This written text is what I wanted to express during the last day of our novitiate program, however due to lack of time I did not have the opportunity to share during the sharing session. Therefore I decided to post it here instead.
First and foremost, I would like to thank Bhante Mahinda for his vision and pioneering the novitiate program at Buddhist holy sites. Secondly, to the organizing committees and helpers whom had planned and worked hard to ensure this program runs smoothly and for our comfort during our 2 weeks stay here. And of course, my parents for sponsoring all the expenses that allows me to be here today.
My first novitiate was back 5 years ago in 2004, I was 16 back then. I attended the novitiate program to please my parents which I know it has been their wish for me to at least join novitiate once. And that was also the first time I listened to Bhante's teachings, and somehow since then, I will make effort to attend every of Bhante's teachings. Somehow, I just feel a connection there.
I personally heard Bhante's announcement about this novitiate was during WACANA 2008, an annual Buddhist conference in Kuala Lumpur in December. While I had the intention to be a samanera in my thoughts, but what held me back from registering was the thoughts about delayed graduation from University. Looking at my mother submitting her form made me somehow in a dilemma situation.
Time passes and it was early October when I got to know there is another novitiate in KL that will be conducted by Thrangu Rinpoche that will only be for 5 days. I was very happy to know about the news and immediately wanted to sign up. However my father is not familiar with the Vajrayana tradition and he was not comfortable with the idea and refused to sponsor me, I was quite upset. Two days later, Bhante gave a teaching at Aloka House at Dana 1 and said that registration for novitiate is still open. The next day, I talked to my mother while having lunch that I would like to join her in Sarnath - she replied "Up to you". I made a phone call to my father - he agrees on the spot and he made a confirmation through the phone with Sis Marrie. Registration and payments were made within a week - without approval of leave from University yet.
On the morning when my parents and I were at Aloka office to make the payment, Sister Sumangala was also there, I remember telling her that this is such a drastic decision from me, and now I hope I will get my leave application from University approved. She blessed me by saying " everything will be going smoothly ". Indeed, every paper work and approvals from various departments went smoothly. I also told Sister that I would like to visit Thrangu Rinpoche's Vajra Vidya Institute and it would be great if I could make connection with such great scholar and teacher - and it has manifested yesterday, and in fact something that I never thought that could happen, has also happened, which is meeting and receiving teachings from His Holiness Karmapa.
Then I start telling my close friends about my plans and me taking leave from University. This 2 months leave will delay my graduation up to 6months to a year, depending on various issues. My friends were quite surprised - since they know I've always wanted to complete my studies as soon as possible. They asked me why, I told them " my graduation is going to be delayed for sure that we know, but my death might not be delayed. That is why I am here today.
Before I end, I would also like to mention a special thank you to Uncle Oh and Aunty Eileen - these two people literally know me since I was in my mother stomach. They are almost like my parents, always guiding me. And they also played a role in planting the Dharma seeds in me beside my parents. My parents used to force me to attend Sunday school, while I can resist my parent's force, I could not resist them when they dragged me to Sunday school. Also of course, Vincent Oh who is their son, and his 3 other brothers who are now in Malaysia - they are like brothers to me.
Uncle KL Lim, who took care of me for the first 5 days. I fall sick immediately after our ordination. It was so frustrating that I wanted an early flight home on the 5th day - thinking it is so troublesome to the helpers to take care of me, but Uncle KL Lim gave me encouragement. And on the 6th day, this body started to get healthy again.
Also Brother Chee Looi, after our audience with His Holiness Karmapa, I actually dropped the precious blessing cord that we received from Holiness somewhere. He immediately took his out and offered it to me. I was very touched by his action - with gratitude, I gave him back and say thank you. But later I found mine from our kind brother samanera.
Last but not least, I wish Bhante Mahinda, Sister Sumitra, Sister Sumangala and everyone here long healthy life, may peace, success and happiness be with you always until we gain liberation.
Thank you.
Photo credit to Kek Chin Wu
