Vesak Reflections

I just got back from PKS Vesak celebration and am now fresh from the showers. Its indeed a tiring night, considering I have to rush home to work, get changed and then to PKS. But then its definitely a very meaningful and joyous evening for me.

This evening, I was walking past the open space where Ven Kwang Sheng struck the bell 108 times during the count down of 2004. While the ppl around me were feeling joyous then, each hit of the bell kinda wake me up and instill some fears in me. It was then I realised I would be graduating by mid this yr, and i shall also end this yr no longer as a comfortable student but someone who needs to take charge and plan his own life. Thinking back, I feel pretty relieve now. At least I have gotten a pretty good job and is trying to settle down fast :D

This evening, the road by PKS was heavily jammed, with vehicles park illegally by the side of the roads. The nearest HDB flat carparks were all closed and reserved for residents only, leaving about only 20 parking lots for the public. I thought I wudnt be that lucky but true enough, there was one parking lot left for me!!! I was so happy to get it although the walk from there to PKS took about 15 min.

Along the way, I took a short cut in which I have to cut through a very dark grass field and climb down a slope. An old man was behind me as I offered to help him cross the field. He turned me down... oh well, but as I reached the slope, I knew there is no way the old man can climb down by himself. Thus, I waited for him until he reached me at the slope and he has no choice but to hold my hands. He thanked me and I felt very happy to help the old man make his way to PKS.

Last yr, there was SARS and we had to fill up declaration forms and walked thru the thermal scanners. Saw many MDC ppl then. This yr things were much easier, but definitely much more crowded.

The job of being the tour guide was tiring, but i got happier after each group. The idea of sharing the Dharma and explaining what i know buddhism to ppl makes me happy. I feel even happier to learn that there are still many ppl, some as young as 7 yr old, asking me questions on Buddhism. A small boy asked me what is meant by 'relics'.

Sorry to those NUSBS jnrs whom i have turned them down in joining our vesak tour. The vesak tour is targetting ppl with very little Dharma knowledge. In fact, most of the tour guides also have pretty shallow knowledge on the Dharma, but becos they wish to help out, they are tasked as tour guides so that any deeper questions can be directed to the facilitators. Moreover, the response for the tour is really very good and we were kinda short of manpower at some stages. I think some of u may be able to understand our situation, but to those who still sulked, grumbled and complained... well, thats ur business, i dun care.

If u really wish to find out more abt buddhism, I am willing to spend one whole sunday with u at the monastry explaining to u what I know abt buddhism, but tat will be definitely something pretty shallow, which u can definitely learn more from joining the NUSBS activities like courses and temple tour.

Well overall, I really enjoyed myself on Vesak Eve. Well done all the volunteers and organisers. Well done to those aunties who approach me where to sign up as volunteers the next Vesak.