I took refuge with a Mahayana Chapter on 3rd August 2006.
The abbot did a one-to-one refuge ceremony for me at their Da Xiong Bao Dian 大雄宝殿.
The ceremony lasted for more than 20 minutes.
He then gifted me with a beaded bracelet.
The Dharma name given to me is Pu Yue 普悦. Pu is to spread or share widely and Yue is Joy or Happiness.
In April 2007, I also attended the ceremony for the 5 Precepts.
I volunteered my time and efforts in the kitchen of this chapter, also helped set up a retail outlet for flowers, fruits, incense,.... which is still flourishing the last time I visited.
Fellow volunteers nickname me "Cai Shen" or Fortune Deity.
Reverends from the place called me "Lao Ban Niang" or Boss Lady.
The Abbot also greets me whenever I bow to him.
Generally, pretty popular in this place. The fellow volunteers in the kitchen are mostly old ladies and a few of them, I lovingly address as Gan-Ma, God-mother.
Hahaha! Yes! more than one!
The Head Chef also teased me saying how come turn here also Gan-ma & there also Gan-ma, how many do you have?
I think about 3 or 4. Can't remember!
Nearing end July of 2008, I walked up to an assistant chef and asked him: YH, why don't you bring me go take refuge with your shifu (teacher/guru)?
He was shocked and said: You already took refuge here and all the Shifu here treat you well. Why guiyi my shifu?
I said: Just bring me go take refuge please.
YH arranged his shift and told me we go on Sunday for the 2pm session at Fu Qing Hui Guan.
However, on that day, another chef reported sick and he has to cover and will finished at 5pm.
So we went to a local chapter instead for 8pm session of Yellow Jambala fire puja.
Hahaha!
This day is 3rd August 2008, exactly 2 years from the day I took refuge with the Triple Gems!
Lunar calendar is also 3rd day of Lunar 8th month!
This 3rd August will be my 7th year with the Triple Gems & 5th with Living Buddha Lian Sheng, Grandmaster Lu, & the Triple Gems!
On 3rd August this year, we are doing Padmakumara & Amitabha Buddha as joint yidams for our fire puja. Also doing Ancestors Offering for the Lunar 7th Month.
What a great day it will be, celebrating my refuge too!
:) Cheers all
Om Guru Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef
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