Reflection: Buddhism and Human Rights

Sharing my article in The Malaysian Insider

Yesterday was International Human Rights Day, so let me share a reflection and express my support for human rights as a Buddhist.

The Buddhists have a practice known as the undertaking of Precepts. Specifically, there is a set of Five Precepts or Panca-sila. 

As a Buddhist, the undertaking of the precepts is the most basic practice that cuts across all major Buddhist traditions.  As a ritual, Buddhists often recite the Five Precepts on a daily basis to remind themselves of their duties to self and society.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/reflections-on-buddhist-practice-human-rights-k.v.-soon

CLUES Music Video

Music Video of Amrita's Album, "CLUES"

www.amritasoon.com 

Amrita Soon's Album: "CLUES"

My eldest daughter, Amrita, just launched her debut album entitled, "CLUES" yesterday Zest Cafe in Bangsar.

I would like to the the opportunity to thank every who came and everyone who have supported Amrita to achieve her dreams.

THANK YOU!

To order your copy, click on the link in any picture below.

Nepalese worker first woman in Malaysia jailed for terminating pregnancy

"Dr Choong said Nirmala's conviction was "unusual" and regretted that she was "treated like a common criminal" for terminating her pregnancy, something many women have done.

"She did what countless other women have done. Why was Nirmala targeted? She was really unlucky."

This has nothing to do with luck.

I think there seem to be an element of discrimination against foreign women, especially workers and labourers. It is just curious that why must the AG Office do this, despite the fact there are thousands of abortions done all the time. This is not right. I agree with LFL.

On the wider perspective this law is outdated and highly discriminatory. This law and its hard enforcement is not the solution for unwanted pregnancies. It hurts people, especially women. The scars of emotional and

We need to go deep into the roots of the problems, and tackle them - with COMPASSION.



The full article is found here:
Nepalese worker first woman in Malaysia jailed for terminating pregnancy

Spotlight on education: Can single-stream schools fix knowledge, racial gap? | Malaysia | The Malay Mail Online

Spotlight on education: Can single-stream schools fix knowledge, racial gap? | Malaysia | The Malay Mail Online


I think we need to ask ourselves fundamental questions such as:

"how do we educate children today in the principal of inclusiveness?"

"how can the education process be itself be this model of appreciation f diversity?"

"should the the education ministry's role be redefined to innovate rather than regulate?"


...... more.

Why focus on single-stream processes?

Have we forgotten our forgotten children? - The Malaysian Insider

We have forgotten our children, period.

How many times have we seen lavish spending to launch plans and blueprints with no real follow-through, no real goals and directions? It is also as if such event were only to glorify the principal stakeholders, where children and parents are unfortunately, not on the list. The half-heartedness of these efforts is so telling. I also get the impression that the whole-hearted, inspired teachers are trying their very best and have to up against strong odds to help educate their children.

The reality is that the people entrusted to preserve and to grow a rich heritage are not really interested to do so, or have no leadership in that direction. Even many of their own children are out of the system, overseas or in private educational institutions.

We really need to wake from this slumber and put our children's future some priority.

The good thing that is coming our of this is the some parents are taking things in their own hands and developing alternatively approaches from homeschooling to alternative schools.

Perhaps the silver lining really lies in the saying, "from adversity arises genius". Some gems may just arise from this seemingly hopeless situation.

Read the rest of the article
Have we forgotten our forgotten children? - The Malaysian Insider

On Innovation

I am always intrigue by the fact that many people can people can be so innovative and creative. This take gives a very different dimension to social entrepreneurship. 

I always think that if we can combine the mastery of business with the innovative and creative thinking and wrapped it all in with the goodness from our hearts, we can truly make changes and create meaningful social impact. 

We meet to encourage to push for a"Silicon Valley of social Enterprise"

http://springwise.feedsportal.com/c/34623/f/635451/s/37bc0a43/sc/4/l/0L0Sspringwise0N0Cafrica0Efriendly0Ediy0Eshoe0Epeople0Ewear0C/story01.htm

Social Enterprise, not something new.

Social Enterprise - something I have been planning to for for a while, now happening

We are not starting some new,we are going back to our roots.

A core strength of the human being is our inherent ability to adapt to changes and challenges thrown at us. We can be really innovative and creative in finding solutions, this is the inherent entrepreneurial nature we have. Another inherent nature of humans is that we are fundamentally good and care for one another. Having children and in many ways worked with children, you will know what I mean. It is human nature to be able to withstand adversity and find a way out of challenging situations with goodness in our hearts.

Read more at http://www.spiritofendeavour.org/blog/?p=34

Amrita's FIRST professional song

Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to you and your family!

I am happy to announce that Amrita's first professionally recorded song will be released on February 25th, 2014!  Her song entitled "Goodbye" was written exclusively for Rock for Ronan - a musical compilation compiled to benefit the Ronan Thompson Foundation. ALL sales from the cd and online downloads will go directly to the foundation to continue research and support of childhood cancers.


Do support, pre-order a copy HERE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

2014 Reflection ...on Education

Some say we need to "reform education"

Some feel strongly that, reform is redundant. We need to  "transform education"

I think, we are too late to reform or transform, we need to "hack! our education"


We need drastic measures! "Hacking" is the only way for now.