May 13 (updated)

For many of us Buddhists, it is still rest day - still recovering or recovered from the hectic and busy Wesak celebrations. Yet this day remains as one of the the most important (even darkest) day in the history of our nation since independence from the British in 1957. On this day and the days following May 13, 1969, many, many Malaysians were killed. If you want to know more about it, check out this link for summary of the key events from Kua Kia Soong's book entitled "May 13: Declassified Documents of the Malaysian Racial Riots of 1969" The Malaysian Bar Council has another summary here.

picture source: http://nooryahaya.blogspot.com

Today is not the time to point who's right or wrong, but to remember the lives that were lost. It is very easy for forget, especially when our history books are constantly written and re-written by those in power. In fact, I think many people have forgotten. I feel it is important to remember the hatred that ran amok that day, changing the path history permanently. The lives of those who suffered because of that- many are still around today and still remember the pain. Check out some stories here and a video here.

Being a Malaysian, I am also a Buddhist. I cannot separate the two and with the Buddha Dharma driving the principles of how I live my life, I need to see things as a Malaysian Buddhists. As such, I need to acknowledge history and learn from it. In fact, we need to do much more. We need to appreciate and stand by the side of justice, understanding and peace and support it wholeheartedly. More importantly, have the courage to express these in thought, speech and mind.

This afternoon during lunch I took some time to go to Wat Chetawan and offer a prayer for peace. After I had received blessings from the resident monk. I spent some time in meditation and dedicate good thoughts. As a Buddhist, our aim is to achieve inner peace and manifest that peace to peace in our community and society - Peace begins in our hearts and minds and goes beyond to the whole world and universe. We call this METTA. Here is a simple Metta reflection (Buddhist prayer) I would like to dedicate to all Malaysians.

May all beings everywhere plagued

with sufferings of body and mind

quickly be freed from their illnesses.

May those frightened cease to be afraid,

and may those bound be free.

May the powerless find power,

and may people think of befriending

one another.

May those who find themselves in trackless,

fearful wilderness–

the children, the aged,

the unprotected–

be guarded by beneficial celestials,

and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood.

Evoking the presence of the great compassion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion–towards ourselves and towards all living beings.

Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all brothers and sisters, all nourished from the same source of life.

SADHU! SADHU! SADHU!

May peace prevail in our country! May we be blessed with the faith & courage to make important changes in our life and to bring change to our community - for the better!