Om mani padme hum chanting at PES Singapore

We first started chanting the Mantra of Guan Yin/ (Chenrezig)(Avalokiteshvara),  the Embodiment of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism Mantra -  "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Poh Ern Shih, Singapore  on Lunar 1 Aug 2008 as a first practice session …

It was a beautiful Sunday, and we have managed 108 x 10 times x 11 people = 11880.  At this practice pace, we hope to achieve One Million (good to have but not important) Recitation  for the benefits of all
sentient beings.

Our first official chanting was officiated by Venerable Zhang Dao, who led the chanting sessions for a substantial period of time until he was too busy to continue due to other commitments. Volunteers, disciples and fellow dharma friends came and went, the practice went on every 15th of the lunar month, unless the organisers are travelling (2 occasions) or the premises were taken up by other groups (2 occasions).  I was personally absent for a few sessions because of my heart surgery in 18 Feb 2009.

I kept a record of our activities via facebook and blogs.  We have achieved 36 chanting session from Aug 2008 to Dec 2011..   Quite incredible, isn't it.

People continued to come and go and I enjoyed every session. An usual monthly practice would include Chanting of Om Mani Padme Hum (10 x 108 times), walking meditation (circumbating the Buddha 6
rounds) and a sitting meditation of about 15 mins. This is normally followed by a short Dharma talk by me on Buddhism, its Philosophy and the Sutra. On the last year, I took the opportunity
to share on my learning of the heart sutra.

On its peak, we can have up to 100 people attending the session.  and on its low, I have done the practice with one person. Our vows were to achieve 1million chants… and based on the records, I am sure that we have more than achieve our objectives, since 1 person will chant at least 1080 per session.

The last practice for this project was held on 8 Jan 2012.  This marked the end of this beautiful project. All good things must end as everything is impermanent.

And also, I think it is appropriate for all of us to start writing our own sutra of our heart.

A special thanks to Connie and Mr Lee for building and maintaining this wonderful temple for everyone to use and to provide a conducive place to practice.  For Venerable Zhang Dao who officiated the many
sessions.  For Ms Emily Lee and Lilian Chow, who assisted in the starting of the wonderful project.  For those who continued attending, even when they have certainly more important thing they could do with
their time.. and all sentient beings, who patiently allowed us to continue this practice of loving kindness, compassion and wisdom.

Lets Rejoice..   Om Mani Padme Hum.
--
May you be well, happy, peaceful.
With Gratitude,
ROBIN