First Week in London

Without realizing it, I have completed my first week in London. What a first week it has been! I arrived on the 21st of September after a 12-13 hour cramped Malaysia Airlines flight from KLIA. Sitting on economy class for a long haul flight is not so pleasant after all. Fortunately, I have got a place to crash in at Leon's room when I arrive. Thanks Leon for the 5 nights stay in your room.
On the first day in London, we managed to catch the Chelsea vs MU game, not in Stamford Bridge though but in a pub nearby. It was a good experience as we sat in a pub with Englishmen drinking and cursing throughout the match. Most are Chelsea supporters (its London by the way) and it was quite a relief when Salomon Kalou equalized. A draw is a good result for a Liverpool fan.
Slept very early at around 6 or 7pm until the next morning which makes up to 12 hours of sleep. Blame it on the jet lag. The next two days was spent on finding a room which is a daunting task in London. Accommodation are darn expensive in London. Managed to find a room on Tuesday. A room for 2 awaiting my other half to come. It is quite a good deal for 2 but I had some doubts initially. Chanted about it and I hoped that this place will turn out fine.
Now that I have moved in and settled down, I await the start of my course on the 29th Sept. I am determined to do well and will give my very best shot at it.
Thats all for now.
Finsbury Park ( Does it look like Dialogue with Nature)

The Emirates Stadium ( not too far from where I am staying)

Yindee Lapidary Gem Scam

On my first day in Bangkok ( 2nd of September 2008), I was on my way to my hotel in Pratunam area when I asked a woman in front of Pratunam Complex for directions to my hotel.

She introduced herself as an employee of the Pratunam Complex and appeared to be very friendly as well as apologising for the state of emergency in Bangkok at that time. She cautioned us against going to the Grand Palace area and instead recommended us to go to Lucky Buddha which she said was open only once a year. She then said that we should go to Yindee Export which is having sales for the last day. She called up a Tuk-Tuk to bring us to the hotel for check in before bringing us to Lucky Buddha and Yindee Export. At that time, I did not know that Yindee is selling jewellery and we duly obliged feeling lucky to come across a friendly person. the Tuk-tuk brought us to our hotel for check in before bringing us to Lucky Buddha. The place was not what we expected it to be with very few people there and does not look like a tourist spot.

We were about to leave when we met a guy who introduced himself as a doctor waiting for her daughter. Again, he mentioned Yindee Export telling the same story as the lady just now. We then left and Tuk-tuk brought us straight to Yindee Lapidary. When we went in, we were given an introduction about gemstones by an old lady who speaks fluent English. She recommended some rings for my girlfriend to try and we were attracted to a white gold ring with red ruby. The price on the tag was 24000 baht and she gave us a discount to 15000 baht. She said that we can easily get a profit of double the amount if we sell it off in our country. She mentioned a few jewellery companies in Malaysia such as Poh Kong and Habib which imports stones from them.

It did not come across as a scam to us thanks to our gullibility. After much persuading and and convincing, I finally agreed to buy the ring for my girlfriend. We went off that day thinking that we have landed a great deal. The next day I googled on the internet on Yindee Lapidary and I instantly knew that I was conned. I immediately thought of going back to Yindee to get a refund. I met a policeman on my way there and I asked for his favour to follow me to the shop. When I arrived there, I demanded a refund and told the person that I have checked on the internet as well as checked with Poh Kong that Yindee Lapidary is a scam trying to con tourists. I warned that I will go to the Malaysian Embassy and will spread it in the internet if I dont get a refund.

After a while, she said that she can only give me a further discount of 3000 baht. I insisted on a refund which she gave in to. She issued a credit voucher which I was not very confident of. I called my bank and also checked with the Bangkok Bank branch in Platinum. She assured me that it will be credited in around 2 weeks. It was not credited in two weeks, instead it took 3 weeks. But it was a relief that the credit voucher does go through anyway. Having said that, I managed to get the refund but on the other hand, I spent quite a handful on the roaming charges for calling my bank in KL from Bangkok. Why are the roaming charges so darn expensive....

So what was supposed to be a wonderful holidays was tainted by this incident. It was however a good lesson for us to not be so naive and gullible in the future.

We have to use the internet to spread it to more people around the world to prevent them from falling into these scams. The authorities in Thailand have to do something to protect the tourists or else tourists will stop choosing Thailand as their holiday destination

Recap of the Journey thus far III

In early July, I was notified that there is one nominee who has deferred his scholarship and that makes the scholarship to be available again. As there are a few people who are qualified for the scholarship, I was asked to submit a project proposal to them in a few days time.

