The Snake People Sometimes, ancient Chinese wisdom is really very fascinating. Look at the zodiac signs, there are the pig, snake, dog, etc.

Come to think about it, in some cases, it is related to people's character. Take myself for example, I am under the zodiac sign of Pig. For many years, whether in my working life or leisure activities, I have done lots of 'Pig' jobs. That is, silly and stupid works. Works that sacrificing your own time, own expenses, own brain juice and most importantly, your own youth; and get back all the back stepping, insults and humiliations. It is just as stupid as a Pig!

On the other hand, there are lots of Snake people around us too! These people dress like decent fellows, with tie on, shinning shoes and mounted with a sweet forked tongue. For motive only known to himself, he would praise you better than his own God, polish your shoes as bright as possible and tell you he would be your servant to lick your toes; he just do these for one purpose: To get what he wants! When things developed in the way that not to his desire, these people would flip his face, as if gotten the secret trade from SiChuan: Bian Lian (Face Changing Trick). Immediately, they will coil into its real form: An ugly serpent! Then, started to bite you with no good reason; tarnish you with all the harmful words, abolish all your credits, load you with all the faults, and shoot you down with no mercy; then go to the place of worship and repent! These are the typical characters of Snake People. Friends, have you met people similar to this kind. If not, you are a lucky person, and try not to meet up with one. They only could make your life full of anger. Because these people like to play God in front of the public!

Ah! By few more days, the year of Pig will be arriving. Hopefully, people like me, the Pig people would have a better year ahead.

Please do not look down to Pig people; the Cantonese has a saying: Pretend yourself as a Pig, and you could trap and eat up a tiger slowly. All creatures big or small, they do have their mighty side; only ignorant people do not recognize it.

猪年有感

再过数日,就是猪大哥的年了。匆匆岁月,一榥竟是数十年逝去,实在感到人生苦短。加上近日多人无缘无故地悴死,更加令人觉得人命无常。

迴首过去的岁月,甜酸苦棘皆有。悲喜离合更是家常。或许是这一些际遇,令人感到莫明的孤寂。将一切拥有的,視为短暂,一切失去是一场无法完场的因缘。处世待人,皆淡然处之。有时真能品味到诗人周梦蝶的‘火中取雪‘的心态。

报章上看到时有超过百岁的人,依然活得怡然。而我们一般城市人,能过七十已是古来稀矣。自已今年已达六十矣,能活多久,己不是自已能控制机制。想到下一个猪年,自己已是个垂垂老者矣。遂买了一个猪摆饰回来,放在家中显眼处,时时用它来提醒自己:时日无多,好加珍惜!

春花再美,也有凋零时节。蝴蝶再艳,犹得褪翅成泥。更何况人呢?悲,不是悲时日难畄；悲自己一生没把时日好好利用,活得更有意义和价值!匆匆一生,竟把大半生用做感情的斗兽场。实在是怡笑四方!惭愧!

若有来世,吾必勿做此蒙眼愚汉矣!

山雨欲来风满楼

人生一世,不可能风平浪静,安安稳稳的过一生。风风雨雨,离离合合,再所难免。只是,在风雨将来临之时,以及雨大风狂之际,自已要如果立直背脊面对一切，才算的上是个大丈夫.

最近,因发生了一些事件,由这些事件的发展,令我对一个相识甚久的友人的处世待人之道,不敢苟同!此友人在平日安逸之时,一派大将之风.为人能言善道.谁又会料到,事情一发生壮况时,他竟然处身事外,袖手旁观;对平时为他做牛做马的一般草民,置之不理.一切曾经许下的承诺,像风中柳絮,杀时飞得无影无踪.世代炎良,人心难测呵!可怜那群一向相信他,且为他卖命工作的人,到头来尽是两袖清空,还得承受旁人无谓讥讽.有时要做好人,也不是件易事呵!

回想起来,现时这个社会能守住自已原则做人的,真有儿人?哀哉!

Solitary

Sometimes to be alone is not a bad thing at all. At least, you do not get disturbances from people; and could concentrate on whatever you are doing.

Hiding from the madding crowds can make one thinks better and see better too.

Human is very funny creature. No matter what sorts of education one receives; from what religions or from which races; there are people who would look upon name and frame as the most important things in their life. With this preoccupied concept in their minds, they would do lots of things that could damage others and finally achieved what they wanted for. These people would not tolerate loneliness. They must have the crowd to entertain them.

