Avoid the Fools. Associates with the Wise

Sukihotu

I've written a few articles about friendship. You can read them here, here, here and here. We have also gotten so many advises from the Buddha. few touches on this aspect about friendship. But one important hint that the Buddha have given us about handling friendship is, for us to avoid the fools and associates with the wise.

To have a good understanding about associating with the wise, here is a good article by Bhikkhu Bodhi

But what I wished to touch-on today is the part about avoiding the fools. If we could understand the nature of a human being life would be alot easier. But I would say most of us aren't. That's because all of us are bounded by the 3 evil roots. That is greed, hatred and illusions. Most of us are ignorant people and is coated with a thick layer of dust on our eyes. We are fools. We can't tell what is right and what wrong. We think everything we do is right.

There are plenty of fools out there (including myself). I would say almost 99% of the people around me are fools. We are just plain foolish people who does not understand how nature works. We are filled with pleasure and thought that is the ultimate success in life as a human being. We have got a good job, we have got a nice house, nice car and a nice Samsung phone. We also have a good standing in the society. Hence, we thought we have got it all. We have conquer the world and thought that there is nothing else we can't achieve in this world. We have done all in this world.

But, true Buddhist understood that there is no such thing as true happiness. As long as we are born, we are in samsara. We may be happy occasionally but in reality it won;t last. Soon we will grow old, contract diseases and die. We must admit that this is suffering.

Ordinary people are not aware of this but the Buddha have found a solution to fix it. We can stop the patent of death and rebirth over and over again. We can actually escape suffering. Just like in a car if it;s  ran out of fuel, it will stop running. Same in us as a human being, if we stop wanting those things in life, then we will stop being born. If we are not born at all, hence, all suffering stopped.

I hope people could see this. Once people can understand this simple principle, then there is hope for that person. He has now started to become wise person by stop wanting unnecessary things in life. And when he practice letting-go in a perfect way, he has the potential of not being born again. This is when we say that he has entered nibbanna.

Thanks for reading.
Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
1st April

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Russian Cheese Pashka

I know Jennifer posted a Pashka recipe already, but I wanted to add what we made this year. It was a very simple, traditional Russian recipe that I altered to suit our tastes. I used melted chocolate to add the decorations. An Orthodox Pashka is usually decorated with a Russian cross and the letters XB which represent the first letters of the Pascal greeting "Христос воскрес!" (Christos Voskres!) On our Pashka, I used the letters C & R to represent "Christus Resurrexit" and a Latin cross but I also included the usual symbols around the sides and even an XA for the Greek "Χριστός ἀνέστη!" ( Khristós Anésti!)

Russian Pascha

2 boxes cream cheese, softened

8 oz. small curd cottage cheese

7 oz. plain greek yogurt (the original calls for sour cream)

1/4 C. unsalted butter, melted

7 oz. sugar (a little less than 1 C.)

1/4 tsp. almond extract (the original calls for lemon)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 oz. blanched almonds, finely chopped (opt., I opted not)

2.5 oz. currants (opt., I opted not)

cheese mold

cheesecloth

If you don't have a cheese mold, you can use two layers of cheesecloth inside of an empty 35.3 oz. yogurt carton. First, poke a lot of little holes in the bottom of the tub. I used a metal shish kabob skewer. I think I poked it about 20 times each from the inside and the outside.

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream/yogurt and butter. Fold in sugar, extracts, almonds and currants. Scoop your cheese into your prepared mold. I recommend folding paper towels or kitchen towels and setting your tub of cheese on top of those to help soak up the extra liquid. Refrigerate overnight. You might want to change the towels out once or twice before unmolding. 

When you are ready to serve, place the upside down tub on a plate and remove tub. Carefully pull the cheesecloth off. Decorate if you want to.

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Staying Healthy All The Time

Sukihotu

I've just got another book published "Turning Ideas into Innovation". This is a simple guide book for people trying their hand on creating their first invention. You can read a brief description of the book here.

