A Preview of my upcoming interview in Priew Magazine, June Issue.
I feel sympathetic to the camera man who had to try his best to find an angle to shoot me in such a way that I don't look so huge like a sumo I have become in the past year! That reminds me I have to go down to walk/jog a bit to make myself ready for this afternoon's Samurai sword session where Priew magazine will be taking more photos and more interview. For more on my samurai sword lesson, see my Japan page.
What are they asking me about? Well, the columnist used to interview me a few years back when she was with Poo Ying magazine and when I was still working in an advertising agency. She would like to focus on how my life has changed now that I choose a totally different career path from what I used to do.
If you followed my blogs, you would probably have known the answer. Anyway, once she gives me the manuscript for editing purpose, I'll come back to share with you all again.
Why do I give an interview? Doesn't a dhamma-oriented life mean I have to stay low profile and shun all possible fame or recognition? Well, the interview is not for me, you see. I've been in the media business long enough to know about gossips and how people will always find fault with you no matter what you do. To have you story told, your photos published is the fastest way to ruin your reputation. In today's marketing economy, they would probably assume you are trying to sell something.
Well, as I said, the interview is not for me. It's my humble attempt to reach out to the mass who might have not gone to a total-training in mindfulness meditation otherwise. Yes, it's aimed at people like me who in the past thought that I was too busy to spend 7 days in a meditation retreat. It was nothing short of a magic, you see, because human mind can unleash something extraordinary that only you yourself can discover.
You can not read about it. You can not imagine it up. It's not about sitting with your eyes closed and trying to be peaceful. It's so far from that! The total mind-body training experience that Lord Buddha went through is yours to discover. All you need is your determination. It is not something for the aging, the sick or the losers. It's for all of us and it will benefit your right away, not to mention a long-term benefit into the future.
If you choose to believe in samsara and the existence of past life and next like I do, this mindfulness meditation (a.k.a. Vipassana) can even benefit you way into your future lives.
Now, that's one coverage no insurance company can give you. But it is guaranteed by Lord Buddha. He doesn't ask you to believe him. That's the beauty of it. He asks you to try for yourself. Then, it's up to you what you would think afterwards.
In the past 2,548 years, nobody has disputed the benefit of mindfulness meditation so far. It's up to you, really. I also knew from my experience that not everybody will be able to make it to the training. I know why. Do you?
