Moonfall - The Movie.- Part One

 Yesterday my son Karim came home from work announcing that we have movie to watch, a movie directed by one of our favorite directors, Roland Emmerich.

Roland Emmerich is a German film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is widely known for his science fiction and disaster films and has been called a "master of disaster" within the industry. Wikipedia

Film — He is also known for directing films such as Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), Independence Day (1996), Godzilla (1998), The Patriot (2000), ...

Spouse(s): Omar De Soto ​(m. 2017)​

Years active: 1979–present

Born: 10 November 1955 (age 66); Stuttgart‎, ...‎

‎Midway (2019 film) · ‎The Day After Tomorrow · ‎2012 (film) · ‎Stonewall (2015 film)

Moonfall was one of Emmerich's latest Sci-fi movies that depicts the moon as a technologically constructed entity that was constructed billions of years ago by the power of  collective universal consciousness and was in the process of being undermined by an artificial intelligence with the intent of eliminating all natural lifeforms like humans. This is my own simplfied take on the story line of the movie. Hence why I am making this post  as the movie sort of manifested my earlier post in saying that human consciousness has an affect upon the manifestation of universe.a theory of which I have been mulling over ever since I came upon it after reading it somewhere sometime in the past. I mentioned it in my last post in passing not realizing that I was about to watch a movie being made based upon this principle. The subject of consciousness has become one of my most fascination over the years as I stumble through my ignorance in looking for answers as to the nature of my existence. Today much has been written and investigated by the scientific as well as spiritual community around the world with regard to the nature of human consciousness an what it entails.

For a long time I have been reluctant to express my full commitment in to the subject as I felt myself as not fully qualified and ill equipped to do so. However after having watched the Moonfall, the movie, albeit a fiction written for the screen, I felt that a small amount of truth has been expressed with regard to the power of collective human consciousness. The movie triggers unanswered questions which for ages have intrigued the human mind. Is the universe a product of our collective consciousness and by collective I do not only mean our human of planet earth alone but consciousness existing throughout the galaxies wherever life has evolved to a state of awakened consciousness. If so then the role each and every sentient being upon this planet and myriads other like it is somewhat mapped out for us, we are coded into a collective    energy with a single function and that is to project our energy into manifesting what we envision our universe to be in time and space.

In Buddhism it is called Maya, this universe of ours, an illusion, a dream that is impermanent in nature. However it is also a reality as reality is relative to the mind that behold this phenomena. Only an awakened mind can distinguish between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the impermanent as only an absolute consciousness is capable of manifesting what is. To be able to participate in the manifestation of ur thoughts and imaginations the mind has to become silenced or single pointed. This is the primary requisite of any being in having the capacity to create or make an impact upon the manifestation in this universe no how large or minuscule the impact it may have. Most of humanity's consciousness exist in a sleeping state or unconscious state where the mind exist in a dream state where anything and everything is possible like clouds appearing and disappearing at the blink of an eye. For those who have made the effort to awaken or remain in a state of consciousness reality becomes much more permanent and to a great extent manageable; reality can be forged and shaped accordingly. Hence "I am the master of my thoughts and consciousness," is one of the affirmations practiced in the form of Raja Yoga, or Yoga of the Mind. The human mind perhaps holds the key to the whole universe if and when it is being brought to absolute single pointed consciousness like a flawless diamond it can radiate a force of energy to transcend space and time at will where form and emptiness merges into one and only being-ness is. I know it is not an easy explanation to follow especially for those who are not well versed in the science of human consciousness/spirituality, it is not something that is laid out in words, it is more of an intuitive conjecture. Furthermore this kind of knowledge is not something one shares easily with the lay person who has little or no interest in such an ambiguous subject. 

