Cheng Beng is an important occasion for family members to get together especially for grandchildren of the deceased grandparents.
This is the time of the year when family members who lived in different parts of the country meet up at the tombs of the departed parents or relatives for the traditional sweeping and cleaning of the graves (although nowadays these tasks has been taken over by paid workers especially in privately managed cemeteries) and prayers at the site.
With addition of the younger generations, visiting the graves of grandparents is an opportunity for the younger ones to meet up and learn to carry out the tasks during this important event for the Chinese.
Every kindergarten children can help out the preparation for Cheng Beng. One of the more easy and interesting task is the folding of joss papers in "gold and silver " nuggets. This origami style paperfolding job can be performed by those kids and they do love it, albeit in the initial stage. But when the "nuggets" that are required to be folded runs into the thousands, these kids will cleverly devised excuses to avoid doing it.
Anyway, those in the joss paper and prayer items business are surely very good copycats in producing new items each year and they are very advanced too. Sometimes I wondered what will happen if we put these people in the R&D of the MNCs. Maybe some scientists will lose their job!
Anyhow, I was wondering with the internet being part and parcle in the daily lives of our human realm, what will be the broadband penetration in the other realms? Maybe someone will develop a software and a domain name for those in different realms to connect to each other and surf realm wide web? What about "burning" an email address to those in the other realm who wanna go online? Any takers?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Respect Others of Different faith
Living within a society with different cultural background and religious practice is an opportunity for us to understand, share and appreciate our practice better.
Last Friday was Cheng Beng Day, the day for children, grandchildren and relatives to visit, clean and pray at the tomb of their late parents or relatives. I still prefers to use the Hokkien term Cheng Beng, a term which I has been accustomed to since I lost my father when I was five.
This year the whole lot of my siblings families and my family visited our parents tombs this weekend to pay our respects. This is the first Cheng Beng for my late mother who pass away last year.
Two pertinent comments were raised by my eldest boy during this Cheng Beng season which I took as an opportunity to advised on the importance of respect to the elders and family ties.
The question or comment he raised with me when I told him about our plans to visit and pray at the graves of Ah Kong (grandfather) and Ah Mah (grandmother) was that some of his Christian friends will not be visiting their grandparents grave. I told him that no matter which faith we adhered to, we need to respect our elders and our ancestors as this is not determined by our religion but our practice of fillial piety which is an important culture and traditions for people of Chinese descent. The practice of fillial piety is also an important teachings in Buddhism.
Another observation my boy notice is that my other siblings still practice the usual Chinese traditional and folk practice of offering and burning of joss papers and other Cheng Beng accessories. I am sure he raised this because my children has been taught the difference between Chinese traditional folk practice and the teachings of the Buddha. We do not burn those joss papers at home and the local Buddhist temple that my family congregated adhered to the Buddhist approach to devotion.
He must be curious why we participated in those offerings when we are together with my siblings families?
I explained to him that we need to respect other people beliefs and traditions. Furthermore what is important the relationship among our relatives are intact and stay together. It is not wise to push our beliefs upon others and causes friction and breakdown in the family. As long as we understand and be strong with our Buddhist teachings, these Chinese traditional practices will not undermined our faith and practice as Buddhists.
To be a Buddhist did not mean we have to severe ties with others of different faith or traditions. In contrary it should be taken as a responsibility and opportunity to share the Teachings of the Buddha.
Last Friday was Cheng Beng Day, the day for children, grandchildren and relatives to visit, clean and pray at the tomb of their late parents or relatives. I still prefers to use the Hokkien term Cheng Beng, a term which I has been accustomed to since I lost my father when I was five.
This year the whole lot of my siblings families and my family visited our parents tombs this weekend to pay our respects. This is the first Cheng Beng for my late mother who pass away last year.
Two pertinent comments were raised by my eldest boy during this Cheng Beng season which I took as an opportunity to advised on the importance of respect to the elders and family ties.
The question or comment he raised with me when I told him about our plans to visit and pray at the graves of Ah Kong (grandfather) and Ah Mah (grandmother) was that some of his Christian friends will not be visiting their grandparents grave. I told him that no matter which faith we adhered to, we need to respect our elders and our ancestors as this is not determined by our religion but our practice of fillial piety which is an important culture and traditions for people of Chinese descent. The practice of fillial piety is also an important teachings in Buddhism.
