Halim & Bella fell in love with Bali and decided that Bali would be where they would eventually get married. Both myself & Sara were very fortunate to have been given the freedom to get really creative for their wedding at the most exclusive destination in the world, Bvlgary resort, Bali. 

We began to work on creating exactly what they had imagined, from the invitation, creating guests list, booking flights, accommodation arrangement, photographer, cinematographer , floral design and other details. Their wedding at Bvlgary was personal, meaningful and beautiful. I remembered as they exchanged their vows, their rings, and then shared their first married kiss, the sun shine so brightly, it was a wedding day which dreams are made of.

Ingredients:     

Part A
Red big chillies x 2 units (remove seeds)
Ginger x thumb size
Shallots x 5 pcs
Garlic x 3 cloves
Tumeric x about 1cm
Grilled shirmp paste x 1 ¹/2 tsp
Candlenuts x 3 pieces
Lemongrass x 1 unit
Cooking oil 70 ml

Part B
Prawn 100gm
Snapper Fish Fillet / Chicken 150 gm


lime leaves x 3 pcs
Tamarind juice x ¹/4 tsp
Grated coconut 50gm
Brown sugar x  ¹/2 tsp
Salt ¹/2 tsp
Pinch of pepper
Lemograss x 10 stalks.


Methods;
1. Part A : Remove the seeds of chillies and chop them into a smaller pieces, blend ginger, shallots, garlics, turmerics, grilled shrimp paste, lemongrass, candlesnuts and cooking oil. Blend the mixture until smooth.

Transfer mixture to a pan and cook them fragrant for 2 min. Add in lime leaves, juice of tamarind and set aside.

2. Part B: Blend prawn and fish / Chicken until smooth. Add in grated coconut, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

Add the cooked mixture (Part A) to Part B. Blend both together for 1 min.

Assemble;
1. Clean and remove the bottom white part of the lemograss
2. Shape the lemograss by hands and wrap them gently on lemongrass.
3. Prepare a non stick grilled pan and spray some oil with medium low hit.
4. Once the satay turns golden brown, it's ready to serve.

Be patience! It's going to be worth it. Enjoy!

Ingredients
2 cucumbers
2 carrots
1 tbsp salt

Paste;
100g shallots
4 cloves garlic
15g turmeric
3 candlenuts
1 stalk lemongrass
65g fresh chillies
40g dried chillies (soaked)
15g belacan

Venegar Mixture;
4 tbsp oil
150ml white vinegar
8 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt

250g ground peanuts
40g toasted sesame seed

Preparations
Cut cucumbers and carrots into 5cm strips, add salt, toss and leave it for at least an hour, strain carrots and cucumbers with a cloth.
Deseed and slice fresh chillies & lemon grass, add chillies & lemon grass, soaked dried chillies, belacan, shallots, garlic, tumeric and candlenuts to food processor, blend into fine paste.
Mix white vinegar, salt, sugar & stir till well combine.
Add 4 tbsp oil to pan and stir fry paste till fragrant, then add vinegar mixture.
Place cucumbers & carrots into a large bowl, then add 250g ground peanuts and 40g toasted sesame seeds. Transfer to container and refrigerate overnight.

Ingredients
(A)
1 cup (125g) Plain flour
1½ tsp Baking Powder
2 tbsp Sugar
 ½ tsp Salt

 (B)
1 cup (240ml) milk 1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Fillings: red bean paste (or other fillings of your choice)

Preparation
Combine (A) in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
Combine (B) in a measuring cup, mix well. Pour (B) into (A).
Hand whisk until mixture well combined.
Preheat pan
Brush both side of the pan with butter 
Add batter into the Taiyaki mold, add 1 tsp of filling in the center, cover with batter.
Fill up every corner of the mold.
Cover the pan immediately and flip to the other side.
cook over medium low heat for about 2 minutes each side or until cook (open the pan in between to check if the color has turned golden brown)

合掌

1. 双手合并， 十指相合， 合十为礼，以示敬意。合十的动作，不仅可以达到收摄内心的作用，也给人一种谦和的印象，这是佛教徒最常用的礼节之一。
2. 如果经过法师身旁或穿越大殿佛前，我们可以合十的姿态稍稍欠身经过表示自己的礼貌与尊重。
3. 我们写信时，用“某某人合十”作为信末署名，也是一种表达谦逊、恭谨心意的好方法。

放掌

1. 当我们聆听长者大德说话时也可以双手合十表示恭敬。如果谈话的时间较长，则可以改成操手(放掌)姿势。

问讯 

问讯的定义是一种礼敬请安的方法。双手合掌， 弯腰作家揖，常用于佛教徒向师父长辈请安时的一种礼节，在拜佛念经等功课完成后一般也以问讯结束。

礼佛三拜

1. 以恭敬三宝的心, 心念 "南无三世一切佛,法,僧”。

 回向

1. 是一种祈愿， 一种祈祷
2. 以自己所修的功德回转给十方法界众生，愿他/它们离苦得乐。

关于佛门礼仪 (合十、操手、問訊) 视频: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-WxbGZk45Y 




