SBM Youth

Summary video of the recently concluded Camp Ehi-Passiko 2012.



Year in review, 2012.

Camp Ehi-Passiko 2012

I am still recovering from Camp and another tough week at work, but here's a snippet of the traditional "family shoot" of Camp Ehi-Passiko. Our 15th year.

iPhonegraphy Today

On course the past 2 days. "Keep the country united and resilient." Well said, Mister.

 Heroes, the new additions to the car.

Kathina Celebrations

Hugging the Buddha's Foot

I wrote and directed this short video as part of the 15th anniversary of the Singapore Buddhist Mission's youth group, SBM Youth. I did this via fly-by. 1 camera, 2 actors, 1 Toyota Altis and lots of McDonald's for lunch.

The Mission has been the place I call my second home since 15 years ago. Lots of good memories, sometimes sleepless nights but lots of tears and sweat, just so we try and make this youth group a conducive place to learn the Dhamma and to connect with like-minded spiritual friends. The Buddha's teachings has defined who I am today and the Mission has given me many opportunities to learn new skills and to develop my character further. For that, I'm always thankful of. To all spiritual friends past and present, thank you for the wonderful 15 years. 

Meeting Ven. Matthieu Ricard & Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche

Had the blessing (thanks Chingwi and PMT!) to meet and speak privately with Venerable Matthieu Ricard and His Eminence Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, both world-renowned Buddhist teachers , when they were in Singapore last week. The former is widely touted by the Western media as the "World's Happiest Man" while the latter is the grandson and spiritual heir of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and also the descendent of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet. Two short video interviews coming right up.

liberation

The Buddha's teachings liberate my mind from religious dogma and the reliance on an almighty supernatural being (high up in the skies) for peace and fulfillment. I learn that the human mind and the human potential is limitless. I am empowered and put into a position whereby I am responsible for the way I shall lead my life, while being mindful of the importance of wisdom and compassion.

因上努力，果上隨緣。

"佛教中有句話，叫做因上努力，果上隨緣。
也就是說，在我們可以把握的部分盡力而為，
至於最終結果如何，就順其自然而不是一味強求。"

ACE CAMP 2012

This one shot with a 5DMkII, 7D and 60D. May the light of the Triple Gems continue to shine in everyone's hearts.

Foreword

Guess who?

"Throughout my growing years, the teachings of the Buddha have helped me to develop confidence and a healthy self-esteem. Even when I’ve entered the workforce, His teachings continue to guide me in managing societal expectations and in making sense of my place in this world. 

It is thus my wish that more young people can benefit from the Buddha’s teachings the way I have. It is also this sincere wish that my friends and I from the Singapore Buddhist Mission have come together to organize ACE CAMP 2012.

Do participate in activities with an open mind and heart and I hope by the end of the 4 days and 3 nights, your hearts will be filled wholesome by the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha and that you will be able to find life-long spiritual friends. Sukhi hontu!"

- ACE CAMP 2012 - CAMP JOURNAL

ACE CAMP 2012 Trailer

This was a no frills shoot with just a 5DMkII and a group of friends chilling out at Kavvy's home. There was no script or storyboard and I shot it against the window, the sole light source in the room, backlight. A big no-no. But I took whatever feels right and it turns out quite fine in my opinion. Re-work and re-edit it for the summer biggest blockbuster event (in our own view): ACE CAMP 2012.

ACE CAMP is a 4 days - 3 nights Buddhist youth camp organized specifically for young people aged 17 to 25 years old (26 to 30 are also welcomed). The objectives of the camp is to
(A) Share the Buddhist faith to young people
(B) Build strong spiritual friendships amongst the participants

15th (Fri) to 18th (Mon) June 2012

For more information, please visit http://sbmyouth.blogspot.com/p/ace-camp.html

Email [email protected] for enquires.

Probably my swansong as a campmaster.

The Teacher of Gods and Men

Siddhattha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree
Tonight His Love will sat you free
No more sorrows let His Wisdom shine
Siddhattha's search shall end tonight.

All creatures on earth fled in fright
Only Prince Siddhattha sat tight
Defeated Mara by His Glory and Might
Siddhattha's search shall end tonight.

Gods and Men sang in delight
The Teacher of Gods and Men has arrived.
Gods and Men sang all night
The Buddha our Lord has arrived.

Happy Vesak Day

 Little Buddha (1994) dir. Bernardo Bertolucci

I still think that this is the most enjoyable Buddhist-themed movie I have ever watched, other than The Burmese Harp. Hollywood's take on the Buddha's life with Keanu Reeves taking on the role of Sakyamuni Buddha (not without going thru a strict diet). This is a Bernardo no doubt. I like how he intertwined the life of the Buddha story with the life of a modern day American kid learning about this strange Asian faith and these strange men in maroon robes.

The Buddha (2007) dir. Kritsaman Wattananarong

Life of Buddha (2003) dir. Martin Meissonnier

Happy Vesak Day. May all be well and happy. May all endeavours be fruitful. May the Wheel of the Dhamma continue to turn.

ACE CAMP 2012

My swansong. For more information, check out Ace Camp on SBM Youth.

Mangala Sutta

The Discourse on Blessings traditionally written on sala leaves. One of my favourite discourses by the Buddha.


"To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft, well-trained in discipline, and to be of good speech — this is the greatest blessing."

Oh My Buddha!

Videos of Camp Ehi-Passiko 2011. Another job well done. May the Dhamma flourish in the hearts of these young people.

Lanka

Maybe you'd like to join me?

 Maybe you'd like to join me?

 抱佛脚？

 Technically观音菩萨 is not a Buddha right?

Eh yah hor. Aiyah, Bodhisattva's foot also counted lah.

Rushes. No colour editing yet. It's back to the drawing board, trying to make it work better. Too much mediocrity to the name.

Organs

43 organisers (and 7 missing ones)

I don't know how to use better words to describe my heartfelt appreciation for the youths of SBM. It's never easy to do Buddhist youth work in Singapore, with the lack of resources and support and the cynicism of "armchair experts'. These kids probably had "better" things to do during their free time. But they spent countless hours for months preparing for the camp. Then on camp day itself, they climbed the stairs and the hill, lugging along tables, chairs and litres of drinking water against adverse weather elements. They chose to spend as little as possible, like renting the cheapest vehicle they can find, which turn out to be a rickety old van with non-functioning breaks. Even when the weather threatened to spoil the event, their mood never dampens. Environment and conditions can challenge them but they realise that ultimately, it's their attitude towards their surroundings that matters most.

They worked at the background, away from the limelight. Perhaps that's how SBM develops our youths. Serving others in unglamorous roles and see how their sacrifices can add happiness to the lives of others. Some of these organizers are as old as the campers but they readily take on responsibilities, putting the welfare of the campers first.

See the value of serving others and the joy you have in your heart, when you realise that your small little actions could generate into something bigger. Build spiritual friendships in a safe place where you can grow. Spiritual friendship also means that you allow your friends to learn new things and give them space to make mistakes. Understand your faith and realise what an inspiring teacher the Buddha is and how His teachings can benefit yourself and other teenagers Take ownership of this the Mission. It belongs to all of us. Look after it well, make your voices heard and let it grow in wisdom and compassion. Continue to serve with passion as servant-leaders and spiritual friends who look out for one another.

"Spiritual friendship is the whole of the spiritual life." - The Buddha

The Mission

Larger than life. Keep it close to your heart, let it grow.