Another observation my boy notice is that my other siblings still practice the usual Chinese traditional and folk practice of offering and burning of joss papers and other Cheng Beng accessories. I am sure he raised this because my children has been taught the difference between Chinese traditional folk practice and the teachings of the Buddha. We do not burn those joss papers at home and the local Buddhist temple that my family congregated adhered to the Buddhist approach to devotion.
He must be curious why we participated in those offerings when we are together with my siblings families?
I explained to him that we need to respect other people beliefs and traditions. Furthermore what is important the relationship among our relatives are intact and stay together. It is not wise to push our beliefs upon others and causes friction and breakdown in the family. As long as we understand and be strong with our Buddhist teachings, these Chinese traditional practices will not undermined our faith and practice as Buddhists.
To be a Buddhist did not mean we have to severe ties with others of different faith or traditions. In contrary it should be taken as a responsibility and opportunity to share the Teachings of the Buddha.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Free Cheese and Yogurts
When Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders produced a short film which has been perceived to ridicule Islam by Muslims and also non-Muslims alike, it creates uproar amongst certain segment of world community especially Muslims. The film was responded with the usual condemnation, demonstrations and protests by people who are upset with it.
I am curious. How many of those that reacted so strongly to it actually watched and understands the contents of the production. Or it is just the herd mentality, just following the one in front without really knowing the head or tail.
Or should we just put the blame to the regular punching bag – the media, for focusing on selected parts of the film and creates unnecessary tension, again, between the Muslims and the western world.
In this case, the target was the Dutch – the film maker, government and ordinary folks all lumped into one. Pity the Dutch Lady and the Cow. All will be boycotted.
The calls to boycott produce from Holland even reaches one of our local hyper mart which displayed red cards on products from the country. Is this also an attempt to seek cheap publicity? If someone is dead serious on boycotting certain products, wouldn’t they take all the necessary precautions not to be linked to those products and cleared those stocks from their shelves and warehouse immediately and stopped future consignments?
But to put the blame on the consumers by stating the consumers need to be given a choice show signs of a hypocrite. Do they give a choice to all those innocent people (farmers, milkman, deliveryman, transporters etc and not forgetting the cows that has no connection whatsoever with a publicity seeking lawmaker in the land of windmills and dykes?
So, will the hyper mart put the money where it is worth and announce free distribution of dairy products like cheese, yogurts and milk to the needy to clear any trace of still supporting the Dutch!
I am not saying the film is correct or just an attempt by an opportunist seeking cheap publicity on other peoples expense or those responding to it might also has their own intentions. I just don’t know, because I have not watched it.
But one thing I am sure, everyone is entitled to their opinions and also to voice out their dissatisfaction. But do it with dignity and respect, without ridiculing and disrespecting someone’s faith, create public disturbance and encourage violence.
May all beings be well, be peaceful and be happy.
I am curious. How many of those that reacted so strongly to it actually watched and understands the contents of the production. Or it is just the herd mentality, just following the one in front without really knowing the head or tail.
Or should we just put the blame to the regular punching bag – the media, for focusing on selected parts of the film and creates unnecessary tension, again, between the Muslims and the western world.
In this case, the target was the Dutch – the film maker, government and ordinary folks all lumped into one. Pity the Dutch Lady and the Cow. All will be boycotted.
The calls to boycott produce from Holland even reaches one of our local hyper mart which displayed red cards on products from the country. Is this also an attempt to seek cheap publicity? If someone is dead serious on boycotting certain products, wouldn’t they take all the necessary precautions not to be linked to those products and cleared those stocks from their shelves and warehouse immediately and stopped future consignments?
But to put the blame on the consumers by stating the consumers need to be given a choice show signs of a hypocrite. Do they give a choice to all those innocent people (farmers, milkman, deliveryman, transporters etc and not forgetting the cows that has no connection whatsoever with a publicity seeking lawmaker in the land of windmills and dykes?
So, will the hyper mart put the money where it is worth and announce free distribution of dairy products like cheese, yogurts and milk to the needy to clear any trace of still supporting the Dutch!
I am not saying the film is correct or just an attempt by an opportunist seeking cheap publicity on other peoples expense or those responding to it might also has their own intentions. I just don’t know, because I have not watched it.
