Work of devotion for a great Wesak

This article was published in the Metro Section of the Star newspaper today(26 April 2007) so I thought I'd put a copy up here before its lost to the archives.

By LIM CHIA YING

Intricate details (From left) Teenagers Lim Ming Shern, Kng Zhi Xuan and Melvin Lee Han Jean pool their talents to come up with painstakingly detailed models of the Ruins of Nalanda and the Borobudur temple .

There is no mistaking that the minuscule artwork is of the the biggest Buddhist monument in the world. Only a structure like Borobudur can inspire an equally stunning model like the one being made.

However, there's no architect or engineer piecing together the model sculpture. The only craftsmen are teenagers from the Nalanda Dharma School.

Teamwork: Devotee Cheang Pey Shyuan and Wong adjusting one of the parasols.

Come June, the work will be shown to a few hundred thousand visitors, and Nalanda Buddhist Society advisor Tan Ho Soon believes the model is certainly ready for an international audience.

“This model is among the many hand-made exhibits that will be displayed at the Buddhist Culture & Arts Festival (BCAF) 2007 from June 6 to 10. The whole Borobudur edifice is a symbolic portrayal of the Buddhist cosmos.

“Legend has it that not long after its construction, Borobudur was mysteriously abandoned, probably due to a nearby volcanic eruption, as the entire temple was covered by earth until its discovery by Sir Stamford Raffles, the then governor of Java, in the early 19th century.

“The surprising fact is although Buddhism originated from India and is widely practised in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand, it is Indonesia that houses the largest Buddhist temple,” said Tan.

The Nalanda House in Taman Sri Serdang is now abuzz with groups of dedicated volunteers helping out in sewing, and preparing other paraphernalia for the festival.

“Preparation started two weeks ago, and all of us are excited because it'll be a massive festival that has never been seen before in this country. Coincidentally, the exhibits we are working on would also be used on Wesak Day on May 1,” said Tan.

Secretary Wong Kin Yap said most of the display items are hand-made and hand-sewn using recycled materials which devotees brought from home.

“We are currently constructing a sedan to carry the Buddha image. It is made entirely of wood and will be featured during the Wesak procession,” said Wong.

There will be 20 colourful parasols of different designs exhibited at BCAF. The parasols, said Tan, symbolise honour and respect for Buddha, his teachings, and the community of his noble followers.

“Parasols are something very traditional from India. You can still see people holding parasols when escorting a King or someone important, which is meant to honour that person,” said Wong.

Elsewhere is another model artwork made from tissue rolls, supposedly to represent the ruins of celebrated library at the Nalanda Maha Vihara (Great Monastery of Nalanda), which is among the first Buddhist universities in the world.

Dedication: Volunteers helping to create the Naga, regarded as symbolic to Buddhism.

According to Tan, the place was originally a multi-storeyed building housing sacred Buddhist scriptures from all traditions before being reduced to ruins by invading armies from Central Asia in the 11th century.

“Today, Nalanda still evokes strong sentiments among Buddhists, especially educationists, for its notable role as the great centre of scholasticism,” continued Tan.

Then there is the bamboo cloth, which Tan explained has been used since ancient times in places like Indonesia and Thailand.

“It is used to represent energy. In places like Indonesia, bamboo cloths are placed in a line on both sides leading towards a temple. As people walk past paddy fields to get to the temple, they can feel the energy that the bamboo cloths radiate when blown by the wind,” Tan said.

“We will be placing the bamboo cloths at the exhibition's entrance and the back. The cloth will be in orange as the colour gives out good energy and vibes, which is what we want people to feel and, at the same time, it's something very traditional.”
Wong said exhibitions like this would help improve public understanding of Buddhism.

“We (volunteers and devotees) are like one big family. Everyone camps here overnight on weekends so that we can finish the work on time for two very big occasions this year. And when everyone chips in to do something, they feel a sense of belonging! They can proudly say they made this and that and, at the same time, this is the group of people who are quietly working behind the scenes to put things together, especially since a lot of attractions at the festival are 'imported' from other participating countries,” said Wong.

Talking it out: Wong (left) discussing the event with volunteers.

The festival promises to be the largest ever showcase of Buddhist heritage in Malaysia.

“It'll feature very traditional elements, which brings people back to the roots of Buddhism, with paraphernalia that is full of heritage values, all set in a lively carnival-like atmosphere,” he said.

Candle-light procession to cover 1.6km route

THE Nalanda Buddhist Society is observing Wesak Day with various activities, including a blood donation drive and Dhamma talks, but the most anticipated event has to be its traditional candle-lighting procession. Unlike the more common processions of decorated floats, Nalanda's will see a sedan bearing Buddha's image accompanied by colourful lanterns, streamers, and traditional parasols.

Two traditional Nagas (dragons) will also enliven the procession and the entourage will be led by flag bearers carrying Buddhist flags and banners.

The sedan itself will be carried by four people walking at a stately pace to gongs and the sounds of ancient Pali chanting.

Another unique feature is that the devotees will be wearing a white shirt with sarong, traditional attire from Sri Lanka to Myanmar to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Secretary Wong Kin Yap said the traditional procession is one of its kind in Malaysia and likely to be witnessed in the country for the first time.

The procession route covers roughly 1.6km, and devotees will walk with candles and flowers in hand for a precise 2,551 steps to mark the number of years since Buddha's passing.

The procession will start at 7.30pm on May 1 from Nalanda House at 1764, Jalan 18/42, Taman Sri Serdang, Seri Kembangan.

Those interested to participate can call 012-345 4448 (Mr Ee) or email: info@nalanda.org.my

Fitness First Leisure Mall and IOI Mall Quickview(without Photos :-p)

My last post I mentioned that I would like to review Fitness First branches all around Klang Valley. However, up to now, I've only trained in two FF's branches, Leisure Mall, Cheras and IOI Mall, Puchong. I've lost count how many times I trained in Leisure Mall, but I only trained twice at IOI Mall. The reason, Leisure Mall is nearer to my house and I would pass by there going and coming back from college via MRR2 highway.

Anyway, Let's get a quick review. Sorry, No photos. According to their policy, members are not allowed to take photos of their premises. Not sure if it's allowed upon special request. Check it out yourself.


Fitness First Leisure Mall (FFLM)

Divided into two floors;

Cardio Theatre weight resistant machines, stretching area, Group Exercise Studio, Juice Bar and Lounge is located at the lower ground.

For those who wants to lift free weights, would need to go to the upper floor, where the Cosmic Cycling Studio is also located. However, there is no squat rack here. You would need to use Smith Machine to perform squats or just the barbell without rack's support.


Fitness First IOI Mall (FFIO)

Everything is located in just 1 floor. Nothing much more for me to mention, every equipment is standard I guess? Similar to FFLM, but they have Squat Rack. But I dissapointed that the Squat Rack's spotter could not be adjusted. So that means you can't go too low on performing your squat.

Just use the Smith Machine for squats then :P



Things they have in common are:

• Separate Male and Female Sauna and Steam (Inside changing area)
• Shower Gel, Shampoo are provided. Including hair dryer.
• Plastic bags are available for you to put your soaked clothes.

Nothing much for me to complain about now. For first timers who need someone to bring you around in the gym, just go to the Personal Trainer's desk and request for a Gym Introduction.

I Joined Fitness First

Since I’ve stopped working at an Assistant Instructor at my college’s gym, I’ve also stopped stepping into the gym for the past 2 months. 23^rd December 2006 to be exact was the last time I stepped into the gym just to submit my pay claim form.

The last time I measure my weight at the gym, it was 72kg, and now it’s showing 77kg on my house weighing scale. Thanks to all the good food and my eating habit with no exercise at all [except my fingers (while on the pc)]. My belly is showing and I’m currently being called fatty by my friends. How sad? :-(

So I went around fitness shops around the Klang Valley asking for equipments quotation thinking to convert one the empty rooms in my house as a small workout area for me. What I had in mind was a treadmill, cross-trainer, and a bench press’ bench. Of course, with other miscellaneous items as well like weights and barbell.

The most pain in the ass part was the price of a treadmill and a cross-trainer. For me, I wouldn’t want something with too simple features, but advanced features with at least 15% percent incline and 20km/h on my treadmill. But the better the features, the higher the price goes.

Anyway, I got myself quoted from a few fitness shops like Johnson Fitness, Kettler and Fitness Concept. The price tag for everything goes up to a whopping RM9K for my “not so basic after all” needs.

It was definitely not going to be reasonable to my dad. And personally, I would have other factors to make me reconsider about;

1. To train at home would need higher level of determination and discipline.

2. Long term maintenance of equipments. It’s humid at my house plus with the air, it would cause the equipments to rust. The treadmill’s motor and belt would be a headache too in the long term.

3. Might not know how long I would really use the equipments. Who knows one day I might find something better to do than working out.

So I actually decided that I would sign-up as a member in a decent equipped gym somewhere near to my house. However, I went to check out 1 of them, and It was disappointing. In terms of environment and equipments that are not so well maintained.

My cousin, Lim Soo Aun who is a personal trainer at Menara Manulife’s Fitness First told me that there’s a promotion going on for Family and Friend’s package for a monthly fee of RM175 RM105 for a Passport membership.

I went over to Fitness First at Menara Manulife yesterday to check the gym and chicks out, and straight away I signed up a 1 year membership contract with them with a monthly fee of RM105 for the mentioned Passport membership. I paid a total RM328 [RM19 (February’s fee) +RM105 (March’s fee) +RM105 (1 month deposit)].

Stay tuned for reviews on Fitness First branches all around Klang Valley.

