Why ar? When i prayed to my Guardian he did not give me what i wanted?

I was in contemplation yesterday thinking over some questions some friends asked me. One of the FAQs of EVERY DEVOTEE of EVERY PATH during their "down" times... is almost always the Golden Question: " Why ar? When I prayed to myProtector/God/Goddess/Spirit Guide/( name your divinity here ), whyHE/SHE also never answer me one leh?"

Obviously, the standard "logical" answer is almost always, we haveto patient, the divine has something else in store for us, we do nothave enough wisdom to understand the ways of the Higher Plan...etc.I personally found those answers although true and logical... but i remember during those times when I myself was down... I found those answers evasive or spiritually un-satisfying. I was reading thru some pages of inspiration ranging from Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism,Christianity and then as if in a "whisper" this particular verse "spoke" to me. Its allayed much of my querying mind and satisfied my spirit's need for answer. It is a verse written by a Christian philosopher which I hope all will enjoy as much as i did. Try to read it with an open mind... I know many are confused WHY would I need teachings of "other" faiths when I have my own... I believe, True Dharma has no boundaries,Limits and Labels... because Universal Truth is Universal Truth no matter what decorations we put upon them. So I try not to fault find the wisdom of others but instead to absorb the qualities that they have, to inspire and apply it towards the teachings of my own faith. Here's the verse :


********I asked for Strength and God gave me difficulties to make me Strong.
I asked for Wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity and God gave me brawn and brain to work.
I asked for Courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for Patience God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.
I asked for Love and God gave me troubled people to help.
I asked for Favours and God gave me opportunities.
I received Nothing I Wanted.
I received Everything I Needed .
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.*****

I think it is absolutely beautiful and true, our gaurdians and protectors sometimes answer our prayers with blessings that might seem like problems, but truly they are there to help us learn,advance and transform, for without people and situations to annoy us, how else are we going to learn Patience and Love for ALL sentient beings?

A sprinkle of Nectar and a sprig of Life!

When Kuan Yin Pusa the Divine Mother of Compassion holds a Willow branch what does it symbolise?

1. The willow branch represents Activity, thats why MOST ( but not all ) Kuan Yin images that hold the Willow branch are depicted in a standing or "active" position. Mainly it's Kuan Yin's way of saying its time to get up and go forth to help others. On rare occasions, you will find Kuan Yin Seated with a Willow Branch that symbolises deep aspirations or active prayers for the sake of others.

2. Another symbol taught to me was, the Willow branch represents Humility in the service of others. Adapting to the needs of others, thats why the Willow curves downwards, which symbolises the curbing of one's negative Egoistic attitudes..

3. The Willow branch also signifies Healing. Healing of the Body and Ultimate Healing of the spirit and mind. ( in Tibetan paintings, deities holding branches of leaves are said to carry the All-Healing Herb)

4. The leaves on a Willow branch also symbolise perfect inner and outer beauty. That was why in ancient China, it was very desirable to have Willow Leave shpaed eyebrows.

Kuan Yin's Precious Vase springs forth Divine Nectar and spontaneously sprouts forth a Willow Branch!

In a folk story my grandma used to tell us I always thought it was so funny, she said once a long time ago when Kuan Yin was a renounced Princess practising her meditations in a cave served by 2 attendants, there was a plague in a small village. Many people got strickened and all came to Kuan Yin's cave to ask for her blessings. At that time, Kuan Yin although was very well attained in her cultivation, she was not yet victorious over the Lord Of Death. So in despair, Kuan Yin prayed to Amitabha Buddha to grant relief and healing to the sick and dying. She was told by her Divine Teacher Amitabha Buddha, " When your Precious Vase of White Jade spontaneously springs forth divine water and a plant grows from it, then that would be the time when you need pray no more to me to confer healing, because you yourself at that time have attained the power over all diseases and to even raise the dead with the Divine Nectar" For hours upon hours Lady Kuan Yin, went deep into meditative fervor in hopes of attaining the power to Heal, but yet not a drop of water sprang forth and not a leaf had sprouted. Seeing this, her attendants Golden Boy and Jade Girl grew worried for the health and well being of their beloved Kuan Yin.

Secretly, the Jade Girl got some spring water and poured into the Precious Vase while the Golden Boy broke off a willow branch and stuck it into the vase. With utter joy, they screamed and jumped in happiness shouting to Kuan Yin that the "signs" have manifested in hopes that the Compassionate One would stop her meditations and rest her weary body. The two was ready to face any consequences that would ensue when Kuan yin finds out, but for them if their beloved Kuan Yin would have at least some rest, it was worth it if they had to be punished for their folly.

