Water Drop Teahouse in Priestdale | Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant

Water Drop Teahouse

Locality: Priestdale

Phone: +61 7 3841 3511

Address: 1034 Underwood Rd. Priestdale 4127 Priestdale, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.chungtian.org.au/english/teahouse

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• Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant

25.01.2022 We are well known to be people of action at Chung Tian Buddhist Temple Yesterday the West Sub-chapters assisted the Art Gallery and Waterdrop Teahouse for their annual spring clean The spring clean was very special because everyone treated this place as if it's their own home. They brought their own brooms, cloths and water pressure hose to thoroughly clean up the place ... We are like one big family with people from all ages helping out. This special kind of team is one special feature of the West Sub-chapters I feel very touched and excited every time you guys help out. I think you guys are the same as me in treating the Art Gallery and Teahouse as if it's your own baby to cherish Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you everyone - the Art Gallery and Teahouse is great to have you guys May Buddha bless everyone Be complete in merits and wisdom To attain Buddhahood together

25.01.2022 Morning QuotesA person who only thinks of himself will not feel happy. A person who emphasises self-interest would fail in the end. #VenerableMasterHsingYun...#366DayswithWisdom The incitement to follow your instincts in this era is full of danger, especially among the younger generation. If your instinct tells you that you need something, but that thing goes against moral values or the law of society, then this instinct should not be followed. On the other hand, we should do things that fulfil benevolence and peace, even if our instinct does not tell us so. Worries and stress are similar to thieves, stealing our merits at any time. If we allow the organs of our six senses, (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind) to reach out freely, then we would easily worry, feel stressed, be cheated and even suffer losses. Hence, we cannot simply follow our senses without differentiating between right and wrong. Another negative phrase that is often employed is Whats wrong with it as long as I like it? If an act breaches human ethics and morality, then we should not perform that act no matter how much we like it. On the other hand, no matter how we dislike it, as long as an act upholds friendship, honour, service, love and contribution to society, we should also make an all-out effort to do it. Therefore, if we have the inclination to follow instincts or say whats wrong with it as long as I like it, we should correct our mind before we commit a big mistake. It would be too late to regret it if we simply acted hastily and followed our instincts. Photo by Lai Tong Heng

25.01.2022 Morning QuotesPromote harmony, care for others, appreciate opportunities, and work for the benefit of all beings. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisd...om A CEO was hospitalised for an illness. Whenever his staff visited him, they reported the business was running well with good profits and so forth in order to make the CEO happy. However, the CEO said to his staff helplessly, I do not wish to know the orders we have and how much earnings the company received. What I really wish now is to find a toilet. We always act inappropriately when we visit the sick. For example some visitors might go on talking non-stop to the patient until they cannot rest or sleep. Likewise, some people might check on the patients sickness constantly or even visit them at the wrong time. Sometimes, just after an operation, we create jokes to lighten the patients pain. However, unknowingly, we may have caused the wound to worsen, thus increasing the patients suffering. When visiting the sick, we should just wear a smile, be calm and make the patient feel at peace. We should not give any medical advice without the doctors consent, and not closely question the patient about her sickness and also not be nosy about other visitors. If these questions are continuously asked, the poor patient has to repeat the same answer over and over again. The Buddha had said, Among the eight domains for practices leading to enlightenment, visiting a patient is the first practice. Hopefully, every one of us knows the appropriate manner to conduct ourselves when visiting patients. Let the patients receive the feeling of happiness, care, comforting wishes and a carefree body and mind. Photo by Spring

25.01.2022 Morning QuotesCounteract wrong thoughts through positive beliefs. Contemplate defilements through right mindfulness. Excel in right mindfulness through elimin...ating all thoughts. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom A strong individual practises self-control in the face of glory, splendour, wealth and position, and even face-to-face with an enemy. The ability to maintain self-control can help us lead a happy and noble life. Every one of us is able to pursue desires, or, conversely, we also have the ability to control desires. If the power of self-control is weak, then we lose our moral responsibility. On the other hand, we can preserve our dignity by demonstrating our ability to maintain self-control. We should seek assistance from our good virtuous friends to help us remain calm and not lose our self-control in any tense situation. We must be in control of ourselves when faced with the lust of power, wealth and fame. When we are in total control, then we would not be coerced by affection and beauty. We are also less angry and irritable. In fact, it is easier to preserve self-control when people are in hardship or suffering caused by calamity. This may not be true when people are ill-treated or angry. It is noble to maintain self-control in adverse circumstances, such as when insulted, criticised and offended rather than maintaining self-control in calm and relaxed situations. Present day society is filled with many illusions. We should induce the optimum conditions for effectively maintaining self-control to face any unfavourable situation. Photo by Yong Zhao

