WESAK AT METTA FOREST HERMITAGE
On 19th May, 2008
Metta Forest Hermitage celebrated Wesak as usual at the hermitage.
The programmme started at 7.30 pm with meditation on the eve of Wesak at the hermitage. It was a great mood setter. All of us got into Wesak mood by participating in the various activities around the hermitage. It was great to meditate in quiet setting away from the hussle and bustle of the city.
On 19th May, Breakfast was prepared and served by a member after early morning meditation.
At 11 am DLS Country Home supplied half an hour of hymns- lead by Mr. Sundaranurthy..
At 11.45 am Bro. Chong Su Lim, of Petaling Jaya, gave half an hour of Buddhist hymns.
Then at 12.15 pm there was a short welcoming speech (by Guru Lingam) and the way to honour the Lord Buddha and the proper way to celebrate Wesak emphasized that it was a serious occasion to reflect on the meaning of Buddha’s Teachings and the application of His Teachings to life and not to waste time decorating the body and the house and indulge the senses.
Our guest of honour, Brother Quek Jin Keat, ex-president of Buddhist Wisdom Centre, Petaling Jaya gave an enlightening speech outlining the message of the Buddha to mankind. It was appreciated by all who could understand English.
Without wasting time, Dr. Choong Tuck Yew, a former manager of Bank Negara distributed the cash packets to the 8- orphanges, old folks’ home, disabled peoples’ homes, mentally retarded peoples’ home and a packet to the Kasih Hospice Care Society (who was not present but given to them on Thursday).
This year there was a lot of food stuff and the 8 homes took with them their share as they were going home at the end of the Wesak gathering. Since Hospice did not want any food stuff the portion was given to Anbu Karangal, Klang Jaya on Wednesday.
It was time for a good meal and Arjunan the Caterer served them with a delicious meal. everyone enjoying themselves.
One lady accountant Mdm A. H. gave individual ‘ angpows’ to all
Another lady lawyer who wants to remain anonymous gave small food parcels to all the children so that they can eat them on their way home. Very kind of you young lady.
Brother Chong Su Lim and staff of Yuk Chai (C) School distributed a packet of tid bits each to all the sixty invited ‘ VIPs ‘ . Thank you for honouring the poor. "It is greater to give than to receive."
Similarly two others gave food parcels to the children. May I thank you on behalf of everyone..
The success of Wesak at our hermitage is due to the support, contribution, service and attendance of all our devotees, members and well wishers who practised compassion, charity, generosity and good will on this special occasion.
The quiet forest hermitage was transformed into a hive of activity. It was a joy to see our devotees put aside their usual status and serve with humility; participate , help and assist without being asked to do. Spontaneity ruled the day.
There was harmony and peace everywhere. Everything went on smoothly with the Blessings of the Lord Buddha. Everyone was cheerful. The Blessings of Lord Buddha was all around. The Lord will not forget his humble devotees in a small town. If He does not shower his Blessings on us who else will. “the Blessed are the pure in heart for theirs is the true peace .”
Guru Lingam,
22.05.08
Please ask for a copy of the Wesak programme if it is not in your possession.
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Here are the photos from the joyous Wesak Day!