Upon hearing their ruckus, Kuan Yin got up from her seat and checked on the Vase... sure enough it was filled with clear liquids and a sprig of Willow grew from it. Instead of relaxing to rest, immediately Kuan Yin said," No time to waste, we must take this Holy Nectar granted by the Heavens to the village to cure the people and bring relief to those suffering" Without hesitation Kuan Yin rushed towards the village that was strickened with plague. The two attendants looked on in total horror of what had just happened... before they even had the chance to stop Kuan Yin to inform her what they had done she was already out of the cave, and having already attained the power of fast walking, the two could not catch up...

When Kuan Yin had reached the village, all the villagers came out to greet their beloved saint and princess. She announced with utmost joy that the Lord Buddha Amitabha had in his great kindness and compassion bestowed upon the people the Divine Golden Light Nectar of Healing. And Kuan yin promised that she will sprinkle this nectar upon the villagers who were suffering and all will be healed. Just then Jade Girl and Golden Boy also arrived, strickened with desperation and despair but unable to do anything, they watched as Kuan Yin held the willow branch in hand and waved it upon a disease infested villager.... and to their total astonishment the villager's physical signs of illness faded away before their very eyes!!! Thereafter, all whom were ill were also cured.

Later Golden Boy and Jade Girl confessed with total remorse to Kuan Yin on what they had done... at that moment Amitabha Buddha appeared and explained what had happened, it was due to Kuan Yin's supreme faith and total reliance on the words of her Divine Guru that has brought forth the power to heal, even though the water was just water, and the twig was just a twig... but by the power of her devotion, the water had turned to Nectar and the dead branch was revived with Life.... That is also why... in almost all correctly done images of Kuan Yin, an image of a Buddha will be seen as her headress for her top knot, symbolising that even after her attainment, she still respects her teacher and puts him above all... also showing Mother Kuan Yin's utmost perfection in Humility and Gentleness.

Of Rainbows and Blessings

When we seek the Divine in order to advance in the ways of Spirituality, it is not always about receiveing Blessings of Rainbows and Butterflies, because in order to advance and evolve in the ways of Virtues and Light, trials and challenges need to be there in the form of difficult people and trying life-moments. In order to learn Patience or any other virtues for example, SOMEONE difficult needs to be there, to stir our Pot of Impatience, agitate our Cauldron of Intolerance and rouse up our Wok of Selfishness. But IF we are able to leap over such hurdles, for sure Divine Rewards will be awaiting at the finishing lines.

Be an inspiration to receive inspirations

As seekers of the Spiritual path every nook and corner of our lives will an avenue for spiritual evolution. Even in our daily lives, with or without our knowledge we can serve as a source of inspiration to the lives of others. There will be people who look upon us for inspiration in their own lives and practice. Most people need to know, whether we are "regular" working folks or Jet Set Glamorous celebrities, it is comforting and a great relief to know that all need time away to be in search of Inner Peace. Everyone needs to know that they are not alone in this search for the Divine.

Especially for the religiously or spiritually inclined, we pray for protection and mercyt from the Divine to protect us from Bad Times ( or at least grant us the tools to be able to overcome them ) in our lives... then we too, should do whatever WE ARE ABLE to protect the Spirit and Hearts of others, by giving them LOVE, CARE and HOPE. Only then do we make ourselves worthy receptacles to receive the Divine Light and Blessings of the Evolved Ones.

Om Tari Hum
Om Sari Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum

A Guide to Understanding the Yanas

Over the last two weeks alone I have had about 5 - 6 people query about what is hinayana, sutrayana, Mahayana, vajrayana and tantrayana. I understand fully the confusion as many years ago when I got interested in Buddhism I was also confused with all these terms. I will try to share and explain as best I can according to what I understand.

In Buddhism, there are two major paths of achieving enlightenment that is the Hinayana path and the Mahayana path. ( "Yana" means the vehicle by which you travel across the Ocean of Suffering onto enlightenment's shore. ) From these two paths, the Mahayana Path is then divided into 2 methods of crossing this ocean. One is by way ofSutra hence the Sutra-yana and the other by way of Tantra or Tantra-yana which is sometimes referred to as Vajrayana.

1. The Hinayana path deals with purifying one's negativities ( like harmful habits, delusions of mind etc )and therefore leading onlyoneself out of samsara. So this vehicle is like a Kayak, and theKayak is made to carry only a single person across the waters.

2. The Mahayana on the other hand is like a ferry boat, it is a vehicle made to ferry oneself and loads of people across the waters.The size of the Ferry boat is like the vastness of one'scompassionate vow to ferry ALL sufferers across before you yourselfdock on to land.

- 2a. One of the Mahayana's two Methods is the Sutrayana path, which deals with one's burdens and negativities a little at a time through strict observance of rules, vows and moral discipline.... Because the process is arduous and slow, it could literally take many many lifetimes before one can purify the negatives and bring forth the positive... But then again, to the "Mahayanist" one of the main practices is the 6 Paramittas of which one is Patience... So whatsthe rush even if it takes 3 aeons? Rushing begets impatience whichbegets mistakes and yada yada yada.

