I chose this because...

How to unite differing opinions? I am perplexed by the majority of people who believe that what they like or prefer is decided by their reason / logic. When are we ever reasonable when it comes to choosing or loving an object? (which includes people as well.) We talk ourselves into believing that we are logical based on past experience, the current situation and conditioning.

Let's take one thing at a time. What is past experience? Probably it is a memory that signals the failures and success we faced and should we find ourselves trapped in an awkard situations, we draw into our memory looking for a solution or guide. The other factors which are working at the same time are the influences in our daily life such as the neighbourhood we grew up in or the type of books we read.

I am sure you can agree that what we experienced and are influenced by the most ridiculous and if not abnormal instances that shape our thinking and logic. Then, how can what we like and dislike be based on reason or logic that is suppose to be flawless? Flawless in sense that what we do is truthful, sincere and righteous.

Actually, what we like or dislike appeals to our five senses - our feelings. Namely what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell. If we are logical no one would be smoking or drinking alcohol and there wouldn't be road rage and a 18 year old brother would not rape his 5 year sister.

Our natural state can be quite brutal. Ever held a gun in your hand? Watch how your heart pounds and thoughts start running wild in your head. Knowing that if you pull the triger and the gun is loaded, the life of a person who is standing in front of you is threatened. Now, imagine the person standing in front of you is your enemy. The person you hate most. Under such circumstances, what would you do?

Of course you may astutely say that you will never pull the triger or even hold a gun in your hand. But watch yourself. What are you doing? You are denying and escaping from the tendencies of the violence in you. Are we logical or merely surpressing our natural feelings that stimulate our senses?

You may think that supression is a logical way out. But think again. Is it logical? It is something that works on our feelings which in the first place is a mixed-bag of mumbo-jumbo. Denial is never a logical but only adds a layer to protecting or hiding the struggling natural state. Sooner or later what is boiling underneath will over flow and explode like a volcano.

Under what circumstances are we near being logical? Almost never. Every decision we make tends to satisfy our perpetually hungry five senses. From choosing which world religion to follow to our favorite singer. (Pun intended.) And even something as simple as what to eat for dinner.

You may think that I am cynical or even sinister. But it is a realisation that I must have and accept and do something about .

Good luck to you.

Everyone has problems with everyone

No wonder the youths are running away from the so-called industry experts. Because instead of showing enthusiasm and passion for the subject they wish to teach, they impose on and criticise the learners. More so for being irresponsible, lazy and when they don't think alike; they are out of the field.

Nevertheless, this is true for most if not all situations. Unless this particular group agrees to disagree, then no one is entitled to his or her opinion. Even if they agree to disagree, peace won't come because each participant is selfish. Each has an axe to grind, supported by greed and an urge to personally own the winning prize. Whatever the winning prize may be, from wealth to affection from another.

The bigger problem arises when the participants don't realise it. They don't or shall I say, refuse to acknowledge that they are causing a rift and seperating the group by being selfish and inconsiderate. They blame the rest for exhibiting the same negativity, which they themselves mastermind. Hiding information for personal reasons and being privy to certain information is to gain control over the others; these are some of the things that will inevitably tire or if not infuriate members of the same group.

The "togetherness" is destroyed. I personally hate it. Yes, hate is a strong word to use and I know I shouldn't allow it to bother me. But it does. Recently, one of my closer friends and I went to see a rather respectable martial artist. For simplicity's sake, let's call him Master. Due to some odd reasons, this Master told me that the next time I visit him, he does not wish for my friend to come along. Especially on the following appointment when an expert from China will be around. Master only wants to introduce me to this particular expert, which I found out in the end, he lacks the diplomacy, graciousness and mentality of a true practitioner.

I wonder if Master notices that I am pretty close to my friend and we both share a keen interest in martial arts. But he insisted that my friend does not have the right attitude for it and he is reluctant to teach her and if I mingle with her, he wouldnt teach me too. Finally, he found another student to pass on his skills to. And I am glad.

Because I won't betray my friend. Not for acquiring this skill or anything else. I don't put myself before others but this is no guarantee that others will do the same to me.

Such is life... but no regrets when the heart is true.

Ciao!

Help in all directions

It is not fair to mention names. There are too many and I don't want to leave out any so, it is wise that I don't even start listing. But the question I want to ask is, should everyone of them be read and known? In fact must there be consumption of written knowledge?

I have a strange suspicion that they are all speaking of the same thing. And in time to come, I will start conversing in the same tone and depth. But is that really transformation or a faking of status? Just because I do certain acts and use certain ornaments.

There are times when I do doubt what I am doing like now, for example.

But I have big dreams.

I just hope that I can handle them when they come true.