I was delighted by this opportunity. Now, there is hope again. I spent time to come out with the best proposal that will land me the scholarship. I chanted even more to have the wisdom to write a proposal that will be able to touch the committee.

After a deliberating and making amendments after amendments, I was finally satisfied and send them my proposal. I wait with bated breath on the decision. During this period of time, I knew that I had to chant even more daimoku. I sent my daimoku to the people that I never met before but only correspond through the email. I wanted to really fulfil my mission in kosenrufu and life. I wanted this badly.

One day before the results were known, I chanted 5 to 6 hours of daimoku. I can feel that I am definitely going to UK. And the next day, I waited for my email the whole day but no reply from them. It was after 5pm and I was on my way back when my girlfriend checked my email and called me to say that I have been nominated for the scholarship.

Immediately, I poured out tears of joy in the car. But then, it was only a nomination. The journey has not ended. I submitted whatever forms that they ask me to return to them and it will be forwarded to the Association of Commonwealth Universities for approval.

I had to continue waiting. Time passes by real slowly. Then after around 2 weeks later, I was confirmed of the scholarship subject to a medical examination. Whoa! And finally I can say that I am really going to London and has changed the impossible to possible by basing it on the Mystic Law of Nam-myoho-renge- kyo.

There are more challenges ahead for me. But I do not fear anything now for I know that I will conquer everything that comes with faith.

Recap of the Journey thus far II

After around 1 week later, the people there emailed me that I need to get another referee which I duly obliged and sent it to them. However, they inform me that the nomination for the scholarship has already been done and as I submitted late, I would not be considered for the scholarship. I can only be considered for a place for the course.

What the heck! How can I go without the scholarship? Where do I find the money to go? It is downright heartbreaking to get the news. After harbouring some hope of getting it, it all seem to evaporate into thin air. No matter how I try to convince them of my sincerity of wanting to join them and appealing to them, they say there is nothing they could do. I have to get my own funds if I want to go.

I was disappointed and lost. I wanted to just give up. But fortunately someone close to me encouraged me not to give up and continue chanting and pray for to change the impossible into possible. I try to pick myself up. I need to continue to chant. I have heard of other people's experience in achieving the impossible. (Thanks to Serrene's experience) Why cant I be like them? I chanted that somehow they will allocate an extra place for me.

I chanted hours of daimoku. I wanted to share my experience of achieving the impossible. That was a few days before I went down to KL. I wanted to show the actual proof of the Gohonzon. At the same time, I emailed them and numerous times to show my persistence in wanting the scholarship.

TO be continued

Recap of the Journey thus far

I was browsing through the Commonwealth Scholarship website somewhere in June and came across Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for Masters taught programme. And London School of Pharmacy is one of the schools that is offering the CSS for their courses. Alas, the closing date for the Scholarship is long over as it states 30th of April 2008. Disappointed that why did I not come across the website earlier.

However, I tried to email the School's coordinator to ask if I could still submit my application. Who knows, anything can happen..... So I waited patiently for his reply and replied he did. After a few days, he replied that I can submit the application before 16th of June 2008, 9am( I remember clearly) with all the necessary documents. I did not open my email until the 16th of June, 8am (Malaysian time) and gosh , I had to send everything to him in less than an hour. I hurried home and sent the application form which I had filled up together with the documents. But there is one referee report that I need to get my lecturer's signature. How can I make it on time. Only later I realize that their 9am is our 4pm which gave me enough time to see my lecturer and got his signature and send everything to them on that very day. Thanks Prof Yuen.

I was relieved that everything is done and all I had to do is wait. I was very interested in the course offered and London is simply a great place too. I had a feeling that I stand a chance. I chanted with hope when I got home that day. Although the coordinator told me that he could not guarantee me that I will be considered for the scholarship as the dateline was already over, I did not give up. I know that I have to employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra and chant lots of daimoku.

Somehow I had the feeling that this is the opportunity that I had been looking for.

To be continued

Almost there

It has been ages since I publish my last post. These few weeks has been unpredictable and filled with challenges to say the least. But I have managed to pull through that and now is on the brink of achieving the impossible. It is all because of maintaining faith and applying the strategy of the Lotus Sutra and the power of Nam-myoho-renge- kyo.
Turning the impossible into possible would not have been possible without the power of the Gohonzon. The journey has its up and downs. I hope to recollect every single moment of my challenge in this blog. More of that in the next blog.
I still have some teething issues to overcome before victory is absolutely certain. No matter what, I will definitely win.