24.01.2022 Morning QuotesAvoid deranged thoughts, and then we can understand people easily. Avoid distrust, and then we can understand circumstances clearly. Avoid attac...hments, and then we can have a carefree life. Avoid desires, and then we can be in control of our mind. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Everything in this world, including the good things, can be considered as addiction if one is too attracted to them. Once addicted, even good things eventually become a misery for society. For example, taking drugs for medicinal purposes with prescription is not against the law. This is just a private matter and does not need the governing body to involve in controlling drugs. However, an individual is the building block of a society and a country. It only takes one persons addiction to drugs to stimulate a chain effect causing the production and selling of easily available drugs to millions of people. This would eventually affect the individuals health, character, and cause a broken marriage and family. A country is also thus affected economically and socially. The way to abstain from addiction is through the daily cultivation and practicing good morals and religious teachings. This is the best medicine for everyone. Photo by Peter Lim

23.01.2022 Morning QuotesIndigestible information and knowing too much may cause distress in life. Sometimes it is good to just stay dumb and deaf. Egoism and greed lead... to suffering in life. Sometimes it is good to play the fool. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom There are no prescriptive methods of doing things in this world. In fact, we need to adapt to each situation with great fluidity. If one method does not work, then we should try another method. Do not cling obstinately to ones opinion and waste time on an insoluble or insignificant problem. The significance of stubbornness is magnified in the renowned traditional story of Mr. Fool Wants to Move the Mountain. You are too stubborn as you cannot understand the situation well, is a popular line in the story. People who are too stubborn are often narrow-minded and traditional. They do not make friends easily, are very persistent with their views, and do not listen or accept good suggestions. Such people face difficulty in attaining success in their career and life because of an obstinate refusal to change. Being too unyielding is similar to walking with an awkward gait. If we do not lift up our back foot, how can we move forward? If we can release our unyielding manner, then we can have a brighter future. If we are always entangled by greed and hatred, coupled with egoism, desire, blame and intolerance, we will always be caught in a predicament leading us to a lot of needless worry and distress. To free ourselves from these entanglements is simply to apply Prajña (wisdom in Buddhism) and consideration to our daily life. Then we would enjoy the happiness of liberation. Photo by Yong Zhao

22.01.2022 Morning QuotesPatient listening expands your knowledge and makes you likeable. Doing things diligently not only increases your energy, it also make success ea...sier. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom We attended many classes and lectures from young to adulthood but we did not improve. However, a simple action or a single speech can sometimes enlighten one which makes it the most influential lecture a person may have ever attended. Some people have explored the sea and have gone through various dangers, from which they drew lessons. Some people have climbed and conquered the highest peak with their wisdom and thereby learned the lessons of life. Some others travelled all over the world to acquire knowledge. There was once a scholar who visited a temple and saw a couplet with the writing, Mount Sumeru hides a mustard seed, a mustard seed contains Mount Sumeru. In Buddhist cosmology, Sumeru is the name of the central world-mountain and often alludes to both magnificent size and stability in Buddhist texts. The scholar could not agree with the couplet and said, It is acceptable if Mount Sumeru hides a mustard seed, but it would be ridiculous if a mustard seed could contain Mount Sumeru. A Meditation Master then replied The more one reads, the better one writes. May I know how can thousands of books be contained in your stomach? As a result of this single speech, the scholar achieved sudden insight. As old saying goes, A single conversation across a table with a wise man is worth ten years studying books. Such a lesson can occur if we pay attention during our lives. Photo by Spring

22.01.2022 Morning QuotesBearing the unbearable task is the work of great beings. Tolerating the intolerable is the cultivation of sages. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#36...6DayswithWisdom Countries and organizations have closely-guarded secrets among them. Similarly, some friends share secrets between themselves. The friendship becomes more sustainable when close friends are able to keep close-lipped secrets. Hence, one of the obligations of good friends is the ability to keep secrets. A person is said to have a mature and sensible attitude if he or she keeps secrets well. Certain people like prying into the secrets of others while some would rather keep a distance from their private affairs as far as possible. Knowing other peoples secrets is annoying and rude. This may get us into trouble, resulting in arguments which lead to unpleasantness or even deaths. Therefore, under these circumstances, it is wise to practise minding your own business. Revealing or not revealing secrets is indirectly akin to speaking aloud about something or simply keeping quiet. When something needs to be spoken out but we keep quiet about it, then this means we have lost our character and the trust of others. On the other hand, when we simply blurted out something not meant to be spoken, we are being indiscreet, causing embarrassment and offending somebody. If we do not talk about our secrets, then we are exercising our self-restraint. In contrast, if we eagerly gossip about the secrets of other people, then we have no self-control, morals or ethics. Hence, we should have the wisdom to decide whether to keep or reveal secrets. Photo by Yong Zhao