-2b. Tantra-yana is extremely rare due to it efficacy and promise ifone practices this path sincerely, it is possible to attain enlightenment in a single life time. This method not only works on the physical and mental disciplines but it also brings Buddhahood's Potential achievement closer to us even while in ourdefiled human form... transforming it all into Pure Form and activity. It uses Samsara's poisons against itself... like using poison to cure poison


What is the difference between the yanas? None really...Since all yanas aims to bring one out of suffering. Of course, the level of enlightened clarity is not the same. Also, between the paths and methods, it is almost like learning to swim. A practitioner of Sutra will start learning from the Baby Pool, then graduate to the Adults Pool Shallow end and eventually, start moving towards the deep end. A process like this could take ages.... But is safe

Tantra on the other hand will dump the student straight into the deep end cold turkey style. And in order to learn and also survive, One must surrender totally into the hands of one's instructor and trust him/her! He/She will keep you afloat, Safe, teach you to swim that you can help yourself (and others) So thats why in Tantra practices, the results are super fast and the practice of Guru Devotion is of utmost importance, for if we do not trust and follow our instructor, its very easy for the student to drown in the deep end of Samsara... very quickly and painfully.

The reason for Tantra and its speed is that, out of overwhelming feelings of compassion for other's welfare and disgust for suffering one moves on the Dharmic highway. It is like being told, within this year your loved one is gonna drown in this lake.... The person obviously would want to learn swimming and rescue techniques as quickly as possible to be equipped with the skill to save the loved one. The Sutra way is akin to learning swimming in our young days and maintaining that skill to be prepared for any emergencies. The Hinayana way, metaphorically, I would say is wearing a life jacket and swimming across.

This is just my own understanding of the various yanas, not perfect but its an idea :)

Divine Favor?

In times of dire need, when all words are exhausted beyond our prayers, this is when the TRUE wordless, soundless, imageless cry of prayer from the heart will burst forth like the Sun from behind the rain clouds. And when the Divine bestows their favor upon us, to encourage us, strengthen us and uplift us from Despair and Worry. It is not for us to lay back and relax, but to serve others by helping them receive the SAME feelings of Relief and Joy that was so mercifully showered upon us. For who better to comfort the sorrows of the despairing than one who has braved through turbulent times and emerged victorious?

Om Mani Padme Hum

The Core Is Just As Important As The Shell!

Most Spiritual Seekers tread the path with the pure intention of truly developing the teachings that have bestowed upon them. If we look deeper, how are we developing those qualities like that of Kindness, Care, Patience and the like?

Are we only acting a scene from the Dharma La Bohemme or a Chapter from Dharma Faust? Entertaining the masses, bringing Joy to them, but when the curtains close a Diva attitude ensues. The backstage hands are cast dirty belittling looks, the supporting actors and actresses are given the head lash, the personal assistant's life is made a living hell just to accommodate our sense of greatness and pomposity. Many times we have forgotten, that without the stage hands, one will be performing in the dark on a stage bland as dry husks, without support from other actors and assistants one's apparent "specialty" will be as common as weeds...

Such is the practice of Dharma... the masses ARE important... so too are the ones that assist us to give US the opportunity to bring to the masses that Joy, Laughter and Happiness that we hope to exude.

That is why, I believe on ANY Spiritual path, Charity must begin at home ( among friends, family, lovers and dear ones ) Care must start from those who are within reach of our embrace before we can expand it and Compassion initiates from all who are near and dear if we want to extend it far and wide.

How is far and wide even possible when I cannot be Civil with the people closest to me but start being saintly to strangers? Then it becomes nothing but a FARCE, a dialogue on stage, to declare my love for all sentient beings.

To be all goody and saintly to others and hurt the ones near and dear to me, makes me an empty vessel where the shell is beautiful but the core empty. The Shell is important... the Core is ALSO just as important!

Om Shri Hum

Spiritual Theatre

Our Spiritual practice is nought but an act or a scene in a spiritual theatre when we can be kind and caring to a world of people but end up hurting the one closest and dearest to us... Reflecting deeply, I find alot of what I see within myself is nothing but an act or a scene from a spiritual theatre.

To be a Child of Kuan Yin

To be a Child of Kuan Yin is to be a Nurturing Mother to the needs of others,

To be a Devotee of Kuan Yin is to show Devotion to her in Serving to bring happiness to the hearts of others,

To be a Faithful of Kuan Yin is to bring about Hope where there is Despair, Peace where there is Turmoil and Love where Hate pervades.

To be a Beloved of Kuan Yin is TO BE another Kuan Yin-like being who serves as a Lighthouse of Compassion for ALL whom are tossed in the Fearsome Ocean of Suffering, not differentiating between Creed, Religion or Race, not caring be they High Born or Low Birth, Be they "good" or "evil", all will be embraced and be lead safely towards the other shore...

To BE part of the Kuan Yin family is..... to be Kind.

Om Mani Padme Hum