Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Generosity in Festive Seasons

Festive seasons have always been the time of giving. We exchange presents on Christmas. Muslims donate to the mosque prior to the celebration of Eid (known as Aidilfitri in Malaysia).

I am a sleeping member of a Buddhist society. Each year, during Chinese New Year season, the society members pay visit to selected devotees. They would perform “chanting of blessing”, and the hosts would, in return, contribute some money to the society. I have been taking part in such activities for a number of years. Due to my busy schedule, however, I could only join on perhaps alternate days. This year, I visited a total of 17 houses

One benefactor deserves special mentioning. Her mansion was located near Thien Hou Temple. We arrived at her house at 9pm, and were greeted by the hostess. She was about 30, dressed in cheongsam (旗袍), which highlighted her curvy figure; her brown (dyed) hair was secured in bun, which gave her an elegant look. The lady lived with her mother and three maids. We saw several portraits of her mother hanging on the wall. Also present was a Chinese calligraphy which expounded filial piety. I was told that the lady invited us to her house because she wanted her mother to “benefit” from it.

We performed the routine chanting. At the end of the session the hostess made her contribution. She also gave each of the visitors – about ten of us – a red packet. How much money was inside the ang pau? For privacy reason, I am not disclosing the number. But, considering that we hardly knew each other, I must say that she was very generous.

As a poor man, I couldn’t make a big monetary donation. But at least I was giving my time. That’s another form of generosity. I look forward to next year’s program…




16 comments:

  1. wow, you go chanting at houses like the caroling.. that's really a lot better than me~~ :p

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  2. at least you devote your time and spread the blessings to others.. i only pray at home, occassionally~~ :p

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  3. i think it's not the amount she give but i think it's the thought.. somemore, the red packet design is very nice leh, even empty one also nice already, haha.. :)

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  4. Oh! I never take part in such an activity before. Yes, it's a good way to help others : )

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  5. good to be generous at times.

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  6. That's a cool way to celebrate the festive season.

    cheongsam is a qipao, right?

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  7. Zhu
    We refers to qipao as cheongsam 長衫.

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  8. KS, that's an awesome deed you are doing - giving the gift of time. Good for you!

    I've always believed that the angpow itself is more valuable than the content inside purely because it is a gift of blessing. The content is the bonus.

    Keep up the good work!

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  9. You could give the angbao you received from her as a monetary donation to your temple.

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  10. Yeah, I also go to old folks home, give ang pows and make a donation.

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  11. I got the least hong bao this year.. sobs :(

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  12. Leon
    Thanks. Will do.

    Autumn Belle
    That's excellent!

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  13. Awesome merits attained. Selected devotees means they requested for the prayers? How long would each chanting last per house? Saddhu! Saddhu Saddhu!

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  14. bananaz
    Chanting about 30 minutes; socializing 10-20 minutes, longer if hosts provided food. Then there was traveling time. So you know how much time I have 'given'.

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  15. This is an activity worth promoting. The generosity in effort and time is sometimes more valuable than monetary generosity...

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  16. Another Smart post from you Admin :)

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