|
begin. The middle story was already ready for use, so we were tidying up, fixing things up and putting things in place for the course. Sayadaw had come along to watch and make sure we were being thorough in tidying up, fixing things up and putting things in place. He seemed satisfied with our work. He seemed also to appreciate that everything was ready for the course to start. He expression was rather joyful and approving, with a hint of a smile on his face, too. Then, in one corner of the hall, he came upon a broom of rushes which was placed disadvantageously. It was placed so that it stood with the handle upwards, and the fibers downwards.
"You shouldn't place that broom like that," he told me. He had me fix the broom so that the handle was on the bottom and the fibers sticking upwards.
While he imparted these words of wisdom, Sayadaw was bracing himself with his staff, and smiling slightly. I was listening carefully, with my palms together at my chests in homage. Sayadaw's words of wisdom are a superior piece of advice. These words of wisdom are exceedingly valuable, the kind of words you rarely get to hear.
Now the Dhamma hall has been completed. It is grand and magnificent indeed. This three story Dhamma hall is named 'Sâdujanatosnâ Dhammasabâ Building', meaning 'The Dhamma assembly hall giving joy to the virtuous ones'. In that great Dhamma hall, local and foreign monks, nuns and lay yogis sit and walk in meditation, listen to Dhamma talks, radiate mettâ and share merit. The ordained Dhamma teachers give Dhamma talks. The Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Dhamma family offers robes at vassa (the rainy season), sîla (morality) is observed, various activities are carried out and from it the sounds of "Sâdhu!" emanate. During the Buddhist Culture Course, too, the sights and sounds of Buddhist children reciting and spreading mettâ offer cause for joy. In accord with its name, too, it is a great cause for rapture. I have heard tell of even those who don't have a mind to sit finding the desire to sit and meditate arising in that great Dhamma hall.
|
|