In every religions, there will always be some important lessons for us to learn. We are very fortunate to be living in multi racial country like Singapore, where we are able to experience religious harmony. In future, this blog will also give you a better understanding on the history of other religions too.
Today is Kwan Yin Day. When I was in Australia, I saw Caucasian families keeping statue of KwanYin as artifacts, to them they say, "He symbolised Compassion".
Wish everyone a happy and compassionate day :)
Transition (Extracted from Kwan Yin Poetry)If you stay stuck for a period of time, this is given unto you by your soul to give to you a resting place. At this place, you see it as transition.
- Kwan Yin
History:
In both Taoism and Buddhism Kuan Yin (also pronounced Guan Yin) is the goddess of compassion. She is the Japanese Bodhisattva Kannon or Kanzeon, and is identified with the Indian Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, including all of the scriptures which apply to him. Kuan (Shih) Yin means "the one who hears/heeds the cries of the world."
John Blofeld says:
"Rocks, willows, lotus pools or running water are often indications of her presence. In the chime of bronze or jade, the sigh of wind in the pines, the prattle and tinkle of streams, her voice is heard."
First thing this morning, give thanks and appreciate that we are living in Singapore where we don't experience any natural disasters and even enjoyed religious harmony. All of us including our government has come a long way to maintain religious harmony. We must continue to work hard to maintain this harmonious relationship and not take harmony for granted :>
Singapore Religious Harmony Verses (SINGAPORE, June 10, 2003) (Think was written by one of the minister in Singapore)
We, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our multi-racial and multi-religious Nation. We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding. We shall always" Recognise the secular nature of our State," Promote cohesion within our society," Respect each other's freedom of religion," Grow our common space while respecting our diversity," Foster inter-religious communications," and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore."
6 comments:
I think Singaporeans are very fortunate in many ways. But most of us took it for granted. We complaint and complaint. A lot of my friends from overseas commented Singaporeans are famous for complaining. Our government has done a great job to built Singapore from scratch to where we are now. At times, I also grumble about the increasing cost but increasing cost is happening in every countries at this point of time. Just imagine we don't have to live in fear of happenings of any natural disasters is enough for me to treasure and appreciate what I have now.
Good morning Bryan. I am glad you brought this topic up to remind us good fortune is not to be taken for granted.
It is not easy to maintain religion harmony in a multi racial country like Spore. It sure require a lot of patience, tolerance and understanding.
The poetry is very meaningful. With a quiet mind, we can see things more clearly. Answers come more easily at that split seconds of silence. Problem is no longer a problem but a time for us to change our thinking.
Thank you lao shi for today's posting.
chun mei
Hi Bryan,
i asked my fellow colleagues who are in their late 50s about the racial riots in the early years.
My malay colleague told me she still clearly remembered vehicles on fires. Her family and with their fellow malay friends dare not go out of the house. All the windows were shut tight.One of their chinese friend who owned a provision shop quietly led them into his shop to buy grocery because no food to buy. Nobody dare to go out openly.
Then my chinese colleague said her parents don't allow her to step out the house. They were living in fear everyday. Windows and door closed and police were everywhere.
I cannot believe what I hear because it sounds so foreign. I can never imagine such things happening in Singapore. I think I am very fortunate to be born in the late 80s and living in Singapore.
Love ur blog is really Joy and Harmony to look at, I am a christian and i am fine with all other religion.
CHeers.
Josephine. May God bless u and all.
My friend told me , kwan yinday weather always very comfy and cooling, seems is true, today weather is like winter ahahha.
Jane
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