmaline is its ability to transform dense energy into lighter energy. It disperses the negative and replaces it with the positive. It purifies, balances, and transforms, having a remarkably beneficial impact on its surroundings. It raises the vibration of energy and protects. Place this metaphysical crystal anywhere healing, compassionate energy is due — in the garden, a child's room, even the workplace. Wear tourmaline jewelry to attract all of the positive benefits of this stone.

Tourmaline stones have many useful properties for metaphysical work. For the chakra system, they have a cleansing and balancing effect. For the aura, they clear away blocked and negative energies. They have been traditionally used in shamanic practices as a protective stone.

As tourmaline transmutes what is dense into what is light, it has the ability to bring clarity to problems. It allows an individual to develop a deeper awareness of self, and external relationships. Meditating with this crystal inspires compassion and tolerance.
(Credits http://newage.suite101.com/article.cfm/tourmaline-crystal-healing-properties )

10 Most Powerful Words

2010-03-26T00:30:00.004+08:00

The most selfish one-letter word - "I" - Avoid it!
The most satisfying two-letter word - "WE" - Use it!
The most poisonous three-letter word - "EGO" - Overcome it!
The most used four-letter word - "LOVE" - Value it!
The most pleasing five-letter word - "SMILE" - Keep it!
The fastest spreading six-letter word - "RUMOUR" - Ignore it!
The hardest working seven-letter word - "SUCCESS" - Achieve it!
The most enviable eight-letter word - "JEALOUSY" - Distance yourself from it!
The most powerful nine-letter word - "KNOWLEDGE" - Acquire it!
The most valued ten-letter word - "FRIENDSHIP" - Maintain it!

The Jigsaw Puzzle Addict

2010-03-15T00:22:00.003+08:00

(Mum caught stealing a kiss - how warm! how loving)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-XOi2D4kOQ

(Ryan doing jigsaw puzzle)

I remember my good old days where I used to stay up to the wee hours of the morning just to finish a 1,000pc jigsaw and would very proudly announce to my daughter I did not sleep a wink that night. Now little Ryan is taking form to being a jigsaw puzzle addict. He would bargain with his mum every night to finish a puzzle before washing up and having his last bottle of milk for the day. He has some 10 sets of jigsaw puzzle (with mum buying him 4 sets on Saturday); small and large ones. I was pretty amazed at the speed he goes at it. I thought he might need some help when he was given his new jigsaws on Saturday night. He opened up a new set while mum was making his milk and before the milk was ready he had already finished doing 4 jigsaws, with no help at all. Watch him in action in the above youtube link.

Moldavite - The Crystal From Outer Space!

2010-03-12T19:58:00.005+08:00

(Beautifully carved Kuan Yin. It looks like Kuan Yin in a cave. One side is polished and the other side rough - 1 piece available only)

When placed on the third eye, moldavite helps us to establish the cosmic connection. When placed on the heart it teaches us to appreciate the gift of being here on Earth.

On a more practical level, many people have reported that moldavite helps to release all that is no longer needed for personal growth: old ideas: leftover emotional/mental habits, whatever you know on a deep level needs to go.

Because its energies are so powerful it's a good idea to keep it near you a lot when you first get one and to meditate with it regularly. Whenever moldavite is used in meditation it is recommended that a grounding stone: black tourmaline, hematite, tiger's eye, smoky quartz, red jasper, or obsidian, be placed by the feet for grounding purposes.

Special warning: You will find in time that more and more things seem to be unnecessary: the relationship you're hanging on to because it's comfortable and you don't like to be lonely, for example. You may find it more and more important to be honest with both yourself and others.

So even if you don't believe in extraterrestrial beings, moldavite is a valuable stone for you, but if you're just a bit curious, moldavite may open some doors. What these doors open to, well, you'll have to decide that.

A great manifestation stone
http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/crystal/gems/moldavite.html

Peridot All Sold Out

2010-03-10T23:11:00.003+08:00

Sorry folks, this money and healer's crystal chips have run out of stock. As mentioned in my earlier post , the price will be adjusted back to market price but if I am able to clinch the same deal from the suppliers, I shall offer it lower than market price. So hang on for those who still wants them. For those who have yet to pick up your crystals, please give me a buzz ....

There will be more goodies coming up ....

