Knowing It’s Just Right!

When I was going through one of the most painful phases of my life and a long drawn one at that, I was carried away in a seemingly endless ebbing and flowing tide of suffering. My only saving grace from drowning was the grasping of THE FAITH that kept me hanging on, and to survive at the very skin of my teeth!

I had made an aspiration. That if by chance I would have in the future to extend any help to others, in the same way I had been helped and which I believed there was, I would. Along the line, the thought of building or having a hand in building a place or a sanctuary for spiritual development occurred to me. I had no money and I didn’t know how that wish came to be, but it did.

When ideas of the Sri Langkasuka Retreat Village was introduced by our teachers, something clicked. Although I had contributed to other similar initiatives but this is where I felt a sense of belonging. That this was it! The timing was so right. The feeling was just right.

I must have known that the past intense suffering had been a sign. There must be a way out and this could be it. It spurred the desire to help in whichever way I could – despite doubts, despite resources, despite knowledge. Only with a conviction and a long-forgotten aspiration I am venturing into unknown territory from which I could only draw upon a similar trust and passion of a like-minded group of enablers and with the guidance from teachers and seniors.

The village retreat for me is a dream – and with its materialisation, will be a dream come true. No doubt a worldly dream for now, but to use this dream to become awakened from it.

I believe that this is not only my dream. We have all suffered – still and will suffer but to believe it is not without a reason. Perhaps it is time to drive this dream together and take up a part of this beautiful village retreat as our very own. However little or extensive but within our means, let us extend our hands to live the practice towards higher happiness in a place we can call our spiritual home. Not only for us but also those who will follow the path after us. To trail-blaze a way leading to the end of all suffering. What can be nobler than that?

Faith is all I have …

As it is,
Yvonne Loh