认识三宝

之所以被称为三宝， 原因是因为他是指示众生断恶修善， 离苦得乐，解脱系缚， 极为尊贵。故在释迦牟尼佛成道之后，最初度化在家信徒，即授三皈。所谓三皈，便是皈依佛、皈依法、皈依僧，具体称为皈依三宝。

佛 (Buddha）

1. 佛是真理的发现者。
2. 佛是梵文佛陀音译的省略，意译是觉者，就是圆满觉悟了宇宙人生的实相并能指导众生皆达圆满觉悟的大圣人。

法 (Dhamma)

1. 法是真理。
2. 诸佛之教法是为法宝。

僧 (Sangha)

1. 僧则是弘扬真理的出家人或如实修行的出家沙门为僧宝。

斋与素的区别

佛教从印度起源时，并没有所谓的饮食习惯的规定，出家众们过的都是沿门托钵所谓的饮食生活，没有洁净或不洁净，神圣或不神圣的饮食禁忌，为的是一律平等、广结善缘。斯里兰卡、缅甸、泰国等仍保留这传统，也就是，若供养者给予什么就接受什么，没有挑剔， 只要不是为托钵者而杀的， 鱼肉等食物，也不拒绝，这就是为什么小乘佛教不规定必须素食的原因。素食是佛教所强调和鼓励的，如果能够办到的话，这是基于慈悲的立场，不是现代人为了健康和经济的原因。事实上，肉食既伤慈悲，也的确有损健康，所以，大乘经典如《梵网经》、《楞严经》等都强调素食，严禁肉食。很多人認為吃素就是吃齋, 又或是吃斋就是不能吃蛋的议论等，其实吃素和吃齋是有区别的。

素

1. 素是不吃葷辛菜，葷菜包括雞蛋等一切肉類葷菜，辛菜就是指韭菜等五種帶刺激性的辛菜。
2. 荤菜是指具有恶臭味的蔬类，例如︰大蒜、葱、韭菜、小蒜等。《楞严经》说︰荤菜生食生瞋，熟食助淫。辣椒、胡椒、五香、八角、香椿、茴香、桂皮等都算是香料，不算荤菜，不在戒律所限。
3. 荤腥就是指肉食。
4. 至于蛋类，应该是属于腥类，因为它可以孵成为雏，而且它的味道，就是腥味，如果持素清净的人，最好不吃。虽然现在养鸡场所产的鸡蛋，是无性的，在消费巿场所买到的都是属于无生命的；但它很显然地并非植物，若从杀生的立场，吃无性卵，不算犯戒，也无损于慈悲，若以素食的习惯而言，便应当避免了。
5. 乳制品不属于肉食也不属于腥食因为牛羊吃草及五谷所产的乳汁也不含腥味。饮乳既未杀生，也不妨碍牛犊、羔羊的饲育，而且是由人来饲养、控制乳量的生产，不会影响雏儿的生长与发育，所以，在佛的时代，普遍饮用牛乳，而且将乳制品分为乳、酪、生酥、熟酥、醍醐等五级类，是日常的食品，也是必需的营养品，不在禁戒之列。而目前由于对乳量需求大，遂产生畜牧业密集式生产采乳，忽略动物本身的生理条件，有不少保护动物的团体抗议饮用乳制品，所以基于佛教护生慈悲立场，在购买乳制品时，应当考虑乳品来源及其畜牧方式是否合乎自然方式畜养。
6. 有些素食團體吃素主要是為了保護動物而不吃所有與肉類有關的食品。

斋

1. 齋則是宗教術語
2. 對於佛教來說，吃齋主要是講過午不食，吃的內容是什麼則無所謂。
3. 不管是吃素也罷，吃葷也罷，只要是過午不食就算是吃齋了。
4. 一直到第二天的早上天亮之前不吃東西。天亮的定義是以不用照明的前提下，能看見掌紋為準，這期間可以喝水。

排队礼仪

在佛学班的一天里， 同学们都得排队进出课室。他们必须排好队伍步入大殿，早课完毕后，也要排队回班。再来是午时时间排队去五观堂， 排队洗碗筷， 最后排队放学。可见排队礼仪教育，是一门必修课。孔子说过 “不学礼， 无以立”。《荀子. 修身》："人无礼则不生，事无礼则不成，国家无礼则不宁。"人缺礼仪，人将不正；人失礼仪，人将不全；人无礼仪，人将不美。小学生要从小学礼、懂礼、有礼。一个有礼貌的孩子会更受人欢迎和喜爱， 养成良好的习惯会使孩子展示出无穷的魅力，礼仪是一个人内在素质的外显， 这气质将伴随孩子的一生， 终生受益。

