This is the story I thus have heard :
The ancient famous Greek philosopher (not sure if it is Socrates) taught his students to swing their arms as a form of exercise daily. In the beginning all students followed their teacher's advice. After one month, only three students practised the swing arms exercise daily. After one year, only one student (not sure if it was Plato) continued with this swing arms exercise and became the best student of the Greek philosopher.
The actual name of the philosopher and student aside, one can derive a number of 'moral of the story' from is mentioned above. For example, what makes a good student, persistence leads to success etc etc.
Moral of the story aside, here is a simple swing arm exercise I read about recently :
Youtube videos :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEp5Wh6AcWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JjtfUmzM2Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c80I01HKAvM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7kEvs0Ww6w
Other links :
http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200811/20081105.html
http://www.meimen.org/health/wonder/wonder-main.html (menu items on the left)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Most Beautiful Smile
I had to hold back my tears when I first heard this story; I find it quite touching.
If you are more proficient in Chinese, please skip my poor translation and view the original, Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
Here's my simple translation of the story :
On 8 Mar 2008, at the TV programme, 'China Mothers', the list of China's ten most outstanding mothers was announced. The stories of these mothers were also shared and the utmost motherly virtues of Xiong Li touched the hearts of all in China.
Xiong Li was from XianTaoShi in the province of Hubei and was a performer of the local Huagu folk art. She was then 28 years old. On the Dec of 2006, she was six months pregnant and was travelling home after a performance. Unfortunately, a terrible accident happened. A cargo truck, loaded with high temperature alkali collided violently with the passenger vehicle which Xiong Li was travelling in. The heavy impact from the collision caused the alkali to spurt from the cargo truck and Xiong Li's whole body was splashed with the dangerous alkali.
During the collision, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used both her hands to hold her abdomen area tightly. Her face, back and four limbs suffered from serious burns and there was a bone fracture in her right leg. She suffered the worst injury among all passengers. When the medical team arrived and gently moved away both her hands, they found a distinct mark in the shape of two palms on the abdomen area where no signs of burn was observed.
After examination by medical professionals, they concluded that substantial amount of antibiotics were required to control the ensuing infection and skin grafting were also necessary for Xiong Li's treatment. In this way, her looks might recover and she might be able to resume her performance in the future. However, the use of antibiotics and anaesthetic would cause a miscarriage. Xiong Li's family members decided to save the adult first. After Xiong Li regained her consciousness, she knew of her family's decision and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "I don't want to use medicines, I can't bear to lose my child!"
From that day onwards, in the period of the subsequent 37 days and nights, and without the use of any anaesthetic, Xiong Li suffered great pain that was beyond description. The doctors carried out conservative treatment methods that would not yield any side effects. In addition, they also came up with a plan to protect the baby. In the first operation, the doctors would use the surgery knife to slice away her burnt, decaying skin in small pieces. When the chief doctor asked her if she wanted the anaesthetic, she shook her head and replied, "As long I do not die of pain on the surgical bed, just let it pain."
During that night of operation, under extreme degree of excruciating pains, Xiong Li strongly used her teeth to hold onto the pillow. She bit till her lips started to bleed. Looking at the pain-killer medicine that was easily within her reach, her defense against the pain almost crumble. Xiong Li's hushand was by her side and could no longer bear to watch her. He pleaded with the doctor to give her the pain-killer jab. Suddenly, there seem to be an outburst of energy connecting mother and the unborn child, and Xiong Li vigorously shook her head to refuse the jab.
Without the use of medicine, the multiple small and big wounds on Xiong Li's body started to fester and deteriorate, the wound on her leg had even deepened to the bone area. Whenever the nurse came to nurse her wounds, she had to force herself to hold back her tears.
At the end of Jan 2007, Xiong Li suffered from high fever of 40 Degrees Celcius and the baby's heart beat quickened. The doctors conducted an emergency examination of her condition and came up with a plan for induced birth. On 2nd Feb, Xiong Li smoothly gave birth to a 2.7 kg child. That day was exactly 37 days after Xiong Li was warded to the hospital for serious burns.
