One's own actions

I read the following in the book "Aung San Suu Kyi - a portrait in words & pictures" …

"In Buddhism there are no gods to whom one can pray for favours or help. One's destiny is decided by one's own actions."

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Sydney

We were very lucky to get tickets to hear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she spoke at the Sydney Opera House on her visit to Australia. At 3pm we attended an event for the Burmese community which we were invited to. While she spoke in Burmese and all we really understood was "Mingalaba" (hello) and "Jay zoo tin bat day" (thank you) we really enjoyed her interaction with the community present. She was posed and relaxed and the crowd was over joyed to see her.

Next at 5pm was the English language event. She was presented with honorary degrees from UTS and Sydney Uni, gave a short inspiring speech and was then interviewed on stage. Following the interview the audience got some time to ask questions.

One of the questions was "What is the biggest problem facing the world?" her reply "Greed".

She spoke eloquently and answered the journalist's questions and those from the crowd in a frank and open way. If only our local politicians could be this genuine.

Southern Laos Friendship Society Function

Vicky & Lorenza

We were invited to attend a function held by the Southern Laos Friendship Society at Bonnyrigg. We enjoyed the fashion parade, particularly the ethnic costumes and the fact on elf our friends was modelling some of the outfits. The dancing was fun, especially the Lao version of line dancing and the the traditional Lamvong circle dance which anyone can join in. I got one dance with Vicky at the end of the night which was fun.

Bill on left

Myanmar Travel Blogs

Use the links to see the travel blogs I have published so far about our trip to Myanmar ...

1. Money Matters & Shwedagon

2. Dana In Yangon

3. Aung San Suu Kyi, Pandaya & Taungyi

4. Inle Lake

5. Mandalay

6. Can I get a photo of you

7. Mal's Tally

Dana in honour of my Dad

Mum, Lorenza & I made a food offering to the Sangha and Yogis at PSMC today in honour of my Dad.

As Sayadaw U Pannathami said "Your father lived beyond the average age of 75yo because of his good heart & good karma". We dedicated the merit of our dana to my father and also all sentient beings "may they all be well & happy".