One Heart - Vesak 2007 - Welcoming Address by Vesak Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Jeffrey Chew

Good evening once again Member of Parliament Mr Zainuddin and distinguished representatives from the Bishan - Toa Payoh North CCC, Bishan CCC and Thomson CCC, friends and families of our fellow members. Welcome to the 2551st Vesak Celebration.

Our society has always been and will continue to support our community. We would like to take this opportunity tonight to present three cheques to our distinguished guests as our modest contribution in support of their community activities and bursaries to Mr Cheong Chee Onn of Bishan East CCC, Mr Roy Cheng of Bishan - Toa Payoh North CCC and Ms Doris Chan from Thomson CCC.

As many of you are aware, our Spiritual Master has dedicated her life to karmic healing. We believe that some illnesses are karmic in nature, and Master uses her meditative abilities to lighten the load. For those of you who were here last evening for the healing session, we welcome you back this evening.

Tonight, our Master reminds us and exemplifies through her meditation that while nothing is permanent in this life, enlightenment is a path for all who seek with One Heart.

The gates on both sides will once again be opened at 8.30pm after our Master has begun her meditation. We welcome everyone to enter and pay homage to the Buddha and to our Master - Buddha Yasathara. It is our small gesture to remind everyone that the gates to enlightenment is open to all who seek.

Before I end this speech, I would like to share with you some of the historical items that are still being used in tonight’s celebration. The 9 steel structures and the Buddha’s stage portrait have been with us for the past 30 years. It takes strong dedication and effort to maintain them in good condition. In this year’s celebration, despite the various teams’ hectic schedules and the weakening body strength with age, it is through strong spirit and mental determination that we all pull together. Therefore I would like to call upon the young and able bodied, to come forward and take on the challenge.

Finally, please bear with us should be any shortcomings, as we attempt to improve further. Don’t forget to use our website www.mohhong.org to drop your invaluable feedback and suggestions to us.

With this I leave you to rejoice but with mindfulness and compassion.