After some months of practice now, I realize how much Buddhism has affected my life and made me a more peaceful, serene person much more capable of dealing with life and all its obstacles.

I managed to gain further insights on Buddhism and try new experiences. I learnt how to forgive and let go, to be mindful, how to clear the thoughts in my mind and how to make peace with everything. I also made a number of new friends here in the monastery. I am a much more kind, compassionate and happy person because of that! Not only my thoughts and ways have changed but also my lifestyle. I come to the monastery during weekends and to volunteer some works regardless of the difficulties on my way here.

I can’t imagine anything more rewarding or fulfilling. Our journey doesn’t end on this ceremony but it’s the beginning of our journey to enlightenment.

I would like to sincerely thank the Dharma Masters for their tireless effort in teaching us the Buddhist path, the method of cultivating our mind and the spiritual development leading to deep insight into the true nature of life.

Amitofo!

In May 2012, I came to attend my first Zen class in order to learn meditation and how to control my mind. But was control necessary? My answer was a resounding “YES,” as my unruly mind kept manufacturing mostly negative and painful stories which made me suffer. It had so fed my fear, anger, guilt, greed, frustrations, and doubts that I felt the need to switch it off fast.

As the old saying goes, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our mind is so powerful that it can make or break us. Trying to keep it still was not easy either, with its resistance to change. Nevertheless, I persevered. Putting my faith and focus on my Buddha Nature, I fairly overcame its stubbornness.

I have come to appreciate the Abbess’ Dharma talks as she explained the Buddha’s teachings in the most simple and compassionate way, making it easier to understand. The Law of Karma and Causality made me realize my present situation and to take responsibility for all my actions. Now, I am more conscious as I try to perfect my dealings with my fellow men and sentient beings. It opened my mind to the deeper understanding of my real purpose in life.

The lessons on suffering and liberation were an eye-opener. I realized that we are our own enemies as we keep ourselves bound by the preconditions of the material world or our society at large, while in truth we are really free. And we can only call ourselves categorically free if we follow the Enlightened Path, both in theory and most importantly in practice. There is no other way.

As we anchor ourselves on the Buddha’s teachings and take our refuge in the Three Jewels—The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha—we must become the Path. As stated in an ancient scripture, “In order to tread the Path, One must become the Path Itself.”

Finally, To the Venerable Wei Chueh, the Abbess, the Masters and all the volunteers, for the heartfelt compassion and sincerest dedication to enlighten all sentient beings and those who come your way—Thank you beyond words.

Amitofo!

Well, I was raised up in a Daoist/Buddhist family although we really didn’t have the right understanding of what it was about. We were just like the normal guys out there who go to visit the temples, pray to Buddha to give us good fortune and good health. In return, we would make some donations, light some incense, and then make some food and flower offerings. This was how I was exposed to Buddhism during my early childhood.

Then I was baptized as a Catholic during my early childhood, and gained more understanding of the Christian faith when I started doing Bible studies when I was in high school.

I was a very ego-centric person. But, after Ocean Sky Chan Monastery reintroduced me to Buddhism and a few years of Buddhist study, I think I have toned down a big chunk of that ego. Before, I used to blame others for all the bad things that happened in my life. Sometimes, I thought it was just simply God’s will. But when good things happened—I took all the credits. After attending Buddhism classes at Ocean Sky, I now know that it’s the Law of Karma at work. We simply reap what we sow. We have to take responsibility for each action we take.

I think I was changed by my involvement in the activities here at Ocean Sky. I was very impatient before, but now I have improved a lot. I now know that there is a time for everything and that patience brings out the desired results.

When I got sick with gallstones in 2010, I encountered so much pain that I thought it was going to be my last night here on earth. I called out to all the saints, Boddhisatvas and even Buddhas to ease my pain. But all to no avail. During those moments, every second lasted as long as half-a-day. It was like going through hell. Time froze. Out of desperation, I decided to let go.

It was then that I realized that everything in this world is of no importance to me. Unexpectedly, after letting go, the pain became much more bearable. After almost three weeks in the hospital, I had a new perspective of life. I was no longer the old Ronnie that always wanted to take full control of everything. The “me” in me had decreased considerably. I already knew that I am not the master of the universe. I am just a tiny speck in the dust of life.

