12th September 2006 - Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche's Birthday Celebration After setting up the publications fund, the Konchog Chidu (Union of all Jewels) sadhana was one of the first texts to be prepared by Shangpa Rinpoche, both in English and Chinese. It is befitting then that this text could be used during his birthday celebration. Those who have supported this publication project have indeed gained great merit and we rejoice and thank them for contributing their time and resources. Many more texts are in line for being translated and updated, please support this meaningful project. On this auspicious day, many devotees turned up to convey their well wishes to Shangpa Rinpoche and join in for his long life prayer, that he may continue to turn the wheel of Dharma for many years to come. Out of their good will, quite a few devotees painstakingly prepared and brought sumptuous vegetarian dishes such as rojak, bur bur cha cha, fried bee hoon etc. to share with everyone and it was quite a feast we had. Everyone was in high spirits and enjoyed the dinner very much. After the recitation of the long life prayer to Shangpa Rinpoche, it was time for some light hearted entertainment. Brother Alec Chia delighted us with his renditions of 3 chinese songs. Although Rinpoche could not understand the songs, he was nevertheless entertained. In his speech, he thanked everyone for coming and hoped that everyone would have a long life as well, because there is so much potential a precious human life can achieve, there were so many sentient beings we could help. The children were invited to gather around the table with the birthday cakes to sing the birthday song. As with every year, the birthday song was sung in English, Chinese and Tibetan. Instead of blowing the candles, Rinpoche had them brought away to continue burning, symbolic of wisdom dispelling ignorance. After Rinpoche has symbolically cut the cake, Edwin, the chairman of the KKBC management committee, presented Rinpoche with a birthday card decorated with the Goddess White Tara, to symbolize longetivity. This card had been passed around the devotees so that they could write down their well wishes. While the cake was cut and distributed, Ani Drolma shyly recited the Long Life Prayer to Rinpoche again, but was so overcome with shyness as we took her photo that she couldn't continue and Lama Rabten continued on for her. After that, the Anis and Lamas also sang a few songs to liven up the atmosphere. The event ended earlier than usual, due to the fact that Rinpoche and the Anis and Lamas have just come back from Nyungne in K.L and were rather tired and needed to rest. Nevertheless, it was still a simple but joyous gathering filled with love and warmth towards our guru, Shangpa Rinpoche. May he live long and continue turning the wheel of Dharma to benefit all sentient beings and lead us towards the path of enlightenment!

Time Programme 2 pm to 6 pm Konchog Chidu (Union of all Jewels) puja Long Life Puja for Ven Shangpa Rinpoche 7 pm Potluck Dinner 8 pm Birthday Celebration Long Life Prayer for Ven Shangpa Rinpoche Cutting of Birthday Cake by Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche