six perfections to achieve an extraordinary life

After two months, I finally had the opportunity to rejoin the usual meditation class in Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Damansara Jaya. The drop in class starts at 8 to 10p.m. and it is free of charge.

Yesterday's topic was about How to Live a Less Ordinary Life. The topic alone is already very catchy. Before the dhamma talk, we usually meditate first. I must admit that I'm a beginner when it comes to meditation although I've been practising Buddhism all my life. The teacher who is known as geshe shared with us that in order to achieve an extraordinary life, we have to practice six disciplines:

1. perfection of giving
2. perfection of moral disciplines
3. perfection of effort
4. perfection of patience
5. perfection of mental stability
6. perfection of wisdom

Next Monday will be the last drop in class for the year before the centre is closed for break. The topic for next week is The Ultimate Truth.

For more info, click: http://www.meditateinkl.org/index.htm

Daniel MI2 latest album a hit in pasar malam

I've never supported Daniel in Malaysian Idol 2 nor I like the songs from his latest album which is frequently broadcasted over the airwaves.

However there is one thing that I will support him, anti-piracy. I was at the pasar malam in SS2 last night and saw his pirated album in every CD stalls. Poor Daniel. Just like Mawi, he should steps up and make a public call to discourage his fans or 'curious Malaysians' (who wants to listen to his album) from buying pirated Cds.

The Emperor's Journey: a must-see

I've never had interest for animals documentary. But The Emperor's Journey is no ordinary ducumentary. In fact, I think it is more like a love story. Such an extraordinary and touching story by the French director Luc Jacquet.

I've just watched the Mandarin version and I really enjoy every minute of it. Go watch it with your loved ones!

Highly recommended.

amazing race 8: support the Weaver family!

During the first and second episodes of Amazing Race 8, I thought this family edition will not be as exciting as the previous seasons. I thought it is not wise to sell American history and watching the families spending most of their time racing within their homeland.

But I was wrong. AR8 is different from its predecessors but just as exciting and watchable. I must say that they have an amazing combination of families. Personally I support the Weaver family since the first episode. I particularly love the part when the Weaver family was in the last place in Utah, (they took the wrong route and later yielded (again!) this time by the evil Linz family) enjoying their ice-creams to ease their frustrations thinking that they would be eliminated. I admire Linda for her courage and perseverance in protecting her kids and keeping her family together.

On the other hand, the Linz family is a bunch of pathetic and rude people. They simply don't have respect for others particularly Linda Weaver by calling her names. I don't understand why they hate the Weaver family so much. Rumour says that the Linz family won AR8. That's going to be a very sad ending because bad guys never win the Amazing Race before. Colin, Jonathan and Rob are very good examples.