A common thread, Hong Kong

Wan Tau Tong is one of the older residential estates in Tai Po, Hong Kong. It is in a good neighbourhood and has a shopping mall which housed a supermarket, a restaurant, several small eateries, a confectionery, a fast-food outlet, a launderette and more.

The best part of it, is the ground level recreational area where there is a big pavilion, for people to sit and relax and enjoy the flowing fountain nearby. It is linked by a covered walkway to the mall and to the different blocks of apartments. Since it is an old estate, many of its residents are elderly folks, long past their retirement age. You can see them sitting in the pavilion, some in their wheelchairs, when the weather is good, to take in the fresh air and to pass the day. It is an ideal place to socialize, so you can see some of them playing card games around a small table; some would be exchanging news, perhaps reminiscing the good old days; some lucky ones have maids to see to their needs and care for them; some are introverts, sitting quietly by themselves, watching the world go by; while others just stare into nothingness, lost in their own world. 

As I observe their grey hair, wrinkled faces and hands, I feel a lot of respect for them, because one must never forget that it is through their toils and sweat and sacrifice that our nation is built. 

One day when I was there, we heard the siren of an ambulance pulling into the estate, and not long after, a patient was wheeled out on a stretcher and lifted into the ambulance. Everyone at the pavilion stopped what they were doing and looked; perhaps wondering silently to themselves, "who is it today?"; or "when will it be my turn?". Yes, they are all acutely aware of their own mortality. Shouldn't we too?

Tibetan Buddhism teaches us to think of our death before we can begin living. A strong message indeed, but with deep meanings. If we can delve into that, think of it often, we can then have a clearer sense of what is more important to us in our lives. Our world will open up because this very simple philosophy teaches us the values of compassion, love, service, kindness, generosity. In short, to be selfless. The Law of Nature will know how to give back, in abundant joy and peace.

            "Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given"
                                                                     Deepak Chopra