After giving birth, Xiong Li received extensive skin grafting treatment and her condition was under control. However, as a result of serious infections, the wounds left an indelible mark on her face.
On the year of 2007, Xiong Li received the title of "Ten Most Outstanding Mothers who Touched the Hearts of Hubei Province".
A student from Wuhan University was deeply touched. In the student's letter to Xiong Li, it said, "The merciless accident had presented you with a totally different kind of stage. Previously, you were a shinning star on stage. After the accident, fate had mercilessly forced you into the dark corners of life. You have made the choice of facing the fate of disfigurement in order to play the Greatest role in the stage of life - the role of a Mother."
The relationship between mother and child is a deep one. The coming of a new life in a mother's body signals the start of a life journey between two closely-knitted hearts. Nurturing this new and tender life is a mother's Heavenly duty. How can we bear to simply abandon it with all sorts of reasons? Furthermore, there are many young mothers who do things impulsively, or due to the concerns of looks and figures, or consider it troublesome to bring up a child; have eventually chosen abortion. After reading Xiong Li's story, we should seriously reflect and exercise the greatest caution in our deeds.
The greatest career belongs to that of a mother. Great sages, virtuous and wise men and women in History are the result of virtuous mothers who play an important role in the nurturing and education of their child. Hence, mothers contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the nation. The accomplishment and success of all other careers that women undertake are not able to replace their role and accomplishment in nurturing their child. At the juncture between life and death, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used her hands to shielf her abdomen area instead of her face. From that moment onwards, she persisted in holding onto her initial decision and choice of keeping her baby instead of returning to the stage as a performer.
On one hand, we see many career-minded women going after careers in our modern times. On the other hand, we see Xiong Li, using her virtuous love to carry out the decision and choice that had been made by mothers since ancient times and mothers in the future. Although she had lost her good looks, her haggard and weary face still showed signs of loving smile when she looked at her dear baby. Radiance of pure motherly virtues emitted from her smile, that was indeed the most beautiful smile on Earth!
****************************************************
Original Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
News link : http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2007-05-18/150613020805.shtml
If you are more proficient in Chinese, please skip my poor translation and view the original, Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
Here's my simple translation of the story :
On 8 Mar 2008, at the TV programme, 'China Mothers', the list of China's ten most outstanding mothers was announced. The stories of these mothers were also shared and the utmost motherly virtues of Xiong Li touched the hearts of all in China.
Xiong Li was from XianTaoShi in the province of Hubei and was a performer of the local Huagu folk art. She was then 28 years old. On the Dec of 2006, she was six months pregnant and was travelling home after a performance. Unfortunately, a terrible accident happened. A cargo truck, loaded with high temperature alkali collided violently with the passenger vehicle which Xiong Li was travelling in. The heavy impact from the collision caused the alkali to spurt from the cargo truck and Xiong Li's whole body was splashed with the dangerous alkali.
During the collision, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used both her hands to hold her abdomen area tightly. Her face, back and four limbs suffered from serious burns and there was a bone fracture in her right leg. She suffered the worst injury among all passengers. When the medical team arrived and gently moved away both her hands, they found a distinct mark in the shape of two palms on the abdomen area where no signs of burn was observed.
After examination by medical professionals, they concluded that substantial amount of antibiotics were required to control the ensuing infection and skin grafting were also necessary for Xiong Li's treatment. In this way, her looks might recover and she might be able to resume her performance in the future. However, the use of antibiotics and anaesthetic would cause a miscarriage. Xiong Li's family members decided to save the adult first. After Xiong Li regained her consciousness, she knew of her family's decision and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "I don't want to use medicines, I can't bear to lose my child!"
