9 May 09 - Thank You, Jesus, for Vesak Day!

it's vesak day again.. i dont remember if i've shared last yr, but every year my vesak celebration is the same..
since 1995, when my whole family are busy helping as facilitators in temples, involving in various birthday celebrations of Prince Siddhārtha Gautama (Sammāsambuddha), i stay out of their way.. even when they blast the house with loud Buddhist chants and burning incense (i really dont like it cos of my sensitive nose), i've learnt better to hold my peace n let them enjoy such joyous religious occasion *am i not religious harmonious or what?*

though i'm a born-again Christian, i remember the times when i was once as active as them.. at very young age, i actively participated in evening chants at the infamous Kong Meng San temple; every sunday i attended buddhist classes, even involving in various skits and drama to help people understand Buddhism teachings. every May i would be very busy and excited as a young facilitor and youth committee of the temple. i still remember the long tedious '3steps-1bow' where my knees could be really sore as participant; and where i had so much fun as traffic usher.. not to forget the lighting of lotus candles - it's like passing of light during Christmas candlelight service.. full of warmth and peace.. to be honest, i really had such great religious fun in my childhood, it's really a whole family event..

then.. in the midst of every happening, the more i know about Buddhism studies, the more i harbour abt life's questions... in a way, i thank God for giving me such strong foundation in Buddhism. really, i do mean it. i dont know abt other Buddhists, but the more i learn in Buddhism- why we do the things we do, chant the prayers we chant and the merits of life itself, the more it directs me to the Maker of All - GOD. yes, buddha is the supreme teacher who attained Nirvana, the reason why he was able to forsake his kingdom and royalhood, is because he saw the misery of his people and had this strong desire to seek the Truth, in hope to help his people. personally, i think Prince Siddhārtha is like a prophet, seeking the Truth and crying out to his followers to seek the Truth. but then again.. what is the Truth? with this big question in my adolescence, i started asking around my mentors, my spiritual monks directors, friends, relatives etc... then i finally found my answer, the Truth - Jesus Christ! Praise the LORD!!

of course the process of conversion was not easy and pretty tough for me.. i practically 'lost' all my good friends and my family were really prosecuting me, i even had to go through 'exit interviews' with the monks.. but i thank God for He has never leave me alone! when all seemed impossible, He made everything possible for me to attend church, start owning my first Bible.. step by step, He really opens doors for me and guides me through it all! I LOVE YOU JESUS~! my life has never been the same since then. when i thought all was lost, Jesus restored to me even more! my relationships with family, friendship with Godly friends and my works have always been so blessed, He always watches over me!
I thank You, my Greatest Lover - JESUS CHRIST!!