Somebody once said that Buddhism can accommodate all religions. I believe that. Anyone who studies it can greatly enhance his understanding of his own religion. I gained a deeper understanding of the Christian Bible after taking up Buddhism classes at Ocean Sky.

I first enrolled in the beginners’ class last year but failed to complete the course due to conflicts in schedule. This time, the timing was so perfect for me to re-enter the monastery when the beginners’ class was opened on a weekday, and I had just broken up from a relationship three months prior.

It was as if the entire universe conspired to have me back in Ocean Sky again, to let me mend my wounds under the guidance of Buddhist wisdom and to finish the course.

Looking back, I’ve realized that what matters most is not what was lost from my relationship, but what has been left for me to nurture. Taking Buddhism classes and practising meditation aided my recovery. The lectures were theories that I could apply to my emotional problems. It goes with the saying that “you easily learn your lessons when you are going through difficulties.”

With enough compassion and peace of mind, anger and bitterness naturally disappears. The need to talk about your anger is diminished.

I have grown so much in the past three months and learned to seek wisdom from those who truly possess it.

The past three formative months moulded my character to become a better individual.

My mom, Raceli, came here first in January 2010. On her second visit, she brought us along to share with us her wonderful discovery. I was 17 going on 18. At first, I was hesitant to participate. Sitting meditation was difficult to bear, I could feel the pain and during lectures, I found the voice of the former Abbess Jianyong so musical that more often than not, I fell asleep. To avoid further embarrassment, I excused myself from coming and went on with my regular life while my mother and little sister Caitlyn continued on.

As a teenager and at the age of puberty, I am also searching for my place under the sun and trying to prove something to myself. The transition from childhood to a young adult is sometimes confusing. The answers to my questions seem to be so remote that even my mother’s guidance would not register in my mind. Then, in the middle of the same year, I decided to come back to Ocean Sky to listen to the lectures and do meditation, because my mother would often (without fail) share with us what she learned every week and told me that life’s answers are all here.

I even became an Assistant Teacher through the gentle invitation of the former Abbess Jianding and I took that responsibility very seriously. I had fun interacting with the Bodhi Stars that at times they also confide to me. I appreciate the warm and sincere kindness of Master Jianyin and later Master Jianjun, the gracious Master Jianqiang. Our beloved current Abbess Jianshu has a very big heart and is full of wisdom. I had a precious rare chance to talk to her and by just being in her presence made me feel everything is alright and in order. She made herself available to everybody that even children had a grand time talking to her.

One of the biggest factors that opened my eyes and mind as well as lighted my path was when I talked to the former Abbess Jianyong. She talked to me about the sacrifices and rewards particularly of a mother. That was my big “AHA! Moment.” Suddenly, I could see that the giant door in my mind burst open! I quickly flashed back to all the lectures when Shifu talked about karma, the three poisons and attachments. It gave me a wake-up call and all of a sudden everything seemed to be very bright and very clear, like a fresh and sunny spring morning. I am a new man!

I have been here in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery for almost a year now. At the start of our advanced class, I was asked to be the class coordinator. I was very reluctant to accept it, not sure if I would be able to give my time. I was also asked if I wanted to try to volunteer as a Bodhi Star assistant teacher (AT). Then, knowing that the Mandarin class would also be on Sunday, I thought, “why not also sign-up?”

All those commitments, plus the fact that I just got a new job and had other side projects, would have been a very crazy idea back then.

But being here now for the completion ceremony, I could say these past three months have been the most fulfilling so far in my journey here at Ocean Sky.

The experience has taught me to be grateful to all the volunteers that give their time, effort, and talent to the monastery. Before, I didn’t really mind the volunteers that much. I was just satisfied to receive. Being a volunteer opened my mind and heart to be grateful and appreciative to all the people that make Ocean Sky run.

As a new volunteer, I felt humbled and learned patience especially from the elder volunteers. Whether it’s teaching the Bodhi Star kids or playing the Wooden Fish during the Heart Sutra or teaching Mandarin, the volunteers are very good and very patient with the juniors. Thank you!

Lastly, by becoming a volunteer, I have felt closer to the people at the monastery. The volunteers, the students, the other coordinators, kids, Shifus, they have become friends and family. I hope to be with them more in the next decade of Ocean Sky.

I have only been with Ocean Sky for less than a year. But without a doubt, I will definitely continue to support the monastery as I go along my journey. Amitofo!