You Cant Go Wrong With This "Reflections Of Life"

2010-03-08T22:10:00.004+08:00

A friend sent this email to me today. Thanks MW for this great share.

Life is very short, so break your silly ego, forgive quickly, believe slowly, love truly, laugh loudly & never avoid anything that makes you smile.

When I woke up this morning lying in bed, I was asking myself - What are some of the secrets of success in life? I found the answer right there, in my very room

Carry a Heart that Never Hates.

Carry a Smile that Never Fades.

Carry a Touch that Never Hurts.

The Legend Of Michael Jackson Lives On

2010-03-06T18:19:00.005+08:00

Michael Jackson never lived long enough for little Ryan to get to know him but this legendary figure lives on through his songs. Ryan started singing Michael Jackson songs when he was over a year plus and todate he has graduated from just singing to handling a guitar. Ryan has "won" many prizes through his rendition of "Heal The World." Many an adult have bribed him with chocolates and even a balloon bicycle.

Watch this "Live Bedroom Concert"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRkkdDHLjLE

Peridot - The Money & Healer's Stone

2010-03-05T19:40:00.003+08:00

Whichever way you call it, the money stone or the healer's stone, you will just love peridot. I used to have bowls and bowls of peridot at my healing center. I would place the crystal spheres onto them when I run out of sphere holders or have the majestic shiva lingams resting in a jar filled with peridots.

As a "gift" to all my friends, customers and supporters I am having a promo price (half the market price) for this semi precious stone. I only have 50kg to spare and when this runs out, price will be back to normal market price.

Here's something to share http://www.earthstreasure.com/Peridot-Healing.html

Rare Red Rutilated Quartz

2010-03-04T15:31:00.005+08:00

Red rutilated quartz pendant

Note that the rutiles are "growing" from its base thus symbolising stability, with red resonating to the first chakra (SOLD)

Golden rutilated quartz bracelet (not for sale - personal item)

In my years of being involved in crystals I have rarely seen red rutiles. As the name denotes in Chinese "fatt jing" (rutiles), its name and the golden strands denote abundance/prosperity. It is also a stone for working out relationships and for self confidence.

Drop me an email if you wish to be the proud owner of this rare piece of red rulilated quartz.

Size of pendant (about an inch) : pendant sits on a regular business card size

Back In Business Again - Crystals

2010-03-03T23:24:00.005+08:00

Update as of 4 March at 2.50pm : The pendant found its owner
1 March 2010 marked the day I got back into the crystal business. I gave up this business some 2 years plus and thought that I would have called it a day. During these two years it had been travelling, more travelling and more travelling. It was leisure travel as I did not have to think of business overheads for the long journeys that I take.

The want of doing something soon crept in. Grandmotherhood did not fill this gap. I was toying with many business ideas and it was not until 1 March morning that this great realisation came bouncing to me. Why dont I do something that I have a passion for and something that I know best? By late afternoon I had stocks on my table and by night I already had orders.

As a teaser, here's something I have in my stocks. A green phantom is one that has phantom mountains within the crystal and not just a patch of green chlorite. Green phantom is for career advancement and business growth. For healers, this is a good stone to own.

Look at the clear beautiful mountain within the crystal

Size of stone : stone sits on a business card (sorry unable to give measurement as I do not have my gears sorted out yet). Drop me an email if you are keen to own this

Who Am I?

2010-01-30T00:33:00.003+08:00

(photo credit to Wong Soo Mei - flower arrangement by Alice Hew)

Tonight my thoughts are quiet and as Dr Thubten put it across very subtly but aptly, one is practicing ignorance. I was much saddened today as I stood as a bystander at Minam Rinpoche’s press interview. There were about a dozen people or so and as I observed these 12 people I suddenly realized that I had very much been one of them too except that now I was standing on the outside looking at them. We get busy all our lives doing so many things without actually knowing what and why. Life is like a drama.

I will not be at the starting line anymore. Instead let me be who I am and what I am. For that I need to find myself

What Is "Tsa-Wa-i Lama By H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche

2009-12-23T13:28:00.004+08:00

What exactly Is a "Tsa-wa i Lama" or "Root-Guru"?
There are several forms of Tsa-wa i Lama but we need only discuss the two most important ones here. The first form of Tsa-wa i Lama is the head of the particular school of Tibetan Buddhism that you are considering joining. The heads of that school can be traced right back for many centuries and this is called "The Lineage". The head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism is His Holiness, Urgyen Thrinley, the XVII Gyalwa Karmapa. You could say that the heads of the schools hold a similar position to that of the heads of the Christian orders of the Benedictine or Franciscan monks.

