Cherish the LOVE - We are almost there

Cherish the LOVE - the Studio Photography project entered its high gear just a few days ago. Now, 2 days away from that special day of the year, we are happy to report that we are left with only two slots for 14th February and we are FULLY-BOOKED for 21st February. To meet the overwhelming response, our volunteers have decided to put in additional efforts. We have decided to open up 2 additional morning slots for 21st February.

As of now, the remaining available slots are:

1. 14th February 2009 - 6.00PM & 6.30PM
2. 21st February 2009 - 11.00AM & 11.30AM

With all your sincere prayers, wishes and hard work, we have almost come to the end of the first part of the project. It is now time for our brothers and sisters - who volunteer to help, be it photographer, make-up artist, choreographer, scheduler etc - to finish up the job.

Yes, we are almost there. But No, work is not over yet.

Cherish the LOVE - Can you feel it?

This Saturday is the 14th February. It is one of the most anticipated time of the year.

In the west, it is a traditional day when everyone expresses their love to their loved ones. An expression that can be in many different forms - from ready-made greeting cards to personal hand-made cards, from sweet roses to sweet chocolate candies, from special heart-shaped balloon to giant postcards - the choices are endless.

This year, as we share our affection with the loved ones, we need to remember that love is not meant to be shared only between two persons. It is meant to be shared with people around us - with our parents, with our brothers and sisters, with our friends and of course with our fellow Tao brothers and sisters.

This year, we have to especially remember our brave young boys and girls in the Chen Xi team. As their preparation enters the mid-gear, it is time for us to show our love for them, our support for them. One way is to share with them some burden, in this case relieving the cost issue that is involved in their preparation.

The Studio Photography project is kicking off this Saturday and will last for two weeks. It is not too late for us to start talking to our friends, neighbors, colleagues and tell them about the exciting offer that we have. Thanks to all of you who have lent your support in spreading the news, good slots are going fast. Encourage early booking confirmation to avoid disappointment.

We are more than half-way from our goal. Would you help us meet that goal? Or even exceed it?

There is still time for everyone to do their parts. This is the least thing that we can do - to show our love to Chen Xi team - at least without burning that hole in our pockets.

As we are approaching this special occasion, can you feel that love is in the air?

A Day of Heavenly Joy

Saturday, 7th February 2009. Men and Women. Young and Old. Infants and Teenagers. Students and Professionals. Housewives and Working Adults. Tao brothers from all walks of life come together for a day of celebration - to mark the beginning of the year of the OX.



Faces beaming with smiles, joy and happiness were seen in every corner of the Holy House. Outside, the economic cloud might be dark and forecast might be gloomy. But together under the embrace of Laomu and in the Loving spirit of Buddha Maitreya, we took shelter, seek protection and guidance. As we sang the new year song (Tao version of course), wish and pray for a good year ahead, the spirit of hope and optimism infected everyone present. A testament clearly spoken by every smiling face. In youthful spirit and togetherness, everyone moved and grooved along to the tunes of Happiness to all. A rare and beautiful sight indeed - like every members of the family coming to union and enjoy everyone else's presence. The celebration culminated with the traditional Yu Sheng - the toast of prosperity, fortunes, good lucks, happiness, health and of course progression in self-cultivation.

Dr Tan reiterated that 2009 is going to be a year of great challenges and economic stumbles. In such difficult times, spirituality and religious values - that promote gracious and balanced living - becomes all the more important. No doubt, there will be job losses and we can only expect the unexpected. But that does not hinder one from living out each day happily. One just need to be modest, content and re-look at the meaning and purpose of life. That is the spirit of Buddha Maitreya. That is the spirit of cultivation.

For a day, we felt and experienced Heavenly Joy. Take example from the OX. Let us all work hard for our families, society and country.