22.01.2022 Morning QuotesIf we forget about hatred and dissatisfaction, we would be free from frustration. By not being calculative and comparing among people, we would ...receive many friends and assistance. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Somebody asked What is the relationship between humans? I replied: None except resentment. A good family can create enemies just because of a selfish interests or property disputes. Eventually, hatred, anger and quarrels arise. Isnt this a resentful family? An organisation with the same initial mission and vision can become a resentful organisation just because of position, promotion, profits, and being too calculative and competitive. People in a country, be they from the same village, classmates, or even from the same race can fight among one another. Isnt this a resentful country? In fact, we need not be too calculative about kindness and grievances. Sima Qian (145 B.C.86 B.C.), a famous writer and historian, had once said, Do not forget kindness from other people, but forget grievances done by others unto oneself. Hence, we need to defuse conflicts. Buddha said, Using grievance to stop grievance is just like pouring hot soup onto boiling water. Thus, if we are able to use kindness to stop grievances, as a result we would achieve great success. Photo by Peter Lim

22.01.2022 Morning QuotesEvery day people talk about rights and wrongs; this habit increases each day. Every day people talk about rights and wrongs; if we stopped liste...ning there would be none. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Some people are trapped in rights and wrongs and cannot find peace. Some are entrapped by rights and wrongs, causing the loss of achievements built overtime. The Communist Party once said, If a lie was repeated thirty times, that lie becomes a fact. Arent lies, rights and wrongs fearsome things? However, this does not mean that the truth does not exist in this world. In this universe, a truth is a truth and a lie is a lie in the end. Karma (causes and conditions) cannot be changed; the same applies to rights and wrongs. The universe blesses those who bless themselves; rights and wrongs cannot violate the law of Karma. Karma will return justice to the person. Rights and wrongs, good and evil, are very explicit under the governance of Karma. Unfortunately, many people cannot live a carefree life. They are affected by the rights and wrongs spoken by others. Some even consider committing suicide to express their innocence. In fact, a wise man knows he is not knowledgeable. The fool thinks he knows everything. Rights and wrongs come to an end with the wise man. We should practise not to speak of rights and wrongs, not to listen to rights and wrongs, and not to gossip about rights and wrongs. We should have the courage to face rights and wrongs. Consequently, rights and wrongs cannot harm us. Those who speak about the rights and wrongs of others are troublemakers. If we have no misgivings and do things morally right, we have no reason to be afraid of rights and wrongs. Photo by Chan Gim Lam

21.01.2022 Morning QuotesIf we accept advice, endure wrong and hardship, we will improve ourselves. If we change the way we speak, change our bad attitudes, and change ...our thoughts, we will cultivate ourselves. In doing good deeds, we should be brave and responsible in our conduct and speech. May we think, reflect, and consider carefully while learning. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Taking advice and lessons are beautiful virtues. A person who can accept teachings is a mouldable person. Just like an empty container, we would benefit by being ever ready to accept challenges and draw lessons from failures and advice from experienced people. Some people appreciate this life because they can find the way to success from the different challenges and lessons learnt. Flowers and crops need water and fertilizer to grow. As a human being, we also need to grow by learning from various kinds of lessons to improve ourselves. For example, a child learns to stand up again after falling down. A young person learns to divert himself from loneliness when he is aggrieved. If one is determined and strives for self-improvement when faced with poverty and dejection, then every adversity is pushing one towards the path of success. Even though words from seniors and the elderly may be hurtful to the ears, they speak from their experiences and should be treated with respect. Confucius disciple Zi Lu felt delighted when he heard about his own mistakes. The ancient emperor of Xia Dynasty worshipped those who told him about his mistakes. The young generation of today are unwilling to listen when someone points out their mistakes. As a result their behaviour remains immature. Photo by Lai Tong Heng

21.01.2022 Morning QuotesAccept criticism if you have made a mistake and sincerely correct it. Do not refute even if you are treated unjustly but look within yourself. ...#VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom There is one phrase that people tend to use especially after making mistakes, and that is, I thought... I thought is in fact the phrase used to excuse oneself for making mistakes. For example, after beheading a person and one might say, I thought the sword was not sharp. Another example is, I thought it was just a sleeping pill, after poisoning some people. So, you can see the seriousness of the phrase I thought. There are many more instances, such as I thought there wouldnt be a typhoon tonight, I thought it wouldnt flood, I thought he could stand my fist, I thought he knew how to swim and wouldnt drown. Even an irresponsible person will say I thought In fact, that is not the case at all. The phrase I thought is guess-work. Quarrels in office and families are mostly due to the phrase I thought. Undoubtedly, the phrase I thought can be used at an appropriate situation. However, this phrase can also create negative effects. Hence, it is advisable to speak consciously and confidently, and avoid using phrases like I thought. Photo by Yong Zhao

