Bodhi Mandala is coming to life!

I believe in the adage that quality counts more than quantity. That is why Buddha started off with 5 disciples. That is why in the "sinsapa leaves" analogy, He said that despite the vast number of leaves on the ground, what matters are those held folded in His palms - "teachings that liberates one from dukkha".

Day 26 and still only 112 grains adopted. But already people are moving within the mandala, giving help to one another.

Case #1

After reading about Dhamma Moli, a Korean monk from Seoul, South Korea got some of his supporters to donate 3 industrial sewing machines for the nuns there. Why did he do this? In his own words, he said....

"while going through damma moli project,
which is to me a tearful reminder of
the post-war korean tragedy around 1950
which i have personally witnessed
as a small kid as those girls shown therein,
i think i ought to do something
to share their agony and relieve hardship ...

by assisting them to stand on their feet"

We are now awaiting the green light from Dhamma Moli before sending the sewing machines to Nepal.

Case 2

How Chee Aun is a college student who is getting by without a scholarship. He depends on his parents for his financial needs. Every month, he is given RM 500 (US$ 142) for subsistence. A few days ago, he bought 4 grains and spent US$80, or 56% of his total monthly allowance for February. He spent his money to promote not his own website, but that of another. Why did he do this? In his email to Bodhi Mandala, he said:

"What is a few days with smaller amount of food intake (I can get by with bread, plain water and Maggi mee * ? What is a little hunger and discomfort compared to the African ladies exposed to inhumane customs (Campaign against female genital mutilation)? Or helping others to keep little girls away from the clutches of pimps and slave traders? I hope my little contribution will make a difference."

* Editor's note: a local brand of instant noodle

I would like to thank both the Korean Venerable and How Chee Aun for their immense selflessness. It moves me writing this blog, because the grains adopted by these people have sincere meaning behind them. Who says a virtual abode cannot be pure? It depends who populates it.

And so even with 112 grains, Bodhi Mandala is already leaving behind some moving stories. The leaves in Buddha's hand is certainly more than enough to heal the world!