Mani Retreat (25th – 31st Dec 2005)

First time in my life I’ve recited so many times of mantra in a day at this 7-days retreat at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Normally I’d do 20 rounds the most). This annual mantra reciting event, held since 2001, was led by an enlightened guru (His Eminence Drubwang Rinpoche) from Tibet, accompanied by 12 of his disciples. He is 84 years old. 7 days of his precious teachings awakened my restless mind; probably awaken the other thousand participants as well, including foreigners. It was also my first time knowing lamas are actually same as us, the commoners. I used to think that lamas are serious people as most I met are like that (cos perhaps it was just an instance). They are no doubt, very ethical n polite. Yet they do joke n chat with people around them, thru my observation for 7 days (hee.. I’m blessed to have the chance to tease one of the junior rinpoche). I believe e difference lies on the state of our minds. Their heart doesn’t move thou had conversed with e participants. But our heart n feelings are satisfied for that we managed to interact with learned people, we feel happy n glad. Well, at least for me, if not others..lol.

More so, this retreat has enriched my knowledge on Buddhism n true nature of this transient life. It has impacted me so positively that I’ve decided to be a vegetarian for the rest of my life. It taught me that time is truly precious n we should not waste time on doing meaningless things that can’t be brought with us to the deathbed. Don’t take minute happenings for granted but be appreciative for every little thought. Every thing is impermanent. So one should not get cling onto whatever happiness or unpleasant feeling encountered. Treat anything with a neutral mind n eventually, our heart will be at peace. Practice makes perfect.

And I’ve met up with a nice-looking young german chap. It was his second time joining this retreat. He’s currently taking a 4-year Buddhist studies in Nepal, for 2 years as at now. Out of deep curiosity which I’ve reserved for the past six days, I finally asked him how he got to know this religion.
“My father. He has researched couples of different religions and has been convinced with this,” he said.
“2 years ago, when old Rinpoche gave talk in Europe, my whole family went and I’ve been brainwashed since then.”
After our conversation, I was impressed as his knowledge is greater than most Buddhists, for that Buddhism can seldom be found in Europe. He has been a vegetarian for past 5 years n he’s one of the reasons that turned me on being a vegan.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity in attending such great event. It's a turning point of my life. I’ll be back this year-end. Retreats are wonderful! However, old Rinpoche might not turn up this year due to his age n health. Thus, I’m blessed for being able to get so close to him once. It’s certainly a lifetime chance. Good karma i guess. (^U^)

If u want to be happy, practice compassion, even to the tiniest living beings;
If u want to be happy, practice selflessness;
If u want to be happy, have a peace of mind.

~ Om Mani Pad Me Hung ~