From that day onwards, in the period of the subsequent 37 days and nights, and without the use of any anaesthetic, Xiong Li suffered great pain that was beyond description. The doctors carried out conservative treatment methods that would not yield any side effects. In addition, they also came up with a plan to protect the baby. In the first operation, the doctors would use the surgery knife to slice away her burnt, decaying skin in small pieces. When the chief doctor asked her if she wanted the anaesthetic, she shook her head and replied, "As long I do not die of pain on the surgical bed, just let it pain."
During that night of operation, under extreme degree of excruciating pains, Xiong Li strongly used her teeth to hold onto the pillow. She bit till her lips started to bleed. Looking at the pain-killer medicine that was easily within her reach, her defense against the pain almost crumble. Xiong Li's hushand was by her side and could no longer bear to watch her. He pleaded with the doctor to give her the pain-killer jab. Suddenly, there seem to be an outburst of energy connecting mother and the unborn child, and Xiong Li vigorously shook her head to refuse the jab.
Without the use of medicine, the multiple small and big wounds on Xiong Li's body started to fester and deteriorate, the wound on her leg had even deepened to the bone area. Whenever the nurse came to nurse her wounds, she had to force herself to hold back her tears.
At the end of Jan 2007, Xiong Li suffered from high fever of 40 Degrees Celcius and the baby's heart beat quickened. The doctors conducted an emergency examination of her condition and came up with a plan for induced birth. On 2nd Feb, Xiong Li smoothly gave birth to a 2.7 kg child. That day was exactly 37 days after Xiong Li was warded to the hospital for serious burns.
After giving birth, Xiong Li received extensive skin grafting treatment and her condition was under control. However, as a result of serious infections, the wounds left an indelible mark on her face.
On the year of 2007, Xiong Li received the title of "Ten Most Outstanding Mothers who Touched the Hearts of Hubei Province".
A student from Wuhan University was deeply touched. In the student's letter to Xiong Li, it said, "The merciless accident had presented you with a totally different kind of stage. Previously, you were a shinning star on stage. After the accident, fate had mercilessly forced you into the dark corners of life. You have made the choice of facing the fate of disfigurement in order to play the Greatest role in the stage of life - the role of a Mother."
The relationship between mother and child is a deep one. The coming of a new life in a mother's body signals the start of a life journey between two closely-knitted hearts. Nurturing this new and tender life is a mother's Heavenly duty. How can we bear to simply abandon it with all sorts of reasons? Furthermore, there are many young mothers who do things impulsively, or due to the concerns of looks and figures, or consider it troublesome to bring up a child; have eventually chosen abortion. After reading Xiong Li's story, we should seriously reflect and exercise the greatest caution in our deeds.
The greatest career belongs to that of a mother. Great sages, virtuous and wise men and women in History are the result of virtuous mothers who play an important role in the nurturing and education of their child. Hence, mothers contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the nation. The accomplishment and success of all other careers that women undertake are not able to replace their role and accomplishment in nurturing their child. At the juncture between life and death, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used her hands to shielf her abdomen area instead of her face. From that moment onwards, she persisted in holding onto her initial decision and choice of keeping her baby instead of returning to the stage as a performer.
On one hand, we see many career-minded women going after careers in our modern times. On the other hand, we see Xiong Li, using her virtuous love to carry out the decision and choice that had been made by mothers since ancient times and mothers in the future. Although she had lost her good looks, her haggard and weary face still showed signs of loving smile when she looked at her dear baby. Radiance of pure motherly virtues emitted from her smile, that was indeed the most beautiful smile on Earth!
****************************************************
Original Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
News link : http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2007-05-18/150613020805.shtml
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Healthy at 100
Book title : Healthy at 100; author : John Robbins
This is another book by John Robbins which I found the on-line sample chapter very interesting, informative and thought provoking.
Home page : http://www.healthyat100.org/
Sample chapter (Introduction page) : http://www.healthyat100.org/display.asp?catid=2,32&pageid=192
This is another book by John Robbins which I found the on-line sample chapter very interesting, informative and thought provoking.
