We are all connected once upon a time, somewhere, somehow

Happy Vesak! A relatively cool morning, the weather hovering around 27°C, 28 °C. It was crowded when we reached.

I saw Chan, a member of ABC, had known him for a few years and he could not recognised me. Chatted briefly. Then Esther came to call me. She was someone whom I have not met before but we only communicated through emails recently. I was surprised she recognised me. Great to finally meet her and her son Raye (very cute)! She is a ABC volunteer and a very nice lady. Also saw a number of familiar faces some of whom I do not know them personally. I bumped into 2 aunts of mine who were on the way for a retreat in Changi. So we prayed, offered lights, offered flowers and bathed the Buddha. Khen Rinpoche was giving blessings to the public but we did not join the queue as there was a huge crowd. We had a quick vegetarian lunch which was offered free every year and left.

Tonight I would be attending the usual puja at DPL which I usually go on Vesak Day. It is a puja in obeisance to the 16 Arhats. Before Buddha passed away, He selected 16 Arhats to remain in the world to protect the teachings. The fact that the Buddha's teachings are still being studied, reflected and meditated upon today, and have not diminished after almost 2550 years, is due to the kindness of these great masters.

Through this grand offering puja, we offer obeisance and prostration to the 16 Arhats and also request for all Lamas and Masters who hold the lineage to Buddha's teachings to live long, so that the pure holy Dharma can prevail throughout aeons in the world. On this auspicious day, we make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the 16 Arhats to request for their blessings and to uphold the Dharma for a long time to come. Any merits created today will multiply 100,000 times.

I am so glad to hear that His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche is scheduled to visit Drophenling in June. Rinpoche is a very high lama, a great master. He is already 90 years old and is the Spiritual Advisor to His Holiness Dalai Lama.

Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Soha!