19.01.2022 Morning QuotesNever changing will lead us to being outdated. Always hesitating to move forward is regression. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom ...There are people in this world who are always hesitant and indecisive when doing for things. This results in missing out many good opportunities. The Diamond Sutra describes hesitancy as fox suspicion because a fox is often given to hesitation or uncertainty. People who do great things must have the courage to carry out a resolution. If a general cannot decide on a strategy in war, then how can he win? Our character traits affect our success or failure in life. Unless we can make prompt decisions we become failures. Look at the various examples that have happened in every portion of history from ancient times till now. Hesitancy is not a good attitude, neither is stubbornness. We should always observe self-reflection to avoid committing the mistakes of being hesitant or stubborn. We should think twice before deciding on a strategy, an action, or a resolution. However if we are too hesitant to act we stand to lose a good opportunity which essentially leads to failure. Photo by Yong Zhao

15.01.2022 Morning QuotesDo not forget to persevere towards a great goal while busily juggling with the trifles. Do not forget the search for eternal happiness and not g...et trapped in a momentary desire. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom People tend to go after petty advantages. However, this bad habit can only aid in saving a little but losing a lot. There are many examples of this. Shoppers have a habit of taking extra straws when buying drinks, even though one straw is sufficient. Some like to ask for additional plastic bags even though one bag is enough to pack. Some people would rather fly in comfort instead of travelling by road just to accumulate flight points despite the fact that it is not to their best advantage. When the act of going after petty advantages becomes a habit, the situation would deteriorate from going after gifts to corruption and from small profit to big gain. When the unlawful acts are exposed and publicised, the person can even be imprisoned. It really does not pay to go after penny advantages. Most people have the habit of seeking benefits and going after petty gains. However, if the advantages turn sour, then we would bring disaster upon ourselves. Photo by Peter Lim

15.01.2022 # # With summer approaching, let's make our way to Chung Tian Waterdrop Teahouse to enjoy the air conditioning and a refreshingly chilled iced gojiberry tea! ... #Firstchoiceinsummerdrinks #IcedGojiberryTea

14.01.2022 Check this out! The artworks are so cool!

14.01.2022 Morning QuotesRelinquish the sword of hatred, free your body and mind. Sever the bond of obstinacy, enjoy the calmness of meditation. #VenerableMasterHsingY...un#366DayswithWisdom Even though we are not actually imprisoned, it does not mean that we are not living in a prison. A prison does not necessarily be physical. We are probably living in an intangible prison of the mind. For example, one may be engulfed in guilt caused by greed, hatred and lying. Though these circumstances are not chargeable by law, these would still cause us to feel restless, disturbed and uneasy. Arent these similar to being under lock and key? Wouldnt we feel like living in the prison of the mind? For the debtors, their debts are under lock and key; for those who hold official post, their post is under lock and key. Similarly, marriage is the lock and key of the married couple while children are the lock and key of their parents. Shackles that are intangible may not be able to break free for a long time and vice versa. Therefore Buddhism teaches that The three worlds, which are the world of desire, the world of form, and the world of formlessness are prisons. Fame, greed, eroticism and hatred are forms imprisoned in the mind. Nonetheless, we can break free from these shackles through repentance and doing good deeds that will benefit everyone. As Chineses proverb saying, Lust does not blind, one blinds oneself. Wine does not intoxicate, one intoxicates oneself. In fact, shackles originate from our inner mind and not externally. If we always shower compassion to everyone, do good deeds, practise right thoughts and right progress, then we would live a carefree life. Photo by Peter Lim

13.01.2022 Morning QuotesRighteousness builds a good foundation. A good foundation leads to the Buddha path. The Buddha path purifies the mind. A purified mind manifests... the unobstructed Buddha nature within us. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Smattering is to talk or study superficially a subject in a shallow way lacking any depth of understanding. This may cause disagreements, clashes and disharmony. Some people speak inappropriately while others perform incompetently. These people are called smatterers. There was a beauty named Xishi. Her every movement was very adorable, and even when she was suffering from heartache, her facial expression was delicate and touching. An ugly woman named Dongshi wished to follow her, and she frowned to elicit pity. Unfortunately, she failed to get any pity from others and her foolish act was treated as a joke. This is what we called a smatterer. Initially, we can be smattering in the learning stage. However, what is most important is to avoid smattering when developing virtuous manners. Lacking courtesy, being unable to differentiate the importance of a matter, pretending to be an expert, lacking pragmatic steps and being idle, are the disagreeable attributes of a smatterer. It is truly most pitiful if a person is called a smatterer. In addition, smatterers do things awkwardly and end up displaying their inadequacy in public. We can either contemplate before the mirror or seek advice from the elderly to eliminate our habits of smattering. Photo by Chan Gim Lam