Another Poem

This is another poem by Sensei which encouraged me a lot at this time-

The curtain has opened on the second decade
Moving no longer in a line but over a broad surface
you work to build the towering and fruitful culture of the twenty-first century
This will be the stage upon which you perform!
This will be your debut!
I have a mission which is mine alone
You too have a mission which only you can fulfil.

- SGI President Ikeda

How meaningful! How encouraging! It has deeply touched my heart. I will fulfil my mission.

Poem by Sensei

An excerpt from Cosmic February 2008, Sensei's poem to Kaneko-

My heart in the midst of storm
My heart beats fast
Does my heart beat fast because of the storm?
No, it is to a mysterious melody
Oh, this throbbing heart!
I find in your heart a spring
May flowers bloom within your heart


P/S: A request by Angga, a SGI Indonesia member.

Stop the bickering!

It has been some time since I posted anything. The reasons being I am busy settling into my new job since beginning of this month and the other is I am too fed up and disgusted by what had happened in the political scenes.

Malaysia, should be a land of hope and peace where Malaysians should be able to enjoy peace and prosperity within a stable political and economic background. But all these has turned out to be far reaching and impossible at this moment.

While the leaders are busy plotting and planning each other's downfall and ways to earn more of the rakyat's money, the rakyat are struggling to come to terms with the exorbitant cost of living. While the leaders exchange blows for blows, eye for an eye, the rakyat are finding ways to save, be prudent and earn some extra money for a living.

Last night, I saw the news about Samy Vellu talking about leaders should work for the people all the time and not always think of making money from their positions. I nearly wanted to crush the TV. How thick faced he can be to be talking about this. I really have lost whatever faith left I had about our current leaders.

I am intoxicated with the amount of politics that are happening in the country so much so that I am facing toxicity effects. I can stand it no more. If they do not stop their hanky panky, the country is definitely doomed.

It is time the people stand united and stand up for our rights. We deserve better than this! We deserve the best leaders to lead our country.

My Last Day

Here I am, clocking in for the last time in the office that I have worked for 10 months. How do I feel now?

There is a mixed feelings, happy that I am able to leave this place to venture on something certainly more challenging but fully aware that these carefree and flexible working hours are a thing of the past. But I am really glad that I wont feel that I am wasting my time and my youth anymore. Its a complex feeling nevertheless. The days here has really opened my eyes to a lot of things which is not appropriate for me to reveal here at this moment. But at least I have the chance to experience things which otherwise I would not be able to experience in other places, whether its good or bad.

I guess everything that happens in life should be looked at a positive way as every turn of events serve to develop ourselves, does it not?
So what is in store for the future? I do not know but what I am certain is I will not fear anything. It is time I take on the world. As long as I maintain faith, things will be fine.

Getting on with renewed confidence

Days after making the big decision, I am still coming to grip with it. It was quite nervy at the start but it was much better now. I have found some renewed confidence and looking for a glimmer of hope of getting something out these. I am desperate to go overseas to satiate my thirst for knowledge and inspiration. With renewed determination, I am really keeping my fingers crossed. I keep asking myself for what purpose do I want to be in the academic field? I got some of the answers while talking to my professor the other day. But there is more to it.

The state of higher education in the country is in such a sorry state. To jump into it at this moment is like committing kamikaze. But you have to be in the system itself to be able to change it. I may not be in the position to affect any change now, but I will in 10 years time. I need to build my foundation, knowledge, wisdom, way of thoughts and etc...So I have to be exposed to the outside world.

It is time to change. Education is not to serve politics. Education is not to merely churn out followers and robots. Education is not to stifle the minds of the young. Education is not to get a string of As.

Education is to create people who can think and articulate ideas, conduct intellectual dialogues and are able to utilise the knowledge to benefit the people and society. Education is to serve the people, not serve the people in the ivory tower. Education is to create agents of change who can contribute for the betterment of the society.

A Turning Point

I have come to a junction where I need to make a big decision which will change the course of my life. To go for it or not or to continue remaining in this comfort zone (not that comfortable afterall) - these are the questions that I have been asking myself. Although I have been preparing myself for this change, but when you are finally at that point of making that decision is never easy.

But I am glad that after sincerely praying, I have the courage to take that step. It is a relief, a big monkey off my shoulder at the moment but in no ways that it will be smooth sailing thereafter. It is just the beginning of more challenges and obstacles. As rocky as the path ahead may seem, I am prepared for what may come. I fear nothing. I am ready for it for I have limitless potential. Everybody has that. Sensei, just watch me !