It imperative that as a human being I must try to arrive at a stage of self  realization that will enlighten my consciousness to a degree of acute awareness with clarity and transcendence. Either I achieve this level of existence or at the very least become aware that this life that I have been living is an illusion made up of thought formations and mental ignorance. At the very least that I know I am not this physical form nor am I my mental state. That I am far more transcendent and a highly spiritually evolved being with the knowledge if not absolute  realization of my true and original nature. That I am not the by product of a collective consciousness or evolution of a species. I am Whole, Complete and perfect, Strong and Powerful, Loving and Compassionate, Harmonious and Happy and that I can do what I will to do, Insha'Allah, so help me Lord.

  

Ramblings of a wayward mind.

 Life was allot more simpler and relaxed when I was not paying to much attention to my faith and belief, to what lies in the hereafter and how far or how near I am to God. However living in th proximity of two mosques and one of thye largest Chinese cemetery has caused my mind to become preoccupied with loads of issues and religious doubts and questions. The Internet is also a major contributor towards this ramblings in my mind especially when my Face Book page is being loade with all kinds of religious issues pros and cons, rights and wrongs and heaven and hell. It is like I am witnessing a cruel God bound and determined to justify His wrath over all those who choose to take the journey of self discovery, the road less traveled, the path of no path the way of no way in order to understand the truth of what religion is all about. I feel like a drifter who knows not where or when to drop my anchor and call the station my home for I am still drifting across the ocean of life wondering. 

More and more I see suffering manifesting like cancerous boils all over the world in the form of wars and famine, broken homes and destitution, souls lost to corruption and degeneration and I feel a sense of helplessness and foreboding for my fellow mankind. We are it seems bound and determined o head for self destruction as we are fueled by our own sense of greed, hate and ignorance. I feel dreaded by the desecration we have wrought upon our environment laying to waste vast tracks of forests and generating chaotic climate changes with unprecedented natural disasters all over the planet. It is as though I am dying as parts of me begin to give way to the onslaught of decadence and chaos. It is imperative that my mind needs to divest itself from all these negative influences that is making an impact upon my well being. Hence I keep asking the same old questions that has haunted me, who am I and how do I fit into all these and how do I liberate myself from it all without becoming overly drastic or dramatic like committing suicide to end it all.

One of the questions is what went wrong with the state of humanity to have led to this level of decadence that we are facing today, like why is the world seem so messed up at all levels. The answer as one spiritual teacher explained is the falling apart of the law that governs human nature primarily. Mankind has cast aside the very principles that helps to govern the right and wrong actions of us all, it has been the voice of conscience within us, guiding us through the rough terrains and deep gullies of our paths so that we do not fall along the way due to our own ignorance. Today at every levels of our human interactions we have flaunt the laws with impunity and disdain, we are oblivious to its cause and effects and we cater to our lawlessness to serve our egocentric insatiable desires at the expense of others. The first law of Moses, "Thou shalt not kill.," has become practically obsolete in our modern day existence as thousand upon thousands are being killed daily in the form of one violence or another and the price of a human life is that of the price of a bullet. Yes it is doom and gloom a picture that I perceive this scenario we are in as a specie that is endowed with a free thinking mind unlike the rest of other creatures that walk the earth and yet we are the harbinger of death and destruction to it.

Over the past seventy years I have seen and experienced the best of times and the worse and till this date I am still wondering if it is all predestined or simply life playing out its allotted span of time for me as an individual. It is said by the ancient as well as the modern day wise men that we as consciousness help to shape and manifest our existence on this planet, we create it and destroy it at our own  choices. The Universe is an extension of who we truly are for who understand the very nature of our being, we are the creators and we are the preservers and destroyers of this our home and our existence, individually or collectively, consciously or unconsciously, with awareness or unaware. The Lord created man in His image as most religious text expound but He allowed us the free will to be and act as we please while we are on this plane of existence; we are on loan for an experiment that The Lord has set in motion for whatever reason He may have. To have faith is to trust in the Lord's agenda for humanity and to play my role to the best of my ability in fulfilling it. I feel it to my responsibility to come to a true understanding of this  spiriutual principle that has been written in the Book of Life or better known as the 'Loh mahfuz,' in the teachings of Islam. My role is to make it happen whatever it is that I am here to fulfill as a believer. I have declared it often enough and will here say it again the I have complete faith in the Lord's Way and with this in mind I will continue to pursue  the right path of understanding in who or what part I am to play in this life; simply put, what is the purpose of my life?

