Wesak day

Datuk singing with me

The Dharma faithful at BGF

Receiving blessings

Receiving blessings

Buddha image at the altar in BGF

With sadha i walk!

Wesak day this year was a little different for me. The past few years I had been going to Singapore to help out in a small temple there. This year due to work commitments i had to give Singapore a miss.

Wesak morning I was with my family in BGF. The center was filled with people when we arrived sometime after 10 in the morning. In fact Puja was already in session when we walked in. After puja there was a presentation by the young Dharmaputeras and Dharmaputeris! So very adorable ! There was one little Dharmaputera there who was so caught up by the attention that was being lavished that he started crying!!! Then there was a short Dharma talk by a Tibetan monk. Very enlightening talk. After the talk we took part in the blessings ceremony.

Soon it was my turn to sing a few songs. It was my privillege and honor to have been asked to sing a few songs in praise of the Buddha and his teachings on Wesak morn. With much joy in my heart I sang a few of the songs from "Journey". Datuk Dr Victor Wee the President of BGF joined me on two songs. Bro Khoo Nee Wern was up next with his song" Dharma Rocks". Lovely song Nee Wern!

Soon we took our leave from BGF and headed to Buddhist Maha Vihara. BMV holds a special place in my heart. This was the place that my teacher and friend the late Ven.Dr.K.Sri Dhammananda used to reside. "Chief" as many used to call him is sadly missed by not only me but many others I am sure. I guess this is what the Buddha meant by "Impermanance" and "Attachment". Venerable Sir I pray that you are able to attain ultimate liberation soon.

It was a stark difference in atmosphere here in BMV as compared to BGF. It was a carnival like feel to Wesak at the BMV. The place was really filled with people. Many stalls were set up and many items were being offered for sale. There was even a stall selling football merchandise and memorabilia! I wonder if Wesak today is more of a "celebration" rather than a day of reflection and quiet contemplation.

Anyway may the light of Dharma continue to illuminate the world. May there be peace and happiness everywhere.

May all living beings be well and happy. Sukhi Hotu.

M V Nathan