In this book I wrote two articles. One of theme is this, "Staying healthy all the time". Which I think it is appropriate to re-publish here for your reading pleasure.


Staying healthy all the time

It is clear to us that the mind is the main tool for creating an invention. If we are serious about creating new innovations, then we must be serious about taking care of our mind. The human mind is still very much an unexplored human territory. Scientist today know very little about the mind. We do not know where the location of the mind is. Or how it functions or where the right button to press to get it to work to its full potential is.

The mind and the brain are two different entities altogether. The brain is like the computer hardware while the mind is like the software. Just like electricity, we can feel it, use it, get electrocuted by it. But electricity cannot be seen by our naked eyes. The Mind is much the same, we can feel it and use it but we can’t see it.

Due to its invisibility to our naked eyes, most people are ignorant of its presence. Man often abuse it and do not know how to take care of it.

In my case, I do a few things to keep my mind healthy.

 I sleep early and let my mind have a good rest every night. I sleep at about 10.30pm daily. I get an average sleep of 8 hours a day. I know most people out there are late sleepers. I hope you change that habit and try sleeping early. It will do you a whole world of good. Having much sleep also keeps your physical body healthy.

 I try to keep a calm mind at all times. It is very difficult for us to avoid conflicts in our daily life. Whether at home or at work, as long as there are two human beings, opinions and preferences will differ, thus disagreement and conflicts may occur sometimes.

I do my best to live a harmonious life. When the going gets tough, I slow down my pace and take things easy. I will not allow an argument to ruin my day.

 Sometimes, I do have many new ideas at one time. When such situation happens, I will not embark on too many projects in one go. I will prioritize my projects and try to do only those that are within my capability. I’ve also developed a system called “traffic lights” to manage the various on-going projects which are all running concurrently at the same time. This system allows me to manage it without difficulty and without having to sacrifice any of them

When ideas come to me, I treasured them. New idea comes to me at various times of the day without warning and prior notice. And whenever an idea pops-up, I will jot it down on my note book. Then later transfer it into a folder in my computer called Incubation box.

 Being an inventor is a lonely job. Therefore, I create a circle of friends to support me. Whenever I can, I’ll discuss my ideas with them. Seeking advice, comments and opinions from them. More importantly, we support each other emotionally when things are not going right.

There is a timeless wise saying about our human mind by a great teacher who lived some 2,500 years ago in India. This has inspired me to do good whenever I’m creating a new invention. It goes like this:

Mind is the forerunner of all good states.

Mind is chief,

Mind-made are they.

If one speaks or acts with pure mind,

Because of that, happiness follows on,

Even as one’s shadow that never leaves.

Wishing you all the best in your projects

Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
18th March 2013

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[Open Circle] Knowing Him, Knowing Me

Salam, peace and blessings to all of you.

Every creation on this earth bows down to Mighty Lord. But how connected are we to Him? Do we really know Who He is? Is He just a 'concept' that we are trained to have Faith? A far away Being so distant from us?

Some say to know us, we have to know our Creator... well, come and join us once again on another engaging open conversation with Bro Din Othman, as he shares his journey in finding these answers, finding Allah, finding himself, amazingly - through his fantastic artwork.

*Bro Din is a professional graphic designer. In fact, he's the maestro that has been designing most of the great posters for YMP in the past. MashaAllah.

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As with most of our previous circles, our usual Potluck Party is on! Bring some food to be shared, and share your thoughts with us as we get to know each other better :)

Date: 10th March 2013
Time: 2pm to 4pm

Address:
40 Jalan 16/6c,
Seksyen 16,
Petaling Jaya

Log onto our Facebook event page :)

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Faith Fridays - Patience & Gratitude by Sumayyah Nasar [Video]

A very insightful short reminder on patience & gratitude by our very own Sumayyah :) She was with YMP right from the beginning, currently residing in Scotland. She has masters in Islamic Studies (also housewifery :)

Good news girls, she is also an aspiring designer, she will be launching her modest dresses line in June under the label 'lovetodress'. She writes at http://www.love-to-dress.com/

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Happy Valentine’s Day

I want to talk about love. I want to talk about the cliché love, the boy and girl love. I know there are other kinds of love out there, such as the love for our Creator and Master, love to our prophet Muhammad (saw), our parents, sisters etc. But today I want to talk about boy meets girl.

