I would like to thank pandabonium for his meaningful gift of the book 花と爆弹 (Flowers and Bombs), a book which consists of poems of hopes for a non-violent world. A simple gesture, to change the chain of violence into a chain of hope, to transform bombs into flowers.
The writer, Kaoru Kobashi, request readers to translate poems into the languages that we know, to spread the messages, the love, and the hopes. I tried my hand in one of the poems, to translate into a Chinese version. Hope it sounds coherent. *^_^*
Japanese - Original
青空のあなやるせなきため息か
戰の空の薄い三日月
English Translation - translated by other people
Is it a sigh of
Deep sorrow the blue sky heaved?
Above the battle field
There is a white crescent moon
Blurred in the afternoon sky.
Chinese Translation - YD's translation
听那蓝天的长叹
看那皎洁的月亮
迷蒙在那昏沉的傍晚
伴着尘土飞扬的战场
Let's spread the hope for a better world. For you, for me, for everyone.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
# Serenity
What a pleasant surprise when I received two postcards at the same time, both exhibited such tranquility, peace and serenity.
I had a virtual tour to Kashima shrine through the postcard from a dear panda in Japan. Kashima Jingu is one of his favourite places, with its magnificent gates, wide paths, sweet cedars smell, lines of cherry trees and chirping birds, etc.. Quote panda: "The shrine is actually the land which has been used as a shrine for 2600 years. But the buildings date back to around 1600. In the Heian era, about 1100 years ago, they used to rebuild the buildings every 20 years." Such was the long history of the shrine, which still stands grandly at present day.
I wonder, what it feels like to walk on the path amidst of blossoms of cherry, listening to the voice of the wind, contemplating on ourselves, our life, in past, current, and future? A walking meditation at such surroundings will be a fruitful one, I think.
A second postcard, from Low, conveyed another sense of calmness and quietness. The image struck a familiar note in my heart. This is the kind of environment I used to see in Malaysia when I was growing up. Small villages, peaceful waters, soothing wind, and simple, carefree people. Sea has been an intriguing landscape of nature that shows so much emotions and tells so much feelings. From the gently lapping waters to wild raging strong waves, the sea is speaking to us, telling us stories of the nature, sharing their wealth, their wisdom accumulated from so many years.
One day, when I am gone, I would like my ashes to be scattered in the wide blue sea.
(P/S: Panda, your story of your uncle in California made me decided that my ashes to be scattered from a BOAT, not a PLANE. hehehe...)
I had a virtual tour to Kashima shrine through the postcard from a dear panda in Japan. Kashima Jingu is one of his favourite places, with its magnificent gates, wide paths, sweet cedars smell, lines of cherry trees and chirping birds, etc.. Quote panda: "The shrine is actually the land which has been used as a shrine for 2600 years. But the buildings date back to around 1600. In the Heian era, about 1100 years ago, they used to rebuild the buildings every 20 years." Such was the long history of the shrine, which still stands grandly at present day.
I wonder, what it feels like to walk on the path amidst of blossoms of cherry, listening to the voice of the wind, contemplating on ourselves, our life, in past, current, and future? A walking meditation at such surroundings will be a fruitful one, I think.
A second postcard, from Low, conveyed another sense of calmness and quietness. The image struck a familiar note in my heart. This is the kind of environment I used to see in Malaysia when I was growing up. Small villages, peaceful waters, soothing wind, and simple, carefree people. Sea has been an intriguing landscape of nature that shows so much emotions and tells so much feelings. From the gently lapping waters to wild raging strong waves, the sea is speaking to us, telling us stories of the nature, sharing their wealth, their wisdom accumulated from so many years.
One day, when I am gone, I would like my ashes to be scattered in the wide blue sea.
(P/S: Panda, your story of your uncle in California made me decided that my ashes to be scattered from a BOAT, not a PLANE. hehehe...)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
# Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Happy Eid!
After a month of Ramadhan (Fasting month), this is the day which mark the culmination of the holy month, the day of the celebration of the Muslim New Year.
During the fasting month, muslims abstain from eating and drinking daily between sunrise and sunset. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day people break fast with a prayer and a meal called iftar.
Side note: Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five tenets/ pillars of Islam:
1) Syahada (Belief in one God)
2) Salat (Five times prayer a day)
3) Zakat (Almsgiving)
4) Siyam (Fasting during Ramadhan)
5) Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
After a month-long fasting, Muslims celebrate Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking), we called it Aidilfitri in Malaysia, which is the first day of the month of Syawal. Aidilfitri signifies the spirit of forgiving and family reunion. In Malaysia, people from cities 'balik kampung' to reunite with their familities in hometown. During this time, people ask for each other's pardon and forgiveness for whatever past quarrels, by salam (handshake) and kissing the hands of the elders as a sign of respect.
