A PRACTITIONER’S REFLECTION #12 @BW MONASTERY ～ GOLDEN MRD OFFERING THROWBACK S20Z142E

Dedicated to the class of S15G027E:

I remembered from one of the first few enrichment discourses which I attended several years ago that our Teacher described herself as an individual who simply loved being a student. She enjoyed learning so very much.

This brief description of her eagerness has somehow shaped my motivation in many of the decisions I make and that includes my decision to stay on as an observer-student in the class of S15G027E.

I must admit that initially when my husband, Samuel had the aspiration to take up this Monday class despite his busy schedule, I was very happy and supportive. I decided to accompany him for the first few lessons.

Subconsciously, I may actually have much confidence in myself that unknowingly I thought that I would be of some help during the lessons with all the knowledge that I have acquired over the years of learning the Lamrim in my own class.

How wrong I was?

The one-year class which has now stretched to almost three has now become my constant Lamrim revision class.

Little did I know that I was not only revising the Lamrim topics from the knowledgeable class monitors of S15G027E, what I simply found awesome was the wealth of value-added reflective sharing done by all my awesome classmates.
Their ability to comprehend the teachings and their ability to use these teachings in their daily lives never fail to amaze me. I am awed and moved every time I hear their sharing and reflections. I have learnt so much from each and everyone of them.

Through these weekly attendance, I truly got to understand why our Teacher Master Jih- Chang always stresses on the importance of having the Teacher, the teachings and virtuous friends in our learning journey.

The Dharma is taught to us by our Teacher, and these teachings are shared and explained to us by our class monitors. Enhancing deeper understanding comes from the many sharing done by my classmates. Then the teachings are further enhanced and contemplated, leading them to be internalized into our mind stream.

Hence, the monitors and classmates are all our virtuous friends whom we cannot do without on this path of cultivation.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank Monitor Tiong Boon, Co- Monitor Serena, care co-ordinators (2015-2017): Angela and Jasmine , care co-ordinators (from 2017- ): Nina and Sock Choo as well as all my classmates for embracing me into their Lamrim family.

I thank my husband, Samuel for taking up the role which provided me with this great learning opportunity.

Last but not least, I thank Master Jih-Chang, our teacher and the Triple Gems for the teachings and this learning community.

I have truly enjoyed the weekly lessons amidst the learning, the laughter, the smiles, the camaraderie as well as the light-hearted and at times serious moments that make me feel that this learning process is indeed like the quote:

“学习佛法，做一个幸福和平的人，甚至给周围旳生命也带来一种希望，其实并不困难。从布施一个微笑，说一句感恩的话开始，路就在脚下。”

的确! 幸福之路就在脚下!

I AM INDEED ON MY WAY TO HAPPINESS!

Penned by Nancy Chua

* This is the 12th featured sharing in our launch of a new series: A Practitioner’s Reflection. Tiong Boon is the Monitor of our S15G027E class. He is joined by Sister Serena and Brother Samuel who are our Co-Monitors. The class also has two care co-ordinators who look into the welfare of the students and assist in administrative and logistic matters of the class.

From 2015-2017, we were well-taken care of by care co-ordinators： Jasmine and Angela. In 2018 we continue to have Angela who is joined by Nina as our care co-ordinator. Jasmine currently serves in another volunteer group of BW Monastery. Rejoice!

Starting from 4 June 2018, every Monday morning, we plan to publish a sharing by one of our S15G027E class member.

This series was inspired by our sharing done during our Lamrim Discussion Class when a new student came to join us on 21 May 2018. Often people wonder, what makes people put aside precious time once a week amidst all the busy schedule and commitments to attend the class. Where’s the “magic”, ‘why”, “benefit” or “output”? Let’s hear from the different individuals from all walks of life, sharing their take on this.

In conjunction with 2018 Master’s Remembrance Day, this is also our way to thank our lineage masters for their wisdom and compassion by reflecting on the merits of the teachings and turning the Dharma Wheel by sharing how Dharma has made us a better person.

We hope that more will be inspired to learn the way of the Buddha and practice it in their daily lives.

GRATITUDE TO THE TRIPLE GEMS AND OUR LINEAGE MASTERS!

MAY THE LIVES OF THE VENERABLE SPIRITUAL MASTERS BE STABLE,

AND THEIR WHITE DIVINE ACTIONS SPREAD IN THE TEN DIRECTIONS, MAY THE LIGHT OF LOBSANG’S TEACHINGS,

DISPELLING THE DARKNESS OF THE BEINGS IN THE HTREE WORLDS ALWAYS STAY!

MAY THESE PROFOUND MERITS AND VIRTUES BE DEDICATED TO OUR LINEAGE MASTERS AND TEACHERS TO HAVE GOOD HEALTH AND TURN THE DHARMA WHEEL INFINITELY!

May sentient beings all be well and happy!