1. 同学排队的时候要保持耐心，不要起哄，拥挤夹楔也不要去插队。
2. 排队的基本是顺序，依次而行。
3. 排队时， 人与人之间要保持至少 0.5米的距离， 不能胸前贴着别人的后背，这样会让人觉的很不舒服的。
4. 排队时尽量少说话，或把声音调低，以免影响别人。
5. 银行 / 机场护照檢查处 ： 应按照划定的区域按顺序排队。后者应在1米线后等待， 越步插队上前询问或未等前人办完就争抢询问都是很没礼貌的行为。
6. 车站/ 机场 ： 等候时需按顺序排队， 登车时不要拥挤推人。
7. 餐厅：在排推或是等候食物是需有耐性， 不可以敲击桌碗或大喊大骂服务员，这是没有文化修养的。
8. 自动扶梯： 靠右边站，左边行。 

排队结论 ： 懂得礼仪的人不管长相如何，他都是美。

初次与学生们见面时, 我不会急于要讲课, 而是做一些铺垫活动，例如; 介绍自己, 学生平时会做些什么, 有什么文艺特长, 到佛学班上课的理由等等。。接着我会分享一些故事，佛学班菩提组给学生们的第一堂课, 便是以践行 "礼" 为主题。

"老师 : 我们到五观堂享用午斋时, 学生们不可以低着头吃饭, 就好像狗猫哦。。有看过狗和猫吃饭的样子吗?
学生们 : 有!!
老师 : 那么你们是要做狗猫还是人呢?
学生们 : 要做人!!
老师 : 哈哈。。很好! 那我也不要看到你们抢食物, 或是狼吞虎咽哦? 有谁可以告诉我为什么呢?
学生们 : 因为会撞伤别人。。会跌倒。。。因为我妈咪说肚子会不消化!
老师 : 是的。。我们的胃部会感到不适的, 更何况我们又不是饿鬼呀! 好。。你们都要记得哦, 不要只在上课的时候斯文有礼, 吃饭的时候就变成猫狗饿鬼噢。。
学生们 : 哈哈哈哈。。"

。。。 结果还是被我捉到有一些学生就快要把头钻进碗里了! 还有的用舌头去舔碗子! 我的天啊! 。。马上纠正!!

第一课 ：04/03/2018
1. 佛门礼仪 （一）：合掌， 问讯 ，礼佛
2. 佛门礼仪 （二）：过堂吃饭
3. 认识三宝 ：佛， 法 ，僧
4. 游戏环节

Ingredients
60gm carrots, julienned
60gm apple, julienned, squeeze out the juice
60gm pear, julienned, squeeze out the juice
60gm Japanese cucumber, julienned
60gm pomelo pulp
60gm sengkuang, julienned
60gm green vegetable, julienned
120gm peanut candy

Sauce
2 tbsp essence lime with liquorice
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey

Preparations
Place carrots, apple, pear, Japanese cucumber, pomelo, Chinese yam & green vegetable on a large plate. Sprinkle with peanut candy. Combine the dressing, pour on top.

Materials;

1. Yarn
2. Scissors
3. Pom pom maker
4. Hot glue
5. Cupcake wrapper
6. Small pom pom or buttons for crafts

Ingredients
1½ cups (300g) rice, rinsed and drained 8 cups
(1.9 litres) water

Choice of Condiments
Fried egg with soy sauce
Fried anchovies with soy sauce
Chicken floss
Chinese sausage or lap cheong

Others condiments (optional): Pickled mustard, braised peanuts, fermented beancurd, salted egg, chai poh omelette, steam tofu, fried long beans etc Preparation Combine rice and water in a large pot, bring to boil and reduce to medium heat, cook for 15-20 minutes.

Ingriedients
Apple Sweet potato
Tomatoes Fusilli pasta
Broccoli
Romaine lettuce 7 slices
Parmesan Cheese, grated

Preparations
Cut apple into cub sizes
Steam broccoli, transfer to ice water.
Steam potatoes, set aside, let it cool, peel off skin and cut into slices.
Add in 600ml water to the pan, a pinch of salt, boil pasta for 10 minutes, transfer to ice water. Assemble them by adding lettuce leaves, & top with grated cheese. Bon appetit!

 In the lush tropical, Samuel & Jean exchanged their vows in the beautiful gardens of Gita Bayu.

The bride wore a stunning gown while the groom just couldn't take his eyes away from his bride right from the moment she made her entrance down the aisle. It was clear that this day meant so much to them all. 

