A special event!

Hello dudes and dudettes!

Please make yourself free this Sunday, as we will be celebrating Sister Hsu's 112th Birthday!

That's right!

It's gonna be a bright sunny day filled with song singing and skits done by the youth group!

So be at SBM at 10am sharp, and why not take this chance to mingle around with the adults?

So see you there!

And for those who aren't familiar with who Sister Hsu is why not scroll on down some more!

Sister Hsu, born on July 7 1897 also known as Teresa Hsu Chih, is well known for her active social works. She has done social work in Paraguay, China and worked as a nurse in England before arriving in Singapore.

Here are some of her works:

Helping her brother start the Assunta Foundation for the poor which is located in Ipoh.

Started the first home for the aged sick in Singapore with help from her sister.

Setting up the Heart to Heart Service Centre with, fellow social worker, Sharana Yao.

She has earned many commendation awards through her selfless acts, and continues her involvment in charity works. She gives public talks in schools, welfare homes and hospitals about health and service to the needy.

She continues to inspire everyone with her actions, she is the Supercentenarian befitting the name as "Singapore's Mother Teresa".

Pre-Teen Fellowship Camp Reflections

One good reason why Pre-Teens Fellowship went smoothly is because of the strong support we have from the dedicated members of Manjusri Secondary School's Buddhist Interact Club, who took time off to come help in the camp. Below are some of their reflections:

Through this camp I realised that being a group leader is tiring but fun. At times we needed to pacify the kids, yeah it’s tiring but in the end we had so much fun with them. I also realised that we cannot pamper the kids too much, if not they cannot grow, mature and learn.


It’s really fun when I played with them; I felt that I was of the same age as them! However as a group leader I had an extra duty which was to look after them and make sure they didn’t get into any mischief or trouble. They, as any other kids, were really mischievous and playful. Hence they liked to climb around in the bunk, so we had to make sure they that didn’t fall or hurt themselves.


I felt really nice and comfortable being with them. They treated me like their friends. They shared their secret book with me. However, they lied to me, the secret book was just a page of drawing, and in the end we laughed and laughed and had so much fun. Being with them made me feel relaxed and comfortable.


Everyday with them was fun! But at the end of every day I got real tired. But this gave me a good night sleep. Thank you Mrs Cheng and SBM for giving BIC so many opportunities to lead and gain new experience. I want to thank the campers too. Lastly, I love this camp!


THANK YOU.


LOVE,
ELYSIA (:


Throughout the camp, I have observed that there are many different ways to look after a kid. Many differ according to their personalities. For example, kids who are way too hyperactive will not listen to you if you go soft on them, instead, you have to be firm and make your stand. Kids who are more pampered and mild must be spoken to in a soft and calming way. I also learnt that you need to pay utmost attention to the kids you are looking after or they will definitely get into mischief. Overall, I believe the kids had fun and many could not bear to leave on the last day. It was heart warming when the kids ran to me and gave me a big hug and said ' You are my big sis.' It definitely made my day and all the hard work paid off.

I spent most of the time in the camp looking after a 6 year old girl named Celeste. She was a group member in my group and so being the youngest member in the camp, I placed more attention on her to make sure she was okay, eventually, the kids in the camp took the role of big sisters and big brothers to look after Celeste. It was another heart warming experience. Little Celeste was definitely adorable and she made me her best friend. The sense of achievement is indescribable. I attended the camp feeling sceptical. I was unsure if I could handle the kids especially because I felt that I would not have the patience. As the days progressed, I realise I could actually manage the kids and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Now that the camp is over, the children's names would occasionally pop out in my head. Their innocence and intelligence has truly touched me. If I have a chance, I would love to work with children more often in future.

Lastly to sum up, I think this camp has been a great learning experience to all BIC members. It was not easy taking charge of playful young kids. However, I definitely loved the time spent with the kids and would love to do it again. I believe the BIC members had an eye-opener and now understand more about dealing with children. Mrs Cheng, thank you for giving us this opportunity.

Hazel


Thank you BIC, for all the hardwork, sweat and late nights with us. For those who are joining us, welcome to the family too!

SVC '42

Kevin and Randhir helped out as actors with our recent short film project. Being student/amateurs, we were unable to give them the star treatment but even without any money nor trailers, they still performed well. Check out the stills from the film:

Kevin as the Jap. Randhir as the Indian POW.