On the first day of Aidilfitri, muslims congregates at mosques for morning prayers. I passed by the East London Mosque which is situated near my house last year, and the voices of prayers from the mosque sounded so homely, I felt I am back to Malaysia.
What I love about Hari Raya Puasa in Malaysia is the culture of Open House, and visits from house to house to wish one another "Selamat Hari Raya". The place I stayed in Malaysia is in a Malay community, hence we enjoyed visiting our neighbours and exchanging gifts and cookies during Raya. I particularly love the ketupat (triangular shaped rice cake) with rendang!
Putting up my baju kurung (Malay Traditional clothes for female), I am ready to pay visits to my Malay friends and wish them
"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!"
"MAAF ZAHIR BATIN"
After a month of Ramadhan (Fasting month), this is the day which mark the culmination of the holy month, the day of the celebration of the Muslim New Year.
During the fasting month, muslims abstain from eating and drinking daily between sunrise and sunset. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day people break fast with a prayer and a meal called iftar.
Side note: Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five tenets/ pillars of Islam:
1) Syahada (Belief in one God)
2) Salat (Five times prayer a day)
3) Zakat (Almsgiving)
4) Siyam (Fasting during Ramadhan)
5) Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
After a month-long fasting, Muslims celebrate Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking), we called it Aidilfitri in Malaysia, which is the first day of the month of Syawal. Aidilfitri signifies the spirit of forgiving and family reunion. In Malaysia, people from cities 'balik kampung' to reunite with their familities in hometown. During this time, people ask for each other's pardon and forgiveness for whatever past quarrels, by salam (handshake) and kissing the hands of the elders as a sign of respect.
On the first day of Aidilfitri, muslims congregates at mosques for morning prayers. I passed by the East London Mosque which is situated near my house last year, and the voices of prayers from the mosque sounded so homely, I felt I am back to Malaysia.What I love about Hari Raya Puasa in Malaysia is the culture of Open House, and visits from house to house to wish one another "Selamat Hari Raya". The place I stayed in Malaysia is in a Malay community, hence we enjoyed visiting our neighbours and exchanging gifts and cookies during Raya. I particularly love the ketupat (triangular shaped rice cake) with rendang!
Putting up my baju kurung (Malay Traditional clothes for female), I am ready to pay visits to my Malay friends and wish them"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!"
"MAAF ZAHIR BATIN"
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
# The Story of Light
I miss the murukku! ommapadi! chippi! etc etc... Not being in Malaysia, I have to just settle for a packet of 250g murukku which costed me 2 pounds! :)
An e-card (copyrighted by Compufield) from a friend, K, really warms my heart. A simple wish, a special occassion, just brings everyone regardless of races together. Although I did not manage to go over to my neighbour's house this year to celebrate, nor did I have a chance to watch people make the beautiful patterns of rangoli, I feel the joy of the Festival of the Lights.
The notion of using LIGHTS in the festival gives me a chance to do some reflection, about the significance of light in good over evil, valor, peace, confidence, hope, and enlightenment. Speaking about lights, I recalled a story I read somewhere:
"A girl saw a blind man carrying a lantern in the dark. She felt curious and asked him why he needs a lantern as he was blind. The blind man explained that he wants to lighten up the street so that people can see their way.
The girl was about to praise him for being so selfless to lighten up the street for others, when the man continued, 'I do this for myself. By lightening up the street, people can see their way, and will not bump into me.' "
A simple story, which tells of great teachings on the way we lead our lifes. To light up our world, we must first learn to give lights to others. To shine in our lifes, we must first learn to help others shine. Giving away does not diminish our wealth, or capacity to give even more. We gain more when we give. A simple selfless act which may not see any return, is actually a gread deed which not only cultivates our morality, but also helps us in becoming a better person.
An e-card (copyrighted by Compufield) from a friend, K, really warms my heart. A simple wish, a special occassion, just brings everyone regardless of races together. Although I did not manage to go over to my neighbour's house this year to celebrate, nor did I have a chance to watch people make the beautiful patterns of rangoli, I feel the joy of the Festival of the Lights. The notion of using LIGHTS in the festival gives me a chance to do some reflection, about the significance of light in good over evil, valor, peace, confidence, hope, and enlightenment. Speaking about lights, I recalled a story I read somewhere:
"A girl saw a blind man carrying a lantern in the dark. She felt curious and asked him why he needs a lantern as he was blind. The blind man explained that he wants to lighten up the street so that people can see their way.
The girl was about to praise him for being so selfless to lighten up the street for others, when the man continued, 'I do this for myself. By lightening up the street, people can see their way, and will not bump into me.' "
A simple story, which tells of great teachings on the way we lead our lifes. To light up our world, we must first learn to give lights to others. To shine in our lifes, we must first learn to help others shine. Giving away does not diminish our wealth, or capacity to give even more. We gain more when we give. A simple selfless act which may not see any return, is actually a gread deed which not only cultivates our morality, but also helps us in becoming a better person.
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