Pictures that stirs memories and tells you where you were/ what you did......

The view of Balik Pulau behind me, (the other side of the Island) was taken not too long ago and it is here to remind me of where I am at these days in this montage of looking back in time of my live. I was here at 72 Years of age, penniless and living with my children, but I was happy. The year 2021.

My visit to Kuala Terengganu, on the East Coast of the Peninsular here I was sitting at the dinner table with my nephew who took me for the best Satay in town. I have many nephews and nieces all over the country and most would entertain me with respect if not love whenver I was able to visit them. The year 2022

My visit to Jogjakarta in Sumatra, Indonesia sometime in 2008? was a time I felt like I was in a land of dreams. This was where I experienced where art and aesthetics became one with the reality/ illusion of life. Here Iwa able to visit the monumental historical site of the Borobudur and several other Hindu temples located close to the Gunung Merapi area. The year 2017

The Metre D at the prestigious Saint Peter's Crowne Plaza in Rome was most accommodating and made my stay there most memorable,  I was 65 then. My visit to Rome was arranged by my eldest son who was then an airline Pilot for the Emirates Air.  The year 2011 

Eating crabs at my friend Ah Huat's the auto air condition

 mechanic shop. This was a time when I was lost in space and time looking for a sense of belonging and being productive. I was able to experience what it was like working at a auto mechanic workshop even if it was for no salary but just pure friendship. 

Little Penang Street Market where I used to sell my artwork,  was was the brainchild of Joe Sidek who presently is my daughter's employer. Joe ended up being a very well known event management producer well liked and respected. Here I was with a friend, Scott DeSilva who is a restaurant owner and Chef now operating in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sitting in the galley of the fishing vessel, The Iceland with my fellow crew members, Mr. Phil Roe and J.R Le Bark, (shaking his hand). Somtime in 1982-3 I was a commercial fisherman in the Aleutian Chains off the Alaskan coast in the Pacific Northwest. 

Sharing my art at a Fair on Armenian Street in Georgetown, Penang.

                                                                             

Planting rice at the SRI LOVELY Organic Farm in the village of Lintang, in Sik, Kedah  sometime in 2012 - 14. I had stopped at this farm for a 2 days visit and ended up staying for two months doing intensive 'work practice' for the development of body, mind and spirit.

 

                                                                              

Sitting at the entrance of a Minangkabau home with the proud owner in Indonesia where the whole house seems like an architectural work of art inside out.  And the Good Lord asked, "What have you done with your life?"

 

What you are liable to find on Kapas Island.

Pulau Kapas has a rustic lure for those who are looking for an outdoor experience with minimal comfort affording just the bare necessities for visitors. Most of the resorts along the beaches are not highly developed with four star accommodations and a few are still gives the sense of a Robinson Crusoe like settings.

To add to the sense of an out door experience on the island tents are provided in some cases where families can enjoy a camping experience in a jungle type of environment right by the sea.

Man and nature coexist to create an aesthetic and carry a message with. Only time and the weather can forge such a union into one piece of artistic expression. The creator may have long been gone departed from the scene but what is left behind is a legacy for those who have the time and awarenesss to savr the creation.

The soft white sand littered with the dried 'Ketapang', leaves gives a drastic contrast of permanence and impermanence, of forms as in the foreground against emptiness of the white sand as the back ground. 

 

To make a stay at one of these lodgings might make one hesitate wondering what the inside would look like and what kind of amenities is available. This is the added attraction to venturing into the not so wild for those who has never left the comfort their homes in the cities.

