8.19.2006

Duncan's Birthday

Today is Duncan's Birthday. There are three families give celebration for his birthday. They invite me to join their party. After celebration, they come to visitMaster's apartment.

7.08.2006

Saturday Gathering

These days I am busy in school. This week I have two dyas break and invite some members to visit my place. Disappointedly, it is not a good timing. Most members went to vacation, and only Gina's family have time can visit.
Master prepare a huge lunch for them. After lunch, we do some meditation and play water balloon in the rain. I planned went to swimming that day, however, it was heavy rainning in the afternoon. But the water balloon seems amusing that swimming. Anyway, we have a wonderful day. I hope next time can have more members join my invitation.

5.13.2006

THE GIVING TREE (For Mother's Day)

Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree... very much. And the tree was happy.

But time went. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat my apples and play in my shade and be happy." "I am too big to climb and play," said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some one?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money. I only have leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried hem away. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time... and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy." "I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm," he said. "I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?" "I have no house," said the tree. "The forest in my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." "I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy... but not really.

And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you- My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree, "You cannot swing on them-" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb-" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something... but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry..." "I don't need very much now," said the boy, "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, “well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.

------ By Shel Silverstein

Dear Members,

The Giving Tree is a very well-known children’s story, but it is written with a profound meaning. It makes us think: Is there also a “Giving Tree” around us? Is there such a person in our life who is willing to support us quietly? The loving-care from our mom is just like from The Giving Tree. She is always contributing herself without asking for return. Whenever we are frustrated or feel down, she always offers us encouragement and advises. Sometimes, you may feel your mom is wordy or involved too much of your life. When you have a request, her answer is always “NO”. But, sometimes the most loving answer is “NO”.
Tomorrow is the Mother’s Day. Let’s think if our mom is like The Giving Tree when we grow, who is supporting us quietly. This is a day especially for mothers. Let’s show appreciation and gratitude to our mom. Give her a sweet kiss and big hug.

Wishing every mothers have a happy mother's day

Master

5.12.2006

Created and Party Day

Today I visited Elliot's School again. Most Children know I am Elliot's Master and interested me. Maybe they only see a Buddhism monk in the movie, not reality.
Click the Album

Living Museum




Click the Album

5.11.2006

Football Play



Click the Album

5.04.2006

Attend Elliot's Drama Play

Today Elliot's mother invites me to go to see Elliot’s play at school. It was a precious opportunity to understand American children and their education. The title of the play is "Annie Jr". It was the first time I see this play, and it really touched me. I saw those young kids took their role seriously and gave an excellent performance. They present their confidence and sincerity. Those are some of the characteristic that Chinese kids lack of. After the play, I join them to La Patatia Mexican cafeteria. They are spirited and friendly. We played games and had a great time. Click the Album

5.01.2006

What Is Money Can't Buy

I chitchatted with a kid today. He told me that he hope someday he will have a lot of money. If he has money, he has the whole world. This is not the first time a kid told me this. I try to remember if I had the same thought when I was young. I can’t recall. I asked him “Do you think money can buy our relationship?” He gazed at me for awhile and replied “no”.
That’s right! Money is very useful, but it isn’t everything.
Money can’t buy the relationship between you and me.
All of what Master had done is invaluable, no money can exchange that. Master treat all of you like my own kid. I have never asked for any return, but only hope you can improve and share yourself to this world in the future. The respect that you give me springs from your innermost. It is a priceless treasure to me.
Money can’t buy parents’ love.
Parents’ love is like water. To you it seems and taste like nothing. You may complain about their nagging and disciplines now. Nevertheless you would miss your mom’s yell when you wake up and live alone. Someday when you have a daughter, you would understand why they forbid you and go out in the night. Parents love you as themselves. Money Can Not Buy.
Money can’t buy health.
Many people lose their health because they spend the time to earn money and did not care for their health. Then after they earn the money, they want to spend it to redeem back their good health.
Money can’t buy time.
People said “Time is money”, but it doesn’t mean “Money is Time”
No matter how much money you have, you can’t exchange it for your childhood.
Money can’t buy experience.
There is a new world waiting for you to explore. Your experiences are the real jewel of life and money can’t buy that. You have to discover it on your own.
Money can’t buy your pure mind.
You might be lured by extravagance. However, your Buddha nature is never lost. It is just like a mirror cover with dusts. Don’t forget to open your heart to this world, feel for the people around you, and think about how many people have gave their effort to you. Take off your mask and face the real person who lives in the inner mind. If you never change, you will be like the dust. Wipe the dust off and let the brightness comes out.

Furthermore, a real wealthy man is the one who know how to share with others. When you are full, you will be willing to share your food with your friends. An inadequate man never knows when is enough, and he is always hungry and greedy for more. When you know when to donate your money, time, experience…etc., it means you are truly a wealthy person. I hope all of you can become a wealthy man.

4.30.2006

Awesome History

2003 /04 Early Youth Group
April 2003, Master ran tow Youth Camp in Zen Center. It was the first time I try to teach meditation for American Kids. They lived in the Center for three days and I gave them meditation instruction and some group activities.


Cooking & Meditation


Practic Chinese Calligraphy



2004 /02 Awesome Youth Group beginning

February 13,2004 is a milestone for Awesome Youth Group. It is the beginning date of this group. In the first session, there were more than 50 children attending the class.


Giving Lecture and Practicing Meditation

Birthday Blessing Birthday Party
Birthday Blessing and Party



2004 /05 Second Session
since the first AWESOM youth group receive a really good reputation and parents' approval, the second AWESOM about 70 students decide to join. Master designed more lively and interested course to help kids understand how to practice meditation and consciousness in their daily life.


Master used water and flour to explain the function of mind


Bodhi Leaf Brushing and Drama Play


Group Activities -- practice team spirit







2004 /09 Third Session ....


2005 /02 Fourth Session ....


2005 /05 Fifth Session ....


2005 /09 Sixth Session ....


2006/?? Seventh Session......


4.27.2006

Dinner Gathering

Today Master had dinner with Dugan and Elliot's family.

4.20.2006

Chinese vs. English Tutor


Since last month, Master go to Elliot's House every Monday and Thursday evening. We exchange our teachings. I teach him Chinese, and he teaches me English. I really enjoy practice English with him. He is a lively and smart boy. Sometime we also practice Math together, and he has improved a lot in Math. (But not so much in Chinese....) We usually cook dinner together after learning....I appreciate him and his mom to give me this opportunity to practice conversation and understand about the American society.

I offer free instruction. If you are interested in Meditation or Chinese and locate in Houston, You can make an appointment wiht me.
  • Email to Master
  • 3.01.2006

    I am back to Houston

    Dear Members,
    I am back to Houston.
    I left Chung Tai Chan Monastery on January 29. It is a very depressing and hard decision. I told Grand Master Wei Jiao that I plan to finish my education.
    You can email to me, if you would like to contact me.

    1.22.2006

    Leaving Houston

    Mimi and I cut the cake together...

    Tonight I am going to leaving Houston. The disciples came to Zen Center to say goodbye. I hold Yoyo in my arms, this is the first time I hold him and I think this may be the last time...

    Elliot's Family Visiting

    This afternoon, Master went to visit Elliot and Dugan. I will leave Houston tonight, I thought I might meet them again before I leave and say goodbye to them.I met Elliot's brother, Taylor, in his house. We played basketball and then went to eat ice cream...