Turtle

"Imagine that the whole earth was covered with water, and a man was to throw a yoke with a hole in it into the water. Blown by the wind, that yoke would drift north, south, east and west. Now, suppose that once in hundred years a blind turtle would rise to the surface. What do you think? Would that turtle put his head through the hole in the yoke as he rose to the surface once in a hundred years?"

"It is unlikely Lord."

"Well, it is just as unlikely that one will be born as a human being; it is just unlikely that a Tathagata, a Noble One, a fully enlightened Buddha should arise in the world; and it is just as unlikely that the Dhamma and discipline of the Tathagata should be taught. But now you have been born as a human being, a Tathagata has arisen and the Dhamma has been taught. Therefore, strive to realize the Four Noble Truths."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sadness, Longing, Fear, Stress

What is Sadness?

My mum wanted so much to call me every morning just to wake me up though I told her it's expensive for me to take overseas call and there is no need for the wake-up call. She insisted. We came to an agreement. She will give me a miscall every morning.

My dad sent me to the airport today. We had McD. I can see that he was so happy to have a meal with his daughter, chatting together...

When I said goodbye to dad, and after I went through the gate to proceed to immigration, going down the escalator... I felt like I wanted to cry... When I was lining up to scan my passport, dad was still waiting, looking at me queueing. After I pass immigration, it was so hard to contain the tears but managed to do so. First time I feel so sad to leave home.

What is Longing?

When we were in Mumbai, we did a few test calls. How happy I was to hear my colleague's voice on the other end... calling me Sumitha Tay - the name we used for the recipient in Mumbai.

When I see friends planning for outings and dinners and knowing that I can't go... I really felt like I would like to join them... I'm missing so many people...

What is Fear?

Landing in HK. You can only see clouds and still the pilot is telling you that we are landing in a few minutes. I purposely chose window seat this time round because I was alone and it was a long flight. Really wonder if I made the wrong choice at that time. Felt so sick looking out of the window during that jerky landing. Luckily I din't eat much. The few minutes to landing felt like having a roller coaster ride at times. All kinds of bad things which could happen came into mind...

What is Stress?

Knowing that what you're doing now will not only affect yourself but a lot of other people. You must do it well. If you fail, the best thing to happen is someone will be able to cover up for you. The worst thing which could happen is you screw up other people's work as well.

ttg

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