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Copyright by la-lanchsIt really got me quite some time before I decided to write on this wonderful experience that I had one week ago - an encounter with a very big group of devout Christians during Sunday Service. Deep within me, I believe that this is the manifestation of one thought that I carry along my consciousness for a length of time - that no matter which religion or spiritual belief one has, it is vitally important to pay due respect to others as well. Of course such ripening aspect of karmic connection would not be made possible without the kindness of one friend - Wilson, a good conversationalist and intelligent chap who shared with me many of Christianity teachings. I give thanks for for having known him as a friend.
Upon stepping my foot into Hope PJ, I was greeted by so many friendly people. There's one distinctive feature about these disciples of Christianity that impressed me - they are warm, just warm! At least this was how I perceived it, they really flabbergasted me with such expression.
The service started off with a singing session where a Brother led everyone to sing along on songs that praise God. Alongside the singing was the playing of various musical intruments that was so heart-lifting they could invoke the sense of joy in the minds of everyone present. Being a "first-timer" at this occasion, I surprisingly found myself being able to easily sing along. This was further followed by a sermon. In the midst of the preaching, the devotees were all given a small cup of liquid in red (which I later found out is the famous Ribena) and a little piece of bread. Through the pastor's guide, they later drank the liquid and ate the bread - a practice to symbolically represent that their past defilements were purified.
Being a Buddhist myself, I was told not to partake in the practice for only a Christian devotee can commit the symbolic practice. Hence I observed the process. It got me thinking that there seemed to be some similarity between that practice and the "purification" ritual practised by devotees of Tibetan Buddhism - of which I has considerable familiarity with. While Christian devotees consume the symbolic drink and food to undergo the purification, Tibetan Buddhism practitioners will do some chanting and thereafter to visualise that they are completely purified of their past negativity.
As the service ended, many then set for lunch. This practice of having lunch together was said to be of significant meaning - it is a fellowship session where everyone bond and understand each other better. Wilson said that this fellowship session is generally a "must-do" after the service. I met many youngsters about the same age as mine. They were all devout and nice people. I had a sense that this world will surely be a better place to live as there are so many people practising good values - more so that these are all young people! And that reminded me a phrase that I once read in a book - values are the foundation of future happiness. Oh indeed it is true!
Upon stepping my foot into Hope PJ, I was greeted by so many friendly people. There's one distinctive feature about these disciples of Christianity that impressed me - they are warm, just warm! At least this was how I perceived it, they really flabbergasted me with such expression.
The service started off with a singing session where a Brother led everyone to sing along on songs that praise God. Alongside the singing was the playing of various musical intruments that was so heart-lifting they could invoke the sense of joy in the minds of everyone present. Being a "first-timer" at this occasion, I surprisingly found myself being able to easily sing along. This was further followed by a sermon. In the midst of the preaching, the devotees were all given a small cup of liquid in red (which I later found out is the famous Ribena) and a little piece of bread. Through the pastor's guide, they later drank the liquid and ate the bread - a practice to symbolically represent that their past defilements were purified.
Being a Buddhist myself, I was told not to partake in the practice for only a Christian devotee can commit the symbolic practice. Hence I observed the process. It got me thinking that there seemed to be some similarity between that practice and the "purification" ritual practised by devotees of Tibetan Buddhism - of which I has considerable familiarity with. While Christian devotees consume the symbolic drink and food to undergo the purification, Tibetan Buddhism practitioners will do some chanting and thereafter to visualise that they are completely purified of their past negativity.
As the service ended, many then set for lunch. This practice of having lunch together was said to be of significant meaning - it is a fellowship session where everyone bond and understand each other better. Wilson said that this fellowship session is generally a "must-do" after the service. I met many youngsters about the same age as mine. They were all devout and nice people. I had a sense that this world will surely be a better place to live as there are so many people practising good values - more so that these are all young people! And that reminded me a phrase that I once read in a book - values are the foundation of future happiness. Oh indeed it is true!
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