12.01.2022 Morning QuotesThings lasting for some time would create a feeling of dullness and apathy. Feelings that are too strong may not last long. #VenerableMasterHs...ingYun#366DayswithWisdom We need to learn how to brake in our life. People experience bad consequences due to unawareness to brake at the right time. For example, when there are disagreements in a conversation, one should know when to stop before the situation becomes more serious. A lecture that overruns and ends without an acceptable conclusion will only bore the audience. A business which unable to generate profit and returns after a period of time should reconsider whether to continue in its operation. Greed will not come to a stop and this can endanger and destroy our lives. For example, equity trading and lottery gaming require intensive and careful monitoring and the need to brake with strict discipline. As every one of us can see, ten to one road accidents on freeways are caused by failure to observe the freeways rules, especially driving over the speed limit. We can thus understand the seriousness of not being able to brake. People who practise religious beliefs should also brake when filled with remorse, discouraging and negative thoughts. Modern-day workers who overwork and do not take breaks would eventually die from overstretching and overtiring themselves. Thus, practise braking at the right time is wisdom that everyone must learn. Photo by Yong Zhao

11.01.2022 Morning QuotesPatience is the power for cultivation and practice. Acceptance is the self-cultivation for being human. Gentleness is the effective prescription... for handling affairs. Gratitude is the way of appreciating goodness. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Have you ever been rejected by somebody? How was that feeling? Was it embarrassing? In fact, a good superior or a capable person would not reject other people unreasonably. Even if the situation is permissible for the rejection, it would be a good idea to have an alternative to remedy the situation. This is the kind and sympathetic art of rejecting a request. We should listen to suggestions and reasons if we are exercising a rejection. Any rejection would definitely cause embarrassment to the other party. Hence, we should apply the best approach for the rejection. For example, do not reject immediately, brusquely, angrily, ruthlessly, and arrogantly. If we have to reject, then we must try our best to protect the dignity of the rejected person. Stay calm, soft spoken and indirect with our speech and show our good-natured character when rejecting. We should let the rejected person understand the situation and feel our sincerity and kindness through our smiling face. If we can always carefully consider other peoples feelings by giving them the opportunity and convenience of being tolerant and letting them handle rejection without embarrassment, we would definitely be loved and respected even by those who are rejected. On the other hand, if a person lets go of the opportunities of helping others eventually he may lose everything. We should not reject easily but with logic guided by causes and conditions. Then we would definitely have more opportunities to learn and grow rationally. Photo by Lai Tong Heng

11.01.2022 Morning QuotesUnderstanding the situation and people are essential factors in day-to-day human interactions. Understanding the Buddha, Dharma, people and wisd...om are essential factors for learning and practising Buddhism. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom There are many people who put the cart before the horse when dealing with matters. For example, some people serve the parents of others very well but not their own parents. Some are very friendly with unethical people but do not get along with their own siblings. On the night when Lord Buddha was enlightened, after thinking how deranged sentient beings were, he wished to enter Nirvana (the state of eternal happiness where the illustrious life is liberated from the suffering cycles of death and rebirth.) The Buddha found that attachment and stubbornness were the roots of distress and worries. Unfortunately, sentient beings treat attachment and stubbornness as their specialities. The Buddha believed that practising to achieve Buddhahood is the key to happiness, but sentient beings treat it as an arduous task. The Buddha said everyone has Buddhahood, but sentient beings rejected it. The Buddha taught his followers that our bodies are temporary, but sentient beings believe it is real and permanent. The Buddha sighed with disappointment because too many people are going against the truth of the universe. So the Buddha had the intention of entering Nirvana directly. Fortunately, the King of Indira requested Lord Buddha to stay in the world to propagate the Buddha Dharma. Thus, the Buddha gave up the intention and spread the teachings of the Dharma instead. If a person does not understand the facts and goes against the flow, then there are unthinkable consequences. We must therefore accept good views and try to understand the logic behind such matters. Everything on this earth has its causes and effects and if we can follow rationally the flow of life, things would get better. Otherwise, we would suffer. Photo by Paul Cher

