Like other human beings in this world, I do also have dimensions of life apart from professional career, academic activities, and social activities. People often ask whether I would like to learn Cantonese, especially since I am now working in Hong Kong. My answer is that I really love to but arguably it is hard to pick up one language systematically - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. With over 20 years of learning English, it remains the fact that I still fail to perfect it! It has been my dream to live my life in Hong Kong and of course I hope I can stay here long enough to gain a permanent residency as I love Hong Kong culture and it did not take me long to feel "at home". I grew up along the flourishing era of "TVB" (Television Broadcasts Limited) - so-called "Golden 80s". Ever since not more than 10 years old, I was introduced to the very first famous TVB series at the time: The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射鵰英雄傳)  Now, you may know how old I am!!! Also, The Return of the Condor Heroes (神鵰俠侶)  and, last but not least, to complete the Trilogy: New Heavenly Swords and Dragon Sabre (倚天屠龍記)  Not only this kind of TV series I kept following at the time. I also loved watching good modern series. Among them, only one I wish to mention here as perhaps it is the most watched Hong Kong series of all time - "Looking Back in Anger" (義不容情)  How did I understand all these series? Well, they were all dubbed in Thai language. Looking Back in Anger not only left a deep impression in my mind, with this series, I was also introduced to my favourite singer to date who rendered his perfect voice in the series with the song 一生何求 and, of course, there are also many other songs of this particular singer which I like. I am mentioning here of Danny Chan Bak-Keung (陳百強)  I hope one day I can understand Cantonese so I can understand his songs. I heard that as good as he is as a singer, he is also equally talented in song composition. I have ventured along academic road until I obtained my PhD. It does not mean that I read only academic books. I am also a fan of some good books. I am a strong follower of self-improvement books as I realise I am far from perfect and there are many aspects which I hope I can develop further. These are some in my collections:   I do not play politics myself but I do have a political idol, namely the present Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, a highly educated and a rare outstanding leader of Thailand. He has been my idol ever since I was doing my undergraduate degree in Thailand. Even though I am now in Hong Kong and I have not deeply followed up Thai political situation, Mr. Abhisit always receives my spiritual support!  I am also a strong follower of Buddhism even though I might not be that good in practicing. Yet, from time to time, provided that I am available, I do visit Thai temples, even when I am here in Hong Kong. You may not know that I chant before I go to sleep at night and as well when I wake up. I sometimes meditate but still in this complex world your mind just keeps roaming around.  ฺีBut, I think what I need to clarify, especially for Hong Kong people, is this:  Whilst I understand how famous the above figure is, I need to make sure your understanding is correct. He is not a god in Buddhism (in Buddhism, we do not have god. The Buddha is just an Indian prince who happened to enlighten!). He is not a Buddha. Actually, he is Brahma in Hinduism (who is believed to create the world). Yet, in Thailand, Buddhism and Hinduism are often mixed and we need to distinguish between the two. |