For some of you who think that romance cease to exist for people who are married, oh boy oh boy have I got a bubble to burst for you. I’ve met so many uncle and aunties telling me that once you get married, life gets really tough and all your fantasies and bubbles are burst. And although I never experienced that, because I thought they are older and maybe wiser, I thought they might be right. Hmmm… It’s been nearly 6 years since I’ve been married and for now, I cannot disagree more.

“And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.”

(30:21)

For those of you who think that it’s fine to be in love with a guy before marriage and have a boyfriend girlfriend thingy going on… oh honey, you sure ain’t getting the best deal in life. I can safely say that girlfriend and boyfriend is anything but ‘finding rest’. One time you’re so into the guy/ girl, the next you’re fighting. The platform of girlfriend and boyfriend is so uncertain. You love each other but you don’t really commit to ‘trying’ to be with each other forever. It is anything but rest. Even when you decide to do the haram and give each other hugs, kisses or hang on the phone just the two of you, you’ve barely touched the surface of ‘finding rest’. All you got is excitement in the spur of the moment and an intense feeling of being into somebody. I’m not saying you can’t love somebody unless you’re married to them. It might be possible to love someone without marriage, but definitely the combination of ‘rest, love and compassion’ is hard to attain unless you are married. You get my drift?

And is ‘rest, love and compassion’ a guarantee to those who do get to marry? I’m going to be honest and declare a big NO. Capital N and capital O. But hang on a minute, isn't making a relationship halal with Allah enough. Errr… no dude! Why is this so?

Have you seen couples that lie to each other? Have you seen people who are in denial of what honesty means? Have you seen people who are so into prayers, hijab, fiqh issues and are completely clueless when it comes to ethics and character? I’m not saying these things (prayers, hijab, fiqh issues) are not important, yes they are. But a guarantee to rest, love and compassion lies in your relationship with Allah swt. And this relationship is built with sincerity of trying to improve oneself though Qur’an and Sunnah. Quran and Sunnah are not to be used cheaply as a means to be in an argument or to prove that you know better. If you are within this group please just get over it and know that people can see right through you. Allah’s guidance (Qur’an and Sunnah) is a means to get closer to Allah, which is a guarantee of success in this life and the Akhirah.

“This book is without a doubt, a guide to those who guard themselves”

(2:2)

And what about those who marry someone who does have good character? I fall under this group. I married someone who is way not perfect, but he does have good character, all praises is due to Allah. If a guy works and provide for his family, is romantic to his wife, is generous to his family and in-laws, has humor and all, what better deal would there be right? So is this a guarantee for ‘rest, love and compassion’ in marriage? Nearly there, but still a NO and why? Because baby this is dunia. Get ready to face challenges, one after another.

“And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient.”

(2:155)

In a marriage, apart from the in-laws, you’ve got pregnancy, labor and the baby blues. Then you have the challenges of bringing children up. You think after labor you get to rest, errr no! You’ve just begun. And men don’t get any sleep either. Parents of infants are what I call walking zombies. Hahhaha… Then you have financial difficulties especially in the beginning of the marriage where the guy is just starting to build his career. Or the guy might expect you to work or you yourselves choose to work. And then comes the question of housework. I mean what’s up with the toilet seat not being able to be put down?! On top of that you have to adapt to each other’s preferences, perspectives on things and boy I can go on and on and on. But I am sure you know what I mean.

