Chiang Ooi Chee (86 years old)
I entered the Sungai Buloh Settlement at 16 and started participating in temple activities when I was 18. Every year during Wesak Day, I would help pull the float during the procession. We would set off from the West Ward, pass by the main hospital and the Indian temple—where we’d stop to offer prayers to the Hindu deities—before looping back to the Buddhist Temple. Along the way, the float would pass by old Uncle Chong’s grocery store, Ah Chor’s coffee shop, and the East chalets, where many residents would come out to pay their respects. We’d also pass Boon Tuan Coffee Shop and Ah Choo’s Coffee Shop… By the time we returned to the temple, it would usually be around 11 p.m. Then we’d stay to watch performances until midnight before going home.
I really enjoy drawing soft pastel art and feel very happy creating with the volunteers. There’s food, fun, and lots of laughter—such a lively and heartwarming atmosphere! I can see the teachers and volunteers are also genuinely happy!
Bodhi leaves remind me of the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. But I’m not into meditation—I just like lighting incense and praying. I can’t sit still—I’m restless and a bit wild, always on the move. I worship the Buddha because of his boundless compassion. After learning about Buddhism, I developed a deep love for taking care of abandoned animals—like stray dogs, chickens, and birds. I often feed them, and if I have leftover rice, I scatter it in the backyard for birds. Once, I saw someone scald a stray dog with boiling water, and it broke my heart.
I used to ride my motorcycle around the wards to collect leftover food. My motorcycle looked like the ones used by Indian bread sellers, with plastic bags full of leftover rice hanging all around—it was all for feeding the dogs. Sometimes I got so busy that I didn’t even have time to eat myself. I even threw some food into the bushes to feed ants and other little creatures.
My wish for this Wesak Day is for more people to care about stray animals and protect these small lives. I also pray to the Buddha to bless us with peace and health throughout our lives—and to let me live a little longer, so I can continue caring for these poor little animals.