10.01.2022 Morning QuotesRising above failure, you will realize your objective. Withstanding disappointment, you will succeed. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWi...sdom Determination and motivation are not like morning dew, which is unable to withstand the suns heat and evaporates. When reciting the bodhisattvas name, we normally end with Mahasattvas, which means great bodhisattva, and underwent tribulations over a long time span. Hence, a person who practises the bodhisattva path must be able to go through thousands of rebirths and millions of encumbrances. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. If we give up easily when faced with difficulties, then we are unable to achieve Buddhahood. Some people do things with a fine start but come to a bad end or work half-heartedly. These people fail easily without enthusiasm or effort. Thus, no matter what we do, we must be able to withstand the challenges of time, problems, disappointments and hardship. If our determination and perseverance are strong, and make great and boundless vows, then we can forge ahead vigorously and tirelessly on the path of pursuing Buddhahood. Even in ordinary life, we must have the true spirit of a marathon, i.e. determination and cross the finishing line. In this way, we can have a bright future. Photo by Yong Zhao

09.01.2022 Morning QuotesAccept each and every condition. Be curious and learn from every situation. Be astute and put experience into practice. Deal with matters with p...atience and readiness to compromise. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Human beings ascertain their status in society through family background, knowledge and wealth. They feel more dignified than others based on differences in fame, position and talent. In fact, however, it is outdated if we continue to adopt these characteristics to project our status. During a recession, if a division manager or general manager lost his job and have trouble accepting their reduced status, then how can they have job opportunities? If a person can accept lower status and do business at a stall or market while waiting for a favourable opportunity, isnt this good? It would be just like the people in China during war times, where jobless people would sell their wares throughout or work as a coolie (one who does hard labour) to await the next opportunity to stage a comeback. Reducing the attachment to ones social status allows us to live more happily in this world. The source of happiness is none other than accepting reduced circumstances, being carefree, and not easily influenced by words from other people. If we can reduce our attachment to fame, wealth, position, judging, affection, and desire, then we are not far from the happiness of freedom. Photo by Spring

09.01.2022 Its finally here! Our latest weekend special! Vegetarian Mince and Coriandar Noodles... As usual, come in and try it before it runs out! ~~~

08.01.2022 Morning QuotesPay more attention to others than yourself. Emphasise more on giving than on contesting for something. Emphasise more on gratitude than enmity. ...Pay more attention to good virtue than talent. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Courtliness is a good virtue. For example, let others to speak first, let others eat first, let others have first, and let others walk first. If every one of us behaved in such a way, wouldnt our earth have peace and harmony? If we were not courteous to others, then there would be unimaginable consequences. Accidents and jams on the road are the best examples of refusing to accommodate others. Looking at history, if Chiang Kaishek and Mao Zedong had been more accommodating towards one another, then there would have been harmony between China and Taiwan today. Can we not learn from this vivid example? There was once a snake. Its tail complained to the head because the tail always had to stay behind while the head always got to stay in front. The tail argued that the head should allow it to lead the path. No matter how hard the head explained to the tail, the tail just did not wish to accept. Consequently, the tail hanged itself on a tree branch so that the snake head could not move forward either. So the snake head had to compromise to allow the snake tail to lead the way. Unfortunately, the snake tail could not see anything in front and thus fell into a deep hole. The snake eventually starved to death. A Buddhist master once said, While planting green seedlings by hand throughout the rice paddy with head bowed down, the skys reflection is seen in the water. Ones body and mind are pure, and only then one comprehends; stepping backward is actually advancing forward. For people who are willing to give in, this is surely much better than moving forward! Photo by Yong Zhao

08.01.2022 Morning QuotesThe conscious mind can either be a stately temple or a war zone engulfed in flames.The conscious mind can either be a manufacturer of excellenc...e or a breeding ground for crimes and acts of violence. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom We may not know whether there is an almighty human in the world. Yet, we can confirm that we have an omnipotent conscious mind. We can be living in a simple basic room, but our mind can reach a thousand miles away. We can be walking on a path, but our mind can travel to realms of heaven or hell. Our mind is busy wandering in all forms of roles. Sometimes we are the enlightened Buddha and sometimes the compassionate Bodhisattva. But we can also be as stubborn as animals or as greedy as hungry ghosts. These multi-levels and multi-forms of mental states are described in the Lotus Sutra as hundreds and thousands of manifestations. This is high-level philosophy illustrating our mind to be a wonderful artist. Our mind can draw beautiful scenery or a dark back lane. Our mind can also be a skilful craftsman. Besides angels and goddesses, our mind can also craft hateful evil clowns. Our mind is all-powerful like the ever-changing universe. Why dont we use it to the maximum to do good deeds in the world? Photo by Peter Lim