An original well said to be over a hundred years old possibly dug by the first island dwellers or visitors is still in use with the water still fresh and cold. The presence of this well adds a sense of mystery to the surrounding areas.

Wrapped in a hammock swinging underneath the shade of the 'Ketapang' tree can be a most relaxing experience on a hot sunny day with the cool breeze blowing from all around.

The architecture was left up to the imagination and the architect is long gone leaving behind her creative ideas for posterity and brave happy campers who would turn up to spend a few nights in the chalet.

The owner of the resort, Encik Khalid, when showed the picture of him was happy because I captured him looking proud and confident. He is the proud owner of Coco Beach Resort which he and his former girl friend had together put together over several years. 

What's my next move? - find a job on Pulau Kapas.

  

Am thinking about relocating this summer to the East Coast, maybe find a job on Kapas Island or hang out at my twin's cattle ranch in nearby Marang. If it all falls into place with the help of my twin brother and my new found friends on Kapas, I feel this would be an ideal change for me.

The above couple nEncik Noli and Madame Rose are owners of one of the resorts on Kapas and I was fortunate to be be able to share some moments learning about the history of their place.
 

I got to meet the owner of this Resort corner, a unique and interesting man.

I know I will enjoy working on the Island as it would be very good for my physical, mental and spiritual health, It would be like my ashram, or my own Zen Center with only me as the student."The One man one mind of Cotton Island."

The guy laid back stern of the boat is an owner of one of the resorts on the Is;and. Great Guy to know and reminds me of my late Art teacher Reza Piadasa in appearence and character.

All I have to do is be Me! The former Health and Safety Officer for the Petronas Refinery Construction in Kerteh fpr three years! Supervisor for the ferry terminal at Batu ban for Jerejak Resort and SPA for three years. The rest of my qualifications please refer to my Personnel Profile. 

I love the shies and the ocean and I enjoy cleaning up the beach. One of my principle if I may call it that in life is to become a cretaker for my environment and that is where I may be, my kitchen or the deserted beaches along the East Coast. I have done it and not just am saying it cause every chance I got travelling I would carry with me garbage bags to collect any flotsam or debris especially just after the monsoon season.  

According to my buddy Ben, it would be a sound and cool decision to make.

I will have to think about it...

A Week at Pulau Kapas or Kapas Island.

 To fulfill Ben Rongen's yearning to visit his old playgrounds on the East Coast especially the Kapas Island or Pulau Kapas and the seaside village of Jambu Bongkok where he had lived for five years. It took us more than eight hours getting from Penang to Kuala Terengganu because of many pit stops along the way. It was all well worth the drive.

It was a sun shiny day and the beach at Jambu Bongkok was littered with the debris from the Monsoon winds and waves. In the past I had always enjoyed the beach combing activity just after the Monsoon season as I would find many treasures washed up from who knows where.

The Beaches along the East Coast is mostly deserted of hmans and in most areas one will find the serene beauty to be most soothing to the wearied mind. A quiet spot under the pandan tree is as good as any for a sitting and contemplating.

A view of the Kapas Island from the mainland at Marang. The Monsoon seson looks like has finally dissipated and the skies were clear over the calm South China Sea.

The boat ride towards the Island brought back numerous fond memories as the Island was and still is one of my favorite playgrounds for many years in my past.

There is nothing to say but simply lay back and chill and enjoy the Island Paradise while the rest of the world are immersed into wars and Pandemics. The Creator gave me this allotted time  to live life to the fullest and this I have done and am still doing. 

Food and People on the East Coast.