The second form is the Lama (who may or may not have the title of Rinpoche) under whose guidance you feel you can learn most and travel furthest. It Is someone for whom you have total respect; the person you turn to in need; someone you can follow without doubt or hesitation - whose words "enter your bones". It is the person who helps you most to realize the true nature of your mind. This Tsa-wa i-Lama wall be your strongest connection with the Dharma.

What does the phrase "true nature of your mind' mean?
It means your "Buddha-nature". It Is the essence of the Buddha, the innate goodness, which lies within every sentient being. It is the revelation of the supreme qualities of compassion and wisdom.

What is the difference between a Tsa-wa i Lama and any other Lama or teacher?
You can learn, or should be able to learn, something from any Lama; indeed from any person and every situation. However, you will learn more from your Tsa-wa i Lama than from any other. The contact will be deep and will last for the rest of this life. It may have lasted for many lifetimes already and the connection will probably continue for many lifetimes to come. "Tsa-wa i Lama" is sometimes translated as "spiritual friend" or "spiritual guide" because he or she will be your main guide along the path of Dharma.

Is your Tsa-wa i Lama the Lama you take Refuge with?
Not necessarily. We call this Lama your "Refuge-Lama". The Refuge-Lama is the one who opens the door of the Dharma and introduces you. That Lama may become your Tsa-wa i Lama but only time will tell.

How does someone go about finding their Tsa-wa i Lama? How do you recognize him or her?
Have patience. Follow the advice of your Refuge-Lama. Practise diligently. Go to teachings when possible and the situation will become clear.

Is it possible to have a woman Tsa-wa i Lama?
Of course, why not?

Once someone has found their Tsa-wa i Lama does this mean they should not attend teachings or initiations given by other Lamas?
No, of course not, but a little care should be taken. Each tradition of Buddhism, such as Zen or Theravadin, and each school of Tibetan Buddhism has a different way of presenting things. If you listen to a great variety it is easy to confuse issues without realising you are doing so. It is like a paint box! The red is a nice colour, and those two greens are both clear and bright, and the yellow and that rich purple - all are fine colours but if you mix them all together you get a muddy brown! It is better to stay with teachers of the same lineage as far as you can so that your mind does not become muddy brown! However, a little of one colour added to another can be good. Ask your Refuge Lama or your Tsa-wa i Lama for advice.

It is said that there is a strong connection between the student and their Tsa-wa i Lama and that the student should offer uncritical obedience. Is this correct?
Yes, there is a strong connection or bond between the Tsa-wa i Lama and the student but the student will offer what he or she can. Some students learn more by simple acceptance; others learn more by asking questions. Both are good. This is not the army! The role of the Tsa-wa-i Lama is to bring you to know the true nature of your mind-to see the truth as it is - not to brain-wash you.

If someone learned that their Tsa-wa i Lama had behaved in a manner contrary to their own moral standards, is it possible for that student to break the bond and find another Tsa-wa i Lama?
The student should remember that the bond is voluntary and it is possible that that Lama is no longer appropriate. Perhaps it was not their true Tsa-wa i Lama so in that case there was no bond to start with. If the Tsa-wa i Lama should break his own personal Samaya (deep vows) then that dissolves the "contract" with the student and there is no longer a bond to break. If the student is unsure or uneasy then they should try to discuss the issue with their Tsa-wa-i- Lama, or with another Lama whom they respect - perhaps their Refuge-Lama. There may be a misunderstanding and an easy explanation. Time and common sense will show the way. If this is not possible, or if the student is still distressed, they should turn to their own Buddha-nature for guidance.

Merry Christmas & A Fun-Love Filled New Year

2009-12-23T11:31:00.002+08:00

I can’t remember when I last spent Christmas with my siblings. If I back track, it must have been some two decades or so. What about Chinese New Year? Ditto!