Hoping for a change of times

Now that the mouse has been let out of the bag, we are seeing serious spillover effects and repercussions from the fuel price hike. Commodities, food, materials, properties and transportation are set to skyrocket hitting the normal rakyat the hardest. Not only will the rakyat be trying to grapple with their everyday living, they will also need to be wary of social and crime issues which may also be on the rise.

What has the government done to alleviate the people's suffering?
Again, they have come out vague and unconvincing measures to show that they are serious in facing the hardships with the people. A 10% cut in entertainment allowances is but a chicken feed amount to start with. What is the entertainment allowance needed in the 1st place? Is it not right to say that all government functions and entertainments are already borne by the government? Is the entertainment allowance used to entertain their own family and cronies? What other allowances are the ministers entitled to which are not made known to the people? If they want to cut the subsidies by 40%, shouldnt the allowance be cut in tandem with the subsidies?

The problems that we face today are the consequences of the many years of wastage, corruption, inefficiency in the government sector. Maybe I should not say this as I myself is very much in the system as a civil servant but these recent turn of events has made me even more determined to voice out things which are not right. But alas, what can we at the bottom of the hiearachy do to change it?

I am just hoping that government in waiting will not wait anymore. They could not possibly do worse than the government of the day, could they? Lets wait and see.

Bracing for difficult times ahead

Finally, the bombshell has been dropped. The announcement that everyone dreads has been made. I was quietly expecting it to come with hints given by our beloved PM a few days before the run-up. But never had I expect it to come with such a bang. 41% increase is way far above what I had expected. It is definitely a big burden all across the board affecting the poor and the middle class the most.

On the news yesterday, as our beloved PM was making his maiden speech on the oil increase, what I see is a hypocrite in the truest sense of the word. Never mind that all politicians are hypocrites. But in telling Malaysians to accept it, live with it and change our lifestyle is like telling us to stop going to work, stop eating and stop buying. The average Malaysian has been trying to make ends meet with meagre income. The people that most need to change their lifestyle is none other than the leaders of the country, the celebrities, the rich and what not. There are the people who are living lavishly and worse still, the so called leaders are spending the public's hard earned money.

In other countries that the goverment claim has higher fuel price compared to us, I would like to ask the PM if those countries have a public transportation as screwed up as ours, do the cars there cost as much as here, do they need to pay such heavy road taxes, do they need to pay tolls and etc.....
Pls compare an apple with an apple and not an apple with a banana.

Let just hope for all to be able to adapt to the change and peace and prosperity of the society will be maintained.

Contemplation

I have not written for some time now. Not easy to maintain a blog, what more to come out with interesting articles from time to time. As for me, these few weeks has been rocky and unpredictable where I need to pause and look at my life from a bigger picture at the same time redefining my priorities and directions. It has not been easy coming to terms with realities, recovering from setbacks and look forward for a better outcome.

Coincidentally, two disasters had also happened namely the Myanmar cyclone followed by Sichuan earthquake which brings out the best and the worst in humans. Two entirely different response in managing disasters is a macro picture that reflects the character and attitude of humans. We can choose to be defeated by the problem or be strengthened in solidarity to overcome the problem.

We choose the path that we want as we are the master of our destiny.
If one look at the Sichuan Earthquake negatively, one may say that it has come at a wrong time and at a time when China is preparing for the Olympics. But it is really heartening that it has brought out the humanity side of people, to help those who are in need and unite the Chinese people from all over the world. It may be blessing in disguise as disaster of this magnitude can make China stronger than ever in facing the Olympics as well as the rest of the world.
However, cannot be said about the military junta of Myanmar who only thinks of their own benefits and power without thinking of the lives of its people. They are afraid that their grip on Myanmar will be weakened if they allow international aid to come in, leaving thousands of children starving and ill.

We may also ask what causes these things to happen. It may be natural disaster but natural disasters too can be caused by man. We have come to a point that if we do go on the rate we are going, more and more disasters will happen. Therefore, the world and the people need to wake up and heed these signs to stop our greed, our destruction of the environment and wastage of natural resources.
Wake up, fellow human beings!

Lets Fight On!

I have to change my mindset. I cannot continue to be bogged down by the problem in front of me. The past few days had been dreadful with tantrums and emotions. I must not be affected by this change of things. I must not be defeated by this obstacle. Counter the negativity in me. Pray with stronger determination to achieve my goals. Nothing is impossible.
If I let myself defeated by this, I am a failure. I must not let this happen.