A Post Long Over Due

This post is long overdue!

From Raymond:

First of all, want to thank everyone who helped out in the camp, making the camp a successful one, and the children enjoying the camp.

I would like to thank Vicky who is in charge of the kitchen, and a few who help out (Zequi, Pearly, Hangqi … …) and appreciate the sacrifices of sleep for making the mashed potato.

For games, want to thank yeow chong for coming up with the games. Keith, Ernest and everyone who facilitates the games when the game master wasn’t around.

The gls(BIC students: Su Hiang, Hazel, Amanda, Yanye, Wenshi and Javier), who has been taking care of the children, keeping themselves energetic, although it is tiring and need lots of patience to take care of them. Especially like Joel who needs more attention. Hope that you have learnt something from this experience.

Last but not least, Zeming ad Shixiong who has been stepping in to help, although the committee should be doing their work but only Juulia is.

To conclude, like to thank everyone who has been a support to this camp. Despite the disappointments, the committee have learnt something and vowed to improve for the next camp.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

From Juulia:

The organizing committee had a lot , and saying a lot might even be an understatement, of trouble getting this camp as much off the ground as we did. The entire team , myself included, should have worked more closely to make this camp possible. Instead we ended up becoming separate entities doing our own things and getting very little done in the few meetings we did have together. The past is the past however and unchangeable. I hope we can all grow from this experience and learn not to repeat our mistakes. Like Alvin said at one point during camp, we have to learn not to reply on Zeming and Shi Xiong when it comes to getting what needs to be done … done.

That being said let me begin my thanks! Words alone can not express how grateful I am to everyone who helped make camp PTF possible! I'm sending ray after ray of Metta in each of your directions! A special thanks to the BIC people who acted as our Gls. As Raymond said in his letter, some of the campers weren't that easy to handle but you guys did a great job and the kids really enjoy themselves and the parents are equally happy.

Every single one of the campers parents let me know how much their children enjoyed the camp be it via phone, email, or in person so please give yourselves a pat on the back. We might need to work on our team work, and we might need to work on our efficiency but at least we were able to provide a happy camp memory for all those who attended.

I don't feel this camp was a 'disappointment' but rather an opportunity we failed to take full advantage of. In the future, let us try to work together towards a common goal. Then and only then can we really say to ourselves "I did the best possible job I could."

Thank You with Love, Juulia

PS - Zeming I keep forgetting to get the photos from you! And Zhenyu can you pass me the video? Thank you ;D

Youth Executive Committee 2009/2010

The Executive Committee of Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth) 2009/2010 has been announced at our Youth General Meeting on 27th June.

PRESIDENT: Kwek Zeming

Age: 25
Tel: 94888903
Email: zenhora@yahoo.com

Zeming or more affectionately known as Ming Ming, is currently a doctorate student in NUS Bioengineering. Despite his heavy background in science and engineering, his passion remains at photography and filmmaking. He comes from a strong Buddhist background and strongly appreciates the relevance of the Buddha's teachings in our modern world of science and technology. Zeming is a true child of the Mission, having been attending SBM's activities since he was 5 years old.

VICE-PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS): Liew Shi Xiong

Age: 24
Tel: 97599802
Email: mail.shixiong@gmail.com

Shi Xiong or more affectionately known as Brother Bear is a final year student at NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information, specialising in Broadcast & Cinema Studies. His passion is fimmaking and his greatest ambition is to someday make an epic movie on the life of the Buddha. As a Theravadan Buddhist, Shi Xiong also finds great comfort and strength in the compassion of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. His Buddhist name is Raja, meaning 'King'.

VICE-PRESIDENT (DEVELOPMENT): Alvin Yeo

Age: 25
Tel: 97986072
Email: alvino84@hotmail.com

Alvin or more affectionately known as Bird, is currently reading Sociology in NTU School of Humanities & Social Sciences. A trained outdoor specialist, Alvin is also a catalyst for many of the group's outdoor activities, like camps and sports games, and is always pioneering in the way he conducts Buddhist youth activities. Alvin hopes to eventually become a business entrepreneur with a strong conscious for the society. His Buddhist name is Vappa, after one of the first five disciples of the Buddha.