Can't image those sages or saints or great philosophers, if they have this sort of concept in mind; would they achieve those great thinkings or thoughts? Alias, luckily they are not!

What is happiness?

Happiness is having time to do your own things; to have opportunities to share your joy with friends.

Happiness is to enjoying life at any ocassions.

Happiness is to have beautiful evening at the seaside, listen to the breeze and enjoy sunset.

Happiness is going home and have good dinner with family.

Happiness is to treat all the upsets as jokes.

Happiness is to enjoy every smiling face around you all the day.

Happiness is to ignite more happy face surrounding you.

Happiness is................

圆梦之行

当我一开始向朋友们说要去报读大学课程时,有人表示很不以为然。都七老八十的人了,还读什么书呢!这是他们一般的想法。我一奌也不怪他们,因为去深造,不单费时费力,更重要的是费钱!想到这笔庞大的经费,多人都会止步!读了学位出来又有何用?另一帮人如是说。总而言之,我这个决定惹来不少白眼和冷笑。

只是众人不知,我只是想要去圆我儿时的梦!小时候因为家贫无法报读大学,连高中也得以读夜校方式来完。之后,入社会工作,因学历关系而屡次不受重用。深切感到学历乃‘成功之母‘也。无奈岁月不畄人,也没有再回头的百年身,僅能以风烛之年,一圆孩提的梦。谁人又知悉吾心呢?

花虽无百日红,人虽无千年少；但心里的梦,却多年不老,终夜梦回苦缠。一日不圆梦,夜夜梦相缠。唉,罢了罢了；还是下定决心苦读一香,至少来日还能含笑而终呢!

The Silent Group

Today, I went into one of the forums, and read in one of the contributions. It said that the writer discovered one of her colleagues, was a participant in the PSS Female Category. The writer showed her surprise, but acknowledge her colleague was brave and great.

In fact, people around us may be great; but they choose not to mention about themselves. As Chinese proverb says: Sitting Tigers and crouching dragons(Wo Hu Cang Long). We would only know them when they are reported in the press, or become the limelight of the media. This is why most of the educators believe that everybody has his talent. It is only depend on the particular person, would he want to explore his talent to the fullest or not.

When I was young, I witnessed a fight. The fight happened in the late 60s on the street. One of the opponents was wearing a pair of spectacles, look very scholar, and small in build. But to my surprise, in less than 2 minutes, his opponent run away with a broken nose. His opponent was very much bigger than him. Both fought with bare hands. Later, from my neighbours I understood that this little young man was practicing Chinese Kungfu for sometimes, and only his close friends know about it. He used it when he was bullied.

Later in my life, I also notice many rich persons, who keep themselves in very low key. But when come to contributions to charity, they will give generously; and always refused to use their names. In the contrary, there are lots of big mouths in the society that only know how to talk but no action or contribution.

Look at the volunteer social workers, they have done good deeds for the needed. But they do not boast themselves, nor to claim credits. I salute these people!

牛蛙

牛蛙

据说这世界上,有一种蛙,叫做牛蛙的。这种蛙,一遇到威胁时,便会将自已鼓起来,它可以将自已鼓到比自己大一倍的体积来吓唬敌人。但如果敌人知道它的底细,往往一脚就将它踩死!

人世间,何尝没有这种性格的人呢?人之所以自大,主要是困为自己有自卑感。自己对自己没有信心,只好自吹自擂,哗然取众。让不知底细的人,信以为真,瞒天过海。但是,这类人,往往只能骗人一时,但无法骗人一世。有朝一口,他的西洋镜被世人拆穿,则无脸见江东父老矣。到时,不知他的颜臉要埋在那一个粪坑!

唉哉!看到这种牛蛙式的人,不知是要同情他的愚昧,还是厌悪他那种虚伪的造作!

Peanut Syndrome

Remember there was a leader in South East Asia who describe Singapore as a little red dot?

Well, in life, there are many little red dots too. But if the red dots are really hot and spicy, then they make life much more challenging. If they are spicy, then life would be much more interesting. Isn't it?

The problem is: There are people who are really dwarf (In terms of physically or mentally), and yet they behave as if they are Alexandra the Great!

These people could easily be identified. They have common characters: Self boosting, like to grab limelight to himself, very impressive speech, etc. But if you examine him carefully, you will easily noticed there are potholes that are full of lies ( White or Black).

