27/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 27, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

10

@thesundaily

VOICES OF REASON

Mindful eating, compassionate living M ORE than 15 years ago, during the birthday celebration of the Goddess of Mercy Once in a while, I do find myself enjoying crunchy, spicy bites of meat but not during the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month. These specific days hold spiritual significance in Chinese culture. prevent or reduce the risk of various illnesses. It supports overall wellness, energy and vitality. 0 Ethics: Choosing not to What about malnutrition? 0 How do you get enough B12 or iron? 0 Isn’t it restrictive or a hassle, especially when socialising with business associates?

Q: My husband and I are trying to have regular date nights but we often end up talking, and sometimes even arguing, about problems at home instead of enjoying each other’s company. How can we make our date nights more fun and meaningful? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Many couples struggle with this – it is normal. Carving out time for a date can be challenging and when you finally sit down together, it is easy for pressing issues to surface. Before you know it, what was meant to be a night of fun turns into a stressful conversation or even an argument. Instead of growing closer, you walk away feeling more distant. That is why it is important to resist the urge to “manage” your marriage during date nights. Every marriage has issues – whether it is parenting challenges, finances or communication decision he has ever made. According to The Borneo Post , he credits vegetarianism for significantly improving his health and well-being. I looked into his story and found it truly inspiring. It also proves that even powerful business figures can lead with compassion. 0 Gary Chew – author of White Sun (and my uncle) In 1995, Uncle Gary chose to go vegetarian after a spiritual awakening. It started with reading a book titled Journey to the Underworld , which shook him to the core. Reflecting on his earlier life of drinking and wild nights, he repented and changed course, guided by the message of the Goddess of Mercy. Since then, he has written 16 books on life and spiritual cultivation. His journey shows how powerful inner change can be through self awareness and accountability. 0 Jenny Ong – founder and managing director of Thelement @ Lama Kini Langkawi (my college classmate) Jenny’s journey began unexpectedly during a government business trip to Nepal. Something about the place stirred her soul. “Choose compassion”, the air seemed to whisper to her and she listened. From that day, she embraced vegetarianism and never looked back. Her life was transformed – she experienced increased energy, a renewed sense of youthfulness, spiritual growth and a thriving business. Being sensitive to energy, even stepping into a butcher shop felt heavy to her. Choosing plant-based foods became a daily act of love – for her health, her spirit and the earth. Vegetarianism is not just about skipping meat; it is about making choices that reflect who we are and what we believe in. There are challenges. People often ask: 0 Where do you get your protein?

( Guanyin ), something unexpected happened that would change my life. I was in Teluk Intan, Perak – my hometown – with my mother and niece, and we had visited a temple for prayers. On that special day, a chosen medium was in a trance, offering blessings and guidance to attendees on behalf of Guanyin . When it was my mother’s turn to receive a blessing, Guanyin advised her to practice vegetarianism on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month for her health and spiritual well-being. My mother hesitated, unsure if she could commit. Without giving much thought, I told her I would join her and she agreed. And so I made a promise which I have kept to this day: to be vegetarian twice a month, in harmony with the lunar calendar. That said, I do have my cravings. I grew up with those flavours that was tied to memories, culture and comfort.

consume animals is a personal step to reduce suffering and exploitation. It is about living in a way that reflects kindness and accountability. Everyone’s journey is unique. Some choose vegetarianism for: 0 Health reasons – like weight management or disease prevention. 0 Ethical reasons – such as animal rights and compassion. 0 Environmental reasons – reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. 0 Religious or spiritual values – as practiced in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Here are three people I admire who have walked the vegetarian path for a decade or over and whose stories deeply resonate with me. 0 Tan Sri Vincent Tan – Business tycoon, spiritual seeker Tan, the founder and advisor of Berjaya Corporation, became a vegetarian in 2015 after meeting Master Cheng Yen of the Tzu Chi Foundation. He considers it the best

