@ PALELAI

The place where dhamma is established...Chedis are meant to arouse a sense of saddha (faith/conviction) in the Teacher, his Teachings and the community of followers who have followed his footsteps in the path to awakening...at the same time, they are also meant to arouse a feeling of samvega (dismay over the dangers of continued death and rebirth) to encourage a sense of urgency in putting his teachings into practice. Time is short...

Have been to Palelai so many times over the years and the completed renovation project really blew our minds away...buddy J mentioned that she felt really peaceful and serene walking on Palelai's grounds and that's something $$$ cannot buy...49 Bedok Walk holds a special place in my heart. Credit: All photos taken by BlackArts.http://www.blackartsfolio.com/

~Photo taken @ Palelai Buddha Hall. This hall is dedicated to the Palelai Buddha image. It reminds of the occasion when Buddha went into retreat in the Parileyyaka Forest where he went in search of solitude. During the retreat in the forest he was cared for by an elephant and a monkey.

A large version of the yantra on the qualities of the Buddha has also been installed on the window just behind the Palelai Buddha image. The romanised Pali of the script along with english and Chinese translations are also incorporated so that members and devotees can read and reflect on them while visiting the hall. Inspiration at its best.

The Yantra (sacred script) is written in ancient Khmer script and is known in Thai as "Yant Kropetch". It is a set of verses that Buddhists recite to reflect upon the qualities of the Buddha. As a fitting tribute to the memory of the Lord Buddha, this yantra is engraved in gold letterings on the window immediately behind the Palelai Buddha image. It allows visitors like us to take time to reflect upon the qualities of our Great Teacher while admiring the beauty of the manuscript, just as any good pilgrim would do while visiting pilgramage sites.


~May all beings always live happily, free from animosity.

"And even, Ananda, as with the body of a universal monarch, so should it be done with the body of the Tathagata; and at a crossroad also a stupa (chedi) should be raised for the Tathagata. And whosoever shall bring to that place garlands or incense or sandalplaste, or pay reverence, and whose mind becomes calm there - it will be to his well being and happiness for a long time:..~Lord Buddha . Mahaparinibbana Sutta

~peace