Some of the Eight Preceptors who attended the three-day retreat at Palelai Buddhist Temple in Simpang Bedok.
Candle procession
During meditation sessions, we couldn’t stay focused on one thing, or even to ignore the pain in the legs (which always happens if you stay in one position for some time). But Ajahn Keng (Teacher Keng) and Phra Ong (Monk Ong) showed us that it was possible. I peeped at Ajahn Keng during one of the meditation sessions. He had not flinched a single moment in the 20 minutes we were doing sitting meditation.
Lighting candles before the start of the Vesak Day ceremony.
The monks explained everything I needed to know about the Buddha’s teachings; they were friendly and funny people. Just like you and me, except that they have accomplished so much more.
Respect for the Buddha, Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (The community of monks)
Respect for the Buddha: The Buddha image reminds Buddhists of the Buddha and his teachings, and is not an object of idolatry.
Maha Sangha chanting the Buddha’s teachings in Pali: The Maha Sangha, which means the Great Community of Monks, in Palelai Temple chant in Pali, one of the original languages used by the Buddha 2552 years ago.
