Determination & Destiny

While sharing with friends on one occasion, a friend of mine told me about his Singaporean friend.

His friend is a mother of two children, one 16-year-old girl named Debbie* and her younger brother. After the passing away of her husband, mother is always trying her best to provide for both of her beloved children. Without a second thought of getting remarried, she single-mindedly becomes a successful IT consultant with a monthly earning of US$50,000.

When His Eminence Trizin Rinpoche visited Singapore, Debbie and her mother happened to be visiting him along with many other followers. People were having a great time chatting about living and Dharma. After some time, when mother was about to leave, Debbie instantly knelt on her knees handing to His Eminence a red envelope (hongbao).

"What is this for, Debbie?" asked His Eminence.

"To invest in Buddha Dordenma," replied her.

"Wow! US$1000! How did you get this?" asked His Eminence.

Debbie then explained that upon knowing about the project about two years ago, she decided to capitalize on this golden opportunity to do a great offering in this lifetime. During every holiday break, she worked in restaurants as a dish-washer for S$6/hour. For more than 6 months she managed to accumulate US$1000!

Mother was surprised and told Debbie that if she had wanted to do so, she could ask from her instead.

Debbie answered that it was not about money, but about "value" of the action.

"Not every moment can we strive to act in the best interest of others."

She wanted to exert her own efforts in this grand opportunity, "Besides, money or fame cannot be brought along with us after death. Only our own deeds can accompany us forever, which are our real wealth!"

Everybody in the room was deeply inspired by the girl who was determined and finally managed to invest in one unit of 12-inch-tall Buddha Dordenma. And so am I inspired by her.

Not only do I keep spreading this golden news to everyone anywhere, but I even encourage those friends of mine that are financially difficult to be compulsory participants of this project! No pain, no gain. For those financially sound, money is not a matter, but determination does matter here!
Whoever we are, what matters here is "devotion."

What we give away is not lost, instead they are morphing into our real wealth.
By knowing the certainty of the action outcome, why not take this once-in-a-lifetime chance with you?

Congratulations to you, due to your previous virtues you are now enabled to learn of this project. The thing is, are you going to seize this destiny-changing opportunity?

Time is ticking, merits are diminishing, lifespan is declining...
Keeping the certainty of life uncertainties before us, I am sure you will make a most wise decision in this lifetime.

Latest news I received, Debbie insisted to carve "For all sentient beings" on the copper plate display.

*Name changed to protect privacy