We remembered when Samuel told us about getting his and Jean's favorite waffle vendor to serve on the wedding day; the couple's loved for coffees and the idea transformed as we discussed in depth. We worked with decorators to put up the dessert bar at the kiosk, floral design and matching props. The dessert display turn out so gorgeous!

The Malaysia's weather can be quite unpredictable at times, it was almost an hour of rain before the ceremony begins and it stopped for a while and began drizzling again during and throughout the ceremony. We standby the clear umbrellas as our plan B turned out to be the start of a most gorgeous celebration and not for one moment did it make any difference to how much love and happiness there were between the newlyweds and their family and friends.

Samuel & Jeanne spent the evening mingling with their guests; soaking in this special day – their wedding day.

Materials;
10.5cm x 15cm cardboard
21cm x 15cm (to fold half - 10.5cm x 15cm)
PVA glue
Book fabrics
9.5cm x 14cm color paper
Sewing needle
Sewing thread


Steps;
1. Use paper or decorative fabrics to cover cardboard. You can smooth down one corner and make sure everything is flat without bubbles and continuing securing the other sides.

2. For the inside cover of the cardboard, place another color paper. This is a nice place to add a pop of color or something unexpected, because you see it only when you open up the book.

3. Fold the 21cm x 15cm paper into half (15cm x 10.5cm). Group 5 pieces of papers together, repeat the same process for 10 sets or any amount optional.

4. Poke a needle hole through the cardboard and the papers, then you are ready to sew.

5. Start the first signature at the bottom of the hole then out at the second hole and then to the next hole. When you hit the last hole, go back again through the previous hole on the inside. Add another signature on top and repeat the process. When you reach to the last signature, continue with the same binding process.

6. Add the cover page at the both side by gluing on the signatures. Use the book press or c-clamps to put pressure on the threaded book.

佛学班的宗旨是培养对佛法具有正确知见、能够内修外弘的佛教新生代。。除了要灌输小菩萨们正确的观念，还要让他们懂得怎么在生活中运用，从情感上认同及接纳所传授的道理，将学到的与人分享。才能达到内修外弘的效果。

"我为何接下担任佛学班老师的职务?我现在为何还继续担任佛学班老师?我如何看待佛学班老师这份义务工作?" 这些问题让我更清楚的意识到自己想要的是什么。

虽然我们是义务教学的义工老师，但我们不可以用做义工的心态去执行佛学班老师的责任，而是更积极地看待这个责任，清楚地意识到自己在弘扬佛法中扮演的角色。我们扮演的是父母与学校老师之间的一种角色。

这轻盈的证书，却包含着重大的意义。
希望这不是故事的结束。让我们往后在学佛、自立立他的路上，共勉之。

#佛学班 #结业典礼 #义工老师 #弘扬佛法 #三宝 #学佛的孩子 #sundaydhammaschool #虽然我不能决定生命的长度但我们可以决定它的宽度

Ingredients
1. Rice Vermicelli 1 bun
2. Liver Pork meat slices
3. Spring onions
4. Chinese parsley (optional)
5. Bok Choy (Optional)
6. Fried shallots

Broth
7. Pork 100 gm
8. Anchovies 10 pcs
9. Ginger 2 slices

Preparation
1. Soak noodles in lukewarm water, set aside.
2. Prepare 700 ml water, add in ginger, anchovies, and pork, bring to vigorous boil.
3. Cook liver & pork meat slices.
4. Bring the noodles to boil for 5 minutes, transfer to a bowl.
5.Top noodles with liver, pork, spring onions & fried shallots
6. Ladle about 2 cups of soup into the bowl.

 Ingredients
1 bun rice vermicelli
Half onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped Some minced meat

Wet seasoning
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp dark caramel soy sauce
1½ tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese Cooking Wine)
½ cup of water
½ tsp sesame oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of white pepper

Garnish
1 egg, fried omelette
Red cabbage, cleaned and cut into stripes
1 bundle spring onions, chopped

Preparation
Soak noodles for 5-7 minutes in lukewarm water
Cook omelette and set aside. In a pan, add some oil, friend garlic, and onions, cook until golden brown, add in minced meat.
Pour in wine & water, bring to boil.
Add in light and dark soy sauce, salt, white pepper and sesame oil, stir to combine.
Add rice vermicelli and lightly stir a few times, cover lid and let it cook till the noodles are dry. Garnish with vegetable, eggs and spring onions.

Ingredients
1. Greek yogurt 2 cups
2. Oats 1 cup
3. Mixture of dried fruits & nuts / seeds 1 cup (E.g: dried fig, pecan nuts, walnuts, chia seeds, raisins, pear)

Preparation
Combine half cup of fresh fruits, nuts and chia seeds in a bowl, add a layers of yogurts and top with fresh fruits, nuts & oats. Enjoy!

Ingredients;
1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp orange extract
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1 cup of chopped dried cranberries
1 cup of chopped almonds