In the past years I spent most of my year end time in the Himalayas. This year I came back prematurely on an urgent matter. I am now preparing eagerly to go down south for my first Christmas reunion with my siblings after the two long decades. (Oh no, don’t get me wrong – not that I have not seen my siblings for two decades. For the past one year I have been going back every other month or every quarterly.)

It’s party time folks – Merry Christmas and a very Happy Abundantly Filled New Year!

Fearlessness

2009-12-20T00:21:00.003+08:00

I have this terrific phobia of balloons. About a decade or so, I used to envy my friend who was twisting balloons into the hearts of children. She volunteered to teach me but I steered clear of the idea.

Two weeks ago, when I was bumping around at a shopping complex I came upon a couple who was making every kid happy. An idea came to me – why not have this at Minam Rinpoche’s Tibetan Medicine, Herbs, Arts & Culture Tour?

Yes, I will include this into the program or rather an “off-program” event. But who is going to do it? Me? No! Yes, it’s me! No, not me! I came to terms with myself and decided to try to discard this fear. I purchased a kit, complete with video, pump and some balloons.

Hilarious – my first few pieces, I asked my grandson what it is and he told me bluntly, “I don’t know”. It cannot be that bad. Over the next few days, I made a few more animals and this time I asked my daughter what this pink balloon thing looks like Took her some moments and she still could not tell me what it is. I proudly told her it is a parrot. She blinked and laughed and laughed and still she could not tell me what it is even though she knows it IS a parrot. And to add more salt to the injury she said that for another 100 years she still would not be able to tell me it is a parrot. End of story but not the end to my determination.

I overcame my fear even though the animals did not look what they are supposed to be but to me they are just what I made them to be – dog, rabbit, parrot, mouse, giraffe, elephant. Yes, I can make all of these now. And I tell my family members what they are so that there is no mistaken identity. It’s really fun!

If you want to see my masterpieces see me at Chempaka Buddhist Lodge, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya on 23 & 24 January 2010. By then, I hope to see an expert

Some Angels Knocked On My Door Today

2009-12-17T22:40:00.002+08:00

With only a pair of hands, a pair of legs, a pair of eyes, a body with a head sitting on top of it, how far can one stretch. For the past 3 weeks since I came back from India, it had been mind and nerve cracking, trying to piece and gel everything to the best that I can. It had been meetings, computer work, raising funds, making necessary phone calls, mind boggling flyer and poster designing – all to get things running for January’s Tibetan Medicine, Herbs, Arts & Culture Tour by Minam Rinpoche.

Everyone has a breaking point and I guess last night my bubble burst. I found tears rolling down my cheeks but I was not sad or disheartened or feeling low. It was just tears welling up due to too much pressure (ha ha I got my pressure normalized now – its 125/79 versus 105/68 before). With tears streaming down I was actually laughing while talking to my daughter.

Today some ‘angels’ knocked on my door. They were people I just got to know and someone I don’t even know except for one exchange of email in the afternoon. For the past weeks I only saw my own footprint and occasionally another set but today I felt comforted with all the footprints.

Thanks to all these people who touched my life today.

Lunch with tibetan friends

2009-12-01T15:21:00.004+08:00

Lunch at Lhamo-la's house

This write up is specially for Tra Ring-po. Was not able to do the loading whilst in India because of the slow internet line. So here it is ....... specially for you.

My tibetan friends and I

Ping Sha

This is a tibetan dish. The name denotes the bonding of a great friendship. Ping is actually glass noodles and sha is meat (in tibetan language).

Fried noodles

Fried mixed vegetables

Fish

Ras Malai

Ras malai is an indian dessert/delicacy. It is made of curd and cheese and it is definitely not one of my favourite or rather will never be something that I can like. The best is found at Kumar Sweets Shop just off Baltan Bazaar.

Kumar

Have You Seen A Moon At 11.00AM - In The Morning???

2009-11-27T23:52:00.004+08:00

The moon is just above the big tree

Have you ever seen a moon at 11.00am in the morning up in the sky with the sun beating on your back? This picture was taken just outside Songsten in India. in November this year. Last year there was a smiling moon over Songsten.

Take a look at this other picture. It is only 5.30pm and it is just as good as 7.00 or 8.00pm. It is taken from my room balcony at Songsten just last week.