HONORARY-GENERAL-SECRETARY: Vincent Du Zhenglin

Age: 21

Vincent, or more affectionately known as Ah Du/Zhenglin is currently serving the nation in the Repubic of Singapore Air Force. He will be reading aeronautical engineering in NTU come 2010. Soft-spoken yet confident, Vincent is the rock of the youth group, working hard behind the scenes for many of the group's events, but never eager to take the limelight. His humility is very much appreciated in the youth group, just like the way his washboard abs is very much the envy of many boys. His Buddhist name is Ananda, the very name of the Buddhist arahant he very much admire.

SECRETARY: Amy Tong

Age: 24

A self-assured and compassionate young lady, Amy is working as a banker in a foreign bank based in Singapore. Having hailed from neighbouring Malaysia, Amy is glad to have found so many young and outgoing spiritual friends here in SBM, making her stay in Singapore enjoyable and pleasant and her spiritual path, fruitful. A devout Buddhist, Amy is a strong proponent of love and compassion, evident from her mannerism in working with people.

SECRETARY: Kwek Zekui
Age: 24

Zekui is working as a researcher at a local science and technological research agency. Despite being a soft-spoken girl, Zekui is an avid marathon runner and can run faster and longer than many of the guys here in SBM. Rumours has it that she has won thousand of dollars for coming first in a local marathon event, but she has since denied it. Zekui comes from a family with a strong Buddhist background. Her siblings, Zeming and Zeyan, also serves in the youth committee. Zekui has strong faith in the Buddha and his teachings, as can be seen from her practice of metta and karuna in her daily life.

SECRETARY: Kwek Zeyan
Age: 22

Zeyan is currently reading nursing in Australia's Griffith University and will return to Singapore to work as a nurse come July. Affectionately known as Missy Kwek, Zeyan is a dedicated and firm supporter of the Buddhist Mission, who works hard behind the scene yet never failing to volunteer for more. A loud and outspoken girl, Zeyan is one you can go for a good laugh over the simplest things in life. She is also the baby of the Kwek family.

SECRETARY: Juulia KarlstedAge: 19

Juulia comes from Finland but has been staying in Singapore for the past 4 years. She has lived her entire life on the road, having took up residencies in India, Thailand, the United States and now, the Lion City. An avid singer and actress, Juulia has been at the forefront of various youth performances and is well-known for her beautiful voice. But do not be fooled by the above picture, Juulia is a blonde who enjoys blonde jokes and is waiting for university to start.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER: Pearly Sim

Age: 20

Pearly Sim is currently working as a Human Resource Executive in a local security company. Despite her petitie size, Pearly is a motivated member of the youth group known for her fiesty and outgoing nature, so much so a Buddhist friend from Malaysia has even nicknamed her 'Little Chili Padi' during CAMP LIONS. Pearly enjoys photography and art and finds immense solace and affinity with Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva.

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE: Ernest Lai

Age: 21

Ernest Lai is currently serving in the Army and will be reading bio-science in NTU come 2010. He has a great enthusiasm in life and his happy-go-lucky attitude rubs off much optimism in the people around him. He is well-like by many people because of his genuine personality and his ability to not let himself restrain by the expectations of other people. Ernest enjoys rock music and plays the bass for the Buddhist rock band, Reaching Jhana. His Buddhist name is Paduma, which means 'lotus' and is also the name of one of the 24 Buddhas in the Theravadan suttas.

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE: Victor Teo

Age: 20

Victor or more affectionately known as Vicky, is one half of our resident madcapping duo (the other being Ernest). A highly energetic and creative young man, Vicky is well known for his wisecracks and wits that never fail to liven up the mood. Well-versed with words, Vicky is also a poet and a music enthusiast who enjoys composing music and writing songs. He is the lead guitarist for Reaching Jhana and is the chief composer for many of the band's music. he hopes that his music can inspire and give hope to many people. Vicky is also well-known for his culinary skills, with his salty noodles and ketchup nuggets being cult favourites. His Buddhist name is Khanti, meaning 'patience'.

DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE: Lim Fangrui

Age: 21

Fangrui is more affectionately known as Mao Mao, which literally means 'Hairy' for obvious reasons. A regular in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Mao Mao is not only a patriot, but a strong supporter of the youth group. A backstage performer who work tirelessly behind the scenes without the need for recognition, Mao Mao is also dependable when it comes for the need of discipline. No nonsense yet soft-hearted, Mao Mao is a strong admirer of the Buddhist teachings and its relevance in the real world.

