Buddhism is an eternal and unchanging law that pervades human life and the entire universe. It is also the guiding principle for the realization of peace and happiness for humanity. As such, it in no way contradicts modern science. Rather, it is a philosophy that can lead science and technology in a direction that will contribute to people’s happiness and well-being.
The Soka movement aims for what we call human revolution, the inner transformation of the individual through the teaching of Buddhism. Society is made up of human beings; we are the creators of our reality. As a result, we believe that by cultivating our lives, our hearts, we can change society. The purpose of the Soka Gakkai is to enable people to forge their character on a fundamental level, thereby bringing the fragrant flowers of peace and culture to bloom. We emphasize the view that all things arise from the human heart, the human spirit.
22 November 2008
The Soka Movement
A new departure for me as I am returned to Serangoon South Chapter to promote our Soka Movement there. It is time to get back to basics. What exactly is our Soka Movement? Sensei explained it in the NHR - Dance of Life:
12 November 2008
10 November 2008
Seven Blunders
Sharing something from one of my heroes -- Gandhi
A few weeks before he was assassinated, Gandhi the Mahatma had a conversation with his grandson Arun. He handed Arun a talisman upon which were engraved "Seven Blunders," out of which, said Gandhi, grows the violence that plagues the world. The blunders were:
- Wealth without work.
- Pleasure without conscience.
- Knowledge without character.
- Commerce without morality.
- Science without humanity.
- Worship without sacrifice.
- Politics without principles.
Gandhi called these disbalances "passive violence," which fuels the active violence of crime, rebellion, and war. He said, "We could work 'til doomsday to achieve peace and would get nowhere as long as we ignore passive violence in our world."
09 November 2008
1 = 2 = 3
Something interesting I stumbled on for the mathematical mind.Source from http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com.
03 November 2008
Another bites the dust
Finally back to work after the ICT. There was some degree of resentment after my return and I sort of expected it as I know that I have unfinished work which I was unable to complete on time when I went on my leave. Naturally these year-end administrative duties had to be covered by my colleagues. I am grateful for their assistance and apologize for their extra workload but in my defense, I would very much not to have to go for reservist if I had a choice. Anyone who knows anything about me would understand my stand of absolute pacifism and is against war (or the training for it). I am in the army only because I am law-abiding. But regular work resumes.
The secondary three students are back daily for supplementary lessons and I have my year-end work review coming up, as well as the markers’ report which I am not complying yet as there is a test to be set for those who failed their regular examinations. Moreover, the deadline for the major assignment for my Masters course is drawing uncomfortably near.
This coming vacation will also see me plow through my notes to prepare a localized package for Cyberwellness in my school. An unnoticed and generally thankless task.
Am I ranting? Maybe.
It is said that teachers have to be mindful when they blog and should not complain and whine so much on the cyberworld. “It sets a bad example.”
A week ago, a fellow teacher was blasted by the media for posting pictures of her in bikini online. To be honest, I am sure she is not the only one but was unfortunate to be brought to the attention of the media. And to be even more brutally honest, I think the media is making a mountain out of a molehill.
Please do not quote me wrongly. I am totally in agreement that responsible blogging is necessary. Posting an explicit sexual picture online is definitely wrong by my reckoning or any standards. But bikinis? Some people had obviously not visited the beach for a long time. If the media is to blast teachers for setting a negative example based just on bikinis, then they should take a closer look at the pop-stars whose influences on the young may not necessary pale in comparison to teachers.
Some standards should be adjusted. To be explicitly honest, our teenagers today do not need such influences to influence them to don a bikini. They probably have more pairs than an average teacher and are more proficient in tying the knots of those swimsuits than us tying our shoelaces. Like many vices in this world, bikinis as a fashion statement have gone beyond prevention. It is how to cope with it and liberate our mindset to a point where we understand that less cloth does not equate to sexual provocative.
I have been blogging for years as I find it a good exercise for some mental exercise and for self-reflection. In my younger days, there are bound to be some posts which I am not proud of. (No, I am a guy, so there are no pictures of me in bikini... ever!) Mainly it is the language I used which may be vulgar sometimes. But I would like to state that with maturity, I had weeded out such language from my usage. It was who I was and I don’t see why I should hide it. In fact, we know that anything posted online is never truly deleted. If anything, I would love to educate my students on the foolishness of my younger days and the anger in the heart such foul language brought. And if they are in the same situation I was, they should accelerate their maturing process.
We can be honest and responsible at the same time. So should the media be fair and the general public understanding.
Idealistic? Maybe. But we have to dream.
The secondary three students are back daily for supplementary lessons and I have my year-end work review coming up, as well as the markers’ report which I am not complying yet as there is a test to be set for those who failed their regular examinations. Moreover, the deadline for the major assignment for my Masters course is drawing uncomfortably near.
This coming vacation will also see me plow through my notes to prepare a localized package for Cyberwellness in my school. An unnoticed and generally thankless task.
Am I ranting? Maybe.
It is said that teachers have to be mindful when they blog and should not complain and whine so much on the cyberworld. “It sets a bad example.”
A week ago, a fellow teacher was blasted by the media for posting pictures of her in bikini online. To be honest, I am sure she is not the only one but was unfortunate to be brought to the attention of the media. And to be even more brutally honest, I think the media is making a mountain out of a molehill.
Please do not quote me wrongly. I am totally in agreement that responsible blogging is necessary. Posting an explicit sexual picture online is definitely wrong by my reckoning or any standards. But bikinis? Some people had obviously not visited the beach for a long time. If the media is to blast teachers for setting a negative example based just on bikinis, then they should take a closer look at the pop-stars whose influences on the young may not necessary pale in comparison to teachers.
Some standards should be adjusted. To be explicitly honest, our teenagers today do not need such influences to influence them to don a bikini. They probably have more pairs than an average teacher and are more proficient in tying the knots of those swimsuits than us tying our shoelaces. Like many vices in this world, bikinis as a fashion statement have gone beyond prevention. It is how to cope with it and liberate our mindset to a point where we understand that less cloth does not equate to sexual provocative.
I have been blogging for years as I find it a good exercise for some mental exercise and for self-reflection. In my younger days, there are bound to be some posts which I am not proud of. (No, I am a guy, so there are no pictures of me in bikini... ever!) Mainly it is the language I used which may be vulgar sometimes. But I would like to state that with maturity, I had weeded out such language from my usage. It was who I was and I don’t see why I should hide it. In fact, we know that anything posted online is never truly deleted. If anything, I would love to educate my students on the foolishness of my younger days and the anger in the heart such foul language brought. And if they are in the same situation I was, they should accelerate their maturing process.
We can be honest and responsible at the same time. So should the media be fair and the general public understanding.
Idealistic? Maybe. But we have to dream.
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