Home page : http://www.healthyat100.org/
Sample chapter (Introduction page) : http://www.healthyat100.org/display.asp?catid=2,32&pageid=192
The Food Revolution
Book title : The Food Revolution; author : John Robbins
I have not read this book but I find the on-line sample chapter interesting.
Homepage : http://www.foodrevolution.org/index.htm
The Food Revolution Book page : http://www.foodrevolution.org/food_revolution.htm
The Food Revolution Book chapter one : http://www.foodrevolution.org/chapter_one.htm
I have not read this book but I find the on-line sample chapter interesting.
Homepage : http://www.foodrevolution.org/index.htm
The Food Revolution Book page : http://www.foodrevolution.org/food_revolution.htm
The Food Revolution Book chapter one : http://www.foodrevolution.org/chapter_one.htm
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Emotion Free Techniques
Recently I came across this 'Emotion Free Techniques' which can be used to resolve emotional problems as well as physical ailments. Examples of applications include pain relief, anger, addictions, insomnia, allergies, anxiety, depression and the list goes on endlessly. The techniques are very simple and basically they involve using one's fingers to tap on certain major meridiens on the body.
Website : http://www.emofree.com/
To download the free manual : http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp
Website : http://www.emofree.com/
To download the free manual : http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tingshi's Initial Wish
Here is my summarized and translated version of the story contained in the Chinese Text Book of Virtues, Book three, Chapter on Trust( 信). Please pardon my translation errors and let me know if you spot any errors.Liu Tingshi lived during the Song dynasty. Before achieving the title of Jing Shi (进士, this is equivalent to the education level of doctorate in our modern times), he had already made plans to marry a young lady from his home town. At that time, the betrothal gifts had not been given yet. After Liu Tingshi attained the title of Jin Shi, the young lady contracted a illness and became blind. Furthermore, the lady's family became very poor and dare not bring up the marriage matter to Liu Tingshi. Somebody advised Liu Tingshi to marry the young lady's little sister who was not blind. He smiled and replied, "At that time, I have already decided to take her as my wife. How can I go against my initial wish?" Eventually, he married the blind lady who later bore him several sons. After some time, the blind lady passed away and Liu Tingshi never remarry.
The famous scholar, Su Shi (苏轼, his literary name is 苏东坡), asked him, "Grief arises from love and love arises from looks. Where does the love for your wife arise from?" Liu Tingshi replied, "I only know that I had lost my wife." Later, Liu Tingshi retired to a place at Lushan (庐山) and enjoyed longevity, living till a very old age.
Xu Zhijing commented that in ancient times, there were people who questioned one who enjoyed longevity to find out the cause of longevity. The reply was that having an ugly wife was the reason for longevity. Hence, having an ugly wife was to be seen as a blessing and not someone whom one disliked. Moreover, Tingshi did not go against his initial wish of marrying the young lady even though she had become blind. That was an act of benevolence and the benevolent ones enjoyed longevity. Shu Shi, of course knew that and used Liu Tingshi as a good example to educate others and future generations by posing him the question concerning love and looks.
Original Chinese story available HERE 《德育课本》,三集卷四,《二十四信》, 编号 : dykb3-04, story number 18.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Movie - Mother Teresa of Calcutta
I have watched the movie "Mother Teresa of Calcutta". A very touching film that showed Mother Teresa who chose to live among the poorest of the poor, taking care of the poor, sick, orphaned and dying. She had taught us the true meaning of compassion and charity which transcend all boundaries.
Trailer on youtube :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxQb3nHdPkI
Mother Teresa quotes :
"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving. - Mother Teresa"
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mother_teresa.html
http://www.writespirit.net/authors/mother_teresa/mother_teresa_quotes/mother_teresa_love/
Trailer on youtube :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxQb3nHdPkI
Mother Teresa quotes :
"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving. - Mother Teresa"
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mother_teresa.html
http://www.writespirit.net/authors/mother_teresa/mother_teresa_quotes/mother_teresa_love/
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