Benjamin: Let vexation dissolve in our minds...

The first activity of the day was a trip to Jingshan Blue Dye. Before we boarded the bus, Jack noticed that all of us looked exceptionally worn out. I guess fatigue must have accumulated over the past few days of strenuous activities. Nevertheless, I was still looking forward to whatever activities that are going to greet me for the day and the rest of my time here. The bus catered today was smaller and less spacious, but nonetheless still comfortable if you disregard the bumpy ride to our destination. It took only a short while for everyone in the bus to quieten down, hence reinforcing Jack's conclusion.

During this trip, I experienced many 'firsts', and this was no exception. The purpose of this activity was to dye a piece of cloth with indigo, coupled with different patterns resulting from various ways of tying and clipping the cloth with rubber bands and ice-cream sticks. This was a test of our innovation and creativity with fabric. What struck me further was that, deep down in the small economy of Taiwan, even an artistic work like this is capable of constituting a pragmatic and credible industry. This kind of industry is endangered and soon-to-be extinct in Singapore, a very unfortunate fate in our economy-first approach. The fact that the Taiwanese government still strives to preserve this niche area goes a long way in safeguarding the integrity of Taiwanese culture, which I think warrants compliment and respect. We were allowed to keep our masterpieces and this will definitely go down as one of my most meaningful Formosan souvenirs.

Our masterpieces

Thereafter, we made a short trip over to Dharma Drum Mountain. If the morning segment was filled with many takeaway messages, this was even better. I am deeply impressed by the exploits of Master Sheng Yan (like how he migrated to the south of Taiwan and lived in solitude for 6 years) and his diligence in formulating his very own paradigm of Buddhism. That involves huge emphasis placed on compassion and mindfulness. Technically speaking, one does not need to be a Buddhist to embrace or practice these values - they are basically attributes which everyone ought to uphold! Even as a citizen of a country filled with Buddhists and temples, I have to admit that my experience today was of little difference to what the Westerners in our group had experienced. I have always found religion too profound and abstract to comprehend, and I can say that I'm pretty ignorant and shallow in this field. As a free-thinker growing up in a family of fellow free-thinkers, I have hardly laid foot into a temple, let alone practice the proper rituals. After this encounter, even if I do not embrace the Buddhist practices and rituals (which I can assure that I will not!), I have learnt to always be grateful to my possessions and not to always put yourself before others. On a lighter note, the vegetarian lunch was appetizing. However, I have to admit that the decorum in the dining hall was a little too regimental for comfort :S The last important thing: May my wishes come through and I am already prepared to return the favour by doing more good for society. In May, I headed to Yunnan province in China to teach children in a mountain village school basic English and oral hygiene, as well as assisting in some construction work. By embarking on this humanitarian aid project, I hope that it had played a role in contributing to me 'doing good'. I choose to believe in the other way round: If you do good, your wish will stand a higher chance of materializing. This afternoon segment was truly meaningful and ignited many thoughts and reflections and I'm very glad and fortunate to have dropped by DDM.

In front of the main praying hall

The final activity for the day was a tour of Juming Museum. The assortment of military statues and sculptures invoked a sense of nostalgia in me. I could mentally visualize my days back in the army. Here I was also enlightened on the history of martial arts in Taiwan.