Celebrating National Day with Gratitude -- Poh Yong Hui

Fourfold Embodiment of Our Blessings 四重恩

1. Our Parents 父母恩

2. Our Country 国家恩

3. All Sentient Beings 众生恩

4. The Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) (佛宝恩、法宝恩、僧宝恩)

"National Day is the most appropriate day to remind us of paying gratitude to the nation!" says Sabrina Tan, 24. She is one of the organisers for "Roar with the Nation 2007" a party held by the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Youth Ministry (kmsYM) prior to National Day.

As with past years, the party revolved around the theme of 揼ratitude? According to the organisers, gratitude had always been the core value of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, which it strongly encourages the public to practise. 揃y dedicating this day to the nation, Buddhists will take this day to reflect on the many blessings of living in Singapore,?adds Sabrina.

The Venerable Chuan Xian was invited to give a Dharma talk in English on the 揊ourfold Embodiment of Our Blessings?(四重恩). The Venerable, who has personally witnessed the dire conditions in the Third World countries, said: 揟his National Day, let us reflect that we are very fortunate to live in Singapore.

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According to him, having true gratitude allows us to 揵etter understand the needs of people around us? Moreover, qualities like gratitude, kindness and compassion heal and are especially important in a fast-moving society like Singapore, where "people are generally tense".

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Singapore Gaga, a 55-minute documentary by local filmmaker Tan Pin Pin, was also screened as part of the line-up. The film, which featured many renowned (and eccentric) personalities who contribute to the Singapore抯 sound-scape, including the tissue lady who sings the 揙ne Dollar?song and 搉ational treasure?Ying, the busker who performs at Raffles Place MRT station, reminded the audience of little things in life which they may have forgotten.

Participant Elaine Sng, 28, said, "The film was entertaining with sad undertones. Although life for people like the "One Dollar" tissue lady may be trying, I'm glad they don't pity themselves".

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"I only realised how lucky I was when I travelled to less-developed countries. I have my three meals a day and I need not worry about money. I realised then that my Levi抯 jeans were not so important after all!"

The movie screening was followed by an insightful review-cum-sharing session by writer Shen Shi扐n. The group then trooped off to the Botanic Gardens for a jazz concert organised by the National Arts Council, in conjunction with National Day.

Did the article set you thinking about your blessings? If it doesn抰 come so easily or if it抯 overwhelming and you are seeking for a channel to voice them, visit www.gratitude.kmspks.org for more information. It抯 space for the public to express gratitude of all kinds through different forms under the PKS Youth Ministry project. Fill up a Gratitude Card and share it with others. Better still, send Gratitude E-cards to your family and friends.