MARKETING-COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY: Png Zhenyu

Age: 18

Zhenyu is currently a final year student in studying Digital Audio & Video Production in ITE. An avid filmmaker, Zhenyu's interest in tv and film production has seen him took up a stint with a local production company, which further strengthens his resolve to work in the industry. Well-like in the Buddhist group for being yet another silent yet industrious worker, Zhenyu is the man behind some of the audio and video works here in the youth group. A young man with strong devotion to the Buddha and firm compassion in his heart, Zhenyu's Buddhist name is Wisuddha.

COMMUNITY SERVICE SECRETARY: Mabel Ong

Age: 18

Mabel (or Marbles) is currently a second year student at Raffles Junior College. As a devout Buddhist, she believes strongly that Buddhists should actively apply the teachings of the Buddha in our day to day life. A socially conscious young lady, Mabel is active in community service work, where she is constantly guided by the Buddha's wisdom in letting her love and compassion flow. Mabel hopes to become a speech therapist where she hope she can play an active part in giving back to the society that grooms her and help those in need. Her Buddhist name is Visakha, after the devout and compassionate lay woman disciple of the Lord Buddha.

HOUSE CAPTAIN: Siah Wanling

Age: 18

Wanling is the House Captain of Moggallana, the very house that saw her growth as a young girl into a teenager today. A financial business student in Temasek Polytechnic, Wanling is well-like in the youth group for her jovial and friendly attitude to the people around her, and for always saying the wrong things at the wrong time, contributing funniest home video moments after moments. Wanling finds solace in the Lord Buddha and her favourite phrase is 'Buddha poppi', which means 'Buddha bless you' in Hokkien. Her Buddhist name is Kusala, which means 'meritorious'.

HOUSE CAPTAIN: Pearson Wu

Age: 20

Pearson is the House Captain of Ananda House and is also currently a junior officer in the Singapore Police Force. Passionate and enthusiastic, Pearson has been a valuable member of the youth group with his contributions a a volunteer, despite being busy with fighting crimes. An avid musician, Pearson is also an active member of the drumming circle in Singapore and is currently the drummer for the Buddhist rock band, Reaching Jhana. Pearson hopes to inspire more young people into leading a righteous and happy Buddhist life.

VICE HOUSE CAPTAIN: Raymond Tham

Age: 18

Raymond has been with the youth group since he was 13 and today, he is a senior youth member and is currently studying engineering at Republic Polytechnic. An avid performer, Raymond enjoys singing and is also a member of a local acapella group. He loves to laugh and get himself crazy and is the group's resident unglam poser. Raymond has a lot of faith in the Buddha's teachings and is continually seeking to improve his Dhamma knowledge and his cultivation as a lay Buddhist. He hopes to work in the entertainment industry when he grows up.

VICE HOUSE CAPTAIN: Kevin Lee

Age: 19

Kevin arrives in Singapore from Penang a year ago to pursue his education here in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. A fitness nut, Kevin participates actively in dragon boating and has recently led his team to the championship. Kevin is also a devout Buddhist who firmly believes in leading his life in accordance to the teachings and guidance of the Buddha. He hopes to do well in his studies and continue his university education here in Singapore. The greatest love and concern in his life is his parents in Malaysia, whom he feels indebted to for bringing him up into the man he is today. Kevin's Buddhist name is Khemananda.

VICE HOUSE CAPTAIN: Lee Xinyi

Age: 18

Xinyi has had a strong Buddhist education, having attended sunday classes for more than ten years. With her strong faith, Xiny has been a dedicated youth member here at SBM, serving with compassion and enthusiasm. She has waited for a long time to join the group, having participated with youth acitivites since she was 13, but only joining as a member after her O-levels. Currently, she is studying Early Childhood Education at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and she hopes to work with children after her graduation. She also enjoys a good game of volleyball and despite her demure appearances, does not shriek at the bruises from the game.

CAMP MASTER: Teo Kaiwen

Age: 20

Kaiwen is currently a final year student at Republic Polytechnic, specializing in animation and gaming. Despite his busy schedule rushing for his FYP, Kaiwen finds meaning in serving the youth group. With Camp Ehi-Passiko being an important event in the youth calender, Kaiwen is confident that he will be able to deliver his best for the camp, while juggling with other commitments in his life. A smart and inquisitive young man, Kaiwen's analytical mind finds peace and harmony within the teachings of the Buddha, thus convincing himself of a devout Buddhist lifestyle.

