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This year's celebration on Sunday 21st Dec started early at 9.30am. When most of the 100- plus guests and members were seated, and had admired the beautiful signature decorations by Bill Keith, the two MCs, James Long and Tan Sio Chian, invited our KHBA President Datin Ng to deliver her welcome speech. Befitting the occasion, she related a brief biography of Lord Tsongkhapa and his holy deeds.
Next to be invited was the Chief Operating Officer of KH Working Committee, Yap Yoke Fui, who took the opportunity to congratulate those who had completed the Lamrim recitation. She also shared the message from H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche regarding the many benefits of reciting the Lamrim as an encouragement to everyone to take part to accomplish collectively the 100 times recitation of the text by the end of the month.
This was followed by presentation of thangkas won by friends and members during the recent Grand Setrap puja. Each of the thangkas had H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche's handprints and a message written on the back to make them truly sacred and treasured items.
After the excitement of the thangka presentation, the Lama Chopa prayers and Tsog offering were recited with sincerity and enthusiasm, ending a lovely morning of prayer and dedications.
The afternoon session started at 2pm. While some who attended the earlier session did not join, their absence was made up by new arrivals. It was still a crowded KH1 especially when half the hall had to be cleared to allow for the dance routine which was to be the highlight of the afternoon.
The stage was set when all the lights were dimmed for the entrance of the ‘mara’ of our delusions and negative energies personified by the dark veiled contorted figure of dancer Lee Swee Keong. The sight of him wielding a sword menacingly above his head must have made some uncomfortable and those who sat in front perhaps had wished they had sat back further. Yek Yee's role as a slave of ‘mara’ added to the dark mood.
It is always a relief and joy when goodness triumphs over evil in the end. The show ended with just such a high point with the audience appreciatively receiving rose petals from the transformed evil one, now a holy monk and follower of Lord Tsongkhapa.
Next on the program was a well collated A/V presentation of Lama Tsongkhapa's life story by KIM.
All of KH1's lights went up for a short interview with the comic book's illustrator Mr. Terry Lim and dancer Lee Swee Keong. Both shared their unique experiences when working on their respective works which were sincere and enriching. They felt it had brought out the best in them in many ways.
Right after the main interview, a drawing board was quickly set up and Terry Lim was requested to demonstrate his drawing skills to the audience. He was happy to do so and within minutes the face of Lama Tsongkhapa materialised on the drawing board right before our very eyes.
The final event of the afternoon was the presentation of book tokens to major sponsors of the successful publication of the Lama Tsongkhapa Chinese comic book - Datin Ng, Mr & Mrs Ngeow. After receiving the gifts, they helped to distribute copies of the books to all those who were present in the room. Many were pleasantly surprised to receive such an auspicious gift to cap an auspicious and uplifting day.
Many thanks to KH Committee - especially Bill Keith, who transformed KH1 into a room of fluttering prayer flags. Thanks also to members of other departments like Lily Ng, Pat Ng, May Woo, Liaison Chia Song Peng and Ashlee Tam who helped in the decorations and floral arrangements. Last but not least, the many who helped to quickly clear and tidy the premises after the event.
Lama Tsongkhapa Day at Kechara
Liaison Sio Chian and Apprentice Liaison James – our wonderful MCs
Pat with Setrap thangka presented by Liaison Joy of Tsem Ladrang
Florence with thangka
Patsy is Umze
Tsongkhapa Comic Book Launch
Tsongkhapa comic book display
Full house at Kechara
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 1
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 2
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 3
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 4
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 5
Dance by Lee Swee Keong – Part 6
Screening of Kechara In Motion’s short presentation
James interviews Terry Lim and Lee Swee Keong
Terry being interviewed
Lee Swee Keong expresses himself
Terry demonstrates his drawing skills
KMP CEO Susan Lim giving thank you gift to Terry
KMP CEO Susan Lim giving a Green Tara painting for Lee Swee Keong
KMP makes first offering to Rinpoche, accepted by Liaison of Tsem Ladrang, JP Thong
A gift for Datin Ng, one of the main sponsors of the Tsongkhapa Comic Book
Mr and Mrs Ngeow are regular supporters and sponsors of KMP
KMP Marketing Director Tan Sio Chian announcing free copies for all
Terry being asked for autographs
Group picture
Another group picture
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