Welcome little Bodhisattva of Than Hsiang Kindies !!!

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Tan Kim Nai

The orientation days for the Tadika, Sungai Ara, Sungai Petani ,Bukit Mertajam and Simpan Ampat Kindergartens were held consecutively on the 3rd and 4th of Jan. 2009.

On that joyful day, parents were seen chaperoning “the apples of their eyes” to their respective kindergartens. Some of the kids appeared apprehensive being their first visit to a kindergarten.

The orientation day ceremony began with the cleansing ritual, to seek the blessing of The Triple Gem. This was followed up with an explanation of the meaning of cleansing ceremony by Ven. Zhen Ru as follow:

1. Buddhahood and oneness of mankind.
Buddha said that all sentient beings equally possess the seeds of Buddhahood inherently and therefore have the potential to realize Buddhahood . We would ultimately activate and realize our Buddha nature to attain enlightenment through right learning and diligent cultivation,.

2. Dependent origination and mutual assistance.
Ven. Zhen Ru recounted that the “Heart Sutra” that was being chanted that morning embodied the wisdom realized by the Buddha. It also constitutes the fundamental Buddhist doctrine that teaches that all beings and phenomena exist or occur only because of their relationship with other beings or phenomena. Nothing can exist independently or arise out of its own accord. Therefore, once we understand the causal effect of one’s action we must always avoid unwholesome actions and extend our help to the needy to bring peace and harmony to the world.

3. Compassion for all sentient beings
Suffering is one of the characteristics of our world as mentioned by the Buddha. Therefore, All Bodhisattvas vow to extend their compassion or active sympathy to all sentient beings without distinction.
During the ceremony the chanting the “Great Compassion Mantra” was aimed to help us to cultivate the virtue of compassion –sympathy for those who suffer, and the will to end their suffering. Gradually we will learn to expand our loving kindness into the realm of compassion in our relation with another person, the society, the state, the world and even to all sentient beings in the universe.

Ven. Zhen Ru added, ’The kindy students in Than Hsiang are fortunate to be blessed with the good fortune of learning the Dharma- the teaching of the Buddha. For example, the children are taught to practice the fundamental Ten Good Deeds which incorporate the wisdom of conduct as well as compassion for others. This will give them a solid foundation in their character building to prepare them to face the uncertainties of the world and to contribute towards building a world of love and harmony.”

At the end of his sharing, Ven. Zhen Ru wished all present a happy new year and be blessed with wisdom and merits in their undertakings and with that we bring to a close another simple and meaningful orientation day celebrations.

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