Easy Sex Transplant

2009-11-16T17:14:00.003+08:00

Male papaya plant with longish fruits

Female plant with round fruits

I have heard of male and female papaya plants and I am sure most of you would have heard of that too but what I am going to reveal to you, I am sure, is going to be something you have not heard of before.

We know that male papaya plants bloom flowers but the flowers do not eventually bear fruits. Most times, we just let the papaya plant be what they may be or at times we have it chopped down. Yesterday we went for lunch at a Tibetan friend’s house. We were there last year too (around the same time of the year) but we did not notice the two papaya plants right in front of her house or maybe they were rather tiny then. The two plants were not any taller than a human being and both were bearing fruits. One bears longish papayas and the other more rounded ones.

Notice the iron that has been punched through the plant

The one that bears the longish fruit is supposedly to be a male papaya plant. This plant underwent a “sex transplant” by a very simple process of having an iron nail hammered into the trunk, near to the base of the plant. And that took care of the fruits.

Spastic Internet Line

2009-11-12T17:11:00.004+08:00

My daughter is going to cry foul when she knows what I cooked for dinner. Preserved vegetable (char choy) with tomatoes and onion soup, BBraised potatoes with hard boiled eggsand the ‘crème de la crème” is fried long beans with sambal belachan.

And all this is happening in India. I can only feel guilty when she tells me that her meal is the same old stuff packed off the shops after work and to know that little Ryan does not have his regular soup every night.

The bananas look green but the taste is great

After dinner went online. Felt truly spastic with the internet line running at 230.4kbps. You can actually go brush your teeth and by the time you get back to your computer, your page is still struggling to be uploaded. But then, what else can you do in India at night? Have patience, pay a little more and wait for your page to get uploaded and maybe possibly send off an email or two if you are lucky.

My 'life saving' modem. How can I live without you????

Beautiful Chortens

2009-11-10T17:37:00.002+08:00

Just when I thought the shopping flavor on this trip to spiritual India was the one flavor missing, I bumped into this beautiful chorten.

Chortens are symbolic for the three aspects of the Buddhas which are the body, speech and mind. Great merit is said to be accumulated when we do circumambulations around chortens and even more when we build or are involved in the building of one.

This lovely chorten you see is of plastic material, measures about 6” x 6” at the base and is about 10”~12” tall (sorry do not have a ruler). It lights up when plugged to a 220V power source.

I Was Almost Electrocuted!

2009-11-10T17:15:00.002+08:00

One has to get used to the on/off disruption of electricity when you live in India. I make sure I prepare my soup a couple of hours before dinner time to ensure I have at least a soup to go with rice in the event the electricity board decides to help us save a couple of cents during the peak cooking time.

After an hour’s walk to and from a Tibetan settlement to buy some vegetables, on the way back met up with some Tibetan friends for a drink at a road side tea stall that makes real good, creamy milk tea. Tea is not boiled in India. They are cooked. At this particular stall, the water comes from a near by spring and this makes the tea different from other stalls in and around Dehra Dun. Believe me, many a visitor will not think of stopping by for a cuppa at this stall.

Said our goodbyes for the day and headed back ‘home’. It was only 6.00pm but the skies were beginning to get dark and the cold wind was setting in. The library is extraordinary quiet with only a light or two switched on as almost everyone has left for Nepal. I think only 2 rooms are occupied at this moment.

In the quiet and dark of the night (no electricity again) I crept into the room ready to go to bed. I adjusted the blankets and I heard crackling sound and my blanket was sparkling. For a moment I thought I saw angels but the stinging pain got me out of that wishful state. I still saw the sparkling lights on my blanket and the pain was a little intense so I dropped the blanket on the bed. No, I do not have an electric blanket. It was the static electricity created by the woolen material of the blanket.

Every lunch time is also a hassle for me as I have to always wet my hands before touching any metal items at the dining hall if I dont wish to get 'electrocuted'.

Happiness Is Seeing A Good Ole Friend

2009-11-06T17:42:00.002+08:00

I walked to Jangchub Ling in the morning with the hope of seeing a friend I last saw in December 2007. With some enquiries here and there we still got no where as not many people knew the person we were looking for. He had been in retreat in Almora since December 2007 and this year he had the permission of His Holiness to attend teachings in Nepal. We managed to locate his room through Khenchen Rinpoche but luck was not with us as he was not in his room.