CAMP MISTRESS: Chua Chenxin

Age: 18

Chenxin or Sincere describes herself as crazy and insane. An Early Childhood Education student at Ngee Ann Poytechnic, Chenxin loves children and hopes to work with them when she grows up. Chenxin also appreciates how she can find peace within the Dhamma and how Buddhism can be relevant to her life. A sociable and energetic young lady, Chenxin enjoys outdoor activities and campings and hopes her enthusiasm for the sun and the rain will bring happiness to the people around her.

HAIRY POTTER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HAIRY / MAO MAO / Fangrui!

May the light of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha shine on you!

Pinginanin's Praise

Pinginanin's Praise

Just as a man, well satisfied with some choice flavor, long not for other flavors that are coarse; even so, whenever one hears the good Gotoma’s Dhamma one longs not for the talk of others, crowds, other samanas nor brahmans.

Just as a man, overcome by hunger and weakness, may come upon a honey cake and, whenever he tastes it he enjoys a sweet, delicious flavor; even so, whenever one hears the good Gotoma’s Dhamma one experience joy and serenity of heart.

Just as a skillful physician might in a moment take away the illness of one sick and ailing; even so, whenever one hears the good Gotoma’s Dhamma one, all grief, sorrow, suffering, lamentation and despair just vanish away.

Just as a man, tortured by heat, by heat overcome, wearied, craving and thirsty, might come to a pool, clear sweet, cool and limpid, a lovely resting place, and might plunge therein, bathe, drink and allay woe, fatigue and fret; even so, whenever one hears the good Gotama’s, all woe, fatigue and fret just vanish away. (A.III,239)

Heal The World

RIP Michael Jackson

There's A Place In
Your Heart
And I Know That It Is Love
And This Place Could
Be Much
Brighter Than Tomorrow
And If You Really Try
You'll Find There's No Need
To Cry
In This Place You'll Feel
There's No Hurt Or Sorrow

There Are Ways
To Get There
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
Make A Better Place...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

If You Want To Know Why
There's A Love That
Cannot Lie
Love Is Strong
It Only Cares For
Joyful Giving
If We Try
We Shall See
In This Bliss
We Cannot Feel
Fear Or Dread
We Stop Existing And
Start Living

Then It Feels That Always
Love's Enough For
Us Growing
So Make A Better World
Make A Better World...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

And The Dream We Were
Conceived In
Will Reveal A Joyful Face
And The World We
Once Believed In
Will Shine Again In Grace
Then Why Do We Keep
Strangling Life
Wound This Earth
Crucify Its Soul
Though It's Plain To See
This World Is Heavenly
Be God's Glow

We Could Fly So High
Let Our Spirits Never Die
In My Heart
I Feel You Are All
My Brothers
Create A World With
No Fear
Together We'll Cry
Happy Tears
See The Nations Turn
Their Swords
Into Plowshares

We Could Really Get There
If You Cared Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
To Make A Better Place...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me
You And For Me

Pictures of Post PTF camp

A long walk to the beach
Finally after 8 years of CEP we get to use the canoe!!!


You really don't know whats underneath

An artistic shot. No comments

Briefing done by safety officer general Alvin yeo

Ernest was enjoying the sun at first

Then kenna arrowed to push saftey officer

Another shot of the beautiful scenery

The biggest and widest smile I've seen in the water. Ying hui's happy!

Moss filled ground

LOL no comments

Saftey officers

Natural smiles of youths having fun. Its lovely

MOSStage

Beloved MJR girls and PTF Camp GLs

LOL Wong Fei Hong?

A picture I felt beautifully composed in terms of colouring and contrast. However, the position of Cherise was too centralised.

Alvin waiting for his turn

Whats with the face...lol

There were many dogs at LCK. This picture is kinda ironic. The dogs seem to be imprisoned but in fact they are truely free to roam in their natural habitat.

The long and winding road

The search for the sunken canoe

These photos were taken by Cherise, Kaiwen and Zeming. It was a fun day out for our members and will stay as a lovely memory in our hearts. It was a day to bond and reward our members with an experience of praticipating in the activities that they have been organising in CEP for so many years.

I wish all the best for our members and friends of SBM youth group. May you all be successful, healthy and happy!

I'll be updating more pictures to come! stay tuned!!!!

-Zeming