 Floods are hitting the East Coast States of Terengganu and Kelantan, the monsoon is not leaving without kicking up a storm or two. I managed to sneak away in the nick of time a week ago where I was visiting my family and friends in Kuala Terengganu. It is safe to say that the weather has gone haywire where the cycle of the monsoon season is concern. Pictures of places I visited are appearing on Face Book showing how high the water had risen in many parts of Terengganu especially in the interior causing hardship to lives living close to the Terengganu River. The area hit badly was the Pulau Duyong area where Awi's Yellow House is located. Although it is quite normal an event for the locals as every year this is to be expected, it still is a challenge for those whose homes are affected. In the old days this is one of the reasons why Malay Kampung houses were built on high stilts or pillars such the floor was raised far from the ground to avoid being inundated. The Yellow House chalets have survived many years of flooding due to it being built high above the river and thus is free from b eing washed away by strong currents. 

The monsoon floods this year seemed more severe in the interior or the Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Brang area where the Kenyir Dam is located. Postings of debris of logs and torn down trees makes it looks like the area is headed for a disaster in the making. The heavy rain and floods unleashed has revealed the human errors in underestimating nature and thinking that what is not seen will forever be hidden from the general public.The monsoon rains has washed away most of the deforestation from logging that is thought to cleverly stay hidden and those who are responsible will be drawn out to answer what or who shall take the blame. Like the floods in the state of Pahang and Selangor, logging activities in the surrounding forest area has been the major cause of flash floods as the hills being depleted of trees that normally retain the flow of water has allowed water to move freely downhill washing away top soil in its wake. The rivers and lakes has turned yellow to orange and the amount of sediment that finds its way to the sea is phenomenal if one is able to measure it in some way. Flooding has taken a whole new turn from what it used to be in the sixties and seventies when I lived there in the state of Terengganu. The worse flood was still not a real threat as many living in the flood areas were aware of what expect and make necessary precautions. Today the flood from a heavy  continuous rainfall ofthen result is flash floods where water just rises in one short moment, most of the times without warning. Areas that were normally with less chances of flooding are today exposed to the changes of the topography of the land from development in and around the area. If a careful study is carried out by related government agencies it would be discovered that in most area where new homes and residential areas being developed, drainage systems are found most lacking.  It is as if no thought is being put into it that results in poor water flow when it rains. This is also the problems face by the larger cities that recently were hit by major flash floods. IN most cases the raging water has no where to go but to overflow and flood surrounding area. 

At five am. tomorrow morning my friend Ben Rongen and I will be driving to Kuala Terengganu for Ben to fulfill his desire to be on Pulau Kapas and be with his friends. It would be a second trip for me this year already being there for two weeks last month. It was mostly cool and sunny days all the time I was there and was able to visit people and places. I left in the nick of time as I noticed that the weather was starting to gather momentum towards the real monsoon that would hit the East Coast. When I left the dark clouds were gathering and it was starting to rain here and there as they say it in Wisconsin, I hauled ass out of there. On my last visit I had some of the most tasty dishes, including home made chapatis and Roti Nan that my distant nephew made his restaurant located in Marang which is quite well known among food lovers from all over. I was given a treat of the best Satay in the area too and for once I felt blessed by the kindness of those who fed me in their homes and restaurants. I must say that the last trip was about food. 

What do my children think about my taking off again for the East Coast. I think they are cool with it, just for a week they can miss their father' cooking.I am making my spaghetti special this evening and this has always been winner. I also am keeping myself active, moving and doing things and looking at what was and now become, the kids are adults and the homes have seen better days. I see boredom and uncertainty in the eyes of many as they try to hide from me their inner concerns so I am not touched by sadness while a guest at their homes. I saw what an old man would see when he visits his old haunts and met his old friends and families, how they have fared thus far in my life. guessing what their life would be like when I am dead and gone. Will I be remembered? Will I become just another blur in their consciousness or would I become a model for them to use when relating to their children; look at what have become of him! I was pretty much psycho analyzing myself as I exposed myself to the people who had known me for the most part of my life. My brothers and sisters, my nephews and nieces, their children, my closest friends, their wives and kids; and they call me 'Sir, some of them. These are the people who watered my plants and wash my dishes, people whose lives has touched me and I theirs; they are my witnesses. I was their witness. 

'