While having lunch a fellow mate alerted us that the person we wanted to see was at Drikung College Institute, just a small run out of the Library. He was preparing to leave India for Nepal with a group of Khenpos from DKI.

Rushed to DKI and I was really overwhelmed when I saw him. He looked good albeit being thinner, had shoulder length hair, with moustache and a long beard. He was a picture of a wise old man. He gave each of us a big, huge hug and we got down to chatting and chattering. And in a fleeting moment he was asked to board the 4 Wheel Drive that will take them to the Dehra Dun Railway Station to head on to Gorakphur for their next leg of their journey to Nepal.

This person is no other than Konchok Yeshe aka Chen Cong Si aka Mr S H Chooi, our former Ratnashri Malaysia President.

Back In Inida

2009-11-04T18:18:00.003+08:00

Picture taken just outside my room

C'est la vie

Arrived Delhi on 2 November close to midnight and stayed a night at the usual Tibetan Colony Settlement. Early next morning headed for Dehra Dun. Arrived around 5.00pm.

It felt so good to see our tibetan friends and they made us feel so warm and welcomed. They went to great lengths of even having fruits in the room with 2 bottles of mineral water. rice cooker and stove and everything that is needed to make one feel at home. Thank you!

This morning went to meet up with Khenchen Rinpoche at Jangchub Ling and later went down town to stock up on groceries.

Now a little time to relax before going to Khenpo Rangdol's place for tea at 5.00pm

Banks Give Them Free So Why Should I Pay @#&%$ RM50 Per Card

2009-10-27T13:04:00.006+08:00

I dont know about others but I am doing away with all credit cards except for one which will be a supplementary card. With the new policy enforced on RM50 per card and RM25 for supplementary cards, who needs a string of them especially when I do not believe in spending on credits except for the points but even then it is no big attraction for me. Maybe for the purchase of air tickets where insurance coverage is included. And to pay RM50 per card, why not go supplementary.

Have You Heard A Cat Nagging At Another Cat?

2009-10-23T18:50:00.002+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kZ7YzmsvJY

Watch this video of a nagging cat at her partner.

Why Are Men Busy Checking Their Thumbs – Because The Size Of The Penis Is Three Times The Length Of The Thumb

2009-10-20T22:35:00.003+08:00

* It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
* One human hair can support 3 kg (6.6 lb).
* The average man's penis is three times the length of his thumb.
* Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.
* A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.
* There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
* Women blink twice as often as men.
* The average person's skin weighs twice as much as the brain.
* Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.
* If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.
* Women will be finished reading this by now.
* Men are still busy checking their thumbs.

Read more here

Twelve Year Old Girl Shed Crystal Tears - Real Or Fraud

2009-10-19T23:15:00.004+08:00

Can anyone believe that a person can shed crystal tears? I actually bought this story way back in 2005 (call me naïve but I am very much a fairy tale person).

It is about a 12 year old Lebanese girl, Hasnah Mohamed Meselmani, who shed Herkimer diamond tears from her left eye. She appeared close-up on television and is on YouTube so who can blame me on such naivety.

Here are two links. Read these and decide whether you are in the same bandwagon as this dreamer or you are the wiser one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elivMsS8bl0 (Youtube )
http://www.crystalinks.com/crystaltears.html
http://www.hoax-slayer.com/girl-crystal-tears.shtml

F.A.I.L.U.R.E - What Does It Mean?

2009-10-12T00:48:00.002+08:00

Do you fit into any of this or do you fit into all? If you fit into all, then there is something to think about
F – Frustration, futility, hopelessness
A – Aggressiveness (misdirected)
I – Insecurity
L – Loneliness
U – Uncertainty
R – Resentment
E – Emptiness

Frustration is developed when certain things cannot be achieved or when things do not go the way you had wanted it to be. All of us at some point in life have suffered some form of frustrations but as we grow older, we learn that not all desires can be satisfied and that perfection is not the key to having a happy life. When life’s experiences bring about deep dissatisfaction and frustration, then we have to recognize this as a symptom of failure.

