As I casually and aimlessly strolled by, I noticed the flickers of light from within the living rooms of some of the houses. Indication that the TV sets had been switched on. The same scene repeated itself as I walked pass the many houses lined both sides of my path - people getting themselves glued to the sound and images produced from the electronic sets which seemed to be playfully and tantalizingly diverting the attention of the few who were doing nothing however dreamily immersing in their thoughts, while some folding their laundries whereas others feeding the babies or even just feeding themselves, displaying their multi-tasking skills at best.
People can’t seem to be able to separate themselves from the external images and noises which they have for the longest time associated themselves with, they can’t bear to simply open up and try to listen to their inner voices but instead constantly drawing themselves to the noises from outside, consciously or subconsciously. They just dread being alone, anticipating the sense of loneliness it would entail…
In this global age where technology has produced a myriad supply of electronic wares and gadgets to convenient our lives, and in our rush to conform to society with its constantly changing dynamics, it is difficult not to be influenced by what is cool, hip and in-trend.
Just take a peek into a crowded café for an instance, people (the younger generation especially) waiting for their orders rather than using the waiting time to initiate a good conversation with their partners, will instead turn to their smart phones to play games, listen to music, surfing or SMSing.
People just can’t bear to take a little time off from the active participation of their minds in external activities and learn to listen to that gentle voice from within , of which the seed of serenity resides.
Don’t we want to once in a while try to switch off the noises from outside and learn instead to listen to our inner voice? Don’t we want to quiet this gentle rumblings of the heart and try to seek its source and rationalize? Don’t we want to seek a little corner from within and rest this restlessness and anxiety, the source of our discontent and unhappiness, so that it would finally die down and perish into nonexistence?
Maybe its time for us to learn to listen to nothing but this barely audible of the steady beating of our pulses, lending an ear to the inhalation and exhalation of air coursing through our systems to make us realize that nothing is more precious than this.
The realisation of the one fact that we are truly alive..
And all that we have been worrying about have now reduced to mere specks of dust the significance of which is too negligible to warrant their dominance in our minds.
But living truthfully and meaningfully is…
Some random photos:
On Wesak Day (17/05/11), we made an early journey to Santavana Forest Hermitage to participate in Dana offerings for the monks. I was feeling unwell due to flu and fever yet it did not deter me from joining my siblings for the trip, which has now become an annual affair for me, since years back. This time round, nieces Kewei and Chun2 tagged along.
The devotees waiting patiently for the arrival of the monks(tse fus)..
Alms offering.
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