08.01.2022 Morning QuotesUse wisdom to determine your direction, and you will arrive. Use determination to treat your problems, and they will be solved. #VenerableMast...erHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Youngsters lose their goal and future due to laziness, anger, infatuation for romance and fame. A middle-aged person can also lose his career and wealth because of untrustworthy friends. The elderly are also worried about their daily expenses, a place to live, and final direction and destination. Are you afraid of losing your way? You need a map to keep track of your direction. However, what is an actual map? It is the teacher, the virtuous intellectuals, and the elderly. This is because these people have practical experience in life and they can direct you to the right path. In addition, history and the truth can help you to identify the rights and wrongs. Religious beliefs, right thoughts, courage, earnest preparation, good health, and a strong sense of morality are elements that can lead you to the right path too. The Buddha has said, I am a virtuous guide directing people to the right path. However, if a person deviates from the right path, that person is at fault. At times, we may have gone astray in our life directions. We can seek advice from our parents, teachers and leaders in society because they have helped and guided us in our lifes path. So, lets make it our responsibility not to wander off and lose ourselves. Photo by Peter Lim

08.01.2022 # # With summer approaching, lets make our way to Chung Tian Waterdrop Teahouse to enjoy the air conditioning and a refreshingly chilled iced gojiberry tea! ... #Firstchoiceinsummerdrinks #IcedGojiberryTea

06.01.2022 Morning QuotesSpeaking the unnecessary is considered talkative and would arouse animosity. Speaking the improper is considered indiscreet and would invite tro...uble. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom We make trouble for ourselves. Being human, we feel suspicious of all things around us because they are beyond our grasp. Not understanding the seriousness of a matter, we make stubborn attempts in vain. We do not understand our mind and fall into our own delusion. We feel proud simply because we do not respect the achievements of others. This shows that we get into unnecessary trouble just because we cannot understand the truth of everything. How do troubles develop? People who speak without thinking of the consequences, such as gossiping and listening to the rights and wrongs of others invite troubles upon themselves. Therefore, if we can practise listening to the true facts, then our ears would not invite trouble for us. Similarly, if we see acceptable things and speak with kindness, then our eyes and mouth would not bring trouble upon us. We are living in a troubled world. We do not know how to rid ourselves of troubles but keep trying to create more trouble. Since we caused the troubles, we should be the ones to find solutions to overcome the troubles. People talk rights and wrongs every day. There will be no rights and wrongs if we do not listen to them. If we avoid looking for trouble, then trouble would come to nought. Photo by Yong Zhao

05.01.2022 The FGS Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is turning 5! Please find link below to their commemorative magazine A great read and very awe-inspiring! ... Makes me want to go back to join in the festivities!

05.01.2022 Morning QuotesPractise less attachment and one would feel calm and at peace. Practise humility and one would have more friends. Practise good virtue and one w...ould have good honour. Practise public spirit and one would have great success. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom There are countless occasions where people have failed due to arrogance. For example, people such as army generals, teachers, supervisors and so forth; if they are arrogant they will lose the faith of their soldiers, students, subordinates and friendships respectively. If we can change arrogance to cultivated behaviour, then everyone would feel proud of us. It is very easy for people to be arrogant in harsh conditions such as those of losing spirit because things are unfavourable. In fact, one should avoid arrogance in assuring situations and be optimistic in harsh conditions. When one is arrogant, the day will come when matters become unfavourable. On the other hand, too much flattery during disheartening times can prevent one from starting afresh the next day. Thus, when one is in a poor and humble situation, one should not make riches and honour the ultimate objectives. This would eventually create an arrogant and lofty character. Similarly, when one is in a favourable condition, then it is advisable not to forget the times of poverty and ones own optimism in order to prevent arrogance from arising. If we can follow this principle, then our life would be peaceful, calm and honourable. Photo by Spring

05.01.2022 Morning QuotesCorrect our own mistakes eagerly. Advise others about their mistakes calmly. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom A broken table nee...ds to be repaired while a torn shirt needs to be sewn. A dripping roof needs to be renovated and a pot-holed road needs to be filled. As humans, we should also correct our mistakes and bad habits to improve ourselves. We have many shortcomings like speaking ill of others and lying, being selfish, stubborn, greedy, stingy, and full of anger and jealousy. All these weaknesses are cancerous and become more difficult to cure if we cannot find a good doctor to help us. In fact, we should be our own doctor, to transform and dedicate our life to benefit others for a better future. Sutras (such as the Lotus Sutra and Mahaparinirvana Sutra) attest that every one of us is Buddha and the Buddha nature in us is revealed by purifying the defilements. Therefore, those who have made mistakes in the past can still transform if they stop doing ruthless and unethical acts and engage in introspection constantly. They can change greed to giving, hatred to compassion, delusion to wisdom, and jealousy to respect. We would greatly benefit by always monitoring our speech and action. When seeing, listening, speaking and acting, we should always be involved in virtuous activities. When we are able to correct our bad habits and control our six senses, then we will be blessed with a blissful life. Photo by Peter Lim

