Thanks to the generous
support of our sponsors and friends, the Triple Gem Society
continues to aid
people and communities affected by the devastating
Asian tsunami of December 2005. Although it is no
longer front page news, there is still much work to be
done. We remain true to our efforts to help amidst
many challenges. The great healing experienced by
those whose lives are uplifted by this help constantly
reminds us to continue moving forward.
On the 6th of August, we dedicated the second Hindu
temple (Pillayar Kovil) that the TGS rebuilt in the
eastern province of Kalmunai. The original temple had
been badly damaged during the tsunami, which also took
from this community their priest. Now, a year and a
half after the tsunami, the community can finally use
their temple to worship and pray. The people were
overwhelmed with joy to see the reopening of their
temple, knowing that they now have their place of
worship back.
The whole project, from design to completion, was
sponsored by the humanitarian fund of the Triple Gem
Society. It was truly a magnificent day for the
community and for all of us who witnessed the opening
of this much celebrated and appreciated new temple.
On the opening day, the devotees of the temple were
waiting all along the road with fresh flower garlands
to show their gratitude to me and those who traveled
with me. After welcoming us, the young and old
gathered in the shade of the coconut trees on the
beach to celebrate the opening of their temple. The
same beach that had held many dead bodies along it
just after the tsunami had turned into to sacred
ground as we held a blessing ceremony to reopen the
temple.
Many words of thanks and gratitude were expressed by
the guests who attended the special event. The Hindu
priest did a special prayer service to bless me and
wish me good health. I was given the highest honor
that a Hindu person can give to a dignitary: I was
wrapped with a sacred cloth around my shoulders while
everybody applauded with joyful smiles.
This is a moment when everybody felt how important it
is to cross religious boundaries in the name of peace
on the planet. We celebrate all religious faiths and
help all people to practice their own religions rather
than trying to convert them to our own. All religious
leaders need to set examples of religious tolerance
and teach their communities the importance of
religious freedom. I hope that our efforts to build
Hindu temples will make a difference in helping to
convey this message to the world.
