23-26 Dec 2011- The
11th Annual Mani Recitation Retreat in Singapore and Yes, at Suntec again.
This year, the new organiser had changed new Theme with Late Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche picture on left, and the centre is a Different image of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig).
Close-up of new image of Four Armed Chenrezig
Well, with the picture of Late Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche and the new image of Chenrezig side by side, I perceive some similarity in the two, perhaps a younger version of the late Rinpoche.:-)
New recitation text which combined with The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra (King of Prayers)
The year's retreat is again led by His Eminence Thritsab Rinpoche & Drikung Kagyu Lamas.
Something new at my end too, instead of being a backseater again, I had purchased a seat nearer in front as I want to be nearer to the stage to see who are the leading chanters. From the chant rhythm, I believe it is a new team of chanting Venerables on stage. Rinpoche joined in the chanting team from Day 1 too. :-)
Morning session is refreshing with new start of day, afternoon session is rather long and drowsy that I was always trying to stay awake :P
I especially like their nite session of Dedication-prayer for the Mani Mantra that brings swift realisation of Perfect Bliss, The Hundred-syllable Purification Mantra of Vajrasattva and The King Of Prayers. :-)
All Full-timers were given a certificate of attendance on last nite of retreat. I recalled this was given couple of years ago only to those who attended consecutively for a number of years as full-timers.
As emphasis this year was not on achieving the number of chants of 100 Million but on the accurate pronunciation of "Om Mani Padme Hung" according to the organiser, the momentum of chants had been slower compared to past years and while the motivation for last day was to complete the target, there was blessing session organised this year.
Well, there was much enjoyment by all in the offering of flowers near end of retreat though we did not manage to achieve the chant target this year. :P
Achievement is New Aspirations that arise from the Retreat! :-)
Gratitude to All who made this annual event possible and gratitude that I was able to participate with minimal obstacles and was at a much warmer seat area without much worry about the coolness. Really a blessing!
Gan En.
Om Mani Padme Hung