"It is senseless to blame others or your environment for your miseries. Change begins from the moment you muster the courage to act. When you change, the environment will change. The power to change the world is found nowhere but within our own life. " Daisaku Ikeda

"To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened."

Shoulder On and Persevere !

Utter Devastation

After months of efforts and hard work hoping that things will turn out to be fine where I can pursue what I believe in, it all had come to naught. It was all destroyed by a single fucking letter due to a fucking decision by a person who is a brainless piece of shit who happens to be the Director General.
I cannot believe that I will not be granted a release and all that has been put in place by getting a place in the Uni has all been in vain.
What can I do now? Will I be stuck here for another 2 years in the place that I cannot realise my own potential?
My whole has suddenly become gloomy. The hope that I maintained all this while has been crushed. Do I give up? How can I pick myself up?

P/S: Sorry for the vulgarities used.

A Great Man's Clash with the Authorities

It is very disturbing to see RPK being taken to jail(for refusing bail) for sedition. I have been a fan of Malaysia Today as I find that the articles that he writes gives a a new dimension to the political news that are reported in the mainstream media. It may not be true all the time but the way he analyzes our politics in Malaysia is so real, humorous, sarcastic and vulgar at the same time.
What I admire him the most is the courage to speak out for justice and truth not fearing the people in the corridors of powers. I can feel that he speaks for the people and understands the pulse of the people unlike the ruling government.

All throughout history, great people who stands up for justice and truth were taken to jail one time or another in their life. Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Daisaku Ikeda and the list goes on had all clashed with the authorities while fighting for the people. These are people who will be remembered for eternity.

May justice prevail !
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

Daisaku Ikeda's Poem

A poem from my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai International President

There is something larger than the vast sky

That is my life

There is something deeper than the ocean

That is your life

When winter comes, Spring (peace) is not far away

Now is the very time to sing in a loud voice the song of peace

The deeper the night, the nearer the dawn

This is because human life exists in order to become happy

There is something more precious than the universe
That is the lives of everyone

When the life of a single person is really treasured

Spring(peace)cannot be far away

When winter comes, Spring (peace) is not far away

Now is the very time to sing in a loud voice the song of peace

This is because happiness already exists there

In a dilemma

I have been thinking and pondering for some time. What should I do? What is the direction am I heading to? It scares me to think of what lies ahead. Is it because I am not strong and determined enough? I have to strengthen my faith no matter what.
Where does my mission lies? This is the question that I ought to find out and discover myself. I would be lost if I could not realize and get the answer to this question.
Nobody can help me except myself. This is my life and I am to take full responsibility of it. I have to find the answers in my heart.

What is the purpose of life?

I always wonder and think of the purpose of our life to be born into this world. Last week, a lecturer of mine in the Uni passed away at very young age of around 40. She had so much going for her, bright and intelligent but she succumbed to a congenital disease. She was a loss to the nation as she was an excellent researcher.
It makes us wonder what is important in our life. Is it wealth, materialistic things, status, power, or is it the simple things that matter? You never know when you are going to die...It could be today, tomorrow or next month but I guess the most important thing is to live today and everyday as if it is the last day. When we think of that, we would not be busy occupying ourselves in the pursue of wealth until we forget our family, our friends and the people around us. In the end, these things be it wealth, status and power are things that we could not bring it together with us when we die.
The only thing that we can leave in this world is our contributions, how much we have made people happy, how many people we have helped and how many people have we left a lasting impression.
Life is so fragile and impermanent. I need to reaffirm and re prioritize my directions and purpose so I would not spend my life in vain and I would not regret it even though I may be gone today.

My First Post

There is a report that says Malaysia has the most number of bloggers. Wow....that is definitely a something to be proud of...not.... Malaysia Boleh!
Out of the urge to pen down some of my views that has been bottled in me for some time, I turned to blogspot and here I am, writing my first post. Never had I imagined that I will have my own blog, but I guess developments in recent times such as the recent General Elections where bloggers helped to turn the tide and several articles /blogs that I read helped me to change my perception about blogging.
Furthermore, I am beginning to strongly feel the importance of words in the development of society as a whole. Words has always been important but the emergence of the internet has magnified this effect as you can reach out to virtually anyone in the world. An article that is encouraging and inspiring will be able to give a person hope. With that in mind, I hope to be able to pen down some of my views on life, religion and philosophy along the way in the hope that it will be able encourage and inspire. If I can touch even just one person, I would be more than happy.