N  86   Continuation of  The Water Dripping Ceremony 

                              in Kunhing   Shan State

The next day the 8^th was for entertaining guests who came from far and near to make some donation. The Shans take this custom so seriously. If they are invited they would try to come and donate some money as much as they can whether it be a small sum or a big one. The donors take care of the food and guests are treated the whole day. The cooking and serving groups are specially organized, and everybody do their tasks unitedly.  They stay leisurely as long as they can listening to Sar Haw before going back.

     

The 9^th was the most important day because the purpose of the occasion will be fulfilled and completed that day. When we reached the new Dammaryone it was already full with people who were taking part in this water dripping ceremony .At the top of the hall, in front of the altar the Abbot  and invited Sanghas had already taken place with offertories lining in front of them.Donors each held a small jug filled with water and a cup to catch the water when it is dripped from the jug. It means that we the donors had donated for the sake of merit to enjoy this life and in after lives. We have donated with a clear cut mind and without any attachments. And we want to share the merit to all beings. So let all beings hear of this good deed and receive the sharing we are making.

        

Saya U Tun kyaw  made  explanations about the building of the Dhammaryone and read out the names of the major donors ( a board showing all the names of the donors was also erected outside the building )After that Lung Saray Aw read out a long lanka in Shan language which he had composed. Compliments to him for so nice a lanka (poem )and I felt proud that we have a culture like this and afraid that this culture will disappear in the coming generations.

        

Then the paying of homage to the Sanghas, and well wishes  by Sanghas were given . Lastly with  the water dripping and merit sharing the ceremony came to an end. I don’t know when we can be a donors  and be able to participate in this kind of event again . But I prayed that the merit gained from this donation will enable us to get to a high plane of existence , and we also share the merit to all beings far and near.

A hmya….A hmya…..A hmya