04.01.2022 It's finally here! Our latest weekend special! Vegetarian Mince and Coriandar Noodles... As usual, come in and try it before it runs out! ~~~

03.01.2022 Morning QuotesBy listening more, contemplating and practising, we develop wisdom. By removing greed, hatred and delusion, we develop a pure mind. #Venerable...MasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom Snakes have long been regarded as evil and sinister in nature. There are idioms illustrating their unpleasant characteristics, like a snake beauty depicting a sneaky and despised character of a woman. In Chinese literature, idioms like gold and money are snakes, shows that people may lose themselves in wealth. There are idioms which likened a greedy person to a snake trying to swallow an elephant. All forms of life are equal. When we do not respect or care for another person, the people may cause harm on us. In fact, the snake uses its venom for self-defence and not to attack other living beings. Nonetheless, urban development has wiped out the snakes natural habitat and unscrupulous businessmen have killed snakes for monetary value. Therefore, the snakes have to defend themselves with their venom. Another example is beautiful ladies. Actually, beauty does not tempt people. It is the people themselves who are attracted by beauty. If you have no intention to court a beautiful girl, then no matter how attractive she is, you will not be tempted. The same goes for money and wealth. If these are spent wisely, like contributing to benefit the society, then money and wealth are good assets. On the other hand, if money and wealth are spent inappropriately, then we cannot blame money and wealth as poison if we are caught in the act of misuse. Snakes are not frightening. In fact, our selfish minds are. Photo by Peter Lim

03.01.2022 Morning QuotesLess desire makes you virtuous and wise. Less prejudice makes your life expansive. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom There are to...o many enticements in this world. We can grow only if we are able to resist enticement. Adam and Eve made a big mistake because of an apple. Sudina, one of the Buddhas disciples, could not resist his wifes temptations and acted against the sangha practice. This eventually led to the drawing up of a set of precepts by the Buddha. Confucius also advocated moral cultivation and abstinence from enticements. Among the things which entice people are money, power, romance and even hypocritical flattery and wealth. Desires resemble strong magnets that entice you and enslave you to desires. Thus, we must have the will power to abstain from temptations. Enticements are our enemies and not our friends. A countrys laws and rules guide and direct us away from bad consequences due to strong attachment to desires. If we have the determination, we can resist temptations and not yield to temptations. If we can live with less desire and abide by morals and ethics, we would not be tempted by desires. One should train the inner will power so as not to be enticed by external factors and be able to live a carefree life. Photo by Spring

02.01.2022 Morning QuotesA wise person would not feel bored when pursuing a higher level of knowledge. A benevolent person would not feel tired when educating others. A ...diligent person would not feel suffering when doing beneficial things. A capable person would not complain when facing hardships. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom We have received requests from others for help. If we are able to help, our response will be a positive Yes. Unfortunately, there are people who like to give a No response just for the sake of being negative. There is a Chinese saying that criticizes people who like to refuse requests from others for no apparent reason. It is not about whether one is capable or incapable of undertaking the task, but whether a person is willing or reluctant to perform the required task. If we always reject other peoples requests, then we would lose many things in life. It would be very difficult for a person who habitually refuses other people to serve the society in future. A capable and proficient person would do his or her best to say Yes to a request. Even if she has to reject it, she would provide alternatives. A person who usually refuses to give favours or opportunities to others is because he or she lacks ability, compassion and virtue. A person who does not refuse others requests easily and is willing to make compromises would have more opportunities to learn. We can, therefore, identify peoples capabilities by looking at their positive or negative side. Photo by Lai Tong Heng

01.01.2022 Morning QuotesCorrecting faults leads to progress. Admitting faults leads to self-improvement. Helping others leads to good affinity. Restraint leads to culti...vation of virtue. #VenerableMasterHsingYun#366DayswithWisdom One of the biggest weaknesses in the world is refusal to admit ones mistakes and faults. In fact, countries, organisations and individuals have their weaknesses, including sages. A sage cannot please everyone. At times, we can see western politicians making fun of their own weaknesses to let everyone laugh. This acts as a reminder for them to correct their shortcomings. Torn shirts need to be sewn and broken furniture needs to be repaired. Similarly, if we are reluctant to correct our mistakes, then we cannot earn respect from other people. Some may even be disgusted with us and avoid us. In the end, we become the real losers. When shopping, we would like to buy something in perfect condition. No customer would purchase defective goods. Thus, we should cultivate good habits from young and be courageous to correct our shortcomings. We should practice reproving ourselves as we reprove others and forgiving others as we forgive ourselves. It is improper to find excuses and scapegoats for our incompetence. The right thing is to admit and then correct. If we are so perfect without any shortcomings, would other people like us? Photo by Peter Lim