I have seen one particular creature around me. The creature like to act boss, talk boss and dress like boss. But when come to the actual situation, the creature would direct people to do it work or duties, then claim credit. When some real big shots around, he wag his tail like a hound dog. Coming to money matters, he would shy away, far far away. Familiar?

I believe you may have some creatures like this around you too. Just do not be alarm, they are like flies; give them a big slap, and they will be crushed.

I describe this sort of behaviour: the peanut syndrome!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

Today is Singapore's 41 birthday.
As a born Singaporean, I wish her a very very Happy Birthday.
As a Singaporean, very often I am very proud as Singaporean. Since young, I understand that my parents were migrants from China; but I always tell my foreign friends, especially the taiwanese and Chinese from Main Land, that I am a Singaporean. Some of them seems do not understand my claim, and asked me: Why not Chinese? (In Mandarin, means Zhong Guo Ren)

I told them, no doubt I am yellow skin, and I speak good Mandarin and write well with Chinese; but my motherland is Singapore, not China! I do admire China's greatness and its wealthy cultures.

And I could not stand people humiliating Singapore in front of me.
As Indonesian leader once said: Singapore is only a small red dot.
But to me, the red dot is like chilli padi, it is hot and spicy. Try to swallow it, you will get your throat sore for days, or even damage your sound track!

Viva, Singapore!

The Meaning of LIFE

After watching the film "Helen the baby fox", as I walked out of the cinema hall, I felt extremely heavy weight with my own steps. The phrase that one of the actor who talk to the little kid, who lost his baby fox: If it is not because of you, it may not even live for three days. But because you believed in it, and made it survived for three weeks. You have provided the little fox it fullest life."

Yes, the phrase "Fullest life" hit me hard on the ground. As a full grown adult, have I lived the fullest life? Or am I merely wasting my beautiful life on this planet? I do not hope nor depend on people to provide me that life. I look for it, and live with it.

As I retired willingly from my work, there were people who think that I have lost my mind. With income of few thousand dollars a month, and yet I decided to prematurely retired myself. But how many people out there really think about the life they would have, if they retired at the age of 60 or 62? 10 years more to live? 5? or worst 1! No one could guarantee. At the moment, where time is limited to you, won't you think you are silly to spend the whole life just working for others and to earn a living for 3 meals? At least, now I am what I am. I have the full power to control my own destiny. I am as free as a bird, and most of all, I am really enjoying my life.

Will you be happy when you exhale your last breath, and say to yourself: I have live my fullest. Do you??

得失何所求

人生在世,有时因身在俗世而,身不由已,因而随波逐流。事事视人家的意见而决定自已的立场。因而失去自已。悲乎。

有人终日四处劳碌,为三餐而忙之外,还多方寻求更多的钱。因为他们认为只要有钱,他们便拥有快乐。谁知他们日夜在外,忽略了家庭温情,因而使儿女缺乏教养,最终成了社会的垃圾。到时后悔莫及矣!

人的一生,到底是在追求什么呢?

正如一些在第三世界做义工的人,所感触到的一般,他们见证了那一群生活在水深火热的环境中,始终乐在心中,喜在面上!为何?皆为他们深知生活之道!

其实,如果我们回到生活的本质,除却额外的虚荣,生活是相当优游自在的呵!

When old friends meet

It was at the 20th anniversary Dinner, when all the old friends met. I had been with the organization for more than 15 years. There were thousands of people went passed me through this organization. That particular night, i.e. the 20th Anniversary Dinner Night; lots of these people came back to meet up with long lost friends.

I saw people neglecting the food but to go around tables and look for friends. People were cheering, screaming and hugging. Of course, lots of photo taking too. These are the happy faces. They share their past with their friends, exchanging contact number, etc.

Several young friends came up to me that night. We exchanged greetings. With a particular friend, I asked: Are you happy with your life now? She hesitated awhile and said: It could be better. I felt a bit relief with her answer. At least, she was not so unhappy with her life. They are lots of people these days, who are not unhappy with their life at all.

Come to think about this, I really wonder how many out there really like her, thinking seriously about one's own life??? There are people who lives like a piece of drift wood. They just follow the tide. Happiness to them is all but superficial.

Recently read a piece of article, regarding this issue. The author believed that you could be much more happier, if you give more than you gain from this world. But the concept of giving is not only limited to materialism. It also include spiritual giving; moral supporting.

May be we should move out of this materialistic world and re-examine our existence in this planet. Are we here to conquer, to manipulate, to impose, and to control other?

What if we do away with these constraints? Will we be happier?

