Sunday, 8th March 2009. After weeks of preparation, hundreds of man-hours work, discussions over dinner and coffee, the Maitreya Trainee Programme was ready for launch. It was only 9am in the morning, but the Holy House had come to live. Fellow volunteers and coordinators were busy making their final preparations.
The auspicious day began with an offering ritual followed by a mass prayer (khou shou) session. A simple proceeding but yet deep in meaning and significance. The offering symbolizes the respect that we have for Laomu, Lord Maitreya and all Buddhas. The journey for the next 5-months is not going to be easy. Afterall, we are sinners who are learning to cleanse our hearts, minds and souls. Afterall, we are debtors who are trying to repay mountains of karmic debt. Through the prayer, we are reminded by our limitations and imperfections. Through the prayer, we seek enlightenment and wisdom from Laomu. We pray not to have the hurdles and challenges removed, but that we are given the wisdom and courage to overcome and rise above them. We pray not to have the mountains removed, but that we are given the strength to conquer them.
In his opening address, Master Chen (DCS) expressed his delight at the launch of the 5-months programme. After years of vacuum, Tao brothers and sisters now have the chance to learn about Tao cultivation once again. Tao brothers and sisters have the chance to discover the true meaning of Maitreya faith - a spirit of Universal Love and Compassion.
Each and every one of the participant showed keen interest and desire to learn. Afterall, they are getting ready to be the new faces of Maitreya Love in 5-months time. By the time the adult and children classes started, energy was running high. "I am touched by what I see today and I am glad that I am here today", said one participant.
Nonetheless, this is just the first step. Certainly, there are mistakes made, oversights and areas to be improved. After classes were over, fellow coordinators and teachers gathered for a review session. Many feedback were voiced out, on things that we did right and on things that we need to improve.
One area that need immediate assistance is the children class. The initial plan was to have the child-to-teacher ratio as 1:5. Ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 is needed for learning to take place more effectively.
We need more volunteers to help educate these children. If you are passionate about children and enjoy playing with them, we need you.
Contact Linda (Fy) or Cintia (Fy) if you are ready to answer the call and help shape the future of our children.
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