Aggressiveness, often misdirected, follows frustrations as a shadow follows you. To achieve and reach a certain goal, we need to be aggressive and assertive at times. Therefore, aggressiveness is not an abnormal behavior but rather a needed element for success. We need to go after the things we sought in an aggressive and assertive rather than in a defensive and passive manner. It is when our path to achieving our goal is blocked and you find no solution to getting out of that jam, that this aggressiveness takes on a turn to misdirected aggressiveness. This then becomes a destructive force. Many a home quarrel begins with the husband coming home and lashing out his misdirected aggressiveness on his wife and children. This is the second symptom of failure.

Insecurity stems from a feeling of inadequacy. Very often failures need to prove to themselves and to others their superiority. “He should be seen successful”. “He should be seen happy”. “He should be seen …..” Therefore, if you see someone behaving rudely or someone who tries to belittle others, this person may be undergoing the third symptom of failure.

Tell me if you have not been lonely before. This is another fallacy of being human. But it is the extreme feeling of loneliness where you become a social recluse and feel alienated from other people, that makes you fall into the fourth symptom of failure.

If no decision is made, nothing can go wrong! Many people fear of being proven wrong. Successful people make mistakes and admit them. It is the pathetic who is afraid to admit he has been wrong. If you do not make a mistake, you will never make a discovery. Thomas Edison tested 3,000 filaments before he came up with the light bulb. Uncertainty makes up the fifth symptom of failure.

Failures look for scapegoats. Failures resent success and happiness of others. He often blames society for all his shortcomings. Resentment is an attempt to make our failure palatable by explaining it in terms of unfair treatment, injustice. As long as you harbour resentment, this becomes the sixth symptom of failure

You have acquired all the wealth, all the external symbols of success but when you open the “treasure chest”, you find it all empty. You have lost the capacity to enjoy. Emptiness then becomes the seventh and final symptom of failure

My Fruit Trees Drink Coffee - Not Joking !!!

2009-10-08T18:37:00.009+08:00

See the tiny pot and the crystal ball

I am not very much of a flower person. Whatever remaining flowers I had in the garden were given away and instead I only have fruit trees in pots. My longan plant in a pot started bearing fruits when it was hardly 5 feet tall and after 5 years it is still bearing fruits though smaller in numbers. The mango tree has been giving us fruits year after year. In this family of "abundance" is a dukong (mix of duku-langsat) tree, some dragon fruit plants, cherry apple (apples the size slightly bigger than cherry tomatoes), soursop, lime, custard apple and a fig tree. I have given away a lemon plant which is hardly 2 feet tall bearing numerous big fruits, an egg plant about a foot tall with long whitish (not purplish) brinjals and a guava plant also about two feet tall with fruits that are so big that it almost toppled the plant.

This morning as I was doing my daily chores of watering the plants I saw, to my amazement, a tiny little fruit from the custard apple tree. This plant is a scrawny little plant in a little pot that has hardly any soil where it shares the same abode as the dukong tree which is also very soil deprived. Most of these plants are soil deprived simply because the plants have outgrown the pot and is filled with roots rather than soil.

But what makes them flower and bear fruits? I am at a lost too because I do not use fertilizers except for the free coffee powder from Starbucks. So my plants drink coffee too! Also notice the crystals sitting on the surface of the soil. For your information I also have crystals buried in the soil. So, is the the coffee or the crystals doing its job????

I Cant Believe I Found 21 pcs Of Herkimer Diamond In My Kitchen Cabinet

2009-10-06T17:02:00.006+08:00

Herkimer diamond found in its original matrix

My find in the kitchen cabinet

I decided to open one of the seldom opened cabinets in the kitchen and LOL what did I find. Exactly 21 pieces of Herkimer Diamond in a small container. I thought I have either given or sold all my Herkimer Diamonds but this find put a smile on my face. I can now own one of these again.

Herkimer Diamond is the happiest stone in the mineral kingdom. I have had good experiences with the use of Herkimer Diamond especially in dream work. Read more here

Those who are looking for them (especially healers), drop me a line.

India Is Like Home To Me Though I Am Chinese

2009-10-05T18:05:00.004+08:00

Time just passes us by without us even noticing it. It is again the time of the year for me to get ready. I have been packing and unpacking and re-packing for the past few days. This year's packing is a little more fun as I know exactly what I still have in India, what I need to bring and what I dont need to get. I dont need to bring my rice cooker as I will have one to use when I arrive. And my pots and pans are still waiting for me in India. Basically it's buying foodstuff like ikan bilis, dried shrimps, 'lap cheong', shrimp sambal belachan ...... a long list to go.