I do not really know. But it is worth for us to think about it.

光哉吾顶

一时兴起,将头顶三千发丝剃光。杀时之间,周围的人,都给与各种义异的眼神。更有人竟问:到底是发生了什么事啦?为何将头给剃个精光。
夜深人静时,回想起来,可真得十分呐闷。只是将头剃光这么简单的一件事,为何别人总昰要想得那么复杂呢?
光头的好处可不少呵!一是除去顶上闷热的感觉。二是能减少上理发院的一笔开销。再来是不用再買什么染发剂及洗发露了。一举而三得,何乐而不为呢!
再者,也可以一改向来的型像,令人耳目一新。自己每次照镜,见到自已光头的样子,仿佛是一个新生的自已。似乎过去的一切,都随三千发丝坠逝。
其实,将头剃光,只是要完成自已的一椿心愿。自己曾经答应过自己:有朝一日,如果能早日退休,脱离苦海,自己将把头剃光,以感谢冥冥中给我的绝妙安排。如今如愿以偿,因而也以光头以示铭谢。
寒山有诗云:琴书须自随,禄位用何为。投輦从贤妇,巾车有孝儿。风吹曝麦地,水溢沃鱼池。常念鷦鹩乌,安身在一枝。
日子若真的过得像诗中的意境,人,可就活得似神仙似的!

2006年5月14日稿

What is Right (Truth) or Wrong? (Written in Chinese)

所谓真理


很多人一生始终都住在一个受人旨意的环境里。就像在远古时代,受着皇上的旨意而活。
头顶上,永远有一双不可侵犯的眼,虎视眈眈的监视着你。由于年纪轻,一切都任人摆布。
成长后,才明了世事不是一加一那么的简单。不同的时空,不同的人文,对同一件事情,却有超过一种的解读和处理的方法。对与错就没有绝对了!
可憾的是有一些人,特别是稍有权势之人,就仗着这点权势,将自已的一套似是而非的准则,强加于人。因而引发无数的纷争。世界从此便再也没有安宁。
错误与正确,是一种相对的比较,它绝对不是什么事实!可惜众人为了面子,为了维护自己的权势,不得不迫使另一方就范。哀哉!
人类的所谓文明,如果确实如此,那就最好不要!谁人不知,名与势不过是身外之物,毫无实质。所谓生不带来,死不带去呵。
真羡慕那些把名利放置一边而如意生活的人,这些人真的有福。


二零零六年五月九日稿

卫塞2006有感

踉踉跄跄的走过大半生,现在回首去看大半的哀伤,仅是自己当时放不下的执着。

现在回想起来,仅得苦笑一番。人,有时真是自已的奴隶。自已常用一条无形的绳紧紧地将自已绑扎成一团无法开解的绳束。

名利,始终是凡人的苦恼泉源。在现代都会生活中的人,还多了一样苦恼,那实‘人比人‘。甲某的家人,会比较乙某的家人；然后会与甲某说 ：看!人家有这有那,为何我们不能拥有?甲某听了,为了颜脸,只好身兼数职,拼其老命,就为了不被人家看扁自己的家人。结果嘛,极可能提早油尽灯枯,倒地不起,一命呜呼!

为的又是什么呢?那眼前虚浮的装饰。曾经看到有人清茶淡饭的过一生,却是怡然自乐。圆满的渡过一生。死而无憾。这才是没有虚渡此生哪!

云树高低迷古墟,问津何处觅长沮?渔郎行入深林处,轻叩柴扉问起居。或许曼殊大师的这首诗,正真写出年过半百的汉子的心境吧!

2006年5月3日稿

The Vesak Day (Poem In Chinese)












This Poem is published on 9th May 2006 Lianhe ZaoBao Wenyi Ban.

The translation (Roughly):

Fullness, really only belong to that Full Moon?
The eyes are filled with all sorts of happiness, sadness, parting and reunioning
All grievances fill up the ears
Who is the one who holds the Light?
Every night, the TV screen
Sweet talks
Virtual painted pictures flooding our sight
People are a flock of mindless souls
lingering
among the unreal truth
Where is the Truth
Among the beautifully printed text?
When there is no basis on truth or lies
The language of Advertisement
becomes another absolute truth
The silvery clear moon
is the target
the madmen specially looking for
The Light of Fullness
only written on
the grains of foreheads
of those ordinary people

My Life (Written in Chinese)
Those who would like to read the English version, kindly go to my other blog: My Poems