So even with the best of character, you've got so many factors that are going to pull you from so many corners[1] that its so easy to just put your hands up and say, “I give up.”

Loving a man or woman, has to first and foremost come from knowing that marriage is yet another form of getting closer to Allah. If we use the formula given by Allah swt, i.e. to use marriage as a way to please Allah, then yes, you will find ‘rest, love and compassion’ as the by product of that intention and actions. And yes I learnt this the hard way. I thought having a spouse with good character is enough, but I slowly learnt that I have to let go of my ignorant days of thinking good character is enough. Although I personally think it is easier than having a spouse who is ‘religious’ but is completely clueless on how to treat other people, it still is certainly NOT enough.

Slowly but surely Allah continue to guide us to ‘rest, love and compassion’. And yes romance is way better when a man is willing to take the decision to say, “I do”. Should you compromise if he or she is not willing to say, “I do”? Personally I say no. And because I hold on to this sunnah.

While I was walking with 'Abdullah he said, "We were in the company of the Prophet and he said, 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power."[2]

If you cannot afford marriage, or you the guy or girl won’t commit to ‘trying’ to be there for each other forever, I say dish it and start fasting J. As Imam Al-Ghazali says in his book Revival of the Religious Sciences, chapter 32 on patience and gratitude: If you don’t have something be patient. And if you already have what you want, be grateful for ungrateful can fall into disbelieve. 

Allah tests us in different ways and in no way should we think that just because we have something, it is because we are better, or we know better. Everything comes from Allah and only He gives and knows what is good for u. I’m just another sister looking to share her experience. So with much love, I bid you peace for yet another one of my attempts to reach out to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

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[1] This does not even include those that suffer from psychological and physical abuse, cheating on a spouse in relationships.

[2] Narrated by 'Alqama in Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 129.

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Sumayyah is currently exploring faith and fashion in Scotland, while awaiting to launch her own life of fashion wear in 2013. She writes on www.love-to-dress.com/

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War, exploitation, human trafficking, racism

War, exploitation, human trafficking, racism are some of the evils that has been and continue to be done as a result of not valuing correctly another human being.

By valuing another human being we do not mean in his potential in terms of slavery but in terms of freedom.

It is only through freedom and respect can a human being achieve his god given and true potential by making the fullest of his life.

It is thus essential that human beings look upon another human being as someone precious in terms of his future potential to the world. Someone to be helped rather than to be used.

A young starving child in some part of the world may hold the key within him to someday save mankind through his research or work.

He or she may be grateful of being saved by his fellow mankind and make it his or her mission to save mankind.

By feeding, clothing,sheltering, educating good values, employing and caring for this person; mankind and the world has a stronger chance of being saved from destructive acts of man.

While mankind cannot stops natural disasters, it can save from itself.

Romil Shamsudin

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Lounging with Kimball Gallagher

A thousand pictures worth a song
An altruist's journey. Come along!
Hear from voices that say then do
And show you ways which you can too.

Words and pictures and friends to make, 
A journey you would want to take, 
One thing remains before adieu
An invitation especially for you:

Please join us this day 
on November 15th. Mark it!
ISTAC is your way
From 3 to 5pm. Make it!

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Find out more on Kimball Gallagher here:
http://www.kimballgallagher.com/

Thursday 15th November 2012
3pm to 5pm
@ ISTAC, off Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur http://goo.gl/maps/DEPBQ

** Entry By Donation ( Minimum RM 10)**

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Media

Over the years YMP has had many events. Fortunately we have been able to record some and put them on the internet. Here is what we have available.