The past 2 to 3 weeks had been depressing with news of Wamlung Monastery needing financial assistance for repair works and with the quakes and the tsunami in various parts of the world. Sometimes I wish I can do more than what I am doing now but I suppose all of us have our limitations to everything. So let's live and let live! I give thanks to all the people who brings cheer into my life

MUST MUST LISTEN - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2009-10-05T13:03:00.002+08:00

Let's have some fun after such a long absence. I promise you a real good time listening to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmdAF4ihedM

The Books Have Been Removed

2009-10-05T11:52:00.002+08:00

It has been a long time since I last blog here because of the book sale. It was done intentionally so that people looking for books will have an easier time browsing through. The books now have been removed but if any of you are keen on certain books, do drop me a line. And for those who have yet to claim your FOC book, do let me know when you are ready to do so. And thanks to all who have bought and also to those who have shown interest.

The book sale was timely as just before the Hari Raya I was informed about a certain monastery in Tibet that needed funds for repair works. Collection of funds was set into gear and together with the sale of books and contributions, a decent amount was collected.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

How To Make Drinking Enzymes

2009-09-18T13:44:00.002+08:00

From the visits I receive to this blog, I could gather many people are keen on how to make drinking enzymes.

I have put up the recipe on garbage enzymes some time back and I am sure many of you out there are more interested in the drinking enzyme recipes to the garbage enzymes. For this recipe please visit http://www.cherishwellness.com/drinking-enzymes

Any queries or comment drop me a line at cherishwellness

Building Friendship Thru My Book Sale

2009-09-15T18:26:00.003+08:00

My online book sale has led me to meet some people which I feel may develop into a friendship. Today I met up with an online purchaser. We discussed many topics and issues over a drink and promised to get together again another time. And I was paid more than what was due to me. Thank you!!!!!!

7TH UPLOAD - BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

2009-09-04T15:25:00.022+08:00

For FOC books, please refer to Terms & Conditions

RM15 (Hardcover)
(SOLD)

RM5

RN8

RM5

RM15 (Good as new)

(SOLD)

RM5

RM3

RM40 (Very good condition. Hard cover. Original price RM136)

(SOLD)

RM10

RM5

FOC
(TAKEN)

RM20 (Very new. Original price RM79.90)

(SOLD)

FOC
(RESERVED)

RM5

(SOLD)

FOC
(TAKEN)

RM5

RM8

RM5

RM35 (Includes 47 minutes Drumming CD)

(SOLD)

FOC

(RESERVED)

RM2 (Hardcover- very good condition)
(RESERVED)

RM2 (Hardcover - very good condition)
(RESERVED)

RM15

(SOLD)

RM2 (Hardcover - very good condition)
(RESERVED)

RM10

(SOLD)

RM2 (Hardcover - very good condition)
(RESERVED)

RM10

(SOLD)

FOC

RM30

(SOLD)

RM5 (Hardcover)

RM3 (very new)

RM10
(SOLD

RM5

RM10

(SOLD)

RM5

RM10

(SOLD)

RM5

RM10

(Illustrated in cartoon form. Takes the boredom out of reading a dry subject)

RM15 (Very new)
(RESERVED)

RM5

(SOLD)

FOC (2 copies available)

6TH UPLOAD - BOOKS FOR SALE

2009-09-03T17:12:00.012+08:00

RM10

(RESERVED)

RM10
(SOLD)

RM8

RM8

RM8
(SOLD)

RM10 (Hardcover)

RM10

(RESERVED)

RM10

RM5

RM10

RM5

RM8

RM5

RM5 each (2 copies available)

RM5

RM5 (Hardcover)

RM5

5TH UPLOAD - FREE BOOKS FREEBIES

2009-09-03T12:06:00.012+08:00

Most of the books here are quite old but nevertheless in good condition. To be elible to select a FOC book, you will have to purchase a minimum of 3 books from any of my Book Uploads. Postage to be borne by purchaser. Those who have previously purchased and have not selected your book, please do so. Have fun!

(TAKEN)

Autographed by Ba Ba

(TAKEN)

TAKEN

KIV

Thin booklet

(KIV)

Thin booklet

TAKEN

TAKEN