My Birthday

Yes, Happy Birthday to myself today. I was born 1 day after Valentine's Day, and 2 days before Chinese New Year in 1988. So I'm considered to be born in the year of Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. I'm not a Dragon boy :'~(

When I was young, probably from age 1-6, my parents used to celebrate my birthday for me without fail. Birthday cake, cooking good food and inviting people whom are familiar to our family.

When I was 7 onwards, before my birthday, I would start demanding for things for my birthday, to make it MY DAY! Therefore, it's a MUST for my parents to fulfil my demands. It could be anything, from a bicycle, to the latest video game and the list goes on. I remember I would sometimes be unfair towards my parents by demanding more ON my birthday itself if they were to give me my present BEFORE my birthday. How smart am I?

All this happen until I was 14. I overheard a conversation somewhere I could not recall where? Or was I dreaming? I’m not sure. But it just flows by where I heard that for some children, their birthday is also their mother’s death day due to birth complication.

When I heard about that, I paused for a moment to think about it. And it totally changed my view on children celebrating birthdays.

I came to a point that on my birthday; it’s the day I should be grateful that I was born safely without birth complication, I was raised by two wonderful parents and since I was born, my parent has been ‘GIVING’ me all the time(Both tangible and non-tangible), not only on my birthday. So, what there is more to be demanded?

Since then onwards, I never had the thought of wanting my parents to celebrate or giving me anything on my birthday. Even friends, I don’t expect any material things from them. It’s not all about wanting people around me making me happy only, But EVERYBODY around me, Family members and people I am familiar with, should be happy as well.

On my birthday, it’s the day I should be counting my blessings and be grateful. I would also think about the less fortunate, and try my best to do small contributions with my small savings. To me, it’s all about gratitude and 'giving back'.

P/s: Thank you to all my friends whom sent me Birthday greetings. May you all too enjoy what you've wished me.

Valentine's Day

I've searched around the internet but I still don't know the true meaning or reason why people celebrate Valentine's Day. There are various versions of stories mainly related to St Valentine or also known as St Valentino to some, back in the 3rd century of Rome.

Today, Valentine's Day is the day where tons of pressure will be built up for guys thinking of what to buy and what to do for their girlfriend on February 14 every year.

If you don’t perform up to their standard of expectation, they would probably say that you don’t love them.

Take a moment to digest. What is true love?

One of my favourite stories about Love comes from the book “Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?” by Ajahn Brahm

The story goes like this;

Ajahn Brahm was in his first year as a monk in northeast Thailand travelling in the back of the car with two other Western monks with Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah suddenly turned around and asked a young American novice monk sitting next to Ajahn Brahm and said to him “You are thinking about your girlfriend back in L.A.”

The American novice’s jaw dropped almost to the floor in surprise. Ajahn Chah had been reading his thoughts accurately. Ajahn Chah smiled and told him not to worry. The American novice was told that he could write a letter to her, ask her to send him something personal, something intimately connected to her, which he could bring it out wherever he misses her, to remind him of her.

“Is that allowable for a monk?” asked the novice in a surprised manner.

“Sure! You should ask her to send you a bottle of her shit. Whenever you miss her, you can bring out the bottle and open it”.

Well, Shit is something personal. When we express our love for our partner, don’t we say we love everything about them?

Take a break to digest it once again.

Welcome =)

Hello and welcome to my 3rd blog. Previously I owned nonself.wordpress.com and kxian.blogspot.com, they were however, happily shutdown by me due to certain circumstances.

I was born in 1988 and bred in Kuala Lumpur.
My areas of interest are in Martial arts, Religion, Sports and Psychology.

I used to represent my school team in Basketball, Soccer and the District team in Athletics (100m, 200m, 400m and relays)

Besides that, I Used to train in TaeKwonDo(WTF) discipline, however on May 2005, I got my Right Knee’s Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus damaged during a District Level TaeKwonDo Championship. Undergo two surgeries on my right knee to get them fixed. It really frustrates me as it shattered my dreams to represent the State team (and of course the National team) in this sport martial art.

But then, that’s just the beginning...

I'm currently in my 1^st Year, 2^nd Semester in pursuing my Diploma in Social Science (Counselling) in a Semi-Private College. Why Counselling? Because it’s one of the stepping stones available to lead me to a Degree in Psychology, and hopefully to major in Sport Psychology in Post Graduate level.

I worked as part-time Assistant Instructor in my college’s Co-Curricular Gym Workout programme from October to December 2006, an 8-week duration course in various sports designed to develop student’s physical, spiritual and emotional health by the College. My job was basically coaching and guiding a class of 40 students in Cardiovascular, Flexibility and Strength training. By the eighth week, students were required sit for their theory (Basic anatomy) and practical test on what they’ve learned. It was a good experience working and doing something I’m really interested in. I'm looking forward to more such experience either in the private or government sector.

This blog will serve as a platform for me to express myself (could be wholesome, unwholesome, good, bad or just plain rants), my dreams, my vision and insights (If there is any) with everyone.