But one thing I am sure, everyone is entitled to their opinions and also to voice out their dissatisfaction. But do it with dignity and respect, without ridiculing and disrespecting someone’s faith, create public disturbance and encourage violence.
May all beings be well, be peaceful and be happy.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Chicken Rice and Rocket
Is there any relevancy between chicken rice and rocket. Most of us would think there is no connection. I thought so until one guy enlightened me today.
I was at my regular chicken rice stall buying dinner for my family this evening. When I asked how much I need to pay for the rice, the chicken rice seller told me I have to pay extra for the chicken rice as cost of chicken per kilogram has gone up. Then he added, "looks like price of goods went up even though the Rocket won the election."
As I drove home, I thought," the Rocket and other partners in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be in deep chicken shit if every man in the street thinks the same." Why is that so?
During the recent election voters were convinced to equate higher cost of living with Barisan Nasional. There were propaganda and banners written with the wordings, BN = Barang Naik. Now, with BN not in power in Kedah, Perak, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan, the ordinary folks are expecting prices of basic items not to rise. If the price of food stuffs keep on increasing, the equation will then be change and people will be upset with PR then. The new equation will be:
BN = Barang Naik
PR = Pasti Rugi
Barisan Nasional Pakatan Rakyat =BNPR = Barang Naik Pasti Rugi
So, all the PR people better ensure my regular chicken rice price stays the same until 2013 or there will be chicken shit on many faces!
I was at my regular chicken rice stall buying dinner for my family this evening. When I asked how much I need to pay for the rice, the chicken rice seller told me I have to pay extra for the chicken rice as cost of chicken per kilogram has gone up. Then he added, "looks like price of goods went up even though the Rocket won the election."
As I drove home, I thought," the Rocket and other partners in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be in deep chicken shit if every man in the street thinks the same." Why is that so?
During the recent election voters were convinced to equate higher cost of living with Barisan Nasional. There were propaganda and banners written with the wordings, BN = Barang Naik. Now, with BN not in power in Kedah, Perak, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan, the ordinary folks are expecting prices of basic items not to rise. If the price of food stuffs keep on increasing, the equation will then be change and people will be upset with PR then. The new equation will be:
BN = Barang Naik
PR = Pasti Rugi
Barisan Nasional Pakatan Rakyat =BNPR = Barang Naik Pasti Rugi
So, all the PR people better ensure my regular chicken rice price stays the same until 2013 or there will be chicken shit on many faces!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Local Councillor, Anyone?
Hey, the Pakatan Rakyat coalition state governments are looking for prospective candidates to be appointed councillors in the local governments (Majlis Perbandaran/Bandaraya)
Do you want to offer yourself as a Local Councillor in your respective Majlis Perbandaran/Bandaraya?
Are you interested in making decisions and influencing what happens in your town/city?
Do you think you could represent the people of your area?
Read on to see if you or someone else can fit into this job as a councillor.
The role/s of a councillor
The main role of a councillor is to represent their area and the people who live there. Councillors help make decisions about the way local services are provided, and how the council tax and government grants are spent.
A councillor:
provides a voice for and help to all members of the community
makes decisions on behalf of residents
contributes to council policy and strategy
has responsibility for scrutiny (checking and monitoring what the council does)
has regulatory duties (making sure laws are kept to, e.g. planning and licensing)
is a community leader
What does a councillor do for us?
holds service clinics, where local people can ask for help or advice
follows up on issues raised at these service clinics
represents the community within the council and to other organisations
develops links with all parts of the community
supports local partnerships and organisations
campaigns on local issues
Scrutiny
To review council policies and activities. Scrutiny takes in a varied range of activities. These are:
Review and development of the council's policies
Make policy and budget proposals to the council
Review of proposed executive decisions
Call in or review of decisions before they are implemented
Performance monitoring and review
Regulatory Powers
All councils have various committees which councillors sits in as a member.
planning permission
Finance
licensing
Tender
etc
Community Leadership
Councillors take a comprehensive view of the needs and priorities of local areas and lead in the work that is needed to meet these needs. This often takes place in partnership with other organisations and councillors may:-
be involved with other voluntary organisations
participate in joint working with other local authorities
serve on a range of regional, health or local partnership groups.
