Meeting Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Minister Ong Ye Kung @ BW Monastery's Buddha Relic Ceremony!
BWMY has been eagerly anticipating BW Monastery's Opening Week and it is finally here! Today's the second day of an eventful week, lined up with many meaningful activities such as pujas, exhibitions, seminars and concerts at BW Monastery.
We had the great honour and privilege to receive Buddha's relic bestowed upon us by Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, Venerable Walawahengunawewe Dharmarathana Thero. To us, this is a monumental event as it signifies receiving Buddha into our monastery and most importantly, into our hearts.
As we view Buddha’s relic in awe, we are reminded that Buddha’s walk in this Samsara world to liberate us from suffering and help us gain enlightenment is real. His great wisdom, compassion and strength is real. Deeply touched by Buddha's kindness towards us, we made Mahayana aspirations to be just like Buddha and always abide by Buddha’s teachings!
“Do not be bound by our course and stay committed to our cause.”
We also had the privilege of meeting the event’s Guests of Honour, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport and Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education and Second Minister for the Ministry of Defence at BW Monastery's Buddha Relic Ceremony!
Mr Khaw and Mr Ong displayed deep reverence for the Three Jewels as they took time to view the Buddha statues in the Shrine hall. True leaders with a heart for people, both ministers spent time listening and interacting with various individuals of all walks of life at the event. Mr Ong spent some time speaking to the youths who are attending dharma lessons at our monastery. He asked about every single one of us and listened intently as we introduced ourselves. We were particularly touched by Mr Ong’s encouragement to one of our youths who mentioned that she was in between jobs and seeking her direction. He advised us not to be bound by our course but to stay committed to our cause. We should not be afraid to explore possibilities and persevere on the path towards achieving our cause.
It was a very uplifting experience for all of us as we received the Buddha relic into our monastery and met the Venerables from Sri Lanka, Minister Khaw and Minister Ong! We are truly blessed!
~ D.C.