The 1st and 15th of each lunar month represent the new moon and full moon, symbolising purification and renewal. Across cultures, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, vegetarianism is tied to the principle of ahimsa , which emphasises non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. For many, this practice is more than just about food; it is about conscience, character and connection. While health does play an important role, my decision to be vegetarian twice a month is largely rooted in ethics and spirituality. 0 Spiritual belief: As a Buddhist practitioner, I resonate with teachings that encourage compassion. Vegetarianism is seen as a form of mindful living – in line with Dharma . 0 Health: A plant-based diet helps

struggles. But your date night is not the time for that. Protect your time together by keeping your dates light, enjoyable and conflict-free. The best way to do this is to plan ahead. Choose an activity you both enjoy and set some boundaries around what topics are off limits for the evening. You can even revisit some of your favourite conversations, places or shared memories. Date nights should be about reconnecting, not resolving. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. Join dad and daughter date and make memories that will last a lifetime for you and your daughter (13-19 years). Register now at family.org.my/daddaughter. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com There are always alternatives and solutions if we are mindful. With the right planning, a vegetarian or vegan diet can be full of variety, flavour and balance. We just need a little creativity and curiosity in the kitchen. Greener plates, kinder hearts We choose the grassy path of vegetarianism because it aligns with our values of compassion and sustainability. But everyone’s journey is different. Some meditate. Some run marathons. Others box or dance – and some are still trying to decide if bacon counts as a vegetable. We try to live with kindness, eat with care and, most importantly, never judge what is on someone else’s plate. Whether we are vegan or not, life is not about strict labels; it is about learning to eat mindfully and in moderation. Our bodies are like sacred temples. What we put into them should nourish, energise and sustain us, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Clean, wholesome food can fuel more than just our day – it can bring clarity, peace of mind and stamina. Life is not a race but a potluck or buffet of experiences. Eat what feeds your soul. When your soul feels light, your body stays clean and your mind remains calm, finding the right balance. That is the true recipe for wellness. May your plate always be full of goodness and joy. Bon appetite! DrChris Ong Siew Har is the dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Berjaya University College. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

We choose the grassy path of vegetarianism because it aligns with our values of compassion and sustainability. – SUNPIC

UNDER OUR ROOF

True respect means valuing others, even in difficult moments Q: My teenage son tells me that I don’t show him the respect he deserves. I admit we often disagree but I don’t believe I have ever said or done anything to belittle him. What does it truly mean for a parent to respect their child? Surely, Respect can be defined as giving someone the attention and consideration they deserve. It means showing that you see them as worthy and valued even when they don’t always reflect that back to you. And that can be hard. reasonable and rooted in truth. Avoid making rules simply for your own convenience or to maintain control. 0 Acknowledge when he is right and when you are wrong. Honesty forms the backbone of mutual respect.

0 Never belittle or intentionally embarrass him whether in private or in public. No name-calling, even when you are angry. Careless words leave lasting scars. 0 Separate behaviour from character. It is okay to correct actions but be careful not to label or attack your son’s identity in the process. By doing these things consistently, you demonstrate respect for him – even if you don’t always agree or give in to his requests. This balance of fairness, guidance and respect sets a powerful example of how he, in turn, should treat you and others – even when there are differences of opinion.

respecting him does not mean letting him have his way all the time? Focus on the Family Malaysia: We understand – it is a common challenge. Many teenagers mistakenly equate respect with permission. They may say, “If you respect me, you’ll let me,” but respect and permission are not the same. As a parent, it is your role to set healthy boundaries and uphold values. Your child should learn that respect is mutual. While he deserves to be heard and treated with dignity, he also needs to respect your authority and follow your rules while he is living under your care.

Here are some helpful tips for showing respect while still providing guidance and boundaries: 0 Listen fully before making decisions or drawing conclusions. Take the time it requires. Note: Listening does not mean agreeing. 0 Trust must be earned. Give your son as much freedom as he has shown he can handle – no more, no less. This can be a delicate balancing act. 0 Be consistent in your words, actions, decisions, rules and expectations. Teenagers find it difficult to respect adults who are inconsistent or hypocritical. 0 Set rules that are logical, fair,