Are councillors paid?
They do not get salaries or wages (they are not employees of the council), but are entitled to allowances, which are designed to partly recompensate them for the costs they face in carrying out their public duties.
What is the difference between a councillor and a council officer?
A councillor is an appointed, unpaid representative, who usually belongs to a political party. An officer is a non-political paid employee of a council. Elected councillors provide the policies which officers then put into practice.
What is the difference between a local councillor and an ADUN/MP?
The job of a Member of Parliament (MP) is to represent the people of his or her constituency (area) in the Dewan Rakyat. Your MP is there to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.
The job of a Assemblyman/woman (Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri-ADUN) is to represent the people of his or her constituency (area) in the State Assembly. Your ADUN is there to help you with all matters for which State Assembly or State government is responsible.
Local councillors in Malaysia is currently appointed by the state government to sit in the local Council. For instance, Selangor State Government which is currently controlled by the new coalition Pakatan Rakyat comprising PKR-DAP-PAS appoints all the members in the local councils in the state.
A councillor makes decisions affecting the wider council area (eg. MPSJ/MBPJ/MBSA) and acts as a focus and leader for the local community.They are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the local community about local services, such as land use, refuse collection, licensing, parks and leisure facilities, recycling, social housing, planning and development control, cemeteries and crematorium, car parking, food hygiene and environmental protection.
Do you want to offer yourself as a Local Councillor in your respective Majlis Perbandaran/Bandaraya?
Are you interested in making decisions and influencing what happens in your town/city?
Do you think you could represent the people of your area?
Read on to see if you or someone else can fit into this job as a councillor.
The role/s of a councillor
The main role of a councillor is to represent their area and the people who live there. Councillors help make decisions about the way local services are provided, and how the council tax and government grants are spent.
A councillor:
provides a voice for and help to all members of the community
makes decisions on behalf of residents
contributes to council policy and strategy
has responsibility for scrutiny (checking and monitoring what the council does)
has regulatory duties (making sure laws are kept to, e.g. planning and licensing)
is a community leader
What does a councillor do for us?
holds service clinics, where local people can ask for help or advice
follows up on issues raised at these service clinics
represents the community within the council and to other organisations
develops links with all parts of the community
supports local partnerships and organisations
campaigns on local issues
Scrutiny
To review council policies and activities. Scrutiny takes in a varied range of activities. These are:
Review and development of the council's policies
Make policy and budget proposals to the council
Review of proposed executive decisions
Call in or review of decisions before they are implemented
Performance monitoring and review
Regulatory Powers
All councils have various committees which councillors sits in as a member.
planning permission
Finance
licensing
Tender
etc
Community Leadership
Councillors take a comprehensive view of the needs and priorities of local areas and lead in the work that is needed to meet these needs. This often takes place in partnership with other organisations and councillors may:-
be involved with other voluntary organisations
participate in joint working with other local authorities
serve on a range of regional, health or local partnership groups.
Are councillors paid?
They do not get salaries or wages (they are not employees of the council), but are entitled to allowances, which are designed to partly recompensate them for the costs they face in carrying out their public duties.
What is the difference between a councillor and a council officer?
A councillor is an appointed, unpaid representative, who usually belongs to a political party. An officer is a non-political paid employee of a council. Elected councillors provide the policies which officers then put into practice.
What is the difference between a local councillor and an ADUN/MP?
The job of a Member of Parliament (MP) is to represent the people of his or her constituency (area) in the Dewan Rakyat. Your MP is there to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.
The job of a Assemblyman/woman (Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri-ADUN) is to represent the people of his or her constituency (area) in the State Assembly. Your ADUN is there to help you with all matters for which State Assembly or State government is responsible.
Local councillors in Malaysia is currently appointed by the state government to sit in the local Council. For instance, Selangor State Government which is currently controlled by the new coalition Pakatan Rakyat comprising PKR-DAP-PAS appoints all the members in the local councils in the state.
A councillor makes decisions affecting the wider council area (eg. MPSJ/MBPJ/MBSA) and acts as a focus and leader for the local community.They are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the local community about local services, such as land use, refuse collection, licensing, parks and leisure facilities, recycling, social housing, planning and development control, cemeteries and crematorium, car parking, food hygiene and environmental protection.
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