It was such a blessing and chance of a lifetime to meet one of the most respected and holiest head monk of the world from Tibet in Malaysia His Holiness The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje on 24th May 2012 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur during the Thanksgiving Vegetarian Dinner.
Everything was just so coincidence or everything was arranged as planned. I realize about this Dharma trip to Singapore on 25th May 2012 about a week ago before the event from facebook. I didn't hope much as it is impossible for me to meet H.H the 17th Karmapa from Tibet because I am working in Malaysia. All I did was to share this good news on facebook by posting it. Of course meeting monks especially from Tibet was one of my goal since I was awakened. I was so keen to meet monks and if can have the opportunity to learn from them. I didn't even have a chance to meet any other monks in Malaysia, how can I have chance to meet one of the highest head monk of the world from Tibet, never dare to think of it. Who am I qualify to be meet them? I am just an ordinary Buddhist layperson who has just starts to learn.
However on the 23rd May 2012, a miracle happened. I received an sms from my ex-student about a Buddhist Vegetarian Charity Dinner on 24th May 2012 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, KL. The most importantly, Karmapa will be attending. I was quite sure it was the same Karmapa that I linked on facebook as it was quite logic as he might dropped by to Malaysia on his way to Singapore on the 25th. Feeling excited but I rejected as I was still having financial problem as I couldn't afford to pay for the tickets. Besides, the tickets were sold in pair and I didn't have anyone to accompany me to go all the way to KL. So, I sent her back a message saying that I had something to attend.
Things are weird. After tiring working that afternoon, I took an afternoon nap. In my nap, I had a dream. I dreamt of my 3rd sister, Sally was talking about the same charity dinner as being invited by her friends. In the dream, I told her that my student asked me about the dinner but I rejected. Knowing her going, I felt like going too. Then, I woke up from my dream. I knew I must attend the dinner as it was so obvious that I really wanted to attend and my intention was only one, to meet HH the 17th Karmapa. So, I sent another message to my student to accept her invitation and asked her to reserve two tickets for me. Since my sister Sally was in my dream, I invited her to be my partner.
Before the event, I did some survey and research on who is the HH the 17th Karmapa and what does Karmapa means "the one who carries out buddha-activity" or "the embodiment of all the activities of the buddhas." In the Tibetan tradition, great enlightened teachers are said to be able to consciously arrange to be reborn as a teacher who can carry on the teachings of a predecessor in a prior life. Pursuant to this tradition, the Karmapas have incarnated in this form of manifestation body (Skt. nirmanakaya), for seventeen lifetimes, as of the present, and all have played the most important role in preserving and propagating the Buddhist teachings of Tibet. Prior to the birth of the first Karmapa, the arrival of a Buddhist master who would be known as the Karmapa had been prophesied by the historic Buddha Shakyamuni and the great tantric master of India, Guru Padmasambhava. Throughout the centuries, Karmapas have been the central figure in the continuation of the vajrayana lineage in general and Kagyu lineage in particular, and have played a very important role in the preservation of the study and practice lineages of Buddhism. (http://www.kagyuoffice.org/karmapa.html)
I was finally there. It took me almost 2 hours to reach Berjaya Times Square Hotel, KL from Klang due to the terrible traffic. I went there with my student and her younger brother. On our way, we shared some beautiful experiences on Buddhism since we had never met since her graduation. My sister Sally traveled separately from Damasara.
When I reached there, my focus was not other than to meet the Holiness. I observed closely and read about all the quotes written by Karmapa. I saw some monks outside before the ceremony start while waiting for the arrival of my sister. I was so keen to meet him. The feeling was like meeting a Super Star or even meeting a very important long lost master or family members. I was such a child.
He didn't show up outside the hall. I went to be seated inside the hall with my sister when she arrived. My eyes were still focused on his existence. The moment had arrived, the ceremony begun. Without hesitation, I grabbed my handphone and a camera and walked to the waiting lane for his arrival. When he walked, I continued to take as many pictures as possible. He was seated with other respected monks and VIPs from other centres. There were numerous of monks arrived on that day. Usually I was very exited with even meeting an ordinary monk but on that day, my focus was only on the Karmapa. I was so happy to be able to meet him. An opening performance of the top lion dances starts, but it didn't distract my attention to the holiness. I kept on taking pictures on the respected Karmapa. I was the only ordinary guest taking picures as I was surrounding by a group of professional photographers. And I was the only lady. I didn't bother how and what others think as my focus was very clear, to meet him. I guess because I was the only lady, I captured his attention too, I gave him a respected nod. The feeling was like meeting a very respected Guru or Master of mine. I was in fact very nervous and excited as my hands were shaking terribly when I hold the camera. I have never been so nervous since my awakening as I have trained myself to be calm and peace at all time since I practice meditation. It was an exceptional one that day. I know meeting him was very important to me, it's a faith.
During the dinner, there were a lot of exciting and interesting performances held but my concentration was also on him. I even took a video of him during his speech. I felt it was really very honoured to have met him in Malaysia as not everyone has the chance to meet him. It was really a chance of a lifetime. Never know, when is my next opportunity. I saw some Buddhist offered the Karmapa something like flowers or scarfs to receive blessings from him, so I asked my student if there is anything that I can offer to him. I told her earlier that I wanted to take picture with him and asked her to help me to arrange that session as she was one of the volunteer there. She promised to help me by asking permission from the PIC. I wanted to offer him something but I didn't know what to offer. Suddenly, I thought of my self-publishing book that I kept some in my car booth, so I checked with my student if I can offer my book to him. My student said yes. So, I rushed back to my car to get the book and wrote a short message on a piece of paper to the respected HH The 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
Finally I had a chance to meet him with the help of my beloved student and the organizer. I was so excited and more than thankful. I knew I need to grab every opportunity possible as it was really a chance of a lifetime. I followed the PIC to the Karmapa's seat and offered my book to him. I was so speechless and didn't know what to say. All I did was telling him that I wrote the book myself and I am a teacher. I also seek his permission to take picture with him. I was so nervous but at the same time very happy and delighted to be able to meet his holiness. That's the only 2 minutes that I shared with him but it was truly worth. May Buddha bless him with great health and longevity. I really didn't know when will be the next time we meet again, even though I was really hoping to be his student and learn from him. I guess I just have to put this goal aside and continue to do what I suppose to do in Malaysia until I have another opportunity to meet him again.
Really thanks to those who help and support me achieving my spiritual goals. May all be well and happy.
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