Sukihotu,
Ven Ajahn Brahm was in town and my good friend, Oon Yeoh invited me to go along to hear the Dhamma talk last night. I'm glad I went along. I had a wonderful time, getting "re-charged" by the wisdom of Ven Sir. Even though I've heard Ajahn spoke a few times before. But he is still ever green. His jokes are still funny and the underlying message is still potent.
It rains heavy last night, but it did not deter devotees from flocking into the Chetawan Siamese Buddhist Temple at Jalan Gasing just outside Kuala Lumpur. The main hall was packed. So was the dinning where the talk was telecast.
Ajahn Brahm spoke about the famous story of "Who ordered this truck load of dung'. He also talked about "The story of a donkey". And a few more which I've heard before. But like I've said, it was still funny to hear it again. And I really enjoyed myself.
But off course he also spoke of new things which I've not heard before. He talked about "praise". There he told a story about how he has praised a shop assistant, Fred who have served him when he was at a hardware store picking parts to do a plumbing job at his monastery in Perth. He was satisfied with the store assistant and wrote a letter to the company thanking for his kind service. Later the boss was so happy with Fred and gave him a pay raise. And Ajahn Brahm got special treatment in his next visit to that store.
He also made a joke about why there is so many Buddhists in Malaysia, but so little Malaysian Monks. The answer is every parent like to see other people's children to become monks except theirs. We (Malaysian) rather import monks from Australia.
Ajhan Brahm also spoke about his own parent and grand parent. And how his father never talked about his grand father. It's something quite personal which I rather you hear directly from Ven Sir.
The topic for the night was "When bad things happened to good people" It lasted 2 hours and what an enjoyable 2 hours that was. Thank you Ajahn Brahm. It was nice to hear your words again. It's very entertaining, educational, comforting and soothing.
Oh,... before I go. Ajahn Brahm also mentioned that it was far better to be a Monk than a Doctor. He explained, being a doctor you only cure sick people. Where else being a monk, you heal people for long term happiness. Which a doctor cannot do.
If you wished to listen to the Dhamma talk, pls click here
May you be well and happy always.
Mettacittena,
21st Dec 2010
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