100911 will be dearly remembered by Brother Kheng Yeow, Sister Serene, handsome-Hugo and princess Venus and many YPs, family, coaches & supporters.
At the invitation of the Yaps, YPs and their family-in-tow trickled in their door with hands filled with yummy food & goodies. Much of the food were prepared by some YPs themselves!
The idea of "YP's family visit" was mooted by a YP. His intention was through visiting one another's family home, we share and bring love, joy of wishes as we bond and get to know one another better. What a wonderful view and intention ~ from such a tender young mind!
Through makan, small chats, jokes and laughter, much joy was shared. Many of us got to know the Yaps and their family better. Several of us were also inspired by the shrine and garden of love built by Bro Yap himself. Perhaps, we may soon see another meditation corner like such emulated in another's home?
Gathering in the living room, all present (seen and unseen *wink*) prepared our bodies and mind in "anjali". Through one single-pointedness, the words of the Dhamma were shared, sung and chanted ~ thus, spinning the Wheel of the Noble Eightfold Path right in the centre of homely Yap's abode. With right views (understanding), intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration, another sasanarakhha* was established. The glorious grace of everyone in their true spirits and hearts of peace, kindness and happiness illuminated the room with so much good energy and brightness of light .... or was it Bro Yap's trick ? (hee... hee ... hee) (pls see photo album)
In the words of Bro Yap on the evening after, "... thank you so much for giving our family such a wonderful chance to invite all of you to our humble and "squeezy" home, there is so much fun, joy and sharing in the house today. Appreciate .. the puja and sharing which is so wonderul that helps to accumulate all the right and positive energy needed for all of us... May the Triple Gem bless and protect you and your family always. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!"
Dhamma is such a wonderful thing. To experience the Dhamma in this life is such a blessed thing. The compounded blessing is brought about because we have the support of one and all in the YP family and Buddhist community. Through the support of practice with like-minded practitioners like the Yap family and many of the YPs, families, coaches, friends and supporters, we have all studied, practiced and realised the Dhamma! Sadhu to one and all on this great accomplishment.
As we move on in our lives, let us continue to support one another. Let us remember the people who have sat, walked, stayed, sang, shared, listened, lived and opened their hearts to us through our practice as Buddhists and how we have benefitted. They have all helped us to be a better person. So why not, start now, with ourselves, open our senses and hearts to another being and offer our hand, the nudge & comfort of touch, and the inspiration to feel and experience the Dhamma? Bring them to our next Family Visit in October!
May all the merits that we at YP have accrued through this meritorious deed be shared and transferred to all sentient beings. May all be well and happy.
Thank you Bro Kheng Yeow, Sis Serene, YP Hugo and YP Venus for opening your hearts to us ~ You Have Shown Us the Right Way!
Sadhu sadhu sadhu!
*Sasanarakkha [Guardian of the Sasana] is a compound formed from the Pali words sasana and arakkha . For Theravada Buddhists, Sasana is an abbreviation of Buddhasasana [the Buddha's Teaching], which is basically three-fold: to study, practise and realise the Dhammavinaya. Arakkha means guardian or protector.