Ramadan Series 2012
Ramadan Gems - The ups and downs of iman - Lauren Booth
Ramadan Series 2012 - Lauren Booth
Ramadan Series - What Ramadan means to me
LEPAK Reunion - Words of Wisdom from Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim

Reboot yourself this Ramadan - Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim - KGPA 17th July 2012
Reboot yourself this Ramadan

LEPAK Initiative - Yahya Ibrahim. Janda Baik 6th to 9th July 2012
Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim's Guide to the Galaxy
Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim Went on a Date?
If you want to be Wali with Allah
Every team needs a captain
Fajr Tazkirah - 7 Principles of Lailahaillallah (Part 3)
Fajr Tazkirah - 7 Principles of Lailahaillallah (Part 2)
Fajr Tazkirah - 7 Principles of Lailahaillallah (Part 1)
Campfire Stories
The Young Padawan
What's the Big Idea?

The Beauty of Jannah - Dr Reda Bedeir - Masjid Abu Bakar As-Sidiq 1st Dec 2011
Jannah - Dr Reda Bedeir
Jannah - Dr Reda Bedeir (Q&A Part 1)
Jannah - Dr Reda Bedeir (Q&A Part 2)

Balance - Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim - KGPA
Balance - Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim

In the Shade of Ramadan - Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim - KGPA 18th July 2011 (with Muslim Professionals Forum)
Part 1
Part 2

Ramadan - Life in the Fast Lane - IIUM Main Mosque 13th July 2011
Fiqh of Siyam - Sheikh Tawfique Chowdhury
This Ramadan Turn Off your Autopilot - Sheikh Muhammad Cheppih
Q&A

Need for Speed - Race to Allah - KGPA 7th July 2011
Race to Allah - Sheikh Sajir Umar

I want to repent but...- Imam Suhaib Webb - 13th January 2011 KGPA
What is repentance?
What is it we repent from?
The way to Siratulmustaqim
The repentence of Abu Nuwas
The first reason why some people fail to make Tawbah
Where does Tawbah start?
Kindness beautifies whatever it touches & Tawbah starts with Allah
The second reason why some people faily to make Tawbah
Rectification of Negligence
The third reason why some people fail to make Tawbah
Sign of a Health Repentance
Q&A

What is this my last Ramadan? - Imam Suhaib Webb
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

Now that we've found Islam, what are we going to do about it?
(Part of the Knowledge and Arts Tour 2009)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16

Public Service Announcements
CSI Heroes - You can be one too!
Solidarity Syria

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Creativity & the Spiritual Path (CSP): Kuala Lumpur

Salam everyone!

Young Muslims Project would like to inform you about an upcoming event in KL featuring Peter Gould, someone YMP hosted last year.

Creativity and the Spiritual Path (CSP) is ongoing series of events designed to nurture and cultivate creativity among Muslims around the globe, both individually and collectively. To date it has been held in Australia, Canada and the United States. This 7th and 8 April it is coming to Malaysia!

CSP has been described as “a gathering of conversations” reflecting an renewed interest in artistic and creative endeavors undertaken by Muslims everywhere. The intention of CSP events is to facilitate dialogue and activities relevant to Artists, Designers, Musicians, Directors, Writers, Thinkers and creative types.

Our vision is to run CSP programs and events in a diverse spectrum of cities around the world, exposing international & local talents and fostering greater appreciation and support for creative Muslims.

There will be two separate events:

1) CSPKL Forum [RM70 - Forum ONLY, RM100 - Forum and Lunch (lunch at Islamic Arts Museum Restaurant)]

    Date   : 7th April 2012

    Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

]2) CSPKL Dinner & Concert [RM150]

    Date   : 8th April 2012

    Venue: Sime Darby Convention Center

Both are unique events and should not be missed, especially by artists, singers, writers, actors, musicians, poets, architects, or anyone who loves creativity and/or spirituality!

Tickets are limited and need to be booked. Check out their Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/362058300478495/

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AT! http://oneheartsolution.com/register.html

Inquiries:
For any inquiry please contact:
Email : sharifah@crescentcollective.org
Tel : +6017.6164.020

For ticket booking please contact Amie at:

Email : info@taatfoundation.org
Tel : +603.2166.6300 or +6016.2258.311

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